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Celtic Riddle: An Archaeological Mystery by Lyn Hamilton — book cover

Celtic Riddle: An Archaeological Mystery

by Lyn Hamilton
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Overview

The co-owner of a Toronto antiques store, Lara McClintoch is obsessed with finding rare and beautiful artifacts. Her travels take her to the ends of the earth, where history jealously guards its treasures—and where the mysteries of the past meet hte dangers of the present...

Lara accompanies her employee to County Kerry, Ireland, for the reading of an old friend's will. The well-to-do Eamon Byrne left each of his quarreling heirs a clue—a piece of a puzzle that would lead to a mysterious treasure—but the family would have to work together, combining the clues to give them meaning. When Lara discovers the ancient Celtic poem that serves as the key, she begins to close in on the treasure, fascinated by the intricate riddle. Line by line, stanza by stanza, she comes closer to the secret, but someone thwarts her at every turn—with murder...

Synopsis

The co-owner of a Toronto antiques store, Lara McClintoch is obsessed with finding rare and beautiful artifacts. Her travels take her to the ends of the earth, where history jealously guards its treasures—and where the mysteries of the past meet hte dangers of the present...

Lara accompanies her employee to County Kerry, Ireland, for the reading of an old friend's will. The well-to-do Eamon Byrne left each of his quarreling heirs a clue—a piece of a puzzle that would lead to a mysterious treasure—but the family would have to work together, combining the clues to give them meaning. When Lara discovers the ancient Celtic poem that serves as the key, she begins to close in on the treasure, fascinated by the intricate riddle. Line by line, stanza by stanza, she comes closer to the secret, but someone thwarts her at every turn—with murder...

Toronto Globe and Mail

[A] clever tale.

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Editorials

Toronto Globe and Mail

[A] clever tale.

KLIATT

The author's fourth archaeological mystery features mythic Ireland, with special focus on County Kerry. Lara McClintoch, Toronto dealer in antiques, goes with her colleague Alex Stewart to the reading of a will that indicates Eamon Byrne has left something, not only to the Byrne family, but also to Alex and others. Byrne, via VCR, intones the following: "It is a source of considerable pain to me that there is so much strife in this family. In an effort to address this, even in death, I have designed an exercise that will require you to work together." Two lawyers give the seven individuals named in the will an envelope with a clue. Only Alex announces his clue, saying "I am the sea-swell." The others retreat with their unopened envelopes. Very quickly, Lara and Alex, along with a policeman and his young adult daughter who travel with them, discover all the clues are parts of the great Song of Amairgen whose lines form the chapter headings and contain information about the great prize or about its location. There is much use of "ogham," ancient writing, and the young woman is invaluable in decoding by using her ability to speak backwards (after a teacher suggested that it would improve creative thinking.) The Canadians are intrigued, and close readers should enjoy the chase throughout Kerry. Ireland's mythology, literature, and character are multi-layered in this beautifully crafted mystery, which is sure to please and educate. KLIATT Codes: SA—Recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2000, Berkley, 296p, 18cm, $6.50. Ages 16 to adult. Reviewer: Maureen K. Griffin; Teacher/Libn., Williams M.S., Chelsea, MA, March 2001 (Vol. 35 No. 2)

Library Journal

Toronto antiques dealer and amateur sleuth Lara McClintock (The Moche Warrior) accompanies co-worker Alex -and two other friends - to Ireland for the reading of a video will. Alex's bequest is a cliff-top cottage and one of seven clues that, if put together, lead to an "item of great value." Depairing of the teamwork needed from the deceased's greedy and dysfunctional family, Alex and Lara determined to find so-called treasure, spurred on by the suspicious deaths of a servant and gardener. The well-drawn characters' foray through Irish countryside and Celtic myth willdelight readers.

Book Details

Published
February 1, 2000
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Pages
296
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780425172353

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