Michael Wood Books In Order

Publication Order of DCI Matilda Darke Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Anthologies

Before he became an author, Michael Wood used to serve as a journalist and a proofreader. Wood resides in Sheffield, Yorkshire. For Unknown Reasons was Michael Wood’s debut novel, which was published in the year 2015. HarperCollins published the second installment, Outside Looking In in the year 2016.

Michael Wood Best Books

Outside Looking In

Outside Looking In is the second installment in Michael Wood’s exceedingly dark and compelling crime book series, DCI Matilda. Because the first installment, Unknown Reasons ended in a cliffhanger, once you complete the first book, you will be more than eager to red Outside Looking In. As it is the case with many book series, follow-up books are normally let-downs, but that is not the case with Outside Looking In. The author, Michael Wood begins by delivering a rather chilling first chapter that undeniably draws the attention of the readers to the very last page. Unlike the first book, Unknown Reasons, Outside Looking In can be read as a standalone novel. However, readers are advised to read the first installment so that they can familiarize themselves with some of these characters. As Matilda looks into the death of a man, who was killed and a lady who had brutally beaten then left for dead, it eventually becomes apparently clear that she is facing one of the most disturbing cases ever.

What follows next is a dark, well-paced and intriguing narrative. Matilda is a highly likable character as well as her entire team. She is not only determined and strong, but she is also vulnerable as well. In Outside Looking In, Matilda is struggling to come to terms with the sudden death of her husband, and she is also haunted by a case that she has never managed to solve. The characterization has been brilliantly executed, and the natural sounding banter between the characters makes them come alive. With that said, this is a cleverly plotted crime thriller novel. The narrative is filled with so many threads of an investigation, thus the readers can only wonder how these threads are going to tie together. However, these threads eventually tie together in one of the most shocking ways. Filled with tension throughout, Outside Looking In will keep the readers at the edge of their seats. As the investigation approaches a rather dramatic end, the readers will find their hearts racing due to the unexpected turn of events. This installment contains all the elements of a classic crime thriller; a well-devised plot, intrigue, interesting characters and well-written plots that will keep the readers turning their pages.

For Reasons Unknown

For Reasons, Unknown is the first book in the DCI Matilda Darke book series. As Michael Wood’s debut novel, For Reasons Unknown received so many positive reviews. Many reviewers and critics have described this installment as the type of book, which grabs the reader’s attention from the very first chapter. After a very long absence, DCI Matilda is back at the South Yorkshire Police Station. Upon arrival, she is handed a case that goes back to more than twenty years ago; a case that had sent cold chills, through everyone’s spine in the small community. This twenty-year-old case even baffled the entire police department as well. Stefan and Miranda Harkness, one of the town’s well-known couple were brutally butchered in front of the 11-year old son, in their bedroom. As a result of the incidence, the son was not only shocked, but he was also left mute.

With no leads and so many suspects, the research team eventually hits a brick wall. The detectives, who had been assigned the case, had failed to establish who had killed the couple. Furthermore, with a more recent murder that was much similar to the one that happened so many years ago, one can only wonder whether these two killings are connected. With that said, For Reasons Unknown is a very intriguing novel, that any fan of crime fiction is going to fall in love with. Apart from having a highly attractive cover, For Reasons, Unknown has an intricately woven plot as well. The dialogue and banter between most of the characters are realistic, and the characters were all quite interesting. The author, Michael Wood has done a superb job of putting the shock into words, the stress and internal turmoil experienced by some of the characters including Jonathan and Miranda. For Reasons Unknown will take the readers on an emotional roller coaster, as they will have the chance of experiencing fear, hate, and sorrow in one reading.

A Room Full of Killers

A Room Full of Killers is the third installment in the DCI Matilda Burke book series. Unlike the first two books, A Room Full of Killers can be a little bit uncomfortable and disconcerting to read. The Starling House has been home to some of the most dangerous teenagers in Britain. When an exceedingly young boy is brutally murdered, DCI Matilda and her team are assigned the case. It is up to Matilda and her team to find the killer in a house that is full of killers. In this installment, DCI Matilda is haunted by one of the cold cases that she made grave mistakes while investigation. The mistake that DCI Matilda made resulted in the disappearance of an exceedingly young boy. This, in turn, led DCI Matilda into making decisions that placed some of her colleagues in great danger. The complexity of Matilda adds an edge to the overall plot. Thus the reader will never be certain what Matilda is going to do next.

The author, Michael Wood has also done an excellent job of expanding the characters of the other members of Matilda’s team. The dialogue and banter between these characters make a light relief in this exceedingly dark tale. The chapters narrated from the boy’s point of view made a rather spine-chilling read as they vividly describe the events that led to their incarceration. The boys’ explanation and reasoning for committing such deplorable and shocking crimes will make the reader’s blood run cold. Due to the subject matter, A Room Full of Killers has depth. While reading the novel, the readers can only wonder what exactly turns a young child into a vicious killer.

5 Responses to “Michael Wood”

1. Anne: 4 months ago

   Hi I found the first book have now read them all couldn’t put them down roll on the next one.

   Reply
2. Joanne Davies: 8 months ago

   great books i have read nine so far and cant put rhem down

   Reply
3. Liz McParlin: 3 years ago

   I read books 1-6 with pleasure. But When it came to book 7 I was horrified. What a blood fest!. What a death fest! A really horrid book, unbelievable and unnecessary. I had to force myself to finish it and that’s time I’m never going to get back. I shan’t be reading any more in this series.

   Reply
   • Averil Logan: 9 months ago

     I wholeheartedly agree. I thought it was manipulative too.

     Reply
4. Rosemarie Swayze: 3 years ago

   I have just read your seven books, and I must say how much I enjoyed them. Really hope that Matilda recovers and there will be more books in the series

   Reply