What do you think?
Rate this book
In Her Shadow
What would you do if your past came back to haunt you? A dark, thrilling novel for fans of Kate Morton and Victoria HislopFrom the author of THE SECRETS BETWEEN US, part of the 2012 Richard and Judy Summer Reads, comes this dark, thrilling novel that is perfect for your book group.It's set twenty years ago against a backdrop of dreamy Cornish summers, a place where childhood friendship becomes young love, where love becomes obsession, and where obsession ultimately ends in betrayal and a tragic death.This magical novel traces a web of memories back through the years from the present day, ultimately showing that no matter how much you might try to forget the past, the past never forgets you...
368 pages, Hardcover
First published May 8, 2012
586 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read
About the author
Louise Douglas
33 books840 followersHello and thank you for visiting my profile page. I write contemporary Gothic novels which are usually inspired by places close to where I live in the Mendips, close to Bristol in the UK, or by places I've visited, especially Italy and Sicily. The House by the Sea won the Jackie Collins Romantic Suspense Award in 2021. The Love of My Life, my first book, was longlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. My second book, Missing You, won the RNA Readers' Choice Award, and my third, The Secrets Between Us was a 2012 Richard and Judy Summer Read.
The next book, The Room in the Attic is due to be published in October 2021 and is a ghost story set in a Victorian asylum-turned-boarding school on Dartmoor.
If you'd like to connect, you'll find me on Facebook Louise Amy Douglas or Twitter: @LouiseDouglas3.
The next book, The Room in the Attic is due to be published in October 2021 and is a ghost story set in a Victorian asylum-turned-boarding school on Dartmoor.
If you'd like to connect, you'll find me on Facebook Louise Amy Douglas or Twitter: @LouiseDouglas3.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 128 reviews
April 16, 2015
Like the author's last novel, The Secrets Between Us, this is what I would call - in the nicest way possible, honestly - good quality trash. It is light and easy to read, frequently implausible and silly, but also totally compelling, well-written with plenty of twists, and addictively readable.
Hannah Brown appears to be an unremarkable heroine in every way, except that twenty years earlier, her best friend, Ellen Brecht, drowned at the age of eighteen. This is an incident which Hannah feels a great deal of guilt about - indeed, she appears to blame herself for Ellen's death. Then she sees - or thinks she sees - Ellen, alive and well, in the museum where she works. This provokes an extreme reaction in Hannah, who alternates between certainty that she is heading for a nervous breakdown, and fear that Ellen somehow survived and has sought out her former friend in order to get revenge. The story is told partly in flashbacks, as Hannah recounts the events of her youth: her relationship with her best friend and 'brother' Jago; the development of her friendship with the beautiful, enchanting Ellen; her fascination with the glamorous and tragic Brecht family.
As soon as I got into this story, I just didn't want to put the book down. I was fascinated by the characters - in particular Hannah, a likeable protagonist it's easy to sympathise with, and Ellen's father, who is both charismatic and sinister. The chapters are short and snappy, and because they were so easy and quick to get through, I found myself wanting to read on every time I came to the end of one. I was also pleasantly surprised by the resolution of what I thought would be a trite romantic subplot involving Hannah and John, one of her colleagues from the museum. The character of Charlotte, , was so crude and cartoonish that I almost physically cringed every time she appeared or was mentioned, and I felt sure the stage was being set for a very predictable outcome, yet the plot veered in a different direction at the last moment. I always have to give a book props if it's written primarily for a female audience and allows a female protagonist - especially one in her late thirties - to remain single (happily or otherwise) at the end.
I wasn't convinced by some of the details of the plot - for example, it particularly bothered me that The language can be repetitive - Charlotte always seems to be throwing/tipping her head back and laughing, Ellen's hair is always 'falling' or 'sliding' down her back. However, these are minor things that didn't really stop me from enjoying the book. If you're looking for a good light read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend In Her Shadow - just go with it, ignore the inconsistencies and you'll (probably) enjoy it just as much as I did.
Hannah Brown appears to be an unremarkable heroine in every way, except that twenty years earlier, her best friend, Ellen Brecht, drowned at the age of eighteen. This is an incident which Hannah feels a great deal of guilt about - indeed, she appears to blame herself for Ellen's death. Then she sees - or thinks she sees - Ellen, alive and well, in the museum where she works. This provokes an extreme reaction in Hannah, who alternates between certainty that she is heading for a nervous breakdown, and fear that Ellen somehow survived and has sought out her former friend in order to get revenge. The story is told partly in flashbacks, as Hannah recounts the events of her youth: her relationship with her best friend and 'brother' Jago; the development of her friendship with the beautiful, enchanting Ellen; her fascination with the glamorous and tragic Brecht family.
As soon as I got into this story, I just didn't want to put the book down. I was fascinated by the characters - in particular Hannah, a likeable protagonist it's easy to sympathise with, and Ellen's father, who is both charismatic and sinister. The chapters are short and snappy, and because they were so easy and quick to get through, I found myself wanting to read on every time I came to the end of one. I was also pleasantly surprised by the resolution of what I thought would be a trite romantic subplot involving Hannah and John, one of her colleagues from the museum. The character of Charlotte, , was so crude and cartoonish that I almost physically cringed every time she appeared or was mentioned, and I felt sure the stage was being set for a very predictable outcome, yet the plot veered in a different direction at the last moment. I always have to give a book props if it's written primarily for a female audience and allows a female protagonist - especially one in her late thirties - to remain single (happily or otherwise) at the end.
I wasn't convinced by some of the details of the plot - for example, it particularly bothered me that The language can be repetitive - Charlotte always seems to be throwing/tipping her head back and laughing, Ellen's hair is always 'falling' or 'sliding' down her back. However, these are minor things that didn't really stop me from enjoying the book. If you're looking for a good light read, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend In Her Shadow - just go with it, ignore the inconsistencies and you'll (probably) enjoy it just as much as I did.
July 26, 2015
I did like the story, but not the ending. I was heavily disappointed to be honest. Such a sweet ending didn't match the rest of the book. In the beginning the author makes me think Ellen is a untrustworthy, manipulative girl, but as the story develops that image seems to change to the contrary and suddenly everything was Hannah's fault.
Liked the story, but the end left me disappointed.
Liked the story, but the end left me disappointed.
July 9, 2018
In Her Shadow is a real page turner. Louise Douglas is one my top favourite authors.
This is the second book that I have read of hers. I will be reading and reviewing all of Louise Douglas books. I honestly recommend all readers to try one of Louise Douglas books.
This is the second book that I have read of hers. I will be reading and reviewing all of Louise Douglas books. I honestly recommend all readers to try one of Louise Douglas books.
June 5, 2013
I’m going to admit – I have never read a book by Louise Douglas before. Ever. But this book sounded so intriguing and I was so excited to start it…and let me just say – WOW. Where on earth have I been?! How have I not read any of Louise’s other books? In fact, I am SO impressed by this novel that after I have finished writing this, I’m going to order her other books straight away.
In the present day, Hannah Brown works at a museum, living in a flat with what seems to be an ordinary life. But Hannah Brown has secrets, secrets that include a mental breakdown and memories of a childhood that she would rather forget. As Hannah works on an ordinary day, she catches sight of Ellen Brecht, a girl she has tried so hard to forget…
Ellen was her best friend as a child ever since Ellen and her family moved in to Thornfield House. Ellen is the opposite of Hannah…Ellen is beautiful, fierce and knows exactly what she wants, whereas Hannah is more timid and willing to go along with her friend. But soon their life becomes dark, and filled with obsession, betrayal and lies, resulting in tragedy.
But is this woman really Ellen? And if she has come to find Hannah, what does she want? To forgive her? Or to punish her?
I cannot describe how much I loved this book! In Her Shadow is one of those books that is impossible to put down, so if you’re going to read this, make sure you start it on a morning or when you have a bit of a free day as you won’t want to be parted from the pages!
The characters, for me, are really what made this book so brilliant. They are all complex characters with their own agendas, thought processes and personalities. Even though the story is told throughout from Hannah’s perspective, I didn’t feel that I missed out on getting to know any of the other characters…in fact, I felt I knew them almost as well as Hannah – I knew how they’d react to situations, what their thoughts were, I could even hear their own individual ‘voices’ as I read through the chapters.
Hannah is a fantastic character, I warmed to her straight away as we are taken back in time with her through her childhood memories, and then in the next chapter we are in the present day with her and able to see how what has happened in her childhood has affected her. Throughout the book I really got behind her, and I was willing her on to discover the truth about Ellen. I really loved Jago as a character, I felt quite close to him and protective over him, like I would with a brother, and I genuinely cared aboyt his parts and what happened to him throughout. Ellen was fascinating, I could see why Hannah had been so swept up in this friendship that she had with Ellen, and how easily Ellen could lead Hannah and talk her into things. But even though I knew that perhaps sometimes she wasn’t acting in the best interests of others, I was drawn to her character and always keen to find out what her next moves would be.
One thing that made the story so gripping was the sinister undertones throughout. In ever chapter there was a sense of darkness and the sense that something might go wrong at any moment. Louise Douglas built the tension effortlessly and I was racing through the pages desperate to know what would happen next. I won’t spoil it by saying who but some of the characters were so well crafted that as soon as they appeared in the scene they put me on edge and I read faster at those points because I wanted to know more.
There were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and I finished the story feeling a bit breathles and as though I’d lived a whole other life. As I say, I’m now going to buy Louise’s other books!
In Her shadow is captivating, it is compelling and it is powerfully written. Louise Douglas has written a truly fantastic book that will have you racing through the pages, and I would thouroughly recommend this.
In the present day, Hannah Brown works at a museum, living in a flat with what seems to be an ordinary life. But Hannah Brown has secrets, secrets that include a mental breakdown and memories of a childhood that she would rather forget. As Hannah works on an ordinary day, she catches sight of Ellen Brecht, a girl she has tried so hard to forget…
Ellen was her best friend as a child ever since Ellen and her family moved in to Thornfield House. Ellen is the opposite of Hannah…Ellen is beautiful, fierce and knows exactly what she wants, whereas Hannah is more timid and willing to go along with her friend. But soon their life becomes dark, and filled with obsession, betrayal and lies, resulting in tragedy.
But is this woman really Ellen? And if she has come to find Hannah, what does she want? To forgive her? Or to punish her?
I cannot describe how much I loved this book! In Her Shadow is one of those books that is impossible to put down, so if you’re going to read this, make sure you start it on a morning or when you have a bit of a free day as you won’t want to be parted from the pages!
The characters, for me, are really what made this book so brilliant. They are all complex characters with their own agendas, thought processes and personalities. Even though the story is told throughout from Hannah’s perspective, I didn’t feel that I missed out on getting to know any of the other characters…in fact, I felt I knew them almost as well as Hannah – I knew how they’d react to situations, what their thoughts were, I could even hear their own individual ‘voices’ as I read through the chapters.
Hannah is a fantastic character, I warmed to her straight away as we are taken back in time with her through her childhood memories, and then in the next chapter we are in the present day with her and able to see how what has happened in her childhood has affected her. Throughout the book I really got behind her, and I was willing her on to discover the truth about Ellen. I really loved Jago as a character, I felt quite close to him and protective over him, like I would with a brother, and I genuinely cared aboyt his parts and what happened to him throughout. Ellen was fascinating, I could see why Hannah had been so swept up in this friendship that she had with Ellen, and how easily Ellen could lead Hannah and talk her into things. But even though I knew that perhaps sometimes she wasn’t acting in the best interests of others, I was drawn to her character and always keen to find out what her next moves would be.
One thing that made the story so gripping was the sinister undertones throughout. In ever chapter there was a sense of darkness and the sense that something might go wrong at any moment. Louise Douglas built the tension effortlessly and I was racing through the pages desperate to know what would happen next. I won’t spoil it by saying who but some of the characters were so well crafted that as soon as they appeared in the scene they put me on edge and I read faster at those points because I wanted to know more.
There were a few twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting and I finished the story feeling a bit breathles and as though I’d lived a whole other life. As I say, I’m now going to buy Louise’s other books!
In Her shadow is captivating, it is compelling and it is powerfully written. Louise Douglas has written a truly fantastic book that will have you racing through the pages, and I would thouroughly recommend this.
November 5, 2017
Hannah feels she finally has her life sorted, but on a regular day at work in the museum she sees her best friend Ellen. But how can that be when Ellen tragically died as a teenager? Haunted by her image, Hannah fears she is on the verge of another breakdown and begins to revisit events from her past, searching for answers.
The story seamlessly interchanges between Hannah's past and present, treating us to a raft of beautifully crafted characters and relationships. The suspense as the story progresses is just perfect and leaves you with an unsettling feeling that makes you want to swipe those pages until the book is finished and you have a conclusion.
Louise Douglas remains firmly in my list of favourite ever authors. Her books always take me on a beautiful journey, captivating me with the characters and settings. This story was no exception, I just loved it!
The story seamlessly interchanges between Hannah's past and present, treating us to a raft of beautifully crafted characters and relationships. The suspense as the story progresses is just perfect and leaves you with an unsettling feeling that makes you want to swipe those pages until the book is finished and you have a conclusion.
Louise Douglas remains firmly in my list of favourite ever authors. Her books always take me on a beautiful journey, captivating me with the characters and settings. This story was no exception, I just loved it!
March 3, 2016
I didn't expect this book to be so good. I picked it up at the library the other day and I read more than half of the book that same day. It's a quick read, in general. Perfect for those lonely couple of evenings on which you find yourself with nothing better to do. Once you've started, it's difficult to tear yourself away from it. The characters are interesting and not very predictable. The development of the plot was not what I thought it would be. It was much better. The twists were interesting enough, without being too hard to understand or keep up with.
When Hannah, the main character, first started to see Ellen, her deceased friend, again, I was like: "Salt and Burn! It's going to be that kind of novel, we have a ghost on our hands. Salt and burn that restless spirit!"
But as it turns out, it wasn't that kind of novel at all.
I do think that Douglas used the 'easy way out' sometimes, when it came to wrapping up the story.
The ending was not all that spectacular, but it was pleasing all the same.
I really enjoyed reading this book and every time I put it down it left me wanting to know more. It's the perfect book for lazy afternoons next to the swimming pool, when you're on vacation and in need to fight off boredom.
When Hannah, the main character, first started to see Ellen, her deceased friend, again, I was like: "Salt and Burn! It's going to be that kind of novel, we have a ghost on our hands. Salt and burn that restless spirit!"
But as it turns out, it wasn't that kind of novel at all.
I do think that Douglas used the 'easy way out' sometimes, when it came to wrapping up the story.
The ending was not all that spectacular, but it was pleasing all the same.
I really enjoyed reading this book and every time I put it down it left me wanting to know more. It's the perfect book for lazy afternoons next to the swimming pool, when you're on vacation and in need to fight off boredom.
January 21, 2022
Once I started this book I found it difficult to put down; it's full of suspense with a little bit of romance thrown in. Hannah, while working in a museum in Bristol, England, thinks she has seen her childhood friend Ellen who has been dead for the past twenty years. Did she see her or is she being haunted by her past? You will have to read the novel to find out. It cleverly weaves the past into the present where Hannah eventually ends up at Ellen's birthplace in Germany. So many surprises await you in this gripping story.
July 21, 2012
In Her Shadow is Louise Douglas' fourth novel and was published by Transworld earlier this month.
This a complex story that draws the reader in from the beginning, I found it very difficult to put down and when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it.
Hannah is a young woman who works at a Bristol museum, from the off it is clear that she has some issues from her past that shape her behaviour. Hannah 'sees' her childhood friend Ellen in the museum, but Ellen died many years ago, so how could that be? Hannah narrates the story in chapters that alternate between the present day and her childhood.
Ellen Brecht and her family lived in a big house in the sleepy Cornish town where Hannah and her adopted brother Jago were the only other children. The Brechts appeared different, and glamorous and soon both Hannah and Jago were entranced by them.
There is an air of mystery and drama about Ellen and this is what attracts Hannah to her, coupled with her attractive and attentive father who is so different to her own staid, somewhat stuffy parents.
There is an air of darkness about this story and because the reader knows from the beginning that Ellen is dead this makes it even more compelling. As Hannah tells the story of their childhood with Ellen firmly in the centre of it, the reader becomes more and more desperate to know what will happen, and why is Ellen no more? This is a very clever way of hooking the reader, and as the story becomes more involved, the pages are turned quicker and quicker. Towards the end of the story there is an almost unbearable air of tension and suspense, that certainly quickened my heartbeat.
Louise Douglas is a very capable author who is able to combine the menace of a psychological thriller with a coming of age drama and a sprinkling of romance too. Her characters, whilst not always likeable are always believable and often unpredictable.
In Her Shadows will not disappoint existing fans of Louise Douglas and I hope will win her many more
This a complex story that draws the reader in from the beginning, I found it very difficult to put down and when I was not reading it, I was thinking about it.
Hannah is a young woman who works at a Bristol museum, from the off it is clear that she has some issues from her past that shape her behaviour. Hannah 'sees' her childhood friend Ellen in the museum, but Ellen died many years ago, so how could that be? Hannah narrates the story in chapters that alternate between the present day and her childhood.
Ellen Brecht and her family lived in a big house in the sleepy Cornish town where Hannah and her adopted brother Jago were the only other children. The Brechts appeared different, and glamorous and soon both Hannah and Jago were entranced by them.
There is an air of mystery and drama about Ellen and this is what attracts Hannah to her, coupled with her attractive and attentive father who is so different to her own staid, somewhat stuffy parents.
There is an air of darkness about this story and because the reader knows from the beginning that Ellen is dead this makes it even more compelling. As Hannah tells the story of their childhood with Ellen firmly in the centre of it, the reader becomes more and more desperate to know what will happen, and why is Ellen no more? This is a very clever way of hooking the reader, and as the story becomes more involved, the pages are turned quicker and quicker. Towards the end of the story there is an almost unbearable air of tension and suspense, that certainly quickened my heartbeat.
Louise Douglas is a very capable author who is able to combine the menace of a psychological thriller with a coming of age drama and a sprinkling of romance too. Her characters, whilst not always likeable are always believable and often unpredictable.
In Her Shadows will not disappoint existing fans of Louise Douglas and I hope will win her many more
September 16, 2016
Totalement séduite par cette histoire de fantôme, qui nous entraîne dans un voyage poignant vers le passé, sur les traces de l'enfance de l'héroïne, en Cornouailles.
Entre souvenirs et quête de la vérité, se dévoile l'histoire de trois amis inséparables, qui vont grandir ensemble, partager les bains de mer en cachette, les fêtes d'anniversaire, le premier amour, la jalousie, les drames enfouis et les non-dits.
Le récit est teinté d'amertume et de regret. L'ambiance est pesante, voire mélancolique. Mais j'ai beaucoup aimé. Toute cette tension dramatique a su me tenir en haleine ! Et même si on devine la fin, j'avais envie de connaître les raisons d'un tel engrenage tragique.
Seul point faible : le dénouement, comme c'est souvent le cas. La vérité n'est jamais à la hauteur de mes attentes.
January 20, 2013
This is the first book I`ve read by this author and having heard good things about it I was looking forward to reading it. However I quickly became disappointed with it as it was not as gripping as I thought it would be,in fact it became quite predictable, and I failed to connect with any of the characters. Only stayed with it to see if I was right with the ending; and I was!
June 9, 2013
I have just finished 'in her Shadow' and loved it! Managed to read the whole book in two days (the housework can wait!) as I wanted to know how the story would end.
The story hooked me from the very start and I enjoyed every page until it's conclusion - a great read.
I have read all the books by Louise Douglas, all are brilliant and I can't wait for the next one.
The story hooked me from the very start and I enjoyed every page until it's conclusion - a great read.
I have read all the books by Louise Douglas, all are brilliant and I can't wait for the next one.
October 9, 2023
If this book was a person, i would punch him.
July 30, 2021
Is there a proof reader in the house?
I enjoyed the book, but it was far from perfect. Hannah went down a "streeet", she "covered her hands with her ears" (as opposed to covering her ears with her hands) and for some inexplicable reason the girl who had been "Kirsten" for several chapters, suddenly became "Kristen". These errors did ruin the story, somewhat.
I enjoyed the book, but it was far from perfect. Hannah went down a "streeet", she "covered her hands with her ears" (as opposed to covering her ears with her hands) and for some inexplicable reason the girl who had been "Kirsten" for several chapters, suddenly became "Kristen". These errors did ruin the story, somewhat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2021
More like a 3.5 The story was good but really drawn out. I listened to the story and the narrator did a great job.
July 29, 2012
Another very engrossing read from Louise Douglas - who definitely features highly in my top ten favourite authors as she is so consistent.
This is a subtle and slightly sinister psychological drama written in a dual time frame of present day events and reminiscences of the narrators past.
Told in first person by Hannah who is in her 30s and working in a museum, in her past lies a mental breakdown and a few secrets. She is left shaken and disturbed by suddenly catching glimpses of a friend from her childhood .. who died years before. This sets her off down memory road remembering her own upbringing, with her adopted brother Jago and her best friend Ellen, from a bohemian and musical ubringing - so vibrant and dramatic that Hannah spends her teenage years drawn to her like a moth to a flame, devotedly fond and protective of her friend yet very much "in her shadow".
Gradually past events are brought to life through Hannahs memories although it's told at quite a gentle pace, and is a subtle story where the reader is kept guessing.
In each chapter we are given a little more information about past happenings and left wanting to find out more about How Ellen died, why Hannah is estranged from Jago and what part if any did past events play in Hannahs past mental health problems.
We wonder as does she, whether Hannah is heading for a breakdown again, is she seeing things? perhaps the girl she is seeing is a ghost. When everything is finally revealed it leads to a satisfying and quite unexpected conclusion.
Beautifully written, tense and poignant, highly recommended to anyone who enjoyed her previous novels The Secrets Between Us and who enjoys books like Ninepins and authors like Jojo Moyes
This is a subtle and slightly sinister psychological drama written in a dual time frame of present day events and reminiscences of the narrators past.
Told in first person by Hannah who is in her 30s and working in a museum, in her past lies a mental breakdown and a few secrets. She is left shaken and disturbed by suddenly catching glimpses of a friend from her childhood .. who died years before. This sets her off down memory road remembering her own upbringing, with her adopted brother Jago and her best friend Ellen, from a bohemian and musical ubringing - so vibrant and dramatic that Hannah spends her teenage years drawn to her like a moth to a flame, devotedly fond and protective of her friend yet very much "in her shadow".
Gradually past events are brought to life through Hannahs memories although it's told at quite a gentle pace, and is a subtle story where the reader is kept guessing.
In each chapter we are given a little more information about past happenings and left wanting to find out more about How Ellen died, why Hannah is estranged from Jago and what part if any did past events play in Hannahs past mental health problems.
We wonder as does she, whether Hannah is heading for a breakdown again, is she seeing things? perhaps the girl she is seeing is a ghost. When everything is finally revealed it leads to a satisfying and quite unexpected conclusion.
Beautifully written, tense and poignant, highly recommended to anyone who enjoyed her previous novels The Secrets Between Us and who enjoys books like Ninepins and authors like Jojo Moyes
February 3, 2021
This story of young love, lies, and betrayal was a page turner for sure, and I really enjoyed it.
It had been several years since Hannah lost her best friend, Ellen, and yet the past continued to haunt her. While working one day at the museum, Hannah was convinced she’d seen Ellen’s ghost and suddenly her sense of reality and everything she thought she knew was thrown through the ringer. Was she having another breakdown or was Ellen somehow still alive?
As the story bounces back and forth from past to present, the reader gains more insight into Hannah’s home life and relationships with Ellen and Jago. Secrets from Hannah’s past slowly unravel and continue to be revealed as Hannah tries to unearth what really happened to Ellen all those years ago. The truth definitely caught me by surprise and I loved the way the story ended.
The only aspect of this book I didn’t like was the friendship/semi-attraction between Hannah and her co-worker, John. It just didn’t seem pertinent to the story at all and I felt like it was just thrown in their as filler.
Other than that, I thought it was a unique story and I enjoyed reading it.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
It had been several years since Hannah lost her best friend, Ellen, and yet the past continued to haunt her. While working one day at the museum, Hannah was convinced she’d seen Ellen’s ghost and suddenly her sense of reality and everything she thought she knew was thrown through the ringer. Was she having another breakdown or was Ellen somehow still alive?
As the story bounces back and forth from past to present, the reader gains more insight into Hannah’s home life and relationships with Ellen and Jago. Secrets from Hannah’s past slowly unravel and continue to be revealed as Hannah tries to unearth what really happened to Ellen all those years ago. The truth definitely caught me by surprise and I loved the way the story ended.
The only aspect of this book I didn’t like was the friendship/semi-attraction between Hannah and her co-worker, John. It just didn’t seem pertinent to the story at all and I felt like it was just thrown in their as filler.
Other than that, I thought it was a unique story and I enjoyed reading it.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
August 1, 2012
I waited with huge expectation for this book as I was such a fan of The Secrets Between Us and I can honestly say I wasn’t disappointed one bit.
Louise has written another gripping book that really takes you on a journey that you are unsure where it will lead you. In Her Shadow starts with Hannah in the present day, she glimpses something that throws her totally off-balance and makes her doubt everything she thinks she knows to be true. The book transports you back to her childhood with her ‘brother’ and best Friend, Ellen. What starts off as a normal childhood changes so dramatically.
Whilst there are lots of ‘flash backs’ and chapters in the past as well as the present day, it is extremely easy to read and understand where you are.
As with Louise’s last book, there is a chilling feel to the book and an uncertainty of what will happen next. Beautifully written and powerful descriptive passages. This is really a book that makes you think and whilst you may or may not like the leading characters (I did), I don’t think that matters as the whole story will captivate you until you turn to the very last page and a very satisfying ending
Louise has written another gripping book that really takes you on a journey that you are unsure where it will lead you. In Her Shadow starts with Hannah in the present day, she glimpses something that throws her totally off-balance and makes her doubt everything she thinks she knows to be true. The book transports you back to her childhood with her ‘brother’ and best Friend, Ellen. What starts off as a normal childhood changes so dramatically.
Whilst there are lots of ‘flash backs’ and chapters in the past as well as the present day, it is extremely easy to read and understand where you are.
As with Louise’s last book, there is a chilling feel to the book and an uncertainty of what will happen next. Beautifully written and powerful descriptive passages. This is really a book that makes you think and whilst you may or may not like the leading characters (I did), I don’t think that matters as the whole story will captivate you until you turn to the very last page and a very satisfying ending
February 10, 2020
I'm starting to think that Louise Douglas is a one-hit wonder for me, and that's a bummer. I really enjoyed The Secret by the Lake, begrudgingly finished and had many, many gripes about Your Beautiful Lies, and got about 50 pages into this book and realized I had no desire to continue. Nothing about the story was pulling me in. I wasn't connected to the characters, I don't really want to find out what the big "mystery/reveal" is because I simply didn't care. So I rage quit.
My first DNF of 2020...whoops.
My first DNF of 2020...whoops.
May 9, 2019
Started off well, got better, then went downhill fast in the last chapter or two :(
January 30, 2021
A bit melodramatic
February 25, 2021
I kept thinking there would be a bigger reveal or point to Hannah's obsession and mental anguish. She had spent so many years tormented by Ellen. I was kind of let down by the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
Hannah Brown thinks she's suffering a nervous breakdown when she sees her best friend at the museum she works at. The best friend that died at age eighteen. Hannah still feels guilty about the events surrounding her friends death so she's determined to find out the truth... did Ellen survive after all our is her mind playing tricks on her. Told in flashbacks to twenty years before in her childhood with Ellen, Hannah, and her brother Jago and their changing friendship, to the present with Hannah struggling to understand what's happening to her. This mystery will keep you on your toes.
I really enjoyed this story and I was heartbroken at the end when I read what really happened. Hannah seemed completely clueless about so many things, believing Ellen to be exaggerating for attention. The character I sympathized with the most was Jago and the terrible way Hannah treated him over her jealousy.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this story and I was heartbroken at the end when I read what really happened. Hannah seemed completely clueless about so many things, believing Ellen to be exaggerating for attention. The character I sympathized with the most was Jago and the terrible way Hannah treated him over her jealousy.
I received an advance reader copy of this book. The views and opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and given voluntarily.
April 6, 2021
The story of two best friends told from two periods in time. The first is the story of the friendship of two teens, one from privilege, Ellen, and one from more modest means, Hannah. Hannah is a good friend to Ellen through the death of Ellen's mother and Ellen's abusive father. Hannah can't stand that Ellen and Hannah's brother have become lovers and that they want to run away to America when Hannah turns 18. The second story is Hannah grown up dealing with the death of her friend Ellen. She keeps thinking she sees Ellen and has convinced herself that Ellen is still alive. Of course there is a logical explanation to all of this drama and all is revealed near the end of the story. It was annoying in the story that Hannah always had crushes on the most unavailable people, Ellen's father, her brother, and her married co-worker. Two stars.
November 15, 2017
The main character Hannah was portrayed so innocently and truthfully that I could see her being a kid when I was at school. The parts written by the younger Hannah just read so poetically true to a young child with their thoughts and insecurities and beliefs. Likewise Ellen's child persona was so similar to some that I was friends with at school! So realistic it was quite breathtaking.
The adult Hannah obviously felt so much guilt and wouldn't allow herself to forgive the younger her.
I can't say anymore without giving things away, but only wish to say that I found this book extremely enjoyable and especially as it has seen me through a really bad cough/cold and chest infection.
The adult Hannah obviously felt so much guilt and wouldn't allow herself to forgive the younger her.
I can't say anymore without giving things away, but only wish to say that I found this book extremely enjoyable and especially as it has seen me through a really bad cough/cold and chest infection.
August 2, 2020
I didn't know what to expect when I started this book. All I knew was that it was a romantic novel, which is something I don't usually read.
But when I started in the first chapter it almost felt like I was reading a thriller!
It had some moments where the main character Hannah had some experiences where she got scared, and it was written so well that I got scared as well.
Overall the story was surprising and had some unexpected twists and endings which made the book so much better than I thought it would be. Couldn't stop reading!
But when I started in the first chapter it almost felt like I was reading a thriller!
It had some moments where the main character Hannah had some experiences where she got scared, and it was written so well that I got scared as well.
Overall the story was surprising and had some unexpected twists and endings which made the book so much better than I thought it would be. Couldn't stop reading!
September 1, 2023
What a load of crap! Hannah was one of the worst people I’ve ever read about. I can understand teenage obsession and how she felt for Mr Brecht. But why did she think Ellen was a liar?
Hannah is a horrible human she just left Ellen with her Dad though she was 18 and an ADULT and he was at that point holding her hostage with a gun.
Ellen apparently survived 2 months heavily pregnant in a tent with a camp stove and a few tins of food. The Aunty presumably left Ellen’s body on the beach and hotfooted it back to Germany with a baby? With no passport? Uggghhhh it was all bullshit.
Hannah is a horrible human she just left Ellen with her Dad though she was 18 and an ADULT and he was at that point holding her hostage with a gun.
Ellen apparently survived 2 months heavily pregnant in a tent with a camp stove and a few tins of food. The Aunty presumably left Ellen’s body on the beach and hotfooted it back to Germany with a baby? With no passport? Uggghhhh it was all bullshit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book I loved the ending and wished there was a sequel.
I did find both Ellen and Hannah to be quite annoying characters as both seemed self obsessed.
I wish for Ellen that her Aunt could have got to her sooner
It didn't explain who was on the cliff when she went to cornwall but maybe that was Hannah's imagination as she did seem delusional.
It did take a while for the book to get going and I did feel the end could have been paced out better
I did find both Ellen and Hannah to be quite annoying characters as both seemed self obsessed.
I wish for Ellen that her Aunt could have got to her sooner
It didn't explain who was on the cliff when she went to cornwall but maybe that was Hannah's imagination as she did seem delusional.
It did take a while for the book to get going and I did feel the end could have been paced out better
February 25, 2021
ENJOYED IMMENSELY
What a wonderful novel. Friendship between the three main characters is as real as it gets. The author takes you from their childhood to their adult years. You are pulled into their lives, loves, losses, feelings, thoughts, dreams and wishes. I could relate to each character , enjoyed their antics and secrets. A well rounded novel written beautifully, easy to follow, brilliantly crafted...highly recommend! Look forward to reading more of this Author's works.
What a wonderful novel. Friendship between the three main characters is as real as it gets. The author takes you from their childhood to their adult years. You are pulled into their lives, loves, losses, feelings, thoughts, dreams and wishes. I could relate to each character , enjoyed their antics and secrets. A well rounded novel written beautifully, easy to follow, brilliantly crafted...highly recommend! Look forward to reading more of this Author's works.
August 28, 2024
Un romanzo poco conosciuto e pubblicizzato, che però mi ha sorpreso!
Dopo un inizio un po' lento, pian piano la storia prende vita, e rapisce il lettore per farlo arrivare alla fine del libro, con relativo colpo di scena che, anche se non eclatante, conclude degnamente il libro.
Un po' thriller, un po' romanzo di formazione, un po' storia familiare e sentimentale: ce n'è per tutti i gusti e penso possa piacere a un vasto pubblico.
Dopo un inizio un po' lento, pian piano la storia prende vita, e rapisce il lettore per farlo arrivare alla fine del libro, con relativo colpo di scena che, anche se non eclatante, conclude degnamente il libro.
Un po' thriller, un po' romanzo di formazione, un po' storia familiare e sentimentale: ce n'è per tutti i gusti e penso possa piacere a un vasto pubblico.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 128 reviews