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Burren Mysteries #14
An Unjust Judge
An unfairly harsh judge meets a gruesome end in the latest intriguing Burren mystery.
It was a macabre ending for an unjust judge: his throat slit by a sharp knife; his body stuffed into a lobster pot and left beneath a powerful jet of water shooting up through the cliffs from the turbulent Atlantic.
When Mara, Brehon of the nearby kingdom of the Burren, comes to investigate, she knows that her first suspects have to be the five young men who had received such savage sentences for minor crimes. But there are others in the frame: the nephew of the former Brehon, a man with the power of the Tudor court behind him. The child bride who hated her husband. The ill-treated apprentice.
And who was it who was seen on that moonlit night by the confused and elderly Fergus Mac Clancy?
It was a macabre ending for an unjust judge: his throat slit by a sharp knife; his body stuffed into a lobster pot and left beneath a powerful jet of water shooting up through the cliffs from the turbulent Atlantic.
When Mara, Brehon of the nearby kingdom of the Burren, comes to investigate, she knows that her first suspects have to be the five young men who had received such savage sentences for minor crimes. But there are others in the frame: the nephew of the former Brehon, a man with the power of the Tudor court behind him. The child bride who hated her husband. The ill-treated apprentice.
And who was it who was seen on that moonlit night by the confused and elderly Fergus Mac Clancy?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Cora Harrison
91 books219 followersCora Harrison worked as a headteacher before she decided to write her first novel. She has since published twenty-six children's novels. My Lady Judge was her first book in a Celtic historical crime series for adults that introduces Mara, Brehon of the Burren. Cora lives on a farm near the Burren in the west of Ireland.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2018
How has this series slipped my notice with my countless searches for medieval mysteries? I read each Sister Fidelma book that came out (though mid-seventh century) and took some with me to Ireland to help with the historical sites visited there - but Mara of Burren escaped my notice until now.
Browsing in the library Saturday I found this 14th book of the series and happily checked it out since it was not too heavy for my backpack.
Anyone interested in the laws of ancient Ireland would enjoy these books. Now I have to backtrack to the first book to get more background on the key individuals, but this was a good introduction as it opens with a new, young and brash Brehon rendering harsh judgments that starts us off with a murder to be solved.
Historical fiction is my first love.
Browsing in the library Saturday I found this 14th book of the series and happily checked it out since it was not too heavy for my backpack.
Anyone interested in the laws of ancient Ireland would enjoy these books. Now I have to backtrack to the first book to get more background on the key individuals, but this was a good introduction as it opens with a new, young and brash Brehon rendering harsh judgments that starts us off with a murder to be solved.
Historical fiction is my first love.
December 8, 2018
This engaging mystery is the 14th volume of the delightful "Burren" series, featuring Mara, Brehon of the Burren, from the author Cora Harrison.
First of all I would like to mention that this book, as with all these books in the series, each Chapter starts with an educational explanation of the Brehon Law.
Secondly this series is set in 16th Century Ireland, where Brehon Law is still in tact in most parts of the country, but where the influence from Tudor England is ever so increasingly growing and tangible in other parts of Ireland.
Story-telling is as ever of a very good quality by the author, because she lets her characters come splendidly to life within this tale of murder and justice, and all according to the Irish Brehon Law system.
This tale is set in the year AD 1524, and Mara, Brehon of the Burren, and wife to King Turlough Donn O'Brien of Thomond, Corcomroe and Burren, is to investigate the murder of her fellow and newly appointed Brehon of Corcomroe, Gaibrial O'Doran, and this doing so together with her scholars Art and the twins, Cael and Cian.
This same, Unjust Judge, Brehon Gaibrial O'Doran was the replacement of the elderly and incapable Brehon of Corcomroe, Fergus MacClancy, but why was this young Brehon so hated and who is responsible for his murder.
It will be up to Mara and her scholars to use their investigating skills to get to the bottom of it all, and finally it will be Mara herself to identify the culprit of this murder and speak justice on Judgement Day.
Highly recommended if you like 16th Century Ireland and Brehon Law, then I would suggest that you read this great little book, because in my opinion it is certainly: "A Just and Delightful Burren Mystery"!
First of all I would like to mention that this book, as with all these books in the series, each Chapter starts with an educational explanation of the Brehon Law.
Secondly this series is set in 16th Century Ireland, where Brehon Law is still in tact in most parts of the country, but where the influence from Tudor England is ever so increasingly growing and tangible in other parts of Ireland.
Story-telling is as ever of a very good quality by the author, because she lets her characters come splendidly to life within this tale of murder and justice, and all according to the Irish Brehon Law system.
This tale is set in the year AD 1524, and Mara, Brehon of the Burren, and wife to King Turlough Donn O'Brien of Thomond, Corcomroe and Burren, is to investigate the murder of her fellow and newly appointed Brehon of Corcomroe, Gaibrial O'Doran, and this doing so together with her scholars Art and the twins, Cael and Cian.
This same, Unjust Judge, Brehon Gaibrial O'Doran was the replacement of the elderly and incapable Brehon of Corcomroe, Fergus MacClancy, but why was this young Brehon so hated and who is responsible for his murder.
It will be up to Mara and her scholars to use their investigating skills to get to the bottom of it all, and finally it will be Mara herself to identify the culprit of this murder and speak justice on Judgement Day.
Highly recommended if you like 16th Century Ireland and Brehon Law, then I would suggest that you read this great little book, because in my opinion it is certainly: "A Just and Delightful Burren Mystery"!
April 11, 2018
Once more a super good entry in the Burren mysteries series by Cora Harrison. This is one of my favorite historical mystery series, this one set in 1524 in the western portions of Ireland. Mara has been Brehon (judge) of the Burren (kingdom) for over thirty years and is still the only female Brehon in Ireland. Her husband has just appointed a new Brehon for the neighboring kingdom and he and Mara are on hand to attend the inaugural judgement day for Gaibrial O'Doran. Everyone is shocked when the Brehon hands down the most harsh sentences possible to five young men accused of mostly minor infringements of Irish law. Tempers flair, relatives are justifiably upset because they will be called on to help pay the fines of milk cows and silver and Mara knows nothing good will come of these unusually unjust judgements.
This series continues to show the closeness of these small, isolated Irish communities and how self-sufficient they were. Clan is all important and they stick together through good times and bad. The author doesn't spend a huge amount of time describing the weather conditions and yet is completely able to let the reader know when that element plays a part in the unfolding story. The glimpses of Irish law are always eye opening for me because of their forward thinking nature and the ability to control almost all lawless activity without resorting to jails, long term prisons or capital punishment. This particular story shows how Irish law protected the older citizens who suffered from mental incapacity. There is also a plot thread for how the English were trying to move their laws into areas of Ireland that were resisting changing over to the law as practiced in English held Dublin. This was a satisfying reading experience.
This series continues to show the closeness of these small, isolated Irish communities and how self-sufficient they were. Clan is all important and they stick together through good times and bad. The author doesn't spend a huge amount of time describing the weather conditions and yet is completely able to let the reader know when that element plays a part in the unfolding story. The glimpses of Irish law are always eye opening for me because of their forward thinking nature and the ability to control almost all lawless activity without resorting to jails, long term prisons or capital punishment. This particular story shows how Irish law protected the older citizens who suffered from mental incapacity. There is also a plot thread for how the English were trying to move their laws into areas of Ireland that were resisting changing over to the law as practiced in English held Dublin. This was a satisfying reading experience.
November 7, 2019
I kind of binge-read all of these over the last month, this seems to be the last one in existence so I will note some things here.
As I went along I thought the books got weaker. It was like she was phoning it in, having someone speak to a character who had been sent out of the room on an errand a page or two earlier, or saying someone had three children and then later they turned out to only have two. The pressure of keeping up a successful series must mean that things can get diluted like this. The books came every year for awhile but it's been two years since this one came out and that's probably a good thing.
I think the characters have gotten more one-dimensional also. Nuala has gotten cold and bitchy, Turlough seems like he's dumber than he used to be, Mara has gotten a little crotchety, Fachtnan who used to be such a keen judge of people has gotten bland and a little dense.
The stories were moderately entertaining but I think the people are less complex and more shallow. It's too bad.
Also, the looming disaster of the English conquest and destruction of Gaelic Ireland and Brehon law looms ever closer and I just don't want to think about that.
So we'll see if there are any more or if I want to read them.
As I went along I thought the books got weaker. It was like she was phoning it in, having someone speak to a character who had been sent out of the room on an errand a page or two earlier, or saying someone had three children and then later they turned out to only have two. The pressure of keeping up a successful series must mean that things can get diluted like this. The books came every year for awhile but it's been two years since this one came out and that's probably a good thing.
I think the characters have gotten more one-dimensional also. Nuala has gotten cold and bitchy, Turlough seems like he's dumber than he used to be, Mara has gotten a little crotchety, Fachtnan who used to be such a keen judge of people has gotten bland and a little dense.
The stories were moderately entertaining but I think the people are less complex and more shallow. It's too bad.
Also, the looming disaster of the English conquest and destruction of Gaelic Ireland and Brehon law looms ever closer and I just don't want to think about that.
So we'll see if there are any more or if I want to read them.
March 6, 2017
I entered this under history-tudor, because one character has returned from Henry VIII's court after completing his exile and is suspected of working towards getting the Burren kingdom under English control.
If you haven't read any of the mysteries in this series, do go back to the first one, as they follow a timeline and it is interesting to see how Harrison grows in her command of setting scene, developing character, and creating the plot. I did not foresee who was the committer of the murder here, despite the clues she gave. Harrison does an excellent job, BTW, of drawing the personalities of the young scholars; the young became much more mature earlier than they do today, so doing so seems to me to be a difficult author's task.
One of her best, and that is saying a lot.
If you haven't read any of the mysteries in this series, do go back to the first one, as they follow a timeline and it is interesting to see how Harrison grows in her command of setting scene, developing character, and creating the plot. I did not foresee who was the committer of the murder here, despite the clues she gave. Harrison does an excellent job, BTW, of drawing the personalities of the young scholars; the young became much more mature earlier than they do today, so doing so seems to me to be a difficult author's task.
One of her best, and that is saying a lot.
July 22, 2018
I have read several of the books in this series in the past, unfortunately none recorded in GR. Having visited parts of the Burren last year, including the Ciffs of Moher and then been driven through miles of very winding roads, I now have a slightly better idea of the environment. I don't know what parts would be included in the smaller communities and jurisdictions named in this book.
Another interesting book in the series, particularly the differences between English and Irish law of that time. Some of the clues and solutions were easily detectable, others were surprises.
Another interesting book in the series, particularly the differences between English and Irish law of that time. Some of the clues and solutions were easily detectable, others were surprises.
November 26, 2017
An excellent story about the legal system of medieval Ireland, starring Mara, the Brehon (judge) of the kingdom of Burren. I understand that the author actually lives in the vicinity, but still, I think it must be hard to put yourself back in the sixteenth century. I think I've read all of the Burren series. They are good reading and very informative.
March 16, 2017
Mara is Brehon of the Burren (essentially a judge) and wife to the King of the three kingdoms of Thomond, Corcomroe and Burren in 16th century Ireland. The current Brehon of Corcomroe has slowly been losing his mind and is replaced by a new Brehon. During his first day of trials, he makes some controversial rulings. When he is found murdered the following morning, it's up to Mara to piece together the clues and try find whomever the murderer might be, before anyone else falls prey.
I've not read many of the books in this series, but I will definitely need to try find some more of them. The books are well written, characters well developed and plots quite intriguing. The author includes twists and turns that are unexpected. The conclusion of this novel is actually quite sad, but does make complete sense. In all honesty, the thought of the actual culprit crossed my mind, but I just didn't want to believe it when I thought about it. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to others. And, as I said previously, will be looking for more in this series.
I've not read many of the books in this series, but I will definitely need to try find some more of them. The books are well written, characters well developed and plots quite intriguing. The author includes twists and turns that are unexpected. The conclusion of this novel is actually quite sad, but does make complete sense. In all honesty, the thought of the actual culprit crossed my mind, but I just didn't want to believe it when I thought about it. I enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to others. And, as I said previously, will be looking for more in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2018
One of my favorite series. Brehon Mara is a strong character and the Burren is a wonderful setting. The historical references, the information about life in Ireland, and the mysteries to solve all make these books top notch.
October 22, 2019
I believe this is the final entry in this series featuring Mara, Brehon of the Burren region of Ireland in the 1500's. It's been an enjoyable series and this book ended well. (I may be wrong, but this book was published 5 years ago and the author has several other series going now.)
November 27, 2021
I'm sad to have finished this series and this book did keep me guessing until the end. I kept hoping maybe that Harrison might add another book to this series, but ending it with Mara stating, "Go, it has ended." That makes it pretty clear that there will be no more books for the Burren mysteries.
April 18, 2020
First of these books that I have read. I stopped reading 6 pages from the end as I couldn't be bothered who the murderer was.
March 23, 2017
Review later
March 5, 2017
Western Ireland in the 16th century. It is a land of small kingdoms and each one has its own ruler and judges (Brehon).
The Brehon of the Burren, Mara, is married to the king and goes to see a trial in which a new Brehon, O’Doran, hands down unduly harsh penalties for what are, she considers, trivial offences.
O’Doran has not made a good impression. In his first outing he appears to have alienated the very people he must live amongst, not least of whom is the nephew of the retired Brehon, who has travelled back from England with the expectation of becoming the new Brehon.
O’Doran’s body is found stuffed into a lobster pot with his throat slit and Mara sets out to investigate his murder. There are many suspects and the book takes us on a journey of twists and turns before the truth is told.
This is the fourteenth Burren book and the author keeps us entertained throughout. At first, I was totally bewildered by the sheer number of unfamiliar Irish names which were thrown at us at the beginning of the book. It might have helped if I had read any of the previous Burren books, then I would have known a little more of the scenario.
As it was, the book was able to stand alone. Not a great book, but an interesting read and worthy of a 3 star rating.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
The Brehon of the Burren, Mara, is married to the king and goes to see a trial in which a new Brehon, O’Doran, hands down unduly harsh penalties for what are, she considers, trivial offences.
O’Doran has not made a good impression. In his first outing he appears to have alienated the very people he must live amongst, not least of whom is the nephew of the retired Brehon, who has travelled back from England with the expectation of becoming the new Brehon.
O’Doran’s body is found stuffed into a lobster pot with his throat slit and Mara sets out to investigate his murder. There are many suspects and the book takes us on a journey of twists and turns before the truth is told.
This is the fourteenth Burren book and the author keeps us entertained throughout. At first, I was totally bewildered by the sheer number of unfamiliar Irish names which were thrown at us at the beginning of the book. It might have helped if I had read any of the previous Burren books, then I would have known a little more of the scenario.
As it was, the book was able to stand alone. Not a great book, but an interesting read and worthy of a 3 star rating.
Mr Bumblebee
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of this book to review.
November 20, 2016
I received this ARC from Netgalley. Cora Harrison's Burren series has been a favorite for a long time and this one did not disappoint me at all. I had not figured out who the murderer was even to the very end, and why the murder happened at all remains a mystery.
There was a fine cast of characters, some of whom like the absent Cormac, young son of Mara the Brehan, have come into existence in this series. Her Grandson who possibly will inherit as Brehon if English laws do not inhibit that exchange happening is another and early in the series we met King Turlough O'Brien. Always, a fine mystery and it's resolution, is juxtaposed against other forms of justice which exist at this time in Ireland in the English speaking districts.
This murder of the "unjust judge" was complicated by the presence of the retired Brehon's nephew who had hoped to inherit, but was a protégée of Stephen Gardiner's, presumably sent to disrupt the Gaelic legal system. In fact, the storyline indicates the presence of many Brehons and Lawyers in training who could pursue law gathered in this one place at the same time.
One of the final few scenes in the book included a giant congor eel who attacked one of the suspects, sort of a chilling type of retribution. Life was harsh in the Burren and their isolation was both a protection and a risk factor.
Brehon Mara's husband,King Turlough Donn’s rule of three kingdoms, threatens to be minimized by these same Anglo ruling forces, who call him a "captain" and not a king. As always, historical facts are woven into a fine mystery which includes great depth of likeable characters.
There was a fine cast of characters, some of whom like the absent Cormac, young son of Mara the Brehan, have come into existence in this series. Her Grandson who possibly will inherit as Brehon if English laws do not inhibit that exchange happening is another and early in the series we met King Turlough O'Brien. Always, a fine mystery and it's resolution, is juxtaposed against other forms of justice which exist at this time in Ireland in the English speaking districts.
This murder of the "unjust judge" was complicated by the presence of the retired Brehon's nephew who had hoped to inherit, but was a protégée of Stephen Gardiner's, presumably sent to disrupt the Gaelic legal system. In fact, the storyline indicates the presence of many Brehons and Lawyers in training who could pursue law gathered in this one place at the same time.
One of the final few scenes in the book included a giant congor eel who attacked one of the suspects, sort of a chilling type of retribution. Life was harsh in the Burren and their isolation was both a protection and a risk factor.
Brehon Mara's husband,King Turlough Donn’s rule of three kingdoms, threatens to be minimized by these same Anglo ruling forces, who call him a "captain" and not a king. As always, historical facts are woven into a fine mystery which includes great depth of likeable characters.
April 1, 2017
The Brehon of the Burren solves another murder in 16th century Ireland.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews