The book follows Shona, a woman who’s had a traumatic past which resulted in some accidental deaths. She’s been released and now trying to rebuild, run away from the past and live a better life. But with limited options, she has gone to live with Richard, a man who knows her past secrets and somewhat uses it to his advantage.

Then there is Sonny, a man who lives with his mother. For years, they’ve been living in this abandoned building which once was an apartment complex. They are faced with the hard truth when developers start coming around and they may be forced to leave. Problem is, Sonny is agoraphobic.

For Shona, she starts getting back into somewhat a life, she meets Sonny and his mother. Then bad things start happening, things that Shona doesn’t want to be involved with. And yet…

When I saw the dark and mysterious book cover and the thriller genre, I definitely wanted to read it. The book was slow to start, which I’ll be honest, it was rough getting through, but it definitely ended on a high note. Had me at the edge of my seat, the last 20% of the book, I read the last of it, all in one sitting because I needed to know what was going to happen. I will say I ended the book still scratching my head but in the good way, if that even makes sense.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to access this e-arc. These words and opinions are entirely my own.

Our Shadow Selves is a dark, quietly gripping psychological thriller that lingers in the spaces between trauma, reinvention, and the dangerous pull of the past. Shona Blake is a woman trying to rebuild herself after a childhood marked by violence and exploitation, but the moment she moves in with Richard — the man who once turned her pain into his own success — the fragile life she’s constructed begins to crack.

Hawksbridge, with its crumbling seaside edges and forgotten corners, becomes the perfect backdrop for Shona’s unraveling. The Gifford family, living illegally in a derelict building, bring a strange, tender warmth to the story. Their resilience, their oddness, their refusal to be anything but themselves give Shona a sense of belonging she’s never had. Through them, she begins to paint again, to breathe again — until the discovery of a body wrapped in carpet shifts the novel into darker, more dangerous territory.

Richard’s presence is a constant, suffocating threat. He knows every secret Shona has spent years trying to bury, and he wields that knowledge with a cruelty that feels both intimate and inevitable. The tension between them is electric — a battle of wills, histories, and the versions of Shona she’s desperate to escape.

What makes the novel so compelling is how it explores the idea of shadow selves: the parts of us shaped by trauma, the versions we fear, the ones we try to outrun. Shona’s journey isn’t about becoming someone new, but about deciding which parts of herself she’s willing to claim. As New Year’s Day approaches, the story tightens beautifully, leading her toward a choice that feels both terrifying and empowering.

A haunting, atmospheric thriller about survival, identity, and the darkness we carry — and what happens when we finally stop running from it.

With thanks to VG Lee, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

i was pulled in so much by every part of this read. i loved how it was dark and then lent into that with no apologies. and when you do themes such as these you can lighten it and you have to go all in. im so glad VG Lee did that. the more Psychological hit is just what i love in a thriller, those that hit the emotions and thoughts all the more are right up my perfect thriller street.
the ripple, links and what makes a person the person they are is ever present here. Shona Blake is just the character to see that in. she had such a rough childhood. one that could threaten anyone and their makeup. you can see her in this book trying to escape it, be something else do something else and yet is it running and yet she keep landing of finding the darkness again. not least in the man who manages to know all about her and use it as a weapon. the man moves in with. he knows all her secrets and the battle between wills added such a layer of menace and foreboding that sits like a shadow across it all. you wonder how Shona might ever be ok.
when she comes across the derelict building and the family within it somehow settles something in her soul. they are illegally living here but there strength and ability to just be who they are and not be sorry for it adds something of a comfort to Shona. she starts to think or feel like her own person again. well, until one discovery in the carpets once again leads her into the darkness and or choices. i really liked the balance and "other side" given to us via the inclusion of them. they too have lived a certain way and suffer in their own ways. seeing how they were dealing with the lot they landed in was really well done for me to explore other ways of thinking on even what Shona was going through. especially when how they lived is threatened by coming outside forces that didn't even know they were still living their!
i love the idea of this shadow self/selves. it reminds me of the lesson we got even from watching Peter Pan when i was little. the shadow in that was naughty,fought against him, tried to lead him astray, was cheeky and mischievous. and in this book again we explore those shadow selves. the parts of us marked, traumatised. changed by life that hits us. can you run from it. well, not that ive known, it always comes out. so you have to somehow heal or get to a place of healing and forgiven even just yourself for what you've been through. and some things like what Shona goes through take some dam hard work to get through. or of course you can sit in it. but then what does that create in a human?its a bit like the nature verses nurture with a twist. and in Shona we follow a woman who is having to decide where she fits in it all. whether running ever helps, whether fearing it ever goes. and just which part of her she is going to allow in.
this was such a good thinking book for me. in Shona i was so back and forth of what i thought, felt and then thought and felt of how she might get some strength or settled soul from all this. and i was hiding and rummaging through lots of nuance and grey areas between bad and good. but i kind of loved that thought puzzle. the way this all tightens, knowing we are going to have to reach the end of the book means i had such a level of excitement for seeing how we would end for Shona. i almost needed and wanted Lee to iron out the kinks of my own thoughts haha.
right until the end of this book i was on edge in the best way. its such an impressive talent for me how authors get such tremor to the heart of a reader in their books, that unease and foreboding and yes as a reader and lover of thrillers you kind of delight in a book that can do that.

Shona thought she’d escaped her dark past, but moving in with Richard drags all her secrets back into the light 😨🕯️. In the eerie seaside town of Hawksbridge, she finds unexpected allies in the eccentric Gifford family 🏚️✨, who help her rediscover her love for painting 🎨💖—until a body wrapped in a carpet throws everything into chaos 🪦😱.

I loved how this book mixes psychological tension, suspense, and emotional depth 🌪️💔. The way Shona confronts her trauma and decides to own her shadows is both thrilling and empowering 🖤🔥💪. Every twist kept me hooked until the last page! 📖💥

I found Our Shadow Selves to be atmospheric and introspective, with a focus on identity and hidden pasts. The pacing was slower than I expected, but I appreciated the depth and mood. It’s a good pick if you enjoy thoughtful, character-focused thrillers.

Our Shadow Slaves is a deeply haunting, immersive, and thought-provoking novel that stands out for both its originality and its emotional intensity. From the very first pages, V. G. Lee establishes a dark and unsettling tone that lingers throughout the entire book, creating a sense of unease that is impossible to ignore. This is not a light or easy read — it is a story that challenges, confronts, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression.

What immediately drew me in was the concept itself. The premise is both unique and disturbingly plausible, exploring themes of control, power, identity, and the moral complexities that come with them. The idea of “shadow slaves” is handled in a way that feels symbolic as well as literal, opening the door to deeper interpretations about human nature, autonomy, and the ways in which people can be manipulated or controlled — whether overtly or subtly. It’s the kind of concept that makes you pause and reflect, not just on the story, but on real-world parallels as well.

The world-building is subtle yet effective. Rather than overwhelming the reader with excessive detail, Lee carefully reveals the world piece by piece, allowing the atmosphere to develop naturally. This approach makes the setting feel more realistic and grounded, which in turn makes the darker elements even more impactful. There’s a constant tension running beneath the surface, and the environment itself often feels just as oppressive and significant as the characters within it.

Speaking of characters, this is where the novel truly shines. Each character is layered, complex, and deeply human. They are not simply good or bad — instead, they exist in shades of grey, shaped by their experiences, choices, and circumstances. Their internal conflicts are just as compelling as the external plot, and the emotional depth they bring to the story adds significant weight to every decision and consequence.

The protagonist, in particular, is written with a strong sense of realism. Their journey is not straightforward, and their growth feels earned rather than forced. Watching them navigate such a morally complex and emotionally taxing situation creates a powerful connection with the reader. You don’t just observe their journey — you feel it alongside them.
The pacing of the novel is deliberate and carefully controlled. Rather than rushing from one plot point to the next, Lee allows the tension to build gradually, layering suspense, emotion, and psychological pressure in a way that keeps you constantly engaged. There are moments of quiet reflection balanced with intense, high-stakes scenes, and this contrast makes the more dramatic moments hit even harder. The slow-burn nature of the story works in its favour, creating a sense of anticipation that keeps you turning the pages.

One of the most striking elements of Our Shadow Slaves is its willingness to explore darker themes without hesitation. The novel delves into uncomfortable territory, addressing issues that are often difficult to confront. However, these themes are handled with care and purpose — they never feel gratuitous or unnecessary. Instead, they serve to deepen the narrative and reinforce the emotional and psychological impact of the story.
The writing style itself is both evocative and immersive. Lee has a talent for creating vivid imagery and atmosphere, drawing the reader fully into the world of the story. The descriptions are rich without being overwhelming, and the emotional tone is consistently strong throughout. There’s a certain intensity to the writing that mirrors the subject matter, making the experience feel all the more real and immediate.

Another aspect worth highlighting is the way the story encourages reflection. This is not a book that simply entertains — it invites the reader to think critically about the themes it presents. Questions around morality, power, and human behaviour are woven throughout the narrative, leaving you with plenty to consider even after the story has ended. It’s the kind of book that stays with you, not just because of what happens, but because of what it makes you feel and question.

Overall, Our Shadow Slaves is a powerful, unsettling, and deeply memorable read. It combines strong character development, a compelling and original premise, and a richly layered narrative to create a story that is both engaging and meaningful. While it may not be for everyone due to its darker themes, those who appreciate thought-provoking, emotionally complex fiction will find a lot to admire here.

V. G. Lee has delivered a novel that is not only captivating but also impactful — a story that challenges its readers and leaves a lasting mark long after the final page is turned.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Shona is an artist with a troubled past. As the book develops, we learn more about her. And the four main characters intersect in unexpected ways.

This books is a masterclass in character development. With a clear and steady plot, judicious use of flashbacks, and beautiful prose, I was hooked from the first page. Lee presents a thoughtful portrait of abuse in all forms, while still seeing the humanity in the characters.

I enjoyed this terribly and hope others will as well.

Shona is trying to escape her awful childhood and rebuild her life. She meets Mrs Gifford and her son who are squatting in a derelict building. Once shona finds a body wrapped in a carpet we see a fight for survival, secrets revealed and can we truly escape our past traumas.
I found this quite dark and the setting suited the story.
The first chapter had me hooked but after that I did find the story slow. I couldn't get on with the style of writing. The story wasn't a bad one it just didn't keep me engaged. The last part of the story reeled me back in, needing to know what will happen.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Our Shadow Selves follows the recovery of Shona, a talented artist whose early life was marked by childhood neglect and trauma, followed by years spent in and out of psychiatric wards. Leaving hospital, she goes to live with Richard, a successful designer she’s known since she was a student. But is Richard’s offer to share his home with Shona an altruistic one, or something more co-dependent?

As she recuperates, Shona befriends the elderly Mrs Gifford, who lives with her son, Sonny, in the abandoned Miller Building on the outskirts of town. The building once housed many families and had its own lively community, but is now derelict and unoccupied except for the mother and son who never left. The building itself is one of the more intriguing aspects of this novel, and is exactly the sort of place I would love to go and have a look around, but a quick online search suggests it’s fictional.

The characters in Our Shadow Selves largely operate on the fringes of society. Mrs Gifford and her agoraphobic son are unusual companions for a middle-aged woman, and they themselves live secretive lives as they try to avoid their occupancy of the building being detected. When Mrs Gifford finds a young homeless man, Martin, and takes him back to the Miller Building to live with her and Sonny, it’s unclear whether she’s just being generous or whether she knows that her strange, isolated, unsocialised son needs her to find him a companion, and the whole situation feels risky.

Shona, tormented by actions committed in her teens, lives in a kind of inertia with Richard, who keeps her on a knife edge as he alternates between kindness and cruelty. As time passes, we get to know more and more about Shona’s past and exactly what happened, and why she finds it so difficult to move on.

I found Our Shadow Selves in the Crime, Mystery and Thriller category, and the storyline certainly fits within this category. This isn’t a book that veers unsteadily from one twist to another, though. There are some reveals towards the end of the story, but on the whole this is character-driven fiction and is all the better for it; the horrors in this story are grounded in the people and their lives rather than imposed on them.

Our Shadow Selves represents a departure in style for VG Lee. I’ve enjoyed her droll humour in her previous novels. In this one, there is the same keen eye on the fashions and mannerisms of her characters, but used here to disturbing, rather than comic, effect. VG Lee is a fine writer and I had no idea that I was in for such a dark, immersive read, but I am very glad to have read this book.

This story is a very character driven story. There are four main characters who lives intersect and connect in an unusual way. Shona is an artist, with past trauma and mental issues trying to escape her past, but is with Richard who can be a cruel and unlikeable character, he knows her secrets and uses them against her. Then there is Sonny who lives with his mom and is agoraphobic and they are squatting in a derelict building. Each character is flawed, human, and complex. This is a dark story with the setting of a derelict building which makes it seem more dark and creepy. There are deaths in the story. This book is a strong psychological thriller with themes of abuse, secrets, past trauma, and survival. Thank you Netgalley and Muswell Press for the complimentary copy of the story. Sorry for the delay in the review, I missed putting it on the list and only later found it on my shelf to be read.

This book was absolutely fantastic. I did not want to put it down once I started reading. Easily able to give this book five stars.