What do you think?
Rate this book
Burren Mysteries #9
Chain of Evidence
“Harrison, like Peter Tremayne in his Sister Fidelma series, provides a superior brand of historical mystery” Booklist -
When clan leader Garrett MacNamara’s dead body is found on the road after a herd of cows has escaped, what was initially assumed to be a tragic case of him being squashed to a pulp by livestock becomes more sinister when a local claims they saw a chain attached to the mutilated body – which has now disappeared.
Mara and her scholars must now investigate: was Slaney, Garrett’s wife, threatened by two new arrivals, or is she being blamed for his murder to clear the way for a new leader . . .?
When clan leader Garrett MacNamara’s dead body is found on the road after a herd of cows has escaped, what was initially assumed to be a tragic case of him being squashed to a pulp by livestock becomes more sinister when a local claims they saw a chain attached to the mutilated body – which has now disappeared.
Mara and her scholars must now investigate: was Slaney, Garrett’s wife, threatened by two new arrivals, or is she being blamed for his murder to clear the way for a new leader . . .?
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Cora Harrison
91 books218 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 25, 2013
Before I address this book, I would like to put in a few comments on this series as a whole. I've read the whole set up to this, and found it very enjoyable. The descriptions of the country are lovely, the information on Irish laws and culture fascinating. I like to compare the differences between the Ireland of the 16th century with the 7th, as represented by Sister Fidelma. There are differences, but it's remarkable how much stays the same. I also enjoy the well-rounded characters, and how they develop from book to book. There is, however, a kind of melancholy that touches me as I read these. To a greater or lesser extent, all the books touch on the subject of England struggling to destroy the Brehon law system, and as I read of Mara trying to defend herself, her laws, and her culture, it's sad to think that it was only a question of time. I believe that it was during Elizabeth's reign that the Brehon system was finally abolished, which I think was a bad mistake. I realize that today, with our vast populations and problems the Brehons never heard of, it would probably be difficult to apply their laws...but, you never know. I think it might have been better if, rather than being abolished, the logical and humane Brehon laws, with their emphasis on restitution and rehabilitation, had instead spread out from Ireland and took hold elsewhere. Think about it. If, for example, someone stole your cow and ate it, would you prefer to A) receive a replacement cow, or its monetary equivalent, plus an added fee to compensate you for your inconvenience, or B) have the brief and dubious pleasure of knowing the villain has been either executed, mutilated, or tossed in a filthy prison? If you learned that the criminal stole your cow to feed his starving family, would you be happy knowing that he was dead, maimed or incarcerated, thereby putting his family in an even more desperate plight? Another point of Irish law that makes perfect sense to me dealt with leaders. All leaders, whether from a tiny clan or the High King himself, were voted into their positions by their clansmen. This did not completely eliminate the possibility of corruption, but if enough of the clan felt that their leader was not working for the general welfare, they could vote him out of office, too. Compare this with the English law of primogeniture, which stated that the eldest son inherited. Period. Never mind that he might be merely an infant or child, never mind that he might be mentally or emotionally incompetent to hold office, never mind that he might be out and out evil. Eldest son got it, and the only way to remove him was by murder.
Ah, to dwell on things that might have been...come to think, that would be a good subject for an author interested in alternative histories.
As for this particular book, while the plot was exciting and the mystery well worked out, I found the ending a disappointment. Most of the books have side issues to flesh out the storyline, but in this case, the side issue was a very serious one, and Mara more or less let it slide. It might possibly be brought up in a future book, but then again, it might not. I'll try to avoid spoilers.
Investigating the murder, Mara and her students discover evidence that the victim was flirting with the possibility of giving his loyalty to Henry the 8th of England. Henry was wooing various clan chieftains by appealing to their individual greed. He was offering them earldoms, which would mean, in essence, that the chieftains would no longer have the risk of being voted out, and that their sons would inheirit. The members of their clans would stop being equals under an elected leader and would become serfs with no say in the business of their clans.
That having been said, it is absolutely clear in the storyline that another clansman, angling for the chieftainship, is also tending towards English loyalties. He and a small group decide, without waiting for the law, who the murderer must be, and immediately start planning to have that person executed--which is the English law. He persistently ignores Mara's authority (which is absolute), even when she discovers a fact that points to the suspect's innocence. When Mara suggests that she could advise the king not to accept him as a leader, he goes behind Mara's back to circumvent this. Plainly this person is unfit for office, but Mara does nothing about it.
Even worse, near the end, there is an extremely ugly incident that ends with a person badly injured. There are three conspirators involved with this, for differing reasons. They are guilty of trying to take the law into their own hands, of inciting to riot, of attempted murder, and causing injury. From my understanding of the Brehon laws on personal injury, those conspirators should have been forced to pay compensation to the injured person, as it was done with deliberate intent. Instead, Mara simply sends two of the conspirators on their way, and, as far as I can tell, did not even trouble to confront the third. All Mara was interested in was solving the murder, which of course needed to be solved, but those other matters also needed to be dealt with urgently.
There was another point that I found disappointing. There had been a personal issue that had been percolating through several books. This issue was resolved literally overnight, which, while possible, did not seem plausible. Not only that, but the resolution takes place "off stage" as it were--we have to read about it secondhand, rather than seeing it unfold before us. I'm sorry, but that's cheating. It's as though the author simply got tired of it and decided to finish it off.
The book as a whole was all right, and I will be reading the next one (if there is one), but if this trend continues, I may not read the one after that, which would be a shame, because this has been an excellent series.
Ah, to dwell on things that might have been...come to think, that would be a good subject for an author interested in alternative histories.
As for this particular book, while the plot was exciting and the mystery well worked out, I found the ending a disappointment. Most of the books have side issues to flesh out the storyline, but in this case, the side issue was a very serious one, and Mara more or less let it slide. It might possibly be brought up in a future book, but then again, it might not. I'll try to avoid spoilers.
Investigating the murder, Mara and her students discover evidence that the victim was flirting with the possibility of giving his loyalty to Henry the 8th of England. Henry was wooing various clan chieftains by appealing to their individual greed. He was offering them earldoms, which would mean, in essence, that the chieftains would no longer have the risk of being voted out, and that their sons would inheirit. The members of their clans would stop being equals under an elected leader and would become serfs with no say in the business of their clans.
That having been said, it is absolutely clear in the storyline that another clansman, angling for the chieftainship, is also tending towards English loyalties. He and a small group decide, without waiting for the law, who the murderer must be, and immediately start planning to have that person executed--which is the English law. He persistently ignores Mara's authority (which is absolute), even when she discovers a fact that points to the suspect's innocence. When Mara suggests that she could advise the king not to accept him as a leader, he goes behind Mara's back to circumvent this. Plainly this person is unfit for office, but Mara does nothing about it.
Even worse, near the end, there is an extremely ugly incident that ends with a person badly injured. There are three conspirators involved with this, for differing reasons. They are guilty of trying to take the law into their own hands, of inciting to riot, of attempted murder, and causing injury. From my understanding of the Brehon laws on personal injury, those conspirators should have been forced to pay compensation to the injured person, as it was done with deliberate intent. Instead, Mara simply sends two of the conspirators on their way, and, as far as I can tell, did not even trouble to confront the third. All Mara was interested in was solving the murder, which of course needed to be solved, but those other matters also needed to be dealt with urgently.
There was another point that I found disappointing. There had been a personal issue that had been percolating through several books. This issue was resolved literally overnight, which, while possible, did not seem plausible. Not only that, but the resolution takes place "off stage" as it were--we have to read about it secondhand, rather than seeing it unfold before us. I'm sorry, but that's cheating. It's as though the author simply got tired of it and decided to finish it off.
The book as a whole was all right, and I will be reading the next one (if there is one), but if this trend continues, I may not read the one after that, which would be a shame, because this has been an excellent series.
November 14, 2019
As always, I enjoyed reading about Mara and her methodical search for the truth and justice in the Burren. This time, the English were there in the person of Stephen Gardiner to stir things up and assert their self-proclaimed superiority over the "wilde Irish." Definitely highlighted the differences between Irish and Tudor English law- the Brehon law certainly appeared more fair and just.
December 29, 2018
This exciting book by Cora Harrison is part 9 of the delightful Burren series.
It's another 16th Century Irish murder mystery, and it is set again in the Burren in the west of Ireland which is the jurisdiction of Mara, Brehon of the Burren.
The book is very informative with lovely historical details concerning Irish Brehon Law and how this Law should function within the Irish community.
The story itself is set in the year AD 1513 and it tells the tale about the death of the clan leader Garrett MacNamara, who's body is found on the road near Carron Castle.
At first Mara, Brehon of the Burren, investigates this case and she declares it an accidental death, but not long after that a declaration is made by a local who claims to have seen a "Chain" attached to the mutilated body and now that "Chain" has disappeared.
It's now up to Mara and her scholars to find the evidence of this murder and thus punish the culprit in the appropriate Irish manner of Brehon Law of the 16th Century.
This little thrilling book by Cora Harrison is for certain one of a "Chain of captivating Irish murder mysteries"!
It's another 16th Century Irish murder mystery, and it is set again in the Burren in the west of Ireland which is the jurisdiction of Mara, Brehon of the Burren.
The book is very informative with lovely historical details concerning Irish Brehon Law and how this Law should function within the Irish community.
The story itself is set in the year AD 1513 and it tells the tale about the death of the clan leader Garrett MacNamara, who's body is found on the road near Carron Castle.
At first Mara, Brehon of the Burren, investigates this case and she declares it an accidental death, but not long after that a declaration is made by a local who claims to have seen a "Chain" attached to the mutilated body and now that "Chain" has disappeared.
It's now up to Mara and her scholars to find the evidence of this murder and thus punish the culprit in the appropriate Irish manner of Brehon Law of the 16th Century.
This little thrilling book by Cora Harrison is for certain one of a "Chain of captivating Irish murder mysteries"!
January 29, 2013
Love this series. Easily read, consistent great characters, good plots. Set in Burren Ireland Mara is a brehon judge married to a king and running a law school. She multitasks well and in her job she determines what is or is not an unlawful death. The time frame is early in the reign of Henry VIII and in this book politics rears it's head in the plot with Stephen Gardiiner as a player.
March 26, 2018
I love this author and this series, but I was disappointed in this particular book. It felt very much like the author had a due date and so whatever was slapped down quickly was what got printed.
There are many instances of the words ‘flush-leftly’. It is used in many different contested and ways so I can only assume that it’s an editing tag which is used in formatting text and wasn’t actually supposed to be in the book. This is the worst of the typographical errors, but not the only one.
I am so terribly disappointed in the way the author completes the relationship between two of the major characters that had been an ongoing thing through out the whole series. He was looking elsewhere the very chapter before then WHAM it all changes. Come on. I mean, it ends up where I wanted it to, but it was badly done.
Additionally, the plot lines were messier than usual. Throwing in the bit where she suddenly announces the bull thing ruined the ending. And the normal Mara wouldn’t’ even left her there at risk over and over. I mean, everyone has bad days and maybe that’s what the author intended to get across, that Mara was too tired etc. but if so she should have explored it better not just let her main character behave so out of tune.
I’m also hugely disappointed the author didn’t describe Mara telling Turlough what that clan tried to do to her. That, my fine friends, would be an explosion that went down in the history books.
There are many instances of the words ‘flush-leftly’. It is used in many different contested and ways so I can only assume that it’s an editing tag which is used in formatting text and wasn’t actually supposed to be in the book. This is the worst of the typographical errors, but not the only one.
I am so terribly disappointed in the way the author completes the relationship between two of the major characters that had been an ongoing thing through out the whole series. He was looking elsewhere the very chapter before then WHAM it all changes. Come on. I mean, it ends up where I wanted it to, but it was badly done.
Additionally, the plot lines were messier than usual. Throwing in the bit where she suddenly announces the bull thing ruined the ending. And the normal Mara wouldn’t’ even left her there at risk over and over. I mean, everyone has bad days and maybe that’s what the author intended to get across, that Mara was too tired etc. but if so she should have explored it better not just let her main character behave so out of tune.
I’m also hugely disappointed the author didn’t describe Mara telling Turlough what that clan tried to do to her. That, my fine friends, would be an explosion that went down in the history books.
June 23, 2020
This one was a "meh!" She's bringing too much of both religious fanaticism and Henry VIII into it. In addition, the characters just weren't all that interesting. A man is found dead, and it looks like he was killed by cattle being stampeded by theft. Lots of suspects but it just didn't drive me.
December 7, 2023
This was good but I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. It seemed slower and more convoluted than others or it was just my mood, either way, the history is always fascinating and the character completely wonderful.
September 13, 2017
Better and better--the stories are more complex
May 30, 2018
Although I still enjoy the characters, I didn't think that the mystery in this one was the strongest. I was more interested in what was happening to the other characters, like Nuala and Fachtnan.
November 26, 2022
Enjoyed the series at first but got bored
February 24, 2017
Another enjoyable entry in this historical series set in sixteenth century Ireland. Things are changing rapidly as the English way of rule and law becomes more prevalent. But in the Burren, Brehon law is still the law of the land, and the clans are still intact and their government is run the old way. When leader of clan MacNamara is found dead, trampled in a cattle stampede started by a rival clan in an effort to steal the cows, the clan is in a bit of an uproar. And things only get worse, when Mara, chief Brehon of the Burren, determines that it was not an accident.
When you see how Brehon law worked--a much more civilized system to my way of thinking--you have to wonder how much better the world would be if this was still in effect today.
When you see how Brehon law worked--a much more civilized system to my way of thinking--you have to wonder how much better the world would be if this was still in effect today.
January 3, 2020
This most satisfying addition to Harrison's series about Mara, the Lady Judge to three kingdoms, has at its heart the clash between English law and Brehon law. Stephen Gardiner is in Ireland to stir up trouble and to find Irish lords willing to bend the knee to Henry VIII in exchange for titles of nobility. He finds eager listeners among clansmen who are nor familiar with Mara and her grasp of men and laws. Mara has to reassert her authority in the case of a mysterious murder.
Also troubling Mara is the persistent problem of Nuala, her best friends daughter. A competent physician and independently wealthy young women, she is desperately unhappy. The man she loves seems entangled by the pretty blue eyes and curly blond hair of one of Mara's students.
Mara is able to solve the mystery of a murdered and and see the result of her lack of meddling in affairs of the heart as both problems come to their solution. The problem of English encroachment is put to rest for the time being, but bodes ill for the future.
Also troubling Mara is the persistent problem of Nuala, her best friends daughter. A competent physician and independently wealthy young women, she is desperately unhappy. The man she loves seems entangled by the pretty blue eyes and curly blond hair of one of Mara's students.
Mara is able to solve the mystery of a murdered and and see the result of her lack of meddling in affairs of the heart as both problems come to their solution. The problem of English encroachment is put to rest for the time being, but bodes ill for the future.
April 10, 2015
I enjoy the feeling of ancient Ireland. I enjoy the discussion of ancient Irish law. I like Mara and her entourage. I was disappointed in who the culprit was. It is a pet peeve of mine when someone comes seemingly out of nowhere to be finered as the culprit. There were also moments when there seemed to be some repitition of sentiments and facts. Two reasons for loss of that fifth star. However, I still enjoyed it and will rate it 4 stars.
October 3, 2014
Another clever puzzle from Cora Harrison. The information about Irish law and the comparison of it with British law continues to be fascinating. I do feel, however, that she's rushing through some of the regular characters' history too quickly. I read this out of order, before the next book in the series, and I am a bit disappointed that she has glossed over so much in the "soap opera". I love following the recurring characters as much as the mysteries!
July 26, 2014
It's time to take a break from Burren and the Irish troubles created by King Henry VIII. I enjoy this series; the fundamentals of ancient Irish law are fascinating. This story didn't hold my attention as the earlier stories have; perhaps I'm getting to the point in the story where knowing the ending isn't fun any more.
May 19, 2016
I was not sure if I would like this book when I picked it up at our local library, and pleasantly surprised that I did. This is a story of sixteenth century laws in Ireland. Sort of the same pattern of solving a mystery as Scotland Yard would do, except that this mystery is solved by a lady who is the law in this part of Ireland.
Different, but wholly entertaining.
Different, but wholly entertaining.
February 14, 2016
I love, love, love these books and wish for such rational thinking regarding law in current society.
June 24, 2013
Read this in one day as I couldn't put it down. One of the best in the series!
July 23, 2013
Impractical, lacked continuity. Irritating, like taking a modern business person and setting them down in the past and applying our modern thinking and language to regency london
November 15, 2013
Too weird, with weird words and theories.
Chapter One, "Law of Marriage":
Nine kinds of union:
. . . 8. The union that follows rape.
9. The union of two insane people.
Rubbish. ugh
Chapter One, "Law of Marriage":
Nine kinds of union:
. . . 8. The union that follows rape.
9. The union of two insane people.
Rubbish. ugh
May 19, 2014
I really like this series, which is set in medieval Ireland with a smart, female judge. Once again, it did not disappoint.
April 17, 2015
Another good mystery and continuing story of the life of Mara and her students. There was an exciting ending as well.
May 12, 2016
Wonderful historical mystery. I liked it very much.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews