Book Review: Betrayal on Beltane

Reviewed by Kathy L. Brown

A rich, immersive read in the world of the ancient Celts

 In Betrayal on Beltane, readers experience the lives of an ancient civilization. And they see that human nature has changed little since 225 BC. 

In the Celtic settlement of Dùn Cael—occupying lands now known as the Czech Republic—a mysterious stranger’s murder rocks the fabric of the community. You’re right there with Jannon, an apprentice bronzesmith with warrior training as suspicion falls on him.

Jannon is a gifted artisan apprenticed to/adopted by the village bronzesmith. Arriving at the shop one early morning, he discovers a dead body. The body of a stranger. Initially accused of the crime, he must solve the murder to alleviate his neighbors’ suspicions and redeem himself in his warrior father’s eyes. Jannon soon feels this murder is part of a larger crime trend in the village as well as high-level political maneuvering among the Celtic leadership. He must solve the murder to restore order in his society.

This story has many characters, and the book does a phenomenal job with the cues a reader needs to keep everyone straight. Each person has a unique voice and personality that shines through, which also helps the reader keep up with the narrative. 

Betrayal on Beltane is primarily a murder mystery, and the book skillfully sets up many possible perpetrators of its interwoven crimes. As Jannon and his friends collect evidence and undergo menace from the criminal elements, they must eliminate the red herrings and evade the real threat when it becomes painfully clear. 

This book is sure to please historical fiction fans with its richly detailed descriptions of daily life and subtle references that help the reader place the story in time and location, such as an off-handed mention of what those annoying Romans think of the Celts or this view of the village Great Hall. 

“[Leuca] gazed up at the tall, thatched roof of the Hall on its rise above the village. The massive ridge pole soared above with the heads of valiant steeds, their manes blowing free in the breeze, carved into each end.”

The book quickly establishes what’s at stake for Jannon, and the stakes are high, indeed. However, Jannon has many distractions. A possible girlfriend. Family relationship troubles. Career plans. The sleuthing pace slows just when we’d expect it to pick up. 

Like much of the ancient world, the Celts were a slave-holding society. The book provides negative comment on this practice via Jannon’s friend, Leuca, while keeping the character true to an ancient Celtic woman’s point of view. This tricky narrative problem is well-handled. 

Betrayal on Beltane helpfully includes a map of the village and a character list, as well as a guide to the gods and goddesses honored by the Celts. Fans of historical murder mysteries such as the Marcus Didius Falco Mysteries by Lindsey Davis or The Cadfael Chronicles of Ellis Peters will enjoy Betrayal on Beltane’s pleasing mix of whodunit puzzling and daily fascinations of ancient people.

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