A GRUESOME MURDER

Twenty years ago, a young girl vanished from a quiet street in Northumberland. When her body is found in an attic close to her home, the whole neighbourhood was shocked.

A DEVASTATING SECRET

For her entire life, Dawn Shephard has never known her father. But when news breaks that a murderer is about to be released from prison, her mother has no choice but to reveal his identity.

THE ORIGINS OF EVIL

As Dawn digs into her father's history, she lands on a chilling connection. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Just how far will she go to discover if a killer's blood runs through her veins?

This is a new standalone novel. Twenty years ago, thirteen-year-old Stephanie is kidnapped and brutally murdered. We are kept guessing throughout this book to the identity of the culprit. There are some great twists and lots going on in this gripping read. The suspense builds throughout. This domestic thriller has plenty of drama. Dawn wants to find out the truth about her father, Dominic - is he a murderer? But will she like the answers she's looking for?

Published 29th June 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #MichaelWood for my ARC of #VengeanceIsMine in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the authors previous novel ‘ The Mind of a murder ‘ which blew me away I had to get my hands of his next standalone ‘Vengeance is Mine’.
Dawn Shepherd has never known her father and has been brought up by her mother Rita. She has never wanted for nothing. When one day she gets a call that her mother is drunk in a cell. She is shocked as her mother is a teetotal person. When Dawn finds the reason for her mother’s disruptive behaviour. She finds out about her dad that she has never met. Dominic Griffiths is soon going to be released from prison. He has been in castrated for the last 20 years for killing 13-year-old Stephanie White, who was abducted and murdered on her 13th birthday.
At first Dawn is shocked but then realises that she wants to meet him. After all he has done his time, which he is claiming his innocence. He says that the drug that he was taking was giving him mood swings and black outs and he can’t remember a thing. Dawn sets out to investigate what happened that day. Not only talking to Dominic’s family, but that also didn’t want anything to do with him. But also, the parents of Stephanie White.
Wow Micheal wood has written another blinder of a story. This is a compelling read of the repercussions one little girls murder not only for her family but also the perpetrators family and everyone involved. It shows the grief of the family and if justice was really served. This is also a thought provoking read. I loved the ending of this. I didn’t see it coming. 5 stars from me.

I’d like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Vengeance Is Mine’ written by Michael Wood in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Dawn Shepherd’s mother has just told her the name of her father, Dominic Griffiths, as he’s being released early from prison after spending twenty years for the murder of thirteen-year-old Stephanie White. After thinking about it Dawn decides she wants to meet her father and the family she didn’t know she had, but is she ready to learn the truth about her father?

‘Vengeance Is Mine’ is a standalone thriller by one of my favourite authors and contains plenty of suspense and drama that’s kept me involved. It doesn’t quite have the excitement of his previous thrillers and the first part is so slow I was tempted to fall asleep, but the further I’ve got into the story the more I wanted to know about Dawn and her father. The characters have been convincingly portrayed despite too much attention being given to Dawn’s weight and build, and when I got towards the end there’s a huge twist that’s come as a surprise and was totally unexpected. It’s a thriller that’s kept me guessing throughout and although not one of the author’s best I’ve still enjoyed it.

As a fan of Michael's books, I knew what to expect as he is brilliant author!! 20 years ago, Stephanie White on her 13th birthday goes out on her new roller blades in a new signed football top and she meets Dominic Griffiths! Unfortunately for Stephanie, she is murdered! DI Ian Braithwaite is brought in to investigate her death. Dominic is sentenced to 25 years in prison. Fast forward t20 years, Dawn is shocked to learn that her father is a murderer when her Mum tells her the truth about her birth. We learn later that Dominic had been on banned medication so a fancy solicitor is keen to get him out and for him to be awarded compensation. Dawn is keen to learn more about everything that happened 20 years ago so she sets out on meeting Mr and Mrs White, her grandparents and her Dad. The book is two parts with the second bringing the plot one year later, when Dominic is out and starting to make a life for himself. But one day, she discovers her Dad is dead. DI Terry Braithwaite (Ian's Son) is investigating the killing. All the sub plots are tied up with a bow to a chilling conclusion. I found the characters believable and it is well written and very descriptive. I highly recommend this book.

Dawn has never known her father. Her mother had told her it was a one night stand once she was old enough to understand. When she finally learns the truth after behaviour well out of character from her mother, she is horrified to find out he is about to be released from prison where he was sent following the murder of the daughter of one of her old school teachers. Once the shock settles, Dawn's interest is piqued especially as she is a paralegal and she finds out things are not as clear cut as they first appeared twenty years ago when he was sentenced. Did Dominic really kill Stephanie and can Dawn ever love her father?

This plot intrigued me and most certainly kept the pages turning. A new author to me and one I most certainly will be looking out for in the future as this was such a brilliantly entertaining read. I didn't know what or who to believe and found myself sitting on the fence for most of the time- the writing is skilfully and cleverly crafted. A clever twist at the end which surprised me in a very good way. A stunning piece of writing that more than kept me engaged. Brilliant

I found the concept of this one interesting and was excited to read it! A daughter finds out who her father is as he’s about to be released from prison for the murder of a young girl. He is released early due to taking a drug known to have side effects that may have lead to the killing. It has elements of a great Michael Wood novel, but I found the end a little unsatisfying and it was definitely a slow burn.

This is a standalone book written over 20 years ago by Michael Wood. The book is told in two parts it is very different to what M Wood has written in recent years.
The story itself gives begins with a little background information then we move onto Dawn Shepherd who finds out from her mother that her estranged father is a serial killer provoking Dawn to find out more about him the reasons why and if he actually done it. Also if she wants a relationship with him. It makes the reader think what on earth would you do with that information.
The second part Dawn as we know her her world comes crashing down and the reader is left wondering who done it. This part and also the conclusion to the book makes you think about do two wrongs make a right.
As always great writing skills from Michael wood thank you for advanced copy.

Dawn shepherd, our leading lady, is finally told by her mother that her father is about to be released from prison, convicted for murder of a 13-year-old girl. I cannot imagine the chock.
I love the relationship she has with her mother, they seem very close, indeed.
I was in a way, surprised that Dawn Shepherd. choice to reconnect with her father.
However, I do understand why she did want to, considering her line of work, and perhaps I would do too, if I hadn’t known who my father was until then.
The characters on the book seemed all to be lovely so even though there are quite a few suspects here that could have said ‘Vengeance is mine’ You would just have to read the book.
Even though the twists were good and unexpected and the characters were lovely. this book, to me is not quite a four.

Goodness me, what a story, I couldn't put it down for long as I couldn't wait to find out which way this turny, twisty story was going to go next, just when I thought I'd figured it out, off it went again in another direction,a magnificent, thrilling ride and such an ending! Bravo!

This standalone isn't as dark as Wood's Matilda Darke series. Perhaps because it has taken him more than twenty years to publish it, and he has perfected the dark, twisty murder mysteries for which he is now known, "Vengeance is Mine" isn't a typical Michael Wood book. That's not to say this isn't a good book because it is; it just wasn't what I expected.

Dominic Griffiths has been in prison for twenty years for the abduction and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, a crime he swears he can't remember committing. It has since been found that a prescription drug he was on at the time had a personality-altering side effect. Now, he is being released with a hefty settlement from the drug company, and few people are happy about his release, least of all the police and the girl's parents.

On the eve of Dominic's release, Dawn Shepherd's mother confesses that Dominic is Dawn's father. Not sure how she feels about that, Dawn is determined to get to know her father and the family she didn't think she had. In doing so, Dawn uncovers family secrets and raises more questions surrounding the girl's murder. Just who is Dominic, and was he capable of murder?

This is a fast-paced psychological thriller. When I thought I knew where the story was going, a twist sent me in another direction. Red herrings galore and unreliable characters make for a fascinating read. While not what I was anticipating, this book is a terrific read. 4/5 stars.

Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 29, 2024.

Whilst I’m a fan of the Matilda Darke series, this is my first standalone Michael Wood title - and it did not disappoint!

A great premise exploring justice and vengeance, and the ripples of impact an act can create. Whilst the story is about the horrific act that Dominic Wood was imprisoned 20 years for, it is mainly told from the perspective of Dawn, the daughter who didn’t know who her father was. Dawn often dreamt about who her father was, murderer didn’t feature in these dreams!

Vengeance is Mine was a great read, I found the narrative engaging and difficult to put down as I wanted to know how it would pan out. There’s a little bit of a police procedural but it mainly focuses on relationships, grief and heavy burden’s carried after the murder of a child.

As always with Michael Wood a great premise, superb well-developed characters, and a great ending.

This stand alone examines how crime not only affects the victim’s family, but the perpetrators family as well. Mr Wood pulls you in and just when you think you know where it is going. A huge change in direction is taken.

I found the book only OK for most of it, until the fantastic ending. When it was revealed that this was written over 20 years ago, but only just published it explained why I was struggling with it for the most part, as it was probably one of the first written by this exceptional author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Vengeance Is Mine is a tense, clever page-turner standalone thriller that crime book junkies will devour. Michael Wood’s has to be one of the best crime writers out there. He has the most twisted imagination and conjures up exciting, unpredictable plots that capture the reader’s attention from the start. What begins as a story about a missing girl transforms into a disturbing and utterly fascinating tale about vengeance, grief and deceit.

The book opens with Stephanie White being approached by a strange man. Fast forward twenty years and we know her disappearance ended in tragedy. Dominic Griffiths is serving a prison sentence for her abduction and murder, although he has always maintained he’s innocence. Dawn Shepherd finds out through her mum that rather than being the product of a one stand, her father is in-fact Dominic. Shocked by her mothers revelation, Dawn digs into her father’s past. I just knew it was going to end in tears but had no ideal what twisted road Michael Wood’s would take me down!

Vengeance Is Mine explores how crime affects the families of both victim and perpetrator not just in the aftermath but years later. I found myself questioning my own moral compass and sense of justice, which added to my enjoyment of this read. Michael Wood once again lures his readers into thinking they know where the story’s heading and then WHAM BAM he throws in twists that leaves the reader reeling! I really enjoyed this book. It’s dark and deliciously twisted just how I like my books. Highly recommended.
You can follow me at

Michael Wood is a new favourite author for me. I absolutely loved ‘The Mind of a Murderer’, and was excited to read this one.
I love a Complex story and I was not disappointed. Michael has a way of writing that is absolutely gripping. I do feel that there is a fine line between Thriller and horror in this book but felt that way with his other book as well. The characters are great!! I liked Dawn as our FMC, she is strong, but battling with her newfound information about her ‘lost’ father. The scene setting is thrilling and the storyline is great. The only thing that bothered me and was totally unnecessary was the repetitive diet and weight loss comments.
If you love thrilling rollercoaster stories try the books by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and HarperCollins UK for this ARC.

Dawn Shephard was raised by a single mom and never knew her real father. One night her mother makes a shocking confession; Dawn's father is Dominic Griffiths - a convicted murderer who is about to be released from prison. Dawn is shocked and torn with indecision. Dominic has always claimed his innocence and she wonders if she should meet him and get his side of the story? As Dawn investigates the events of 20 years ago and gets to know all the people involved she keeps finding more questions than answers. What really happened the night a 13 year old girl was murdered and is Dawn the daughter of a monster or a victim? This book kept me turning pages and guessing right up until the end. #NetGalley #VengeanceisMine

I do love a Michael Wood book and his standalone novels are proving to be every bit as addictive as his long running Matilda Darke series. In his latest offering, Vengeance Is Mine, he has set up a very interesting premise. What would you do if you discovered that father you never knew was a convicted killer? Would you want to know more about your father or would you run for the kills. Well that is the choice facing Dawn, the protagonist of our story, when it is announced that the man convicted of the murder of a young teenager, who is also apparently her father, is set to be released after what appears to be an unsafe conviction, turning her whole world upside down.

I really enjoyed this book - in as much as you can enjoy a book of this nature. The author sets us up perfectly, introducing us to the young victim, Stephanie, as she celebrates her thirteenth birthday with a trip into town on her newly acquired roller skates. It's a trip she will never return from, and her fate, as it turns out, is a very sad and somewhat grizzly one. It is a crime kept off the page, commented on only in retrospect, but it is still one that affected me as a reader. And whilst the perpetrator of the crime may seem obvious, there is a factor, as yet unknown, that will make you doubt everything you are reading, and that certainly cast doubt on the conviction - hence the early release and the upheaval experienced by all the characters in this book.

I liked Dawn as a lead character. Michael Wood has done a brilliant job in making her sympathetic, even when some of her actions may go against what you might expect. She is young, and discovering the truth about her father after so long of her mother hiding the truth from her is abound to have an impact on her. That's not the only revelation that she has to face and how she decides to deal with the subsequent revelations really does steer the pace and tone of the rest of the book. There is nothing typical about the situation Dawn finds herself in, so I can't claim to be surprised by her actions, even if some of them did lead to a few raised eyebrows. But this is Michael Wood, and he is a master of the twist, so, around the halfway point, the book takes an unexpected turn and we move from Dawn as the main protagonist to Terry, the son of the man who arrested Dawn's father, himself a copper.

The aocing of this book was just right, the emotional tone pitched perfectly, portraying the grief of those who are connected to the original case, with the confusion and uncertainty experienced by Dawn. I liked the way the story was framed, the before and after of a certain event that has repercussions for everyone closely linked to the case. There is a vein of misdirection that will have you guessing and second guessing yourself, and the final revelation, when it comes, is clever and satisfying. Do we see a fitting conclusion to the mystery of what really happened to Stephanie? Is justice done? Well ... read the book and judge for yourself. You won't regret it.

Definitely recommended and with brilliant characters, and an emotional laden mystery at the heart of the story, fans of the author will love it.

I love Michael Wood and I will read anything he has written with super excitement

I was so chuffed to get the review of this and wow I LOVED it

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review. I could not put it down Mr Wood you done it again

Michael Wood never lets you down. I have mentioned before that he is sadly underrated and that is still the case, even though his Matilda Darke series is one of the best in contemporary crime fiction and his new series promises much. This is a standalone and, although it doesn't grip quite as tightly as the series, it is still a beautifully written novel and a tremendous read.

What a great book. A complex storyline, telling how a daughter, brought up by her mother, finds out her unknown father is in fact a convicted murderer about to be released on a technicality . You are taken on a roller-coaster ride of her befriending her grandfather, the victims parents and also her father.

The ending is very unexpected, very clever as throughout the book, you realise how many people are affected by one person's action.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy in return for an honest review.

A standalone novel by Michael Wood set in Newcastle.
This is an excellent novel which starts slowly with uncertainty on where it is going but by halfway it takes a twist.
As always fast paced, real characters and a good solid plot makes for another great Michael Wood's book.
Highly recommended for fans of the author or new readers.