bethelizabethuk's review against another edition
5.0
I’m not normally a short story person but 1) I adore the Matilda Darke series and 2) I needed something quick to read whilst I got my tattoo. Even though this short story is only 85 pages long I didn’t feel like it was lacking anything. It’s got the pace and the detail and it kept me engaged throughout and it even had a great twist.
It was so nice getting to see Matilda happy and content although it was a little bit heartbreaking to read knowing what was coming. I love that so many events and people from the future books were foreshadowed or popped up as well. It was great getting to see how the MIT formed and getting to know a bit more about all of my favourite characters.
If you are looking for a new series then this is another one that I highly recommend. I need more Matilda Darke asap.
It was so nice getting to see Matilda happy and content although it was a little bit heartbreaking to read knowing what was coming. I love that so many events and people from the future books were foreshadowed or popped up as well. It was great getting to see how the MIT formed and getting to know a bit more about all of my favourite characters.
If you are looking for a new series then this is another one that I highly recommend. I need more Matilda Darke asap.
mags_louise's review against another edition
5.0
It's Christmas time in Sheffield and for newly promoted DCI Matilda Darke head of South Yorkshire's prestigious Murder Investigation Team (MIT) It's not the most wonderful time of the year.
As a once-famous TV star has been murdered in his own home and even though all signs point to a break in nothing has been taken.
But who would really want this lonely, quiet man dead?
And for Matilda and her somewhat recognisable team this is the perfect chance to prove that the newly created MIT is up to the task. In a prequel story that felt full length and was utterly compelling to read.
As a once-famous TV star has been murdered in his own home and even though all signs point to a break in nothing has been taken.
But who would really want this lonely, quiet man dead?
And for Matilda and her somewhat recognisable team this is the perfect chance to prove that the newly created MIT is up to the task. In a prequel story that felt full length and was utterly compelling to read.
gwenm's review
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
latas's review against another edition
4.0
This is a prequel to the popular Matilda Darke series, but the first one I read. This novella gives a fair introduction to DCI Matilda and has an interesting mystery.
I will surely be reading the other books in the series
I will surely be reading the other books in the series
sarahs_bookish_life's review
5.0
I am a huge fan of the DCI Matilda Darke series so this was the perfect Christmas present to myself.
Even though it is only a short story the author has managed to pack everything I would expect from a full novel into a short one. It literally has all the elements I would hope for and more.
I love how we see a happier version of Matilda. I think with the story line being one that affected me quite emotionally it was great to have that happy medium that balanced it all out.
The story line itself I totally loved. Being a soap fan, an ex actor from one of the main soaps being found dead grabbed my interest straight away. I never expected the dark and twisted journey that the author took me on and it was one that really tugged at my heart strings. It’s brilliantly done and did not expect what so ever what was coming. A huge pat on the back Mr Wood.
If you haven’t read the other books in the series it really doesn’t matter as this can definitely be read as a stand alone. I think it’s a great introduction if you haven’t been lucky enough to read this authors books yet and if you are already a fan like me, well you are going to love it.
Even though it is only a short story the author has managed to pack everything I would expect from a full novel into a short one. It literally has all the elements I would hope for and more.
I love how we see a happier version of Matilda. I think with the story line being one that affected me quite emotionally it was great to have that happy medium that balanced it all out.
The story line itself I totally loved. Being a soap fan, an ex actor from one of the main soaps being found dead grabbed my interest straight away. I never expected the dark and twisted journey that the author took me on and it was one that really tugged at my heart strings. It’s brilliantly done and did not expect what so ever what was coming. A huge pat on the back Mr Wood.
If you haven’t read the other books in the series it really doesn’t matter as this can definitely be read as a stand alone. I think it’s a great introduction if you haven’t been lucky enough to read this authors books yet and if you are already a fan like me, well you are going to love it.
alex505's review
4.0
Im intrigued by this series of stories. It seems to be quite fast paced and mysterious. Looking forward to reading the rest.
The story is basically a ‘trailer’ of the whole series. It introduces the main characters and gives you a taste of what is expected(I hope).
Matilda has just been promoted as a DCI, but that’s not the only change has happened to her, her lovely house has been knocked down by her award-winning architect husband.
The story is basically a ‘trailer’ of the whole series. It introduces the main characters and gives you a taste of what is expected(I hope).
Matilda has just been promoted as a DCI, but that’s not the only change has happened to her, her lovely house has been knocked down by her award-winning architect husband.
fictionophile's review
5.0
I knew I was onto a winner when, before starting this story, I read the dedication which states: "To my bloggers. For loving Matilda as much as I do".
The novella is an excellent introduction to DCI Matilda Darke and gives some good background on her newly formed "Murder Investigation Team" for the South Yorkshire Police, showcasing the rivalry between her and Ben Hales, another DI who wants her new job. It lets us get to know Matilda on a personal level and we learn of her deep love for her husband James, an architect to whom she has been married for less than a year.
Set in Sheffield, the novella is an exemplary murder mystery, a character-driven, well-paced, compellingly written police procedural which left me wanting MORE Matilda Darke. As I'm already reading the first novel in the series "For Reasons Unknown", I guess it worked.
At only 85 pages I think this prequel story will be very well received by those who have read and loved this series, whether they read it before the rest of the books, or after.
One thing is sure, I will be reading ALL of the novels in this series. Highly recommended!
The novella is an excellent introduction to DCI Matilda Darke and gives some good background on her newly formed "Murder Investigation Team" for the South Yorkshire Police, showcasing the rivalry between her and Ben Hales, another DI who wants her new job. It lets us get to know Matilda on a personal level and we learn of her deep love for her husband James, an architect to whom she has been married for less than a year.
Set in Sheffield, the novella is an exemplary murder mystery, a character-driven, well-paced, compellingly written police procedural which left me wanting MORE Matilda Darke. As I'm already reading the first novel in the series "For Reasons Unknown", I guess it worked.
At only 85 pages I think this prequel story will be very well received by those who have read and loved this series, whether they read it before the rest of the books, or after.
One thing is sure, I will be reading ALL of the novels in this series. Highly recommended!
cosmic_sarah's review
5.0
Really enjoyed this short story, anything for my Matilda Darke fix.
Again Michaels writing is second to none and it's nice to have a little more of Matilda's backstory. I hope Michael will do more of these short stories.
Looking forward to my next fix in February.
Again Michaels writing is second to none and it's nice to have a little more of Matilda's backstory. I hope Michael will do more of these short stories.
Looking forward to my next fix in February.