The Shadow Man: A Psychological Horror Thriller

by Nick Clausen

Some fears follow you home.

Her doctors call it a hallucination. Lea calls it survival. Because the Shadow Man isn’t just in her head. And if she stops running … he’ll prove it.

Step into the shadows with Nick Clausen’s most chilling horror thriller yet.

The Shadow Man is perfect for fans of The Silent Patient, The Outsider, and The Haunting of Hill House—a relentless descent into fear, obsession, and the darkness you can’t escape.

Genres: Horror

270 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2025

About the author

I write stories about the apocalypse so that I don't need to work a real job. I grew up reading Stephen King and still haven't fully recovered. I'm currently ending the world in my new series Under the Breaking Sky.

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Reviews

[Hannah Smart · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit choppy, difficult in places to follow. Bits of it were good, hence 2 stars. But the ending was awful 🤦🏼‍♀️ I made a point to only read this in the daytime because I spook easily, but turns out it was a waste of my anxiety

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadow Knows

The narrative gripped me so intensely that despite feeling exhausted, I found myself unable to put the book down. The mysterious shadow man sent chills down my spine, his presence feeling unnervingly tangible and real. The story's suspense was so compelling that I was driven to continue reading, eager to unravel the truth behind this haunting encounter. I highly recommend diving into this gripping tale to experience the spine-tingling mystery for yourself and discover the reality of the shadow man's existence.

[Kaye Nutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… just… wow!

The same descriptive zeal as in his other books held me enthralled throughout this rather different story. Just when you think you’ve sussed things out at the end, he drops a bombshell ending. So glad he wrote this stand alone novel, and, I believe, new readers will be too.

[Tony Dure · Rating 3 out of 5]

A long read till the end

Shadow people are known all over the world, scientists now speculate that they are inter dimensional beings exploring our world/ dimension.

Folklore also has a great history about shadow people

To use it in this real story was interesting but misleading in it's narrative as a locked memory that was searching for the truth

[Lana Bernice · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I found out at the end of this book that it was pretty much based on a true story. This was based on her abuser. She kept seeing him as a shadow man, and it kept haunting her and affecting her daily life.But it was because it was bringing forth her darkness from when she was a child, when she was molested. Really sad and disgusting at the same time

[Yvonne lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read kept you guessing .

This book hooked me in, I read it in one sitting forgoing sleep . It's not my usual read but I love this author and I wasn't disappointed. From the 1st to the last page your in for a treat enjoy .

[michael Gutierrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilling.. On the edge of my seat.. However.. Dragged at times.. But can't right back.. Waiting for the Shadow to reappear .. As started.. psychological terror as stated.. Hold on till the end.. Big twist

[Donna M. Bassano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Did not expect the ending wow. Was kind of left with unanswered storyline ending. Kept me riveted wondering where the story was going, guess it wasn't what I expected.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I had it all figured out but I was wrong. Very much enjoyed this story.

[Tammra Lux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story!

I liked this one lot. Story is good , suspenseful, kind of scary. Definitely different from what I've read but this author so far.

[Jeanenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a book. And the ending, or maybe I should say, lack of an ending. I think this book brings about more questions than answers.

[Cheryl Cramer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay it was all over the place felt like it couldn’t have ended earlier than it did. Not even sure I totally think I understood Lea and her life. Whether she was molested or it was all in her mind.