Thank you to #NetGalley for my advance copy of #TheLostChildren by #MichaelWood

When I saw the subject of this book I almost didn’t read it but once I started I couldn’t stop until I’d finished even though it’s 2 in the morning and I have to be up in a few hours.
The Magnolia Home was closed down years ago but a death has started people talking again about the things that happened there.
DCI Matilda Darke and her team are trying to investigate but being blocked at every turn.
Who is responsible and just how high does it go ?
A sensitive subject dealt with very well and a reminder that we must all protect the lost children.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DCI Matilda Darke is back bigger and better than before! She's reached super heroine status in my book. This story is explosive and beyond suspenseful! This story encompassed everything a great suspense thriller should have! It should make us cringe, cry and scream at the futility of it all and yet provide a sense of relief knowing that with DCI Darke, the story would come to a fitting conclusion!

Thank you #NetGalley for providing AC!

Yolie McLaughlin

This s the ninth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series and like the previous books it’s gripping, tense and very relevant. Successful property developer Richard Ashton’s body is found in bed horribly mutilated. At first glance it doesn’t appear he has many friends, let alone enemies. But one of Martha’s team is already investigating him and his link to an historic case of sexual abuse at a children’s care home. The deeper the team dig, the worse it gets and someone in power doesn’t want this case to be solved.
Michael Wood is an excellent writer but all the baggage the team is carrying weighed the novel down. And you can already see where further books will be headed. I’ve enjoyed other books in this series but sadly I think this will be the last I’ll read.
Fortunately this book comes with a trigger warning and I certainly don’t recommend this book to anyone sensitive to violence against children.

Probably the best book I have read this year! This utterly gripping story had me hook from the first sentence. I am a huge fan of Matilda Darke, and like her even more after reading this book. I am trying to think of flaws in the book, but I can only think of one: it ended.

The story itself is utterly disgusting and horrible due to its nature of rich and/or powerful men abusing young orphan boys. This was back in the days, but the boys have not forgotten. It looks like one of them hast started killing the abusers, one by one.

The character development throughout this series has been outstanding! I feel like I know the people in the book, and I could easily see myself living alongside these characters. That is how vividly live they feel to me.

The writing is superb, the words simply flow on the pages, and I was soaking it all up like a sponge. The ending made me want to fly to the UK, drive to Sheffield, knock on Mr Wood's door, lock him up in a room, and not letting him out until he has written the next book in the series. So, Michael, you better be writing as we speak, because this reader is waiting, no, demanding more Matilda Darke!

I chose to read a free eARC of The Lost Children but that has in no way influenced my review.

Michael Wood's DCI Matilda Darke series is one of the most exciting, most edgy police procedural series out there and I flipping love it! The arrival of the latest book, in this case book nine (!), is something I always look forward to with baited breath. So when I was offered the opportunity to read The Lost Children, I, of course, grabbed at it with both hands. What I love about this series is that the author isn't afraid to push the boundaries - either on subject matter or character development. Wood really likes to put his characters, including lead protagonist Darke, through the wringer which is something I appreciate. As a reader, I never know what to expect! The Lost Children takes the battered and bruised team, still hurting from their last few cases, deep into the heart of an upsetting and distressing historical child abuse case.

DCI Matilda Darke is called to the scene of a vicious murder. Local businessman and philanthropist, Richard Ashton OBE, has been slain in his bed in the most stomach churning of ways. Upon closer inspection into Ashton's life it becomes clear to Darke and her team that perhaps Ashton wasn't the figure of virtue he first appeared to be. It doesn't surprise DI Christian Brady who has been investigating historical claims of child abuse behind Matilda's back. Matilda can't ignore the connection between Ashton and events at Magnolia House, a home for young boys which closed many years ago. So she sets out to discover the truth. But at every turn, Darke is shut down. Extreme measures are put in place to prevent Matilda and her team from discovering the secrets of Magnolia House. But Matilda won't be stopped. . .

The Lost Children is an incredibly gripping addition to a superb series featuring some of my all-time favourite characters. I love the South Yorkshire Homicide and Major Crimes Unit but they've really had a tough time of it recently, and I'm not sure it's going to get any better for them anytime soon! This latest investigation is already personal for DI Brady and the devastating secrets the team reveal affect them all in some way. The subject matter is tough but the author has done a great job of writing a very difficult, very emotional story. There were times when I had to take a break from reading because I was so affected by the characters and their stories. It's heart breaking stuff but handled very well.

I found it fascinating how Matilda's investigation was shut down from every direction. I could really feel her frustration and her determination to keep digging, despite no longer having the resources. Her drive is one of the reasons I love the character as much as I do. I'm very much looking forward to seeing where Wood takes the team next as there are clearly changes afoot, one of which I hope is reversed. But knowing how this author operates, I can't be sure it will be!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. The Lost Children is a highly emotional, edgy read which I enjoyed. The subject matter is upsetting and I don't think this book will suit everyone but the care the author has taken with the story really shows. I liked the way the author didn't shy away from setting this book in March 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. I think, surprisingly, it's the first book I've read that's been set during the pandemic. Perhaps other authors are shying away from mentioning COVID for the moment. Perhaps it's too fresh. I thought it added a really interesting facet to the investigation though and applaud Wood for doing something many other authors are not. The DCI Darke series remains one of my favourites and I wait with baited breath for the tenth (!) book to be published later this year. Particularly after the incredibly tense and unnerving cliff hanger at the end. Wow, what an ending! I'm not sure I can wait until October to find out what happens next. Recommended.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of The Lost Children. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

This review will be published on damppebbles.com on 30th June 2022.

This is an absolutely gripping read in the Matilda Darke series, the best yet. I can highly recommend the read to lovers of crime thrillers. Set between 1997 and 2020, at the start of lockdown, it opens with a visit to the Chief Constable by a priest, followed by a grisly murder scene. The characterisation is excellent and I could empathise with many of the characters. The read is a very emotional one, but the subject matter of child abuse is dealt with great sensitivity and respect to the victims. It can only be another 5* read from Michael Wood and I honestly can't wait to see what is next for Matilda and her team. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

Wish that I’d read the previous books in this series as it would have given me some context, but this does read well as a standalone. I did like the police characters and the plot was good, but some of the ending parts of it felt rushed and took away from the overall story. I would like to read the next book to see if it ties up some loose ends; but I would prefer a certain closure from books like these.

Each one of these books is better than the last. This one was sad, but realistic. I like the on going story line with Steve and Matilda. I like the many uncertainties and I like the nice balance between the case and the detectives personal lives. I am excited to read what happens next.

Matilda Drake Series #9
The Lost Children by Michael Wood is a novel set at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. DCI Matilda Darke and her team set out to investigate a child abuse cold case that becomes a high-profile nightmare for all parties involved.
The author, Michael Wood, handled the subject of child abuse with empathy and honesty. He captured the emotional and psychological trauma of victims with awareness and understanding. Mr. Wood did his research when writing this novel.
I must be honest in my review. This was not my favorite in the Matilda Darke series. It was missing the fast-paced, page-turner from the previous novels. That being said, Matilda and her team are the most relatable cast of characters in a thriller series out right now. I would recommend this series to all the fans of the genre.

I look forward to seeing if Sian’s candy draw will have American snacks in the future!

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperCollins UK!

Another brilliant tense read from this author in the Matilda Darke series Michael Wood certainly knows how to keep you interested in his story lines. I was hooked from the very first page, the characters were all excellent and I just love Matilda's colleagues (what's left of them), a great story which just got better and better with each page I read and it kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.

What can I say about the ending, obviously nothing on here but what a fantastic cliff hanger which Michael always seems to do just brilliantly, I just cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins (OMC) for this great ARC which I can thoroughly recommend.

Warning: Triggers for child abuse, suicide, and rape.

When a prominent local businessman is found dead by his housekeeper nothing can prepare DCI Matilda Darke and her team for the scene which awaits them. As they begin their investigation it becomes clear there was far more to their victim than met the eye, the more lurid details of which will only be become apparent if they can get reluctant people to come forward.

With more than one area of concern to look at initially it becomes clear quite quickly where they should concentrate their investigation so why are they being instructed to steer their efforts in a direction which provides no leads? When details are leaked in the national press Matilda finds herself on the defensive but nothing could have prepared her for what happens next.

This is the nineth Matilda Darke novel and once again is horrifically amazing. The crimes, reasons behind them, and the perpetrators, never disappoint and the dialogue, emotions, and humour are also as spot on as ever. There is nothing here which I didn't like or felt was unnecessary and this is easily one of the best I've read all year.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an absolutely brilliant read which I can't recommend highly enough. It is absolutely first class.

Set during the covid lockdown of 2020 , it centres on a case DCI Darke and her team have time to look at cold cases. They take on an investigation where DI Brady had already started investigating claims of abuse at a local children’s home. Uncovering high level abuse, and corruption, the team’s own lives are at risk. An entertaining read.

Well. If you were wondering if whether of not Michael Wood can keep up the relentless pace in his Matilda Darke series, and whether the next tale would be as emotive and shocking as those that have come before, wonder no longer. The answer is a resounding yes. Sure, it's not going to have quite the explosively emotional pull of Time Is Running Out, maybe not even the jaw dropping revelation of Survivor's Guilt, but it still packs a punch, one that hits right at the heart of the team. This time it is DI Christian Brady who features pretty much centre stage, with an emotional attachment to the case which goes far beyond his being a dedicated career officer. The consequences are stark, the impact on the team far reaching. This is yet another game changer and one that left me wanting more.

Featuring themes of child abuse, this is a book with quite a dark heart, but one in which enough of the story is spelt out to make the suffering of the victims felt, both at the time of the abuse and in the intervening years, but that also keeps the worst of the atrocities off the page. Not that there is any doubt about what has happened, or the way in which there has been an absolute abuse of power, but with the violence meted out against the perpetrators, I don't think you really need a graphic exploration of abuse to be able to understand the horrors endured. MIchael Wood has never shied away from quite dark and twisted methods of dispatch for the victims of his novels, and he certainly hasn't this time. Not the first time I've seen this particular method employed and it's certainly effective and sends a very clear statement.

Set during 2020, the book does fall within the time of the pandemic, which brings with it it's own set of challenges in investigating the initial murder. But that is the least of the teams worries, and whilst not ignoring best working practice and legislation on a party-gate scale, they certainly push work bubbles to the very limits. Needless to say tempers are running high and mistakes are made that have catastrophic consequences. It adds tension and conflict to an .already strong storyline. There are some very big changes afoot for the team and I'm not quite sure how the author is going to spin it going forward but I am very curious to learn.

Characters really are key in this series and Matilda Darke and the team are a brilliant bunch, people I enjoy catching up with. There has been significant change for them all over the course of the past few books, not less so that Sian and Matilda and both are struggling as you would expect. I like seeing the more vulnerable part of Matilda, if you get what I mean. She has always been impacted by emotion, but now she is also dealing with fear and whilst it does show an impact, seeing her overcome it and achieve what she does best always brings a smile to my face. I felt as though we go to know a lot more about Christian too, far from the over professional, somewhat contained personality we have seen in other books. He is driven by passion and anger this time around and it's good to see that side of his character set free.

The book sees several story arcs brought to a conclusion, but do no fear. Whilst we might say goodbye to a few familiar faces, it's in no way as dramatic a fashion as of late. Not sure my nerves could cope with that. Then again, as nice as the author has been in certain circumstances, we have to mention that ending. So full of promise, and threat, I can't wait to see how it pans out.

Dark, tense, twisted and thrilling. I loved it. So glad I found this series. Roll on book ten. I think ...

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 Lost Children by Michael Wood is book 9 in the DCI Matilda Darke series. The characters in this series are so engaging and get under your skin. Matilda, Sian and Christian are all dealing with horrific events in their past, both recent and historic, and in this brilliant and engrossing read, I found myself continually holding my breath as the events unfold. This is a cleverly crafted storyline and so sad at times, I found I was crying. But Matilda and Sian in particular, have not lost their sense of humour so there were laughs as well. This story dealing with crimes from 20 odd years ago leading to revenge and murder in the present day will be one of my books of the year.

I’ve read and loved all of Michael Wood’s books, and while I enjoyed this one, it definitely didn’t hold my attention the way previous books in the series have. I think the subject matter made it a tough read from the outset, and I found that I couldn’t engage with it the way I have done with previous books in the series. As always though, Michael Wood will be a favourite author of mine and I love how his mind works with his characters.

Another great edition to the series. Really enjoyable, Michael never disappoints. Fabulous read

Thanks for the arc

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.

Matilda Darke is the lead investigator of an obviously sexually motivated murder, which she can handle. What she uncovers about the victim, not so much. She uncovers a decades old child sexual abuse ring.But the deeper she digs, the more victims she finds, but what’s worse, she’s being told by police higher ups to NOT investigate this the way it’s going. Will Matilda listen to her bosses? Will she find the murderer? Will she get justice for anyone?

This was unputdownable. Now I’ve never read a Matilda Darke novel, this is number 9, but I will definitely go back now and read them all.

I’m addition to using a very graphic murder scene to reel the reader in, knowing that there is an evil underbelly that drove some one to this kept me going. This novel dealt with heavy taboos but did so in a way that build compassion and empathy with the victims. It addresses corruption with a “I’m going to do right above all else,” mentality that is always lacking in these types of crime novels. It’s because of these reasons, I had to force myself to stop reading and go to bed.

I've read most of the Matilda Darke series and I'd say this is Michael Wood's best yet. To me it marks a change in mood from the previous two where the author kept us entertained with high body counts and shock revelations. This time around the writing is thoughtful as it deals with the traumatic subject of the sexual abuse of children.
If this had been written ten years ago, many of us would probably have thought it farfetched. Who could imagine a high-profile philanthropist using the care facility he funded as his private fiefdom? Who would ever think of a benefactor routinely turning up and helping himself to a child to abuse? Or that many people in senior positions would know about the abuse and do nothing to stop the abuser? Well we all know differently now and this novel is a timely reminder of what abuse can mean for individual victims both at the time and years later.
Set in 2020, the story incorporates the pandemic in a seamless way, allowing it to act not only as backdrop but also as catalyst to some aspects of plot.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, the usual banter between Matilda and her colleagues is still there at appropriate moments. And Michael Wood leaves us with his trademark trail of breadcrumbs to coax us into the next instalment. The series goes from strength to strength.
(NB Although it can be read as a standalone, it contains spoilers to the previous two books so I suggest joining the series from the start.)