4 and 1 / 2 stars

The discovery of buried bones on an isolated farm brings DI Kim Stone and her nemesis DI Tom Travis head to head in this exciting read. When it is discovered that the bones were moved and that there are three bodies, the tension mounts. On loan to DI Travis’ team for the duration of the investigation, Kim’s team is chasing suspects in some vicious and odd cases of attacks on people.

DI Stone’s team discovers that the crimes they are investigating are hate crimes. DI Travis’ team find an odd connection between the owners of the land on which the bones were found and the lessees. And they meet an attorney who is set on obstructing Kim and Tom’s investigation at every turn.

This book goes back and forth between the two investigations, moving along apace. The book is very well written and plotted. The writing is suspenseful and the tension mounts as the story moves along. Stacy on Kim’s team gets tied up into looking on her own into a teen boy’s suicide. What she discovers is horrendous – and gets her into serious trouble.

The denouement of this book is explosive and exciting. This novel is a must read for Angela Marsons fans – or anyone who loves fast paced and thrilling reads.

I want to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this exciting book to read.

4.5 stars

Intense and deeply disturbing read.

Vicious, deplorable hate crimes take center stage in Dead Souls. Due to the horrific nature of the crimes, it can be hard to read at times. But what makes things a little comforting is knowing that Kim Stone will take down the despicable people committing these crimes.

A turf war erupts between Kim Stone and her former colleague, Tom Travis, when both arrive at a crime scene that borders their jurisdictions. Kim is assigned to assist Travis’ team, while Bryant and Dawson investigate a hate crime. Additionally, Stacey gets wrapped up in the suicide of a young man, which resonates with her past. What all don’t realize is that these crimes have a common link, putting one team member’s life in danger.

Dead Souls is a dark and disturbing read; I could not get the images of “the hunt” out of my head. There’s tons of action, Kim kicking ass, and a suspense filled ending that put me in a state of panic!
I anxiously await the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a fan of the DI Kim stone series then you need to buy and read this book now, it is just that amazing. If you have never read any before, either start here as its amazing, or go back to the beginning of the series, as all the books so far have been brilliant. ...

....

....Oh you're still here? Does that mean I need to tell you more than just that this is a gripping, unpredictable story that has such an immersive and scary and frankly sickening conclusion that I couldn't dare put it down?

Actually the first bit of the book I was oddly unsettled by, unlike other books in the DI Kim Stone series, I wasn't instantly enamoured by it, and I think it was just as it took me a while to get used to fa few things.

Due to the location of where the first body during an archeological dig was found, on the border of two forces, Kim has to joint lead the investigation with Detective Travis and mainly using Detective Travis' team. This lead Bryant and Dawson partnering up on their own investigation, while Stacey tries to provide support while also really coming into her own as a character in this book.

Due to the various storyline threads, and the occasional look at things from a non victim's point of view, the focus of each chapter was different so it just took me some time to get into the rhythm of the book. Once I fully understood and more importantly started to properly care about all the various investigations, I could have been more hooked if I tried.

What I would love to know though, is what on earth goes through Angela Marsons head when she came up with the sheer disgustingness of the crimes involved. There is especially towards the end some of the most vivid writing I've read, and I was feeling slightly queasy as I was reading as a result.

Dead Souls has done a lot for character progression for the series, with the new working challenges Kim and her normal team have to undergo. I loved seeing how various hunches of theirs turned out, and I was so interested in the book and hooked, especially as the pace was upped, I didn't even come up with any theories myself, I was content to sit back and enjoy the journey!

Given I'm positive I said Blood Lines was my favourite in the series, I think this is now equal favourite but for different reasons. Dead Souls is a cleverly crafted book, which was unpredictable and completely absorbing. All that is left to say is please don't make me wait as long for the next installment, as I really hate waiting!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

Angela Marsons has done it yet again. Every book in the the Kim Stone series gets better and better, with more character development and dark plots.

I especially loved finding out more about Stacey, and I hope we delve even further into the various characters pasts in future books.

The subject of this book is especially relevant right now. Hate crimes. I think Angela Marsons has done a brilliant job not only in portraying the horrific and sickening abuse carried out by some people, but also in the naivety of many who have never had to experience it therefore can't fully comprehend what it's like to be on the receiving end.

As always, I am already looking forward to the next instalment!

4.5 stars. I do love this series - and this installment in particular was even darker and more disturbing than previous entries. Book #6 yet the pace of the series and the interest in the characters just ramps up and up.

Kim Stone books are the sort of books you want to pull sickies for... long may they continue!




Posted on Goodreads and will post to Amazon UK when book is live.

Another outing for Kim Stone and her team set against the very relevant background of hate crime.
Kim is separated from Bryant, Dawson and Stacy as she works on a separate case and it was good to get to know these characters while Kim Stone dealt with past demons in the form of former colleague Travis.

This book just didn't grab me as much as the others in the series did. I found it a bit slow and drawn out. It did address a serious subject matter well but it was all disjointed, even when everything came together at the end.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a review copy. (less)

Yet another five star winner from this author who never fails to deliver! Grippy, tense, a real page turner right from the word go!

I love Kim stone and her team and Marsons has produced yet another fantastic read. A very dark and disturbing story line. After bones are found on the border of 2 forced, Kim heads a joint investigation with a DI from another force but there are underlying tensions and history with him and it is clear she does not trust him.

Her team must function without her and it is clear she is the lynchpin that usually holds them together.

Whilst one investigation centres around the bones, her team are looking into a suicide and an attack on a polish man.It's interesting to see how her team interact without her and some interesting characters in the joint investigation I's like to see more of. I started reading this and could not put it down until I had finished. Lots of tension and twists - a brilliant read

At times I found the storyline difficult and disturbing to read, which just shows how well Angela has written this chilling story about hate crimes.
Kim Stone has a different role to play, having to work alongside an old colleague with some bad history between them. The fact that we don't discover what this is until near the end helps keep up the anxiety and tension.
All in all a very gripping story.

I have read the previous DI Kim Stone thrillers and enjoyed them so I was pleased to receive Dead Souls for review on Netgalley.
This was written in a different style from the others as Kim and her usual team were working on different cases. Kim was investigating a cold case, some old bones found buried on a farm, partnered with Tom an ex colleague with whom she has had a past disagreement- about what is not revealed until well into the book. The reader witnesses the diffuculties Kim faces working with someone who really does not like her.
Bryant her normal partner teams up with Dawson to investigate a Polish man who has been severely beaten. Because of these two different strands of the plot the novel jumped around a lot at first so that the reader could get the background on both stories and this did make the book slightly difficult to get into. It was not until about half way through that I felt I was reading the normal compelling Kim Stone procedural thriller.
I thought the main theme in the book was very relevant for the society we lve in today. Hate crime is unfortunately all too common and it was interesting how the author made it the main part of the plot.
DS Stacey's central role in the story was also enjoyable. We learn more about her background and how she has suffered racial abuse from a young age due to the colour of her skin. Her investigations into a suicide and her meticulous follow up lead her into danger and she has to rely on all her skills to extricate herself.
An enjoyable procedural thriller in this excellent series. It can be read as a stand alone novel but in my opinion it is better to read it if you know something about the characters already, as the plot does build on what the reader already knows. If you haven't read the earlier ones you have a treat in store!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my review copy.

Dead souls is yet another cracking story, and this time there's a change in the dynamics of Kim Stones's team.
I don't wish to give away any spoilers as the changes in the team will be all the more surprising. This time Kim has a tough case to crack involving buried remains and racist hate crimes that are particularly horrific, there are some very good insights into the damage racism causes
I couldn't turn the pages quick enough on my kindle to keep up with all the events, thrills and spills.
A stunning police thriller, immensely readable executed with great style and flair.
Thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book

This is an excellent read and a great addition to the series. The main plot deals with an unbelievabley brutal subject the true horror of which will stay with you long after you have finished reading about it. We all think we know what "these people" are like but boy I didn't realise the complexity and brutality of some of their actions. That said it's a great read and the main character Kim has developed and in a way matured beyond where she was previously. If one can get over such a cruel past she is on the way
Would make an excellent stand alone read but it's a brilliant addition to the series

In the 6th novel , this time Kim is paired up with an old adversary Travis, whom it appears she fell out with years ago, but we don't find out until later in the book as to why, to solve the mystery of some old bones on farmland. As half the land is in one police territory and the other in Kim's territory they have to join forces and work together. This means she leaves her old team to join up with a new one. Most of the time there's such an atmosphere between the two, you wonder if they'll ever be mates again.

Whilst the two of them are investigating "the bones" and piecing it altogether, Stacey d codes to do her own investigation into another local case with horrendous results.

I did find this book upsetting and it was different to Angela's normal "gung ho" Kim, where she takes off and is a law unto herself. This time she's been reined in more and away from her usual workmates and the dog, Barney.

It was a very well written book, full of horrors but I had to keep reading it to see what happened.

I hope Kim goes back to her old team and we can have the friendly banter back and the bike!

My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for letting me have an advanced copy.

In this, Book Six of the fantastic DI Kim Stone series, author Angela Marsons has shaken things up a little. Kim Stone and her team are out of their comfort zone; Kim is forced to work with Travis, an old friend turned foe and Bryant and Dawson are thrown together. And Stacey steps out of the shadows to prove herself a formidable and resourceful detective. Yet through this skilful narrative development, we see otherwise hidden facets of all the characters and it’s fascinating how they cope when they are left to their own devices. Sit back and enjoy the fireworks!
The main theme is dark and it is explored thoroughly and honestly; making uncomfortable but very thought-provoking reading in many passages. This story challenges our perceptions and beliefs. However, the storyline is shot through with a humour that lightens the difficult subject matter and happily, we still sense a camaraderie between Stone and her team, even though they’re in contact sporadically.
The characters feel real and alive and I loved how, by the end, I felt as if I knew them better still. The plot is expertly woven to a terrifying and skilful climax and I was genuinely surprised at the twist! Angela Marsons’ writing goes from strength to strength. I stayed up late to finish this book and at the satisfying end, there was the same old question I know all DI Kim Stone fans have . . . when is the next one out??

Oh wow! With every book, Angela Marsons raises the bar. Each of her books is perfection, until the next. With this book, the author has written not only a superb thriller but also a thought provoking commentary on some of the atrocities taking place in the world today. Kim is as amazing as ever - I especially liked how she has to work without her team this time. Loved the insight into how her team felt lost without her and yet tried to cope. Loved also seeing this new side to Kim's personality. The chilling pace never lets down and yet, this complex, multi layered story makes you think, and you come away after reading it changed. It is sad and yet hopeful. This is what I really admire about the author and especially with this book - while harrowing and dealing with some of the issues the world faces today, she also leaves you hopeful. We come away changed: energised and hopeful, with faith in this tired world, that there are people on our side whatever circumstances throw at us. People like Kim. Thank you, Angela Marsons for another amazing read. I cannot wait for your next.

Ms. Angela Marsons has penned yet another phenomenal thriller in her brilliant DI Kim Stone series. In Dead Souls, book six of the series, she takes us down a very dark road on a most gripping and intense journey with Kim, Bryant, Kev, and Stacey.

Ms. Marsons has tackled a monster of an issue with this one. Hate crimes. Sickening, appalling, and incomprehensible to most of us; a source of twisted debauchery and depravity for the perpetrators. Sadly, this is a most timely subject for what is happening in our world today. Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Asians, LGBTQs, handicapped persons, any type of “foreigners”—all “fair game.”

This time around, Kim and her team are split up due to circumstances beyond Kim’s control. Kim is paired with a former friend, DI Tom Travis. Travis has not been friendly to Kim for the last 4-5 years for reasons unknown to Kim. This makes for a most difficult work situation as they co-lead Tom’s team, which is assigned to look into the discovery of decades old human bones buried in a field. We are privy to their struggles to come to terms with not only the case matter but with each other. I thought the DI Stone/DI Travis thread was terrific. We see Kim not always having the upper hand and how she handles that. This is more about further developing Kim’s character “in the now”, and not so much because of what happened to her as a child. The author does not change Kim’s personality, but at the same time allows Kim personal growth. So very well done.

While their boss is away, DS Bryant and DS Kevin Dawson are teamed up and assigned several assault cases. These two have never worked side by side before and their efforts to mesh with each other are illuminating. And we finally get a major story thread for DC Stacey Wood. Stacey’s backstory now comes to light as we see her trying to deal with lifelong struggles stemming from childhood experiences. She goes “off grid” in this one and finds herself in deep trouble. This “split up” of the team (practically family) could have been disastrous, but Ms. Marsons pulls it off beautifully. We are presented sides of these individuals that have not been evident before, and I found it all very revealing.


The plot has a myriad of threads. We have one assault/murder after another, time and again. To see all these lines come together at the end was remarkable. The early part of the book is loaded with intrigue. Some of the scenes are downright wicked, so less resilient readers beware. The last 30% consists of palpable high wattage suspense that screams, “You will not stop reading till you finish this book!” Whew!! What a ride!!

There is only one thing I wish had been done differently. Though there are some wonderful flashback scenes for a couple of the threads, I would have loved to have had more of Stacey’s younger days played out in full flashback mode (perhaps in future books?) or perhaps some full flashback scenes of the Kim/Travis breakdown that occurred five years previously. A bit more show, less tell in those particular areas.

I don’t want to forget kudos for Ms. Marsons’ research efforts into hate crimes. Chapter 70 in particular was most enlightening. This author does her research as well as anyone.

I think Dead Souls is a real feather in Ms. Marsons’ cap. I see her steadily growing as an author (though she started out pretty darn great five books ago). There is no hint of staleness to the series. I feel confident she will continue to stretch and reach new heights in her writing. In my opinion, Angela Marsons has earned the title of Queen (and King, for that matter) of Thrillers for the last two years. I give her books my highest recommendation.

I love you, Angela. Thank you for giving me so many hours of pure reading pleasure. XO

I would like to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and Ms. Angela Marsons for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Dead Souls. Opinions in the above review are mine alone and are not biased in any way.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series. The author is fast becoming one of my favorites. And DI Kim Stone is one of my characters.

This book was far darker than any other the other books. The book didn't start out like that and I really had no idea what was going to happen. For me, it came out of nowhere. Once I started realizing where the book was going, and what was happening, I was disgusted. It was tough to read through and I had to put the book down several times.

This is not an easy ready, and definitely not for the faint of heart. The subject matter is very disturbing and hard to read. I would still highly recommend this book, just be warned that it is not for everyone.

Many thanks to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC.

The 6th instalment of the Kim Stone series and this book is the darkest and most disturbing yet. It was good to see another side of Kim outside the comfort zone of her team, and for her colleagues to step and and be noticed. For me this really worked as it introduced us to some new characters. I loved that Stacey had a major part to play in this book. I enjoyed the storyline involving Kim and Travis and at the end i actually felt a bit sorry for Travis. For me these books just cant come quickly enought! Another great book by the marvellous Angela Marsons.

There are no words! Angela Marsons is a master story teller.

Detective Kim Stone is back in the 6th book in the series.

A collection of human bones has been unearthed during a routine archaeological dig. They are found on the edge of the boundary Kim's station covers and she is forced to merge the investigation with West Mercia and Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past. It's not long before Kim uncovers dark secretive relationships between the families who own the land were the bodies were found. Kim's team are also investigating a spate of hate crimes.

This is the darkest Kim Stone novel,so far. The story is well executed and the author is not afraid to push boundaries. The plot is gripping, tense and very well written. With an ending that is thought provoking. Another fantastic read that won't disappoint. Highly recommend.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Angela Marsons for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.