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Burren Mysteries #6
Scales of Retribution
June, 1510: the Burren, west coast of Ireland - Upon going unexpectedly into an early labour, Mara is alerted to the disappearance of Malachy, the local physician. Mystery follows birth, as shortly after the entrance of her son into the world the body of Malachy is discovered.
But who stands to profit from this death and who therefore are Mara's lead suspects? For starters there is Malachy's new wife and her two sons, not to mention the very daughter who helped to deliver Mara's child. But soon we discover that the list of people bearing Malachy a grudge is even longer that Mara could have anticipated.
But who stands to profit from this death and who therefore are Mara's lead suspects? For starters there is Malachy's new wife and her two sons, not to mention the very daughter who helped to deliver Mara's child. But soon we discover that the list of people bearing Malachy a grudge is even longer that Mara could have anticipated.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2011
About the author
Cora Harrison
117 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 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 29, 2018
Part 6 of this delightful mystery series by Cora Harrison takes us again to the western coast of Ireland, a part that is called the Burren.
There in that piece of land called the Burren this particular story is set in June of the year AD 1510.
An important aspect of the Brehon Law is, and thus also in the 16th Century, that the intention of the Law maintains that reparation should be made towards the victim and his/her family by the culprit after any wrongdoing that has been done has also been proven, except when the case is so damning for the perpetrator, only then will he/she be punished to a sentence where fate will decide about life or death.
As always the story is told in a wonderful and entertaining fashion, where all the characters come very much alive in a most believable way.
The story itself is about Mara, the Brehon of the Burren, who after having gone into labour and with the help of Nuala gives birth to a son, Nuala is the estranged daughter of the physician Malachy, that Mara hears from Nuala that Malachy has been found dead, poisoned by one of his own medicines.
After quickly finding her strength again, Mara along with her pupils set out to follow the right path, and to find clues by using their wit and determination to catch the culprit and thus solve this murder mystery in the end.
This is another excellent Irish Burren mystery, and therefore it receives from me wonderful "Scales of Praise"!
There in that piece of land called the Burren this particular story is set in June of the year AD 1510.
An important aspect of the Brehon Law is, and thus also in the 16th Century, that the intention of the Law maintains that reparation should be made towards the victim and his/her family by the culprit after any wrongdoing that has been done has also been proven, except when the case is so damning for the perpetrator, only then will he/she be punished to a sentence where fate will decide about life or death.
As always the story is told in a wonderful and entertaining fashion, where all the characters come very much alive in a most believable way.
The story itself is about Mara, the Brehon of the Burren, who after having gone into labour and with the help of Nuala gives birth to a son, Nuala is the estranged daughter of the physician Malachy, that Mara hears from Nuala that Malachy has been found dead, poisoned by one of his own medicines.
After quickly finding her strength again, Mara along with her pupils set out to follow the right path, and to find clues by using their wit and determination to catch the culprit and thus solve this murder mystery in the end.
This is another excellent Irish Burren mystery, and therefore it receives from me wonderful "Scales of Praise"!
November 3, 2018
Good story but sad.
July 26, 2024
Not only does this series give us real insight into the history of Ireland, but it also makes one familiar with Irish names and words. Luckily, the Internet offers great resources for also learning the pronunciation of those words and names.
I'm so impressed by what I've learned about the Brehon law of Ireland and wish we in the 21st century could learn from that.
I'm so impressed by what I've learned about the Brehon law of Ireland and wish we in the 21st century could learn from that.
January 13, 2013
"Above all, do no harm." Physicians through the ages, including those in sixteenth century Ireland, have made that promise to those they serve. For that reason, they have been given the esteem and respect of the community. But when a physician forgets his first priority and seeks after riches and wealth, to the detriment of his patients, to whom does he answer? Who can call him to account or punish him for his wrong actions? Someone has done just that in the Burren, poisoning the corrupt physician Malachy and causing him a horrific death. Though Mara, Brehon of the Burren, knows that Malachy deserved punishment, she also knows that his secret and unlawful killing must not be allowed to go unpunished. So many people had a motive for wanting him dead, though. His own daughter, Nuala, whom he denied the rights of education and attempted to deprive of her inheritance. His new wife, who believes that she'll inherit his land and practice. The local wolfmaster whose closest pet was brutally killed by Malachy's hand. The tenants and landholders who suffered as a result of his mistreatment. Any of them had the means and opportunity to slip something into his cup, but who was angry enough to do it? Though she's only recently risen from her near-death experience giving birth and is struggling with feelings of inadequacy as a mother, Mara dedicates herself and her students at the law school to solving the murder and clearing Malachy's daughter of suspicion. Beset with worries about her husband the king, who is away at battle with the Earl of Kildare, and over the recent failure of two of her students, Mara finds the case challenging to deal with and must work hard to overcome the distractions and find the murderer before he strikes again.
Cora Harrison transports us to the beautiful land of the Burren, writing with such vivid descriptions that it's easy to picture Mara's surroundings and world. She provides a wealth of historical detail, including excerpts of ancient Brehon law at the beginning of each chapter, creating a perfect background for her intricate plot and well-drawn characters. The book stands above many of the others in the series for its wonderful depiction of Mara's torn feelings between her responsibilities as a mother and those she holds as Brehon of the Burren. How similar is her position to today's working mom! The mystery is, as usual, wonderfully complex with a variety of suspects and a very surprising (to this reader, at least) conclusion. I heartily enjoyed the book and continue to recommend this series highly.
My favorite quote was one excerpt from the Brehon code: "It is one of the great tenets of Brehon law that a woman's right to have a baby is a solute. She may even leave her husband, if he is unable to give her that baby, go to another man to become pregnant and then return to her husband - and no reproach may be made." What a vastly different interpretation from today's take on a woman's right to choose!
Cora Harrison transports us to the beautiful land of the Burren, writing with such vivid descriptions that it's easy to picture Mara's surroundings and world. She provides a wealth of historical detail, including excerpts of ancient Brehon law at the beginning of each chapter, creating a perfect background for her intricate plot and well-drawn characters. The book stands above many of the others in the series for its wonderful depiction of Mara's torn feelings between her responsibilities as a mother and those she holds as Brehon of the Burren. How similar is her position to today's working mom! The mystery is, as usual, wonderfully complex with a variety of suspects and a very surprising (to this reader, at least) conclusion. I heartily enjoyed the book and continue to recommend this series highly.
My favorite quote was one excerpt from the Brehon code: "It is one of the great tenets of Brehon law that a woman's right to have a baby is a solute. She may even leave her husband, if he is unable to give her that baby, go to another man to become pregnant and then return to her husband - and no reproach may be made." What a vastly different interpretation from today's take on a woman's right to choose!
March 19, 2024
Fascinating, interwoven tale of life in early Ireland with a female judge in the middle of birth, death and lies. Mara, the Brehon of this area and wife of King Turlough leads a complex life. She teaches a small school of young men to become lawyers, manages her farms and dispenses justice across a large part of Ireland.
In this third outing, Mara is thrust into a complicate murder of a inept physician, going through a difficult birth herself in late 30's, and handling a substitute arrogant teacher at her school. The author provides us with descriptive details of life in 1510, from the plants used for healing, life among the shepherds and farms, and what young boys underwent for 10-12 years to become lawyers. I did not figure out the murderer as there was so much going on in Mara's life throughout the book.
In this third outing, Mara is thrust into a complicate murder of a inept physician, going through a difficult birth herself in late 30's, and handling a substitute arrogant teacher at her school. The author provides us with descriptive details of life in 1510, from the plants used for healing, life among the shepherds and farms, and what young boys underwent for 10-12 years to become lawyers. I did not figure out the murderer as there was so much going on in Mara's life throughout the book.
September 7, 2020
Could not put it down. It involved so many characters I cared about I had to know the ending. Total surprise, didn't see it coming
January 20, 2018
The previous book, Eye of the Law, deserved a five star rating but this one does not rise to that level, in my estimation.
Every book in the series devotes quite a bit of time to Mara's personal life, relationships, and her work with law students. That often works quite well. But this book does so to a much greater extent because Mara's son has been born and he has become her primary focus. That is understandable with any woman, but it does not necessarily make for an excellent historical fiction/mystery book.
There is also a constant feeling of stress as Mara is under attack by another lawyer, as a friend (Nuala) is a primary suspect in the murder investigation, and as England's war to take over Ireland and impose English law is progressing, with some predictions that England's take-over will occur quite soon. (Anyone who knows a bit of history is aware that England will eventually win.) Whether these stressors make the book a better read depends on subjective judgement; in my view, they do not, making Mara a less confident investigator and detracting from the primary plot.
Every book in the series devotes quite a bit of time to Mara's personal life, relationships, and her work with law students. That often works quite well. But this book does so to a much greater extent because Mara's son has been born and he has become her primary focus. That is understandable with any woman, but it does not necessarily make for an excellent historical fiction/mystery book.
There is also a constant feeling of stress as Mara is under attack by another lawyer, as a friend (Nuala) is a primary suspect in the murder investigation, and as England's war to take over Ireland and impose English law is progressing, with some predictions that England's take-over will occur quite soon. (Anyone who knows a bit of history is aware that England will eventually win.) Whether these stressors make the book a better read depends on subjective judgement; in my view, they do not, making Mara a less confident investigator and detracting from the primary plot.
July 8, 2024
In the early 16th century, England is aggressively attempting to bring the whole of Ireland under control. But the very west, including the Burren, is resisting and the rule of Brehon law still holds sway. When a physician is murdered, poisoned with aconite, it is up to Mara, Brehon of the Burren, to investigate. The problem is that every farm has a supply of aconite – also known as monkshood or wolfbane – to keep wolves under control. A well-crafted mystery with an engaging cast of characters.
May 21, 2020
This time, Malachy, Nuala's terrible father is poisoned. There are multiple suspects. At the same time, Mara takes on a wet nurse and has conflicting feelings about not being around her kid. Nuala is a bit overboard in this one, with a completely annoying and grumpy attitude too much like a modern teen. Other thanb that note, another good read.
August 19, 2023
It’s been a few years since I read this series, and I see there are a few more to read. I find it interesting to learn the laws and lifestyle of 16th century Ireland. Irish women had more rights and opportunities I than English women. But England is closing in!
I like the writing and the characters.
I like the writing and the characters.
February 23, 2018
This book focused on the rights of a woman to have a child, as well as unlawful killing. Fascinating to see how another culture had written down the laws of that time. With a new born baby Mara struggles to find a murderer and deal with a lawyer who has no scruples and no understanding.
August 4, 2020
I've loved this series for a very long time and beginning to catch up on ones I've missed. This one, while good, just didn't seem to be up to the level of the others. It just seemed as if some of the heart had gone out of it.
May 17, 2018
Lots of suspects, but I found this mystery more predictable than others in the series.
April 28, 2019
These books are always a pleasure to read. Mara, Brehon of Burren, along with her pupils solve crimes and brings the perpetrator to justice. If you like Sister Fidelma you will like this series.
September 16, 2020
Was interesting, with the different laws of early Ireland, and although I was suspicious of the murderer all along, I hadn't actually guessed all the twists.
February 27, 2022
I have always enjoyed this series .. this book was great to read about the baby Cormac. I DO skip some of the details occasionally but it is fine reading.
July 24, 2025
An interesting read about Ireland and the application of its 16th century legal system. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
November 10, 2014
Mara, Brehon of the Burren, is going through a bit of an "omg! being a working mother is tough, friends!" phase here. Apparently some things have been constant throughout history (or so Cora Harrison would have us believe). Harrison would also have us believe in a kinder, gentler indigenous Irish (Brehon) justice system. It's a lovely concept, but I must say I am becoming just a bit jaded due to the sheer number of "secret and unlawful killings" that Mara has to solve. I mean, it can't have been all *that* warm and fuzzy if people were constantly creeping around stabbing and poisoning each other.
March 17, 2017
Brehon Mara does it again. Nothing interferes with her commitment to fulfilling the law, even when suspicion falls on those near and dear to her. When Nuala, 14-year-old doctor in training, is suspected of killing her father, Mara rises from her childbirth bed to find the killer. She has a long list of suspects to choose from. Malachy the physician was hungry for silver and less than competent. Mara has many suspects to choose from, but she refuses to believe Nuala guilty of this murder. In spite of her own weakness, she must pull herself together and use all her investigative skills to find the real murderer.
November 14, 2011
Mara is a Brehon in 16th century west of Ireland. It's her job to ensure that the scales of justice are balanced according to Brehon law. Harrison begins each chapter with a concept of law, then proceeds to illustrate it in the chapter. The story is about the murder of a not-very-good, not-well-liked physician that occurs on the day that Mara gives birth. Multiple motives and multiple suspects occupy her mind while she sends out her law students to do questioning and observation. Very good story.
July 22, 2012
Once a person has read this far in a series, a new book by the author feels like an old friend, and this book was no exception. I was very disappointed, however, that the guilty person was never a person actively investigated nor even under any suspicion through the bulk of the book. In fact, I had decided the wet nurse was guilty almost form her first introduction in the story. This is a pet peeve of mine in mystery novels. Consequently, I would give this book 3.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2016
Every time I read one of these old Irish stories by Cora Harrison it takes me a little while to get used to the people again, but I really like them. This is a great story but I wish I had read it first, as Cormac is born in this one and in the last book that I read, he was 10 years old ... I guess I was not attentive as to date of publication. I don't know how the Brehon decided on the murderer in this one but it was a good story. Very entertaining.
July 14, 2012
Light and easy historical mystery read. Interesting as well because I visited the area this summer. Ireland.
Found purely by chance....one of the few ebooks at the library I could download without waiting. It is not the first book of the series but I enjoyed it enough to reserve the first book. Annoying when there is not a full series in one format.
Found purely by chance....one of the few ebooks at the library I could download without waiting. It is not the first book of the series but I enjoyed it enough to reserve the first book. Annoying when there is not a full series in one format.
January 22, 2016
Another good entry to the series. Mara's life is threatened by the birth of the baby and the the doctor has been poisoned. Jealous step-son, resentful daughter, stranger wandering through the Burren. Will Turlough make it back from battle with troops of Henry VII? If you love historical fiction, Ireland, and a good read, give this series a try.
August 29, 2011
I have enjoyed previous entries in this series set in Ireland in the late middle ages-early renaissance and featuring a lady judge. This one was not as engaging as some of the earlier but still a nice cosy historical read.
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December 7, 2011Retribution must follow a crime. The more I read of the series set in 14th century Burren the higher regard I have for the ancient Celtic legal system. It seems so much kinder and more appropriate than the English legal system we inherited!!
July 4, 2011
16th Century Ireland which I know absolutely nothing about. Part of a series of fascinating historical mysteries incorporating Irish legal law. Each book is better than the one before.
September 6, 2011
Totally enjoyed the background of old English Law. Must read all in this series!
January 29, 2012
Not only is this an excellent mystery, but the information about Irish Brehon law is fascinating. This is the best yet in the series.
February 16, 2013
Another excellent story of Mara the Judge in medieval Ireland. Many good stories surrounding the main murder mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews