Status
Available
Call number
Publication
München : Piper, 2001. 3. Aufl., broschiert,
427 S.
Description
With its dark legends and passionate history, the windswept shores of Scotland are an archaeologist's dream. Verity Grey is thrilled by the challenge of uncovering an ancient Roman campsite in a small Scottish village. But as soon as she arrives, she sense danger in the air. Her eccentric boss, Peter Quinnell, has spent his whole life searching for the resting place of the lost Ninth Roman Legion and is convinced he's finally found it - not because of any scientific evidence, but because a local boy has 'seen' a Roman soldier walking in the fields, a ghostly sentinel who guards the bodies of his long-dead comrades. Surprisingly, Verity believes in Peter, and the boy, and even in the Sentinel, who seems determined to become her own protector. . . but from what?… (more)
Media reviews
An der wiederkehrenden Darstellung der "Plätzchen naschenden" Männer des Romans aber lässt sich das Scheitern der Autorin festmachen, sich nicht für eine klare Linie entschieden zu haben, an der sich der Roman entwickeln soll. Das "Plätzchen-naschen" wird derart häufig wiederholt, dass ein
Show More
anfänglich als atmosphärisch-ironisch zu deutendes Motiv durch die Wiederholung zum kläglichen Versuch eines 'Running Gag' verkommt. Show Less
User reviews
LibraryThing member chinquapin
Verity Grey goes to Scotland to work on an archaeological dig that is located on an estate near the small fishing village of Eyemouth on the Scottish coast. Peter Quinell, who owns the property and is running the dig, has some interesting theories about the property and the mysterious disappearance
As Verity begins her work, she becomes more and more engaged in the mystery, and she hears ghost horses at night and the Sentinel ghost begins to follow her around, seemingly trying to tell her something.
I had read that Susannah Kearsley was similar to Barbara Michaels and Mary Stewart, other authors of ghostly romantic suspense, and having read and enjoyed both of those authors, I decided to try Shadowy Horses. It was very similar to works of those authors, and I enjoyed the suspenseful tale. It had all the elements that are the hallmark of those gothic romances...a rugged, handsome hero; a psychic child; a creepy ghost in a gothic setting, an interesting cast of diverse characters, and a smart, brave heroine. My only disappointment was that I thought that the plot was a little thin, but that didn't keep me from enjoying the Scottish dialogue and humor.
Show More
of the famous Ninth Roman Legion. He is looking for some evidence to support his theory, something more scientific than the words of a young boy, who apparently has "the sight", and claims to see and talk to a ghost who is a Roman Sentinel.As Verity begins her work, she becomes more and more engaged in the mystery, and she hears ghost horses at night and the Sentinel ghost begins to follow her around, seemingly trying to tell her something.
I had read that Susannah Kearsley was similar to Barbara Michaels and Mary Stewart, other authors of ghostly romantic suspense, and having read and enjoyed both of those authors, I decided to try Shadowy Horses. It was very similar to works of those authors, and I enjoyed the suspenseful tale. It had all the elements that are the hallmark of those gothic romances...a rugged, handsome hero; a psychic child; a creepy ghost in a gothic setting, an interesting cast of diverse characters, and a smart, brave heroine. My only disappointment was that I thought that the plot was a little thin, but that didn't keep me from enjoying the Scottish dialogue and humor.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SamM4
I didn't like this one as much as The Winter Sea. Still good, but seemed to end rather quickly.
LibraryThing member LindaLGraham
All Kearsley's book are great, but I think David Fortune ranks among my favorite of her characters. And I loved the detailed explanation of archeological techniques. It sounds as if it's a fascinating field -- for those who have patience.
This was also the first I'd read of the story of the Ninth
This was also the first I'd read of the story of the Ninth
Show More
Roman Legion. By coincidence I had watched "Eagle" a month earlier (I think that’s the name). That movie also explored theories of the lost Legion, but I like Kearsley's version better! Show Less
LibraryThing member abigailyow
Not my favourite of Susanna Kearsley's but still an enjoyable read.I found the beginning of the story to be overly descriptive in its establishment of the setting and characters. Not that it's a bad thing but the pacing remained unchanged throughout the novel. I was anticipating a transition in the
Show More
plot but got nothing of the sort. The book was more explanation than storytelling and it became tedious after awhile. I had high expectations for this book, maybe a little too high. But that's only understandable after finding both Mariana and The winter sea to be excellent reads. The shadowy horses, however, fell flat in comparison.The characters were also slightly disappointing. Verity, is portrayed as a difficult woman. Which part? Independent. Yes. But difficult? That's an entirely different story. And also, must we always be reminded that she dislikes breakfast? To be honest, I do not have anything against the characters. I just think that they're not all that interesting to read about and I believe that Ms Kearsley can do much better than this.All in all, a good read if you want to know more about the hard, unexciting work of an archeologist rather than the exaggerated glamour that is depicted in Hollywood movies. Show Less
LibraryThing member BooksCooksLooks
I will start by writing that I have loved everything I've read so far from Ms. Kearsley and I've now added another book from her to that list. While the others I've read were time travel novels - which I unabashedly adore - this one takes place all in present time. But that doesn't mean that the
Our heroine, Verity (I love that name!) is hired on to a rather mysterious archaeological dig in Scotland. There she will be working with an old lover and the owner of the site who insists that the famed lost Ninth Legion of Rome is buried on his land. He feels this because a local boy with "the sight" has been seeing a legionary wandering the fields at night. Also on the dig is a very handsome local man who finds himself very interested in Verity.
This was just a wonderful read full of great characters, a romance that grows slowly and a ghost that does not dominate the tale. That was my only disappointment - there was not enough of the spectral Sentinel. Since he was so integral to the plot I was left wanting more of him and his story. That being said, though I did enjoy the book overall and the depiction of small town Scotland was truly interesting. The characters were well defined and I didn't see the secrets coming; I like a good mystery like that. Ms. Kearsley writes in a very easy to read style that brings her places very much to life.
Show More
past doesn't play a significant role in the novel.Our heroine, Verity (I love that name!) is hired on to a rather mysterious archaeological dig in Scotland. There she will be working with an old lover and the owner of the site who insists that the famed lost Ninth Legion of Rome is buried on his land. He feels this because a local boy with "the sight" has been seeing a legionary wandering the fields at night. Also on the dig is a very handsome local man who finds himself very interested in Verity.
This was just a wonderful read full of great characters, a romance that grows slowly and a ghost that does not dominate the tale. That was my only disappointment - there was not enough of the spectral Sentinel. Since he was so integral to the plot I was left wanting more of him and his story. That being said, though I did enjoy the book overall and the depiction of small town Scotland was truly interesting. The characters were well defined and I didn't see the secrets coming; I like a good mystery like that. Ms. Kearsley writes in a very easy to read style that brings her places very much to life.
Show Less
LibraryThing member bookofsecrets
This is the first book by Susanna Kearsley I've read, and it exceeded my expectations. I loved everything about this story. The author created the perfect Gothic atmosphere that pulled me in.
Verity Grey is an archaeologist hired for a dig in Eyemouth, a village on the east coast of Scotland. Her
Verity is excited to be offered a job on the project, until she finds out the only proof comes from a young boy said to have second sight. Little Robbie has seen the ghost of a Roman Sentinel roaming the field, which of course, Verity is skeptical about at first. But it's not long before she can sense his presence too.
The mysterious ghost isn't the only man keeping her at Rosehill. She's also rather taken by a handsome Scottish archaeologist and professor named David Fortune. Honestly, I'm not sure which one I fancied more, David or the ghost! They both gave me goosebumps.
THE SHADOWY HORSES was a captivating blend of ghost story, mystery and romance. The pacing was steady, not fast or slow, but I stayed hooked up to the last word. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters, each one with a distinct personality and something important to contribute to the plot. I also enjoyed the archaeological tidbits on how digs are organized and carried out.
THE SHADOWY HORSES is going on my favorites list for this year, and I'm so pleased to have discovered Susanna Kearsley's amazing writing talent.
Review copy courtesy of Sourcebooks via NetGalley.
Verity Grey is an archaeologist hired for a dig in Eyemouth, a village on the east coast of Scotland. Her
Show More
new boss has spent his life searching for clues about the fate of the Ninth Spanish Legion, a Roman legion who disappeared possibly in Britain during the early 2nd century. He's believes the answers to the mystery are buried in a field on Rosehill Estate.Verity is excited to be offered a job on the project, until she finds out the only proof comes from a young boy said to have second sight. Little Robbie has seen the ghost of a Roman Sentinel roaming the field, which of course, Verity is skeptical about at first. But it's not long before she can sense his presence too.
The mysterious ghost isn't the only man keeping her at Rosehill. She's also rather taken by a handsome Scottish archaeologist and professor named David Fortune. Honestly, I'm not sure which one I fancied more, David or the ghost! They both gave me goosebumps.
THE SHADOWY HORSES was a captivating blend of ghost story, mystery and romance. The pacing was steady, not fast or slow, but I stayed hooked up to the last word. I enjoyed the entire cast of characters, each one with a distinct personality and something important to contribute to the plot. I also enjoyed the archaeological tidbits on how digs are organized and carried out.
THE SHADOWY HORSES is going on my favorites list for this year, and I'm so pleased to have discovered Susanna Kearsley's amazing writing talent.
Review copy courtesy of Sourcebooks via NetGalley.
Show Less
LibraryThing member msjessie
A thoroughly satisfying mix of history, the paranormal, with a dash of romance to flavor, The Shadowy Horses does not disappoint. A bit more romance-orientated than my previous read by this author (Mariana), I can still easily endorse Susanna Kearsley as fast becoming one of my favorite authors;
Kearlsey's descriptive (and it is very descriptive - from the countryside to the "not-posh" sitting room, Kearlsey crafts an easily imagined setting) and detailed style is present and used with a dab hand from the first chapter, to the benefit of both the locale and for the wide array of characters on the page. Both suspenseful and engrossing, each aspect of the novel, from the mystery to the romance to the supernatural, were all summarily well-handled and solid, with none detracting from the streamlined plot. These were characters who came alive for me as a reader, all with varying degress of characterization, as well as ones who made me care about each of them. This is a dynamic cast, with each character fully distinct, and, by and large, even with psychometric/psychic Robbie, one that doesn't strain credulity or irritate the reader. I do wish there had just slightly more of an antagonistic presence for most of the novel, but the minor conflicts and issues that were there, were enough to create increasing tension throughout the story.
The first person POV of protagonist Verity Grey makes it easy to root for her through her struggles to accept what is going on in Eyemouth; her inner monologue reinforces the first impression of an impulsive, smart, and very independent woman who can more than handle herself. The strength of the novel, much like with Mariana, lies with main character Verity. The other elements of the novel are well-done and unique, but it is Verity who takes the cake (with some help from an accent Scotsman with a love of history!), and who will stick out in my memory. I appreciated the restraint with which the author took to the romance - it's a large part of the novel, but it doesn't drown the plot in melodrama or too much of a love triangle.
The final conflict (and revelation of the antagonist) was a bit dry (ha!), but a nicely rounded denouement makes up for that slight misstep. Though Mariana will remain my favorite Kearsley (for now!), I loved The Shadowy Horses and think that this is an author that continues to impress and grow as a writer. This is an author who is very talented with crafting believable characters, with creating an atmospheric setting, and with making the past come to life. Well done and I can't wait for my next Kearsley read!
Show More
one that is adept at creating a wide array of individual characters, as well as intricately setting up an atmospheric read. She delivers every time, and this is no exception. If I was impressed after reading Mariana, I am entering full-on fan mode after finishing this offering from Kearsley in less than a day. Taking on the well-known mystery and search for the Roman Ninth Legion in Scotland, I was hooked early on. I simply could not put The Shadowy Horses down, but was conversely reluctant to finish once I was firmly engrossed in the novel.Kearlsey's descriptive (and it is very descriptive - from the countryside to the "not-posh" sitting room, Kearlsey crafts an easily imagined setting) and detailed style is present and used with a dab hand from the first chapter, to the benefit of both the locale and for the wide array of characters on the page. Both suspenseful and engrossing, each aspect of the novel, from the mystery to the romance to the supernatural, were all summarily well-handled and solid, with none detracting from the streamlined plot. These were characters who came alive for me as a reader, all with varying degress of characterization, as well as ones who made me care about each of them. This is a dynamic cast, with each character fully distinct, and, by and large, even with psychometric/psychic Robbie, one that doesn't strain credulity or irritate the reader. I do wish there had just slightly more of an antagonistic presence for most of the novel, but the minor conflicts and issues that were there, were enough to create increasing tension throughout the story.
The first person POV of protagonist Verity Grey makes it easy to root for her through her struggles to accept what is going on in Eyemouth; her inner monologue reinforces the first impression of an impulsive, smart, and very independent woman who can more than handle herself. The strength of the novel, much like with Mariana, lies with main character Verity. The other elements of the novel are well-done and unique, but it is Verity who takes the cake (with some help from an accent Scotsman with a love of history!), and who will stick out in my memory. I appreciated the restraint with which the author took to the romance - it's a large part of the novel, but it doesn't drown the plot in melodrama or too much of a love triangle.
The final conflict (and revelation of the antagonist) was a bit dry (ha!), but a nicely rounded denouement makes up for that slight misstep. Though Mariana will remain my favorite Kearsley (for now!), I loved The Shadowy Horses and think that this is an author that continues to impress and grow as a writer. This is an author who is very talented with crafting believable characters, with creating an atmospheric setting, and with making the past come to life. Well done and I can't wait for my next Kearsley read!
Show Less
LibraryThing member dizzyweasel
Nugae (noun: fem, plural): Latin, "trifles"
When Latin poets call their works 'nugae', it's self-deprecating. Their works are anything but trifles. This work, however, was all nugae. For a book about the search for the lost legion, I don't feel like I learned anything about the Roman military, or
When Latin poets call their works 'nugae', it's self-deprecating. Their works are anything but trifles. This work, however, was all nugae. For a book about the search for the lost legion, I don't feel like I learned anything about the Roman military, or
Show More
archaeology, or Latin for that matter. The plot was subsumed by the mediocre love story. The ending felt rushed, and the whole was unsatisfying. There was little character development, and the shadowy horses of the title were under used. Fluff. Show Less
LibraryThing member littlesparrow
Once Susanna didn't disappoint. She delivers an amazing book, with an alternative to what happened with the Ninth Legion (Hispana) and a good plot that leaves you wanting to visit Eyemouth.
Having visited the places she mentions (Berwick, Eyemouth, London, Dunbar), and knowing how Scots and
Having visited the places she mentions (Berwick, Eyemouth, London, Dunbar), and knowing how Scots and
Show More
Irishmen are, I was happy with how she makes you feel the place. You believe it and you can see she knows what she's talking about and didn't just choose the places because they sounded pretty. Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.5 stars
Verity heads out to rural Scotland for a job interview on an archaeological dig site. Little does she know, it's kind of an unofficial site. The head man running it, Peter, believes that there was a specific purpose to the site, but no one else really agrees that that is the case. Peter
I quite enjoyed this. It took a little bit to get into it and it's not a fast-paced book, but I liked (most of) the characters and I also liked the little romance that developed for Verity (though it was pretty low-key - till the end, anyway).
Verity heads out to rural Scotland for a job interview on an archaeological dig site. Little does she know, it's kind of an unofficial site. The head man running it, Peter, believes that there was a specific purpose to the site, but no one else really agrees that that is the case. Peter
Show More
is said to be “mad”. She takes the job, anyway, and discovers that Peter's belief is based on the “sight” of a psychic 9-year old boy... a boy who talks to the resident ghost he calls The Sentinel. I quite enjoyed this. It took a little bit to get into it and it's not a fast-paced book, but I liked (most of) the characters and I also liked the little romance that developed for Verity (though it was pretty low-key - till the end, anyway).
Show Less
LibraryThing member Kasthu
Verity Grey is a young archeologist and museum curator, when she’s called to participate in an archeological dig in Scotland. Peter Quinnell, a formerly renowned archeologist, is convinced that the ancient Roman marching campground of the Ninth Legion is located near the fishing village of
Susanna Kearsley’s books are redolent of those of Mary Stewart; they’re very atmospheric. I loved the ghost aspect of the story as well as the archeological and historical bits of the book, which seemed to be well-researched (granted, I don’t know that much about ancient Roman Britain, but still…). The characters are eclectic and well-defined. However, the ending of the novel feels a bit rushed, and we never really learn all that much about the Ninth Legion or the Sentinel. Nonetheless, I couldn’t put this high suspenseful novel down. Reading one of Kearsley’s books is always a treat; having read four of her books now, I can honestly say that this one is up there with Mariana or Sophia’s Secret.
Show More
Eyemouth. In addition, an eight-year-old boy has the second sight, able to see the ghost of an ancient Roman sentinel. Throw in an ex boyfriend and a handsome local Scottish love interest, and you have all the ingredients for a superb gothic romance.Susanna Kearsley’s books are redolent of those of Mary Stewart; they’re very atmospheric. I loved the ghost aspect of the story as well as the archeological and historical bits of the book, which seemed to be well-researched (granted, I don’t know that much about ancient Roman Britain, but still…). The characters are eclectic and well-defined. However, the ending of the novel feels a bit rushed, and we never really learn all that much about the Ninth Legion or the Sentinel. Nonetheless, I couldn’t put this high suspenseful novel down. Reading one of Kearsley’s books is always a treat; having read four of her books now, I can honestly say that this one is up there with Mariana or Sophia’s Secret.
Show Less
LibraryThing member dd196406
Excellent book! Love this author! Kearsley brings the best of authors like Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt with excellent character development and setting.
LibraryThing member bachaney
All The Shadowy Horses, an early career book from Susanna Kearsley that was re-released in 2012, shows some of the author's early promise, but feels sort of half baked compared to her later works. I felt like the story started off at a good pace, then stalled, with all of the characters simply
Show More
suspended in development while the plot creeped along. Once it started moving, it wrapped up quickly, which made me wonder what the 200 pages in the middle of the book had been for! Show Less
LibraryThing member Oceanwings07
My first read by Susanna Kearsley did not disappoint. Even with a paper deadline looming over my head, I couldn't put this book down. Maybe it has something to do with my love for England, Scotland, and Ireland, but I immensely enjoyed the book and look forward to reading anything else by Ms.
Show More
Kearsley that I can get my hands on. Show Less
LibraryThing member SunnySD
An archeological dig for a lost Roman legion near the tiny fishing village of Eyemouth, Scotland, this is a contemporary romance complete with ghosts, smugglers and family drama. Verity Grey, the "finds" manager for the dig finds herself with a ghostly admirer, as well as one of the more corporeal
I picked this up because several reviewers indicated a writing style similar to Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels. For me, at least in this book, Kearsley's style is evocative of both those authors, but lacks a certain something... suspense, perhaps? The sense of impending doom that characterizes both Stewart and Michael's romances is absent here. Not to mention, Kearsley's hero is far more likeable and less domineering than either Stewart or Michaels' men ever dreamed of being.
Still, an enjoyable read and an author whose work I wouldn't balk at exploring further.
Show More
sort, lucky her.I picked this up because several reviewers indicated a writing style similar to Mary Stewart and Barbara Michaels. For me, at least in this book, Kearsley's style is evocative of both those authors, but lacks a certain something... suspense, perhaps? The sense of impending doom that characterizes both Stewart and Michael's romances is absent here. Not to mention, Kearsley's hero is far more likeable and less domineering than either Stewart or Michaels' men ever dreamed of being.
Still, an enjoyable read and an author whose work I wouldn't balk at exploring further.
Show Less
LibraryThing member fbswss
Enjoyed it very much! Atmospheric & enjoyable characters, with unexpected twists!
LibraryThing member Shuffy2
Do you believe in ghosts? What about the gift of clairvoyance?
Archaeologist Verity Grey is invited to interview for a position on a dig by an old colleague—and ex-boyfriend—but is told next to nothing about the historical find until she arrives in the Scottish Borderlands. When she does, she
As someone who loves history and a good ghost story, I was intrigued by the subject matter. As the story played out I wondered what would be the big reveal at the end and while there was a reveal, it was not the reveal I was expecting. The book is left kind of open ended which some may like but I was left wanting a bit more. This is the third book I have read by the author and it will not be the last, I enjoy her work and think she has a great story waiting inside of her.
Archaeologist Verity Grey is invited to interview for a position on a dig by an old colleague—and ex-boyfriend—but is told next to nothing about the historical find until she arrives in the Scottish Borderlands. When she does, she
Show More
finds the job will be working for the unconventional and somewhat disparaged, Peter Quinell who insists, after searching most of his life, that he found the resting place of the lost Ninth Roman Legion. Did he really or is it all a hoax? There is no archaeological evidence but rather only the word of a local boy who has seen the ghost of a Roman soldier wandering through the field. Is that enough to convince Verity and others?As someone who loves history and a good ghost story, I was intrigued by the subject matter. As the story played out I wondered what would be the big reveal at the end and while there was a reveal, it was not the reveal I was expecting. The book is left kind of open ended which some may like but I was left wanting a bit more. This is the third book I have read by the author and it will not be the last, I enjoy her work and think she has a great story waiting inside of her.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Tess_Elizabeth
A little bit ghost story and a little bit mystery with a cozy romantic element, The Shadowy Horses is a bit disappointing after having read Kearsley's much more exciting "Mariana." This is more or less your typical archaeologists-poking-around-old-roman-site-find-more-than-they-bargained-for type
Kearsley is a good writer, and the story is entertaining and clips along. I just felt the whole punch of the plot was a little lacking, and this was more of a cozy love story than a true ghost story. The love story was predictable and ending wasn't terribly satisfying, but for a light read I liked it overall.
Show More
story. As a former archaeologist, these can be painful to read, but I have to admit Kearsley did her homework and I didn't cringe at the way she portrayed the archaeological process.Kearsley is a good writer, and the story is entertaining and clips along. I just felt the whole punch of the plot was a little lacking, and this was more of a cozy love story than a true ghost story. The love story was predictable and ending wasn't terribly satisfying, but for a light read I liked it overall.
Show Less
LibraryThing member LibraryCin
3.5 stars
Verity heads out to rural Scotland for a job interview on an archaeological dig site. Little does she know, it's kind of an unofficial site. The head man running it, Peter, believes that there was a specific purpose to the site, but no one else really agrees that that is the case. Peter
I quite enjoyed this. It took a little bit to get into it and it's not a fast-paced book, but I liked (most of) the characters and I also liked the little romance that developed for Verity (though it was pretty low-key - till the end, anyway).
Verity heads out to rural Scotland for a job interview on an archaeological dig site. Little does she know, it's kind of an unofficial site. The head man running it, Peter, believes that there was a specific purpose to the site, but no one else really agrees that that is the case. Peter
Show More
is said to be “mad”. She takes the job, anyway, and discovers that Peter's belief is based on the “sight” of a psychic 9-year old boy... a boy who talks to the resident ghost he calls The Sentinel. I quite enjoyed this. It took a little bit to get into it and it's not a fast-paced book, but I liked (most of) the characters and I also liked the little romance that developed for Verity (though it was pretty low-key - till the end, anyway).
Show Less
LibraryThing member aelizabethj
As with all of Kearsley's novels, I thoroughly enjoyed Shadowy Horses. Utterly delightful, engaging and whimsical, I couldn't put it down. The archaeological aspect of the novel was fascinating, and even though I kept expecting someone to travel back in time (as per previous novels) I wasn't
Show More
disappointed when no one did. Love love love. Eagerly awaiting the next book - spring 2013! Show Less
LibraryThing member blodeuedd
I think I have read too many books involving ghosts (or read about them) I kept wondering if the sentinel here was a hottie and if they would hook up ;)
Let us forget about that and get to the story. Verity is an archaeologist, she loves her job but wants back to digging. So in comes Scotland, and a
On the team is also the eccentric boss who wants to find the missing Ninth Legion. Her ex-boyfriend who loves them and leaves them. A Scottish archaeologist who she starts to fancy. A woman who works at the estate and of course her son, the son who says he can see a Roman Sentinel guarding the hill. A nice group of people all in all.
The book is part fiction, part tiny bit of suspense, part ghost story, part romance. A nice mix that works.
The story is about the dig, about learning that there might be more to things than what we just see (and with a nice explanation too), and of course about finding evidence and getting recognition.
I think I want to end with a poem :)
HE BIDS HIS BELOVED BE AT PEACE
by: William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)
HEAR the Shadowy Horses, their long manes a-shake,
Their hoofs heavy with tumult, their eyes glimmering white;
The North unfolds above them clinging, creeping night,
The East her hidden joy before the morning break,
The West weeps in pale dew and sighs passing away,
The South is pouring down roses of crimson fire:
O vanity of Sleep, Hope, Dream, endless Desire,
The Horses of Disaster plunge in the heavy clay:
Beloved, let your eyes half close, and your heart beat
Over my heart, and your hair fall over my breast,
Drowning love's lonely hour in deep twilight of rest,
And hiding their tossing manes and their tumultuous feet.
Let us forget about that and get to the story. Verity is an archaeologist, she loves her job but wants back to digging. So in comes Scotland, and a
Show More
mysterious job she knows nothing about. Plus an ex-boyfriend who tells her to come. She has a logical mind, she likes order, but it does prove that she has an open mind too. For that I liked her, sometimes you just have to believe (well after a while). On the team is also the eccentric boss who wants to find the missing Ninth Legion. Her ex-boyfriend who loves them and leaves them. A Scottish archaeologist who she starts to fancy. A woman who works at the estate and of course her son, the son who says he can see a Roman Sentinel guarding the hill. A nice group of people all in all.
The book is part fiction, part tiny bit of suspense, part ghost story, part romance. A nice mix that works.
The story is about the dig, about learning that there might be more to things than what we just see (and with a nice explanation too), and of course about finding evidence and getting recognition.
I think I want to end with a poem :)
HE BIDS HIS BELOVED BE AT PEACE
by: William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)
HEAR the Shadowy Horses, their long manes a-shake,
Their hoofs heavy with tumult, their eyes glimmering white;
The North unfolds above them clinging, creeping night,
The East her hidden joy before the morning break,
The West weeps in pale dew and sighs passing away,
The South is pouring down roses of crimson fire:
O vanity of Sleep, Hope, Dream, endless Desire,
The Horses of Disaster plunge in the heavy clay:
Beloved, let your eyes half close, and your heart beat
Over my heart, and your hair fall over my breast,
Drowning love's lonely hour in deep twilight of rest,
And hiding their tossing manes and their tumultuous feet.
Show Less
LibraryThing member fordbarbara
mystery/ fantasy mixed, but nicely mixed
LibraryThing member Petroglyph
Disclaimer: I don’t usually read romances, but I read this with an open mind.
This book is set in the Borders, southern Scotland, and centres around archaeologists on the trail of the 9th Legion, a Roman legion briefly stationed in Britain that famously disappeared, or whose fate is at least
I think I will remember this book primarily as an enormously cozy read -- on so many levels. The intrigue and the villains are cozy-level, of course, but it went way beyond that. For one, the novel is set in the picturesque fishing village of Eyemouth, and the author went to some lengths to present the town, its sights, its inhabitants and its couleur locale in a charming and positive light only.
For another: stereotypes, often involving hair colour or nationality, are presented in their kernel of truthiness, and in a spirit of accepting the world needs all kinds of people. For example: “I wouldn’t have guessed Peter Quinnell was Irish. He had, after all, that beautifully elegant voice, with no trace of a brogue whatsoever – but now that I’d had the fact pointed out to me I could recognise that indefinable quality, the faint hint of horses and hounds, that marked a certain segment of the Anglo-Irish gentry.”
So while that character’s ethnic background is indeed presented as saying something deep and true about them, the stereotype is mainly there to cash in on the reader’s familiarity, to do the heavy lifting of characterization. Not surprisingly, much of a character’s personality is tied to their looks, their dress styles, and other externalities. Crucially, though, only the positive aspects of such typecasting are explicitly invoked.
Other stereotypes, too, take central stage in positive characterization. There’s hair colour: Blondes are attractive and promiscuous whereas the brunette heroine is more sensible (and either is presented as perfectly acceptable). Fishermen have dependably rough exteriors with gentle hearts. Mothers manage their (man-)children with superior sensibility. Scotsmen are more weather-resistant than Englishmen, who are better with computers.
The familiarity to all these stereotypes means that there’s a predictability and, therefore, an easy coziness to them.
Other than that: the romance was surprisingly subdued, and I didn’t think the more fantastical elements of the novel gelled well with the rest of it.
So yeah: to the extent that I will remember this book at all in a few years’ time, I’ll probably remember it as a book that does its best to invoke feelings of warm, gentle coziness. At that, at least, it succeeded very well.
This book is set in the Borders, southern Scotland, and centres around archaeologists on the trail of the 9th Legion, a Roman legion briefly stationed in Britain that famously disappeared, or whose fate is at least
Show More
unknown, and around which plenty of historical conspiracy theories have emerged. The heroine is a clever, brown-haired Londoner, the hero a strong-jawed Scots-talking Scot. I think I will remember this book primarily as an enormously cozy read -- on so many levels. The intrigue and the villains are cozy-level, of course, but it went way beyond that. For one, the novel is set in the picturesque fishing village of Eyemouth, and the author went to some lengths to present the town, its sights, its inhabitants and its couleur locale in a charming and positive light only.
For another: stereotypes, often involving hair colour or nationality, are presented in their kernel of truthiness, and in a spirit of accepting the world needs all kinds of people. For example: “I wouldn’t have guessed Peter Quinnell was Irish. He had, after all, that beautifully elegant voice, with no trace of a brogue whatsoever – but now that I’d had the fact pointed out to me I could recognise that indefinable quality, the faint hint of horses and hounds, that marked a certain segment of the Anglo-Irish gentry.”
So while that character’s ethnic background is indeed presented as saying something deep and true about them, the stereotype is mainly there to cash in on the reader’s familiarity, to do the heavy lifting of characterization. Not surprisingly, much of a character’s personality is tied to their looks, their dress styles, and other externalities. Crucially, though, only the positive aspects of such typecasting are explicitly invoked.
Other stereotypes, too, take central stage in positive characterization. There’s hair colour: Blondes are attractive and promiscuous whereas the brunette heroine is more sensible (and either is presented as perfectly acceptable). Fishermen have dependably rough exteriors with gentle hearts. Mothers manage their (man-)children with superior sensibility. Scotsmen are more weather-resistant than Englishmen, who are better with computers.
The familiarity to all these stereotypes means that there’s a predictability and, therefore, an easy coziness to them.
Other than that: the romance was surprisingly subdued, and I didn’t think the more fantastical elements of the novel gelled well with the rest of it.
So yeah: to the extent that I will remember this book at all in a few years’ time, I’ll probably remember it as a book that does its best to invoke feelings of warm, gentle coziness. At that, at least, it succeeded very well.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Herenya
Someone recommended Kearsley’s books as being in a similar vein to Mary Stewart’s and this book is most delightfully Mary-Stewart-ish. From the opening paragraph, I was convinced that I was going to love it:
The bus had no business stopping where it did. We should have gone straight across the
Verity Grey is offered a job on an archaeological dig near a fishing town in Scotland. Her eccentric boss is convinced that the site is a Roman marching camp made by the Ninth Legion but for the dig to receive university support, he needs more evidence than a boy’s reports of seeing a ghostly sentinel.
This has atmosphere: history, scenery and mystery. I was fascinated by the historical details about the Romans, I enjoyed vivid depiction of Eyemouth, and there was enough suspense to keep me intrigued without becoming too creepy or disturbing. If there must be ghosts, then this is one approach I don’t mind.
I also enjoy reading about characters who are intensely passionate about what they do. If Verity hadn’t remarked that her mother despairs of her impulsiveness and habit of speaking to strangers, I could easily believe that she was the daughter of a heroine from one of Stewart’s earlier novels. She’s the right age, and she’s similarly smart and kind and adventurous.
Then there is the romance, which mostly simmers away in the background and is comfortably predictable obvious. These two people are clearly well-suited and I liked the sense that those around them are -- quietly, amusingly, supportively -- well aware of this.
I would have loved this even more had the ending had addressed a few things in more detail -- as if it was a couple of scenes and three conversation short of being perfect -- but it was still very satisfying.
I’d always felt a wistful sense of envy for my colleagues who broke open long-sealed tombs, or for film heroes who scraped about in the dirt for twenty seconds before pulling out some rare bejewelled and golden statue, carefully preserved, intact.
Almost everything I’d ever touched -- with the notable exception of one small military dagger -- had come to me in pieces, dull with dirt and worn with age.
The bus had no business stopping where it did. We should have gone straight across the
Show More
Coldingham Moor, with Dunbar to the back of us and the English border drawing ever nearer, but instead we stopped, and the shaggy-faced cattle that lifted their heads on the far side of the fence appeared to share my surprise when the driver cut the engine to an idle. Verity Grey is offered a job on an archaeological dig near a fishing town in Scotland. Her eccentric boss is convinced that the site is a Roman marching camp made by the Ninth Legion but for the dig to receive university support, he needs more evidence than a boy’s reports of seeing a ghostly sentinel.
This has atmosphere: history, scenery and mystery. I was fascinated by the historical details about the Romans, I enjoyed vivid depiction of Eyemouth, and there was enough suspense to keep me intrigued without becoming too creepy or disturbing. If there must be ghosts, then this is one approach I don’t mind.
I also enjoy reading about characters who are intensely passionate about what they do. If Verity hadn’t remarked that her mother despairs of her impulsiveness and habit of speaking to strangers, I could easily believe that she was the daughter of a heroine from one of Stewart’s earlier novels. She’s the right age, and she’s similarly smart and kind and adventurous.
Then there is the romance, which mostly simmers away in the background and is comfortably predictable obvious. These two people are clearly well-suited and I liked the sense that those around them are -- quietly, amusingly, supportively -- well aware of this.
I would have loved this even more had the ending had addressed a few things in more detail -- as if it was a couple of scenes and three conversation short of being perfect -- but it was still very satisfying.
I’d always felt a wistful sense of envy for my colleagues who broke open long-sealed tombs, or for film heroes who scraped about in the dirt for twenty seconds before pulling out some rare bejewelled and golden statue, carefully preserved, intact.
Almost everything I’d ever touched -- with the notable exception of one small military dagger -- had come to me in pieces, dull with dirt and worn with age.
Show Less
LibraryThing member Carol420
Verity Grey is working on a dig in Scotland for an eccentric archaeologist, Peter Quinnell, who has been looking for evidence of the missing ninth legion of an ancient Roman army for many years, with little success. Her ex-boyfriend, Adrian is also on the same project, as well as an attractive
If you like archaeology and ghost stories, then this is your book. I thought this was an excellent story. I love a good mystery combined with the supernatural. This had both and they blended well. There was also a romantic thread through it, which was refreshing and not over done. The Scottish atmosphere throughout the book was charming, and made it all the more interesting. There was just enough Scott's brogue in it to make it realistic. I would give it 10 stars if it was possible...but in lieu of that...5 well deserved stars.
Show More
local Scot, Davy. They have little proof that the excavation is going to turn up their desired finds, little support from the academic community, and ghostly presences to complicate things further....as well as Verity's own feelings for Davy.If you like archaeology and ghost stories, then this is your book. I thought this was an excellent story. I love a good mystery combined with the supernatural. This had both and they blended well. There was also a romantic thread through it, which was refreshing and not over done. The Scottish atmosphere throughout the book was charming, and made it all the more interesting. There was just enough Scott's brogue in it to make it realistic. I would give it 10 stars if it was possible...but in lieu of that...5 well deserved stars.
Show Less
Subjects
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1997
Physical description
427 p.; 19 cm
ISBN
3492233090 / 9783492233095