The previous book to Survivor’s Guilt literally took my breath away. There was so much that happened in that book which meant I have been eagerly awaiting this one and it didn’t disappoint!

You definitely need to have read Time Is Running Out, the seventh book in the series before embarking on this one, the eighth book. Nine months have passed since previous events left Matilda’s team having to come to terms with the huge impact that has affected them all. It was heart breaking to see how the characters were trying to carry on with their lives with some coping better than others. Matilda has only recently returned and there is a serial killer on the lose.

There is a lot of tension within the team and friendships and working relationships are extremely fraught. It is understandable how most of the characters are feeling and I wondered at times if there was any way forward for them all. Along with the serial killer thread, there is also the thread to do with an earlier case of Matilda’s of which if you are a fan of this series, this is another must read as it’s something I have been very invested in throughout these books and I am sure many other readers have been also.

Survivor’s Guilt was an impressive follow on that made for both an emotional and shocking read. It was brilliant! At one part I was in tears and another I had to pick my jaw up off of the floor as I was so gobsmacked by an unexpected twist. It was so good that I had to go back and re read it as I just couldn’t comprehend what I had just read. I am literally still in shock now! Michael Wood is an author who just delivers every time with each book. It’s like I’m a literary junkie and the author is my dealer who manages to fix my cravings with each of his books. Loved it!

I want to start by thanking NetGalley and the publisher Harper Collins for my eARC in exchange for my honest review. How much pain can a person take? Matilda Darke has seen more then her share, and when the emotion of it all begins to take a tole it effects everything. Michael Wood has penned a very emotion filled mystery which yet agains calls on every character to draw on questionable strengths. Pain changes people, and with mounting deaths, can anyone survive?

DCI Matilda Darke is back to work after the horrific events from 12 months previous. The events have left their mark on the team and no one is the same as they were.
Now a killer is murdering prostitutes and can the team work together or are they too broken and emotional to work together?
Michael is the master of giving the reader a WTF moment when you scream at your kindle in shock and disbelief and your husband and child think that something is wrong!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Woohoo Michael Woods is back with the eighth book in the DCI Maltilda Darke series. I wasn’t sure how Michael Woods could top Time Is Running Out (the seventh book) my favourite book in this series so far! But he has! Survivor’s Guilt is yet another binge worthy addition to this stellar series. So buckle up for a bumpy ride, as the author takes you on a rollercoaster with highs, lows, twist and turns galore.  

Survivor’s Guilt begins 9 months after the brutal attack that left Matilda in a coma, an attack that also resulted in the deaths of several of her close friends and colleagues. Matilda is back at work alongside her depleted team investigating the murders of prostitutes. It soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer is on the loose on the streets of Sheffield.

The strength of this series is the characters. As a huge fan, I’ve watched Matilda and her team develop and grow into living characters. Matilda and her team’s grief is palatable as they try to make sense of what’s happened and come to terms with their losses. This book sees a shift in the team's dynamics, which is hardly surprising considering all they’ve been through, but there’s disharmony, and the divide grows between the team as Matilda’s ability to lead comes under question. It’s an emotional read in parts as we see how different members of the team struggle with the complexities of ‘survivor’s guilt’, as well as how it affects their relationships with other members of this once close team. 

It’s great the author ‘humanised’ the prostitutes, they’re not just ‘victims’. He gives each one a backstory. This series goes from strength to strength. It’s one that hasn’t lost its momentum, unlike some crime series I have given up on way before this point! Michael Wood always delivers at least one ‘OMFG I never seen that coming moment’, it’s a shocker, but cleverly executed! The tension is palatable as the plot reaches its nail biting conclusion. Survivor’s Guilt is hard-hitting, with a compelling plot, it’s superbly written and one not to be missed. A MUST READ for crime fans.

462 pages

3 stars

DCI Matilda Darke has returned to work following a nine month medical leave. After being shot, she had to learn to walk and talk once again. She lost several friends and colleagues when she was shot. She suffers from self-doubt and terrible nightmares. She is still feeling devastated, as is the balance of her team. Only one of the deceased officers has been replaced.

The surviving officers are also having trouble with the situation. The once tight team seems to be falling apart.

Her new case is one of a murdered woman whose death closely resembles several cold cases from Matilda’s past. Before long, the case blows up to be the biggest case the team has ever handled. Matilda begins to act erratically. Her subordinates agonize over whether to go to the higher ups to discuss the problem the whole team is having with her.

What I did like about the book is that it gives a picture of both the hardships and the resilience of street prostitutes. Meeting Bev and Sarah was a treat. They are indeed remarkable women.

The identity of the killer came as a complete shock.

While I did finish this book, I remain disturbed by it. Matilda’s behavior was abominable. She snapped and snarled at her subordinates and these are all older members of her team and her friends. Was she so selfish that she failed to acknowledge their pain at losing loved ones in the attack of nine months earlier? While I understand her trauma, I am astounded at how insensitive she acted. And please Mr. Wood, could we dispense with all the door slamming? I think this signals a parting of the ways for Matilda and me.

Another good thing is that Matilda seemed to finally snap out of the blues at the end of the book.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

After the roller coaster read of Time is Running Out I wondered how this series would carry on. It begins 9 months afterwards and DCI Darke has returned to work. This is the first book so far where I didn’t much like her character, or her attitude sometimes towards her team which leads them to question her fitness and ability to do her job properly. I really liked DI Brady though, and as a side character he is really growing on me. The team investigate the murder of a woman who has similar injuries to victims from old cases and they realise there may be a serial killer on their patch. I thought this book was very well written, it was fast paced and thrilling and one where the author has captured his characters feelings, thoughts and emotions whilst grieving very eloquently, realistically and believably. And I loved that an ongoing story thread is reintroduced again here. Parts of this book were very poignant and sad to read and when I read who the murderer was - what a shock !! I don’t think I would have ever have guessed that correctly! Overall, wow what a fab read. One that didn’t disappoint and I very much look forward to the next book.

Survivor’s Guilt by Michael Wood is an outstanding book, when I read the previous DCI Matilda Darke book Time is Running Out I didn’t think that could be surpassed, but book 8 is carrying on in the Michael Wood tradition of improving the taut storytelling with each book. The storyline is superb following on from the death and injuries to the murder team in his previous book, Matilda Darke and her reduced team have to hunt for a serial killer and a kidnapped child returns home.
An outstanding achievement.
Highly recommended

To grasp the intensity and sense of bereavement and grief that DCI Matilda Darke and her fellow detectives are experiencing in Survivor’s Guilt, one really needs to go back seven books to the beginning of the series to For Reasons Unknown. Get to know Matilda and her team. Know their history together, what binds them together, what haunts them, and what drives them.

In book number eight, Matilda returns after a nine-month hiatus to recover from a tragic event, which left her seriously injured and several of her team and close friends injured, bereaved, or dead. Is she ready? Only returning to the job and diving in will tell whether or not she is up to snuff.

The challenges begin immediately. First, a blast from the past. There’s a major break in the Carl Meagan case. This was a kidnapping case with a botched ransom exchange that has haunted Matilda for years. Is it possible that he has been found alive and safe?

Of more immediate concern is the death of a woman...and another...and another. Soon, the police are looking at cold cases and facing accusations from the press that they’ve bungled another job – a possible serial killer who targets prostitutes. As external pressure builds on Matilda to find the murderer, for the first time, her team members begin questioning whether she is up to the task. In addition, her personal relationships have taken a hit as a result of the losses everyone has experienced, and Matilda struggles to maintain her own balance between her professional life and her mental/emotional well being.

Once again, Michael Wood has done a marvelous job portraying the interpersonal relationships between the characters – not just the detectives on Matilda’s team, but also the women on the street, whom he portrays as real people, not stereotypes. Each woman has her own story, and he makes sure to create relationships between them and the police. We also meet Harriet, Matilda’s sister. I liked the way their relationship is portrayed as evolving, as, it appears, is the relationship between Matilda and her mother. One of other central characters in the book is Scott, a fellow investigator who also happens to rent space from Matilda. They have developed a closer relationship through the events of the past nine months. Misery loves company, and they are learning to find ways to support one another. Now, if only each can follow his/her own advice!

I have mixed feelings about the Carl Meagan arc. I’m leaning toward wanting to see that resolved for good, but that seems to be left open for now. I had no idea who the murderer would turn out to be – it turned out to be quite a shock! There seems to be enough here for at least another book, and fans of Mr. Wood know that he is sure to come up with some “killer” ideas.

I wish to thank NetGalley, HarperCollins UK, and the author for providing me with an advance copy of Survivor’s Guilt in return for my unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars

After losing several colleagues and friends to a maniac, and mental as well as physical rehabilitation Matilda Darke is back at work. She is not her old self, and her colleagues knows it. A lot has changed in her life, and at work.

Prostitutes have been murdered one in awhile over some years, and suddenly the killer seems to be on a killing spree. Matilda takes on these cases at the same time as the old case of the old missing child case ends, when Carl is returning back to his biological parents.

There is a lot going on in this book. It starts off with a slower pace, in the aftermath of the tragedy that the whole police force suffers from. There is a lot of reflecting, and getting used to the new situation. Some have not gotten over the tragedy at all. Others are struggling hard.

The pace changes when the killing spree starts. There are many things going on simultaneously, and it gets darker and darker. The ending took me by surprise. I can honestly say I could not have guessed the culprit, but he seemed to take everyone by surprise. The last page made me want to Sheffield, to knock on Michael Wood's door, and politely make him write the next book immediately!

This series has become one of my all time favourites. The way Wood writes is different and great in every possible way. I can't drop the book for even a second. I simply have to finish it as soon as possible. Not only is the writing great, but the suspense is literally killing me, and the storytelling is superb! We want more!

The 8th book in the Matilda Darke series and it starts with a recap of the disastrous 2015 case of Carl Meagan who was abducted from his home. A botched ransom drop is something Matilda will never forget or forgive herself for, this subplot continues through the book. and ties up loose ends. from the original story. The book fast-forwards to 2019 to where Matilda has returned to work after many months of sick leave from when she received a near-fatal bullet wound to the head. several of her colleagues weren't so lucky and did not survive the attack. Going back to work was never going to be easy, the depleted team have a massive task ahead as prostitutes are being murdered on the streets of Sheffield. This book is a brilliant addition to the series, the ending is mind-blowing, I enjoyed it immensely, bring on number 9

I couldn’t wait to start reading this after the events of the previous book. It is a fantastic series and this is no exception. Having been seriously wounded, after nine months, Matilda Darke has returned to work although suffering psychological problems which are well portrayed. There is also the culmination of an abduction which has run throughout the books. Having come to know all the characters over the previous seven books, it was great to catch up with those still there and understand the grief for those lost. As always there is a gripping plot which makes unexpected twists, particularly the final one. And yes, I can’t wait for the next installment. It is definitely worth starting with the first book and following through, although having read this one, I’m sure that would happen! A highly recommended police procedural series.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK,One more chapter and NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I dudnt think Woods could top his last Novel but man was I wrong! This book had me gripped from the very first page to the last. I've read all his books but this has got to be up there with the most addictive, shocking and cunning books of his I've read. Was not disappointed!

Yet another fantastic read in this highly recommended series. I was dreading finishing it and I definitely didn’t guess the culprit, something which I was a bit: miffed about because I normally do!
I have followed and loved these characters from the beginning and feel like I know them personally, they are real to me and I go through everything with them. I could literally shout and screen how good these books are. Already longing for the next one. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for an advance copy.

This is the 8th book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. After the excellent previous novel that was packed with suspense and tragedy it was always going to be an hard act to follow. This is a really good series and this is another exciting read that is very close to the high standard set before.

For me the real strength of this series are the characters that I could easily imagine portrayed in a television series. Together with the exciting plots that are so well written make this a very good series.

n the last book DCI Matilda Darke survived a bullet to the head and many of her team were fatally wounded in a brutal attack that shocked the local community. The death toll reached double figures including many of Matilda’s close friends and colleagues. Nine months later she is still plagued with nightmares of that dreadful day but wants to get back to what she does best. Matilda gets straight back into the action when a woman is found murdered and her wounds look eerily similar to several cold cases which could mean a serial killer is on the loose in Sheffield.

Matilda is still feeling the mental scars from the attack nine months ago and there is an uneasiness within her team brought on by the previous loss of many colleagues in the attack. This case may prove to be the toughest yet with tensions running high as well as battling demons.

I would like to thank both Net Galley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Fans of this gritty, Sheffield-based police procedural series will not be disappointed. Set 9 months after the shocking events of the previous book, this story follows the remaining members of the murder investigation squad as they try to rebuild their working and private lives. It's not much of a spoiler to say: if you think things couldn't get worse for the team, think again...
The plot returns to two storylines that have been simmering for the last few books and brings them to a satisfactory but gobsmacking conclusion.
Although the book can be read as a standalone, why not start at Book 1 and immerse yourself in this unflinching, no-frills police series.
With thanks to the author, publisher and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

DI Matilda Darke #8

‘You’re a survivor, aren’t you Matilda?’ She may well have survived the dramatic events that concluded the last book but she’s not coping as her loyal team at The Homicide and Major Crime Unit will attest. Her attention at the start of the book is on the return home of Carl Meagan, kidnapped several years ago but the rest of the team are focused on a case of some missing prostitutes and some who have been murdered.

Well, I wasn’t sure how Michael Wood could follow the last instalment but oh boy, he has. This is a stellar series with fantastic characters and in this one we see them struggling to cope with the aftermath of the losses suffered in book 7 and with Matilda’s erratic behaviour. This is a very loyal team who care about their colleagues and have each other’s backs and their camaraderie and professionalism comes across well. It’s extremely good on the shifting dynamics after a tragedy, everything has changed to a lesser of greater degree. It’s an emotional read in places with raw grief on display which is so moving as are the emotions of the parents of Carl Meagan. I like how this has been a continuous thread through the series but the author does a good job at filling in the blanks for first time readers.

The prostitute storyline is extremely good and I especially like the inclusion of the very likeable characters of Bev and Sarah and you feel such sympathy for how lives can change so easily. Bev is fantastic character, such a caring Mother Earth figure who really looks out for her fellow workers. This is a dark and gritty case and an audacious plan is required to find and apprehend a killer who is beyond ruthless. You certainly get on a rollercoaster with this storyline as the plot twists and turns in unexpected directions. As the end approaches you do feel as if you’ve been clobbered with a sledge hammer so great is the shock. There’s tension and then there’s a Michael Wood ending which is different level. I could churn out all the cliches of wide open jaws, popping eyes, sharp intakes of breath etc, but nothing will do it justice. Authors who aren’t sure how to finish a book should read this authors work - that’s how you do it!!! Roll on number 9, I can hardly wait!!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HarperCollins UK / One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A really good read.i would recommend this book to all.

My thanks to Harper Collins U.K., Michael Wood and Netgalley.
I made it to 25%, and spent the whole time thinking how unlikable these people were.
I should have felt more. Especially with what was going on, but they were awful.
Usually I'd D.N.F., but as it's an ARC, and I can't leave no stars, I'll 3* it. Which is a 2 1/2 star.

The mystery in this story is not difficult to follow. The characters are pretty transparent and this is a quick read. However, this story is not one of my favorites...the book was sent to me on Kindle by Metgalley for review and although others might love it, I did not.

It's 9 months since a brutal attack claimed the lives of Matilda Darke's colleagues and friends and Matilda herself is still recovering from the trauma of surviving the attack. A serial killer is targeting prostitutes in Sheffield and Matilda's colleagues are increasingly concerned about her ability to lead the team and solve the case. This is another superb read in the Matilda Darke series which I love for the characters, the setting and the always engaging plotting. The twist is superb ! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.