The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley—Review
Updated: Sep 2
Susanna Kearsley's The Shadowy Horses is an atmospheric blend of historical mystery, archaeology, the paranormal, and understated romance. Set in the Scottish Borderlands, the novel follows archaeologist Verity Grey as she searches for the lost Ninth Roman Legion—and finds that some mysteries may be more alive than she expected.
With its windswept Scottish setting, village characters, ancient history, and just enough romance to complement the mystery, The Shadowy Horses has an unusual atmosphere all its own.
A Reader's Opinion
Brilliant, brooding, and beautiful!
The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley is a well-written journey with a fascinating and endearing cast of characters.
This atmospheric book had me back in Scotland, walking the hills and interacting with villagers. Perhaps it's the Scottish in me, or my former desire to become an anthropologist, but I easily found myself transfixed by the blend of archaeology, ghosts, special powers, and a sprinkling of romance. One might wonder at first how the author will manage to take all of these elements and fuse them into a cohesive story . . . Well, she does it, in first-person narrative no less. I say that simply because I'm not usually a fan, except in this case, the author's writing style is so smooth and flawless, and had me turning pages well into the night.
The Shadowy Horses brings Verity Grey together with a mix of colorful village people, interesting colleagues, a charming young boy with a special gift, and a wealthy eccentric who isn't as daft as some people believe.
I found myself enthralled with the history and paranormal, and I certainly enjoyed the dry humor scattered throughout. The romance is subtle, clean, and woven in like a delicate thread that vibrates through the story without overpowering other elements.
Susanna Kearsley now ranks on my list of must-read authors. Read the book with an open mind and let the story take you where it will.
About the Book
Archaeologist Verity Grey travels to the Scottish Borderlands to investigate a possible Roman archaeological site connected to the mysterious disappearance of the Ninth Roman Legion. Her eccentric employer believes the site holds the answer to one of history's enduring mysteries, while a local boy's claims of seeing a Roman soldier add an unsettling supernatural element.
As Verity explores the landscape and gets to know the people who live there, she finds herself drawn deeper into a mystery that reaches across centuries.
BOOK INFO
Genre: Dual-Timeline and Multi-Genre / Historical Mystery
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Format Read: Paperback
Source: From the reviewer's personal library
Reviewed by: MK
Content Rating: 2 Hearts — Some passionate kissing and romantic tension; nothing graphic.
NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more.
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