A Mass for the Dead

Scotland, 1373, The Hebrides: Crispinus, the head of Oronsay Priory, is found strangled in the middle of the tidal strand separating the holy island of Oronsay from the larger island of Colonsay. The Lord of the Isles assigns the task of finding the killer to Muirteach, the Prior's son. Crispinus leaves behind a mistress and several other children, in addition to his embittered eldest son, who is thankful he will never hear the words, "My bastard son, the cripple" again. Muirteach searches for his father's murderer, aided by the physician Fearchar Beaton and Fearchar's daughter, Mariota. The killer strikes again, the Lord of the Isles wants the mystery solved quickly, before the Pope and King learn of it, and Muirteach must face his own troubled relationship with his father while he strives to find the killer. The investigation plunges Muirteach deep into a whirlpool of deceit, long buried sins, and treachery, from which no one emerges unscathed. A fine mystery, full of deception, personal turmoil, treachery, and romantic attraction. The plot moves quickly and the characters are well-introduced, garnering emotional appeal with the reader. Her conclusion is satisfying, offering a medieval mirror to current criminal news. Mystery Scene Magazine "Well-paced and engrossing, this blend of faerie lore and all-too-human intrigue will satisfy fans of fantasy and mystery alike." Kirkus Reviews on THE FAERIE HILLS A solid plot and an authentic rendering of the Hebrides Islands in 1373 make this a good choice. . . . Library Journal on THE FAERIE HILLS "Strong period stories deeply rooted in the clan life of the Western Isles in the late 1300s where all relationships are complicated by class, clan and the ever-dominating presence of surrounding seas." Margaret Frazer, author of the Dame Frevisse and Nicholas Joliffe mysteries "A treat for those of us eager for a fresh era, well-integrated history, and a host of interesting characters. " —Priscilla Royal, author of the Prioress Eleanor/Brother Thomas Mysteries.