Michaelmas Tribute

Burren Mysteries #2

by Cora Harrison

In 1509, in the kingdom of the Burren, people lived according to the ancient customs and Brehon laws of their ancestors. The Michaelmas a time for trade and celebration. A chance for the people of the Burren to gather, buy and sell their wares and give tribute to the lord of their clans. When the steward of the MacNamara clan demands more, tempers run high. Then the steward’s body is found in the local churchyard; he’s been beaten to death. Was it revenge, greed or something more sinister that led to his murder? Mara tries to piece the puzzle together but, distracted by thoughts of the King’s surprising offer of marriage, nothing seems to make sense. Is Mara prepared to give up her position as Brehon to become Queen? And will she be able to bring the killer to justice before they strike again...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Ireland, Historical Mystery, Historical, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

300 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2008

About the author

Cora 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.

Reviews

[MaryG2E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this novel and its precursor, My Lady Judge, by Irish author Cora Harrison because the events take place in an interesting period of Irish history, around 1500AD. It is an era in which the traditional way of life is being threatened by the spread of English culture. This tension is played out in Harrison's novels by the challenge of English law to the traditional legal system, which had existed for over 1,000 years, and which has an entirely different underlying philosophy. Harrison's heroine, Mara, the Brehon (judge) of the Burren, in western Ireland, is a strong defender of the time-honoured practices which have kept the peace in this remote and harsh landscape, and she is one of the most highly respected officials in the region.

In this, the second instalment in the Burren series, Mara must investigate two murders that occur around the time of the Michaelmas feast. One of the crimes allows the author to explore issues relating to kinship, inheritance and traditional land ownership, while the other killing examines details of relationships, marriage and honour. Harrison weaves into the story intriguing little snippets about the way of life in the 16th century, e.g. social mores, the local diet, how people conducted commerce in a society which does not use money as we understand it, and the social hierarchy. I find it all rather fascinating, particularly enjoying the contrast with the British institutions with which I am so, so familiar.

Mara is a delightful character, strong, intelligent, caring and diplomatic. Her status as Brehon makes her the second most important person in the Burren after the King, with whom she has an affectionate relationship. Mara's word is law, literally. She delivers her judgements on a regular basis at the foot of the remarkable megalithic monument, the Poulnabrone dolmen, many thousands of years old, but honoured as a site of power and respect. If you've ever visited the Burren, as I have, you will know how well Harrison writes about this unique and remarkable stony landscape.

I only have one minor complaint about this novel - Harrison dots the narrative with many words and phrases in Irish Gaelic, but does not give translations. Not being an Irish citizen, it makes it hard for me to understand what she's on about in some instances.

4★s

[Clemens Schoonderwoert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in 2008, and its the 2nd part of the wonderful "Burren" series, featuring Mara the Brehon.

This tale is set during the Michaelmas Fair, when the people of the Buren gather, and buy and sell their wares, and where tribute is paid to the lord of their clans.

This time the new lord of the MacNamara clan has raised the tribute, making anger rising about this treatment, and his greedy steward, Ragnall Macnamara, is not making himself very popular.

All of a sudden the body of that steward is found in the churchyard, and Mara is called in to investigate this murder.

This murder is followed with the discovery of another dead body, and so Mara, Judge and Lawgiver, is now even more convinced that these murders are connected, and too prevent this killer to strike again she has to move fast and secure.

What is to follow is an intriguing and thrilling historical Irish mystery, in which Brehon Mara will do everything in her power and abilities to solve these cases are quickly and securely as possible, and after some twists and turns followed by a superbly worked out plot she will be able to identify the culprit, and bring this person to justice in the Brehon Law way.

Highly recommended, for this is a brillant addition to this great series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Fantastic Brehon Mara Sequel"!

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book 2. The mysteries are cleverly woven giving little hints how future historical events will effect this series. The romance with Mara and the King is charming and tastefully done. I love her reasoning. Just a very good read.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow start but by the end I was caught up in the story. Taking place in Ireland while neighboring England is experiencing the early reign of Henry VIII, the story is told from the perspective of Mara, the Brehon Judge, as she endeavors to solve the mystery behind two recent deaths. I found it fascinating that Mara, as a woman, was given so much respect and deference in early 1500s Ireland. There were several passages that contrasted the accepted standards in Ireland vs. England. I felt that I needed a glossary of Gaelic terms although I could elucidate the meaning of most by the end of the book. It just would have been nice to take the guesswork out of it. As for the mystery itself, I like the curve ball at the end and I think I'll be looking for the next in the series if only to see where Mara's relationship with the King goes.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really excellent. So much interesting information about 16th century Ireland and nicely complex mysteries.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a murder mystery set in the west of Ireland in the early 16th century.

The book starts off slow, but then I found it unputdownable at the end.

The murder mystery is good with plenty of false leads and twists to keep us guessing and engaged.

The historical perspective explores the Irish system of hierarchy and society before English law came into force. In particular the Brehon laws are explained - though perhaps a tad overly so. (Editor - where are you?) The differences between the English and Irish ways of life at the time are referred to interestingly and well researched.

I found some of the Irish names and placenames odd - and I live 50 miles from where this is set. Some names I did not recognise - I thought Facthnan should be Facthna. I never heard of Cumhal.
In my head I was travelling the roads between the recognisable placenames - but I believe that some are made up (Oughtmama?)and this was a slight irritation - but I now stand corrected on this - it is obscure and I have even been there - but it is not even a village now. However this might all be irrelevant to someone not familiar with the area.

The book reminds me of one of my bugbears - if a book, article etc refers to different places it should put in a map.

I was disappointed that my edition had no information about the author.

[Margo Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first hundred pages or so of this novel difficult. There were a lot of medieval Irish words, there was a lot of discussion about Irish kin and political systems. But, the last two hundred pages I read in one continuous sitting. I've read a lot of historical fiction about the worlds of the Tutors, but never anything about Ireland. Learning about how different that world was was a great experience. I also enjoyed the characters--a female judge/law teacher and her small hoard of young students, the king and leaders of three kinship groups, the servants and farmers and craftsmen. She brought these communities to life and also wrote an interesting mystery with several twists. Some may see the ending as a little too wrapped up, but I appreciated it.

[Ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a really cool setting and main character. It is a murder mystery historical fiction mystery set in western Ireland during the 1500s. The protagonist is Mara, a female Judge who held the second rank of authority in an Irish kingdom after the king. The author lives in the place the book is set so it has great details. It also has good information about the time. This book probably deserves a better rating than I gave it. I accidentally read the second book in the series without reading the first. Also, I was just getting back into reading physical books after many years, so it was hard for me to get through a whole book. So those things probably skewed my rating.

[Reggie Billingsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like a bit of a humbug attributing only 3 stars to this work as I had returned to the series in a desperate attempt to cleanse my palette of all the cosy drech I'd been forced to consume lately. So maybe I should shove it up to a 3.5...3.75?

Harrison surely knows her stuff and slides into the life of 16thC west Ireland as easily as a supper of smooth ale and oatcakes. My only quibble could be due to my aging brain for the true complexity of this mystery. The Gaelic place names and terminology are enough to deal with but the character names and relationships truly demand attention and possibly note taking. For now I will opt for the later reason and wishfully ignore the probable reality of the former explanation.

Still and all...the descriptions of the Burren landscape and weather are so vivid and compelling, I find myself wishing to return to that countryside and just stay still for a while. Shall resolve to enjoy some other of the series titles for a less expensive substitute experience.

[Bobbi Mullins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this book and its precursor. I can’t wait to read #3. This mystery series is set in Ireland in the early 1500’s so the stories are unique and interesting. I love the characters too, which is not always the case. These books are a good escape read without unnecessary gruesomeness and with just a touch of romance. I’ve also enjoyed learning about the culture and customs of that place and period since my ancestors come from nearby and have been traced back to that time.

[Doreen Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery. A look at how disputes were resolved in Ireland at the time of Henry VIII. And penalties associated with unlawful killing, And how property devolved from one generation to the next. Mixture of community property and private ownership.

[Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parts of this I really liked. There’s great Irish history, Medieval law, etc. However, the mystery was kind of convoluted with multiple scuffles, etc. I’m not really inspired to read others from this series, but then one never knows.

[Laine Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I love this series. Excellent second book in the series, I'm already starting the next one. I love the main character and I kind of hope the BBC makes a miniseries of these books. It would be better than Outlander!!

[Wendy Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a slow start, I really enjoyed this and the conclusion was stunning. I am loving the late bloom relationship between Mara and the king; and the insight into traditional Irish law is fascinating. Overall, this is a very satisfying series so far.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought that this was an enjoyable sequel to the first book in the series. I wasn't sure how all of the pieces would fit together, always a sign of a good mystery.

[Eileen Lynx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely to escape to a place of peaceful justice.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

She's not Louise Penny but these are entertaining and binge-worth. On to the next one.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been captivating, to say the least! If you love historical fiction mixed with murder mystery accompanied by an ensemble of enigmatically enchanting characters, this book is for you!!! Though I do recommend reading the first book - “My Lady Judge” before tackling this one, because the stories do build off of each other!

A twist ending awaits for our heroic lady judge as she searches to bring justice to the beautiful mountain country of the Burren. 😁

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A SECRET AND UNLAWFUL KILLING (aka MICHAELMAS TRIBUTE) (Hist. Mys-Mara-Ireland-1500s) - VG
Harrison, Cora – 2nd in series
Macmillan, 2008, UK Hardcopy – ISBN: 9781405092258

First Sentence: The kingdom of the Burren was then an isolated place, with the Atlantic Ocean guarding its northern and western coast, and the broad sweep of the River Shannon encircling its eastern and southern sides.

November 1509 brings the Michaelmas Fair to the kingdom of Burren. It is also time for the citizens to pay tribute, in coin or goods, to their clan lords.

When the steward of clan MacNamara, who collects tributes for his lord, is found murdered, Mara, the Brehon responsible for enacting the laws of Burren, calls for the murderer to come forth. When no one does, it is up to her to uncover the killer.

I am fascinated by this series and the idea of Brehon law, which existed in Northwest Ireland until it was displaced by English Law. This is not only a very good mystery, but a look at a different legal system and a time when woman played a significant and valued role.

Mara is wonderfully depicted as a strong, responsible woman, who does make mistakes and is torn by her love life as it is weighed off against the proposal of the King. The secondary characters, the boys in her school and her servants, give dimension to Mara and to the story. Bridget, the cook and housekeeper, is particularly delightful.

The historical and geographic setting is so well written, you feel a part of the time. I am delighted to have found this series and look forward to the next book.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 is even better than book one in this series.
Wonderful writing and a fascinating mystery. The look into the laws of Ireland in the early 1500s is amazing, and the relationships formed in this story just get better and better.
It is rare to find a book with such wonderful writing.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second of the Burren series of medieval Irish mysteries, this novels follows fairly closely the plot and flow of the first, but didn’t feel particularly formulaic, since new characters and conflicts are introduced. There is some redundancy in describing the Brehon law, but as I read the first and second novels back to back, this may have been more noticeable to me. I appreciated seeing the growth in character of the young scholars that were first introduced in the previous novel. However, I found the romance between King Turlough and Mara slightly tedious -not that the romance existed, but the repetitive hemming and hawing of how Mara was going to proceed. It allowed for an interesting lesson on Irish marriage, but was otherwise a bit distracting after a point. Once again, the culprit was a surprise, but I was a bit less invested in the answer. In both the first and second novel, the victim(s) are rather unlikeable characters, which does make it more difficult to care about the answer. Hopefully there will be a diversion from the pattern in the third novel, which is ready to go on my Kindle.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story deals with a lady Brehon judge in early Ireland. The setting is the limestone Burren area on the Atlantic shore.
At Michaelmas time a countryside chieftain collects a tribute from his followers. The man who goes around with the cart collecting is not popular and some say he gathers too much of goods.
A murder occurs on the dark lonely roads, amid jealousies, feuds and romances, and the lady lawgiver decides to investigate.

Mainly I thought the story could be improved by a map. At lot of the tale takes place in a few locations and on the roads between them, so if someone's alibi is that they were in a certain place at a certain time, a map would be very handy for the reader. You only really realise this as the book continues past the middle.

I have just found the first in the series (this is the second) and I am looking forward to making the acquaintance of the characters again.

[Spuddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 Burren historical mystery featuring the Brehon Mara. When the unpopular steward of clan MacNamara is found murdered in a churchyard the day after the Michealmas faire, it's up to Mara to determine who killed him and enforce the Brehon laws that have governed Ireland for centuries. A second death complicates matters, but the miller Aengus may actually have been killed before the steward. Mara can't help but believe they are somehow connected, but has difficulty figuring out who had motive, means and opportunity to commit both crimes.

Enjoyable historical, very atmospheric and with a strong sense of place and time, although I must admit I felt a bit weary at the end of it all, with Mara having to traipse up and down the roads several times a day on her horse to gather information. I have to admit I wasn't sure who the killer was until close to the end.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book to feature Brehon Mara. I thought the 1st, "My Lady Judge," was a bit too obvious in terms of how the relationships between the recurring characters would play out. This book is somewhat better in that regard, although at certain turning points in the plot there was no uncertainty in my mind how characters would behave. On the other hand, as far as I know the setting is unique (the Sister Fidelma books take place in the 7th century; these take place in the 16th). So if you're looking for something a little different, this is a good series to check out. For me, this series is a "library" or "paperback" read rather than a "wait impatiently for the UPS man to get here" read or a "hardback I'll get to eventually" read.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. The author writes of two murders taking place in Ireland in 1509, just before Henry VIII became King. Ireland was still independent, ruled by Kings and clans. The lawyers and judges were called Brehon, and in this story, the judge is a woman. She is second only to the King in terms of status and power. The story was okay, and the character's solving of the murders was interesting, but what appealed to me most was that women in Ireland were equal to men in many respects. After English law became Irish law, women lost these rights. For readers, specifically women, who enjoy historical fiction, I would recommend this.

[Pumpkin+Bear · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for medieval fiction, and although I think it's a stretch, at best, to describe this as "medieval"--it's after 1500, for gawd's sake!--the location of Ireland allows the setting to work for the late Middle Ages.

Sure, the book was on the fluffy side, but it flowed well and was a quick read, with an entertaining juxtaposition between the heroine's dual careers as judge/lawer/investigator and head of a law school that consists mainly of young boys. You've got some good professional woman lit on one side, and some good mom lit on the other.

Didn't add anything meaningful to my life or anything, but it was fun.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just have not been pulled into this book and I think I am done with this series. I would lose track of which kin group was which easily and Mara was getting on my nerves with her inability to make up her mind about the wedding and when I skimmed the end she seems to say yes out of pity! The poor guy is grieving one son who is fatally and the other running off to England as a murderer. It seems like she is much more attached to the neighbor and if she has to think this hard about his proposal then the answer should be no - feels like soap opera forming. I am just not sure I like where this series is headed and there is so much other stuff to read I am moving on.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love with this author, and with Mara, the main character of this series. Mara is a Brehon, a female judge in Ireland, and, in this novel, she's solving murders (of course!) and trying to decide if she should give up everything she has to marry a king. I have a feeling she won't--she's thinking about a marriage in the 4th degree, where they both would keep their own homes and meet whenever they need to, to, um, act like a married couple.

The more I learn about ancient Gaelic law, the more I'm intrigued. Off to interlibrary loan the next book!

[Sally Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great mystery series set in ancient Celtic Ireland with a female judge (Brehon) who is the sleuth. There is another series, the Sister Fidelma series, which also features a female judge in medieval Ireland, but I believe this series by Cora Harrison is much, much better. I enjoy learning about how the ancient Celtic clans ruled themselves- very practical and sensible. We could learn a lot from them!

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Harrison has presented a mystery that's infused with the feeling of ancient Ireland. Like in the best historical fiction, the time and place are integral to Harrison's story.

The characters continue to grow and change. The pace is leisurely but not slow. And I really enjoyed the bits of Brehon law. Those glimpses of Celtic law helped ground me in medieval Ireland.

I eagerly await Mara's next case.