THE LEPER’S BELL

Sister Fidelma (Badger’s Moon, 2005, etc.) searches for her missing son and the murderer of his nurse.

Anyone who thinks seventh-century Ireland offers women no opportunities has never met the indomitable Fidelma, advocate of the law courts, sister to King Colgú and mother to a child conceived during her trial marriage to the Saxon Brother Eadulf. Now her sleuthing skills are challenged by the murder of nurse Sárait and the apparent kidnapping of baby Alchú. A ransom note demands the release of imprisoned enemy chieftains of the Ui Fidgente. While Fidelma and Eadulf await proof that the mysterious correspondent actually has the child, Eadulf discovers a clue that leads him to neighboring territory in search of itinerants seen with two infants. Eadulf must escape from the evil leper Lord Uaman before his search can succeed. In the meantime, Fidelma is captured by the released chieftains only to be rescued by their warlord, who insists he had nothing to do with the ransom demand. The adventures the couple face before realizing that the solution lies closer to home read like a chapter misplaced from Lord of the Rings. In the end, like Frodo, they triumph over evil.

The historical detail, laid on with a trowel, often makes Tremayne a tough slog. But at least Fidelma is becoming more human. Her 15th case may win her a larger audience.