The Lost Children

DCI Matilda Darke, Book 9

By: Michael Wood

Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie

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.

©2022 Michael Wood (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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

amazing as always!

Matilda never disappoints me! Im ready for the next one. The Author isn't afraid of hard topics, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

Michel Woods doesn't disappoint

Filled with twists and turns, this was one I could not stop listening to. It ends on a cliffhanger, so now I have to wait 3 months for the next book. I've already pre-ordered it. This whole series is awesome. Every book is great!

DCI Matilda Darke always audictive

I do so love my British audiobooks. I’ll be honest; this subject matter is darkly disturbing and sadly heartbreaking. “The Lost Children” by Michael Wood took a couple starts for me. But after listening to his previous and always suspenseful DCI Matilda Darke thrillers, I gave it another chance. Wood weaves an intensely investigative hunt for a serial killer. It’s quite disturbing and graphic. Stephanie Beattie’s narrative skills are, as always, outstanding. I can’t imagine any other narrator in the Matilda Darke series. Soon after I started this time, I was hooked and wanted to see it to the end for much deserved justice in more ways than one. I’ve already bought “Silent Victim,” Book #10 in this favorite series of mine and am hoping Wood and Beattie bring us #11. They’re perfectly matched and should continue on together. I am a true fan of this series and recommend it. May we have more please?

Really enjoyed it

I love this character, and will be sad when her story ends. Michael Woods does an excellent job of engulfing the reader. The narrator is perfect.

Great book by author

Absolutely love this author and every book is so well written. can't wait until the next one comes out.

Too dark

There’s a definite shift with this author after book 6. I’ll be glad when the series is over, only because he’s using pretty graphic stuff now and it’s just not necessary. He used to have good mysteries now he just feels as though he’s got to stun us.