Shroud for the Archbishop

Shroud for the Archbishop (1995) Peter Tremayne

Set in Rome in 664.

The second Fidelma mystery finds Fidelma and Eadulf in Rome, where Eadulf is secretary to Wighard, Archbishop designate of Canterbury and Fidelma is to present various items to the Bishop of Rome.

Again, Fidelma suffers culture shock as she sees the restricted rights of women in the rest of Christendom.

But she does get to see may holy items.

‘And here is the table at which our Saviour ate the last supper …’

Fidelma smiled cynically. ‘Then it was more miracle than I had allowed for only two people could sit at this table let alone twelve apostles and the Christ.’

Most of the harm done in this world is due to people who want to feel important and set about trying to impress their importance on others.’

I hold similar views as Fidelma about beauty.

‘It is a beautiful building,’ she said softly, ‘but not as beautiful as a pleasant valley or great mountain or windswept cliff. That is true beauty, the beauty of nature untrammelled by man’s temporary constructions.’

I do love the history in this series.
Rating: 8/10

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