Counseling a hostile Irish delegation to the Celtic church of 670 A.D., Fidelma of Cashel is embroiled in a politically tenacious investigation when one of the delegates is found murdered, a case that is complicated by the theft of a priceless reliquary.

Investigating the murder of an eminent scholar who was robbed of mysterious manuscripts, Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, are quickly targeted by the same killer in a case that is complicated by divisive personal problems. By the author of The Council of the Cursed.

"Ireland, A.D. 671. An Anglo-Saxon delegation arrives in Cashel to debate the new religious rules that have been handed down from Rome. The Abbot of Imleach leads the Irish delegation, which is hostile to the new rules from outsiders. Among the Anglo-Saxon group is Brother Eadulf's own younger brother Egric, whom Eadulf hasn't seen for many years. When the debate quickly becomes acrimonious, a local abbess has to step in as a mediator between the...

A secret mission. A murdered abbot. A false accusation: the compelling new Sister Fidelma mystery. Ireland, AD 671. Sister Fidelma has a mission, and she is sworn by oath to reveal her purpose to no other. The secret investigation leads her and her companions to the abbey of Finnbarr to question the abbot. But before they have a chance to speak to him, the abbot is found murdered - and the young girl suspected of the crime has fled the scene. As vicious...

Ireland, AD 671. The hamlet of Cloichín is said to be a veritable Eden, with its prosperous farms and close-knit, friendly community. But after a local farmer, his wife and two sons are murdered, a fanatical new priest orders the villagers to lynch the man accused of the crime. The only evidence they hold against him is the fact that he is a stranger to their land. Searching for accommodation on their journey home to Cashel, Sister Fidelma and Eadulf...