- Hardcover: 326 pages
- Publisher: Minotaur Books (September 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 031237268X
- ISBN-13: 978-0312372682
- Product Dimensions: 24.2 x 16.7 x 2.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 544 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #922,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Publishers Weekly
In Harrison's captivating second mystery set in the 16th-century kingdom of the Burren in western Ireland (after 2007's My Lady Judge), the murder of an arrogant steward, Ragnall MacNamara, leaves a wide field of suspects, as does the suspicious death of another surly citizen. The learned Mara, the sole woman Brehon (or judge) in Ireland, is responsible for all crimes on the Burren as well as for deciding such delicate questions as inheritances and even, in certain circumstances, approval of a marriage proposal. Harrison depicts the intricacies of Irish law so clearly and marries them to her plot so adroitly that despite their unfamiliarity they are easily understood. Engaging characters from the honorable King Turlough Donn O'Brien to Mara's eager law students add to the pleasure. Mara's quest to solve the murders and to restore peace to the people of the Burren makes for compelling reading. (Sept.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
Praise for A Secret and Unlawful Killing:
“In [her] captivating second mystery . . . Harrison depicts the intricacies of Irish law so clearly and marries them to her plot so adroitly that despite their unfamiliarity they are easily understood. Engaging characters . . . add to the pleasure. Mara’s quest to solve the murders and “to restore peace to the people of the Burren” makes for compelling reading.” —Publishers Weekly
“Mara makes several momentous and unpleasant discoveries on her road to a just verdict. [A Secret and Unlawful Killing] features well-drawn characters, a tantalizing mystery and an intriguing look at the surprisingly complex and liberal laws of 1509 Ireland.” —Kirkus Review
“This follow-up to My Lady Judge is a leisurely amble through the countryside of medieval Ireland. Like Peter Tremayne’s clerical sleuth, Sister Fidelma, Mara is no one’s fool.”—Library Journal
“Another well-researched, appealing historical mystery.” —Booklist
“Mara is tolerant and kind with people, but she is also relentless in pursuit of the killer or killers. She is so implacable, in fact, that the book reads like a ‘police procedural.’. . . Like most mystery novels, the facts, or clues, are presented so the reader can solve the mystery. I couldn’t solve it. At the end of the book, I was astonished. A Secret and Unlawful Killing is a gripping mystery that also shows life in Gaelic Ireland. . . . You’ll enjoy this mystery and learn much about our Irish heritage.”—Irish American News
“A Secret and Unlawful Killing is a deft weaving of this Medieval tale on the framework of the ancient Irish legal system. Harrison matches the pace of the story to the stride of the horses which are the main means of travel in the rocky hills and valleys of Burren. She guides the reader though the intricacies of Gaelic law and adds an underplayed romance to a nicely plotted mystery.” —I Love a Mystery newsletter
Praise for My Lady Judge:
“Enchanting. . . . The old-fashioned appeal of Harrison’s prose opens up a new world while harkening back to the way writers like Ellis Peters fashioned their historical mysteries.” —Baltimore Sun
“This is something different in the historical mystery line, and it works very well. The Lady Judge is definitely a series to watch.” —The Globe & Mail (Canada)
“A lovely, balanced blend of historical detail and good storytelling. This book is appealing in every way.” —Brenda Rickman Vantrease, author of The Mercy Seller
“Sister Fidelma would be delighted with her sleuthing ‘descendant’—a new female Brehon named Mara. Well researched and written.” —Peter Tremayne, author of the Sister Fidelma Mysteries
“An excellent historical novel with a most original leading character. A true Celtic feast.” —P. C. Doherty, author of The Assassins of Isis
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Beware of duplication,
By BoisBlanc (London, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: A Secret and Unlawful Killing: A Mystery of Medieval Ireland (Hardcover)
This book is identical to 'Michaelmas Tribute'Michaelmas Tribute. Presumably the title was changed for the US market because of the church holiday of Michaelmas is not well known in the US. One or the other is a good read but beware of buying both!
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 7 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent sixteenth century legal investigative thriller,
By Harriet Klausner - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: A Secret and Unlawful Killing: A Mystery of Medieval Ireland (Hardcover)
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
3.0 out of 5 stars
Okay but unexciting,
By MamaSylvia - Published on Amazon.com
Brehon Mara investigates the deaths of two MacNamaras within a day of each other. Could it be the open enemy? The greedy clan leader? The overworked daughter or her lover? The cheating linen merchant? Mara tracks down a killer with the help of her young students.Well-enough written, and the clues were all there, but I found the resolution unsatisfying. Since I wasn't thrilled with either of the first two books, I'm giving up on the series.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Secret and Unlawful Killing,
By anmapatsy - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This deceptively gentle woman has a backbone of steel and a keen eye and ear for the nuances which solve her mysteries. It is a delight to read a book which doesn't rely on descriptive sex and violence to get by. Please Cora may we have more? This book also goes under the title Michaelmas Tribute.
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