Description

Book Synopsis
Matilda Darke is backAPRIL 2020: LOCKDOWNDI 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 nextThe 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 MarsonsMatilda Darke is an excellent character' BA ParisThis explosive novel is already making a bang with reviewers comparing Michael's work to that of his heroes Val

Trade Review

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

The Lost Children

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Tue 16 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Michael Wood

    2 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

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      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 07/07/2022
      ISBN13: 9780008535575, 978-0008535575
      ISBN10: 0008535574

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Matilda Darke is backAPRIL 2020: LOCKDOWNDI 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 nextThe 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 MarsonsMatilda Darke is an excellent character' BA ParisThis explosive novel is already making a bang with reviewers comparing Michael's work to that of his heroes Val

      Trade Review

      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

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