The Hangman’s Hold

DCI Matilda Darke, Book 4

By: Michael Wood

Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie

Your life is in his hands.

In the gripping new serial killer thriller from Michael Wood, Matilda Darke faces a vicious killer pursuing his own brand of lethal justice. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons and Helen Fields.

There’s a killer in your house.
The Hangman waits in the darkness.

He knows your darkest secrets.
He’ll make you pay for all the crimes you have tried desperately to forget.

And he is closer than you think.
DCI Matilda Darke is running out of time. Fear is spreading throughout the city. As the body count rises, Matilda is targeted and her most trusted colleagues fall under suspicion. But can she keep those closest to her from harm? Or is it already too late?

©2018 Michael Wood (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

‘A tense, nail-biting story with a truly twisted ending’ Katerina Daimond

“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

Great mystery

twists snd tirns in every chapter. Kept me wanting to know what was nexr

Loved the book. So glad I found this author!

Loved the book. So glad I found this author. can't wait to read the next one

DCI Matilda Darke series continues to thrill

After my second listen of “The Hangman's Hold” by Michael Wood, i found it every bit as thrilling as the first time around. This fourth installment in the DCI Matilda Darke series is a masterclass in police procedurals, with a devious serial killer at its core. Wood's writing is a perfect blend of clever twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when I thought I had it figured out, Wood expertly throws in another twist, keeping me on the edge of my seat. Stephanie Beattie's narration is, as always, superb. Her vocal range and pacing perfectly capture the tension and suspense that Wood’s writing demands. Don't worry if you haven't listened to the series in order – each book stands on its own. And at $9.93 (or a treasured credit), it's an absolute steal. If you're in the market for a chilling, fast-paced thrill ride, look no further. Highly recommended, with 🍒🍒🍒 on top.

✍🏻👏🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👏✍🏻

Was gonna give it a 5 star until…..

These books can be so good but then the author throws in things at the last minute that annoy you. I’m so tired of it being “poor Matilda.” Here we had another culprit saying it was all Matilda‘s fault that his life was so messed up. This is exactly what happened with Ben Hill. Can we have some more unique material? And now I’m positive in book 5 we will have to hear about “poor Matilda” who can’t shake all her guilt. Yawn.