A Secret and Unlawful Killing

by Cora Harrison

Book Overview

It is 1509 and, for the people of the Burren in western Ireland, the Michaelmas Fair is a joyous time for trade and celebration, signaling the start of autumn. It's a chance to gather, buy and sell... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 031237268X
• ISBN13: 9780312372682
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 326 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.6" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Fraud! Duplicate! Same as "Secret and Unlawful Killing"

The is the same book as "Secret and Unlawful Killing". Good book but I got conned into paying for it twice thinking it was the third of the series.

(3.5) "The murderer is placed in a boat with no oars and sent to drift out to sea."

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.

excellent sixteenth century legal investigative thriller

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

Murder and Brehon Law

MICHAELMAS TRIBUTE (Hist. Mys-Mara-Ireland-1500s) - VG Harrison, Cora - 2nd in series Macmillan, 2008, UK Hardcopy - ISBN: 9781405092258 First Sentence: The kingdom of the Burren was then an isolated place, with the Atlantic Ocean guarding its northern and western coast, and the broad sweep of the River Shannon encircling its eastern and southern sides. November 1509 brings the Michaelmas Fair to the kingdom of Burren. It is also time for the citizens to pay tribute, in coin or goods, to their clan lords. The steward of clan MacNamara, who collects tributes for his lord, is found murdered. Mara, the Brehon responsible for enacting the laws of Burren, calls for the murderer to come forth. When no one does, it is up to her to uncover the killer. I am fascinated by this series and the idea of Brehon law, which existed in Northwest Ireland until it was displaced by English Law. This is not only a very good mystery, but a look at a different legal system and a time when woman played a significant and valued role. Mara is wonderfully depicted as a strong, responsible woman, who does make mistakes and is torn by her love life as it is weighed off against the proposal of the King. The secondary characters, the boys in her school and her servants, give dimension to Mara and to the story. Bridget, the cook and housekeeper, is particularly delightful. The historical and geographic setting is so well written, you feel a part of the time. I am delighted to have found this series and look forward to the next book.