My Lady Judge
The First Burren Mystery
Published on 2. May 2008
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-330-44599-3 (ISBN)
Description
In the sixteenth century, as it is now, the Burren, on the western seaboard of Ireland, was a land of grey stone forts, fields of rich green grass and swirling mountain terraces. It was also home to an independent kingdom that lived peacefully by the ancient Brehon laws of their forebears.
On the first eve of May, 1509, hundreds of people from the Burren climbed the gouged out limestone terraces of Mullaghmore Mountain to celebrate the great May Day festival, lighting a bonfire and singing and dancing through the night, then returning through the grey dawn to the safety of their homes.
But one man did not come back down the steeply spiralling path. His body lay exposed to the ravens and wolves on the bare, lonely mountain for two nights . . . and no one spoke of him, or told what they had seen. And when Mara, a woman appointed by King Turlough Don O'Brien to be judge and lawgiver to the stony kingdom, came to investigate, she was met with a wall of silence . . .
'An excellent historical novel with a most original leading character...A true Celtic feast.' P. C. Doherty
On the first eve of May, 1509, hundreds of people from the Burren climbed the gouged out limestone terraces of Mullaghmore Mountain to celebrate the great May Day festival, lighting a bonfire and singing and dancing through the night, then returning through the grey dawn to the safety of their homes.
But one man did not come back down the steeply spiralling path. His body lay exposed to the ravens and wolves on the bare, lonely mountain for two nights . . . and no one spoke of him, or told what they had seen. And when Mara, a woman appointed by King Turlough Don O'Brien to be judge and lawgiver to the stony kingdom, came to investigate, she was met with a wall of silence . . .
'An excellent historical novel with a most original leading character...A true Celtic feast.' P. C. Doherty
Reviews / Votes
'A lovely, balanced blend of historical detail and good story telling. This book is appealing in every way' Brenda Rickman Vantrease 'An excellent historical novel with a most original leading character Cora Harrison has wonderfully recreated the Celtic culture of Ireland in its mysterious twilight at the end of the Middle Ages. A true Celtic feast' P. C. Doherty 'Sister Fidelma would be delighted with her sleuthing 'descendant'. Well researched and written' Peter Tremayne 'The character of Mara, the Brehon judge, is beautifully drawn ... She will make so many friends, all of whom will look forward to each new mystery with keen anticipation' Alys Clare 'She mixes faction and narrative to good effect' Dorset Echo 'A fine mix of history and mystery' Choice magazine 'This charming book could be the start of a million-selling series' Evening Herald 'This is a terrific debut of a historical series that promises something completely different. If the test of a good historical is a solid plot with an intricate setting, My Lady Judge is the real thing ... definitely a series to watch' Globe and MailMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 131 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
221 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-330-44599-3 (9780330445993)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Cora Harrison worked as a headteacher before she decided to write her first novel. She has since published 25 children's historical novels. My Lady Judge is her first in a series for adults that introduces Mara, Brehon of the Burren. Cora lives on a farm near the Burren in the west of Ireland. Visit her website at www.coraharrison.com