Customer Reviews

A Secret and Unlawful Killing: A Mystery of Medieval Ireland (Mysteries of Medieval Ireland)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

In 1509 everyone in the Burren region of Ireland looks forward to the Michelmas Fair until Steward Ragnall MacNamara raises the annual tribute. Even before his avaricious spin, the pompous nasty Stewart was an unpopular individual with many wanting him dead. Someone however decides to do the deed beating MacNamara to death in a churchyard.

The only LADY JUDGE in Ireland Brehon Mara leads the investigation into the homicide and the murder of another unlikable chap, Ragnall's enemy Aengus the miller. However as she expected seemingly everyone residing in the Burren had a motive to kill the odious Steward and disliked the Miller. The case seems to be going nowhere, but the Brehon continues her inquiries knowing the people need resolution.

The key to this excellent sixteenth century legal investigative thriller is the insight into Irish law during that era. The cast is strong with key players developed enough to enhance the exciting plot. Especially fully developed is the heroine whose intelligence and courage enables her to break through the gender barrier; in fact men somewhat fear her. However, the tidbits cleverly interwoven into the Brehon's inquiries so that they may seem odd today make for a fine refreshing historical tale.

Harriet Klausner

This deceptively gentle woman has a backbone of steel and a keen eye and ear for the nuances which solve her mysteries. It is a delight to read a book which doesn't rely on descriptive sex and violence to get by. Please Cora may we have more? This book also goes under the title Michaelmas Tribute.

I did want to like this book, and to be fair, it is not a bad mystery. However, there is very little medieval about it. Sure, it is set in the time period, and the author uses a lot of medieval words and phrases (esp. Gaelic ones). She also incorporates some early Irish legal aspects as well. However, a lot of the dialogue strikes me as too modern, and some of the scenarios are too. For instance, the Brehon judge wants to blacksmith to make her an iron decorative bench for her flower garden. Really? In medieval times? Maybe, but...

Also--the author does a poor job of giving the reader the FEEL of Ireland. Her description soft her Burren are lackluster, and after 50-60 pages, I came to realize that the novel could have been set anywhere, and I wasn't getting much Irish of anything.

It is 1509 in western Ireland, where the Brehon (Judge) of the Burren is a singular woman, Mara. Whenever disputes arise, Mara makes judgments based on long-established laws of Ireland's clans, a system that governs property, persons and conflict resolution. This medieval society depends upon strict adherence to law in order to function, any aberration dealt with quickly and efficiently by the Brehon. But this year, at the Michaelmas Fair, many are discussing the excessive greed of the MacNamarra, whose steward has demanded extra tribute from clan members. Most clans play their tribute willingly; it is unusual that such exorbitant demands are made. And when the MacNamarra steward is found dead, all gather to address the death and pay the appropriate fine. When no one speaks up to claim responsibility, Mara has no choice but to declare this "a secret and unlawful killing", an issue that must quickly be resolved to guarantee the security of those who live in the Burren.

Although she has been asked for her hand in marriage, Mara has no time to consider her own future, preoccupied with the many witnesses who last saw the steward at the fair and the various personalities who might harbor motives for such a crime. As in any modern criminal investigation, Mara applies logic and an incisive wit, focusing on clues and information. Her job is further complicated when another body is found, apparently dead within the same time frame as the first, the Feast of Michaelmas. The second death results in even more urgency in Mara's quest for the truth; unfortunately, there are also now more suspects. At home in medieval Ireland, Harrison writes of time and place with authority and an eye to arcane detail, her characters colorful and pragmatic. From the impassioned young lovers with a secret to a king whose first-born son may be dying to the gaggle of students who avidly follow Mara around, waiting for instruction in the law, this novel portrays a bustling society beset with the usual problems of humanity, greed, betrayal, competition and friendship, a unique blend of mystery and history.

With some of the flavor of Tremayne's Sister Fidelma series, Brehon Mara steps into a similar role, a strong-willed and attractive woman who is not intimidated either by king or clan, secure in her knowledge of the law and discriminating in her application of its principles. Harrison's atmospheric tale harkens to earlier times when the rule of law is enforced for the greater good. Devious plans are at hand, but Mara is up to the challenge, the culprit delivered by sleight of hand in an ending that shocks this brutal yet orderly society. Luan Gaines/2009.