Review: The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley

Monday, July 30, 2012
Genre: historical fiction, supernatural, mystery
Series: N/A
Pages: 426 (Nook ARC edition)
Published: first March 1999, reissued October 2012
Source: publishers via NetGalley
Rating: 4/5

Verity Grey abandons her comfortable job at the British Museum to seek adventure on an archaeological dig in the wilds of Scotland. But when she arrives on site, she discovers that the excavation is being led by a discredited and eccentric old man who has forsaken scientific evidence. Instead, the entire team is following the word of a local boy who claims that he saw a ghostly Roman soldier in the fields.

As she becomes entangled in a subtle web of treachery and danger, Verity begins to believe that there is a Roman sentinel haunting the site. And he's there to do more than guard the bodies of his fallen comrades...

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!

14 comments:

  1. This book sounds right up my alley. Lately I've been obsessed with anything to do with Scotland. I think I may just hop on over to NetGalley and grab this one, it sounds awesome! Thanks for the great review :)

    -Kate the Book Buff
    I'm Back! Cue the Cheers! Or Cue the Cricket Chirps?

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    1. Scotland is fun place to read about. If you like slight paranormal elements, I think you'd like this one. Good luck; I'll cross my fingers and hope you get approved :)

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  2. I loooooooooooove the name Verity. It must be the hot new heroine name -- I feel like I'm seeing it everywhere. I've never read any Kearsley, somehow, even though she seems exactly my speed. Is this a Sourcebooks release? They never approve my NetGalley requests -- so envious they do for you!

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    1. I do too, and it does seem to be popping up all over the place, lately. It's a great name and the fact that it's Latin for "truth" works well for the story!

      Yes, it is Source books - and they actually denied me the first time! I was most demanding and sent another request until they approved me! After reading and loving Mariana, I had to see if Kearsley was more than a one-hit wonder.

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    2. Hmm, I'll try to be a little pushier then -- it totally annoys me that decline my requests (I even said to my wife, the words out before I realized it, 'Don't they know who I am?' OMG, I'm a megalomaniac blogger already, eeek!)

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    3. I'm not afraid to be pushy for books I want. Probably not the best attitude, but megalomania for everyone! Hahah. But seriously, if they approve me, there's no reason they should deny you!

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    4. I've totally bought into that reviewer thing abt having to prove my chops before getting a book. But then again, I'm totally passive in so many other ways in my life -- I should use this to practice being bold(er)!

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  3. Wow! I've never even heard of this one before but it sounds so good! I really need to get my hands on this title - dark, romantic, and creepy? It's definitely a novel right up my alley! Brilliant review, Jessie! :D

    ~Keertana
    Ivy Book Bindings

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    1. It's on NetGalley, Keertana! I'd be interested to see how this one works for you, so I say go request! And thank you!

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  4. I have never heard of this author before, but, now that I've read your review, I'm definitely intrigued. It sounds like this book has just the right amount and combination of elements to make it an addictive read -- a very well-described setting, great characters, suspense, romance, and the supernatural. What more could any reader want? So I'm heading over to Goodreads to add this one right away!!

    Thanks for another informative review!! : )

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    1. Hey, Maria! So glad I convinced you to give this one a try - Susanna Kearlsey is great for many reasons and I hope it works out for you!

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    2. Hi, again!

      Just wanted to let you know that I've mentioned you and this review in my "Waiting On Wednesday" post this week, and linked back to this page.

      Thanks for bringing this novel to my attention!! : )

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    3. Aww, thank you, lady! I'll definitely head over and check it out! Anytime you're free to trade posts/gust blog, be sure to let me know!

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    4. You're very welcome! And you can guest post anytime!!

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