The Shadowed Blade

by Lexie Conyngham

The science of murder ...

The troubles of the outside world have once again invaded Ballater, and good sense and science collide. But when a prominent temperance campaigner is found dead, are the locals to blame, or is it something from his past? Hippolyta Napier must find out, if the villagers are to live in peace again.

355 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2025

About the author

Author of five historical crime fiction series: Murray of Letho, Hippolyta Napier, the Journals of Dr Robert Wilson, Inspector Alec Cattanach, and Orkneyinga Murders, Lexie lives in North-East Scotland and after some years of trying the traditional methods (with absolute and complete lack of success) she was persuaded to test her limited technical skills with e-books. When she isn't writing (that would be Sundays) she teaches, knits, gardens, drinks wine or whisky, and sits looking thoughtful while random facts wander around her head.

She can be followed, should such a thing appeal, on Pinterest (https://uk.pinterest.com/lexieconyngham/) or even Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Lexie-Conyng...).

Reviews

[Beatrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of Lexie Conynghame's best books. I couldn't put it down.
The plot was intriguing, to say the least of it, the writing superb, and the characterisation excellent, as always. I believe totally in Hippolyta, Patrick and Mr Durris, and the Strong sisters and...and...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am going to re-read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great plot, with enough twists and turns to satisfy the most ardent mystery reader, and a wonderful protagonist in Hippolyta Napier, who manages to keep just that one step ahead of everybody when it comes to solving crimes in the wee village of Ballater, Scotland. When it comes to knowing the questions to ask, and teasing out secrets, Hippolyta can be expected to come through, every time. A delightful mystery series (this is book #8) that offers up satisfying reading, in every respect.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ballater and the arrival of two separate temperance advocates. But soon one will be dead. Mr Dod Durris investigates while Hippolyta asks her questions.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its cast of likeable and interesting characters. Another good addition ro rhis enjoyable series.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I always enjoy Hippolyta’s adventures. She is smart and curious and has the respect not only of her husband but also of Mr. Dorris, quite a feat for a young woman back then. I don’t think she hope they are rid of Mrs. Riach, please be unkind and don’t let her back.

[K.J. Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love Hippolyta Napier books. When a new one comes out I try and resist reading for a little while so that I can look forward to it a little bit longer. We're now on book 8 and Hippolyta isn't quite the young and inexperienced new wife that she was in the first book. Now she has three children to look after and is firmly settled in her role as the local doctors wife. That doesn't mean that she doesn't have that inquisitive drive that seems to get her into all kinds of trouble or that make her ideal to try and solve the murders that she somehow finds herself in the middle of.
This time there are two groups who have arrived in town trying to convince people to give up drink, dancing and other fun activities. Coming just before an anticipated dance Hippolyta is worried that they might disrupt things, but she doesn't foresee just how disrupted things might become.
I love all of the incidental characters in these books and I really enjoyed how they featured in this book. Patrick's apprentice is particularly delightful with his enthusiasm around everything other than what he should be learning.
I almost solved this one before the end but I hadn't got everything right, maybe next time. I can't wait to return to Hippolyta again in the near future.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two groups of strangers arrive in Ballater at the same time, each with a charismatic leader. Two of the first group are murdered, and the leader of the second is badly beaten. Hippolyta's natural inquisitive nature comes into its own. As always, the characters are brilliantly drawn and the outcome was not what I expected. A really wonderful read.