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DCI Matilda Darke #9
The Lost Children
Matilda Darke is back…
APRIL 2020: LOCKDOWN
With street crime at an all-time low, Matilda and her team finally find the time to dig into their backlog of cold cases.
DI Brady has been tracing victims of systemic abuse at a local children’s home after a high-profile accusation pitched it into the spotlight – a case that couldn’t be more personal.
Nothing could have prepared them for what they uncover next…
As they piece together the disturbing picture of the history of the home, it soon becomes clear that this is much bigger than either of them ever suspected.
When they find the body of a former staff member in a supermarket car park, Matilda realises her days on the force could be numbered.
The Lost Children is an utterly gripping crime thriller weaving a breakneck tale of a vast network of secrets and lies, a relentless detective determined to sabotage it, and a murder that shatters two decades of silence.
APRIL 2020: LOCKDOWN
With street crime at an all-time low, Matilda and her team finally find the time to dig into their backlog of cold cases.
DI Brady has been tracing victims of systemic abuse at a local children’s home after a high-profile accusation pitched it into the spotlight – a case that couldn’t be more personal.
Nothing could have prepared them for what they uncover next…
As they piece together the disturbing picture of the history of the home, it soon becomes clear that this is much bigger than either of them ever suspected.
When they find the body of a former staff member in a supermarket car park, Matilda realises her days on the force could be numbered.
The Lost Children is an utterly gripping crime thriller weaving a breakneck tale of a vast network of secrets and lies, a relentless detective determined to sabotage it, and a murder that shatters two decades of silence.
435 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2022
268 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
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July 20, 2022
EXCERPT: A figure stepped forward. He had a dirty white cloth in his hand, no bigger than a handkerchief, that he wrapped around Peter's mouth, tying it tightly at the the back of his head. Peter choked and struggled, but he was no match against his restraints. He could taste dirt and oil. The cloth was putrid.
A second figure stepped forward. He held up a heavy petrol can and slowly unscrewed the cap. He waved it under Peter's nose so he could smell what was inside. Peter turned away. The figure tipped the contents over Peter's head, soaking him, drenching him in the fuel. The liquid was cold. The shock of his plunging body temperature made him want to scream out, but it was hopeless. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and struggled against the ropes that held him to the chair. He tried to scream but the gag was too tight, his cries were muffled. He choked on the smell and taste of the rancid petrol.
Once the can was empty and the jeers had died down, he dared to open his eyes. All he saw in front of him was blackness.
A third figure by the door flicked a lighter. The face was lit up, but behind the balaclava, all Peter could make out were two wide brown eyes.
'This is a warning, Peter. Your first and your last. One more word to the police, and we'll tie you to a chair again. Only next time, it won't be you we pour petrol over, it will be every single boy living here in Magnolia House. We'll line them up, douse them in petrol and set them alight right in front of you.'
ABOUT 'THE LOST CHILDREN': Matilda Darke is back…
APRIL 2020: LOCKDOWN
With street crime at an all-time low, Matilda and her team finally find the time to dig into their backlog of cold cases.
DI Brady has been tracing victims of systemic abuse at a local children’s home after a high-profile accusation pitched it into the spotlight – a case that couldn’t be more personal.
Nothing could have prepared them for what they uncover next…
As they piece together the disturbing picture of the history of the home, it soon becomes clear that this is much bigger than either of them ever suspected.
MY THOUGHTS: A Content Notice at the front of this book includes the following warning: The Lost Children explores many themes, the main one being child abuse and historical sexual abuse. Kudos to author Michael Wood for being up front about the content of his novel.
This series has been addictive and gripping from the start, but Michael Wood has dialed it up a notch with The Lost Children and written the best book in the series yet. This is the tensest, twistyest and most emotional read of the series. I was awake most of the night last night, unable to put this down until I had turned the last page.
And then I still couldn't sleep. The last page is explosive. It stole my breath. And I want #10 in this series NOW!
Although it is hard to read about the abuse that is inflicted upon these children, it is necessary to make us, the readers, aware that it still happens. We need to know that paedophiles are not necessarily grubby men in raincoats lurking in parks and playgrounds. They can just as easily be well respected men in positions of power.
Michael Wood portrays both the mental and physical pain and suffering sensitively and with great empathy. He is a master at this.
Set at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in the UK, the lockdown is just one more challenge for Matilda and her team to face. In some ways it works for them, in some, against.
DI Christian Brady features prominently in The Lost Children, the case becoming very personal for him. And Sian's life is in a maelstrom of change. Matilda's team has seen been through many changes in the past, but this may prove to be the most major yet.
I really can't recommend this series highly enough. Michael Wood has created a cast of characters that have become as familiar to me as my own family. While he may write his plots with a brutal honesty, he obviously cares for his characters, and makes us care for them too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheLostChildren #NetGalley
I: @michaelwoodbooks @onemorechapter
T: @MichaelHWood @OneMoreChapter
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #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 The Lost 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/...
A second figure stepped forward. He held up a heavy petrol can and slowly unscrewed the cap. He waved it under Peter's nose so he could smell what was inside. Peter turned away. The figure tipped the contents over Peter's head, soaking him, drenching him in the fuel. The liquid was cold. The shock of his plunging body temperature made him want to scream out, but it was hopeless. He squeezed his eyes tightly shut and struggled against the ropes that held him to the chair. He tried to scream but the gag was too tight, his cries were muffled. He choked on the smell and taste of the rancid petrol.
Once the can was empty and the jeers had died down, he dared to open his eyes. All he saw in front of him was blackness.
A third figure by the door flicked a lighter. The face was lit up, but behind the balaclava, all Peter could make out were two wide brown eyes.
'This is a warning, Peter. Your first and your last. One more word to the police, and we'll tie you to a chair again. Only next time, it won't be you we pour petrol over, it will be every single boy living here in Magnolia House. We'll line them up, douse them in petrol and set them alight right in front of you.'
ABOUT 'THE LOST CHILDREN': Matilda Darke is back…
APRIL 2020: LOCKDOWN
With street crime at an all-time low, Matilda and her team finally find the time to dig into their backlog of cold cases.
DI Brady has been tracing victims of systemic abuse at a local children’s home after a high-profile accusation pitched it into the spotlight – a case that couldn’t be more personal.
Nothing could have prepared them for what they uncover next…
As they piece together the disturbing picture of the history of the home, it soon becomes clear that this is much bigger than either of them ever suspected.
MY THOUGHTS: A Content Notice at the front of this book includes the following warning: The Lost Children explores many themes, the main one being child abuse and historical sexual abuse. Kudos to author Michael Wood for being up front about the content of his novel.
This series has been addictive and gripping from the start, but Michael Wood has dialed it up a notch with The Lost Children and written the best book in the series yet. This is the tensest, twistyest and most emotional read of the series. I was awake most of the night last night, unable to put this down until I had turned the last page.
And then I still couldn't sleep. The last page is explosive. It stole my breath. And I want #10 in this series NOW!
Although it is hard to read about the abuse that is inflicted upon these children, it is necessary to make us, the readers, aware that it still happens. We need to know that paedophiles are not necessarily grubby men in raincoats lurking in parks and playgrounds. They can just as easily be well respected men in positions of power.
Michael Wood portrays both the mental and physical pain and suffering sensitively and with great empathy. He is a master at this.
Set at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in the UK, the lockdown is just one more challenge for Matilda and her team to face. In some ways it works for them, in some, against.
DI Christian Brady features prominently in The Lost Children, the case becoming very personal for him. And Sian's life is in a maelstrom of change. Matilda's team has seen been through many changes in the past, but this may prove to be the most major yet.
I really can't recommend this series highly enough. Michael Wood has created a cast of characters that have become as familiar to me as my own family. While he may write his plots with a brutal honesty, he obviously cares for his characters, and makes us care for them too.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheLostChildren #NetGalley
I: @michaelwoodbooks @onemorechapter
T: @MichaelHWood @OneMoreChapter
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #suspense #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 The Lost 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/...
May 24, 2022
DCI Matilda Darke #9
4+
In 1997 Reverend Peter Ogilvy visits the South Yorkshire Chief Constable to report a child’s murder at Magnolia House children’s home and implores him to take his allegations seriously but he is later terrified into silence. In March 2020 DCI Matilda Darke of the Homicide and Major crimes unit attends a horrifying crime scene that literally sickens many of those present. The victim is wealthy property developer Richard Ashton and it’s obvious this is a very personal killing, clearly revengeful but for what? Matilda is on a mission and despite what the powers that be might want she is determined to seek out the truth.
First of all, this is a stellar crime series and yet another gripping page turner but I’m not going to pretend it’s anything other than dark and grim reading at times. This police team are terrific and they all feel very familiar now so you understand their motivation and quirks. Matilda is still haunted by the past which grips her like a vice but a couple of the others are also wrestling with demons and this of course makes them feel authentic.
The March 2020 timing serves an excellent purpose to as of course, how can we forget, this is the start of the pandemic. This virus mirrors a different and sickening virus and is just as frightful, there is also a virus of silence but thankfully this worsening and massive case is isolated and locked down
There are so many horrific turns in the plot which deepens to murky black Mariana Trench depths.
This is inevitably an emotional read as it makes you go through a rollercoaster of feelings and although the author leaves you in no doubt of what has happened it is also sensitively done. Some sections are very powerful as you feel the pain of those living with the aftermath of the damage that is done to them. There is at least one scene that moves to tears.
My only reservation is the conclusion of the enquiry seems to be resolved a bit too easily although the setting of that adds a considerable amount of atmosphere to what transpires.
As per usual, Mr Wood leaves us with an on tenterhooks ending with an enormous degree of uncertainty. Talk about a cliffhanger! I do hope number 10 is well underway so I can step away from the cliff!
Overall, this is a riveting page turner which deals with a shocking topic and does so well.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and Sarah Roberts for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
4+
In 1997 Reverend Peter Ogilvy visits the South Yorkshire Chief Constable to report a child’s murder at Magnolia House children’s home and implores him to take his allegations seriously but he is later terrified into silence. In March 2020 DCI Matilda Darke of the Homicide and Major crimes unit attends a horrifying crime scene that literally sickens many of those present. The victim is wealthy property developer Richard Ashton and it’s obvious this is a very personal killing, clearly revengeful but for what? Matilda is on a mission and despite what the powers that be might want she is determined to seek out the truth.
First of all, this is a stellar crime series and yet another gripping page turner but I’m not going to pretend it’s anything other than dark and grim reading at times. This police team are terrific and they all feel very familiar now so you understand their motivation and quirks. Matilda is still haunted by the past which grips her like a vice but a couple of the others are also wrestling with demons and this of course makes them feel authentic.
The March 2020 timing serves an excellent purpose to as of course, how can we forget, this is the start of the pandemic. This virus mirrors a different and sickening virus and is just as frightful, there is also a virus of silence but thankfully this worsening and massive case is isolated and locked down
There are so many horrific turns in the plot which deepens to murky black Mariana Trench depths.
This is inevitably an emotional read as it makes you go through a rollercoaster of feelings and although the author leaves you in no doubt of what has happened it is also sensitively done. Some sections are very powerful as you feel the pain of those living with the aftermath of the damage that is done to them. There is at least one scene that moves to tears.
My only reservation is the conclusion of the enquiry seems to be resolved a bit too easily although the setting of that adds a considerable amount of atmosphere to what transpires.
As per usual, Mr Wood leaves us with an on tenterhooks ending with an enormous degree of uncertainty. Talk about a cliffhanger! I do hope number 10 is well underway so I can step away from the cliff!
Overall, this is a riveting page turner which deals with a shocking topic and does so well.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter and Sarah Roberts for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
May 21, 2022
Firstly I would like to Thank netgalley and HarperCollins one more chapter and Michael wood for a copy of this book to read.
This is a fantastic series,Im never disappointed reading his books.DCI Matilda Drake and her team investigate a case involving child abuse,The author gives a warning in this book and handles the subject with care.I normally avoid books with sexual abuse,I couldnt resist this reading this series.no one wanted to investigate this case.Is someone higher in authority hiding something. A murder of a businessman a gruesome murder,Is there a connection?Highly recommend this series,one of my favourite authors, looking forward to the next instalment.
This is a fantastic series,Im never disappointed reading his books.DCI Matilda Drake and her team investigate a case involving child abuse,The author gives a warning in this book and handles the subject with care.I normally avoid books with sexual abuse,I couldnt resist this reading this series.no one wanted to investigate this case.Is someone higher in authority hiding something. A murder of a businessman a gruesome murder,Is there a connection?Highly recommend this series,one of my favourite authors, looking forward to the next instalment.
June 2, 2022
In 1997 the Reverend Peter Ogilvy meets with the Chief Constable of the Sheffield constabulary, Tony Bates, to report the death of a seven year old boy at the Magnolia House boys home. Bates tells him to leave it with him. But nothing happens except the Reverend is shockingly threatened to keep his mouth shut.
In 2020, just as COVID is starting to spread police are called to a brutal murder scene. Richard Ashcroft, a wealthy and successful businessman, developer and philanthropist has been murdered in a way that seems to be very personal. DCI Matilda Darke and her team soon discover that Ashcroft funded the establishment of Magnolia House which has since closed its doors.
Meanwhile DI Christian Brady has been trying to track down victims of abuse at Magnolia House after some allegations are aired. As the team begins to dig into Ashcroft’s affairs, wondering if there is a link to his murder this line of inquiry is swiftly shut down by Matilda’s boss.
The plot thickens when more men are murdered, evidence disappears and ACC Ridley himself shuts Matilda’s team down. Clearly there is something very fishy going on and there may be corruption at the highest levels within the force. But you can’t keep a good detective down. Matilda moves the incident room to her dining room and the work continues. Christian seems to have a very personal stake in the outcome and he has found a witness willing to talk.
The story that Guy Grayson tells them is shocking and heartbreaking and makes for some very uncomfortable reading. Matilda’s team, those we have come to know over nine books now, are magnificent and go above and beyond to get justice for the many victims of these awful crimes. The audacity of the perpetrators is breathtaking. This story is dark and gritty and there is no fairytale ending. What we do get though is a cliffhanger intro into the next book as Matilda’s nemesis sends her an ominous message. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
In 2020, just as COVID is starting to spread police are called to a brutal murder scene. Richard Ashcroft, a wealthy and successful businessman, developer and philanthropist has been murdered in a way that seems to be very personal. DCI Matilda Darke and her team soon discover that Ashcroft funded the establishment of Magnolia House which has since closed its doors.
Meanwhile DI Christian Brady has been trying to track down victims of abuse at Magnolia House after some allegations are aired. As the team begins to dig into Ashcroft’s affairs, wondering if there is a link to his murder this line of inquiry is swiftly shut down by Matilda’s boss.
The plot thickens when more men are murdered, evidence disappears and ACC Ridley himself shuts Matilda’s team down. Clearly there is something very fishy going on and there may be corruption at the highest levels within the force. But you can’t keep a good detective down. Matilda moves the incident room to her dining room and the work continues. Christian seems to have a very personal stake in the outcome and he has found a witness willing to talk.
The story that Guy Grayson tells them is shocking and heartbreaking and makes for some very uncomfortable reading. Matilda’s team, those we have come to know over nine books now, are magnificent and go above and beyond to get justice for the many victims of these awful crimes. The audacity of the perpetrators is breathtaking. This story is dark and gritty and there is no fairytale ending. What we do get though is a cliffhanger intro into the next book as Matilda’s nemesis sends her an ominous message. I can’t wait for the next instalment. Many thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
June 29, 2022
ARC read: Publication 30 June 2022.
Matilda finds herself in the worst situation ever. The Magnolia House for orphaned boys was shut down years ago, but a secret looms and its bursting to be brought to light. But it looks like all the top dogs of Sheffield is involved in the most darkest secrets and will stop at nothing to make sure it never comes to light.
This is probably the hardest one I've read from this series. It is absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is so good that you can feel the pain and suffering that the boys have endured over the course of their lives. Michael is a master at character development, you truly feel that you could be part of the team as you read and immerse yourself in this story. I have high hopes for the next book and can't wait for it to come out.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for is e-ARC.
Matilda finds herself in the worst situation ever. The Magnolia House for orphaned boys was shut down years ago, but a secret looms and its bursting to be brought to light. But it looks like all the top dogs of Sheffield is involved in the most darkest secrets and will stop at nothing to make sure it never comes to light.
This is probably the hardest one I've read from this series. It is absolutely heartbreaking. The writing is so good that you can feel the pain and suffering that the boys have endured over the course of their lives. Michael is a master at character development, you truly feel that you could be part of the team as you read and immerse yourself in this story. I have high hopes for the next book and can't wait for it to come out.
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for is e-ARC.
September 9, 2022
How do you top what was possibly? last year’s book of the year? By writing an even more gruesome, grim and disturbing story that puts Mathilda and her team under ever increasing pressure and restrictions to solve the case. And that’s without Covid restrictions!
The author gives a warning right at the start as to the subject and contents of this book, which handles the subject as sensitively as possible.
The story starts in 1997, when the Reverend who runs a children’s, home goes to the Chief Constable to report a murder and start an investigation into child sex abuse. Move forward 23 years and a very prominent businessman is brutally murdered. The deeper DCI Darke digs, the more pressure from higher up to drop the case. Do you really think that is going to work with Mathilda?
There are several chapters written from the killers’ point of view and phone calls with Mathilda, and to be honest I actually found my sympathies lie with the killer and hoping that for once the killer will get the justice they deserve? The actual crime scenes are not for the faint hearted, but in view of the reason behind then, are they enough!
I highly recommend this book and of course the entire series, there isn’t a dud in there. Mr Woods has done it again, another fast paced, tension building, grim and gruesome story. Can’t wait for book 10.
Thank you NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the much-anticipated sequel to Survivors Guilt.
The author gives a warning right at the start as to the subject and contents of this book, which handles the subject as sensitively as possible.
The story starts in 1997, when the Reverend who runs a children’s, home goes to the Chief Constable to report a murder and start an investigation into child sex abuse. Move forward 23 years and a very prominent businessman is brutally murdered. The deeper DCI Darke digs, the more pressure from higher up to drop the case. Do you really think that is going to work with Mathilda?
There are several chapters written from the killers’ point of view and phone calls with Mathilda, and to be honest I actually found my sympathies lie with the killer and hoping that for once the killer will get the justice they deserve? The actual crime scenes are not for the faint hearted, but in view of the reason behind then, are they enough!
I highly recommend this book and of course the entire series, there isn’t a dud in there. Mr Woods has done it again, another fast paced, tension building, grim and gruesome story. Can’t wait for book 10.
Thank you NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the much-anticipated sequel to Survivors Guilt.
June 24, 2022
Set in the early days of the Covid 19 pandemic, The Lost Children by Michael Wood is the ninth in the Matilda Darke series. It actually begins with a flashback to 1997, when a priest tries in vain to alert police of abuse occurring in a children’s home. A content warning: as some readers may find the graphic victim accounts triggering. Matilda Darke and her team are called to a bloody murder scene which kicks off an investigation into historic abuse in the murder victim’s past. Yet there are numerous obstacles and limits placed on the team as the cover-up of the crimes continues with interference from police command. Whilst there are mentions of events in earlier books, such as a 2019 shooting, it does make for a credible standalone story. With believable characters, an intriguing narrative, covid references, humorous dog puns, and historic figures like Jimmy Savile named, this is a quality police procedural that sensitively portrays a horrendously disturbing theme, all too real for some. As crime fiction, it makes for a four star read rating. With thanks to Harper Collins UK and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.
May 15, 2022
I can’t believe this is the ninth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. I really enjoy this series and for me the characters are more familiar than a lot of the other series I follow. Even the sub plots and character habits are endearing and interesting.
DCI Matilda Darke and her team investigate an apparent history of abuse at a local children’s home. The more the team dig the more it becomes clear that this is far bigger and more high profile than they first thought. There is more than a little pressure from Matilda’s seniors to realise that someone wants these secrets to remain hidden and buried.
Another riveting story that covers a delicate and emotional topic. Great storytelling with all the usual characters make this an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
DCI Matilda Darke and her team investigate an apparent history of abuse at a local children’s home. The more the team dig the more it becomes clear that this is far bigger and more high profile than they first thought. There is more than a little pressure from Matilda’s seniors to realise that someone wants these secrets to remain hidden and buried.
Another riveting story that covers a delicate and emotional topic. Great storytelling with all the usual characters make this an excellent read.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2022
This is the first book I have read by Michael wood and my first introduction to DCI Matilda Darke, it definitely won't be my last.
Matilda is investigating historical abuse claims relating to children in a care home overseen by a priest named Peter. Peter is a wonderfully caring man and is devastated to find out what has happened to his young charges all orchestrated by a powerful local businessman who has many of the districts leading powerful men under his thumb through threats of retribution if they do not adhere to keeping their mouths closed in regard to his sick sadistic ways of abusing young boys. These men are guilty of ruining lives and they deserve everything they get, brutal though it may be. Peter has tried several times to have this investigated but due to a corrupt police force has been unable to make inroads.
Matilda is adamant that no matter what, she will find these men and throw the book at them, even if this means losing her career to accomplish this. I love her character, she has been to hell and back in her personal life but nothing will stop her getting justice for those involved.
In many ways this is an incredibly hard story to read due to the subject matter, but Michael Wood does a wonderful job in regard to the sensitivity of documenting this. This book will have your heartstrings pulled, your eyes with tears falling and your mind at an absolute loss as to how this kind of behaviour can be inflicted on young children.
I am now off the purchase the rest of this series and Michael Wood will now be at the top of my list of go to authors. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased honest review.
Matilda is investigating historical abuse claims relating to children in a care home overseen by a priest named Peter. Peter is a wonderfully caring man and is devastated to find out what has happened to his young charges all orchestrated by a powerful local businessman who has many of the districts leading powerful men under his thumb through threats of retribution if they do not adhere to keeping their mouths closed in regard to his sick sadistic ways of abusing young boys. These men are guilty of ruining lives and they deserve everything they get, brutal though it may be. Peter has tried several times to have this investigated but due to a corrupt police force has been unable to make inroads.
Matilda is adamant that no matter what, she will find these men and throw the book at them, even if this means losing her career to accomplish this. I love her character, she has been to hell and back in her personal life but nothing will stop her getting justice for those involved.
In many ways this is an incredibly hard story to read due to the subject matter, but Michael Wood does a wonderful job in regard to the sensitivity of documenting this. This book will have your heartstrings pulled, your eyes with tears falling and your mind at an absolute loss as to how this kind of behaviour can be inflicted on young children.
I am now off the purchase the rest of this series and Michael Wood will now be at the top of my list of go to authors. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased honest review.
July 18, 2022
Matilda Darke is back for the ninth time in
The Lost Children
, and Michael Wood’s portrayal of her shows her as a woman who is coming back from her own tragedy stronger and better than ever. Her own heartbreak and loss enable her to show compassion to others, as she shows patience and understanding to both victims and perpetrators in this shocking novel.
Having just finished a book dealing with sexual abuse of women, I wasn’t sure that I was prepared for one that focused on pedophilia. However, the author introduces his novel with a cautionary note. As one of Matilda’s team members proves to be a childhood victim of sexual abuse and is greatly traumatized by this fictional case, so any reader with a similar traumatic past may have intense reactions as well.
I wish to thank NetGalley, One More Chapter, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel as an ARC in return for my honest review.
Details of the murder are shocking. I won’t put them on the page because they are brutal. The victim is a respected businessman, but it turns out that he has deep, dark secrets. He funded an orphanage for boys. You can guess the rest. Early on, it is suspected that his killer is someone with a personal motive, not a business one. It’s hard to disagree, given the murder scene.
Things get mighty sticky when DCI Darke leads her team in the direction of the former boys’ home, where a boy died, the body was never recovered, and the police did nothing to follow up on his death. Matilda’s higher-ups order her to cease and desist in her efforts to uncover anything to do with the adult victim’s shady past. But regular readers of the series know that Mat and her team will not let this rest.
We have the usual team of fabulous characters: Adele - Matilda’s best friend, who is the pathologist; DI Christian Brady; Sian Mills, who has given her notice due to circumstances in the previous book; and DS Scott Andrews, who the previous year suffered a tragedy. Aside from the police contingent, we have a lovely older gentleman named Peter Olgilvy, who ran the boys’ home and was blackmailed to keep silent about the abuse. Christian befriends a man who was one of the victims in the home and slowly gains his confidence. But is he the killer?
And will this killer stop at one? The author handles the story with sensitivity and care. There is more going on behind the scenes with the police and DCI Darke’s team – it will make for an interesting Book 10!
4 stars
Having just finished a book dealing with sexual abuse of women, I wasn’t sure that I was prepared for one that focused on pedophilia. However, the author introduces his novel with a cautionary note. As one of Matilda’s team members proves to be a childhood victim of sexual abuse and is greatly traumatized by this fictional case, so any reader with a similar traumatic past may have intense reactions as well.
I wish to thank NetGalley, One More Chapter, and the author for the opportunity to read this novel as an ARC in return for my honest review.
Details of the murder are shocking. I won’t put them on the page because they are brutal. The victim is a respected businessman, but it turns out that he has deep, dark secrets. He funded an orphanage for boys. You can guess the rest. Early on, it is suspected that his killer is someone with a personal motive, not a business one. It’s hard to disagree, given the murder scene.
Things get mighty sticky when DCI Darke leads her team in the direction of the former boys’ home, where a boy died, the body was never recovered, and the police did nothing to follow up on his death. Matilda’s higher-ups order her to cease and desist in her efforts to uncover anything to do with the adult victim’s shady past. But regular readers of the series know that Mat and her team will not let this rest.
We have the usual team of fabulous characters: Adele - Matilda’s best friend, who is the pathologist; DI Christian Brady; Sian Mills, who has given her notice due to circumstances in the previous book; and DS Scott Andrews, who the previous year suffered a tragedy. Aside from the police contingent, we have a lovely older gentleman named Peter Olgilvy, who ran the boys’ home and was blackmailed to keep silent about the abuse. Christian befriends a man who was one of the victims in the home and slowly gains his confidence. But is he the killer?
And will this killer stop at one? The author handles the story with sensitivity and care. There is more going on behind the scenes with the police and DCI Darke’s team – it will make for an interesting Book 10!
4 stars
May 27, 2022
I didn’t enjoy this book quite as much as the others in the series- it felt really long and somewhat repetitive and I also had a hard time getting past all the baggage that these characters were carrying- how many extreme murders can really happen to this one group of people?
This story gives Matilda Darke another big mystery to solve- the murder of a local hotshot businessman who is tied to suspect activities from a now defunct children’s home. Clearly the perpetrator is someone who suffered abuse but how deep does the coverup go?
The mystery itself was ok but I felt like it was pretty clear what was going on, even though the author threw out a few red herrings. I really like Matilda as a character but found the laments on situations from previous books to be a little repetitive. There are also a ton of characters to keep straight throughout the book.
Overall, I didn’t like this one as much as the others in the series but I’ll still probably read the next one :) Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange doe an honest review.
This story gives Matilda Darke another big mystery to solve- the murder of a local hotshot businessman who is tied to suspect activities from a now defunct children’s home. Clearly the perpetrator is someone who suffered abuse but how deep does the coverup go?
The mystery itself was ok but I felt like it was pretty clear what was going on, even though the author threw out a few red herrings. I really like Matilda as a character but found the laments on situations from previous books to be a little repetitive. There are also a ton of characters to keep straight throughout the book.
Overall, I didn’t like this one as much as the others in the series but I’ll still probably read the next one :) Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange doe an honest review.
July 11, 2022
What more could you ask for than a further opportunity to spend time with these beloved characters and witness their intense efforts to hold prominent,high profile men to account for their heinous crimes against children?!
An often difficult story to read,I nonetheless loved this tale and can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Thank you,Mr Wood,for creating such human and relatable characters.
An often difficult story to read,I nonetheless loved this tale and can’t wait to read the next instalment.
Thank you,Mr Wood,for creating such human and relatable characters.
May 23, 2022
The Lost Children is the ninth book in the Matilda Darke series and it’s one of my favourite crime series EVER! Michael Wood is an author who takes bold risks. Even our favourite characters aren’t safe from his evil imagination. One thing I love about this series is the way the author can surprise me, shock me and to leave me clamouring for the next instalment in this unmissable series. Matilda and her team are back in their darkest investigation to date. As they investigate the murder of a local businessman, they uncover his links to historical child abuse and murder at Magnolia House, a children’s home. They discover abuse and corruption at the highest levels of society and that someone will do anything to silence the team and their investigation.
The book makes for a grim and disturbing read, although Michael Wood approaches the subject of child abuse without sensationalising it. Matilda and her team are torn. On one hand, they are determined to bring the killer to justice, but when the evidence points to the killer being a victim, the lines become blurred. I never thought I would feel sorry for a killer, but when Woods lies bare their horrific back story, like Matilda and her team, I found my sympathies lay with getting justice for the killer rather than the loathsome victims. I should warn you the crimes scenes aren’t for the squeamish, but you can’t help thinking it’s fitting retribution for the victims’ actions!
Matilda has been through several life-changing experiences. We see a less confident Matilda but she continues to show a tremendous strength of character and resilience. Matilda and her team’s characters continue to develop and the camaraderie and dark wit between members of the team add some light relief to this dark and sorrowful tale. The tension is unbearable, the sense of evil palatable, the plot is fast-paced, leaving little time for the reader to catch their breath. The Lost Children is further proof that Michael Wood never disappoints. It’s a cracking read, it’s brutal, disturbing and utterly gripping and I loved it! Roll on the next instalment.
The book makes for a grim and disturbing read, although Michael Wood approaches the subject of child abuse without sensationalising it. Matilda and her team are torn. On one hand, they are determined to bring the killer to justice, but when the evidence points to the killer being a victim, the lines become blurred. I never thought I would feel sorry for a killer, but when Woods lies bare their horrific back story, like Matilda and her team, I found my sympathies lay with getting justice for the killer rather than the loathsome victims. I should warn you the crimes scenes aren’t for the squeamish, but you can’t help thinking it’s fitting retribution for the victims’ actions!
Matilda has been through several life-changing experiences. We see a less confident Matilda but she continues to show a tremendous strength of character and resilience. Matilda and her team’s characters continue to develop and the camaraderie and dark wit between members of the team add some light relief to this dark and sorrowful tale. The tension is unbearable, the sense of evil palatable, the plot is fast-paced, leaving little time for the reader to catch their breath. The Lost Children is further proof that Michael Wood never disappoints. It’s a cracking read, it’s brutal, disturbing and utterly gripping and I loved it! Roll on the next instalment.
October 31, 2022
Thriller-lite, 4 stars
I read THE LOST CHILDREN in July, and now, at the end of October, I’ve already forgotten the plot line. It is mindless entertainment, but there are times when a bit of meaningless pleasure is what I crave. The story, centred around male pedophilia, kept me reading. But then, just three months later, while reading the follow-up book, I couldn’t remember any of the events that had occurred in THE LOST CHILDREN. Even when, in the next novel in the series, references were made to actions that had occurred in THE LOST CHILDREN, I completely missed those allusions—even though I had read about them just three months earlier (and enjoyed the reading experience).
So those four stars definitely reflects my immediate satisfaction after my reading experience; it is not indicative of the quality of the novel.
I read THE LOST CHILDREN in July, and now, at the end of October, I’ve already forgotten the plot line. It is mindless entertainment, but there are times when a bit of meaningless pleasure is what I crave. The story, centred around male pedophilia, kept me reading. But then, just three months later, while reading the follow-up book, I couldn’t remember any of the events that had occurred in THE LOST CHILDREN. Even when, in the next novel in the series, references were made to actions that had occurred in THE LOST CHILDREN, I completely missed those allusions—even though I had read about them just three months earlier (and enjoyed the reading experience).
So those four stars definitely reflects my immediate satisfaction after my reading experience; it is not indicative of the quality of the novel.
July 10, 2025
Michael Wood's DCI Matilda Darke series is so much more than a great crime series. It's a series that brings to life a great cast of characters as well.
Michael Wood gives us thrilling, brilliantly written crime novels with a fully fledged cast of characters. Matilda Darke might be the main characters in those books but each story allows us to get to know her team really well too and I'm all for it.
I cannot get enough of those books and I highly recommend them. So so good.
Michael Wood gives us thrilling, brilliantly written crime novels with a fully fledged cast of characters. Matilda Darke might be the main characters in those books but each story allows us to get to know her team really well too and I'm all for it.
I cannot get enough of those books and I highly recommend them. So so good.
December 29, 2022
Great step up from the last two disappointing entries in the series. Apart from the bit over-the-top evil bad guys and a couple of implausible, not to say impossible, details of the ending, this is quite a good read. Matilda and the remains of her team are recognisable and even if the cliffhanger made me wince a tiny bit, I’ll be tagging along for the trip now.
May 15, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for the invitation to read this eARC.
I thought this was a very gripping and compelling read. Matilda and her team investigate the murder of a man who had secrets that slowly come out as their investigation progresses. The story theme is historical child abuse, which the author does give a trigger warning for at the start of the book. I felt Michael Wood tackled this issue with much sensitivity, great care and with no graphic detail that, in my opinion, would have made this a harder read. Matilda and her team find themselves thwarted during their investigation with orders from above not to follow certain lines of enquiry which only makes them more determined to find the truth and get justice for the victims. I really like Matilda and her team having followed this series from the start and thought that this is a very well written and engaging book which grabbed my attention from the first page and held it right to the end. It became a real pager turner where I became desperate to know what would happen next, and I could understand and empathise with the murderers thoughts, feelings and actions. Michael Wood has wrote a cracker of a book here which I read in just over a day. Really looking forward to the next one.
I thought this was a very gripping and compelling read. Matilda and her team investigate the murder of a man who had secrets that slowly come out as their investigation progresses. The story theme is historical child abuse, which the author does give a trigger warning for at the start of the book. I felt Michael Wood tackled this issue with much sensitivity, great care and with no graphic detail that, in my opinion, would have made this a harder read. Matilda and her team find themselves thwarted during their investigation with orders from above not to follow certain lines of enquiry which only makes them more determined to find the truth and get justice for the victims. I really like Matilda and her team having followed this series from the start and thought that this is a very well written and engaging book which grabbed my attention from the first page and held it right to the end. It became a real pager turner where I became desperate to know what would happen next, and I could understand and empathise with the murderers thoughts, feelings and actions. Michael Wood has wrote a cracker of a book here which I read in just over a day. Really looking forward to the next one.
May 15, 2022
If only I could give more than 5 stars not only to The Lost Children but to the entire DCI Matilda Darke series.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for The Lost Children so I immediately bumped it to the top of my pile
I am so glad I did.
It is the beginning of Lockdown and the world is changing.
Matilda and her team are back and facing a cases that is beyond disturbing and is far reaching.
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book but fear not Michael Wood has handled the subject of abuse very well and though you will cringe the pages will turn even faster.
Matilda still faces her own demons and so do her team after a rough few years.
Tempting though it is I wont say more so I dont give anything away
Michael Wood is a born storyteller that will reel you in from the first to the last page.
Clear your calendar and get ready to be totally absorbed in The Lost Children.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Uk, One More Chapter for a nail biting read.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC for The Lost Children so I immediately bumped it to the top of my pile
I am so glad I did.
It is the beginning of Lockdown and the world is changing.
Matilda and her team are back and facing a cases that is beyond disturbing and is far reaching.
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the book but fear not Michael Wood has handled the subject of abuse very well and though you will cringe the pages will turn even faster.
Matilda still faces her own demons and so do her team after a rough few years.
Tempting though it is I wont say more so I dont give anything away
Michael Wood is a born storyteller that will reel you in from the first to the last page.
Clear your calendar and get ready to be totally absorbed in The Lost Children.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Uk, One More Chapter for a nail biting read.
May 23, 2022
This is a hard book to read due to the subject matter.
February 9, 2024
This is a really addictive series of novels. "The Lost Children" covers yet another very unsavoury subject, and takes place during the first 2020 Covid lockdown: strange times when strange investigative methods become necessary. Recommended read.
May 27, 2022
Doing the happy dance, a new Matilda Darke book has landed in my inbox. This is a MUST READ and goes straight to the top of my reading pile. After the day from hell when she lost half of her team in a horrific massacre and left Matilda in an induced coma. Now she is back at work and her next case is on another level. Historic child abuse is never an easy subject to read about but this author has dealt with sympathetically and with sensitivity. It is still a harrowing read. Brutal, heartbraking and I will never eat meat balls again!!!. A chilling story and one of the first killers I felt sorry for. Only one complaint I need the next book now PLEASE!!!!!
July 15, 2022
This addition to Michael Wood's brilliant Sheffield-based crime series, featuring DCI Matilda Darke and her Homicide and Major Crimes Unit (HMCU), was a magnificent read. The Lost Children is the ninth instalment and my fifth in the series so far, having previously only read book one, For Reasons Unknown and books five, six and seven. 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 The Lost Children, DCI Matilda Darke and her team investigate the suggested history of abuse at a local children’s home, Magnolia House. 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. A major highlight of this crime series has been the focus on the HMCU police team, their relationships, and their support for each other, although they bring along their fair share of problems too. This is a stellar crime series and the plot in The Lost Children isn't anything other than dark and makes for grim reading at times, but it is still unputdownable, certainly holding my devoted attention from the first page to the finish. 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 The Lost Children, DCI Matilda Darke and her team investigate the suggested history of abuse at a local children’s home, Magnolia House. 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. A major highlight of this crime series has been the focus on the HMCU police team, their relationships, and their support for each other, although they bring along their fair share of problems too. This is a stellar crime series and the plot in The Lost Children isn't anything other than dark and makes for grim reading at times, but it is still unputdownable, certainly holding my devoted attention from the first page to the finish. 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.
August 14, 2022
This neatly ties in recent events with the continuing series. I don't think that you need to have read the series but it would help. The exploration into child see abuse is very well written and handled sensitively whilst still ensuring that there is crime tension.
All in all gripping read.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
All in all gripping read.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own
May 16, 2022
4 and 1 /2 stars
DCI Matilda Darke is still struggling with the murders of her loved ones and team members. She still doubts herself and her abilities.
The coronavirus has just hit the UK and the lockdowns have started.
When a retired priest named Peter tells Matilda that the mutilated body of the man they just discovered, that of a rich and influential businessman, is someone the priest knows has a history of sexually abusing young boys, it is explosive.
At the same time, Christian, a member of Matilda's team, is adamant about this man. He has been studying him for months, trying to verify the priest’s claims.
As more bodies fall, all mutilated in the same manner, the tension on the team ratchets up. The restrictions on the team caused by the lockdown doesn’t help their investigation.
Peter gives Matilda a list of 127 boys who were abused. The team starts looking into finding them. A number of them give the names of their abusers. They are the same men who are being killed.
How is Matilda going to solve this? Her team has been disbanded, her division is no more. She doesn’t have a job. Things are going horribly.
This is perhaps the most difficult case of Matilda’s career, but she and the team are determined to continue to work the case.
This is one of Mr. Wood’s best. Matilda is slowly getting better, the team members are coping with their losses as well. They all work so well together, it is more like a community than a workplace. The writing and plotting of this book are excellent. It is a smooth read. I cannot wait until the next book is available.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper & Collins UK/One More Chapter/One More Chapter for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
DCI Matilda Darke is still struggling with the murders of her loved ones and team members. She still doubts herself and her abilities.
The coronavirus has just hit the UK and the lockdowns have started.
When a retired priest named Peter tells Matilda that the mutilated body of the man they just discovered, that of a rich and influential businessman, is someone the priest knows has a history of sexually abusing young boys, it is explosive.
At the same time, Christian, a member of Matilda's team, is adamant about this man. He has been studying him for months, trying to verify the priest’s claims.
As more bodies fall, all mutilated in the same manner, the tension on the team ratchets up. The restrictions on the team caused by the lockdown doesn’t help their investigation.
Peter gives Matilda a list of 127 boys who were abused. The team starts looking into finding them. A number of them give the names of their abusers. They are the same men who are being killed.
How is Matilda going to solve this? Her team has been disbanded, her division is no more. She doesn’t have a job. Things are going horribly.
This is perhaps the most difficult case of Matilda’s career, but she and the team are determined to continue to work the case.
This is one of Mr. Wood’s best. Matilda is slowly getting better, the team members are coping with their losses as well. They all work so well together, it is more like a community than a workplace. The writing and plotting of this book are excellent. It is a smooth read. I cannot wait until the next book is available.
I want to thank NetGalley and Harper & Collins UK/One More Chapter/One More Chapter for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
June 29, 2022
Fifteen months on from the devastating events in Time Is Running Out and the shocking discovery that followed in Survivor's Guilt. DCI Matilda Darke is back about to investigate the most harrowing and for somebody on the team personal case yet.
As the Homicide and Major Crimes Unit are called to the sprawling home of Richard Ashton O.B.E. Who's been found murdered in the most macabre way imaginable and soon after news of his death is made public, the team are told a heart wrenching story that sheds light on their victim and exposes a trail of child abuse dating back to the late 1990s.
But not everyone inside South Yorkshire's Police Headquarters are keen to hear this and with the country on the verge of lockdown and very few people willing to talk an edgy and once again depleted HMCU struggle to ID a killer who's made it clear they will not stop killing.
And with the strain of the unknown. A harrowing storyline and the shocks and twists, which are as ever brutal and plentiful. This is an utterly compelling read. That I just couldn't put down and with everybody's futures in the balance and a dramatic ending. Michael Wood has once again knocked it out of the park, and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
I would highly recommend the DCI Matilda Darke series and The Lost Children to all.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
As the Homicide and Major Crimes Unit are called to the sprawling home of Richard Ashton O.B.E. Who's been found murdered in the most macabre way imaginable and soon after news of his death is made public, the team are told a heart wrenching story that sheds light on their victim and exposes a trail of child abuse dating back to the late 1990s.
But not everyone inside South Yorkshire's Police Headquarters are keen to hear this and with the country on the verge of lockdown and very few people willing to talk an edgy and once again depleted HMCU struggle to ID a killer who's made it clear they will not stop killing.
And with the strain of the unknown. A harrowing storyline and the shocks and twists, which are as ever brutal and plentiful. This is an utterly compelling read. That I just couldn't put down and with everybody's futures in the balance and a dramatic ending. Michael Wood has once again knocked it out of the park, and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.
I would highly recommend the DCI Matilda Darke series and The Lost Children to all.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
July 2, 2022
It’s been about 7 months since I read the last instalment of this series so I went into this book thinking I wouldn’t remember but most of it came flooding back to me and the little snippets in this book about the past helped refresh my memory.
Matilda is still fragile after the traumatic events that happened in the previous book and so are her team but when they get sent to a suspicious death all that changes and they will do everything they can to cover the truth no matter what it costs them.
I was completely hooked on this story and i couldn’t put the book down it was that good, it had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all, I actually thought I’d guessed who the killer was but I was completely wrong!. The red herrings the author put it completely through me.
Another fantastic instalment in this brilliant series and after that ending I can’t wait for the next book.
Matilda is still fragile after the traumatic events that happened in the previous book and so are her team but when they get sent to a suspicious death all that changes and they will do everything they can to cover the truth no matter what it costs them.
I was completely hooked on this story and i couldn’t put the book down it was that good, it had so many twists and turns that I didn’t see coming at all, I actually thought I’d guessed who the killer was but I was completely wrong!. The red herrings the author put it completely through me.
Another fantastic instalment in this brilliant series and after that ending I can’t wait for the next book.
May 15, 2022
Crimes of sexual and physical abuse of children in a care home have gone unpunished for over 20 years. The children who survived were too traumatised and afraid to speak out and the only person who did speak out was silenced when he reported it to the police, Twenty years on in March 2020 the country is in lockdown, Matilda and her team have no major cases to deal with, that is until they are called out to the gruesome, sadistic murder of a local businessman who is known for his charity work. Little do they realise the repercussion of the murder and what they uncover. Historical sexual abuse of children must be a hard subject to research and write about but Michael Wood is a brilliant author and he has got the balance spot on. It is a brilliant read, and I can't wait for the next in the series.
May 14, 2022
DCI Matilda Darke and the team are picking themselves up after the shock of the last case and the impact it had on the team. It’s late March 2020 and the covid lockdown is just beginning but a body has been found that turns the stomach of the attending officers. Secrets are uncovered that opens more and more wounds. This does have an opening with trigger warnings as it mentions abuse and as always is handled well in relation to the story as all the Matilda Darke books have a darkness in them but balanced with humour and one liners that make you howl laughing. I await book 10! Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
July 19, 2022
What can I say except brilliant! Great book. My kindle edition had missing spaces too!!
July 5, 2022
The subject matter makes this a hard read but it was great to catch up with Matilda, Sian and what's left of the team.
My kindle edition hadsome missing spaces.Just like this. About one every 3 pages. I found them a bit annoying.
My kindle edition hadsome missing spaces.Just like this. About one every 3 pages. I found them a bit annoying.
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