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The Chessmen
The Chessmen: The Lewis Trilogy | Peter May
Marilyn Stasio in The New York Times raved: "Peter May is a writer I'd follow to the ends of the earth." Among the many honors received, The Blackhouse, the first novel in May's acclaimed Lewis trilogy, won the Barry and Crime Thriller Hound awards. Now, with The Chessmen, Peter May gives us a dramatic conclusion to his award-winning Lewis trilogy. Living again of the Isle of Lewis, the ex-Detective Inspector Fin McLeod is working as a security officer for a local landowner. While investigating illegal activity on the estate Fin encounters the elusive poacher and former childhood friend Whistler Macaskill. But while Fin catches up with Whistler, the two witness a freak natural phenomenon--a 'Bog Burst'--which spontaneously drains a loch of its water, revealing a mud-encased light aircraft with a sickeningly familiar moniker on its side. Both men immediately know that they will find inside: the body of Roddy Mackenzie, a friend whose flight disappeared more than seventeen years before. But when Whistler's face appears to register something other than shock, an icy chill of apprehension overtakes Fin. What secret has Whistler been hiding from him, and everyone else on the island? Fin is unprepared for how the truth about the past will alter the course of the future.
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Eggs
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Pickpick

This is the dramatic conclusion to May‘s award-winning Lewis trilogy. Dramatic, tense, and fascinating. I had a bit of trouble distinguishing past from present via the audiobook, but that‘s forgivable bc of the impeccable writing🖤

#Pantone2023
#ARCApril Day 1 @Andrew65
#SeriesLove2023 @TheSpineView
#Bookspin #Bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheSpineView Great job! 12mo
Andrew65 A brilliant trilogy. 👏👏👏 12mo
Eggs @TheSpineView 🤗🤗 12mo
See All 6 Comments
Eggs @Andrew65 Agree 💯 12mo
TheAromaofBooks I love this series!! 11mo
Eggs @TheAromaofBooks yes, so good🙌🏻 11mo
49 likes6 comments
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Andrew65
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A bit late with this!

1. Most definitely, that can lead to a book staying long in your memory.

2. The Chessmen had a real jaw dropping moment that had me reeling, also Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves (still not sure I‘ve forgiven her).

3. Along with Peter May and Ann Cleeves I‘d also mention Hatlan Coben and Linwood Barclay.

@ozma.of.oz #SundayFunday

Mollyanna Oh no Blue Lightning is my next read in that series. Now I‘m scared to read it. 2y
Andrew65 @Mollyanna You won‘t see it coming! Hopefully not given any spoilers. (edited) 2y
BookmarkTavern You‘ve got some good authors there! Thank you for sharing! ❤️ 2y
Andrew65 @ozma.of.oz Some of my favourites. 2y
46 likes4 comments
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Elizabeth2
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Pickpick

This is the third and final novel in the Isle of Lewis trilogy. After a freak weather event, Fin and his friend Whistler discover a plane at the bottom of an empty Loch, with a body in the cockpit. This takes the reader on a journey into Fin‘s past, mixed with the present. This was an excellent series, and this book wraps things up well. This was my least favorite of the books, but was still an excellent read. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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Elizabeth2
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Two dog beds right there, but they‘d rather be on Mama. Hamilton, the apricot/cream guy, really wants to get on the back of the chair but it hurts my back if he‘s up there too long, so I‘ve forbidden it today. He‘s sulking. Hazel, our red rescue, is just happy to be touching me.

With 67 pages to go, I‘m going to finish The Chessmen today. ❤️📚

#dogsoflitsy #weekendreading #isleoflewistrilogy #petermay

BookDragonNotWorm 😍😍 Such adorable reading companions! 2y
DogMomIrene Hamilton and Hazel sure look comfortable to me🐶🐶💜💜 2y
Elizabeth2 @BookDragonNotWorm thank you! I think so, too. 😉💕 @DogMomIrene they are my constant companions. Their comfort usually takes precedence. 😆💗 2y
DivineDiana Lots of love in this picture! ❤️ 2y
47 likes4 comments
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Elizabeth2
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It is a gorgeous Saturday morning. ☀️ I‘m taking advantage before storms come through later today. Good book, comfy chair, delicious coffee, warm sunshine. Perfection. ❤️📚☀️☕️ #weekendreading

Cupcake12 Enjoy x 2y
Elizabeth2 @Cupcake12 thanks! My peace was disturbed by a squirrel that didn‘t know I was there. It was going to run across my feet, so I move them, startling him and he ran up my leg, jumped onto my shoulder and launched himself off back to the ground! 😳🐿 Left paw prints on my pants! 🤣 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Omg!!! That‘s so funny 🤣🤣 2y
Cupcake12 He must have liked you 🤣🐿 2y
DivineDiana Now that‘s an amazing experience! 🐿 2y
35 likes5 comments
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Elizabeth2
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I love to binge read series and am excited to jump right into the third and final Isle of Lewis novel. (Even though it will mess up my #bookspinbingo card 😆) This is an excellent series so far.

Hoping to finish it as my second completed book for the #marvellousmarch #readathon

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Laughterhp
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Finished this one tonight. It definitely wasn‘t my favorite of the trilogy. I‘m really glad I read this series and I definitely plan to read more of this author. This one just wasn‘t my favorite.

I just feel like Fin always has more childhood stories to tell and more people and history that just keeps getting more ridiculous.

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Laughterhp
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Had to drive to Boston to drop the hubby off at the airport. 😭

Now I‘m comforting myself the only way I know how.

🍷📚🎥

Happy Sunday 💚

Jessieleah Movie choice 👌🏻 3y
Aims42 A+ comfort tools right here 👍🏻 3y
kspenmoll 💜❤️ 3y
60 likes3 comments
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Laughterhp
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#BookReport - Finished 6 books this week. 4 on audio and 2 print books. All were pretty good except the Alice Feeney was terrifying.

Currently reading the tagged in print and listening to Murder at Archly Manor on audio.

#WeeklyForecast - really need to read the #BBBBC for this month and my library hold is in for Finlay Donovan

Cinfhen What a fabulous week!!! Audiobooks are game changers!!!! Love them 3y
52 likes2 comments
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Crazeedi
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Book 3 of Lewis Trilogy
YES to this book! Fin finds a plane uncovered when a loch disappears overnight. The plane has a murdered body in it, an old friend and rising rock star who disappeared 17 years ago. I love how the author relays Fin's memories as he weaves the storyline. A surprise ending makes a great finale!
#BookSpinBingo @TheAromaofBooks #SeriesRead2021 @TheSpineView #stackingtheseries @audraelizabeth #AxeTheStacks @howjessicareads

TheAromaofBooks Yessss I LOVED this series! I wanted it go on FOREVER because I totally fell in love with Fin! 3y
TheSpineView Great job! 3y
58 likes2 comments
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pitou215
Panpan

Nowhere near as good as books 1 and 2. Too wishy-washy and not much on the crime. Its a shame!

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Andrew65
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If you want a #surprise then read The Lewis Trilogy by Peter May. The final book in the trilogy (tagged book) there is a big surprise at one point that left me reeling for days, just didn‘t see it coming.

And it has to be one of the best trilogies out there.if you have not read it I totally recommend it.

#MagicalMay

TheAromaofBooks I LOVED this trilogy when I read it! Definitely due for a reread as it has been so long that I can't remember the details, only that I thought the books were amazing. 4y
Andrew65 @TheAromaofBooks Most definitely agreed. 4y
BookwormM Damn you increasing my TBR 🤣🤣 4y
Andrew65 @BookwormM I‘m good at that 🤣 4y
Eggs #blameitonlitsy 😂🤓😳 4y
62 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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DGRachel
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Pickpick

Finished this audiobook today, the last of the Lewis Trilogy. I enjoyed #1, loved #2, but while this was still a good novel, it‘s not my favorite of the three. Finn‘s teenage sexual encounters were just uncomfortable to listen to, and while the plot twists were interesting, there were a lot of events that were just so sad, even more so than the other books. Still a pick, but I wish it had ended on a higher note. 😭

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Susanita
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A little bittersweet but satisfying end to the trilogy. I hope Fin finds some “solace” for the rest of his life on the Isle. The time jumps were slightly annoying but didn‘t take away from the story. OTOH, bonus points to Peter May for throwing in a quick trip to another part of the world that I love and want to visit again. BTW, is anyone else having problems with the desktop version this evening?

ValerieAndBooks Yes, I was having trouble logging into the desktop version yesterday— thought it was just me! 4y
34 likes1 comment
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Susanita
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1. Do I love the Hebrides because of Peter May, or do I love Peter May because of the Hebrides? Either way, I just checked this one out from the library. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
2. Overcast but pleasant 🌥
3. Blind date. At the end of dinner he said: I guess we agree we aren‘t going to see each other again, right? I was surprised, perplexed, annoyed...and relieved. 🤷🏻‍♀️
4. Four-legged variety. Hubby says we can only have the one. 🐈
5. ❤️❤️
#friyayintro

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Oryx
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So now I definitely have to read the tagged book. I've read The Blackhouse, which was really good. This is a sculpture of a one of the Lewis chessmen.

LeahBergen I was so excited to see them at The British Museum last month! 5y
Oryx @LeahBergen oh so cool. The British museum has everything! 5y
88 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Cathy_J
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Pickpick

The final book in the Lewis trilogy. Another great read. I think I enjoyed the first two books more but this was still full of interesting information about the Outer Hebrides including the Lewis chessmen :-P 3.5 stars. Recommend this series.

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TrishB
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Pickpick

Finished this one on the plane , good ending to the trilogy and an unexpected twist right at the end 👍🏻 enjoyed this trilogy. And just some lovely pics from Cayman.....
#seriesread

Tanisha_A 🤩😍 5y
Kalalalatja Lovely! 5y
Cathythoughts So lovely 😍 5y
See All 10 Comments
TheSpineView 😊 5y
Cinfhen Gorgeous photos!! That was a quick trip ❤️glad you‘re home safe & sound 5y
TrishB @Cinfhen unfortunately that‘s work! A work week seems a long time though 😁 5y
MicheleinPhilly Sigh. Got home last night, it‘s bright but we‘re freezing our arses off. 5y
TrishB @MicheleinPhilly I‘ve gone from 29 degrees to 9....heating is on! 5y
MicheleinPhilly @TrishB SAME! Also back to wearing long pants and socks. 😒 5y
TrishB @MicheleinPhilly I have my long pjs on and Snoopy socks....it was nice to have a few days of bare legs and sandals.... 5y
104 likes10 comments
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TrishB
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Last read on the balcony before setting off to the airport 🌴🌴

AmyG Oooo isn‘t that lovely. ❤️ 5y
BarbaraBB I hope you‘ve had a great time! Have a save trip home ❤️ 5y
TheSpineView Looks fabulous! Travel safe! 5y
See All 7 Comments
JennyM Safe travels - pack some sunshine in your case for home 🏝 ☀️ ✈️ 5y
Cathythoughts Oh that‘s gorgeous ✨✨✨ 5y
BooknerdsLife What a view 😍 Have a safe trip! 5y
TrishB @AmyG @BarbaraBB @TheSpineView @JennyM @Cathythoughts @BooknerdsLife home now! Missing that view, it‘s all so grey!! 5y
127 likes7 comments
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Tove_Reads
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Pickpick

Sad to say goodbye to this trilogy. I already miss the islands and their quirky inhabitants. Cleverly written, filled with just the right amount of characters, discovering what really happened years ago. The book ties up loose ends, and sums up the highland spirit. Fin finds the remains of a friend of his who died in his airplane as a young man. Murdered. The truth will be unveiled and no stone will be left unturned. Brilliant!

EadieB Loved this trilogy! 5y
Monica5 Loved this trilogy!! 5y
44 likes2 comments
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Tove_Reads
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Waiting for a friend. Peruvian food and a movie before I can dig into the third book in this excellent trilogy!

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Andrew65
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This book gave me one of the biggest #🤭 shock moments of any books that I have read. Loved the whole trilogy set on the Isle of Lewis but did not see coming what happened in the book but cannot talk about it due to spoilers. Thoroughly recommend this trIlogy which starts with The Blackhouse.
#readingresolutions

Caroline2 Oh I loved the Blackhouse! Sounds like I need to hurry up and read the rest of the trilogy!!! 😆 5y
Andrew65 @Caroline2 Definitely, one of my favourite trilogies. 5y
90 likes4 stack adds3 comments
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Monica5
Pickpick

Amazing series. This last book was my favorite, though I wish it would have ended differently. If you haven't read this series, I would recommend it.

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Oblomov26
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Pickpick

The third and last book in this series of detective stories focussing on Finn a now retired DI who returns home to the island of Lewis. To say that this series are mystery stories is true in that each is centred on a mystery, but this is woven around a wider deeper theme of returning home to find old friends changed by life, lost loves, bad decisions and the ramifications they can have on a life, and second chances. In this case Finn is confronted

Oblomov26 by the body of an old friend in a plane in a place where it should not be and his investigation leads to a conspiracy with its roots in his own adolescence. 6y
LeahBergen I love your Shield-biter! 6y
Oblomov26 @LeahBergen yes. They had an exhibition up in Brisbane a few years ago which included a few of the original Lewis chessmen. Had to buy a replica berserker in the gift shop afterwards. 6y
47 likes3 comments
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amywithbooks
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Pickpick

I loved this trilogy so much. Beautifully written plots and intriguing characters with complex back stories. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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amywithbooks
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Starting the last book in this trilogy while watching my Yankees. ⚾️

LiteraryinLawrence I was watching the same game while reading, actually! 7y
19 likes1 comment
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StellaDz
Pickpick

I think May is the only mystery author that writes a novel, only acknowledging the mystery in the last 80 pages, and I don't mind a bit. His books are so much more. While I didn't necessarily agree with the ending of this trilogy, it was sad, yet fitting, for the overall feel of the trilogy. I can't wait to read more of his works.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bookscatsandcountry Is this part of the Lewis trilogy? This reminded me that I read the first one a few years ago and really enjoyed it but have never picked up the rest. 7y
StellaDz @Bookscatsandcountry yep! This is the last in the Lewis Trilogy. I really enjoyed this series! He's now definitely one of my go-to authors! 😃 7y
7 likes1 stack add2 comments
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StellaDz
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The next #currentlyreading! Last book in the trilogy, so I want to read it slowly. I know I'll probably devour it though ☹️

LornaDH I'm still on the second one. 7y
StellaDz @LornaDH how are you liking them? I've now started collecting all his books! ❤️ 7y
LornaDH @StellaDz I really like them. Went to a reading of his, so my Chessmen is signed. Want to read his Enzo books too. 7y
StellaDz @LornaDh omg I'm so jealous! I would love to meet him. He's a new favourite author of mine! 7y
11 likes4 comments
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StellaDz
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My immediate #TBR piles for #novels and #graphicnovels. Peter May is becoming a major part of my reading life.

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amrsprout
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Pickpick

As always. Wonderful series!

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rudejasper
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Pickpick

Atmospheric, engrossing, great use of jumping back and forth through time. This is the last book in a really fantastic mystery trilogy.

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catsuit_mango
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AnnieErickson
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Pickpick

I think I liked this one even more than the second book in this series. Love the narrator and all the wonderful accents he does. Again this book made me want to be in Scotland, such beautiful and vivid descriptions.