Cora Harrison Historical Fiction
Justice from The Burren
Cora Harrison has written a large number of novels but I read her historical fiction based in Ireland.
I've enjoyed the stories, murder mysteries, set in The Burren, a tiny, rocky area just south of Galway Bay.
The series features Mara, a Brehon, who solves crimes and pronounces judgement in 16th century Ireland. The mysteries are satisfying, Mara herself is immensely likeable and I love the glimpse of ancient Irish Law.
Finding Mara by accident
It was by accident that I found Mara and the murder mysteries. A second hand bookshop and a hardback copy for a ridiculously low price.
My ancestors originated from The Burren, here was a chance to read a novel set in this semi-mythical place revered by my family. After the first few pages, I was beguiled.
The Dolmen where Mara gives her judgements
The first book in the series
Brehon of the Burren Series - The first seven
As I read my way through the series, I'll add the latest. So far I've read seven, and I give each and every one of these novels 5 stars
- My Lady Judge
A Murder on the Mullaghmore Mountain on the Mayday festival.
- Michaelmas Tribute : A Burren Medieval Mystery 2
Trade and celebration are usual for the Michaelmas Fair - not murder
- The Sting of Justice : A Burren Medieval Mystery 3
Sorley the Silversmith is stung to death by bees after a hive is thrown into his room. And there are plenty of suspects!
- Writ in Stone: A Burren Medieval Mystery 4
Two days before Christmas, Mahon O'Brien is bludgeoned to death as he kneels at the altar of the Cistercian Abbey. But was he even the intended victim?
- Eye of the Law: A Burren Medieval Mystery 5
Iarla , who claims he is the son of local noble Ardal O'Lochlainn, is found murdered, a knife plunged in his eye, outside the cave of Balor, the one-eyed god
- Scales of Retribution: A Burren Medieval Mystery 6
In premature labour, Mara calls for the physician, Malachy, only to find he has been poisoned. Who would murder in such an horrific manner?
- Deed of Murder: A Burren Medieval Mystery 7
Three of Mara's law students go missing and one turns up dead. Treason is revealed and, from across the sea, the treacherous hand of Henry VIII
Ruins of the O'Davoren Law School
Ruins of a stone fort that was used by the 17th-century law school of Donal O'Davoren. The school is referred to in the books of the Burren
The Beautiful, Bare Burren
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© 2013 Susanna Duffy
