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  • For Reasons Unknown

  • DCI Matilda Darke, Book 1
  • By: Michael Wood
  • Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie
  • Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (634 ratings)
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For Reasons Unknown cover art

For Reasons Unknown

By: Michael Wood
Narrated by: Stephanie Beattie
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Summary

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 reopening a cold case: the terrifyingly brutal murders of Miranda and Stefan Harkness. The only witness was their 11-year-old son, Jonathan, who was too deeply traumatised 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

What listeners say about For Reasons Unknown

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Chalk and cheese

Having read the Seventh Victim written by Michael Wood I was eager to listen to another of his book. Being from Sheffield where the story for this book is set made me all the more interested to read "For Reasons Unknown" I found this book a chore and wanted it finished.I didn't like the narration or the story line. I'll be a bit more selective next time

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Characterisation

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.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This was excellent

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.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent book. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Narration was good and with accents that you would believe. Story was interesting and kept me gripped until the end.

Very enjoyable to listen to in the car to and from work!

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Far Fetched But Good!

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.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Strangely complex

This book felt quite bleak at times with many of the protagonists suffering from depression. The plot was strangely complex. Some of the complexity didn’t really add anything to the plot. However it jogged along nicely and filled an dull afternoon.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this storyline!

Absolutely brilliant, identified with the lead character and her anxiety and finished the book in 3 days flat despite being a full time working single Mum with twins! Just listened on my headphones every spare moment! 😂

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Engaging murder mystery

Thoroughly enjoyed although outcome was difficult to believe. Will look for more by this author. Narration was excellent.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A very good story

It started a bit slowly, and I wasn’t sure I was going to line it, but it picked up and I was hooked.
Very well read, and it did keep me guessing. On to the next book.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Far fetched and disappointing

I was sucked in by the excellent reviews however this book lacked any realism in terms of plot and characters. I am always on the look out for a new detective series but sadly, this is not it. I liked the narration but that was pretty much it

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2 people found this helpful