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Burren Mysteries #3
The Sting of Justice
“Once again, Cora Harrison brings sixteenth-century Ireland beautifully to life and her Brehon detective, Mara, is a fantastic protagonist—an absolute one-off and yet refreshingly real.” —The Historical Novel Society on A Secret and Unlawful Killing (Editors’ Choice) The year is 1509 and autumn has come to the Burren in western Ireland. It’s a time of harvest and preparation for the winter to come—the end of summer and, for some, the end of life. When Mara attends the funeral of a local priest of the Burren, the last thing she expects to discover is another corpse on the church steps—a man stung to death by bees. Sorley, the silversmith, was a greedy and distrusted there would be no shortage of people who wanted him dead. But who really stood to profit from his murder? As Mara investigates, she must use all her cunning and prowess as a judge to bring the sting of justice to a killer with a hate-filled heart and a murderous mind.
300 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2009
10 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Cora Harrison
91 books218 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 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 13, 2021
Read this book in 2009, and its the 3rd part of the beautiful "Burren" series, featuring Brehon Mara of the Burren.
This tale is set in the Autumn, and its time for the gathering of the harvest for winter to come.
At the beginning of this Autumn Brehon Mara is attending a funeral of a local priest, when on the steps of the church another man is found dead, apparently stung to death by bees, and this person seems the hated silversmith, Sorley, who was a most greedy and distrusted man.
And so when Brehon starts to investigate she will have to confront the prospect of stopping this Sting of Justice as soon as possible.
What is to follow is an intriguing Irish historical mystery, in which Brehon Mara must all het wits and cunning to outthink this person who's committed this murder by using bees, and in the end she will be able to unravel this mystery and present the culprit of this crime with the Brehon Law of Justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Sting Of Justice"!
This tale is set in the Autumn, and its time for the gathering of the harvest for winter to come.
At the beginning of this Autumn Brehon Mara is attending a funeral of a local priest, when on the steps of the church another man is found dead, apparently stung to death by bees, and this person seems the hated silversmith, Sorley, who was a most greedy and distrusted man.
And so when Brehon starts to investigate she will have to confront the prospect of stopping this Sting of Justice as soon as possible.
What is to follow is an intriguing Irish historical mystery, in which Brehon Mara must all het wits and cunning to outthink this person who's committed this murder by using bees, and in the end she will be able to unravel this mystery and present the culprit of this crime with the Brehon Law of Justice.
Highly recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this brilliant series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Glorious Sting Of Justice"!
March 7, 2016
‘The year of 1509 had brought a golden autumn to the west of Ireland.’
Mara O’Davoren, Brehon (Judge) of the Burren, attends the funeral of a much loved local priest. As the service ends and the party goes to leave the church through a less frequently used door, another body is discovered. The body is of Sorley Skerrett, a wealthy silversmith, and he appears to have been stung to death by bees. But Mara isn’t immediately convinced: Sorley Skerrett is the richest man in the kingdom, a greedy man distrusted by many, an outsider, with no shortage of people who disliked him.
So Mara O’Davoren sets out to find out more about Sorley Skerrett. As Brehon, she runs a law school, teaching six young law scholars. These young scholars are able to assist her in her investigation – which is just as well, because Sorley Skerret’s death is complicated by the fact that there are a number of people who might benefit from his death and it is not immediately clear who will be his heir.
Was Sorley Skerrett’s death an accident, or was it murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical crime fiction, set in sixteenth century Ireland. Mara is an interesting character: a woman in a powerful position, confident and capable as she draws out the information she needs to get to the truth. This is the third novel of a series, which I read purely by chance, and I’m keen now to read the first two. I enjoyed both the story and the setting, as well as the included snippets of the ancient laws of Ireland.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Mara O’Davoren, Brehon (Judge) of the Burren, attends the funeral of a much loved local priest. As the service ends and the party goes to leave the church through a less frequently used door, another body is discovered. The body is of Sorley Skerrett, a wealthy silversmith, and he appears to have been stung to death by bees. But Mara isn’t immediately convinced: Sorley Skerrett is the richest man in the kingdom, a greedy man distrusted by many, an outsider, with no shortage of people who disliked him.
So Mara O’Davoren sets out to find out more about Sorley Skerrett. As Brehon, she runs a law school, teaching six young law scholars. These young scholars are able to assist her in her investigation – which is just as well, because Sorley Skerret’s death is complicated by the fact that there are a number of people who might benefit from his death and it is not immediately clear who will be his heir.
Was Sorley Skerrett’s death an accident, or was it murder?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical crime fiction, set in sixteenth century Ireland. Mara is an interesting character: a woman in a powerful position, confident and capable as she draws out the information she needs to get to the truth. This is the third novel of a series, which I read purely by chance, and I’m keen now to read the first two. I enjoyed both the story and the setting, as well as the included snippets of the ancient laws of Ireland.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
October 15, 2010
I think the series is improving, with this third mystery. Liked the deeper characters and found it easier to follow what was going on. Interesting method of murder and a rather unexpected murderer, although I did figure it out before the end. Nice light read!
September 18, 2018
Very interesting story. Unexpected ending.
December 28, 2025
Each novel in this series grows deeper, with more legal complications and my fascination. In this outing, Mara must discover the killer of an evil man, stung by many bees, as a funeral is underway. She finds many who wanted him dead, so she must sift through a variety of stories from those in attendance to discover the truth.
In the midst of this investigation, she is planning her wedding to the King of Burren, so she is doubly busy.
In the midst of this investigation, she is planning her wedding to the King of Burren, so she is doubly busy.
October 19, 2009
First Sentence: There is something evocative about the words: the west of Ireland.
Generally, when attending a funeral, there is only one dead body; that of the person being buried. When Mara, the Brehon, or dispenser of justice, for the Burren in Western Ireland, attends the funeral of a local priest, there is a second body. Sorley Skerrett was an outsider, a silversmith and owner of the local silver mine. He was not a popular figure and several people stood to benefit from his early demise.
One of the things I particularly liked about this book, and the whole series, is the historical information. Brehon law dated back before the time when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland and it is a aspect of history about which I didn’t know prior to finding these books.
That law, in itself, provides a small element of tension as this there is always the concern of Brehon law being taken over by English law. The comparisons of the two forms of law are very interesting.
Ms. Harrison’s other great strength is how evocative are her descriptions. At the very opening, where she is describing the west of Ireland, it is very easy to envision the setting. I enjoy her characters, particularly Mara, her dog Bran, and Brigid. It’s fascinating, again, to see the roles possible to women in that time under Brehon law. I also appreciate the logic of her mind balanced by the kindness of her heart.
The plotting is well done. These are not “action” books by any means, or ones of high suspense. They are interesting, well-written, who-dunnit-mysteries, and the next in series is already on my shelves.
THE STING OF JUSTICE (Hist Mys-Mara, Brehon of the Burren, Ireland-1509) – G+
Harrison, Cora – 3rd in series
Macmillan, 2009, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9781405092272
Generally, when attending a funeral, there is only one dead body; that of the person being buried. When Mara, the Brehon, or dispenser of justice, for the Burren in Western Ireland, attends the funeral of a local priest, there is a second body. Sorley Skerrett was an outsider, a silversmith and owner of the local silver mine. He was not a popular figure and several people stood to benefit from his early demise.
One of the things I particularly liked about this book, and the whole series, is the historical information. Brehon law dated back before the time when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland and it is a aspect of history about which I didn’t know prior to finding these books.
That law, in itself, provides a small element of tension as this there is always the concern of Brehon law being taken over by English law. The comparisons of the two forms of law are very interesting.
Ms. Harrison’s other great strength is how evocative are her descriptions. At the very opening, where she is describing the west of Ireland, it is very easy to envision the setting. I enjoy her characters, particularly Mara, her dog Bran, and Brigid. It’s fascinating, again, to see the roles possible to women in that time under Brehon law. I also appreciate the logic of her mind balanced by the kindness of her heart.
The plotting is well done. These are not “action” books by any means, or ones of high suspense. They are interesting, well-written, who-dunnit-mysteries, and the next in series is already on my shelves.
THE STING OF JUSTICE (Hist Mys-Mara, Brehon of the Burren, Ireland-1509) – G+
Harrison, Cora – 3rd in series
Macmillan, 2009, UK Hardcover – ISBN: 9781405092272
April 25, 2020
Just finished The Sting of Justice. This is the third book of the mysteries featuring Mara, Brehon of the Burren. I've enjoyed the first three books in this series & was pleased to see the rest of them are available through Hoopla as I'm not sure these books are still in print.
These books take place in Ireland--in this one 1489--and not only do you have a good mystery and great characters, you learn quite a bit about the way the Irish ran things. Having mostly only read English books of this era, this was eye-opening to how much more advanced the Irish were with fair laws and having women in prominent positions. Before each chapter, Harrison uses quotes from the laws of that day. For example: "If a judge does not swear on the gospel to utter only the truth, then he must leave the kingdom. If a judge makes a mistaken judgement he has to bear responsibility by paying a fine to the injured person, but if he hears only one side of the case or takes bribes then he is deprived of office of Brehon and loses his honor price."
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend these. I know Harrison is now writing another series or two, but I have not read any of these yet.
These books take place in Ireland--in this one 1489--and not only do you have a good mystery and great characters, you learn quite a bit about the way the Irish ran things. Having mostly only read English books of this era, this was eye-opening to how much more advanced the Irish were with fair laws and having women in prominent positions. Before each chapter, Harrison uses quotes from the laws of that day. For example: "If a judge does not swear on the gospel to utter only the truth, then he must leave the kingdom. If a judge makes a mistaken judgement he has to bear responsibility by paying a fine to the injured person, but if he hears only one side of the case or takes bribes then he is deprived of office of Brehon and loses his honor price."
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I highly recommend these. I know Harrison is now writing another series or two, but I have not read any of these yet.
July 30, 2011
Each book in this series adds layers to the characters and the setting. Sting of Justice is another wonderful historical mystery set in The Burren. Harrison manages the sometimes delicate balance between history and mystery, and I love how Harrison causes the setting to shape the plot. (People do, or don't do, things because it's The Burren in the 1550s.) No anachronisms have disturbed my immersion in Mara's world, and Harrison paints a vivid picture of The Burren and the subjects' society in a very accessible way.
I also found the mystery to be well-constructed. Harrison falls heavily on the side of a 'fair play' mystery, providing all the clues to the reader. It's only at the very end when Mara figures out the crime(s) that Harrison refrains from sharing Mara's conclusions and the reader must wait for the denouncement.
I also found the mystery to be well-constructed. Harrison falls heavily on the side of a 'fair play' mystery, providing all the clues to the reader. It's only at the very end when Mara figures out the crime(s) that Harrison refrains from sharing Mara's conclusions and the reader must wait for the denouncement.
May 30, 2022
These mysteries, set in the Burren in County Clare, Ireland, just get better and better! The mysteries form the basis for creating a rich cast of characters in this time (1509) and place. While, like all mysteries set in a small population, the number of suspicious deaths mount up in a ridiculous way, Harrison is doing well to make sure the reader is engrossed both by the historical dimension (the use of Brehon law, the customs, food, clothes etcetera of the time) and the way the characters behave when confronted with a mystery, either as a suspect or an accuser, or witness. Mara, the Brehon, involves her students in her cases and uses them effectively to sort out the complexities of Brehon law and the cases, through dialogue and action. Can't wait to start the next one! ****1/2
February 13, 2018
Ireland split into many small kingdoms, a King (of three kingdoms) and his bride a judge (and daughter of a judge) with a murder to solve.
The description of everyday life, the explanation of applicable law and punishments assessed for breaking hose laws is fascinating.
Th contrast of English law to Irish law, the place and rights of women in Britain and Ireland (and today), the sophistication of medical knowledge and practice - all are there, but you might need to red the book several times to really appreciate them
The description of everyday life, the explanation of applicable law and punishments assessed for breaking hose laws is fascinating.
Th contrast of English law to Irish law, the place and rights of women in Britain and Ireland (and today), the sophistication of medical knowledge and practice - all are there, but you might need to red the book several times to really appreciate them
February 17, 2016
Up to #3 in this series, and I'm still enjoying the main character, her dilemnas, and learning about Irish law. I noticed that some of the chapter intros are starting to repeat, but it seems like the rule of marriages and murder repeat in murder mysteries! Makes sense.
The Brehon is called to investigate when a rich silversmith is found dead of bee stings. The people closest to him knew that he was dreadfully allergic to them, yet someone poked a hive with a stick to cause him grief. As always, the Brehon and her crew of male students investigate the issue until the murderer is found.
The Brehon is called to investigate when a rich silversmith is found dead of bee stings. The people closest to him knew that he was dreadfully allergic to them, yet someone poked a hive with a stick to cause him grief. As always, the Brehon and her crew of male students investigate the issue until the murderer is found.
June 22, 2019
Never read anything like this book . All about a small community in Burren ,Ireland. Who killed who and what was the motive? The author tells you about the silver mines,miners,and the poor conditions that they lived in. Mara who is a lady judge and had a college of trainee judges. Mara is the central character and also has a lot of power in Burren, so she is listened to after listening to different stories she makes the last judgement. Difficult to read in parts because of the Irish language used. Ok book
July 26, 2010
This series is fun to read and figure out the mystery, even though I usually know "whodunit" about halfway through. The characters have developed and changed, and I'm anxious to see what happens to them next. I especially like her descriptions of the Burren landscape and life there in the 1500s; also the bits of information about the laws of Ireland at that time, just before the English law took precedence.
September 13, 2010
Brehon Mara digs for the truth after Sorley the silversmith dies as a result of bee stings.
This is the first of this series that I've read and I found it quite enjoyable. I think the ancient laws of Ireland as they are listed at the beginning of each chapter and as they are handled by Mara, and her students, are part of the attraction, but Harrison has also created an interesting character in Mara.
This is the first of this series that I've read and I found it quite enjoyable. I think the ancient laws of Ireland as they are listed at the beginning of each chapter and as they are handled by Mara, and her students, are part of the attraction, but Harrison has also created an interesting character in Mara.
June 27, 2012
Enjoyable, if somewhat predictable, entry in this series set in the time of Henry VII, but across the sea in Ireland. As the English way of ruling and enforcing law becomes more and more pervasive, Ireland's Brehon laws are fast becoming threatened. The death of a silversmith leads to all sorts of issues with his will and who inherits and thus widens the suspect list since the man was intensely disliked by many.
August 5, 2015
Another good story of Ireland
This series focused on Brehon law and the lives of the people of the Burren is fascinating. The law is based on restitution to the wronged party and was so specific to the lives it governed, even to the keeping of bees. The mystery was easier to solve in this book but the lives of the people depicted are what matter more than the solution of the mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series
This series focused on Brehon law and the lives of the people of the Burren is fascinating. The law is based on restitution to the wronged party and was so specific to the lives it governed, even to the keeping of bees. The mystery was easier to solve in this book but the lives of the people depicted are what matter more than the solution of the mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next in the series
October 25, 2015
So often it seems that murder mysteries end with a revelation of the sinister and evil culprit. Cora Harrison concludes this tale with the revelation of the murderer, but also with the revelation of his wisdom and goodness, the revelation of the good that would ensue for many because of his actions. She doesn't condone or justify his evil action, but does paint him as a human who, in the final accounting, is a good and decent and honorable human being.
January 22, 2016
# in the Mystery of Medieval Ireland with Mara the Brehon solving secret and unlawful killings with the help of the entire Burren, this is a book for those who love historical fiction and would like a peek into Irish history at the beginning of Henry VIII's reign. The irish at this time have not accept Roman/English law and it is quite a refreshing idea. Good characters, interesting time period, great descriptions. Give it a try.
July 13, 2010
This is a sweet, gentle mystery - not wildly compelling or thrilling, but quite a satisfying read. The characters are well-drawn and the historical setting is extremely well-researched. I enjoyed the details of early Celtic law and everyday life. The mystery was not much of a mystery, but so what? I'll happily continue on with the series.
April 24, 2013
I am absolutely loving this series by Cora Harrison! Mara is a wonderful, sensible and smart main character, and I love the setting (Ireland, early 1500s).
I did not see the ending coming at all. I love that.
Still recovering from not reading these in order (read 4 before 3), but I think I can go on :).
Highly recommended (both the series and this title).
I did not see the ending coming at all. I love that.
Still recovering from not reading these in order (read 4 before 3), but I think I can go on :).
Highly recommended (both the series and this title).
April 3, 2015
A wealthy, unpopular man is found dead of multiple beestings. Unfortunate accident or murder? Mara and her students find plenty of suspects with plenty of motives. Like the first one I read of this series it took me a while to get into it, but then I was caught up in the characters and the world of 16th century Ireland.
December 21, 2020
Fascinating premise: Mara is a lady judge in medieval Ireland. A wealthy silversmith and landowner dies, and Mara determines that it is murder. She and the young scholars who are learning the law from her investigate, and an unlikely culprit is found. I wish I had liked it more, but this was very slow-moving.
March 22, 2020
A greedy silversmith is killed and there are multiple suspects. Mara works to figure it out. A nice book trying to put things in its time. One good thing is that, though it does used italicized words to make it "special", the book does this far less than does Tremayne, and the story flows better for the acceptance of many modern terms.
Nothing great, but a nice addition to the series.
Nothing great, but a nice addition to the series.
January 13, 2023
3 1/2 stars. The setting, characters and historical background are a big drawcard for the series, and this instalment was no different. While I did guess the murderer and motive (unusually for me) the characters of the suspects and, particularly the perpetrator, were well-drawn and interesting. If I had a criticism, it would probably be that the writing can sometimes be a little repetitive.
July 9, 2010
I enjoyed the recurring characters in this entry in the Burren Mysteries series, as well as the bits of information about Brehon law and 16th century Ireland. However, I knew 'whodunit' (if not why) very early in the book - and I don't think that's what the author was aiming for.
February 24, 2011
Another great novel in this series about a woman judge (Brehon is what they were called) in ancient Ireland. This is the 3rd book in the series and I really like them a lot, much more than the more well-known Sister Fidelma series.
January 22, 2014
I thought it was interesting. I sometimes find it hard to believe the time period they are set in, but I have enjoyed that two that I read. Once I got about mid-way through I found it difficult to put down. Will read more by this author
October 20, 2014
It doesn't seem right to class the time period of this story as "medieval." By 1509 the Renaissance was well underway--this is Tudor England. However, the comparison between the Irish and English codes of law is fascinating.
March 29, 2016
Another disliked murder victim. I don't know why we are supposed to care who killed an abusive mine owner, especially as this is the third unsavory character in as many books who is dispatched. Sure, the method of murder is creative, but the story is basically the same thing as the first 3.
July 26, 2020
Took a bit longer than expected to finish it. Unlike her first 2, this one didn't grab me as much and she belabored Mara's investigation so long, I kind of stopped caring who killed the victim. I was, however still surprised by the ending. She's very good at the twist ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews