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Shadowy Horses Mass Market Paperback – March 1, 1999

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 4,959 ratings

Archaeologist Verity Grey is delighted to be offered the opportunity to help uncover an ancient Roman camp in a small Scottish village, but her task becomes complicated by the reserve of her colleague, David Fortune, a young boy's psychic visions, mysterious hauntings, and a growing atmosphere of menace. Original.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Impulse has brought Verity Grey to remote Eyemouth, Scotland from her home in England. Verity's friend and ex-lover Adrian Sutton-Clarke has tempted her with an archaeological mystery. What it is, exactly, he won't tell her until she gets to Eyemouth. By then, the impetuous museum worker is intrigued enough to stay. At the estate known as Rosehill, Verity meets her boss, Peter Quinnell. People say Peter is quite mad, but the eccentric old man believes he has found the site of the lost Ninth Legion of Rome. With the help of a young boy with second sight, Peter intends to unearth the remains of the Roman camp. Verity's job would be cataloguing and drawing the artifacts that are found- but she isn't convinced of the site's authenticity. While at Rosehill, Verity also meets David Fortune, an archaeologist working with Quinnell. What starts out as a working relationship builds into a romantic attraction as the two find themselves embroiled in a mystery that dates back to ancient Rome. Gothic romance isn't dead, it's just been sleeping. The Shadowy Horses has a gothic feel reminiscent of Mary Stewart. Ghosts and legends abound in this tale set in the rugged Scottish countryside. Ms. Kearsley recreates an archaeological dig with precision and detail, inviting the reader into a world that is unfamiliar and exciting. Ms. Kearsley's use of words to create setting will make readers feel like they've been to Scotland. Susanna Kearsley's The Shadowy Horses is marvelously written and a pleasure to read! A wonderful book to curl up with on a cold night. If you've never been to Scotland, let Susanna Kearsley take you there. You won't want to leave! Kristina Wright -- Copyright © 1999 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Jove; First Edition (March 1, 1999)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0515124648
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0515124644
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 4.76 x 1.01 x 6.72 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 4,959 ratings

About the author

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Susanna Kearsley
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I’m a former museum curator, avid amateur genealogist, and writer of modern gothic novels that interweave contemporary suspense and romance with historical adventure, meaning they don’t fit neatly into any category and are therefore a marketer’s nightmare.

The Bookseller once said of me, in a review, “She has a poetic sensibility and a sense of mystery; she could write the modern Rebecca.”

So that’s what I strive for.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4,959 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book an enjoyable and fun read with an interesting storyline. They appreciate the well-developed characters and the author's skill in weaving historical events into contemporary fiction. The writing style is described as rich, descriptive, and engaging. Readers find the information about archeology interesting and the book keeps their interest throughout.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

506 customers mention "Readability"506 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing style. They find it an enjoyable read with a good storyline. The contemporary fiction setting and the parts about the Roman Sentinel are well-received.

"...Not only does Kearsley weave together a fantastic story about the archaeological dig and the relationships that form and stretch during the dig, but..." Read more

"...the process of reading all of Susanna Kersley's books and each one has been enjoyable...." Read more

"...love Susanna's books; her characters are easy to like, the story is interesting and the plot always has some kind of twist...." Read more

"...Her beautiful writing still makes this quite an enjoyable read, it just wasn't my favorite...." Read more

441 customers mention "Storyline"356 positive85 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the historical aspects interesting and enlightening, with the author weaving explanations for historical events into her stories. The contemporary fiction blends well with the characters of the past, making it perfect for fans of mystery and romance novels. Readers appreciate the respect and care with which history is preserved, finding the plot credible.

"...down with over a cup of coffee and just talk about all the interesting facets of history...." Read more

"...recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story filled with fascinating historical facts and lovable characters...." Read more

"...are easy to like, the story is interesting and the plot always has some kind of twist. The Shadowy Horses is no exception to the rule...." Read more

"...Kearsley is good at weaving explanations for historical events into her stories so you never once wonder what's going on...." Read more

242 customers mention "Character development"219 positive23 negative

Customers enjoyed the book's characters. They found them likable, bright, and energetic. The plot was fun and engaging.

"...I loved the people in this novel, Peter and Granny Nan best. They were such characters that they didn't even feel like characters in a book...." Read more

"...Verity is a likable, bright and energetic young woman; David Fortune is a big, handsome, Scottish archeologist who is drawn to Verity; David's..." Read more

"I absolutely love Susanna's books; her characters are easy to like, the story is interesting and the plot always has some kind of twist...." Read more

"...There was a lot I enjoyed about this book. The secondary characters were more fleshed out than most authors bother with and I rather liked Jeannie,..." Read more

198 customers mention "Writing style"190 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging writing style. They find the first-person narration engaging and descriptive, allowing them to immerse themselves in the story. The descriptions of the village feel realistic, making it seem like a place they'd like to visit. The book is described as a light read that anyone can read in a matter of days. While some readers felt the conversations were a bit shallow, the Scottish landscape was breathtaking and seamlessly weaved into the story.

"...during the dig, but she also brings the past in and effortlessly weaves it into the story...." Read more

"...Keep up the fantastic writing!" Read more

"...If you love Kearsley's work, I still recommend this one. Her beautiful writing still makes this quite an enjoyable read, it just wasn't my favorite...." Read more

"...Of course, I did not stop until I got to the end. . . .The writing was beautiful, the romance was delightful, and the history was fascinating...." Read more

89 customers mention "Archeology"86 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's information about archeology interesting. They say it's a well-researched and enjoyable read with an intriguing historical mystery. The characters make the subject readable, and the factual information makes the basic story credible. The Gothic feel mixed with historical elements is also appreciated.

"...Great characters, all of them. Wonderful historically-based and enlightening novel with the magical setting of sea and shore that Kearsley captures..." Read more

"...I found the archaeology fascinating, especially as I have had a past employment with a C-14 lab so I have some basic understanding of the science,..." Read more

"...There's the mystery, a psychic, a smuggler, an old mansion, a love interest or two, and a ghost along with some history. Well written!..." Read more

"...I wouldn't say this is an out right romance, it has more substance than that (again not knocking romance novels, I love them too) but it is a..." Read more

80 customers mention "Interest"59 positive21 negative

Customers find the book interesting and addictive. They say it keeps their attention with its mystery and suspense. The author draws them in with engaging characters and an exciting plot that keeps readers turning pages until the end.

"...read this book in two days because it was not only interesting but very exciting...." Read more

"...The story pulled me in right from the beginning. There was enough interest to make me want to keep reading and the romantic portion, even though..." Read more

"...There is such a mishmash of themes going on, none very interesting and many very annoying...." Read more

"...They are addictive." Read more

70 customers mention "Imagination"70 positive0 negative

Customers find the book imaginative and gripping. They appreciate the rich characterization, detailed world-building, and realistic characters. The author's skillfully woven intrigue makes it one of their favorite books. Readers also appreciate the poetic descriptions and well-thought-out theme.

"...The world that Ms Kearsley created was seductive and believable, even with a ghostly presence...." Read more

"...The setting is described so exquisitely that I could smell the heather in the fields, the rain moving in, the fish market in the village...." Read more

"...which is still far fetched (depending on your beliefs) but more believable...." Read more

"...The world building was so detailed it was like you were watching a movie as you read, as if you were there...." Read more

58 customers mention "Ghost story"49 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the ghost story. They find it engaging with ghostly elements like a wandering Roman sentinel and a handsome Scotsman. The romance is sweet and the ghost gives readers chills. Readers mention the book has a touch of mystery and shadowy mist.

"...There is also the hint of ghosts, paranormal activity and a mystery. All of this in a writing style that I very much enjoy...." Read more

"...The characters are well defined. I loved hearing about Scotland, the local history, and the ways of the Scots...." Read more

"...It's a ghost story, a gentle tale of a wandering Roman Sentinel, trapped in time, standing guard over his camp where his beloved sister tragically..." Read more

"...A sweet romance complete with an ancient protective phantom...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2014
    I read The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley because it was a kindle daily deal. I read Shadowy Horses because I loved Kearsley's writing. She seems like the kind of person I could sit down with over a cup of coffee and just talk about all the interesting facets of history. She brings the old in with the new and blends them so well, it's hard to imagine the two worlds not overlapping.

    In Shadowy Horses, Verity has been hired on as part of an archaeological dig for a vanished Roman army troop. The dig is occurring under strange circumstances. The financier and leader or the group is supposedly a little crazy, Verity dated on of the guys working on the dig and is attracted to the other, and the granddaughter of the leader is an apathetic 20 year old who holds a little resentment towards her grandfather. In addition to the digging group, there's the family that lives in the caretakers cottage: the cook, the groundskeeper, the fisherman, and the young psychic boy. Everything the dig is looking for is based not in fact, but in feelings.

    Not only does Kearsley weave together a fantastic story about the archaeological dig and the relationships that form and stretch during the dig, but she also brings the past in and effortlessly weaves it into the story. The ease with which I could see both the past and the present coming together is a testament to Kearsley's writing abilities. Not everyone can pull off something like that without making it feel cheap, forced, or odd. I can't imagine this story without the touch of the past and the story that accompanies it; it is what makes this story so brilliant.

    I loved the people in this novel, Peter and Granny Nan best. They were such characters that they didn't even feel like characters in a book. They felt like real people whose words were transcribed for the novel. Everyone, even the more deplorable characters are written so well, you can't help but like how bad they are.

    I don't want to give too much away, because this is a book you need to let unfold slowly, but I will say that even though I saw the ending coming, I still let out an "awww" when I reached it.

    After only reading two of Kearsley's novels, I know she's an author I'm going to watch and buy obsessively. She does with history what I wish I could do; bring it into the present and weave it in so masterfully, it's hard to know where the past ends and the present begins. This is definitely a must read book and a must read author.
    11 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2013
    I am in the process of reading all of Susanna Kersley's books and each one has been enjoyable. This book was no exception and kept me engrossed from the very first page. The Shadowy Horses combines some of my favorite subjects: archeology, Scottish history and romance. Verity Grey, an archeologist who most recently worked for the British Museum, has been hired by Peter Quinnell, an aging archeologist who has fallen out of favor, to work on a dig on his property. Peter has spent most of his career looking for the lost 9th Roman Legion which is one reason that he is no longer respected by his colleagues and now he believes that he has found their final resting place on his property in Eyemouth in the Scottish borderlands. Peter is basing this belief on the reports of a clairvoyant child, Robbie, who sees the ghost of a Roman Sentinel walking the grounds of Peter's estate. The story is rich in archeological facts, Roman history and interesting characters. Verity is a likable, bright and energetic young woman; David Fortune is a big, handsome, Scottish archeologist who is drawn to Verity; David's mother is a strong-willed woman with a mind of her own; Peter of course is a lovable grandfatherly character with deep, sad family secrets; Adrian Sutton-Clarke is a somewhat disreputable playboy who is also an archeologist and who has a history with Verity and, of course, Robbie and the ghost. Add to this mix two big affectionate cats and a playful Collie dog who can also see the ghost and you have the stuff that good novels are made of.

    I read this book in two days because it was not only interesting but very exciting. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story filled with fascinating historical facts and lovable characters. I look forward to reading Ms. Kersley's next book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2014
    I absolutely love Susanna's books; her characters are easy to like, the story is interesting and the plot always has some kind of twist. The Shadowy Horses is no exception to the rule. The story pulled me in right from the beginning. There was enough interest to make me want to keep reading and the romantic portion, even though very mild, was enough to keep my imagination working.

    One of the things I like about Susanna's writing is how she explains what she needs but lets the rest up to the readers imagination. Take for instance the tension leading up to the romantic scene; but not really a romantic scene. There wasn't detail or anything but left me wondering and allowed my imagination to fill in the blanks.

    This story is a bit different from most of her other books since there isn't an actual time travel episode. Instead, there are flashbacks in a way (I don't want to give too much away).

    The end of the story is always a bit of a disappointment for me. I'm not disappointed with the story line but I always feel like I'm saying 'good-bye' to some good friends; and again, there is always story left over so the reader can fill in the blanks.

    I'm anxiously waiting for the next book from Susanna and have to admit I haven't been reading her books in succession. The first book I read was Winter Sea and have enjoyed all of the books since. Keep up the fantastic writing!
    9 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Shannon Stoltz-Limin (Wolf-Fyre)
    5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE this book
    Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2024
    I picked up a different copy of this book years ago at a fair, knowing absolutely nothing about it besides the title was intriguing and the synopsis sounded good. I've reread it enough times it was time to get a new copy, plus an extra on to gift to a friend. It is part Ghost Story with interesting characters and fun relationships.
  • Alejandro Silvestre Tello Moreno
    5.0 out of 5 stars interesting and engaging
    Reviewed in Mexico on July 7, 2022
    good reading, detailed and intriguing situations. The characters are so well described that you read their thoughts. The story takes your hand through places and situations that it is difficult to stop reading. 100% recommended!
  • D. J. Jones
    5.0 out of 5 stars Not my usual type of book BUT I enjoyed it immensley.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2015
    Let me start by making it clear - this is not my usual style of book. Action, thriller, crime, Ancient Roman adventure etc are my usual read so it was the link to the ill fated Roman 9th Legion that got me interested initially. Compared to my usual books not a lot happens during the course of this particular book, however, once started I couldn't put it down - this is simply because the author is so good at describing people, events and locations and making the reader care about what happens to her characters that it was a pleasure to read. As the story developed into a love story I was even more surprised that it held my attention - but it did!! My wife is now reading it and half way through is enjoying it as much as I did.

    As usual I make my 'star ratings' based on awarding one star for a 'yes' to each of the following five questions: 1. Did I enjoy the book? 2. Did it hold my attention throughout? 3. Did I get to know the characters and care what happened to them? 4. Was I sorry that the book finished - did I want to read more? and 5. Would I buy another novel from this author? The answer to each of those is 'yes' (already bought my next book) and consequently this gets my 5 stars.
  • Ansofi
    5.0 out of 5 stars The romance of archaeology
    Reviewed in France on March 4, 2013
    As a student in archaeology, It was great to read the real truth on excavations, it wasn't a romanced vision... even though there was a very sweet love story too. The setting in Scotland is picturesque, and I loved to learn a bit of Scots!
  • Daniela Brandl
    5.0 out of 5 stars a wonderful book...
    Reviewed in Germany on March 1, 2013
    which I could not lay aside and kept me in a cosy bubble for a day! loved the protagonists and the ghost story and now I'm longing for a book that can compete with it! i fear there will be no such thing!