‘In Her Shadow’ by Emma Christie

Published by Welbeck,
15 February 2024.
ISBN: 978-1-80279-465-6 (PB)

This is a psychological thriller set in Scotland.  The main character is a bus driver called Dave Kellock who we quickly learn is still traumatised from the death of a beloved one who we understand he killed two decades earlier. 

It is only well into the plot that we understand this was an accidental killing and Dave was acquitted of manslaughter although he has never been able to forgive himself.  Weird things start to happen with Dave aware of someone entering his house when he is not there.  He sees a woman on his bus who strongly reminds him of Carmen the woman who died when he crashed into her bike.  He follows this young woman, and this leads to police involvement and threats from several quarters including Carmen's sister who has never forgiven him for killing her sibling. 

Another character who appears midway through the novel is an ex lover of Dave who is obsessed with creating a family with Dave and Carmen's child.  He is clearly unstable and has just been released from prison after raping Suzanne - Carmen's sister. 

This is an intricate and unusual story but one is urged to remain alert until the end to discover the truth of what occasionally feels an extremely bizarre conundrum.  The main characters in the tale are all gay and this is innovative but in no way detracts from the intrigue.  This is a clever and original thriller and keeps you guessing until the end.
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Reviewer: Toni Russell

Emma Christie grew up in a book-filled house in Cumnock, an Ayrshire coal-mining town. After quitting her law degree to study English literature and medieval history at Aberdeen University, she spent five years working as a news reporter with one of the UK’s top-selling regional daily newspapers, The Press and Journal. Throughout her journalism career, she secretly wanted to be every author she ever interviewed. When she’s not writing, Emma now works as a tour director and lecturer in history, culture and politics with a US travel company, leading educational journeys across Spain, France and Portugal. 

Toni Russell is a retired teacher who has lived in London all her life and loves the city.  She says, ‘I enjoy museums, galleries and the theatre but probably my favourite pastime is reading.  I found myself reading detective fiction almost for the first time during lockdown and have particularly enjoyed old fashioned detective fiction rather than the nordic noir variety.  I am a member of a book club at the local library and have previously attended literature classes at our local Adult Education Centre.  I am married with three children and five grandchildren.