An entirely captivating and readable historical mystery. Hugh Mac Egan finds himself in the middle of deviously twisted plot, attempting to solve the riddle of who killed one of Cardinal Wolsey’s men. Hugh is positive the murderer isn’t his patron's son, nearly everyone else is convinced it is. Chapter one sets the murder centre stage, the chase is on, and Hugh needs all of his wits about him. Cora Harrison describes the time and place so evocatively, the pages hum with intensity. Interesting facts are sprinkled through the story, yet it doesn't feel as though you are getting a history lesson. Names from the past, Cardinal Wolsey, Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, all become living breathing people, however the writing ensures Hugh remains the anchor within this fascinating set of characters. ‘The Cardinal’s Court’ allows you to walk into the past, and encourages your mind to unravel the intricate plot, what a fabulous start to a new series. ~ Liz Robinson
Click here to read a Q&A with Cora Harrison on writing historical fiction.
The Cardinal's Court A Hugh Mac Egan Mystery Synopsis
Hampton Court, 1522. Two young men, both heirs to an earldom, both rivals, both already inflamed with jealousy. In the hothouse atmosphere of Cardinal Wolsey's luxurious palace their hatred grows and comes to a climax on Shrove Tuesday, when Queen Katherine of Aragon brings her ladies-in-waiting to the palace. One of the ladies, Anne Boleyn, is to marry James Butler, son of the Earl of Ormond in Ireland, but appears more attracted to Henry Percy, son of the Earl of Northumberland. And when a member of the cardinal's staff is found shot dead with an arrow, Percy is quick to give evidence that implicates Butler. With Percy's testimony unexpectedly backed by Anne Boleyn, things start to look bleak for the young Irishman. Luckily, his father has sent a Brehon lawyer, Hugh Mac Egan, over from Ormond to draw up the marriage contract between the Butlers and the Boleyns. With many years' experience in solving crimes, Mac Egan sets out to prove the innocence of his patron's son and heir, and to find the real killer...
'Mistaken identities, strange twists, an intelligent and likable heroine, and a tragic tale of sex, greed, and betrayal make sure your historical mystery readers get this one on their radar.' Booklist starred review of A Shameful Murder
Author
About Cora Harrison
Cora Harrison is the author of the acclaimed Burren Mysteries (Pan), as well as the historical thriller A Shameful Murder (Severn House, 2015). She has written numerous children's books, including the bestselling I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend (Macmillan, 2010).
Click here to read a Q&A with Cora Harrison on writing historical fiction.
