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Orkneyinga Murders #1
Tomb for an Eagle
A man lies under the tawny earth, hands still clutching the knife that killed him.
Thorfinn Sigurdarson, Earl of all Orkney and Caithness, has made a mistake, and he won’t let himself forget it.
Now rumours have started in the Norse lands that he might be getting a second chance – but should he take it, when it means that dead men are walking?
Thorfinn Sigurdarson, Earl of all Orkney and Caithness, has made a mistake, and he won’t let himself forget it.
Now rumours have started in the Norse lands that he might be getting a second chance – but should he take it, when it means that dead men are walking?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2018
213 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Lexie Conyngham
47 books123 followersAuthor 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...).
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...).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 2, 2021
Such an evocative piece of writing of both time and place- absolutely fascinating. Authentic use of Outlandish, I’ve never read a historical mystery set in the time of the Vikings before. The two main characters Kettil and Sigrid were a good pairing and I am excited to read the rest of these stories set in the Orkneys.
October 23, 2018
In this new mystery series we find ourselves in the Orkneys in the Viking times, with the lords and their men, farming and fighting. The women spin, weave and get up to all sorts else. Sigrid finds a body buried in a gulley on her farmland. Ketil is looking for the murderer. The dead man was one of his followers. Through the eyes of these two, we watch the building of a new church, though the dead man was buried with the old ceremonial. Sigrid and Ketil each find small details of what’s been going on, and this body isn’t the only one we encounter. It’s a really good, though most unconventional, historical detective novel and I couldn’t drag myself away from it once I’d started. The cover art is stunning too.
April 17, 2020
I picked up this book because I am a fan of Thorfinn Sigurdarson, Earl of Orkney. Although he actually plays a secondary part in this story, I enjoyed the lively plot around the supernatural reappearance of the dead Rognvald, traitor who was killed by Thorfinn at the beginning. Our protagonist Ketil, having quietly returned to Orkney after a long and unexplained disappearance, keeps finding himself surrounded by murders—too many to be coincidental. He nearly becomes a corpse, himself, and received so many wounds that a lesser man would have been happy to remain bedridden as the mystery played itself out. Not our Ketil! He’s in the thick of things, trying to unravel the conspiracy that seems to involve too many suspicious characters with too many motives:
"What if someone else was killed while Ketil was away? Whoever killed Snorri was no doubt still here: they wouldn’t have gone trailing off to Kirkuvagr just because Ketil had gone there. It might be just as dangerous here as it would be asking questions about Rognvald’s ghost in Kirkuvagr. Had Snorri really been killed because he was going to tell Ketil something?
Well: it could not have been Hrolf, not with three broken ribs. It could have been Bjarni, or Afi, or several other large men well able to haul Snorri over the wall into the pig sty. It was unlikely to have been Einar, but he could have ordered someone to do it. Was it someone who knew more about Rognvald’s ghost, or someone who knew more about Herleif’s death?"
As you can see, things got very complicated. I admit I had a hard time following the thread on occasion. Part of the problem for me was too many characters whose name started with an H. We had Herleif, Helga, Hrolf, and Hlifolf. Because the names are unfamiliar, it was easy to mix them up. But, having gone along for the ride, I didn’t mind the occasional bump. I got a good feeling for everyday life on cold and unforgiving Orkney. There was a hint of possible romance between Ketil and his old childhood friend Sigrid, who was the only person he truly trusted. Will that come to fruition in book two? I certainly hope so!
"What if someone else was killed while Ketil was away? Whoever killed Snorri was no doubt still here: they wouldn’t have gone trailing off to Kirkuvagr just because Ketil had gone there. It might be just as dangerous here as it would be asking questions about Rognvald’s ghost in Kirkuvagr. Had Snorri really been killed because he was going to tell Ketil something?
Well: it could not have been Hrolf, not with three broken ribs. It could have been Bjarni, or Afi, or several other large men well able to haul Snorri over the wall into the pig sty. It was unlikely to have been Einar, but he could have ordered someone to do it. Was it someone who knew more about Rognvald’s ghost, or someone who knew more about Herleif’s death?"
As you can see, things got very complicated. I admit I had a hard time following the thread on occasion. Part of the problem for me was too many characters whose name started with an H. We had Herleif, Helga, Hrolf, and Hlifolf. Because the names are unfamiliar, it was easy to mix them up. But, having gone along for the ride, I didn’t mind the occasional bump. I got a good feeling for everyday life on cold and unforgiving Orkney. There was a hint of possible romance between Ketil and his old childhood friend Sigrid, who was the only person he truly trusted. Will that come to fruition in book two? I certainly hope so!
January 24, 2022
While this is a brand new author to me this is one of the most fascinating books that I have read this year. But this thrilling new mystery series isn't any normal series its all based around vikings, how exciting does that sound? While the plot was facinating, the characters where phenomenal, I did find myself occasionally mixing up the characters as so many of them had similar names. But overall this writer did an incredible job. Our main character comes back after a long disappearance only to suddenly find himself surrounded by murders. But what happens when he suffers wounds while trying to solve these murders? Will he survive and figure out who is behind all of these murders? You'll have to read this mystery to find out for yourself.
November 28, 2022
great start to a series
The setting of this story in Viking times on Orkney. A start of a new series starts on a high with the finding of a body buried with an eagle. Ketil arrives undercover as a trader from Norway he must reach Thorfinn The Earl of Orkney. He is surprised to find Sigrid a friend from childhood finder of the strangers body. The historical setting really draws you in with the hard life of barter and exchange of goods. There is plenty of red herrings when the bodies pile up. Finding out friend or foe will become a matter of life or death for Ketil and Sigrid. I cannot wait to try other books in the series.
The setting of this story in Viking times on Orkney. A start of a new series starts on a high with the finding of a body buried with an eagle. Ketil arrives undercover as a trader from Norway he must reach Thorfinn The Earl of Orkney. He is surprised to find Sigrid a friend from childhood finder of the strangers body. The historical setting really draws you in with the hard life of barter and exchange of goods. There is plenty of red herrings when the bodies pile up. Finding out friend or foe will become a matter of life or death for Ketil and Sigrid. I cannot wait to try other books in the series.
November 6, 2018
This is my first story by Lexie Conyngham and let me tell you that she is amazing. I was very interested in this story because of the cover of the book. (Who does not love an intriguing book covers?) Ms. Conyngham’s writing style was very descriptive which made it easy to see in my mind’s eye easier. From the first couple of paragraphs to the last word of the book I was hooked. I knew it was going to be an all-day book read. The characters were like old friends that I went to visited for the day. The flow through the story was a nice pace. On the other hand, I did need to pay attention as this is a murder mystery book. Clues are out in the open but can be over looked easily. There are loopy loops and twists and turns around every corner. This story in on the Norse Lands and the characters having traditional names which is worth reading the book for that content alone. I would highly recommend reading this book. I personally cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
November 3, 2018
Tomb for an Eagle by Lexie Conyngham a four-star read. This is the first book in the Orkneyinga Murders series. I didn’t read the blurb of this book so I wasn’t sure what to expect so for the first couple chapters I was a little lost, but then I soon realised what was going on and got hooked on the story. The setting was so well written that you could imagine you were in Scotland with the characters. One thing that I will note that drove me mad but I know others will love were some of the names, I know they were traditional names but I was sure I was pronouncing them wrong in my head, that being said it only bothered me a little and I know it’s one of my personal foibles. The twists and turns will keep you guessing and adds to the drama of the story.
February 14, 2024
C.1050 A.D. The setting is Orkney in the Viking times, and on the day that Ketil Gummarson arrives, Sigrid, a widow, discovers a body. Probably dead for some months. On seeing the body Ketil knows who it is, but why was he killed. Where did the rumour start that the long dead Rognvald Brusason has come back from the dead to claim Orkney for his own.
Sigrid and Ketil investigate.
A very enjoyable, well-written historical mystery with its twists of plot, and with its very likeable and well-developed main characters.
I look forward to reading more in the series, of which this book is a very good start.
A NetGalley Book
Sigrid and Ketil investigate.
A very enjoyable, well-written historical mystery with its twists of plot, and with its very likeable and well-developed main characters.
I look forward to reading more in the series, of which this book is a very good start.
A NetGalley Book
January 20, 2022
I don’t normally read historical stories, but I couldn’t help but choose to read this after seeing that it was set in Viking times! The descriptions were vivid and beautiful giving me a clear picture of the setting. The characters completely endeared me to them and they just matched well. I truly enjoyed this book! I am looking forward to reading more by this author!
May 12, 2025
Definitely came together by the end. Especially enjoyed the way the author created a sense of place and atmosphere, weaving a tapestry of the Orkney Islands in the time of the Norse settlers
November 8, 2018
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham, 4 stars.
Ketil is searching for answers. That is what lead him to The Brough. He is searching for their leader, Thorfinn. But Thorfinn is away, so Ketil decides to wait. He pretends to be a simple trader, not knowing who he can trust. But it turns out all he gets is more questions. Oh, and the dead body they found. Who killed him and why? Not to mention that he has heard rumors that the ghost of a man he knows to be dead. But ghosts and resurrection of the dead aren't real. Are they? Are there those that still worship the old gods? Do they possess these powers? Will he find answers or is someone really bent on keeping him from finding the truth?
This a what I would describe as a historical suspense mystery. It is set in the time of the Vikings. In my opinion, the description that comes with the book does not give this story justice. There is so much going on than just the rumors that a dead man is alive again. A dead body is found not to long after Ketil arrives. Plus there are other "accidents" that seem to happen. Plus Ketil, with the help of Sigrid, has to take on the sole of detective, trying to find out just what happened. This puts him danger and he doesn't even know whom from. The story is quite interesting, but I admit I had trouble getting into it from the beginning. There were many words I did not know and did not quite understand where the story was going. But the more I got into, the less I could put it down. It really is imaginative and like nothing I have read before.
I highly recommend this book to others who enjoy historical suspense.
Ketil is searching for answers. That is what lead him to The Brough. He is searching for their leader, Thorfinn. But Thorfinn is away, so Ketil decides to wait. He pretends to be a simple trader, not knowing who he can trust. But it turns out all he gets is more questions. Oh, and the dead body they found. Who killed him and why? Not to mention that he has heard rumors that the ghost of a man he knows to be dead. But ghosts and resurrection of the dead aren't real. Are they? Are there those that still worship the old gods? Do they possess these powers? Will he find answers or is someone really bent on keeping him from finding the truth?
This a what I would describe as a historical suspense mystery. It is set in the time of the Vikings. In my opinion, the description that comes with the book does not give this story justice. There is so much going on than just the rumors that a dead man is alive again. A dead body is found not to long after Ketil arrives. Plus there are other "accidents" that seem to happen. Plus Ketil, with the help of Sigrid, has to take on the sole of detective, trying to find out just what happened. This puts him danger and he doesn't even know whom from. The story is quite interesting, but I admit I had trouble getting into it from the beginning. There were many words I did not know and did not quite understand where the story was going. But the more I got into, the less I could put it down. It really is imaginative and like nothing I have read before.
I highly recommend this book to others who enjoy historical suspense.
February 15, 2022
4 star Christian-Viking era murder mystery. Wonderful new take on the genre
First in a series. Here we’re introduced to Ketil, Sigrid, and everyone else in the village of Buckquoy.
Ketil comes to town with secrets to tell and to hide. Is he friend or foe? What does he have to do with the body Sigrid, a widowed villager, found hidden on her land? Is this the past come back to haunt them?
A very interesting take on timepiece murder mystery. I was only able to “sort of” enjoy this murder mystery. I found it difficult to immerse myself in a time period novel with a culture I’m mostly unfamiliar with. I found myself skipping over names and items, or having to step away from the story to look them up, because I didn’t know what they were. This caused the first quarter-to-third of the book to be a very slow read. Once I was able to get an understanding of the time, community, and culture, I found the novel to be very interesting.
This book also touches upon the idea of when old meets new in terms of the religious aspect of the time, but it is easy to correlate that to todays time and what’s going on around us, should you wish to go that deep.
Thoroughly enjoyed the murder mystery aspect and the “detective” work that Ketil does while rediscovering himself and his relationship with Sigrid along the way.
Cw: graphic descriptions of a murdered and mutilated body, domestic violence, violence against women.
First in a series. Here we’re introduced to Ketil, Sigrid, and everyone else in the village of Buckquoy.
Ketil comes to town with secrets to tell and to hide. Is he friend or foe? What does he have to do with the body Sigrid, a widowed villager, found hidden on her land? Is this the past come back to haunt them?
A very interesting take on timepiece murder mystery. I was only able to “sort of” enjoy this murder mystery. I found it difficult to immerse myself in a time period novel with a culture I’m mostly unfamiliar with. I found myself skipping over names and items, or having to step away from the story to look them up, because I didn’t know what they were. This caused the first quarter-to-third of the book to be a very slow read. Once I was able to get an understanding of the time, community, and culture, I found the novel to be very interesting.
This book also touches upon the idea of when old meets new in terms of the religious aspect of the time, but it is easy to correlate that to todays time and what’s going on around us, should you wish to go that deep.
Thoroughly enjoyed the murder mystery aspect and the “detective” work that Ketil does while rediscovering himself and his relationship with Sigrid along the way.
Cw: graphic descriptions of a murdered and mutilated body, domestic violence, violence against women.
November 5, 2018
A great read about mystery In the Viking era, Sigrid's day is ruined when she finds the buried body of a man in a nearby gully to her farm. While visiting the area, Ketil realises he knows the man as a warrior and messenger to the Thorfinn kingdom. Together, Sigrid and Ketil investigate a whole town of suspects. But can they find the killer before it's too late?
A brillaint read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn't put down. Well developed characters like Sigrid doing what she loves and standing up for herself or Ketil trying to find the truth and fit in to the community. I also liked how he was the damsel in distress needing saving for humour which was brilliantly written.
Also loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the island in the fog with rocky crags and harsh weather which was perfectly written with air of mystery and magic as something of the ancient world harsh and unforgiving
And the sense of history with Viking warriors and ships and culture and food halls as if you were actually there.
Brillaint mix of crime thriller and historical with suspense and fast paced action for a captivating read. Overall, a brilliant read and I would give it five stars
A brillaint read. Well developed plot with twists and turns that I just couldn't put down. Well developed characters like Sigrid doing what she loves and standing up for herself or Ketil trying to find the truth and fit in to the community. I also liked how he was the damsel in distress needing saving for humour which was brilliantly written.
Also loved the visual detail throughout the novel with the island in the fog with rocky crags and harsh weather which was perfectly written with air of mystery and magic as something of the ancient world harsh and unforgiving
And the sense of history with Viking warriors and ships and culture and food halls as if you were actually there.
Brillaint mix of crime thriller and historical with suspense and fast paced action for a captivating read. Overall, a brilliant read and I would give it five stars
October 19, 2018
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1)
By: Lexie Conyngham
5 out of 5 stars
The story Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham is a wonderful book that I loved reading. It is a story that hooked me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. The story has an air of suspense and mystery that had me turning pages and wondering what was going to happen next. There is a murder that has occurred and a community wonders who did it and also who the victim is. There are many characters that you are introduced to and while there are good members of the community that live there are others that fall under suspicion and some wonder about if they could have been involved with the murder. There are scenes that had me on the edge of my seat and others that had me trying to figure out who the guilty one is. It is like trying to put together a puzzle. The story does a wonderful job in world building. It also is very detailed. I felt like I was right there with the characters seeing what they did. I found this book to be wonderfully written and a joy to read. It is one I would highly recommend.
By: Lexie Conyngham
5 out of 5 stars
The story Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham is a wonderful book that I loved reading. It is a story that hooked me in from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down until I had finished the last page. The story has an air of suspense and mystery that had me turning pages and wondering what was going to happen next. There is a murder that has occurred and a community wonders who did it and also who the victim is. There are many characters that you are introduced to and while there are good members of the community that live there are others that fall under suspicion and some wonder about if they could have been involved with the murder. There are scenes that had me on the edge of my seat and others that had me trying to figure out who the guilty one is. It is like trying to put together a puzzle. The story does a wonderful job in world building. It also is very detailed. I felt like I was right there with the characters seeing what they did. I found this book to be wonderfully written and a joy to read. It is one I would highly recommend.
February 16, 2022
On Orkney’s, a resident of the local village is going about their day to day business when they are informed of an animal being somewhere it shouldn’t be and that they will need to go retrieve it before dark. When they get there, however, instead of finding the animal, they find a body, a body which has been buried using the old ways.
When the village leader is notified, a party go down to the burial site and retrieve the body, however, nobody knows who they are or who may have killed them, so the villagers try to figure it out.
Meanwhile, Thorfinn Sigudarson is returning to his Earldom in Orkney and Caithness from his latest trip, only to find that there has been a killing on the island and that it has brought with it ghosts from his past. This is neither welcome or expected for Thorfinn and so he has both a mystery to since and a past to revisit in order to secure his future, but will he be able to do it all, or with his past catch up with him first?
This is a historical fiction centred around a crime which nobody has claimed and a mystery he is reluctant to solve in case his own skeletons are revealed.
When the village leader is notified, a party go down to the burial site and retrieve the body, however, nobody knows who they are or who may have killed them, so the villagers try to figure it out.
Meanwhile, Thorfinn Sigudarson is returning to his Earldom in Orkney and Caithness from his latest trip, only to find that there has been a killing on the island and that it has brought with it ghosts from his past. This is neither welcome or expected for Thorfinn and so he has both a mystery to since and a past to revisit in order to secure his future, but will he be able to do it all, or with his past catch up with him first?
This is a historical fiction centred around a crime which nobody has claimed and a mystery he is reluctant to solve in case his own skeletons are revealed.
June 29, 2025
I like to read books set in places I visit, so, this historical crime fiction set in Orkney was the perfect read! Even better,we visited the Broch of Birsay the day after I started it, so it felt very real and possible to me.
Lexie is clearly an accomplished writer and the characters and plot had me invested.
definitely will be continuing with the series even though I'm back in mainland Scotland again!
Lexie is clearly an accomplished writer and the characters and plot had me invested.
definitely will be continuing with the series even though I'm back in mainland Scotland again!
July 12, 2020
I enjoyed this read. Well written, interesting characters and kept my attention.
January 24, 2022
Tomb for an Eagle (Orkneyinga Murders Book 1) by Lexie Conyngham - Review by Allyson Ware
One of my first thoughts about this book was that it is cozy. Yes, there is a dead body found in a gully, but the way the author writes makes me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day and read.
This novel has a few different perspectives, which I have come to love from this author. The characters are explained in great detail, along with the world the author has created. You really understand what is happening and the only questions you are asking are the typical questions in a murder mystery. This author really does not leave much to the imagination when it comes to details and I definitely appreciate that. If you have not read this book and love mysteries, this is definitely a novel for you.
One of my first thoughts about this book was that it is cozy. Yes, there is a dead body found in a gully, but the way the author writes makes me want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea on a rainy day and read.
This novel has a few different perspectives, which I have come to love from this author. The characters are explained in great detail, along with the world the author has created. You really understand what is happening and the only questions you are asking are the typical questions in a murder mystery. This author really does not leave much to the imagination when it comes to details and I definitely appreciate that. If you have not read this book and love mysteries, this is definitely a novel for you.
January 26, 2022
This is the first book in the Orkneyinga Murders series. It also happens to be the first book I’ve read by this author. The book combined two genres that I like to read - historical fiction and a murder mystery! In the beginning it took me a while to figure out the characters and how they got along with the others. The story is so engrossing that I wanted to keep reading as long as possible each night. The characters in the story were well written and I loved the parts where I felt like I was learning more about the Viking way of life.
February 15, 2022
Tomb for an Eagle is book one in the Orkneyinga Murders series. When a body is discovered in an underground tomb still clutching the knife that possibly killed him it sets into motion a chain of events that involves all the citizens of Orkney. Sigrid, who accidentally discovered the body on her property, is determined to solve the mystery of this unknown man. With the help of Ketil, she sets out to unravel the mystery of why this man was killed. Nobody from their small village has been reported missing which makes it even a bigger mystery. Where did this man come from? Who is he and how did he die there?
I loved the character of Sigrid because she was full of feistiness and determination. She doesn't back down from a challenge. Although it was a bit challenging to keep track of all the names, I loved the historical detail that the author wrote into her book and thought it was very well written.
I loved the character of Sigrid because she was full of feistiness and determination. She doesn't back down from a challenge. Although it was a bit challenging to keep track of all the names, I loved the historical detail that the author wrote into her book and thought it was very well written.
February 17, 2022
This book was a nice mix of historical fiction and murder mystery. This is the first book in the series and is the introduction to the village of Orkney and all the people within the village. Book starts with Sigrid finding an unknown body and the hunt for the murderer is on. At this time Ketil rides in so speak to the Earl of Orkney, Thorfinn and some distressing news. This is when the who done it really starts. I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction but I really enjoyed this book. It had a good mix of character development, mystery, and twists and turns. Sigrid and Ketil make a good team and I hope they continue in reigniting their friendship.
February 17, 2022
Tomb for an Eagle is a wonderful and interesting historical mystery. I have read quite a few historical fiction but no historical mysteries. This book did not disappoint. This is a well-written, well-developed book with interesting characters. I enjoyed going along for the ride with Ketil and Sigrid. I got hooked on these characters from the start and could not put the book down. It is absolutely a page-turner. This was a different kind of mystery experience that I definitely enjoyed. I recommend this for anyone looking for unconventional historical fiction.
February 4, 2022
This is the book that started it all! Who knew that Lexie Conyngham would write such a page-turner with this first installment in the Orkneyinga Murders series. Conyngham finds fans with each book she pens with her stylistic method of combining mystery and culture. Here, we are transported to the ground of the Norse lands, where a murderer has taken a man's life. The culprit is an Earl, but what is the motive, and why is he pressed with guilt? Conyngham layers the story within her characters and is prepared for the successful development of the plot through the lives of people who tell it.
January 30, 2022
Tomb for an Eagle brings to life the town of Orkney, and all of the colourful citizens and complex relationships at Buckquoy. Solving the mystery of a dead man is difficult without modern technologies, but Ketil and Sigrid follow the clues anyways. Every person in this story has a web of connection to the others - it was a bit arduous at first to keep it all straight, but I'm happy I stuck with it, as it was good fun and a well crafted world. There are some real characters in this story, I especially loved Sigrid - smart and forthright, she has motivations and secrets that were fun to discover as the book wound on. Looking forward to reading the other mysteries in this series!
August 8, 2024
Not the greatest book but maybe I don't enjoy who-dunnits any more. What I did enjoy was the setting in Viking Orkney and the references to some of the Orkneyinga characters.
April 14, 2021
Lexie Conyngham's Viking mysteries are my new obsession. While the mystery held my attention and kept me turning the pages late into the night, the historical details, deftly woven into the fabric of the story, brought the tale to life. And what's a mystery without compelling characters? The folk who populate Orkney were an interesting lot. How they went about their daily lives was completely foreign and intriguing to me, but their personalities and motivations easily translated into the modern world. The main characters -- bossy, independent Sigrid and competent, stoic Ketil -- proved to be a formidable investigative team, complementing each other's strengths and skills, and working realistically within the constraints of their society's social norms. I am sad that there are only 3 books in this series. I hope the author will write more in time.
January 30, 2022
There's just something about a book that's not only historical, but a mystery to boot. This was such a nice book to cozy up and get lost in! Set in the viking era which I am really into, it was really great! The characters were well thought out and the entire book was so well written. It really was a great start to a series and the author did an excellent job making a book that held my interest and gave me an easy, enjoyable, snuggle up book!
January 29, 2022
This is the first book in a mystery series set during the time of the Vikings on the islands of Scotland. Characters grapple with who to trust. Communities wrestle with their “old” traditional rites, versus the “new” beliefs of Christianity. Readers are thrust into a captivating world, and left with no choice but to seek out the next book in the series. I can’t wait until I come across these characters again!
January 31, 2022
Another great read from Lexus CONYNGHAM ,. I live in Large where history has it ,the Viking King Hakon fought his last battle in Scotland. . Every year the Battle of Largs is remembered .A Viking village is recreated and a burning long ship is launched into the Clyde. The town is filled with Vikings with blazing torches. I will see the wonderful Orkney characters amidst the revellers.
Nobody can recall past times as well as Ms Conyngham ,her atmospheric description are so credible , and add a realistic setting to her well thought out intriguing takes.
Nobody can recall past times as well as Ms Conyngham ,her atmospheric description are so credible , and add a realistic setting to her well thought out intriguing takes.
September 19, 2020
A historical fiction based in Orkney during the times of the Norse sagas, stories famous for their Viking tales of adventure, murder and poetry, all of which feature here. I bought this because I was planning to travel to Orkney, and I like to read books that relate to the places I travel to. A certain pandemic put paid to the travel but I ploughed on with the book anyway; while I had to use my imagination to conjure up the landscapes described in the book rather than see them as I travelled the isles, it is well written enough to give a feel of what it would be like on the islands during Viking times, and the plot ticks along at a nice pace throughout. While the plot is one that you can guess as you go along, it never gives away so much as to spoil the story, just that there is no big twist at the end that you didn't see coming (nothing wrong with that). If you like Orkney, Vikings and light scandi-noir type tales, you'll probably enjoy this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews