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Murray of Letho #8
Out of a Dark Reflection
The most curious sensation of being watched …
Letho, Fife, 1816: Murray and his guests all have good reasons for not attending Edinburgh’s winter season, even down to the new maid. But then an old woman is found dead in the village, and murmurings of witchcraft are abroad. Suddenly everyone seems to have secrets – but who would kill to keep theirs?
Letho, Fife, 1816: Murray and his guests all have good reasons for not attending Edinburgh’s winter season, even down to the new maid. But then an old woman is found dead in the village, and murmurings of witchcraft are abroad. Suddenly everyone seems to have secrets – but who would kill to keep theirs?
ebook
Published November 30, 2015
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About the author
Lexie Conyngham
45 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 - 9 of 11 reviews
December 4, 2015
There are wicked things afoot in Letho. An old woman, allegedly a witch, has been found murdered then a young maid from the Letho household goes missing. When another lady disappears, Charles Murray is hard pressed to know what's going on. His wife is heavily pregnant and talk of witches is rife, spreading through the area like fire through dry tinder and upsetting her Ladyship.
This book contains the usual kind of mystery which the level-headed Murray copes with well, but it is all shot through with uneasy sightings, an unchancy mirror and the cry of 'Burn the witch'. It’s one of the best Murray of Letho stories, I think, and I enjoyed this one very much indeed.
This book contains the usual kind of mystery which the level-headed Murray copes with well, but it is all shot through with uneasy sightings, an unchancy mirror and the cry of 'Burn the witch'. It’s one of the best Murray of Letho stories, I think, and I enjoyed this one very much indeed.
August 11, 2018
Good book
Kept me involved with the character, kept thinking it was cold and windy outside, though it’s summer and warm. Read this book.
Kept me involved with the character, kept thinking it was cold and windy outside, though it’s summer and warm. Read this book.
August 23, 2017
Much as I love reading (some of) the books that get put up for literary prizes, sometimes you just want an intelligent, well written and engaging novel. These Murray of Letho novels are it, and this one is particularly good.
It touches on Georgian society's idiosyncrasies, and this is where historical novels win; for instance Jane Austen was writing about what she was familiar with, and so you don't see life from the point of view of other social groups. Also though, this particular story deals with the fall out from ignorance surrounding ideas of witches and their powers, still existing at this period.
I do like Murray as a character too; he's no saint, but tries his best to be fair to all those he's responsible for - however much they might try his patience. Walter, who is forever getting lost is great also.
There is sadness for Murray - but there's always the next installment. Gratifying!
It touches on Georgian society's idiosyncrasies, and this is where historical novels win; for instance Jane Austen was writing about what she was familiar with, and so you don't see life from the point of view of other social groups. Also though, this particular story deals with the fall out from ignorance surrounding ideas of witches and their powers, still existing at this period.
I do like Murray as a character too; he's no saint, but tries his best to be fair to all those he's responsible for - however much they might try his patience. Walter, who is forever getting lost is great also.
There is sadness for Murray - but there's always the next installment. Gratifying!
December 14, 2019
I meant to spend a few days reading Out of a Dark Reflection, but as soon as I started reading I couldn't resist keeping going. Fortunately, I've been quite busy with work lately and could do with a bit of time doing very little, so it didn't matter too much that I spent the whole day reading.
I love the Murray books, particularly those, like this one, that also feature his good, but rather eccentric friend Blair.
Murray is spending the season at home in Letho, with his (horrid) wife due to give birth soon. He's not the only one who seems to have given the season a miss. When an old woman is killed in her home, the whole village soon starts to tear itself apart looking for witches and it doesn't seem that anyone is unaffected in one way or another by the hysteria.
I have to admit that I didn't manage to get to the bottom of this one. I had a few ideas that seemed to be in the right direction, but I certainly didn't unravel everything. That isn't really why I read these books. I do enjoy the mystery element and that's what I came for initially. What I really love is Murray himself, the other characters that make up his world (both servants, friends and passing acquaintances) and the historical setting. I don't know if Murray's house is based on a particular real-life house, or rather an amalgamation of them, but I can certainly think of houses that I know that are similar.
There is a short novella that follows this book, I've already downloaded it and will be reading it soon. I'm sure that it won't be long until I return to Murray and the next in the series.
I love the Murray books, particularly those, like this one, that also feature his good, but rather eccentric friend Blair.
Murray is spending the season at home in Letho, with his (horrid) wife due to give birth soon. He's not the only one who seems to have given the season a miss. When an old woman is killed in her home, the whole village soon starts to tear itself apart looking for witches and it doesn't seem that anyone is unaffected in one way or another by the hysteria.
I have to admit that I didn't manage to get to the bottom of this one. I had a few ideas that seemed to be in the right direction, but I certainly didn't unravel everything. That isn't really why I read these books. I do enjoy the mystery element and that's what I came for initially. What I really love is Murray himself, the other characters that make up his world (both servants, friends and passing acquaintances) and the historical setting. I don't know if Murray's house is based on a particular real-life house, or rather an amalgamation of them, but I can certainly think of houses that I know that are similar.
There is a short novella that follows this book, I've already downloaded it and will be reading it soon. I'm sure that it won't be long until I return to Murray and the next in the series.
July 16, 2018
Great!!!
This is as good of a mystery as I have ever read! I will be looking forward to discovering more of Lexie Conyngham 's book's!
This is as good of a mystery as I have ever read! I will be looking forward to discovering more of Lexie Conyngham 's book's!
November 8, 2019
1816 Charles Murray and his pregnant lady wife are entertaining several guests in their home in Letho. All seem to have secret reasons for not attending the season in Edinburgh or London. Then an old woman in the village is found dead, and whispers of witches start. The usually intelligent and sensible Charles Murray seems to be at a loss with all the strange events taking place, and the disappearing people.
Loved the story - a very enjoyable well-written mystery
Loved the story - a very enjoyable well-written mystery
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March 8, 2016This is another one I've been looking forward to writing for ages. A bit on the spooky side (I've always loved hares), with an ending that has pleased many already for very specific reasons.
December 17, 2015
AS usual very good
January 22, 2023
Out of a dark reflection
Really enjoyed reading this story. What an imagination. Highly recommend reading. Looking forward to reading more by Lexi Conyngham books.
Really enjoyed reading this story. What an imagination. Highly recommend reading. Looking forward to reading more by Lexi Conyngham books.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 11 reviews