DCI Matilda Darke and the team are back with a bang. Below Ground starts with Scott being found stabbed at Matilda’s house and she is missing. The team know Matilda well enough to know she had nothing to do with Scott’s attack and would only be missing for a serious reason and find out she has been kidnapped.
First thoughts point to the begrudged Steve Harrison, who blames Matilda for his life failings and being locked up for life in a max security prison. He makes no secret of his hatred. Steve is questioned but is he really behind Matilda’s disappearance?
Meanwhile a body has been found in a car deserted in the woodland, it is one of three missing sex workers and Sian fears her ex-husband and serial killer Stuart is to blame. Stuart denies any involvement in this death. The forensic team discover more bodies in the vicinity and the team are getting a bit to close to the truth for the killers liking.
As always, such an eventful, rollercoaster plot. Twist upon twist as the story develops. Even without Matilda being present, this book really works as the characters and team are so well developed and likeable that you can really relate to the emotions they are going through. Just when you think Michael Wood has peaked, he succumbs all expectations with this instalment.

This series should come with a warning! My heart is beating ten to the dozen and think it will be a while before it slows down.

You are definitely best to read these in order as previous events do run through this one. I was hoping that Matilda and her team might have a bit of break and deal with normal crimes like burglaries and day to day crimes but the author has yet again something more sinister up his sleeve. If I had any dreams of being in the police I think this series would but a stop to that as murder and threat to life is lurking around every page!

From the first to the very last page, the pacing is at full throttle. I kept having to remind myself to breath as I was holding it that much with everything that was going on. There are thrills and chills on literally every page and I couldn’t help feeling sorry for so many of the characters for all the hard work they are putting in on trying to solve the mystery behind the bodies in the woodland as well as finding Matilda before it’s too late.

Below Ground is just a phenomenal story that literally takes your breath away. It’s a real sleep stealer that packs more punches than a boxing ring! It had my heart racing and I couldn’t sit still as I was so eager to discover not only who was behind everything that was going on but if my favourite characters were going to come out of it alive. Prepare to pick your jaw up of the floor with this nail-biting read that will leave you desperate for the next book in the series!

What a book. Mr Wood has done it again. The familiar team is back investigating 2 separate crimes, whilst keeping everything together. Once again this book is faced paced with all the usual quality writing. I devoured it in 2 days, only going to work got in the way (and then I was late leaving as I only had the last chapter to go, and I could bear to wait to see what happened!). Can’t wait for the next instalment. Thanks for the advanced copy

Below Ground by Michael Wood is so good, with good twists and one stunning cliffhanger. Below Ground is a "don't miss" gripping installment in the DCI Matilda Darke Thrillers.

I cannot wait for more!! Michael Wood is one of my new favorite authors who crafts a compelling and tense story. His characters are quite intriguing and well-written. The plot made sense and had me guessing until the end. Michael Wood seems to have effortless writing abilities that make the story flow and keeps me turning the pages.

The only flaw in this book was a bit too many characters were crying; it happened practically in each scene. Otherwise, another amazing addition to the Matilda Darke series. Please write more soon!!

#NetGalley @MichaelHWood

The latest installment in the Matilda Darke series, and it is just as good as all the others. I love reading about the places I grew up in and that's what drew me to this series first, but it's the stories which keep me coming back each tome a new one appears. The characters are all scarred ,and still recovering from the massacre in Sheffield . Michael always teases us with what might happen- I am not posting any spoilers- just read this.
If you haven't read the other Matilda books then do it

Amazing read! This is one of those books you can't put down but also need to put down to calm the heart palpitations that develop from all of the drama. If you haven't read the previous 10 books I suggest you do so.

Wow! Be prepared to read in one sitting! My eyes could not scan the pages quick enough and my heart was racing throughout. Then you think it comes to a great conclusion and bam!! You're hit with a cliffhanger. I need book 12 now!!

wow....
i just love michael woods writing i joined a bit late on with the Matilda Darke series but have caught up now and look forward too each new one that is brought out and they honestly do not dissapoint.

this wasgripping from beginning too end. Humourous conversations too bring light on the middle of dark and just the right amount i had no idea how the story would fit together and did not expect that end... i think this has got too be one of my favourites for suspense and team work but dont like how it just ended i want more...

Another absolutely fantastic read, such a great series and characters. As usual a jam packed action filled roller-coaster of a book, always left wanting more. Looking forward to the next installment

Below Ground is an I can't put it down, don't talk to me until I am finished read all the while as you are holding your breath and praying they find Matilda alive.

I don't want to say much (and my review could not possibly do justice to the series or the book) but I will say expect the unexpected.

Michael Wood is a master at that premise.

Then there is the ending that leaves you turning the page thinking please don't end the book here.

Highly recommend Below Ground and the entire series. Matlida Darke is the at the top of my favourite series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for a heart pounding read.

Below Ground by Michael Wood is book 11 in the DCI Matilda Darke series and what a read it is. Steve Harrison, the psychopathic ex-cop, plays a part again. He is not happy unless it is all about him. Events of the past are replayed in everyone’s minds, and it is all brought to the fore again. Everyone is suffering as Steve torments them and tries to pull their strings. It is a rocky road for Adele, the pathologist, in more ways than one. And Matilda faces the fight of her life as someone wants retribution. The supporting characters come into their own as they hunt down a murderer and a kidnapper, having two major cases on their hands at the same time. And the journalist Danny Hanson, is there beavering away. I have loved the whole series and I feel like the characters are friends now. They are fully developed people in my eyes although I am still finding out more about them. They all look out for each other and have all stepped up. I found this book quite emotional at times but then Christian brings humour to the story as well. This is a tense, gripping, compelling and at times unexpected story and is highly recommended. Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Michael Wood for the ARC.

This one was fantastic. It was absolutely great to be back with Matilda and team. Highly recommend this series and author as the characters feel like good friends and I always love a new Matilda novel.

Another excellent read by Michael Wood.

Matilda has been kidnapped in this one so she isnt in as much as previous books however having said that it does not take away the enjoyment of it at all as when she is telling her part it it emotionally charged. There is so much going on with all the other characters professionally and personally. It is like you are there feeling what they are going through. Honestly loved it cannot wait for next. Thankyou for advanced copy.

Finished in a couple of sittings I'd been eagerly awaiting this installment after how last book ended.
Was lovely to see the return of Sian and the team were certainly kept on there toes with two major crimes to solve and twists and turns along the way
Again a bit of an open ending to lead into the next book when I was expecting all the loose ends to come together
Interested to see where things go from here after everything the team members have been through

Below Ground is the eleventh instalment in the DCI Matilda Darke series. If you have read any of the books in the series, you will know to ‘expect the unexpected’. Wood’s is not averse to killing off much loved characters without a hint of regret. Personally, that’s one reason I love this series, as you are never sure what shocks the author has in store for the reader. Below Ground kicks off at a breathtaking pace. Maltida has been kidnapped and her nemesis, Steve Harrison, appears to be the number one suspect. But how can someone who is currently in the Supermax of Wakefield Prison be responsible? And so begins a cracking, and unpredictable read.

Matilda kidnapping means she plays a much smaller part in Below Ground, which is a brave move on woods part. But he’s created such a fantastic supporting cast with a strong storyline, readers will forgive him for locking Matilda away! Another strength of this series is Matilda’s and her team. It sounds cliched but they feel like old friends. Through the series you’ve shared their losses, heartbreak, grief and trauma. Wood’s doesn’t give any of the team an easy ride, that’s for sure. Whoever is behind Matilda’s kidnapping is a master of manipulation. They torment and taunt the team at every given opportunity, pushing each one to the brink.

Matilda has made a lot of enemies during her career, so the list of suspects is long. I liked how wood incorporates threads and potential suspects from previous books. As if the team doesn’t have enough to deal with, a body is found in an abandoned car on the outskirts of Sheffield. It soon becomes apparent that the two unrelated investigations have far more in common than first thought.

The team’s determination to bring Matilda home is hampered at every turn. As the plot progresses, there’s an intense sense of foreboding that literally had me on the edge of my seat. Michael Wood has the most devious, twisted mind. Not only has he written a fantastic read, but he ends the book on a shocking note and one that left me reeling! In case you haven’t already guessed, I absolutely loved Below Ground. If you love a dark crime series, they don’t come any darker than this outstanding series. Highly recommended.

Wow another brilliant read from this author, I absolutely love his books and Matilda although it was great to read more about her team in this book and all their background which we don't often get to know them personally.

Well written as always, great storyline which kept me on the edge of my seat from the beginning until the end and can't wait for book 12, you need to write faster Michael Wood!

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins OMC for this brilliant ARC which I have no hesitation in recommending.

Yet another fantastic, fast-paced, on the-edge-of-my-seat book from Michael Wood. I love the Matilda Darke series and this one, without giving away any spoilers, was unique as it featured her team more than her. That’s the sign of a really good series - when the main character doesn’t need to feature heavily and it’s still a great read.
My only complaint is that Michael doesn’t write more quickly! After that ending, I need the next instalment…now!

Michael’s books are always action packed and far from boring. He makes midsomer murders look like balamory. I loved this book and already can’t wait for book 12.

DCI Matilda Darke is usually the lead character but she’s not in this one as much due to her being kidnapped. It’s nice to learn a bit more about the other characters. I would 100% recommend this book but due to there being characters from past books would say it’s better to read this one as part of the series rather than a stand alone book.

As soon as I get my hands on a new Matilda Darke book all the other books in my TBR pile are pushed to one side. I always have extremely high expectations of Michael Wood and I'm happy to say that I've never been disappointed
This book really hits the ground running so to speak. Within the first couple of pages we learn that Matilda is missing and that the life of one of her officers hangs in the balance. So just a wee bit of tension then. The story continues at this breakneck speed with the team showing 100% dedication to the boss they all adore. There are some massive plot twists along the way to leave the reader barely getting over the shock of one before another arrives. As usual the book ends with a cliffhanger to whet your appetite and to ensure that you will wait with bated breath for the next installment.

This one was fantastic. It was absolutely great to be back with Matilda and team. Highly recommend this series and author as the characters feel like good friends and I always love a new Matilda novel.