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Vengeance Is Mine
From the bestselling author of the DCI Matilda Darke series and Dr Olivia Winter series, comes a standalone thriller to keep you up all night!
A GRUESOME MURDER
Twenty years ago, a young girl vanished from a quiet street in Northumberland. When her body was found in an attic close to her home, the whole neighbourhood was shocked.
A DEVASTATING SECRET
For her entire life, Dawn Shephard has never known her father. But when news breaks that a murderer is about to be released from prison, her mother has no choice but to reveal his identity.
THE ORIGINS OF EVIL
As Dawn digs into her father’s history, she lands on a chilling connection. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Just how far will she go to discover if a killer’s blood runs through her veins?
A GRUESOME MURDER
Twenty years ago, a young girl vanished from a quiet street in Northumberland. When her body was found in an attic close to her home, the whole neighbourhood was shocked.
A DEVASTATING SECRET
For her entire life, Dawn Shephard has never known her father. But when news breaks that a murderer is about to be released from prison, her mother has no choice but to reveal his identity.
THE ORIGINS OF EVIL
As Dawn digs into her father’s history, she lands on a chilling connection. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous it becomes. Just how far will she go to discover if a killer’s blood runs through her veins?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
June 11, 2024
*4.5 stars*
Wow! What a dilemma the investigating officer is faced with as this excellent novel draws to its conclusion. But forgive me, I’m getting ahead of myself, because there’s a terrific read to come before we reach said conclusion.
Dawn Shepherd was raised by her mum in Newcastle in the North East of England. She’d never met her father, but had been told she was the result of a one night stand. However, after twenty years Dawn’s mother finally reveals the truth - her father, Dominic Griffiths, is serving a prison sentence for the abduction and murder of thirteen year old Stephanie White in 1999. That’s not all though, because he’s about to be released.
His early release is due to a recently discovered technicality. Griffiths has always maintained he’s innocent and has no recollection of the murder. Naturally Dawn is in shock and has conflicting emotions, but ultimately decides to discover as much as she can about the father whose life she had no knowledge of. She needs answers, and if that means meeting Dominic Griffiths, then that’s what she’ll do.
Gosh, this was a compelling storyline with many twists, turns, and outright shocks that had me gripped throughout. Highly recommended.
*A note to the author - it was worth the wait Michael!*
*I was invited to read ‘Vengeance is Mine’ by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Wow! What a dilemma the investigating officer is faced with as this excellent novel draws to its conclusion. But forgive me, I’m getting ahead of myself, because there’s a terrific read to come before we reach said conclusion.
Dawn Shepherd was raised by her mum in Newcastle in the North East of England. She’d never met her father, but had been told she was the result of a one night stand. However, after twenty years Dawn’s mother finally reveals the truth - her father, Dominic Griffiths, is serving a prison sentence for the abduction and murder of thirteen year old Stephanie White in 1999. That’s not all though, because he’s about to be released.
His early release is due to a recently discovered technicality. Griffiths has always maintained he’s innocent and has no recollection of the murder. Naturally Dawn is in shock and has conflicting emotions, but ultimately decides to discover as much as she can about the father whose life she had no knowledge of. She needs answers, and if that means meeting Dominic Griffiths, then that’s what she’ll do.
Gosh, this was a compelling storyline with many twists, turns, and outright shocks that had me gripped throughout. Highly recommended.
*A note to the author - it was worth the wait Michael!*
*I was invited to read ‘Vengeance is Mine’ by the publisher and have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
June 9, 2024
Alright, let's get straight to it—Michael Wood has done it again! He’s firmly in my top 10 favorite authors, and I dive into his books without a second thought. Vengeance is Mine not only lived up to my expectations but exceeded them in every way.
The story kicks off with a gripping mystery: 13-year-old Stephanie is kidnapped and brutally murdered. Michael Wood, in his usual masterful style, keeps us guessing about the identity of the kidnapper and murderer keeping the suspense going.
Enter Dominique, who gets arrested, charged, and sentenced to life in prison for the crime. Years pass, and we meet Darcy, a young woman whose world is about to be turned upside down. Darcy’s mom drops a bombshell: Dominique is her father. With Dominique’s release from prison on the horizon, claiming that the medication he was on made him violent and not himself, Darcy is left reeling. She’s determined to uncover the truth about her father’s guilt or innocence.
The twists and turns in this book are jaw-dropping. Just when you think you've figured it out, Wood throws another curveball. The characters are well-drawn and compelling, the pacing is perfect, and the plot unfolds like a tightly wound thriller should.
Michael, keep 'em coming! This book was a rollercoaster from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment.
Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the chance to read and review this ARC. If you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a killer twist, grab this book now!
The story kicks off with a gripping mystery: 13-year-old Stephanie is kidnapped and brutally murdered. Michael Wood, in his usual masterful style, keeps us guessing about the identity of the kidnapper and murderer keeping the suspense going.
Enter Dominique, who gets arrested, charged, and sentenced to life in prison for the crime. Years pass, and we meet Darcy, a young woman whose world is about to be turned upside down. Darcy’s mom drops a bombshell: Dominique is her father. With Dominique’s release from prison on the horizon, claiming that the medication he was on made him violent and not himself, Darcy is left reeling. She’s determined to uncover the truth about her father’s guilt or innocence.
The twists and turns in this book are jaw-dropping. Just when you think you've figured it out, Wood throws another curveball. The characters are well-drawn and compelling, the pacing is perfect, and the plot unfolds like a tightly wound thriller should.
Michael, keep 'em coming! This book was a rollercoaster from start to finish, and I enjoyed every moment.
Big thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for the chance to read and review this ARC. If you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a killer twist, grab this book now!
June 1, 2024
Secrets, lies, murder, and loyalty are the names of the game in Vengeance Is Mine. I found this book to be gripping, hard to put down, full of twists, tension, and reveals. Michael Wood has delivered a shocking and thrilling page turner!
Dawn Shepherd was raised by a single mother and never knew who her father was until one day in a state of distress, her mother tells her. Dawn is shocked to learn her father is Dominic Griffiths, a convicted killer, who is going to be released soon. Twenty years ago, thirteen-year-old Stephanie White was abducted and murdered by Dominic, who Dawn's mother described as quiet, kind but controlling.
Dawn sets out on a mission to learn more about her father, his past, his family, her parent’s relationship, and Stephanie's murder. Dominic has always claimed his innocence in killing the young teen, while also saying he does not remember what happened.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I thought Michael Wood did a great job in showing how wanting to learn more about her father caused tension between Dawn and her mother, Rita. I was drawn into the investigation, the supporting characters, the twists, the revelations and drama. I thought I had things figured out and was left with my jaw hanging open at one reveal.
Well written, well thought out, gripping, and shocking!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Dawn Shepherd was raised by a single mother and never knew who her father was until one day in a state of distress, her mother tells her. Dawn is shocked to learn her father is Dominic Griffiths, a convicted killer, who is going to be released soon. Twenty years ago, thirteen-year-old Stephanie White was abducted and murdered by Dominic, who Dawn's mother described as quiet, kind but controlling.
Dawn sets out on a mission to learn more about her father, his past, his family, her parent’s relationship, and Stephanie's murder. Dominic has always claimed his innocence in killing the young teen, while also saying he does not remember what happened.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I thought Michael Wood did a great job in showing how wanting to learn more about her father caused tension between Dawn and her mother, Rita. I was drawn into the investigation, the supporting characters, the twists, the revelations and drama. I thought I had things figured out and was left with my jaw hanging open at one reveal.
Well written, well thought out, gripping, and shocking!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 21, 2024
4-5 stars
A standalone novel
It’s February 1999, the location is Newcastle, Tyne and Wear and it’s Stephanie White’s 13th birthday. She gets rollerblades and much to her excitement a Newcastle United shirt signed by the one and only Alan Shearer. On her first wobbly and rather painful outing on her rollerblades and wearing her new football shirt, she encounters a man in an alley who promises her a programme signed by Shay Given, of course, as a passionate Toon fan, she can’t resist the lure.
It’s now January 2019 and twenty something Dawn Shepherd is in for more than one shock when Stephanie‘s killer, Dominic Griffiths, is released from prison having served 20 years. Maybe she can find out exactly what happened and lay ghosts to rest. What will she find in her quest of discovery? Who is the real Dominic Griffiths and whose “vengeance is mine “?
This hooks me in straightaway and Dominic’s case has plenty of twists from the start. Dawn is a likeable central protagonist and she becomes driven by this, which has an impact on those around her, especially her lovely mum. I enjoy questioning who the real Dawn is as she transforms in several ways. Her confliction is a strong element in the book and the author entices you to join the Dawn in her search for the truth. Equally intriguing are all the varying representations of Dominic which adds a great deal to the mystery of him and piles up the number of what ifs.
I really like the approach Michael Wood takes in this as it examines the impact of serious crimes on all the families of those affected by it. Here are ruined and shattered lives, some are in a state of inertia and also serving life sentences. It’s very moving and emotional in places, souls are tormented and some are full of hate with the case itself being a shocker. It also questions justice and leaves you to decide and is therefore very thought provoking.
I like the contrast between the first and second parts of the book and the discoveries which either shed light or further cloud the issues. The second half , the author up is the ante, there are plenty of twisty twists and several OMG moments and as for the final twist, oh yes.
Overall, this is a genuine page turner but then I kind of knew it would be good.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
A standalone novel
It’s February 1999, the location is Newcastle, Tyne and Wear and it’s Stephanie White’s 13th birthday. She gets rollerblades and much to her excitement a Newcastle United shirt signed by the one and only Alan Shearer. On her first wobbly and rather painful outing on her rollerblades and wearing her new football shirt, she encounters a man in an alley who promises her a programme signed by Shay Given, of course, as a passionate Toon fan, she can’t resist the lure.
It’s now January 2019 and twenty something Dawn Shepherd is in for more than one shock when Stephanie‘s killer, Dominic Griffiths, is released from prison having served 20 years. Maybe she can find out exactly what happened and lay ghosts to rest. What will she find in her quest of discovery? Who is the real Dominic Griffiths and whose “vengeance is mine “?
This hooks me in straightaway and Dominic’s case has plenty of twists from the start. Dawn is a likeable central protagonist and she becomes driven by this, which has an impact on those around her, especially her lovely mum. I enjoy questioning who the real Dawn is as she transforms in several ways. Her confliction is a strong element in the book and the author entices you to join the Dawn in her search for the truth. Equally intriguing are all the varying representations of Dominic which adds a great deal to the mystery of him and piles up the number of what ifs.
I really like the approach Michael Wood takes in this as it examines the impact of serious crimes on all the families of those affected by it. Here are ruined and shattered lives, some are in a state of inertia and also serving life sentences. It’s very moving and emotional in places, souls are tormented and some are full of hate with the case itself being a shocker. It also questions justice and leaves you to decide and is therefore very thought provoking.
I like the contrast between the first and second parts of the book and the discoveries which either shed light or further cloud the issues. The second half , the author up is the ante, there are plenty of twisty twists and several OMG moments and as for the final twist, oh yes.
Overall, this is a genuine page turner but then I kind of knew it would be good.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins, One More Chapter for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 2, 2024
Another fantastic read from one of my favourite authors. Twenty years ago a young girl was murdered,the culprit is in prison who is coming out of prison due to taken a drug that causes violence.the murdered girl family are devastated that he is being released..Dawn shepherd discovers it's her father and wants to find out if hes guilty of this terrible crime..and investigates her dads family and the family of the murdered girl...a brilliant read and looking forward to reading his next read..highly recommend his books..
June 3, 2024
Michael Wood is a new author to me this year, and after reading The Mind of a Murderer, I was keen to read more. Vengeance is Mine is a stand-alone thriller that I could not put it down. It was compelling reading and kept me guessing until the very end. And what an ending!!! Wow, this is another must read by this author.
Dawn Shepherd was raised by a single mother in Newcastle, England. She has never known her father, and she is about to get the shock of her life. Her mother finally tells her the truth, her father is in prison for the murder of a 13 year old girl 20 years earlier. She is only telling her this as he is about to be released. Dawn is horrified, shocked, and confused. Does she want to know him? Why did he do it? She decides that she needs answers and starts to talk to his family and the victims mother. What will she find out? a does she want to be part of his life? you need to read it to find out.
I really liked Dawn, and they say that she questioned everything. Was she going to be like him? Would her mother ever speak to her again if she was to form a relationship with him? It takes over her life and so was there for it all.
It's such a great read, highly recommended.
Published on June 29th, get this on your TBR.
Thanks so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my advanced copy of this book to read.
Dawn Shepherd was raised by a single mother in Newcastle, England. She has never known her father, and she is about to get the shock of her life. Her mother finally tells her the truth, her father is in prison for the murder of a 13 year old girl 20 years earlier. She is only telling her this as he is about to be released. Dawn is horrified, shocked, and confused. Does she want to know him? Why did he do it? She decides that she needs answers and starts to talk to his family and the victims mother. What will she find out? a does she want to be part of his life? you need to read it to find out.
I really liked Dawn, and they say that she questioned everything. Was she going to be like him? Would her mother ever speak to her again if she was to form a relationship with him? It takes over her life and so was there for it all.
It's such a great read, highly recommended.
Published on June 29th, get this on your TBR.
Thanks so much to Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for my advanced copy of this book to read.
July 4, 2024
*3.5 stars ✨
June 18, 2024
This standalone isn't as dark as Wood's Matilda Darke series. Perhaps because it has taken him more than twenty years to publish it, and he has perfected the dark, twisty murder mysteries for which he is now known, "Vengeance is Mine" isn't a typical Michael Wood book. That's not to say this isn't a good book because it is; it just wasn't what I expected.
Dominic Griffiths has been in prison for twenty years for the abduction and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, a crime he swears he can't remember committing. It has since been found that a prescription drug he was on at the time had a personality-altering side effect. Now, he is being released with a hefty settlement from the drug company, and few people are happy about his release, least of all the police and the girl's parents.
On the eve of Dominic's release, Dawn Shepherd's mother confesses that Dominic is Dawn's father. Not sure how she feels about that, Dawn is determined to get to know her father and the family she didn't think she had. In doing so, Dawn uncovers family secrets and raises more questions surrounding the girl's murder. Just who is Dominic, and was he capable of murder?
This is a fast-paced psychological thriller. When I thought I knew where the story was going, a twist sent me in another direction. Red herrings galore and unreliable characters make for a fascinating read. While not what I was anticipating, this book is a terrific read. 4/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 29, 2024.
Dominic Griffiths has been in prison for twenty years for the abduction and murder of a thirteen-year-old girl, a crime he swears he can't remember committing. It has since been found that a prescription drug he was on at the time had a personality-altering side effect. Now, he is being released with a hefty settlement from the drug company, and few people are happy about his release, least of all the police and the girl's parents.
On the eve of Dominic's release, Dawn Shepherd's mother confesses that Dominic is Dawn's father. Not sure how she feels about that, Dawn is determined to get to know her father and the family she didn't think she had. In doing so, Dawn uncovers family secrets and raises more questions surrounding the girl's murder. Just who is Dominic, and was he capable of murder?
This is a fast-paced psychological thriller. When I thought I knew where the story was going, a twist sent me in another direction. Red herrings galore and unreliable characters make for a fascinating read. While not what I was anticipating, this book is a terrific read. 4/5 stars.
Thank you, NetGalley and One More Chapter, for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The publication date is June 29, 2024.
May 31, 2024
3.5 ⭐
We've got copious amounts of family drama in this one folks. A daughter learning of the existence of her mysterious, possibly murderous Dad. A prescription drug that potentially makes its users go bonkers at times. A whole lot of investigating and mystery solving.
I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but I wasn't drawn back to it when I put it down. That could be due to lack of suspense and not really finding myself invested in the outcome. I'm not usually interested in domestic thrillers as family relationships aren't really my jam, so this is definitely a me issue, not an issue with the book itself. I did find the twist at the end quite surprising and the ending was satisfying.
This book would be perfect for anyone who likes a little family drama mixed into their thriller. It is well written and I look forward to reading more of this Author's books in the future.
We've got copious amounts of family drama in this one folks. A daughter learning of the existence of her mysterious, possibly murderous Dad. A prescription drug that potentially makes its users go bonkers at times. A whole lot of investigating and mystery solving.
I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but I wasn't drawn back to it when I put it down. That could be due to lack of suspense and not really finding myself invested in the outcome. I'm not usually interested in domestic thrillers as family relationships aren't really my jam, so this is definitely a me issue, not an issue with the book itself. I did find the twist at the end quite surprising and the ending was satisfying.
This book would be perfect for anyone who likes a little family drama mixed into their thriller. It is well written and I look forward to reading more of this Author's books in the future.
February 17, 2024
3.5 stars. Not as good as his DCI Matilda Darke novels, but a good read nevertheless.
August 17, 2022
3.5 stars
This book is divided into two parts - and in many ways it felt like two quite separate parts.
The first part is about Dawn and her discovery that her father is a convicted murderer and her journey towards discovering and investigating the murder itself, her father as an individual, along with his parents, and the victim's parents.
I wasn't charmed by Dawn. We get to know her pretty intimately in the first part - or do we?
That becomes a vital question when the book switches narrator and perspective in part two.
But Dawn as a character irked me a bit.
She's kind of fat (according to herself), and she drives a crappy car.
Now repeat that - every other paragraph.
Body issues. Bad car. Body issues. Bad car. Repeat!🔁
I failed to find any kind of depth in Dawn and all in all in her character build. Her motivations eluded me because they're simply not explored by her in her part of the book. She reacts - but won't say much if anything about why.
As part two took shape I quickly found that it was structured more like a classic police procedural and that felt in many ways like "coming home". As it progressed I started to revaluate part one - and found it even more flimsy than I had the first time around.
Part two worked better for me. Much better.
It ticks the boxes of a normal police procedural while having two sympathetic detectives plodding along. I felt like they had the makings of a nice cop pair I could follow through more books - however... The book was still centred around Dawn and her dad.
In the end there turned out to be quite the elaborate plot hiding in the background. My only issue with it is that it only came out towards the end. Before the reveal I felt like the book lacked in tension, somehow.
There were never any nervous moments where I feared for anyone's life or grew grey hairs while pondering the mysteries. It wasn't boring in any way, but I sadly didn't find it exciting either.
I must admit I had expected more from the author of the DCI Matilda Darke series.
But then again, Matilda is one of my all time favourite detectives to spend time with, so it was bound to be hard to live up to, if not impossible.
End evaluation: Good, but not great.
This book is divided into two parts - and in many ways it felt like two quite separate parts.
The first part is about Dawn and her discovery that her father is a convicted murderer and her journey towards discovering and investigating the murder itself, her father as an individual, along with his parents, and the victim's parents.
I wasn't charmed by Dawn. We get to know her pretty intimately in the first part - or do we?
That becomes a vital question when the book switches narrator and perspective in part two.
But Dawn as a character irked me a bit.
She's kind of fat (according to herself), and she drives a crappy car.
Now repeat that - every other paragraph.
Body issues. Bad car. Body issues. Bad car. Repeat!🔁
I failed to find any kind of depth in Dawn and all in all in her character build. Her motivations eluded me because they're simply not explored by her in her part of the book. She reacts - but won't say much if anything about why.
As part two took shape I quickly found that it was structured more like a classic police procedural and that felt in many ways like "coming home". As it progressed I started to revaluate part one - and found it even more flimsy than I had the first time around.
Part two worked better for me. Much better.
It ticks the boxes of a normal police procedural while having two sympathetic detectives plodding along. I felt like they had the makings of a nice cop pair I could follow through more books - however... The book was still centred around Dawn and her dad.
In the end there turned out to be quite the elaborate plot hiding in the background. My only issue with it is that it only came out towards the end. Before the reveal I felt like the book lacked in tension, somehow.
There were never any nervous moments where I feared for anyone's life or grew grey hairs while pondering the mysteries. It wasn't boring in any way, but I sadly didn't find it exciting either.
I must admit I had expected more from the author of the DCI Matilda Darke series.
But then again, Matilda is one of my all time favourite detectives to spend time with, so it was bound to be hard to live up to, if not impossible.
End evaluation: Good, but not great.
August 4, 2022
I have loved the Matilda Darke series written by this author so was fairly sure that this audiobook would be worth listening to, particularly when I realised one of the narrators was Jill Halfpenny. I wasn't wrong, this standalone worked well and kept me entertained.
Dawn has been looking for her father, unfortunately when she found out who he was, she wasn't so pleased. Her father, Dominic, is a convicted murderer of a thirteen year old girl.
We follow Dawn as she seeks the truth of what happened all those years before, we see the crime from a variety of angles! Prepare to be surprised.
Dawn has been looking for her father, unfortunately when she found out who he was, she wasn't so pleased. Her father, Dominic, is a convicted murderer of a thirteen year old girl.
We follow Dawn as she seeks the truth of what happened all those years before, we see the crime from a variety of angles! Prepare to be surprised.
June 18, 2024
As always with Michael Wood a great premise, superb well-developed characters, and a great ending.
This stand alone examines how crime not only affects the victim’s family, but the perpetrators family as well. Mr Wood pulls you in and just when you think you know where it is going. A huge change in direction is taken.
I found the book only OK for most of it, until the fantastic ending. When it was revealed that this was written over 20 years ago, but only just published it explained why I was struggling with it for the most part, as it was probably one of the first written by this exceptional author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This stand alone examines how crime not only affects the victim’s family, but the perpetrators family as well. Mr Wood pulls you in and just when you think you know where it is going. A huge change in direction is taken.
I found the book only OK for most of it, until the fantastic ending. When it was revealed that this was written over 20 years ago, but only just published it explained why I was struggling with it for the most part, as it was probably one of the first written by this exceptional author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2024
EXCERPT - “My father the killer, my father the victim”
But which is he?
This book had me gripped, I absolutely love Michael Woods writing, it’s so authentic and realistic and I flew through the pages but didn’t want it to end. There is so much tension, and the urge to keep reading “just one more chapter”
This was a solid 5 star read for me.
In her early twenties Dawn is told of who her absent father is, he is a man serving a life sentence for murder, the murder of a 13 year old girl. Her father Dominic is due release and Dawn is determined to find out as much about him and the case before he is released. The twists in the story will blow you away, the characters were all relatable and interesting, and the ending flooded me.
Im definitely going to start the DCI Matilda Darke series very soon as I’ve enjoyed the authors standalones and really love his writing style.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my arc in exchange for my honest review.
But which is he?
This book had me gripped, I absolutely love Michael Woods writing, it’s so authentic and realistic and I flew through the pages but didn’t want it to end. There is so much tension, and the urge to keep reading “just one more chapter”
This was a solid 5 star read for me.
In her early twenties Dawn is told of who her absent father is, he is a man serving a life sentence for murder, the murder of a 13 year old girl. Her father Dominic is due release and Dawn is determined to find out as much about him and the case before he is released. The twists in the story will blow you away, the characters were all relatable and interesting, and the ending flooded me.
Im definitely going to start the DCI Matilda Darke series very soon as I’ve enjoyed the authors standalones and really love his writing style.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for my arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 29, 2024
A really good standalone book by this great author. I read that he actually started this book many years ago and as time has gone on he has added and made changes to it. I have followed his wonderful Matilda Darke series for a long time but was pleased I requested this book.
Stephanie White was murdered at the tender age of thirteen by a man called Dominic Griffiths. she had been given a gift of rollerblades by her parents for her birthday and had left home to test them out and see if she was able to use them before showing her friends. Dominic lured her behind some shops and brutally took her life, a crime her parents have never recovered from twenty years later.
For many years Dawn Shepherds mother Rita told her she had had a one night stand and did not know the identity of her father, unfortunately for Dawn at twenty one years of age, Rita then confesses that her father is in prison for the murder of young Stephanie. Dawn then decides to make contact with Dominic as she wants to know what could make a man commit such a terrible act and hopes that by getting to know him she may find some answers. She also wonders what traits she may have inherited from her father, obviously this revelation has knocked her for six.
Soon lives will be ruined and the author really does a fabulous job of showing the human emotional side of the people affected by this crime. Totally captivating this book will hold your attention throughout and there will be quite a few surprises, especially at the end, I thought I had it all worked out but I was way off the mark. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
Stephanie White was murdered at the tender age of thirteen by a man called Dominic Griffiths. she had been given a gift of rollerblades by her parents for her birthday and had left home to test them out and see if she was able to use them before showing her friends. Dominic lured her behind some shops and brutally took her life, a crime her parents have never recovered from twenty years later.
For many years Dawn Shepherds mother Rita told her she had had a one night stand and did not know the identity of her father, unfortunately for Dawn at twenty one years of age, Rita then confesses that her father is in prison for the murder of young Stephanie. Dawn then decides to make contact with Dominic as she wants to know what could make a man commit such a terrible act and hopes that by getting to know him she may find some answers. She also wonders what traits she may have inherited from her father, obviously this revelation has knocked her for six.
Soon lives will be ruined and the author really does a fabulous job of showing the human emotional side of the people affected by this crime. Totally captivating this book will hold your attention throughout and there will be quite a few surprises, especially at the end, I thought I had it all worked out but I was way off the mark. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy, all opinions expressed are my own.
May 23, 2024
Dominic Griffiths is released from prison early after serving 20 years of a 25 year sentence for killing 13 year old Stephanie White. Dominic always maintained he didn’t kill her.
Dawn Shepherd never knew her father her mother had told her that she fell pregnant as a result of a one night stand. Dawn’s mother lied and when the news broke of Dominic’s imminent release she felt she had no choice but to tell Dawn the truth about her father.
When I was offered the chance to read this book I knew I would enjoy it. I’ve read all Michael Woods books and he has become one of my favourite authors. He is up there with the best crime/police procedural writers.
This standalone novel has everything you want in a great crime book. Characters who you feel sympathy for and others you don’t. Twists and turns you just don’t see coming. I read and listened to this and thought the change of narrator from part 1 to part 2 worked really well. If you haven’t read any of Michael’s books and you enjoy this genre you don’t know what you are missing. Thanks to the publisher One More Chaperone and NetGalley for the early copy.
Dawn Shepherd never knew her father her mother had told her that she fell pregnant as a result of a one night stand. Dawn’s mother lied and when the news broke of Dominic’s imminent release she felt she had no choice but to tell Dawn the truth about her father.
When I was offered the chance to read this book I knew I would enjoy it. I’ve read all Michael Woods books and he has become one of my favourite authors. He is up there with the best crime/police procedural writers.
This standalone novel has everything you want in a great crime book. Characters who you feel sympathy for and others you don’t. Twists and turns you just don’t see coming. I read and listened to this and thought the change of narrator from part 1 to part 2 worked really well. If you haven’t read any of Michael’s books and you enjoy this genre you don’t know what you are missing. Thanks to the publisher One More Chaperone and NetGalley for the early copy.
Read
June 2, 2024This is an excellent thriller, written in two parts with the plotting focusing on the impact on victims of serious crimes. I won't go into that any more for fear of spoilers but it's a really well written tale. The characterisation is good and I liked Dawn who is determined to find out the truth irrespective of the cost to her. As she uncovers secrets and lies, the twists and the tension ramped up until the final chapter. I would highly recommend the read to lovers of thrillers, you won't be disappointed. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.
June 29, 2024
An incredibly powerful and compelling read with strong storylines running through. The overarching themes of evil and nature re nurture and vengeance are brilliantly portrayed and the narrative is addictive and pulls you in.
I liked the central characters and was very invested in the idea of finally finding your father only to be deeply conflicted because you also find out he is a child killer. The themes are very thought provoking and pull at your conscience and the questions of morality and vengeance.
I’ve read books by this author previously and as usual was definitely not disappointed. A definite recommend.
I liked the central characters and was very invested in the idea of finally finding your father only to be deeply conflicted because you also find out he is a child killer. The themes are very thought provoking and pull at your conscience and the questions of morality and vengeance.
I’ve read books by this author previously and as usual was definitely not disappointed. A definite recommend.
July 3, 2024
Absolutely brilliant, gripped from the first page to the last. Great characters and great story. A total page turner of a book.
May 17, 2024
4.5 stars which I will gladly round up to 5 well deserving stars as I could not put the book down.
Vengeance is Mine is one of Michael Wood's earlier books that is being released and I am so glad it is.
When Dawn Shephard learns her dad she never knew is a murderer her world is turned upside down.
We follow Dawn's journey as she pieces together the horrific murder of a young 13 year old girl.
Everyone is a victim and you cant help thinking girl you should run, don't meet your dad.
Michael Wood is a master of leading the reader down a twisted path that has you holding your breath and Vengeance is Mine is no exception.
Don't be fooled or be complacent as Michael always has a trick or two up his sleeve.
Highly recommend you get your copy and settle in for a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review one of my favourite authors books.
Vengeance is Mine is one of Michael Wood's earlier books that is being released and I am so glad it is.
When Dawn Shephard learns her dad she never knew is a murderer her world is turned upside down.
We follow Dawn's journey as she pieces together the horrific murder of a young 13 year old girl.
Everyone is a victim and you cant help thinking girl you should run, don't meet your dad.
Michael Wood is a master of leading the reader down a twisted path that has you holding your breath and Vengeance is Mine is no exception.
Don't be fooled or be complacent as Michael always has a trick or two up his sleeve.
Highly recommend you get your copy and settle in for a great read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the opportunity to read and review one of my favourite authors books.
July 3, 2024
If you have ever read any of Michael Wood’s previous novels either stand alone or the DCI Matilda Darke series, you will know that the pace is always fast, the story will grip you from page one and this book does just that. I started this yesterday evening and finished it the following day, just allowing myself some sleep in between. Or should I say semi sleep as I started listening to the audio version. If you are into audiobooks it is on audible and loved the two narrators. Who brought the characters alive.
The story revolves around Dawn Shepherd who has been raised by her mum and her mum’s parents. She achieved great grades at school and went onto university to get a degree. She is now a junior paralegal at a law firm. Her relationship with her mum is good. So when she gets a call in the middle of the night from Northumbria Police regarding her mum, she initially thinks something has happened, but is shocked when told her mum is drunk and had been trying to break into her own shop. But her mum never drinks. When Dawn collects her the officer tells her she has had some distressing news, she has been wrestling with, and trying to get the nerve to tell her daughter.
When they get back to her mums house, and are settled with coffee Dawns asks her mum if she is ill, or has money worries, they have never kept secrets from each other, they have always told each other everything. Except her mum may not have told Dawn the whole truth about her father. This is the bombshell she is about to drop. It turns out her father is in prison where he had been found guilty of abducting and killing a 13 year old girl, Stephanie White, her body had been found chopped up in bits in the families loft. Dominic Griffiths, had always claimed he was innocent, saying he had found the body on the allotment, had panicked and chopped it up and hid it. Now after 20 years he may be being let out of jail due to some medication he had been put on which could have led to him committing the crime.
Imagine finding out the father you believed was a one night stand, had dated your mother, before going on to murder a 13 year old girl. Dawn searches as much as she can to find out who she is. Knowing that 50% of her DNA is that of a convicted killer is something she finds hard to deal with. The girl he had murdered had been the daughter of her favourite English teacher. The father had been a detective with the police.
From then on there are so many twists and turns in this story, it’s like a rollercoaster ride. Dawn wants to know her father, she meets her grandfather Anthony for the first time, his wife Carole hadn’t been able to cope with what their son had done.
Dawn wanting to know her father has put a strain on her relationship with her mother, her mother is worried it will all end up in tears. Dominic’s mother had kept diaries of Dominic growing up was he this evil person, was it in his nature or nurture?
I was completely engrossed in this story, I cried at some parts which I found really emotional. But as things progressed I didn’t see or expect the twists that were coming, you are drawn into the lives of the characters. The White’s who had lost their daughter, they had never really got over it, never moved on her room was still a shrine. Dominic’s father who had never visited him in prison and didn’t see him when he was released either.
The detective who had investigated the case had been Stephanie’s godfather was now in a home at 62 after having had a stroke, his son had become a detective like his father. The White’s had been like second parents to him and Stephanie had been like a sister. Her death had affected many lives. Stephanie’s father as a detective had believed that justice had been served, this caused a lot of tension between him and his wife as she felt he should never had been allowed out of prison.
Was Dominic innocent of kidnapping and murdering Stephanie? Had he spent 20 years in prison for something he hadn’t done? Let out of prison 5 years earlier than his sentence, getting a big pay off from the pharmaceutical company who had manufactured the drug that was withdrawn after it had caused massive side effects in some.
This one will keep you guessing until the end, it’s an absolutely brilliant plot, great characters, emotional, engrossing, absolutely unputdownable. I highly recommend this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read if you like a good thriller with twists and turns you will love this.
The story revolves around Dawn Shepherd who has been raised by her mum and her mum’s parents. She achieved great grades at school and went onto university to get a degree. She is now a junior paralegal at a law firm. Her relationship with her mum is good. So when she gets a call in the middle of the night from Northumbria Police regarding her mum, she initially thinks something has happened, but is shocked when told her mum is drunk and had been trying to break into her own shop. But her mum never drinks. When Dawn collects her the officer tells her she has had some distressing news, she has been wrestling with, and trying to get the nerve to tell her daughter.
When they get back to her mums house, and are settled with coffee Dawns asks her mum if she is ill, or has money worries, they have never kept secrets from each other, they have always told each other everything. Except her mum may not have told Dawn the whole truth about her father. This is the bombshell she is about to drop. It turns out her father is in prison where he had been found guilty of abducting and killing a 13 year old girl, Stephanie White, her body had been found chopped up in bits in the families loft. Dominic Griffiths, had always claimed he was innocent, saying he had found the body on the allotment, had panicked and chopped it up and hid it. Now after 20 years he may be being let out of jail due to some medication he had been put on which could have led to him committing the crime.
Imagine finding out the father you believed was a one night stand, had dated your mother, before going on to murder a 13 year old girl. Dawn searches as much as she can to find out who she is. Knowing that 50% of her DNA is that of a convicted killer is something she finds hard to deal with. The girl he had murdered had been the daughter of her favourite English teacher. The father had been a detective with the police.
From then on there are so many twists and turns in this story, it’s like a rollercoaster ride. Dawn wants to know her father, she meets her grandfather Anthony for the first time, his wife Carole hadn’t been able to cope with what their son had done.
Dawn wanting to know her father has put a strain on her relationship with her mother, her mother is worried it will all end up in tears. Dominic’s mother had kept diaries of Dominic growing up was he this evil person, was it in his nature or nurture?
I was completely engrossed in this story, I cried at some parts which I found really emotional. But as things progressed I didn’t see or expect the twists that were coming, you are drawn into the lives of the characters. The White’s who had lost their daughter, they had never really got over it, never moved on her room was still a shrine. Dominic’s father who had never visited him in prison and didn’t see him when he was released either.
The detective who had investigated the case had been Stephanie’s godfather was now in a home at 62 after having had a stroke, his son had become a detective like his father. The White’s had been like second parents to him and Stephanie had been like a sister. Her death had affected many lives. Stephanie’s father as a detective had believed that justice had been served, this caused a lot of tension between him and his wife as she felt he should never had been allowed out of prison.
Was Dominic innocent of kidnapping and murdering Stephanie? Had he spent 20 years in prison for something he hadn’t done? Let out of prison 5 years earlier than his sentence, getting a big pay off from the pharmaceutical company who had manufactured the drug that was withdrawn after it had caused massive side effects in some.
This one will keep you guessing until the end, it’s an absolutely brilliant plot, great characters, emotional, engrossing, absolutely unputdownable. I highly recommend this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read if you like a good thriller with twists and turns you will love this.
June 27, 2024
4.5 Stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this gripping, tension-packed book. The level of suspense made it difficult to put down. Dawn Shepherd finds her normally stable mother in a high state of emotional distress. Her mother informs her that her father, Dominic Griffiths, was sentenced to prison for twenty-five years in 1999 for the gruesome murder of 13-year-old Stephanie White. She has just learned that he is being released early due to technical issues. The girl's body was found in his parent's attic, where Dominic lived. Stephanie's body had been cut into fifteen pieces.
Dominic had been taking a drug for depression at the time of the murder. The medication was withdrawn by the drug company when side effects causing violence and memory loss were recorded. The distributors of the medication have compensated those with adverse effects from the drug, and they have received high monetary settlements. Now, Dominic will be a free man with a large sum of money. The well-written and thought-provoking book focused on how the parents of the perpetrator and victim still suffered from the horrendous crime. The case was widely known and still remembered with horror.
Dawn is shocked and conflicted. Has she inherited her father's propensity for violence? Was he wrongfully convicted of the murder? She decides she must learn more about Dominic by talking to his parents and friends while trying to decide whether to meet her biological father. After meeting Stephanie's parents, she knows her mother is still filled with hatred, while her father is more accepting of the legal justice system. Was justice served?
She has a new-found and loving grandfather, and they have become close. He despises his son and wants no contact with him. He considers his wife a victim as she committed suicide. Her newly discovered grandfather gives her his wife's journals. In them, she describes her son as a troublemaker and evil as a child. Dawn's mother describes Dominic as a kind, gentle man but rather controlling before the murder. Most of the people interviewed have negative feelings toward Dominic. How much of the crime was due to the drugs he was taking? As Dawn pursues the truth about the murder, she hears instances of his violence as a child. She has decided to visit her father in prison before his upcoming release. She knows that pursuing the subject is causing a rift with her mother, who demands she leave the case alone.
Dominic says he remembers nothing of Stephanie's murder and mutilation due to the medication. Dawn is thinking of other possible suspects. Could he be innocent? She has connections that find him a warehouse job and a place to live upon release. Not many are happy when they learn of his true identity.
There is a brutal murder where the victim is horribly beaten and then stabbed. Who committed this savage act? Who does the phrase 'Vengeance is Mine' refer to? A tragic suicide follows.
This is a riveting tale with a well-constructed plot, many twists and turns, and realistic characters. The story involves revenge, blame, lies, deceit, long-held hatred, medical malpractice, and conflict.
The final reveal is a jaw-dropping shocker that I did not see coming. 'Vengeance is Mine' is due to be published on June 29th. Recommended.
Dominic had been taking a drug for depression at the time of the murder. The medication was withdrawn by the drug company when side effects causing violence and memory loss were recorded. The distributors of the medication have compensated those with adverse effects from the drug, and they have received high monetary settlements. Now, Dominic will be a free man with a large sum of money. The well-written and thought-provoking book focused on how the parents of the perpetrator and victim still suffered from the horrendous crime. The case was widely known and still remembered with horror.
Dawn is shocked and conflicted. Has she inherited her father's propensity for violence? Was he wrongfully convicted of the murder? She decides she must learn more about Dominic by talking to his parents and friends while trying to decide whether to meet her biological father. After meeting Stephanie's parents, she knows her mother is still filled with hatred, while her father is more accepting of the legal justice system. Was justice served?
She has a new-found and loving grandfather, and they have become close. He despises his son and wants no contact with him. He considers his wife a victim as she committed suicide. Her newly discovered grandfather gives her his wife's journals. In them, she describes her son as a troublemaker and evil as a child. Dawn's mother describes Dominic as a kind, gentle man but rather controlling before the murder. Most of the people interviewed have negative feelings toward Dominic. How much of the crime was due to the drugs he was taking? As Dawn pursues the truth about the murder, she hears instances of his violence as a child. She has decided to visit her father in prison before his upcoming release. She knows that pursuing the subject is causing a rift with her mother, who demands she leave the case alone.
Dominic says he remembers nothing of Stephanie's murder and mutilation due to the medication. Dawn is thinking of other possible suspects. Could he be innocent? She has connections that find him a warehouse job and a place to live upon release. Not many are happy when they learn of his true identity.
There is a brutal murder where the victim is horribly beaten and then stabbed. Who committed this savage act? Who does the phrase 'Vengeance is Mine' refer to? A tragic suicide follows.
This is a riveting tale with a well-constructed plot, many twists and turns, and realistic characters. The story involves revenge, blame, lies, deceit, long-held hatred, medical malpractice, and conflict.
The final reveal is a jaw-dropping shocker that I did not see coming. 'Vengeance is Mine' is due to be published on June 29th. Recommended.
May 27, 2024
What if you had been raised by a single mother and had spent your life wondering, perhaps imagining who your father was? Your mum declined to give details; after all, she loved you and gave you all you needed. Then, one day, she came out with a shocking revelation: your father is alive, is a convicted murderer, and is soon to be released from prison!
That’s what happened to Dawn Shephard in Vengeance Is Mine. She's a newly hired paralegal in Newcastle. Her emotions run the gamut from shocked, bewildered, disgusted to - what? Sympathy? Anger? Yes. Why hadn’t her mum told her the truth before now? They’ve had a close relationship and now this bombshell could put a wedge between them. Dawn’s way of coping with any kind of stress is food. Despite her concern about her weight, however, everyone tells her that she’s a good-looking young woman. She certainly is determined once she sets her mind on something.
Twenty years earlier, Stephanie White donned her birthday gifts, a soccer jersey and a pair of roller skates, and headed down the street in Northumberland. When she stopped to rest, she had been approached by a man, who talked to her kindly. That was the last she was seen alive. Her dismembered body was found in the home of her killer, a young man who adamantly denied the murder.
Throughout the much of the first half of the story, Dawn was quite conflicted about her feelings toward her father. Part of her wanted to go on with her life, while another part desperately needed to meet the father she had never known existed. At times, I struggled with these chapters as the narrative moved rather slowly and gave me an uneasy feeling. I suspected things would not end well. I was right!
However, my prognostication was off by a mile! The pace picked up considerably in the second half of the book, and the finale was something to behold! I’m not sure this would ever happen in real life, but who cares? This is fiction!
I received a digital copy of Vengeance Is Mine in return for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Michael Wood.
3.5 stars rounded up
That’s what happened to Dawn Shephard in Vengeance Is Mine. She's a newly hired paralegal in Newcastle. Her emotions run the gamut from shocked, bewildered, disgusted to - what? Sympathy? Anger? Yes. Why hadn’t her mum told her the truth before now? They’ve had a close relationship and now this bombshell could put a wedge between them. Dawn’s way of coping with any kind of stress is food. Despite her concern about her weight, however, everyone tells her that she’s a good-looking young woman. She certainly is determined once she sets her mind on something.
Twenty years earlier, Stephanie White donned her birthday gifts, a soccer jersey and a pair of roller skates, and headed down the street in Northumberland. When she stopped to rest, she had been approached by a man, who talked to her kindly. That was the last she was seen alive. Her dismembered body was found in the home of her killer, a young man who adamantly denied the murder.
Throughout the much of the first half of the story, Dawn was quite conflicted about her feelings toward her father. Part of her wanted to go on with her life, while another part desperately needed to meet the father she had never known existed. At times, I struggled with these chapters as the narrative moved rather slowly and gave me an uneasy feeling. I suspected things would not end well. I was right!
However, my prognostication was off by a mile! The pace picked up considerably in the second half of the book, and the finale was something to behold! I’m not sure this would ever happen in real life, but who cares? This is fiction!
I received a digital copy of Vengeance Is Mine in return for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and Michael Wood.
3.5 stars rounded up
June 28, 2024
After reading The Mind of a Murderer - the first in the Olivia Winter series - also my first book by this author, I have gone on to discover the wonderful Matilda Darke series and am busily working my way through those books. Meanwhile, I spotted this, his new standalone book, obviously I snaffled it up and pretty much devoured it in just one day...
We start back in the past, 20 years ago, with the abduction of Stephanie White on her 13th birthday while she is out playing on her new roller skates. Her body subsequently found brutally murdered. Her killer, Dominic Griffiths, brought to justice and jailed.
Back in the present and Dominic is about to be released early due to a "technicality". This is not happy news to many, and also means that a secret must now be told, one that Dawn Shepherd's mother has been keeping from her. Dominic is her father.
Dominic has always maintained his innocence, Dawn wants to get to know her father. After questioning her mother, she is determined to get to know him, from him, but will she believe in his innocence...?
Well... in Dawn, the author has created a multi layered, multi faceted, cracking character. One whose world is turned upside down and inside out, throwing her completely. Making her question many many things. I can't imagine what was going through her head, but the author has done a brilliant job of recreating her thought processes. And also her determination to get to the bottom of whether he is guilty or innocent, irrespective of the "technicality".
It's fast paced and, as you would expect from a book of this genre, chock full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, and a few red herrings and obfuscation. It definitely kept me guessing all the way through. spitting me out at the end shocked but satisfied.
If you haven't already discovered this author, I would heartily recommend both this book and his series. Me, I'm going to crack on with Matilda... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start back in the past, 20 years ago, with the abduction of Stephanie White on her 13th birthday while she is out playing on her new roller skates. Her body subsequently found brutally murdered. Her killer, Dominic Griffiths, brought to justice and jailed.
Back in the present and Dominic is about to be released early due to a "technicality". This is not happy news to many, and also means that a secret must now be told, one that Dawn Shepherd's mother has been keeping from her. Dominic is her father.
Dominic has always maintained his innocence, Dawn wants to get to know her father. After questioning her mother, she is determined to get to know him, from him, but will she believe in his innocence...?
Well... in Dawn, the author has created a multi layered, multi faceted, cracking character. One whose world is turned upside down and inside out, throwing her completely. Making her question many many things. I can't imagine what was going through her head, but the author has done a brilliant job of recreating her thought processes. And also her determination to get to the bottom of whether he is guilty or innocent, irrespective of the "technicality".
It's fast paced and, as you would expect from a book of this genre, chock full of twists and turns, secrets and lies, and a few red herrings and obfuscation. It definitely kept me guessing all the way through. spitting me out at the end shocked but satisfied.
If you haven't already discovered this author, I would heartily recommend both this book and his series. Me, I'm going to crack on with Matilda... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 17, 2024
Read rather than the Audio version 📚
Vengeance Is Mine is a tense, clever page-turner standalone thriller that crime book junkies will devour. Michael Wood’s has to be one of the best crime writers out there. He has the most twisted imagination and conjures up exciting, unpredictable plots that capture the reader’s attention from the start. What begins as a story about a missing girl transforms into a disturbing and utterly fascinating tale about vengeance, grief and deceit.
The book opens with Stephanie White being approached by a strange man. Fast forward twenty years and we know her disappearance ended in tragedy. Dominic Griffiths is serving a prison sentence for her abduction and murder, although he has always maintained he’s innocence. Dawn Shepherd finds out through her mum that rather than being the product of a one stand, her father is in-fact Dominic. Shocked by her mothers revelation, Dawn digs into her father’s past. I just knew it was going to end in tears but had no ideal what twisted road Michael Wood’s would take me down!
Vengeance Is Mine explores how crime affects the families of both victim and perpetrator not just in the aftermath but years later. I found myself questioning my own moral compass and sense of justice, which added to my enjoyment of this read. Michael Wood once again lures his readers into thinking they know where the story’s heading and then WHAM BAM he throws in twists that leaves the reader reeling! I really enjoyed this book. It’s dark and deliciously twisted just how I like my books. Highly recommended.
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Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
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Vengeance Is Mine is a tense, clever page-turner standalone thriller that crime book junkies will devour. Michael Wood’s has to be one of the best crime writers out there. He has the most twisted imagination and conjures up exciting, unpredictable plots that capture the reader’s attention from the start. What begins as a story about a missing girl transforms into a disturbing and utterly fascinating tale about vengeance, grief and deceit.
The book opens with Stephanie White being approached by a strange man. Fast forward twenty years and we know her disappearance ended in tragedy. Dominic Griffiths is serving a prison sentence for her abduction and murder, although he has always maintained he’s innocence. Dawn Shepherd finds out through her mum that rather than being the product of a one stand, her father is in-fact Dominic. Shocked by her mothers revelation, Dawn digs into her father’s past. I just knew it was going to end in tears but had no ideal what twisted road Michael Wood’s would take me down!
Vengeance Is Mine explores how crime affects the families of both victim and perpetrator not just in the aftermath but years later. I found myself questioning my own moral compass and sense of justice, which added to my enjoyment of this read. Michael Wood once again lures his readers into thinking they know where the story’s heading and then WHAM BAM he throws in twists that leaves the reader reeling! I really enjoyed this book. It’s dark and deliciously twisted just how I like my books. Highly recommended.
You can follow me at
Blog: https://thebookreviewcafe.wordpress.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookrevi...
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@reviewcafe
July 8, 2024
Michael Wood’s “Vengeance is Mine” is an exciting thriller that held me from start to finish. I read in the authors notes at the back of the book that this novel was written 20 years, rejected and each year since Michael Wood has gone back to it and tried to rework. Well it was well worth the perseverance because it was easily one of the best novels I have read recently.
The novel starts with the haunting disappearance of a young girl from a quiet Northumberland street twenty years ago, which sets up the story in present day.
Dawn Shephard has never known her father and was told by her Mother she was the result of a one night stand. So imagine her shock when her mother reveals that the man about to be released from prison for murder is her father. This distressing news makes Dawn want to know more and begins a dangerous investigation into her father’s past, as she seeks to uncover the truth about a crime that shattered the neighbourhood twenty years ago.
Whatever changes Michael Wood made to this novel worked ten fold, well written with great characters and tons of suspense. The pacing is spot on and little by little we find out more information that builds up the suspense even more. Dawn’s investigations reveal that her father was maybe not the person others see, and she is left wandering if he is actually the person depicted in the headlines.
The suspense builds up to a shocking climax as Dawn confronts the truths she has uncovered and makes peace with her past. “Vengeance is Mine” is an exciting read that I can recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
The novel starts with the haunting disappearance of a young girl from a quiet Northumberland street twenty years ago, which sets up the story in present day.
Dawn Shephard has never known her father and was told by her Mother she was the result of a one night stand. So imagine her shock when her mother reveals that the man about to be released from prison for murder is her father. This distressing news makes Dawn want to know more and begins a dangerous investigation into her father’s past, as she seeks to uncover the truth about a crime that shattered the neighbourhood twenty years ago.
Whatever changes Michael Wood made to this novel worked ten fold, well written with great characters and tons of suspense. The pacing is spot on and little by little we find out more information that builds up the suspense even more. Dawn’s investigations reveal that her father was maybe not the person others see, and she is left wandering if he is actually the person depicted in the headlines.
The suspense builds up to a shocking climax as Dawn confronts the truths she has uncovered and makes peace with her past. “Vengeance is Mine” is an exciting read that I can recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2024
Michael Wood is a new author to me. I have heard so many recommendations for the DCI Matilda Darke series, that I knew he was an author I must read. Vengeance is Mine is a standalone thriller.
Dawn is a run of the mill twenty-something, happy, weight obsessed, enjoys her work and money is tight. She has a close relationship with her Mum, as she has never known her Dad.
Dawn’s mum, Rita, finds herself in a cell after a heavy night of drinking, very uncharacteristically. This is the catalyst for the truth, Rita knows who Dawn’s father is, Dominic Griffiths. A name everybody knows, due to being imprisoned for life, for the Stephanie White case. A 13 year old who was taken on her birthday, and tragically didn’t live to see another day.
The revelation, understandably, turns Dawn’s life upside down.
I found the story drew me in from the very beginning, and felt it showed the widespread, and long lasting impact that such a devastating crime causes. Not only for the victim’s family, and wider community, but also for the perpetrator’s family too. I enjoyed the writing style, loved the twists and turns, and the fast pace of the story.
I did find myself a little frustrated at Dawn’s character. I know many of us can be self critical, or short of confidence, me included; but the constant references to her car and weight felt excessive to me. There were also times where she was so singleminded in her approach, that she didn’t seem to consider the feelings of others involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will definitely look for For Reasons Unknown, the first book in the Matilda Darke series. It’s 4.5⭐️ from me.
Dawn is a run of the mill twenty-something, happy, weight obsessed, enjoys her work and money is tight. She has a close relationship with her Mum, as she has never known her Dad.
Dawn’s mum, Rita, finds herself in a cell after a heavy night of drinking, very uncharacteristically. This is the catalyst for the truth, Rita knows who Dawn’s father is, Dominic Griffiths. A name everybody knows, due to being imprisoned for life, for the Stephanie White case. A 13 year old who was taken on her birthday, and tragically didn’t live to see another day.
The revelation, understandably, turns Dawn’s life upside down.
I found the story drew me in from the very beginning, and felt it showed the widespread, and long lasting impact that such a devastating crime causes. Not only for the victim’s family, and wider community, but also for the perpetrator’s family too. I enjoyed the writing style, loved the twists and turns, and the fast pace of the story.
I did find myself a little frustrated at Dawn’s character. I know many of us can be self critical, or short of confidence, me included; but the constant references to her car and weight felt excessive to me. There were also times where she was so singleminded in her approach, that she didn’t seem to consider the feelings of others involved.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and will definitely look for For Reasons Unknown, the first book in the Matilda Darke series. It’s 4.5⭐️ from me.
June 10, 2024
This book was written twenty years ago, and I assume it was Michael's first attempt at a novel, only now seeing publication. If it had been released as his debut, I would have rated it five stars, considering it an exceptional start for a budding author. However, having read Wood's subsequent works and with high expectations set by his exceptional writing, I rate Vengeance is Mine four stars.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first part chronicles Dawn’s discovery of her father's identity and ends with his release from prison. The second part takes place a year later, exploring how Dawn and the other characters move forward after the murderer’s release.
While the first part lays a solid foundation, the second part feels shorter—perhaps it was so engrossing that I didn't realize how quickly I read through it! This section leaves readers with a moral dilemma: How far would one go to seek justice? And, if justice seems elusive, how far would one defy the law to achieve it?
I loved the story. The first part kept me on edge, eagerly anticipating Dawn's every move. The second part left me pondering what went wrong. The murderer had always proclaimed his innocence; how would this unfold after his release? Would Dawn prove his innocence, or would she uncover something more sinister?
Despite my overall enjoyment, I found the conclusion somewhat unsatisfying. This dissatisfaction stems not from the story’s resolution but from the ethical questions it raises - was this truly justice? Each reader must decide for themselves. Personally, I found the ending less gratifying than expected.
The narrative is divided into two parts. The first part chronicles Dawn’s discovery of her father's identity and ends with his release from prison. The second part takes place a year later, exploring how Dawn and the other characters move forward after the murderer’s release.
While the first part lays a solid foundation, the second part feels shorter—perhaps it was so engrossing that I didn't realize how quickly I read through it! This section leaves readers with a moral dilemma: How far would one go to seek justice? And, if justice seems elusive, how far would one defy the law to achieve it?
I loved the story. The first part kept me on edge, eagerly anticipating Dawn's every move. The second part left me pondering what went wrong. The murderer had always proclaimed his innocence; how would this unfold after his release? Would Dawn prove his innocence, or would she uncover something more sinister?
Despite my overall enjoyment, I found the conclusion somewhat unsatisfying. This dissatisfaction stems not from the story’s resolution but from the ethical questions it raises - was this truly justice? Each reader must decide for themselves. Personally, I found the ending less gratifying than expected.
May 29, 2024
Even though Dawn has never known who her father was, she has had a happy upbringing and is close to her mum, Rita. Her world is about to be rocked though when she discovers that her dad is actually in prison for killing a thirteen year old girl. I mean, how do you come to terms with something like that? Dominic has always insisted that he didn’t kill her and there is doubt in Dawn’s mind as well as the reader all the way through the story.
The story is both heartbreaking and chilling in equal measure. Dawn takes it upon herself to find out more about her father by talking to those who knew him best as well as the parents of the victim. It didn’t make for easy reading with what she learns and Barbara and Harry, the parents of the girl who was murdered, it really tore at my heart at all they had been through. I have to say the story took a turn I hadn’t expected and it’s fair to say I was in complete shock by the end.
Vengeance is Mine was a totally engrossing read that I struggled to put down. I had so many questions which all do get answered but they weren’t always the ones I had hoped for. Maybe I just like to see the best in people. I raced through the pages to find out the truth and boy did it get my head in a spin. The author is a master at creating chilling and thrilling stories that never disappoint. Dark, tense with some unexpected twists, I absolutely loved it!
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
The story is both heartbreaking and chilling in equal measure. Dawn takes it upon herself to find out more about her father by talking to those who knew him best as well as the parents of the victim. It didn’t make for easy reading with what she learns and Barbara and Harry, the parents of the girl who was murdered, it really tore at my heart at all they had been through. I have to say the story took a turn I hadn’t expected and it’s fair to say I was in complete shock by the end.
Vengeance is Mine was a totally engrossing read that I struggled to put down. I had so many questions which all do get answered but they weren’t always the ones I had hoped for. Maybe I just like to see the best in people. I raced through the pages to find out the truth and boy did it get my head in a spin. The author is a master at creating chilling and thrilling stories that never disappoint. Dark, tense with some unexpected twists, I absolutely loved it!
My thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
June 21, 2024
After reading the authors previous novel ‘ The Mind of a murder ‘ which blew me away I had to get my hands of his next standalone ‘Vengeance is Mine’.
Dawn Shepherd has never known her father and has been brought up by her mother Rita. She has never wanted for nothing. When one day she gets a call that her mother is drunk in a cell. She is shocked as her mother is a teetotal person. When Dawn finds the reason for her mother’s disruptive behaviour. She finds out about her dad that she has never met. Dominic Griffiths is soon going to be released from prison. He has been in castrated for the last 20 years for killing 13-year-old Stephanie White, who was abducted and murdered on her 13th birthday.
At first Dawn is shocked but then realises that she wants to meet him. After all he has done his time, which he is claiming his innocence. He says that the drug that he was taking was giving him mood swings and black outs and he can’t remember a thing. Dawn sets out to investigate what happened that day. Not only talking to Dominic’s family, but that also didn’t want anything to do with him. But also, the parents of Stephanie White.
Wow Micheal wood has written another blinder of a story. This is a compelling read of the repercussions one little girls murder not only for her family but also the perpetrators family and everyone involved. It shows the grief of the family and if justice was really served. This is also a thought provoking read. I loved the ending of this. I didn’t see it coming. 5 stars from me.
Dawn Shepherd has never known her father and has been brought up by her mother Rita. She has never wanted for nothing. When one day she gets a call that her mother is drunk in a cell. She is shocked as her mother is a teetotal person. When Dawn finds the reason for her mother’s disruptive behaviour. She finds out about her dad that she has never met. Dominic Griffiths is soon going to be released from prison. He has been in castrated for the last 20 years for killing 13-year-old Stephanie White, who was abducted and murdered on her 13th birthday.
At first Dawn is shocked but then realises that she wants to meet him. After all he has done his time, which he is claiming his innocence. He says that the drug that he was taking was giving him mood swings and black outs and he can’t remember a thing. Dawn sets out to investigate what happened that day. Not only talking to Dominic’s family, but that also didn’t want anything to do with him. But also, the parents of Stephanie White.
Wow Micheal wood has written another blinder of a story. This is a compelling read of the repercussions one little girls murder not only for her family but also the perpetrators family and everyone involved. It shows the grief of the family and if justice was really served. This is also a thought provoking read. I loved the ending of this. I didn’t see it coming. 5 stars from me.
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