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The Wild Isle #4
The Midnight Secret
The mystery of St Kilda’s residents are all revealed in the epic conclusion to Karen Swan’s bestselling historical series set in 1930s Scotland.
If there’s one thing Jayne Ferguson has learned in her life, it’s that every blessing comes with a curse. She married the most handsome man on the isle of St Kilda—but he’s a bully. She inherited her mother’s gift of second sight - but only ever foresees her fellow islanders’ deaths. She has learned to keep to herself, treading in the shadows and shirking the highs for fear of the lows.
When a needless death strikes at the heart of her home, Jayne’s bad marriage becomes worse and she finds solace with an unlikely friend. Glimmers of happiness tantalize her, though there’s no possibility for anything more, especially once word comes of St Kilda’s evacuation.
But as the day draws near, tensions on the island rise. Secrets are being forced to the surface, passions and enmities erupting with equal violence. A man is killed, as Jayne knew he would be, and her closest friends Effie, Mhairi, and Flora are each implicated. On the mainland, the villagers scatter into new lives, hoping distance means refuge. But then Jayne has another of her dreams and she knows the past isn’t done with them yet.
The Midnight Secret is the fourth and final book in The Wild Isle series, following on from The Last Summer, The Stolen Hours, and The Lost Lover, from bestseller Karen Swan.
If there’s one thing Jayne Ferguson has learned in her life, it’s that every blessing comes with a curse. She married the most handsome man on the isle of St Kilda—but he’s a bully. She inherited her mother’s gift of second sight - but only ever foresees her fellow islanders’ deaths. She has learned to keep to herself, treading in the shadows and shirking the highs for fear of the lows.
When a needless death strikes at the heart of her home, Jayne’s bad marriage becomes worse and she finds solace with an unlikely friend. Glimmers of happiness tantalize her, though there’s no possibility for anything more, especially once word comes of St Kilda’s evacuation.
But as the day draws near, tensions on the island rise. Secrets are being forced to the surface, passions and enmities erupting with equal violence. A man is killed, as Jayne knew he would be, and her closest friends Effie, Mhairi, and Flora are each implicated. On the mainland, the villagers scatter into new lives, hoping distance means refuge. But then Jayne has another of her dreams and she knows the past isn’t done with them yet.
The Midnight Secret is the fourth and final book in The Wild Isle series, following on from The Last Summer, The Stolen Hours, and The Lost Lover, from bestseller Karen Swan.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2025
143 people are currently reading
840 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,378 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
April 12, 2025
A haunting finale steeped in secrets, second sight, and simmering tension.
The Midnight Secret wraps up Karen Swan’s St Kilda trilogy with drama, heartache, and a dash of the supernatural. Though I hadn’t read the previous books, I was still pulled into the stormy lives of these isolated islanders—especially Jayne, whose quiet strength and tragic gift add a compelling layer to the story.
The writing is evocative and atmospheric, and the backdrop of St Kilda’s final days is both poignant and richly imagined. That said, newcomers may struggle with the web of relationships and backstory, which rely heavily on the earlier instalments for emotional depth.
A solid conclusion to a sweeping saga—best enjoyed in order for full impact.
The Midnight Secret wraps up Karen Swan’s St Kilda trilogy with drama, heartache, and a dash of the supernatural. Though I hadn’t read the previous books, I was still pulled into the stormy lives of these isolated islanders—especially Jayne, whose quiet strength and tragic gift add a compelling layer to the story.
The writing is evocative and atmospheric, and the backdrop of St Kilda’s final days is both poignant and richly imagined. That said, newcomers may struggle with the web of relationships and backstory, which rely heavily on the earlier instalments for emotional depth.
A solid conclusion to a sweeping saga—best enjoyed in order for full impact.
October 23, 2025
Ketvirtoji ir paskutinė "Laukinės salos" serijos dalis! Ir tai buvo puikus apibendrinimas, paslapčių atskleidimas ir jau pamiltų veikėjų tolimesnis likimas. Viskas viename ir man asmeniškai - tobula pabaiga!
Pirmose trijose knygose susipažinom su Efe, Maire ir Flora bei su 36 paskutiniais atšiauros salos Sent Kildos gyventojais. Tai tikrais pasakojimais paremta keturių knygų serija apie salos evakuaciją. Ir nuolatinių gyventojų, visą gyvenimą praleidusių atskirtoje saloje, prisitaikymą žemyninėje Škotijoje. Paskutinėje dalyje sužinome ne tik, kaip sekėsi pagrindinėms veikėjoms, bet išgirstame ir dar vienos draugės Džeinės gyvenimo istoriją.
Autorė nuo pat pradžių puikiai kėlė įtampą ir kurstė mano susidomėjimą pasakodama, kaip Efei sekasi įsilieti į sužadėtinio Šoto aplinką, kaip Mairė kenčia nuo žiauriųjų kaimynų ir kaip Florai sekasi ieškoti dingusio sūnaus. Ir tai tikrai nebuvo lengvai nuspėjami siužeto vingiai. Tai buvo tikroviškos situacijos su savais iššūkiais ir nesekmėmis, kurioms merginos stengėsi visaip nepasiduoti.
Sent Kildos bendruomenė tai didelė mylinti šeima, kuri džiaugiasi ir liūdi kartu, kartais teisia, bet tuo pačiu moka atleisti ir priimti atgal. Gaila paleisti pamiltus veikėjus, bet tai buvo nuostabi knyginė kelionė po tolimas Škotijos vietoves.
Pirmose trijose knygose susipažinom su Efe, Maire ir Flora bei su 36 paskutiniais atšiauros salos Sent Kildos gyventojais. Tai tikrais pasakojimais paremta keturių knygų serija apie salos evakuaciją. Ir nuolatinių gyventojų, visą gyvenimą praleidusių atskirtoje saloje, prisitaikymą žemyninėje Škotijoje. Paskutinėje dalyje sužinome ne tik, kaip sekėsi pagrindinėms veikėjoms, bet išgirstame ir dar vienos draugės Džeinės gyvenimo istoriją.
Autorė nuo pat pradžių puikiai kėlė įtampą ir kurstė mano susidomėjimą pasakodama, kaip Efei sekasi įsilieti į sužadėtinio Šoto aplinką, kaip Mairė kenčia nuo žiauriųjų kaimynų ir kaip Florai sekasi ieškoti dingusio sūnaus. Ir tai tikrai nebuvo lengvai nuspėjami siužeto vingiai. Tai buvo tikroviškos situacijos su savais iššūkiais ir nesekmėmis, kurioms merginos stengėsi visaip nepasiduoti.
Sent Kildos bendruomenė tai didelė mylinti šeima, kuri džiaugiasi ir liūdi kartu, kartais teisia, bet tuo pačiu moka atleisti ir priimti atgal. Gaila paleisti pamiltus veikėjus, bet tai buvo nuostabi knyginė kelionė po tolimas Škotijos vietoves.
October 24, 2025
„Žaidėjai jau užima savo pozicijas – prasidėjo pabaiga.“
Aš jau žinau visas paslaptis – ir deja, bet jau atsisveikinau su Sent Kilda visam laikui.
Keista, kai prisimenu, kaip šiai serijai pasirodžius buvau gana abejinga – maždaug, baisiai rūpi čia man kažkokia sala Škotijoj. Ir nors labai mėgstu Karen Swan, visgi iš pradžių nelabai viliojausi skaityti jos pirmą grynai istorinį romaną, ir dar visą seriją (kitos autorės knygos – arba šiuolaikinės, arba kelių laiko linijų).
Bet štai aš čia – su didžiausiu pasimėgavimu surijusi visas dalis, ir dabar jau vadinanti šitą seriją viena iš geriausių kada skaitytų (jei kalbam apie istorinius romanus).
Ir kas dar labai keista – kad visos keturios knygos iš esmės yra apie tą patį įvykį, tik iš skirtingų veikėjų perspektyvų, pintos ir perpintos skirtingais sluoksniais. Neginčytinas autoriaus talentas tiek pasakoti apie tą patį, bet kad skaitytojui išliktų vienodai įdomu, ir dar kad vis tiek pavyktų nustebint – ir ne kartą. Bravo, tikrai!
O finalinėje dalyje Swan talžo savo veikėjas negailėdama – nors visos turėjo po savo knygą, čia jau atrodo, kad nei Efei, nei Mairei, nei Florai nesišviečia laiminga pabaiga. Tik jau nieko negaliu prasitarti. Galiu tik paraginti patiems nukeliauti į Sent Kildą.
P.S. Atskiros pagyros serijos viršeliams, kurie idealiai atitinka visos istorijos nuotaiką – lietuviški viršeliai skoningumu lenkia visus kitus užsienietiškus leidimus.
Aš jau žinau visas paslaptis – ir deja, bet jau atsisveikinau su Sent Kilda visam laikui.
Keista, kai prisimenu, kaip šiai serijai pasirodžius buvau gana abejinga – maždaug, baisiai rūpi čia man kažkokia sala Škotijoj. Ir nors labai mėgstu Karen Swan, visgi iš pradžių nelabai viliojausi skaityti jos pirmą grynai istorinį romaną, ir dar visą seriją (kitos autorės knygos – arba šiuolaikinės, arba kelių laiko linijų).
Bet štai aš čia – su didžiausiu pasimėgavimu surijusi visas dalis, ir dabar jau vadinanti šitą seriją viena iš geriausių kada skaitytų (jei kalbam apie istorinius romanus).
Ir kas dar labai keista – kad visos keturios knygos iš esmės yra apie tą patį įvykį, tik iš skirtingų veikėjų perspektyvų, pintos ir perpintos skirtingais sluoksniais. Neginčytinas autoriaus talentas tiek pasakoti apie tą patį, bet kad skaitytojui išliktų vienodai įdomu, ir dar kad vis tiek pavyktų nustebint – ir ne kartą. Bravo, tikrai!
O finalinėje dalyje Swan talžo savo veikėjas negailėdama – nors visos turėjo po savo knygą, čia jau atrodo, kad nei Efei, nei Mairei, nei Florai nesišviečia laiminga pabaiga. Tik jau nieko negaliu prasitarti. Galiu tik paraginti patiems nukeliauti į Sent Kildą.
P.S. Atskiros pagyros serijos viršeliams, kurie idealiai atitinka visos istorijos nuotaiką – lietuviški viršeliai skoningumu lenkia visus kitus užsienietiškus leidimus.
February 22, 2025
Karen Swan is undeniably a masterful storyteller, and her ability to weave engaging storylines filled with atmospheric settings and complex characters is what I loved about the first two books in this series. They were captivating, filled with depth, intrigue, and a perfect balance of romance and drama. Unfortunately, the third book started to lean into the chick-lit category, and this final installment took it even further, losing some of the authenticity that made the earlier books so compelling. Perhaps there was just not enough St Kilda for me.
While I enjoyed reading about all the familiar characters, some of them fell into cliché territory, making their stories feel predictable. The plot twists, which in the past had been exciting and unexpected, felt a little formulaic and the dialogue at times was cringeworthy. And don’t even get me started on the happy ending which wrapped things up so neatly.
That being said, despite its flaws, the book still had some moments of charm, and Swan’s storytelling ability kept me engaged throughout. It just didn’t quite reach the same level as the first two books, leaving the series with a somewhat disappointing conclusion. If you’re a devoted fan of Swan’s work, it’s still worth reading, but those who fell in love with St Kilda and the atmosphere of the earlier books might find this one a little too light and predictable.
While I enjoyed reading about all the familiar characters, some of them fell into cliché territory, making their stories feel predictable. The plot twists, which in the past had been exciting and unexpected, felt a little formulaic and the dialogue at times was cringeworthy. And don’t even get me started on the happy ending which wrapped things up so neatly.
That being said, despite its flaws, the book still had some moments of charm, and Swan’s storytelling ability kept me engaged throughout. It just didn’t quite reach the same level as the first two books, leaving the series with a somewhat disappointing conclusion. If you’re a devoted fan of Swan’s work, it’s still worth reading, but those who fell in love with St Kilda and the atmosphere of the earlier books might find this one a little too light and predictable.
December 27, 2025
Autorė visai negaili savo veikėjų, tačiau kartu tokiu būdu su šia serija sukūrė reto stiprumo moteris. Kai gyvenimas mėto ir vėto į visas puses, nenuilstantys vėjai negailestingai talžo vis sukeldami naujas bangas, šios moterys nepraranda vilties ir visomis jėgomis kimba į svajones, viltį ir gyvenimą, kurio trokšta. Puiki, puiki, PUIKI serijos atomazga, kuri privertė ir ašarą nubraukti, ir skaityti sulaikius kvapą, ir pasidžiaugti. Laukiu nesulaukiu kitų autorės serijų!
May 7, 2025
I read the entire series and I will be honest, this one was the worst. Still good, but the worst. In the first half, nothing happens, and then I just ended up skipping. This entire book is basically about finding a stolen baby in Canada. It has absolutely nothing to do with St Kilda anymore. I have a feeling like Karen Swan is anticipating a filming of her series like the Outlander books, which, sadly, moved the story from the Highlighands to the USA, causing a terribly boring story about American History, which has made most fans quit the series overall.
I also noticed a complete lack of descriptions of surroundings and nature. You would think that with these covers of an island in the wild nature, you would get beautiful descriptions of the cliffs, the birds, the actual life on the island. Nothing. It is endless spun out talk, micro-descriptions of the character's actions. The most boring type of writing. It seems like the publisher begged for a fourth book and that Karen did not know how to even start. Just my two cents.
Also, there were too many story lines at once. This book was supposed to be about Jayne, someone we hadn't heard of in the first three books. Jayne gets mentioned so little in the book that you would almost forget she was abused by her husband until the final tenth of the book, where this abuse suddenly plays a huge role, as well as her talent for visions.
It's a chaotic, far-sought story that isn't even a story. I could not wait for it to be over. The Dutch translation had multiple badly printed pages and lots of typos and unnatural translations. I like the series as a whole, but it should have been rounded up in book 3. All books could have also been half as long, especially if you won't bother the write nice descriptions instead of micro talk. I paid € 23 to be bored.
I also have difficulty believing that Karen Swan is the same author from some of her individual books. Some of those are so dull I have to put them down after ten pages. It wouldn't surprise me if multiple ghost writers work on all these books.
I also noticed a complete lack of descriptions of surroundings and nature. You would think that with these covers of an island in the wild nature, you would get beautiful descriptions of the cliffs, the birds, the actual life on the island. Nothing. It is endless spun out talk, micro-descriptions of the character's actions. The most boring type of writing. It seems like the publisher begged for a fourth book and that Karen did not know how to even start. Just my two cents.
Also, there were too many story lines at once. This book was supposed to be about Jayne, someone we hadn't heard of in the first three books. Jayne gets mentioned so little in the book that you would almost forget she was abused by her husband until the final tenth of the book, where this abuse suddenly plays a huge role, as well as her talent for visions.
It's a chaotic, far-sought story that isn't even a story. I could not wait for it to be over. The Dutch translation had multiple badly printed pages and lots of typos and unnatural translations. I like the series as a whole, but it should have been rounded up in book 3. All books could have also been half as long, especially if you won't bother the write nice descriptions instead of micro talk. I paid € 23 to be bored.
I also have difficulty believing that Karen Swan is the same author from some of her individual books. Some of those are so dull I have to put them down after ten pages. It wouldn't surprise me if multiple ghost writers work on all these books.
June 16, 2025
De serie is nu, jammer genoeg, ten einde!
Top boek en alle mysteries zijn onthuld.
4,5 ster, afgerond naar 5 ⭐️
Top boek en alle mysteries zijn onthuld.
4,5 ster, afgerond naar 5 ⭐️
February 28, 2025
I have followed this series with great interest over the last few years, and I was so thankful to receive this ARC.
We are back to visit the characters of the Wild Isles series, and this time, the story begins with the POV of Jayne, a woman who can foresee certain events. She's married to Norman, a nasty piece of work, but she doesn't have the strength to fight back in any way.
What she witnesses during her last night on St. Kilda is something she doesn't realise will be significant until further on in the story.
Through this book, we follow Effie, Mhairi, and Flora, key characters in the first three books, and each is left with loose ends that are slowly tied up through The Midnight Secret.
As the book progresses, we visit Canada, different parts of the Highlands, and a return to St Kilda.
The stories of the fictional St Kildan community leading up to the catalyst that finds them leaving their beloved island and all they know and following them as they try to settle on the Scottish Mainland were beautifully crafted.
The entire series is just amazing. Karen Swan made me care about every character, and their stories unfolded unforgettably, so each addition to the series enhanced the previous book.
I hope we will see more series in this vein from the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC.
We are back to visit the characters of the Wild Isles series, and this time, the story begins with the POV of Jayne, a woman who can foresee certain events. She's married to Norman, a nasty piece of work, but she doesn't have the strength to fight back in any way.
What she witnesses during her last night on St. Kilda is something she doesn't realise will be significant until further on in the story.
Through this book, we follow Effie, Mhairi, and Flora, key characters in the first three books, and each is left with loose ends that are slowly tied up through The Midnight Secret.
As the book progresses, we visit Canada, different parts of the Highlands, and a return to St Kilda.
The stories of the fictional St Kildan community leading up to the catalyst that finds them leaving their beloved island and all they know and following them as they try to settle on the Scottish Mainland were beautifully crafted.
The entire series is just amazing. Karen Swan made me care about every character, and their stories unfolded unforgettably, so each addition to the series enhanced the previous book.
I hope we will see more series in this vein from the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pan MacMillan for an ARC.
May 14, 2025
5 star series and the last book had some fab twists and tied up all the pieces so well!
May 23, 2025
That ending! Simply brilliant Karen Swan
May 19, 2025
Het laatste deel in de Wilde eiland-serie. Het verhaal begint wederom op St. Kilda, 1930. Eén ding wat Jayne Ferguson wel in de loop van de jaren geleerd heeft is dat ieder zegen met een vloek komt. Ze heeft een knappe echtgenoot, maar ze hebben een slecht huwelijk. Ze heeft voorspellende gaven, maar deze voorspellen enkel de rampspoed. Op een dag hoort ze over de aanstaande evacuatie van St. Kilda. Wanneer de datum nadert, nemen de spanningen op het eiland toe. Een man wordt vermoord en Effie, Mhairi en Flora raken hierbij betrokken. Zal Jayne hen kunnen behoeden voor rampspoed?
Mijn ervaring:
Heerlijk! Wat een fijne, goede en krachtige afsluiter van deze prachtige, meeslepende en pakkende serie. Ook in dit deel is weer direct de sfeervolle, levendige en vlotte schrijfstijl van Karen Swan te herkennen. Hierdoor waan je jezelf op St. Kilda bij de drie vriendinnen Effie, Mhairi en Flora, en ditmaal is ook Jayne in de verhaallijn als hoofdpersonage meegenomen.
Het verhaal gaat direct van start en begint, net als voorgaande keren, weer op St. Kilda. Wel moet ik zeggen dat ik even nodig had om alle gebeurtenissen van de vorige drie delen weer op een rijtje te zetten. Vooral in het begin had ik heel vaak een 'oh, jaa!' gevoel. Daarna ging ik zonder moeite weer op in deze pakkende en indrukwekkende verhaallijn.
Het is tof hoe Karen Swan in dit vierde deel het verhaal en gebeurtenissen die zich voor de evacuatie op St. Kilda voortdeden nu vanuit de invalshoek van Jayne te beschrijven. Hierdoor weet ze op indrukwekkende, krachtige en verrassende wijze de eerdere gebeurtenissen eindelijk duidelijk te beantwoorden. Daarbij volgen we ook het verhaal in het heden, en lezen we hoe het leven van Effie, Mhairi, Flora en Jayne nu verdergaat nu ze geëvacueerd zijn en op het vaste land wonen. Het verhaal kent echt verrassende wendingen en zeker de gebeurtenissen rondom de baby, waren verrassend, schokkend en wisten me echt geboeid te houden.
Daarbij kent dit laatste deel echt een geweldig, spannend en pakkend plot, dat je én op het puntje van je stoel laat zitten, want er gebeurt echt nog even wat aan het einde én hierdoor worden de puntjes echt op de i gezet. Tot slot volgt nog een hartverwarmend en prachtig epiloog, waardoor je het verhaal met een lach op je gezicht dichtslaat.
Nachtgoud is het laatste pakkende, meeslepende en prachtige laatste deel van de Wilde eiland-serie. We keren opnieuw terug naar St. Kilda, waarbij we ditmaal het verhaal vanuit het perspectief van Jayne krijgen. Daarbij krijgen de verhaallijnen van Effie, Mhairi en Flora ook een verrassend en krachtig vervolg. Met een spannend plot worden eindelijk alle vragen beantwoord en weet Karen Swan op prachtige wijze de puntjes op de i te zetten en de serie af te sluiten. Deze serie is echt een aanrader!
Mijn ervaring:
Heerlijk! Wat een fijne, goede en krachtige afsluiter van deze prachtige, meeslepende en pakkende serie. Ook in dit deel is weer direct de sfeervolle, levendige en vlotte schrijfstijl van Karen Swan te herkennen. Hierdoor waan je jezelf op St. Kilda bij de drie vriendinnen Effie, Mhairi en Flora, en ditmaal is ook Jayne in de verhaallijn als hoofdpersonage meegenomen.
Het verhaal gaat direct van start en begint, net als voorgaande keren, weer op St. Kilda. Wel moet ik zeggen dat ik even nodig had om alle gebeurtenissen van de vorige drie delen weer op een rijtje te zetten. Vooral in het begin had ik heel vaak een 'oh, jaa!' gevoel. Daarna ging ik zonder moeite weer op in deze pakkende en indrukwekkende verhaallijn.
Het is tof hoe Karen Swan in dit vierde deel het verhaal en gebeurtenissen die zich voor de evacuatie op St. Kilda voortdeden nu vanuit de invalshoek van Jayne te beschrijven. Hierdoor weet ze op indrukwekkende, krachtige en verrassende wijze de eerdere gebeurtenissen eindelijk duidelijk te beantwoorden. Daarbij volgen we ook het verhaal in het heden, en lezen we hoe het leven van Effie, Mhairi, Flora en Jayne nu verdergaat nu ze geëvacueerd zijn en op het vaste land wonen. Het verhaal kent echt verrassende wendingen en zeker de gebeurtenissen rondom de baby, waren verrassend, schokkend en wisten me echt geboeid te houden.
Daarbij kent dit laatste deel echt een geweldig, spannend en pakkend plot, dat je én op het puntje van je stoel laat zitten, want er gebeurt echt nog even wat aan het einde én hierdoor worden de puntjes echt op de i gezet. Tot slot volgt nog een hartverwarmend en prachtig epiloog, waardoor je het verhaal met een lach op je gezicht dichtslaat.
Nachtgoud is het laatste pakkende, meeslepende en prachtige laatste deel van de Wilde eiland-serie. We keren opnieuw terug naar St. Kilda, waarbij we ditmaal het verhaal vanuit het perspectief van Jayne krijgen. Daarbij krijgen de verhaallijnen van Effie, Mhairi en Flora ook een verrassend en krachtig vervolg. Met een spannend plot worden eindelijk alle vragen beantwoord en weet Karen Swan op prachtige wijze de puntjes op de i te zetten en de serie af te sluiten. Deze serie is echt een aanrader!
November 2, 2025
Loved this book and the whole series. So many twists with an ending I would never have guessed. 💙
October 21, 2025
Net liūdna, kad tai paskutinė knyga ir jau atėjo pabaiga...
Labai įtraukianti knygų serija, pamilau pagrindines veikėjas - Sent Kildos merginas ir mėgavausi kiekviena knyga, labai patiko 💯👏❤️
Labai įtraukianti knygų serija, pamilau pagrindines veikėjas - Sent Kildos merginas ir mėgavausi kiekviena knyga, labai patiko 💯👏❤️
May 20, 2025
Alle punten van mij. Een heel mooie afsluiter van de wilde eilandreeks. Spannend tot bijna de laatste bladzijde. Ik zal de meisjes missen, echt een mooi verhaal.
August 5, 2025
Fantastic end to a stellar series.
April 28, 2025
Captivating, heart-tugging, and nostalgic!
The Midnight Secret is a compelling, beautiful tale that takes you back one last time to 1930 and into the lives of a handful of previous St. Kilda residents, including the kind Jayne Ferguson, as long-buried secrets come to light, love is lost and found, justice is finally served, and some get to make one final trip to the place they used to call home.
The prose is lyrical and rich. The characters are layered, loyal, and conflicted. And the plot is a captivating, heartwarming tale of life, loss, love, family, friendship, grief, guilt, denial, secrets, revelations, self-reflection, and forgiveness.
Overall, The Midnight Secret is a poignant, passionate, epic, historical fiction novel by Swan inspired by real-life events that is full of soul-searching dilemmas, dangerous situations, and complex, intriguing characters. And while it’s extremely bittersweet to say goodbye to this amazing cast of characters I’ve come to be invested in over these last four novels, it is nevertheless a brilliant ending to a fabulous series that I highly recommend and will undoubtedly miss.
The Midnight Secret is a compelling, beautiful tale that takes you back one last time to 1930 and into the lives of a handful of previous St. Kilda residents, including the kind Jayne Ferguson, as long-buried secrets come to light, love is lost and found, justice is finally served, and some get to make one final trip to the place they used to call home.
The prose is lyrical and rich. The characters are layered, loyal, and conflicted. And the plot is a captivating, heartwarming tale of life, loss, love, family, friendship, grief, guilt, denial, secrets, revelations, self-reflection, and forgiveness.
Overall, The Midnight Secret is a poignant, passionate, epic, historical fiction novel by Swan inspired by real-life events that is full of soul-searching dilemmas, dangerous situations, and complex, intriguing characters. And while it’s extremely bittersweet to say goodbye to this amazing cast of characters I’ve come to be invested in over these last four novels, it is nevertheless a brilliant ending to a fabulous series that I highly recommend and will undoubtedly miss.
May 26, 2025
3.5 stars. This is the fourth and final book in the Wild Isle series. The series tells the story of the evacuation of St Kilda and is a mix of historical fiction, mystery and romance. I absolutely loved the first three books in the series and was eagerly awaiting this one from the moment I finished the third book.
Unfortunately, I found this one a little bit disappointing. It was still a nice read but the story is told from multiple perspectives and it just didn’t quite work as well as the first three books in my opinion.
The first books each focused on telling one character’s story. They take place over the same timeline but are told from a different perspective which is quite clever as the series unfolds. This story does focus on one of the characters but it is also trying to finish off the story for the previous three main characters so it didn’t flow as smoothly. There was a whole section on a couple of the characters (Effie and Archie) that seemed like it was going somewhere but there was a sudden about turn at end and it was just filler which was a bit of a let down.
While the first three books were a brilliant mix of atmosphere, romance and drama, I felt the atmosphere was lacking and the plot twists were quite predictable in this final instalment.
I did enjoy this book. I would recommend the series as a whole and I’m sad that it’s over now, it just wasn’t on the same level as the first three books.
Unfortunately, I found this one a little bit disappointing. It was still a nice read but the story is told from multiple perspectives and it just didn’t quite work as well as the first three books in my opinion.
The first books each focused on telling one character’s story. They take place over the same timeline but are told from a different perspective which is quite clever as the series unfolds. This story does focus on one of the characters but it is also trying to finish off the story for the previous three main characters so it didn’t flow as smoothly. There was a whole section on a couple of the characters (Effie and Archie) that seemed like it was going somewhere but there was a sudden about turn at end and it was just filler which was a bit of a let down.
While the first three books were a brilliant mix of atmosphere, romance and drama, I felt the atmosphere was lacking and the plot twists were quite predictable in this final instalment.
I did enjoy this book. I would recommend the series as a whole and I’m sad that it’s over now, it just wasn’t on the same level as the first three books.
May 25, 2025
4.25/5 rounded down. I’m so sad this series is over! The writing is nothing crazy and at times lazy IMO but I absolutely loved the story and the characters, and enjoyed learning some Scottish history. I loved everyone’s endings and was genuinely shocked by the last scene between Jayne and Mary - I would have loved to see more of Mhairi and Flora’s happy endings (the ending was the only part of the book that I found was paced too quickly) but I’m also very glad the story ended with Effie since her book came first. I also would have loved to have had some flashbacks from Lorna as her character was quite complicated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2025
Different series but enjoyable.
December 19, 2025
Really enjoyed this series!!
June 7, 2025
Amai ik heb alle vier boeken op 1 maand uitgelezen :-) Drie boeken met een cliffhanger tot je het eindelijk weet in het vierde boek. Ik schrijf in feite nooit reviews, maar dit was toch het vermelden waard. Leuke manier om een reeks te schrijven.
November 7, 2025
4.5*
Užbaigiau seriją... Ir kad ir kaip nostalgiškai nuskambėtų - ech, būčiau norėjusi gyventi Sent Kildoje 🥹❤️
Užbaigiau seriją... Ir kad ir kaip nostalgiškai nuskambėtų - ech, būčiau norėjusi gyventi Sent Kildoje 🥹❤️
November 2, 2025
Nuostabios serijos nuostabi pabaiga. Pagaliau išaiškėjo visos paslaptys ir intrigos.
Read
May 13, 2025Incredible end to an incredible series!
May 19, 2025
This final book in the series of four books made the whole series worthwhile and was thoroughly enjoyable.
Each of the first three books covered a similar time line and event when the small population of St Kilda was evacuated to the mainland of Scotland. But from the point of view of a different character. First there was Effie, the wild, untameable and ahead of her times feminist. Her story ended with a murder and a cliffhanger that I found initially annoying. Then the next two books in the series featured one of her two closest friends, Mhairi and Flora. With each perspective we learn more about the events and backstory leading up to the evacuation and the murder of Frank Matheson, the despicable scoundrel who represented the lord and owner of the isle to whom the inhabitants had to pay rent each year in the form of goods they made/raised on the island.
This final book was to be focused on Jayne, a somewhat boring character from the earlier books and hence I thought this book might be a disappointment. The opposite is true. Jayne was a major character of this last book, but chapters also focused, in turn, on Effie, Mhairi and Flora, as well as Jayne. Now the events are told mostly after the evacuation. Effie is on a grand tour to meet her fiancé Sholto’s high class friends but that ends in their eventual break up with a potential new suitor arriving on scene. Mhairi is living with Donald but is shunned and bullied by her neighbours who blame her for breaking up Donald’s marriage. They are very cruel to her and she hides it from Donald who is a person of interest in the murder and told not to leave town. Mhairi eventually leaves Donald when she discovers she is pregnant and fears for the safety of her unborn child. She returns to Lochaline to beg forgiveness and understanding from her parents and fellow St Kildans who have settled there. And Flora has been reunited with her fiancé James and together they are pursuing Mary and Lorna across the ocean to Canada to claim their child, the baby that Flora gave up to them on St Kilda, as they had told her that James had died on an expedition to Greenland. Jayne meanwhile, continues to live a miserable married life to Norman, who beats her and openly cheats on her.
So much is happening in this last book. It was hard to put down and had a truly satisfying ending. I now look back on all four books with a greater appreciation for the excellent story telling.
Each of the first three books covered a similar time line and event when the small population of St Kilda was evacuated to the mainland of Scotland. But from the point of view of a different character. First there was Effie, the wild, untameable and ahead of her times feminist. Her story ended with a murder and a cliffhanger that I found initially annoying. Then the next two books in the series featured one of her two closest friends, Mhairi and Flora. With each perspective we learn more about the events and backstory leading up to the evacuation and the murder of Frank Matheson, the despicable scoundrel who represented the lord and owner of the isle to whom the inhabitants had to pay rent each year in the form of goods they made/raised on the island.
This final book was to be focused on Jayne, a somewhat boring character from the earlier books and hence I thought this book might be a disappointment. The opposite is true. Jayne was a major character of this last book, but chapters also focused, in turn, on Effie, Mhairi and Flora, as well as Jayne. Now the events are told mostly after the evacuation. Effie is on a grand tour to meet her fiancé Sholto’s high class friends but that ends in their eventual break up with a potential new suitor arriving on scene. Mhairi is living with Donald but is shunned and bullied by her neighbours who blame her for breaking up Donald’s marriage. They are very cruel to her and she hides it from Donald who is a person of interest in the murder and told not to leave town. Mhairi eventually leaves Donald when she discovers she is pregnant and fears for the safety of her unborn child. She returns to Lochaline to beg forgiveness and understanding from her parents and fellow St Kildans who have settled there. And Flora has been reunited with her fiancé James and together they are pursuing Mary and Lorna across the ocean to Canada to claim their child, the baby that Flora gave up to them on St Kilda, as they had told her that James had died on an expedition to Greenland. Jayne meanwhile, continues to live a miserable married life to Norman, who beats her and openly cheats on her.
So much is happening in this last book. It was hard to put down and had a truly satisfying ending. I now look back on all four books with a greater appreciation for the excellent story telling.
July 31, 2025
Was dit een waardige afsluiter van de serie? JA!!!!!
Daar waar in de eerste drie delen er echt een hoofdrolspeler is (1: Effie, 2: Mhairi, 3: Flora) is de opbouw in dit laatste deel net even anders. Enerzijds lezen we (eindelijk!!) meer over Jayne, met haar bijzondere gave en hoe zij de laatste weken op het eiland en de verhuizing naar de ‘bewoonde wereld’ heeft ervaren.
Maar aan de andere kant worden ook de verhalen van Effie, Mhair en Flora verder verteld. En laat ik daar nou zo benieuwd naar geweest zijn!
Dat maakt dat dit laatste deel ook het meest vlotte deel is van de reeks. En neerleggen dus ook amper een optie is. Ontzettend knap hoe @swannywrites al die verhalen aan elkaar weet te knopen, losse eindjes uit eerdere delen oplost en ook nog voor de nodige twist zorgt (die je soms even verward).
Of hèt grote mysterie dan nu eindelijk opgelost wordt en alle vrouwen hun (verdiende) happy end krijgen? Daarvoor moet je toch echt zelf dit laatste deel gaan lezen! 😉
Daar waar in de eerste drie delen er echt een hoofdrolspeler is (1: Effie, 2: Mhairi, 3: Flora) is de opbouw in dit laatste deel net even anders. Enerzijds lezen we (eindelijk!!) meer over Jayne, met haar bijzondere gave en hoe zij de laatste weken op het eiland en de verhuizing naar de ‘bewoonde wereld’ heeft ervaren.
Maar aan de andere kant worden ook de verhalen van Effie, Mhair en Flora verder verteld. En laat ik daar nou zo benieuwd naar geweest zijn!
Dat maakt dat dit laatste deel ook het meest vlotte deel is van de reeks. En neerleggen dus ook amper een optie is. Ontzettend knap hoe @swannywrites al die verhalen aan elkaar weet te knopen, losse eindjes uit eerdere delen oplost en ook nog voor de nodige twist zorgt (die je soms even verward).
Of hèt grote mysterie dan nu eindelijk opgelost wordt en alle vrouwen hun (verdiende) happy end krijgen? Daarvoor moet je toch echt zelf dit laatste deel gaan lezen! 😉
April 15, 2025
I have been saving this book for a time when I knew I could fully immerse myself in it with no distractions and it was definitely worth the wait. I loved this book: scrap that, I’ve loved this entire series from the first page of book one to the last page of book four. If you haven’t read the previous books, go and get them now as you’ve been missing out (and this one won’t make much sense without the others). I feel slightly bereft that there won’t be any more books in this series as the whole cast of characters was so vividly brought to life, along with the locations, that I feel I really got to know them. I can’t stress enough how fantastic this was.
May 28, 2025
I picked up the first book in this series in late 2023 without knowing it was a 4-parter and because I came to the series late I was able to read the following 2 novels within the next 8 months and thus never really felt like this was a long drawn out series, which the author noted in the acknowledgments. I think perhaps if I had read book 1 and had to wait 3-years to get to the climax I would have been less generous in my review as the cliff-hanger in book 1 was almost unforgiveable, not knowing at the time that it would take right until the dying embers of book 4 for all to be revealed. So sometimes it pays to be late to the party because it all felt quite fresh in my memory.
The author noted that writing a contemporaneous story was the hardest way to create a series and I can certainly imagine how challenging it was but she did it very well, starting each story at the same time from four different perspectives and somehow keeping a few secrets hidden back in a way that made sense without feel stale so as a reader I had a real appreciation for that mastery. So I thoroughly enjoyed the series but what of this novel.
It took about a third of the book for me to engage back into the narrative, as much as I liked Jayne's perspective and immediately took to that part of the story, following the other three women was tedious - Effie's castle tour, Flora's endless Atlantic crossing and Mhairi's half life in Oban - and I felt it was losing momentum. But the book burst to life after that and the second half was gripping with the final scenes on St Kilda captivating and full of nostalgia, excitement and fear for the main characters. The ending to the novel was excellent and okay, the epilogue was a little too feel good but why not leave the four books on the most pleasant of notes.
Effie and Jayne's stories were well weaved and the arc was good, particularly Effie's which was the one that became much more nuanced than the others. I've never been that keen on Flora as a character and Mhairi's arc was a little bit bland but putting them all together and arriving at a conclusion was really satisfying. I mentioned in a previous novel that the get out jail card for an author is throwing a few rich characters in which solves plot issues and in this case, James throwing money at everything whilst Flora just lay around useless felt at odds with the stronger character development of Mhairi, Effie and Jayne. The book flowed much better once Flora's story went backstage. But like with all four novels, what I loved was St Kilda, so to start and finish there was wonderful and I am determined to visit the place now so that means the novel left its mark.
The entire series for me was encapsulated in the friendship of five women, their support of one another and of the closeness of the St Kilda community, it was so heart warming when they all began to reunite in Lochaline and old friendships were rekindled whilst some special new ones emerged. Whilst modern life might be better in so many ways, that old community and culture, so far removed in society now is something we've most certainly lost out on. I also think the novel also broke down the pedantry of old traditional ways "Oh? And who here can cast the first stone?" Ma Peg demanded was one of my favourite lines in the book. The fact the four principle characters in this novel all 'sinned' and eventually came out the other side all the better for it was a reflection of the changing of the times and the journey off island and all that it meant.
The writing itself was often beautiful, travelling through the Hebrides by land and sea with some lovely metaphors mixed with only the occasional clumsy one and the odd inconsistency in details. The characters were warm, Effie stealing the show with her indomitable spirit. Thankfully, she wasn't tamed and neither was the series.
The author noted that writing a contemporaneous story was the hardest way to create a series and I can certainly imagine how challenging it was but she did it very well, starting each story at the same time from four different perspectives and somehow keeping a few secrets hidden back in a way that made sense without feel stale so as a reader I had a real appreciation for that mastery. So I thoroughly enjoyed the series but what of this novel.
It took about a third of the book for me to engage back into the narrative, as much as I liked Jayne's perspective and immediately took to that part of the story, following the other three women was tedious - Effie's castle tour, Flora's endless Atlantic crossing and Mhairi's half life in Oban - and I felt it was losing momentum. But the book burst to life after that and the second half was gripping with the final scenes on St Kilda captivating and full of nostalgia, excitement and fear for the main characters. The ending to the novel was excellent and okay, the epilogue was a little too feel good but why not leave the four books on the most pleasant of notes.
Effie and Jayne's stories were well weaved and the arc was good, particularly Effie's which was the one that became much more nuanced than the others. I've never been that keen on Flora as a character and Mhairi's arc was a little bit bland but putting them all together and arriving at a conclusion was really satisfying. I mentioned in a previous novel that the get out jail card for an author is throwing a few rich characters in which solves plot issues and in this case, James throwing money at everything whilst Flora just lay around useless felt at odds with the stronger character development of Mhairi, Effie and Jayne. The book flowed much better once Flora's story went backstage. But like with all four novels, what I loved was St Kilda, so to start and finish there was wonderful and I am determined to visit the place now so that means the novel left its mark.
The entire series for me was encapsulated in the friendship of five women, their support of one another and of the closeness of the St Kilda community, it was so heart warming when they all began to reunite in Lochaline and old friendships were rekindled whilst some special new ones emerged. Whilst modern life might be better in so many ways, that old community and culture, so far removed in society now is something we've most certainly lost out on. I also think the novel also broke down the pedantry of old traditional ways "Oh? And who here can cast the first stone?" Ma Peg demanded was one of my favourite lines in the book. The fact the four principle characters in this novel all 'sinned' and eventually came out the other side all the better for it was a reflection of the changing of the times and the journey off island and all that it meant.
The writing itself was often beautiful, travelling through the Hebrides by land and sea with some lovely metaphors mixed with only the occasional clumsy one and the odd inconsistency in details. The characters were warm, Effie stealing the show with her indomitable spirit. Thankfully, she wasn't tamed and neither was the series.
May 9, 2025
Finally were are here with the last book in Karen Swan’s Wild Isle series, The Midnight Secret. I always have split emotions when reading the final book in a series, the excitement of finally reading to the conclusion to a story you have loved whilst also feeling sad at no longer being part of the characters lives. There is also the fear that you won’t find the conclsion satisfactory, tieing up loose ends, but I had no fear of that with Karen Swan who has finished this series off in style.
At the centre of this series has been the Isle of St Kilda, its inhabitants, their move to the mainland and a murder. The three previous books have focused on three main characters, Effie, Flora and Mhairi, young women with their lives ahead of them who left the St Kilda with secrets but also love and hope. In The Midnight Secret Karen also tells the story of Jayne who is abused, physically and mentally, at the hands of her husband Norman. Like many victims she doesn’t tell anyone, afraid of what people would say. Jayne also has the gift of second sight, which means she saw what happened that last night. Jayne is such a kind and caring character, loved by everyone and a good friend to many, including Effie, Flora and Mhairi.
This was a real page turner, I was reading constantly, re immersing myself in the lives of characters, and excited to find out who the murderer was. The ups and downs of Flora, Effie and Mhairi love lives also had me gripped. We know ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’ and for these three that quote is very apt; cancelled engagements, stolen baby, and a love with a married man.
St Kilda is almost a character in it’s self in these books. She is the keeper of secrets and lies, the giver of hapiness to those who lived there, the producer of their food, a simple and encompassing pair of arms that wrapped around the residents whose anestors had lived there for hundreds of years. Through Karen Swan’s writing I felt I knew this rugged landscape, the cliffs, the sea, the wildlife the simple stone houses that the inhabitents lived in, she really captured the atmosphere of the landscape of the Island. Throughout is the build up as to who the murderer was and I admit that I didn’t see it coming, and it made for a great finale.
The Midnight Secret is the perfect end to the Wild Isle series, it delivered on every point I wanted it to. The characters have come along way and if feels like a privilege to have gone on the journey with them, from the Island to the mainland and all that entitled. I will admit that I will miss Flora, Effie and Mhairi, their friendship, their new romances, and their new lives on the mainland. Yes, I’m upset that the series has finished but I felt satisfied with the ending. This is another masterclass in storytelling from Karen Swan, so if you haven’t read this series then I highly recommend you do so.
At the centre of this series has been the Isle of St Kilda, its inhabitants, their move to the mainland and a murder. The three previous books have focused on three main characters, Effie, Flora and Mhairi, young women with their lives ahead of them who left the St Kilda with secrets but also love and hope. In The Midnight Secret Karen also tells the story of Jayne who is abused, physically and mentally, at the hands of her husband Norman. Like many victims she doesn’t tell anyone, afraid of what people would say. Jayne also has the gift of second sight, which means she saw what happened that last night. Jayne is such a kind and caring character, loved by everyone and a good friend to many, including Effie, Flora and Mhairi.
This was a real page turner, I was reading constantly, re immersing myself in the lives of characters, and excited to find out who the murderer was. The ups and downs of Flora, Effie and Mhairi love lives also had me gripped. We know ‘the course of true love never did run smooth’ and for these three that quote is very apt; cancelled engagements, stolen baby, and a love with a married man.
St Kilda is almost a character in it’s self in these books. She is the keeper of secrets and lies, the giver of hapiness to those who lived there, the producer of their food, a simple and encompassing pair of arms that wrapped around the residents whose anestors had lived there for hundreds of years. Through Karen Swan’s writing I felt I knew this rugged landscape, the cliffs, the sea, the wildlife the simple stone houses that the inhabitents lived in, she really captured the atmosphere of the landscape of the Island. Throughout is the build up as to who the murderer was and I admit that I didn’t see it coming, and it made for a great finale.
The Midnight Secret is the perfect end to the Wild Isle series, it delivered on every point I wanted it to. The characters have come along way and if feels like a privilege to have gone on the journey with them, from the Island to the mainland and all that entitled. I will admit that I will miss Flora, Effie and Mhairi, their friendship, their new romances, and their new lives on the mainland. Yes, I’m upset that the series has finished but I felt satisfied with the ending. This is another masterclass in storytelling from Karen Swan, so if you haven’t read this series then I highly recommend you do so.
February 25, 2025
Thank you Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the advanced copy for review!
I've been looking forward to the conclusion of The Wild Isles series since we were first introduced to the girls in The Last Summer. Jayne has been a character we've become familiar with from her interactions with Effie, Mhairi, and Flora in the last 3 novels. We've finally reached the end, and received answers to many of the mysteries and questions from the previous novels! Just a note that the novel's title seemed to have changed from 'The Hidden Heart' to 'the Midnight Secret' over the last year before release.
I was a bit surprised that this novel took a different structure this time. The first 3 novels heavily focused on each of their respective main characters, while this novel was much more brief in the 'Jayne' focused storyline. I'm guessing this may be in part due to the reader's familiarity with the overall plot of the islanders evacuation at this point, and having *most* of the picture of what's happened from various character POVs. I would nevertheless have liked to explore Jayne's backstory a little more, as she didn't feel as fully fleshed out as the other 3 girls.
I'm assuming the other reason is that this is the concluding novel - Karen Swan had a herculean task of tying up all the loose threads from the previous novels. The chapters alternated between the different girls - and for the most part we received resolutions to the questions and cliffhangers we were left with over the last few years. I generally appreciated the thoroughness with which the girls' stories were resolved (if not together almost tied up a little too neatly). The Midnight Secret isn't a lengthy novel, so I was surprised when the author decided to add in a dash of additional drama for each of Effie, Mhairi and Flora's storylines. For anyone who watches Korean Dramas - it reminds me of the last 1-2 episodes of a series where our leads are almost at their Happily Ever Afters - but end up having to overcome an extra 4-5 hurdles. Thrilling to say the least!
Overall I appreciated the mystery being resolved, the variety of the characters we got to know, strength of friendships, and the detailed description of the setting which allowed me to fully immerse myself in The Wild Isles series.
Rating this 4 out of 5 stars!
I've been looking forward to the conclusion of The Wild Isles series since we were first introduced to the girls in The Last Summer. Jayne has been a character we've become familiar with from her interactions with Effie, Mhairi, and Flora in the last 3 novels. We've finally reached the end, and received answers to many of the mysteries and questions from the previous novels! Just a note that the novel's title seemed to have changed from 'The Hidden Heart' to 'the Midnight Secret' over the last year before release.
I was a bit surprised that this novel took a different structure this time. The first 3 novels heavily focused on each of their respective main characters, while this novel was much more brief in the 'Jayne' focused storyline. I'm guessing this may be in part due to the reader's familiarity with the overall plot of the islanders evacuation at this point, and having *most* of the picture of what's happened from various character POVs. I would nevertheless have liked to explore Jayne's backstory a little more, as she didn't feel as fully fleshed out as the other 3 girls.
I'm assuming the other reason is that this is the concluding novel - Karen Swan had a herculean task of tying up all the loose threads from the previous novels. The chapters alternated between the different girls - and for the most part we received resolutions to the questions and cliffhangers we were left with over the last few years. I generally appreciated the thoroughness with which the girls' stories were resolved (if not together almost tied up a little too neatly). The Midnight Secret isn't a lengthy novel, so I was surprised when the author decided to add in a dash of additional drama for each of Effie, Mhairi and Flora's storylines. For anyone who watches Korean Dramas - it reminds me of the last 1-2 episodes of a series where our leads are almost at their Happily Ever Afters - but end up having to overcome an extra 4-5 hurdles. Thrilling to say the least!
Overall I appreciated the mystery being resolved, the variety of the characters we got to know, strength of friendships, and the detailed description of the setting which allowed me to fully immerse myself in The Wild Isles series.
Rating this 4 out of 5 stars!
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