‘Hidden Truth’ by C.D. Steele

Independently Published,
31 December 2025.
ISBN: 979-824208333-2 (PB)

Joe Wilde is a former MI6 agent turned private investigator.  He has a reputation for solving cold cases, particularly those involving missing people.  We first meet Wilde in his office where Sylvia Graham is trying to persuade him to locate her missing daughter Julie Turnbull.  Julie was twenty-eight when last seen by her childminder before she set off to work.  That was six years ago.  An initial search failed to find her and although her husband was suspected of her murder, lack of evidence meant the line of enquiry was soon dismissed and the case remains unsolved.  Wilde takes the job even though he is already working on another dreadful event that has baffled the police – the murder of former Member of Parliament, Philipa Redmond.  The tragedy happened six months ago during a family get together prior to Christmas.  Once the relatives were eliminated as suspects, it was assumed that she was killed by an intruder - yet to be identified. 

Meanwhile, criminal activity continues to blight the lives of people in the here and now.  A woman who unwittingly allows two killers into her home is then set alight whilst still alive.  Her burnt corpse is discovered by the other crime fighter in the novel Detective Inspector Carl Whatmore.  Carl and Joe have worked together before and when Whatmore’s investigation overlaps with Wilde’s the two old friends find themselves once more teaming up to catch those responsible.  It is an alliance that puts them in mortal danger. 

The fast-moving narrative has several subplots that tease and torment the detectives and keep the reader on a knife edge.  There are some terrifying glimpses into the criminal underworld in which the perpetrators operate and can elude detection.  The villains are truly odious; their brutality sends a message to others who might try to thwart them, and they show little empathy towards each other.  These relationships are in sharp contrast to the camaraderie and warmth that defines the collaboration between Wilde and Whatmore. 

Chapters are often split into different episodes, moving between scenes involving the killers before switching to those involved in the ongoing and increasingly complex investigation.  The technique builds up tension and emphasises the difficulties that the detectives must contend with.  

Hidden Truth is the third story featuring P.I. Joe Wilde, it works perfectly well as a stand-alone novel.  The writing is crisp and considered as the story gathers pace and moves towards an unexpected dénouement. A fascinating, gritty and enjoyable read. 
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent 

C. D. Steele is the author of the Joe Wilde mystery thriller series. There are three books in the series. False Truth which was published by The Book Guild on the 28/04/21, Dark Truth which was published by The Conrad Press on the 15/11/23 and Hidden Truth which was independently published on the 31/12/25. He works as an Executive Officer in the Civil Service, has a degree in Recreation Management and lives in County Down, Northern Ireland.

Dot Marshall-Gent worked in the emergency services for twenty years first as a police officer, then as a paramedic and finally as a fire control officer before graduating from King’s College, London as a teacher of English in her mid-forties.  She completed a M.A. in Special and Inclusive Education at the Institute of Education, London and now teaches part-time and writes mainly about educational issues.  Dot sings jazz and country music and plays guitar, banjo and piano as well as being addicted to reading mystery and crime fiction.