What do you think?
Rate this book
Connie Woolwine #1
Aavemies
Hän kerää uhrejaan, mutta ei pidä heitä turvassa.
Elspeth, Meggy ja Xavier ovat vankeina huoneistossa. He eivät tiedä, missä ovat, eivätkä he tiedä, miksi he ovat siellä. He tietävät vain, että aavemies on siepannut heidät eikä päästä heitä pois.
Kolmikko haluaa epätoivoisesti paeta, ja heidän on löydettävä tie pois maanpäällisestä helvetistä, vaikka se merkitseekin hyvin synkän totuuden paljastamista.
Koska aavemies ei ole painajainen. Hän on liiankin todellinen.
Ja hän tarkkailee.
Elspeth, Meggy ja Xavier ovat vankeina huoneistossa. He eivät tiedä, missä ovat, eivätkä he tiedä, miksi he ovat siellä. He tietävät vain, että aavemies on siepannut heidät eikä päästä heitä pois.
Kolmikko haluaa epätoivoisesti paeta, ja heidän on löydettävä tie pois maanpäällisestä helvetistä, vaikka se merkitseekin hyvin synkän totuuden paljastamista.
Koska aavemies ei ole painajainen. Hän on liiankin todellinen.
Ja hän tarkkailee.
Audiobook
First published February 4, 2021
989 people are currently reading
8912 people want to read
About the author
Helen Sarah Fields
25 books2,667 followersWrites crime, mystery and thrillers. Loves historical fiction. Big horror fan. Goes back to one classic novel each month, to save her soul.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,183 reviews
December 24, 2020
I'm surprised by how shockingly GOOD this book is!
It follows forensic psychologist Connie, who's teamed up with Detective Baarda to locate kidnap victim Elspeth.
Elspeth's been taken by mentally ill Fergus and it's a race against time to save her.
To me that premise isn't unique.
I think I've read four books this year where a bad guy keeps a woman prisoner.
That's why I wasn't expecting to be WOWed with this one.
I was wrong. The Shadow Man is IMPRESSIVE.
These are my reasons for why it deserves five stars.
🔴 Connie's character - You know how sometimes a character will have a profession that's irrelevant because it's not part of the story's plot? Not the case here. Connie's a psychologist and it shows all throughout the book. She's often analyzing people's behavior. There was a couple of times I thought the author was adding things to impress me with her knowledge of the subject, but that was fine with me because I WAS impressed.
🔴 Meggy's character - She's 12. A difficult age for an author to write as. The kid usually sounds like an immature adult or an annoying child but here it was convincing.
🔴 The final scene - TERRIFYING!! I was genuinely scared.
🔴 Fergus' character - He's crazy but it goes beyond that. He has an actual diagnosis and his behaviour realistically follows the symptoms of his condition. Field's is even ballsy enough to write from his POV at times and it's brilliant.
To me, in a crowd of similar books this one stands out!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
It follows forensic psychologist Connie, who's teamed up with Detective Baarda to locate kidnap victim Elspeth.
Elspeth's been taken by mentally ill Fergus and it's a race against time to save her.
To me that premise isn't unique.
I think I've read four books this year where a bad guy keeps a woman prisoner.
That's why I wasn't expecting to be WOWed with this one.
I was wrong. The Shadow Man is IMPRESSIVE.
These are my reasons for why it deserves five stars.
🔴 Connie's character - You know how sometimes a character will have a profession that's irrelevant because it's not part of the story's plot? Not the case here. Connie's a psychologist and it shows all throughout the book. She's often analyzing people's behavior. There was a couple of times I thought the author was adding things to impress me with her knowledge of the subject, but that was fine with me because I WAS impressed.
🔴 Meggy's character - She's 12. A difficult age for an author to write as. The kid usually sounds like an immature adult or an annoying child but here it was convincing.
🔴 The final scene - TERRIFYING!! I was genuinely scared.
🔴 Fergus' character - He's crazy but it goes beyond that. He has an actual diagnosis and his behaviour realistically follows the symptoms of his condition. Field's is even ballsy enough to write from his POV at times and it's brilliant.
To me, in a crowd of similar books this one stands out!
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺.
April 21, 2021
Brrrr! This book completely froze my blood cells, taking tour inside the criminal’s mind and as you discover how his dysfunctional mind works, how he chooses his preys, stalking and watching, if you’re not a tough one who cannot digest gory, dark, terrifying way of story telling, please just drop the book and run! That’s not your cup of Earl Grey, for sure!
Luckily I don’t like tea but I always keen on reading darker, challenging, complex stories just like this one. I already packed more adult diapers just in case before diving into this journey.
At the beginning we’re introduced the perpetrator, after a few glimpses make us realize his motives, we learn he is sick ( not only mentally but also physically) but he needs to finish his passion work. So we’re not sure his health conditions can prevent him to finish what he started. He wants his legendary name “ Shadow Man” leaves a memorable trace when he’s gone!
Dr. Connie Woolwine, an American forensics psychologist and Brodie Baarda, a London detective, team up to solve the missing person cases in Edinburgh. Their relationship dynamic and quirky characteristics( especially talkative forensics Ms. Woolwine has some similar qualities with Annette) reminded me of Katherine Engberg’s Tenant series detectives Werner and Korner.
Elspeth,Meggy and Xavier are three characters from different backgrounds.They’re captivated at some unknown place, their each moves are monitored by their hunter. They need to find a way to escape but how?
As the number of the cases is increasing, eventually the pressure on the detectives are getting higher. They have to find a way to stop them but how?
What if Connie attracts the perpetrator’s attention, acting like ideal candidate to be abducted. Well, her plan may work but also may drag her to the most dangerous places she cannot ever imagine.
Click! Click! Click! You hear the sound! I keep ordering more DI Callanach series! I enjoyed the author’s riveting writing style, high tension building of the story and memorable characterization including shadow man. She portrayed the sick mind of a character with a realistic, objective and also horrifying approach.
I cannot wait to read more works of the author sooner.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this arc with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Luckily I don’t like tea but I always keen on reading darker, challenging, complex stories just like this one. I already packed more adult diapers just in case before diving into this journey.
At the beginning we’re introduced the perpetrator, after a few glimpses make us realize his motives, we learn he is sick ( not only mentally but also physically) but he needs to finish his passion work. So we’re not sure his health conditions can prevent him to finish what he started. He wants his legendary name “ Shadow Man” leaves a memorable trace when he’s gone!
Dr. Connie Woolwine, an American forensics psychologist and Brodie Baarda, a London detective, team up to solve the missing person cases in Edinburgh. Their relationship dynamic and quirky characteristics( especially talkative forensics Ms. Woolwine has some similar qualities with Annette) reminded me of Katherine Engberg’s Tenant series detectives Werner and Korner.
Elspeth,Meggy and Xavier are three characters from different backgrounds.They’re captivated at some unknown place, their each moves are monitored by their hunter. They need to find a way to escape but how?
As the number of the cases is increasing, eventually the pressure on the detectives are getting higher. They have to find a way to stop them but how?
What if Connie attracts the perpetrator’s attention, acting like ideal candidate to be abducted. Well, her plan may work but also may drag her to the most dangerous places she cannot ever imagine.
Click! Click! Click! You hear the sound! I keep ordering more DI Callanach series! I enjoyed the author’s riveting writing style, high tension building of the story and memorable characterization including shadow man. She portrayed the sick mind of a character with a realistic, objective and also horrifying approach.
I cannot wait to read more works of the author sooner.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for sharing this arc with me in exchange my honest opinions.
March 8, 2021
Delusion
The Shadow Man is a unique crime thriller, spiced with supernatural undertones and a horror scene waiting to befall those caught in a killer’s path. The hunt for the Shadow Man is a formidable investigative task as his kidnapped victims share no similarities and whose lives have nothing in common.
Even though the Shadow Man is planning to kidnap with meticulously researched precision, it doesn’t stop the death toll mounting with collateral damage. The kidnapped victims include a woman, Elspeth, a man, Xavier, and a young girl, Meggy. His sinister plan for them has a very disturbing purpose, and they start to discover hidden secrets in the building where they are held captive – and they haven’t been the first. The Shadow Man himself is emaciated looking yet has an incredible strength that belies his appearance. Initially, I felt this was a major plot hole, but you must let the supernatural element play out, for the truth to be revealed. In saying that it still never sat right with me and does stretch the believability stakes.
The diversity of the kidnapped victims is impressive, how their personalities change and how their relationships evolve due to their ordeal, is extremely well-drawn. The threats on them and the fear of vicious retribution, should they displease him or if he tires of them, keeps the suspense in top gear.
Following the murder of Angela and the kidnap of Elspeth, an American forensic psychologist, Dr Connie Woodwine and London Met DI Brodie Baarda are brought in to assist Police Scotland in the investigation. Connie utilises her profiling skills to get inside the mind of the kidnapper/killer and has a very straight-talking, fearless style to her demeanour. Baarda is reserved, by the book, but has marital issues that Connie jumps on. The male-female police partnership format in police crime thrillers is a standard formula, and one of the major aspects by which the story will stand or fall, will be how their relationship and personalities blend. In Helen Fields' book, she crafts compelling characters with fascinating characteristics and interesting backgrounds, although I would like to see Baarda developed more and commanding more of the storyline. I can see this team working in a series.
In the first half of the book, certain aspects of the narrative challenge the believability of the story and not all of them are dispelled in the second half. The momentum of the story does not waver from the very first page to the last, and the suspense, danger, terror, frustration and pressure to solve the case before the killer concludes his plan, creates an engrossing and entertaining story.
I would recommend this book and I would like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of the audiobook in return for an honest review.
The Shadow Man is a unique crime thriller, spiced with supernatural undertones and a horror scene waiting to befall those caught in a killer’s path. The hunt for the Shadow Man is a formidable investigative task as his kidnapped victims share no similarities and whose lives have nothing in common.
Even though the Shadow Man is planning to kidnap with meticulously researched precision, it doesn’t stop the death toll mounting with collateral damage. The kidnapped victims include a woman, Elspeth, a man, Xavier, and a young girl, Meggy. His sinister plan for them has a very disturbing purpose, and they start to discover hidden secrets in the building where they are held captive – and they haven’t been the first. The Shadow Man himself is emaciated looking yet has an incredible strength that belies his appearance. Initially, I felt this was a major plot hole, but you must let the supernatural element play out, for the truth to be revealed. In saying that it still never sat right with me and does stretch the believability stakes.
The diversity of the kidnapped victims is impressive, how their personalities change and how their relationships evolve due to their ordeal, is extremely well-drawn. The threats on them and the fear of vicious retribution, should they displease him or if he tires of them, keeps the suspense in top gear.
Following the murder of Angela and the kidnap of Elspeth, an American forensic psychologist, Dr Connie Woodwine and London Met DI Brodie Baarda are brought in to assist Police Scotland in the investigation. Connie utilises her profiling skills to get inside the mind of the kidnapper/killer and has a very straight-talking, fearless style to her demeanour. Baarda is reserved, by the book, but has marital issues that Connie jumps on. The male-female police partnership format in police crime thrillers is a standard formula, and one of the major aspects by which the story will stand or fall, will be how their relationship and personalities blend. In Helen Fields' book, she crafts compelling characters with fascinating characteristics and interesting backgrounds, although I would like to see Baarda developed more and commanding more of the storyline. I can see this team working in a series.
In the first half of the book, certain aspects of the narrative challenge the believability of the story and not all of them are dispelled in the second half. The momentum of the story does not waver from the very first page to the last, and the suspense, danger, terror, frustration and pressure to solve the case before the killer concludes his plan, creates an engrossing and entertaining story.
I would recommend this book and I would like to thank Avon Books and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of the audiobook in return for an honest review.
January 14, 2021
Anyone familiar with my taste in books knows I prefer my thrillers a bit on the darker side.
Careful what you wish for…this is one over-the-top, wicked read!
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of man? The Shadow knows.”
The shadow man has an agenda. He’s on the prowl for the perfect victims to meet his objective. What is that you may ask? Come on now, you know I can’t tell you...that would spoil the fun!
Connie is a forensic psychologist brought in from the US to aid the local Scotland police. Connie is no wall-flower and her methods are let’s just say, out of the ordinary. But yet I loved her! She’s tough as nails and won’t hesitate to go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Can her expertise help find The Shadow Man before time runs out?
This was my first read from Helen Fields and jumped at the chance to read this one. I am thoroughly hooked and planning to go back and read her series which looks equally chilling!
A buddy read with Susanne that left us in opposite sides of the bookshelf! But that made it even more fun to read!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK
Careful what you wish for…this is one over-the-top, wicked read!
“Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of man? The Shadow knows.”
The shadow man has an agenda. He’s on the prowl for the perfect victims to meet his objective. What is that you may ask? Come on now, you know I can’t tell you...that would spoil the fun!
Connie is a forensic psychologist brought in from the US to aid the local Scotland police. Connie is no wall-flower and her methods are let’s just say, out of the ordinary. But yet I loved her! She’s tough as nails and won’t hesitate to go toe-to-toe with anyone.
Can her expertise help find The Shadow Man before time runs out?
This was my first read from Helen Fields and jumped at the chance to read this one. I am thoroughly hooked and planning to go back and read her series which looks equally chilling!
A buddy read with Susanne that left us in opposite sides of the bookshelf! But that made it even more fun to read!
Posted to: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK
January 27, 2021
3.5 stars for the book
5 stars for the cover
He collects his victims...but why? To what end? What is he collecting them for? What is his master plan?
Elspeth is taken first, then Meggy and finally Xavier. Why? Why them? He takes them but keeps them...hmmm He has issues as kidnappers and killers do, but is there something else going on here? Man, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what was driving the Shadow Man. He gives us clues, little glimpses but in the end it all comes together in that perfect "aha" moment.
Plus, that house! It had me stretching my mind muscles to try and figure it out. It felt like a maze, levels, things under the floors, etc. I thought, he must have them in the house, but then they say is he coming up? Made me think of the movie "The People under the Stairs" Not the storyline but the house.
The best part of the book was Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist. A woman after my own heart. I loved her. She is smart, crafty and determined. She has a unique way of looking at things and is soon on the hunt. Her scenes and those with Brodie Baarda, a London detective, are what really made the book for me. There were times in the book, that my attention wavered, and I would lose interest but not her parts. I loved that the Author had both readers and Connie learning things about the Shadow man at the same time. Of course, we do know what is happening to the three kidnapped victims and that makes it fun to watch Connie and Baarda try and find them.
I waivered back and forth with my rating as there were times my attention lagged. There were parts that were slow - but I am glad I hung in there as the ending makes up for it. I hope to see Connie (and possibly Baarda) in future books (putting that out there with fingers crossed hoping and wishing). There was a part at the end that had me gasp out loud. I do not do eye stuff, just saying.
My advice is if this gets slow for you or does not seem to be working in the beginning, hang in there. It all comes together in the end. The killer is not like others who have read before. When you learn everything you learn about him, will your thoughts on him change? Will it all make sense? this had me grabbing my DSM 5 at lightning speed. Intriguing indeed.
Overall, an enjoyable read that has me wanting more of Connie Woolwine.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars for the cover
He collects his victims...but why? To what end? What is he collecting them for? What is his master plan?
Elspeth is taken first, then Meggy and finally Xavier. Why? Why them? He takes them but keeps them...hmmm He has issues as kidnappers and killers do, but is there something else going on here? Man, I was scratching my head trying to figure out what was driving the Shadow Man. He gives us clues, little glimpses but in the end it all comes together in that perfect "aha" moment.
Plus, that house! It had me stretching my mind muscles to try and figure it out. It felt like a maze, levels, things under the floors, etc. I thought, he must have them in the house, but then they say is he coming up? Made me think of the movie "The People under the Stairs" Not the storyline but the house.
The best part of the book was Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist. A woman after my own heart. I loved her. She is smart, crafty and determined. She has a unique way of looking at things and is soon on the hunt. Her scenes and those with Brodie Baarda, a London detective, are what really made the book for me. There were times in the book, that my attention wavered, and I would lose interest but not her parts. I loved that the Author had both readers and Connie learning things about the Shadow man at the same time. Of course, we do know what is happening to the three kidnapped victims and that makes it fun to watch Connie and Baarda try and find them.
I waivered back and forth with my rating as there were times my attention lagged. There were parts that were slow - but I am glad I hung in there as the ending makes up for it. I hope to see Connie (and possibly Baarda) in future books (putting that out there with fingers crossed hoping and wishing). There was a part at the end that had me gasp out loud. I do not do eye stuff, just saying.
My advice is if this gets slow for you or does not seem to be working in the beginning, hang in there. It all comes together in the end. The killer is not like others who have read before. When you learn everything you learn about him, will your thoughts on him change? Will it all make sense? this had me grabbing my DSM 5 at lightning speed. Intriguing indeed.
Overall, an enjoyable read that has me wanting more of Connie Woolwine.
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 5, 2021
He's the shadow of a man and yet, he's strong enough to capture his victims.
How does he do it?
Helen Fields has given us a quite dark and disturbing tale. One that for the most part kept me entertained.
A woman, Elspeth, has been abducted, and to find her Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist, and detective Brodie Baarda have teamed up. Connie is making a profile of the psychopath and soon she learns that the body of a woman named Angela has a connection with Elspeth's abduction. Connie knows there has to be a reason for these women to be selected. She and Baarda know time is running out. Will they find her in time?
The Shadow Man had some quite gruesome scenes that made my stomach queazy. My imagination ran wild with all the things The Shadow Man did. Same with some of the discoveries that were described. The last showdown was terrifying.
Connie was a great character! Someone smart, unflappable, and resourceful.
I will like to see her back with Baarda for another investigation.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Avon Books UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
How does he do it?
Helen Fields has given us a quite dark and disturbing tale. One that for the most part kept me entertained.
A woman, Elspeth, has been abducted, and to find her Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist, and detective Brodie Baarda have teamed up. Connie is making a profile of the psychopath and soon she learns that the body of a woman named Angela has a connection with Elspeth's abduction. Connie knows there has to be a reason for these women to be selected. She and Baarda know time is running out. Will they find her in time?
The Shadow Man had some quite gruesome scenes that made my stomach queazy. My imagination ran wild with all the things The Shadow Man did. Same with some of the discoveries that were described. The last showdown was terrifying.
Connie was a great character! Someone smart, unflappable, and resourceful.
I will like to see her back with Baarda for another investigation.
Cliffhanger: No
3/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Avon Books UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 20, 2025
This is a Mystery Thriller. The beginning is weird because you start out by seeing the killers point of view, and you are dropped into a very weird and drama filled point without any back story. I have to say to me that made me want to keep reading, but I can see that will upset someone people which is why I am including it in my review. The book is told by many of the characters, and the book jumps between different characters points of views. I enjoyed seeing the book for different characters points of view. This thriller kept me guessing for the beginning, and it was very scary at points for me. I really loved this story. I have to say there was not a ton of twists and turns in this thriller, but instead there is a built up there kept you guessing until everything just boiled over. I have to say the ending was ok, but it was not great. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
February 13, 2021
EXCERPT: A sleeping woman watched over by the stranger who had hidden for hours in the shadowed bay of her bedroom curtains. That's all there was to the scene. He was a spider, patient and unmoving, poised to drop and stun his prey. There was no malice to it, only need.
ABOUT 'THE SHADOW MAN': He collects his victims. But he doesn’t keep them safe.
Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are locked in a flat. They don’t know where they are, and they don’t know why they’re there. They only know that the shadow man has taken them, and he won’t let them go.
Desperate to escape, the three of them must find a way out of their living hell, even if it means uncovering a very dark truth.
Because the shadow man isn’t a nightmare. He’s all too real.
And he’s watching.
MY THOUGHTS: Chilling and creepy! I did a read/listen of The Shadow Man and even the voice of the Shadow Man gave me goosebumps!
I had never heard of Cotard's Syndrome or Walking Corpse Syndrome which is a rare mental disorder in which the affected person holds the delusional belief that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying, or have lost their blood or internal organs. One of the consequences of Cotard's syndrome is self-starvation because if you're dead, you don't need to eat. And this is what our 'Shadow Man' suffers from.
Fields has written a gripping story which is told from the perspective of The Shadow Man, his abductees, and American Forensic Psychologist Connie Woolwine who is working with Detective Baarda to find Elspeth. Even though we know from the outset who the Shadow Man is, Fields keeps the tension ramped up and the pace frantic as Baarda and Connie try to piece together what is happening, often clashing in their views.
There's a lot of really crazy stuff going on in this book, but nothing that is going to require the reader to suspend belief.
If you are looking for a fast paced, exciting chiller-thriller, this is it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheShadowMan #NetGalley #helenfields @Helen_Fields
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #psychologicalthriller #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. She currently commutes between West Sussex, Scotland and California. She lives with her husband and three children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK for providing me with both a digital ARC and an audiobook of The Shadow Man written by Helen Fields, narrated by Robin Laing and Cathleen McCarron, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE SHADOW MAN': He collects his victims. But he doesn’t keep them safe.
Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are locked in a flat. They don’t know where they are, and they don’t know why they’re there. They only know that the shadow man has taken them, and he won’t let them go.
Desperate to escape, the three of them must find a way out of their living hell, even if it means uncovering a very dark truth.
Because the shadow man isn’t a nightmare. He’s all too real.
And he’s watching.
MY THOUGHTS: Chilling and creepy! I did a read/listen of The Shadow Man and even the voice of the Shadow Man gave me goosebumps!
I had never heard of Cotard's Syndrome or Walking Corpse Syndrome which is a rare mental disorder in which the affected person holds the delusional belief that they are dead, do not exist, are putrefying, or have lost their blood or internal organs. One of the consequences of Cotard's syndrome is self-starvation because if you're dead, you don't need to eat. And this is what our 'Shadow Man' suffers from.
Fields has written a gripping story which is told from the perspective of The Shadow Man, his abductees, and American Forensic Psychologist Connie Woolwine who is working with Detective Baarda to find Elspeth. Even though we know from the outset who the Shadow Man is, Fields keeps the tension ramped up and the pace frantic as Baarda and Connie try to piece together what is happening, often clashing in their views.
There's a lot of really crazy stuff going on in this book, but nothing that is going to require the reader to suspend belief.
If you are looking for a fast paced, exciting chiller-thriller, this is it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheShadowMan #NetGalley #helenfields @Helen_Fields
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #psychologicalthriller #suspense
THE AUTHOR: Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. She currently commutes between West Sussex, Scotland and California. She lives with her husband and three children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Avon Books UK for providing me with both a digital ARC and an audiobook of The Shadow Man written by Helen Fields, narrated by Robin Laing and Cathleen McCarron, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 4, 2021
A dark, gory and horrifying tale, unlike any other I've read!
"He collects his victims, but doesn't keep them safe."
3 victims,
A detective and a forensic psychologist,
And the Shadow man...
Why is he collecting people?
What does he want?
Will it be too late?
Wooooah my heart was still thudding hard ages after I finished this book! The ending made me feel so stressed, and claustrophobic!
This book wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be, it was certainly different and unique, with a very strange character in. There were some proper shocking moments, and it is definitely not for the faint hearted!
I loved the writing! I constantly had a sense of time running out, and really felt panic towards the end, so the tension was perfectly written. It was so dark and gritty, and I could visualise Edinburgh, and all the grisly details. I think if this was a film or tv show, I would have been hiding behind a cushion!
I loved Connie, the American forensic psychologist, she was a great character. She was the kind of strong, no nonsense, blunt character that I like to see in these kind of books. She had a great backstory, and her role was really well written. She was definitely my favourite character, but I also loved detective Brodie Baarda, he was a real surprise! They had a great relationship, and worked well together, I enjoyed that.
I loved Meggy! What a strong and resourceful girl! I could only wish to be as brave as her in those awful circumstances!
There were some utterly horrifying scenes, and although some might not, I appreciated the detail! I am not going to say anymore about the plot, because it would be better to go in not knowing much, then it can confuse, upset, terrify and surprise you too!
The Shadow Man felt well researched, from the police procedural side, to the forensic side, to the victims and even the shadow man himself. As Helen Fields mentioned in her acknowledgments, she had insider knowledge through contacts at the FBI, and you could tell.
I think the creepiest part for me, was having some of the shadow man's POV thrown in here and there, it sickened me, but also made me feel pity, fear and horror.
The only drawbacks for me were that I couldn't really visualise the house which the victims were locked up in, it was too complex for my mind ha ha. Some parts felt a little slow towards the start too, but I recommend sticking with it to get to the insane, and fast paced parts!
This was my first book by Helen Fields, and she has a hella dark mind, I loved it!
Available now!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest view!
"He collects his victims, but doesn't keep them safe."
3 victims,
A detective and a forensic psychologist,
And the Shadow man...
Why is he collecting people?
What does he want?
Will it be too late?
Wooooah my heart was still thudding hard ages after I finished this book! The ending made me feel so stressed, and claustrophobic!
This book wasn't at all what I thought it was going to be, it was certainly different and unique, with a very strange character in. There were some proper shocking moments, and it is definitely not for the faint hearted!
I loved the writing! I constantly had a sense of time running out, and really felt panic towards the end, so the tension was perfectly written. It was so dark and gritty, and I could visualise Edinburgh, and all the grisly details. I think if this was a film or tv show, I would have been hiding behind a cushion!
I loved Connie, the American forensic psychologist, she was a great character. She was the kind of strong, no nonsense, blunt character that I like to see in these kind of books. She had a great backstory, and her role was really well written. She was definitely my favourite character, but I also loved detective Brodie Baarda, he was a real surprise! They had a great relationship, and worked well together, I enjoyed that.
I loved Meggy! What a strong and resourceful girl! I could only wish to be as brave as her in those awful circumstances!
There were some utterly horrifying scenes, and although some might not, I appreciated the detail! I am not going to say anymore about the plot, because it would be better to go in not knowing much, then it can confuse, upset, terrify and surprise you too!
The Shadow Man felt well researched, from the police procedural side, to the forensic side, to the victims and even the shadow man himself. As Helen Fields mentioned in her acknowledgments, she had insider knowledge through contacts at the FBI, and you could tell.
I think the creepiest part for me, was having some of the shadow man's POV thrown in here and there, it sickened me, but also made me feel pity, fear and horror.
The only drawbacks for me were that I couldn't really visualise the house which the victims were locked up in, it was too complex for my mind ha ha. Some parts felt a little slow towards the start too, but I recommend sticking with it to get to the insane, and fast paced parts!
This was my first book by Helen Fields, and she has a hella dark mind, I loved it!
Available now!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the advanced readers copy, in exchange for an honest view!
October 14, 2020
American profiler and forensic psychologist Connie Woodwine and DI Brodie Baarda from the Met Ops Team are assisting the Edinburgh based Police Scotland team following the disappearance of Elspeth Dunwoody, this is followed by further disappearances and this the hunt is on for ‘The Shadow Man’.
Wow. That start! Talk about perch on the edge of your seat, hardly daring to breathe as the nightmare unfolds. 0 to 60 in a nanosecond! I think it’s fair to say that Helen Fields has my attention immediately. Woodwine and Baarda make a fantastic team, they’re yin and yang, as they try to track down a horrifyingly mentally ill, delusional and demonic monster. The interaction between them works so well, Connie is straight talking, shoot from the lips and Baarda is ever polite but there is sharp good humour between them which works really well and relieves tension. The victims actions are interesting and I don’t want to give much away but one of them proves to be both brave and resourceful. There’s desperation, shocks by the bucketload as a maniacal fantasy is constructed. It’s creepy, ghoulish, shivers up the spine and jaw dropping in intensity. Thankfully the pace alters and gives you time to catch your breath before your head explodes and then builds up again. The end - what can I say except it’s beyond tense, it’s tragic and sad. I love the ultimate finale with Connie and Baarda and I sincerely hope that the author does not confine them to a one off. They are tremendous characters, I’d love to read what they do next.
Overall, I think you can tell I think this book is good! It’s gritty, dark, so well written, the plot is well paced and you have no idea what is going to happen next. It has some very original and creative elements that add an extra dimension to the storyline. This is Helen Fields best book so far in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Wow. That start! Talk about perch on the edge of your seat, hardly daring to breathe as the nightmare unfolds. 0 to 60 in a nanosecond! I think it’s fair to say that Helen Fields has my attention immediately. Woodwine and Baarda make a fantastic team, they’re yin and yang, as they try to track down a horrifyingly mentally ill, delusional and demonic monster. The interaction between them works so well, Connie is straight talking, shoot from the lips and Baarda is ever polite but there is sharp good humour between them which works really well and relieves tension. The victims actions are interesting and I don’t want to give much away but one of them proves to be both brave and resourceful. There’s desperation, shocks by the bucketload as a maniacal fantasy is constructed. It’s creepy, ghoulish, shivers up the spine and jaw dropping in intensity. Thankfully the pace alters and gives you time to catch your breath before your head explodes and then builds up again. The end - what can I say except it’s beyond tense, it’s tragic and sad. I love the ultimate finale with Connie and Baarda and I sincerely hope that the author does not confine them to a one off. They are tremendous characters, I’d love to read what they do next.
Overall, I think you can tell I think this book is good! It’s gritty, dark, so well written, the plot is well paced and you have no idea what is going to happen next. It has some very original and creative elements that add an extra dimension to the storyline. This is Helen Fields best book so far in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Avon Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
January 27, 2021
A thriller based around three people kidnapped in Edinburgh by a mentally distorted man who keeps them in order to create a world of his own. A female profiler is on a mission to find the kidnapper before it is too late.
This book was a little of a let-down to me as I did not feel any thrill or suspense while listening to it. Quite the contrary, there were some moments I was unable to find a character or their actions believable. The only box with a tick was the narration ... Both narrators do a grand job, and they definitely add quality to this book.
*Many thanks to Helen Fields, Harper Collins UK Audio, and NetGalley for the audio version of the book in exchange for my honest review.*
This book was a little of a let-down to me as I did not feel any thrill or suspense while listening to it. Quite the contrary, there were some moments I was unable to find a character or their actions believable. The only box with a tick was the narration ... Both narrators do a grand job, and they definitely add quality to this book.
*Many thanks to Helen Fields, Harper Collins UK Audio, and NetGalley for the audio version of the book in exchange for my honest review.*
January 30, 2021
The Shadow Man gives us a dark, scary horror filled look into an abductor’s crazed mind as we follow him as he collects up the people he has stalked and as the police desperately try to find him and his captives. This is not one for the faint of heart, there is a lot of gore and scare and it definitely goes beyond the usual ‘investigative team tracks down a possible killer’ storyline.
The team of American Psychiatrist Connie and Scottish DI Baarda were fantastic! I really enjoyed their storyline and all of the involved detail into both of their lives and the case. As we watch people get taken, we also see the terror of these captives being in the house with this crazed man. There were a few spots were the book went a bit far for me (and I am a horror lover) but I think that was more personal taste. There were moments of ice cold fear in my body as I read what was happening to the captives, what a scary read! So many times throughout where I would say “oh NO!” out loud, I was so engrossed in what was happening.. And the ending, so terrifying! Will they find the people he has collected in time, will they still be alive? You will have to read to find out!
I will note that I found I was not invested like I thought I would be in the first third of the book. The third person narrative disrupted the flow at some points as you could mid chapter be hearing the thoughts of one of the captives and suddenly be in the thoughts of another and I would have loved to had each have their own chapter and not switch perspective mid stream. I found my mind wandering and wasn’t really getting the characterization of the kidnapper but I checked a couple reviews that said I was at the point where it picks up and wow were they right on the money! It suddenly became so engrossing, I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to add that in here so that you keep going, it will all fall into place!
If you are a dark horror fan and can stand a lot of gore mixed in with a good police procedural, this needs to be on your reading list! See if you can find the man in the shadows before he finds you! ☠️
**My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for and Advanced Reader Copy of this very creepy read that publishes on February 4th, 2021**
The team of American Psychiatrist Connie and Scottish DI Baarda were fantastic! I really enjoyed their storyline and all of the involved detail into both of their lives and the case. As we watch people get taken, we also see the terror of these captives being in the house with this crazed man. There were a few spots were the book went a bit far for me (and I am a horror lover) but I think that was more personal taste. There were moments of ice cold fear in my body as I read what was happening to the captives, what a scary read! So many times throughout where I would say “oh NO!” out loud, I was so engrossed in what was happening.. And the ending, so terrifying! Will they find the people he has collected in time, will they still be alive? You will have to read to find out!
I will note that I found I was not invested like I thought I would be in the first third of the book. The third person narrative disrupted the flow at some points as you could mid chapter be hearing the thoughts of one of the captives and suddenly be in the thoughts of another and I would have loved to had each have their own chapter and not switch perspective mid stream. I found my mind wandering and wasn’t really getting the characterization of the kidnapper but I checked a couple reviews that said I was at the point where it picks up and wow were they right on the money! It suddenly became so engrossing, I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to add that in here so that you keep going, it will all fall into place!
If you are a dark horror fan and can stand a lot of gore mixed in with a good police procedural, this needs to be on your reading list! See if you can find the man in the shadows before he finds you! ☠️
**My thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for and Advanced Reader Copy of this very creepy read that publishes on February 4th, 2021**
November 19, 2020
When I started this book I thought that this was either going to be a 2 star read or even a possible DNF but then around the 30% mark it started to click and I was able to get into the flow of the story.
The reason I was able to continue was without a doubt the characters of Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist, along with her partner Brodie Baarda, a London detective, both of whom have been asked to assist in capturing the Shadow Man. I loved their chemistry. I loved Connie's take no shit attitude against Brodie's more gentile and polite manner. They were just so much fun to read and their sections were so very good. (I'd love to see these two again - just throwing that out there Ms. Fields!)
My problem came with our perpetrator. I was actually repulsed by his description and because of that I wasn't able to take this seriously. At first. Eventually I found my footing and by the end of the book I do know why this person is the way they are. TW: If you have any type of tooth phobia then steer clear of this! Yikes.
If your in the mood to spend time with a very demented psychopath then The Shadow Man should fit the bill perfectly. 3.5 stars!
My favorite Connie quote: "The world would be a much better place if being a complete dick were illegal."
Ain't that the truth!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The reason I was able to continue was without a doubt the characters of Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist, along with her partner Brodie Baarda, a London detective, both of whom have been asked to assist in capturing the Shadow Man. I loved their chemistry. I loved Connie's take no shit attitude against Brodie's more gentile and polite manner. They were just so much fun to read and their sections were so very good. (I'd love to see these two again - just throwing that out there Ms. Fields!)
My problem came with our perpetrator. I was actually repulsed by his description and because of that I wasn't able to take this seriously. At first. Eventually I found my footing and by the end of the book I do know why this person is the way they are. TW: If you have any type of tooth phobia then steer clear of this! Yikes.
If your in the mood to spend time with a very demented psychopath then The Shadow Man should fit the bill perfectly. 3.5 stars!
My favorite Connie quote: "The world would be a much better place if being a complete dick were illegal."
Ain't that the truth!
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2021
I’m not normally known for giving so many 5 star reviews but with a book as good as this one was it’s a no-brainer. Of course this is the author that brings us the very excellent Luc Callanach series. I’m not sure if this book is intended to be a stand alone or the start of a new series, but either way it’s too good to miss.
Dr Connie Woolwine is a forensic psychologist from the US who has been engaged to consult on the disappearance of Elspeth Dunwoody, the daughter-in-law of a VIP. Connie is an interesting character, very direct and almost abrasive, but she is very outcome focused and has a different take on things because of her achromatic vision (she can only see in shades of grey). She is teamed with DI Baarda and, although it takes a while, they end working together quite well.
The bad guy in this story is a very strange guy indeed. He thinks he’s dying and for some reason feels the need to have a family and for them all to die blissfully together. Well he doesn’t have a family, so what do you do when you don’t have the family you need? Why you just go out and steal one! That’s where Elspeth comes in. And Meggy, and Xavier. Connie is the one who puts it all together and sees the links that no one else does. She is absolutely brilliant. She is also able to get into the bad guy’s head, not a pleasant place to be.
Elspeth is just trying to survive and when Meggy arrives she becomes protective of the 12 year old, well she is a mother with children of her own. Meggy is also a fabulous character, just headstrong enough for a 12 year old and very gutsy. While Connie is working it out she still needs to convince Superintendent Overbeck of the value of her theories. I really liked Overbeck’s character in this book, she is so acerbic! Those of you following the Luc Callanach series will remember her from there.
It becomes a race against time. Connie is convinced the missing people are still alive but is also certain that at some point their situation will become perilous. When an ex-boyfriend of Elspeth’s however posts something on social media Connie knows their time is running out and it’s pedal to the metal trying to find the bad guy’s lair. The ending of this book is explosive, one of the best endings I’ve read! I was literally at the edge of my chair. It was totally unorthodox and totally brilliant! The story never dragged, I cannot recommend this highly enough. And that cover - just gorgeous! Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Helen Fields for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
Dr Connie Woolwine is a forensic psychologist from the US who has been engaged to consult on the disappearance of Elspeth Dunwoody, the daughter-in-law of a VIP. Connie is an interesting character, very direct and almost abrasive, but she is very outcome focused and has a different take on things because of her achromatic vision (she can only see in shades of grey). She is teamed with DI Baarda and, although it takes a while, they end working together quite well.
The bad guy in this story is a very strange guy indeed. He thinks he’s dying and for some reason feels the need to have a family and for them all to die blissfully together. Well he doesn’t have a family, so what do you do when you don’t have the family you need? Why you just go out and steal one! That’s where Elspeth comes in. And Meggy, and Xavier. Connie is the one who puts it all together and sees the links that no one else does. She is absolutely brilliant. She is also able to get into the bad guy’s head, not a pleasant place to be.
Elspeth is just trying to survive and when Meggy arrives she becomes protective of the 12 year old, well she is a mother with children of her own. Meggy is also a fabulous character, just headstrong enough for a 12 year old and very gutsy. While Connie is working it out she still needs to convince Superintendent Overbeck of the value of her theories. I really liked Overbeck’s character in this book, she is so acerbic! Those of you following the Luc Callanach series will remember her from there.
It becomes a race against time. Connie is convinced the missing people are still alive but is also certain that at some point their situation will become perilous. When an ex-boyfriend of Elspeth’s however posts something on social media Connie knows their time is running out and it’s pedal to the metal trying to find the bad guy’s lair. The ending of this book is explosive, one of the best endings I’ve read! I was literally at the edge of my chair. It was totally unorthodox and totally brilliant! The story never dragged, I cannot recommend this highly enough. And that cover - just gorgeous! Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books UK and Helen Fields for providing me with a copy to review. My opinions are my own.
January 20, 2021
Helen Fields has created a real monster of a serial killer in this novel. Fergus Ariss is a very sick man. He can feel his organs rotting away and believes he doesn't have much time left before he dies. He's also running out of time to complete his agenda and collect the perfect victims to fit his needs.
American forensic psychologist Connie Woolwine has been called in by the Edinburgh police to profile the kidnapper of the wife of an important man. She's been teamed up with DI Baarda, the head of Major Investigations, a quiet, reserved Londoner, and together make a very odd couple at first. Connie is an interesting character who sees the world in black and white due to an accident while she was at college that robbed her of the ability to see colours. She also has an unusual approach to feeling what the suspect would be thinking and doing and it's her determined intuition and insight that will eventually lead them to Fergus.
This is such an unusual case with no obvious links between the victims and although the difficult case progresses slowly at first, the momentum of the plot gains speed as Fergus moves on with his warped agenda. Viewpoints from the victims as well as from Connie, Baarda and Fergus give different perspectives of what they are experiencing as the case develops. The victims are a spirited group determined to survive as long as possible and work to help each other. Despite their different personalities Connie and Baarda make a great team as they develop a comfortable, bantering relationship (hopefully, Helen Fields will allow them to return in a sequel or series). The ending was one of the best I have read in a thriller with some real nail biting moments.
With thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a copy to read
American forensic psychologist Connie Woolwine has been called in by the Edinburgh police to profile the kidnapper of the wife of an important man. She's been teamed up with DI Baarda, the head of Major Investigations, a quiet, reserved Londoner, and together make a very odd couple at first. Connie is an interesting character who sees the world in black and white due to an accident while she was at college that robbed her of the ability to see colours. She also has an unusual approach to feeling what the suspect would be thinking and doing and it's her determined intuition and insight that will eventually lead them to Fergus.
This is such an unusual case with no obvious links between the victims and although the difficult case progresses slowly at first, the momentum of the plot gains speed as Fergus moves on with his warped agenda. Viewpoints from the victims as well as from Connie, Baarda and Fergus give different perspectives of what they are experiencing as the case develops. The victims are a spirited group determined to survive as long as possible and work to help each other. Despite their different personalities Connie and Baarda make a great team as they develop a comfortable, bantering relationship (hopefully, Helen Fields will allow them to return in a sequel or series). The ending was one of the best I have read in a thriller with some real nail biting moments.
With thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a copy to read
March 7, 2021
When I saw that Helen Fields had her first standalone book following her excellent 'Perfect' Series, I felt I was in for a dark, grim, gritty treat. This was a shocking, horrifying thriller. The suspense is riveting throughout. We have two threads to keep us disturbed and glued to the edge of our seat. Near the beginning, we are introduced to The Shadow Man and learn his present identity. He is a very disturbed, demonic presence with a very rare, ghastly, but actual mental illness. We learn of three kidnappings that come under investigation and early glimpses of his motive. I was gripped by the dangers for his victims and the unlikely hopes that they might survive their bizarre confinement.
The other suspense element was due to my stress and worry that the two investigators would fail in finding them on time and might not capture the deranged Shadow Man and prevent further crimes. Two outside investigators have been called to Edinburgh to solve Elspeth's abduction, a wife and mother with prominent family connections. The team consists of DI Baarda, a kidnapping specialist from London, and Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic psychologist from America. She is an abrasive, focused, brave woman with a painful background and an unusual way of seeing things. DI Baarda, an Eton educated, polite and patient man, tolerates her abrupt manner. They work well together in a case that places them both in mortal danger.
Soon after they start looking for Elspeth, two others are kidnapped, and forensics ties their disappearance to the same abductor. Meggy is a 12-year-old with a neglectful stepmother, and Xavier is a paraplegic man in a wheelchair. These crimes have been connected to two murders. One was a young wife and mother who was killed by accident in an attempt to kidnap her. The other was a man in a wheelchair stabbed to death by the demented Shadow Man when he tried to intervene while Xavier was being taken. There is a strong suspicion that there may have been previous murders.
Connie and Baarda are puzzled because the crimes do not point to the usual serial killer who chooses victims of a similar type. This man now holds victims of very different types, and for what purpose? Will they survive long enough to be rescued?
I had great difficulty in visualizing the layout of the house where the captives were being held. Especially problematic for me was the description of a space between the floorboards on an upper floor and the ceiling below and how they might attempt to use it as a way to escape without being seriously injured or captured. My inability to fully picture these descriptive sections slowed down my gripping, creepy read. The tension accelerated near the end with much dread and concern for all the characters involved. I hope this is only the first in a series to feature Connie and Baarda.
Recommended for readers of dark and gritty police procedurals combined with horror.
The other suspense element was due to my stress and worry that the two investigators would fail in finding them on time and might not capture the deranged Shadow Man and prevent further crimes. Two outside investigators have been called to Edinburgh to solve Elspeth's abduction, a wife and mother with prominent family connections. The team consists of DI Baarda, a kidnapping specialist from London, and Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic psychologist from America. She is an abrasive, focused, brave woman with a painful background and an unusual way of seeing things. DI Baarda, an Eton educated, polite and patient man, tolerates her abrupt manner. They work well together in a case that places them both in mortal danger.
Soon after they start looking for Elspeth, two others are kidnapped, and forensics ties their disappearance to the same abductor. Meggy is a 12-year-old with a neglectful stepmother, and Xavier is a paraplegic man in a wheelchair. These crimes have been connected to two murders. One was a young wife and mother who was killed by accident in an attempt to kidnap her. The other was a man in a wheelchair stabbed to death by the demented Shadow Man when he tried to intervene while Xavier was being taken. There is a strong suspicion that there may have been previous murders.
Connie and Baarda are puzzled because the crimes do not point to the usual serial killer who chooses victims of a similar type. This man now holds victims of very different types, and for what purpose? Will they survive long enough to be rescued?
I had great difficulty in visualizing the layout of the house where the captives were being held. Especially problematic for me was the description of a space between the floorboards on an upper floor and the ceiling below and how they might attempt to use it as a way to escape without being seriously injured or captured. My inability to fully picture these descriptive sections slowed down my gripping, creepy read. The tension accelerated near the end with much dread and concern for all the characters involved. I hope this is only the first in a series to feature Connie and Baarda.
Recommended for readers of dark and gritty police procedurals combined with horror.
January 9, 2021
There’s a man who studies his victims before going on the take. For him however, it’s not about the kill. It’s about something else entirely.
His need for something that’s been sorely been sorely lacking in his life.
Creepy and gruesome, the storyline in “The Shadow Man” just didn’t work for me. I was freaked out, grossed out and just couldn’t handle it.
For those of you looking for an off the wall mystery/suspense, you just might like this one as lots of other reviewers did, thus I simply might not be the right reader for this novel.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey and once again, we were on opposite sides on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 1.9.21.
His need for something that’s been sorely been sorely lacking in his life.
Creepy and gruesome, the storyline in “The Shadow Man” just didn’t work for me. I was freaked out, grossed out and just couldn’t handle it.
For those of you looking for an off the wall mystery/suspense, you just might like this one as lots of other reviewers did, thus I simply might not be the right reader for this novel.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey and once again, we were on opposite sides on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 1.9.21.
April 23, 2021
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Jaw dropping!! A must read for lovers of creepy crime thrillers! Seriously chilling, dark and sinister.
Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, the character of Fergus Ariss alias The Shadow Man is one of the most cleverly written evil villains I have ever come across. He suffers from a rare illness called Cotard’s Syndrome which I had never heard of before reading this. What an absolutely exceptional idea to base your crime novel on.
We follow 'The Shadow Man' as he stalks the lives of Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier who will all become captives to the allusive Shadow Man. Desperate to escape they find hidden horrors as they try to escape the building they are prisoners in.
Detective Inspector Brodie Baarda and Forensic Psychologist Profiler Dr. Constance ‘Connie’ Woolwine work together on the case and there seems to be no common link between the abductions. Both their characters are interesting, they have a simmering chemistry and work well together. Connie is confident, blunt and colour vision impaired (achromatopsia) which means she only sees in shades of grey. Brodie is terribly English, refined but has a warm character.
Can they catch 'The Shadow Man' before he gets to his end-game?
This story explores a very rare and disturbing condition and the darker side of crime, fascinating characters and great pacing. Praise to the author Helen Sarah Fields and her extraordinary imagination. A recommended read and I look forward to more case solving from Connie and Brodie.
I wish to thank Netgalley and publisher Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
Jaw dropping!! A must read for lovers of creepy crime thrillers! Seriously chilling, dark and sinister.
Set in Edinburgh, Scotland, the character of Fergus Ariss alias The Shadow Man is one of the most cleverly written evil villains I have ever come across. He suffers from a rare illness called Cotard’s Syndrome which I had never heard of before reading this. What an absolutely exceptional idea to base your crime novel on.
We follow 'The Shadow Man' as he stalks the lives of Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier who will all become captives to the allusive Shadow Man. Desperate to escape they find hidden horrors as they try to escape the building they are prisoners in.
Detective Inspector Brodie Baarda and Forensic Psychologist Profiler Dr. Constance ‘Connie’ Woolwine work together on the case and there seems to be no common link between the abductions. Both their characters are interesting, they have a simmering chemistry and work well together. Connie is confident, blunt and colour vision impaired (achromatopsia) which means she only sees in shades of grey. Brodie is terribly English, refined but has a warm character.
Can they catch 'The Shadow Man' before he gets to his end-game?
This story explores a very rare and disturbing condition and the darker side of crime, fascinating characters and great pacing. Praise to the author Helen Sarah Fields and her extraordinary imagination. A recommended read and I look forward to more case solving from Connie and Brodie.
I wish to thank Netgalley and publisher Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
February 4, 2021
The Shadow Man is an interesting and unique thriller. Elspeth, Meggie, and Xavier are stuck in a flat together. The man that took them calls them his family. Everyone reacts differently to being held captive. I found it interesting seeing how the different characters tried to escape and how they reacted to their captor. They all found different ways to survive. The man that took them, “the shadow man”, is struggling with mental health. Parts of the story are told from his perspective which was interesting. There were some parts of The Shadow Man that I found confusing but everything was revealed by the end of the book. Connie is a very interesting character and brings so much depth to the story. The end was very intense and stressful in a good way. The ending was definitely my favorite part of the book.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Robin Laing and Cathleen McCarron and thought they did a good job. I also read the ebook and enjoyed both formats.
Thank you Avon Books UK, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for The Shadow Man.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Robin Laing and Cathleen McCarron and thought they did a good job. I also read the ebook and enjoyed both formats.
Thank you Avon Books UK, Harper Audio, and NetGalley for The Shadow Man.
Full Review: https://justreadingjess.wordpress.com...
January 27, 2021
4 Ultra Gritty Stars
This book is not for the faint of heart! This one has the creepiest bad guy that I can remember in quite a while. Watch out for the Shadow Man!
Connie Woolwine is an American forensic psychologist who has been called into a police investigation in Scotland. She is working to build a profile and this criminal is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Connie is smart and a great analyst and seems to get into the criminal mind.
She’s working with Detective Baarda and they are trying to find the victims who have been kidnapped. It doesn’t fit a traditional model though, one victim is older, one is a child, and one is in a wheelchair. What is The Shadow Man doing with these people? Connie thinks they are alive, but it is a race to find them before things change.
We get to experience what the kidnap victims are going through and it is truly terrifying! There are even a few chapters from The Shadow Man himself and they are even more terrifying.
The most amazing part of this book is the finale and it was just out of this world. I almost couldn’t read it, but I kept saying “It’s just a book . . . “
This was my first Helen Fields and she’s got a series with 6 books. I might just start those on a rainy day!
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
This book is not for the faint of heart! This one has the creepiest bad guy that I can remember in quite a while. Watch out for the Shadow Man!
Connie Woolwine is an American forensic psychologist who has been called into a police investigation in Scotland. She is working to build a profile and this criminal is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. Connie is smart and a great analyst and seems to get into the criminal mind.
She’s working with Detective Baarda and they are trying to find the victims who have been kidnapped. It doesn’t fit a traditional model though, one victim is older, one is a child, and one is in a wheelchair. What is The Shadow Man doing with these people? Connie thinks they are alive, but it is a race to find them before things change.
We get to experience what the kidnap victims are going through and it is truly terrifying! There are even a few chapters from The Shadow Man himself and they are even more terrifying.
The most amazing part of this book is the finale and it was just out of this world. I almost couldn’t read it, but I kept saying “It’s just a book . . . “
This was my first Helen Fields and she’s got a series with 6 books. I might just start those on a rainy day!
Thank you to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
September 24, 2021
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Helen Fields, and Avon Books UK for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
After developing a strong DI Luc Callanach series, Helen Fields sets about dazzling her readers with yet another superb standalone novel. The Shadow Man is not only a great police procedural, but also pushes the genre to the limits with one of the most unique serial killers I have come across in all my years reading. Steeped with action, suspense, and some psychological chills, Fields proves that she is a force to be reckoned with when she puts her mind to it. Fans of her past work the genre in general will surely find something captivating in this piece, though it will also keep them up well in to the night.
Dr. Connie Woodwine has been called in to help work a case within Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT). An American, Woodwine brings her experience as a forensic psychologist to a baffling case and is teamed up with DI Brodie Baarda, based in Edinburgh. A woman’s found slain in her bed and the best friend who had arrived to see her is kidnapped from the driveway. Woodwine and Baarda have no idea where to begin, as the forensics are scarce and the leads non-existent.
After word comes over the wire that a teenage girl was abducted in plain sight by a gangly, skeletal man outside a library, Woodwine and Baarda try to determine if this is another abduction or an extrapolation of their own case. Still, there is little on which to go, save the eerie description by another youth. Still, it’s something for the time being.
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, the two victims begin to see that they are playing parts in a sick a sadistic game with a man who fancies himself already dead. His emaciated body is disgusting enough, but the ‘play acting’ he has them perform while in captivity takes things to a whole new level. He almost encompasses the role as head of a family, one that meets his every needs. As the kidnapper continues to add to his brood, his more violent side comes out, making him a threat in an entirely new way.
Woodwine and Baarda begin to piece things together, though extremely slowly. It is nothing that will guarantee solving the case, but this sliver of information could help expand the search parameters, while they wrestle to comprehend the killer’s physical and psychological anomalies. They’ll need to stay on top of things if they hope to save those who have been taken and find justice for those whose lives have already been extinguished.
I got a kick out of reading the comments made by some about how ‘pleasantly surprised’ they were to see this novel come from Helen Fields. In my humble opinion, this is Fields in and out, pushing the boundaries and bringing police procedurals to life with strong narratives and stellar characters. Set again in Scotland, the reader gets that brogue feel within the banter as a killer seeks to exact their own form of tortuous behaviour to allay their own fears.
Connie Woodwine and Brodie Baarda definitely share the spotlight in this piece, with the former’s ‘foreignness’ definitely receiving a little added focus. Woodwine’s own backstory adds something to the story, after she suffered a brain injury as a teenager and ended up as an achromat, unable to see colour whatsoever. Living her life in black, white, and shades of grey, Woodwine is able to get to the core of the case with her exceptional determination throughout the piece. Her banter with Baarda’s whose past seems much less exciting, proves to be a key element to the novel’s success. This is a duo that works so well together, one can only imagine if it will spin into a series to rival DI Luc Callanach.
By and large, the secondary characters are wonderful with the central antagonist, Fergus Ariss, proving masterful. His body is plagued with an illness that is only revealed in the latter part of the novel, though his mental rationalisations prove baffling throughout. Ariss uses those who fall into his clutches so well and creates this secondary world that readers cannot help but discover in the well-paced narrative. Ariss does well to keep the flow of the story going as he tries to build up his familial empire one victim at a time. There’s little time to rest as the story’s flavour gets deeper and more alluring as the chapters flow. Those who support both the protagonists and the antagonist find themselves perfectly placed, developed effectively throughout.
Helen Fields does a stunning job with this piece and keeps her readers locked in until the final page turn. The story begins at high speeds and does not diminish at any point, allowing the reader to see the gain in momentum as it parallels the development of the plot and ingenuity of its delivery. With short chapters to lure the reader, Fields paces herself as she drops breadcrumbs throughout, only to leave the reader wanting more. As I mentioned above, this has a series debut feel to it, though I have not heard anything about this from the various websites I’ve scanned of late. I suppose we’ll all have to wait and see what transpires.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another great read. I am eager to see what else you have in store for your fans.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
After developing a strong DI Luc Callanach series, Helen Fields sets about dazzling her readers with yet another superb standalone novel. The Shadow Man is not only a great police procedural, but also pushes the genre to the limits with one of the most unique serial killers I have come across in all my years reading. Steeped with action, suspense, and some psychological chills, Fields proves that she is a force to be reckoned with when she puts her mind to it. Fans of her past work the genre in general will surely find something captivating in this piece, though it will also keep them up well in to the night.
Dr. Connie Woodwine has been called in to help work a case within Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT). An American, Woodwine brings her experience as a forensic psychologist to a baffling case and is teamed up with DI Brodie Baarda, based in Edinburgh. A woman’s found slain in her bed and the best friend who had arrived to see her is kidnapped from the driveway. Woodwine and Baarda have no idea where to begin, as the forensics are scarce and the leads non-existent.
After word comes over the wire that a teenage girl was abducted in plain sight by a gangly, skeletal man outside a library, Woodwine and Baarda try to determine if this is another abduction or an extrapolation of their own case. Still, there is little on which to go, save the eerie description by another youth. Still, it’s something for the time being.
Meanwhile, in an undisclosed location, the two victims begin to see that they are playing parts in a sick a sadistic game with a man who fancies himself already dead. His emaciated body is disgusting enough, but the ‘play acting’ he has them perform while in captivity takes things to a whole new level. He almost encompasses the role as head of a family, one that meets his every needs. As the kidnapper continues to add to his brood, his more violent side comes out, making him a threat in an entirely new way.
Woodwine and Baarda begin to piece things together, though extremely slowly. It is nothing that will guarantee solving the case, but this sliver of information could help expand the search parameters, while they wrestle to comprehend the killer’s physical and psychological anomalies. They’ll need to stay on top of things if they hope to save those who have been taken and find justice for those whose lives have already been extinguished.
I got a kick out of reading the comments made by some about how ‘pleasantly surprised’ they were to see this novel come from Helen Fields. In my humble opinion, this is Fields in and out, pushing the boundaries and bringing police procedurals to life with strong narratives and stellar characters. Set again in Scotland, the reader gets that brogue feel within the banter as a killer seeks to exact their own form of tortuous behaviour to allay their own fears.
Connie Woodwine and Brodie Baarda definitely share the spotlight in this piece, with the former’s ‘foreignness’ definitely receiving a little added focus. Woodwine’s own backstory adds something to the story, after she suffered a brain injury as a teenager and ended up as an achromat, unable to see colour whatsoever. Living her life in black, white, and shades of grey, Woodwine is able to get to the core of the case with her exceptional determination throughout the piece. Her banter with Baarda’s whose past seems much less exciting, proves to be a key element to the novel’s success. This is a duo that works so well together, one can only imagine if it will spin into a series to rival DI Luc Callanach.
By and large, the secondary characters are wonderful with the central antagonist, Fergus Ariss, proving masterful. His body is plagued with an illness that is only revealed in the latter part of the novel, though his mental rationalisations prove baffling throughout. Ariss uses those who fall into his clutches so well and creates this secondary world that readers cannot help but discover in the well-paced narrative. Ariss does well to keep the flow of the story going as he tries to build up his familial empire one victim at a time. There’s little time to rest as the story’s flavour gets deeper and more alluring as the chapters flow. Those who support both the protagonists and the antagonist find themselves perfectly placed, developed effectively throughout.
Helen Fields does a stunning job with this piece and keeps her readers locked in until the final page turn. The story begins at high speeds and does not diminish at any point, allowing the reader to see the gain in momentum as it parallels the development of the plot and ingenuity of its delivery. With short chapters to lure the reader, Fields paces herself as she drops breadcrumbs throughout, only to leave the reader wanting more. As I mentioned above, this has a series debut feel to it, though I have not heard anything about this from the various websites I’ve scanned of late. I suppose we’ll all have to wait and see what transpires.
Kudos, Madam Fields, for another great read. I am eager to see what else you have in store for your fans.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/th...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
January 30, 2021
The ending will shock you!
The entire read is sinister, dark, chilling and oh so compulsive in its reading matter.
I don’t know quite what I was expecting but this delivered much more creepiness than I anticipated.
I had the book from netgalley, then I downloaded the book to listen to. The voices, oh man, those voices. Especially Shadow Mans voice.
A twisted son of a gun.
If you like chilling dark sinister reads, just look no further, it’s all right here within this book.
This author has done a good job on me!
I shivered and goosebumps in many places.
I think it’s the narrators voices that added to this too.
The entire read is sinister, dark, chilling and oh so compulsive in its reading matter.
I don’t know quite what I was expecting but this delivered much more creepiness than I anticipated.
I had the book from netgalley, then I downloaded the book to listen to. The voices, oh man, those voices. Especially Shadow Mans voice.
A twisted son of a gun.
If you like chilling dark sinister reads, just look no further, it’s all right here within this book.
This author has done a good job on me!
I shivered and goosebumps in many places.
I think it’s the narrators voices that added to this too.
January 10, 2021
A dark and gritty police procedural from Helen Fields. Set in Edinburgh, that opening chapter had me hooked. Not for the faint of heart this book is quite detailed and heavy at times, just the kind of book I love to get lost in. The relationship of the 2 main law enforcement characters was fun and I hope we se more from them in the future.
It starts with an accidental murder. The Shadow Man is abducting people and keeping them in his home. The police are baffled. No ransoms have come in and the range of victims is so varied they cannot find a pattern. Profiler Connie Woolwine is called in from the US and has her own way of tackling cases. She works with DI Baarda from London to try to stop this man. We hear from 3 points view, the law, the victims and the Shadow Man. The ending is horrific and will shock you.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
It starts with an accidental murder. The Shadow Man is abducting people and keeping them in his home. The police are baffled. No ransoms have come in and the range of victims is so varied they cannot find a pattern. Profiler Connie Woolwine is called in from the US and has her own way of tackling cases. She works with DI Baarda from London to try to stop this man. We hear from 3 points view, the law, the victims and the Shadow Man. The ending is horrific and will shock you.
Thanks to Avon Books UK and NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read.
June 21, 2021
I am gobsmacked at how good The Shadow Man was !
Elspeth was taken by mentally ill Fergus & its up to Connie Wool Wine & DI Baarda to save her, These stories have been done before but this time it was different, this was a very gritty written prose that had me feeling emotions for every character including Fergus.
Even though The Shadow Man is out there you cannot see him which to me was a bit creepy he turns up when you least expect it& you may as well say goodbye because you will die i enjoyed this novel it was full of suspense very compelling & gory in one scene, Elspeth, Meggy & Xavier were great characters all having their strengths & weaknesses.
My favourite character was Meggy she was a tough little cookie very strong & showed no fear she showed tenacity beyond her years only twelve, to me she stood out for me this was a very entertaining read that i could not put down.
Elspeth was taken by mentally ill Fergus & its up to Connie Wool Wine & DI Baarda to save her, These stories have been done before but this time it was different, this was a very gritty written prose that had me feeling emotions for every character including Fergus.
Even though The Shadow Man is out there you cannot see him which to me was a bit creepy he turns up when you least expect it& you may as well say goodbye because you will die i enjoyed this novel it was full of suspense very compelling & gory in one scene, Elspeth, Meggy & Xavier were great characters all having their strengths & weaknesses.
My favourite character was Meggy she was a tough little cookie very strong & showed no fear she showed tenacity beyond her years only twelve, to me she stood out for me this was a very entertaining read that i could not put down.
February 24, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
The Shadow Man is a creepy and all too realistic thriller, set in Edinburgh, that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what dying Fergus is about to do next. He has this belief that to please his deceased mother before he dies he needs to be married and have children, however, he doesn’t have time to go through the motions, so he takes things to the extreme and kidnaps his ideal family.
The plot is gripping and from Fergus’s very first victim who doesn’t do as he asks and ends up dead to the woman he kidnaps to become his wife and makes her pretend to marry him. To the two people he kidnaps to be his children, Twelve-year-old Meggy and Xavier who is disabled. His victims are just normal people, living their own lives not realising that he has been watching them and selecting the perfect time to pounce.
His three victims are locked in a windowless flat with no way to escape and no tools or furniture to break to make weapons from. They know that they have to play along with him as going against him could mean they end up dead.
On the outside is American Forensic Psychologist Connie who has been brought it to find the kidnapper and Detective Baarda who has been sent to Edinburgh to work with Connie on the case.
I absolutely adored the book. Fergus was pure evil and didn’t care about anyone as long as he was getting what he wanted. Connie is a fabulous character who has a condition called achromatopsia, meaning she can only see in black and white. Her analysis was wonderful to watch and she has a great relationship with DI Baarda. His three victims were as I imagined they would be, scared, trying to survive but it was Meggy who stole the show with her attitude of she wasn’t going to be locked in someplace forever, she needed to escape and she was willing to put her life on the line to get out.
The Shadow Man is a creepy and all too realistic thriller, set in Edinburgh, that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what dying Fergus is about to do next. He has this belief that to please his deceased mother before he dies he needs to be married and have children, however, he doesn’t have time to go through the motions, so he takes things to the extreme and kidnaps his ideal family.
The plot is gripping and from Fergus’s very first victim who doesn’t do as he asks and ends up dead to the woman he kidnaps to become his wife and makes her pretend to marry him. To the two people he kidnaps to be his children, Twelve-year-old Meggy and Xavier who is disabled. His victims are just normal people, living their own lives not realising that he has been watching them and selecting the perfect time to pounce.
His three victims are locked in a windowless flat with no way to escape and no tools or furniture to break to make weapons from. They know that they have to play along with him as going against him could mean they end up dead.
On the outside is American Forensic Psychologist Connie who has been brought it to find the kidnapper and Detective Baarda who has been sent to Edinburgh to work with Connie on the case.
I absolutely adored the book. Fergus was pure evil and didn’t care about anyone as long as he was getting what he wanted. Connie is a fabulous character who has a condition called achromatopsia, meaning she can only see in black and white. Her analysis was wonderful to watch and she has a great relationship with DI Baarda. His three victims were as I imagined they would be, scared, trying to survive but it was Meggy who stole the show with her attitude of she wasn’t going to be locked in someplace forever, she needed to escape and she was willing to put her life on the line to get out.
February 15, 2021
this was grotesque.
i dont think im “stalk worthy,” but just in case... i’ll make sure to have as little, if any, nooks and crannies or any other types of unused space as possible when im building my own home so that NO stalker—mentally distorted or otherwise—would get any ideas.
i questioned myself whether or not i really bought into the story, but i think it was a very captivating (if not nasty, creepy, and terrifying) one nonetheless with fleshed out characters and a plot that kept building up until the final showdown at the end of the book.
overall, would recommend this!
(read as an audiobook)
i dont think im “stalk worthy,” but just in case... i’ll make sure to have as little, if any, nooks and crannies or any other types of unused space as possible when im building my own home so that NO stalker—mentally distorted or otherwise—would get any ideas.
the multiple POVs offered different experiences.
the Shadow Mans POV would probably have you wanting to hurl 🤮, but it also humanized him in a way that made you feel both horror and pity for him. because of his delusion and mentally unstable condition, it was at times confusing too.
thats when the duo English detective and American psychologists POV came in handy and... fun. we got to see them trying to pinpoint the suspect, analyze why the man did what he did, and it was like one of those FBI profiling shows you see on TV.
meanwhile, the three victims or hostages POV would have you feeling a sense of urgency like you were racing against time trying to escape from the Shadow Man. one of the captives was a 12 yo girl. she could be brave and ballsy, but she was also trying my patience.
this is a psychological thriller unlike ive ever read.
i questioned myself whether or not i really bought into the story, but i think it was a very captivating (if not nasty, creepy, and terrifying) one nonetheless with fleshed out characters and a plot that kept building up until the final showdown at the end of the book.
overall, would recommend this!
(read as an audiobook)
October 20, 2020
Spine-chilling, nightmarish and another 5 star read by Helen Fields!
‘The Shadow Man’ is in town abducting women, children and men. He has many names and many faces, but one thing is for sure; whoever has seen him says he looks like death.
What are his reasons for these abductions?
Is he a monster? Is he mad? Is he bad? Is he a psychopathic serial killer? Or something much much worse?
Dare to enter the mind of a deranged killer? Be my guest!
Thanks to the author, Avon Books and the NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
‘The Shadow Man’ is in town abducting women, children and men. He has many names and many faces, but one thing is for sure; whoever has seen him says he looks like death.
What are his reasons for these abductions?
Is he a monster? Is he mad? Is he bad? Is he a psychopathic serial killer? Or something much much worse?
Dare to enter the mind of a deranged killer? Be my guest!
Thanks to the author, Avon Books and the NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy.
January 2, 2021
Dr Connie Woolwine is an American Forensic Psychologist who has partnered with Detective Brodie Baarda to investigate a missing person case in Edinburgh.
We know that the perpetrator is “The Shadow Man” he has abducted several people. What are his motives?
Connie realises that the disappearances are linked, but unlike your average kidnapping, no ransom has been demanded.
A chilling read that had me flinching every time I heard a noise in my house!! I loved how the tension slowly builds in this book, leading effortlessly to a chilling ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
We know that the perpetrator is “The Shadow Man” he has abducted several people. What are his motives?
Connie realises that the disappearances are linked, but unlike your average kidnapping, no ransom has been demanded.
A chilling read that had me flinching every time I heard a noise in my house!! I loved how the tension slowly builds in this book, leading effortlessly to a chilling ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 27, 2021
The Shadow Man is a creepy police procedural set in Edinburgh by the author of the Perfect series, which may or may not be the start of a series. It features a fabulous new heroine in American psychologist & criminal profiler Connie Woolwine, and one of the scariest antagonists in years. I confess I requested this based on the author and hadn’t paid much attention to the plot summary, so had assumed it was a continuation of her regular series, and was getting confused after a few chapters wondering when Luc would appear, but by then was fascinated by fearless Connie and didn’t mind at all.
Fergus Ariss is dying, and before he goes, he wants to recreate the perfect family that was denied him in childhood. Unable to meet them the usual way, he stalks and then kidnaps them, locking his fantasy wife, child and brother in his soundproofed house. Newcomers Connie and London Detective Brodie Baarda have both been summoned to Edinburgh to assist the overstretched Major Incident Team because the missing woman is related to a VIP. Initially shocked by her blunt manner and unusual approach, Bardaa is won over by her astute insights - but can the new team find Fergus before he takes his new family to the grave with him?
I’m generally trying to avoid serial killer thrillers - they’re overdone and mostly formulaic, and I’ve read too many of them, so I was intrigued to meet a baddie with a very uncommon syndrome behind his evil acts who is not setting out to kill his victims. This is not about guessing who he is - that’s revealed early on - the mystery is in why and what made him this way, how far will he go and will he be stopped in time? The author does a brilliant job of making us care about fragile Elspeth, brave Meggy and resilient Xavier - I was genuinely scared for them and wasn’t sure who if any of them would survive. There were some brief nasty scenes of extreme cruelty that made me wince but not too much gore.
I liked the pairing of buttoned-up Brodie and cavalier Connie, and do hope there will be more books about them, although could do without the “will they or won’t they?” hint of romance.
4.5 rounded up for excellent writing (I resisted the petty temptation to round down for all the anti-doctor bits - what’s that about?!)
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
The Shadow Man is published on February 4th.
Fergus Ariss is dying, and before he goes, he wants to recreate the perfect family that was denied him in childhood. Unable to meet them the usual way, he stalks and then kidnaps them, locking his fantasy wife, child and brother in his soundproofed house. Newcomers Connie and London Detective Brodie Baarda have both been summoned to Edinburgh to assist the overstretched Major Incident Team because the missing woman is related to a VIP. Initially shocked by her blunt manner and unusual approach, Bardaa is won over by her astute insights - but can the new team find Fergus before he takes his new family to the grave with him?
I’m generally trying to avoid serial killer thrillers - they’re overdone and mostly formulaic, and I’ve read too many of them, so I was intrigued to meet a baddie with a very uncommon syndrome behind his evil acts who is not setting out to kill his victims. This is not about guessing who he is - that’s revealed early on - the mystery is in why and what made him this way, how far will he go and will he be stopped in time? The author does a brilliant job of making us care about fragile Elspeth, brave Meggy and resilient Xavier - I was genuinely scared for them and wasn’t sure who if any of them would survive. There were some brief nasty scenes of extreme cruelty that made me wince but not too much gore.
I liked the pairing of buttoned-up Brodie and cavalier Connie, and do hope there will be more books about them, although could do without the “will they or won’t they?” hint of romance.
4.5 rounded up for excellent writing (I resisted the petty temptation to round down for all the anti-doctor bits - what’s that about?!)
Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review.
The Shadow Man is published on February 4th.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 1,183 reviews