Reviews of Cora
Harrison's Michaelmas Tribute, the second Burren mystery
Published by Pan Macmillan May 2008
Cora Harrison's Michaelmas Tribute has been chosen as one of
the Historical Novel Society's 'Editors' Choice' novels
exemplifying "the best in historical fiction":
"For each quarterly issue of the Historical Novels Review, the
editors will select a small number of titles they feel
exemplify the best in historical fiction.
"These novels, which come highly recommended from our
reviewers, have been designated as Editors' Choice titles."
The Brehon Judge, Mara, returns in this second historical
murder mystery set in the Burren in north-west Ireland.
It is 1509 and people are gathering for the Michaelmas Fair,
but an angry undercurrent is marring the celebrations. Ragnall
MacNamara, the unpopular steward of the MacNamara clan, is
found murdered and Mara is called upon to investigate. Another
death soon follows to complicate the picture.
Mara
needs all her professional wits about her – especially since
an unexpected marriage proposal is distracting her thoughts –
to get to the bottom of this knotty case. And, when she
finally pinpoints the awful truth, it seems that she must
inevitably hurt the person she loves the most.
Right, the USA title and cover for the second Burren mystery
Once again, Cora Harrison brings 16th century Ireland
beautifully to life and her Brehon detective, Mara, is a
fantastic protagonist – an absolute one-off and yet
refreshingly real. Her dignity and intelligence are beacons
that guide the reader through a murky story of greed and
vengeance. -- Sara Wilson
MICHAELMAS
TRIBUTE (UK) / A SECRET AND UNLAWFUL KILLING (US)
Mara
needs all her professional wits about her – especially since
an unexpected marriage proposal is distracting her thoughts –
to get to the bottom of this knotty case. And, when she
finally pinpoints the awful truth, it seems that she must
inevitably hurt the person she loves the most.