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Orkneyinga Murders #2
A Wolf at the Gate
Ketil had not intended to return to Orkney, but when you work for Thorfinn Sigurdarson, you obey orders. Thorfinn wants him back to help with a visiting Abbot from Saxony, escorted by an old colleague of Ketil’s. Then people who know the Abbot start dying, and Ketil must once again work with his friend Sigrid to find out why – and to face dark memories from his own past.This is the second in the Orkneyinga Murders series.
319 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2019
65 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
Lexie Conyngham
46 books121 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 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 13, 2021
A convoluted tale with (to me) a frustrating ending- I don’t understand the justice system in place- so much for bloodthirsty vikings- and credits to the spread of Christianity I guess? I wonder when the practise of leaving disabled infants to die, rather than be baptised- ended? It seems a bit of a paradox- how an innocent infant can be abandoned and yet a double murderer be only exiled. Huh *scratches head*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
This was a wonderful mystery, full of historical detail that was so well done, it made me feel like I was sitting on a bench in the longhouse, sipping a cup of ale as I watched the story unfold. Sigrid and Ketil are well-drawn and interesting characters, perfectly complementing each other as they sleuth out the murderer. Having a Viking character who was on the spectrum was icing on the cake. The character was sensitively described and illustrated how neurodivergent people of that time managed in their societies. Starting in the second book of the series was not problematic; it only whetted my appetite for the other books in the series.
April 8, 2023
3.5/5 stars
I am not sure why I didn't love this book. It's set in a time and location that interest me. The characters were well-drawn and believable -- even if 99 percent of them seemed to be incredibly dishonest. It was mostly a fair-play puzzle ...
Until it wasn't.
I think part of the problem is that there were so many characters that it was difficult keeping track of them. I kept having to refresh my memory about almost all of them except Ketil and Sigrid, the two main "amateur sleuths." And honestly, Sigrid was the only person in the book whom I found likable (not that likability is the most important thing in a character).
It just was not my cup of tea, which is disappointing. Still, there's no faulting the quality of the writing or research.
I am not sure why I didn't love this book. It's set in a time and location that interest me. The characters were well-drawn and believable -- even if 99 percent of them seemed to be incredibly dishonest. It was mostly a fair-play puzzle ...
Until it wasn't.
I think part of the problem is that there were so many characters that it was difficult keeping track of them. I kept having to refresh my memory about almost all of them except Ketil and Sigrid, the two main "amateur sleuths." And honestly, Sigrid was the only person in the book whom I found likable (not that likability is the most important thing in a character).
It just was not my cup of tea, which is disappointing. Still, there's no faulting the quality of the writing or research.
August 21, 2020
If you had asked me how many of the Orkneyinga series I had read, without checking, I would have said two or three. As it turns out, this is book two, so I've actually only read one previously. The descriptions of the time and place are so good though that you feel immediately immersed in Sigrid and Ketil's world and it's no wonder that I thought I'd read more books than I had. A Wolf at the Gate then is my second journey to Orkney during the Viking period and like the first book Tomb for an Eagle I found myself fully in this fascinating time and enjoying the wonderful characters.
This series is quite unusual, as rather than one main 'detective' or character that carries the story from book to book, we actually have two. Ketil is the war-hardened man who is often looked to to solve problems and find out who is behind the murders. Sigrid is his childhood friend who often seems to have far more idea of what is happening than anyone else. The two work well together, both in the plot of the book and also as characters to drive the plot.
This time the murder victim is well-liked and yet there are a number of plausible theories behind who might be behind everything. I have to admit that although I had worked out a few things, I didn't come anywhere near solving this one. The conclusion seemed believable and worked well. I remembered afterwards a few things that had signposted where the story was going, even if I missed them as clues as I read the book.
There is a very real sense of history coming alive in this book and although my knowledge of this period is a bit sketchy it certainly feels as though it's right. Unlike some other historical books that I have read, there wasn't an attempt to put modern sensibilities onto the characters. Things are certainly dealt with in a different way to one that we might expect today, but that just adds to the richness of the story.
This was a brilliant read and I'll certainly be back for more when book number three (which I believe is due out soon) arrives.
This series is quite unusual, as rather than one main 'detective' or character that carries the story from book to book, we actually have two. Ketil is the war-hardened man who is often looked to to solve problems and find out who is behind the murders. Sigrid is his childhood friend who often seems to have far more idea of what is happening than anyone else. The two work well together, both in the plot of the book and also as characters to drive the plot.
This time the murder victim is well-liked and yet there are a number of plausible theories behind who might be behind everything. I have to admit that although I had worked out a few things, I didn't come anywhere near solving this one. The conclusion seemed believable and worked well. I remembered afterwards a few things that had signposted where the story was going, even if I missed them as clues as I read the book.
There is a very real sense of history coming alive in this book and although my knowledge of this period is a bit sketchy it certainly feels as though it's right. Unlike some other historical books that I have read, there wasn't an attempt to put modern sensibilities onto the characters. Things are certainly dealt with in a different way to one that we might expect today, but that just adds to the richness of the story.
This was a brilliant read and I'll certainly be back for more when book number three (which I believe is due out soon) arrives.
July 12, 2019
This is a second outing for Ketil and his childhood friend Sigrid. Ketil had been called back to Orkney when the bishop of Colonia and his colleague and follower Otto arrive. There’s a death soon after and the victim knew the bishop. All communication between the groups is complicated by the need to translate. It’s a really interesting puzzle as so many people could have so many reasons to want the victim dead – and then there are more deaths. Is it the same killer? This story is well set in time and place and the little details make it come alive. Sigrid, a worker in wool, is teaching someone nailbinding. I had to Google it. You can see YouTube videos. I love this little detail bringing Viking life to my own living room.
If you love mysteries if you’re fascinated by history, or if you’re partial to a little yarn-craft, this book will delight you. It’s a whole lot of story for your money.
If you love mysteries if you’re fascinated by history, or if you’re partial to a little yarn-craft, this book will delight you. It’s a whole lot of story for your money.
January 8, 2022
A great murder mystery and an enjoyable whodunnit feel even more because of the stunning location Scotland. Steeped in history and culture of the Vikings, a different time and different beliefs and lifestyles of the time. I also loved the little humour that was infused in the story to give it that bit more of a realism feel. This author has a way to think you are on the right track and working it all out when in fact you have no idea.
Sigrid and Ketil are well written and are interesting characters that work well together. It was fun to watch as they once again decide to become detectives/sleuths whilst tracking down the murderer.
If you love whodunnit mysteries, love history and culture and Vikings then you are gonna love this series.
Sigrid and Ketil are well written and are interesting characters that work well together. It was fun to watch as they once again decide to become detectives/sleuths whilst tracking down the murderer.
If you love whodunnit mysteries, love history and culture and Vikings then you are gonna love this series.
April 16, 2022
Another outstanding murder mystery from Lexie Coynngham. Once again I was transported back in time ,to read a well constructed detective tale.
Our two sleuths manage to somehow solve their given problem without the aid of mobile phones, cctv cameras,DNA or even fingerprints. Thank you Lexie for once again recreating a lost world
Our two sleuths manage to somehow solve their given problem without the aid of mobile phones, cctv cameras,DNA or even fingerprints. Thank you Lexie for once again recreating a lost world
July 1, 2025
I whizzed through this one, and thoroughly enjoyed the character development, murder mystery and the Orcadian setting.
I was a bit confused by one of the plots and its resulting deaths, but after mulling it over I think it makes sense.
I'm loving exploring Lexie's interpretation of the society these characters are living in.
I was a bit confused by one of the plots and its resulting deaths, but after mulling it over I think it makes sense.
I'm loving exploring Lexie's interpretation of the society these characters are living in.
June 30, 2020
History as entertaining as the mystery!
I am now officially hooked on this series. What I loved most in ‘A Wolf at the Gate’ was that the motives for the murders are embedded in the beliefs of that time – all fascinating. There’s no lack of twists and red herrings and I enjoyed the whodunnit even more for the stunning island location and the realism of daily life.
From nailbinding (Viking circular knitting) to what’s for breakfast, we are immersed in medieval life in 11th century Orkney, from the viewpoints of our ‘detectives’; a widow and her old friend. Sigrid and Ketil are very likeable and the switch between male and female perspectives gives a credible period feel that shows respect for both – with a little humour in Sigrid directing Ketil while staying in the background. There’s a also an enjoyable tension in their relationship. Will friendship become something more? Both of them bear emotional scars.
The making of a comb from bone is a beautiful passage and so many details brought the story to life without ever weighing it down. My only nitpick is whether someone would comb his hair, or wash, in the privy, which I’d have thought would be very basic in function and smelly. But I am happy to be corrected!
There was a domestic disagreement about the ending. I find it emotionally satisfying and throughout the novel we are shown that Viking justice would not be considered a legal outcome in our (British) society. Read it and see what you think!
I am now officially hooked on this series. What I loved most in ‘A Wolf at the Gate’ was that the motives for the murders are embedded in the beliefs of that time – all fascinating. There’s no lack of twists and red herrings and I enjoyed the whodunnit even more for the stunning island location and the realism of daily life.
From nailbinding (Viking circular knitting) to what’s for breakfast, we are immersed in medieval life in 11th century Orkney, from the viewpoints of our ‘detectives’; a widow and her old friend. Sigrid and Ketil are very likeable and the switch between male and female perspectives gives a credible period feel that shows respect for both – with a little humour in Sigrid directing Ketil while staying in the background. There’s a also an enjoyable tension in their relationship. Will friendship become something more? Both of them bear emotional scars.
The making of a comb from bone is a beautiful passage and so many details brought the story to life without ever weighing it down. My only nitpick is whether someone would comb his hair, or wash, in the privy, which I’d have thought would be very basic in function and smelly. But I am happy to be corrected!
There was a domestic disagreement about the ending. I find it emotionally satisfying and throughout the novel we are shown that Viking justice would not be considered a legal outcome in our (British) society. Read it and see what you think!
September 2, 2019
Ketil Gunnarson while working for Thorfinn Sigurdarson has been ordered back to Orkney. It would seen that Thorfinn needs Ketil's help with an Abbot Konrad who has arrived by invitation from Saxony, but who is escorted by an old comrade of Ketil’s. But then people start dying who all seem to have a connection to Colonia the home of the Abbot. Ketiland old friend Sigrid investigate.
Another very enjoyable well-written story in this series, with its very likeable characters.
Another very enjoyable well-written story in this series, with its very likeable characters.
July 19, 2019
I loved the characters, the setting, the history and the descriptions of the natural world. The plot was complex, and not too neatly tied up at the end!
September 17, 2019
Really enjoying this series. Looking forward to the next one.
December 14, 2019
Another good book by Lexie Conyngham. Great murder mystery and great to meet the previous characters again. Set a long time ago with likeable characters.
February 15, 2025
Four stars for the historic locale. Fewer for the telling.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews