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DCI Matilda Darke #0.6
Victim of Innocence
The nightmare is just beginning…
A short story and prequel featuring DCI Matilda Darke, star of Michael Wood’s darkly compelling crime series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Patricia Gibney.
She invited the killer into her home…
The body of a young woman is found in an apartment block in a Sheffield suburb. She was attacked at home, in a sudden moment of violence that sends shockwaves through the community.
DCI Matilda Darke has no choice but to work with her rival, DI Ben Hales, as the investigation takes them undercover into the dark world of a serial rapist targeting innocent women on the streets of the steel city.
But can Matilda and Ben finally put their grievances aside and work together? Or will this case be their last?
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 22, 2020
What a brilliant short story,love this authors work.enjoyed reading DCI Matilda Drake husband James in this book.this is a crime and rape story.are they connected.got book five to read all his book a five star rating highly recommend this series.
December 14, 2019
I have now finished all the DCI Matilda Darke books including the soon to be released novel in Jan 2020 so will have to be very patient.
How nice it is to discover a new author whose work you have never read before and enjoy every page written. I have loved this series from the moment I finished the first chapter and will hopefully follow it for many a year yet.
This is a short story (89 pages) that is a nice addition to the DCI Matilda Darke series and once again so well written.
How nice it is to discover a new author whose work you have never read before and enjoy every page written. I have loved this series from the moment I finished the first chapter and will hopefully follow it for many a year yet.
This is a short story (89 pages) that is a nice addition to the DCI Matilda Darke series and once again so well written.
October 18, 2021
While this is slated as 4.5, it isn't really. James is still alive, Matilda hasn't had to cope with his death nor Carl Megan's disappearance. It is a fabulous short story but it should be read as a back story and not as a filler between books, if that makes sense.
December 14, 2019
I am a huge fan of DCI Matilda Darke so was extremely excited to find this short story which is a prequel to the rest of the series.
It was great to see Matilida in happier times with her husband. Whilst she maybe happy in her personal life, sadly her working one is quite gloomy. Murderers and rapists are never going to be much fun but it’s Matilda and her teams jobs to catch the culprits and make the streets a safer place.
The case is a puzzling one and takes us into Sheffield at night where it may be buzzing with activity from people in the bars and clubs, but doesn’t make it any safer from criminals. The rapist aspect gives a sense of urgency to catch the culprit before he ruins anymore lives and I enjoyed seeing the team working undercover.
Victim of Innocence is a short and compelling read which helped satisfy my DCI Matilda Darke craving. It’s great to see the characters in the earlier days and seeing where they’ve progressed from. You don’t have to have read the books in the series before this one but you will definitely want to read them afterwards. Matilda without a doubt is one of my favourite detectives and we certainly have the same love of chocolate!
It was great to see Matilida in happier times with her husband. Whilst she maybe happy in her personal life, sadly her working one is quite gloomy. Murderers and rapists are never going to be much fun but it’s Matilda and her teams jobs to catch the culprits and make the streets a safer place.
The case is a puzzling one and takes us into Sheffield at night where it may be buzzing with activity from people in the bars and clubs, but doesn’t make it any safer from criminals. The rapist aspect gives a sense of urgency to catch the culprit before he ruins anymore lives and I enjoyed seeing the team working undercover.
Victim of Innocence is a short and compelling read which helped satisfy my DCI Matilda Darke craving. It’s great to see the characters in the earlier days and seeing where they’ve progressed from. You don’t have to have read the books in the series before this one but you will definitely want to read them afterwards. Matilda without a doubt is one of my favourite detectives and we certainly have the same love of chocolate!
December 29, 2019
This short story and prequel is a great addition to the series. Regulars will be delighted to see DCI Matilda Darke enjoying happier times at home with her husband James whilst at work again engaging in a battle of wills with the odious DI Ben Hales; for newcomers it's an introduction to what could become an addictive series with fabulous characters and shocking and hard-hitting storylines. It only takes just over an hour to read but the full impact of the story begins from the first page with a murder and the pressure is on the Murder Investigation Team to find the culprit before they strike again. I really enjoyed it.
June 8, 2025
Victim Of Innocence is a short story but it sure is packed full of action and suspence. Michael Wood gives us a really good insight into Matilda Darke and it was brilliant to see that more human side of her.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more books in DCI Darke series.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more books in DCI Darke series.
December 8, 2019
I’ve been a huge fan of this series from the start, so I was delighted for this prequel to land on my kindle!
This is a really well thought out short story. There was a lot going on right from the get go, and I devoured it all in one short sitting.
DCI Matilda Darke is one of my all time favourite series leads. She can do no wrong in my eyes. I patiently wait for every installment because she’s such a great character.
Victim of Innocence is pacy, dark and well drawn. It pulls you in, and before you know it you’re wishing it didn’t end so soon.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Wood’s writing since For Reasons Unknown, and as long as he writes I’ll continue to champion his books!
Loved it!
This is a really well thought out short story. There was a lot going on right from the get go, and I devoured it all in one short sitting.
DCI Matilda Darke is one of my all time favourite series leads. She can do no wrong in my eyes. I patiently wait for every installment because she’s such a great character.
Victim of Innocence is pacy, dark and well drawn. It pulls you in, and before you know it you’re wishing it didn’t end so soon.
I’ve been a fan of Michael Wood’s writing since For Reasons Unknown, and as long as he writes I’ll continue to champion his books!
Loved it!
December 28, 2019
Having read the whole series of ‘Matilda Darke’ books, which I loved by the way, I was delighted to hear that Michael Wood was publishing a novella Victim Of Innocence.I’m not a huge fan of short stories I’m afraid, they often feel rushed or lack the depth of characters and plot. What this story lacked in pages, it more than made up with content. The author doesn’t waste anytime and soon Matilda and her team are tracking down a murderer and rapist. I devoured this book in one hugely satisfying sitting.
I found this glimpse into Matilda’s past intriguing as it added another dimension to her character. For such a short story I was surprised at just how much the author packed in, there’s intrigue and plenty of suspense. The author doesn’t waste anytime in getting to the heart of the plot.If you haven’t read any books by Michael Wood this short story is well worth a read as you get a feel for Maltilda’s character as well as her workmates and other characters who play important part in her life. If you are already a fan of the author then I’m sure you will love this short story, and if you haven’t read any books by the author it’s a great introduction to a ‘must read’ crime series.
I found this glimpse into Matilda’s past intriguing as it added another dimension to her character. For such a short story I was surprised at just how much the author packed in, there’s intrigue and plenty of suspense. The author doesn’t waste anytime in getting to the heart of the plot.If you haven’t read any books by Michael Wood this short story is well worth a read as you get a feel for Maltilda’s character as well as her workmates and other characters who play important part in her life. If you are already a fan of the author then I’m sure you will love this short story, and if you haven’t read any books by the author it’s a great introduction to a ‘must read’ crime series.
June 27, 2022
DCI Matilda Darke is back in the early days of MIT. But whilst most of her team may be unrecognisable one thing remains the same the loathing shown to Matilda by DI Ben Hales.
So when Matilda's romantic evening with husband James is interrupted by the murder of twenty-three-year-old Caitlyn. The pair are forced to find a way to work together. As Caitlyn recently reported a rape to Ben's team and she isn't the only one.
But can the animosity between Matilda and Ben be put to one side to stop a rapist and possible killer? Especially when Matilda has a risky plan to catch them.
And with so much packed into 89 pages. This was a fantastic read. That once again felt full length and had a twist I didn't see coming.
I would highly recommend.
So when Matilda's romantic evening with husband James is interrupted by the murder of twenty-three-year-old Caitlyn. The pair are forced to find a way to work together. As Caitlyn recently reported a rape to Ben's team and she isn't the only one.
But can the animosity between Matilda and Ben be put to one side to stop a rapist and possible killer? Especially when Matilda has a risky plan to catch them.
And with so much packed into 89 pages. This was a fantastic read. That once again felt full length and had a twist I didn't see coming.
I would highly recommend.
January 4, 2020
Matilda Darke takes the starring role in this prequel..Called to the scene of a young woman's murder..who died in her own home .It appears she must have opened the door to her killer.When Matilda has no option but to work alongside D.I.Ben Hales , it really grates on her.. but with a serial rapist on the loose they know they must catch him ..fast.Once again in this prequel feisty little ass- kicking Matilda goes straight in ..her only thoughts for the dead woman's mother and that justice may be served.A fast paced story that keeps you glued to the pages till the very end ...All the stars .
March 31, 2026
After finishing the last prequel last night and finding this one was only a short one I dove straight in.
Again, a nice addition to the series. Set before the series takes place. Its nice to see how the characters have progressed to where they are now later on in the series from these last 2 prequels.
As always with this series, absolutely love the writing style and the team.
Again, a nice addition to the series. Set before the series takes place. Its nice to see how the characters have progressed to where they are now later on in the series from these last 2 prequels.
As always with this series, absolutely love the writing style and the team.
December 29, 2019
This is a short prequel which could easily be read before the main series and works well as a standalone. Here we are faced with Matilda Darke as we are possibly yet to see her. Happy, carefree and in the arms of the love of her life, husband James, ... even if their house is falling down around their ears. Literally.
The case that Matilda and co are called in on is a perplexing one. A woman, attacked in her own home, who dies from her injuries. There is no sign of a break in and no sign of a struggle. However, this is not the first time her name has come to the attention of the police and it remains to be proven if this is the route cause of her murder.
The story may be short but it is action packed and full of tension. We also get to experience some of the early feud between Matilda and DI Ben Hales, a conflict that will have greater meaning as the series goes on. I loved the way in which the author manages to weave in all manner of questions, leaving the reader hungry for answers and then hitting us square in the jaw with a most shocking of conclusions.
Matilda and the team are a great bunch. Although the MIT are in their infancy in this book, they still all add something to the story, each unique and diverse and you can see them starting to gel as a unit. Featuring themes of sexual assault and murder, there is nothing gratuitous in the book, but you still feel every bit of the dramatic tension as it builds towards the ending.
A fine precursor to the main series and a brilliant introduction to a fine detecting team.
The case that Matilda and co are called in on is a perplexing one. A woman, attacked in her own home, who dies from her injuries. There is no sign of a break in and no sign of a struggle. However, this is not the first time her name has come to the attention of the police and it remains to be proven if this is the route cause of her murder.
The story may be short but it is action packed and full of tension. We also get to experience some of the early feud between Matilda and DI Ben Hales, a conflict that will have greater meaning as the series goes on. I loved the way in which the author manages to weave in all manner of questions, leaving the reader hungry for answers and then hitting us square in the jaw with a most shocking of conclusions.
Matilda and the team are a great bunch. Although the MIT are in their infancy in this book, they still all add something to the story, each unique and diverse and you can see them starting to gel as a unit. Featuring themes of sexual assault and murder, there is nothing gratuitous in the book, but you still feel every bit of the dramatic tension as it builds towards the ending.
A fine precursor to the main series and a brilliant introduction to a fine detecting team.
August 8, 2021
Aug 8, 2021
Great quick story in the series. It's hard to surprise me with whodunit in a short story, but I was fooled.
Great quick story in the series. It's hard to surprise me with whodunit in a short story, but I was fooled.
December 7, 2019
This is an excellent short story in the DCI Matilda Darke series, two women are raped. The first woman in October and she didn’t report it until the second victim reported the rape to the police. Then the first victim is found in bed with a fractured skull. After an undercover operation the rapist is arrested and charged. Why was the first victim killed.
An engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
An engrossing read.
Highly recommended.
January 20, 2024
Usually I am not a lover of novellas but as I know this series well (in fact it is one of my favourite series) I really enjoyed the novella and it is interesting to see MIT in its early days and at a time when Matilda’s husband is still alive.
Caitlin has just reported a rape, which happened some months before, when she is suddenly murdered in her house. Matilda and her team have to investigate to see if the two incidents are related before the murderer and / or the rapist strike again.
This was overall a very good short story taking about an hour and a quarter to read. As well as the early days of her team it also covers some of the background to her relationship with DI Ben Hales, which forms an important element of the series.
I really can’t recommend this serious strongly enough, and whilst I wait impatiently for the next book in the series this was a good read to spend some more time with Matilda, dealing with my withdrawal symptoms.
Caitlin has just reported a rape, which happened some months before, when she is suddenly murdered in her house. Matilda and her team have to investigate to see if the two incidents are related before the murderer and / or the rapist strike again.
This was overall a very good short story taking about an hour and a quarter to read. As well as the early days of her team it also covers some of the background to her relationship with DI Ben Hales, which forms an important element of the series.
I really can’t recommend this serious strongly enough, and whilst I wait impatiently for the next book in the series this was a good read to spend some more time with Matilda, dealing with my withdrawal symptoms.
February 23, 2026
Another gripping instalment in the DCI Matilda Darke series — this time in novella form — and what a punch it packs!
Set back when James is still alive, this short story offers a glimpse into an earlier chapter of Matilda’s life, which adds an extra emotional layer for long-time fans of the series. It’s always bittersweet stepping back into that time. It was also great to see existing characters and a couple of newer, previous members of her team. Rita should come back 😂
I did not guess the killer 👀 — and I love when that happens. For a novella, it delivers everything you want from a crime read: tension, twists, sharp dialogue and a completely satisfying conclusion. It’s a fast, easy read but still feels full and impactful.
My favourite lines?
“Remember your rank, DI Hales.”
“The man’s a nob.”
Proof that Matilda is sharp and not afraid to say exactly what she thinks.
I bought this on my Kobo (sadly it’s not available in paperback, which would have looked perfect on our shelves), but it was absolutely worth it for a quick, compelling read.
Set back when James is still alive, this short story offers a glimpse into an earlier chapter of Matilda’s life, which adds an extra emotional layer for long-time fans of the series. It’s always bittersweet stepping back into that time. It was also great to see existing characters and a couple of newer, previous members of her team. Rita should come back 😂
I did not guess the killer 👀 — and I love when that happens. For a novella, it delivers everything you want from a crime read: tension, twists, sharp dialogue and a completely satisfying conclusion. It’s a fast, easy read but still feels full and impactful.
My favourite lines?
“Remember your rank, DI Hales.”
“The man’s a nob.”
Proof that Matilda is sharp and not afraid to say exactly what she thinks.
I bought this on my Kobo (sadly it’s not available in paperback, which would have looked perfect on our shelves), but it was absolutely worth it for a quick, compelling read.
November 14, 2024
I am reading these as a prequel to the main series. In a short story there can only be limited content, twist and turns etc and this book does quite well in that sense. What I am nort getting is any love for the main character She seems quite bland. I know these books were written after the main story but unless there is a significant change I can't say there is anything that makes this character stand out and there is nothing unique over a million other detective series. Maybe i should have read in the order written Which is what I normally do.
February 16, 2020
I guess you’d call this a prequel novella. Having read all the Matilda Darke books I have only the two short stories to feed the addiction to this Sheffield based series. This doesn’t disappoint. We are taken back to times when Matilda’s husband is still alive and the feud with DI Hales is at an early stage. There’s a murder and a rape to be solved. Are the connected? All is revealed over 85 pages.
October 27, 2020
I love Matilda and all her stories but this was a bit hard to read for 2 reasons:
A) It's painful to see Matilda and James together knowing what will soon happen… Also, Ben. Ugh. I hate him.
B) It was so clearly written by a man… it's painfully obvious, in the way the subject of rape is treated. Not in a bad way but far from the reality of any woman. Kudos to Mr. Woods for trying but…
A) It's painful to see Matilda and James together knowing what will soon happen… Also, Ben. Ugh. I hate him.
B) It was so clearly written by a man… it's painfully obvious, in the way the subject of rape is treated. Not in a bad way but far from the reality of any woman. Kudos to Mr. Woods for trying but…
September 23, 2025
RA
An excellent police procedure. Rape and murder: so a juicy read. Characterful, witty and moving. Only gripe: quite a lot of characters to get one's head around in a short time. Good use of the old trope of police internal politics and rivalry. Looking forward to reading the Matilda Darke series in earnest. Good stuff!
An excellent police procedure. Rape and murder: so a juicy read. Characterful, witty and moving. Only gripe: quite a lot of characters to get one's head around in a short time. Good use of the old trope of police internal politics and rivalry. Looking forward to reading the Matilda Darke series in earnest. Good stuff!
June 11, 2020
Innocent or not!
A bit of a twist at the end of this book. Certainly I didn't see it coming. Another book; albeit a shorter one, in the Matilda Darke series. Ideal for wiling away a wet afternoon.
A bit of a twist at the end of this book. Certainly I didn't see it coming. Another book; albeit a shorter one, in the Matilda Darke series. Ideal for wiling away a wet afternoon.
August 7, 2021
Having read the first proper book in this series, I feels really sad for Matilda. She seems to be so confident and so full of energy, but I’m sure she’ll be better in book two.
Another short story but a very good one. I love the little twists at the end of these books.
Another short story but a very good one. I love the little twists at the end of these books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2023
Love the early stories .
Matilda is a hard woman who wants to lock up the baddies. She has a really hard life doing the job
It's great to read about the early DCI But going back further would be even better
Matilda is a hard woman who wants to lock up the baddies. She has a really hard life doing the job
It's great to read about the early DCI But going back further would be even better
April 20, 2020
Great short story
I enjoyed this short story. I really like the main character, Matilda Darke! I want to read more of the series.
I enjoyed this short story. I really like the main character, Matilda Darke! I want to read more of the series.
July 6, 2020
A compelling introduction to DCI Matilda Darke and her colleagues. I look forward to reading the full-length books in the series.
October 7, 2020
A very short but clever short story featuring a happily married Matilda and her team as they investigate the nefarious fiend behind a series of serious assaults.
December 17, 2020
Victim of Innocence
Would recommend this author (and have) to friends. Have read the whole series of DC I Darke and enjoy the characters and stories. Look forward too reading more
Would recommend this author (and have) to friends. Have read the whole series of DC I Darke and enjoy the characters and stories. Look forward too reading more
February 8, 2021
Short story about a spate of rapes and the later murder of one of the victims. For fans of the series, it’s a compulsive read but a bit of a tame conclusion.
October 21, 2021
Michael Wood's DCI Matilda Clarke is someone I am looking forward to reading about. I have just finished 'For Reason's Unknown'. Both were well written and very entertaining.
June 16, 2022
As his other books this short story was very good.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews