What do you think?
Maybe Tomorrow
From the bestselling author of the DCI Matilda Darke series, comes a brand new standalone to keep you on the edge of your seat. *Available to pre-order now!*
When a body is found in the woods following a ferocious storm it appears to be an open and closed case. But something doesn’t add up, and what seemed a tragic accident soon turns into a murder investigation.
As the police come under pressure to solve the tragedy and with no witnesses, their case is falling apart. Until they find their an outsider with no alibi.
When the suspect confesses to the crime, the police are happy to close the case. But what if there was foul play involved? What if someone is about to get away with murder…
Praise for Michael Wood'Michael Wood is a genius at pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Dark, intense and so very thrilling, this was an excellent read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The best word I can come up with for this book is sublime' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I couldn’t stop reading this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I am a massive fan of Michael Wood's books and this one is no exception' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Loved this book; it hooks you in from the very first page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'What is real and what is not? It’s brimful of suspense, it’s fast paced, exciting and shocking' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It was such a fabulous read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When a body is found in the woods following a ferocious storm it appears to be an open and closed case. But something doesn’t add up, and what seemed a tragic accident soon turns into a murder investigation.
As the police come under pressure to solve the tragedy and with no witnesses, their case is falling apart. Until they find their an outsider with no alibi.
When the suspect confesses to the crime, the police are happy to close the case. But what if there was foul play involved? What if someone is about to get away with murder…
Praise for Michael Wood'Michael Wood is a genius at pacing, atmosphere, and emotional depth' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Dark, intense and so very thrilling, this was an excellent read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'The best word I can come up with for this book is sublime' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I couldn’t stop reading this book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'I am a massive fan of Michael Wood's books and this one is no exception' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Loved this book; it hooks you in from the very first page' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'What is real and what is not? It’s brimful of suspense, it’s fast paced, exciting and shocking' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'It was such a fabulous read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 31, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
July 16, 2026
Talk about being put through the ringer! Man, this book had me feeling all kinds of emotions - I was outraged by the corruption, the horrific death of a vulnerable young woman, the cruelty of being judged by the public, the mistreatment of people, the hateful ways people act toward others, and the abuse of power by some in this book. I also rooted for, crossed my fingers for, and cheered for those who fought tirelessly for justice, to right a wrong, and who fought for justice! I am a big fan of Michael Wood's Matilda Darke series and could not wait to read Maybe Tomorrow. I was not disappointed. Maybe Tomorrow is a gripping and emotion provoking book and is brilliantly told, written, and paced. Whew!
During a violent storm, Alice, a young woman with Downs syndrome, went to her local library and left to walk home. Her body was found the next morning in the woods. With little to go on, the local police department find Anthony, a young man who worked at the library, and charge him with Alice's murder. But a female police officer as well as Anthony's attorney/solicitor believe he is innocent. The year is 1983 and forensics have come a long way, but sadly back then, they did not have the resources they have today.
As I mentioned, this book made me feel all kinds of emotions. I felt for Alice's family, I felt for Anthony's family, and I felt for the two women who were determined to get to the truth of what really happened on that dark and stormy night.
As with his other books, Maybe Tomorrow is wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, and riveting. I felt for many of the characters while being aggravated by others. I also thought Michael Wood did a great job showing how the public responds, judges, and treats not only the accused but their family members as well. He also showed how Alice's murder affected both families and how lives were forever changed.
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
During a violent storm, Alice, a young woman with Downs syndrome, went to her local library and left to walk home. Her body was found the next morning in the woods. With little to go on, the local police department find Anthony, a young man who worked at the library, and charge him with Alice's murder. But a female police officer as well as Anthony's attorney/solicitor believe he is innocent. The year is 1983 and forensics have come a long way, but sadly back then, they did not have the resources they have today.
As I mentioned, this book made me feel all kinds of emotions. I felt for Alice's family, I felt for Anthony's family, and I felt for the two women who were determined to get to the truth of what really happened on that dark and stormy night.
As with his other books, Maybe Tomorrow is wonderfully written, well thought out, perfectly paced, and riveting. I felt for many of the characters while being aggravated by others. I also thought Michael Wood did a great job showing how the public responds, judges, and treats not only the accused but their family members as well. He also showed how Alice's murder affected both families and how lives were forever changed.
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 4, 2026
4-5 stars rounded up
10/10/1983, Whitby, North Yorkshire
A bad storm is forecast which proves accurate and bookworm 18 year-old Alice Patterson first visits the library and then walks home in the inclement conditions but fails to make it back. Her parents, Judith and Geoff, report her missing and later her body is discovered in woodland. The police enquiry that by bombastic dinosaur DI Bishop gets nowhere and he’s under huge pressure from the powers that be. He makes an arrest but have they charged the right person? Is it possible in their haste to wrap things up a killer is still out there? One thing is for sure the person charged is found guilty in the court of public opinion.
This standalone and originally only available on audible, is another winner from Michael Wood. The 1980s are captured to perfection with DI Bishop and his methods making me rightly feel uncomfortable yet we know the things depicted here are factually based. He’s absolutely despicable and loathsome which is exactly what the author intends us to feel. He is in stark contrast to characters like WPC Freya Sloan, later DI Sloan, and solicitor Jen Ripley who never give up.
There’s corruption, sexism, prejudice, judgement alongside pain, bravery, guts and resilience. Parts are absolutely heartbreaking and it’s hard to hold back the tears. The price paid by several characters is huge and the impact of what unfolds is written extremely well as is their characterisation.
This is all set against the backdrop of Whitby and the meteorological storm which starts it off as a harbinger of what’s to come. It’s a very emotional page turner at times and the ending hits me hard. I do not guess the outcome which is always a big plus.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
10/10/1983, Whitby, North Yorkshire
A bad storm is forecast which proves accurate and bookworm 18 year-old Alice Patterson first visits the library and then walks home in the inclement conditions but fails to make it back. Her parents, Judith and Geoff, report her missing and later her body is discovered in woodland. The police enquiry that by bombastic dinosaur DI Bishop gets nowhere and he’s under huge pressure from the powers that be. He makes an arrest but have they charged the right person? Is it possible in their haste to wrap things up a killer is still out there? One thing is for sure the person charged is found guilty in the court of public opinion.
This standalone and originally only available on audible, is another winner from Michael Wood. The 1980s are captured to perfection with DI Bishop and his methods making me rightly feel uncomfortable yet we know the things depicted here are factually based. He’s absolutely despicable and loathsome which is exactly what the author intends us to feel. He is in stark contrast to characters like WPC Freya Sloan, later DI Sloan, and solicitor Jen Ripley who never give up.
There’s corruption, sexism, prejudice, judgement alongside pain, bravery, guts and resilience. Parts are absolutely heartbreaking and it’s hard to hold back the tears. The price paid by several characters is huge and the impact of what unfolds is written extremely well as is their characterisation.
This is all set against the backdrop of Whitby and the meteorological storm which starts it off as a harbinger of what’s to come. It’s a very emotional page turner at times and the ending hits me hard. I do not guess the outcome which is always a big plus.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated early copy and return for an honest review.
July 13, 2026
Another fantastic read from this authors,one of my favourite authors to read.A young down syndrome girl who loves her books visits a library on a stormy night she goes to the library on her way home she is murdered by whom.no evidence will they find the killer.or the wrong person was convicted. Another brilliant crime read.Im looking forward to reading the next book. Five stars.
February 5, 2025
If you follow my reviews you’ll know that while I try to be optimistic about audible originals I’m usually disappointed, not this time, far from it. This was actually excellent.
A work of fiction inspired by reality. The story is solid. The characters were relatable and believable, often distressing and definitely a book that leaves you thinking.
The narration was brilliant.
Currently included with audible 🎧
A work of fiction inspired by reality. The story is solid. The characters were relatable and believable, often distressing and definitely a book that leaves you thinking.
The narration was brilliant.
Currently included with audible 🎧
July 6, 2026
Absolutely brilliant 👏👏
I have discovered Michael Wood books in the last 2 years and have been making my way through the Matilda Darke series . He is seriously a crime writer that deserves more recognition. He is up there with the big names of Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly to name a few. His plots are complex but never confusing. His characters are real and get under your skin. I cannot get enough of his books.
I was thrilled to be offered and early copy of Maybe Tomorrow, a new stand alone book set in the early 1980s, not long after the Yorkshire Ripper has been apprehended. Set in the same part of the world in North Yorkshire, this is an incredibly emotional story that made me cry a few times while reading it. It is dark and unsettling, difficult to read in parts
The murder of a young vulnerable woman rocks the community. Alice was so well loved by all and her death impacts so many lives. The police are under pressure to make an arrest and really are clutching at straws with their prime suspect and when he is charged it divides the public. A young police officer refuses to let it go, as does his solicitor.
A police force that is rife with corruption and sexism, men in power who are abusing their positions, a world before DNA testing was really a thing, no mobile phones to track locations, life was very different in 1983. As the story continues we start to see the changes in the world and mindsets are beginning to change for the better
I urge you all to please please pick up this powerful book. It is incredible.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my early copy to read. Published in print for the first time on July 31st.
I have discovered Michael Wood books in the last 2 years and have been making my way through the Matilda Darke series . He is seriously a crime writer that deserves more recognition. He is up there with the big names of Harlan Coben and Michael Connelly to name a few. His plots are complex but never confusing. His characters are real and get under your skin. I cannot get enough of his books.
I was thrilled to be offered and early copy of Maybe Tomorrow, a new stand alone book set in the early 1980s, not long after the Yorkshire Ripper has been apprehended. Set in the same part of the world in North Yorkshire, this is an incredibly emotional story that made me cry a few times while reading it. It is dark and unsettling, difficult to read in parts
The murder of a young vulnerable woman rocks the community. Alice was so well loved by all and her death impacts so many lives. The police are under pressure to make an arrest and really are clutching at straws with their prime suspect and when he is charged it divides the public. A young police officer refuses to let it go, as does his solicitor.
A police force that is rife with corruption and sexism, men in power who are abusing their positions, a world before DNA testing was really a thing, no mobile phones to track locations, life was very different in 1983. As the story continues we start to see the changes in the world and mindsets are beginning to change for the better
I urge you all to please please pick up this powerful book. It is incredible.
Thank you so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my early copy to read. Published in print for the first time on July 31st.
August 18, 2024
Maybe Tomorrow begins on 10th October 1983, that night there is a ferocious storm in Whitby North Yorkshire. During the storm a vulnerable 17 year old girl is murdered. What follows is a sorrowful tale of police corruption. DI Bishop the detective in charge is under pressure to quickly solve the case and arrests a 28 year old local man with learning difficulties, but has he got the right man?
I liked the references to 1980s social history such as Marathon Bars, Little & Large Christmas TV etc, it adds to the authenticity for me. Also, if you have read Michael’s Matilda Drake series you will appreciate the ‘Starling House’ references.
Michael Wood is a great crime/police procedural writer and he has written another cracking book with his trademark twists and turns.
Annabel Scholey’s is an excellent narrator.
I liked the references to 1980s social history such as Marathon Bars, Little & Large Christmas TV etc, it adds to the authenticity for me. Also, if you have read Michael’s Matilda Drake series you will appreciate the ‘Starling House’ references.
Michael Wood is a great crime/police procedural writer and he has written another cracking book with his trademark twists and turns.
Annabel Scholey’s is an excellent narrator.
August 2, 2025
Brilliant listen, gripping case!
December 3, 2024
A reasonable plot, and I adore Anthony.
September 26, 2024
A sad story. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in Anthony’s situation
June 8, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Michael Wood can do no wrong, I was delighted to get the opportunity to read and review this standalone.
This starts in 1983 and is a bit of a history lesson with the lack of technology and developments in DNA, that we take for granted now. Also, a different attitude within the police force.
A very emotive story that will keep you gripped to the end.
Very much recommended.
Michael Wood can do no wrong, I was delighted to get the opportunity to read and review this standalone.
This starts in 1983 and is a bit of a history lesson with the lack of technology and developments in DNA, that we take for granted now. Also, a different attitude within the police force.
A very emotive story that will keep you gripped to the end.
Very much recommended.
October 4, 2024
Noooo what the friggles the end was so sad!!! The fact he died after all that he’d been through:(
The fact that this was based on a true story is so upsetting, the fact that Anthony spent all those years in prison being abused pretty much daily for something he didn’t even do is crazy.
I seriously enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all my fellow book enjoyers. The fact that there was no gaps in the story in the way of I wasn’t left wondering what happened to this person was amazing! 10/10 would recommend:)
The fact that this was based on a true story is so upsetting, the fact that Anthony spent all those years in prison being abused pretty much daily for something he didn’t even do is crazy.
I seriously enjoyed this book and would recommend it to all my fellow book enjoyers. The fact that there was no gaps in the story in the way of I wasn’t left wondering what happened to this person was amazing! 10/10 would recommend:)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
This is such a sad story! 😢 It kept me hooked throughout and I couldn’t stop listening to it. I think I went through every possible emotion and I’m just sat here feeling so sad trying to process it all especially knowing it’s based on true events.
Superb narration, perfectly paced and I really connected with the characters.
Free on audible and I highly recommend it
Superb narration, perfectly paced and I really connected with the characters.
Free on audible and I highly recommend it
October 14, 2024
Oh Anthony 🥺😭💔
June 21, 2025
An excellent listen. A pretty compelling plot with interesting characterizations. I have had a tricky week and it allowed me to switch off and not think too much!
May 27, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕- A good storyline with a great twist at the end
February 1, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ I really enjoyed this audible original it kept me hooked from the start.
Set in the 80s and 90’s it felt very true of the time.
Definitely worth a listen.
Set in the 80s and 90’s it felt very true of the time.
Definitely worth a listen.
July 21, 2026
Emotional and traumatic story with engaging and believable characters and a powerful message.
Did Not Finish
August 19, 2026I like most of Michael Woods books but this is pretty grim even for me, a big horror fan.
D.N.F.
D.N.F.
June 1, 2026
Maybe Tomorrow is a gripping, dark and tense thriller that will have you glued to the pages.
A tremendous storm that is fercious in its strength has hit Whitby, North Yorkshire and the town has closed its door and is sheltering in place.
A teenager is found dead in the aftermath of the storm and the case is mishandled from the get go.
When its declared murder the police are under pressure to solve this case and the DI will go to any lengths to save his job.
Police corruption , questionable tatics and rail roading a young man with learning difificulties into confessing is just the start of the tension in Whitby.
Fortunately all the police are not corrupt and others do believe in this young man including his mother who spends all her energy into hopefully having her son released from one of the toughest prisons in the area.
Michael Wood takes the reader through years of the aftermath and he does an amazing job keeping up the suspense and does not disappoint with his jaw dropping twists and an ending you wont soon forget.
Be warned once you start Maybe Tomorrow you wont be able to put it down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading and reviewing Maybe Tomorrow.
A tremendous storm that is fercious in its strength has hit Whitby, North Yorkshire and the town has closed its door and is sheltering in place.
A teenager is found dead in the aftermath of the storm and the case is mishandled from the get go.
When its declared murder the police are under pressure to solve this case and the DI will go to any lengths to save his job.
Police corruption , questionable tatics and rail roading a young man with learning difificulties into confessing is just the start of the tension in Whitby.
Fortunately all the police are not corrupt and others do believe in this young man including his mother who spends all her energy into hopefully having her son released from one of the toughest prisons in the area.
Michael Wood takes the reader through years of the aftermath and he does an amazing job keeping up the suspense and does not disappoint with his jaw dropping twists and an ending you wont soon forget.
Be warned once you start Maybe Tomorrow you wont be able to put it down.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the privilege of reading and reviewing Maybe Tomorrow.
October 3, 2024
As like all of the authors previous works, I loved this and felt so emotional reading this, I had to keep telling myself that it was set in the 80s as I was getting so wound up of Anthony’s treatment. Luckily society as moved on (to some extent) and those like Anthony have more rights/protection.
The revelation came as a surprise, I didn’t expect it till, the phone call recieved. The ending IMO was perfect and I adored the best day.
Jennifer and Freya were such endearing characters, they had true grit and determination in ensuring justice was prevailed, I need to see more of these characters.
And a shout out to the blast from the past mentions, Marathons! ❤️❤️. It was also interesting to see how technology was coming into play in cold case and knowing how much further advanced we are now.
The revelation came as a surprise, I didn’t expect it till, the phone call recieved. The ending IMO was perfect and I adored the best day.
Jennifer and Freya were such endearing characters, they had true grit and determination in ensuring justice was prevailed, I need to see more of these characters.
And a shout out to the blast from the past mentions, Marathons! ❤️❤️. It was also interesting to see how technology was coming into play in cold case and knowing how much further advanced we are now.
June 21, 2025
While the message of the book was quite nobel and beautiful, the deliverance was unfortunately bad and cheap. It was basically copy of The Green Mile by much better writer, the story told many times in general. Predictable, at times cheesy, one-dimensional characters, trying too hard to convey certain emotions. I mean, it was ok to listened to once, but it just didn't sit right with me.
September 18, 2026
I honestly don’t know how Michael Wood keeps doing it, but every time I pick up one of his books I know I’m in for a story that’s going to mess with my head a little bit .
I’ve read every book Michael Wood has written and I’ve never been disappointed, so when I heard Maybe Tomorrow was a standalone, I knew I had to read it.
And yep… he’s done it again.
The plot centres around Anthony, and I’m not going to give too much away because there are things in this story that really are better discovered as you go. But Anthony’s story is heartbreaking. There were parts where I really felt for him and I just wanted things to be different for him.
There’s also this constant feeling of tension running through the book. You’re reading, things seem to be making sense and then you start questioning everything again. Michael Wood is very good at making you think you know what’s happening and then throws in a bombshell that takes you by surprise.
I loved the way the dark, plot unfolded and how the tension kept building. There are twists and turns, but it’s the emotional side of Anthony’s story that really got me.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from reading Michael Wood’s books, it’s this…
Expect the unexpected.
I went into this knowing I was probably going to be thrown a few curveballs, and I still didn’t see everything coming.
Another book by Michael Wood that I’ve absolutely loved. At this point, I’m just going to admit I will read whatever this man writes without even asking what it’s about!
If you like crime thrillers with tension, twists and a story that gives you plenty to think about, definitely give Maybe Tomorrow a go.
I’ve read every book Michael Wood has written and I’ve never been disappointed, so when I heard Maybe Tomorrow was a standalone, I knew I had to read it.
And yep… he’s done it again.
The plot centres around Anthony, and I’m not going to give too much away because there are things in this story that really are better discovered as you go. But Anthony’s story is heartbreaking. There were parts where I really felt for him and I just wanted things to be different for him.
There’s also this constant feeling of tension running through the book. You’re reading, things seem to be making sense and then you start questioning everything again. Michael Wood is very good at making you think you know what’s happening and then throws in a bombshell that takes you by surprise.
I loved the way the dark, plot unfolded and how the tension kept building. There are twists and turns, but it’s the emotional side of Anthony’s story that really got me.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt from reading Michael Wood’s books, it’s this…
Expect the unexpected.
I went into this knowing I was probably going to be thrown a few curveballs, and I still didn’t see everything coming.
Another book by Michael Wood that I’ve absolutely loved. At this point, I’m just going to admit I will read whatever this man writes without even asking what it’s about!
If you like crime thrillers with tension, twists and a story that gives you plenty to think about, definitely give Maybe Tomorrow a go.
April 26, 2026
Really enjoyed this book. Dogs got some extra long walks as I was too engrossed to go home and wanted to hear more (they didn’t complain) Liked that the book was set in 80’s & 90’s so had references to that time period which were nice flashbacks and policing during the non dogital and technological workd we have today.
November 23, 2024
A free Audible and it doesn't disappoint. I really enjoyed this one.
September 16, 2025
Wow! Really enjoyed this, it made me so mad at times, happy and also sad for so many different reasons. Worth a read
December 26, 2025
Am Beginn etwas "zäh", entwickelt sich jedoch sehr gut. Guter Spannungsbogen und: was für ein Ende!
February 5, 2026
Audio book which was actually really good. It kept me intrigued and the twist at the end was not one I saw coming!
June 26, 2026
3.5 enjoyed this. Sad but good
September 12, 2026
I've read a few of Woods Matilda Drake series. This was my first stand alone, it was awesome! It had everything I look for in a mystery/thriller. I can't wait to read another of his stand alone.
November 27, 2025
Fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it - the audiobook was fantastically read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews