This detective mystery was so addicting!

I really loved this thriller. It’s everything I expected from Helen Fields to deliver.

The mystery starts off with our detective and criminal profiler investigating the murder of a 30-year old mother of 2 with the perfect marriage. Soon after another woman with a similar profile to the first victim is abducted. At first, the detectives aren’t quite sure what is exactly going on. When a young girl is abducted, the events seem unrelated, but our sharp-eyed criminal profiler is finding the hidden message and connecting the dots to a very disturbing individual with unclear motives and an even shakier profile.
The result is heart pounding.

You can tell that the author did a lot of research about criminal profiling and how a criminal profiler would look at each case and every little piece of evidence. It was absolutely exhilarating to read, I totally geeked out.
I loved the POV of our criminal, what they are thinking, what their motives are, their thoughts— they lend such a realistic look into the mind of a criminal, it’s chilling.
I also very much enjoyed the depiction of the particular illness presented in the novel. It’s an illness I’ve heard of but haven’t seen depicted in a book.

We have quite a decent amount of characters. I enjoyed the majority of the characters, especially the pathologist. With the depictions of the female characters, I felt there was something lacking that I cannot quite put my finger on. They were written a slightly bit cliche and I didn’t much care for the hatred between the profiler and female superintendent.

Overall, this was a fantastic thriller. I will certainly be picking up the remaining books in the DI Callanach series.
4.5 stars

**ARC provided by Avon Books UK via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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.

“The world you inhabit is not the same as everyone else’s. Mine is even less so.”

Dr. Connie Woolwine, American forensics psychologist, has been brought in to offer her expert opinion in the disappearances happening around Edinburgh. The missing persons don’t appear to have any commonality, and have the police scrambling for direction and answers. London detective, Brodie Baarda, has been assigned to liaison with Dr. Woolwine, and together, they follow the bread crumbs left behind each crime scene until they track down a serial killer with a chilling proclivity towards an unfathomable collection…

Holy Serial Killers Batman was this story creepy and gave this reader nightmares! The tale is gritty, fast paced and guaranteed to keep you turning the pages! I triple dog dare ya to read!




**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I really, really enjoyed this book! It was utterly gripping, full of twists and turns, it grabbed me from the start and kept me gripped until the very end! Fantastically written! Would definitely recommend!

This was my first Helen Fields book and I can say without a shadow of doubt, it will not be my last.

I absolutely loved the roller coaster thrill ride this turned out to be with it messed up characters, crazy scenarios, and heroes that were every bit as interesting as the villains.

This kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages.

Wow!! You think an author would be used to writing their detective series and can do nothing else better. Well Helen can. Granted, still a police thriller (Overbeck makes an appearance) but concentrating more on the profiler brought in especially for this case, from America no less. A DI is brought up from London too! The plot also concentrates on aspects from the psychopath and his victims. I enjoyed this alot with the profiler's aspect rather than anyone from Police Scotland.

The psychopath is so spooky bringing in an unusual mental state of mind I've never heard of (you learn more about this as the story progresses) which makes the storyline more appealing.

Fast paced in places and there's no car chases in sight, just mental torment and the victim's fear just drips off the characters across the pages. Brilliant (not that I enjoy people fearing for their lives of course). The build up to the end is so different from any other crime novel I've ever read and that's what readers want. Something to stand out from the others in the same genre.

Love the little crumb left at the end possibly leaving a gap for a possible return of Connie???

You have to try Helen's stand alone novel, sooooo good!!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books for an advance copy of The Shadow Man, a stand-alone thriller set in Edinburgh.

When socialite Elspeth Dunwoody disappears DI Brodie Baarda, a kidnap specialist from Met and forensic psychologist Dr Connie Woolwine are seconded to Police Scotland to find her. Other disappearances follow but no one knows if they are linked.

I first started reading this book a few months ago but kept putting it down because it concentrated so much on the thoughts and actions of the kidnapper, Fergus, and I have zero interest in the fictional thoughts of criminals or the mentally ill. Try as I might, I cannot take it seriously. I was, however, offered a copy of the novel in return for a review, so duty called and I buckled down to persevere.

They say you should never judge a book by its cover, equally you should never judge it by the first 20% as The Shadow Man eventually heats up to quite a compulsive read. This is due to the switch in emphasis where it mostly concentrates on Connie’s analysis of what they know and how she accumulates that knowledge and the experiences of the victims, Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier. Fergus obviously looms large over these activities, but more as an impetus for Connie and as a figure of fear to his captives. There is a sense of urgency and tension which grows as the novel progresses, a non stop flurry of action and reveal upon reveal as the narrative takes a grip of the reader.

I’m glad I picked this novel up again, otherwise I would have missed a treat. I did, however, put it down again several times when the tension got too much. I found myself really rooting for the captives and both their predicament and their efforts to escape and getting a bit annoyed at Connie for not catching on quickly enough. The contrast between the two narratives, investigators and victims, is strong and compulsive. In this case knowing both sides makes for a better novel.

The Shadow Man was, for me, slow to start but once it got into its stride it’s a terrific read.

My first book by Helen Fields but certainly not my last. Halfway in and I wondered where it was going as it seemed concluded and could only become boring, but how wrong could I be. Hang on to your hats because this is only just revving up. Edge of your seat terrifying, be warned you’ll be turning the pages of this horror deep into the night. Great characters and it would make a great film or TV drama. Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for letting me read and review this book.

When I saw this title on NetGalley I knew I absolutely had to read it! It publishes early next month and already I know this is a tile that a lot of crime/thriller bloggers will be talking about!!

I just love Helen Fields’ writing style - It’s easy to read, knowledgeable and fast moving. All the elements required for a thriller you can really sink your teeth into. This is Helen’s first stand-alone thriller and if you haven’t yet experienced her “Perfect Series” this is a great introduction to the author and her style of writing.

The synopsis for “The Shadow Man” tells you all you need to know about the storyline. I wont be delving in any deeper, you guys know I always keep my reviews spoiler free. However, having now finished this stand-alone, I am somewhat disappointed that we wont get to read more about DI Baarda and Woolwine. A very unlikely pair who form a bond that I for one would like to read more about.

The Shadow Man grabs you from the first page and holds your attention until the last. A disturbing tale with a thought provoking ending.

When you’ve read this I would be interested to hear your opinion on my two questions below:


1) Are some individuals with monstrous ideals not fit to be released back into the real world?

2) Are they simply too inhuman to be redeemed through therapy?


Thank you to NetGalley, Helen Fields and Avon Books for my review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.


Publication Date: 4th February 2021

Full on creepy alert! The plot of this is straight out of the house of horrors, like one of those awful news stories that crops up from time to time. A man kidnaps and holds hostage three people to create his own family. Things just go from bad to worse from there on in. The tension is palpable. Honestly this stayed with me when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to find out the outcome. Not one to read if you’re very anxious!

A man kidnaps a woman, a child and a young man as he wanted to create a family and is delusional. The victims, Elspeth, Meggy and Xavier are all locked up in an apartment by some one named Fergus and only Fergus could let him go. And while they find a way to escape from his apartment, they realize that they were not the first victims as they find skeletal remains on the floorboard...

I really do like the plotline of the story--this type of plot is really rare and it was creepy, disturbing and horror, like I felt as if I am watching some kind of horror story. I do like how the three victims unite together to try to attack their abductor and escape and the descriptions about the abductor, Fergus sounded creepy and weird to me. Really, I felt like I am in some sort of horror movie. Only thing is, I felt (my personal opinion) that the police details were not really necessary.

Overall, I rate this book four stars!

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.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Helen Fields for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Wow! Where do I start? Once again, Helen Fields does not disappoint. Helen knows how to captivate her audience. This book is scary, dark and thrilling. I didn’t put it down once! The story is so well written. The characters are really easy to like, I hope there will be another series. I can’t recommend this book enough. I may have to reread it!!

Thank you NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Will someone please explain how it is possible that I have gone 41 years without reading anything by Helen Fields?! Thankfully, I can now go on a reading binge!
I was captivated from the first page.
I love a good creepy thriller that will make me sleep with a light on and make me gasp in horror. The hilarious and witty one-liners were unexpected and a quick relief from the horror living between these pages.
Absolute 5 Stars! Now if you don't mind me, I'm off to source the rest of her books!

This is the author’s first stand alone book after the Perfect series and the first of hers that I have read. It features a creepy, twisted serial killer who kidnaps victims in order to complete his much longed for family. I was drawn to this book because it features a female forensic psychologist who is called in to profile the killer and give insight in to his mind and motives. Connie Woolwine is confident, ballsy and brash, not afraid to ruffle feathers with her controversial approach. However, she is wounded and has her own disturbing past to contend with... I really liked her character despite being shocked by some of the views she expressed with regard to rehabilitation of offenders towards the end of the book! I won’t go in to it as it would give too much away...!

This is a pacy, intense, claustrophobic and disturbing book and I really enjoyed it! 4.5 stars

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book.

I’ve loved reading the DI Callinach books and I loved this one just as much. Great new characters. Great story.

It is not often I find a book/author that genuinely creeps me out, Helen Fields has managed this by the bucketful with The Shadow Man.
I was horrified, queasy, and on the edge of my seat reading this book.
Connie is a fascinating character and I am very much hoping Helen Fields will be making this part of a series because I am desperate to see what comes next for her.
*Off to search Amazon for more by Helen Fields*
#NewFavouriteAuthor

The Shadow Man is a crime thriller where you follow Connie, a forensic psychologist hired to solve a disappearance. As the story goes forward, Connie will figure out that she’s dealing with someone way more sinister and dangerous than she ever thought.

The Shadow Man is not what I was expecting. From the blurb, I thought we would follow the victims of a serial killer. This does happen, but the main characters are the police and forensic experts working on the case. So this isn’t my kind of thriller story. I enjoy the smoother unraveling of the motivations behind a mystery, while The Shadow Man is more in a police hunt style.

Because there are multiple POVs, including the police force, the victims, and the serial killer, you know most of what is happening before the police. So there are no significant plot twists or moments that will leave you with your jaw hanging. It’s more of a constant tension and a feeling of dread to see what will happen. And yes, you can expect violence and gore.

You’re dropped into the action right from the start. It’s even weird to pinpoint the timeline initially, but you’ll get the hang of it. Around the middle, the action drags because the police are lost, and the serial killer focuses his attention on other characters. But the end is satisfying, so it’s okay.

Like other police hunt thrillers I’ve read, the plot is the main focus, so the characters are not well explored. If you’ve ever watched Criminal Minds, The Shadow Man reminds me a lot of it because the main character, Connie, is a profiler. And that’s all there is to her, apart from a tragic backstory. Both her and Baarda, the other detective, are stereotypical and bland. It is sometimes too easy for Connie to understand the profile of the criminal with little information. Her illations are too quick, and it doesn’t make sense how she got there at times.

The kidnapped characters are more interesting to follow. There are higher stakes, and they’re under a crazy amount of pressure to survive. You can see their minds and will deteriorating and how they willingly hurt themselves from the sheer desperation of getting out. It’s easy to criticize Elspeth for giving up at first, but I understand it. If you can’t fight them, join them. Meggy is way too smart for a 12-year-old, which makes her engaging, but some moments don’t feel believable for someone her age. Xavier is a fighter, but unfortunately, you won’t follow him enough to create a significant connection.

The Shadow Man is a crime thriller perfect for the fans of Criminal Minds. There’s a twisted serial killer, a cunning criminal profiler, and high stakes that will keep you addicted and waiting to see where the story goes.

While it took me a bit to get into this gritty, dark thriller, it was totally worth it! I loved Connie's tough personality, the uniqueness of the serial killer, and the truly shocking end. A thoroughly bone-chilling read that is not for the faint of heart.

I loved this. Wow! The descriptively disturbing story was creatively told and pulled me right in.
The American profiler brought another layer to this already good plot. I found her so interesting. She was clever, very American and sarcastic. I could see her being someone I would like to hang out with. I couldn’t get enough. The story got better with each chapter. It was interesting, creepy and suspenseful. I was transported right into the story. Great job.
I would highly recommend this for my mystery, thriller-suspense friends. You won’t be sorry.
Thank you Avon books via Netgalley for this audiobook. I’ve voluntarily given my review.