Historical fiction with a dark subject. Hester shows true grit not giving up to find out the truth even though a woman's place in society made it difficult. An easy read which moved at a good pace. Really enjoyed it.

This book told the tale through the eyes of Hester, a daughter in a family of Quakers. Hester’s mother, Ruth, sent her daughter to Southwell to investigate the death of Hester’s sister, Mercy, in a workhouse. I found the book intriguing, well written and wanting to know more. It showed well the treacherous running of a workhouse and the mistreatment of its residents, which would have carried on if Hester had not been dogged and determined to find out the truth. 5* from me.

Having read and enjoyed the authors previous books I was eagerly looking forward to reading The Shadowing and it doesn’t disappoint. What you have is a historical gothic tale that hits all the right spots, it hooks you in for the opening pages and keeps you entertained and enthralled right up to the end. One thing that came across for me as I read the book thanks to the authors writing was a terrific sense of place and feel for the characters, the writing evokes and takes you back to the period with its descriptive narrative and passages, you can feel yourself immersed and transported back in time. The characters are wonderfully brought to life on the page, Hester comes across as a strong woman with a determination to seek the truth, quick wit and an intelligence that belies her years, she also seems to be at times conflicted with her Quaker upbringing but she also has a sense of duty. The plot is fresh and written in a way to so that you not quite sure where the story is heading, packed with twists and turns as well as intrigue and menace, the pacing is spot on for the times The book has the feel of a thriller sprinkled with the gothic supernatural and even a hint of hidden romance. A sense of foreboding lurks round every corner This is a book made to be read on a dark evening as the light starts to fade and every sound heightens the senses. Would highly recommend, a compelling story that needs to be read

This is an enthralling combination of genres, crossing historical fiction with mystery, suspense, some paranormal activity, and a touch of romance. I enjoyed the way this book opened up a window to a time, place, society and way of life that were unfamiliar to me before. The main character, Hester, is likeable and relatable, and she carries the story ably, except for the times when a secondary character's perspective provides another degree of insight into the mystery that enshrouds the novel. I thought the writing was very good, and the plot developments were compelling. I'm very interested in reading more by this author and would happily recommend The Shadowing to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of an edge to it.

Having greatly enjoyed the author’s first novel, The Quickening, I was eager to read Rhiannon Ward’s next book, The Shadowing. The Shadowing is a historical mystery, featuring a young Quaker woman named Hester who is searching for the truth about her sister’s death. What was Mercy doing in a Nottinghamshire workhouse so far from the family home in Bristol and what happened to the child she bore? An enjoyable book, with some thoroughly sinister characters and others who turn out nicer than expected. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing a review copy in exchange for honest feedback.