For Reasons Unknown cover art

For Reasons Unknown

DCI Matilda Darke, Book 1

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For Reasons Unknown

By: Michael Wood
Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie
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About this listen

Two murders. Twenty years. Now the killer is back for more…

A darkly compelling debut crime novel. The start of a brilliant series, perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, and James Oswald.

DCI Matilda Darke has returned to work after a nine month absence. A shadow of her former self, she is tasked with re-opening a cold case: the terrifyingly brutal murders of Miranda and Stefan Harkness. The only witness was their eleven-year-old son, Jonathan, who was too deeply traumatized to speak a word.

Then a dead body is discovered, and the investigation leads back to Matilda's case. Suddenly the past and present converge, and it seems a killer may have come back for more…

©2019 Michael Wood (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Crime Thrillers Detective Fiction Genre Fiction Modern Detectives Mystery Police Procedural Suspense Thriller Thriller & Suspense Urban Women Sleuths Women's Fiction City Exciting

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All stars
Most relevant  
I love finding a new Author with a series. And what a cracker there is here. Matilda Darke is a damaged soul from the outset of the book, battling with her own issues, coming back to work. It doesn't take long to be totally rooting for her though. She's not a down-trodden went blanket, though: Michael Wood gives us just enough back story, and more "show" than "tell" to really shape he genuine struggles. These run parallel to the cold case she is given, reluctantly, at the start. Restrictions on her working conditions posing a hurdle to navigate. The story moves quickly, and the web of possibilities complicates. New bits of info pop up throughout the book making each red herring go a little purple, then blue, the red again. Satellite characters feed into the major plotline, all with just enough description to move the story forward. I'd say if you like your McDermid, you'll love these - there are nods to other crime writers in the book itself... Matilda Darke even gets compared to Vera Stanhope, and to be fair, I can see that. But only a nod. I like Matilda Darke and I want to follow her. A cracking first series that I will be following up on.

Credit should also go to the narration by Stephanie Beattie - excellent pace, clear voice, great characterisation.

Fantastic Characterisation

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I couldn’t put this down such a great story with really authentic surprises. Keeps you guessing all through to the end. Will definitely be going to the next in series.

This was excellent

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This I suppose a police procedural. I'm no expert, but I think it highly unlikely most events or relationships are ever going on in a police station. Or at least I hope not!

But having said that It is an easy listen with a fairly simple storyline ( I'm no good following complicated plots!). It has some surprises and twists and turns. Matilda the main character is likeable and flawed.

So do download and enjoy if you like an easy listen.

Far Fetched But Good!

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I enjoyed this book, the first in a new series for me. I will be purchasing the next book and expect to listen to the whole series.

The characters are believable and the story is clever enough that it is not obvious at any point. The personal story of DCI Matilda Dark, the main character, is at times given excessive prominence in my view. However, this does detract from the quality of the book and the author, Michael Wood, is clearly excellent and skilled in his craft.

I have not given it five stars as it is not m exceptional crime fiction novel. But it is excellent and I happily recommend it to others.

A solid bit of crime fiction.

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I binged listened to this over 3 days..just discovered this author and so far loving his books..now I’m going to buy some extra credits to continue the Matilda Darke series!
Wonderfully read too.

Gripping

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I’m listening to the whole series again as I enjoyed it so much the first time round. Says it be all really.

Great book

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A character based crime thriller, I have read so many I’ve lost count. Holmes, Poirot, Morse, Wexford, Vera - this one sits amongst the best. Excellent, richly drawn believable characters and a cracking mystery.

I will be checking out the rest of this series and others by the author.

Up there with best

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Most books are just "okay" or slightly better - I found this book very easy to get in to, to keep me interested and isn't too far fetched or silly! I was highly impressed as you never really know what you're going to get when you purchase a new author but I shall be continuing this series for sure! 🙌🙌
Highly recommended if you are a crime fan!

Great story and narration

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I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. The story kept me guessing throughout. Just brilliant.

I loved this

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Character was interesting and engaging. However this story led you to believe the outcome from the start.

Good character let down by story.

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