The dark legends of the Scotland were an archaeologist dream. Verity Grey was thrilled to be at a dig for an ancient Roman camp in the Scottish vil...
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reviews
Jul 01, 2011
Margaret
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When Verity Grey arrives in Eyemouth, Scotland, for an archaeological dig, she doesn't know exactly what to expect. When she meets eccentric Peter Quinnell, who's financing the dig, she's intrigued by his theory that he's found the lost Ninth Legion of Rome. However, Quinnell isn't working off solely archaeological evidence; there's a Roman ghost, and a small boy who can speak to him.
I thought the style started out a little overly descriptive (I could feel myself skimming a little in More...
I thought the style started out a little overly descriptive (I could feel myself skimming a little in More...
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Jan 20, 2012
Reese
rated it: 
"You've only got one chance to get it right."
I am not sure which is my favorite book from Kearsley. Each one is unique in their own way, but I can always count on the budding romances, the suspenseful scenes, the harrowing twists, and a dab of supernatural occurrences that are a penchant in all of her wonderful novels.
The Shadowy Horses is based in Scotland, about an archeologist who is invited to join an excavation to find the long lost fleet of the Legio Nona Hisp More...
I am not sure which is my favorite book from Kearsley. Each one is unique in their own way, but I can always count on the budding romances, the suspenseful scenes, the harrowing twists, and a dab of supernatural occurrences that are a penchant in all of her wonderful novels.
The Shadowy Horses is based in Scotland, about an archeologist who is invited to join an excavation to find the long lost fleet of the Legio Nona Hisp More...
Jan 04, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
I know there are quite a few Susanna Kearsley fans out there...and I am one of them! Not only is she a fantastic writer but she is a fellow Canadian - its great to support a talented writer from your own country. A Susanna Kearsley book always reemphasizes for me why I love reading and why quality writing always wins out over filler and flash. Instead of focusing this post on reviewing The Shadowy Horses though, I am going to discuss more why I love Susanna Kearsley and highly recommend this aut
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Oct 02, 2010
Michelle
rated it:
This is the third book I've read by Susanna Kearsley. I liked the Winter Sea - it's otherwordly romance was different, and I enjoyed the meandering pace of it. It even "got me" in the end. When I read Marianna, however, which was a good story, I felt like I had read it before. Perhaps when you use such a specific plot device as was evidenced in these two books, it can seem repetitive. So when I started on The Shadowy Horses, I was a little worried that I was going to be reading the sam
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Jun 01, 2010
Hope
rated it:
I never read anything by this author before. I was in my local drug store book section when I saw this book.
I had to buy it because :
1. It mentioned horses, and there is not animals that I love more than horses.
2. It was set in Scotland. I love books that are set in Scotland.
3. It has ghosts, paranormal touch to it.
Let me say, I did not regret buying the book.
This is a very good book. It has all the elements that I like in adult fiction. It has touc More...
I had to buy it because :
1. It mentioned horses, and there is not animals that I love more than horses.
2. It was set in Scotland. I love books that are set in Scotland.
3. It has ghosts, paranormal touch to it.
Let me say, I did not regret buying the book.
This is a very good book. It has all the elements that I like in adult fiction. It has touc More...
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Feb 14, 2012
Diana
rated it:
My faith in Susanna Kearsley is 100% restored!! Although I really did not like Season of Storms, and I wasn't too crazy about Marianna, The Shadowy Horses had just the right mix of accomplished heroine, supernatural intervention, triumph of the underdog and happy ever after to make this an excellent read.
Perhaps the drama in the final chapters was a bit too confusing and the foreshadow was a bit too subtle. As reader, I was not totally sure - even after the fact - of why who was wh More...
Perhaps the drama in the final chapters was a bit too confusing and the foreshadow was a bit too subtle. As reader, I was not totally sure - even after the fact - of why who was wh More...
Oct 02, 2011
Ali
rated it:
Once again - Ms. Kearsley has outdone herself. I found my self being unexpectedly delighted that the main character didn't find herself in the past, but then again, she kind of did. My heartstrings felt toyed with due to my impatience to see something bloom between Verity and David. I too fell in love with him and Peter. Very well thought out characters.
Adrian, a well written character as well, I wanted to smack so hard. But that would be my untactful American side compared to the stoi More...
Adrian, a well written character as well, I wanted to smack so hard. But that would be my untactful American side compared to the stoi More...
Oct 30, 2009
Beadyjan
rated it: 
Just finished reading the Shadowy horses by Susanna Kearsley. Its the first of hers I've read although I have a couple on my tbr pile I chose this as it seemed the shortest and I wanted something quick and easy to read.
This fit the bill very well.
My only complaint is it was a bit lighter and frothier than I might have wished for. Its unashamedly romantic and the romance aspect overshadows the supernatural side which attracted me, the cover is completely misleading as the More...
This fit the bill very well.
My only complaint is it was a bit lighter and frothier than I might have wished for. Its unashamedly romantic and the romance aspect overshadows the supernatural side which attracted me, the cover is completely misleading as the More...
Jul 02, 2011
Jackleen
rated it:
Deliciously spooky. Complete with ghosts, an unnervingly psychic child, and the gorgeous highlander David Fortune, The Shadowy Horses is a spine tingly, hair raising good read. Verity Grey is invited to join an archaeology dig in a small coastal town in Scotland. Her employer, Peter Quinnell is sure he has found the last location of the mysterious Roman Nineth legion who lost from records, remain a source of great debate amongst historians. Thought to be mad, this find would validate Peters c
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Nov 19, 2009
Carol
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Another excellent novel from Susanna Kearsley. Verity Grey is a Finds Supervisor, who works on archaelogical digs in various parts of the country. She has a job opportunity in Scotland near the village of Eyemouth in Berwickshire. Peter Quinnell an eccentric researcher into the lost Roman Ninth Legion, is settled at Rosehill a house just outside Eyemouth and is searching in the field at the house for a Roman Marching Camp, which he is convinced belonged to the Ninth. There is no evidence for
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Dec 23, 2010
Rosanne
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Aug 15, 2011
Bree
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Verity Grey has been hired on an archaeological dig in Scotland run by a rather eccentric man named Peter Quinnell who is convinced he has found the resting place of the Ninth Legion, a group of Roman soldiers whose final movements are shrouded in mystery and a subject of differing academic opinions. Verity will be well paid for her contribution and although she is warned by former flame Adam, who is always working on the dig, that things are a bit ‘out of the ordinary’ around here, she takes th
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Jun 14, 2011
Christy
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Verity Grey arrives in Scotland to join in on an archaeological dig, one that she doesn't know all the details to until she arrives. Her employer, the eccentric old Peter Quinnell believes he has found the sight of the resting place of the Ninth Legion – a Roman legion who mysteriously disappeared around 177 A.D. The thing is, he doesn't have any kind of physical evidence. He's only going by what a local boy – who appears to have 'the sight'- has said. The boy has supposedly seen a Sentinel walk
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Dec 07, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
My favorite Susanna Kearsley novel so far, which is saying a LOT.
The archeological dig setting was great, I loved the way their search linked back to Rosemary Sutcliff's Eagle of the Ninth (although you certainly don't have to have read the other book to love this one - it's just one more added bonus), the ghost story is perfectly done, evocative and creepy and awesome, and I love how three-dimensional and real all the characters are, even the ones who play "bad guy" roles. More...
The archeological dig setting was great, I loved the way their search linked back to Rosemary Sutcliff's Eagle of the Ninth (although you certainly don't have to have read the other book to love this one - it's just one more added bonus), the ghost story is perfectly done, evocative and creepy and awesome, and I love how three-dimensional and real all the characters are, even the ones who play "bad guy" roles. More...
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Sep 20, 2011
Beth
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After reading the Winter Sea earlier this year, I was compelled to find more books by this author. It is clear that this one is an earlier work of hers, not quite as well developed but still an enjoyable read. I loved the setting of the archaeological dig in Scotland, and the ghost that haunts it. I liked Verity and the eccentric cast of characters. But although mysterious things keep happening that threaten to shut down the dig, I never really did get a sense of danger here. It was not until th
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Jan 21, 2012
Meg
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I haven't read a book like this in a long time. It was a nice breather after the many intense and emotional reads as of late. It was what I would consider a fun vacation read of sorts. The main plot took place surrounding an archeological dig, which is a secret (or not so secret,ha!) dream of mine. I loved learning more of the process involved, and some of the history of the Roman invasion of Scotland. I also loved the ghost story that was interwoven into the story, because, well, I just LOVE gh
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Mar 27, 2011
Mare
rated it:
Verity in on her way to Rose Hill, an archeological dig, in Eyemouth, Scotland, when she meets Davy Fortune. They are both working for Peter Quinn, who owns Rose Hill, and who hopes to find evidence of the Ninth
Legion. Robbie, the charming pyschic son of the housekeeper, is convincing with his conversations with The Sentinel, as he calls him, and soon Verity begins to notice unusual activity surrounding the dig.
A very interesting and diverse cast of characters placed in a well More...
Legion. Robbie, the charming pyschic son of the housekeeper, is convincing with his conversations with The Sentinel, as he calls him, and soon Verity begins to notice unusual activity surrounding the dig.
A very interesting and diverse cast of characters placed in a well More...
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Aug 14, 2011
Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)
rated it:
I enjoyed this book but could not quite give it four stars - more like a 3.5. It is the kind of book that would be good to read when you are waiting somewhere or when you won't be able to just sink into a book and not put it down. It's a fun read with some mystery, a good bit of supernatural in the person of a ghost from Rome's Ninth Legion whose final resting place has never been discovered. There is also an eight year old boy, Robbie, who has "the sight", and all of this combines
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Aug 09, 2011
Liora
rated it:
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 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 t
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Sep 17, 2011
Abigail
rated it:
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 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 More...
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 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 More...
Oct 23, 2010
Lynne
rated it:
I really thought I'd like this book a lot more than I did. I'm a huge fan of Barbara Erskine and thought this would be similar and while it was in some ways, it wasn't really of the same standard as hers. About an archaelogical dig in Scotland, looking for evidence of the disappearance of the mysterious Roman 9th Legion, the main character is an archaelogist who goes to help an eccentric character Philip Quinnell, who belives he knows where it is because he's been told it's there by a young bo
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Oct 21, 2011
Nikki
rated it:
3.5 stars
The Shadowy Horses was an enjoyable read for me although a bit disappointing. The character and setting development was very well done. I greatly enjoyed the characters. I also liked the mixing of history, archeology, ghosts, mystery and romance. However, what the book came down to was a light romance book which was not what I thought I had signed on for exactly. I had hoped the historical and ghost aspects would have been stronger as they were interesting but they fade to t More...
The Shadowy Horses was an enjoyable read for me although a bit disappointing. The character and setting development was very well done. I greatly enjoyed the characters. I also liked the mixing of history, archeology, ghosts, mystery and romance. However, what the book came down to was a light romance book which was not what I thought I had signed on for exactly. I had hoped the historical and ghost aspects would have been stronger as they were interesting but they fade to t More...
Sep 08, 2008
Angela
rated it:
The Shadowy Horses says on its cover that it is written "in the tradition of Barbara Michaels". And when you're a long-established Michaels fan like me, this is sheer music to the ears, not to mention aiming for a very high bar of entertainment.
Fortunately, Kearsley pulls it off in spades with this novel. It's my favorite one of hers, one that I periodically re-read, and which holds up very well every time I revisit it. Like classic Michaels novels, it's got all the right e More...
Fortunately, Kearsley pulls it off in spades with this novel. It's my favorite one of hers, one that I periodically re-read, and which holds up very well every time I revisit it. Like classic Michaels novels, it's got all the right e More...
Feb 11, 2010
Ana T.
rated it:
I have had this book in the TBR pile for a while now. I added it because Ro enjoyed it a lot but ended up not reading it at the time. Last December Katharina challenged me to read Kearsley (while I challenged her to read Singh) and I am happy to report that we both found new authors to love.
The main character is an archeologist, that fact alone is enough for me to be interested but she is also a very likeable and sensible woman. Her name is Verity Grey and she is the character More...
The main character is an archeologist, that fact alone is enough for me to be interested but she is also a very likeable and sensible woman. Her name is Verity Grey and she is the character More...
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Jan 13, 2012
Terri
rated it:
Really enjoyed this book. Can't wait till I reserve and get her other books. A bit like the old 'gothic' novels, this book has a bit of the supernatural in it. Just enough to make me want an encounter like the girl has in the book. I believe it must have been set in the early 1990's, but the book isn't dated in the story. No really 'bad guys', but I liked most of the characters. A liking for archeology will make this read more interesting to the reader, but it's a good story.
Dec 15, 2011
Deshay
rated it:
I just discovered Susanna Kearsley a couple of months ago when I read The Winter Sea. So I am now going back and reading some of her earlier works. I enjoyed this book but it wasn't quite as "deep" for me as some of her other stories. I didn't get as emotionally involved as in her other books. Perhaps one of the reasons is that I am not as enamored with Roman history as other aspects of history that she has written about. Still, it was an above-average read that kept my interest.
Dec 02, 2011
Sue
rated it:
I love Susanna Kearsley's books. Scotland, ghosts, archaeology, mystery, romance, a young boy with "second sight" - what more could you want. After reading two rather serious, plodding books, I was happy to grab one that was nothing more than a good "beach read". My only complaint is that about two-thirds of the way through, the author switched the tone of the book from mystery to romance, and in the process left a few threads of the plot dangling. I wonder..... Good
Jan 07, 2011
Kari
rated it:
I think I have found another favorite author! This is the second book I have read by Susanna Kearsley and I have loved them both. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Kearsley does it well.
This book also takes place in Scotland, as does "The Winter Sea". This time the story revolves around an archeological dig searching for the lost Roman 9th Legion or the Hispana. There is history, mystery, and a little romance thrown in for good measure...what's not to l
This book also takes place in Scotland, as does "The Winter Sea". This time the story revolves around an archeological dig searching for the lost Roman 9th Legion or the Hispana. There is history, mystery, and a little romance thrown in for good measure...what's not to l
Jan 02, 2011
ToniS
rated it: 
The setting and the premise were intriguing and there were nice moments in this book and a hunky Scottish love interest, but overall I felt like there was very little story and a lot of tedious detail to pad it out.
I found the main character to be boring. I think I heard about how "difficult" she was about 20 times, but she never did anything particularly difficult, despite the fact that all the men in the book were in love with her precisely for her difficult nature. She als More...
I found the main character to be boring. I think I heard about how "difficult" she was about 20 times, but she never did anything particularly difficult, despite the fact that all the men in the book were in love with her precisely for her difficult nature. She als More...
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Dec 19, 2011
Alicia
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I expected...more. Perhaps because although I've ready good reviews for this author, her books aren't that easy to find. I actually had to order a used copy on Amazon UK. While enjoyable for the phonetic Scottish accents alone, I can't say that I would call this a ghost story. It just isn't very spooky. You can read it at night. With all the lights off. Alone in the house. Easily.
