Fidelma and Eaudulf are trying to solve mysterious deaths and various other mysteries closer to home this time. The time is approximately around the end of October in the modern calendar, 671 AD. The whole mystery is tied us with the time of year which was the pagan festival of Samhain (or our Hallowe'en). A man is found dead and his body stuffed into the makings for the Samhain bonfire. Fidelma and Eadulf set out to investigate and disover a web of lies and deceit in a strange and secluded monastery just a little ways from their home at Cashel. The story and web of deceit branches out from there. I did find the book dragged a bit in places and I think that was mostly due to the long and protracted explanations of the rreligious beliefs at that time in Ireland. I could have done with a little less of that and a little more mystery and suspense. Reading a Sister Fidelma book is an instruction on theology and early Catholicism for sure, but this one had even more of this than previous books in this series. Still, well worth a read. Fidelma and Eadulf do not disappoint. ( )