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DCI Matilda Darke #6
Stolen Children
A gripping and addictive new crime thriller you need to read in 2020
‘She is the perfect heroine’ Elly Griffiths
The addictive new crime thriller featuring DCI Matilda Darke. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons.
‘DCI Matilda Darke is going places’ James OswaldSome cases won’t die.
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan – a missing child from Sheffield whose name is still whispered as a warning to kids who stay out after dark.
Some children won’t be found.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine-year-old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock and DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career.
Some killers won’t be stopped.
As Matilda investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and sadness that surround Keeley’s family. Until she is left with an unimaginable choice: betray those closest to her or let a violent killer walk free…
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First published October 2, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
September 4, 2020
Michael Wood's latest addition to his brilliant Sheffield based crime series, featuring DCI Matilda Darke and her Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), is a emotionally harrowing humdinger. It brings back all of Matilda's demons and guilt as a young boy in Marseille, France, enters a police station claiming to be Carl Meagan, and to compound matters further, a young 9 year old girl, Keeley Armitage, from Stannington, has been abducted after going missing from outside a supermarket. Her mother, Linda, falls apart after receiving a £50 000 ransom demand over the phone. Craig, the father, struggles to hold himself and the family together, while his 14 year old daughter, Jodie, does her best, trying to look after her 4 year old disabled brother, Riley, who requires 24 hour care.
This is not a family that can afford a ransom, they can barely makes ends meet, with Riley's care the focus of their attention and finances, so why would anyone abduct Keeley? One of the thoughts is that this ransom is merely to draw focus away from something dreadful having already occurred to Keeley. With Matilda's boss, ACC Valerie Masterson, facing her own troubling family issues, she is going to have to cope on her own more, and despite the support of best friend, Adele Kean, and others, she is going to find herself stretched to the very edges of her limits, considering the unthinkable, that of betraying her colleagues. DC Ellen Devonport is a great Family Liaison Officer (FLO), placed amidst the Armitage family, and as the police try to locate the missing girl, she gets to know the family better, feeding the information back to the police. She grows increasingly unsettled and disturbed, what exactly are the secrets that fester within this family?
A major highlight of this crime series is the focus on the HMET police team, the likes of DS Sian Mills with her lifesaving snack drawer, the relationships, the way they go over and beyond to work the case and support each other, although they can bring their problems too, such as with DS Aaron Connolly. DC Scott Andrews's relationship with Chris develops further as they look for a place to live together, and there are other personal developments too, even Matilda herself is not immune. When team members find themselves in grave danger, you can see just how far they will go for each other, for example, where DC Ranjeet Deshwal refuses to give up, putting his life in danger to try and save a friend and colleague. This is a terrific read, dark, intense, and suspenseful with its theme of stolen children, guaranteed to push all of Matilda's buttons. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for an ARC.
This is not a family that can afford a ransom, they can barely makes ends meet, with Riley's care the focus of their attention and finances, so why would anyone abduct Keeley? One of the thoughts is that this ransom is merely to draw focus away from something dreadful having already occurred to Keeley. With Matilda's boss, ACC Valerie Masterson, facing her own troubling family issues, she is going to have to cope on her own more, and despite the support of best friend, Adele Kean, and others, she is going to find herself stretched to the very edges of her limits, considering the unthinkable, that of betraying her colleagues. DC Ellen Devonport is a great Family Liaison Officer (FLO), placed amidst the Armitage family, and as the police try to locate the missing girl, she gets to know the family better, feeding the information back to the police. She grows increasingly unsettled and disturbed, what exactly are the secrets that fester within this family?
A major highlight of this crime series is the focus on the HMET police team, the likes of DS Sian Mills with her lifesaving snack drawer, the relationships, the way they go over and beyond to work the case and support each other, although they can bring their problems too, such as with DS Aaron Connolly. DC Scott Andrews's relationship with Chris develops further as they look for a place to live together, and there are other personal developments too, even Matilda herself is not immune. When team members find themselves in grave danger, you can see just how far they will go for each other, for example, where DC Ranjeet Deshwal refuses to give up, putting his life in danger to try and save a friend and colleague. This is a terrific read, dark, intense, and suspenseful with its theme of stolen children, guaranteed to push all of Matilda's buttons. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins and One More Chapter for an ARC.
October 2, 2020
DCI Matilda Darke (and Michael Wood) is back in the sixth of the DCI Matilda Darke series!!!!
I was so excited to see that the next installment in the series was out, even more excited when I was approved and over the moon when this book lived up to my expectations and then some! If you have not read this series- YOU ARE MISSING OUT! This one will work as a stand-alone but do yourself a favor and start from the beginning!!! You will thank me!
The book begins when a young boy walks into a police station in France and claims to be Carl Meagan. (If you have been reading this series, you know who he is) Like everyone involved, I got excited, worried, basically all the feels wondering....is he who he claims to be??? Michael Wood had my interest form page one.
Then a young girl goes missing and a ransom call is placed. Will DCI Matilda Darke be able to find her? DCI Darke calls in her entire team as the kidnapping and ransom brings back memories of the Carl Meagan case (see above) that has haunted her and almost brought about her downfall.
As the investigation progresses, we learn more about the missing girl's family and more about the private lives of members of DCI Matilda Darke's team. Both have surprises involved. As the search progresses, what will the team learn? What secrets will be exposed? Will the young girl ever be found? Who could have taken her and why?
This is one of my favorite series filled with some of my favorite characters. The storylines are brilliant, evoke emotion, are gripping and often have my pulse racing as Matilda and her team close in on the suspects in their cases. With each book, there is character development, friendships deepen, characters grow, they make mistakes, they support each other and show courage. I have my favorites and I am sure other readers do as well. I love that Matilda Darke is flawed, strong, vulnerable, intelligent and confident.
This book, as all his others, was well written, riveting and a real page turner for me. I loved the character development, the feeling of dread as the case progressed, as the investigation comes to end, will you be able to say you saw THAT coming? Riveting with some twists and turns, this one not only impressed but blew me away. Plus, that ending!?! I cannot wait until the next book!!!!!
Fans of crime thriller, strong female protagonists, a good mystery and intelligent gripping storylines will love this book (series).
Highly recommend!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was so excited to see that the next installment in the series was out, even more excited when I was approved and over the moon when this book lived up to my expectations and then some! If you have not read this series- YOU ARE MISSING OUT! This one will work as a stand-alone but do yourself a favor and start from the beginning!!! You will thank me!
The book begins when a young boy walks into a police station in France and claims to be Carl Meagan. (If you have been reading this series, you know who he is) Like everyone involved, I got excited, worried, basically all the feels wondering....is he who he claims to be??? Michael Wood had my interest form page one.
Then a young girl goes missing and a ransom call is placed. Will DCI Matilda Darke be able to find her? DCI Darke calls in her entire team as the kidnapping and ransom brings back memories of the Carl Meagan case (see above) that has haunted her and almost brought about her downfall.
As the investigation progresses, we learn more about the missing girl's family and more about the private lives of members of DCI Matilda Darke's team. Both have surprises involved. As the search progresses, what will the team learn? What secrets will be exposed? Will the young girl ever be found? Who could have taken her and why?
This is one of my favorite series filled with some of my favorite characters. The storylines are brilliant, evoke emotion, are gripping and often have my pulse racing as Matilda and her team close in on the suspects in their cases. With each book, there is character development, friendships deepen, characters grow, they make mistakes, they support each other and show courage. I have my favorites and I am sure other readers do as well. I love that Matilda Darke is flawed, strong, vulnerable, intelligent and confident.
This book, as all his others, was well written, riveting and a real page turner for me. I loved the character development, the feeling of dread as the case progressed, as the investigation comes to end, will you be able to say you saw THAT coming? Riveting with some twists and turns, this one not only impressed but blew me away. Plus, that ending!?! I cannot wait until the next book!!!!!
Fans of crime thriller, strong female protagonists, a good mystery and intelligent gripping storylines will love this book (series).
Highly recommend!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 29, 2024
This is a thriller, and it is the 6st book in the DCI Matilda Darke Thriller series. This is the first book in this series that I have read, but I did not feel lost. This book was so good. I think the pacing was just right, and it was well written. The ending had twist and turns that was well-crafted, and I could put it down during any of the twist and turns. I have to say this book as some dark points. This book as some things that may upset some readers, so if you are a reader that gets upset by what you read please look into what is in this book. This is a solid Thriller that I really enjoyed reading. This book was everything I wanted from this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (One More Chapter) or author (Michael Wood) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review about how I feel about this book, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
July 9, 2022
EXCERPT: The landline in the hallway started to ring.
Linda ignored it and picked Riley up. He started to relax immediately. He felt safer in someone's arms.
She made soothing noises and rubbed his back gently. The phone continued to ring.
'Shall we go and see who's ringing us, Riley?' she asked in a sing-song voice. 'It might be your Nana to tell us all about her bunions again. Or maybe a nice gentleman will ask if we want to claim back PPI.'
She struggled to move Riley to her other arm. He was getting heavier by the day and she seemed to be getting weaker. It wouldn't be long before she was unable to pick him up at all.
'Hello?' she answered the phone.
'Mrs. Armitage?'
'Yes.'
'Linda Armitage?'
'Yes,' she strained to hear. With Riley gurgling on one side and a barely audible distorted voice coming through the phone line, she struggled to concentrate.
'We have your daughter.'
'What?'
'We've got Keeley. Pay fifty thousand pounds if you want her back.'
'Who is this?' Linda gripped the receiver hard. Her eyes widened, her mouth dried, and her heart thumped loudly in her chest. This was a joke, surely.
'We'll ring back in twenty four hours.'
The line went dead.
ABOUT 'STOLEN CHILDREN': Some cases won’t die.
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan – a missing child from Sheffield whose name is still whispered as a warning to kids who stay out after dark.
Some children won’t be found.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine-year-old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock and DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career.
Some killers won’t be stopped.
As Matilda investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and sadness that surround Keeley’s family. Until she is left with an unimaginable choice: betray those closest to her or let a violent killer walk free…
MY THOUGHTS: This series, featuring DCI Matilda Darke is addictive. It's a wonderful blend of detective fiction, drama and crime thriller that I can't seem to get enough of.
The story in Stolen Children is a dark and disturbing one, and one with many threads. There is Matilda's personal 'Sword of Damocles' - the case of the kidnapped child Carl Meagan who has still not been found; and now she has another child kidnapping case to contend with - that of nine year old Keeley Armitage who disappeared on her way home from the Co-op. More threads keep emerging like worms out of the woodwork. The picture they form is a horrifying one.
Michael Wood creates an undercurrent of unease, a sense of things not being what they seem. But there are a lot of possibilities to be investigated, and the lengths some characters go to to cover up their activities is frightening. Matilda and her team certainly have their work cut out with this case.
Of course, the team's work is complicated by personal issues. While Matilda seems to be finding her feet again after the death of her husband, one of her team finds their indiscretions catching up with them causing a conflict of interest in a case about to come to court.
This is a wonderful series, but it is one best read from the beginning and in order as, just in real life, some cases take over several books, and relationships evolve.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#StolenChildren #NetGalley
I: @michaelwoodbooks @onemorechapter
T: @MichaelHWood @OneMoreChapter
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Wood is a freelance journalist and proofreader living in Sheffield. As a journalist he has covered many crime stories throughout Sheffield, gaining first-hand knowledge of police procedure. He also reviews books for CrimeSquad, a website dedicated to crime fiction.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Stolen Children by Michael Wood for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Linda ignored it and picked Riley up. He started to relax immediately. He felt safer in someone's arms.
She made soothing noises and rubbed his back gently. The phone continued to ring.
'Shall we go and see who's ringing us, Riley?' she asked in a sing-song voice. 'It might be your Nana to tell us all about her bunions again. Or maybe a nice gentleman will ask if we want to claim back PPI.'
She struggled to move Riley to her other arm. He was getting heavier by the day and she seemed to be getting weaker. It wouldn't be long before she was unable to pick him up at all.
'Hello?' she answered the phone.
'Mrs. Armitage?'
'Yes.'
'Linda Armitage?'
'Yes,' she strained to hear. With Riley gurgling on one side and a barely audible distorted voice coming through the phone line, she struggled to concentrate.
'We have your daughter.'
'What?'
'We've got Keeley. Pay fifty thousand pounds if you want her back.'
'Who is this?' Linda gripped the receiver hard. Her eyes widened, her mouth dried, and her heart thumped loudly in her chest. This was a joke, surely.
'We'll ring back in twenty four hours.'
The line went dead.
ABOUT 'STOLEN CHILDREN': Some cases won’t die.
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan – a missing child from Sheffield whose name is still whispered as a warning to kids who stay out after dark.
Some children won’t be found.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine-year-old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock and DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career.
Some killers won’t be stopped.
As Matilda investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and sadness that surround Keeley’s family. Until she is left with an unimaginable choice: betray those closest to her or let a violent killer walk free…
MY THOUGHTS: This series, featuring DCI Matilda Darke is addictive. It's a wonderful blend of detective fiction, drama and crime thriller that I can't seem to get enough of.
The story in Stolen Children is a dark and disturbing one, and one with many threads. There is Matilda's personal 'Sword of Damocles' - the case of the kidnapped child Carl Meagan who has still not been found; and now she has another child kidnapping case to contend with - that of nine year old Keeley Armitage who disappeared on her way home from the Co-op. More threads keep emerging like worms out of the woodwork. The picture they form is a horrifying one.
Michael Wood creates an undercurrent of unease, a sense of things not being what they seem. But there are a lot of possibilities to be investigated, and the lengths some characters go to to cover up their activities is frightening. Matilda and her team certainly have their work cut out with this case.
Of course, the team's work is complicated by personal issues. While Matilda seems to be finding her feet again after the death of her husband, one of her team finds their indiscretions catching up with them causing a conflict of interest in a case about to come to court.
This is a wonderful series, but it is one best read from the beginning and in order as, just in real life, some cases take over several books, and relationships evolve.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#StolenChildren #NetGalley
I: @michaelwoodbooks @onemorechapter
T: @MichaelHWood @OneMoreChapter
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #thriller
THE AUTHOR: Michael Wood is a freelance journalist and proofreader living in Sheffield. As a journalist he has covered many crime stories throughout Sheffield, gaining first-hand knowledge of police procedure. He also reviews books for CrimeSquad, a website dedicated to crime fiction.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Stolen Children by Michael Wood for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 11, 2020
We return to Sheffield for the latest instalment of the excellent DCI Mathilda Darke series. In this one the investigation centres on the Armitage family - parents Linda and Craig, daughters Jodie and Kelly and disabled son Riley. Linda receives a £50,000 ransom phone call for nine year old Keeley who goes missing after a trip to the shops with her older sister. What transpires is a harrowing tale which tests the team to their limits and places several in extreme danger. In the background is the ongoing mystery of the disappearance of Carl Meagan, now in its fourth year which continues to haunt his parents and Mathilda.
This is yet another gripping storyline in what is becoming one of my favourite crime series and which draws you in from the start. The police team are so good, their characters feel authentic and real and I love the dark humour between them which not only releases their tension but that of the reader! Mathilda is an excellent character and she is now taking baby steps to move on from the tragic death of her much loved husband James. The Armitage household is an intriguing focus for the unfolding drama as it’s a strange, tense and unsettling home. The further the case progresses it hits brick walls and becomes ever more compelling reading and very dark. There’s a good amount of tension, the atmosphere builds, the mystery deepens, there are shocks aplenty as it reaches a high octane conclusion. It’s seat of your pants, take a deep breath as for some of the events you’ll need extra oxygen. As the truth emerges it reveals a calculating psychopath which is mind numbing.
Overall, another engrossing instalment and naughty Mr Wood, you sure know how to entice readers to want to dive into the next one! I can’t wait!!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Fiction, One More Chapter and Michael Wood for the much appreciated ARC.
This is yet another gripping storyline in what is becoming one of my favourite crime series and which draws you in from the start. The police team are so good, their characters feel authentic and real and I love the dark humour between them which not only releases their tension but that of the reader! Mathilda is an excellent character and she is now taking baby steps to move on from the tragic death of her much loved husband James. The Armitage household is an intriguing focus for the unfolding drama as it’s a strange, tense and unsettling home. The further the case progresses it hits brick walls and becomes ever more compelling reading and very dark. There’s a good amount of tension, the atmosphere builds, the mystery deepens, there are shocks aplenty as it reaches a high octane conclusion. It’s seat of your pants, take a deep breath as for some of the events you’ll need extra oxygen. As the truth emerges it reveals a calculating psychopath which is mind numbing.
Overall, another engrossing instalment and naughty Mr Wood, you sure know how to entice readers to want to dive into the next one! I can’t wait!!
With thanks to NetGalley and Harper Fiction, One More Chapter and Michael Wood for the much appreciated ARC.
August 9, 2020
This is the 6th book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. I read the 1st book in this series just over 6 months ago and was instantly drawn in by the strength of the characters and the intriguing plots. Since then I have read all the other books in the series and I am hooked. This book would work as a stand alone, but if you intend to read the series and why wouldn’t you I would suggest reading them in order. Also due to cases from earlier books being mentioned it would make more sense to keep to the order.
One of the strengths of this series is the regular characters in DCI Matilda Darke’s team, all of them come alive between the pages and are easy to relate to.
9 year old Keeley Armitage vanishes following a trip to the local supermarket with her sister. While her distraught family is in shock, DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. Carl Meagan was abducted 4 years ago and was never found. Matilda took the failure personally and many people blamed her for him not being found.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will hook you and keep you dangling until the very end. Another excellent novel.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
One of the strengths of this series is the regular characters in DCI Matilda Darke’s team, all of them come alive between the pages and are easy to relate to.
9 year old Keeley Armitage vanishes following a trip to the local supermarket with her sister. While her distraught family is in shock, DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. Carl Meagan was abducted 4 years ago and was never found. Matilda took the failure personally and many people blamed her for him not being found.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will hook you and keep you dangling until the very end. Another excellent novel.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2022
Is it coincidence that a young boy walks into the police station in France and claims that he is the missing boy, Carl Meagon from Sheffield, whilst back in Sheffield young Keeley Armitage disappears?
This book has major trigger warnings! I'm really enjoying this series but this book sucker punched me. The story behind Keeley's disappearance was so sad and brutal.
As always, we get a few sentences on the last page to make us grab for the next book!
This book has major trigger warnings! I'm really enjoying this series but this book sucker punched me. The story behind Keeley's disappearance was so sad and brutal.
As always, we get a few sentences on the last page to make us grab for the next book!
September 20, 2020
This is an awesome series and I was so happy to get my hands on this latest instalment. DCI Matilda Darke has to battle her personal demons when 9 year old Keeley Armitage goes missing. Four years earlier a bungled ransom drop resulted in another kidnapped child, Carl Meagan, not being returned to his family. Matilda still feels incredible guilt over this and vows to find Keeley. It doesn’t help that the media crucified her over the previous case and comparisons will inevitably be drawn.
A ransom demand of £50,000 is made but this is very strange as the family does not have any spare funds. What they have is spent on care and equipment for their severely disabled 4 year old son. Meanwhile the police tear apart the lives of the Armitage family and look for suspects among known paedophiles. Everyone who knows the family is questioned but nothing seems to stick. Still, there is a strange, fishy vibe about the whole case. I did have an inkling but Mr Wood paced this story perfectly. And the pace picked up inexorably as it approached the shocking and harrowing ending. There is little satisfaction in solving this crime as so many lives are destroyed in the process.
Aside from the gut-wrenching case, Matilda’s team continues to delight the reader as the characters grow and develop. Matilda herself has a chance at happiness again as she finally moves on from the death of her husband 4 year earlier. Will there be another episode? I certainly hope so as these books are so wonderfully dark and compelling. Many thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and Michael Wood for providing a copy. My opinions are my own.
A ransom demand of £50,000 is made but this is very strange as the family does not have any spare funds. What they have is spent on care and equipment for their severely disabled 4 year old son. Meanwhile the police tear apart the lives of the Armitage family and look for suspects among known paedophiles. Everyone who knows the family is questioned but nothing seems to stick. Still, there is a strange, fishy vibe about the whole case. I did have an inkling but Mr Wood paced this story perfectly. And the pace picked up inexorably as it approached the shocking and harrowing ending. There is little satisfaction in solving this crime as so many lives are destroyed in the process.
Aside from the gut-wrenching case, Matilda’s team continues to delight the reader as the characters grow and develop. Matilda herself has a chance at happiness again as she finally moves on from the death of her husband 4 year earlier. Will there be another episode? I certainly hope so as these books are so wonderfully dark and compelling. Many thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK and Michael Wood for providing a copy. My opinions are my own.
October 15, 2020
Terrific Writing!
Matilde Darke is the head of a hard working crime investigative team and they are still recovering from their last case when a call comes in about a missing nine year old little girl whose mother just received a ransom call and time is precious because Matilde has never quite recovered in her failure to solve the Carl Meagan case who seemed to just vanish off the face of the earth. Unbeknownst to the team, a young boy has just walked into the police station in France claiming to be Carl Meagan who had vanished four years earlier.
Sometimes dreams can come true or will nightmares continue to plague the sleepless?
What a wonderful and well-written story this was for me. Great police procedural story yet allowing the reader to visit the private lives of all the team members which made the story very effective and enjoyable. Michael Wood captured the the realistic essence of all the characters and and I was experiencing emotions throughout the book. That feeling doesn't come often to me with detective series. This was my first book by Michael Wood and will not be my last because I just purchased a couple more by this terrific writer.
I want to thank the publisher 'Harper Collins UK, Chapter One" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book and have given a rating of 4 Thrilling and Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Matilde Darke is the head of a hard working crime investigative team and they are still recovering from their last case when a call comes in about a missing nine year old little girl whose mother just received a ransom call and time is precious because Matilde has never quite recovered in her failure to solve the Carl Meagan case who seemed to just vanish off the face of the earth. Unbeknownst to the team, a young boy has just walked into the police station in France claiming to be Carl Meagan who had vanished four years earlier.
Sometimes dreams can come true or will nightmares continue to plague the sleepless?
What a wonderful and well-written story this was for me. Great police procedural story yet allowing the reader to visit the private lives of all the team members which made the story very effective and enjoyable. Michael Wood captured the the realistic essence of all the characters and and I was experiencing emotions throughout the book. That feeling doesn't come often to me with detective series. This was my first book by Michael Wood and will not be my last because I just purchased a couple more by this terrific writer.
I want to thank the publisher 'Harper Collins UK, Chapter One" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book and have given a rating of 4 Thrilling and Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
November 3, 2021
Terrific Writing!
Matilde Darke is the head of a hard working crime investigative team and they are still recovering from their last case when a call comes in about a missing nine year old little girl whose mother just received a ransom call and time is precious because Matilde has never quite recovered in her failure to solve the Carl Meagan case who seemed to just vanish off the face of the earth. Unbeknownst to the team, a young boy has just walked into the police station in France claiming to be Carl Meagan who had vanished four years earlier.
Sometimes dreams can come true or will nightmares continue to plague the sleepless?
What a wonderful and well-written story this was for me. Great police procedural story yet allowing the reader to visit the private lives of all the team members which made the story very effective and enjoyable. Michael Wood captured the the realistic essence of all the characters and and I was experiencing emotions throughout the book. That feeling doesn't come often to me with detective series. This was my first book by Michael Wood and will not be my last because I just purchased a couple more by this terrific writer.
I want to thank the publisher 'Harper Collins UK, Chapter One" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book and have given a rating of 4 Thrilling and Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Matilde Darke is the head of a hard working crime investigative team and they are still recovering from their last case when a call comes in about a missing nine year old little girl whose mother just received a ransom call and time is precious because Matilde has never quite recovered in her failure to solve the Carl Meagan case who seemed to just vanish off the face of the earth. Unbeknownst to the team, a young boy has just walked into the police station in France claiming to be Carl Meagan who had vanished four years earlier.
Sometimes dreams can come true or will nightmares continue to plague the sleepless?
What a wonderful and well-written story this was for me. Great police procedural story yet allowing the reader to visit the private lives of all the team members which made the story very effective and enjoyable. Michael Wood captured the the realistic essence of all the characters and and I was experiencing emotions throughout the book. That feeling doesn't come often to me with detective series. This was my first book by Michael Wood and will not be my last because I just purchased a couple more by this terrific writer.
I want to thank the publisher 'Harper Collins UK, Chapter One" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this terrific story and any thoughts and opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I highly recommend this thrilling book and have given a rating of 4 Thrilling and Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
August 10, 2020
Two missing children. One found. One lost.
Stolen Children is the sixth book in the DCI Matilda Darke crime thriller series by Michael Wood. I wish to thank the publisher, One More Chapter, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my unbiased review.
Never before have I gotten goosebumps while reading the Prologue. This is because I’ve read the previous five books, and something incredible happens. You can read the blurb – is it too good to be true? Matilda Darke won’t believe it until she has proof.
However, Matilda can’t focus on the past. Suddenly, she has another missing child case on her plate. Nine-year-old Keeley Armitage has vanished, and her mother reported having received a ransom demand. “Deja vu all over again,” as Matilda relives the nightmare of Carl Meagan’s kidnapping and botched ransom payment on the day her husband died. This haunts her day and night, although she still manages to function. As time passes, her mental state improves; how well will she cope with another missing child? Will Matilda beforever second-guessing herself and filled with "if onlys" about a case even after it's resolved?
Michael Wood takes us inside the investigation in ways that feel intensely personal. With Family Liaison Officer Ellen Ellen Devonport on duty 24/7 at the Armitage home following the disappearance of Keeley, we get an up-close and personal look at the family, which includes dad Craig, mother Linda, fourteen-year-old sister Jodie, and four-year-old brother Riley, who is severely disabled due to seizures and a brain injury. At first glance, they seem to be a very close-knit, loving family, but the more time Ellen – and the reader – spends with them, the more questions arise about these individuals. At least one is a potential suspect; I would encourage readers to keep an open mind.
Naturally, since it is a Matilda Darke novel, we get a good look at the police angle as well. Matilda has strong support from most of her team, especially DI Christian Brady and DS Sian Mills. Both are solid officers who seem quite loyal and devoted to “Mat.” I love the camaraderie of this team. When one is in trouble, they all have one another’s backs. This is never more evident than when one is pursued or threatened by a suspect. Everyone joins in to help, regardless of personal risk. There never seems to be a Matilda Darke case in which at least one of her team is not in extreme danger, injured, or even killed. In the office, there is still have the candy drawer, although Sian has drawn the line at keeping it filled and now expects others to pitch in. We even get a better look at the relationship Matilda has with her boss Valerie, who soldiers on even though her husband is in a care facility following a massive stroke. There are other personal dramas that emerge as well, as happens in any workplace.
Lest we forget, these folks are the police. When a potential suspect is found murdered, the investigation ramps up, and so does the tension. The parents are becoming more and more anxious and irritable, so you just know something’s about to break. Oh, my yes! I try to avoid using the term “unputdownable” and other clichés, but this is one highly charged, nail-biter of a plot.
Was it unpredictable? Not exactly, at least, not entirely. But getting there was so much fun. I also loved seeing Matilda start to get out of her deep funk and make positive changes in her personal life. As always, her best friend Adele has a big role in her precious, limited off time once again. But there is someone new in the picture as well. Wink, wink. Will this continue? Only Michael Wood has the answer.
One month after it all began, we are treated to the Epilogue. More goosebumps. I can’t wait to get to number seven!
December 2, 2020
9 year old Keeley Armitage disappears after a trip to the local supermarket with her sister. Her family receives a ransom phone call which reminds DCI Matilda Darke of Carl Meagan abducted 4 years ago who was never found. Matilda took the failure personally and it almost destroyed her and her career .
Stolen Children is the 6th book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. It is a fast paced , police procedural , crime thriller with an exciting plot, gritty characters and so well written.I am a big fan of this series and cannot wait for the next one !
I would like to thank Harper Collins UK , One More Chapter & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
Stolen Children is the 6th book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. It is a fast paced , police procedural , crime thriller with an exciting plot, gritty characters and so well written.I am a big fan of this series and cannot wait for the next one !
I would like to thank Harper Collins UK , One More Chapter & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
October 5, 2020
DCI Matilda Darkem#6
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan, the missing child from Sheffield.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine year old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock. But DCI Matilda Darke can't help,but focus on memories of Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. As she investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and saddness that surrounded Keeley's family. Until she's left with the choice: betray theose closest to her or let a violent killer walk free.
Matilda Darke is determined to,pull out all the stops to find a missing girl and return her to her family. We are teased with cliffhangers at the end of someof the chapters that will keep you turningthe pages. It's a thrillingly read that's full of twists and susoense. I was pulled into the story from the first page. Although this book is part of a series,it can be read as a standalone
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MichaelWood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young boy walks into a police station in France. He claims to be Carl Meagan, the missing child from Sheffield.
On her way home from the supermarket, nine year old Keeley Armitage vanishes without trace. Her family is overcome with shock. But DCI Matilda Darke can't help,but focus on memories of Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. As she investigates, she peels back the layers of grief and saddness that surrounded Keeley's family. Until she's left with the choice: betray theose closest to her or let a violent killer walk free.
Matilda Darke is determined to,pull out all the stops to find a missing girl and return her to her family. We are teased with cliffhangers at the end of someof the chapters that will keep you turningthe pages. It's a thrillingly read that's full of twists and susoense. I was pulled into the story from the first page. Although this book is part of a series,it can be read as a standalone
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MichaelWood for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2021
Even though this is the sixth in the DCI Matilda Darke series and yet the first one that I've read, aside from spoiling some of the earlier books in the series - I was still very much enjoyed it.
The book opens with a young boy walking into a police station in France and claim to be Carl Meagon (a missing child case from one of the previous outings), whilst at the same time nine year old Keeley Armitage has vanished - echoing the same scenario as Meagon's disappearance.
Darke has been plagued with guilt that the original case wasn't resolved, it's not helped that her abilities to do the job is questioned by the press, she's desperate to find the young Armitage girl.
This was a very human side to the hard work and impact these type of cases have on the police force.
Whilst the idea of a ransom for a family who had no hope of paying also felt very real and effective.
I was completely gripped and can imagine the turmoil that our series lead must have undertaken to have been even more impactful if I'd followed the series from the first book.
The ending has definitely made me want to continue with this series, I really need to catch up with the earlier one now...
The book opens with a young boy walking into a police station in France and claim to be Carl Meagon (a missing child case from one of the previous outings), whilst at the same time nine year old Keeley Armitage has vanished - echoing the same scenario as Meagon's disappearance.
Darke has been plagued with guilt that the original case wasn't resolved, it's not helped that her abilities to do the job is questioned by the press, she's desperate to find the young Armitage girl.
This was a very human side to the hard work and impact these type of cases have on the police force.
Whilst the idea of a ransom for a family who had no hope of paying also felt very real and effective.
I was completely gripped and can imagine the turmoil that our series lead must have undertaken to have been even more impactful if I'd followed the series from the first book.
The ending has definitely made me want to continue with this series, I really need to catch up with the earlier one now...
November 9, 2020
What a twisted family, my god, I figure it out a bit, but not all. Great thriller, thank you Netgalley for this fast pacing story.
A nine-year-old girl disappeared and detective Matilda Dark and her team is going to figure it out.
A nine-year-old girl disappeared and detective Matilda Dark and her team is going to figure it out.
April 5, 2021
Wow that's all I can say wow 😲
A real page turner! It's been a while since I have been very impressed by a crime thriller and this one certainly did impress 👌
Certainly a 5 star read and I'd highly recommend.
A real page turner! It's been a while since I have been very impressed by a crime thriller and this one certainly did impress 👌
Certainly a 5 star read and I'd highly recommend.
January 8, 2021
This book is more than 5 star rating.DCI Matilda Drake is back,a case from her past still haunts her comes back to life.The young boy Carl was held for ransom but he was never found.Matilda has so much guilt over this case.Another case is similar are they connected? A missing nine year old Keeley Armitage disappeared outside a shop the child family wasnt rich so why was she taken.The young child family had many problems are they involved? This story involves Maltilda team and some great characters.I really enjoy this series this is one of my go to books when I read a book that let me down.
Looking forward to reading more of Michael woods books.
Looking forward to reading more of Michael woods books.
October 30, 2021
All I can say is please read this book! It’s the first one of this series that I’ve read, which did cause a few spoilers for previous books, but not enough that I won’t be on the look out for the full series x
August 23, 2020
OMFG! Michael Wood opens Stolen Children with a hell of a prologue, I’m sure my heart literally stopped! finally a mystery that has run throughout the Matilda Darke series is revealed (but it’s been so worth the wait). I have loved every one of Michael Wood’s Matilda Darke books but I have to say ‘this is the best one yet’......well maybe until the next one!
Matilda is one of my favourite fictional Detectives I love the way her character is evolving, she’s strong, feisty and determined and yet she has an air of vulnerability, which comes from a cold case that haunts her every waking moment, that of Carl Meagan, a young boy who was kidnapped. Unfortunately Matilda screwed up the ransom drop which led to the kidnappers disappearing along with Carl. Stolen Children opens with the disappearance of nine-year-old Keeley Armitage, who on her way home from a supermarket vanishes without trace. With similarities to the case of Missing Carl, Matilda is more determined than ever to bring Keeley home, and if she doesn’t? well let’s just say it’s the case that could finally break her.
The case is a disturbing one and one which has a big impact on Matilda and her team, you feel their frustration, their feelings of helplessness as the hours tick by and the likelihood of finding Keeley alive diminish. One of the strengths of this series are the regular characters in Matilda’s team, these are characters with feelings, genuine emotions, and depth which you can find sometimes lacking in a crime thriller. Despite the dark plot, there are moments of humour between Matilda and her team which serve to balance the darkness of the plot.
At times I found Stolen Children to be a disturbing read, due to the nature of the crimes, this book felt much darker and more shocking than previous books in the series, although this may sound wrong I felt it made the book all that more intriguing. There are so many clever twists and turns in this sorrowful tale, Michael Wood is a brilliant story teller, he manages to build on the tension and suspense whilst delivering a plot that’s shocking but incredibly gripping. This series is going from strength to strength, the only downside of reading Stolen Children i can see is I now have a long wait until the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
Matilda is one of my favourite fictional Detectives I love the way her character is evolving, she’s strong, feisty and determined and yet she has an air of vulnerability, which comes from a cold case that haunts her every waking moment, that of Carl Meagan, a young boy who was kidnapped. Unfortunately Matilda screwed up the ransom drop which led to the kidnappers disappearing along with Carl. Stolen Children opens with the disappearance of nine-year-old Keeley Armitage, who on her way home from a supermarket vanishes without trace. With similarities to the case of Missing Carl, Matilda is more determined than ever to bring Keeley home, and if she doesn’t? well let’s just say it’s the case that could finally break her.
The case is a disturbing one and one which has a big impact on Matilda and her team, you feel their frustration, their feelings of helplessness as the hours tick by and the likelihood of finding Keeley alive diminish. One of the strengths of this series are the regular characters in Matilda’s team, these are characters with feelings, genuine emotions, and depth which you can find sometimes lacking in a crime thriller. Despite the dark plot, there are moments of humour between Matilda and her team which serve to balance the darkness of the plot.
At times I found Stolen Children to be a disturbing read, due to the nature of the crimes, this book felt much darker and more shocking than previous books in the series, although this may sound wrong I felt it made the book all that more intriguing. There are so many clever twists and turns in this sorrowful tale, Michael Wood is a brilliant story teller, he manages to build on the tension and suspense whilst delivering a plot that’s shocking but incredibly gripping. This series is going from strength to strength, the only downside of reading Stolen Children i can see is I now have a long wait until the next book in the series. Highly recommended.
May 27, 2022
This book is part of the Matilda Darke series but can be read as a standalone. I have read most of the books in the series and thought this one was equally as captivating. It centers on 9-year-old Keeley, who disappears while waiting for her sister outside a supermarket. The situation is eerily similar to the case that Matilda cannot get past, a young boy of the same age who disappeared 3 years ago and has never been found.
I went back and forth a million times trying to figure out who the culprit was; I got part of it partially right, but it it was so much darker and deeper than even I expected, and I really enjoyed the reveal. The book also does a good job in giving the reader just enough information about the characters to be able to make the call as to what might really be happening. The dialogue between the characters was witty and felt real.
I am normally quite annoyed when books spend precious time where I could be reading about the mystery to delve into the personal lives of the police officers. This book does that (and maybe a bit too much) but I enjoyed the dynamic between them, though there are a lot of characters and it takes a bit to keep everyone's relationships with each other straight.
Overall, this was another winner in this series and I am excited to see what DCI Darke gets herself into next time! I'd recommend to those who like mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I went back and forth a million times trying to figure out who the culprit was; I got part of it partially right, but it it was so much darker and deeper than even I expected, and I really enjoyed the reveal. The book also does a good job in giving the reader just enough information about the characters to be able to make the call as to what might really be happening. The dialogue between the characters was witty and felt real.
I am normally quite annoyed when books spend precious time where I could be reading about the mystery to delve into the personal lives of the police officers. This book does that (and maybe a bit too much) but I enjoyed the dynamic between them, though there are a lot of characters and it takes a bit to keep everyone's relationships with each other straight.
Overall, this was another winner in this series and I am excited to see what DCI Darke gets herself into next time! I'd recommend to those who like mysteries and police procedurals. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2020
Matilda has always been haunted throughout this series by the cases that the one she hunted got away...or the more accurately, "the one she didn't get back." The book will play havoc with your emotions...the family is filled with so much emotional baggage it seems to almost ooze from their pores. Truly the mothers torment by this girls disappearance is almost painful to read. I began to distrust almost everything the family said and did and so did the police. Few authors can produce the effect on me that Michael Wood can. He always portrays such brilliantly vivid, true to life characters in his stories that the reader just has to read one more page...until one more page turns into no more pages and your realize that you have had the adventure of another great case with an ending so full of promise that has left you hungry for more.
July 11, 2022
Easily the best one this far! A double scare, as cover reveals. A child is taken. A ransom demand. At the same time, a young boy steps into a French police station claiming to be the lost Carl that has defined so much of our heroines life…
This would have been a five if only the annoying odd spelling and grammar errors hadn’t been in here causing me to do a number of double takes throughout. I’m a bit concerned with the ultimate ending as well, can this continuing story be made to make sense?
This would have been a five if only the annoying odd spelling and grammar errors hadn’t been in here causing me to do a number of double takes throughout. I’m a bit concerned with the ultimate ending as well, can this continuing story be made to make sense?
August 7, 2020
4 Stars
DS Sian Mills and DC Finn Cotton were the first to respond to an hysterical mother who is reporting that her daughter has been kidnapped.
Amanda is the name of the distraught neighbor of Linda and Craig Armitage whose nine-year old daughter Keeley has been taken. Their other two children Riley and Jodie are at home. Riley is wearing a helmet and mittens. He is severely disabled.
Something is not right; something coincidental...Enter DCI Matilda Darke. When the FLO visits the home, she gets the same sense of something odd, something off.
The book harkens back in time to the abduction of Carl Megan. His mother has spiraled downward ever since his disappearance. DCI Matilda was essentially blamed for his not being found, and now she is sure he is dead.
Four years later, and contemporary with Keeley's story, a young boy, eleven-years old, presents himself to the local gendarmerie in France and says he is Carl Meagan. Is it really him? DNA tests are on the way.
A ransom demand is made that is way beyond the family's means. Matilda immediately believes this to be a hoax. When the kidnapper does not call back, the team suspects that Keeley is dead.
This book presumes too much in spots. I had the same reaction that another reviewer had in that how did the do-er of the crime(s) know that Matilda would be assigned to the case? Some illogical leaps were made. The writing, however is very fine and the plotting is well done. I was glad to meet with some of my old “friends” on the detective squad. It's nice to catch up. The plots of this series of book are very closely tied together. Although they may be read as stand alone novels, I think it would be better to read them in sequence. More please, Mr. Wood.
I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
DS Sian Mills and DC Finn Cotton were the first to respond to an hysterical mother who is reporting that her daughter has been kidnapped.
Amanda is the name of the distraught neighbor of Linda and Craig Armitage whose nine-year old daughter Keeley has been taken. Their other two children Riley and Jodie are at home. Riley is wearing a helmet and mittens. He is severely disabled.
Something is not right; something coincidental...Enter DCI Matilda Darke. When the FLO visits the home, she gets the same sense of something odd, something off.
The book harkens back in time to the abduction of Carl Megan. His mother has spiraled downward ever since his disappearance. DCI Matilda was essentially blamed for his not being found, and now she is sure he is dead.
Four years later, and contemporary with Keeley's story, a young boy, eleven-years old, presents himself to the local gendarmerie in France and says he is Carl Meagan. Is it really him? DNA tests are on the way.
A ransom demand is made that is way beyond the family's means. Matilda immediately believes this to be a hoax. When the kidnapper does not call back, the team suspects that Keeley is dead.
This book presumes too much in spots. I had the same reaction that another reviewer had in that how did the do-er of the crime(s) know that Matilda would be assigned to the case? Some illogical leaps were made. The writing, however is very fine and the plotting is well done. I was glad to meet with some of my old “friends” on the detective squad. It's nice to catch up. The plots of this series of book are very closely tied together. Although they may be read as stand alone novels, I think it would be better to read them in sequence. More please, Mr. Wood.
I want to thank NetGalley and HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
October 1, 2020
This is a brilliant addition to this series and the best book so far.
The story is quite hard hitting but is dealt with sensitively.
DCI Matilda Darke is asked to investigate when a 9 year old girl goes missing. Her mum gets a call saying she’s been kidnapped and they want £50,000.
The family are not well off so there’s no way they can raise the money but then they hear nothing further from the kidnapper.
Matilda was involved in another missing person case and this one reminds her of that, and she just hopes it has a better outcome.
I can’t say much more as I don’t want to give any element of the story away as this one is a crime thriller with a few twists.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and after the epilogue, can’t wait to find out what happens next.
This is a fantastic crime thriller that can be read as a stand alone but this is a great series, so go for it and read them all.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
The story is quite hard hitting but is dealt with sensitively.
DCI Matilda Darke is asked to investigate when a 9 year old girl goes missing. Her mum gets a call saying she’s been kidnapped and they want £50,000.
The family are not well off so there’s no way they can raise the money but then they hear nothing further from the kidnapper.
Matilda was involved in another missing person case and this one reminds her of that, and she just hopes it has a better outcome.
I can’t say much more as I don’t want to give any element of the story away as this one is a crime thriller with a few twists.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and after the epilogue, can’t wait to find out what happens next.
This is a fantastic crime thriller that can be read as a stand alone but this is a great series, so go for it and read them all.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 17, 2020
4.5* --> 5*
When nine year old Keeley disappears without a trace and a ransom demand is made, Matilda can’t help but be overwhelmed by the memories of the Carl Meagan case. A case that went horribly wrong and almost ruined her career, as any long-time reader of this series knows very well. Matilda is determined that won’t happen again. But will she be able to stay focused when she hears that a young boy has walked into a police station in France claiming he is the missing Carl?
The Stolen Children is the sixth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series and it goes without saying that you should of course read them all in order from the very beginning. Not only because of the Carl Meagan arc, not only because of the team dynamics, not only because each and every book in this series is brilliant, but also because it’ll give you the opportunity to see how Matilda has evolved. She has always been fierce and determined but also really vulnerable. Partly due to the case of the missing Carl Meagan that’s been haunting her for years, made worse by the fact it coincided with one of the worst events of her personal life. Could it be the time to heal and move on has finally come?
The prologue alone already made me sit up and pay attention, especially because lucky me didn’t read the book blurb beforehand so I had no idea what was coming. From then on, it felt as if I barely managed to take a breath. The pace of this story seemed almost relentless with things happening left, right and centre. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, something would throw me off and make me doubt my theory. I wasn’t at all prepared for how dark and disturbing this tale would turn out to be. It sometimes made for some uncomfortable reading and each shocking revelation felt like a punch to the gut. By the end, I couldn’t quite decide if I should have been feeling angry or devastated or both.
Luckily, there are some lighter moments throughout. This is where the fantastic team dynamics Michael Wood has set up throughout the years really come into play. Just like the team needs to be able to joke around for a bit in the midst of all the ugliness they deal with it, the reader too needs that teensie-weensie moment to have a wee chuckle. But if you’ve been following this series, then you also know this is an author who has no qualms whatsoever putting these beloved characters in danger.
With lots of questions that need answers, tension and suspense, a gripping plot and great characters, The Stolen Children is another fantastic addition to the DCI Matilda Darke series. Deeply addictive, it provided me with the perfect escape during a week that seemed filled with truckloads of craziness and Michael Wood has once again made sure I will definitely be back for more from Matilda and her team.
When nine year old Keeley disappears without a trace and a ransom demand is made, Matilda can’t help but be overwhelmed by the memories of the Carl Meagan case. A case that went horribly wrong and almost ruined her career, as any long-time reader of this series knows very well. Matilda is determined that won’t happen again. But will she be able to stay focused when she hears that a young boy has walked into a police station in France claiming he is the missing Carl?
The Stolen Children is the sixth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series and it goes without saying that you should of course read them all in order from the very beginning. Not only because of the Carl Meagan arc, not only because of the team dynamics, not only because each and every book in this series is brilliant, but also because it’ll give you the opportunity to see how Matilda has evolved. She has always been fierce and determined but also really vulnerable. Partly due to the case of the missing Carl Meagan that’s been haunting her for years, made worse by the fact it coincided with one of the worst events of her personal life. Could it be the time to heal and move on has finally come?
The prologue alone already made me sit up and pay attention, especially because lucky me didn’t read the book blurb beforehand so I had no idea what was coming. From then on, it felt as if I barely managed to take a breath. The pace of this story seemed almost relentless with things happening left, right and centre. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, something would throw me off and make me doubt my theory. I wasn’t at all prepared for how dark and disturbing this tale would turn out to be. It sometimes made for some uncomfortable reading and each shocking revelation felt like a punch to the gut. By the end, I couldn’t quite decide if I should have been feeling angry or devastated or both.
Luckily, there are some lighter moments throughout. This is where the fantastic team dynamics Michael Wood has set up throughout the years really come into play. Just like the team needs to be able to joke around for a bit in the midst of all the ugliness they deal with it, the reader too needs that teensie-weensie moment to have a wee chuckle. But if you’ve been following this series, then you also know this is an author who has no qualms whatsoever putting these beloved characters in danger.
With lots of questions that need answers, tension and suspense, a gripping plot and great characters, The Stolen Children is another fantastic addition to the DCI Matilda Darke series. Deeply addictive, it provided me with the perfect escape during a week that seemed filled with truckloads of craziness and Michael Wood has once again made sure I will definitely be back for more from Matilda and her team.
August 9, 2020
This is the 6th book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. I read the 1st book in this series just over 6 months ago and was instantly drawn in by the strength of the characters and the intriguing plots. Since then I have read all the other books in the series and I am hooked. This book would work as a stand alone, but if you intend to read the series and why wouldn't you I would suggest reading them in order. Also due to cases from earlier books being mentioned it would make more sense to keep to the order.
One of the strengths of this series is the regular characters in DCI Matilda Darke's team, all of them come alive between the pages and are easy to relate to.
9 year old Keeley Armitage vanishes following a trip to the local supermarket with her sister. While her distraught family is in shock, DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. Carl Meagan was abducted 4 years ago and was never found. Matilda took the failure personally and many people blamed her for him not being found.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will hook you and keep you dangling until the very end. Another excellent novel.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
One of the strengths of this series is the regular characters in DCI Matilda Darke's team, all of them come alive between the pages and are easy to relate to.
9 year old Keeley Armitage vanishes following a trip to the local supermarket with her sister. While her distraught family is in shock, DCI Matilda Darke can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. Carl Meagan was abducted 4 years ago and was never found. Matilda took the failure personally and many people blamed her for him not being found.
This is a fast paced crime thriller that will hook you and keep you dangling until the very end. Another excellent novel.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2023
I am currently binge reading this series and playing catch up and thoroughly enjoying the series. This latest book is certainly dark and wont be everybody's cup of tea due to the subject matter (abuse etc features heavily in this). However, that small mention aside this was another great addition. For readers familiar with the series they will know about the one case Matilda Darke feels she failed on which features the kidnap and dissapearance of a young boy named Carl Meaghan. When a young family receive a ransom demand for their missing young daughter Keeley Matilda's fears another repeat of what happened previously.
Matilda and her trusted team all star working on the case surrounding the Meaghan family. Like any Michael Wood storyline nothing is straightforward. Keeley is the middle child with an older sister Jodie and a younger disabled brother Riley. Her Mother Linda falls apart as does the husband and father Craig. The family are not well off so it poses the question whether this kidnap request is real. Matilda meanwhile is also dealing with the shocking news that a young boy has walked into a police station in France claiming he is the missing boy Carl Meaghan.
Although I am sure you could read this as a standalone it makes way more sense ot read as part of the series. That way you have background on everything related to Matilda and her struggles with the Meaghan case. You also get to know and come to love the other characters that she works alongside such as Sian, Rory, Scott and Christian to name a few. This story definitely hi hard although I admit I had worked out the killer around the halfway mark. That certainly didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book and as ever I am totally ready to move on to the next book in the series.
Matilda and her trusted team all star working on the case surrounding the Meaghan family. Like any Michael Wood storyline nothing is straightforward. Keeley is the middle child with an older sister Jodie and a younger disabled brother Riley. Her Mother Linda falls apart as does the husband and father Craig. The family are not well off so it poses the question whether this kidnap request is real. Matilda meanwhile is also dealing with the shocking news that a young boy has walked into a police station in France claiming he is the missing boy Carl Meaghan.
Although I am sure you could read this as a standalone it makes way more sense ot read as part of the series. That way you have background on everything related to Matilda and her struggles with the Meaghan case. You also get to know and come to love the other characters that she works alongside such as Sian, Rory, Scott and Christian to name a few. This story definitely hi hard although I admit I had worked out the killer around the halfway mark. That certainly didn't lessen my enjoyment of the book and as ever I am totally ready to move on to the next book in the series.
November 10, 2020
This addition to
Michael Wood's
brilliant Sheffield based crime series, featuring DCI Matilda Darke and her Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), was a magnificent read.
Stolen Children
is the sixth instalment and my third in the series so far, having previously only read book one, For Reasons Unknown and book five, The Murder House. Having missed the books in between I'm sure to have lost out on some back story, though I didn't feel it detracted from my enjoyment of this book, as for me, it worked well as an individual read.
In Stolen Children a young girl, Keeley Armitage, disappears from outside a supermarket and a young boy walks into a police station in France, claiming to be Carl Meagan, who went missing in Sheffield four years ago. Matilda can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. In Keeley's case, a ransom call is placed but will Matilda and the HMET team be able to find her?
Matilda makes a great fictional detective and I love that she’s feisty and determined and has a strong sense of justice, yet she has an air of vulnerability that haunts her. The other characters are interesting, likeable (mostly) and believable, and I quickly became invested in them and their lives. I respected DS Sian Mills, a supporting character who very much has her own style and is definitely not a stereotypical detective! A major highlight of this crime series is the focus on the HMET police team, their relationships, and their support for each other, although they bring along their fair share of problems too.
The plot is complex with a high shock factor and varying lines of enquiry. With twists, turns and red herrings in abundance, Stolen Children certainly held my devoted attention from the first page to the finish and didn't disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stolen Children and I'm counting down the days until the next book in the series is released. In the meantime, I have books two to four to look forward to! A truly terrific read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
In Stolen Children a young girl, Keeley Armitage, disappears from outside a supermarket and a young boy walks into a police station in France, claiming to be Carl Meagan, who went missing in Sheffield four years ago. Matilda can’t help but focus on memories of the Carl Meagan case that almost ruined her career. In Keeley's case, a ransom call is placed but will Matilda and the HMET team be able to find her?
Matilda makes a great fictional detective and I love that she’s feisty and determined and has a strong sense of justice, yet she has an air of vulnerability that haunts her. The other characters are interesting, likeable (mostly) and believable, and I quickly became invested in them and their lives. I respected DS Sian Mills, a supporting character who very much has her own style and is definitely not a stereotypical detective! A major highlight of this crime series is the focus on the HMET police team, their relationships, and their support for each other, although they bring along their fair share of problems too.
The plot is complex with a high shock factor and varying lines of enquiry. With twists, turns and red herrings in abundance, Stolen Children certainly held my devoted attention from the first page to the finish and didn't disappoint.
I thoroughly enjoyed Stolen Children and I'm counting down the days until the next book in the series is released. In the meantime, I have books two to four to look forward to! A truly terrific read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from One More Chapter via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
September 17, 2020
Even though I am writing my review the day after I finished this book, my heart is still racing.
Without a doubt this is a series that just gets better and better. How the author does it, I really do not know but I can not get enough of them. The pacing started off steady and then went off the scale. At least half of this book I was on the edge of my sit and I could not rest for one minute. The build up of tension and emotions was just phenomenal and it kept me awake most of the night trying to let everything sink in at what I had read. It’s a storyline that really grabs hold of you.
I love how we get the mix of the Carl Meagan case, which like Matilda, I won’t rest until I find out the truth and a new case of a missing girl. Keeley’s family members had me going through so many emotions and what they were having to deal with as well as already dealing with. I loved the character Ellen Devonport who is the family liaison officer for the family. It was great to get a better insight as to what their job entails and how they go about doing their job whilst offering support.
What I particularly enjoyed was that even though Matilda is very much the lead character, her team play such a pivotal role in the story and I enjoyed that they all had their part to play of which tied in nicely with the cases. Their is a strong bond between these team members and I like that we get to see a bigger cast of team members which is a lot more true to life than the usual lead detective and their side kick.
Stolen Children is a crime novel that will seriously mess with your head. It is so compulsive. I put it down with the intention of going to sleep as it was past my bedtime but had to pick it back up again to finish it. The need to know was so strong and my mind was going into overdrive at what was being revealed to us. This was such an incredible read that has clung to me and got the adrenaline going. There were so many shocks that it should probably come with a warning. Brilliant! Can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Without a doubt this is a series that just gets better and better. How the author does it, I really do not know but I can not get enough of them. The pacing started off steady and then went off the scale. At least half of this book I was on the edge of my sit and I could not rest for one minute. The build up of tension and emotions was just phenomenal and it kept me awake most of the night trying to let everything sink in at what I had read. It’s a storyline that really grabs hold of you.
I love how we get the mix of the Carl Meagan case, which like Matilda, I won’t rest until I find out the truth and a new case of a missing girl. Keeley’s family members had me going through so many emotions and what they were having to deal with as well as already dealing with. I loved the character Ellen Devonport who is the family liaison officer for the family. It was great to get a better insight as to what their job entails and how they go about doing their job whilst offering support.
What I particularly enjoyed was that even though Matilda is very much the lead character, her team play such a pivotal role in the story and I enjoyed that they all had their part to play of which tied in nicely with the cases. Their is a strong bond between these team members and I like that we get to see a bigger cast of team members which is a lot more true to life than the usual lead detective and their side kick.
Stolen Children is a crime novel that will seriously mess with your head. It is so compulsive. I put it down with the intention of going to sleep as it was past my bedtime but had to pick it back up again to finish it. The need to know was so strong and my mind was going into overdrive at what was being revealed to us. This was such an incredible read that has clung to me and got the adrenaline going. There were so many shocks that it should probably come with a warning. Brilliant! Can’t wait for the next one.
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
September 7, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, one More Chapter for an advance copy of Stolen Children, the sixth novel to feature Sheffield based DCI Matilda Darke.
When 9 year old Keeley Armitage disappears on her way home from the supermarket and her mother receives a ransom call Matilda is thrown back into her worst nightmare, the case she botched badly three years earlier, the kidnap of Karl Meagan.
I enjoyed Stolen Children which pits Matilda and her determination to get this case right against a volatile family dynamic where nothing is clear cut. I like the novel for its readable style and strong characterisation. It also has unexpected events that jolt the reader out of complacency. Having said that, I was very disappointed in the transparency of the plot. I had the perpetrator and the motive worked out before I was half way through so my main interest after that was how it would play out and I can’t help but think that Matilda and the team were a bit thick on that one.
I like this series for the characters and the sense of practicality in the investigation. I thought Keeley’s mother, Linda, was well drawn in her hysteria and illogicality. It added to the urgency of the investigation and the read. I like Matilda Darke as she is a woman with real world, identifiable problems, be it a misbehaving member of her team or her mortification over the mishandling of Karl Meagan’s abduction. This is a recurring thread in the series and perhaps it’s time to allow her to move on as she is in other areas of her life.
Stolen Children is a good read for the characters and their interactions but let down by over obvious plotting.
When 9 year old Keeley Armitage disappears on her way home from the supermarket and her mother receives a ransom call Matilda is thrown back into her worst nightmare, the case she botched badly three years earlier, the kidnap of Karl Meagan.
I enjoyed Stolen Children which pits Matilda and her determination to get this case right against a volatile family dynamic where nothing is clear cut. I like the novel for its readable style and strong characterisation. It also has unexpected events that jolt the reader out of complacency. Having said that, I was very disappointed in the transparency of the plot. I had the perpetrator and the motive worked out before I was half way through so my main interest after that was how it would play out and I can’t help but think that Matilda and the team were a bit thick on that one.
I like this series for the characters and the sense of practicality in the investigation. I thought Keeley’s mother, Linda, was well drawn in her hysteria and illogicality. It added to the urgency of the investigation and the read. I like Matilda Darke as she is a woman with real world, identifiable problems, be it a misbehaving member of her team or her mortification over the mishandling of Karl Meagan’s abduction. This is a recurring thread in the series and perhaps it’s time to allow her to move on as she is in other areas of her life.
Stolen Children is a good read for the characters and their interactions but let down by over obvious plotting.
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