Cora Harrison’s eighth Reverend Mother mystery, Murder in an Orchard Cemetery is a book that fits my taste in Irish history. Admittedly, a lot of people won’t find this leisurely paced historical mystery as intriguing as I did. Harrison brings together the three protagonists in every book, and, through their eyes, readers see the violent history of Cork in the mid-1920s, as well as the division between the social classes.

Usually, Reverend Mother Aquinas looks forward to the annual retreat for the religious superiors of Cork school. It’s seven days of silence and prayer. But, this year, the bishop has rescinded the order of complete silence, and invited five people running for alderman, four men and a woman who hope to win the bishop’s support, knowing they could become Mayor of Cork eventually, a position of power, influence, and, a steppingstone to wealth.

There’s a cemetery in an orchard on the property of the convent where the retreat is held. When she’s tired of politics, Reverend Mother finds it a perfect place for a little quiet and time to herself, or the chance to converse in French with another Reverend Mother. So, she’s irritated that the bishop announces his favorite candidate will need her favorite spot to work towards the end of the retreat. When a bomb explodes, killing the candidate, Reverend Mother suspects politics. In fact, the first thought from everyone, including Inspector Patrick Cashman, is the IRA.

For a short time as a child, Patrick was one of Reverend Mother’s students. He’s learned quite a lot as he’s worked to move upward in the Garda. One thing he’s learned is to listen, and not rush into conversation. He’s learned from one of Reverend Mother’s other students as well. Eileen is bright. Once an active member of the IRA, she’s working as a reporter, but with Reverend Mother’s assistance, she received a college scholarship, and hopes to continue on to become a solicitor. With her background, she knows that bomb was too small for the IRA, and they didn’t claim the death.

Step-by-step, Reverend Mother, Patrick, and Eileen work towards a solution. But, it’s Reverend Mother, with the wisdom of her years, her life among the wealthy before she took her vows, and her knowledge of people, who finds the answer. It’s an answer she’s willing to confide only in her friend, Dr. Scher, another person who understands the people of Cork.

Murder in an Orchard Cemetery may have a little too much local history for some readers. And, some won’t find the solution satisfying. However, after reading this series, the solution works for Reverend Mother Aquinas, who really answers only to God.

Cora Harrison’s website is http://coraharrison.com/

Murder in an Orchard Cemetery by Cora Harrison. Severn House, 2021. ISBN 9780727890405 (hardcover), 240p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a .PDF to review the book for a journal.