After reading and enjoying one of Helen Fields ‘Perfect’ series of police procedurals I was disappointed by this decidedly hit and miss affair that lacked both pace and polish. It didn’t help that things get off to a pretty confusing start and it takes a good few chapters for all to become clear due to the fact that several different perspectives feature in the narrative. When the daughter-in-law of an influential figure known for his philanthropic efforts goes missing in Edinburgh, American forensic psychologist and profiler, Dr Connie Woolwine is flown in to consult for Police Scotland. With Edinburgh’s Major Investigation Team swamped, DI Brodie Baarda from Met Operations in moved up from London to work alongside her. Married mother, Elspeth Dunwoody, is the first kidnap victim and is soon joined by twelve-year-old schoolgirl Meggy and paraplegic young man Xavier over the course of the following weeks. Whilst the reader knows who is behind the kidnapping from the off it takes the police, and Connie, time to work out what could possibly compel the same perpetrator to take such a diverse range of individuals and how they might all fit into his depraved fantasy.

The reader is privy to the identity of the perpetrator from the off and thanks to the inclusion of his perspective in the narrative is given the inside line on his twisted rationale, making the full extent of his madness apparent. The characterisation of the perpetrator is impressive as is his physical description, backstory and beliefs, with the story illustrating the scenario he is aiming to create with his choice of victims. Naturally it is Connie who gets into the psyche of the perpetrator and after the police link his DNA to a earlier botched kidnapping/murder they realise the escalating speed of each of his successive snatches. As well as the perspective of the perpetrator and Connie, plenty of time is spent with the kidnapped trio confined inside a house where they make a grim discovery which leaves them in no doubt as to the danger they are in. The story felt like it was written at haste and there were too many occasions when I picked up on contradictory statements which distracted me from the wider plot and felt careless. When the narrative is focused on the three kidnapped victims it is heavily repetitive and that acts as a brake on the overall pace.

If this novel was to become the first of a new series I doubt I would be keen to follow. Brash and all too arrogant Connie Woolwine felt like the archetypical American, determined to ruffle feathers and approach things radically, and her character felt like a easy way for Helen Fields to provide information dumps on psychology. Meanwhile DI Brodie Baard added little or no value (or personality) to the whole investigation aside from being the butt of Connie’s jokes about the reserved British culture and their partnership was unconvincing. In fact, why Connie was even involved in this whole case never really made sense at all and when the ending finally arrived it felt long overdue. Thankfully the denouement offers something a little different and is rather unexpected, making for an interesting conclusion. Overall a so-so read but the novel has the feeling of being rushed to publication and felt like a showcase for Connie’s unorthodox approach rather than a well-rounded and truly compelling thriller.

PHYCOLOGICAL thriller delving into the mind of a mentally disturbed man who is dying & kidnaps people to make his own little family Great characterization, well written with lots of suspense leading up to a terrific finale. First time reading this author but definitely looking forward to more. Thanks to NetGalley & Avon for this ARC in return for my honest review.

I wish I could give this book all the stars in this world.

The story revolves around Dr. Connie Woolwine (Forensic Psychologist) who is working with Detective Brodie Baarda on the case of Elspeth Dunwoody who was being kidnapped in Edinburgh. Prior to her kidnapping, a murder also took place. After both these incidents, a 12-year-old also went missing.

Connie believes that all these events are associated since no ransom have been made. She clearly states that the person who is behind all these events have something else in his head.

It took me a couple of chapters to completely get into the book but later I realised that this was an ultimate page turner. One of those sleep-snatchers. I promise, once you will pick this book, you will quickly become addicted to this story and won’t be able to put it down.

It was engaging, it was mysterious and at times even moving… it was so so so so gooood.

I make a list and post it on my blog which includes the Best books that are set in a particular country or city and no doubt I am going to add this title in “Best Books set in Scotland” simply because this book deserves all the love.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The cover of this book is great.
The storyline is unique and isn't something I've read a lot of before.
There were definitely some twists I didn't see coming.
The characters were well-developed and easy to like / relate to.
I'd definitely read more books by this author.

This sinister story begins in the graveyard. The Shadow Man visits this gravesite, always the same one. "Sometimes he would dig a coffin up, and sometimes he would bury it...until the grave was little more than a revolving door between one world and the next."
The Shadow Man, or Fergus, collects people, but he doesn't keep them safe. The variety of the kidnappings has the detectives stumped so they bring in forensic psychologist Connie. She has an odd and unique way of analyzing the case, and together with DI Baarda, they must find the victims before it's too late.
I couldn't put this book down! I loved the strong character Connie and the dynamic between her and her partner Baarda. And Fergus was more twisted than any bad guy I've read about in a while.
Thank you to Helen Fields and Avon Books for the opportunity to read this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The views and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

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.

This book screams everything horror, dark, twisty and psychological. This is a stand-alone book from the author Helen Fields which some of you may have read her other work of a similar genre. The shadow man is a crime thriller with a psychological element and twist, it keeps you turning the page and definitely keeps you guessing. This is perfect for a night in with a lit fire and glass of wine, just maybe not in the dark. I will definitely be recommending this and discussing it within our book club.

A young woman goes missing, abducted from a jog, just after a young woman was found murdered in her bed. Then a young girl goes missing but can the three cases be linked? Who could be behind them and just what are they trying to do? Can detective Baarda and forensic psychologist Dr Woolwine, figure out who is behind the crime and save the ones missing before its too late.

This was a fascinating thriller and I found the killers motives interesting. The plot was steady until the end where the pace really ramped up. The ending itself was brilliant and tied the story off perfectly. I liked the connection between Baarda and Woowine plus her added medical condition gave a little more depth and explanation to her character. I liked them but wasn't as invested in their story as I was in the actual case they were investigating. It made a nice change. I like that the story switches perspective and seeing into the killers mind gave greater depth to the story. A well written crime/thriller.

I’m always up for a psychological thriller and this story was one of those that you can easily read but has so many layers upon layers that need to be discovered and discussed.

Told in the main characters pov, even the villain one, I enjoyed each one of the monologues and how they lived and felt the moments when they were locked together.

Mental health illness is not something that you can see, most of the times it’s Hidden in Plain View but goes deep into one’s soul.

It’s a gripping and interesting story that many readers will surely enjoy it as I did.

"Bad or mad was the question psychiatrists asked themselves when assessing offenders..."

Wow, what a story! Three people have been kidnapped and locked in the upper rooms of an old house. Elspeth is the wife, Meggie is the daughter, and Xavier is the brother. But why are they there and what is the shadow man going to do with them if they don't play his imaginary scenario?

I really enjoyed this as I have this author's previous series and I hope this isn't the last we see of Dr. Connie Woolwine and Detective Inspector Baarda. The narrative is detailed, fast-paced, and frightening as the reader is taken into the world of a man who suffers from an unusual psychiatric condition known as Cotard's delusion or walking corpse syndrome. Connie is an American forensic psychologist who is asked to consult with Edinburgh's Major Investigation Team on this unusual case and she partners with Baarda while providing insights into the development of a profile for a man who can't be tracked or found even as he continues taking people in plain sight.

Very hard to put down but begs to be savored, this is another that goes beyond the tropes providing a really unique take on a serial psychopath. It is dark, grisly, and thoroughly absorbing. The ending was quite suspenseful and this is a thriller you don't want to miss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend.

Honestly, I thought from the blur that the book was something different and unfortunately it was disappointing to me.
for the blur on the back cover, i thought that we would follow the 3 captive persons as they try to escape from this mysterious shadow man but its not.
things i like: the representation of Connie with her disability and profession, Meggie being different from the average teen and all the psychological information about Fergus. The writing style is interesting and i liked it. The end was everything i wanted the book to be the pace the action everything.
Things i don't like: its a very slow-paced book, the action is very slow and it becomes boring (sorry) but it was very hard for me to keep reading the book. the multiple POVs got lost on the book and sadly it was confusing. And knowing the identity of the abductor from the beginning lost a lot of impact for me. also the last victim being pick only in the middle of the book was not very good.

Overall it is not a bad book people will enjoy it but for me it did not work, it did not hook me and made me want to read.

Prior to her success as an author Fields practised law in London. In addition to writing the D.I . Callanach series ("Perfect Remains", "Perfect Prey". "Perfect Death" and "Perfect Silence"), she and her husband run a film production company. This new novel is a stand alone thriller and as such is a great way to introduce customers to this author. Set in Scotland, the story follows an American profiler and a Scottish police investigator who try to find out who is abducting people. In alternate chapters we follow the victims and their fight for survival. The investigating characters were great and I am hoping that there may be some more books featuring them in the future. This riveting novel is a great recommendation for fans of "The Chestnut Man" and crime thrillers in general.

What a spine-chilling read! In all honesty when I first started The Shadow Man all I could think was oh no, this is going to be too scary for me (🙈😂) but I persevered and I'm glad I did.

One of the most disturbing, unhinged bad guys I've come across in a while; A straight out of your nightmares kind of assailant.. 😰 Fergus honestly creeps me out so much but to evoke such emotion, Helen Fields has obviously done an extremely good job character creating!

Rather fortunately there were some other very likeable characters, Connie being one of them. An intelligent, self assured, strong minded and somewhat humorous profiler. In fact I'd quite like to follow Connie's next escapade, although I know this is a standalone (for now?! 😏🙊). I also found myself rooting for Connie & Baarda from the moment they were partnered, such great chemistry (reunion please! 😄).

There were times, mainly early on, I did find myself thinking hmm.. would that really happen? Particularly incidents regarding Meggy, for example, the point where she slaps Elspeth. That being said, it didn't spoil the book by any means and actually on the whole I loved Meggys character, such a courageous young girl.

Overall, an enjoyable read with a fast paced and rather chilling ending. I do love it when you don't predict the outcome!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review 📖

I've quite enjoyed Helen Fields' D.I. Callanach series. When I saw she had a new book coming out, I didn't even read the flyleaf description - I just knew I'd be in for another great read. The Shadow Man was amazingly good! It kept me up late frantically flipping pages.....and double checking that the door was locked.

The prologue starts things off with a decidedly morbid scene that sets the pace for the story to come. Fields gives us an unusual protagonist. Dr. Connie Woolwine is an American psychologist and profiler brought in to assist Scottish D.I. Baarda. The search is on for a missing woman, and then another, and then a child and then a man..... Are they connected? Are they alive?

This duo worked really well for me. Woolwine is an unusual woman and her methods are different from what the tightly wrapped Baarda is used to. I enjoyed the banter between the two - it gave them personality and their own storyline in addition to the crime thread. (I would truly like to see more books featuring these two). Woolwine's profile building has the ring of truth to it and is believable. Fields has done her homework here.

The reader is going to know much more than our lead characters do. Fields gives us a (very scary) glimpse into the actions and mindset of the suspect. The Shadow Man's thoughts and actions will give you goosebumps. Fields' description and depiction of him are visceral, unsettling and downright creepy. We are also privy as to what's going on with the victims. I have to say that of the three missing people, young Meggy stole my heart. She's a gutsy little girl faced with the unthinkable. But the others were just as well drawn.

There was more than one time where I thought the story had reached a certain point and was over. But, Fields kept me on my toes with turns I didn't see coming. The action is firmly in the 'edge of your seat' category. And the ending? Crazy good! I could see this book as a movie.

oh my word where so I start, Helen's perfect series is my number one series. I have always loved the characters and didn't think I would enjoy a stand alone from her as much as I did with this one, I can safely say it would be a waste for the two main characters to not become a new duo in a series of books from Helen.
The plot was creepy and set it apart from her other books, her writing style is engaging and has multiple layers that kept me totally gripped. five stars is just not enough!

I have been a fan of Helen Fields ever since I discovered her ‘Perfect’ series and devoured it within a few months. I could not get enough of it. So, when I heard she was releasing a new book, I was all in. As usual, Helen Fields did not disappoint in the least.

This story follows a lot of different people, which I think is what sets it apart from the start. This book is easily a stand-alone novel, but if you are a fan of her ‘Perfect’ series, you will recognize some names in the book. I loved that I had that familiarity and got to know characters better that you really didn’t get to know too much in her other books. Each character has these thick layers that are peeled back throughout the story and really explains why they do the things they do.

This story was downright creepy. I found myself saying out loud, “This man is insane,” or “How weird,” many times. Fields definitely knows how to write villains that really give you the chills. The story flips between the investigation and Fergus, the villain, and his victims. I think this really helped the story flow smoothly because we got all the dead space in between the big scenes filled with what someone else was doing. It was great to hear both sides of the crime, the investigation and the kidnapping. It really gave this book an edge compared to other stories where you only see one side of the story.

Without giving away what happens, you will constantly be asking questions and tearing through pages needing to know what happens to Fergus, what happens to the victims next, where are the police and why have they not figured this out yet. If this was a show, I’d have been so tense I’d be yelling at the TV. I needed to know so badly what was going to happen next that I found myself ignoring my household chores just to read one more chapter.

I have nothing bad to say about The Shadow Man by Helen Fields either. It’s a truly horrific tale that will leaving you turning on the light and checking your doors and windows before bed. Superb writing. Excellent character development. And a high intensity, bone chilling ending. I cannot wait for Field’s next novel.

A superb detective thriller that had me gripped from page one. The shifting perspective from different characters added multilayers to the story and allowing better insight and development of the characters.
Using both a detective and phycologist as the central characters, rather than just the one, meant that the crimes were investigated in a very different way to many detective novels.
I hope that this becomes a series of books.

A creepy dark tale which kept me riverted throughout. Certainly one for Halloween. Begins in a cemetery with bodies being dug up. Women and children kidnapped by a dying man, add in an American psychological profiler and a cop and you have a great book. A standalone book by Helen Fields.
Received this book from Netgalley and publishers in exchange for an honest review

Well this book definitely gets the heart racing! I couldn’t put this book down and enjoyed the uniqueness of the story - there were conditions that I had never heard of before and it was interesting to learn a bit about them.

The characters are interesting and the pace of the book is perfect - you will find yourselves thinking I’ll read just one more chapter!

I will definitely be looking out for more books by Helen Fields.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When one woman is found murdered and another three people are kidnapped, Dr. Connie Woolwine, a forensic psychologist from the USA and D.I. Brodie Baarda, from the Met’s kidnap unit are called in to assist with the case. While there might be no Ava and Luc in sight in this standalone, Connie and Baarda fill their shoes nicely in the sense of being simultaneously likeable and flawed characters in their first (and I certainly hope not last) appearance. There is also a couple of cameos from members of Edinburgh’s Murder Investigation Team.

Anyone who knows Helen’s books will know what to expect from her; a dark, creepy, very twisted plot and a game of cat and mouse as some of Edinburgh’s finest hunt down a terrifying villain, basically a book most definitely not to be read at bedtime.

If you loved the Perfect Series you definitely won’t be disappointed here! The Shadow Man however is a stand-alone so can definitely be read without having read any of the Perfect series first. Beware though as Helen’s books are dark and definitely not for the faint hearted! AKA right up my street!

Creepy! This was one of the creepiest bad guys I've read in a long time.

This book seemed like a no go for me at first. I almost DNF but I'm glad I finished. The ending paid off and even though it didn't fully capture me it was worth 2.5 stars.

I'm not sure I'd recommend to a friend.