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Murray of Letho #2
Knowledge of Sins Past
Scotland at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Scoggie Castle is cold and grim, but a refuge to the disinherited Charles Murray. Then a series of mysterious deaths shakes family and servants alike, and splits the local village in two. Murray is thrown once more into the midst of murder, but who has the answer in this dark rural landscape - the pig-lovers or the pig-haters? Knowledge of Sins Past is second in the Murray of Letho Series.
423 pages, Paperback
First published June 19, 2011
About the author
Lexie Conyngham
55 books128 followersAuthor of five historical crime fiction series: Murray of Letho, Hippolyta Napier, the Journals of Dr Robert Wilson, Inspector Alec Cattanach, and Orkneyinga Murders, Lexie lives in North-East Scotland and after some years of trying the traditional methods (with absolute and complete lack of success) she was persuaded to test her limited technical skills with e-books. When she isn't writing (that would be Sundays) she teaches, knits, gardens, drinks wine or whisky, and sits looking thoughtful while random facts wander around her head.
She can be followed, should such a thing appeal, on Pinterest (https://uk.pinterest.com/lexieconyngham/) or even Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Lexie-Conyng...).
She can be followed, should such a thing appeal, on Pinterest (https://uk.pinterest.com/lexieconyngham/) or even Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Lexie-Conyng...).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 30, 2011
This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read this year.
Murder mystery is not normally my cup of tea but I was prompted to read this by my wife.
After reading the first 2 chapters I was sucked in and totally unable to put the book down.
The dialog and characterisation is amongst the best I have ever read and I swear that each of the characters developed their own unique voices.
The real joy in reading this was the lovingly assembled setting. Great care is taken in crafting a large cast of individuals with their own backgrounds and motivation. The multiple mysteries which follow on as the book progresses seem to follow on naturally from the backgrounds of the cast.
The period setting of early 19th century Scotland was fabulous and particularly charming. I particularly liked the details of day to day life woven into the story. Both fun and educational. The author really knows her topic.
Looking forward to reading the next book when it becomes available.
Quick Summary -
Murray of Letho has taken a position as Secretary to the Scoggies and tutor to their two sons.
Lord Scoggie rules over a small parish split between hill farmer folk and fisher folk.
Farmers and Fishers mix like oil and water.
Into this volatile and superstitious mix comes Major Keyes - crippled hero of the Seringapatam campaign against Tipu Sultan and possible suitor for the hand of the Scoggie daughter.
In this small parish everyone has a history and all it takes is the slightest provocation for the whole facade of normality and decency to become unwoven.
Murder mystery is not normally my cup of tea but I was prompted to read this by my wife.
After reading the first 2 chapters I was sucked in and totally unable to put the book down.
The dialog and characterisation is amongst the best I have ever read and I swear that each of the characters developed their own unique voices.
The real joy in reading this was the lovingly assembled setting. Great care is taken in crafting a large cast of individuals with their own backgrounds and motivation. The multiple mysteries which follow on as the book progresses seem to follow on naturally from the backgrounds of the cast.
The period setting of early 19th century Scotland was fabulous and particularly charming. I particularly liked the details of day to day life woven into the story. Both fun and educational. The author really knows her topic.
Looking forward to reading the next book when it becomes available.
Quick Summary -
Murray of Letho has taken a position as Secretary to the Scoggies and tutor to their two sons.
Lord Scoggie rules over a small parish split between hill farmer folk and fisher folk.
Farmers and Fishers mix like oil and water.
Into this volatile and superstitious mix comes Major Keyes - crippled hero of the Seringapatam campaign against Tipu Sultan and possible suitor for the hand of the Scoggie daughter.
In this small parish everyone has a history and all it takes is the slightest provocation for the whole facade of normality and decency to become unwoven.
July 3, 2011
There are very few mystery series where I must buy the next book as soon as it becomes available. Lexie Conyngham's Murray of Letho series, in two books, has moved to the top of that short list. Solidly drawn and dependably interesting characters, in a three-dimensional setting (early 18th century Scotland), with realistic motives and goals, fun dialogue--okay, I'm raving a bit, but you get the idea. I love these books and I'm ready for the next one.
Knowledge of Sins Past isn't as dark as its predecessor, Death in a Scarlet Gown, and with two small boys amongst the cast of characters, there's more humor and just plain fun here. Ms Conyngham gives a twist to the traditional mystery: rather than putting forth a murder for the detective and reader to solve, she presents an ongoing situation for the reader to enjoy, with a murder sooner or later thrown in. This makes for a slower, less frantic pace, and is somewhat similar to the technique used by J.K. Rowling in the middle Harry Potter novels. While the reader knows the mystery will be solved by the end of the book, there's more (much more) to this story than just the murder.
Like most epublished novels, there are some formatting glitches and a few minor typos, certainly not enough of the latter to bother anyone except the purest of purists. I can strongly recommend Ms Conyngham's books to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, mysteries in general, or an enjoyable romp with good, strong characters.
Knowledge of Sins Past isn't as dark as its predecessor, Death in a Scarlet Gown, and with two small boys amongst the cast of characters, there's more humor and just plain fun here. Ms Conyngham gives a twist to the traditional mystery: rather than putting forth a murder for the detective and reader to solve, she presents an ongoing situation for the reader to enjoy, with a murder sooner or later thrown in. This makes for a slower, less frantic pace, and is somewhat similar to the technique used by J.K. Rowling in the middle Harry Potter novels. While the reader knows the mystery will be solved by the end of the book, there's more (much more) to this story than just the murder.
Like most epublished novels, there are some formatting glitches and a few minor typos, certainly not enough of the latter to bother anyone except the purest of purists. I can strongly recommend Ms Conyngham's books to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries, mysteries in general, or an enjoyable romp with good, strong characters.
August 29, 2011
I found this book a thoroughly enjoyable read. It's a historical murder mystery, set in early 19th century Scotland in and around Scoggie Castle and nearby fishing village on the east coast. It's the second book in the series but I got hooked from the first chapter so read this one first. Summarising the style I'd say it was Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen and Rabbie Burns! The characters are very well drawn and the author has an extremely evocative way of describing them and their surroundings. Everyone seems to be hiding secrets that Murray has to unravel. There's also a strong element of humour with the two young sons of Lord Scoggie and their perennial attempts to thwart Murray's efforts to tutor them. The story moves along at a fast pace that keeps you turning the pages. I'll be looking out for further books in the series.
August 7, 2017
Really enjoyed Knowledge of Sins Past. My full review can be found here: book review.
September 29, 2020
I have just finished reading a book well worth reading. Once again Lexie transported me to the early 19c. Not a scooby how people lived then in the Kingdom of Fife, what they ate how they dressed or how they entertained themselves , but this author creates a background and magic atmosphere that seems to fit just right. We were treated to so many great word pictures " the lightening stitching the earth to the dark sky " for example. This tale had a good strong plot seasoned with a good deal of humour. Thoroughly can recommend this book to anyone into period dramas.
July 2, 2013
Murder at the castle…
It’s not often I read two books by the same author one after the other, but I enjoyed the first in this series Death in a Scarlet Gown so much that I downloaded this one straight away. A good decision, since this one is equally enjoyable.
Set in early 19th century Scotland, Charles Murray has now graduated from St Andrews but, having been cut off by his father, has accepted the job of secretary to Lord Scoggie and tutor to his young sons. Lord Scoggie’s domain is divided between hill farmers and fishermen between which communities there is a long-standing feud. And when old India hand Major Keyes comes a-wooing the Scoggie daughter, simmering resentments come back to the surface…
Conyngham is very good at scene setting, equally convincing when dealing with the aristocracy at the castle or the fishermen in the village. Her characterisation is particularly good and she handles a large cast well, giving each a distinctive personality and voice. Murray’s position as secretary allows him to be as much at home with the servants as with the family, and his role as tutor to the two young boys gives Conyngham scope to introduce a considerable amount of humour into the story. The murder doesn’t happen till about halfway through the book, giving plenty of time for the reader to speculate about who the victim will be and why. The plot is well worked out and as with all good murder mysteries, the denouement is dramatic.
Because we see Murray developing as the books progress, I would suggest that anyone new to the series should read them in order, although each could certainly also be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended for anyone who likes crime or mystery novels with a historical twist.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
It’s not often I read two books by the same author one after the other, but I enjoyed the first in this series Death in a Scarlet Gown so much that I downloaded this one straight away. A good decision, since this one is equally enjoyable.
Set in early 19th century Scotland, Charles Murray has now graduated from St Andrews but, having been cut off by his father, has accepted the job of secretary to Lord Scoggie and tutor to his young sons. Lord Scoggie’s domain is divided between hill farmers and fishermen between which communities there is a long-standing feud. And when old India hand Major Keyes comes a-wooing the Scoggie daughter, simmering resentments come back to the surface…
Conyngham is very good at scene setting, equally convincing when dealing with the aristocracy at the castle or the fishermen in the village. Her characterisation is particularly good and she handles a large cast well, giving each a distinctive personality and voice. Murray’s position as secretary allows him to be as much at home with the servants as with the family, and his role as tutor to the two young boys gives Conyngham scope to introduce a considerable amount of humour into the story. The murder doesn’t happen till about halfway through the book, giving plenty of time for the reader to speculate about who the victim will be and why. The plot is well worked out and as with all good murder mysteries, the denouement is dramatic.
Because we see Murray developing as the books progress, I would suggest that anyone new to the series should read them in order, although each could certainly also be read as a stand alone. Highly recommended for anyone who likes crime or mystery novels with a historical twist.
www.fictionfanblog.wordpress.com
October 8, 2012
Another great book from Lexie Conyngham. I preferred this book with it's family setting over the first in the series Death in a Scarlet Gown which was very male orientated and set at a University (but still highly enjoyable!).
As with the first book the first murder did not happen until 50% through the story so be aware of this if you choose to read it yourself and like a book to be paced faster. For me it is like reading 2 books in 1, you have the gentle paced period style of the first half and the quick 'whodunit' second half.
I loved the Scoggie family, especially the 2 boys and I hope that the family appears in some of the later books. There were moments throughout the first half of the book where I thought I had picked out the first victim but each time I was proven wrong.
It's a brilliant story and well written, although I did come across a few spelling mistakes however, my version is quite old so it has probably been updated since I bought it.
Off to start the 3rd in the series Service of the Heir
As with the first book the first murder did not happen until 50% through the story so be aware of this if you choose to read it yourself and like a book to be paced faster. For me it is like reading 2 books in 1, you have the gentle paced period style of the first half and the quick 'whodunit' second half.
I loved the Scoggie family, especially the 2 boys and I hope that the family appears in some of the later books. There were moments throughout the first half of the book where I thought I had picked out the first victim but each time I was proven wrong.
It's a brilliant story and well written, although I did come across a few spelling mistakes however, my version is quite old so it has probably been updated since I bought it.
Off to start the 3rd in the series Service of the Heir
May 8, 2013
Charles Murray, cut off financially by his father, is forced to make a living in spite of being heir to a great estate of his own. He does this by taking the post of Private Secretary to Lord Scoggie and tutor to his sons. The setting at Scoggie Castle, the locals who have historic reasons to detest one another, the one-legged war hero and of course, the two young lads Murray has to teach, give a huge variety to the writing. The boys are real little lads - I think I know them! Murray is a well rounded character - not a perfect know-all - and you can really warm to him.
The rest of the family and the locals are well drawn and the writing overall is excellent and the story gripping from the start.
I understand there are more Murray of Letho books in the wings. I really look forward to them.
The rest of the family and the locals are well drawn and the writing overall is excellent and the story gripping from the start.
I understand there are more Murray of Letho books in the wings. I really look forward to them.
November 28, 2016
In the early nineteenth century Charles Murray is now the secretary to Lord Scoggie, and tutor to his two young sons at Scoggie Castle in Fife.
The scenes are set and the story unfolded quite a way into the book before the first death, where we have a parish divided into farmers and fishermen who dislike each other, and into this mix comes the war hero Major Keynes. How many secrets can be discovered,
A lovely tale with well-rounded characters.
The scenes are set and the story unfolded quite a way into the book before the first death, where we have a parish divided into farmers and fishermen who dislike each other, and into this mix comes the war hero Major Keynes. How many secrets can be discovered,
A lovely tale with well-rounded characters.
October 1, 2012
Entertaining mystery set in the early part of the nineteenth century, featuring a wonderful cast of characters.
February 1, 2013
Another excellent Murry of Letho mystery set in Georgian Scotland.
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March 8, 2016Wrote this, so this may be a trifle biased! I loved the setting - I used to visit St. Monans regularly though Scoggie Castle is a figment of my imagination. The bit about the pigs is at least true in its roots!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews