January 18, 2010
Bookish appraiser Alexandra Patterson uncovers the secret history of a renegade saint in Terrell's subdued third novel (after The Map Thief
). In need of funds to spread their saint's message, the Sisters of St. Brigid decide to sell off a clutch of gold and jeweled relics. In her assessment of their value, Alexandra discovers an ancient manuscript that just might be the lost Book of Kildare, an illuminated manuscript that surpasses in beauty the Book of Kells. She confers with Trinity College professor and old flame Declan Lamb, who backs her hunch. As these contemporary amateur sleuths uncover the manuscript's mysterious origins, Terrell traces in a second plot line the life of Brigid and her faithful scribe, Decius. Despite a promising premise, Terrell's matter-of-fact storytelling and dry weaving of past and present leaves little mystery or magic for readers to pursue.
June 1, 2009
Former attorney Terrell ("The Map Thief") returns with an ambitious third novel about historical art and intrigue. Though the Roman Empire is on the verge of collapse, the Church is determined to survive. To that end, Brother Decius is sent to Gael to accuse Brigid, an unconventional abbess, of heresy. Instead, he finds himself entranced by Brigid's unwavering faith and undertakes a special scrivener's task for her. Fast-forward to modern-day Ireland, where art appraiser Alex Patterson is tasked with selling priceless Brigidine artifacts. What she uncovers may be the Book of Kildare, a legendary illuminated manuscript (think the Book of Kells) that could throw not only Christianity but history on its ear. VERDICT The author is a fan of multiple narratives, past and present, but Alex is too thinly developed and doesn't hold the same sway as the historical characters. The portrayal of Brigid, her mission to convert the pagan tribes of Gael, and her relationship with Decius are the novel's strong points. Readers who enjoyed Terrell's other novels and historical adventure novels like Kate Mosse's "Labyrinth" may want to check this one out. [Library marketing.]Jamie Kallio, Thomas Ford Memorial Lib., Western Springs, IL
Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
June 1, 2009
With plotlines in both past and present, Terrell blends history and legend in a fascinating tale of Saint Brigid in fifth-century Ireland. Decius is sent to Gael (Ireland) as a spy from Rome to discover whether the abbess of Cill Dara, Brigid, is advocating an unorthodox version of Christianity. Once there, Decius writes his observations in letters to his brother, even though he knows his brother will never see them; hisaccount alternates with Brigids story, presented in the third person. While living at Cill Dara, Decius becomes torn between his duty and his admiration for Brigid and her mission. In present-day Ireland, medieval relics expert Alexandra Patterson is hired by the church to appraise a chalice, a paten, and a reliquary. In the reliquary, Alex finds what she believes may be the lost Book of Kildare, an illuminated manuscript that tells the story of Brigid and Cill Dara, and she also locates Decius letters, containing a secret hidden for centuries that ties present to past. For historical mystery readers as well as those who enjoy the Irish setting.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)