One More Chapter acquires three more from Wood in DCI Matilda Darke series

One More Chapter has acquired three new titles in the DCI Matilda Darke thriller series by Michael Wood.

Editor Bethan Morgan acquired world English language rights from Jamie Cowen at the Ampersand Agency. The first title of the new contract, publishing in e-book, paperback, and audiobook in May 2022, continues DCI Darke’s story as she digs into a sinister pattern of cold cases during lockdown.

Morgan said: “It’s a privilege to continue publishing Michael’s beloved series with its deliciously complex protagonist and iconic Sheffield setting crafted with such grit and empathy. The hallmark of Michael’s writing is his taut psychological study of relentlessly morally grey characters caught up in deviously wrought mysteries that never shy away from bold twists, and fans will utterly devour the next chapter in Matilda’s story.”

Wood said: “I am thrilled to be writing three more novels in the DCI Matilda Darke series with the wonderful team at HarperCollins and One More Chapter. It has always been an ambition of mine to write an ongoing series and the dedication and commitment of everyone at OMC has seen the books grow in popularity with each one. I’m immensely proud to be published by them and cannot wait to develop the series further. The next three books will see Matilda come up against her most devious killer to date and face police corruption going back more than 20 years with the outcome having life-changing results for Matilda’s team and South Yorkshire Police as a whole. I love writing this series and hope to surprise you all with what’s coming next.”

Cowen commented: “With the determined help of One More Chapter, Michael Wood has achieved what so many think is almost impossible: writing a crime series that increases in quality and readership with every new book that he publishes. Matilda Darke is a brilliant, relatable character and Michael’s knack for writing thrillers which are just perfectly paced makes for a dream combination, and I’m so excited to see where he takes the series next.”