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Foley Family Mysteries #1
The Family Shadow
A Victorian era murder. A modern-day family researcher. Can she solve the century old puzzle of a racehorse trainer’s death and his wife’s disappearance?
Ireland, 1891. Rosalind Thornton only wants to be a perfect mother and spouse. Happy at first to have given her husband the son he longed for, she begins to worry about his increasingly erratic spending and volatile moods. And when his body turns up in the local woods, her guilt remains in question for 130 years…
2019. Fiona Foley needs to put her husband’s betrayal behind her. Offered a chance to get away and recover, the disillusioned history teacher travels to an old rambling house on the sweeping Wexford coast to assist an eccentric descendant of the Thornton family. Fending off a prying journalist intent on digging up dirt, Fiona finds herself in a race to uncover the truth.
As the two women separately untangle a devastating plot, only an old journal full of riddles might be the key to solving the crime.
Can Fiona figure out what really happened on the fateful night Rosalind disappeared forever?
The Family Shadow is a gripping historical mystery novel. If you like long-buried secrets, dual timeline suspense, and surprising twists and turns, then you’ll love Suzanne Winterly’s evocative page-turner.
Ireland, 1891. Rosalind Thornton only wants to be a perfect mother and spouse. Happy at first to have given her husband the son he longed for, she begins to worry about his increasingly erratic spending and volatile moods. And when his body turns up in the local woods, her guilt remains in question for 130 years…
2019. Fiona Foley needs to put her husband’s betrayal behind her. Offered a chance to get away and recover, the disillusioned history teacher travels to an old rambling house on the sweeping Wexford coast to assist an eccentric descendant of the Thornton family. Fending off a prying journalist intent on digging up dirt, Fiona finds herself in a race to uncover the truth.
As the two women separately untangle a devastating plot, only an old journal full of riddles might be the key to solving the crime.
Can Fiona figure out what really happened on the fateful night Rosalind disappeared forever?
The Family Shadow is a gripping historical mystery novel. If you like long-buried secrets, dual timeline suspense, and surprising twists and turns, then you’ll love Suzanne Winterly’s evocative page-turner.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 27, 2021
1164 people are currently reading
839 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 25, 2022
This is a story about horse racing and the families involved in it in late 1800's Ireland. The plot was good but a bit slow. Not a bad read and will be exactly what many people enjoy.
September 27, 2022
I have grown to love historical fiction, and this book makes me even more of a fan, especially because of the strong female characters who show such tenacity of spirit. Any story where a woman finds her power, is a story I want to read!
The one, set in Ireland during the Victorian era, weaves back and forth between two distinct timelines: 2019, and the story of Fiona Foley, a young woman whose marriage has ended, and 1891, where we become aquainted with Rosalind Thornton, and the mysterious (unsolved) death of her husband. While some novels featuring dual timelines can feel clunky, this is not one of them. The backing and forthing is utterly seamless.
When the novel opens, the main character Fiona, begrudgingly, agrees to travel to the Wexford Coast to assist an unusual descendant of the Thornton family uncover the truth about what happened back in 1891. But what she hopes will be a nice “change of scene” and a chance to lick her wounds in a peaceful environment, quickly becomes something else altogether.
This mystery is beautifully written, and the scenery descriptions are enough to make me want to pack up my bags and board a plane. Not even kidding.
Suzanne Winterly is a very gifted storyteller, and her characters feel both relatable and authentic.
I experienced this story as an audiobook, and Ruth Redman, the narrator, did such a beautiful job!
This is the first novel I have read by Suzanne Winterly, but it will definitely not be the last. On to The Neglected Garden!
The one, set in Ireland during the Victorian era, weaves back and forth between two distinct timelines: 2019, and the story of Fiona Foley, a young woman whose marriage has ended, and 1891, where we become aquainted with Rosalind Thornton, and the mysterious (unsolved) death of her husband. While some novels featuring dual timelines can feel clunky, this is not one of them. The backing and forthing is utterly seamless.
When the novel opens, the main character Fiona, begrudgingly, agrees to travel to the Wexford Coast to assist an unusual descendant of the Thornton family uncover the truth about what happened back in 1891. But what she hopes will be a nice “change of scene” and a chance to lick her wounds in a peaceful environment, quickly becomes something else altogether.
This mystery is beautifully written, and the scenery descriptions are enough to make me want to pack up my bags and board a plane. Not even kidding.
Suzanne Winterly is a very gifted storyteller, and her characters feel both relatable and authentic.
I experienced this story as an audiobook, and Ruth Redman, the narrator, did such a beautiful job!
This is the first novel I have read by Suzanne Winterly, but it will definitely not be the last. On to The Neglected Garden!
June 30, 2022
This suspenseful mystery gives us a glimpse into Victorian era horse racing … the stables, owners, trainers, riders, and unfortunately, the gamblers and devious bookmakers! Our present day heroine finds herself looking back into the death of one such trainer and gambler! After 130 years the question remains - did he really die as the result of an accident - or was something more sinister involved!! And what happened to his wife and children? As the story unwinds, we uncover the lengths people will go to just to achieve their dreams - wealth, status, fame … or even a family!!!! The tension will keep you reading late into the night … and the twists and turns will keep you guessing to the very end!!!
March 10, 2024
Really great story! The book is full of mystery and is definitely a page turner.
January 6, 2022
The dual timeline wasn’t totally effective because the present day character, Fiona, was so boring. However, the 1890-1891 timeline of the story was riveting and interesting. Fiona, in the middle of a divorce from her cheating, gambler husband, goes to help her friend’s elderly relative. She is asked to help solve a family mystery.
In 1890, Rosalind Thornton is a young Victorian woman married to Edward, a horse trainer/owner. They have a young daughter named Beatrice. They are close with Edward’s cousin and wife, Hugh and Beatrice. Both Rosalind and Beatrice are pregnant at the same time. Unfortunately, Edward gets in a carriage accident with Rosalind and Beatrice. Beatrice miscarries her baby. Rosalind had a healthy boy. What follows is a tale of deceit and terror as Edward, Hugh, and Beatrice all conspire against Rosalind.
Totally suspenseful and interesting. I will definitely read more from this author and I appreciated how squeaky clean the book was. The only reason I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4 was that Fiona was such a dud. She was wimpy until the end.
In 1890, Rosalind Thornton is a young Victorian woman married to Edward, a horse trainer/owner. They have a young daughter named Beatrice. They are close with Edward’s cousin and wife, Hugh and Beatrice. Both Rosalind and Beatrice are pregnant at the same time. Unfortunately, Edward gets in a carriage accident with Rosalind and Beatrice. Beatrice miscarries her baby. Rosalind had a healthy boy. What follows is a tale of deceit and terror as Edward, Hugh, and Beatrice all conspire against Rosalind.
Totally suspenseful and interesting. I will definitely read more from this author and I appreciated how squeaky clean the book was. The only reason I gave the book 3 stars instead of 4 was that Fiona was such a dud. She was wimpy until the end.
August 5, 2023
A gripping dual timeline tale about the suspicious death of a Victorian racehorse trainer and dark family secrets. Highly recommended.
January 25, 2024
A great story. A little slow to start but the story definitely picks up.
September 20, 2025
I liked the dual timeline in this story. I had issues with what the main character's husband gambled. I find it completely unbelievable in that time period. Also, the first half of the book was painstakingly slow for me. Not sure that I would read anything else by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2021
This is one of those books with two timelines that are meant to make more sense the further into the book you go. In this case, we're in Wexford, Ireland in 1891 and also in 2019. It has to do with an old unsolved murder and the stories around what really happened. The family was prominent in Irish racing, but that's really just incidental to the plot, such as it is. The two stories do, more or less, converge, but I still found it a bit disjointed. And there were a few coincidences that were just a bit much. Still, overall, I liked it well enough. But possibly not well enough to seek out other books by this author.
December 10, 2023
I couldn't finish this book. I got just before 1\2 way done and just couldn't do anymore. The main story line was overshadowed and lost by elaborate horse racing\horse betting conversations that were not interesting and took too long to get through. Take that out of consideration and the main story was still weak and choppy.
July 17, 2025
Characters are weak. No depth in character dialogue. Slow read.
September 21, 2022
Following the end of her marriage, Fiona Foley visits a relative, hoping to resolve a long-standing family mystery. It surrounds Rosalind Thornton and her husband Edward, whose body was found in the woods. An old journal brings a glimmer of hope. Can Fiona discover the circumstances of Edward’s death and prevent a modern-day intrusion into the family’s past?
I am a big fan of dual timeline mysteries, especially those with a genealogical leaning. The chapters seamlessly weave between modern and Victorian times, always creating the urge to read more. The characters are believable, with the historical background well-researched. And I particularly appreciate the power dynamics between husband and wife in an era where the man inevitably has the upper hand. But Fiona’s constant digging reveals that Rosalind is stronger than she might appear. And it’s well worth curling up with this book to find out why. I highly recommend The Family Shadow as a five-star read.
I am a big fan of dual timeline mysteries, especially those with a genealogical leaning. The chapters seamlessly weave between modern and Victorian times, always creating the urge to read more. The characters are believable, with the historical background well-researched. And I particularly appreciate the power dynamics between husband and wife in an era where the man inevitably has the upper hand. But Fiona’s constant digging reveals that Rosalind is stronger than she might appear. And it’s well worth curling up with this book to find out why. I highly recommend The Family Shadow as a five-star read.
August 23, 2022
4.5
This was anxiety. But a pretty good read. The present day character of Fiona was, well, annoying. I can't think of a single 21st century woman who would be so withering to a jerk husband who left her for another woman. Seriously. She's like "la-dee-da uh well ok, your whore you left me for kicked you out, um ok, let me put you up here where I'm actually a guest. Oh golly, gee, so sorry you're suffering without wifi". Please!! No. Not happening. Tell that fool where to go🤚🏼
Anyway...
Also, I notice details. At one point Harriet had auburn hair but then a few pages later her "chestnut curls" were bouncing. Pick a color.
Ok I didn't mean to trash this book. Just a couple of minor nuisances. It was a good gripping story, gave me a panic attack in the middle of the night and I definitely recommend it.
This was anxiety. But a pretty good read. The present day character of Fiona was, well, annoying. I can't think of a single 21st century woman who would be so withering to a jerk husband who left her for another woman. Seriously. She's like "la-dee-da uh well ok, your whore you left me for kicked you out, um ok, let me put you up here where I'm actually a guest. Oh golly, gee, so sorry you're suffering without wifi". Please!! No. Not happening. Tell that fool where to go🤚🏼
Anyway...
Also, I notice details. At one point Harriet had auburn hair but then a few pages later her "chestnut curls" were bouncing. Pick a color.
Ok I didn't mean to trash this book. Just a couple of minor nuisances. It was a good gripping story, gave me a panic attack in the middle of the night and I definitely recommend it.
March 7, 2022
Outstanding read!
Loved this story and all aspects of it. I will keep this book and re-read it again and probably again then send to someone else to read. The characters were so very interesting also. I love history also and enjoyed reading things I've researched in the past, like husband's able to send in wanted wives to sanitary 's and moving on with their lives like they did nothing wrong. Liked that our main character found her strength to change her circumstances. I also loved that her daughter was brave and stood her ground. I love a happy ending so all is well in my world now. On to the next book! Thanks for sharing your talent with me. I enjoyed the whole adventure. Pegge
Loved this story and all aspects of it. I will keep this book and re-read it again and probably again then send to someone else to read. The characters were so very interesting also. I love history also and enjoyed reading things I've researched in the past, like husband's able to send in wanted wives to sanitary 's and moving on with their lives like they did nothing wrong. Liked that our main character found her strength to change her circumstances. I also loved that her daughter was brave and stood her ground. I love a happy ending so all is well in my world now. On to the next book! Thanks for sharing your talent with me. I enjoyed the whole adventure. Pegge
August 15, 2022
The Family Shadoows
This story tells you about the Stanton family from the late 1890s to the present time. Hugh Stanton and his family lived at at the top of the hill while his cousin Edward and his family lived in a smaller house below them. The Stantons breed thoughbreds to run in races. With horse racing comes gambling, touts, and other men who are up to no good. Back to the present time. A newspaper reporter has begun asking questions
about the stories that have traveled down through the years - murder, insanity, people missing. Fiona agrees to come to the aid of her friend's aunt. Read this intriguing story to see how Fiona finally is able to fill in the missing pieces to the story
This story tells you about the Stanton family from the late 1890s to the present time. Hugh Stanton and his family lived at at the top of the hill while his cousin Edward and his family lived in a smaller house below them. The Stantons breed thoughbreds to run in races. With horse racing comes gambling, touts, and other men who are up to no good. Back to the present time. A newspaper reporter has begun asking questions
about the stories that have traveled down through the years - murder, insanity, people missing. Fiona agrees to come to the aid of her friend's aunt. Read this intriguing story to see how Fiona finally is able to fill in the missing pieces to the story
April 3, 2024
Slightly Long Winded in the Beginning
It took me a little bit to get truly invested in the story as I’m not really interested in horse racing or betting. [SPOILER ALERT] Once Rosalind and Edward returned from their vacation and Beatrice would not return Ivor, I could not put the book down. Then when Edward and her mother convinced the doctor Rosalind was not “well” and locked her in the upstairs bedroom with no outside visitors and threatened to send her to an asylum you can’t help but root for Rosalind the get both her children and escape Ardlackan. Her ending up happy with Frank and the kids was a great ending.
It took me a little bit to get truly invested in the story as I’m not really interested in horse racing or betting. [SPOILER ALERT] Once Rosalind and Edward returned from their vacation and Beatrice would not return Ivor, I could not put the book down. Then when Edward and her mother convinced the doctor Rosalind was not “well” and locked her in the upstairs bedroom with no outside visitors and threatened to send her to an asylum you can’t help but root for Rosalind the get both her children and escape Ardlackan. Her ending up happy with Frank and the kids was a great ending.
October 6, 2024
The overall plot presented intriguing topics such as, horse racing, gambling, major family corruption, psychological abuse, and subtle romance. There is a dual timeline, which I typically enjoy; however, the characters in the 2019 timeline were fairly cardboard in nature. The author did a much better of job fleshing out the characters from 1891 and spent more time on the plot dynamics and character interplay. So I would give 4 stars for the rich historic plot line and memorable characters, while I’d only give two stars for the modern timeline, which was written in a hasty manner and came off two dimensional and a bit boring.
May 26, 2021
Another wonderful story
Yet another wonderful story by Suzanne Winterly! The Family Shadow is an excellent read that tells the story of a murder from the past and the events that led to them. As a reporter in the present has been digging up dirt on the Thornton family, Fiona is brought in to help lead the reporter away from the family secret that had been hidden for over 100 years. I loved the dual timeline and the characters are great. And the ending...perfection! Highly recommend this book!
Yet another wonderful story by Suzanne Winterly! The Family Shadow is an excellent read that tells the story of a murder from the past and the events that led to them. As a reporter in the present has been digging up dirt on the Thornton family, Fiona is brought in to help lead the reporter away from the family secret that had been hidden for over 100 years. I loved the dual timeline and the characters are great. And the ending...perfection! Highly recommend this book!
October 23, 2024
Great mystery....but
The first half of this book was hard for me to get into. I almost ditched it...I don't know why, but I couldn't keep the characters straight and the writing style wasn't smooth flowing for me...one of the things I had a hard time with was the two houses with almost the same name..Ardlacken Lodge and Ardlacken house..However, the second half was GREAT...it flowed..and I couldn't put it down. The story line was a real twist! I can't say I loved it because of the first half, but it finished well!
The first half of this book was hard for me to get into. I almost ditched it...I don't know why, but I couldn't keep the characters straight and the writing style wasn't smooth flowing for me...one of the things I had a hard time with was the two houses with almost the same name..Ardlacken Lodge and Ardlacken house..However, the second half was GREAT...it flowed..and I couldn't put it down. The story line was a real twist! I can't say I loved it because of the first half, but it finished well!
July 16, 2025
Suzanne Winterly’s book, The Family Shadow, took me places I’ve never been and into a family dynamic I’ve never imagined. Using powerful, descriptive language, Winterly guides the reader through a tale spanning two time periods. As the story continues, more information about the family is revealed from each era, and the final clues join together as the book comes to a conclusion. Come for the lovely descriptions and deep characterizations, stay for the unraveling of the family drama. A wonderful achievement!
March 1, 2022
A fascinating and unusual story
I chose this book at random, and was surprised by how well written it was. The Victorian story was unusual and dramatic, and the characters were developed well and the period detail felt authentic. I found the modern day take and characters less interesting, but the flow between past and present was seamless. The ending felt a bit rushed and contrived, .but overall I think it is a 5 star read.
I chose this book at random, and was surprised by how well written it was. The Victorian story was unusual and dramatic, and the characters were developed well and the period detail felt authentic. I found the modern day take and characters less interesting, but the flow between past and present was seamless. The ending felt a bit rushed and contrived, .but overall I think it is a 5 star read.
April 8, 2022
Loved it
It took me a while to get to grips with characters, but once sorted, I couldn't put the book down. At times I thought I'd worked out the mystery, and then the author would write something and I'd have to guess again. I had my suspicions as to what might have happened to Edward, but although I guessed one character who was involved, I didn't guess the circumstances. Very well written'
It took me a while to get to grips with characters, but once sorted, I couldn't put the book down. At times I thought I'd worked out the mystery, and then the author would write something and I'd have to guess again. I had my suspicions as to what might have happened to Edward, but although I guessed one character who was involved, I didn't guess the circumstances. Very well written'
May 10, 2022
I liked this book and would give it 3 and a half stars if I could do that. The novel progresses along 2 separate timelines and shifts back and forth as the researchers in the present time (2019) learn more about the events and murder in 1890-91. I found it a bit more difficult to follow the storyline than I usually do with these time shifting plots but I feel the book is well worth reading -- especially as pertains to women's treatment and rights over the two time periods.
August 14, 2023
a lovely travel in time
A thoroughly enjoyable book based both in present and over a century ago. The story itself is full of much drama, mystery and intrigue. The characters are of a variety and some will gain your heart! While it’s a creative and refreshing lesson on so many difference unique to the Victorian times, it’s also a story that’s exciting and never predictable, full of surprises! I found it delightful to read!
A thoroughly enjoyable book based both in present and over a century ago. The story itself is full of much drama, mystery and intrigue. The characters are of a variety and some will gain your heart! While it’s a creative and refreshing lesson on so many difference unique to the Victorian times, it’s also a story that’s exciting and never predictable, full of surprises! I found it delightful to read!
November 8, 2023
A confusing read
I like time travel and this back and forth version wasn't difficult to manage. But this wasn't a familiar Irish tale. The names, places and language was difficult. The horse racing part was boring. The way they spoke was strange. It took me days to read and I only kept to it because of the mystery it held. I'm not sure if this author is my cup of tea. But the ending was good.
I like time travel and this back and forth version wasn't difficult to manage. But this wasn't a familiar Irish tale. The names, places and language was difficult. The horse racing part was boring. The way they spoke was strange. It took me days to read and I only kept to it because of the mystery it held. I'm not sure if this author is my cup of tea. But the ending was good.
July 5, 2021
Excellent Read! I loved it!
This book is extremely well written-expertly crafted to keep the reader’s interest from page to page. I could not put it down- I really and truly was kept in suspense until the very last chapter. Brava for a job well done!! I want more stories of Victorian families!
This book is extremely well written-expertly crafted to keep the reader’s interest from page to page. I could not put it down- I really and truly was kept in suspense until the very last chapter. Brava for a job well done!! I want more stories of Victorian families!
January 17, 2022
Enjoyed every moment!
Got lost in this story. Read it in one sitting. It had the right amount of dual timeline connection. There were twists and suspense that had my heart beating and turns that brought up every emotion. My first reading of Susan Winterly, but certainly not my last. And for those that like clean reading this had nothing objectionable!
Got lost in this story. Read it in one sitting. It had the right amount of dual timeline connection. There were twists and suspense that had my heart beating and turns that brought up every emotion. My first reading of Susan Winterly, but certainly not my last. And for those that like clean reading this had nothing objectionable!
January 23, 2022
This is my first book by Suzanne Winterly and it certainly won't be the last. A fabulous dual timeline murder mystery with well-crafted characters to love and detest and a wonderful story-line from both the historical and present viewpoints. Some chapters had me holding my breath to the next page, to the next revelation, to the next secret. Loved it!
January 30, 2022
love story
I love reading the now and then parts of the book and it was lovely going back into the past into the late 18th century and seeing how women were dominated by men and also about Frank falling in love with the owners wife I’m so pleased the book ended happily ever after and I found it very enjoyable
I love reading the now and then parts of the book and it was lovely going back into the past into the late 18th century and seeing how women were dominated by men and also about Frank falling in love with the owners wife I’m so pleased the book ended happily ever after and I found it very enjoyable
February 1, 2022
Good Story
This book was a good easy read. I was disappointed with the ending as it was boring and the rest of the book just didn’t lead to that end. I believe the ending could have been much more exciting had the book went in that direction rather than seeming to just change suddenly.
This book was a good easy read. I was disappointed with the ending as it was boring and the rest of the book just didn’t lead to that end. I believe the ending could have been much more exciting had the book went in that direction rather than seeming to just change suddenly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews