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The Lost Children

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The Lost Children

By: Michael Wood
Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie
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Matilda Darke is back…

APRIL 2020: LOCKDOWN

DI Brady has been tracing victims of systemic abuse at a local children’s home after a high-profile accusation pitched it into the spotlight – a case that couldn’t be more personal.

As Matilda and her team piece together the disturbing picture of the history of the home, it soon becomes clear that this is much bigger than they ever suspected.

But nothing prepares them for what they uncover next…

The Lost Children is an utterly gripping crime thriller weaving a breakneck tale of a vast network of secrets and lies, a relentless detective determined to sabotage it, and a murder that shatters two decades of silence.

Praise for the DCI Matilda Darke Series:

‘Tense, twisty, emotional and gripping. Will definitely be reading more from Matilda Darke and this gets a huge 5 stars from me!’ Angela Marsons

‘Matilda Darke is an excellent character’ BA Paris

‘This explosive novel is already making a bang – with reviewers comparing Michael’s work to that of his heroes Val McDermid and James Oswald’ Sheffield Star

‘DCI Matilda Darke is going places’ James Oswald

‘Crackling dialogue, dark wit and an exciting ending. Recommended if you liked Happy Valley’ Mark Edwards

‘Budge up Jed Mercurio … when you are done working on Line of Duty I think it is time for you to meet Matilda’ LJ, Read and Rated Book Review Blog

‘Excellent plotting. The twists keep on coming making this an irresistible read’ Michael J. Malone

‘I really enjoyed getting to know DCI Matilda Darke’ Robert Bryndza

‘DCI Matilda Darke is the perfect heroine’ Elly Griffiths

 Crime Crime Thrillers Mystery Police Procedural Psychological Thriller Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Fiction Scary Cold Case
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Critic reviews

Praise for Michael Wood:
‘A tense, nail-biting story with a truly twisted ending’ Katerina Diamond
“An established master of the serial killer novel takes us on another dangerous journey through the streets of Sheffield. Watch out for those twists – you won't see them coming!” Stephen Booth
‘A gritty and atmospheric thriller with more twists and turns than a hangman's knot. I loved it’ Matt Hilton
‘Solid storytelling and great unravelling of plot. Michael Wood ups the pace as the noose tightens’ Rachel Sargeant
‘Taut, twisting and sharp as a blade, The Hangman’s Hold wrong-footed me at every, devious turn’ Chris Whitaker
'Wood hit the ground running with For Reasons Unknown, first in the DCI Matilda Darke series. In the fourth instalment, The Hangman's Hold, he picks up the pace again with a twisting plot that races to a nail-biting finish’ Chris Simms
‘Bites into you like the rough twine of a hangman’s noose and refuses to let go. Tautly plotted, brilliantly realised, this is further proof that Michael Wood is only going to get better and better. The Hangman’s Hold is going to be big…’ Neil Broadfoot
Praise for Michael Wood:
‘You can count on Michael Wood to deliver a deliciously twisted and intriguing plot, leading to a surprise ending by a likeable and very real protagonist, Matilda Darke’ Yrsa Sigurdardottir
‘She is the perfect heroine’ Elly Griffiths
‘A pitch-black concept, tightly delivered and played at exhilarating pace’ Paul Finch
‘Crackling dialogue, dark wit and an exciting ending. Recommended if you liked Happy Valley’ Mark Edwards
‘DCI Matilda Darke is going places’ James Oswald
‘A compelling, addictive read, it’s hard to put down. I really enjoyed getting to know DCI Matilda Darke. She's strong character with real depth’ Robert Bryndza, bestselling author of THE GIRL IN THE ICE
‘A beautifully written book with a dark heart and a secret that impacts on generations’ Sarah Ward
All stars
Most relevant
After the last book I had lost patience with the author but this has restored my faith. A very, very difficult subject tackled with aplomb. Exciting and well written with flashes of humour to lift the tone of the narrative.
Performance of the story was good except that the narrator occasionally sounds whiny and not good at an Irish accent!
Thanks to the author for bringing Matilda back to us - and a suitable cliffhanger at the end. I recommend this novel.

Back in the room!

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This is the latest in the Matilda Darke series and Michael wood has written another belter. Difficult subject set when the country went into the first lockdown in March 2020. Thank goodness I was on holiday with lots of time to listen to the audiobook. If you haven’t read this series go back to the beginning. You won’t be disappointed

Excellent piece of work

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Frightening to think this sort of thing actually happens. Amazing read. Look forward to the next one. Be prepared for a few tears.

Best read for a long while

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Another great addition to the DCI Matilda Darke series. The most difficult book in the series for me to listen to. Great storyline.
And thank you, Stepahine Beattie for the amazing performance as per usual.

Great book, difficult to listen too

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Just after I started thinking I was sick of the Matilda dark series this reignited my life for them

One of my favourites

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