The Dark: A gripping new thriller for 2026 set in the dark side of Manchester

by Karen Woods

In the dead of night, he’ll find you… Based on a terrifying real theory about a serial killer at work along the Manchester canal – the Manchester Pusher – Karen Woods’s latest novel takes us right through the dark heart of the city one woman, Saskia Mayor, decides she’s going to find out who the perpetrator is.

But it turns out you shouldn’t ask questions if you’re not ready to hear uncomfortable answers. As she walks the city at night, will Saskia catch a killer or become his next victim?

320 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 18, 2026

About the author

Goodreads also has books by me listed as Karen S Woods and Karen S. Woods.

I write fiction and nonfiction.

When I was a young college instructor, if anyone had told me that I would be making my living as a writer, I would have told him that he had the wrong woman. Oh, I had stories and characters dancing in my head, clamoring to get out. Writing, however, was something I did strictly for my own amusement, as I had done since I had written my first short story at the age of five. I simply had plans for my life other than writing. I was quite happy teaching undergraduates. Hey, I had to use my degrees for something, didn't I? I do quite enjoy teaching. But, it dawned on me that I could and did write tales that were as good or better than the ones I read in my leisure time.

As for me at this stage of my life, I tease that I live a quiet life. Well, maybe it's quiet in comparison to a Category Four hurricane. I've been married to my best friend since 1979.

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book as it said ‘the northern martina Cole’ on the cover. Now don’t get me wrong I enjoyed the book but a gangland style book it was not. There was absolutely no element’s of gangland at all, instead we have one mystery to solve and a couple who’s having marital problems! Just wish I’d have known before buying, that this is a mystery and definitely not gangland. Also who the heck is Saskia??
The woman who is trying to solve the mystery is called Jess!

[mrs kathleen bird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read couldn't put it down. I love reading Karon books

Ì love the story line and how it takes you on a journey of the caricatures lives with a twist at the end of the book.
Yes I would definitely recommend this book.
I follow Karen's books . Her story's are so easy to read i never get bourd of the.
Looking forward to my next book.

[Lucy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book description says Saskia, but there was no Saskia in the book so assume there was a name change late on.

I wouldn't really call this one a gangland like the authors other work.

It was an okay read.

[Joanne Dickinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed

Normally Karen wood books are really good
This one is to long winded and boring.

The story of the canal is dragged out.
Jess, her writting group, the pusher ... just borning

Finished the book and was hoping it would get better.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Called it almost right away!
Dragged on a bit 🥱

[mandyholland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really a good read couldn’t put it down 👏