Let the Dead Sleep

by Michael Wood, Gemma Whelan (Narrator)

Audible proudly presents LET THE DEAD SLEEP, narrated by Gemma Whelan (star of The Tower).

Twenty-five years ago, a killer dubbed the Richmond Ripper terrorised London, claiming four victims before vanishing without a trace. For crime reporter Holly Sullivan, it wasn't just another cold case - it was personal. Her sister Annabel was the killer's final victim.

Now, with her mother dying, Holly is running out of time to deliver the answers she desperately craves. But as she digs deeper into the past, someone is watching, and when Holly is targeted, it becomes clear that the killer is back, and he doesn't want to be found.

Caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse, Holly can trust no one - because someone in her inner circle is hiding the darkest secret of all. The more questions Holly asks, the more danger she is putting herself, and those she loves, in. But this is one story Holly is determined to tell, no matter what the cost to her.

From publishing sensation Michael Wood comes another thriller about buried secrets, obsession, and the lengths we'll go to protect the ones we love, even from beyond the grave.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Crime

Audible Audio

Published March 5, 2026

About the author

Librarian Note: There's more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Michael David Wood is an English historian & broadcaster. He's presented numerous tv documentary series. Library of Congress lists him as Michael Wood.

Wood was born in Moston, Manchester, & educated at Manchester Grammar School & Oriel College, Oxford. His special interest was Anglo-Saxon history. In the 70s Wood worked for the BBC in Manchester. He was 1st a reporter, then an assistant producer on current affairs programmes, before returning to his love of history with his 1981 series In Search of the Dark Ages for BBC2. This explored the lives of leaders of the period, including Boadicea, King Arthur, Offa, Alfred the Great, Athelstan, Eric Bloodaxe & William the Conquerer (& gave rise to his 1st book, based upon the series).

Reviews

[Siân Punnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story, I listened on audiobook and it was narrated excellently.

The story was so compelling and gripping although I did guess the killer and I was right. It was really entertaining and because it was set in London, the dialogue and slang was so relatable. I would defo recommend listening to this one on audio!

[Catarina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such rubbish.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark, gripping tale of secrets and suspense
Michael Wood has done it again! Along with the brilliance of narrator Gemma Whelan, I was thoroughly enchanted from the very start. This novel focuses of a years-old serial killer’s case. Wood's “Let the Dead Sleep” is a deliciously creepy British thriller with Whelan's top-notch narration. Holly's quest for answers about her sister's murder gets complicated when the killer’s back – and he's watching. Winding and meandering through this chilling tale of obsession and secrets is something I’ve been seeking for a long time. Whelan's narration adds emotional depth to the mother/daughters dynamics. The Richmond Ripper's return sparks a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, and Holly’s got to stay one step ahead. The plot is intricate, the characters are multifaceted and the suspense is palpable. Want an eerie and bizarre British mystery? Then “Let the Dead Sleep” is a satisfactory choice. I struck gold when I found this on release day in Audible Plus. Wood and Whelan have always been in my #1 list. They brought on tender tears and unforgettable memories I thought were long gone. If you don’t tear up and cry, especially at the end, where is your heart? Might there be a “Holly” series? Get this now and you can thank me later.

💥🎙️✍️🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍️🎙️💥

[Mary Jane Oliver Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book pulled me in from the start & kept my attention. The pacing was right, & there was always something unfolding that kept me intrigued. The narrator made the experience better. Their voice was engaging, expressive & easy to listen to, bringing the characters & emotions to life in a way that made the story feel more real. One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the mother & daughter. The family dynamic brought heart to the story & gave it a deeper emotional layer beyond the mystery. And speaking of the mystery, the search for the sister’s killer was compelling, with enough twists to keep things interesting without feeling overdone. I also appreciated the touch of romance woven in, it added warmth without ever taking over the story or feeling over the top. Overall, this was an engaging, well-balanced listen with strong narration, a gripping mystery, & meaningful relationships. Definitely one I’d recommend. I only give 5 stars if a book is life changing & 4 if it’ll stick with me. I’ll forget it soon, I’m sure, with all the reading I do, but truly enjoyed it while listening.

[Jamie English · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was alright.

Holly finds out her mother has cancer and her mother asks Holly to find the killer of her sister’s murder. It’s a pretty big ask for your only living daughter to go out and look into what happened in the final moments of your sister’s life. Especially when her mom keeps telling her to enjoy life live it. Anyways, Holly reaches out to contacts and finds leads to help get the case reopened. I think the silliest thing was when a reporter had told her that her dad punched him after her sister was murdered and was questioned by police because he knew one of the other victims. Holly starts freaking out thinking her dad could possibly have been the murderer. Her sister had DNA evidence under her nails. I feel this would have already been disproved way back then. Just silly.
The story wasn’t bad but it wasn’t anything great. The murderers reasoning for killing was all for a story.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the dead sleep by Michael Wood is an Audible original production and the storyline and the narration were superb.
Twenty Five years ago the Richmond area of London was terrorised by a serial killer, when four women were left for dead. The last victim was Holly Sullivan’s older sister Annabel, Holly is now a crime reporter.
Holly’s mother has now been diagnosed with terminal cancer and has asked Holly if she could find the man who killed her eldest daughter before she dies. Holly finds herself running out of time to find the killer and has by reactivating this cold case finds herself targeted by the killer.
Will Holly be able to find the killer before her last relative dies?
Highly recommended

[Jane Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this Audible exclusive Let the Dead Sleep by Michael Wood. Michael is an author I automatically buy regardless as he never disappoints. This is a story of four unsolved murders in Richmond going back 25 years. Holly O'Sullivan is an award winning journalist and the younger sister of Annabelle O'Sullivan the fourth victim
of the Richmond Park killer. Holly's mum has terminal cancer and her final wish is for Holly to find the killer. Holly's journey to the truth takes you on a rollercoaster ride. It is tense, fast paced and utterly compelling. Gemma Whelan as the narrator is fantastic.

[Sandra Leivesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*

This is another excellent thriller from the author of the Matilda Darke series. This time, the protagonist is a reporter named Holly, who decides to tackle a years-old serial killer case in which her sister was the final victim.

The book is brilliantly plotted and full of tension as the killer engages in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with Holly. Full of secrets and lies, the numerous twists kept me second-guessing right up until the very end.

Gemma Whelan did an excellent job reading the book.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I have this thing running with Michael Wood that I somehow never quite like his other books as much as I like (love) Matilda Darke. 🤔

This was another such book, but it was still pretty good!
I had a good time listening to it, even if I could see the twists coming - miles away, to be honest, but then again: I have been through the rollercoaster of the Matilda Darke books for some years now. Few plot twists can really shock me or take me by surprise any more. 🤣

Anyway! Good thriller, but not one I personally will remember for very long, perhaps.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Sullivan was a crime reporter but never investigated her own sister's murder until her Mother's last wish before dying was for Holly to find the man who killed Annabel. Annabel was the final victim of the Richmond Ripper. In trying to find the killer Holly is putting herself in danger. She doesn't know who she can trust. The killer is back and he doesn't want to be found.
Suspenseful and then the revelation. Good read and story.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook review - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m not sure how Michael does it but every story he publishes is a top notch book. This one doesn’t disappoint, I loved every second of it.

Gemma Whelan is the perfect narrator and yet again delivers a 5 ⭐️ performance.

[Renier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young journalist promises her dying mother she would try and find answers about the serial killer who killed her sister.
The book was very engaging right from the start. It was very enjoyable and kept you guessing with a very clever twist.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Dead Sleep is one of the better psychological thrillers I have read lately. There are quite a few characters to keep track of but they easily fall into place. The writing is smooth and the story is quick paced. Thoroughly entertaining.

[Regis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery/thriller that kept me guessing. An awesome performance only enhances enjoyment.

[cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book!

[Caitlyn Grima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have been five stars if I didn’t correctly guess who and why. I did keep doubting myself though, which is why it’s still a four star. Overall it was a very entertaining listen!

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story! Worth the read or listen!

[Fiona Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I might have done the hoovering a bit faster today because I listened to this so intently. Another one that kept me guessing

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, bridged the gap until new books in his series are out.

[Traci laverack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelmed - I usually love this author

[Nicola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compelling story- quite twisty.

[Steve In Ludlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok.

[Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this good twist good way to get there really good characters

[Mary Tarro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good narrator. Stayed in to the end. Predictable “twists” in story left me wondering why main character couldn’t see anything coming!

[Jess Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Really well thought out and written. I did get an inkling towards the end but I was guessing for a good 80% of the story

[Ashli Ferguson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay - took me a while to get through because I wasn't super invested.