Matilda and the team are back for an extremely disturbing case. The morning after a wedding reception a family are massacred sparing only a young girl. When Matilda arrives at the scene she knows how bad it is before even stepping foot inside the house. Everyone on the team herself, Sian, Rory, Scott and anybody else unfortunate to work this one isn't going to forget it in a hurry. Even reading the scenes was horrific and frankly I had a feeling this storyline would be cleverly crafted and I was correct.

The Mercer family are mostly dead aside from Leah who was on her honeymoon. It seems from initial forensics that this should be a straightforward case however like anything it's not always as it seems. Alongside this awful murder case we also see more of Sally Meaghan the mother of Carl Meaghan who went missing a few years before. The Carl Meaghan case is the one that haunts Matilda the most and seeing as she cannot run the murder case and still help and support Sally she asks retired DI Pat Campbell to help.

This story although gruesome was extremely fast paced and engaging with a lot of question marks hanging over many lines of enquiry. I also loved the fact that we are getting to know more about Scott in this particular book and once again we also see our favourite recurring characters such as Adele, Matilda's best friend and the local pathologist. This book was another fabulous installment in this series that I love! I cannot wait for the next one!

Another great book by michael wood.
Characters we cannot help but love and a twisted murder to help along the way.
I have read these out order but it was enjoyable none the less

A great, thrilling read, which will keep you entertained throughout. A good one sitting read, get the nibbles ready, close the door, and read!

Fabulous plot which I could not put down. Brilliant characters, and twists and turns. Highly recommend to other fans of this genre!!

A fantastic read, which I read in one day. Full of twists and highly gripping. I can't wait to read more from the author!

This is part of a series but can be read as a standalone but you will miss some of the backstory.
This book is a complete page turner and is very well written
The characters are captivating.
A great book and series.

I have been falling behind with my reading. I go through periods where the day job can change a couple of times in a year. When this happens the books I want to read don’t get picked up as quickly as I would like. This is particularly problematic when I am following a series and before I read the newest book I suddenly find there is a new “newest” book and I have slipped back and find myself two books behind where I want to be.

While Matilda Darke has been moving on with her life and getting into new scrapes I was firmly stuck at the end of the magnificent The Hangman’s Hold. I was too far behind and I promised myself I would visit The Murder House without further delay – a good decision! Michael Wood has an unflinching approach to his stories and The Murder House is not pulling any punches. Matilda and her team are called upon to investigate the brutal murders of a family, slain in their home on the day of their daughter’s wedding. The murders appear frenzied, multiple stab wounds and one victim’s head has practically been severed. Not one for the faint hearted.

Despite the carnage the police are able to find evidence which points to a suspect. A known petty thief and burglar who appears to have gone on the run around the time the murders took place. Matilda has her doubts that a small time crook would escalate so suddenly to multiple killer but the evidence cannot be disputed, the suspect had escaped from a jail in Barnsley and vanished. His recapture is imperative. For the reader we get to see the suspect’s flight from Sheffield and his attempt to reach the South Coast. He is fleeing and he wants to make it to mainland Europe, knowing full well that the police are on his tail.

Although Matilda is the star of the show, Michael Wood makes lots of time for the rest of her team too. The brutality of the murder they are investigating is taking its toll and Matilda will need to be the best of all bosses if she is to keep her colleagues focussed. However, one of her most trusted colleagues has had enough and confirms his intention to resign. Matilda is now fighting to save a promising career, keep the core of her team intact and trying to find time to catch a killer. What she really doesn’t need is her past cases to catch up with her – of course that’s exactly what is about to happen.

Returning readers will know that Matilda is plagued by her high profile failure when she botched the handover of a ransom payment when she was meant to recover a kidnapped boy. The boy, Carl, has haunted her since – presumed dead but the constant doubt remains that he may be out there somewhere and desperate to be reunited with his mother and father. Now Carl’s mother has received a telephone call and the voice on the end (she is sure) is Carl’s. There is no new evidence other than a voice on the other end of the phone but Carl’s mother wants someone to help. Matilda has no time but reaches out to an old colleague, now retired, to spend time with Carl’s parents.

These scenes are also traumatic. The feeling of loss and frustration for the boy’s parents are hard to enjoy. Their son is gone and their marriage is in trouble, I could not help but hope they would get some comfort and resolution or even just respite from their worry. No spoilers but the case which has haunted Matilda for five books isn’t going to quiety slip into the background.

I have missed out a lot in my brief overview of The Murder House, there’s lots to enjoy in this book and (as I always do) I enjoyed my return to Matilda Dark’s world. This really is one of the best new ongoing series, five books in and the stories are going from strength to strength. A few nods to past events which may go over the head of new readers but it should not stop anyone picking up The Murder House as a stand-alone thriller and finding themself lost in a pacy page-turner.

The second I started this book, it was so good I was annoyed with myself. I wish I had actually read it ages ago instead of leaving it sitting on that never ending to be read book pile I have….That's how good this book is!

With a gruesome and horrifying opening the author reminded me of why I love this series so much. I was back with DCI Matilda, a character and series which I had forgotten how much I love!

In that moment I found myself hooked until the very last page. This book is one hell of a page turner. I love the author's writing style making it a fast paced engrossing read. This is not for the faint hearted. This book is exactly how I like it….Dark and gory. With a well thought out plot.

The police procedure is brilliant. The Murder House is a highly entertaining read. Which I cannot recommend enough. I sure as hell won't be leaving it so long to read the next book in the series.

The next instalment in the DCI Miranda Darke series and, as anticipated, this did not disappoint.
Between a dark, gripping storyline and getting to know more about Miranda & her team this had me intrigued from the outset.

On the evening of Leah Mercer’s wedding, her parents and brother are brutally murdered. It’s the worst crime scene DCI Matilda Darke and her team have ever seen. All the forensics don’t add up but Matilda won’t stop until the perpetrator is caught.
Ok so after reading book 6, I should have started the first book but I had to read this one so dove straight in and it was every bit as good. I’m loving Matilda and her team. Police procedure thrillers are one of my favourite genre and these characters area becoming amongst my favourites alongside Helen Fields and Carla Kovach. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Matilda Darke series has held me in it's grip from the start and the fifth book is no exception. Intense and completely gripping, this had me chewing my nails and tense throughout. I fully recommend the whole series, though this can be read as a standalone. This is probably my favourite book in the series so far.

# The Murder House #Netgalley
It’s been a little while since I read this book and I was sure that I had steady sent a review. There seems to be a few book suddenly popped up for review when I know I already have done so. I have looked at some and you can actually see them on Amazon. Well I will review it again. I found it quite a fast phased book , also one I didn’t want to put down. It’s a Maltida Drake who is. OIC (.officer in charge) when I first started trading I couldn’t stop, however I do not know why but when the OIC name came about Matilda Drake. At first I suddenly couldn’t seem to take it serious again. It just seemed strange that aDI could have a name like Matilda then I had to look at my own name so old fashioned it was only then I took her serious. I hate spoilers in any book, but for someone to come along and kills thr brides family something is obviously not right. You can not help thinking it’s the groups within the bridegrooms family. There was a incident that took place during the wedding reception between the two family’s it Was actually a miss understanding. However the relative of both sides of the family though itv was against the family’s. After the incident tensions where running high regardless that it was literally a genuine misunderstanding. Once. Matilda arrived the wedding guest, bride and Groom was told it was in everyone’s eyes of utter The following day is when they found a 5 bodies on the brides side of the family. After last nights fiasco it’d not surprising the the groom family who come under suspicion. With that I really do suggest you read the book. It’s got lots of twists and turns it’s a very enjoyable read. Definitely recommend it

When I realized that this was book 5 in a series, and I had not read a single of the pervious books, I was a little concerned. However, I truly enjoyed this book and understood everything that was going on. The author was able to provide us with enough context and set-up to be prepared to enjoy this book. Great detective novel and looking forward to reading more!

I liked this book. I recommend this book to other readers. I look forward to reading more books by Michael Wood.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for an opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for review based upon my honest opinion.

This book is number five in the DCI Matilda Darke series. This is the first book I have read from the series and I can honestly say that I did not need to read the prior books to enjoy this book but that being said, I will definitely be reading the first four. I really enjoyed this book, the main character, Matilda, was very interesting and I really want to read her prior stories to see how she came to be the person she is. I love the interaction between her and the other members of the police force, they are a unified but maybe crumbling group.

This case really puts them all on edge, and brings them together united to try to solve this crime. Three members of a family, a seemingly perfect family, were horrifically murdered the night of the wedding of the daughter; The mother, father and son murdered the sons daughter was found physically unharmed, but traumatized. It will take the whole police force‘s efforts to come together to solve this crime and hopefully not put any of them selves at risk. Will Matilda and her group be able to solve this crime and will they make it all out alive?

This book had lots of twists and turns, lots of suspects, and I really enjoyed the ending of the book. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series and the four prior books

Following a reception,Leah and Oliver Ridgeway leave Leah’s parents’ home on their honeymoon.However the next day an attendee arrives at the house to discover the bride's family brutally murdered.From the crime scene it’s clear that the attack was personal but DCI Matilda Darke and her team are struggling to find the killer as the family was well-liked and admired in the community

The Murder House by Michael Wood is the fifth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series.I love this series with a great lead character, well thought out plots and excellently paced. Cannot wait for the next one !

I would like to thank One More Chapter & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

DCI Matilda Darke and the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) return to investigate the most horrific crime scene they have ever scene. After a family wedding, 3 members of the Mercer family are brutally slayed, leaving 7 year Rachael as the only survivor. Darke and the team investigate and gather evidence, but something is not right about the way it is pointing. Has some one tampered or planted evidence?
A straight to the action, gripping read. Can’t wait for the next instalment of DCI Darke and the team.

I so enjoy the DCI Matilda Darke series. This was a great book, it starts with the gruesome murder of a - to all intents and purposes - perfect family. They have good jobs, are well known in the community and do charity work, who would want to kill them? Matilda knows better however and sets out to discover who the killer is and why they would want to commit such a hideous crime.
A suspect comes to light, but Matilda is convinced he’s not the killer, her team aren’t so sure however, so she goes it alone, with near disastrous consequences. Alongside the main story is the ongoing saga of missing Carl Meagan whose kidnap Matilda feels guilty for, could he still be alive?
We also learn about Matilda’s attempt to move on from James’ death, by buying a new home, Scott coming to terms with his own situation and finding happiness and Rory’s struggle to apply himself to the job. I genuinely can’t wait for the next book.

★★★★ 3.5 to 4 stars

Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The night after a wedding. Three gruesome murders. Pillars of the community. Seemingly no motive. Enter DCI Matilda Darke and her HMET (Homicide and Major Enquiry Team).

It's the morning after the wedding of Leah Mercer to Oliver Ridgeway in a quiet and rather exclusive area of Sheffield, when the bride's family - Serena and Clive Mercer and brother Jeremy - is found stabbed to death in a disturbing frenzied attack so violent it's the worst that Matilda has ever seen. There are hundreds of fingerprints and blood spattered everywhere with one victim's face mutilated and another about decapitated. It is clearly a blood bath. Even the most seasoned detectives are queasy with the disturbing scene.

And yet in the midst of the carnage is Rachel, the bride's 7 year old niece, who was found in her room tied to a chair with her dog, Pongo. And despite the blood trailed into the room, both were unharmed. But Rachel is in catatonic shock and has not spoken a word...only screamed. Just exactly how much did she see of the violent triple murders?

The Mercers appeared to be the perfect family involved within several charities. Serena was a neurologist, Clive was an anaesthetist and Jeremy was a junior doctor in Liverpool. So who would want them dead?

As Matilda and her team begin their investigations, it is soon clear that all is not as it seems. Despite the bloodbath, the forensics are just a bit too neat, clearly pointing to a suspect who has no history of violence...and no connection to the family whatsoever. Matilda gets the feeling that the murderer is someone much closer to home. But who would want to set up a random innocent person? And why?

Running alongside the investigation is a story of missing boy Carl Meaghan. As Matilda now has her hands full with the triple homicide, she ropes in retired DI Pat Campbell to touch base with mother Sally and look into her new claims that Carl has been spotted in Sweden and the phone calls she has been receiving, seemingly from her missing son. This story arc is an ongoing one and we don't see a resolution to it here, but the ending promises us a possible future investigation.

Whilst trying to keep an eye on her team and investigate a disturbing crime, Matilda has growing concerns for a couple of members of her team. DC Rory Fleming as recently handed in his resignation but as he is one of her best detectives with a promising career, Matilda convinces him to hold off until the investigation is over before making that decision. And then there is DC Scott Andrews who clearly has something worrying him but refuses to talk about it. Matilda has her suspicions but instead of pushing him, she waits for Scott to confide in her. Plus she is still grieving the loss of her beloved husband James who died three years ago from a brain tumour. Added to that is the suicide of a DI (in a previous book) in the home she shared with James, that he lovingly built for them, making it unbearable for her to continue living there. So she bought a remote abandoned farmhouse, had it renovated and now lives out there alone. And with the stress of the case mounting colliding with her haunted memories, Matilda relies on her best friend, forensic pathologist Adele Kean, to keep her from crumbling.

I love the characters in this series and I love how they are not tainted with the stereotypical angst that is found in so many today. I have grown tired of the same old same old bitter detectives who find their solace at the bottom of a bottle or incessant grumpiness with just about everyone they come into contact with. But no so here. Matilda is a strong but sensitive detective who cares about her cases and not just about results, as well as really caring for her team. I love the camaraderie between them all. Not one of them is trying to one-up the other or show another up. They work well together and it's that that makes this a successful series. I'm also a fan of gallows humour, and while it's not used so much here, there is a bit of humour to relieve the moments of tension that is felt throughout. I'd also love DS Sian Mills' treat drawer myself! It seems neverending!

The only negative thing I have to say is I felt the book was a little drawn out in parts. It took me a few days to read it when I generally read a book a day. I felt I couldn't devour it as I can others. But that being said, it is still a compelling read that I really did enjoy. I was saddened by the ultimate outcome of the case. No spoilers.

THE MURDER HOUSE is the fifth installment in the DCI Matilda Darke series and yet it is my first. However, that didn't spoil it in any way as the reader is given enough background information it could well be read as a standalone. I'm not sure the "missing boy" story arc featured in previous books because from what I understand the first book begins after the death of Matilda's husband and Carl went missing before that. However, having not read the other books, I can't really say one way or the other though I don't think the reader misses out on anything either way.

A nailbiter from start to finish, THE MURDER HOUSE is an intriguing read for fans of Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid and Katerina Diamond.

If you like your crime fiction with a bit of blood and gore, then THE MURDER HOUSE is for you.

I would like to thank #MichaelWood, #NetGalley and #OneMoreChapter for an ARC of #TheMurderHouse in exchange for an honest review.

I knew from the start that I was going to be sucked into this book, I inhaled this one. I never guessed who committed this awful horrific crime. We had a great review of all the character's lives, they all played their part and fit into the story perfectly. I can't give this book enough stars, I loved it so much.

Thank you Netgalley and One More Chapter for my arc of this book. I hate that I didn't read and review this one sooner.