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DCI Matilda Darke #14
First One to Die
A killer call. A murder close to home. A case only DCI Matilda Darke and her team can solve.
No one wants to be the first one to die...
***
'Matilda Darke is the perfect heroine' Elly Griffiths
'A master of horror and suspense' ★★★★★
***
A KILLER CONFESSION
When journalist Danny Hanson answers a call from someone with blood on their hands and a story to share, he tells himself it's the breakthrough of his career. He should have asked himself a different question. Not what could go wrong. But what already has.
THE CALL YOU NEVER FORGET
DCI Matilda Darke is used to the unexpected. But when her phone lights up in the dead of night, the face staring back at her is the last one she could imagine. But their message is deadly.
A RACE AGAINST TIME
This person knows her secrets. They know her team. And as a suspicious package threatens her case, Matilda is forced to ask herself; is the killer close to home?
Praise for Michael Wood 'One of the best books ever, in one of the best series ever! It is THAT good!' ★★★★★
'Wow what a book... I adore this series and every book is better and better' ★★★★★
'This book sets off at a hundred miles an hour and never lets off... this is my favourite detective series' ★★★★★
'Exciting, tense and compelling... shocking and brilliant' ★★★★★
'Wow! Wow! Wow! The twists keep on coming to the last page' ★★★★★
'I don't have words! Wow just wow! This blew me away. DCI Matilda Darke and her team are my favourite detectives' ★★★★★
'This book had a bit of everything... some crazy twists and turns' ★★★★★
'Another cracking, nail-biting read' ★★★★★
No one wants to be the first one to die...
***
'Matilda Darke is the perfect heroine' Elly Griffiths
'A master of horror and suspense' ★★★★★
***
A KILLER CONFESSION
When journalist Danny Hanson answers a call from someone with blood on their hands and a story to share, he tells himself it's the breakthrough of his career. He should have asked himself a different question. Not what could go wrong. But what already has.
THE CALL YOU NEVER FORGET
DCI Matilda Darke is used to the unexpected. But when her phone lights up in the dead of night, the face staring back at her is the last one she could imagine. But their message is deadly.
A RACE AGAINST TIME
This person knows her secrets. They know her team. And as a suspicious package threatens her case, Matilda is forced to ask herself; is the killer close to home?
Praise for Michael Wood 'One of the best books ever, in one of the best series ever! It is THAT good!' ★★★★★
'Wow what a book... I adore this series and every book is better and better' ★★★★★
'This book sets off at a hundred miles an hour and never lets off... this is my favourite detective series' ★★★★★
'Exciting, tense and compelling... shocking and brilliant' ★★★★★
'Wow! Wow! Wow! The twists keep on coming to the last page' ★★★★★
'I don't have words! Wow just wow! This blew me away. DCI Matilda Darke and her team are my favourite detectives' ★★★★★
'This book had a bit of everything... some crazy twists and turns' ★★★★★
'Another cracking, nail-biting read' ★★★★★
428 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 30, 2026
Oh my heart!!! What an emotional roller-coaster this was. Absolutely loved it, and the interview at the end with Michael Wood and Stephanie Beattie, so funA
November 5, 2026
Matilda is back at work after a much needed break after her huge personal loss. You would think the author would go easy on her but he seems to love putting her through an emotional wringer. She is still seeking justice for her family but I don’t think anything prepares her for what is about to come.
There is a lot for Matilda to unpack in this story and it’s a wonder that she is still standing with everything she has been through and what is constantly thrown at her. Even though she was never a fan of Danny with him being a journalist, his death still hits her hard. Along with the search for catching his killer, she is also being taunted with a killer that is someone much closer to home but she has to figure out who they are and it rocks her world when she realises who it is.
The team rally round Matilda and love that they all have each others backs. There are some strong bonds between them as they have all been through so much together. This case though threatens to test some of those friendships and I really felt for Matilda with the predicament she finds herself in. It isn’t an easy one and I would have no clue what to do if I found myself in her shoes. She certainly has some tough decisions to make.
First One to Die was another chilling and fast paced read. This is an author who has no boundaries when it comes to his characters or his readers and guarantees that both are in for a thrilling experience that never fails to shock. They should come with a warning, as once you have picked them up, each chapter leaves you desperate for more and makes them impossible to put down. My heart was in my mouth so many times and I was eager as well as dreading the conclusion and seeing if some relationships could weather this recent storm. Brilliant, from start to finish!
There is a lot for Matilda to unpack in this story and it’s a wonder that she is still standing with everything she has been through and what is constantly thrown at her. Even though she was never a fan of Danny with him being a journalist, his death still hits her hard. Along with the search for catching his killer, she is also being taunted with a killer that is someone much closer to home but she has to figure out who they are and it rocks her world when she realises who it is.
The team rally round Matilda and love that they all have each others backs. There are some strong bonds between them as they have all been through so much together. This case though threatens to test some of those friendships and I really felt for Matilda with the predicament she finds herself in. It isn’t an easy one and I would have no clue what to do if I found myself in her shoes. She certainly has some tough decisions to make.
First One to Die was another chilling and fast paced read. This is an author who has no boundaries when it comes to his characters or his readers and guarantees that both are in for a thrilling experience that never fails to shock. They should come with a warning, as once you have picked them up, each chapter leaves you desperate for more and makes them impossible to put down. My heart was in my mouth so many times and I was eager as well as dreading the conclusion and seeing if some relationships could weather this recent storm. Brilliant, from start to finish!
November 1, 2026
The First One to Die is the 14th book in the Matilda Darke series. I'm a huge fan of a crime series and this series is my absolute favourite. The characters in this book are so likeable, Matilda, Scott, Sian, Adele, Christian and co. Book 14 follows on from the ending of book 12. It's unusual in a crime book to know from the start who the killer is. It is also clear that the killer is taunting Matilda and trying to break her. I also love that the series is set in Sheffield. It was tense, dark and I loved it! Michael Wood the author talks about going for maximum drama and emotion, he definitely achieved that, on more than one occasion I found myself holding my breath.
Review of advance copy
I love Matilda Darke. I was really scared this would be the last book - so the small chatt between author and narrator towards the end, spoiling that there would be at least 4 more books made me HAPPY.
This book made me maybe a little less happy though. That last death... Oh, my... That was EVIL. I felt that one. Ooof, it hurt.
And while a lot of things went to Hell, we came out on the other side with something that felt like a clean slate - and I really liked that.
Matilda has finally realised that she is indeed a survivor - and starting to own it. This makes me so pleased.
Can't wait to see what happens next! But I will grit my teeth at Tom and Sofia all the way from here until next book, because.... Well, goddamn, the frustration is REAL!
This book made me maybe a little less happy though. That last death... Oh, my... That was EVIL. I felt that one. Ooof, it hurt.
And while a lot of things went to Hell, we came out on the other side with something that felt like a clean slate - and I really liked that.
Matilda has finally realised that she is indeed a survivor - and starting to own it. This makes me so pleased.
Can't wait to see what happens next! But I will grit my teeth at Tom and Sofia all the way from here until next book, because.... Well, goddamn, the frustration is REAL!
November 1, 2026
DCI Matilda Darke book 14 Firstl one to die did not disappoint!
What an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If youStephanie Beattie haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd special shoutout to Stephanie at an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If you haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd special metion to at an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If you haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd specialemtion to Stephanie Beattie forgiving Matilda a voice, exactly the sway I pxture im my mind (I started with the kindle versions and went nack amd listen to the audio books too)
The only downside is that now I will have to wait for the mext one! Hopefully we'll have anpther Dr Olivia Winter sooner.
I've jist finished and my emotioms are all over tve place. Maybe I need a cup of tea.
1000/10
Sorry for the super lomg review, if you've managed to reasd ot all, dp yourself a favor amd gove rhos series a chance.
You're welcome
What an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If youStephanie Beattie haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd special shoutout to Stephanie at an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If you haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd special metion to at an amazing series by Michael Wood , the character development has a depth that I haven't found in any other series before. What a roller-coaster, the raw and contradictory emotions are so relatable: guilt, loss, friendships, hunting serial killers (well maybe that's not that relatable 😂).
What a journey in Matilda's life, her team and of course the cases themselves. I can't wait to see where book 15 will take her. Soemtimes with series this long, not all the books cam keep the same level of quality in terma of story amd writing. If you haven't read any of her books, go and pick up For Reasons unknown.
She's flawed, she's human, she's strong, she overcomes the worst trauma s a person can face and she keeps gpomg. She's complex amd such an inspiring FMC. .
I know some Americam readers struggle with British aithoirs, but give it a chance.
Michael Woods is not scared of breaking our hearts and I've found myself thinking "NO HE DIDN'T!!" Evem beloved characters are not safe. I literally cried reading some of his books, bit at the same time heanahes to keep the gruesome murders.
Brilliant 5 stars, amd specialemtion to Stephanie Beattie forgiving Matilda a voice, exactly the sway I pxture im my mind (I started with the kindle versions and went nack amd listen to the audio books too)
The only downside is that now I will have to wait for the mext one! Hopefully we'll have anpther Dr Olivia Winter sooner.
I've jist finished and my emotioms are all over tve place. Maybe I need a cup of tea.
1000/10
Sorry for the super lomg review, if you've managed to reasd ot all, dp yourself a favor amd gove rhos series a chance.
You're welcome
October 30, 2026
Lately, new releases from some of my favourite authors have disappointed me. Perhaps I’ve become a more discerning reader, or perhaps the authors themselves have changed.
Sadly, this latest Matilda Darke novel is no exception.
What begins as an intriguing murder mystery soon descends into implausible melodrama, with convenient coincidences, questionable police decisions and last-minute revelations. Psychological credibility takes a back seat to sensational twists.
Matilda remains engaging, but her judgement is increasingly difficult to defend. Worse still, she has become such a tragic figure that almost everyone close to her seems destined for misfortune. The relentless suffering feels more exhausting than moving.
Wood knows how to keep the pages turning, but suspense cannot compensate for contrived plotting.
By the end, I wondered whether the real serial killer was Michael Wood himself — ruthlessly dispatching his characters, one emotional catastrophe at a time!
A pity. Less melodrama and a little more Agatha Christie would have worked wonders. I’m genuinely not sure I have the heart to read the next instalment.
Sadly, this latest Matilda Darke novel is no exception.
What begins as an intriguing murder mystery soon descends into implausible melodrama, with convenient coincidences, questionable police decisions and last-minute revelations. Psychological credibility takes a back seat to sensational twists.
Matilda remains engaging, but her judgement is increasingly difficult to defend. Worse still, she has become such a tragic figure that almost everyone close to her seems destined for misfortune. The relentless suffering feels more exhausting than moving.
Wood knows how to keep the pages turning, but suspense cannot compensate for contrived plotting.
By the end, I wondered whether the real serial killer was Michael Wood himself — ruthlessly dispatching his characters, one emotional catastrophe at a time!
A pity. Less melodrama and a little more Agatha Christie would have worked wonders. I’m genuinely not sure I have the heart to read the next instalment.
October 31, 2026
O M G!
I knew this would be a page turner and I wasn’t disappointed. All the social media prior to release had me hooked before I even got my hands on it!
DCI Matilda Darke is back, not officially allowed to investigate the murder of her mum and nephews by a killer who is taunting her, she is on another case (no spoilers) which looks very likely to be related! When Matilda figure out who the killer is she is distraught and lacking evidence and therefore who will be the first to die?!!
My heart was racing reading this. With chapters by the killer and Matilda we knew exactly what was happening and that everything was heading for one heck of a final confrontation. On several occasions I had to put my kindle down and breath for a second, the adrenaline was high! Cannot say to much as don’t want to give anything away.
Book three of a trilogy and no rules, and the author certainly embraced this. I feel like a need a lie down to recover. We’ve waited a year for this ending and no disappointment here.
A new story started to emerge leading to a massive cliffhanger and another wait for book 15. Absolutely my favourite book series ever! Cannot recommend enough!
I knew this would be a page turner and I wasn’t disappointed. All the social media prior to release had me hooked before I even got my hands on it!
DCI Matilda Darke is back, not officially allowed to investigate the murder of her mum and nephews by a killer who is taunting her, she is on another case (no spoilers) which looks very likely to be related! When Matilda figure out who the killer is she is distraught and lacking evidence and therefore who will be the first to die?!!
My heart was racing reading this. With chapters by the killer and Matilda we knew exactly what was happening and that everything was heading for one heck of a final confrontation. On several occasions I had to put my kindle down and breath for a second, the adrenaline was high! Cannot say to much as don’t want to give anything away.
Book three of a trilogy and no rules, and the author certainly embraced this. I feel like a need a lie down to recover. We’ve waited a year for this ending and no disappointment here.
A new story started to emerge leading to a massive cliffhanger and another wait for book 15. Absolutely my favourite book series ever! Cannot recommend enough!
October 31, 2026
First One to Die by Michael Wood
FIrst One To Die by. Michael Wood is book 14 in the DCI Matilda Darke police series and this book is totalling engrossing,perturbing and enthralling. People have died and there are others to be found but throughout the storyline you keep thinking please don’t let it be him,that has killed all those people.
You know that everything has to come to a finale or a conclusion but throughout reading this novel there was that dread that the killer would be the one Matilda thought it was. It was all extremely sad and traumatic.
Then there is the other story that developed alongside the main story and that will no doubt be part of the next story in DCI Matilda Darke’s police story.
Highly recommended
FIrst One To Die by. Michael Wood is book 14 in the DCI Matilda Darke police series and this book is totalling engrossing,perturbing and enthralling. People have died and there are others to be found but throughout the storyline you keep thinking please don’t let it be him,that has killed all those people.
You know that everything has to come to a finale or a conclusion but throughout reading this novel there was that dread that the killer would be the one Matilda thought it was. It was all extremely sad and traumatic.
Then there is the other story that developed alongside the main story and that will no doubt be part of the next story in DCI Matilda Darke’s police story.
Highly recommended
November 3, 2026
Love all books by michael wood, but the books in the Matilda Darke series are my favourites!
Not sure how he does it but this series just keeps getting better and better and I already can’t wait for the next instalment! I’ve lost count of the amount of hours that this author has kept me entertained for now!
I love all the characters and feel a real connection towards them all, especially sian, my favourite, aside from Matilda herself of course!
The narration is perfect and stephanie is very well spoken and pleasing to listen to, and I couldn’t imagine hearing Matilda read by anyone else now.
Also just wanted to mention that the additional chat at the end was fantastic and I really felt it lifted the mood and found myself laughing along with Stephanie and Michael.
Looking forward to the next one!
Not sure how he does it but this series just keeps getting better and better and I already can’t wait for the next instalment! I’ve lost count of the amount of hours that this author has kept me entertained for now!
I love all the characters and feel a real connection towards them all, especially sian, my favourite, aside from Matilda herself of course!
The narration is perfect and stephanie is very well spoken and pleasing to listen to, and I couldn’t imagine hearing Matilda read by anyone else now.
Also just wanted to mention that the additional chat at the end was fantastic and I really felt it lifted the mood and found myself laughing along with Stephanie and Michael.
Looking forward to the next one!
October 30, 2026
Lately, new releases from some of my favourite authors have disappointed me. Perhaps I’ve become a more discerning reader, or perhaps the authors themselves have changed.
Sadly, this latest Matilda Darke novel is no exception.
What begins as an intriguing murder mystery soon descends into implausible melodrama, with convenient coincidences, questionable police decisions and last-minute revelations. Psychological credibility takes a back seat to sensational twists.
Matilda remains engaging, but her judgement is increasingly difficult to defend. Worse still, she has become such a tragic figure that almost everyone close to her seems destined for misfortune. The relentless suffering feels more exhausting than moving.
Wood knows how to keep the pages turning, but suspense cannot compensate for contrived plotting.
By the end, I wondered whether the real serial killer was Michael Wood himself — ruthlessly dispatching his characters, one emotional catastrophe at a time!
A pity. Less melodrama and a little more Agatha Christie would have worked wonders. I’m genuinely not sure I have the heart to read the next instalment.
Sadly, this latest Matilda Darke novel is no exception.
What begins as an intriguing murder mystery soon descends into implausible melodrama, with convenient coincidences, questionable police decisions and last-minute revelations. Psychological credibility takes a back seat to sensational twists.
Matilda remains engaging, but her judgement is increasingly difficult to defend. Worse still, she has become such a tragic figure that almost everyone close to her seems destined for misfortune. The relentless suffering feels more exhausting than moving.
Wood knows how to keep the pages turning, but suspense cannot compensate for contrived plotting.
By the end, I wondered whether the real serial killer was Michael Wood himself — ruthlessly dispatching his characters, one emotional catastrophe at a time!
A pity. Less melodrama and a little more Agatha Christie would have worked wonders. I’m genuinely not sure I have the heart to read the next instalment.
November 4, 2026
This series without doubt is one of my top 3.As always Michael Wood delivers a gritty and thrilling police procedural meld by his extraordinary creation Matilda Drake and leaves you desperate to read the next one.
The arc of this series has been incredible and definitely on a par with M.W. Craven.
This book picks up and concludes the search of the serial killer who has tormented Drake and killed her mother and nephews the pot of the killer allows us to know who this is and it is shocking.Drakes first day back and a predominant character of the series is found murdered and her gradual realisation as to who the killer is, is superb.
A must read.
October 31, 2026
First One to Die: Thriller 2026 Book 14 Michael Wood
One of the best in this series and it is a great read. Matilda is back and not the same. She has a close serial killer to find and with the help of her team and Adele she is suddenly sure who it could be. There is heart break and friends who don't deserve what is happening. Still some on the staff need to be further looked at for unknown reasons at this time.
One of the best in this series and it is a great read. Matilda is back and not the same. She has a close serial killer to find and with the help of her team and Adele she is suddenly sure who it could be. There is heart break and friends who don't deserve what is happening. Still some on the staff need to be further looked at for unknown reasons at this time.
November 3, 2026
I’ve been patiently waiting for the next Matilda Darke installment and it was perfect. 5 ⭐️ there’s only one other book I can remember reading where you get to follow along with the killers POV and I really enjoyed that aspect of the novel. I am looking forward to why Matilda gets into next as things in the last couple of books have finally come to a close. I have a bad feeling for what may come based on the end of the book, but I will be patiently waiting (again) to see what happens!
October 30, 2026
Michaels does it again
Another good read- Matilda is more vulnerable than ever and we already know who the killer is. This is a study of what grief can do to people and of how important it is to get help.
I can see how the psychology of killers has become real interest of Michael Wood and how he moved on to Dr Olivia Winter - another good series.
Another good read- Matilda is more vulnerable than ever and we already know who the killer is. This is a study of what grief can do to people and of how important it is to get help.
I can see how the psychology of killers has become real interest of Michael Wood and how he moved on to Dr Olivia Winter - another good series.
November 2, 2026
I do love this series, it is just the right amount of utter darkness in criminality. This continues the story of he who will named, in case people haven’t read the previous stories and frankly I despise the killer in this.
Utterly gripping, thankfully the wife was away the weekend I had this so I could read without interruption or nose of tv
Utterly gripping, thankfully the wife was away the weekend I had this so I could read without interruption or nose of tv
November 5, 2026
Absolutely brilliant book Matilda Darke is not only a great character name but a superb character. The latest in the series is a great read and lots happening to all the team. Michael Wood is my favourite author but I would want to live in his head, too scary. What will he do to Matilda and her team in the next book
November 1, 2026
Michael Wood has done it again (and this one is beyond shocking and "in your face"! I feel so sorry for Matilda Dark (the main character) because she's confronted serial killers and has been able to face them without fear. But this time, it's so close to home and she's not even aware of what's coming her way. And it seems that Michael Wood has left his readers hanging as you'll notice when your read the book. For any of you who haven't read any of his books, you must do so! A very spine-tingling twisty thriller that grabs you by the throat and squeezes until you're finally able to breathe!
Review of advance copy
Always keen to read the next instalment of Matilda Darke! Murderer still pursuing her even after the murder of her mother and two nephews and the "endgame" as we are frequently told, is close at hand.
I love this series, I love the characters but I felt this novel really tested the longevity of the series. It is pacy and page turning and, whilst I would normally live with brief suspensions of reality, this challenged me.
Nonetheless however contradictory this sounds, I still scampered through it and was left wanting more!
I love this series, I love the characters but I felt this novel really tested the longevity of the series. It is pacy and page turning and, whilst I would normally live with brief suspensions of reality, this challenged me.
Nonetheless however contradictory this sounds, I still scampered through it and was left wanting more!
November 4, 2026
Excellent read!
I've felt that I had waited for this book forever! I completed it in 3 days. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Well written, scarily accurate and completely brilliant. 😀
I've felt that I had waited for this book forever! I completed it in 3 days. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Well written, scarily accurate and completely brilliant. 😀
November 1, 2026
I think this might be the last installment of the DCI Darke series I bother reading. The plots have been on a steady decline for a while now, and this one especially felt forced and contrived.
November 2, 2026
WOW!
The book I was scared to read but couldn’t put down! Read in one sitting - what will happen next?!
The book I was scared to read but couldn’t put down! Read in one sitting - what will happen next?!
November 2, 2026
I love this series and it just gets better with every book. I read it in one day it was so good.
Read
November 6, 2026Another fab book in the series. I honestly couldn't put it down.
November 6, 2026
Michael Wood does it again! Such a brilliant series. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through. And the ending!! Ooh. Can’t wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy
***Amazon kindle purchased*** I have been waiting for this for what feels like so long and I was not disappointed! It follows on perfectly from the previous book and even more excited when you see there is a new one coming next year! Bravo
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I am running out of words to describe just how good this series is.
Book 14 in this amazing series.
The drama. The tension. The pure psychological torture. It has everything you want in a thriller.
After reading the last book I was literally scared to read this book! I had to know what happens but I was terrified to find out.
Once again I called the author a few choice words when I had finished it!
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. It deserves to be on all the best selling lists.
Superb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book 14 in this amazing series.
The drama. The tension. The pure psychological torture. It has everything you want in a thriller.
After reading the last book I was literally scared to read this book! I had to know what happens but I was terrified to find out.
Once again I called the author a few choice words when I had finished it!
I cannot recommend this series highly enough. It deserves to be on all the best selling lists.
Superb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 30, 2026
I wanted a bit more from the conclusion of that story after this big build up.
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