Synopses & Reviews
Bright lights, dark secrets, and first love all come about in the second book in this lush series
It's 1924. Leaving their beloved Beech Grove Manor to go to London for the season, Poppy and Daisy Derrington know that they must shine as debutantes. Since a girl cannot inherit her father's estate, the sisters have to marry well or face being left penniless. But it's not money or marriage that interests them, it's music, cinema, literature, fashion, parties, love—everything that is shiny and new. Trapped by the dusty traditions of their class, Daisy and Poppy must choose between family duty and the bright lights of the roaring twenties.
Review
“Enchanting. . . . The old-fashioned appeal of Harrisons prose opens up a new world while harkening back to the way writers like Ellis Peters fashioned their historical mysteries.” —The Sun (Baltimore)
“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 (UK)
“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
Synopsis
Five hundred years ago, the western seaboard of Ireland was home to an independent kingdom that lived peacefully by the ancient Celtic laws of their forebears. On the first eve of a festive celebration, all the people of the land headed up Mullaghmore Mountain to light a bonfire. But one man—assistant to Mara, the Kings appointed judge and lawgiver—did not return.
For two days he lay in the mountains being picked clean by ravens. And yet no one spoke of him or told what they had seen. Who killed him? Why? When Mara comes seeking answers to these questions, she discovers that more than just her own life may be in danger.
About the Author
Cora Harrison lives in the Burren in the west of Ireland, an area whose landscape and history form the background to a medieval series of which this is the first novel. She has published twenty-five books for children, mainly dealing with Irish history and mythology.