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Echoes from the Past #6
The Condemned
2015. Dr. Quinn Allenby thinks she’s seen it all, but when the remains of a young woman and her newborn are discovered in a cave in Cornwall, the only clue to her death is a smooth-edged hole in the top of the skull and the indisputable evidence that the victim was still alive, and possibly in labor, when the coffin was sealed. Torn between her professional commitments and her desperate need to find her missing twin, Quinn agrees to a daring plan, one that will lead to the Taliban-occupied mountains of Afghanistan and the snow-covered alps of Germany. 1620. After suffering years of abuse at the hands of her uncle, Mary takes the ultimate risk and sails for the New World, where the promise of a new life and an arranged marriage to a colonist await. Mary is determined to make her marriage a success, but her husband’s indifference drives her straight into the arms of the one man she thought she could never love.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2019
560 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
85 books1,149 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 3, 2022
I love these books, but sometimes the historical part is so heart-breaking, as in this case with the tragic heroine - a 20 year old orphan living with her uncle who has her working in his pub in England and he doesn't treat her well at all. In fact, she is so desperate for a new life, she sets sail for America, pledged to marry a man she's never met ... and it just goes downhill for her from there. By the end of the Romeo-Juliet-esque type story, I was crying for her soul-crushing misfortunes!! However, the current storyline made amazing progress and was definitely the happier of the two time lines. Irinia Shapiro has a remarkable way of describing scenes so real, you feel like you're a part of them - you can see them all so vividly!! I am a huge fan!
March 19, 2021
Great story! Irina Shapiro is a fantastic author. On to book 7.
August 21, 2019
In 1620, England is trying to stabilize their new colony in Virginia and women are asked to go to the New World to marry men they've never met and start families. Mary is terrified to leave the only home she's ever known, but it's the only way to escape her abusive uncle. She bonds with her fellow wives during the voyage, but her intended is less than she hoped. A chance meeting in the forest with a stranger gives her hope her life could be something more. But in a time of unrest in Virginia, a step in the wrong direction could be deadly.
In 2015, Quinn is called to a seaside cave, where a skeleton is found, evidence of a crude medical procedure and a birth evident. But she can't focus on the body when she receives news that her twin sister is missing. Through war-torn Afghanistan, Germany, and colonial Virginia, Quinn isn't just reconstructing the life of a long-dead woman, but her own reality as the puzzle pieces of her past fall into place.
The historical work Shapiro puts into her writing is always fantastic. People have the idea of colonists who went to the New World as happy families who grew corn alongside the indigenous people and loved in cozy cabins. The truth is messier with colonial aggression, "main order brides," and a history that paints the settlers in a less than flattering light. Then there's this bit about the lost colony of Roanoke that had me going down a research wormhole, something I always enjoy.
On the question of the Native Americans (Side note, I use this term as this is what my husband and his family describe themselves as. Others may dislike this term and we should take individual wishes into consideration.) described in this book, I always hold my breath when someone is introduced. Since going to college and marring my husband, I've learned more about tribal culture and the backstories of forced relocations and "re-education." So I'm always a bit annoyed with how some books "fetishize" the Native experience. But Shapiro didn't do that. The ones seen in the book were written as actual people with real struggles. The added conversations surrounding the differing religions and social hierarchies was also true to form, and I really appreciate the added depth.
Overall, I thought this book was amazing. Between the narrative talent of Wendy Wolfson, the sweeping storyline, and the twist near the end that left me reeling, this installment was another hit.
In 2015, Quinn is called to a seaside cave, where a skeleton is found, evidence of a crude medical procedure and a birth evident. But she can't focus on the body when she receives news that her twin sister is missing. Through war-torn Afghanistan, Germany, and colonial Virginia, Quinn isn't just reconstructing the life of a long-dead woman, but her own reality as the puzzle pieces of her past fall into place.
The historical work Shapiro puts into her writing is always fantastic. People have the idea of colonists who went to the New World as happy families who grew corn alongside the indigenous people and loved in cozy cabins. The truth is messier with colonial aggression, "main order brides," and a history that paints the settlers in a less than flattering light. Then there's this bit about the lost colony of Roanoke that had me going down a research wormhole, something I always enjoy.
On the question of the Native Americans (Side note, I use this term as this is what my husband and his family describe themselves as. Others may dislike this term and we should take individual wishes into consideration.) described in this book, I always hold my breath when someone is introduced. Since going to college and marring my husband, I've learned more about tribal culture and the backstories of forced relocations and "re-education." So I'm always a bit annoyed with how some books "fetishize" the Native experience. But Shapiro didn't do that. The ones seen in the book were written as actual people with real struggles. The added conversations surrounding the differing religions and social hierarchies was also true to form, and I really appreciate the added depth.
Overall, I thought this book was amazing. Between the narrative talent of Wendy Wolfson, the sweeping storyline, and the twist near the end that left me reeling, this installment was another hit.
May 20, 2019
I just love Quinn and how her life has evolved throughout these novels. This novel in particular helps tie up a lot of Quinn's personal loose ends. Each novel starts with someone's demise and then the story gets unraveled throughout. How on earth did the corpse of a woman who clearly gave birth in a coffin end up in a cave in Cornwall? Let's top it off knowing that Mary jumped on a ship heading to America knowing she would be marrying a stranger as soon as she disembarked. How on earth did she get back to England? Who's baby did she give birth to?
Being a history buff I really appreciated the picture of America in its infancy and how puritanical it started out. Ms. Shapiro is an amazing storyteller and some of the deaths are disturbing in spite of them being centuries old.
I am so incredibly happy I found Irina Shapiro's books and I'm exceptionally happy that she has enough books to keep me occupied until I can hear from Quinn again.
Great job!!!
Being a history buff I really appreciated the picture of America in its infancy and how puritanical it started out. Ms. Shapiro is an amazing storyteller and some of the deaths are disturbing in spite of them being centuries old.
I am so incredibly happy I found Irina Shapiro's books and I'm exceptionally happy that she has enough books to keep me occupied until I can hear from Quinn again.
Great job!!!
May 12, 2019
Another winner by Shapiro
I chose this rating because Irina once again delivered exactly what she always delivers: a good, solid story. This series stars an archaeologist who is, unbeknownst to most, a psychic. She solves the cause of death from the past by touching something that once belonged to that person, and that information is presented in a TV series as a fictional account. The historical mystery is combined with her growing family and life in the present...can’t wait for the next installment!
I chose this rating because Irina once again delivered exactly what she always delivers: a good, solid story. This series stars an archaeologist who is, unbeknownst to most, a psychic. She solves the cause of death from the past by touching something that once belonged to that person, and that information is presented in a TV series as a fictional account. The historical mystery is combined with her growing family and life in the present...can’t wait for the next installment!
August 14, 2019
1620: Having suffered years of abuse at the hands of her uncle, Mary takes a leap of faith and sets out for the New World where the promise of a new life and an arranged marriage to a colonist await. Despite Mary’s attempts to make her marriage a success, however, her husband’s indifference soon drives her into the arms of another man.
2015: When the skeletal remains of a woman and her newborn are discovered in a cave in Cornwall, the only clue to her death is a hole in her skull and indisputable evidence that she gave birth to her infant while she was sealed in her coffin. As Quinn tries to ascertain the identity of the woman, she receives news of a possible lead on her twin sister Jo, a lead that will compel her to travel to the Taliban-occupied mountains of Afghanistan. Will her dream of meeting her twin be realised and more importantly, will Jo be forthcoming?
The Condemned is the 6th instalment of the compelling Echoes from the Past series. Once again, the author has beguiled us with the tragic story of the doomed Mary, who sails to Virginia in the hopes of a new life. We are given a glimpse of what life was like for the early English settlers as they tried to establish a colony. Fans of the tv show, Jamestown will relate in particular.
As always, it was great catching up with Quinn as she juggles motherhood while searching for her twin and unraveling the mystery of her latest case. The way her character has evolved throughout the series has been a revelation. It’s hard not to be invested in characters we have come to know and love.
This is another solid addition to what has been an exceptional series. The author has done an exceptional job of seamlessly weaving the past and the present.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Condemned and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson has once again masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise narration. She is one of my favourite narrators for sure. I recommend this series for fans of historical fiction, dual time mysteries and psychic gifts.
2015: When the skeletal remains of a woman and her newborn are discovered in a cave in Cornwall, the only clue to her death is a hole in her skull and indisputable evidence that she gave birth to her infant while she was sealed in her coffin. As Quinn tries to ascertain the identity of the woman, she receives news of a possible lead on her twin sister Jo, a lead that will compel her to travel to the Taliban-occupied mountains of Afghanistan. Will her dream of meeting her twin be realised and more importantly, will Jo be forthcoming?
The Condemned is the 6th instalment of the compelling Echoes from the Past series. Once again, the author has beguiled us with the tragic story of the doomed Mary, who sails to Virginia in the hopes of a new life. We are given a glimpse of what life was like for the early English settlers as they tried to establish a colony. Fans of the tv show, Jamestown will relate in particular.
As always, it was great catching up with Quinn as she juggles motherhood while searching for her twin and unraveling the mystery of her latest case. The way her character has evolved throughout the series has been a revelation. It’s hard not to be invested in characters we have come to know and love.
This is another solid addition to what has been an exceptional series. The author has done an exceptional job of seamlessly weaving the past and the present.
I received an advanced free audible copy of The Condemned and I am voluntarily reviewing it. Wendy Wolfson has once again masterfully brought the characters and story to life with her clear, concise narration. She is one of my favourite narrators for sure. I recommend this series for fans of historical fiction, dual time mysteries and psychic gifts.
February 12, 2020
Hallelujah!!! Dr. Quinn, Archaeology woman, finally makes a sensible decision. And bravo Gabe for not putting up with her nonsense. SPOILER ALERT: Quinn manages to NOT
It was somewhere between 3 and 3.5* for me. The story is good, creative and unique. There are many twists and turns along with a solid ending and an epilogue Unfortunately the writing in this one seems to lack the attention to detail that the other books have had. There was decent character development in the modern day MCs (evolving from the earlier books). However, the historical MCs and their story didn't feel fully fleshed out. I really wish the author had invested more time detailing their love story. I wanted to fall in love with them.
I wonder if the book may have been rushed to publish quickly. It could have used a bit more scrutiny. There are several anachronisms and critical points in the timeline changed and made for a confusing read/listen.
It was somewhere between 3 and 3.5* for me. The story is good, creative and unique. There are many twists and turns along with a solid ending and an epilogue Unfortunately the writing in this one seems to lack the attention to detail that the other books have had. There was decent character development in the modern day MCs (evolving from the earlier books). However, the historical MCs and their story didn't feel fully fleshed out. I really wish the author had invested more time detailing their love story. I wanted to fall in love with them.
I wonder if the book may have been rushed to publish quickly. It could have used a bit more scrutiny. There are several anachronisms and critical points in the timeline changed and made for a confusing read/listen.
July 23, 2019
Another great installment in the Echoes from the Past series. Ms. Shapiro, as usual, does an amazing job of weaving the past and present together and making you feel as if you are in the past with the characters.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the past love story. I just didn't feel the actual connection between the two this time. It didn't feel real, or there just wasn't enough information about the characters interactions for me to actually believe the two had fallen in love. Other than that it is truly a great book with tons of great history.
The only thing I did not like about this book was the past love story. I just didn't feel the actual connection between the two this time. It didn't feel real, or there just wasn't enough information about the characters interactions for me to actually believe the two had fallen in love. Other than that it is truly a great book with tons of great history.
December 10, 2022
This series has captivated me. The author bounces between modern day and whichever time period is being delved into. Rhys produces films about true historical events with his colleague Quinn who has archeological expertise as well as the "gift of sight". In this story, a coffin is found in a cave in England and follows the story of a woman hoping for a better life who takes a ship to America to be married to a man she doesn't know. Her stories are always well written. I plan on reading every one.
February 23, 2025
VERY ADDICTIVE READ
This is the third series of Irina Shapiro I have read. I enjoy that each book is unique. Often when I read a series, I find the author becomes predictable, but not Shapiro. This series is especially interesting because it deals with dual time lines without someone being magically transported back in time. The leading woman does no find her prince in the past and live happily.... This story is about people that could be your neighbor or bestie. Real problems of real people.
This is the third series of Irina Shapiro I have read. I enjoy that each book is unique. Often when I read a series, I find the author becomes predictable, but not Shapiro. This series is especially interesting because it deals with dual time lines without someone being magically transported back in time. The leading woman does no find her prince in the past and live happily.... This story is about people that could be your neighbor or bestie. Real problems of real people.
November 11, 2019
This is a fantastic series. Quinn an archeologist works with dicovering what happened to people in the past. In this read she goes looking for twin sister that she was seperated from after birth. This is a very riveting story with twists and turns. That captivated me from start to finish. The Narrator does a Fantastic at bringing the characters out. The Author does a fantastic job at bringing the read to fruition. I definitely recommend this listen. And the series.
Shauna Joesten
Shauna Joesten
February 18, 2020
Horrible and sad
This book are to heavy and sad. I like to read to relax and enjoy a good time. But this book just depressed me. We have to many horrors in the world, the last thing I want is to read something so horrifying when I look to relax, I really hate wasting my time with the series. And with someone with a photographic memory is hard to get out of my mind all those sad and painful memories portraits in this series. I will keep my self away of this author.
This book are to heavy and sad. I like to read to relax and enjoy a good time. But this book just depressed me. We have to many horrors in the world, the last thing I want is to read something so horrifying when I look to relax, I really hate wasting my time with the series. And with someone with a photographic memory is hard to get out of my mind all those sad and painful memories portraits in this series. I will keep my self away of this author.
March 22, 2021
The lives of the people Quinn see are so heartbreaking. Her story is developing so beautifully and I'm invested in seeing how her and Gabes story comes to a close but the heartbreak of the people from the past are crushing me, I do hope another story has a person from the past, lives to old age and finds some semblance of peace (don't want to mention which one for spoilers).
November 28, 2021
This is a great series but this was my least favourite as I found it very labouring
The series is great and I really enjoy the intertwining history and reflections however I found this one the most labouring book in the series; it didn't absorb me as much as others unfortunately. However what I did really enjoy was the development of the family story.
The series is great and I really enjoy the intertwining history and reflections however I found this one the most labouring book in the series; it didn't absorb me as much as others unfortunately. However what I did really enjoy was the development of the family story.
May 6, 2019
I love this series of books and this one does not disappoint as usual Dr Quinn revisits the past via a possession of a long dead person. This one is set in Virginia at the very beginning of the first settlers.
Fans of the tv series Jamestown will love this.
Fans of the tv series Jamestown will love this.
May 7, 2019
Best story yet!
I have enjoyed all the books in this series but this one surpasses the others. Thanks to the author for delivering a story that kept me reading through the night. I look forward to the next one.
I have enjoyed all the books in this series but this one surpasses the others. Thanks to the author for delivering a story that kept me reading through the night. I look forward to the next one.
May 16, 2019
Another wonderful book from Irina Shapiro, I have read all this series and everyone brilliant can’t wait for next one to come out. She truly is gifted as all her stories are gripping and you just can’t put them down.
May 23, 2019
An exciting yet emotional story
I love this series. The author brilliantly weaves her tales and leaves me fully invested in the characters, those living and those gone but not forgotten.
I love this series. The author brilliantly weaves her tales and leaves me fully invested in the characters, those living and those gone but not forgotten.
June 26, 2019
I love this series of books and this one does not disappoint. Quinn revisits the past using a possession of a long dead person. I love that it takes place in a settlement when Virginia was starting out. I can hardly wait for her next book.
August 29, 2019
Excellent as usual!
Everything I’ve ever read by Ms Shapiro has been wonderful and keeps me coming back for more. She brings all her characters to life and takes the reader to the places she describes. I am so excited for the release of book 7!
Everything I’ve ever read by Ms Shapiro has been wonderful and keeps me coming back for more. She brings all her characters to life and takes the reader to the places she describes. I am so excited for the release of book 7!
October 20, 2019
I really love these books. If you’ve read them then you know that there is always a dual timeline in each book. The part of the book that takes place in the past is so very compelling but almost always so tragic. I always feel a little hollow when I have finished one of these books.
Read
December 16, 2019Good story of a continuing series by the author of an archeologist with paranormal abilities to solve mysterious events of the past. It also follows the main character's family and their connection to an extended family.
July 17, 2021
Book Review
Great book and love the mystery and suspense each story brings. Following Quinns life in each book is exciting as another chapter of her life unfolds. Going to be sad when this book series comes to an end.
Great book and love the mystery and suspense each story brings. Following Quinns life in each book is exciting as another chapter of her life unfolds. Going to be sad when this book series comes to an end.
September 1, 2022
At some point, one would think they would have to come across someone who didn't have a horrible, brutal, abused life and death. And at some point, they are actually going to parent their prima donna daughter. That child is an absolute horror!
February 6, 2023
Forbidden love
Mary is a young woman living in the 17th century in London working for her sloven and cruel uncle at his tavern. When she heard of men in the Virginia colony needing wives she saw her escape. Would the New World offer her a new life?
Mary is a young woman living in the 17th century in London working for her sloven and cruel uncle at his tavern. When she heard of men in the Virginia colony needing wives she saw her escape. Would the New World offer her a new life?
March 20, 2023
page turner for me
I wouldn’t have thought more than two story lines at a time would be enjoyable for me. The story from the colony was so good I could not put it down. Then I got caught up in the others. Great read!
I wouldn’t have thought more than two story lines at a time would be enjoyable for me. The story from the colony was so good I could not put it down. Then I got caught up in the others. Great read!
January 20, 2024
The Condemned
Quinn is an archaeologist that sees into the past with artifact of the dead. As she found that her twin has the same gift. The last artifact let her know how the person died
Quinn is an archaeologist that sees into the past with artifact of the dead. As she found that her twin has the same gift. The last artifact let her know how the person died
June 28, 2025
Imaginative time slip series
Really enjoying this series. Dr Quinn Allenby & her gift of seeing into the past seems a likeable character & her complicated family issues add roundness to the story.
Really enjoying this series. Dr Quinn Allenby & her gift of seeing into the past seems a likeable character & her complicated family issues add roundness to the story.
May 5, 2019
excellent as are all irina shapiro books
Excellent read as are all of this author's books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading
Excellent read as are all of this author's books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading
May 5, 2019
I enjoy all of this author’s books, especially this series. This book was no exception. I cared about all the characters and look forward to reading more of Quinn’s adventures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews