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Burren Mysteries #5
Eye of the Law
A Mystery of Medieval Ireland - 1510. A great feast is being held. Into a crowd listening to the story of Balor, the one-eyed god, come two strangers. The younger of the two, Iarla, bears a letter that claims that the wealthy Ardal O’Lochlainn is his true father – which Ardal vociferously denies. So when Iarla is found dead, with one eye missing, some think he was killed by the god – but most suspect Ardal. Mara, the Brehon – or lawgiver – of the Burren, is called to investigate.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2010
18 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Cora Harrison
90 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 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 13, 2021
Read this book in 2010, and its the 5th part of the glorious "Burren" series, set in medieval Ireland in the 16th Century, featuring Brehon Mara of the Burren.
Set in AD 1510, this tale starts with a feast in which a story is being told to the people about Balor, the one-eyed God, when two strangers enter this feast.
One of these strangers is Larla, and he has letter proclaiming him to be the true son of the wealthy Ardal O'Lochlainn, a fact that Ardal strongly denies.
Not long after this incident, Larla is found dead and with one eye missing, most fingers of accusation point towards Ardal.
Brehon Mara and her pupils will come in to investigate the murder of Larla, and what they will encounter is quite a difficult case to solve.
What is to follow is an intriguing and fascinating Irish historical mystery, in which Mara and her pupils will have use their cunning and wits to solve this riddle, and when they do so they will be able to unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, and in the end catch and confront the culprit, and sentence that same person according to Brehon Law.
Highly recommended, for this a great addition to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Most Fascinating Eye Of The Law"!
Set in AD 1510, this tale starts with a feast in which a story is being told to the people about Balor, the one-eyed God, when two strangers enter this feast.
One of these strangers is Larla, and he has letter proclaiming him to be the true son of the wealthy Ardal O'Lochlainn, a fact that Ardal strongly denies.
Not long after this incident, Larla is found dead and with one eye missing, most fingers of accusation point towards Ardal.
Brehon Mara and her pupils will come in to investigate the murder of Larla, and what they will encounter is quite a difficult case to solve.
What is to follow is an intriguing and fascinating Irish historical mystery, in which Mara and her pupils will have use their cunning and wits to solve this riddle, and when they do so they will be able to unravel this mystery of mayhem and murder, and in the end catch and confront the culprit, and sentence that same person according to Brehon Law.
Highly recommended, for this a great addition to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Most Fascinating Eye Of The Law"!
October 11, 2018
Looking forward to the next one.
February 13, 2022
Is it possible that this is my favorite Burren mystery, or do I always say that? For sure this one was superb with visits by Mara and the King to the Aran Islands as well as Galway and just all over her neighborhood in the Burren.
Mara is expecting her son in this book and I know how all that will come out. Nula gets situated for her life here as does everyone, actually.
A very fine book with lots of the Brehon Law spelled out for us and a terrific mystery. If you have not read this one yet, you surely need to do so. Cora Harrison's Irish history as it relates to the Burren and Brehon law is always accurate.
Mara is expecting her son in this book and I know how all that will come out. Nula gets situated for her life here as does everyone, actually.
A very fine book with lots of the Brehon Law spelled out for us and a terrific mystery. If you have not read this one yet, you surely need to do so. Cora Harrison's Irish history as it relates to the Burren and Brehon law is always accurate.
November 9, 2020
This book is one of the author's mysteries set in sixteenth century Ireland [1], and it features her beloved Mara, Brehon of the Burren, and wife of the King of Thromond, solving another murder mystery that blends high politics and the deeply personal relationships of life in Ireland. The story is itself a strange and compelling one, one that reminds the reader that Brehon law is very different from the sorts of law that we expect out of the tradition of England and continental Europe, and that the law and its practice has always had to deal with the complexities of people and their behavior, and this behavior is not terribly dissimilar from what we would expect people to act throughout history, even though it is compellingly written from a sound knowledge of Irish texts and presumably actual cases that can be found in history. This is a historical mystery, and one that ought to please readers who have enjoyed the author's other work. As one might expect, solving the mystery requires a sound knowledge of motive and opportunity as well as an awareness of the complex legal and political environment of Ireland during the 16th century, where Irish native rulers struggled to maintain their position in the face of growing encroachments from Tudor monarchs who would eventually put an end to all of the independent regimes of Ireland over the course of the next century and a half or so.
Without giving away too many spoilers, this novel is a pageturning classic in its presentation of the repercussions of the arrival of two men to claim that one Aral O'Lochlainn, a wealthy clan leader, is the father of one of the visitors from the Aran Islands, Iarla, who bears a letter from his local priest (a relative of his, as it happens) testifying the account of the dying words of his mother, who was known to be a bit promiscuous even by the lax standards of an Irish maiden. This Ardal denies, and when Iarla is found dead with one of his eyes cut out, a grim reminder of the myth of the eye of Balor, which plays a role in the story in several interrelated ways, Ardal is viewed as the prime suspect even though it is obvious to Mara that something deeper is afoot and he is being set up by someone else. Mara seeks to solve the case while also dealing with the drama of a young woman who wants to be a doctor but whose father is remarrying a greedy widow and wants her set aside and is willing to countenance the theft of her land, even as she deals with the late stages of pregnancy, which complicate her traveling to investigate as well as her teaching of law classes as she and her students attempt to solve first one and then two secret and unlawful killings.
Without giving away too many spoilers, this book exhibits the traits of the author's writing, but that is by no means a bad thing. By the time one has read a few mysteries by an author, it is often pretty easy to get a sense of the author's approach to her subject matter, and that is certainly the case here. As one might expect, the book is full of dealing with women's issues, including the desire of women (like Mara, but by no means only her) for some degree of autonomy and a high degree of respect, a theme which runs throughout this book, even in such matters as the question of impotence of men and its consequences. The book also has an obvious suspect who is not himself guilty, but who is deeply involved in the context of the crimes and who makes for an obvious target of the investigation, even as he himself ends up being a victim of sorts. The book, like the author's works as a whole, has a bittersweet ending that reminds the reader of the limitation of justice, as the wrongdoer finds himself banished but beyond the reach of the brehon because of his skillful choice of a place to escape. Thus the author subtly provides a discussion of how the spread of English law in Ireland's cities undermined the native legal order of Ireland even before Ireland was fully subdued by the English.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2020...
Without giving away too many spoilers, this novel is a pageturning classic in its presentation of the repercussions of the arrival of two men to claim that one Aral O'Lochlainn, a wealthy clan leader, is the father of one of the visitors from the Aran Islands, Iarla, who bears a letter from his local priest (a relative of his, as it happens) testifying the account of the dying words of his mother, who was known to be a bit promiscuous even by the lax standards of an Irish maiden. This Ardal denies, and when Iarla is found dead with one of his eyes cut out, a grim reminder of the myth of the eye of Balor, which plays a role in the story in several interrelated ways, Ardal is viewed as the prime suspect even though it is obvious to Mara that something deeper is afoot and he is being set up by someone else. Mara seeks to solve the case while also dealing with the drama of a young woman who wants to be a doctor but whose father is remarrying a greedy widow and wants her set aside and is willing to countenance the theft of her land, even as she deals with the late stages of pregnancy, which complicate her traveling to investigate as well as her teaching of law classes as she and her students attempt to solve first one and then two secret and unlawful killings.
Without giving away too many spoilers, this book exhibits the traits of the author's writing, but that is by no means a bad thing. By the time one has read a few mysteries by an author, it is often pretty easy to get a sense of the author's approach to her subject matter, and that is certainly the case here. As one might expect, the book is full of dealing with women's issues, including the desire of women (like Mara, but by no means only her) for some degree of autonomy and a high degree of respect, a theme which runs throughout this book, even in such matters as the question of impotence of men and its consequences. The book also has an obvious suspect who is not himself guilty, but who is deeply involved in the context of the crimes and who makes for an obvious target of the investigation, even as he himself ends up being a victim of sorts. The book, like the author's works as a whole, has a bittersweet ending that reminds the reader of the limitation of justice, as the wrongdoer finds himself banished but beyond the reach of the brehon because of his skillful choice of a place to escape. Thus the author subtly provides a discussion of how the spread of English law in Ireland's cities undermined the native legal order of Ireland even before Ireland was fully subdued by the English.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2020...
January 20, 2018
I have read seven of this series so far, and felt that this one was the strongest and the most compelling. By now, the characters have all been well-developed, although relationships continue to develop as in real life. As usual, the book dwells on Mara's personal life, and her relationships, to a greater extent than in many other books of this genre. This works well in some of the books (like this one) but not as well in some others (such as Book 6).
While it is not essential to read them in order, I would strongly recommend doing so. The medieval Irish law (Brehon Law) is entirely different than English law as is the concept of the Brehon (lawyer/magistrate). This is all explained to some extent in each book but one gets the best appreciation of the entire system by reading the books in order.
The murders and mystery are very well presented, with plenty of suspense. I found it difficult to put the book down at midnight when I should certainly have been fast asleep.
While it is not essential to read them in order, I would strongly recommend doing so. The medieval Irish law (Brehon Law) is entirely different than English law as is the concept of the Brehon (lawyer/magistrate). This is all explained to some extent in each book but one gets the best appreciation of the entire system by reading the books in order.
The murders and mystery are very well presented, with plenty of suspense. I found it difficult to put the book down at midnight when I should certainly have been fast asleep.
March 18, 2024
The god Balor has only one eye but, when opened, it is extremely destructive. So when the body of a recently arrived stranger from the Aran island of Inisheer is found near Balor’s cave, more than a few of the Burren folk attribute the killing to the violent god. Mara, Brehon of the Burren and wife of the king, is determined to discover the human agent of the murder. The story is set in early 16th century, although there are few details to anchor the story to a time setting. The murder victim several times is referred to as the “Man of Aran,” bringing to mind the 1934 film of that name, which emphasized the timelessness of life on the islands.
May 3, 2019
Another excellent installment
The Brehon, a lady judge investigates and solves the murder (secret and unlawful killing of 2 men from outside the Burren. The lack of forensic evidence or modern technology makes for an interesting story of deductive reasoning and nimble wit. A super read
The Brehon, a lady judge investigates and solves the murder (secret and unlawful killing of 2 men from outside the Burren. The lack of forensic evidence or modern technology makes for an interesting story of deductive reasoning and nimble wit. A super read
August 18, 2021
I have become a huge fan of this series, as it intertwines excellent characterisation and wonderful descriptions of a part of the world I know and love with fascinating insights into Brehon law. This is possibly my favourite of the books so far, and I am enjoying the development of the various characters over the series. Straight on to the next I think!
February 14, 2018
I found the book fascinating. Not just the mystery of the death of the nephew and uncle from one of the islands but also the codification of the law and how it was applied and the system of applying it. Almost an amalgamation of our civil law and criminal law.
May 17, 2018
I like this series, especially its use of recurring characters, and this book was no exception. I thought that it was well-crafted and an interesting story. I also enjoy learning tidbits of what life was like in 16th century Ireland.
September 29, 2019
I have grown to love Mara and her Burren mysteries. By her interactions with her law school scholars, it is so easy to teach me something about medieval Irish law (which seems so practical and fair!) without seeming like I'm reading from a textbook. Also, Mara is an excellent detective-it is fascinating watching her track down and fit all the puzzle pieces together to solve the crime and bring justice to the Burren.
June 12, 2017
This series just keeps getting better and better.
Looking forward to starting the next one!
Looking forward to starting the next one!
Read
May 15, 2020Kid shows up and says he's the son of one of Mara's rich friends. The kid ends up dead. Who dunit? Another nice read in the series.
July 7, 2024
Love this series.
July 25, 2024
Another engaging mystery in 16th century Ireland.
September 8, 2020
Fun beach read! Ending was a big surprise.
April 28, 2020
I just love this series. Ireland at this time was not a bad place to be a woman. Drat that English law that took over and made a hash of it all!
July 29, 2011
The Burren’s Brehon (and new wife of King Turlough) Mara is faced with yet another perplexing murder when two strangers, who arrived from the Aran Islands to claim kinship with a local noble, Ardal, are found dead outside the cave of Balor. Doubts exist about the kinship but suspicion still focuses on Ardal. Was he afraid of these interlopers enough to kill them? Or is the secret deeper than that? Slowed by her pregnancy and by other problems arising in the community, it takes Mara a while to arrive at the truth.
Though I did enjoy this book, I found it slightly irritating that the answer to the solution was obvious from the beginning but the story was stretched out with the excuse of Mara’s pregnancy. However, the plot was kept interesting enough to keep me reading and I did enjoy the idea of a strong female leader existing in medieval Ireland. I also enjoyed the excerpts of Brehon law that Harrison includes at the beginning of each chapter, especially this one:
“Cain Lanamna (Law of Marriage): A woman has a right to bear a child and she may divorce her husband if any failing on his part impedes that right. Divorce may be obtained if the husband is impotent, too fat for intercourse, if he spurns the marriage bed… [or] if he is sterile (and his wife has been fruitful in an earlier marriage.) In the case of sterility, if the husband wishes to retain he wife, she has the right to conceive a child with another man and then to return to her husband. The child must be reared by the husband with all rights and privileges as if it were his own. “
Though I did enjoy this book, I found it slightly irritating that the answer to the solution was obvious from the beginning but the story was stretched out with the excuse of Mara’s pregnancy. However, the plot was kept interesting enough to keep me reading and I did enjoy the idea of a strong female leader existing in medieval Ireland. I also enjoyed the excerpts of Brehon law that Harrison includes at the beginning of each chapter, especially this one:
“Cain Lanamna (Law of Marriage): A woman has a right to bear a child and she may divorce her husband if any failing on his part impedes that right. Divorce may be obtained if the husband is impotent, too fat for intercourse, if he spurns the marriage bed… [or] if he is sterile (and his wife has been fruitful in an earlier marriage.) In the case of sterility, if the husband wishes to retain he wife, she has the right to conceive a child with another man and then to return to her husband. The child must be reared by the husband with all rights and privileges as if it were his own. “
August 31, 2016
I LOVE this series but contrary to other readers it was not my favorite. To me, the book just seemed to plod along very slowly. It took me forever to get into it. However, I like how they keep progressing with character development. Even the main characters never stand still, like real people, they're always growing, changing and adapting to whatever and whomever life throws at them. They're always well written and the historical notes of medieval Ireland at the beginning of every chapter of every book are worth their weight in gold. Fans of historical detective stories should gobble these up.
November 2, 2013
Another solid entry in this series set in early 1500's Ireland, featuring Mara who is not only a Brehon but also runs the local law school and is betrothed to the local clan chief and King. As usual, the series provides an eloquent mingling of Mara's personal life, presentation of the facts of the mystery and interpretation of the laws of the day, and well-wrought depiction of the physical environment and the life of the people at that time.
I apologize for the lack of a 'real' review...time has slipped away and with 40+ books listed as 'currently reading' (obviously not accurate!) I need to just give a star rating and move along so I can catch up!
I apologize for the lack of a 'real' review...time has slipped away and with 40+ books listed as 'currently reading' (obviously not accurate!) I need to just give a star rating and move along so I can catch up!
August 6, 2010
This is a "who dunnit" mystery set in sixteenth century Ireland, a female judge and some references to Irish law. It was well written and interesting. I see now (on goodreads) that it is book 5 of a series. I thought it was a stand-alone novel. I will need to read others by this author.
August 23, 2011
Another satisfying historical mystery. Although I would recommend reading the earlier stories in this series, it's not completely necessary.
If you liked the other mysteries by Harrison, you'll enjoy this one.
If you liked the other mysteries by Harrison, you'll enjoy this one.
November 10, 2014
Boo, this is the last one! What am I supposed to do for light-hearted and fun reading till she writes more? Seriously...public library types, what am I supposed to read till she writes more?! Help.
July 22, 2010
Another solid entry in the Brehon Mara series, marred somewhat by Mara and her students overlooking two very obvious clues until the text had reached book length.
October 18, 2010
I thought I had guessed the murderer before the end but there was an extra twist I hadn't expected. The author has settled into her scenery and characters and I've really been enjoying this series.
Read
October 26, 2010vivid descriptions,set in South West Ireland in 1510 . A good story with many twists.
February 8, 2011
Nicely done. Since I came in mid-series, I thought it could have used a who's who list at the front--especially with many similar names.
May 13, 2011
Another intriguing mystery in this series on medieval Ireland featuring a female Brehon, or judge.
October 17, 2011
Good story and interesting, well-developed characters. Learning about old Irish law and customs is a real plus for this series!
April 28, 2012
REally enjoyed this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews