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: Audiobook, Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Murder Mystery

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

[Ames · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

I really really enjoyed this book! I loved the mystery, the plot and the narrators. There were times I was like WHO DID IT GOD DAMN IT, it was so infuriating (in the best way) I kinda knew who it was going to be towards the end so it wasn't a total shock! but this audio was super enjoyable!

if you love;

✨️ cold cases
✨️ murder mysteries
✨️ running out of time
✨️ family member investigator
✨️ a true who dunnit
✨️ psychological thrillers

you will love this!

[Maura Heaphy Dutton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable, or should I say listenable enough: a bundle of cliches rescued by Gemma Whelan's voicing of the characters. (As one who is relatively new to audio books, I wonder about how listening vs reading affected my response, and how long I would have stuck with this if we were talking eyeballs bouncing over the page ....)

After my initial enthusiasm (see below), the narrative took on a "rinse and repeat" quality: Holly Sullivan doggedly pursues the murderer of her sister, and three other women, 25 years before. Holly remembers that her mother is dying and is sad. Holly remembers that her sister is dead, and is sad. Holly downs a lot of vodka. Holly discovers some vital clue that somehow eluded the police 25 years before. But it somehow doesn't occur to her to ask the right questions about it .... Rinse and repeat ....

The nature of a thriller like this demands that the pool of suspects must be relatively limited and known to us: how annoying would it be to be told and the murderer is JOE BLOGGS, someone who hasn't once appeared in this novel until just now!! So, unlike reality, where the murderer could be any man (not sexist! -- they have DNA from the murderer) from about a hundred mile radius, the prime suspects here must be four men known to Holly, and "helping" her with her enquiries. Or are they ....?

So what the reader gets is the Goldilocks school of murder investigation: this suspect is too obvious, that one too bland. My favourite outlier suspect was poor, dear Colin, who was just TOO NICE. Although I wondered what The Guardian would have thought if one of their journalists was exposed as a serial killer ...

The Big Reveal, when it comes seems too convenient, and obvious, after 25 years, thousands of police-manhours and all that vodka. And Holly's final confrontation with the murderer of her sister is too easy. This is a man who has mercilessly, cold-bloodedly murdered five, probably more, women, and yet he a) insists on doing the Arch-Villain thing of talking her to death, and telling her EVERYTHING before actually attempting to kill her, and b) doesn't seem to realise that, however you parse it, the jig is up -- Holly turning up dead at this point is going to be a bit of a giveaway. I will say that the motive was clever ...

Gemma Whelan's narration and well-judged characterisation kept me listening.

Previously ...
Enjoying this, love Gemma Whelan's narration (but the lady IS a goddess).

A bit of a blooper that amused me: main character and companion are walking along a cliffside path, to the spot where one of the victims was found, a walk popular with "runners and doggers ...."

To quote The Princess Bride: Michael, I do not think that means what you think it means....

[Hunter Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mild spoilers to illustrate points so be warned. There are parts of this book that are 5 stars and parts that are one star. The heroine is a falling down drunk alcoholic who ignores her mother who's dying. Also, the author mistakenly labels the FMC's mother's cancer the first go around as "malignant." It was not. It was cured by surgery, i.e. localized. The second round of cancer was in fact malignant as it had spread. The author uses one of my least favorite phrases THREE TIMES! The…insert character…smiled but it did not reach their eyes. Authors, stop using this at all much less three times! Ugh. Also the FMC again is a raging alcoholic and one of her "friends" tells her to "promise me that you will cut back." While other friends continue to offer her drinks. That is not the way alcoholism works at all an you are a crappy friend/family member if you are doing such things. The murderer is fairly obvious and I felt myself more frustrated than interested and the FMC was selfish (pretty much ignoring her dying mother) and leading on multiple guys.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wasn’t expecting much from this book; just a quick, fast paced read. I liked the premise, but man the execution was not to my liking. Every single true crime cliche was in this book. It was hard to like the protagonist; she was so one dimensional. There were so many male characters that I couldn’t keep up with who was who.

The big reveal took too long & the journey just was not worth it.

[Marissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the book was an ok 3 star, even despite who the killer was being pretty obvious relatively early on.
But the last 25% just went down hill.

[Kayleigh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I figured the killer out as soon as he was introduced which meant the rest of the book was boring as hell.

[Sharni Eliza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprise surprise. It was exactly who I thought it was from the beginning. I’m a little bit disappointed it was so predictable however still enjoyed how it was written.

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a decent story. Great writing although the main character, Holly, seems to be a bit too caught up in her own issues to notice the world around her, even until the end. A lovely whodunnit and brilliantly narrated. Solid 4 stars.

[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 2 out of 5]

Fairly predictable, shallow characters and I didn’t enjoy the narrator

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rounded to 4

[Leah Toole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Enjoyed this as audiobook. Even shed a tear

[Ted Delehanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detective book.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good twist but a few things left open. Holly had a lot of tragic things happen to her and I was glad to see some things figure themselves out but the fact the murderer was able to deceit her and end up sleeping with her was a bit much.

[Aida Ramos-Martinez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised by this one. Randomly picked it up in my middle of reading like 4 other books and finish it in a weekend. The murders were interesting to follow and the unraveling of the past kept me going back and forth on “who done it” 🤭. After a few hints here and there, I was able to guess correctly. Good little read!

[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.

[Shawna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pretty boring and predictable audible original. Are they all like this?

[Traci laverack · Rating 2 out of 5]

Underwhelmed - I usually love this author

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The great thing about tucking into a new title from Michael Wood is that you know you are in for a brilliant, if not somewhat turbulent ride. He excels in creating tension and suspense, and this is most definitely the case here as we find ourselves on the hunt for a vicious killer, The Richmond Ripper, who attacked and killer women indiscriminately in the late nineties and who, after what appears to be a twenty five years hiatus, is about to become the subject of headlines once again.

The lead protagonist in this story is Guardian Crime Report, Holly Sullivan, whose older sister, Annabelle, as the last known victim of the 'Ripper'. Much like his namesake, Jack, The Richmond Ripper disappears without a trace and Annabelle, and the women who came before her, are just another statistic in a cold case file. When Holly is asked by her mother to find out what really happened to Annabelle, she is in no position to say now. And for use readers, that is a good thing. For Holly, less so, putting herself in the cross hairs of the media, the police and perhaps even the killer himself.

As you might expect from a book by Michael Wood, the pacing in this story is spot on. Aided by brilliant narration from Gemma Whelan, I was hooked from the first chapter, one that grabs the listener, and victim, by the throat and really makes you pay attention. From that chilling opener when we are greeted by the perpetrator as they wait for their perfect victim, you know you are going to be faced with something just a touch chilling and something that, as a female reader, feels a little too relevant. Not lost on me that most of the book was consumed whilst on a solo walk, and given that this book was set partially toward the end of the nineties, a sign that things really haven't changed all that much.

This book is not gratuitous but it is inevitable that there will be some description of the attacks, and the author balances this well, creating the pulse raising tension but keeping things just the right side of the darkness that could otherwise consume such a story. The narration is split between Holly, whose perspective forms the lions share of the book, and that of the perpetrator, whose identity is kept hidden until that crucial moment, lost amongst a plethora of red herrings and possible suspects. Everyone from colleagues to the police come under suspicion, and with good reason, as Michael Wood leads us on a merry old dance through the slowly emerging evidence.

I like the use of Holly as the protagonist. Interesting to see it from the point of view of not just a reporter, but someone who has a personal stake in the case being solved. If adds weight to the argument as to why she will not quit in the face of serious threat, but also adds an emotional layer to the story as she navigates the guilt she feels about Annabelle's murder. I was invested in her, and her investigation, and found myself completely lost in the story as I took my walks, the whole thing leaving me equally absorbed and more aware than ever of my own vulnerabilities.

If you love a tense, emotionally charged read that will have your head in a spin and perhaps even make you spend a bit more time looking over your shoulder, you really should pick this one up. Sure, I had my suspicions about one character relatively early on, but I am a very untrusting soul, and I am not saying now whether I was right, or wrong, in my assumptions. but from the very beginning, I felt compelled to get listening, and even more so to find another, longer, route for my next walk so I could carry on with the book. Devoured in two sittings, it really did just hit the spot and confirmed that Michael Wood is a writer who really does just deliver, time and time again. Audiobook fans rejoice - we get it early. Old fashioned readers ... well, I'm sure it will be out soon enough, and the wait will be worth it.

[Paris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Dead Sleep by Michael Wood (Audiobook)⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ Let the Dead Sleep follows crime reporter Holly Sullivan as she revisits a chilling cold case that shattered her life “the Richmond Ripper murders”, including the death of her own sister. When new clues emerge decades later, Holly is pulled into a dangerous investigation where the past refuses to stay buried. As she gets closer to the truth, it becomes clear the killer may be watching… and may be closer than she imagined.

This was an absolutely gripping, edge-of-your-seat thriller that had me hooked from the very first chapter. Michael Wood perfectly blends emotional depth with heart-pounding suspense, creating a story that feels both intensely personal and unpredictable. The pacing is spot-on, with twists that kept me guessing the entire way through and I genuinely couldn’t stop listening.

What really elevates this audiobook, though, is Gemma Whelan’s narration, which is nothing short of phenomenal. I recognized her voice but couldn’t pinpoint it, until I was at the end credits and the names were listed! I may be a little biased and I am gonna gush a little bit, but I met and hung out with her for a short period at a convention and she loved my pants that I was wearing! haha She was an absolute sweetheart, too! It was a pleasant surprise learning she narrated this and of course, I love her accent! But back to the review (lol), Gemma brings Holly to life with such a raw emotion and authenticity that you feel every ounce of her grief, determination, and fear. Gemma is pretty great at playing badass strong female characters! Her ability to distinguish characters, build tension, and fully immerse the listener in the story is truly impressive. This is one of those rare narrations where the performance enhances the story so much, it becomes unforgettable.

Pros:
• Fast-paced, addictive storyline that keeps you guessing
• Strong emotional core that adds depth to the mystery
• Twists that genuinely surprise without feeling forced
• Gemma Whelan’s narration is outstanding, engaging, expressive, and immersive

Cons:
• Some moments can feel emotionally heavy (which may not be for everyone)
• A few character reactions lean slightly over dramatic at times

Overall, this is a must-listen for thriller fans. Between Michael Wood’s compelling storytelling and Gemma Whelan’s exceptional narration, Let the Dead Sleep delivers a truly unforgettable audiobook experience. Dark, twisty, and deeply engaging. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat.📚✨

[Bodies in the Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I downloaded this audio to listen to while doing admin and housework and it did not disappoint.

When crime reporter Holly Sullivan's mother is given an end-of-life cancer diagnosis, Holly goes into overdrive to try to find the killer of her sister Annabel in an attempt to bring her mother peace of mind. In a really well-observed character development on the author's part, it is clear to the reader that Holly's mother is amazingly strong - when her older daughter was murdered by a serial killer and her husband later died of a heart condition brought on or at least exacerbated by the stress, she managed to keep going through the worst time of her own life for Holly. It is *Holly* who needs the closure of finding out what happened to her big sister.

As well as succeeding in having the cold case reopened, Holly reconnects with former love interest Mark, agrees to co-author a book on the case with colleague Colin and is grateful to be given the old notes and press cuttings of Andrew, the crime writer who broke the story of the 'Richmond Ripper' at the time. Then there are the police who were involved in the original investigation and the retired forensics officer who is keen to help.

In short, this novel quickly becomes full of potential culprits all of whom are gathering around Holly. Is the Richmond Ripper involving himself - or even centring himself - in Holly's search for the truth? And will he get too close to her for comfort?

This novel had many of the aspects of police procedurals that I love, along with a lead sleuth (Holly) who is not a police officer. And there are a few elements of the thriller genre thrown in for good measure. An ideal mix for my taste, and although this is the first novel by Michael Wood I've read, it certainly will not be the last.

In three words: killer getting closer!

[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.

[I’m reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[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

[Nandini Reddy Dayal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have never read a more emotional mystery. This one was like a telenovela drama meets Agatha Christie.

Holly Sullivan a crime reporter is looking for her sister's killer except Annabelle died 25 years ago and the killer was never caught. Holly's mother is suffering from Stage 4 cancer and wants to know who killed Annabelle before she dies. Holly needs to race against time and revisit painful memories to find her sister's killer.

Holly Sullivan's character was very well constructed. She doesn't apologize for her alcoholism, her impulsive nature or the fact that she acts first and thinks later. One of the better female characters constructed in thriller books. It's not a bad read but was just too dramatic for a mystery novel.

[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.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well narrated which really helped bring the story to life. I thought the story moved along well, the chapters with the killer’s perspective were nicely woven in and the relationship between mother and daughter were touching. There were some bits that annoyed me - the ‘healthy measure’ of booze came up a few times which seemed like an odd way to write when suggesting throughout that Holly drank too much, and the hit and run scene with the person hitting every bit of the speeding car - bonnet, windscreen, roof, boot seemed impossible unless they were going super-slow. Overall I enjoyed it though!

[P. O. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why were there so many men in this how was anyone supposed to keep up with who was who?
And I get she was a drunk but you’d really think this was her first time investigating with all the stupid mistakes she was making. “I don’t know who to trust” and the 2 minutes later blabbing to the whichever of the 75 men in this story showed up at her house. and finally… her mum who she claimed she loved so dearly had literal days to live and this girl didn’t even bother visiting her “oh I’ll be ‘round in an hour” but the hour never comes.

Decent listen but nothing to write home about and ended so clumsily I’m even irritated actually

[Sheryl Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death bed promises are the most difficult promises to keep. There is such a deep feeling of betrayal in failing to keep the promise and sometimes that pushes people beyond what is reasonable. Sometimes the price is so much higher than they would normally pay, the sacrifice so much greater. Just to give a measure of peace to a dying loved one. That is at the core of this story.

Searching for someone who hurts women is a good mission, no doubt about that, but in this tale it gets far too personal and far too dangerous. Still, motivated to push on until the bitter end we watch and bite our nails as the story plays out.