The Keening: A Mystery of Gaelic Ireland

(Paperback)

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The murdered body of Sorcha the prophetess is discovered following a lavish banquet at the Maguire castle in 16th century Ireland. In present day, a dig commences on the land, and not only is the body discovered, but a sheaf of prophecies. Who killed Sorcha

An award-winning mystery writer's thrilling dual-timeline tale of the lives of an Irish family and a murder that binds them over four centuries.

There has been a guesthouse on the Tierney land in County Fermanagh for hundreds of years. Now Tierneys Hotel is faced with a development that will block the hotels best feature, its view of Enniskillen Castle. But the project can be stopped if there are important historical artifacts buried on the property. Enter the archaeologists. Micks ancestor, Brigid Tierney, ran the guesthouse in the late 1500s. We see Brigid and Shane and their children at a lavish banquet at the castle, home of the ruling family, the Maguires. The wine and ale flow freely, the harpist plays, the bard recites the Maguires heroic deeds. But one woman has a sense of foreboding. Sorcha the prophetess sees harrowing times ahead.

The Tudors of England are determined to complete their brutal conquest of Ireland. The morning after the banquet, Sorcha is found dead on a bed of oak leaves. And Shane is accused of the killing. His lawyer, Terence, conducts his defence on the hilltop that constitutes the court in 1595. Ireland has had a complex and at times woeful history, and we see that history being played out in the lives of the Tierneys, past and present. In 2018, the dig commences on Mick Tierneys land. Historical artifacts Yes. But also a sheaf of prophecies. And a body a bogman four hundred years old.

Reviews

"Those who enjoy historical novels -- particularly mysteries -- are in for a treat with Anne Emery's The Keening: A Mystery of Gaelic Ireland ... Emery effectively switches back and forth from around 1600 to present day resulting in a fascinating read." -- The IFP
"Halifax author Anne Emery has superbly blended two fascinating storylines in The Keening, a splendid murder mystery with characters you wish you knew." -- Winnipeg Free Press
"The intricately developed story may appeal to fans of Cora Harrison's 'Burren' mysteries." -- Library Journal

Author Bio

Anne Emery is a lawyer and author of the Collins-Burke Mystery Series, which has won several awards including the 2019 Arthur Ellis for Best Crime Novel for Though the Heavens Fall. Her series is set in various places: Halifax, Dublin, Belfast, London, New York, Berlin. She lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.