Behold a Pale Horse: A Mystery of Ancient Ireland

Tremayne’s enjoyable 22nd seventh-century historical featuring Sister Fidelma (after 2011’s The Chalice of Blood) is, despite the subtitle, a sequel to the second Fidelma mystery, Shroud for the Archbishop (1995), set in Italy. On her journey home to Ireland, in a deserted Genoa street, Fidelma sees two cloaked figures assault an elderly religious with cudgels. After intervening to save the man’s life, Fidelma learns that the intended victim was from the Abbey of Bobium, where her former tutor, Brother Ruadán, resides. To her dismay, Ruadán is at death’s door after being attacked by adherents of the heretic Arius, who have rejected the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. Her decision to visit her old mentor while she still can plunges her into the midst of a complex murder mystery. The writing and sense of place are as assured as ever, as is Tremayne’s ingenuity at crafting a traditional whodunit. Agent: Charles Schlessiger, Brandt & Hochman. (July)