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The Shadowy Horses

Susanna Kearsley (Goodreads Author)

3.95 · Rating details · 18,900 ratings · 1,940 reviews

The Invincible Ninth Roman Legion Marches from York to Fight The Northern Tribes. and then Vanishes from the Pages of History.

Archaeologist Verity Grey has been drawn to the dark legends of the Scottish Borderlands in search of the truth buried in a rocky field by the sea.

Her eccentric boss has spent his whole life searching for the resting place of the lost Ninth Roman Le ...more

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Paperback, 432 pages

Published March 1st 1999 by Jove (first published 1997)

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Nov 30, 2017 Navessa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, ghosts

This was really good.

I love me some Roman history, and I've read more books set in the UK than anywhere else, so this book pretty much sold me at "female archaeologist searching for the lost ninth Roman legion in Scotland".

I probably would have given it a solid three stars for that alone, but with such a gorgeous setting, lush prose, wonderfully developed characters - including a few very grey side characters, a likable, brainy MC with integrity and nerve, and a love interest that you fully un ...more

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Jan 25, 2014 Tadiana ✩Night Owl☽ rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, things-go-bump-in-the-night, mystery

This is a decent, slightly old-fashioned romantic suspense novel (though the suspense here is pretty understated) with a ghostly twist. Verity Grey is an archaeologist who takes a job up in the Scottish Borderlands on a dig that maybe - just maybe - is the final resting place of the legendary lost Ninth Roman Legion. Verity's new boss is convinced of it, even though the evidence is murky at best. His reason? A local young boy with the Sight has seen a ghost of a Roman legionnaire stalking the gr ...more

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Oct 29, 2013 Sarah Mac rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: zzz-2013, sheep-tsunami, reviewed-snarky, reviewed, paperback-swap, mary-sue-puke-bucket, read-regifted, drank-the-haterade, uber-disappointing, cheesy-like-cheesy-poofs

- Sarah's Reading Guide for The Shadowy Horses -

(1) Open google.
(2) Load a picture of dry toast. Example:

(3) Stare at toast for 3 minutes.
(4) Leave the room. Trim your toenails.
(5) Return to the computer. Stare at toast for another 3 minutes.
(6) Close picture.

Congrats! You've successfully duplicated the Shadowy Horses experience. Be proud -- you've saved yourself untold pain by not bothering with the tepid characters, bland plot, excruciating infodumps, cutesy humor, & nauseating romance of this ...more

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Nov 10, 2012 Barb rated it did not like it

Shelves: read-in-2012, own-it, scotland, ghosts

I really didn't like this story from Susanna Kearsley. This is the fourth novel by her that I've read and there is definitely a formula she follows. Sometimes the formula works for me and sometimes it doesn't.

I did like the setting of the archeological dig and the insertion of the Roman history that went with describing what the archeologists were looking for and discovering. I also liked the many references to the Scots language and traditions.

What I didn't care for was the romantic story line ...more

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Jul 02, 2012 Jessie (Ageless Pages Reviews) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, mystery, supernatural-fiction, owned-copy, arc, 2013-reads, netgalley-arc, historical-fiction, i-love-you-for-your-words, reviews-2012

Read This Review & More Like It On Ageless Pages Reviews!

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; one that is adept at creating a wide array of individual characters, as well as intricately setting up an atmospheric read. She delivers every tim Read This Review & More Like It On Ageless Pages Reviews!

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; 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! ...more

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Dec 29, 2012 Allison rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: gothic, paranormal, romance-rating-mild-g-pg, own-ebook, own-physical-shelf, setting-britain-ireland, favorites, 5-stars, contemporary-romance, archaeology

Shadowy Horses was another quick, enjoyable read by Susanna Kearsley. It's not a time-slip like the others that I've read, but more of a contemporary ghost story, although it's really not what you would call a chilling one. I expected a bit more of an eerie, Gothic atmosphere, and got more Scottish flavor instead (which is really not a bad thing).

The story centers on an archaeological dig in an old fishing town where a mad old scholar believes he's found the final resting place of the Roman Nin ...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Bonnie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: pn-ghosties, buddy-reads-mom, gothic, mystery-historical-fiction

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I won this book in a contest hosted by Reading Between the Wines and Sourcebooks.

description

Shadowy Horses is centered around Eyemouth, which is an actual fishing port located in south-east Scotland. The story references actual places and events including The Ship Hotel, the fish auctions and the Herring Queen Festival. While it hasn't actually been verified that Eyemouth is the last resting place of the Ninth Roman Legion, this is what the fictional character Verity Gray is drawn ...more

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Sep 22, 2012 Heather K (dentist in my spare time) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: scottish-men-oh-my, historical, paranormal, loved-it, paperback-or-hardcover, gothic, m-f, mystery, favorites-2012, romance

**4.5 stars**

I would have stayed up all night last night to finish this book if my daughter didn't wake up and call for me. It was one of those books where you say to yourself "I'll just finish this one chapter" and do that over and over again until you look up and 2 hours has gone by.

I always love Susanna Kearsley's writing and this book was no exception. Her prose just envelops me and drags me deep into the plot to the point where the world around me grows murky. I get sucked into these beaut ...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Stacey rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Fans of Elizabeth Peters, MIchael Crichton's Timeline, Elizabeth Lowell

Shelves: mystery, favorites, suspense, ancient-rome, 21st-century, 2012-challenge, supernaturals, ghost-story

This novel went way beyond my expectations, into "truly delightful" territory. I had expected something a little less fiction and a little more fluffy (Kind of like Elizabeth Lowell, who writes stories involving art history, book history, studies of artifacts, etc. - but whose writing is not nearly as good).

This novel has a perfect mix of history, romance, and mystery.

The plot begins immediately, with an archaeologist re-tracing her route on a bus after managing to sleep through her train stop. ...more

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Apr 26, 2018 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

He Bids His Beloved Be At Peace

I 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
...more

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Sep 08, 2019 C. rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: riedel-titles-2019

I liked Susanna Kearsley’s third outing best! An archaeological site in Scotland is a sublime setting. Three stars don’t reflect how much I enjoyed this novel, which a few factors shaped. “The Shadowy Horses”, 1997, is about a disputed third-century Roman camp. The loveable landowner is rich but the university needs evidence to approve a student workforce. His proof is the neighbour’s son.... meeting a spirit from that legion!

The impact wavered because Susanna didn’t clarify any primary genre. ...more

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Mar 05, 2017 Christine Spoors rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, scottish-celtic, read-2017

This book begins with the main character Verity sitting on a bus in the pouring rain. I spend a lot of time doing that myself so I instantly began to love this book. It's set in Eyemouth, a port town in the Scottish Borders, and I love the way Kearsley writes about Scotland. It is clear from the very first page that she did a lot of research before beginning this book!

This book only has one POV and we follow Verity, an archaeologist, as she moves to Eyemouth to take part in an archaeological dig ...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Lynn rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: highland-romance, historical-fiction, book-club-read, mystery-suspense, paranormal-fantasy, books-i-own

What can I say, I think Susanna Kearsley could write the back of a cereal box and I'd think it was marvelous, lol. There's just something about her writing style that I truely love, she's one of my favorite authors. The Shadowy Horses was no exception, the setting was modern day Scotland with our main character Verity Grey an archaeologist accepting a job to help find the truth as to whether the lost Ninth Roman Legion is buried in a rocky field by the sea. This story has everything, a charming ...more

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Jul 25, 2012 Melodie rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, fiction-paranormal, historical-thriller-mystery

This was not up to the standards I have come to expect from this author.Story premise was interesting and the characters with all their contrasts and foibles should have carried the story. But it all fell flat for me.
At times there was too much detail and others not enough. It was as if the author got bored with her own story and just wanted to get it done and over. I was reading along and all of a sudden we went from zero to sixty. Neatly tied up with a bow and happily ever after? Huh?

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Oct 22, 2015 TL rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: favorites

Some samples of the beautiful writing:

"The man, to my eyes, looked enormous, a great dark giant who moved over bracken and thorn with an effortless stride. He might have been a spectre from a bygone age, a fearless border laird come to challenge our rude intrusion on his lands--but the illusion lasted only a moment.

"The sea was close beside us now. I could the choppy froth of waves beyond the thinning wall of mist, and the jutting silhouettes of jagged rocks. The rain had stopped. Between the r Some samples of the beautiful writing:

"The man, to my eyes, looked enormous, a great dark giant who moved over bracken and thorn with an effortless stride. He might have been a spectre from a bygone age, a fearless border laird come to challenge our rude intrusion on his lands--but the illusion lasted only a moment.

"The sea was close beside us now. I could the choppy froth of waves beyond the thinning wall of mist, and the jutting silhouettes of jagged rocks. The rain had stopped. Between the racing clouds a sudden gleam of sunlight flashed, and disappeared, and flashed again, and finally stretched a searching finger out to touch the clustered houses curving round the coast ahead of us. "

"The pungent smell of damp earth touched my nostrils like a sweet seductive scent, and I couldn't help but feel that tiny catch of excitement deep in my chest, that tingling thrill that all explorers must have felt from time immemorial. Because you never knew what worlds were waiting underneath that ground, to be discovered. That was the beauty of it -- you never really knew. "

"The lights flickered briefly and I suddenly realised how dark it had grown outside--the shadows closed around us and vanished again as the warm glow hummed to life. And then the sky exploded, and the storm came down like vengeance.

As always, it never takes long to pull you into the story *happy sigh*

This isn't a complicated or plot but the way it unfolds, I didn't mind at all. I enjoyed meeting Verity and seeing things through her eyes. Her name, is very appropriate for her, and the story :).

It was enjoyable as well, seeing Robbie as a little kid, before the events of 'the firebird'... he was so adorable and tenacious haha. Brian's attitude did annoy me, but I understood where he was coming from.

Also was fun, getting some bits of the folklore and traditions of our setting. Eyemouth is a small but rich town and sounds like the type of place to settle down in. Too bad we can't transport the people from Susanna Kearsley's book there as well :).

Only quibble I had is a minor one but I would have loved to see more with Robbie's Sentinel and the dig... to follow how everything turned out. The ending though, was a nice touch so I'll not complain... much ;-)

The order I found out after the fact, to keep things straight, to read these books in: Shadowy Horses, Winter Sea, Firebird .. but no harm done if you don't :)

Can't recommend this woman's writing enough <3 ...more

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Nov 27, 2012 Beth rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, own-it, 2018, mystery, won, last-tbr-challenge-2018, suspense

I have loved the Kearsley novels I had read up til this one, and while I don't know that I enjoyed this one quite as much, it was still a wonderful way to spend several evenings. The description calls it "brooding and atmospheric" and those are apt descriptors. This one is a re-print, and it does feel a bit dated, and not just because no one whips out their smart phone (I actually enjoyed that bit!), but rather there is something about the language. I really don't care for certain words, especia I have loved the Kearsley novels I had read up til this one, and while I don't know that I enjoyed this one quite as much, it was still a wonderful way to spend several evenings. The description calls it "brooding and atmospheric" and those are apt descriptors. This one is a re-print, and it does feel a bit dated, and not just because no one whips out their smart phone (I actually enjoyed that bit!), but rather there is something about the language. I really don't care for certain words, especially the name of Christ, being used as a swear word. Just go ahead and write in a curse word (or don't) and be done with it. Her newer books don't have this that I remember, so in that way, perhaps her writing has evolved. Or perhaps they do just use that as a swear word a lot in Scotland? Anyway, either way, not a favorite element of mine. To be fair, it's not prevalent, but once is enough for me in this case.

This one also doesn't quite have the depth of the other two that I've read, so perhaps that why it wasn't quite the page turner that the others were for me. There is not a huge focus on the romance in this story either (as in no surprises), but it is believable and compelling, and the story doesn't lack for it not being focused on very much. There is a lovely, haunting atmosphere as much of the story is set on the site of what is believed to be, by some characters, the final resting place of Rome's Ninth Legion. I loved the historical bits; Verity visits a museum and talks to other experts in the field. There's also a dog and a cat and a cute little boy, so lots of enjoyable, cozy elements, despite this really being a ghost story at it's core.

Perhaps it reminded me of a mixture of Mary Stewart and Victoria Holt, which for me, is certainly a compliment (though I admit not to having read as many Stewart's as I have Holt's). Despite not loving it to bits as I did say, The Rose Garden, I'm glad I finally read The Shadowy Horses.

(I won The Shadowy Horses from a giveaway on Peeking Between the Pages - www.peekingbetweenthepages.com). ...more

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Feb 09, 2013 Jennifer rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: you-did-this-to-yourself, if-its-not-scottish-its-crahp

What I liked:
- the archaeology and Roman history lessons,
- the main premise,
- the setting,
- Wally, Jeannie's dad.

Ha, no, really, I did like most of the secondary characters - even the annoying ones. I enjoy reading Kearsley's books - though they tend to be populated with similar characters, it's fun to see them in slightly different positions this time around.

What I didn't like:
- The 'sinister' plot. Why was that even in there? Made no sense and was just dumb, especially the big...finale? ...more

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Oct 08, 2015 Lyuda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, time-travel

One cup of ancient Roman Legion history, one cup of archaeology tidbits, one cup of modern Scottish coastal village atmosphere, full dollop of paranormal element and one tablespoon of the Scots language.
Mix all ingredients together.
Sprinkle romance and mystery on top and enjoy this wonderful creation!

Warning:
Consumption can lead to:
1. Impulsive internet search on everything to do with Roman Legio IX Hispana and its disappearance.
2. Overwhelming desire to visit the east coast of Scotland and, ...more

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Aug 24, 2016 G. rated it it was ok · review of another edition

2.5/5
Picked this one up before reading The Firebird, which is the companion book to The Winter Sea but also features a character from this earlier novel. Frankly, The Shadowy Horses didn't do much for me. It's definitely not as good as The Winter Sea—the formula is very similar, but Kearsley has definitely grown as a writer since this one was published. That said, it did make me read up on Legio IX Hispana, so I know a bit more than I did previously. Yay for that, I guess. ...more

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Sep 13, 2018 Sara rated it liked it

Shelves: romance, borrowed-from-library, mystery, 2018-aty-challenge

A story with a ghost and a child psychic wouldn’t generally appeal to me, but there is something very retro about Susanna Kearsley’s writing style that I enjoy. We meet her main character, Verity Gray, as she arrives at an excavation site in Scotland, where her new boss is attempting to find evidence of the elusive Ninth Roman Legion, and even from her initial bus ride into town, we know there will be more discovered here than old bones.

Kearsley's Scottish setting is charming, her romantic invo ...more

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Feb 07, 2014 Keertana rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: swoooon

The Shadowy Horses, oddly enough, threw my preconceived notions regarding Kearsley's work right out of the window. After having read The Winter Sea, I expected Kearsley's prose, plot, and characterization to follow a similar pattern, but I found myself pleasantly surprised. While her writing style does, once again, transport readers into a rich, ethereal atmosphere, little else about The Shadowy Horses was similar to The Winter Sea. Yet, despite the fact that Kearsley lacks a formulaic approach, ...more

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Jul 12, 2018 Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-general, historical-fiction, audio, own, audible, reviewed, backlist-reader-2018, coyer-summer-2018

Like Named of the Dragon (review), The Shadowy Horses reminds me of Mary Stewart’s novels, with a little less suspense and considerably more archaeology — not to mention a ghost. A Roman legionary, in fact, possibly from the legendary and ill-fated Ninth Legion, Legio IX Hispana. The Ninth Legion was stationed in Britain, and all but disappears from the historical record after 108 CE, though a few inscriptions suggest at least a detachment may have been at Nijmegen (Netherlands) after 120. The r Like Named of the Dragon (review), The Shadowy Horses reminds me of Mary Stewart’s novels, with a little less suspense and considerably more archaeology — not to mention a ghost. A Roman legionary, in fact, possibly from the legendary and ill-fated Ninth Legion, Legio IX Hispana. The Ninth Legion was stationed in Britain, and all but disappears from the historical record after 108 CE, though a few inscriptions suggest at least a detachment may have been at Nijmegen (Netherlands) after 120. The real-life fate of the legion is still unknown, the subject of scholarly speculation and research over the years. One theory, popularized by Rosemary Sutcliffe in The Eagle of the Ninth , is that the Hispana marched north into Caledonia (Scotland) and met with some disaster. Ms. Kearsley has taken that theory and crafted a wonderful novel of belief, love, and obsession. Her ideas of what befell the Ninth make sense, though there is no way to prove it.

Kearsley writes beautifully. Her characters are well developed and depicted with (for the most part) warm, almost affectionate precision. Sally Armstrong reads the audiobook, and has done a good job with the various voices and accents, from cultured Anglo-Irish gentry to upper-crust English to “braed Scots.” The heroine’s Scots dictionary proves invaluable in translating Scots terms for the reader as well as for Verity herself.

All the threads of the story held my attention, from the interpersonal relationships of the group of archaeologists working on the dig and others connected to the Rosehill household, to the young psychic, Robbie McMorran, and the ghost only he can see, to the quest for the Ninth Legion itself. The growing feelings between the heroine (and first-person narrator), Verity Grey, and archaeologist and local son David Fortune are only one thread among many in the Rosehill tapestry — or perhaps I should say, one piece in the archeaological puzzle. Ultimately, Kearsley brings all the bits together seamlessly, with no missing or extra pieces; I can only admire the way all the details dovetail when finally seen from the right angle.

I love the subtle delicacy with which Kearsley writes romantic relationships. Verity is drawn to David Fortune from the start, and he to her, but their relationship evolves slowly, initially through small glances and oblique comments. Their first kiss comes well after the half-way point, more than two-thirds of the way through the book. Like Stewart, Kearsley never goes into graphic detail, though the general gist is never in doubt. Her heroines’ tendency to draw a curtain over physical intimacy reads as reticence rather than prudishness, a sense that what happens between lovers is theirs alone, and not to be shared.

I loved the book almost as much as The Winter Sea and as much as A Desperate Fortune. I’m going right on to The Firebird, which links The Shadowy Horses to The Winter Sea through the present-day presence of Rob McMorran, now a grown man, and the 18th-century character, Anna, the daughter of two characters from The Winter Sea. And I’ll be making room on my physical bookshelves for Kearsley’s books; I’ve quite fallen in love with them, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be rereading and relistening to them for years to come. ...more

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Jan 20, 2012 Reese rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

"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 Hispana (Ninth Spanish Legion), da ...more

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May 26, 2010 Margaret rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2006-read, authors-kl, 2011-read, mystery, suspense

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 the early ...more

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May 06, 2020 aarya rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Recommended to aarya by: Jess

Shelves: rating-4, owned-in-ebook-kindle, theme-r-christianity-catholicism, trope-small-town, theme-c-animals-pets, theme-visual-arts-photos-museum, year-2020, trope-workplace, theme-c-widowed-divorced, fiction-generic

This was creepier than I expected, but I really liked it. Kearsley excels in Scottish settings, and it was a delight to see Rob as a child.

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Jan 04, 2011 obsessedwithbooks rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, 5-star

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 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 author!

For me, what elevates Susanna Kearsley's novels is the development of the setting and the characters. Locations have related historical events and even though there are a variety of characters in her novels they are distinct from each other and well rounded. Kearsley lets the quality of her writing speak for itself, with wonderful descriptive language, historical detail, sparkling and sharp dialogue - not one word is superfluous to the story. Chapters rarely end with cliffhangers...though there is mystery enough. There is no race to the finish with the plot but a slow build to a satisfying conclusion. You really need to think about all possible motivations to determine the antagonizing force in the story. Ghostly or supernatural elements are interwoven into the storyline - often the protagonist relives a past life, or encountering ghosts or experiencing strange events. Another reason why Kearsley's novels are so great, is that the female protagonists lead independent, interesting and creative lifestyles, with careers such as painter, writer, archeologist, etc. Kearsley's stories can be appreciated by adult and young adult readers alike.

The Shadowy Horses, specifically, is a smoothly paced book. Verity Grey is an intelligent and stubborn woman, an archeologist herself, helping another renowned and reclusive archeologist explore for evidence of the Ninth Roman Legion at an estate called Rosehill but someone...or something...is meddling and strange incidents and coincidences occur. Though the formula for The Shadowy Horses is similar to Mariana and The Winter Sea, the setting and characters are completely different and I found all the related history to the Ninth Roman Legion fascinating. I look forward to reading it and collecting this author's back list.

http://myobsessionwithbooks.blogspot.... ...more

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Jan 19, 2018 OLT rated it really liked it · review of another edition

This, of the Kearsley novels I've read so far, is one of the most like a Mary Stewart read. It places a heroine in a setting new to her. In this case, she's from London and goes to Scotland to work at an archaeological dig. It introduces many and varied secondary characters who are well-drawn and realistic and not uni-dimensional. It supplies us with some great sexual chemistry and romance between the heroine and her love interest, but in a subtle and non-explicit way. There is also the hint of ...more

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Jul 30, 2020 Connie G rated it liked it

Shelves: animals, historical-fiction, paranormal, scotland

Archeologist Verity Grey accepted a position on a dig with hopes to unearth artifacts left by the lost Ninth Roman Legion. They are working in the Scottish Borderlands in a Berwickshire town by the North Sea. A young boy with the gift of a "second sense" has seen a Roman soldier pacing the grounds near the dig. The Roman soldier and a romantic Scottish archeologist are both very protective toward Verity.

"The Shadowy Horses" was a fun combination of historical fiction, romance, and the supernatu ...more

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Jan 03, 2018 Kim Kaso rated it really liked it

Shelves: 5000-books-lor2018

My first read of the year. I love Susanna Kearsley’s books, and I save them to give myself a treat at the start of the year. This one was an early effort, and is mid-range for her, Winter Storm being my favorite up to now. I sank into the world she created, embraced Roman ghosts and people with the “sight”, which struck a familiar chord from my Celtic bloodlines. Archeology, the border country, it all was pleasing and was a great place to spend the dark nights of winter. A great start to my read ...more

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Mar 02, 2015 puppitypup rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, mystery

Fiction/Mystery Exquisite writing, this author is gifted, no doubt. The book has a decidedly Gothic feel to it, and a languid pacing that fits the setting perfectly. In fact, this story has that elusive quality that I am always searching for in a novel - room to breathe.

Set in the windswept moors of the Scottish borderlands, in a coastal village still lingering under the miasma of a terrible disaster that claimed the lives of its menfolk a hundred years past.

I adore stories that have dual timeli ...more

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topics	posts	views	last activity
Around the Year i...: The Shadowy Horses, by Susanna Kearsley	1	15	Jan 12, 2017 11:56AM
2015 Reading Chal...: The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley	1	24	Jul 28, 2015 11:56PM
Rosemary Sutcliff...: Another Author's Take on the Ninth Legion	2	19	Sep 27, 2014 05:58AM
Madison Mega-Mara...: The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley	4	7	Feb 02, 2014 09:55AM
Round Lake Librar...: Shadowy Horses	33	20	Oct 15, 2013 12:57PM
new authors	2	76	Aug 03, 2013 03:18PM
Madison Mega-Mara...: The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley	1	3	May 03, 2013 09:23PM

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About Susanna Kearsley

Susanna Kearsley

7,079 followers

New York Times, USA Today, and Globe and Mail bestselling author Susanna Kearsley is a former museum curator who loves restoring the lost voices of real people to the page, interweaving romance and historical intrigue with modern adventure.

Her books, published in translation in more than 20 countries, have won the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, a RITA Award, and Nat ...more