This is the eighth book in the "Burren Mysteries" series, set in 16th-century Ireland. The protagonist is Mara, a judge of Brehon law, which was Ireland's native system of law until it was replaced by English common law in the 17th century. Mara lives in the Burren, in northwest Ireland, where she hears cases and runs a law school. In this installment Mara and her scholars travel to the city-state of Galway, where a Burren man has been jailed for theft. Mara wants to try to get him released, but then she becomes embroiled in a murder investigation involving the mayor's family.

This was the first book I read in the series and I would certainly read more. Having recently visited the Burren and Galway myself, I enjoyed seeing how it would have looked several centuries ago. And as a female judge, Mara made an interesting character. I also liked the group dynamic among the scholars; they were all very resourceful and had their own personalities, even if some of them received less of a role in the proceedings than others.

Overall this was a very comfortable read (I read it in a couple of days) and there is enough historical background about Brehon law to make you feel like you're learning something as well as enjoying a mystery. The mystery itself is also fairly cozy, not too much gore. I would recommend trying this series if you like Irish history or the area in which it is set. ( )