I started this book on a perfect dreary and rainy day which was the perfect setting for this book. The Shadow Man by Helen Fields was absolutely brutal, gruesome, and terrifying. Typically I read on my iPad in the dark because my husband is sleeping next to me, but at certain points of the story, I had to wait until daylight!

The Shadow Man is a multi-layered story of four main characters. The Shadow Man is very methodic and meticulous as he profiles and watches his next victims. He has to be sure that who he chooses will be the epitome of the person he is looking to find. He finds those people after a botched job that almost sends him reeling, but he insists on building the unit that he's looking for. He begins with Elspeth, wife, and mother of two, to begin this unit he has built within his mind. While the media outlets are broadcasting news about her disappearance, he moves on to the next person he has been following for a little while now, Meggy. Meggy is a spitfire elementary student who is an intelligent spitfire who finds her self alone quite a bit as her Dad works long hours so her stepmother has to take her to and from school... her stepmother who she loathes... Lastly, he focuses on Xavier. He's a very athletic man who loves to play basketball and stay fit at the local gym. They all find themselves in a flat where they are desperately trying to save themselves from the fate that waits for them. What fate is that and why did the Shadow Man choose them? Detective Nolan is working hard to figure out the case before it's too late!

This is by far one of the best crime/mystery thrillers I have read in a while and also my first Helen Fields book that I have read. I must say that it will certainly not be the last one I read! You will not be disappointed if you are a fan of mysteries and detective stories. I certainly couldn't wait to find out what happened next!

The Shadow Man by Helen Fields is a standalone novel and the first book from the author that I have read. After reading this, the author has gained another fan WOW and amazing is all I can say.
American profiler and forensic psychologist Dr Connie Woodbine has been asked to work with London’s DI Brodie Baarda on the kidnapping of Elspeth Dunwoody in Edinburgh after a murder has occurred. When also a 12-year-old girl also go missing. Connie realises that the two disappearances are linked and they when a third man who is a paraplegic goes missing. Both have been taken by the shadow man. But this is not the usual kidnapping, there has no ransom have been made.
The perpetrator has something else in mind for the threesome. While the pair are held in a room that they are finding hard to escape from. They wonder what is going to happen to them. Not trusting the shadow man. A man who is terribly ill and has psychotic episodes thinking that the threesome is his family. He also suffers from Cotard’s disease, which someone thinks they are dying and their body decomposing. So, he does what he does because he thinks he hasn’t got anything left to lose. He is going to die anyway.
The Shadow Man is a brilliant page turner, and I devoured every minute of it. This is an intense, creepy and scary thriller with great characters and storyline. The author has such vivid imagination. I liked her writing style. I don’t know why I haven’t read any of her previous novels and I am kicking myself for it. But I sure will check them out now. 5 stars from me.

Well, the certainly creeped me out.

I've been a bit of a reading slump as of late, and I thought a mystery/thriller novel might be just what I needed to finally break it - and I was right! I'll admit, it took me a little bit to get into the book at first. While I thought the prologue was incredibly creepy, the first few chapters were... I don't know, it might have been my own mood, but it felt a little dull. It wasn't until around 25% or so that I really got into the novel, but once I did, I couldn't seem to put it down!

This was my first Helen Fields novel but it certainly won't be my last.

'The Shadow Man' by Helen Fields is a new novel, that does not form part of the popular ‘DI Callanach’ police procedural series, but runs along a similar vein as two characters investigate a series of terrible kidnappings that may also be linked a to brutal murder.
Fields delivers a sucker punch in the opening pages and the pace continues rapidly, while the punches do not let up. The story can be decidedly graphic at times, especially when dealing with the victims trying to avoid upsetting their captor.
The storyline follows the investigation as lead by DI Baarda from the Metropolitan police and the assistance of Dr Connie Woolwine, a profiler from the US. The pair made a strong team, with Woolwine being the good abrasive of the two and playing upto the stereotype of the brass, uncompromising American. I found this aspect of the characterisation interesting – it is a turnabout on the usual play of the male character being the more difficult of the pair and while I did not like Woolwine, I did enjoy how the pair worked together.
The kidnapper is truly disturbed and the syndrome described in the novel adds both an unusual and compelling layer to the storyline.
I will definitely to looking out for another investigation with Woolwine and Barda.

Many thanks to Fields, Netgalley & Avon for allowing me to read an ARC of ‘The Shadow Man’ in return for an honest review.

Forensic psychologist Dr. Connie Woolwine and London Detective Brodie Baarda have teamed up to investigate the disappearance of a woman in Edinburgh. Before long, two more people have been kidnapped and it is up to them to solve the crime. The questions they are asking is why these people have been chosen they have nothing in common and also who is doing it. They have very little to go on. The reader is aware of the identity of the perpetrator from the beginning of the book.

I absolutely loved this book. Helen Fields is not afraid to go where few authors have gone before in terms of toe curling gruesomeness!! At some points, I literally had to read between my fingers or look away as the narrative progressed. I would recommend this book as it is very well written and plotted. Really looking forward to the next one! 4.5 stars.

Thank you to Avon Books UK, NetGalley and the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big Helen Fields’s DI Callanach series so was excited to read The Shadow Man - story follows a kidnapping of a woman and girl in Edinburgh.
DI Baarda on loan from the MET and Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist.
Their relationship and backstory are a big part of the story which I loved and adds depth to the storyline.
The story is pacy but also slows down at the right moment.
This is not a run of the mill police thriller it has more depth, originality and insights into the criminal/psychotic mind.
The final chapters are really dramatic and intense racing to an unbelievable climax.
I loved this book, the main characters and the unusual storyline.
5 Stars from me.
Hope to see these characters in a new book.
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read this in return for a fair review.
Enjoy.

From the creepy prologue, I knew that this book was going to be full of drama, twists and intense intrigue. Having read previous books by Helen Fields, I also knew I wouldn’t be able to put this one down and set aside a day to devour it in one session. It definitely did not disappoint. The kidnapping of a well-connected Scottish woman necessitates the drafting in of Connie Woolwine (an American psychologist) to assist London DI Baarda to investigate the case. When further kidnappings occur, the pair quickly find themselves hunting a dangerous and damaged individual who is creating his ideal family. The perpetrator is known to the reader throughout and the extent of his horrific existence is gradually revealed. I was repulsed by his thoughts, description and behaviour, which meant I was willing the resolution to happen all the way through. Well developed and interesting characters peppered the story - from gutsy Meggie to the formidable Ailsa (who I would love to see more of!) and the fantastic relationship between Woolwine and Baarda made this a compelling read. Too disturbing to be “enjoyable” but a super story. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read.

What a start to this book, my attention was gripped from the first page and never faltered until the last page. This is a compelling and gritty read from Helen Fields, very well written with a fast paced plot. I loved the character of Connie, an American forensic psychologist, and the beautiful Edinburgh setting., as well as the chemistry with Brodie, a London based detective. Young Meggy stole my heart, what a gritty 12 year old! The explosive ending was perfect. I can't wait to read the next installment. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

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.

A woman disappears. Another is dead. Where is Elspeth? Massive police resources are thrown into finding her and then there is another disappearance and then another.
I am not a big police procedural fan. However, this is not a book dominated by your average police investigation. We follow DI Baarda who is seconded to the scottish force as well as Dr Woodbine, a psychologist. In other chapters we follow the story of the disappeared and also get glimpses inside the mind of the person who took them.
I found this a well written, interesting and in places thoroughly gripping book. I found it interesting to look inside the mind of the person who is taking these people. Piecing together those clues as to why they are doing this. In fact I enjoyed most of the characters. Dr Connie Woodbine is a bit odd and, in places, implausible. She does & says some things which I really struggled to see her getting away with in reality. There are also certain aspects of the ending concerning Dr Woodbine which didn't quite sit right with me. However, on the whole, the book worked and I enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

I absolutely loved this book. Having previously read several books by Helen Fields I was delighted to be offered this ARC. This stand alone story begins with a kidnap going terribly wrong and a woman dies. Things escalate when the kidnapper becomes more desperate in his quest and begins to accumulate people to join his ‘family’. A race against time begins to find these unfortunate souls. Dr Connie Woolwine, an American psychologist assists DI Baarda in trying to understand the motives of the kidnapper. Without giving away any spoilers, the described condition was fascinating to discover and understanding the mind of a sufferer instilled further fear and tension into a book packed with the many actions of a person who has no sense of fear or repercussions. A definite page turner and one I hope will be just the start of a series with these two likeable characters, whose chemistry bounces off the pages. A great read and one I can thoroughly recommend.

Elspeth has found herself in a living nightmare. She has learned the rules, but now Meggie has jointed her in this unknown location. She needs to teach Meggie the rules, but Meggie is a young girl, who doesn't want to play by the rules. She wants her mommy. While Elspeth and Meggie try to escape Xavier, a man in a wheelchair is added to their group. Why has the shadow man put them all together? Another great read from Helen Fields. Thanks netgalley.

I am a fan of Helen Field’s books so when I saw this I had to read it. It’s a standalone book this time which I was a bit nervous about as I love the Luc and Ava series, but I needn’t have worried. This one is just as good, well written with good characters.

Set in Edinburgh , someone is kidnapping people, but why? What does he want? Fergus is a strange “man” but I found his character really interesting and the book kept me guessing right the way through.

Loved seeing some familiar faces as well. Highly recommend this book.

Oh wow I loved this!
Absolutely devoured it in two sittings. I'm a fan of Helen Fields anyway but she has surpassed herself here. Fantastic!

Helen Fields is the author of the series of D.I. Luc Callanach detective novels. Having read a number of the books in the series, I was keen to read this latest book by the author. Like the Luc Callanach series, this book is set in Edinburgh and follows an investigation by Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team (MIT). Some of the MIT’s minor characters from previous books feature in this story, but two new characters are the main protagonists in this book, which therefore can be read as a standalone. Detective Inspector Brodie Baarda, an Eton-educated detective from London has been drafted into Edinburgh’s MIT due to staff shortages. Also seconded to the investigation is Dr Connie Woolwine, a forensic psychologist from Massachusetts in the USA. The story revolves around these two main characters, both outsiders to Edinburgh.

At the outset of the book, a woman has been abducted. Connie Woolwine has been brought in to provide a profile of the offender. Later on, another woman’s dead body is discovered and more abductions occur. There develops a race against time as Connie Woolwine and D.I. Baarda attempt to track down the missing persons. As in the author’s previous books, the tension is maintained throughout and there was plenty of action and drama, resulted in my wanting to keep reading and find out what happened next. I should add a care warning that some of the descriptions in the book are very graphic.

As a fan of the the D.I. Callanach series, I enjoyed this book and found it to be to be an interesting spinoff. Indeed, the premise bears some similarities to “Perfect Remains”, one of the early D.I. Callanach books. I found the main characters well drawn, both of them coming to the investigation with personal issues. It was also an interesting, and different, perspective to have a story featuring a criminal profiler, and I enjoyed reading about some of the unconventional methods she employed. The city of Edinburgh also features strongly in the narrative and it was fun to track the movements of the various characters around the city. Overall, I found the book to be a thrilling and interesting account of a major police investigation into a bizarre series of crimes.

Another fantastic crime thriller by Helen Fields which follows a different set of characters but is still set in Scotland.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. One of which is a forensic psychologist. However, in real life a forensic psychologist rarely works with the police and definitely wouldn't draw up criminal profiles as accurate or specific as the character does in this book.

As always I loved the writing and pace of this book. There was never a point where I was bored or disengaged.

I thought I knew where the story right from the start, but the author manages to add some really interesting elements, to shake up the plot and make it stand out from all the other crime thrillers on the market.

I particularly liked the character who couldn't see colour, I thought that was really interesting.

The ending was pretty intense but kept me hooked right till the last page.

Overall, I highly recommend this thriller as I do all of Helen Fields books.

TW: death, violence, murder, mental illness, suicide references, kidnapping, death of baby and gore

Thanks netgalley and Helen Fields for letting me read a very edition of this book. I loved it.
Really could not put it down, brilliant.
Don’t want to spoil this story by giving too much away.
A man who thought he was dying, and never having a family decided to kidnap a family.
He wanted to be loved as that had been missing all of his life.
So he got hold of a wife, a child, and a brother do they could be one happy family.
But things did not work out for him as planned, and the maniac he was turned out to be a monster as well.
Five stars and more.

I loved this book. If you've read the "Perfect..." series you'll know Helen Fields can create drama, tension & intrigue aplenty. Her villain is chilling & totally unique, his crimes are deeply disturbing.

From the prologue you know this story is going to be very creepy. Then the action starts & the book rarely let's up as the story moves at pace. Fields has a way of inviting you to get to know her characters quickly, they have little nuances & quirks that humanise them & make you want to like them or loathe them. I wish I hadn't had to put this down, if life hadn't got in the way I'd have read this in one amazing go.

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.

I am a big fan of Fields' books and was excited to read this standalone. Imagine my delight when I discovered previous characters feature in this something dedicated readers always appreciate. Back the plot and wow what a crime read this is! Fields has thrown everything at this; this is horrifying, grim, full of despair and agony and yet, out of nowhere comes hope which overwhelms the read and ensures there is still that positive sheen to it. I was absolutely hooked by this and completely incapable of putting it down. More to point I did not want to.

As I have said this is a very different crime read and I think that is because we follow the victims as they desperately fight for survival. I am not going to say who if any survive but it is following them and seeing them seize every opportunity that makes this read so full of hope. They really are in a desperate situation but they cling on to anything that might keep them going and it made for gripping, emotional reading.

Staying on the subject of the characters, Fields has created a mixed bunch that all bring something to the plot. They may not all be likeable but they are definitely realistic and enable the reader to get behind them and root for them. I have to give a special mention to Connie, she is such an interesting character, I was obsessed with her. Connie's profession is fascinating, her personality intriguing and her background turns out to be just as interesting. Connie absolutely made this read.

I have already touched on this but I really do have to express how horrifying and grim this read is. The plot is one of the darkest I have read in a long time, not in a gory way but in an all too real way. Fields really captures all the terror and I felt like I was living the life of the characters. It makes for incredible reading but be warned this is a very dark and disturbing read.

'The Shadow Man' has everything you want from a crime and then has the added bonus of Connie who really makes this read. I absolutely loved it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy.

Shadow Man is an exciting thriller that brings us into the mind of a psychopath as he chooses his victims and deals with his mental state. Dr. Connie Woolwine, an American forensic psychologist and London Detective Brodie Baarda are investigating a murder and multiple kidnappings in Edinburgh. Since we see into the killer’s mind, we know from the start what his plan is and his very disturbed reasons for kidnapping and murder. Woolwine and Baarda can’t seem to catch up as there is one kidnapping after another. A woman, a man and a child have all been locked into a windowless apartment and they don’t understand why, but we know.

This is a fast-paced book with twists and turns along the way. The villain is so different from most other books of this type, that it was hard to guess what would happen next. I raced through this book and enjoyed the real-time events. It made me feel the anxiety and stress of trying to solve this case. I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading other works by Helen Fielding, the author. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.