This was a much anticipated read for me as I enjoyed the other two books in the Slains series, however I found this one disappointing. It was set in 1707 in Leith and Edinburgh, with flashbacks to the late 1600s. The story follows Lily Graeme who is claiming the recompense due to her, for her late husband’s involvement in the Darien scheme, wherein the Scottish attempted to establish the New Caledonia settlement in the Isthmus of Panama. Sergeant Adam Williamson is tasked with investigating her claim and the authenticity of her marriage to James Graeme. It moves between the present of his investigation and the past of Lily’s difficult childhood, orphaned and then living in two different households, at times preyed upon and other times adored. Lily’s early childhood is spent in friendship with the wealthy Graham family of Inchbrakie. After her father’s death she works for one family before being adopted by another, a family with many shady secrets, and grows up with her foundling brothers, who she becomes very close to. Scotland is a turbulent place at this time, with the Jacobites hoping for the return of King James from France and others eschewing this cause. There is tension between Presbyterian Covenanters and the Episcopalians. This is the historical background but much of it is assumed rather than explained.

I did not find either of the main characters relatable. Lily seemed very one dimensional in the later story. Adam may have come across much older than he was due to the audio narration by Robert Ian MacKenzie but also the awful doddery beginning to the story when he says the years have not dulled his recollection, but he has forgotten many things, and other horribly snooze-worthy lines to begin a book with. I found myself put off from the outset, almost amazed that a book set in the 17th and 18th centuries written by a contemporary author could feel like a dry Victorian piece. The romance had as much chemistry as a can of flat Lemonade. The twist was unexpected but didn’t quite ring true either, relying as a device on untrustworthy narration. Not disastrous but not my favourite Kearsley read by any stretch of the imagination. ( )

If you haven’t started this series, I would say that this addition could be read alone. I’m sure you wi be interested in the other books to discover what happens to the characters.

This book is a prequel to this Scottish series so I was delighted to read this and not feel as if I would be confused. I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books as the story has such rich characters and enticing plot. The time line alternates to provide the historical aspects to which the narrator presents as he proceeds to write “the truths” from the past. I was drawn into the storyline and the various characters who all seem to have their own motives for their actions. I look forward to seeing how it plays out in the previously published books. ( )

If you haven’t started this series, I would say that this addition could be read alone. I’m sure you wi be interested in the other books to discover what happens to the characters.

This book is a prequel to this Scottish series so I was delighted to read this and not feel as if I would be confused. I am looking forward to reading the other 2 books as the story has such rich characters and enticing plot. The time line alternates to provide the historical aspects to which the narrator presents as he proceeds to write “the truths” from the past. I was drawn into the storyline and the various characters who all seem to have their own motives for their actions. I look forward to seeing how it plays out in the previously published books. ( )

The story jumps around at various points between 1685 and 1707 during the time of the Jacobite Rebellion. At question is whether a widow was really married to a man killed during the Darien expedition. It is up to Sgt. Adam Williamson to find whether her claim is true or not. The finding could prove dangerous to the widow or to the man's daughter Lily. The way the story was told by skipping around within the time period did not work well, and I found myself nearly abandoning the book several times. I did enjoy the setting--both time period and location--but the story seemed disjointed because of its telling. This appears to be the third book of a Scottish series by the author but was not advertised as such. I did not read earlier installments. I did not feel I'd missed anything by failing to read those stories. ( )

The Vanished Days was full of mystery Scottish history & romance! I absolutely enjoyed soaking up all of the historical facts in this book! The rich & detailed setting was amazing to read about. It does have a slow pace but don't let that fool you! Its one of those books the more you read the more you're drawn in & once everything starts to come together you won't be able to turn the pages fast enough! & the ending, that was a great twist! I will definitely be reading this one again!
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