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In His Shadow
She wants to forget her past. He wants to control her present. And her future.
When university lecturer, Nicola, meets Hugh, she knows immediately that getting over her father’s suicide, and being dumped by her former long-term partner are events she can now recover from.
But to the exclusion of all others, Hugh swiftly assumes control over Nicola’s life. Even when caution is urged by everyone around her, it doesn’t stop Nicole rushing headlong into a marriage that grants Hugh access to her money, her home, her heart, and then her mind.
Will anyone be able to drag Nicola out of her husband’s shadow before she fades into it completely?
When university lecturer, Nicola, meets Hugh, she knows immediately that getting over her father’s suicide, and being dumped by her former long-term partner are events she can now recover from.
But to the exclusion of all others, Hugh swiftly assumes control over Nicola’s life. Even when caution is urged by everyone around her, it doesn’t stop Nicole rushing headlong into a marriage that grants Hugh access to her money, her home, her heart, and then her mind.
Will anyone be able to drag Nicola out of her husband’s shadow before she fades into it completely?
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2022
About the author
Maria Frankland
176 books602 followersMaria Frankland has a dubious internet search history and a very worried mother-in-law. However, neither of these things can stop her writing gripping psychological thrillers in which you’ll never find a happy-ever-after.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
Her novels are mostly set in Yorkshire where you’ll hear the accent through all her characters. These are people you could live next door to, or closer still… don’t say you haven’t been warned.
Maria’s novels are fast-paced, down to earth and realistic. You never know what’s around the corner…
Find out more about Maria at https://www.mariafrankland.co.uk. Whilst you’re there, you can download your free novella – The Brother-in-Law.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 2, 2025DNF ~55 %
I was honestly excited about this book. The premise drew me in but everything fell flat and I couldn’t keep going. No way I’d give this another chance.
First reason: the main character was incredibly frustrating. I honestly wanted to shake her!
I gave her the benefit of the doubt at first she’d been through loss and just wanted to feel safe again. But come on. She was completely blind to all the red flags.
Her behavior was painfully naïve. Every time her husband gave her a perfect excuse to walk away, she made up excuses for him!
What made it worse was that she was aware of his toxic behavior, and still convinced herself he’d be "normal again in an hour." And he was just long enough to drain her again.
Honestly? No sympathy left
On top of that, the pacing was super slow. The plot felt repetitive same situations, same emotions, same confusion.
The tone was heavy, dark, and emotionally draining. It started to affect my mood, and I could barely manage 10-15 pages a day.
In short: I wasn’t enjoying it, and it felt like a waste of time🤷🏼♀️
I was honestly excited about this book. The premise drew me in but everything fell flat and I couldn’t keep going. No way I’d give this another chance.
First reason: the main character was incredibly frustrating. I honestly wanted to shake her!
I gave her the benefit of the doubt at first she’d been through loss and just wanted to feel safe again. But come on. She was completely blind to all the red flags.
Her behavior was painfully naïve. Every time her husband gave her a perfect excuse to walk away, she made up excuses for him!
What made it worse was that she was aware of his toxic behavior, and still convinced herself he’d be "normal again in an hour." And he was just long enough to drain her again.
Honestly? No sympathy left
On top of that, the pacing was super slow. The plot felt repetitive same situations, same emotions, same confusion.
The tone was heavy, dark, and emotionally draining. It started to affect my mood, and I could barely manage 10-15 pages a day.
In short: I wasn’t enjoying it, and it felt like a waste of time🤷🏼♀️
April 14, 2022
My goodness what a blood boiling read. Right from the beginning I detested one character and got frustrated by another.... I knew I was in for a thrilling read! This book has menace and manipulation written into its core. Love is blind....isn't it just! Poor Nicola, who on the whole seemed like an intelligent lady but after a traumatic twelve months she was distraught, loosing her mother, her father and her long term live in partner can do that to you. Lonely and very vunerable she gets swept off her feet in a whirl wind romance. Just the tonic she needed...or so she thought.
I loved this book! I was shouting at both characters for different reasons! When you can see what is happening and can't do anything to help it drives you crazy!
A brilliantly written and very addictive read. I need to let me nails grow back....eek!
Very much recommended.
I loved this book! I was shouting at both characters for different reasons! When you can see what is happening and can't do anything to help it drives you crazy!
A brilliantly written and very addictive read. I need to let me nails grow back....eek!
Very much recommended.
May 2, 2022
If you are or have been the victim of gaslighting or know someone who you suspect is in this position, read this book.
Nicola is a bright, articulate successful university lecturer and Head of the English Department. Her mother succumbed to cancer and a few months later her father committed suicide. Her sorrow is compounded when her partner of many years, Jason, breaks up with her and admits to having an affair which has resulted in the other woman falling pregnant. Admittedly, this would make most people depressed. In an effort to lift her spirits her colleagues insist she join a dating site. Enter Hugh. A man who supposedly sweeps her off her feet and proposes to her 5 weeks later. She accepts and the moment the knot is tied without a second to spare, his gaslighting of her begins to the point where I wanted to shake her. It's also why this lost a star for me. Any person deceived as Nicola was by Jason would be more weary of jumping into a relationship let alone marriage with a man she literally knows nothing about including not knowing where he works, despising his twin brother and opening up a joint bank accounts into which she transfers a significant portion of her sizeable inheritance. Her neediness and gullibility though compounded by Hugh's drugging of her didn't ring true. Nonetheless, a page-turner. 4 stars.
Nicola is a bright, articulate successful university lecturer and Head of the English Department. Her mother succumbed to cancer and a few months later her father committed suicide. Her sorrow is compounded when her partner of many years, Jason, breaks up with her and admits to having an affair which has resulted in the other woman falling pregnant. Admittedly, this would make most people depressed. In an effort to lift her spirits her colleagues insist she join a dating site. Enter Hugh. A man who supposedly sweeps her off her feet and proposes to her 5 weeks later. She accepts and the moment the knot is tied without a second to spare, his gaslighting of her begins to the point where I wanted to shake her. It's also why this lost a star for me. Any person deceived as Nicola was by Jason would be more weary of jumping into a relationship let alone marriage with a man she literally knows nothing about including not knowing where he works, despising his twin brother and opening up a joint bank accounts into which she transfers a significant portion of her sizeable inheritance. Her neediness and gullibility though compounded by Hugh's drugging of her didn't ring true. Nonetheless, a page-turner. 4 stars.
September 10, 2022
Maria Frankland is rapidly becoming a queen of domestic thrillers and with In His Shadow, we meet Nicola who is getting over the loss of her parents and abrupt ending of a long term relationship when she meet Hugh via a dating app. After a whirlwind romance, they get married.......and then the story - and problems - begin, starting literally after the wedding. It has to be said that Hugh is one of the most dislikable characters I've read in a while as his emotional and occasional physical abuse of Nicola turns her into a shadow of what she was as he aims to control every little aspect of her life.
The first half of the book is tough to read as you want Nicola just to fight back before getting an insight as to what's she is thinking and feeling before a few unexpected twists and turns take the story on a different road to what I expected. Yes its a work of fiction but Gaslighting is a very real danger in today's world and if this book helps anyone in any way then it will be worth it and it certainly opened my eyes to how nasty people can be. Definitely recommended but could be a trigger for some.
The first half of the book is tough to read as you want Nicola just to fight back before getting an insight as to what's she is thinking and feeling before a few unexpected twists and turns take the story on a different road to what I expected. Yes its a work of fiction but Gaslighting is a very real danger in today's world and if this book helps anyone in any way then it will be worth it and it certainly opened my eyes to how nasty people can be. Definitely recommended but could be a trigger for some.
April 15, 2022
This is a such a dark, domestic thriller even by Maria Frankland’s high standard of dark, domestic thrillers.
The way Maria Frankland takes us inside Nicola’s mind is brilliant. From the outset you know Hugh is a baddun and under normal circumstances anyone with half a brain would run a mile but these are not normal circumstances for Nicola. Both her parents have died within a very short space of time and she has been dumped by her long term boyfriend to whom she has given the best years of her life or at least her child bearing years. She has never been so low or so lonely and is desperate to find love and therefore ripe for the abusive relationship she now finds herself in. Hugh, the master manipulator and gaslighter extrordinaire. This, however, is not just a novel about coercive control in a marriage. It has many strands and just when you think poor Nicola’s life can’t get any worse. It does.
The way Maria Frankland takes us inside Nicola’s mind is brilliant. From the outset you know Hugh is a baddun and under normal circumstances anyone with half a brain would run a mile but these are not normal circumstances for Nicola. Both her parents have died within a very short space of time and she has been dumped by her long term boyfriend to whom she has given the best years of her life or at least her child bearing years. She has never been so low or so lonely and is desperate to find love and therefore ripe for the abusive relationship she now finds herself in. Hugh, the master manipulator and gaslighter extrordinaire. This, however, is not just a novel about coercive control in a marriage. It has many strands and just when you think poor Nicola’s life can’t get any worse. It does.
March 3, 2026
In His Shadow by Maria Frankland is an incredibly frustrating domestic thriller because the main character, Nicola, is a total pushover for no reason whatsoever! Literally, there is zero reason for her to be so stupid, but somehow she is, and it was complicated for me to get through the first part of the book—all I wanted to do was scream at her!
Thankfully, the second part of the book is better and less frustrating, and I was actually satisfied with the ending.
If I were recommending this to others, I’d say you must be into this specific sub-genre, because while the main character is technically a strong woman, she acts absolutely pathetic and brainless; you need a lot of patience to get through the start.
Luckily, the story is easy to follow as it is presented only in the present from Nicola's point of view. There are some surprises and twists, and as I mentioned, the ending was satisfying. It earns 4 frustrating stars from me.
Thankfully, the second part of the book is better and less frustrating, and I was actually satisfied with the ending.
If I were recommending this to others, I’d say you must be into this specific sub-genre, because while the main character is technically a strong woman, she acts absolutely pathetic and brainless; you need a lot of patience to get through the start.
Luckily, the story is easy to follow as it is presented only in the present from Nicola's point of view. There are some surprises and twists, and as I mentioned, the ending was satisfying. It earns 4 frustrating stars from me.
February 3, 2023
IN HIS SHADOW
With such an enticing prologue I absolutely had to continue reading this book.
Although I was conscientious that it would be some what predictable; based on the title. I just prayed that it would have a thrilling twist like no other.
But I found it exactly as I was expecting, predictable making the plot thin and the abrupt ending fell flat.
A frustrating read that I was expecting so much more from.
With such an enticing prologue I absolutely had to continue reading this book.
Although I was conscientious that it would be some what predictable; based on the title. I just prayed that it would have a thrilling twist like no other.
But I found it exactly as I was expecting, predictable making the plot thin and the abrupt ending fell flat.
A frustrating read that I was expecting so much more from.
April 20, 2025
I felt like this book was very slow and repetitive and then everything happened all at once towards the end. I would’ve like to have more plot twists. Overall it was a good book just a little too slow and boring for me.
April 29, 2022
Maria knows how to get your blood boiling and hating characters. From the start of this book, I knew that I would become frustrated with certain MC. There were even several parts of the book where I wanted to throw my kindle against the wall because I was getting so frustrated! Franklin knows how to write amazing domestic thrillers that just pull you in and make you want to see what is going to happen. Overall, ya’ll know how much I LOVE Franklin’s books and I would highly recommend this one if you can get past some of the characters frustrating moments!
July 26, 2025
Loved this book 🥰
September 22, 2022
I found it a little difficult to get into this book… not because it wasn’t good, but because the main characters frustrated me so much! But then I realised, that this is part of the journey of this book, and the fact that it brings up these emotions, I’m sure is very deliberate. I am SOOOO glad I stuck with it to the end. Lots of drama waiting…What a read!
April 14, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book and must say a huge thank you to the author for this.
As ever Maria as produced another cracking psychological thriller that grips you immediately, I actually couldn't put it down and devoured it in a couple of hours! The characters are great and the story maintains it's pace until the very end.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers give this a read as well as others by Maria, you most certainly won't be disappointed!
As ever Maria as produced another cracking psychological thriller that grips you immediately, I actually couldn't put it down and devoured it in a couple of hours! The characters are great and the story maintains it's pace until the very end.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers give this a read as well as others by Maria, you most certainly won't be disappointed!
April 14, 2022
Absolutely fantastic read, her best yet! I read it as an advance reader and it took me through every emotion I have. Started off really frustrated by the female subject and it got worse as I read on. Then sympathy started to creep in. I had to keep putting the book down I was so wound up. I can’t recommend this book enough and look forward to seeing other reviews of it on here
March 6, 2022
Maria Frankland delivers yet again, this was an addictive domestic thriller with twists and turns. I just had to finish it within one afternoon as I really wanted to see where it went, just loved it.
I did feel I knew part of the answer but had no idea how it would get there, that is the fun of her books.
I would fully recommend
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
I did feel I knew part of the answer but had no idea how it would get there, that is the fun of her books.
I would fully recommend
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
September 4, 2022
This one made me uncomfortable. I just wanted to grab Nicola and shake some sense into her.
December 31, 2025
Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In His Shadow by Maria Frankland
What can I say… this woman just knows how to write. Not every story needs to reinvent the wheel or emotionally stab me in a brand-new spot—but somehow Maria still keeps me turning page after page after page like my life depends on it. And honestly? Sometimes it feels like it does.
My inner detective clocked a few things early on (small victory dance 🕵️♀️), and yes, that little spark of I knew it made my heart do a smug hop. But did that stop me from reading? Absolutely not. Because Maria doesn’t just tell a story—she drags you into it, locks the door behind you, and hands you a front-row seat to your own doubts.
And that’s her real talent.
She makes me question my questions.
She pokes my trust issues with a sharp stick and then watches me still trust anyway.
Every. Damn. Time.
The truly unsettling part? How quickly you start doubting yourself. Way sooner than you doubt anyone else. Your sanity becomes the first thing on the chopping block. Why? No clue. But watching a strong woman—someone who had a life, a future, things going for her—slowly unravel after loss upon loss hit me right in the chest. Job. Friends. Family. Even her grip on reality. Gone. One by one. Quietly. Brutally. Believably.
That one hurt.
Because it shows just how fast life can flip on you when you’re isolated. How easy it is to lose everything—including yourself—while still trying to convince the world (and yourself) that you’re fine.
And underneath all that darkness? The simplest, saddest truth of all:
We all want the same thing.
To be loved.
To be heard.
To be seen.
Four painfully earned stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—because some of Maria’s other books cut me even deeper, and this one didn’t quite twist the knife as far. Still sharp. Still effective. Just… slightly less blood on the floor.
Cuddle up.
Have a drink within reach.
Keep your best friend on speed dial.
You’re going to want them once you close this book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In His Shadow by Maria Frankland
What can I say… this woman just knows how to write. Not every story needs to reinvent the wheel or emotionally stab me in a brand-new spot—but somehow Maria still keeps me turning page after page after page like my life depends on it. And honestly? Sometimes it feels like it does.
My inner detective clocked a few things early on (small victory dance 🕵️♀️), and yes, that little spark of I knew it made my heart do a smug hop. But did that stop me from reading? Absolutely not. Because Maria doesn’t just tell a story—she drags you into it, locks the door behind you, and hands you a front-row seat to your own doubts.
And that’s her real talent.
She makes me question my questions.
She pokes my trust issues with a sharp stick and then watches me still trust anyway.
Every. Damn. Time.
The truly unsettling part? How quickly you start doubting yourself. Way sooner than you doubt anyone else. Your sanity becomes the first thing on the chopping block. Why? No clue. But watching a strong woman—someone who had a life, a future, things going for her—slowly unravel after loss upon loss hit me right in the chest. Job. Friends. Family. Even her grip on reality. Gone. One by one. Quietly. Brutally. Believably.
That one hurt.
Because it shows just how fast life can flip on you when you’re isolated. How easy it is to lose everything—including yourself—while still trying to convince the world (and yourself) that you’re fine.
And underneath all that darkness? The simplest, saddest truth of all:
We all want the same thing.
To be loved.
To be heard.
To be seen.
Four painfully earned stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️—because some of Maria’s other books cut me even deeper, and this one didn’t quite twist the knife as far. Still sharp. Still effective. Just… slightly less blood on the floor.
Cuddle up.
Have a drink within reach.
Keep your best friend on speed dial.
You’re going to want them once you close this book.
February 12, 2026
ondearon una bandera roja del tamaño de Rusia frente a la cara de Nicola y ella aún así dijo; Sí, creo que es buena idea casarme con un tipo que conozco hace 5 SE-MA-NAS.
honestamente odié este libro hasta el punto de que cada linea que pasaba me hacía DOLER la cabeza. Pero literalmente, solo quería que el libro acabara de una vez por todas. Todos son desesperantes, aunque Nicola se lleva el primer puesto. Empatizo con ella, pero dale amiga, no podés ser tan bolu a tus 45 años.
por otro lado, no comprendo cómo es que Nicola pudo perdonar a Julie. A ver, si, Julie la pasó por culpa de sus padres, pero por eso se supone que tiene justificación para ir en contra de su hermana que no tenía nada que ver?? hola?? estamos todos locos o q???
por otro lado, siento que le faltó algo al libro. hasta siendo así de corto me pareció súper tedioso porque la trama es: Nicola es una bolu, Hugh es un forro hdp. literalmente a cada párrafo me quería arrancar los pelos de la rabia. de todos modos, termine el libro en un día así que supongo que puedo quejarme todo lo que quiera, pero eso no quita que esya autora realmente sepa cómo engancharme.
pd: Es mi quinto libro consecutivo de la autora y honestamente creo que por el momento voy a parar con sus libros.
pd2: me parece súper cute que la autora siempre dedique sus historias a su marido y encima, en los agradecimientos del final, siempre está en primer lugar su él 😭💓
honestamente odié este libro hasta el punto de que cada linea que pasaba me hacía DOLER la cabeza. Pero literalmente, solo quería que el libro acabara de una vez por todas. Todos son desesperantes, aunque Nicola se lleva el primer puesto. Empatizo con ella, pero dale amiga, no podés ser tan bolu a tus 45 años.
por otro lado, no comprendo cómo es que Nicola pudo perdonar a Julie. A ver, si, Julie la pasó por culpa de sus padres, pero por eso se supone que tiene justificación para ir en contra de su hermana que no tenía nada que ver?? hola?? estamos todos locos o q???
por otro lado, siento que le faltó algo al libro. hasta siendo así de corto me pareció súper tedioso porque la trama es: Nicola es una bolu, Hugh es un forro hdp. literalmente a cada párrafo me quería arrancar los pelos de la rabia. de todos modos, termine el libro en un día así que supongo que puedo quejarme todo lo que quiera, pero eso no quita que esya autora realmente sepa cómo engancharme.
pd: Es mi quinto libro consecutivo de la autora y honestamente creo que por el momento voy a parar con sus libros.
pd2: me parece súper cute que la autora siempre dedique sus historias a su marido y encima, en los agradecimientos del final, siempre está en primer lugar su él 😭💓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Maria Frankland's novel, "In His Shadow," is a gripping psychological thriller. The protagonist, Nicola, carries the weight of profound loss, having endured the tragedy of losing her parents and the heartbreak of a failed relationship. Seeking solace and companionship, she encounters Hugh, a charming and enigmatic man. However, beneath his alluring facade lurks a sinister secret. As their romance blossoms into a whirlwind marriage, Hugh's true nature gradually unravels. With calculated precision, he exerts control over Nicola's life, manipulating her emotions and isolating her from the world. His insidious motives become apparent as he targets her financial resources.
Maria Frankland's writing masterfully captures the psychological torment endured by Nicola as she grapples with the duality of Hugh's character. The novel delves into the devastating impact of emotional manipulation, exploring the corrosive effects it has on self-esteem and trust.
This fast paced and gripping story captivated me from the start and kept me turning the pages. The suspense and tension built with every chapter.
Maria Frankland's writing masterfully captures the psychological torment endured by Nicola as she grapples with the duality of Hugh's character. The novel delves into the devastating impact of emotional manipulation, exploring the corrosive effects it has on self-esteem and trust.
This fast paced and gripping story captivated me from the start and kept me turning the pages. The suspense and tension built with every chapter.
August 10, 2025
It's Nicola and Hugh's wedding day. Hugh has insisted they keep it small and informal, just themselves and two witnesses. After having her heart broken by a previous boyfriend Nicola is looking to the future. Although the couple haven't known each other long, it feels right and Nicola loves Hugh and Hugh loves her...doesn't he?
But the couples wedding day ends in heartache for Nicola, Hugh dumped her at their hotel and disappeared with his twin brother Gary. He didn't come back and Nicola had to go back home alone. What should have been the happiest day of her life turned into her worst. But this is just the start of Hugh's bullying and abuse against poor Nicola, there is much worse to come...
I have wanted to try this author's work for sometime as I've read lots of good reviews. I enjoyed the book, but have to say at times the writing felt a little amateurish and the storyline was nothing original. Having said that the characters were all well-rounded; Hugh was totally loathsome and Nicola well I just wanted to shake her she was so gullible!!! Overall an enjoyable quick read.
But the couples wedding day ends in heartache for Nicola, Hugh dumped her at their hotel and disappeared with his twin brother Gary. He didn't come back and Nicola had to go back home alone. What should have been the happiest day of her life turned into her worst. But this is just the start of Hugh's bullying and abuse against poor Nicola, there is much worse to come...
I have wanted to try this author's work for sometime as I've read lots of good reviews. I enjoyed the book, but have to say at times the writing felt a little amateurish and the storyline was nothing original. Having said that the characters were all well-rounded; Hugh was totally loathsome and Nicola well I just wanted to shake her she was so gullible!!! Overall an enjoyable quick read.
September 1, 2025
This one was entertaining, addictive, and just maddening enough to make me yell at my Kindle a few times. It was giving me some serious British Freida vibes.
Nicola has had a rough run; losing her mom to cancer, her dad to suicide, and then her long-term partner bailing (and getting someone else pregnant!). Her friends convince her maybe she should download a dating app… She matches with Hugh who is sweet, thoughtful, almost too good to be true… which, of course, means he absolutely was.
The two wed, and things go downhill FAST. I have never been so mad at a MMC (manipulative, gaslighting, lying, controlling POS), but almost equally mad at the MFC for being so painfully gullible and dumb. Yes, she was hurt. Yes, she was in love. But my GODDDD. SERIOUSLY?!
This is a wild ride about how quickly one man can take over a woman’s life, and how hard it can be to claw back out…
I did predict parts of it, but not nearly to the extent they unraveled, and I loved that.
I honestly can’t remember who recommended this to me, but I’m paying it forward: if you like quick, psychological reads about toxic, abusive relationships that spiral out of control… this one’s for you!
Nicola has had a rough run; losing her mom to cancer, her dad to suicide, and then her long-term partner bailing (and getting someone else pregnant!). Her friends convince her maybe she should download a dating app… She matches with Hugh who is sweet, thoughtful, almost too good to be true… which, of course, means he absolutely was.
The two wed, and things go downhill FAST. I have never been so mad at a MMC (manipulative, gaslighting, lying, controlling POS), but almost equally mad at the MFC for being so painfully gullible and dumb. Yes, she was hurt. Yes, she was in love. But my GODDDD. SERIOUSLY?!
This is a wild ride about how quickly one man can take over a woman’s life, and how hard it can be to claw back out…
I did predict parts of it, but not nearly to the extent they unraveled, and I loved that.
I honestly can’t remember who recommended this to me, but I’m paying it forward: if you like quick, psychological reads about toxic, abusive relationships that spiral out of control… this one’s for you!
April 16, 2025
I love Maria Frankland’s books, and have read all but 2 now (give me a few days and I’ll have them all caught up)… This one I very nearly gave up in the beginning and throughout the first third of the book because it was absolutely infuriating me! It is written in such a way that the reader can see exactly what is going on and is absolutely helpless to do anything about it. As is the case with most of Frankland’s books, I had at least one character that I wished I could reach in and knock some sense into, and at least one (or more) that I wished someone would just go ahead and murder. Anyway, I did not give up, because having read so many of her books, I knew better than to do that. So I kept on and as is usual, the book got better as the first twist was revealed, and at that point, I couldn’t put the book down and finished the last 2/3 in one sitting. Some of her endings tend to be a little abrupt, but this one was not, and it was wrapped up well. I’m off to finish my last two well before her next new release at the end of May!
January 4, 2024
One for the Books
I spent the first half of the book internally criticizing the main character. It was actually painful to read. But something grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I'm very glad that I read the whole book. The pacing was so slow at first that I was willing it to move faster. And then it did, like a rollercoaster. The characters ooze with real life emotion. I could easily picture them and mostly understand their behavior...so I was quite intrigued with the ending. I will not stop thinking about these characters and the real people who they represent. I looked up the term "gaslighting" and learned a lot. My heart goes out to victims of abuse, especially this form of abuse. If you'd like an intriguing story about real relationships, read this book. I hope you find it's concepts as interesting and disturbing as I did. I stayed up half the night reading to the point of exhaustion, the very definition of "unputdownable"!
I spent the first half of the book internally criticizing the main character. It was actually painful to read. But something grabbed me and wouldn't let go. I'm very glad that I read the whole book. The pacing was so slow at first that I was willing it to move faster. And then it did, like a rollercoaster. The characters ooze with real life emotion. I could easily picture them and mostly understand their behavior...so I was quite intrigued with the ending. I will not stop thinking about these characters and the real people who they represent. I looked up the term "gaslighting" and learned a lot. My heart goes out to victims of abuse, especially this form of abuse. If you'd like an intriguing story about real relationships, read this book. I hope you find it's concepts as interesting and disturbing as I did. I stayed up half the night reading to the point of exhaustion, the very definition of "unputdownable"!
August 18, 2022
This book started off exactly how I expected. Nicola, a woman who has just been through a lot of personal tragedy in her life, gets married too soon after meeting "the perfect" man. Of course, the perfect façade is dropped completely the day of their wedding, and everything goes downhill from there. The emotional abuse is appalling, and Nicola suffers under a control freak who is out to destroy her. I found myself almost wanting to put the book down at the obvious gaslighting techniques, but I reminded myself that this is really how a sociopath would act. The fact that the constant lies are obvious is irrelevant.
However, after having her food and drink drugged by her new hubby, Nicola makes a breakthrough, and the tides turn in a most satisfactory way.
However, after having her food and drink drugged by her new hubby, Nicola makes a breakthrough, and the tides turn in a most satisfactory way.
October 9, 2023
This was truly a thriller. The story was captivating, and the characters were well developed. Some you will love and some you will hate.
Nicola has had a horrible year, her mother passed away, then her father committed suicide and her boyfriend left her for another woman. Now Hugh has entered her life. He is handsome and treats her with love. In less than 2 months they get married. Now things change drastically. This is where the book gets interesting and frustrating (in a good way). I was so frustrated with Nicola allowing Hugh such control over her. If she were my friend, I would shake her and say, "really are you insane?" But then of course the book wouldn't be a page turner. I couldn't stop reading it. I love the ending. I won't tell you anymore except, if you like a true thriller, read it.
Nicola has had a horrible year, her mother passed away, then her father committed suicide and her boyfriend left her for another woman. Now Hugh has entered her life. He is handsome and treats her with love. In less than 2 months they get married. Now things change drastically. This is where the book gets interesting and frustrating (in a good way). I was so frustrated with Nicola allowing Hugh such control over her. If she were my friend, I would shake her and say, "really are you insane?" But then of course the book wouldn't be a page turner. I couldn't stop reading it. I love the ending. I won't tell you anymore except, if you like a true thriller, read it.
August 23, 2023
I’ve discovered a new author whose books I want to consume! I love her style! This book was engaging, disturbing, tragic, and emotional all in one! The protagonist just has a rough life! Bad things keep happening to her. She is both a frustrating and sympathetic character! Sometimes I just want to shake reality into her with the first thing is to protect her bank account! How can women be so gullible? But I’m a nerdy accountant so protecting my assets is a no-brainer for me! This book reads fast and, thank goodness, the ending is satisfying. That’s one great thing about this author.. so far I haven’t read any of her novels where she feels the need to add that extra chapter that ruins everything. Just let us be happy!
July 19, 2022
One of those books which have you wondering why an intelligent woman with a good career can be so gullible when it comes to love. Nicola is first let down by her new husband on her wedding day when he disappears and she spends the night alone. Things go from bad to worse when he becomes abusive and controlling and admits he’s with her for her inheritance.
A good read but I couldn’t help being frustrated that she’d rather be in a bad relationship than single again.
I won’t say more as don’t want to give anything away.
A good read but I couldn’t help being frustrated that she’d rather be in a bad relationship than single again.
I won’t say more as don’t want to give anything away.
January 5, 2023
Maria Frankland delivers yet again, this was a gripping, addictive domestic thriller with plenty of twists &turns. Love is blind....definitely in this case!
Right from the start this book had my blood boiling - I hated one character and was super frustrated by another. The manipulation & menace were non stop - The gas lighting was out of control 🔥
I enjoyed this book as I've enjoyed all Maria's books that I've read!!
Right from the start this book had my blood boiling - I hated one character and was super frustrated by another. The manipulation & menace were non stop - The gas lighting was out of control 🔥
I enjoyed this book as I've enjoyed all Maria's books that I've read!!
February 24, 2024
Wow
What a book. So very good. I did want to shake Nicola a few times to get some sense back into her. I absolutely love what Nicola and Julie done to Hugh's brother! There are so many twists in this book. It will grab you and not let up until the very end. Hugh definitely has some major issues. The way he treats people is unreal especially Nicola. If you enjoy domestic thrillers this is one you should definitely read.
What a book. So very good. I did want to shake Nicola a few times to get some sense back into her. I absolutely love what Nicola and Julie done to Hugh's brother! There are so many twists in this book. It will grab you and not let up until the very end. Hugh definitely has some major issues. The way he treats people is unreal especially Nicola. If you enjoy domestic thrillers this is one you should definitely read.
May 21, 2024
In his shadow by Maria Frankland, a superb story the first chapter got me hooked a body in the cellar. Then a wedding Nicola and Hugh and then everything seems to be not quite what it seems. Gripping page turner read it in one day/ night finished at 2.26am on a work day. Work on 3.5 hours sleep felt like jet lag. Great characters even the horrid ones. I had my ideas who I wanted the body in the cellar to be and not to be. It was so tense. 4* kindle.
March 25, 2026
I don't know how else to say this other than I did not like this book.
The first line of the prologue had me. I just knew I was gonna love this book. And then it was all downhill from there. I struggled so hard to finish this book. I actually wanted to DNF pretty much from 30%-60% in. But I had to know what happened from the prologue and what the neighbor Julie was up to. The last 30% of the book was decent and I appreciated the way the book was wrapped up, hence the 3 stars.
The first line of the prologue had me. I just knew I was gonna love this book. And then it was all downhill from there. I struggled so hard to finish this book. I actually wanted to DNF pretty much from 30%-60% in. But I had to know what happened from the prologue and what the neighbor Julie was up to. The last 30% of the book was decent and I appreciated the way the book was wrapped up, hence the 3 stars.
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