The Condemned

Echoes from the Past, Book 6

De: Irina Shapiro

Narrado por: Wendy Wolfson

Some women are born to defy fate.

Cornwall, 1620. Mary Wilby flees her brutal uncle’s house to board the Lady Grace as a colonial bride bound for Virginia. She prays that marriage to plantation owner John Forrester will bring the peace and security she craves, but she soon discovers her new husband harbors deadly secrets. Only one man offers her hope of escape from this waking nightmare: Walker, a half-English, half-Native American man haunted by his own tragic past. But their carefully laid plans for escape take a devastating turn…

Present day. When Quinn Allenby discovers a woman’s remains sealed within a Cornish cave, the bone hair comb buried alongside shows her visions of unspeakable doom. And as she witnesses Mary’s desperate struggles in the New World, Quinn’s own life unravels: her twin sister Jo has vanished, and her family stands on the brink of collapse.

Quinn has always understood what it takes to survive, but can Mary’s haunting legacy teach her the true power of taking control of her own destiny?

A powerful story of courage, betrayal, and the unbreakable bonds that transcend time. Perfect for fans of Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, and Barbara Erskine.

©2019 Irina Shapiro (P)2019 Irina Shapiro

Always an exciting new case for Quinn to solve!

Can't wait for Book 7 -- each book has two storylines unfolding simultaneously! As Quinn works to solve ancient mysteries using her supernatural gift, another present day plot and story is revealed. Love the characters! And love the variety of historic time periods -- all different! Keep the books coming Ms. Shapiro!

Beautiful work

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.


Touched

Cried when the met, cryed like at least twice. Though of my daughters all the time. Thankful for today 2025 life In Cartagena Colombia. Singnificantly touched. Thank you mrs Shapir😭

I wish....

another great book in the series! I just wish that Walker had gone back to the Forrester cabin and taken out Simon and travesty! they deserved it!

Awesome Story!

I just love this series and am completely caught up in the ongoing story of Quinn and her search for her biological family members along with the various stories from the past that are combined in each of the author’s books in this series. The story line in The Condemned with the danger-ridden harrowing search of Quinn’s missing twin in war-torn Afghanistan will keep you on edge. And the portion of the story dealing with the discovery of Mary and her infant’s body is especially interesting and very tragic. I received this audiobook at my request and I voluntarily wrote a review.

Beautiful Tragedy

As with all of Ms. Shapiro's books in this series, readers know that Quinn is investigating death for the Echoes series. It's still always shocking to learn the details of the person's life whose remains are discovered. I'm glad that I'm not endowed with the gift of sight. I'd become too emotionally involved in the victim's story. I can't wait to see what's in store for Quinn's newly discovered family members.

This is a DARK one…

Like all her work the series is very good. Also as in her other series it’s like she reaches a point where heavy & dark overtakes her resulting in a depressingly cruel portrayal of human suffering. Every series has one, I sincerely hope this is THAT one and we can return to more mystery with less misery!

Suspenseful!

This sixth book in the series is full of suspense as Quinn continues the search for her twin sister. Her boss and friend Rhys Morgan certainly shows his true colours in this book and my respect for him improves tenfold! Plus every woman should have a husband as patient and devoted as Gabe. Mary’s story is terribly tragic to say the least. As usual the book left me anxious to learn more about what happens in the next instalment. Of course Wendy Wolfson does a superb job with the narration. I received a free copy of this audiobook and have voluntarily provided an unbiased review.

Excellence

The excellence of this series is a story I hope is continued with more episodes because it is beyond belief one of the best series I’ve ever ever listen to and I hope there are more to come thank you for writing these books thank you for the beautiful narration

Another spellbinder!

Sweet to have Quinn meet her twin. But POOR MARY. Very interesting back story of Jamestown.