This is the 29th mystery of Sister Fidelma. Fidelma is a dalaigh (lawyer) of the Irish courts in the 7th century and is married to Eadulf of saxmund’s ham. Fidelma’s brother is the king of Muman and she helps him as his legal adviser.
This story begins in the middle of winter Meadhónach Gaimrid (December). Fidelma and Eadulf travel to the abbey of Finnbarr to see Abbot Nessan who has a message for Fidelma, Murder stops her receiving this. Fidelma has a mission for the High King but has taken a scared oath to tell no one which strains her relationship with Eadulf. We follow a long journey with many twists and turns and they have to be careful who to trust. Eadulf’s will have to look into his past to help solve the problem of a Saxon warship. This story delves more into the relationship between Fidelma and Eadulf and his feelings on his position in Fidelma’s world.
This book lives up to the high standards of the Sister Fidelma series and will have you waiting with anticipation for the next one in the series.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is another excellent story set in the world of Sister Fidelma .

Sister Fidelma has been tasked with a secret mission ………. one she cannot share with husband Eadulf and one of her brothers elite bodyguards who are to escort her to see the Abbott at Finnbarr Abbey .
Before she can meet with the Abbott he is murdered , suspicion falling on his young niece who has disappeared before she can be questioned .
Rather than stay to solve the murder Fidelma sets off in pursuit girl with her cohorts . With rumours that the High King might be assassinated by someone in Fidelma's clan , even possibly by her brother she is in a desperate race to find the truth .
Her quest takes into lands that whilst they are part of her brother's Kingdom are ruled by tyrants who will stop at nothing to further their own cause . They will all face dangers , even possible death before the answers are laid bare .
Fidelma and Eadulf's relationship is put to the test by her unwillingness to confide her mission but she feels that she cannot break the 'geas' placed on her …………...he was already feeling unsettled/unwelcome in his wife's land before they set out so this latest setback makes him reconsider his position ……. can he stay and be happy ?

The Author's worldbuilding and excellent characters are what makes this series a must read .

I was given an arc of this book by NetGalley and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review .