An Orkney Murder

Rose McQuinn #3

by Alanna Knight

Leaving the grime of Victorian Edinburgh behind her, Rose McQuinn makes a long-anticipated journey to visit her sister Emily who still lives in their childhood home on Orkney. But on those far-flung isles Rose does not find the peace and relaxation she anticipates; instead, events take on an unexpected and sinister twist. The calm pleasure of Rose’s holiday is shattered when a body is discovered during an archaeological dig. Far from being that of a 13th century princess, as the archaeologists had hoped, it becomes clear it’s of a local woman, long presumed drowned but in fact brutally murdered. Rose is in a dilemma as she realizes that she probably knows the identity of the murdered but to reveal it, she will destroy forever the happiness of those closest to her.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Crime, Historical, Scotland

288 pages, Paperback

First published February 27, 2003

About the author

aka Margaret Hope

Alanna Knight MBE has published more than sixty novels (including sixteen in the acclaimed Inspector Faro series, and seven featuring his daughter Rose McQuinn), as well as non-fiction, true crime and several books on Robert Louis Stevenson, numerous short stories and two plays since her award-winning first book ‘Legend of the Loch’ in 1969. A founding member and Honorary President of the Scottish Association of Writers and of the Edinburgh Writer’s Club, born and educated on Tyneside, she has two sons and two granddaughters and lives in Edinburgh.

Reviews

[Anne]

Another great book by Alanna Knight starring Rose McQuinn, Victorian lady detective, adventurous and brave, and skilled in detection. As an intrepid sleuth, she becomes involved in dangerous situations where is she is lucky to escape with her life.

This novel is set in the beautiful surroundings of Orkney, bringing in a lot of local history and folk lore. The characters Rose encounters are interesting and well rounded, none all good or all bad. When Erland (Rose's brother in law) lost his first wife, her body had been discovered and funeral held. However later on while Rose is visiting them, another body is found, the mystery thickens, who can this be? Could this be the body of a 13th century princess?

So Rose, rather than enjoying a peaceful holiday, is busy solving this murder mystery, hoping that none of her family are involved. Meantime, Rose discovers other family secrets, meeting her grandmother and learning about Sibella, who legend has it is a selkie she learns about the folk lore around selkies. All of this makes this novel intriguing. Then there isRose's relationship with Jack McMerry, who is at home, while Rose travels to see her sister Emily.

All in all an excellent novel, there are a few more novels about Rose McQuinn that are worth reading too. I found this a very enjoyable read, and can recommend it to readers of detective fiction with a historical background.

[Jonel]

This was a very compelling novel. As the mystery unravels I became more and more entrenched in the intricate world created by this talented author. Knight’s descriptions develop the scenery to the most minute detail. She also has a fantastic and solidly developed history and mythology behind the story. She takes readers to Orkney in a very big & real way. Not only are readers transported in space, but in time as well. I quite enjoyed the slightly different look at the times, where cars were just arriving on scene & bicycles were akin to the most dangerous of horses.

I found the main character in this novel to be fun from the get-go. This well-traveled, worldly individual was a joy to get to know. I loved how more layers were revealed the more we got to know about her. Knight has also developed a stunning secondary cast to back her up. The variety of personalities and positions makes you feel like you’re really in this small town, meeting everyone.

This novel is a solid example of what a mystery should be. Knight has told a tale that many will enjoy.

[Hermien]

Very enjoyable with interesting bits of local history. It reminded me of Rhys Bowen's Mollie Murphy series, around the same time period and similar female protagonist.

[Lis Carey]

This is the the third book in the series, and the first that I've read. There's some backstory, but it was pretty easy to pick up enough to enjoy this story.

Rose McQuinn is trying to decide whether to marry her new love, an Edinburgh police detective, and is relieved, finally, two years after her return from America, to get an invitation to visit her sister Emily and her family on the island of Orkney, where Emily, Rose, and Rose's first love and now (probably) deceased husband, Danny McQuinn, grew up. It's her first meeting with her brother-in-law, the first time in years that she's seen her sister Emily and the grandmother who raised them--and her first meeting with a great-grandmother whom she has never heard of before. It's fascinating, and wonderfully restful--until Rose finds herself investigating the death of her sister's husband's first wife, found dead in the bog just outside the family mansion, ten years after she was believed drowned and washed up on the shore, her corpse badly damaged.

When did she really die? How? And who is the woman who was originally buried in her grave?

It's painfully obvious who the most likely suspect is, and Rose is torn between her duty to her family and her duty to the truth.

We get a wonderful look at late 19th century Orkney, women's lives at that time, archaeological digs at that time, and a nifty little historical mystery from Orkney's deep past. Oh, and an engaging mystery with very engaging characters.

Very enjoyable.

I borrowed this book from a friend.

[Virginia]

This was an ok book to read while I was home sick with a cold. It didn't require too much concentration and the setting was appealing. The mystery was a bit obvious, even though the writer had included some red herrings, and the solution was revealed in a rather tiresome fashion. The writer's heavy-handed references to events in previous stories was also a bit annoying at times. But overall it kept me amused while I sniffled and snuffled the day away!

[Deanne]

There's so many skeletons in the cupboard it's difficult to get the clothes in.
Set in Orkney, Rose's childhood home, there's mystery and murder of course, and a long lost grt grandma. There's also history and superstitions and a chance to meet Rose's family.
Sounds like the sort of place to visit in the summer.

[Philina]

I picked this up while on holiday in Orkney and greatly enjoyed it. I think I want to read more murder mysteries by this author.
I think she captured the magical atmosphere and rich history of Orkney perfectly.

[Sherry Mackay]

Very pedestrian. I gave up 2/3 of the way thru. Not really much of a murder mystery until near the end. Too late!

[Claire MacDonald]

Different- not sure if there was a murder to begin with. Good telling of Orcadian life and good twist

[Little Red Readinghood]

A good mystery and view into Ross's family.

[Judi Mckay]

For me, this was like Enid Blyton for adults. Clumsy foreshadowing and too many coincidences to be believable.

[Paloma Hiles]

My favourite so far. Lots of twists and turns. Didn't see that ending coming. Really good cozy mystery.

[Thom Swennes]

Mrs. Rose McQuinn, recently widowed and returning to Scotland from the United States goes to hamlet of Hopescarth on the Orkney Islands; British islands northeast of Scotland. Her late husband worked as a private detective in the United States and Rose was his partner in business as well as life. As she was bicycling to her vacation destination, an exceptional sight and especially so for a woman, she had a flat tire and got a lift into town in the motor car (just as atypical sight as the bicycle) of Craig Denmore. Rose’s sister, Emily and her husband, lived in the village and she was hoping for a reunion, rest and relaxation but soon old mysteries get her investigative juices flowing. Rose, a delightful combination of Jessica Fletcher and Mary Poppins, sticking her nose everywhere and alienating the locals. The locals are a large and colorful group of memorable characters.

I am, and have always been, a slow and meticulous reader. Occasionally I employ audio books to add rhythm and speed while I read along. I soon discovered that the narrator constantly adding, subtracting and/or changing words and phrases. Nary is a paragraph left unabridged. This made my task more daunting as sometimes it seemed as if she was reading another story (although the gist of the tale stayed true). I don’t know if my three awarded stars are earned by Alanne Knight (author) or Hilary Neville (narrator) but I choose to share the glory and recognize the affiliation.

[Udita]

As the plot uncovers more and more, Rose fears for the innocence of those closest to her, but is there the innocence to fear for? Added to the mystery is a great grandmother who she has never heard of, that lives in a small croft, that is more than a 100 years old and was rescued by the sea. Her premonitions are always true, her potions are potent, and she hunches when she walks, dragging her feet behind her into the mist, much like a…

(from http://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com/20...)

[Karen]

Rose McQuinn helped solve another mystery.

I enjoyed this book very much. I was so sure she was getting involved with a mystery she could never get the correct answers for due to her sister Emmy's situation. But I was wrong thankfully and therefore it made for a great mystery book. So enjoy thIs book my friend and be happy you found thIs great book!

[Diane]

I read this book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Orkney, just to get a sense of place. While not the most difficult mystery to figure out, it has its charms and the main character is likable. A easy, fairly entertaining read.

[Claudia]

Oh, this one was great too! It is set in Orkney and there is a convoluted mystery that involves Rose's family, and lots and lots of local folklore.

A charming story, a good mystery and, as always, an enjoyable read.

[Kate]

I picked up the Audible edition on sale. The story was fine and helped me fall asleep at night. I didn't care for the narration. The character is Scottish and grew up in Orkney but for some reason, the narrator has an English accent. I may check out other stories in the series.

[Kt.]

I read all of this series. Easy to follow. Like able characters. Good setting.

[Les Wilson]

A really good read. I enjoyed it so much, I am looking forward to reading more of Alanna Knight.

[Sally-W]

#Pages4Progress Summer Reading Challenge

[Michele bookloverforever]

another very moody, brooding late Victorian murder mystery. well drawn characters. good plot. plucky woman detective. murderer found.

[Kathleen]

Not as good as her previous books; disappointing.

[Cindy]

Good, light read. Kept my interest.