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Dark Waters
Flein is a wanderer by instinct and need, roaming the known world as the fancy takes him. In the Highland village of Glenfinnan, women have been raped and brutally murdered. The killer is a waterhorse, a monstrous shapeshifter by all accounts. But when Flein meets Donnchadh, first in its equine form, then its man-shape, he knows the waterhorse is innocent. Flein is drawn to the shapeshifter, but he finds it difficult to acknowledge it's more than a monster.
Donnchadh, though wary, shares the same attraction. They join forces to hunt for the real murderer, but time is short. They must find the killer before more women die. Then suspicion is turned on them and the hunters become the hunted.
Donnchadh, though wary, shares the same attraction. They join forces to hunt for the real murderer, but time is short. They must find the killer before more women die. Then suspicion is turned on them and the hunters become the hunted.
104 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2008
142 people want to read
About the author
Chris Quinton
47 books99 followersChris started creating stories not long after she mastered joined-up writing, somewhat to the bemusement of her parents and her English teachers. But she received plenty of encouragement. Her dad gave her an already old Everest typewriter when she was about ten, and it was probably the best gift she'd ever received – until the inventions of the home-computer and the worldwide web.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
Chris's reading and writing interests range from historical, mystery, and paranormal, to science-fiction and fantasy, mostly in the male/male genre. She also writes male/female novels in the name of Chris Power. She refuses to be pigeon-holed and intends to uphold the long and honourable tradition of the Eccentric Brit to the best of her ability. In her spare time [hah!] she reads, embroiders, quilts and knits. In the past she has been a part-time and unpaid amateur archaeologist, and a 15th century re-enactor.
She currently lives in a small and ancient city in the south-west of the United Kingdom, sharing her usually chaotic home with an extended family, two large dogs, fancy mice, sundry goldfish and a young frilled dragon (Australian lizard) aka Trogdorina.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 26, 2023
What an intriguing paranormal romace! I love historicals and folklore, and Chris Quinton does a marvelous job with Dark Waters. This is a shortie, but boy does Quinton pack a ton into this story.
In addition to a nicely crafted mystery, the lore behind both Flein and Donnchadh's character is beautifully constructed. Dark Waters is nicely written as well. I'll definitely look for more by author Chris Quinton.
In addition to a nicely crafted mystery, the lore behind both Flein and Donnchadh's character is beautifully constructed. Dark Waters is nicely written as well. I'll definitely look for more by author Chris Quinton.
October 6, 2010
Wow! Just...wow! Chris Quinton hooked me with Scottish legends and reeled me in with kilts and a fascinating story that I contemplated calling in sick to finish. Although there are some disturbing topics, they're handled with just the right touch so as not to overwhelm the story. There's suspense, action, and two heroes that I worried would never be able to find common ground. I'd resigned myself that there might not be a HEA. While I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who haven't read this, I was quite satisfied with the ending.
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June 5, 2009This is not absolutely a "light" tale, and the cover unfortunately didn't do it justice.
Dark Waters is a tale which has its roots in the old Scottish legends, and it's setting in a time when people still believed in those legends. The Eldren, fey people or similar, were mythical creatures, sometime in human form, sometime in animal form, and sometime in between. From a period during while they probably commanded on the world, now their mixed blood sons are among the ordinary people, even if they don't lead a "normal" life: they are travellers, leaders or monks, always a step above the common mob.
Flein is one of them and he chose to be a traveller. He wanders all over the world, being immortal, or at least with a life span much greater than a full human. Now he is travelling in the Highland, and he is warned against a waterhorse (a shapeshifter horse who lives along the loch) who preys on human. But Flein is not scared, maybe he is also a bit fascinated; and when he meets the creature, first as a beautiful stallion and then as an even more beautiful naked man, he manages to tame it (or at least he thinks so). He named it Donnchadh, and probably he would be content like that, having seen and met a wonderful creature, but someone else in the Glen is accusing Donnchadh to be a murderer and a rapist, preying on the woman of the clan MacAllister.
Now Donnchadh is not a saint, and indeed he preys on human, but he is an honest beast, as said one member of the clan; he only kills if attacked or for food, and he absolutely doesn't rape his "preys". Donnchadh is not "happy" that someone else is hunting on his ground and threating his "people": in his mind, the Loch and the Glen are his ground, given to him centuries ago by his father, and he has to protect them, but more like a shepherd with his sheep than a pater familias. And so with the help of Flein he is on the trail of the real murderer.
It's not an easy tale, but probably it respects the myths and legends. Donnchadh is not a "shapeshifter" for romance novel, he is scaring and dangerous and he probably accepts Flein's friendship (and something more), only since the man is not enterily human... he is more like him than he wants to admit.
Flein on the other hand treat Donnchadh as a fascinating creature. For most of the book, Flein thinks to him like an "it", not a human. He is honest enough to admit that he is interested in him also in a very personal way, but at the beginning I read that interest like the one you could have for an exotic creature, that you don't consider entirely civilized... more or less the same interest an explorer could have for a native who he doesn't consider at his level. But then Flein realizes that Donnchadh has his own behavioural code, that he knows what is right and wrong, only that sometime what is right for him, it's wrong for someone else. Do you know that conquerors used to say that the natives were not human being but more animal since they didn't know how to distinct between Good and Evil? Problem is that they had as parameter their own Good and Evil...
Anyway this is only a novella, but it's a very good one; so close your eyes and try to not look at the cover when you will click on the buy button! Oh, one last thing, for an Ellora's Cave novel, there is not so much sex as you would expect, and sometime this is not a fault ;-)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030F2SPM/?...
Dark Waters is a tale which has its roots in the old Scottish legends, and it's setting in a time when people still believed in those legends. The Eldren, fey people or similar, were mythical creatures, sometime in human form, sometime in animal form, and sometime in between. From a period during while they probably commanded on the world, now their mixed blood sons are among the ordinary people, even if they don't lead a "normal" life: they are travellers, leaders or monks, always a step above the common mob.
Flein is one of them and he chose to be a traveller. He wanders all over the world, being immortal, or at least with a life span much greater than a full human. Now he is travelling in the Highland, and he is warned against a waterhorse (a shapeshifter horse who lives along the loch) who preys on human. But Flein is not scared, maybe he is also a bit fascinated; and when he meets the creature, first as a beautiful stallion and then as an even more beautiful naked man, he manages to tame it (or at least he thinks so). He named it Donnchadh, and probably he would be content like that, having seen and met a wonderful creature, but someone else in the Glen is accusing Donnchadh to be a murderer and a rapist, preying on the woman of the clan MacAllister.
Now Donnchadh is not a saint, and indeed he preys on human, but he is an honest beast, as said one member of the clan; he only kills if attacked or for food, and he absolutely doesn't rape his "preys". Donnchadh is not "happy" that someone else is hunting on his ground and threating his "people": in his mind, the Loch and the Glen are his ground, given to him centuries ago by his father, and he has to protect them, but more like a shepherd with his sheep than a pater familias. And so with the help of Flein he is on the trail of the real murderer.
It's not an easy tale, but probably it respects the myths and legends. Donnchadh is not a "shapeshifter" for romance novel, he is scaring and dangerous and he probably accepts Flein's friendship (and something more), only since the man is not enterily human... he is more like him than he wants to admit.
Flein on the other hand treat Donnchadh as a fascinating creature. For most of the book, Flein thinks to him like an "it", not a human. He is honest enough to admit that he is interested in him also in a very personal way, but at the beginning I read that interest like the one you could have for an exotic creature, that you don't consider entirely civilized... more or less the same interest an explorer could have for a native who he doesn't consider at his level. But then Flein realizes that Donnchadh has his own behavioural code, that he knows what is right and wrong, only that sometime what is right for him, it's wrong for someone else. Do you know that conquerors used to say that the natives were not human being but more animal since they didn't know how to distinct between Good and Evil? Problem is that they had as parameter their own Good and Evil...
Anyway this is only a novella, but it's a very good one; so close your eyes and try to not look at the cover when you will click on the buy button! Oh, one last thing, for an Ellora's Cave novel, there is not so much sex as you would expect, and sometime this is not a fault ;-)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030F2SPM/?...
September 29, 2010
I have been meaning to read Dark Water for a very long time. It is one of those books that have been recommended to me and that I have added to read on 'just the right day'. I have read a good amount of Chris Quinton's more recent writing, consider myself a fan and a friend, and have thoroughly enjoyed it all. A review left for her on this book reminded me I had yet to discover Flein's world which was published in 2008 with Ellora's cave.
From page one I was pulled back in time to a magical age, and I can honestly say I could not put this book down. There must have been an enormous amount of research that went into the manuscript and there was a gentle flow of that information as it wove into the story. Flein is an incredibly strong hero and drawn so perfectly I could imagine him standing in front of me. The other main character, Donnchadh, the water horse, was beautifully written, and both characters made absolute sense in their world and their attraction.
The murder mystery that is entwined in this love story is created against a backdrop of suspicion and ancient lore. It twists and turns within the customs and traditions of a clan in Scotland, and was superbly built and suspenseful.
Chris's writing is exceptionally poetic—she conjures images so clear you could almost touch them. As a writer I envy her skill.
This book is recommended highly to anyone who enjoys a story that encompasses murder, mystery, the supernatural and gives only pure enjoyment to the reader.
From page one I was pulled back in time to a magical age, and I can honestly say I could not put this book down. There must have been an enormous amount of research that went into the manuscript and there was a gentle flow of that information as it wove into the story. Flein is an incredibly strong hero and drawn so perfectly I could imagine him standing in front of me. The other main character, Donnchadh, the water horse, was beautifully written, and both characters made absolute sense in their world and their attraction.
The murder mystery that is entwined in this love story is created against a backdrop of suspicion and ancient lore. It twists and turns within the customs and traditions of a clan in Scotland, and was superbly built and suspenseful.
Chris's writing is exceptionally poetic—she conjures images so clear you could almost touch them. As a writer I envy her skill.
This book is recommended highly to anyone who enjoys a story that encompasses murder, mystery, the supernatural and gives only pure enjoyment to the reader.
April 10, 2011
Неплохая вещь, хотя читать про поимку серийного маньяка в условном средневековье современными методами довольно забавно.
October 19, 2025
An ancient CSI story set in the highlands with a serial killer and m/c"s from 2 different pantheons, Nordic and Eldritch. A very unique story. Not perfect but unique and well developed for it's length.
I read this waaayyyy back when it 1st came out and absolutely loved it. I really wanted to reread it. I think then it was an Ellora's cave read. Wherever I bought it, it was no longer on my Kindle. I was happy I was able to rebuy it after all these years.
I still loved it.
It takes a minute to understand what is going on, but once part the 1st chapter it all falls into place.
I read this waaayyyy back when it 1st came out and absolutely loved it. I really wanted to reread it. I think then it was an Ellora's cave read. Wherever I bought it, it was no longer on my Kindle. I was happy I was able to rebuy it after all these years.
I still loved it.
It takes a minute to understand what is going on, but once part the 1st chapter it all falls into place.
August 22, 2023
3.5 stars. Okay so I had a little bit of trouble following the story because of the odd names/words. But overall, I did like both of our MC's & the mystery. This is a new to me author but won't be the last.
July 6, 2024
'Dark Waters' by Chris Quinton
I very much liked this odd little tale and have re-read it a couple times. I have several books by this author, who is one of my faves.
What happens when you pair a human with another race of being? A legendary, mythical mystical being.
Who doesn't quite understand humans... who lives on the rural edges of society.
Trigger warnings: mentions of abuse, rape and murder, plus a mention of eating humans (by a different being), with a few details.
But, I appreciate the fact that not everything is as it seems, not everything can be true or believable or taken at face value, as this is a community full of deceit. The author did a good job of creating this world; I was hooked!
(mine has a different cover, btw)
I very much liked this odd little tale and have re-read it a couple times. I have several books by this author, who is one of my faves.
What happens when you pair a human with another race of being? A legendary, mythical mystical being.
Who doesn't quite understand humans... who lives on the rural edges of society.
Trigger warnings: mentions of abuse, rape and murder, plus a mention of eating humans (by a different being), with a few details.
But, I appreciate the fact that not everything is as it seems, not everything can be true or believable or taken at face value, as this is a community full of deceit. The author did a good job of creating this world; I was hooked!
(mine has a different cover, btw)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2017
3.5 stars
Great writing and characters but it was a little rushed.
Great writing and characters but it was a little rushed.
October 23, 2017
I loved the water horse. His majesty and curiosity enthralled me. I also liked Flein and his confidence. There’s a bit of a mystery along with the two working together. I really liked how it ended.
March 28, 2021
Dreamy, atmospheric, with wonderful tension
May 13, 2023
2.5 stars
September 28, 2013
Flein the traveler has important letters to deliver on his journey and although he was warned to not take the shortest path more than once, he continued his way on his journey until he arrived at the home of Rory MacAllister. There, with a proper bed to sleep in, he was willing to sit back and listen to the stories of the each_uisage, a water spirit that was believed to be raping and mutilating women to feed. Although most of the community was willing to just believe that it was the each-uisage, Rory did not think that it was doing it but instead, a man trying to blame it on the waterhorse.
When Flein encounters the each-uisage himself on his travels, he finds the beautiful stallion intriguing. As the traveler continues on his journey, he finds himself spending more time with the each-uisage until finally, he is shown it in its man shape. Flein finds the man even more attractive than the stallion form, but tries to keep those thoughts to himself and not give in to his unacceptable attraction. Flein and the each-uisage partner up to investigate the killings themselves and prove that the waterhorse is innocent. As they work together to determine who the real murderer is, fearful that they will be too late in stopping another murder, they end up under suspicion themselves and they find each other along the way.
Chris Quinton has taken the reader of novella, Dark Waters, on a journey through lands, mythology, new cultures and simple human emotions. With an interesting insight into the Scottish culture, it carries the reader away to the time and place it is happening so it easily reads as an intense and emotional story with the classic feel good happy ending. A glossary would be a nice inclusion for this book so the terminology is not taking away from the story.
These characters are a fun, likable pair and they find such a sweet connection that it makes you hopeful just reading it. Most people can find something in this story to relate to and enjoy as it has just a little bit of everything in it. It has a little bit of danger, a little bit of paranormal and a little bit of love and romance.
I would definitely encourage anyone to read Quinton's novella and enjoy the twists and turns along the journey. You just can't help hoping that things work out and the true bad guy is discovered and brought to justice. It is also nice to read about a world where others help each other even though it isn't their problem. Flein is a character worth reading about.
When Flein encounters the each-uisage himself on his travels, he finds the beautiful stallion intriguing. As the traveler continues on his journey, he finds himself spending more time with the each-uisage until finally, he is shown it in its man shape. Flein finds the man even more attractive than the stallion form, but tries to keep those thoughts to himself and not give in to his unacceptable attraction. Flein and the each-uisage partner up to investigate the killings themselves and prove that the waterhorse is innocent. As they work together to determine who the real murderer is, fearful that they will be too late in stopping another murder, they end up under suspicion themselves and they find each other along the way.
Chris Quinton has taken the reader of novella, Dark Waters, on a journey through lands, mythology, new cultures and simple human emotions. With an interesting insight into the Scottish culture, it carries the reader away to the time and place it is happening so it easily reads as an intense and emotional story with the classic feel good happy ending. A glossary would be a nice inclusion for this book so the terminology is not taking away from the story.
These characters are a fun, likable pair and they find such a sweet connection that it makes you hopeful just reading it. Most people can find something in this story to relate to and enjoy as it has just a little bit of everything in it. It has a little bit of danger, a little bit of paranormal and a little bit of love and romance.
I would definitely encourage anyone to read Quinton's novella and enjoy the twists and turns along the journey. You just can't help hoping that things work out and the true bad guy is discovered and brought to justice. It is also nice to read about a world where others help each other even though it isn't their problem. Flein is a character worth reading about.
March 11, 2012
I am having a little trouble deciding on how to rate it.
I think the story was very well written and I liked both the water horse Donnchadh (yes I did have to copy/paste that) and Flein. I liked the mythology and that they were both immortal. I think that makes for a good pairing. I guess what takes away from the story for me is that it is to short and in the space alotted the mystery came before the romance. I wish that the story was longer so one could see the relationship between the two develop. I would also have liked the end-part of the mystery to be a little longer and more evolved, letting us in on the plans to snare the bad guy.
So I did very much like the idea of the story, I just wished that there was a little more on the mystery and the romance. I will give it a 3,5 because I feel that the story could have given me more detail.
I think the story was very well written and I liked both the water horse Donnchadh (yes I did have to copy/paste that) and Flein. I liked the mythology and that they were both immortal. I think that makes for a good pairing. I guess what takes away from the story for me is that it is to short and in the space alotted the mystery came before the romance. I wish that the story was longer so one could see the relationship between the two develop. I would also have liked the end-part of the mystery to be a little longer and more evolved, letting us in on the plans to snare the bad guy.
So I did very much like the idea of the story, I just wished that there was a little more on the mystery and the romance. I will give it a 3,5 because I feel that the story could have given me more detail.
July 9, 2014
My main complaint is that this book should have been longer! What a difference a couple hundred pages makes.
I didn't really care about the characters, I just sort of knew who was who and doing what, they could have been so interesting (Flein, Donnchadh, the various priests, villagers) but it fell flat.
I would have liked more of a mystery without having to sort through all this lore, especially while a romance is trying to happen. Yeesh!
I didn't really care about the characters, I just sort of knew who was who and doing what, they could have been so interesting (Flein, Donnchadh, the various priests, villagers) but it fell flat.
I would have liked more of a mystery without having to sort through all this lore, especially while a romance is trying to happen. Yeesh!
October 1, 2010
This a fanciful story of Immortals, nymphs, Sea-Horses, and madmen. A time in when gods and goddess still had a hold on earth, before the new religions took over and magical half-gods became fiction.
This book may not be for everyone, but it's a well written short story.
3.25 stars
This book may not be for everyone, but it's a well written short story.
3.25 stars
April 1, 2011
A definite must read. Chris manages to keep the perspective of a world-weary immortal while keeping things fresh and new. Having read all of her books now, she is on my permanent "buy" list.
June 8, 2013
Look for my review of Dark Waters on my web site.
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October 14, 2012
I love fantasy and I really loved this book. All Ellora's cave have great writers. I don't agree about he cover I actually liked it. Good read.
October 25, 2012
Review to follow. . .
August 19, 2015
** 3.5 Stars **
September 1, 2013
Good plot, weird porn.
March 13, 2015
It is well written, just not my kind of story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews