5 stars

Matilda Darke is still recovering from being shot during her last case. She is not working at this time. Her team was dismantled by the upper brass at the police station. With Britain and, subsequently the police force, being strangled by the covid restrictions, they are seriously understaffed and sorely overworked.

Matilda’s old boss is practically on his knees beginning her to come back. They have a particularly tragic case to work. Young women are being raped and their throats cut by a deranged serial killer.

Matilda gets many of her old team back, except Sian. Matilda does not want Christian on her team. She still doesn’t trust him; she doesn’t believe that he is telling the truth about their last case.

Now, with four women dead and the last, Tilly, in the hospital, they certainly have their hands full. Tilly has managed to survive, but she can no longer speak. Her throat is too damaged.

The team works long and hard on their investigation.

Mr. Wood certainly knows how to write a tension-filled story. He draws his characters very well. The reader is in the room, following them around and witnessing the action first hand. I was glad to see Matilda get most of her team back, and some new faces as well. She has regained her drive and fight after being wounded. She is back! This is perhaps my favorite Matilda novel. Now I await number eleven.

I want to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins/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.

Wow. I love Matilda Darke so when I got this book I was really excited. And it didn't disappoint. Each and every page had just the right amount of tension to keep me hooked. I headed to bed early because I knew there was no way I'd be putting this book down before the last page. And what a last page it was, Michael Wood knows exactly how to keep his readers practically salivating for the next book. My only criticism would be that there are a lot of spoilers re. the plots of earlier books. If this had been my first read in the series I would definitely be buying the back catalogue but some of the plot twists would be no surprise to me. Hope Michael has his head down writing because I can't wait for the next book.

This series has been amazing, and this book was not a disappointment.
The storyline was great and there was so many twists and turns I didn't see coming
I would recommend this book and the others in the series

Michael Woods Matilda Darke is top of my list for must read procedurals and never disappoints. They have everything; a cracking plot, suspense, humour, empathy and a great investigative team. These are dark brutal crimes with no forensics; random women savagely stabbed except for one who survives but is so damaged she will never speak again. The police force involved is under special measures and it is set during the pandemic with all the associated restrictions and lack of staff. Matilda is asked to return to take charge after being made redundant after the last case. Well written and paced, there could be several people in the frame and the side tracks are many. The climax had me holding my breath and there was still a cliff hanger to end on. Do read it; better still read the series it is so addictive.

Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest opinion. I really enjoyed it.

Another excellent instalment in Michael Wood's Matilda Darke series that I raced through over the course of 24 hours. In Silent Victim, Matilda and the team are investigating a series of rapes and murders of young women over the winter of 2020. I would warn readers that the crimes are horrific and portrayed fairly graphically by the author but shockingly reflect the violence against women in our society today.
This is one of my favourite police procedural series and I love Wood's characterisation of Matilda and her team, the author brings the Sheffield setting to life and really sets the scene of the winter of 2020 when the country was still under various pandemic restrictions. This is a series where anything can happen, and anyone can be guilty, so I was looking for clues that pointed to the guilt of any male character throughout the novel. Like the rest of the series this was a gripping and pacy read, full of shocks and I really don't know how much else Matilda and the team can take! I can't wait for the next in the series!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the invitation to read this digital ARC.

I've read enough of this series to know not to trust anyone, so all the while I'm reading, I'm imagining anyone, and everyone as the suspect.
I've said it before, I love that no character is safe in the hands of Michael Wood, it adds drama to the coffee run to be honest.
An interesting story, that's quite brutal at times. The clues did not point anywhere. Thank goodness I'm not on the team.
Good interaction of the characters old and new.
There was a moment late in the book, where I actually said out loud "don't you dare!".
I'm not sure if I was talking to the killer, or the author, but it shows how involved you can get in these peoples lives.
Left me surprised, and wondering why book 10 was so far away.

Silent Victim is the tenth nerve-shredding instalment in the DCI Matilda Darke Thriller series. Michael Wood is one of those rare authors whose able to write a long-running series that keeps the reader hooked and begging for more. Each book in the series is original and darker than the last. In case you haven’t already guessed, I absolutely love this series! There’s so much to love about it, the characters, the plots, the shocks, and the gruesome crime scenes that definitely aren’t for those of a nervous disposition!

Poor Matilda never gets an easy ride, and Wood plunges her into her most chilling, brutal, and shocking case yet! There’s an evil, misogynistic serial killer on the loose, and this one will send shivers down your spine! Their brutal crimes will leave you feeling disturbed. You will root for Matilda to find them and bring them to justice. The Characters really are key in this series. Matilda and her dedicated team have faced the most challenging times over the series, as the reader you experience the high, lows, loss and trauma of this close team.

Wood always injects a dose of much needed humour to his dark tales, and it’s these moments that allow the reader to draw breath. Silent Victim made for an emotional read. something you wouldn’t expect in a crime thriller. Matilda’s empathy and support towards the killer’s only living victim holds no bounds. Through her own past trauma, she’s aware of the suffering, aftermath and mental torment the victim is going through.

Silent Victim will have you flipping pages at breakneck speed, eager to see what happens next, and OMFG! What an ending! Brilliant but so evil on the authors part! Michael Wood has created a story that’s thick with tension, riveting, and very disturbing, yet so brilliantly written. This is a MUST read for all crime thriller lovers.

Firstly I would like to thank netgalley, and HarperCollins uk one more chapter, and the fantastic author Michael wood for an early copy of this book.

This is book 10 in this series, This book starts with a bang,A 14 year old abducted and left for dead.This killer has killed before multiply times cutting there throats and raping his victims. Due to covid they are short on officers they need DCI Matilda Drake back.Matilda has suffered and is it time for her to return.she picked most of her old team and a new member.this case has lack of evidence to bring the killer to justice. How does she wheel the killer in.There was humour from this author over the Christmas period over a Turkey that made me laugh..another great ending which leads to the next instalment..CANT WAIT..if you love crime books read this series..HIGHLY RECOMMEND...

This book reviewed on Amazon UK.. goodreads..and waterstone's.

This book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the electronic copy. This author is talented and gifted at writing a cannot put down novel. This would make a compelling television series. The images are disturbing at times…the story is fiction but could be nonfiction. The protagonist is a police officer solving crimes such as serial murder crimes…do not read this at night…lock your doors…not only is this a novel, it is a warning for all women alone…there are not enough words to describe this book…from the beginning to the ending, which leaves the reader guessing…there are so many red herrings that it was difficult to discern who the serial killer was…and then that ending…left us hanging…this is unique…the silent victim, the teenage girl…she was described in a way that she came alive on the pages…in fact, all of the characters did. I want to read more by this author…just tone down the details please.

Matilda Darke #19
December 2020, Sheffield

Whoop, whoop! The latest Matilda Darke by Michael Wood! Talk about eager anticipation and that KNOWING that it’s going to be a cracker before you’ve even started and oh boy, is it ever, I need oxygen!!!

The novel starts in a terrifying and emotional way with the abduction and rape of 14-year-old Tilly Hall and subsequent emergency SOS calls to her mother and the police. They find poor Tilly in some woods, semi clothed, her throat cut and barely alive. A forensic team assemble, the cold wet weather not making things easy, nor is Covid as they’re seriously shortstaffed. Tragically, Tilly is the fourth victim in a horrifying case.

The situation is difficult for South Yorkshire police as they are in special measures. DI Christian Brady is really feeling the pressure and he wants Matilda back. We know Matilda is a survivor, look at what she’s been through these last few years but can she survive this incredibly tough case?

I’m running out of superlatives to describe how much I love the series and the team in South Yorkshire who now feel like old friends and with a few new good additions in the latest novel. As ever, the pace is fast, at times at warp speed, the pressure is intense and like the team you cast your beady eye in several directions trying to suss out the evil perpetrator .

This really does have you gripped, on the edge of your seat, quite often breathless and it’s possible the odd naughty maybe uttered in the several wow,wow, wow moments. It’s nightmarish and grotesque and the author cleverly utilises the circumstances of late 2020 as well as the locations and weather to great effect . The tension builds, the plot twists and turns and yes, Mr Wood has done it again! That ending and oh my, that cliffhanger what are you doing to your readers?!! How long have we got to wait for number 11? Please hurry up as your many fans are on tenterhooks as per usual ! A terrific read from beginning to end.

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

Isn't Christmas, supposed to be the happiest time of the year? If you're a member of the beleaguered South Yorkshire Police Force, recently put in special measures and struggling with staff shortages, probably not!. In the midst of the turmoil a serial killer has set his sights on the women of Sheffield, attacking with increasing violence and regularity, leaving three mutilated bodies in his wake.

DCI Matilda Darke has been watching from the sidelines as her city is rocked by the killings and when a fourth victim is discovered her phone finally rings. Enticed back to help catch a murderer who leaves no clues, while also improving the reputation of the police force which has shaped her life for so long, Matilda knows no woman is safe. With little hesitation she begins an investigation which could, once again, place her in the line of fire.

Book ten in Michael Wood's excellent series is as explosive as the previous nine! The story starts with a bang and is a compelling page turner which provides action all the way to the end where the epilogue is a cliffhanger which will leave readers desperate for more.

The dialogue is realistically delivered between colleagues and friends who know each other exceptionally well. There are also lighter moments including a laugh out loud series of events which were as expertly written as those of the utmost seriousness. Spoilers for previous books are included so Matilda is best read in order for maximum enjoyment of a first class set of stories.

I was able to read an advanced copy of Silent Victim thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is another excellent book in one of the best British police procedural series available and highly recommended.

DI Christian Brady is feeling the pressure, and up to his eyes in paperwork. with the Homicide and Major Crime Unit disbanded earlier in the year, after a major investigation in to historic child abuse uncovered that the previous Police and crime commissioner and chief constable we’re deeply involved along with some politicians. BothMatilda and Sian have now left and with little staff due to the pandemic, and 3 murders to solve South Yorkshire Police are once again under the microscope. When a fourth victim, Tilly, a 14 year old girl is found brutally raped and barely alive with her throat cut, and unable to speak, the now Chief Constable Benjamin Ridley has no choice, the only person who can crack this case is DCI Matilda Darke and he must ask her to return. Matilda accepts, and puts together her team including DS Scott Andrews, the now returned to work albeit in a wheelchair DC Zofia Novak, DC Finn Cotton and the newest member of the team DC Tom Simpson. With little in the way of forensic evidence or otherwise, can the team catch this evasive killer before he claims any more victims?

I don’t really know where to start, I read this in a day including an overnight until 2am when I fell asleep with my kindle, I couldn’t stop reading! Michael’s storylines have you gripped from the very first page, you have no idea where the story is going, even when you think you know, another hammer blow is thrown at you! It’s fast paced, chilling and gritty, and I loved being along for the ride! The characters feel like old friends by this point, and you are rooting for Matilda and the team as the minutes and seconds count down! I loved this book, the cliffhanger at the end has made me feel so frustrated- I want to read it now!!! Absolutely fantastic, loved every second, I’ve literally nothing negative to say about this book apart from I didn’t want it to end! Michael, you are one of my most favourite authors, and I look forward to each and every book you write! Easy 5 stars from me, absolutely amazing!

Thank you One More Chapter, Harper Collins and of course to Michael Wood for letting me have a pre read of this book!

Silent Victim by Michael Wood

Another great book in the DCI Matilda Darke series , and like the others , a brilliant , edge of your seat read.
The book starts off in a way not for the faint hearted as it takes us to the horrific rape of a young 14 year old girl.
Set during the covid pandemic which gave it an up to date vibe to it and the constraints that bought . Very clever.
Michael Woods has created a great character in Matilda Darke and long may she and he reign.

For those familiar with the DCI Matilda Darke series, this will be an expectedly dark and graphic police procedural. Those who are making Silent Victim their first foray into the series may need to be warned it’s not for the faint hearted. For example, chapter 1 describes a kidnapped, fourteen-year-old, who’s just been raped, having her throat cut.
The story follows Matilda and her team on the trail of serial rapist and killer. The culprit came as no great surprise, but the thrill of the series is in seeing how many of the police team will survive intact. The real serial killer is author Michael Wood who plays fast and loose with the lives of his police characters. Many writers would tie up a traumatic story like Silent Victim in the warm glow of an ‘order restored’ epilogue, but not this chap. Two team members haven’t even got their coats off from this case before trouble strikes, ready for the next book to hit the ground running. This is a crime writer well into his stride with a clear vision for the series and a publisher who rightly lets him get on with it.

With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

DCI Matilda Darke has been enjoying the last few months, learning how to live without the police force 24/7 but when the Chief Constable turns up on her doorstep, asking for help, when she sees the reason why, she knows she can’t refuse.

We are some months on since the last book, numerous things have changed, other than Matildas grit, determination and sheer will to find the offender. In this police procedural, we have most of the main characters back again and a few welcome additions. Its a really entertaining series, and each time I think the next book won’t be as good as the first. This book definitely lives up to my hopes and expectations. A stand alone read I would recommend reading at least some of the previous books. This is fast paced, at times breathtakingly scary and also makes me wish my imagination couldn’t picture some of the descriptions so well written by the author. There are as usual a couple of red herrings, some plot twists I didn’t think of and although a satisfying conclusion, I wasn’t quite prepared for the ending - which made it all the more worthwhile to read. Highly recommended series, book and author.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I dropped everything for this, I adore Matilda Darke and couldn’t wait for the next instalment.

Although I’m sure you could read this without reading the previous books, I would recommend reading them first as they really set up the characters and you will enjoy the book more that way.

Michael Wood is a master of the crime thriller genre, so we’ll written and you just have to keep reading. With the perspective of victim and killer in this one it’s so creepy in parts which makes it all the more addictive.

I read it in two days and now I wish I hadn’t because I want more!

Silent Victim is book 10 in the DCI Matilda Darke series by Michael Wood. 5 murdered women and 1 survivor. The murderer is expected to kill again and more viciously next time. There is no evidence. What a story. You are grabbed by the throat and dragged into the story from the beginning. It is heart in the mouth reading. Set in late 2020, covid is ruling Sheffield. Matilda is asked to return to work to help with this perplexing case. The usual members of the team are back except for Sian, and they are joined by DC Tom Simpson. Matilda is able to help the survivor as she struggles with her recovery, having gone through a trauma herself a couple of years ago. A fabulous addition to the series and I look forward to the next book.

I was so happy that NetGalley and One More Chapter approved my request to read this early!! I always worry about opening and reading a Michael Wood DCI Matilda Darke story! This one didn't fail to disappoint me in any way! The twists and turns of the plot will keep the reader enthralled to find out the ending!!! It will keep you on the edge of your seats!! I will recommend this to my friends!!

This book is a solid 4.5 out of 5, I love Michael Wood’s books there is never a dull moment. DCI Matilda Darke is back trying to track down a serial killer who hates women and leaves very little for the police to go on. As with all Michael’s books it makes you feel the whole range of emotions and makes your pulse race which to me is the sign of a great book.

My biggest issue with this book is waiting for the next instalment which if the epilogue is anything to go on is going to be action packed. I can’t wait.

Thank you to NetGalley and One more chapter for the advanced reading copy.

The tenth book in the DCI Matilda Darke series by author Michael Wood. This is one of my favourite series, strong characters, exciting plots and so well written. This is another exciting read and I really enjoyed it from start to finish. This is one series I feel needs to be read from book one in sequence to get the most out of it.

A serial rapist / killer is on the loose and the police are feeling the pressure to get results quickly. DCI Matilda Darke is not currently working following the break up of her team and due to the current pressures is approached by her chief to return to work to catch the killer. The rapist appears to be attacking random women, raping them and then brutally slitting their throats. So far three women have been murdered and a fourteen year old girl left to die yet by a miracle survived.

Matilda agrees to return to work and is joined by some of her old team to hunt down the killer before he strikes again. With little evidence to go on Matilda feels she may have to take drastic action and try to taunt the killer to come out of hiding by offering herself as bait.

This is an exciting read, well paced and excellent characters.

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