Intriguing!

In Ireland in the Middle Ages (1519) a Brehon was the Gaelic equivalent of a judge. The statutes that governed daily life in medieval Ireland were called Brehon Law.
Mara, Brehon of the kingdom of Burren, a magistrate and the professor (ollamh) at Cahermacnaghten law school, accompanied by her students, attends an important mass, the Feast of the Holy Cross, at Kilnaboy Church, home to a significant 'relic: a piece of the true cross...housed inside a gold shrine.' When the relic is destroyed or stolen the Brehon has a role to play.
Insights into the ancient laws of Ireland meander in and out of the storyline. I like the way each chapter opens with a quote from a relevant law, setting the scene for what is to come. The punishments for various crimes or abuses against the law is fascinating.
Arson, theft, fanatics, heretics, pilgrims, dark passions, jealousy and avarice present.
Attitudes to Indulgences and Spanish inquisitors become part of the mystery.
The effects of Martin Luther's 39 Articles has crossed from Europe to Ireland. Now, not only the loss of a holy relic is being investigated, but a murder must be investigated. The Brehon must solve both crimes.
The way Mara's students put forward their ideas and work together to form theories, points towards Mara's encouraging abilities as a teacher, reflecting the sort of person she is.
Mara's wry, unspoken humour at their inclusion of her in their discussions, their assumptions about her, is delightful. Such as in a discussion that included vellum making Slevin's hastens to instruct her about it's making. 'Mara smiled an acknowledgement. She liked the way boys of Slevin's age assumed she had little knowledge of practical matters.' All this points to the type of person she is. She has a quiet intelligence, is accepting and caring, and holds the authority of office with strength tempered by compassion. A velvet glove encasing a will of iron. The leadership of women as justices in Ireland in these times is eye opening.
Beautifully written, Harrison's descriptive prose of the land about as the Brehon travels are a delight. The mind's eye easily sees.
Mysterious, yet brimming with wise reflection, a captivating aspect of Harrison's writing style. Through Mara's eyes we see the burdens and joys of her office and a fascinating look at a regrettably overturneded legal system.

A NetGalley ARC ( )

Mara is the Brehon of the Burren in western Ireland where she runs a law school. She and her students travel to Kilnaboy Church for the Feast of the Holy Cross. Also attending the feast is a group of travelers on pilgrimage. All are there to view a piece of the true cross. The tower in which said relic catches fire and destroys the relic and one of the pilgrims confesses to the act. When the man is found dead the next morning, displayed as if on a cross with the stigmata of Christ and a crown of thorns, it is up to Mara and her students to determine how he was killed and whom is responsible.

This is actually the fist in this series that I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Character development is very good. Plot was nicely written and keeps the reader guessing. I will admit though, that I had figured out a good portion of the mystery before I finished the book. I now want to find the rest of the books in this series and read them. ( )