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, Suspense, Detective

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Siân Punnett]

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!

[Wendy Patten]

Overall, this was easy to listen to but was one of those where I knew all along who it was and why. Our main character isn't the smartest... being that she is investigating a 25 year old murder, being told that the killer was someone who was around at the time of the murders and will probably be still around, she was surprisingly stupid about going alone to many potential killers. I won't say more to spoil it but would be surprised if you can't figure out who it was early on. My husband and I both knew it immediately.

[Kayleigh]

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

[Sharni Eliza]

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.

[Shannon Rae]

I dont know how to rate this...this was sooo good up until the last 20 minutes. That reason?! WTF WAS THAT?!?!?!

[Becca]

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.

[Mary Jane Oliver Wells]

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.

[Catarina]

Such rubbish.

[Manny]

This was a relaxing read for those who enjoy a good murder mystery! It was a bit longer than it needed to be, especially in the third act. Holly’s alcoholism also felt a bit shoe horned in and didn’t really add anything to her character or the narrative. However, we did get a satisfying ending for all involved that was not easily predicted.

[Darren Bradley]

This was on audible as part of the subscription and I expected it to drone on but it didn't. As the book concluded it keeps uou guessing who the killer is right to the end. And it's only 9 hours long so perfect for work.

[Karen]

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

[Nicole]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rounded to 4

[Leah Toole]

3.5
Enjoyed this as audiobook. Even shed a tear

[Ted Delehanty]

Good detective book.

[Chayse Seaburg]

I was able to guess who the killer was pretty fast, but otherwise it was a good fast read!

[Linda]

3.5
A good detective story, somewhat predictable. Free from Audible.

[Shannon]

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]

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!

[Shawna]

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

[Traci laverack]

Underwhelmed - I usually love this author

[Rebecca Teaz]

It was decent but I guessed the killer as soon as they were introduced, there wasn’t any other good enough motives for anyone else and wouldn’t have made much sense

[P. O.]

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

[Jen]

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]

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.📚✨

[The_Coffin_Corner]

- This was tough to listen to as it had potential, but it failed in many aspects. The first of which was making the lead do everything wrong imaginable. You would assume for her profession, and the fact that she was given clear signs that she would've approached things differently. To put it plainly, Holly was dumb, and it was a shame that she was made to be a stereotypical character in this genre.

-Next was the predictability. I don't often read serial killer thrillers, so I thought it would be harder for me to figure it out early. I was wrong; it was fairly obvious. Despite the attempt to throw the scent away, I was fixated. I even said aloud a few times that "He" was the killer, and was confused by the logic of other suspects.

- Then it was the writing, while mostly being interesting, it felt rough in some areas. This goes back to the first point of making Holly a badly written character. It was clunky at times, and I found myself wishing I was just done already.

- This reminded me heavily of a movie that I struggled to put my finger on. I finally landed on it, Jack from 2015, it is about the Austrian serial killer Jack Uterweger, who was also a journalist, and also strangled women. He also worked in America and killed there as well. The differences were the type of strangulation; for Jack, he used undergarments, whereas here it was the hands, and then it was the type of victim; Jack's were sex workers, and here it was a young, pretty woman. So while there were differences, the story that was told had me more interested in watching the film instead of listening to the book.

-My final thought is the killer should've won in the end. The happy endings are safe; they're easy. It would've been more impactful if the story ended tragically; have Holly die, have the crime be unsolved, and let the killer go back to doing his original motive all over again. While it is bleak, that ending is more likely to stick with the listener, as that was such a change from the norm.