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Inspector Anjelica Henley #4
The Shadow Carver: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 10 Mar 26DI Henley faces her darkest challenge yet...
When a string of grisly murders begins painting the city in terror, DI Henley soon realise a vigilante killer is scalping their victims before leaving them for dead. Henley is thrust into a web of secrets, unravelling connections between the victims while battling demons from her own past. As the killer raises the stakes, the line between predator and prey begins to blur. With time slipping away and her own life in jeopardy, Henley must outwit a psychopath who views murder as an art form. Can she hunt them down before the final stroke of the scalpel closes the case forever?
When a string of grisly murders begins painting the city in terror, DI Henley soon realise a vigilante killer is scalping their victims before leaving them for dead. Henley is thrust into a web of secrets, unravelling connections between the victims while battling demons from her own past. As the killer raises the stakes, the line between predator and prey begins to blur. With time slipping away and her own life in jeopardy, Henley must outwit a psychopath who views murder as an art form. Can she hunt them down before the final stroke of the scalpel closes the case forever?
432 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
283 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Matheson
15 books1,140 followersNadine Matheson lives in London. She began her working life at the BBC and now practices as a criminal defence lawyer. In 2016, she won the City University Crime Writing Competition and has a MA in Creative Writing.
Her crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was published by HQ in 2021. The Jigsaw Man has been sold in 15 territories to date and will be translated into 15 languages.
Praise For The Jigsaw Man
"Matheson has a keen instinct for keeping the pages turning." New York Times
"This modern and multilayered take on the high-octane thriller keeps the pages turning" Oprah Daily
‘The Jigsaw Man ranks amongst the very best debut thrillers – we’re talking top-ten territory here – I’ve read this past decade… It evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world I’ve never even glimpsed, much less entered – neither in literature nor in life… Matheson’s voice is exciting, urgent… and, now more than ever, vital’ A.J. Finn
*Shortlisted for the 2022 Diverse Book Award*
*Shortlisted for the Dead Good Reads Award- 'Cold as Ice Award for most Chilling Read
*A Crime Reads Most Anticipated Book of 2021*
*The Best Crime Novels To Read in 2022 - The Evening Standard
Nadine Matheson is also the host of 'The Conversation Podcast with Nadine Matheson'. Her third novel in the Detective Inspector Henley series, The Kill List, will be released in May 2024.
Nadine Matheson is represented by Oli Munson of A.M. Heath Literary Agents.
www.nadinematheson.com
Her crime fiction novel, The Jigsaw Man, was published by HQ in 2021. The Jigsaw Man has been sold in 15 territories to date and will be translated into 15 languages.
Praise For The Jigsaw Man
"Matheson has a keen instinct for keeping the pages turning." New York Times
"This modern and multilayered take on the high-octane thriller keeps the pages turning" Oprah Daily
‘The Jigsaw Man ranks amongst the very best debut thrillers – we’re talking top-ten territory here – I’ve read this past decade… It evokes, vibrantly and indelibly, a world I’ve never even glimpsed, much less entered – neither in literature nor in life… Matheson’s voice is exciting, urgent… and, now more than ever, vital’ A.J. Finn
*Shortlisted for the 2022 Diverse Book Award*
*Shortlisted for the Dead Good Reads Award- 'Cold as Ice Award for most Chilling Read
*A Crime Reads Most Anticipated Book of 2021*
*The Best Crime Novels To Read in 2022 - The Evening Standard
Nadine Matheson is also the host of 'The Conversation Podcast with Nadine Matheson'. Her third novel in the Detective Inspector Henley series, The Kill List, will be released in May 2024.
Nadine Matheson is represented by Oli Munson of A.M. Heath Literary Agents.
www.nadinematheson.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 4, 2025
DI Anjelica Henley #4
Sian Fox-Carnell, a convicted killer, is released pending a re-trial after judges rule evidence given in her original trial is potentially unreliable and later she is discovered brutally murdered. Is her murder revenge after justice seems to fail?
The Serious Crimes Unit are called into assist an aggravated burglary but which is quickly ruled a murder and a strange one at that. It soon becomes apparent to the team that sinister and cruel murders are being committed and they have a distinctive and chilling signature. The hunt is on, but this killer seems to be one step ahead of this superb police team. How?
I can’t say that I’m not aware of how gritty this series is having read the previous three books and although this one has its dark and sinister moments, it’s perhaps not quite as jet black as the previous ones. That’s not to say that there aren’t some gruesome elements and it is unsettling that’s for sure. There are some tense and scary scenes and the plot is fast paced. It makes for compelling reading and it is hard to put down.
One of the greatest strengths of the series is the excellent characters that make up this police team. It gives what I imagine to be a realistic sense of what it’s like when you’re confronted with a very difficult inquiry with elusive perpetrators. The frustration and tension comes across loud and clear. There are very good dynamics between all the main characters but especially between Pellacia and Henley. This team certainly don’t hang back when they think that things need to be said even if it’s too those that outrank them. I’m not sure about the latest member to join the team hopefully temporarily but DC Copeland’s portrayal is very good but I’m with Henley on this one! I feel my own fists curling in irritation at times!
The plot builds well and has a good ending. It’s dramatic, chilling and action packed. If you like your police procedurals on the grittier side of life then check this series out as they’re well written crackers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
Sian Fox-Carnell, a convicted killer, is released pending a re-trial after judges rule evidence given in her original trial is potentially unreliable and later she is discovered brutally murdered. Is her murder revenge after justice seems to fail?
The Serious Crimes Unit are called into assist an aggravated burglary but which is quickly ruled a murder and a strange one at that. It soon becomes apparent to the team that sinister and cruel murders are being committed and they have a distinctive and chilling signature. The hunt is on, but this killer seems to be one step ahead of this superb police team. How?
I can’t say that I’m not aware of how gritty this series is having read the previous three books and although this one has its dark and sinister moments, it’s perhaps not quite as jet black as the previous ones. That’s not to say that there aren’t some gruesome elements and it is unsettling that’s for sure. There are some tense and scary scenes and the plot is fast paced. It makes for compelling reading and it is hard to put down.
One of the greatest strengths of the series is the excellent characters that make up this police team. It gives what I imagine to be a realistic sense of what it’s like when you’re confronted with a very difficult inquiry with elusive perpetrators. The frustration and tension comes across loud and clear. There are very good dynamics between all the main characters but especially between Pellacia and Henley. This team certainly don’t hang back when they think that things need to be said even if it’s too those that outrank them. I’m not sure about the latest member to join the team hopefully temporarily but DC Copeland’s portrayal is very good but I’m with Henley on this one! I feel my own fists curling in irritation at times!
The plot builds well and has a good ending. It’s dramatic, chilling and action packed. If you like your police procedurals on the grittier side of life then check this series out as they’re well written crackers.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, this is the fourth book in the series featuring Inspector Anjelica Henley and it was brilliant, each time I read one of these books I think it can't get any better but they do and this one is no exception. A really fast paced story that drew me in from the first page and didn't let go until the last page where I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor.
December 30, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read this book in return for an honest review. I was so excited to read this book as I loved the previous three books in the series. These books get better and better with each one. The details are so realistic that I feel as though I work as part of the SCU team. Very graphic violence scenes but they fit so well with the characters and story. I loved the ongoing development of these characters and I cannot wait for the next book now as this one ended on such a cliffhanger. I highly recommend reading this series if you love crime thrillers. 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Nadine and Netgalley for allowing me to read The Shadow Carver, the 4th book in the series, before the publication date.
From the start, the story draws the reader in. Dark and gritty, it is not for the squeamish, but what would you expect from a unit which specialises in serial killers.
Despite the attempts by the higher echelons to discredit the team, the SCU are back. With budget cuts, many forces are trying to offload investigations which do not meet the SCU criteria, but it drains the SCU resources as each referral has to be checked and a decision made.
6 years earlier, Henley had been responsible for the conviction of district nurse, Sian Fox-Parnell on charges of murdering 2 patients and attempting to murder 2 more.
Due to the actions of a professsional witness at her trial, Fox-Parnell has appealed her conviction. The appeal court quashes her convictions and orders a retrial. Despite the representations of the prosecution, she is released on bail, albeit on a tag, much to the anger of the victims’ families and friends who are watching the proceedings.
As she leaves the court, Fox-Parnell warns Henley that she is coming for her next, only to appear near Henley’s home.
When the Intelligence Services arrive at the SCU office, alarm bells start to ring.
Meanwhile, a man is found badly injured in his garden. DC Copeland is the SIO who is keen to muscle her way into the SCU team.
With a strong cast of characters , each with their own issues and agendas, Nadine continues to capture the essence of their lives, both personal and professional.
Will the arrival of DC Copeland break the team?
From the start, the story draws the reader in. Dark and gritty, it is not for the squeamish, but what would you expect from a unit which specialises in serial killers.
Despite the attempts by the higher echelons to discredit the team, the SCU are back. With budget cuts, many forces are trying to offload investigations which do not meet the SCU criteria, but it drains the SCU resources as each referral has to be checked and a decision made.
6 years earlier, Henley had been responsible for the conviction of district nurse, Sian Fox-Parnell on charges of murdering 2 patients and attempting to murder 2 more.
Due to the actions of a professsional witness at her trial, Fox-Parnell has appealed her conviction. The appeal court quashes her convictions and orders a retrial. Despite the representations of the prosecution, she is released on bail, albeit on a tag, much to the anger of the victims’ families and friends who are watching the proceedings.
As she leaves the court, Fox-Parnell warns Henley that she is coming for her next, only to appear near Henley’s home.
When the Intelligence Services arrive at the SCU office, alarm bells start to ring.
Meanwhile, a man is found badly injured in his garden. DC Copeland is the SIO who is keen to muscle her way into the SCU team.
With a strong cast of characters , each with their own issues and agendas, Nadine continues to capture the essence of their lives, both personal and professional.
Will the arrival of DC Copeland break the team?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Carver by Nadine Matheson is a gripping contemporary psychological murder suspense that I just couldn’t put down. It is the fourth book in the Inspector Anjelica Henley series and can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, recommend reading the books in numerical order for character and storyline progression. Though each book deals with a new crime, there is one storyline that is running throughout the books. As this book ended, we are perfectly poised to pick up the thread in book five – and I cannot wait!
Once more we join inspector Anjelica Henley and her team as they chase a very gruesome serial killer or killers. It appears to be vigilante justice but who is the mastermind? Is there a mastermind?
The law enforcement team are relentless in their pursuit. We also witness personal relationships and office politics. There are personality clashes and jealousy over friendships. We see the back stories and families of some.
Family is important. Not just personal family but the police family too. They have each other’s backs. When one of their own is hurt, everyone picks up a piece of guilt.
Nadine Matheson has created another complex plotline which is extremely well executed. It is definitely not a book for the faint-hearted.
I think the whole Inspector Anjelica Henley series would make a fantastic television series – but I am not sure if I would be brave enough to watch it! Or if I would be peeping from behind a cushion!
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there are scenes in this book that those of a sensitive nature will not like.
Once more we join inspector Anjelica Henley and her team as they chase a very gruesome serial killer or killers. It appears to be vigilante justice but who is the mastermind? Is there a mastermind?
The law enforcement team are relentless in their pursuit. We also witness personal relationships and office politics. There are personality clashes and jealousy over friendships. We see the back stories and families of some.
Family is important. Not just personal family but the police family too. They have each other’s backs. When one of their own is hurt, everyone picks up a piece of guilt.
Nadine Matheson has created another complex plotline which is extremely well executed. It is definitely not a book for the faint-hearted.
I think the whole Inspector Anjelica Henley series would make a fantastic television series – but I am not sure if I would be brave enough to watch it! Or if I would be peeping from behind a cushion!
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A word of caution: there are scenes in this book that those of a sensitive nature will not like.
December 6, 2025
Nadine Matheson’s The Shadow Carver is a taut, chilling thriller that grips from the very first page and refuses to let go. DI Henley and the Serial Crimes Unit are thrust into a case that feels as much a psychological battle as a hunt for a killer. When a convicted murderer is released only to be found brutally slain, the team quickly realises this is no isolated crime—the signature left behind ties the killings together with a precision that is as cruel as it is calculated.
Matheson’s writing balances sharp procedural detail with an atmosphere of dread, pulling the reader into the dark corridors of the investigation. Each victim feels deliberately chosen, each crime scene a puzzle carved with shocking intent. Henley’s determination to stay one step ahead of a killer who always seems to be watching adds a relentless tension, while the interplay within the SCU brings humanity to the horror.
What makes the novel so compelling is its blend of grit and elegance: the brutality of the crimes is matched by Matheson’s deft storytelling, which keeps the pace brisk but never sacrifices depth. The result is a thriller that is both terrifying and addictive, a reminder of why Matheson has become a standout voice in crime fiction.
This is a story for readers who crave dark, intelligent mysteries—where the hunt is as much about understanding the mind of a killer as it is about stopping them before they strike again.
My thanks to Nadine Matheson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Matheson’s writing balances sharp procedural detail with an atmosphere of dread, pulling the reader into the dark corridors of the investigation. Each victim feels deliberately chosen, each crime scene a puzzle carved with shocking intent. Henley’s determination to stay one step ahead of a killer who always seems to be watching adds a relentless tension, while the interplay within the SCU brings humanity to the horror.
What makes the novel so compelling is its blend of grit and elegance: the brutality of the crimes is matched by Matheson’s deft storytelling, which keeps the pace brisk but never sacrifices depth. The result is a thriller that is both terrifying and addictive, a reminder of why Matheson has become a standout voice in crime fiction.
This is a story for readers who crave dark, intelligent mysteries—where the hunt is as much about understanding the mind of a killer as it is about stopping them before they strike again.
My thanks to Nadine Matheson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DI Henley and her team at the SCU face a new, grisly challenge, a killer is leaving a vicious signature on their victims and raising the stakes with shocking cruelty. Henley is thrust into a web of secrets and danger, will she manage to outwit a psychopath?
I’ve said before that I have loved this series from the start and I’m not about to change my mind - this definitely got me out of my reading slump and also has a great cover. The investigation in this book does not shy away from graphic, disturbing details but is done in an authentic and engrossing way. Every time I put the book down I would be thinking about it constantly until I could dive back in.
It was great seeing Henley and the team back, as well as some new characters. The team continue to feel real and likeable, with strongly formed relationships inside and outside their roles. I enjoyed the fact that there were a few threads running throughout the book and the way the author managed to make them all come together by the end. The overall story had the right amount of suspense, mystery and grittiness to keep the reader fully invested. This book is definitely worth a read for those who have enjoyed the series so far, however could also work as a stand alone, especially those who enjoy clever, multi layered, chilling police procedurals with an excellent cast of characters. I’m already looking forward to the next one! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I’ve said before that I have loved this series from the start and I’m not about to change my mind - this definitely got me out of my reading slump and also has a great cover. The investigation in this book does not shy away from graphic, disturbing details but is done in an authentic and engrossing way. Every time I put the book down I would be thinking about it constantly until I could dive back in.
It was great seeing Henley and the team back, as well as some new characters. The team continue to feel real and likeable, with strongly formed relationships inside and outside their roles. I enjoyed the fact that there were a few threads running throughout the book and the way the author managed to make them all come together by the end. The overall story had the right amount of suspense, mystery and grittiness to keep the reader fully invested. This book is definitely worth a read for those who have enjoyed the series so far, however could also work as a stand alone, especially those who enjoy clever, multi layered, chilling police procedurals with an excellent cast of characters. I’m already looking forward to the next one! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Shadow Carver drew me in right from the start and held my attention and interest to the last page. This is a very well written book that made me want to know more and had me constantly guessing who was responsible. I love the suspense and thrills the author brings to her writing and I really enjoyed being back with Henley and the team as they investigate what is initially and abduction which becomes a murder. The small snippets the author gives about the characters home and personal lives add to the story and I hope more is revealed re Rhimes in the future. Ramouter is fast becoming my firm favourite here, I really struggled to like Copeland though and hope she is with the team temporarily. If you like a book that hits the ground running, draws you in straightaway and is full of tension and suspense then this is for you. The plot is very believable and I can empathise with people wanting to get their own justice after the court system has failed them. If you are new to this author though I'd suggest you read the series in order to know the characters from the beginning. Really looking forward to the next book.
4 stars
4 stars
December 7, 2025
The Shadow Carver, Book 4 in Nadine Matheson’s brilliant DI Angelica Henley series, is dark, violent, and totally gripping from start to finish.
Nadine once again delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller that pulls you straight into the brutality of the case while keeping the focus firmly on the characters who drive the story.
One of the series’ greatest strengths remains the relationships within Henley’s team balancing their professional dynamics with just the right amount of insight into their personal lives, making them feel real, relatable, and easy to root for. The deeper look into who they are outside the job keeps readers fully engaged and emotionally invested.
The addition of new characters add fresh energy and new possibilities for future books. Watching how they slot into the team—and how they might shake things up going forward adds an extra layer of interest.
The Shadow Carver is another strong, compelling read in a consistently excellent series. I can’t recommend it enough.
Nadine once again delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller that pulls you straight into the brutality of the case while keeping the focus firmly on the characters who drive the story.
One of the series’ greatest strengths remains the relationships within Henley’s team balancing their professional dynamics with just the right amount of insight into their personal lives, making them feel real, relatable, and easy to root for. The deeper look into who they are outside the job keeps readers fully engaged and emotionally invested.
The addition of new characters add fresh energy and new possibilities for future books. Watching how they slot into the team—and how they might shake things up going forward adds an extra layer of interest.
The Shadow Carver is another strong, compelling read in a consistently excellent series. I can’t recommend it enough.
November 30, 2025
Another excellent novel featuring DI Anj Henley and her team. The Met's Serial Crimes Unit faces its biggest test as they chase a gang of killers. It's a gruesome task and the clues are thin on the ground.
Meanwhile a new detective forces her way onto the team, clashing with Henley immediately. She's not in the best of places anyway, following an affair with her boss and the difficulties of trying to resurrect her marriage. And it doesn't help that the apparent suicide of another senior colleague is on her mind - with his wife swearing that he wouldn't have killed himself leading her to review medical evidence. This leads on to several shocking finds ...
The Shadow Carver is dark and sinister, violent in places and utterly gripping. The characters on the team are well developed, and their personal lives as well as professional efforts play a large part in a multi-layered and complex novel.
Meanwhile a new detective forces her way onto the team, clashing with Henley immediately. She's not in the best of places anyway, following an affair with her boss and the difficulties of trying to resurrect her marriage. And it doesn't help that the apparent suicide of another senior colleague is on her mind - with his wife swearing that he wouldn't have killed himself leading her to review medical evidence. This leads on to several shocking finds ...
The Shadow Carver is dark and sinister, violent in places and utterly gripping. The characters on the team are well developed, and their personal lives as well as professional efforts play a large part in a multi-layered and complex novel.
December 10, 2025
A killer who cuts straight to the bone …
When a convicted killer is released and later found brutally murdered, DI Henley and the Serial Crimes Unit are pulled into a deadly investigation with links to other recent attacks – all the victims are connected by the vicious signature left behind by the killer.
I'm so glad I got an arc for this book, I love Nadine Matheson's books so much, the DI Henley series is one of my favourite police detective series, as usual it is very dark, very gory so please check the trigger warnings. The only issue I had (which is my fault) I struggled to remember who was who, I should have really done a re read of the other books before reading this, towards the middle I managed to get to grips with who everyone was again. Hoping the next book is out soon as I need to know what's going to happen 😅
When a convicted killer is released and later found brutally murdered, DI Henley and the Serial Crimes Unit are pulled into a deadly investigation with links to other recent attacks – all the victims are connected by the vicious signature left behind by the killer.
I'm so glad I got an arc for this book, I love Nadine Matheson's books so much, the DI Henley series is one of my favourite police detective series, as usual it is very dark, very gory so please check the trigger warnings. The only issue I had (which is my fault) I struggled to remember who was who, I should have really done a re read of the other books before reading this, towards the middle I managed to get to grips with who everyone was again. Hoping the next book is out soon as I need to know what's going to happen 😅
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DI Anjelica Henley and her colleagues in the SCU are furious when former nurse, Sian Fox-Carnell, who was convicted of the murder and attempted murder of some of her patients, is released on bail to await a retrial following an appeal. Within a few days Fox-Carnell is dead and the SCU are investigating her murder. When other attacks on people who had received non-custodial sentences or had been acquitted of all charges come to light, the team realise that a group of vigilantes are taking matters into their own hands and in particularly gruesome ways.
I've enjoyed the previous three books in this series and this is another brilliant read. Looking forward to reading more about Anjelica Henley and her team soon.
Thanks to Netgalley, HQ and Nadine Matheson for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I've enjoyed the previous three books in this series and this is another brilliant read. Looking forward to reading more about Anjelica Henley and her team soon.
Thanks to Netgalley, HQ and Nadine Matheson for the eARC of this book in return for an honest review.
December 6, 2025
The Shadow Carver is another gripping thriller by Nadine Matheson in the Inspector Henley series. The case is unsettling from the start as a series of disturbing discoveries pull Henley and her team into a tense investigation that tests their judgement and resolve. The writing is in such detail that at times the descriptions of the bodily harm done to some of the victims made my skin crawl! The pacing is tight and the atmosphere grows steadily more tense as the team uncovers the truth behind the Shadow Carver.the character building is on point, adding great depth to the storyline. This is a dark and engaging thriller with strong police procedural detail. I would like to thank NetGalley for this ARC.
December 9, 2025
This is a dark series and this one is no different it's an intense story and was interesting to see how the stories came together. It was a good read and it's well written but there's a few unnecessary fillers.
I have read the rest of the books in the series but I found that it was hard to get back into it and I realised that the team aren't that memorable, personable or likeable. I'm not sure if i will read more of the series.
I have read the rest of the books in the series but I found that it was hard to get back into it and I realised that the team aren't that memorable, personable or likeable. I'm not sure if i will read more of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is another gritty read in the popular series featuring Henley and the Serious Crimes Unit and I really recommend reading all of them in order. The characters are excellently portrayed and there are good team dynamics although I am still making my mind up about Copeland. It's fast paced, dark and filled with tension but a brilliant read in the crime fiction genre which I am sure fans will love. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC
Want to read
November 3, 2025ATY 2026 - a book published in 2026
December 12, 2025
This is a very gory and thrilling read but not for the squeamish! I love DI Henley and her team, and the fact that a new team member appears (DC Copeland) in this novel adds to the interest. Not sure her frequent clashes with Henley will result in a permanent stay though!. The dynamics between Henley and Pellacia intrigue me, and I’m looking forward to seeing how things develop in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews