Published by Killer Reads Genres: Adult Fiction, Crime, Mystery, suspense, thriller
Format: eBook
Eight Killers. One House. Oh baby!
Starling House is home to some of the most notorious teenage killers in Britain. Things seem to be running smoothing at Starling house, until their newest arrival, Ryan Asher has been found murdered. He has been at Starling House less than twenty-four hours, why would someone want to kill him?
DCI Matilda Darke and her team have been called in to investigate Ryan Asher’s murder. At first the case seems cut and dry. The prisoners are locked in their cells at night and released the next morning for breakfast. The deadly teens have no way of leaving their cells at night. But then the investigation shows the security system has been sabotaged. Making matters worse, the homes director is both hostile and falling apart due to the stress. The inmates and staff alike are not very trustworthy and many within Starling house have secrets.
The only thing that Matilda knows is that one of the boy’s in Starling House is innocent. It’s a gut feeling but she doesn’t believe he belongs there. If this young man is innocent, then who committed the crime for which he was convicted? As usual, DCI Darke will stick her neck out to try and solve two mysteries at once -the murder and why an innocent teen has been locked up.
This is a very well written and crafted series. It’s one that I highly recommend and strongly suggest that readers begin with the first book in the series, Yes, this book will work very well as a stand-alone novel, but don’t sell yourself short, this is a very captivating series so enjoy it from the beginning! Plus, with each book the reader gets to learn a little more about Matilda Darke, her team, and friends!
DCI Darke is a captivating and complex leading lady. She has her flaws and is still coping with the loss of her husband but remains dedicated to her job. She is strong, intelligent, and can hold her own against the deadliest of criminals. I appreciate how the Author shows that as a female officer in a place of authority, DCI Darke, must maintain a strong poker face even when she wants to cry or show her emotions. I think he does a good job showing what a female officer is up against and that shedding a tear in frustration or pain would be looked down upon and seen as weakness.
Starling house is the perfect location for a crime. It’s unwanted by the local community, it’s not a warm place, its dreary outside and the rain and darkness add to the atmosphere. These elements add to the chilly atmosphere of the place plus there may be a killer there waiting to possibly kill again.
This book, like the others, was a real page turner for me. I was captivated from page one and didn’t want to stop reading until the last page. Michael Wood has created a very captivating and intelligent series.
Another great addition to the series which has me waiting for the next one!