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The Sting of Justice
by Cora Harrison

Release Date: 1st May 2009
Publisher: Macmillan
ISBN: 978 1 4050 9227 2
RRP: £16.99

Average Customer Rating: 
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Historical crime set in sixteenth century Ireland...

Third in Mara, Brehon of the Burren series set in sixteenth century Ireland. A wealthy silversmith is found dead, apparently from bee stings. Mara is not immediately convinced and so sets about uncovering more information before making a judgement call. The more she learns about the dead man and his deeds, the more it becomes obvious that there is a vast number of individuals who might benefit from his death – not least the rather complex issue of who is his rightful and legal heir.

Mara is a “safe” character: dependable, conscientious, diplomatic, and poised. She runs a law school with 6 young law scholars ranging in age and ability who assist her investigation. Her position as ‘Brehon’ or Judge ensures a certain degree of cooperation from locals and is noteworthy enough being a female, but what really makes her character all the more interesting is the fact that she is a divorced woman of individual means, respectability and status. Mara is a master of the art of conversation; drawing out tiny bits of information from those around her in order to piece together the truth. A more clear-headed, sound Judge you couldn’t wish for and a wonderfully appealing character.

The Sting of Justice is historical crime; that oddity that neither sits within historical nor crime fiction comfortably. Evidently, it is an eclectic taste, which seems unfair – after all, despite the unusual setting, it is refreshingly unlike modern crime novels, using simple detective techniques and common sense rather than DNA samples and forensic evidence. Each chapter is prefaced with interesting ancient legal facts, which, beyond being indubitably fascinating, are also pertinent to the case at hand.

That Harrison is in thrall to this particular period of Irish history is at once apparent; that she also has an acute sense of pride and admiration for the west of Ireland is equally obvious. Her fastidious attention to detail and keen observational skills are a credit to her writing. She has created a memorable cast and an alluring perception of Ireland – and she is also exceptionally talented at crafting a intriguing whodunit.

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