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Reverend Mother Mystery #8
Murder in an Orchard Cemetery
The peaceful atmosphere of the Reverend Mother’s annual retreat is shattered by sudden, violent death in this gripping historical mystery.
1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother regrets the bishop’s decision to invite the five candidates for the position of Alderman of the City Council to join them for their annual retreat. Constantly accosted by ambitious, would-be politicians hoping to secure the bishop’s backing, she’s finding the week-long sojourn at the convent of the Sisters of Charity anything but peaceful. What she doesn’t expect to encounter however is sudden, violent death.
When a body is discovered in the convent’s apple orchard cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb, it is assumed the IRA are responsible. But does the killer lie closer to home? Was one of the candidates so desperate to win the election they turned to murder? Does someone have a hidden agenda? Once again, the Reverend Mother must call on her renowned investigative skills to unearth the shocking truth.
1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother regrets the bishop’s decision to invite the five candidates for the position of Alderman of the City Council to join them for their annual retreat. Constantly accosted by ambitious, would-be politicians hoping to secure the bishop’s backing, she’s finding the week-long sojourn at the convent of the Sisters of Charity anything but peaceful. What she doesn’t expect to encounter however is sudden, violent death.
When a body is discovered in the convent’s apple orchard cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb, it is assumed the IRA are responsible. But does the killer lie closer to home? Was one of the candidates so desperate to win the election they turned to murder? Does someone have a hidden agenda? Once again, the Reverend Mother must call on her renowned investigative skills to unearth the shocking truth.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2021
13 people are currently reading
60 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.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 6, 2021
A deadly retreat!
1920’s Cork and Reverend Mother Aquinas is looking forward to the annual retreat at the Sisters of Charity Order for the religious superiors of the Cork area. She enjoys meditative and discussion times in the orchard, which is also a cemetery. When that quiet retreat is threatened by the annoying inclusion of prospective mayoral candidates, prompted by the Bishop, she’s somewhat put out.
There’s more to come:
A novice with the Sisters of Charity, who is the daughter of one of the candidates and who rather surprisingly, chose the name Mary Magdalene
And shockingly a bomb explosion in the convent’s apple orchard cemetry—possibly IRA?
Once again I’m fascinated by the development of the Reverend Mother’s ex pupils Eileen, who’s just completed her studies at Cork University and is looking to be apprenticed in a solicitor’s office; and Inspector Patrick Cashman. I so enjoy seeing what they have become, given the rocky starts they’ve both had.
Mother Aquinas is as delightfully astute as ever. A wonderful way of looking at the world, a religious persona engaged in her community, observant, alive to the individuality of those around her. She brings those facets to her quiet assistance in the solving of crimes.
A Canongate Severn ARC via NetGalley
1920’s Cork and Reverend Mother Aquinas is looking forward to the annual retreat at the Sisters of Charity Order for the religious superiors of the Cork area. She enjoys meditative and discussion times in the orchard, which is also a cemetery. When that quiet retreat is threatened by the annoying inclusion of prospective mayoral candidates, prompted by the Bishop, she’s somewhat put out.
There’s more to come:
A novice with the Sisters of Charity, who is the daughter of one of the candidates and who rather surprisingly, chose the name Mary Magdalene
And shockingly a bomb explosion in the convent’s apple orchard cemetry—possibly IRA?
Once again I’m fascinated by the development of the Reverend Mother’s ex pupils Eileen, who’s just completed her studies at Cork University and is looking to be apprenticed in a solicitor’s office; and Inspector Patrick Cashman. I so enjoy seeing what they have become, given the rocky starts they’ve both had.
Mother Aquinas is as delightfully astute as ever. A wonderful way of looking at the world, a religious persona engaged in her community, observant, alive to the individuality of those around her. She brings those facets to her quiet assistance in the solving of crimes.
A Canongate Severn ARC via NetGalley
January 20, 2022
Reverend Mother is a wise woman, attuned to the goings-on in her community. Her ageless awareness and uncommon skepticism extends not only to the behavior of her neighbors, but to the Irish Catholic Church itself. This tale is a sad one, and Mother figures it out, although withholding information for the better good, or so she believes. I like these stories because it brings the old Ireland back to life with its church-dominated social life, poverty, and occasionally the successful path some of Mother's acolytes take in life.
December 30, 2021
The murder mystery was a bit on the thin side. The politics of the Convent of the Sisters of Charity in 1920’s Ireland was much more interesting. When a bomb is planted in the Orchard Cemetery questions will be asked of the IRA or is this more close to home. The Reverend Mother will listen and find out the truth. A well thought out slow moving story but well worth keeping with.
I was given an Arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an Arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2021
I love Reverend Mother mysteries and I think it's the best one I read so far.
The mix of historical facts and fiction works and it creates an interesting background to this complex and well developed mystery.
There's some local politics, a bombing that could involve IRA and a fleshed out cast of characters.
The descriptions of the retreat are quite funny and the mix of spirituality and local politics is well explained.
I loved the twists and turns of the mystery that kept me guessing and was happy to catch up with the characters.
I read it in one setting as couldn't stop reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
The mix of historical facts and fiction works and it creates an interesting background to this complex and well developed mystery.
There's some local politics, a bombing that could involve IRA and a fleshed out cast of characters.
The descriptions of the retreat are quite funny and the mix of spirituality and local politics is well explained.
I loved the twists and turns of the mystery that kept me guessing and was happy to catch up with the characters.
I read it in one setting as couldn't stop reading.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
February 7, 2024
**Should Read as 4.5 STARS!**
This entertaining and atmospheric Irish mystery is the 8th volume of the wonderful and human "Reverend Mother" series.
Storytelling is excellent, Irish society in Cork and surroundings in the 1920s come very much alive in this great little mystery, while all characters, rich and poor, are very believable and lifelike in their dealings with life and death.
The tale is set in the 1920s, in Cork, and our main protagonist Reverend Mother Aquinas is invited for the annual retreat at the convent of Sisters of Charity, and this will coincide with the presentation of the candidates for the position of Alderman of the City Council.
All seemed peaceful, but with a lot of talk, promises made and bribes taken, and all that in an attempt to gain certain votes to become the next Alderman, when all of a sudden one of the five candidates, Mr James Musgrave, is horribly killed by a makeshift bomb.
At first it is assumed that the IRA is behind this bloody deed, for the political situation in Ireland is still precarious at this time of history because quite a few people are still fighting for a full united Ireland and they will do everything they can to achieve this, but soon enough it will emerge that the perpetrator is closer to home.
The perpetrator has to be someone connected to the victim, whether it is one of the opposing candidates or it is someone from the past with a grudge against Mr James Musgrave.
What is to follow is a delightful Irish mystery, where power, greed, corruption and hate will play a dominant part in this tale, where the now law student Eileen MacSweeney and now Police Inspector Patrick Cashman, former pupils of the Reverend Mother, are still looking for clues but certainly a helping hand in solving this crime, until Reverend Mother Aquinas by deduction and very good listening will be able to identify the culprit(s) of this horrendous deed in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another wonderful addition to this very lovely Irish mystery series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Very Enjoyable Brutal Orchard Killing"!
This entertaining and atmospheric Irish mystery is the 8th volume of the wonderful and human "Reverend Mother" series.
Storytelling is excellent, Irish society in Cork and surroundings in the 1920s come very much alive in this great little mystery, while all characters, rich and poor, are very believable and lifelike in their dealings with life and death.
The tale is set in the 1920s, in Cork, and our main protagonist Reverend Mother Aquinas is invited for the annual retreat at the convent of Sisters of Charity, and this will coincide with the presentation of the candidates for the position of Alderman of the City Council.
All seemed peaceful, but with a lot of talk, promises made and bribes taken, and all that in an attempt to gain certain votes to become the next Alderman, when all of a sudden one of the five candidates, Mr James Musgrave, is horribly killed by a makeshift bomb.
At first it is assumed that the IRA is behind this bloody deed, for the political situation in Ireland is still precarious at this time of history because quite a few people are still fighting for a full united Ireland and they will do everything they can to achieve this, but soon enough it will emerge that the perpetrator is closer to home.
The perpetrator has to be someone connected to the victim, whether it is one of the opposing candidates or it is someone from the past with a grudge against Mr James Musgrave.
What is to follow is a delightful Irish mystery, where power, greed, corruption and hate will play a dominant part in this tale, where the now law student Eileen MacSweeney and now Police Inspector Patrick Cashman, former pupils of the Reverend Mother, are still looking for clues but certainly a helping hand in solving this crime, until Reverend Mother Aquinas by deduction and very good listening will be able to identify the culprit(s) of this horrendous deed in the end.
Very much recommended, for this is another wonderful addition to this very lovely Irish mystery series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Very Enjoyable Brutal Orchard Killing"!
August 31, 2021
When the Reverend Mother goes on retreat she thinks that it's going to be peaceful in spite of the fact that the Bishop and candidates for the council are attending. She is met with a nasty surprise. The orchard cemetary is suddenly bombed and the stockbroker James Musgrave is killed. Could it be the IRA or is it meant to look like they are responsible?
This is a clever and interesting murder story with a lot of fascinating historical detail about Ireland and Cork in the 1920s, especially about poverty, illness and the IRA ,with some snippets about politics.The Reverend Mother is wise and sympathetic, and young and ambitious Eileen, one of her former students, who is reporting on the murder, is very likeable, with her social conscience and feistiness. I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of Cork.I will look for more of
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
This is a clever and interesting murder story with a lot of fascinating historical detail about Ireland and Cork in the 1920s, especially about poverty, illness and the IRA ,with some snippets about politics.The Reverend Mother is wise and sympathetic, and young and ambitious Eileen, one of her former students, who is reporting on the murder, is very likeable, with her social conscience and feistiness. I also enjoyed reading the descriptions of Cork.I will look for more of
I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
October 15, 2021
This story line is later than I normally like to read. It does cover an interesting point in time. The Irish rebellion for control of their country, left the country divided and struggling to find common ground between the Catholics and the Protestants.
Begin with a Catholic Mother Superior in the mid 1920's in Southern Ireland which is predominantly Catholic. Mix in a whole lot of church and general politics along with the still active IRA and Orangemen and you have an explosive mixture for the perfect murder.
This is late in the series so to get a feel of the story line I ordered the first and will read forward to get a feel for the novels. I liked this one and look forward to more novels.
Begin with a Catholic Mother Superior in the mid 1920's in Southern Ireland which is predominantly Catholic. Mix in a whole lot of church and general politics along with the still active IRA and Orangemen and you have an explosive mixture for the perfect murder.
This is late in the series so to get a feel of the story line I ordered the first and will read forward to get a feel for the novels. I liked this one and look forward to more novels.
July 27, 2021
A worthy addition in this brilliant series set in Cork at the end of the Roaring Twenties, an engrossing and captivating mixture of political and religious shenanigans in a young Irish Republic still reeling from the recent Troubles.
Cleverly plotted and full of unforgettable characters, this original whodunit should definitely appeal to anyone interested by a delightful blend of murder mystery and historical fiction.
Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
Cleverly plotted and full of unforgettable characters, this original whodunit should definitely appeal to anyone interested by a delightful blend of murder mystery and historical fiction.
Highly recommended and to be enjoyed without any moderation.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
June 16, 2021
Another comfortable read by Cora Harrison. I love how the independent findings of all the characters culminate into the solving of her murder mystery case. What I found amazing was that this is the eighth novel of the Reverend Mother Mystery series and it does not diminish in being an unique and enthralling read.
I thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an eARC of this book
I thank Netgalley and Severn House Publishers for an eARC of this book
June 9, 2021
Review to follow
April 17, 2022
I didn't enjoy it much. Part of the reason may be that it is a book well into a series. I did not have a relationship with the main characters. My fault.
April 18, 2022
Good read for sure :)
March 14, 2023
Gosh! This was so gorgeous. I loved the characters' attitudes about death, an essential element in murder mysteries!
September 16, 2021
See my review @FreshFiction. https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
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March 8, 2022Possibly the best Reverend Mother mystery yet ( or do I always say that)? Reverend Mother and her cousin Lucy remind me so much of me and my cousin Patricia, same age,Irish and our memories of everyone.
"When a body is discovered in the convent's apple orchard cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb, it is assumed the IRA are responsible. But does the killer lie closer to home? Once again, the Reverend Mother must call on her renowned investigative skills to unearth the shocking truth. "
Yes this setting is a convent, although a large important one, with an annual retreat convened by the Bishop of Cork. Unfortunately, on this one political candidates for Alderman are included. This certainly confuses this issue which the Reverend Mother is able to untangle and show as a family issue.
Happily regular characters Cousin Lucy, Patrick, Eileen and Dr. Scher are called to assist. Awesome read!!
"When a body is discovered in the convent's apple orchard cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb, it is assumed the IRA are responsible. But does the killer lie closer to home? Once again, the Reverend Mother must call on her renowned investigative skills to unearth the shocking truth. "
Yes this setting is a convent, although a large important one, with an annual retreat convened by the Bishop of Cork. Unfortunately, on this one political candidates for Alderman are included. This certainly confuses this issue which the Reverend Mother is able to untangle and show as a family issue.
Happily regular characters Cousin Lucy, Patrick, Eileen and Dr. Scher are called to assist. Awesome read!!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews