Up there with best

A character based crime thriller, I have read so many I’ve lost count. Holmes, Poirot, Morse, Wexford, Vera - this one sits amongst the best. Excellent, richly drawn believable characters and a cracking mystery.

I will be checking out the rest of this series and others by the author.

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2 people found this helpful

Great story and narration

Most books are just "okay" or slightly better - I found this book very easy to get in to, to keep me interested and isn't too far fetched or silly! I was highly impressed as you never really know what you're going to get when you purchase a new author but I shall be continuing this series for sure! 🙌🙌
Highly recommended if you are a crime fan!

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2 people found this helpful

I loved this

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. The story kept me guessing throughout. Just brilliant.

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1 person found this helpful

Good character let down by story.

Character was interesting and engaging. However this story led you to believe the outcome from the start.

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Good first book in the series

I enjoyed the characters and book overall and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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This was excellent

I couldn’t put this down such a great story with really authentic surprises. Keeps you guessing all through to the end. Will definitely be going to the next in series.

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8 people found this helpful

Fantastic Characterisation

I love finding a new Author with a series. And what a cracker there is here. Matilda Darke is a damaged soul from the outset of the book, battling with her own issues, coming back to work. It doesn't take long to be totally rooting for her though. She's not a down-trodden went blanket, though: Michael Wood gives us just enough back story, and more "show" than "tell" to really shape he genuine struggles. These run parallel to the cold case she is given, reluctantly, at the start. Restrictions on her working conditions posing a hurdle to navigate. The story moves quickly, and the web of possibilities complicates. New bits of info pop up throughout the book making each red herring go a little purple, then blue, the red again. Satellite characters feed into the major plotline, all with just enough description to move the story forward. I'd say if you like your McDermid, you'll love these - there are nods to other crime writers in the book itself... Matilda Darke even gets compared to Vera Stanhope, and to be fair, I can see that. But only a nod. I like Matilda Darke and I want to follow her. A cracking first series that I will be following up on.

Credit should also go to the narration by Stephanie Beattie - excellent pace, clear voice, great characterisation.

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8 people found this helpful

Far Fetched But Good!

This I suppose a police procedural. I'm no expert, but I think it highly unlikely most events or relationships are ever going on in a police station. Or at least I hope not!

But having said that It is an easy listen with a fairly simple storyline ( I'm no good following complicated plots!). It has some surprises and twists and turns. Matilda the main character is likeable and flawed.

So do download and enjoy if you like an easy listen.

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7 people found this helpful

A solid bit of crime fiction.

I enjoyed this book, the first in a new series for me. I will be purchasing the next book and expect to listen to the whole series.

The characters are believable and the story is clever enough that it is not obvious at any point. The personal story of DCI Matilda Dark, the main character, is at times given excessive prominence in my view. However, this does detract from the quality of the book and the author, Michael Wood, is clearly excellent and skilled in his craft.

I have not given it five stars as it is not m exceptional crime fiction novel. But it is excellent and I happily recommend it to others.

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Gripping

I binged listened to this over 3 days..just discovered this author and so far loving his books..now I’m going to buy some extra credits to continue the Matilda Darke series!
Wonderfully read too.

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