The Shadowy Horses

It needed more editing to get the characters & their stories straight. The ideas were good but it was unbaked somehow. I kept reading but wanted it fleshed out more. The author came up with very interesting characters that were original but then didn't develop them enough to let me know them as much as I wanted to. A fair read and worth the money I paid.

Beautifully written, the book immediately grips the reader in its thrall. The plot is well developed, as are the main characters. There are also enough twists and turns to satisfy most. If you enjoyed Susanna Kearsley's previous novel, "Mariana", you will also enjoy this one.

The plot revolves around an archaeological site in Scotland where our heroine, archaeologist Verity Grey, is working. Toss in a former lover, an eight year old blessed with second sight, a masterful, very attractive Scotsman, a family secret, some Scottish mists, and a ghostly sentinel from the Ninth Roman Legion, and you have a recipe for a gothic style page turner, if ever there were one.

Susanna Kearsley did a fabulous job in creating a story with romance, some paranormal visions, mystery, an archaeology dig........very captivating. I felt the spirit of the horses, hearing their hooves pounding on the soft ground. There was a feeling of being told of a ghost story sending chills down your spine as you read this novella.

This was my first Susanna Kearsley book and I didn't quite know what to expect. It was absolutely fascinating. I LOVED the archeology and all the descriptions of the work and the countryside. I found the story line fascinating. LOTS of stuff to look up on the computer here. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I really enjoy reading books that stretch my knowledge and imagination. I wish the sentinel only the best ... and I hope he can find peace.

Beautifully written, the book immediately grips the reader in its thrall. The plot is well developed, as are the main characters. There are also enough twists and turns to satisfy most. If you enjoyed Susanna Kearsley's previous novel, "Mariana", you will also enjoy this one.

The plot revolves around an archaeological site in Scotland where our heroine, archaeologist Verity Grey, is working. Toss in a former lover, an eight year old blessed with second sight, a masterful, very attractive Scotsman, a family secret, some Scottish mists, and a ghostly sentinel from the Ninth Roman Legion, and you have a recipe for a gothic style page turner, if ever there were one.

Great story, but I only gave four stars because the story ended just a little too soon in my opinion. The author could have added one more chapter or an epilogue to the ending, so the reader wasn't left wondering how things turned out and what was eventually found in the archeological dig. Maybe that wasn't the point to the story, but again, in my opinion, some parts of the story were left up in the air, with no ending.

I loved this book. The characters were wonderfully developed except the villain - no background, no foreshadowing just a shallow unlikable person. The ending felt extremely rushed, leaving this reader unsatisfied. I had to re-read the last few pages to catch the climax and resolution?, overall I loved this book! However, the rushed ending took this from a strong 5star to a 3.5?

Lives intertwined some with different intentions pull you in to share life's twists, turns and hidden truths. The story is told with details about a working archaeological dig in progress on top the cliffs over looking the sea with the lives of a Scottish fishing village in the mix.

This has been my second reading of the shadowy horses and as much a pleasure as the first time. This story takes the reader on many twists and turns yet pleasingly gives the reader a happy ending. I"d recommend hit to any readers who enjoy historical, romance fiction.

This book was a perfect blend of mystery, paranormal, historical and setting with wonderful characters thrown in. The writing was wonderfully descriptive without going overboard and where I normally don't like writing in dialects because they are usually a distraction, for some reason it worked really well here (I'd like to know the trick) and added to the setting and the charm of the story. I really, really enjoyed this book. I didn't want it to end; I'm ready to spend more time with all the characters and see how the dig progressed!

I read constantly and sometimes one book every one or two days usually in the teen/YA category so I know what my daughter is reading and I also like those type of books.

Really all of Susanna Kearsley's books are excellent reads and have great romance without being to explicit. Safe reads for teens. Shadowy Horses is no exception. I loved all the different characters and the mysteries she creates within the story. The romance is good, maybe not as intense as The Winter Sea but still very good. You will not be disappointed.

I started reading Susanna Kearsley about a year ago and now I wait for her new releases. Her writing style is vivid and easy to read. I love the fact that her books mix the past with the present and throw in a little but not too much romance. Shadowy Horses is a little different from her other books because the main character is not the one who sees the past. I have noticed that she tries to change up how her books slip back and forth through time and this one is no different. It stays much more in the present this time and only nods to the past.

If you like books that incorporate historic events and bring those to life through present day stories as well as some paranormal activities, then you'll enjoy this book. Susanna Kearsley really knows how to bring Scotland and England to life and makes you want to explore and visit the places where her novels take place. Even if some of them might be fictional, most are factual locations. Love her books!

Verity's new job with an independent archaeological dig leads her to much more than a lost Roman site and a few artifacts. The history of Eyemouth in Scotland and the relationships among the inhabitants, including the members of the crew she is working with, are all a part of "the find." A young and extremely psychic boy becomes her key to understanding the intense interest the ghostly Sentinel has taken in her; which is what leads to cracking the entire mystery of the site, and the fate of the Romans who had served there.

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, and the care that is taken with the artifacts that may have to undergo C-14 dating.

The aspect of the ghost, the psychic child, and the horses Verity hears at night when daylight investigation shows that there is not a horse anywhere within miles of where she is living, I found credible within the story, as Ms. Kearsley is extremely careful with her presentation of them. The question of whether or not ghosts actually exist, as well as what one might or might not be able to do, I believe, is a moot point as the story is fiction and we as readers agree to suspend our disbelief when we open the book.

I found the story to be interesting, well-crafted, and character-development to be excellent. If I have any complaints, my only one is that indie publishers need to find one or two more "beta-readers." I am all for self-publishing, but please find at least three friends with excellent (not merely good) English spelling and grammar skills, as well as a sharp and critical eye for words left out and the wrong word left in during the self-editing process.

If you, as I do, enjoy a great story about historical investigation with a mystery and some romance thrown in, you will like The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley.

I enjoyed this book a lot. Kearsley always has a bit of the supernatural, in this case a ghost and a little boy who can see him. A good romance, too, but not in the way of "romance novels"-- no explicit sex, but really nice relationship. My favorite Kearsley novels are still the time travel ones, especially The Rose Garden, the first book of hers I read.

I was really hesitant to read a book about ghosts. I tend to enjoy more realistic stories but this book was really well written. The ghost story did not bother me at all. I did feel that the ending came quite fast and was rather anti- climatic . But over all I really enjoyed this book. This was the first book I read by this author and I will definitely read another.

Sorry Groupies. I am a Kearsley fan of the highest order. Racing through her books late at night, leaving the light on while my hubby snores, well I'm just one of those. This book missed the mark. Perhaps she wanted to expand her horizons, try a new historical period, but it just didn't work. Returning to one of her other books for a reread will be my next step.

Susanna Kearsley writes sweet, gentle love stories that brim with intelligence and thoughtful, interesting plots. I love the history in her books and I love her nuanced, fully fleshed out characters. This story is another shining example, and I enjoyed it very much.

Making the most I could of a Christmas Gift Card, I selected books by authors not previously read. Didn't know what to expect from The Shadowy Horses but I was hooked from the first few pages. Her vivid descriptions of the countryside, harbor town, and people drew me in and made me feel like I was right there in Scotland. Historical/Genealogical stories with a little mystery thrown in are my favorites, and I will definitely look for Ms. Kearsley's other works.

Susanna Kearsley's stories are always fun to read. Strong female characters, likeable men, and relationships that are believable and healthy (I find nothing worse than when I'm cringing at a romantic storyline).

This book was okay, a disappointment after reading Marianna and The Rose Garden which I loved. I am a retired historian and love historical novels but the archeology terminology was a bit much even for me. Her characters were way to predictable and the mystic echoes from the past could have been woven more throughly throughout the story which would have added more to the story and the ending which I had already guessed half way through the book. A good read for a rainy afternoon when you have nothing else to do and want to curl up with a good cup of tea and a book.

I have become so enthrowled with this author. I keep buying her books. There are only 2 I haven't gotten yet. I liked some for different reasons. She is a gifted author. She is great at dialog, historical facts and for that I give her the 5.

I've never read any books by Susanna Kearsley and so glad to have discovered her! Love her style of writing! Her characters were very well developed and the story unfolded beautifully. Loved learning the history of the Romans in Scotland and England. And the blend of romance and suspense into the story kept me immersed in the book; so hard to put down!! Loved all the characters and would love to see a sequel of some kind!! I am a huge Diana Gabaldon fan , and Ms Kearsleys style is very similar

I loved the story and the characters she created. It had something for everyone, suspense, mystery, ghosts, romance, jealously, and especially unforgettable characters who seemed so real. I just couldn't put the book down. Susanna Kearsley is now one of my favorite authors. I read The Winter Sea. and so far she has not let me down.

I am not normally a reader of romance novels, but Susanna Kearsley does such a good job of weaving the romance into a ghost story as well as a history lesson that I did not mind the romantic tilt of the novel. I was very happy to find that it's not your typical romance novel. I would have put it down long before the finish if it were. It is nicely written and I have purchased another of her books.

Another great story from a story teller. I've always been interested in archeology and I learned a little about it from this. Quick, enjoyable read. Sweet grown-up love story with no sex or inappropriate details. Just waiting, love, faithfulness.

This is my second Susanna Kearsley novel and I found it quite disappointing after loving Winter Sea. The character development is thin, and I was especially disappointed in the resolution. It seemed to come out of nowhere and felt forced. Yes, there were clues along the way but they didn't accumulate into a convincing narrative.

In "Shadowy Horses," several charaters are searching for happiness, including a young Roman who has been looking for a very long time. The other chararters are too busy, too stubborn, too distracted to allow personal feelings much space in their lives. The Shadowy Horses of Irish mythology start Verity down a path to new insights and possibilities. Lots of factual information makes the basic story credible. Happiness is not always what we think it is, neither is redemption.

This was an enjoyable light read. The characters were likeable, if not a bit predictable. I enjoyed the humor that balanced the darker plot points. Nothing worse then angst all the time in a romance novel.

Love this author, after reading another of her books I knew this too would be something special! Well developed characters, lovely scenario, a bit of romance and the mysteries of something "other", what's not to love?!

An archaeological dig for the lost Ninth Roman legion in the wilds of Scotland, a ghost, a psychic child, a mystery and a light modern-day romance, complete with kilts and bagpipes - I found nothing NOT to love in this one! Susanna Kearsley has a gift for description, and a way of creating great characters that puts you into the story right alongside them. A very enjoyable read.

Interesting, complex characters....a sense of place that makes you wish you could be there. The information about the archaological dig was solid but not tedious, as was the historical background. Beautifully written. It does remind you of the early works of Mary Stewart. Highly recommended if you like your romantic escapism with a bit of depth and flavor.

I expected more suspense and more about the archaeology the book promised but what I read was a romance. Since romance is not my favorite genre, I found the book disappointing, but dedicated romance readers would likely enjoy this book.

This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I found myself rooting on the characters for this excavation. I couldn't stop reading because I was fascinated how the story would pan out. Would they find the evidence they need? Would Verity and David get together? Would Verity take the job in Alexandria? I had to know how it would end! What a great read!

"Shadowy Horses" is a delightful and fun book,most enjoyable. I was sorry when, as all good books must, it ended. So I read it all over again. I often do that when I like a book just to see what clever details I missed the first time through. As a painter as well as an avid reader, I enjoy Susanna Kearsley's use of words as much as her stories. She paints her books beautifully.

Another great book by Susanna Kearsley! I recently discovered this author and can't get enough of her books. This book was so good I didn't want it to end (a rarity for me). Although different than her time travelling books it's a great read. I easily relate to her characters and quickly find myself in the middle of the story. If you haven't read any of her books, you should definitely get started!

I'm not much into romance or fictional novels anymore but I thought I'd read this one based on the reviews and the archeological theme. I'm glad I did. I really appreciated the subtle flirting, the boy with the gift of "sight" and, well, all of the characters. I'm actually thinking of getting another book by this author I enjoyed this one so much.