Death on the Holy Mountain

Lord Francis Powerscourt has been asked by Earl Brandon to investigate the thefts of several paintings from his estates and neighbouring estates in Ireland. Is it a plan to extort money out of the landholders, could it be an attempt to frighten the landholders into leaving Ireland or is it intended simply as a way to raise money?

Powerscourt is not granted the Irish welcome he was expecting when he arrives in Ireland.  The first place he visits, the owner is downright hostile.  However, the reception at the second household is much more open.  While there, news arrives of another set of stolen paintings.  At the same time, Powerscourt's friend, Johnny Fitzgerald brings news of similar paintings for sale in New York.

When a fourth big house is invaded and the paintings stolen, the owner is all set on bringing in a contingent of Orangemen from the north.  Powerscourt gets him to delay that by a week so that the investigation can continue.  Shortly after this, an attempt is made on Powerscourt's life.  Later one of the paintings is returned, however, the faces in the painting have been changed to those of local Irish residents.

Matters take a turn for the worse when two women are abducted.  A confusing twist to the case occurs when the body of a young man, shot to death, is found atop the nearby holy mountain on the eve of a pilgrimage.  Powerscourt and Fitzgerald must now attain the release of the women, find the paintings and determine who killed the young men before the deadline is reached.

A good, quick read by David Dickinson.