In His Shadow

I found *In His Shadow* a compelling, albeit perhaps a touch predictable, psychological thriller. Listening to Maria Frankland's debut was like eavesdropping on a wedding day turned nightmare, thanks largely to Naomi Madelin's excellent narration. She perfectly captures the bride's shifting emotions – from nervous excitement to growing unease to outright panic. Her vocal control is impressive, conveying the character's internal turmoil through subtle shifts in tone and pace, keeping the listener fully engaged even during dialogue-heavy scenes. Frankland sets up the central mystery effectively from the outset, making the reader question Hugh's motives early on. The story grips you with its claustrophobic atmosphere and the inherent tension of a wedding, a typically safe event, becoming perilous. However, while the initial hook is strong, some of the reveals towards the latter part felt a little telegraphed, and I wished for fewer moments of rapid-fire dialogue which occasionally overshadowed the psychological depth. The pacing generally works well, building inexorably towards the climactic confrontation. Overall, it's a solid debut that delivers a tense, atmospheric thriller experience, expertly narrated.