Murder in the Cathedral - (Reverend Mother Mystery) by Cora Harrison (Hardcover)

About the Book

1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother's Christmas Day festivities are shattered by the terrible news of two suspicious deaths at St Fin Barre's Cathedral. When it is revealed that both the deceased were poisoned, the Reverend Mother is drawn into another puzzling mystery. Can she uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes?

Book Synopsis

The Reverend Mother's investigative skills are called into action again when one of her young pupils is found murdered at St Fin Barre's Cathedral.

"This series ranks near the top among mysteries with a religious lead" -Publishers Weekly Starred Review

1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother's Christmas Day festivities are shattered when the protestant bishop of Cork arrives at the convent with terrible news: one of the Reverend Mother's pupils, the troublesome seven-year-old Edna O'Sullivan, has been found murdered in St Fin Barre's Cathedral. Furthermore, the cathedral's archdeacon, Dr Hearn, is also dead after succumbing to a suspected heart attack in the middle of a service.

When it is revealed that both Edna and the archdeacon were poisoned, the Reverend Mother is drawn into another puzzling mystery. Was the boy used as part of an elaborate plot to murder the archdeacon? And if so, why was he willing to risk his life to do so? As she investigates, the Reverend Mother makes a series of disturbing and intriguing discoveries. Can she uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes?

From the Back Cover

CORA HARRISON
MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL

1920s. Cork, Ireland. The Reverend Mother's Christmas Day festivities are shattered when the Protestant bishop of Cork arrives at the convent with terrible news: one of her pupils, the troublesome seven-year-old Enda O'Sullivan, has been found murdered in St Fin Barre's Cathedral. Furthermore, the cathedral's archdeacon, Dr Hearn, is also dead after succumbing to a suspected heart attack in the middle of a service.

When it is revealed that both Edna and the archdeacon were poisoned, the Reverend Mother is drawn into another puzzling mystery. Was the boy used as part of an elaborate plot to murder the archdeacon? And if so, why was he willing to risk his life to do so? As she investigates, the Reverend Mother makes a series of disturbing and intriguing discoveries. Can she uncover the truth behind these heinous crimes?

Review Quotes

A solid entry in a consistently engaging series-- "Booklist"

Harrison's outstanding ninth whodunit . . . ranks near the top among mysteries with a religious lead-- "Publishers Weekly Starred Review"

Plenty of suspects dramatizing Ireland's religious differences provide an excellent character-driven mystery-- "Kirkus Reviews"

A historically interesting mystery with a wise, empathetic sleuth and a shocking denouement-- "Kirkus Reviews on Murder in an Orchard Cemetery"

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 on Murder in an Orchard Cemetery"

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

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"

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.