Murder in an Orchard Cemetery - (Reverend Mother Mystery) Large Print by Cora Harrison (Hardcover)

About the Book

Constantly accosted by ambitious, would-be politicians invited by the bishop, the Reverend Mother is finding the week-long sojourn at a convent anything but peaceful. Then a body is discovered in the cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb. Was one of the candidates so desperate to win the election they turned to murder?

Book Synopsis

The peaceful atmosphere of the Reverend Mother's annual retreat is shattered by sudden, violent death in this gripping historical mystery.

1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother regrets the bishop's decision to invite the five candidates for the position of Alderman of the City Council to join them for their annual retreat. Constantly accosted by ambitious, would-be politicians hoping to secure the bishop's backing, she's finding the week-long sojourn at the convent of the Sisters of Charity anything but peaceful. What she doesn't expect to encounter however is sudden, violent death.

When a body is discovered in the convent's apple orchard cemetery, blown to pieces by a makeshift bomb, it is assumed the IRA are responsible. But does the killer lie closer to home? Was one of the candidates so desperate to win the election they turned to murder? Does someone have a hidden agenda? Once again, the Reverend Mother must call on her renowned investigative skills to unearth the shocking truth.

Review Quotes

A classic golden-age mystery whose shocking solution will appeal to fans of Christie and Sayers-- "Kirkus Reviews on Death of a Prominent Citizen"

A historically interesting mystery with a wise, empathetic sleuth and a shocking denouement-- "Kirkus Reviews"

A leisurely paced mystery with roots in the history and culture of Cork. It's a treat for Irish history buffs who follow the series-- "Library Journal"

Brings to life the turbulence and politics of 1920s Ireland. Reverend Mother will appeal to admirers of Ellis Peters' 'Brother Cadfael' mysteries-- "Library Journal Starred Review of Death of a Novice"

Excellent . The pacing, clueing, and characterizations are all top-notch. Father Brown fans will be in heaven-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

Harrison adroitly combines the Reverend Mother's clever investigation with a sympathetic portrayal of the plight of Cork's poor. Fans of historical puzzle mysteries will be delighted-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Death of a Prominent Citizen"

Harrison is at the top of her game in her 6th whodunit ... The fair-play puzzle is among Harrison's finest-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Murder at the Queen's Old Castle"

Sparkling descriptions of life in 1920s Cork and fascinating historical details combine to ably support a clever plot and an intriguing cast-- "Booklist on Murder at the Queen's Old Castle"

The intriguing plot, the keen insights, and the clever heroine make this a fine read for the historical-mystery crowd-- "Booklist on Death of a Prominent Citizen"

About the Author

Cora Harrison turned to writing historical fiction after she retired from teaching to live on a farm near the Burren in the west of Ireland. As well as the Reverend Mother mysteries, she is the author of the Gaslight mysteries series set in Victorian London, and the 'Mara' series of Celtic mysteries, set in 16th-century Ireland.