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DCI Matilda Darke #13
Worse Than Murder
As DCI Matilda Darke unravels a chilling cold case, she discovers some truths are deadly – and someone will stop at nothing to keep the past buried…
‘Matilda Darke is the perfect heroine’ Elly Griffiths
RUNNING FROM HER PAST
Leaving behind Sheffield, her friends and her job, a grieving DCI Matilda Darke finds solace in the wild, untamed beauty of the Lake District. But she can’t outrun her reputation.
A COLD CASE
PC Alison Pemberton is living in the shadow of her twin sisters, who were abducted thirty years ago. As the only witness, Alison has spent her life trying to remember the details of that fateful summer day and discover the truth about what happened to her sisters and why, a few months later, her father also disappeared.
A TRUTH THAT SHOULD HAVE STAYED BURIED
Matilda finds herself agreeing to try and unearth the truth about the Pemberton twins. With nothing left to lose, Matilda throws herself into the cold case, but someone doesn’t want her digging up the past and will do anything to keep the truth hidden…
‘Matilda Darke is the perfect heroine’ Elly Griffiths
RUNNING FROM HER PAST
Leaving behind Sheffield, her friends and her job, a grieving DCI Matilda Darke finds solace in the wild, untamed beauty of the Lake District. But she can’t outrun her reputation.
A COLD CASE
PC Alison Pemberton is living in the shadow of her twin sisters, who were abducted thirty years ago. As the only witness, Alison has spent her life trying to remember the details of that fateful summer day and discover the truth about what happened to her sisters and why, a few months later, her father also disappeared.
A TRUTH THAT SHOULD HAVE STAYED BURIED
Matilda finds herself agreeing to try and unearth the truth about the Pemberton twins. With nothing left to lose, Matilda throws herself into the cold case, but someone doesn’t want her digging up the past and will do anything to keep the truth hidden…
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Published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
August 29, 2025
DCI Matilda (Mat) Darke, has fled her home city of Sheffield and is staying with old friends and restaurateurs Sally, Philip and their teenage son Carl in beautiful Cumbria, overlooking Lake Windermere.
After a tragic personal event, Mat felt the need to get away from her job, her home, and her friends. But getting away isn’t always the answer, because there’s no getting away from the anger and grief that’s going on inside one’s own head. Even here in Cumbria, she can’t really escape as she’s well known throughout the country for all the difficult cases she’s solved.
So, Matilda’s reputation as a highly skilled detective precedes her, and she’s approached by local police officer Alison Pemberton who asks Mat to look into the disappearance of her twin sisters, Jennifer and Celia, who were abducted 30 years ago. Alison was five years old at the time and was the last one to see them alive. A few months later Alison’s father also disappeared.
Mat doesn’t really want to get involved, for one thing her head isn’t in the right place, but she’s a detective after all, and the thought of what might have happened to the twins is something she can’t ignore. She has to bring closure for the family, and that means dragging herself out of her self imposed exile. However, someone knows exactly what happened on that fateful day 30 years ago, and they will do whatever it takes to keep it secret.
Michael Wood has produced yet another very high quality ‘crime thriller’, although that phrase seems too trite to do it any justice - it’s exciting, tense and compelling, and it left my emotions all over the place. I found that every time I put this one down, it seemed to call to me, and let me tell you, that call had to be answered! Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read ‘Worse than Murder’ by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
After a tragic personal event, Mat felt the need to get away from her job, her home, and her friends. But getting away isn’t always the answer, because there’s no getting away from the anger and grief that’s going on inside one’s own head. Even here in Cumbria, she can’t really escape as she’s well known throughout the country for all the difficult cases she’s solved.
So, Matilda’s reputation as a highly skilled detective precedes her, and she’s approached by local police officer Alison Pemberton who asks Mat to look into the disappearance of her twin sisters, Jennifer and Celia, who were abducted 30 years ago. Alison was five years old at the time and was the last one to see them alive. A few months later Alison’s father also disappeared.
Mat doesn’t really want to get involved, for one thing her head isn’t in the right place, but she’s a detective after all, and the thought of what might have happened to the twins is something she can’t ignore. She has to bring closure for the family, and that means dragging herself out of her self imposed exile. However, someone knows exactly what happened on that fateful day 30 years ago, and they will do whatever it takes to keep it secret.
Michael Wood has produced yet another very high quality ‘crime thriller’, although that phrase seems too trite to do it any justice - it’s exciting, tense and compelling, and it left my emotions all over the place. I found that every time I put this one down, it seemed to call to me, and let me tell you, that call had to be answered! Highly recommended.
*I was invited to read ‘Worse than Murder’ by the publisher, and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
October 3, 2025
Matilda escapes after the devastating end of Book 12, Last One Left Behind. I found some comfort knowing that she was staying with the Meagan family. Carl was one of her earlier cases, who disappeared but was found 5 year later. She has a special bond with this family. Naturally while Matilda is trying to work through her grieve from the previous book, a case falls into her lap, and this exactly what she needs to realize were she belongs in this world after everything she has been through. I love how Michael Wood has the ability to weave an intricate web and how it all comes together. This is one of my absolute favorite Crime Thriller series. When I picked up the first book I was hooked, loved the sassy team, the love and bonds they share and the writing is just so easy to read and it pulls you right in. I am eager to find out what happens when Matilda returns to Sheffield to find the person who shattered her world
August 4, 2025
DCI Matilda Darke #13
In 1992 at High Chapel in Cumbria, five year old Alison Pemberton’s twin sisters disappear, are never found and presumed dead. Later, her grieving father Jack disappears, it’s assumed a suicide although his body is also never found. In subsequent years there are claims of his sighting so his whereabouts and fate remain a huge mystery.
By June 2021, Alison is a police officer in the area and wants the answers never discovered at the time. She approaches Matilda for help as she has retreated to Cumbria following the last terrible unresolved case in Sheffield and is staying with the Meaghans (Philip, Sally and son Carl) who own the restaurant Nature’s Diner. The latter has been broken into four times so is the link Mathilda? Has the killer followed her there? Initially, Matilda refuses to get involved in Alison’s past but following some research her interest is piqued. As those who have read this outstanding series will know only too well, trouble seems to follow Matilda or is it that she’s a darned good detective who weighs in where others fear to tread?
He’s done it again – it’s another outstanding read. Matilda is a terrific central character, she’s suffered more than most over the years and her guilt and pain are palpable. I love the inclusion of the Meaghans and the author does a cracking job of filling in the backstory. They are a wonderful family and the reciprocal affection between them and Matilda is touching. I do miss Matilda‘s team in Sheffield as their banter is always a welcome element, but I think this book needed to happen as Matilda needs breathing space and what she steps into is an intriguing mystery. Some sparks are to fly between Matilda and DI Gill Forsyth who sure resents Matilda.
The Windermere setting (Lake District) is a fantastic location in which to set this novel as it exudes atmosphere. At the start of the novel a major storm is approaching which is an excellent metaphor for what to come. Its approach is a prescient warning and its arrival is forceful, violent and destructive.
As the Pemberton case unfolds and the case deepens, the danger levels escalate and it’s hard to figure out who is behind the events. I don’t guess but it’s fair to say that it’s evil personified. As per usual there are some unbelievably tense moments where breath is held. I expect nothing less from Michael Wood! Matilda always seems to jump from the frying pan (!) Into the fire. As always, there are some good cliffhanger endings and a terrific conclusion which leaves me full of anticipation for August 2026. There’s a big teaser in the Acknowledgements.
Overall, it’s another belter of a read, best to buckle up to board this rollercoaster. You can read this as a standalone but the series is superb and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the MUCH appreciated early copy in return for an honest review
In 1992 at High Chapel in Cumbria, five year old Alison Pemberton’s twin sisters disappear, are never found and presumed dead. Later, her grieving father Jack disappears, it’s assumed a suicide although his body is also never found. In subsequent years there are claims of his sighting so his whereabouts and fate remain a huge mystery.
By June 2021, Alison is a police officer in the area and wants the answers never discovered at the time. She approaches Matilda for help as she has retreated to Cumbria following the last terrible unresolved case in Sheffield and is staying with the Meaghans (Philip, Sally and son Carl) who own the restaurant Nature’s Diner. The latter has been broken into four times so is the link Mathilda? Has the killer followed her there? Initially, Matilda refuses to get involved in Alison’s past but following some research her interest is piqued. As those who have read this outstanding series will know only too well, trouble seems to follow Matilda or is it that she’s a darned good detective who weighs in where others fear to tread?
He’s done it again – it’s another outstanding read. Matilda is a terrific central character, she’s suffered more than most over the years and her guilt and pain are palpable. I love the inclusion of the Meaghans and the author does a cracking job of filling in the backstory. They are a wonderful family and the reciprocal affection between them and Matilda is touching. I do miss Matilda‘s team in Sheffield as their banter is always a welcome element, but I think this book needed to happen as Matilda needs breathing space and what she steps into is an intriguing mystery. Some sparks are to fly between Matilda and DI Gill Forsyth who sure resents Matilda.
The Windermere setting (Lake District) is a fantastic location in which to set this novel as it exudes atmosphere. At the start of the novel a major storm is approaching which is an excellent metaphor for what to come. Its approach is a prescient warning and its arrival is forceful, violent and destructive.
As the Pemberton case unfolds and the case deepens, the danger levels escalate and it’s hard to figure out who is behind the events. I don’t guess but it’s fair to say that it’s evil personified. As per usual there are some unbelievably tense moments where breath is held. I expect nothing less from Michael Wood! Matilda always seems to jump from the frying pan (!) Into the fire. As always, there are some good cliffhanger endings and a terrific conclusion which leaves me full of anticipation for August 2026. There’s a big teaser in the Acknowledgements.
Overall, it’s another belter of a read, best to buckle up to board this rollercoaster. You can read this as a standalone but the series is superb and one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the MUCH appreciated early copy in return for an honest review
September 14, 2025
Another addictive read from Michael Wood..book 13 in this series... one of my favourite authors... Matilda Drake can't cope and needs to get away from everything after what happened to her family... She tells no one where she's going to her friends and partner... She's a cop and finds herself helping another cop PC Alison Penbroke, who lost both her sisters being kidnapped. She saw them being driven away when she was young it torments her every day.. Will Matilda Drake find the answers as it's a cold case...and how does she overcome her own grief?...fantastic read A slow start but soon becomes engaging... Five stars highly recommend this series...brilliant writer.
October 2, 2025
I still cannot believe that it took me so long to pick up a Michael Wood book. Over the last year I have been absolutely obsessed with his books. Dark and unpredictable police procedural books with a tough all old boots DCI Matilda Darke. I haven’t quite managed to catch up in this series but I skipped ahead to book 12, Last One Left Alive before diving into Worse Than Murder. I am so glad that I did. The events from that book play a huge part in book 13 so it really helped to understand Matilda’s state of mind.
Worse Than Murder sees Matilda escaping Sheffield and what happened to her family. Staying with some friends in the Lake District, she is grieving and trying to come to terms with everything and decide where her life is headed now. The detective in her cannot help but get caught up when asked to help a desperate woman fiend out what happened to her twin sister 30 years earlier. But some one doesn’t not want the truth to be revealed and will do anything to stop her.
What an emotional roller coaster of a story. Matilda is completely broken with no idea what her future holds. She just wants to hide away for everything and everyone. This is a really tough read with some really hard subjects covered. Michael Wood is always dark and gritty, this book was no different. I love Matilda, it was strange to see her going solo almost for this investigation without Sian and the rest of her team.
One of my favourite parts of this book that really did make me smile were the dogs, the 2 Woodys. Dogs make everything better don’t they. Such great therapy for a grieving woman.
This is a must read series in my opinion, but don’t read this one without reading the previous one.
Thank you so so much to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for allowing me to read this early, and for feeding my new crime obsession. Published on September 30th.
Worse Than Murder sees Matilda escaping Sheffield and what happened to her family. Staying with some friends in the Lake District, she is grieving and trying to come to terms with everything and decide where her life is headed now. The detective in her cannot help but get caught up when asked to help a desperate woman fiend out what happened to her twin sister 30 years earlier. But some one doesn’t not want the truth to be revealed and will do anything to stop her.
What an emotional roller coaster of a story. Matilda is completely broken with no idea what her future holds. She just wants to hide away for everything and everyone. This is a really tough read with some really hard subjects covered. Michael Wood is always dark and gritty, this book was no different. I love Matilda, it was strange to see her going solo almost for this investigation without Sian and the rest of her team.
One of my favourite parts of this book that really did make me smile were the dogs, the 2 Woodys. Dogs make everything better don’t they. Such great therapy for a grieving woman.
This is a must read series in my opinion, but don’t read this one without reading the previous one.
Thank you so so much to One More Chapter, Harper Collins UK for allowing me to read this early, and for feeding my new crime obsession. Published on September 30th.
October 8, 2025
An amazing book. Can’t wait for book 14!
September 8, 2025
Well, you can take the Detective out of Sheffield but ... Yes. Well. that's about it really because, even though she may want to put the whole of her career and the hefty price she has paid for it behind her, Matilda Darke is a police officer through and through and there is just no way she can resist a mystery. And there is no bigger mystery than the one facing the community in which Matilda has sought refuge after the harrowing events of her last case. Thirty years earlier, twin sisters, Celia and Jennifer disappeared, last seen by their five year old sister Alison in the back of an unidentified car. Being five years old there really wasn't a lot Alison could do to help, but thirty years on, as a trained Police Officer, she is determined to get to the truth. And if that means pulling Matilda Darke out of her self imposed investigative exile, then so be it.
Good news for us, less good news for the person who took the twins. We all know Matilda won't be able to ignore the pull for long an, aided by a calamitous storm that descends upon the Lake District and Matilda's lake adjacent refuge, it's not long before she is unearthing some very vital clues, much to the chagrin of the local constabulary. But it is not the Matilda of old that Michael Wood has presented us with in this novel. It is a slightly cowed, thoroughly damaged version, and for someone wh has been abducted, shot and left for dead on more than the odd occasion, that is saying something.
I love how the author has okayed with the emotional side of Matilda's character this time around. There have been moments of doubt over teh past few cases, but nothing to this extent. It is the natural reaction of someone suffering PTSD which, if you have read the previous book, you will understand. If you haven't read it, I would advise that as an absolute minimum before starting this one, given that otherwise you hit rather large, and unavoidable, spoiler territory.
The pacing in this book is spot on, and Michael Wood uses the natural landscape of the Lake District to great effect to create atmosphere and also an element of tension in the book. It has that feeling of being both remote and community driven at the same time, opening up the possibility of the bad guys hiding in plain sight, without ever giving anything pertinent away. And with so many of the characters acting in a seemingly deceitful, or at least not entirely open and honest, way, there were so many possibilities that by the end I was couldn't quite decide if what was revealed was a surprise or an inevitable conclusion. Looking back, the clues are all there but cleverly concealed in such a way that if you really want to you can probably puzzle it out before Matilda, but there is enough misdirection to make you doubt yourself anyway. Whichever way you call it, it is a story steeped in tragedy, as any story would be given it involves the disappearance of two young girls.
Now, being set away from Sheffield, we have less of the old team present in the story, mentioned only in passing or via very brief cameos, with one exception. But that does not mean Matilda is on her own. We have a wide cast of characters to get to know and I liked Alison and her best friend and fellow officer, Claire, very quickly, their boss, Gill Forsyth, less so, probably because of her antagonism towards Matilda and her involvement in the case. There was an absolute joy of a character in Tania Pritchard, a local journalist who, despite everything Matilda feels about the press managed to worm her way into Matilda's friendship circle and, by extension gains a reader's trust. She's determined, no nonsense and the perfect counter for Matilda in the absence of her close friends and colleagues.
And then we have Matilda's hosts for her stay, the Meadens. Given their past, if anyone can understand the turmoil Matilda is feeling, they are it, and some of the greatest scenes in the book come from the often frank discussions between Matilda and Carl, wise beyond his years and a true pleasure to spend some fictional time with. I like that the author chose to bring them back for this story. They were the perfect fit and a great way to help Matilda gain some much needed perspective.
The book is tense, sad, emotional and totally gripping as we have come to expect. It may have been different in that Matilda had to investigate with absolutely no authority or technical support to hand, but, as series resets go, this one was a belter and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next when Matilda returns to face what may be her most challenging and twisted foe yet. Definitely recommended.
Good news for us, less good news for the person who took the twins. We all know Matilda won't be able to ignore the pull for long an, aided by a calamitous storm that descends upon the Lake District and Matilda's lake adjacent refuge, it's not long before she is unearthing some very vital clues, much to the chagrin of the local constabulary. But it is not the Matilda of old that Michael Wood has presented us with in this novel. It is a slightly cowed, thoroughly damaged version, and for someone wh has been abducted, shot and left for dead on more than the odd occasion, that is saying something.
I love how the author has okayed with the emotional side of Matilda's character this time around. There have been moments of doubt over teh past few cases, but nothing to this extent. It is the natural reaction of someone suffering PTSD which, if you have read the previous book, you will understand. If you haven't read it, I would advise that as an absolute minimum before starting this one, given that otherwise you hit rather large, and unavoidable, spoiler territory.
The pacing in this book is spot on, and Michael Wood uses the natural landscape of the Lake District to great effect to create atmosphere and also an element of tension in the book. It has that feeling of being both remote and community driven at the same time, opening up the possibility of the bad guys hiding in plain sight, without ever giving anything pertinent away. And with so many of the characters acting in a seemingly deceitful, or at least not entirely open and honest, way, there were so many possibilities that by the end I was couldn't quite decide if what was revealed was a surprise or an inevitable conclusion. Looking back, the clues are all there but cleverly concealed in such a way that if you really want to you can probably puzzle it out before Matilda, but there is enough misdirection to make you doubt yourself anyway. Whichever way you call it, it is a story steeped in tragedy, as any story would be given it involves the disappearance of two young girls.
Now, being set away from Sheffield, we have less of the old team present in the story, mentioned only in passing or via very brief cameos, with one exception. But that does not mean Matilda is on her own. We have a wide cast of characters to get to know and I liked Alison and her best friend and fellow officer, Claire, very quickly, their boss, Gill Forsyth, less so, probably because of her antagonism towards Matilda and her involvement in the case. There was an absolute joy of a character in Tania Pritchard, a local journalist who, despite everything Matilda feels about the press managed to worm her way into Matilda's friendship circle and, by extension gains a reader's trust. She's determined, no nonsense and the perfect counter for Matilda in the absence of her close friends and colleagues.
And then we have Matilda's hosts for her stay, the Meadens. Given their past, if anyone can understand the turmoil Matilda is feeling, they are it, and some of the greatest scenes in the book come from the often frank discussions between Matilda and Carl, wise beyond his years and a true pleasure to spend some fictional time with. I like that the author chose to bring them back for this story. They were the perfect fit and a great way to help Matilda gain some much needed perspective.
The book is tense, sad, emotional and totally gripping as we have come to expect. It may have been different in that Matilda had to investigate with absolutely no authority or technical support to hand, but, as series resets go, this one was a belter and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next when Matilda returns to face what may be her most challenging and twisted foe yet. Definitely recommended.
October 8, 2025
Not as dark as the previous book. This one focuses on Matilda's recovery.
August 13, 2025
When I heard that the latest DCI Matilda Darke book by my favourite author Michael Wood was set in Cumbria and not Sheffield, the setting of all the previous books, I did wonder how it would work, I need not have worried, I loved it just as much as all the others.
Matilda has fled Sheffield consumed with grief following the events at the end of the previous book, Last One Left Alive. She is staying with the Meagan's at their restaurant Nature's Diner. Matilda's reputation as a brilliant detective has preceded her and she is approached by a young police officer Alison Pemberton who asks her to look into the 30 year mystery surrounding the disappearance of her twin sisters Celia Jennifer. Matilda is mentally in a seriously bad way and initially doesn't want to get involved however, Matilda is a detective through and through and simply can't resist investigating. What follows is both shocking and disturbing in equal measure.
Once again Michael has written an absolute cracker!
Matilda has fled Sheffield consumed with grief following the events at the end of the previous book, Last One Left Alive. She is staying with the Meagan's at their restaurant Nature's Diner. Matilda's reputation as a brilliant detective has preceded her and she is approached by a young police officer Alison Pemberton who asks her to look into the 30 year mystery surrounding the disappearance of her twin sisters Celia Jennifer. Matilda is mentally in a seriously bad way and initially doesn't want to get involved however, Matilda is a detective through and through and simply can't resist investigating. What follows is both shocking and disturbing in equal measure.
Once again Michael has written an absolute cracker!
August 16, 2025
Michael Wood has done it again. He’s never afraid to take one of my favourite long-running crime series and flip it on its head. I’ve come to expect the unexpected with his writing, but even I was caught off guard when he left Matilda’s usual team behind in Sheffield. WHAT?!!!! But bravo to the author, I loved the change in direction, it keeps the series feeling fresh.
Matilda is drawn into a thirty-year-old mystery when PC Alison Pemberton asks her to investigate the disappearance of Alison’s twin sisters and father. As she uncovers buried secrets, Matilda realises some villagers will go to deadly lengths to keep the truth hidden.
In Worse Than Murder, we get to see Matilda in a very different light. Stripped of the familiar comfort of her Sheffield team, she’s suddenly without the banter, backup, and quiet reassurances that usually ground her. That absence makes her more vulnerable, and at times achingly isolated, but it also sharpens her edge, forcing her to trust her instincts and carry the weight of the investigation entirely on her own. It’s a version of Matilda that feels raw, determined, and more human than ever, and it makes this instalment a stand out in the series.
I thought I’d miss the regular cast, but their absence only heightens the tension, forcing Matilda to stand entirely on her own. The Lake District setting is wonderfully moody, the pacing brisk, and the twists sharp enough to sting. From the first chapter, tension simmers, building to a finale that proves Matilda can carry a story all by herself. I loved this book because despite not having her trusted team to support her, Michael Wood proves the series can evolve without losing its heart, giving us.
If you love crime fiction with a strong, layered lead, an evocative backdrop, and a mystery that reaches deep into the past while driving relentlessly forward, Worse Than Murder is unmissable. Just don’t expect the Lake District to offer Matilda, or you, a moment’s peace. Highly recommended.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Matilda is drawn into a thirty-year-old mystery when PC Alison Pemberton asks her to investigate the disappearance of Alison’s twin sisters and father. As she uncovers buried secrets, Matilda realises some villagers will go to deadly lengths to keep the truth hidden.
In Worse Than Murder, we get to see Matilda in a very different light. Stripped of the familiar comfort of her Sheffield team, she’s suddenly without the banter, backup, and quiet reassurances that usually ground her. That absence makes her more vulnerable, and at times achingly isolated, but it also sharpens her edge, forcing her to trust her instincts and carry the weight of the investigation entirely on her own. It’s a version of Matilda that feels raw, determined, and more human than ever, and it makes this instalment a stand out in the series.
I thought I’d miss the regular cast, but their absence only heightens the tension, forcing Matilda to stand entirely on her own. The Lake District setting is wonderfully moody, the pacing brisk, and the twists sharp enough to sting. From the first chapter, tension simmers, building to a finale that proves Matilda can carry a story all by herself. I loved this book because despite not having her trusted team to support her, Michael Wood proves the series can evolve without losing its heart, giving us.
If you love crime fiction with a strong, layered lead, an evocative backdrop, and a mystery that reaches deep into the past while driving relentlessly forward, Worse Than Murder is unmissable. Just don’t expect the Lake District to offer Matilda, or you, a moment’s peace. Highly recommended.
You can follow my reviews at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
August 11, 2025
I have been counting down the days since the last book in the series and it was well worth the wait.
Matilda has retreated to the beautiful Lake District and she has a lot on her mind. Fans of the series will be pleased to see Carl and his parents in this latest novel and was so good to catch up with them. You do wonder how much Matilda can physically and mentally deal with as lets face it, she has had to deal with a great deal of loss over this series and it looks like everything has come to a head.
Of course, death never seems to be far away from Matilda and it follows her like a bad smell. This time though she finds herself caught up in a cold case which totally grabbed my attention. Anything involving children sends my emotions into overdrive and the author had me not knowing who to believe in this complex case. Nothing is straight forward and certain characters appear to want to leave the past in the past and not make waves.
Even though Matilda is grieving, that feistiness we have come to grow and love has not left her and as per the norm, she is good at ruffling feathers. Her detective mind seems to kick in on it’s own and along with her gut instincts, you just know that you are in for another thrilling read. She is a character who will always have readers routing for her and her strength and determination was yet again outstanding.
Worse Than Murder whilst set with a stunning back drop, chilled me to the bone. I don’t know how the author manages to pack so much into his novels but there is never a dull moment and I was well and truly hooked by events. I went through so many emotions of sadness, fear, anger and my jaw was left permanently on the floor towards the intense ending. Unpredictable, jaw-dropping and chilling, it packs more than a punch! All the stars!
Matilda has retreated to the beautiful Lake District and she has a lot on her mind. Fans of the series will be pleased to see Carl and his parents in this latest novel and was so good to catch up with them. You do wonder how much Matilda can physically and mentally deal with as lets face it, she has had to deal with a great deal of loss over this series and it looks like everything has come to a head.
Of course, death never seems to be far away from Matilda and it follows her like a bad smell. This time though she finds herself caught up in a cold case which totally grabbed my attention. Anything involving children sends my emotions into overdrive and the author had me not knowing who to believe in this complex case. Nothing is straight forward and certain characters appear to want to leave the past in the past and not make waves.
Even though Matilda is grieving, that feistiness we have come to grow and love has not left her and as per the norm, she is good at ruffling feathers. Her detective mind seems to kick in on it’s own and along with her gut instincts, you just know that you are in for another thrilling read. She is a character who will always have readers routing for her and her strength and determination was yet again outstanding.
Worse Than Murder whilst set with a stunning back drop, chilled me to the bone. I don’t know how the author manages to pack so much into his novels but there is never a dull moment and I was well and truly hooked by events. I went through so many emotions of sadness, fear, anger and my jaw was left permanently on the floor towards the intense ending. Unpredictable, jaw-dropping and chilling, it packs more than a punch! All the stars!
December 10, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Grace Edward’s @ one more chapter, for inviting me to read and review this book.
Detective Matilda Darke is still suffering after losing her family to a serial killer in the previous book. She has left Sheffield and is staying with old friends while she tries to recover. On swimming she notices a number plate, which relates to a cold case, in which twin young girls disappeared. Despite best intentions, Matilda can’t help herself investigating.
Wow this was powerful. Matilda is a shadow of her former self and this comes across really well. Although the old Matilda fire is really showing towards the end of the book. It was interesting to see Matilda without her team, but I did miss Sian, Scott and Christian! It was lovely to see a former character return and also to see what had become of Carl and the Woodys! This was an exciting one with so many twists and tales. I had decided on so many different endings before the truth was revealed. I enjoy the authors style of writing, where there are no happy endings and you are kept guessing right until the very end. Suspense was rife and I was at the edge of my seat. It was difficult to put this down and function throughout the day as it had me hooked from the start. Matilda is my favourite character and this book series is the best ever! I’m slightly gutted to be finished and see that it’ll be autumn 2026 until we meet again! Although with the after word from Michael Wood, I’m not sure I’m going to like what’s next in store for a Matilda.
This one works as standalone, as the major storylines a new reader might have missed, are briefly recounted. However, I would highly recommend reading them all in order ASAP!
Genuinely the best book series I’ve read-cannot recommend enough!
Detective Matilda Darke is still suffering after losing her family to a serial killer in the previous book. She has left Sheffield and is staying with old friends while she tries to recover. On swimming she notices a number plate, which relates to a cold case, in which twin young girls disappeared. Despite best intentions, Matilda can’t help herself investigating.
Wow this was powerful. Matilda is a shadow of her former self and this comes across really well. Although the old Matilda fire is really showing towards the end of the book. It was interesting to see Matilda without her team, but I did miss Sian, Scott and Christian! It was lovely to see a former character return and also to see what had become of Carl and the Woodys! This was an exciting one with so many twists and tales. I had decided on so many different endings before the truth was revealed. I enjoy the authors style of writing, where there are no happy endings and you are kept guessing right until the very end. Suspense was rife and I was at the edge of my seat. It was difficult to put this down and function throughout the day as it had me hooked from the start. Matilda is my favourite character and this book series is the best ever! I’m slightly gutted to be finished and see that it’ll be autumn 2026 until we meet again! Although with the after word from Michael Wood, I’m not sure I’m going to like what’s next in store for a Matilda.
This one works as standalone, as the major storylines a new reader might have missed, are briefly recounted. However, I would highly recommend reading them all in order ASAP!
Genuinely the best book series I’ve read-cannot recommend enough!
September 5, 2025
Publication Day: September 30, 2025
Thirty years ago twin girls Jessica and Celia went missing, and their father also disappeared. The only witness was their 5 year old sister, Alison. Present day, Alison is a local police officer who has never forgotten that horrible day, vowing to find out what happened to her sisters. Matilda Darke, running from a recent, horrific event, finds herself caught up in this cold case. Rather than face the trauma in her own life, she finds herself immersed in this community and realizes she can’t stop until she, too, has all the answers.
PROS and CONS:
I have broken my cardinal rule with this one - I cannot start a series unless it is at the beginning. And this is book 13 no less! Crazy times over here. While I did enjoy the cold case investigation and Matilda’s efforts in solving it, there were just so many references to events and characters that took place in previous books that I felt a little lost. Reading this one felt a bit “spoilery” for the earlier books in the series.
READ IT?
Not if you haven’t read book 1-12 - if you have, then definitely go for it!
3.5 Stars
Thirty years ago twin girls Jessica and Celia went missing, and their father also disappeared. The only witness was their 5 year old sister, Alison. Present day, Alison is a local police officer who has never forgotten that horrible day, vowing to find out what happened to her sisters. Matilda Darke, running from a recent, horrific event, finds herself caught up in this cold case. Rather than face the trauma in her own life, she finds herself immersed in this community and realizes she can’t stop until she, too, has all the answers.
PROS and CONS:
I have broken my cardinal rule with this one - I cannot start a series unless it is at the beginning. And this is book 13 no less! Crazy times over here. While I did enjoy the cold case investigation and Matilda’s efforts in solving it, there were just so many references to events and characters that took place in previous books that I felt a little lost. Reading this one felt a bit “spoilery” for the earlier books in the series.
READ IT?
Not if you haven’t read book 1-12 - if you have, then definitely go for it!
3.5 Stars
September 13, 2025
Thank you to Grace Edwards and OneMoreChapter for providing me with an early copy of the lates Michael Wood novel. To start with - Wow!!!!
After the fall out from "Last one left alive", a great move by Michael to do a semi-reset and move the setting to the Lake District and a change of pace. The standard of the Matilda Darke series is very high but this may be one of the best yet. Combining the fall out of the last book, with the Lake District setting and a a cold case is a great combination.
As always, great characters, realism, fast paced, twists but believable - this novel has it all and as readers we couldn't ask for more.
Bringing the Meagan's back is also excellent and a reward for all of us who have read the series.
I can't recommend this book high enough and Michael deserves his place as one of the best crime writers in this country at the moment - roll on a tv deal for the Matilda Darke series....
After the fall out from "Last one left alive", a great move by Michael to do a semi-reset and move the setting to the Lake District and a change of pace. The standard of the Matilda Darke series is very high but this may be one of the best yet. Combining the fall out of the last book, with the Lake District setting and a a cold case is a great combination.
As always, great characters, realism, fast paced, twists but believable - this novel has it all and as readers we couldn't ask for more.
Bringing the Meagan's back is also excellent and a reward for all of us who have read the series.
I can't recommend this book high enough and Michael deserves his place as one of the best crime writers in this country at the moment - roll on a tv deal for the Matilda Darke series....
January 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I have read all the Matilda Darke series and enjoyed everyone. Long may they continue.
October 5, 2025
Great book can't wait for the next in the series
August 1, 2025
Michael Wood has outdone himself with Worse than Murder in the most anticipated book of the Matilda Darke series.
It is gripping from start to finish.
Matilda has left her life, her friends and job behind as she tries to recover from an unimaginable loss.
She is living in the Lake District with Phil, Sally and their son Carl from another case.
When she asked for her input in a case that involves two missing sisters and their father she has nothing to offer. She can barely help herself let alone others.
The police detective is still in her howerver and when she half heartedly investigates she has inadvertently stirred the pot.
Someone does not want their secret revealed and will do anything to protect that secret.
Worse than Murder is a relentless mix of secrets, lies, and jaw dropping twists that had me in a chokehold .
Be warned to expect the unexpected from Michael Wood and you will want to binge read the book.
My only complaint is I did not want the book to end.
Worse than Murder is my favourite book in the series : until book 14 arrives.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the absolute privilege of reading and reviewing Worse Than Murder.
It is gripping from start to finish.
Matilda has left her life, her friends and job behind as she tries to recover from an unimaginable loss.
She is living in the Lake District with Phil, Sally and their son Carl from another case.
When she asked for her input in a case that involves two missing sisters and their father she has nothing to offer. She can barely help herself let alone others.
The police detective is still in her howerver and when she half heartedly investigates she has inadvertently stirred the pot.
Someone does not want their secret revealed and will do anything to protect that secret.
Worse than Murder is a relentless mix of secrets, lies, and jaw dropping twists that had me in a chokehold .
Be warned to expect the unexpected from Michael Wood and you will want to binge read the book.
My only complaint is I did not want the book to end.
Worse than Murder is my favourite book in the series : until book 14 arrives.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the absolute privilege of reading and reviewing Worse Than Murder.
October 17, 2025
I am wild about this series. It’s been consistently solid and I race through the pages book after book. However, this dragged for me. I understand why Matilda escaped from the tragedy of losing her mother and nephews. I even understand the torment she felt about her sister treatment of her. The blame she felt towards herself at their loss.
Unfortunately I felt like there was an enormous amount of redundancy in this book. I knew something was off about Lynn and her husband. The plot was too loose all the way around. Some of the new characters were weak and almost too transparent from the beginning. The old Matilda would have seen through all of them far quicker.
I was thrilled to see Carl and the Meagan family take Matilda in to help her heal and it was a treat to have Adele back. Otherwise this plot was just okay to me. Nothing earth shattering and i felt it was a bit plodding to get to the end.
I’m still looking forward to then next book. I hope Matilda returns with her usual brand of fire. She’s a fighter. Three stars might be a bit generous but for the history I have invested in her.
Unfortunately I felt like there was an enormous amount of redundancy in this book. I knew something was off about Lynn and her husband. The plot was too loose all the way around. Some of the new characters were weak and almost too transparent from the beginning. The old Matilda would have seen through all of them far quicker.
I was thrilled to see Carl and the Meagan family take Matilda in to help her heal and it was a treat to have Adele back. Otherwise this plot was just okay to me. Nothing earth shattering and i felt it was a bit plodding to get to the end.
I’m still looking forward to then next book. I hope Matilda returns with her usual brand of fire. She’s a fighter. Three stars might be a bit generous but for the history I have invested in her.
July 28, 2025
Wow!! I think this one may be my favourite yet!!
I was so nervous picking this one up after my heart was completely shattered in the last book I was hoping book 12 was all a dream
I wasn’t expecting Matilda to be in hiding the emotions I felt I cried a lot! And I know book 14 is going to be the end of me I’m so invested in this series I feel so connected to the characters
I loved the difference of this one it gave matilda and me more time to grieve the events of book 12. I do like how even in hiding and refusing to be a DCI she still managed to find trouble and solved a 30 year old murder. The last couple of chapters I was so on edge I split stress ball! This was yet again another masterpiece I read it in a day as I refused to put it down. It really does have everything you need in an amazing crime thriller and so much more I liked the new characters I found the crime shocking and the red herons i happily followed till my
Mind was completely blown away!! I think my heart is still racing while writing this!! I now have the long wait for book 14 also I can’t believe we are on book 14 it’s such an outstanding series I think everyone needs to read
I was so nervous picking this one up after my heart was completely shattered in the last book I was hoping book 12 was all a dream
I wasn’t expecting Matilda to be in hiding the emotions I felt I cried a lot! And I know book 14 is going to be the end of me I’m so invested in this series I feel so connected to the characters
I loved the difference of this one it gave matilda and me more time to grieve the events of book 12. I do like how even in hiding and refusing to be a DCI she still managed to find trouble and solved a 30 year old murder. The last couple of chapters I was so on edge I split stress ball! This was yet again another masterpiece I read it in a day as I refused to put it down. It really does have everything you need in an amazing crime thriller and so much more I liked the new characters I found the crime shocking and the red herons i happily followed till my
Mind was completely blown away!! I think my heart is still racing while writing this!! I now have the long wait for book 14 also I can’t believe we are on book 14 it’s such an outstanding series I think everyone needs to read
October 10, 2025
4.5 stars
That old saying about authors torturing the characters they like the most must be true for this book series. OR Michael Wood really hates Matilda by now and that's why the full blown body slams keep coming, I honestly don't really know any longer. 🤣
Matilda's sister's reaction to how bad everything went in the last book was perhaps resonable, but still... Really low blow. I remain amazed by Matilda's resilience. It is the stuff of fiction, which of course makes sense, but still........!
That was down right evil, Mr. Wood. Just saying. 😆💀
As a sort of soft reboot to the series (kind of) this was a good book. Or maybe it actually was the prelude to the end. Hard to tell, frankly.
I was at first really put off by the thought of having to let Carl Meagan back into the story - and my life (I thought we were FINALLY done with him) - but I was won over by that idea pretty quickly.
The two Woodies also won me over, because ... Duh! Obviously. 🐕🐕
The one thing that didn't work for me (at all) was the fire scene and how excruciatingly slow and unbelievable it was. Like... That entire building was apparently a fire hazard, yet no one knew? Huh?Seriously?
Aren't there regulations and stuff for when you live on top of something more likely to catch fire from daily use (a restaurant kitchen) than the average building out there? And having a safe way to vacate the bedrooms in case of fire should have been a no-brainer. Like where are the safety (rope) ladders? There are none? OK, so what about bed-sheets! Curtains! Anything! Start tying things together and GTFO, people!!!
But nööööö, instead some of us run downstairs to a door THAT WON'T OPEN because it's a "safety door"... Öhmmmmm....??? Hello? Safe for whom in the case of FIRE!? Are you people for real??? 🤯🤯🤯🤣
Like sure, I know they're not real, but this was all so stupid, I couldn't believe it. Not for a second. 😆
And then it took forever to get everyone actually out of a fekkin' window - with a too short ladder because of course!
I'd have been crawling out of that window like spider-woman with a dog strapped to my back with help of bed linen within minutes. No joke! I learned how the bloody heck you vacate a second floor bedroom at the age of FIVE, dammit. It's either get out or die. SO. STOP. BLABBERING. Existential crisis? Save if for fucking later! Get. Out. 💀
I tell you, I was so DONE with that scene 10K times before it was finally over. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And now? Now I'm really pissed I don't know when the next book will be out because this series is so darn addictive. Ho-hum and woe is me!
Can't wait to see Matilda go dark (pun intended) next time around. 👀
That old saying about authors torturing the characters they like the most must be true for this book series. OR Michael Wood really hates Matilda by now and that's why the full blown body slams keep coming, I honestly don't really know any longer. 🤣
Matilda's sister's reaction to how bad everything went in the last book was perhaps resonable, but still... Really low blow. I remain amazed by Matilda's resilience. It is the stuff of fiction, which of course makes sense, but still........!
That was down right evil, Mr. Wood. Just saying. 😆💀
As a sort of soft reboot to the series (kind of) this was a good book. Or maybe it actually was the prelude to the end. Hard to tell, frankly.
I was at first really put off by the thought of having to let Carl Meagan back into the story - and my life (I thought we were FINALLY done with him) - but I was won over by that idea pretty quickly.
The two Woodies also won me over, because ... Duh! Obviously. 🐕🐕
The one thing that didn't work for me (at all) was the fire scene and how excruciatingly slow and unbelievable it was. Like... That entire building was apparently a fire hazard, yet no one knew? Huh?Seriously?
Aren't there regulations and stuff for when you live on top of something more likely to catch fire from daily use (a restaurant kitchen) than the average building out there? And having a safe way to vacate the bedrooms in case of fire should have been a no-brainer. Like where are the safety (rope) ladders? There are none? OK, so what about bed-sheets! Curtains! Anything! Start tying things together and GTFO, people!!!
But nööööö, instead some of us run downstairs to a door THAT WON'T OPEN because it's a "safety door"... Öhmmmmm....??? Hello? Safe for whom in the case of FIRE!? Are you people for real??? 🤯🤯🤯🤣
Like sure, I know they're not real, but this was all so stupid, I couldn't believe it. Not for a second. 😆
And then it took forever to get everyone actually out of a fekkin' window - with a too short ladder because of course!
I'd have been crawling out of that window like spider-woman with a dog strapped to my back with help of bed linen within minutes. No joke! I learned how the bloody heck you vacate a second floor bedroom at the age of FIVE, dammit. It's either get out or die. SO. STOP. BLABBERING. Existential crisis? Save if for fucking later! Get. Out. 💀
I tell you, I was so DONE with that scene 10K times before it was finally over. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
And now? Now I'm really pissed I don't know when the next book will be out because this series is so darn addictive. Ho-hum and woe is me!
Can't wait to see Matilda go dark (pun intended) next time around. 👀
September 30, 2025
This is book 13 in this brilliant series and, not only follows directly on from shenanigans in the previous, it also refers back to a case which Matilda was involved in very early doors in the series and which was also refereed to and resolved during subsequent books. So... please do NOT read this book if you haven't already played catch up and intend to do so... I'd also stop reading reviews as they might contain spoilers from aforementioned books...
So... a grieving Matilda has run away from home. Literally run away. Left her phone, no forwarding address. Upped sticks personally and professionally. Left without a trace. All the way to the Cumbria to stay with the Meaghans. To hide out with them at their restaurant. But her reputation has preceded her and, after it is thought that a spate of break-ins at the restaurant could be linked back to her, her presence is exposed. And, once exposed, she comes on the radar of a young Alison Pemberton who joined the police after suffering the loss of her twin sisters when she was five. They were taken when they were all out playing... Her father also disappearing not long after. She has always wanted to find out what happened and, well, with Matilda's reputation, surely she can help...
Oh my days... Matilda does get put through the wringer time after time. She can't even lie low without all this fuss... especially when she gets on the radar of the local DCI! She also wants to lie low for reasons which came out of the ending to the previous book... And all that on top of the personal grief she is suffering and the breakdown of the relationship with her sister. Jeez!
But the missing sisters case is too intriguing, especially when it is Matilda herself who, quite by chance, totally breaks the case... And once that can is fully opened... boy do those worms wriggle!
I love this series. I can across it quite by chance from my eLibrary and have listened to all the previous books. This being the only one I have actually read! And yes, I read it with the narrator's voice in my head! Only bad thing is that now I have fully caught up, I have to wait AGES for the next one, and with how this one ended... that time can't come quickly enough...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So... a grieving Matilda has run away from home. Literally run away. Left her phone, no forwarding address. Upped sticks personally and professionally. Left without a trace. All the way to the Cumbria to stay with the Meaghans. To hide out with them at their restaurant. But her reputation has preceded her and, after it is thought that a spate of break-ins at the restaurant could be linked back to her, her presence is exposed. And, once exposed, she comes on the radar of a young Alison Pemberton who joined the police after suffering the loss of her twin sisters when she was five. They were taken when they were all out playing... Her father also disappearing not long after. She has always wanted to find out what happened and, well, with Matilda's reputation, surely she can help...
Oh my days... Matilda does get put through the wringer time after time. She can't even lie low without all this fuss... especially when she gets on the radar of the local DCI! She also wants to lie low for reasons which came out of the ending to the previous book... And all that on top of the personal grief she is suffering and the breakdown of the relationship with her sister. Jeez!
But the missing sisters case is too intriguing, especially when it is Matilda herself who, quite by chance, totally breaks the case... And once that can is fully opened... boy do those worms wriggle!
I love this series. I can across it quite by chance from my eLibrary and have listened to all the previous books. This being the only one I have actually read! And yes, I read it with the narrator's voice in my head! Only bad thing is that now I have fully caught up, I have to wait AGES for the next one, and with how this one ended... that time can't come quickly enough...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
September 29, 2025
In the thirteenth gripping installment of the series, DCI Matilda Darke embarks on a new journey that takes a sharp turn from her earlier cases. Having fled Sheffield, Matilda seeks refuge in the serene beauty of the Lake District, hoping to escape the traumatic event that left her reeling at the end of Last One Left Alive.
Yet, the peace she desperately craves is short-lived. As her reputation as a skilled detective precedes her, and soon she finds herself approached by Alison, a determined local police officer. Who carries the weight of an unthinkable tragedy. As her twin sisters were abducted thirty years ago, when she was just a small child of five, and she was the last to see them. To make matters worse, her father disappeared shortly after, leaving a trail of unanswered questions.
Initially, Matilda resists the call to action, feeling ensnared by the chaos of her recent past. Her mind is clouded, and the idea of diving into another harrowing investigation seems overwhelming. Yet, beneath her reluctance lies an undeniable truth: she is a detective at her core, and the heartbreaking mystery of Alison's sisters gnaws at her conscience.
So, with a heavy heart, Matilda makes the difficult decision to step out of the shadows of her self-imposed exile.
But lurking in the darkness is a figure who knows the chilling truth of what happened that fateful day and will stop at nothing to protect their dark secret from surfacing.
And with tension, emotion, and suspense, this story had me captivated completely. So, much so I found myself speedily turning the pages terrified and desperate to find out what was going to happen next and that holds for book fourteen. Especially when reading Michael's author notes.
I would happily recommend this series and author to all.
My thanks to One More Chapter for my copy of Worse Than Murder. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
Yet, the peace she desperately craves is short-lived. As her reputation as a skilled detective precedes her, and soon she finds herself approached by Alison, a determined local police officer. Who carries the weight of an unthinkable tragedy. As her twin sisters were abducted thirty years ago, when she was just a small child of five, and she was the last to see them. To make matters worse, her father disappeared shortly after, leaving a trail of unanswered questions.
Initially, Matilda resists the call to action, feeling ensnared by the chaos of her recent past. Her mind is clouded, and the idea of diving into another harrowing investigation seems overwhelming. Yet, beneath her reluctance lies an undeniable truth: she is a detective at her core, and the heartbreaking mystery of Alison's sisters gnaws at her conscience.
So, with a heavy heart, Matilda makes the difficult decision to step out of the shadows of her self-imposed exile.
But lurking in the darkness is a figure who knows the chilling truth of what happened that fateful day and will stop at nothing to protect their dark secret from surfacing.
And with tension, emotion, and suspense, this story had me captivated completely. So, much so I found myself speedily turning the pages terrified and desperate to find out what was going to happen next and that holds for book fourteen. Especially when reading Michael's author notes.
I would happily recommend this series and author to all.
My thanks to One More Chapter for my copy of Worse Than Murder. All thoughts expressed are my own. ☺️
October 4, 2025
This is the thirteenth book in the excellent Matilda Darke series by Michael Wood. You really need to read this as part of the series to fully understand.
Michael Wood’s Worse Than Murder marks a powerful and atmospheric return for DCI Matilda Darke, delivering everything fans of the series have come to expect, tension, emotion, and a haunting mystery that lingers long after the final page.
After the devastating events that drove her to leave Sheffield behind, Matilda retreats to the wild, desolate beauty of the Lake District, hoping for peace and anonymity. But her reputation as a relentless investigator follows her, and it isn’t long before she’s drawn into a local mystery, one that has haunted the community for three decades.
Thirty years ago, PC Alison Pemberton’s twin sisters vanished without a trace. Alison, the only witness to their disappearance, has spent her entire life tormented by fragmented memories and unanswered questions. To make matters worse, just months later, her father also disappeared, leaving behind a legacy of grief and confusion.
When Alison turns to Matilda for help, what begins as an act of compassion quickly turns into an obsession. As Matilda digs deeper into the past, she uncovers a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and betrayal and someone who will stop at nothing to ensure the truth remains buried.
The characters are very strong and the writing keeps you on the edge of your seat. A procedural thriller, that deals with a cold case mystery that has grief, guilt, and the enduring scars of trauma. Matilda is still dealing with her own personal loss but cannot resist trying to help Alison resolve her life long torment.
Worse Than Murder is a dark, absorbing, and well written crime thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. This is an excellent series that gets stronger with every novel.
Michael Wood’s Worse Than Murder marks a powerful and atmospheric return for DCI Matilda Darke, delivering everything fans of the series have come to expect, tension, emotion, and a haunting mystery that lingers long after the final page.
After the devastating events that drove her to leave Sheffield behind, Matilda retreats to the wild, desolate beauty of the Lake District, hoping for peace and anonymity. But her reputation as a relentless investigator follows her, and it isn’t long before she’s drawn into a local mystery, one that has haunted the community for three decades.
Thirty years ago, PC Alison Pemberton’s twin sisters vanished without a trace. Alison, the only witness to their disappearance, has spent her entire life tormented by fragmented memories and unanswered questions. To make matters worse, just months later, her father also disappeared, leaving behind a legacy of grief and confusion.
When Alison turns to Matilda for help, what begins as an act of compassion quickly turns into an obsession. As Matilda digs deeper into the past, she uncovers a labyrinth of secrets, lies, and betrayal and someone who will stop at nothing to ensure the truth remains buried.
The characters are very strong and the writing keeps you on the edge of your seat. A procedural thriller, that deals with a cold case mystery that has grief, guilt, and the enduring scars of trauma. Matilda is still dealing with her own personal loss but cannot resist trying to help Alison resolve her life long torment.
Worse Than Murder is a dark, absorbing, and well written crime thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. This is an excellent series that gets stronger with every novel.
October 9, 2025
PC Alison Pemberton twin sisters were abducted thirty years ago, and this has haunted her with no answers ever coming to light, to her it felt like the universe tore away two halves of her soul. Grief doesn’t come in waves—it’s a tide that never recedes. Every memory is a double-edged blade: beautiful, but aching. And then a double tragedy her father disappears as well, how much can one bare?
After the events that unraveled everything she knew in Sheffield, Matilda escapes to the lonely majesty of the Lake District, clinging to the hope that isolation might offer healing. Alison Pemberton has heard all about Matilda and asks her to assist her in solving the mystery of what happened to her family members.
From the opening chapter, this crime thriller grabs you by the collar and drags you into a world of secrets, suspicion, and psychological tension. The pacing is relentless—each twist lands with precision, and just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another revelation knocks the wind out of you.
The author masterfully builds a claustrophobic atmosphere, where every character feels like a suspect and every scene pulses with unease. The plot is a labyrinth of lies and half-truths, brilliantly constructed to keep you guessing until the final page.
What sets this book apart is its emotional depth: Matilda isn’t just chasing clues, she is wrestling with guilt, trauma, and the shadows of her past. This reveals the most intimate and exposed facet of her character we’ve seen so far, unshielded and achingly human. This demonstrates why this may be my favourite book in the series so far.
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s smart, tense, and utterly compelling, this one delivers in spades.
After the events that unraveled everything she knew in Sheffield, Matilda escapes to the lonely majesty of the Lake District, clinging to the hope that isolation might offer healing. Alison Pemberton has heard all about Matilda and asks her to assist her in solving the mystery of what happened to her family members.
From the opening chapter, this crime thriller grabs you by the collar and drags you into a world of secrets, suspicion, and psychological tension. The pacing is relentless—each twist lands with precision, and just when you think you’ve caught your breath, another revelation knocks the wind out of you.
The author masterfully builds a claustrophobic atmosphere, where every character feels like a suspect and every scene pulses with unease. The plot is a labyrinth of lies and half-truths, brilliantly constructed to keep you guessing until the final page.
What sets this book apart is its emotional depth: Matilda isn’t just chasing clues, she is wrestling with guilt, trauma, and the shadows of her past. This reveals the most intimate and exposed facet of her character we’ve seen so far, unshielded and achingly human. This demonstrates why this may be my favourite book in the series so far.
If you’re looking for a thriller that’s smart, tense, and utterly compelling, this one delivers in spades.
September 19, 2025
Michael Wood has done it again with another tense, deeply moving installment in the Matilda Darke series.
What struck me most in this book is not just the clever mystery or the chilling cold case at its heart, but the raw humanity of Matilda herself. She is, without doubt, one of the strongest heroines in crime fiction today. I felt so sorry for her at times – the grief she carries, the pain she’s endured, and the way she still pushes forward with quiet strength. Unlike many detectives in the genre, her vulnerability doesn’t come from clichés like alcohol, but from very real emotional scars. That honesty makes her feel alive on the page.
It was both intriguing and unsettling to see Matilda away from Sheffield, without the safety net of her team and friends. She feels more isolated, more exposed, and that only heightened the tension for me as a reader. Watching her navigate that loneliness while still being drawn into other people’s secrets and tragedies was heartbreaking, yet compelling.
The cold case itself is fascinating, but what truly elevates this novel are the relationships – Carl’s family, Alison’s haunted past, and the tangled web of lies and secrets that ripple through every chapter. These human dramas are what drive the book toward perfection, and they kept me gripped from beginning to end.
As always, Michael Wood’s writing is superb – tight, atmospheric, and filled with emotional depth. This is a thriller that lingers long after the final page.
If you’re looking for a crime novel that combines psychological insight with a truly unforgettable heroine, this is it. Easily one of the best reads of the year.
What struck me most in this book is not just the clever mystery or the chilling cold case at its heart, but the raw humanity of Matilda herself. She is, without doubt, one of the strongest heroines in crime fiction today. I felt so sorry for her at times – the grief she carries, the pain she’s endured, and the way she still pushes forward with quiet strength. Unlike many detectives in the genre, her vulnerability doesn’t come from clichés like alcohol, but from very real emotional scars. That honesty makes her feel alive on the page.
It was both intriguing and unsettling to see Matilda away from Sheffield, without the safety net of her team and friends. She feels more isolated, more exposed, and that only heightened the tension for me as a reader. Watching her navigate that loneliness while still being drawn into other people’s secrets and tragedies was heartbreaking, yet compelling.
The cold case itself is fascinating, but what truly elevates this novel are the relationships – Carl’s family, Alison’s haunted past, and the tangled web of lies and secrets that ripple through every chapter. These human dramas are what drive the book toward perfection, and they kept me gripped from beginning to end.
As always, Michael Wood’s writing is superb – tight, atmospheric, and filled with emotional depth. This is a thriller that lingers long after the final page.
If you’re looking for a crime novel that combines psychological insight with a truly unforgettable heroine, this is it. Easily one of the best reads of the year.
October 2, 2025
Audiobook review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“H*** f*** b***s” I utter as I listen to the last words of the book. I sit there gobsmacked, Michael Wood has done it again.
This book felt different to the others as we’re shown Matilda at her lowest. She’s broken after the events of the previous book (to be honest I think we’re all still recovering from THAT ending) and is hiding in the Lake District after running away from Sheffield. Of course Matilda being Matilda finds herself being drawn into the cold case of the missing Pemberton twins - 30 years old the two girls disappeared and were never seen again and now their younger sister PC Alison Pemberton wants answers. Of course who better to help Alison uncover the truth than our favourite DCI.
This book was everything I wanted from another trip into Matilda’s world and so much more. The raw emotion of Matilda trying to process what had happened to her let us see inside her tough interior- I laughed, I cried and I ate emotional support chocolate as the story unfolded. I loved the new characters we met especially Tania the local reporter. I missed the old team but Michael sneakily included enough of the past and its characters I thought we’d said goodbye to as well as new characters from the village of High Chapel that Sheffield was soon forgotten about. I fell in love with Matilda’s new world in the Lake District and have already looked at holidays there next year. Anyone want to join me? 30 years old cold case investigation optional!
If you know me you’ll know that I moan a lot (sorry) about audiobook narrators and narration. When you can only listen to books a narrator can make or break a book. Well, Stephanie Beattie deserves an Oscar for this narration. She doesn’t just narrate the story she takes the words off the page and brings them to life. It’s pure theatre and acting at its very best. Stephanie take a bow.
Now if anyone needs me I’ll be lying down in a dark room recovering from this book!
“H*** f*** b***s” I utter as I listen to the last words of the book. I sit there gobsmacked, Michael Wood has done it again.
This book felt different to the others as we’re shown Matilda at her lowest. She’s broken after the events of the previous book (to be honest I think we’re all still recovering from THAT ending) and is hiding in the Lake District after running away from Sheffield. Of course Matilda being Matilda finds herself being drawn into the cold case of the missing Pemberton twins - 30 years old the two girls disappeared and were never seen again and now their younger sister PC Alison Pemberton wants answers. Of course who better to help Alison uncover the truth than our favourite DCI.
This book was everything I wanted from another trip into Matilda’s world and so much more. The raw emotion of Matilda trying to process what had happened to her let us see inside her tough interior- I laughed, I cried and I ate emotional support chocolate as the story unfolded. I loved the new characters we met especially Tania the local reporter. I missed the old team but Michael sneakily included enough of the past and its characters I thought we’d said goodbye to as well as new characters from the village of High Chapel that Sheffield was soon forgotten about. I fell in love with Matilda’s new world in the Lake District and have already looked at holidays there next year. Anyone want to join me? 30 years old cold case investigation optional!
If you know me you’ll know that I moan a lot (sorry) about audiobook narrators and narration. When you can only listen to books a narrator can make or break a book. Well, Stephanie Beattie deserves an Oscar for this narration. She doesn’t just narrate the story she takes the words off the page and brings them to life. It’s pure theatre and acting at its very best. Stephanie take a bow.
Now if anyone needs me I’ll be lying down in a dark room recovering from this book!
August 10, 2025
5 Stars from me
As a long time fan of Michael's books and the Matilda Darke series in particular, I admit to being more than a little apprehensive about book 13 in the series - knowing that it wasn't set with 'the team'.
In this book, we find a broken Matilda. She lives on the edge of sanity at the best of times but here she has taken one too many blows and is barely hanging on. The Meagan's welcome her in with open arms to their haven in the anonymous wilds of the Lake District. There she re-connects with Carl and the Woodys: a lovely relationship in the midst of a huge amount of ugliness.
I had to take myself on a bit of a journey to get into the right headspace to fully embrace this book - my mind craved a police led book in Sheffield with all of Matilda's team. Interestingly, for me, Worse Than Murder demonstrates just how skilled Michael is at character creation - and writing, of course, because this book still had that comforting embrace of a DCI Darke novel, and the characters are so well developed that Matilda and Carl could almost carry a story on their own.
I may have mentioned in my last review for a Michael Wood book that if he so much as scribbles 'sossigis' in blue crayon on a beer mat, then I'll be here to read it... Hard to top that as an endorsement but I will say that if Michael keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them.
The cliff hanger helps too...
My thanks to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Michael Wood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
As a long time fan of Michael's books and the Matilda Darke series in particular, I admit to being more than a little apprehensive about book 13 in the series - knowing that it wasn't set with 'the team'.
In this book, we find a broken Matilda. She lives on the edge of sanity at the best of times but here she has taken one too many blows and is barely hanging on. The Meagan's welcome her in with open arms to their haven in the anonymous wilds of the Lake District. There she re-connects with Carl and the Woodys: a lovely relationship in the midst of a huge amount of ugliness.
I had to take myself on a bit of a journey to get into the right headspace to fully embrace this book - my mind craved a police led book in Sheffield with all of Matilda's team. Interestingly, for me, Worse Than Murder demonstrates just how skilled Michael is at character creation - and writing, of course, because this book still had that comforting embrace of a DCI Darke novel, and the characters are so well developed that Matilda and Carl could almost carry a story on their own.
I may have mentioned in my last review for a Michael Wood book that if he so much as scribbles 'sossigis' in blue crayon on a beer mat, then I'll be here to read it... Hard to top that as an endorsement but I will say that if Michael keeps writing them, I'll keep reading them.
The cliff hanger helps too...
My thanks to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Michael Wood for an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 20, 2025
5☆ (this series will always be a five-star read no matter what)
Albeit this storyline being different from others, this was quite a nice breather. As a fan of the series since book #1, the mini summaries in between to show how far Matilda Darke has fought through to solve the crimes was so heartwarming. I don't think this should be read as a stand-alone, and definitely not one that anyone should pickup if they've never read the series. Matilda Darke had to go far away from Sheffield to "recuperate" and it also just shows how the series grew with all the characters that we've loved and lost throughout the books.
While the narrative was simpler than the other books, this one goes deep into analyzing Matilda Darke's mind on how she can't turn off being a detective. And we all know she's a bloody good one too. I think it's really heartfelt to know that she really does belong in the world of crime-solving despite the tragedies from the previous book that landed her to where she is in this book. Again, this book should at least be read AFTER book #12.
The reveal of the criminal behind the 30-year history was heartbreaking yet it was definitely not the most complexed one. I really liked how all the events pushed her to get herself together to head back to Sheffield. And with that, I think we all can expect that book #14 will have us clutching our hearts for Matilda again.
Can't wait for Autumn 2026 already!
Albeit this storyline being different from others, this was quite a nice breather. As a fan of the series since book #1, the mini summaries in between to show how far Matilda Darke has fought through to solve the crimes was so heartwarming. I don't think this should be read as a stand-alone, and definitely not one that anyone should pickup if they've never read the series. Matilda Darke had to go far away from Sheffield to "recuperate" and it also just shows how the series grew with all the characters that we've loved and lost throughout the books.
While the narrative was simpler than the other books, this one goes deep into analyzing Matilda Darke's mind on how she can't turn off being a detective. And we all know she's a bloody good one too. I think it's really heartfelt to know that she really does belong in the world of crime-solving despite the tragedies from the previous book that landed her to where she is in this book. Again, this book should at least be read AFTER book #12.
The reveal of the criminal behind the 30-year history was heartbreaking yet it was definitely not the most complexed one. I really liked how all the events pushed her to get herself together to head back to Sheffield. And with that, I think we all can expect that book #14 will have us clutching our hearts for Matilda again.
Can't wait for Autumn 2026 already!
September 11, 2025
Worse than Murder by Micheal Wood is the thirteenth book in the DCI Matilda Drake series. You can read this as a standalone as I confess this is the first book in the series that I have read.
Matilda Drake is grieving over the death of her family to a serial killer. She decides to leave Sheffield and get away and ends up staying with friends who run a restaurant in front of the lake Windermere in the lake district. She is trying to keep a low profile, but words gets out that the famous Matilda Drake is staying at the Natures rest.
A local Police officer Alison Pemberton arrives and asks for her help to find out what happened to her twin sisters who disappeared back in 1992 and at the same time her father also disappeared. She was the only witness to see the two girls in the back of a car being driven away Some say that her father took them all of them years ago.
I thank you the publisher for a copy of worse than Murder. I have read several books from this author but not this series. I am kicking myself this was so good. This is a fantastic read it’s a tense compelling and emotional read and I really like the characters especially Matilda. I now need to go back to book one and start from the beginning. But the cliff hanger at the end which makes me think the next book is going to be epic. 5 stars from me.
Matilda Drake is grieving over the death of her family to a serial killer. She decides to leave Sheffield and get away and ends up staying with friends who run a restaurant in front of the lake Windermere in the lake district. She is trying to keep a low profile, but words gets out that the famous Matilda Drake is staying at the Natures rest.
A local Police officer Alison Pemberton arrives and asks for her help to find out what happened to her twin sisters who disappeared back in 1992 and at the same time her father also disappeared. She was the only witness to see the two girls in the back of a car being driven away Some say that her father took them all of them years ago.
I thank you the publisher for a copy of worse than Murder. I have read several books from this author but not this series. I am kicking myself this was so good. This is a fantastic read it’s a tense compelling and emotional read and I really like the characters especially Matilda. I now need to go back to book one and start from the beginning. But the cliff hanger at the end which makes me think the next book is going to be epic. 5 stars from me.
September 23, 2025
Broken Matilda: can a cold case repair her?😰
Another brilliant mystery with DCI Matilda Darke dedicated to finding the truth. Michael Wood is really stellar at mapping out the mind and feelings of this strong but flawed character and designing a complex and fast-paced story full of surprises.
Matilda's will to continue as a police officer has been brutally tested by tragedy in her family that she believes should be laid at her doorstep. She's abruptly withdrawn from her life and friends in Yorkshire and gone to stay in the Lake District to figure out whither her life and career will go. A young local policewoman asks for her help in solving a 30 year old mystery involving the disappearance of her twin sisters and father. Matilda balks at first but is drawn in.
I was drawn in, too. After I finished the book and reflected, I felt there were a few plot wobbles, but not enough to make me change my mind about the quality of the story. I did have my suspicions that were proved at least partly right, but the journey to the big reveal was thrilling, including some mortal danger and twists a'plenty.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Another brilliant mystery with DCI Matilda Darke dedicated to finding the truth. Michael Wood is really stellar at mapping out the mind and feelings of this strong but flawed character and designing a complex and fast-paced story full of surprises.
Matilda's will to continue as a police officer has been brutally tested by tragedy in her family that she believes should be laid at her doorstep. She's abruptly withdrawn from her life and friends in Yorkshire and gone to stay in the Lake District to figure out whither her life and career will go. A young local policewoman asks for her help in solving a 30 year old mystery involving the disappearance of her twin sisters and father. Matilda balks at first but is drawn in.
I was drawn in, too. After I finished the book and reflected, I felt there were a few plot wobbles, but not enough to make me change my mind about the quality of the story. I did have my suspicions that were proved at least partly right, but the journey to the big reveal was thrilling, including some mortal danger and twists a'plenty.
Thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
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