In Her Shadow

by Theo Baxter

Every room has a secret. Every secret has a price.

Rachel thought marrying Lucas Price would be the beginning of her happily ever after. Instead, moving into Crestwood, his sprawling seaside estate, feels more like stepping into a nightmare.

The shadow of his first wife, Eliza—who died in a tragic fall from the cliffs—haunts every corner of their new home. When ghostly apparitions begin appearing and mysterious messages warn Rachel to leave, she questions her own sanity.

Lucas dismisses her fears and refuses to discuss what happened to Eliza, leaving Rachel isolated and paranoid. Desperate to get to the truth, she starts to investigate Eliza’s death.

In a house where nothing is as it seems and everyone has something to hide, Rachel must confront not only the ghosts of the past but the buried trauma of her own dark memories.

And when she finally gets closer to Crestwood’s horrifying secret, she realizes she’s in danger of losing everything she cares about. Including her life.

In Her Shadow - the terrifying psychological thriller by the best-selling author of The Stepfather and Not My Mother.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

296 pages, ebook

Published September 21, 2025

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Her Shadow has a very intriguing premise. A new wife moves into her husband's mansion and creepy things start to occur. It definitely has a “Rebecca” vibe, Crestwood, reminiscent of Manderley. The story is atmospheric, haunting, and with a constant sense of foreboding. Parts were a bit over the top, but I still enjoyed the conclusion. There is a side plot that I thought was unnecessary to the story and could have easily been excluded without hindering the suspense and intrigue. There is a trigger warning of sexual abuse that is a small part of the story. Overall this is an entertaining read that kept me interested in the outcome and piecing together the mystery. Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy.

[Kimberly R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel moves into Crestwood Estate with her new husband Lucas. Several years ago his first wife disappeared and is presumed dead. Rachel starts getting creepy messages and seeing ghostly apparitions. She begins to suspect her husband is hiding things and starts looking into his first wife’s disappearance.
This was an interesting story that held my attention from start to finish and had some good twists. I’d like to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this ARC that will be released September 21, 2025!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I know you need to suspend a lot of reality when reading books like this, but there was just no realism here. And the entire sublot of Rachel's childhood sexual abuse added absolutely nothing to the story and just made me feel sad and icky.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Inkubator books and Theo Baxter for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3,5 rounded up to 4⭐ - After moving into Crestwood Estate with her husband Lucas, second wife Rachel starts getting creepy messages. Could these messages be from Lucas's first wife Eliza, who's presumed dead? When these messages escalate to ghost sightings, alarm bells really start to ring cause there's no such thing as ghosts, right? Is her husband hiding things from Rachel, is someone out to get her?

This story kept me hooked from the start, with its twists and its interesting plot. I've wanted to read something by Theo Baxter for the longest time and it didn't disappoint! I will be reading more from him.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter, Rachel marries Lucas Price and moves into his seaside mansion, Crestwood, expecting a fresh start — and at first, I was getting major Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier vibes. But the story quickly shifts, and what begins as a gothic romance becomes a moody psychological thriller. The house is atmospheric, almost a character itself, filled with secrets, odd occurrences, and a creeping sense of dread. Rachel’s investigation into the mysterious death of Lucas’s first wife, Eliza, keeps the suspense layered, though some plot twists require a hefty suspension of disbelief. Still, it was an enjoyable read, with themes of trust, trauma, and unraveling relationships.

Read This If You Like:
• Moody, psychological thrillers with dark secrets
• Eerie, atmospheric houses that feel alive
• Stories full of twists and turns that keep you guessing
• Protagonists uncovering hidden truths and deception
• Themes of trust, memory, trauma, and fragile relationships
• Gothic vibes with suspense that evolves into unexpected psychological tension

My Rating: 3.4 out of 5

Thanks to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC that will be published September 21  2025.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Her Shadow by Theo Baxter

From the very beginning, I was captivated by this book! Rachel marries her seemingly perfect husband, Lucas, and they move into Crestwood—only to discover that her dream house, isn’t what it seems. The atmosphere is perfectly creepy, with an undercurrent of dread that keeps you turning the pages. So many lies, from start! The twists are clever and chilling, and just when you think you know who did it, Baxter pulls the rug out from under you. A gripping psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end!

Thank you Theo Baxter, NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review.

[Mandy Cappelletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this eARC!
In Her Shadow is a gripping thriller that had me hooked from the first page. This tells the story of Rachel and Lucas as newlyweds living in the home Lucas once shared with his late wife Eliza. Spooky things start to occur and Rachel now begins to question everything she knows about her husband and their relationship, especially if Lucas has any involvement in Eliza’s untimely death.
I admit, this book kept me guessing until the very end. I normally don’t read a book in less than 10 hours, but this one was so easy to read! The dialogue and story elements kept me engaged and wanting more as the story progressed. There were many unexpected and exciting twists that I felt like I was questioning the credibility of all the characters. This books was an engaging, fast pace read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys thrillers. Excellent work!

[k's.bookshelf. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read thriller

Super easy to read and no excess story to fill the pages. This one jumps straight to the main line of story, which was fantastic, as I felt it didn't need all the time setting up anyway.

This book was so well done, I got the creeps and chose not to read at night time - full disclosure, I am a scardy cat!

Knowing its a mystery thriller and that there's gonna be a twist, kept me guessing and I couldn't settle on the most likely outcome at all. Then when it finally all came to burst, I was gladly surprised and very happy with how it all played out.

Overall, I loved this read. It had me engaged right from the start and there was no unneeded chunks of writing that pulled away from the main story. I would absolutely pick up another Theo Baxter book again.

[TheLisaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo Baxter has quickly established himself as a master of the dark, twist-laden thriller, and with In Her Shadow, he delivers another story that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. The setup is deceptively simple—a new bride begins to suspect her husband is not who he appears to be—but Baxter transforms that premise into a relentless, chilling exploration of trust, betrayal, and the lengths one woman will go to uncover the truth.

At the heart of this novel is Rachel, a protagonist who is as relatable as she is determined. Her doubts begin subtly, creeping into her marriage in ways that feel frighteningly realistic. Every detail, every hesitation, and every unanswered question builds into a growing sense of dread. What makes Rachel so compelling is her refusal to settle for the easy explanation. Instead, she digs, questions, and pushes back even when the answers she finds only raise more disturbing possibilities. Her resilience and fight for the truth give the novel its pulse—you’re not just reading about her journey, you’re living it alongside her.

Baxter’s writing style enhances the story’s intensity. His pacing is deliberate yet fast-moving, with just enough space between the twists to let the tension simmer before it spikes again. Each revelation feels like another crack in the carefully constructed facade of Rachel’s new life, and as the layers peel away, the danger becomes more palpable. The suspense is heightened by the psychological depth he weaves into the characters, particularly Rachel and her husband, whose shifting presence keeps both Rachel and the reader questioning what’s real.

The atmosphere is another standout element. Baxter creates an underlying sense of menace that seeps into every scene, from the seemingly mundane moments of married life to the more overtly terrifying revelations. That contrast between ordinary domesticity and chilling suspense is what makes the book so unsettling—because it always feels like something this terrifying could happen just beyond the safety of your own home.

And then there are the twists. True to Baxter’s form, he never lets you feel entirely secure in your guesses. The story delivers multiple shocks that keep you second-guessing motives, relationships, and truths. Each twist escalates the tension, but it’s the final revelation that truly cements In Her Shadow as a standout in the genre. The last twist doesn’t just surprise—it redefines everything that came before it, leaving you with your jaw dropped and your mind racing back through earlier chapters to catch all the clues you might have missed.

What elevates this novel beyond a standard thriller is its thematic depth. Beneath the shocks and suspense, Baxter examines the fragility of trust, the masks people wear in relationships, and the courage it takes to confront betrayal head-on. Rachel’s journey isn’t just about uncovering her husband’s secrets; it’s also about reclaiming her own agency, her voice, and her right to the truth, no matter how painful it may be.

Unsettling, addictive, and brilliantly crafted, In Her Shadow is more than just a thriller—it’s a story about trust, resilience, and survival, wrapped in a narrative that will keep you reading late into the night. Theo Baxter proves once again that he knows exactly how to deliver both heart-stopping suspense and characters who feel alive and unforgettable. For fans of psychological thrillers with sharp twists and strong emotional resonance, this is a must-read.

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter is a highly recommended psychological thriller.

Rachel and Lucas Price marry and she moves into Crestwood, his sprawling seaside estate. Immediately strange and unsettling events begin to happen. Lucas seems to be keeping secrets from her, including the death of his first wife, Eliza. Then Rachel begins to hear strange noises and laughter at night, she sees ghostly apparitions, and messages from Eliza. Lucas seems to question Rachel's sanity but soon he can no longer ignore the strange events are happening. At the same time Rachel is working with her therapist and uncovers secrets from her own past.

The plot will require you to set an enormous dose of disbelief aside. Rachel seems to know so little about the man she married, like his first wife, and it is unbelievable that she never visited Crestwood until after they married. The beginning of the novel consisted of this reader wondering why Rachel didn't know the many things she should have known before marrying Lucas. Later there is a twist Lucas should have known

The opening is even paced, the strange atmosphere surrounding Crestwood evolves, and the suspense and tension begin to pick up as strange events begin to increase. The pace takes off toward the end and it is at this point In Her Shadow actually becomes the spine-tingling psychological thriller it purports to be. It's a short novel and the credibility of almost all the characters can be questioned at one time or another.

The secondary story uncovering Rachel's repressed memories was a serious, heavy topic and felt a little out of place in the novel. This story line with her therapist does reach a satisfying conclusion. 3.5 rounded up.

In Her Shadow is a good choice for anyone who wants a quick, entertaining psychological thriller. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/0...

[Caitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"In Her Shadow" by Theo Baxter is a compelling thriller that draws in readers from the first line of the book. In Her Shadow follows our main character, Rachel, who is a newly wed. She moves into her husband, Lucas's, new home. The home is bigger than she could have imagined and is full of staff members who are ready to attend to her every need. All seems great until Rachel comes across a room full of women's clothes, and Lucas does not want to share any details. Rachel, desperate to know what secret her new husband is hiding, discovers that his late wife, Eliza, died on the property. From this moment, things start to get strange, and Rachel is certain that Eliza is haunting her. What is Lucas hiding?

Theo Baxter wrote a unique and compelling novel that was tough to put down. I flew through the pages. The sub-plot of Rachel's childhood trauma provided a break from the quickly moving storyline without filling the book with meaningless filler. *However, readers who are triggered by sexual abuse may not want to read this story.*

Baxter's story, although entertaining, fell short in some aspects. Dialogue was repetitive at times, and some characters made questionable decisions that were never really addressed. For example, Rachel did not seem to know anything about the man she married and was frequently afraid or suspicious of him. For those who frequent thriller novels, the plot twists may appear as predictable at times. Towards the end of the story, I waited for an additional twist that never came as the chapters dragged on.

I would recommend this book to any person who is new to thriller novels but does not want to be easily scared. This story is a great stepping stone into this genre, and I would certainly agree that this was a great story, despite some minor critiques.

Thank you very much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to experience this read early!

[Acantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

This has been a tricky one for me to judge.

I loved the premise, the promise of the book, and there were some moments when it was honestly unnerving and chilling. Those first few nights in the house were very well done, gradually ramping up the tension and I wish it had stayed like that, just dragging Rachel further and further down.

But it moved far too fast. I like a well paced plot but to have dating, wedding, honeymoon and moving into a new house within the first 18 pages was a lot. It could have started with them moving in without loosing anything bar the confusion I felt. I also didn't like how things were both shown and told - we would see something heavily telegraphed only for Rachel to then outright say it. The book reads more like stream of consciousness at times, with certain thoughts repeated over and over. Also... they hadn't lived together before getting married?

I really didn't understand the point of the subplot concerning her childhood. Not only was it very upsetting for such a topic to be thrown in with no warning - yes, I know a thriller would be spoilt if twists were shown, but you can hint at such a delicate subject and give your readers fair warning as to what they are getting into. Even more bewildering however was that it added nothing to the story. It was a completely separate strand that had no real payoff and was resolved within a page or two of it being uncovered, it felt like it was there for shock value rather than bringing anything to the plot. The book would have been better served without it, especially since the core mystery is so compelling and could easily have carried the weight of the full book.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~

[Rajiv · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some good moments

⭐️⭐️½ (2.5/5 stars)


*In Her Shadow* follows Rachel, a newlywed who moves into her husband Lucas’s mansion. It is a place that quickly begins to unsettle her. As strange events start unfolding, Rachel’s grip on what’s real begins to blur, and the reader is left to wonder: is the house haunted, or is something more sinister at play?


Theo Baxter builds suspense effectively, especially in the early chapters when Rachel starts experiencing eerie occurrences after moving in. The tension rises in subtle, unnerving ways that keep you intrigued. I also liked the subplot involving Rachel’s nightmares as they add an extra layer of mystery, especially since her childhood seemed so normal. The inclusion of journal entries sprinkled throughout the story was a nice touch too, giving readers a glimpse into another perspective and deepening the overall intrigue.


However, the novel stumbles when it comes to payoff. The final reveal felt far-fetched and left me questioning how the characters could have missed what was happening. The pacing also wavers as the beginning rushes through major life events like Rachel and Lucas’s marriage, while the middle drags, leaving sections that feel stagnant. Lucas himself was a particularly unlikable character, and I found little chemistry between him and Rachel, which made it difficult to invest in their relationship.


While the premise had promise and the atmosphere was suitably tense, *In Her Shadow* ultimately didn’t deliver the emotional or narrative punch I was hoping for. It’s a quick, readable domestic thriller with some chilling moments, but by the end, it left me feeling more underwhelmed than unsettled.

[Ches (Ches Is Hyperfixating) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thriller has a great premise. It was also well-paced, engaging and had some genuinely eerie moments. I was interested in the central mystery of what was happening in the house, though the twist felt a little predictable and the writing often repeated things the reader already knew from context. For example, we would see Rachel’s actions and feelings play out on the page, only for her inner thoughts to state them outright again - e.g. “I was concerned that Lucas didn’t really love me and still harboured feelings for his deceased wife.” This kind of redundancy pulled me out of the story at times, though it’s a minor issue.

My main concern is more serious: the book contains repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse, revealed through flashbacks. There are no trigger warnings, and I personally felt blindsided. Had I known beforehand, I would not have picked up this book. I think it’s important that potential readers are aware. The flashbacks themselves were structured like a secondary twist, building suspense around who the abuser was, which made the trauma feel like a plot device rather than a subject handled with the sensitivity it deserves. The eventual resolution was also unconvincing; everything was tied up far too quickly and neatly given the weight of the subject matter.

Overall, the premise was compelling, the pacing strong, and the author clearly knows how to create tension. But the lack of trigger warnings and the poor handling of such heavy themes overshadowed the positives for me.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo Baxter’s In Her Shadow is a chilling psychological thriller that had me hooked from the very first page. The story follows Rachel, a newlywed who moves into her husband Lucas’s sprawling mansion, Crestwood, only to discover that life in her “happily ever after” is far from safe. Strange noises, mysterious messages, and a wardrobe full of a deceased wife’s clothes set the stage for a tense and unsettling story that keeps you guessing.

Rachel’s journey is as much internal as external. Through therapy and hypnosis, she confronts childhood traumas that have long haunted her, adding a compelling layer of psychological depth. The way Baxter intertwines past and present struggles makes the narrative feel rich and multidimensional, though at times the ghostly and hypnotic elements felt a bit unbelievable. That said, the suspense never falters, and Rachel’s bravery and intelligence make her a heroine worth rooting for.

The pacing is excellent—quick enough to devour in a single sitting, yet detailed enough to immerse you fully in the mansion’s eerie atmosphere and the secrets it holds. The final twists are satisfying, with enough ambiguity to linger in your mind long after the last page.

In Her Shadow is perfect for fans of domestic thrillers with a gothic twist, combining suspense, mystery, and emotional resonance. If you enjoyed Rebecca or The Silent Patient, this one should be next on your list.

Thanks to Theo Baxter, NetGalley, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Chapter Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel thinks she’s found her happily ever after when she marries Lucas and moves into his grand estate, Crestwood. But happily-ever-after quickly turns unsettling. In one of the guest room closets, Rachel stumbles across Eliza’s clothes—Lucas’s late wife who died under mysterious circumstances. Oddly, no one—neither Lucas nor the staff—wants to talk about her death.

As strange occurrences mount, Rachel is left wondering: is Crestwood haunted, is Lucas hiding something, or is she simply losing her grip on reality? Alongside the eerie happenings, she’s also working with her therapist to uncover the roots of her recurring night terror about being chased by a monster—a thread that ties into the bigger story in a way that’s both disturbing and impactful. (I do think the book could benefit from a content/trigger warning for that reveal.)

This story is full of atmosphere, suspense, and questions that keep you flipping pages. With a gothic estate, unreliable characters, and haunting imagery, it’s a perfect dark and twisty read for spooky season. The twists land, the pacing is solid, and everything ties up neatly at the end.

If you enjoy psychological suspense with an edge, this one’s worth adding to your fall TBR!

Huge thanks to Theo Baxter, NetGalley, and Inkubator Books for the advanced copy!

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Her Shadow was a great, easy to read psychological thriller that keeps you hooked on the story. Rachel and Lucas have just gotten married and Rachel is moving into Lucas's estate. Wanting to get settled and start her new life, she begins to unpack. Needing more closet space, she takes some of her clothes over into a guest room next door, but realizes this closet is full of woman's clothes as well. When she questions Lucas about, he brushes it off, gives a very vague answer, and moves on. Rachel is immediately suspicious of something and starts researching and asking questions. But now her investigations are leading her into dangerous territories. She hears noises, footsteps, laughter, sees apparitions, and is getting locked into rooms. She begins to wonder is she's being haunted and why. Meanwhile, she is also working with her therapist and finds out there is something inherently past that her mind has been hiding from her.
While this story was great, thrilling, fast paced, and twisty, it wasn't... unique. I feel like I've read this exact same scenario in different versions a bunch of times. However, the story was still amazing and I'd recommend giving it a read anyway. Theo Baxter writes in a way where you can feel the intensity of the story. The suspense will leave you at the edge of your seat.

[444.ariesbaby_reads✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

in her shadow- theo baxter👗

rachel is newly wed and in the beginning everything with her relationship was going well… but strange things keep happening that have her questioning her sanity. regular meet ups with her psychologist also keep coming up empty with little to no answers. with so much to be uncovered from her own past and the lies and secrets from her husband, she is adamant in finding out exactly what is going on…

what she discovers is unbelievable and dismissed by many of those amongst her, leading to extreme measures being taken and the risk of her marriage failing.

this was an easy read and makes for the perfect spooky szn tbr addition👻. i read the majority of this book in one sitting, from the first few pages i was locked in and intrigued by the ongoings within the crestwood estate. not only was rachel questioning her own sanity, i was too because whilst i had my theories, i missed the mark until later in the book.

the twists and turns were unexpected and executed really well.

there are some heavy topics throughout which may be triggering/uncomfortable, so please proceed with caution.

•★ ★ ★ ½

thank you to @inkubatorbooks & @netgalley for the arc approval!💫

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I did think this book was pretty good. Although I did see a lot of the twists coming, I still enjoyed the way they were written. I think the first 30% of the book dragged a bit and was kind of boring, but as soon as the weird stuff started happening in Crestwood, I was intrigued. I was fairly certain the whole time that Eliza was not actually dead, and that she just faked it, but finding out how she got away with it, and finding out who was involved was interesting. I really think the staff In this book, especially Christopher, were the real MVP's. Also, let's not forget how much Lucas went through to protect his wife from any harm. I will admit, at first I thought Lucas had something to do with the whole thing the way he blamed Rachel for some of the stuff going on like the writing on the mirror, but turns out he's just a really good guy who was deeply in denial.
I also liked how the subject of childhood SA was done in a manner that was sensitive to those who have experienced that. I feel like that was also a big revelation in the book at the end, and that was definitely something I did not see coming.
Overall, this book was decent and I would suggest it to my friends who like psychological thrillers.

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, and a million books since, this will feel familiar. Rachel marries Lucas and moves into Crestwood, the home he built with first wife Eliza, who died under tragic circumstances. Rachel has an unremembered childhood trauma, that gives her nightmares and causes her to try both sleeping pills and melatonin with varied results. When things start happening, is it lack of sleep, side effect of pills, or really something suspicious?

Lucas, is a loving, kind husband, but why is he so guarded? Why won't he speak about Eliza, or get rid of her things? Why has he lied about Dr. West, and why does he want cameras all over their home?

We have a staff of 5 in house, plus gardeners and contractors on the grounds. Most of which are loyal to Lucas and maybe still to Eliza? (Though by name alone, housekeeper Mrs. Potts is no Mrs. Danvers).

Eventually with the help of Google, Instagram and a quick glimpse, Rachel pieces things together and fortunately Lucas believes her. Things happen they only way they can in these books, and we still get a happy ending.

This was a quick, easy read and the little details made a familiar trope worth forgiving.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for me. My first book by this author and not the last.
Rachel married Lucas Price ,and is ready to live with love of her life in his seaside estate. After settling in, problems starting with Rachel hearing voices, footsteps and giggling at night. Lucas dismissing her worries, but she can't but wonder is it ghost of his first wife Eliza, who died tragically falling from the cliff? Everybody calling it a horrible accident ,but was it? It didn't help that also trauma from her childhood seems to re-emerge,so she also have to deal with it. The tension, and living in the house of first wife is not easy on Rachel, also it didn't help that everyone is so mysterious about her death.

Is Rachel loosing her mind ?
What will happen if Rachel start digging for truth about Eliza death?
Will she be next?

I didn't expect much, but this book nicely surprise me. The tension, the secrets and twist keep me reading well to the night. I like the fact that Rachel was strong and didn't let anyone brush her feelings aside. The ending was great, can't wait to read more by this author.

Thank you booksprout,netgalley and publisher for arc.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter, as a young girl Rachel suffered from surreal nightmares that haunted her throughout the day. Thanks to therapy and her new fiancé those nightmares have seemed to diminish but the closer she gets to her wedding it seems the nightmares are back but she knows with the love of her fiancé Lucas it will all be OK. it isn’t until after her wedding when she moves into Crestwood Manor and learns Lucas had a previous wife named Eliza that her nightmare becomes reality. she supposedly died when falling off the cliff but when strange things start happening Rachel knows someone wants revenge for her taking Eliza‘s place because it can’t be Eliza right… She’s dead? is Rachel going mad or is Lucas gaslighting her or could someone really be out for revenge. This once again is a horrible review for an awesome twisty read there’s more than one evil doer and man is one of them truly evil. This was such a great book by an author who I think came a long way and is now writing the stellar thrillers no one can turn their nose up at because while this was a great great thriller! #BookSprout, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview#TheoBaxter, #InHerShadow,

[thisBandherbooks ✨☀️🌻Buffy🌻☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts: 3.5 rounded to 4 bc while the plot was intriguing and had me flying thru this, there was something missing. I think it was the believability of Rachel and Lucas as a loving couple. Rachel was so easily scared and suspicious of him and all I could think was- girl you just married him and you are already doubting him?!” There was also a lot of repetitive thoughts and dialogue in regards to not trusting her husband or being jealous of the dead ex-wife. Overall, I would recommend this as it was action packed with a lot of suspense that I think people would really like.

I also feel like the title instead of ‘In Her Shadow’ should be ‘The Ghost Of Her’. That would be more fitting as she really wasn’t in her shadow. She was haunted by the ghost of her.

✨Spolier- Trigger Warnings- What I really had a personal problem with was the fact that there was no trigger warnings. The sub plot of Rachel having nightmares has her discovering repressed memories of rape and molestation as a small child. Had I known before I requested the book I would not have. So I had to skip those bits.

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this fantastic author is back with another of his books which I couldn’t put down.
When Rachel marries Lucas Price and moves into Crestwood, the home he and his previous wife created, it’s not long before it seems that the ghost of Eliza has returned to drive Rachel away from the man she loves. And with mysterious noises and messages warning her to leave, Rachel soon begins to believe she’s going mad. This was a gripping story from the very beginning with both Rachel and Lucas having their own personal demons to deal with, while the things happening around them are driving wedges into their new marriage. The tension slowly ramps up as things begin to take an even darker turn and at times I found myself wondering if one particular character was somehow involved with what was happening to Rachel. The description of Crestwood with its dark undercurrents, and location increased my nervous anxiety for Rachel as I raced through the pages to the satisfying climax.
For me this was a quick read and another great book by this master of physiological thrillers.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet Secrets
Having a love and relationship with a man who is the second wife can lead a person to wonder. What happened to the 1st wife if she was so wonderful? What was their relationship like.. These are some of the things that might normally enter a person's mind... especially when their clothes are still in a spare room's closet... and why they then lock the door to that room. Rachel has a lot of questions!
Then there is her dreams of this Monster, which she has had for years, and she does not know why. Seeing her counselor, she is digging into what that means in her own past, and those demons can be very close to home!
This is a story that will keep you reading to find out what is really going on in the mansion her husband built with his first wife.
Thank you, Theo Baxter, for another wonderful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Gwen Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel and Lucas were so very much in love and could not wait until their wedding day. Finally Rachel and Lucas Price are married and headed back to their estate. Everything is like a dream until they arrive at Crestwood and the nightmare begins.

It seems that the entire estate is haunted by his first wife Eliza. She had died in a tragic fall from the cliffs. We go from ghostly apparations appearing to mysterious messages warning Rachel to leave until finally she questions her own sanity. Lucas is reluctant to discuss what is happening to Rachel causing her to start her own investigation into Eliza's death.

Rachel and Lucas always seem so much more relaxed when they are away from Crestwood, maybe that is the answer to just sell the house and move. The closer that Rachel gets to finding out the secrets of Crestwood, she realizes she is in danger of loosing it all. Including her life.

[A Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy Creepy Creepy!! Right out of the gate, the creep factor begins. Theo Baxter has fast become a go-to author with his ability to snare me in. The premise to In Her Shadow really had me intrigued and held me to the last page.

It was supposed to be Rachel's happily ever after, marrying Lucas, her prince. But moving to the country and her new home was anything but happy. It quickly became a fight to stay alive for her. Who should she trust, and was Lucas really the prince she believed him to be.

Buckle up for this thrill ride. The twists and surprises were abundant throughout. The suspense had me glued to the pages needing to know what in the heck was going on. Baxter has the recipe for keeping the reader guessing down to a T. This is a definite must-read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Inkubator Books for the advanced copy

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you Netgalley & Inkubator Books for this ARC!

This was another great Theo Baxter in my opinion. We have a newly married couple, Rachel and Lucas - with the man being married before and losing his wife to a tragic accident - moving into Lucas' estate, Crestwood. Rachel should be happy. However, everywhere, she can see traces of his former wife. And no one in the house, staff included, talks about what really happened to her. Then, strange things start to happen. Rachel has already troubles sleeping because of a childhood trauma, and now, everything seems to get worse. Is it the former wife's ghost haunting her? Or is Lucas hiding something from Rachel on purpose?

That has been a ride. I thought I've figured it out at some point, but turned out I've been wrong. Theo Baxter, on the other hand, you can do nothing wrong with picking up one of his books. Very well done!

[Sandy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was enjoyable as a Psychological Thriller but not the author's best in my opinion. Rachel's nightmares start as the main focus of her story but then it quickly changes to her marriage and move to her husband's estate home where strange things start happening. Doubt, lack of trust, lies and not communicating create major problems in Rachel's marriage.

I agree with others this book should have a trigger warning. Plus this sensitive subject matter was a subplot without really bringing anything to the main plot. Not sure what the author's was trying to tie together with this subplot.

Overall the book was enjoyable and a quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

💀🏡 In Her Shadow by Theo Baxter is gothic suspense done right. Rachel marries Lucas and moves into his seaside mansion, but instead of happily-ever-after, she gets ghostly warnings, locked doors, and the shadow of his dead wife haunting every corner. Creepy much? 👀

Baxter’s writing is sharp and atmospheric—you can practically hear the waves crash and the floorboards creak. Rachel is both fragile and fierce, and watching her peel back Crestwood’s secrets had me flipping pages fast.

A little predictable in spots, but still a chilling, juicy thriller. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Juicy, ghostly, unsettling—like Rebecca with extra edge. 👻✨.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.