Sister Fidelma - murder mystery in medieval Ireland

The High Chamber of Tara
the National Assembly of Ireland in Medieval Times
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The Sister Fidelma series grew out of a set of short stories written by Peter Tremayne. It is a set of murder mystery novels set in 7th century Ireland.

As the sister of the King of Muman and highly ranked lawyer in her own right, Fidelma of Cashel is involved with a number of political matters, including diplomatic and church missions which take her to Rome, Wales and Saxon England. Her day to day work involves hearing minor cases and representing the parties in more serious affairs, leading to the wide range of situations covered by the novels and short stories. However her companion, Brother Eadulf is a Saxon monk and gerefa (or magistrate) of his own people. The contrast between the two cultures often ends up with them being asked to act as a team when conflicts arise, as politically they can satisfy both sides.

There are currently 17 novels available, and two short story collections.
The novels are in series and the characters change and grow as time passes. (This also means that reading them out of order can be confusing). For fans of the series, the International Sister Fidelma Society publishes a newsletter three times a year.

Saint Brigid Irish Slave Who Became a Nun
Who Became a Saint Also Known as Bride Bridget
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The Sister Fidelma mysteries are set in Ireland in the middle ages. Unusually for the period, Irish women had rights equal to men, and could hold office. The legal system - the law of Fenechus - imposed a system of honour prices and penalties for various offenses.

Religious people in the Irish church could get married - indeed some sources list several Popes of the period as being married. They even had mixed houses where monks and nuns dwelled together.

Wrestling and self defense was practiced, although few details about the method survive. In the books, it is treated similarly to akido and practiced by the religious to defend themselves without shedding blood.

However it was a time of change, and the setting changes as the books progress. The Roman law (called the Pentitentials) are slowly replacing the old rules.

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