It's no secret that I am a huge fan of this author's psychological thrillers, never read a bad one. Thing is though, as the story contained within this book started to unfurl I had this horrible thought that maybe this one would buck that trend as it began to go somewhere I wasn't really wanting it to go. But, I trusted in the author, something told me that he wasn't about to let me down so I read on. Was my trust repaid? Heck yeah - and then some!
Jessica is married with two children, her sister, Isabel, died in an accident several years ago and the hurt around that has never left her, so it was with shock and horror when her youngest child, Olivia, appears to know much more about Isabel than she should. Olivia's behaviour gets even more bizarre when it also appears that Isabel is using her to try to speak to Jessica, and the message she is trying to convey is that her death was no accident. But the dead can't come back, or can they?
Whilst not as chilling to me as his previous books have been, maybe cos I don't have children, don't know, this book relied instead on its intricate plotting to keep me reading. And it did that very well. Along with Jessica, I took what was happening at face value and then delved deeper as we both tried to make sense of what was going on. I thought I had it all worked out quite early but, yeah, wrong; very wrong! Then, as things went on, I started to expand my list of suspects, but I never managed to rule anyone in or out until right up to the final reveal. Shocked! But, with the wonderful power of hindsight, yep, clues were there, the author just done me like a kipper; again!
As I write my reviews I mentally list all the things I need to make a good book a great read and, again, full house on that score. Characterisation - spot on; pacing - perfect; twists, turns and redherrings - spot on; secrets and lies - check. And a motive/reason/explanation that, well, very original indeed. I simply don't have the words to fully explain the amazing journey this book took me on. Suffice to say, his other fans will love it and, if you've never read him before, where have you been?
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

I have read all Mark's books and I loved this one, even though I found it very different from his other books. Jessica lost her sister a few years ago when she fell off the balcony at her house. Jessica’s daughter Olivia, who is only four, is saying rather strange things about Izzy as if she is her imaginary friend. However, there are things she couldn’t possibly know or have heard at her age - so how does she know them?
This is a great read which poses loads of questions: What really happened to Izzy? Why is Olivia talking to her and hanging off the end of a balcony herself?
Mark Edwards is so talented. His addictive narrative sweeps you up and carries you away for hours. This book is a compelling read with good characterisation and a fabulous plot. It's a mystery meets supernatural ghost story. This book will creep you out, I did find the hairs standing on the back of my neck a couple of times and the story stayed in my head long after I'd turned the light out to sleep. If you haven’t read a book by Mark yet (and you must read them all) choose this one. It won't disappoint. I would highly recommend In Her Shadow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my pre-publication copy.

I requested In Her Shadow after thoroughly enjoying Edwards' previous release titled 'The Retreat'. There's actually a cheeky little easter egg amongst the opening scenes of In Her Shadow that links the two of them together, if you do read both be sure to keep an eye out for it. I also own 'Follow You Home' but have yet to read it.

The main focus of the plot is to discover how Isabel really died. Was it an accident? A suicide? Perhaps she was murdered?

The pacing is steady to begin with, if not a little jerky. 66% into In Her Shadow I thought I'd guessed the entire ending and felt a little put-out. Thankfully I didn't have the details entirely right and so when the story ramped up at 75% I clawed back a little of my earlier investment. I say a little because looking back I realise I never really felt any desperation to find the answers.

The third person perspective switches back and forth between Jessica in the present, another character I don't want to spoil by revealing and her dead sister Isabel in the past.

Perhaps the time passing between Isabel's death and Jessica's discoveries was too long, maybe it was because I found Isabel to be shallow and uninteresting, but I think it's more the lack of emotional response in the living characters that made me lose interest. They didn't seem to care all that much so neither did I.

When adding to this an unrealistic car chase and some basic plot twists, even the question of supernatural involvement and a whodunnit wouldn't convince me to recommend this. In Her Shadow tries to be too many different things and ends up being nothing in particular.

If you haven't read Mark Edwards before please don't be put off entirely, just read The Retreat instead.. I promise that one's better.

Jessica’s sister Isabel died in a tragic accident. Jessica’s daughter Olivia never got to meet her aunt, so when she starts talking about snippets from Isabel’s past that she could not possibly have known, Jessica’s suspicions are raised about Isabel’s life and untimely death.
My husband spoke to me at one point while I was reading this and I jumped out of my skin! This read was absolutely chilling.
I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong, the twists and turns kept coming.
As a regular reader of Mark Edwards I believe that this is his best work yet! I have yet to read a book by this author that I did not enjoy but he has truly raised his game here.
Thank you so much to Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to read In Her Shadow.

This was my first read of Author Mark Edwards and what a book this was. Jessica and Will have 2 children, Felix 10 and Olivia 4 years old. All of a sudden, Olivia starts acting out in school and she tells her mother that her Aunt Izzy is talking to her. Jessica's older sister, Isabel, died after she fell from her upstairs balcony railing 5 years earlier. The death was ruled an accident but the family always suspected that maybe it wasn't. As the story unfolds, there are many twists, turns and surprises in it. This is a very well written book and the characters are solid and likable. This book was hard to put down and I really enjoyed it. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this fascinating book in exchange for an honest review.

Jessica lost her sister a few years ago when she fell off the balcony at her house. When they were children something happened that made them minor celebrities for a short time- all to do with ghosts and spirits, which Jessica now can’t stand and doesn’t believe in. Her mother however is a bit of a believer in such things and has a spiritualist friend. Jessica’s daughter Olivia, who is only four, is saying rather strange things about Izzy as if she is her imaginary friend, however somethings she couldn’t possibly know or have heard. What really happened to Izzy? Jessica’s curiosity gets the better of her and as she finds out more the more she needs to know.
Sometimes I wish Mark Edwards wasn’t an author (just kidding) as he has the talent (or is a power?) to make time and real life disappear. He is one of my go-to authors and this book reflects this, I couldn’t put it down. A mystery and almost a ghost story. I’m not into ghost stories but this had me hooked. Mark’s style of writing is such that it grabs you from the outset, twists you around a little and makes you want more and more. It’s one of those that you want to get to the end to find out what happens but at the same time you don’t want it to end as it is so enjoyable. It made me a little anxious and a little chilled and kept me on the edge of my seat. If you haven’t read a book by Mark and you enjoy psychological thrillers then I would highly recommend trying one- but be warned- you might not put it down!
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Mark Edwards has this remarkable talent for taking ordinary people and turning their lives and experiences into something extraordinary and "In Her Shadow" is no exception to this rule.

A creepy tale that had me having to turn the light on in the middle of the night and sent my dreams into meltdown mode! There's something extra creepy when children are involved in tales that reach beyond the grave and I had a real feeling that this book would translate so well onto the big screen just in time for Halloween!

At times, I struggled a little with the read, it isn't a criticism of the writing. As with all of Mark Edwards books this was very well written and plotted out, I just felt for a while in the middle it dragged a little for me before picking up speed and hurtling me towards a brilliantly twisted conclusion.

Highly topical, as well as tackling otherworldly experiences, Edwards also covers the issue of abuse and rape in the film and media industries and does so extremely well and authentically. A whole host of clues and hints are given, snatched away and dropped in your lap again! Although I finally did work out the gist of what was going on, I was not without my Cluedo looking-glass to get there!

Another fantastic and intriguing psychological thriller from one of the best authors in the genre. Perfectly spooky and delightfully chilling this one will have you shivering with fear!

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. I read it slowly trying to make it last forever.

Mark Edwards always knows how to keep his readers enthralled in a book. This one is no exception. In Her Shadow kept me up way past my bedtime on the second night of reading it. I had to stay up and finish it because I couldn't wait until morning to find out if Olivia really was in contact with her aunt. It has all the twists and turns that Mr. Edwards fans have come to expect, and love!

Another hit from one of my favorite authors! Fans of his writing will not be disappointed with this one!

I have never read anything by tnis author before so was unsure what to expect........what I got was a well written, book full of tiwists and turns,very enjoyable and will defintely read more from this author

Mark Edwards book never fit into one particular genre with elements of a psychology thriller, horror and supernatural the reader is never sure what the author has planned, and that’s one of the reasons I’m such a huge fan of this authors work, he turns the most ordinary events into an extraordinary tale. In Her Shadow is spine-chilling creepy, it’s one of those books where your nerves are frayed, the slightest noise will make you jump, there’s a sense of impending doom which only intensifies as the plot thickens.

Jessica is mum to four year old Olivia who appears to be communicating with Jessica's sister Isabel, but that’s where things take a creepy and disturbing turn as Isabel died four years ago when she fell from the balcony of her house. At the time the fall was seen to be a tragic accident but Olivia has other ideas and soon Jessica is convinced that there is something far more sinister behind her sisters accident. In Her Shadows reminded me a little of the film The Sixth Sense, it’s the one where a young boy talks to dead people, I got the same sense of unease whilst reading this book. Olivia’s character is definitely the star of In Her Shadows, I had permanent goose bumps as Olivia’s behaviour became more disturbing, in fact this book would make one hell of a creepy film.

Familiar themes run through this book family secrets, lies and obsession but Mark Edwards adds his unique voice making the themes his own. I loved the way the author always manages to make his books multi genre, and even with elements of the supernatural In Her Shadows felt frighteningly credible. Add into the mix unreliable characters, that as the reader you find yourself constantly doubting how trustworthy they actually are, the author also leaves little time to contemplate, as each chapter ends the plot thickens, which all help to make this book a intriguing read. I love the fact you never know what story will be hidden in the pages of a new Mark Edwards books, but one thing you can be guaranteed it will be a highly entertaining read. Definitely one for fans of psychological thrillers and the paranormal. Highly recommended

Review will be edited prior to being published on my blog

In Her Shadow is the latest thriller by Mark Edwards. Mr Edwards manages to make the reader feel an immediate connection with our heroine, and make her feel like a friend. Some back and forth in time is woven in as we learn things that have previously happened. I was given an early copy to review.

This book was gripping from the start. Is Jessica’s daughter Olivia really being haunted by Jessica’s dead sister Izzy? Full of tension and suspense, the story had me spellbound. The twists and turns throughout the book were so good, I had no idea what was coming at the end. A wonderful style of writing by the author. I highly recommend this book.

Having previously read and enjoyed a couple of Mark Edwards' books, I was delighted to receive an e-arc of In Her Shadow for review.

The story starts off with Jessica, married to Will and with two children, Felix and Olivia. A few years earlier, Jessica's older sister Izzy fell to her death from a balcony at her home. The death was ruled an accident however, Jessica and Izzy's mother has never accepted this and always held the belief that she was murdered. Olivia, 4 years old, starts to act strangely and is apparently, and unbelievably to Jessica, receiving messages from Izzy from beyond the grave, trying to get a message across. Having been at the centre of a perceived haunting in their home when they were younger, Jessica is very dubious about Olivia's actions. However, as time goes on Jessica starts to believe that perhaps Olivia is receiving messages from Izzy and that perhaps Izzy's death wasn't an accident after all.

This book unfortunately was not for me. I do enjoy a good paranormal style thriller but I found this to be quite tedious and boring. I found it hard to believe the storyline and the side story of Izzy's business and several other references of a similar nature throughout the book, I thought were irrelevant to the story and just put me off. I thought Jessica and her mother were over the top characters and by the time I got to 71% of the storyline with the revelation that one of the central characters was known to Izzy previously, I found I really wasn't too interested in continuing the book and unfortunately did not finish it.

A rather confusing start to this story, has one thinking that you’re about to read a spooky tale of the supernatural as one continues into the story it transpires not to be the case, and turns into an intricate tale of suspense. A good read.

2.5 Stars

Reading the synopsis for this book didn't make it clear that, in addition to being a possible murder mystery, this is a ghost story at heart. Had I realized this, I would have never chosen it to read. The creepy-kid-talks-to-ghost-and-relays-information-the-child-couldn't-possibly-know is a tired premise and one that I've never enjoyed.

The story follows Jessica, mother of said creepy child and sister to Isabel, the possible victim, on her crusade to find out the truth of what happened to her sister five years prior.The characters, while fleshed out just enough to keep the story moving, were ALL irritating and not at all realistic or relatable. As the story unfolds, each character takes his/her turn at being a suspect in the demise of Isabel. While I didn't figure out the end, without giving any spoilers, it was nevertheless over the top and implausible.

This is my first book by the seemingly popular Mark Edwards and it seems I find myself in the minority. Fans of his writing will no doubt enjoy this book, it just wasn't for me.


I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very ambitious, topical novel with so many threads like loss, betrayal, obsessive love, inappropriate behaviour & harassment and psychic experiences. This was executed in a slightly mocking, satirical but logical fashion that it would intrigue a hardened sceptic. There's a murder or is it suicide or an accidental death all wrapped up with alcohol and drugs. There are so many "moments" when everything goes out of control. It's extraordinary that a hoax can cause a river of blood that echoes down the years when it backfires and affects so many lives. Another moment is a split second of panic that changes everything. There's an obsessive, unrequited love which has serious consequences. A lascivious photographer who takes advantage of his position and whom no one dares report. Jessica is the main character with her husband Will and children Felix and Olivia - and not forgetting the adorable Caspar, the dog. When Olivia, aged four begins to act strangely and say odd things the temperature rises and escalates to an astonishing degree of tension. Several alarming, inexplicable incidents occur. Trying to extract the "secret" from Olivia is like pulling teeth. They do say children can "see" things that adults can't and this thread is particularly interesting and food for thought. When the novel back to the past it turns everything upside down. The novel has such a fluid, compelling natural style. It neatly presses you to know the characters and what is going on. The dialogue is perfectly manicured, and every word is relevant and plausible. Is Jessica getting steamed up over nothing or is someone following or watching her? Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the book in exchange for an honest review.
In Her Shadow by Mark Edwards was a very clever book, it covered death or was it murder or an accident. Paranormal activity and child possession or were they? Stalking and obsession, love and hate.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and the complex issues discussed throughout the story.
Highly recommended

In Her Shadow by Mark Edwards is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Our protagonist Jessica lost her sister Izzy to an unfortunate accident. Izzy fell to her death from a fall from a balcony. We are thrust forward 5 years later and Jessica’s daughter, Olivia, knows things about her dead aunt that she could not possibly know. Edwards does a great job at hinting at such things as the paranormal, Could Izzy be talking to Olivia? It is hard to find a true thriller that will keep you hooked and actually scared yet still wanting to continue reading so that you can find out what the truth actually is. I was hooked with this one. The characters were well developed and the story had so many great twists that I believed everyone was suspect. All I can say to the reader is, hold on tight you are in for one hell of a ride. The only bad part of this book was......... the fact it hand to end. I have read othe books by this author and they all are brilliant in their own way but this one, I would say, is my favorite.

Thank you to netgalley as well as the author for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.


5++++ stars ⭐️ out of 5

I have only recently discovered Mark Edwards as an author and have enjoyed the few books I have read so was pleased to receive a copy of this book. It is, as expected a book with a lot of twists and turns. It keeps you reading and guessing. I enjoyed it a lot but cannot help but feel that it tries to twist and turn just a little bit too much. That said I liked the basic plot, an inttriguing story. I thought the characters were well drawn, interesting and well developed.

Aaahhh this was brilliant. As always Mak has knocked it out of the park.
I really enjoyed this book and it's many twists and turns. I really didn't suspect the culprit until it was revealed.

The characters were really good and I felt so much like Jessica and could totally understand why she was going about things the way she did.

Absolutely fantastic.