WOW! Another explosive, edge of your seat, page turner.
Kim has to work alongside Detective Travis and his team which she's not thrilled with. As they try to solve the case, Kim has to leave her team to it and one of them is in great danger.
I love the character D.I Kim Stone, she's feisty, determined and sassy. She cares about her close colleagues not that she always shows it.
I can't wait for the next installment. Please tell me there will be another!

I've seen this author's series of books read for awhile on here. I was interested but all my friends seem to love them and I was sorta scared that I would hate one of them and then I would get beat up. (You have seen my friends on here-they are vicious little bookworms)..anyways I threw all the cares to the wind when I saw this one and even if it was book six I figured I would dive right in.

AND IT WAS GOOD! I didn't feel lost that I hadn't read the previous books, even if the author didn't take fifty eleven million pages to 'catch up' the reader. She just managed it in a way that worked and after a few minutes I was completely in. I felt I knew these characters even if I had just met them.

The book starts out with DI Kim Stone being called out when some bones are found on a family farm, after getting her investigative juices flowing she is told that she must work with a former co-worker that she would rather not work be on the same planet with. She does it anyways because once she felt the call of finding out who hurt these people she could not leave it alone.

Then we find out that there is a whole lot more going on than just these bones..(this is not really a spoiler either). There is a whole hate crime underbelly that is going to blow up in her area.

I'm giving the author mad props on this. She researched the heck out of hate crimes and what they mean. I knew that I was pretty much an all around offensive person.


BUT I had never considered myself a racist of any form or fashion. This author made me question myself. She made me think beyond the way that I think. She made me see things in a different light and I didn't always like that. But isn't that a sign of a great author? I've been thinking about several simple passages of this book since I read them and I hope it changed some of my stupid thinking. (She doesn't shame in it..she just made me realize that something I thought was fine is in fact totally not-that's what SHOULD happen when you change someone's thoughts...not just shame them into feeling like a fool because they asked questions or didn't completely understand something.)

I'm giving kudos to the publisher of these books too. They have introduced me to a couple of authors that I never would have normally picked up and I'm so glad I did. I hope they all get the attention that they all deserve because Bookouture and it's authors should get more attention. They are getting mine.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review.

Another good installment in this series, if you enjoy her books then this will not disappoint.

This is my first book by Angela Marsons and I'm sure it will not be the last. I enjoyed reading this book and knowing this author's work, so I want to start reading the series from the beginning!

Ok, I'll start mentioning the things I didn't quite like, so we can go on to review the good things.
The first thing that I noticed was that I was always aware that I was reading. The writing wasn't too fluid, so I couldn't get lost in the story and forget the world around me. That usually happens with new authors, so I was surprised to find that in the sixth book of a series. Related to that last point, some dialogues were too forced sometimes. Most chapters ended with short phrases such as (and this is an invented example):
"He found a body.
He knew who it was.
He knew what it meant.
And time was running out"
They reminded me of the beginnings of CSI Miami episodes, where the guy finds a body, puts on his sunglasses and says some cheesy line while putting his hands on his hips and looking towards the horizon lol

Now, let's move on to the good bits! I don't want to spoil anything, so I can't be too descriptive, but I'll try to do my best.
The plot in general was very intriguing and interesting. I really liked that Angela Marsons takes the time to touch the very important topic of discrimination while developing the story. It reminded me a little bit to what Henning Mankell did with his Wallander series: always a new complicated theme right alongside the murder investigation.
I also loved that there were many stories within the book, so you were constantly moving from one plot to another, and there were always something new to find, even when most of the time I disagreed with the decisions the characters made!
On one side, there's the rivalry between Kim and another detective with whom she has a story and now she has to work with. On another side, we find two investigators from Kim's team having to learn how to function as partners. Then we see Stacy, trying to work amidst talks of racism and figuring out if she could trust her gut. Finally, of course, there's the murder part of the plot. It all starts with some bones found during an archaeological dig and it all blows up from there, ending up in a nerve-raking scene which I really cannot describe without giving it away, but it's good!

That's it. Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and thank you Angela Marsons for a great story!

Hate crimes + sadistic people = a harrowing read. Kim Stone's latest case takes her away from her usual team, temporarily joining a neighbouring force to work with a former colleague. Meanwhile back at base the others have to pretty much do their own thing - not a good idea! There are quite a few horrible people with nasty, vile viewpoints in this story which doesn't make pleasant reading. For me this book took a while for everything to gel, but then the tension mounts as the pieces start falling into place and naturally it's a race against time to prevent the conclusion the perps want. Yes it was a slow burner but once the flame was lit it was whoosh - stand back! Another amazing thriller from this author, not to be missed.

Another fantastic book by Angela Marsons. This was my favorite so far in the D.I. Kim Stone series.

I admit to feeling quite a bit of trepidation when I decided to read this, for two reasons. The first is that this is the 6th in series and I usually like to start with the first. The second is that so many of my friends, whose opinions I respect, raved about this series. What if I didn't feel the same?

My second fear was quickly dispelled, I engaged with the characters almost instantly. They are well drawn, each different from the others and Kim, their boss and the lead character was not only dogged but really cared for the members of her team. The cases they are working are very pertinent in today's world. How virulent hatred can be taken to extremes. I also enjoyed the almost non stop tension, and that this was sometimes tempered with humor. In essence this is a very good series.

My first fear didn't seem to make a huge difference in my enjoyment of this novel. The author wisely provides just enough information to keep the reader from feeling totally lost. I am aware though that I probably missed much development in the relationships of these characters, certain nuances I might not have caught or understood. I don't think my library carries this series, though I haven't checked yet, but I think it says alot to say I do intend to hunt them down. I find this series intriguing.

ARC from NetGalley.

Another Kim Stone book, each one is better than the last. Angela Marsons is an excellent writer and I look forward to each book she writes.

An exciting addition to the Detective Kim Stone series. Kim investigates the discovery of bones buried in a field and is forced to work with a former colleague on a neighbouring police force whilst her own team work on another troubling case. Detective Stone is a spike but likeable character and solid plotting make this an interesting read.

Another good addition to the series. This is really setting up to be an outstanding series with plenty of promise that it will run and run. Great characters and fast moving stories

An archaeological dig discovers a mass of bones buried on local farmland, and becomes Detective Kim Stones next case.
These bones belong to more than one person and show they died a terrible death.
Kim Stone is desperate to get started with her team.
But then she is told by her superior that it will be a joint investigation along side Detective Travis.
This is one of Kim's hardest cases to date. Kim Stone and Travis need to go back to the start to first of all discover who these bones belong to then why were they murdered.
As she tries to put her differences with Travis behind her, Travis is not so forgiving and cannot let go of the past.
Meanwhile her colleagues are left to work on another case. A series of hate crimes are being carried out in the the town.
Putting the pieces together will leave you feeling chilled to the bone. Without a doubt there is an underlying darker story deep within the plot.
My thoughts....

Fantastic, chilling but addictive reading.

I can't believe this is Angela Marsons sixth book in the Kim Stone series. She never disappoints. Her writing is exciting and fresh.
I felt, and this is only my opinion rather than just focusing solely on Kims character, her past.... it involved more of her team creating a different feel to the book this time.
This is why I adore reading her books because each book keeps Kims cases crisp and different, exciting and thrilling.
Can't wait for No 7....
Keep them coming.......

Another corker from Angie Marsons! Kim Stone is back with another intrigue but like a fish out of water as she ends up working with a colleague that she doesn't get on with -- and without her team around her... although it's the 6th in the series it can be read standalone...

A rattling good read, couldn't put it down.
5* stars, now bereft that it will be a while before I get to read another Kim Stone book...

The truth was dead and buried… until now.
When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone.
Dead Souls is another stonker of a crime novel from the impressive Angela Marsons. Thrown into an alien way of working, Kim Stone has been separated from her team and has to work with a detective she has a history with – and not a good one. Kim, being Kim, doesn’t handle any of this well and her non-existent social skills are tested to breaking point. When a member of her team is embroiled in a dangerous situation Kim must face her worries and demons to work as a member of a team to track down her missing officer. A great crime novel, as always. Ms Marsons doesn’t fail to deliver!

My Review: 5/5
Well, Angela Marsons has done it again.  Just when I thought there was no way she could keep the Kim Stone series going, she has surpassed my expectations.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is by FAR the BEST detective/crime series I have ever read.  Book Six does not disappoint.
While this one was not my favorite Kim Stone book, it is still phenomenal.  Dead Souls is darker than the other five books, as it touches on a subject that unfortunately is all too real in today's world: hate crime.  While no murder or crime is 'nicer' than another, hate crime seems to make less sense than other crimes.  To endure violence upon someone else just because of who they are as a person is inexcusable and downright despicable.  Ms. Marsons does an AWESOME job of addressing this issue, and not in a preachy way.
This book has Kim working on a case in a neighboring jurisdiction.  We learn more of her past (which I just LOVE), and see how her team functions without her.  Every one of the books dives deeper into a member of Kim's team.  This time it's Stacey, the computer 'geek'.  She is a heavy-set, black woman who has struggled her entire life with being ridiculed.  When she dives into a separate case on her own, the consequences put her in unpredictable danger.
I seriously cannot praise this book enough.  This is not for the faint of heart.  Parts were so incredibly horrifying, I found myself staying up late at night just to see what happens.
I highly, HIGHLY recommend this book, as well as all of the other Kim Stone books.  Great job, Angela Marsons!!
***Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Detective Kim Stone is back in a new novel. A collection of human bones is found during a dig, and as the bones are evaluated, it is discovered that they come from more than one person.

I enjoy the Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons. I have read the first, second, and now the sixth books. They are all very good, and I would recommend them to anyone who likes mysteries/thrillers. I look forward to the next book by this author.

I've read all of Angela Marson's book in the Kim Stone series and was thrilled to be approved for a copy of her latest. I really felt Kim develop more and more throughout the past books and this one was no exception. The plot was a little formulaic, but still quite gripping and I already look forward to the next book in this series!

Angela Marsons has done it again with the sixth installment of the D.I. Kim Stone series. "Dead Souls" is a gripping mystery set in the Black Country in England. When bones are discovered in a field during a routine archaeological dig, Kim is called to investigate along with Detective Travis, a former colleague, whom she now has an inexplicable adversarial relationship with. Additionally, Kim's team of Bryant, Dawson and Stacey are involved in aiding the investigation. Eventually, the medical examiner determines that the bones are human and there were multiple bodies buried in this field.

Beneath the wholesome facade of Kim's team, the investigation involves an exploration of hate crimes and racism. While this story is a thriller, it is also an exposition of very repugnant and intolerable crimes against human nature. Marsons does an adept job of skillfully capturing these details while still keeping the story fast-paced and intentionally disturbing.

Marsons is also a master at fully developing her characters. Kim is shown in a vulnerable position because of her tumultuous relationship with Detective Travis. We see her struggle to remain professional at times. Additionally, Bryant and Dawson are thrown together as partners without Kim as the intermediary. We also learn more about Stacey's past as she gets involved with a teenage suicide.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to each new D.I Kim Stone story. Marsons' handling of this difficult subject matter is both relevant and important. Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Sunday, 4 June 2017
Review - Dead Souls by Angela Marsons

Dead Souls by Angela Marsons
Publisher: Bookouture
Release date: 28 April 2017
Rating: ****
Back cover blurb: The truth was dead and buried…until now. When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone. As the bones are sorted, it becomes clear that the grave contains more than one victim. The bodies hint at unimaginable horror, bearing the markings of bullet holes and animal traps. Forced to work alongside Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past, Kim begins to uncover a dark secretive relationship between the families who own the land in which the bodies were found. But while Kim is immersed in one of the most complicated investigations she’s ever led, her team are caught up in a spate of sickening hate crimes. Kim is close to revealing the truth behind the murders, yet soon finds one of her own is in jeopardy - and the clock is ticking. Can she solve the case and save them from grave danger – before it’s too late? An addictive, sinister crime thriller that will have readers on the edge of their seat.


Angela Marsons has written another fantastic DI Stone novel, and this time get to see Stacey in a bit more detail as well as Stone's relationship with an officer from a rival force.

Having fallen out years previously every crime scene encounter that they've had recently has been fractious to say the least. So when the pair are forced to work together on a case neither of them is particularly thrilled.

The case in question is that of human remains found my student forensic scientists on a tutorial dig.

Who do the remains belong to?

Why are they buried where they are?

And more importantly were these murder victims?

Stone's team meanwhile are investigating a number of hate crimes that seem to be increasing in frequency and severity. Stacy picks up the suicide of a young boy alongside convinced that there is more to it than meets the eye.

Could all three investigations be linked?

If so can the team pull together all the pieces of the puzzle together before another victim is targeted?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat! Real page turner from the start. Very much recommended!

Dead Souls is by one of my favourite authors, Angela Marsons, is the 6th book in the Detective Kim Stone series and it continues picking up on some themes from the previous novels. It is an excellent police procedural thriller, and after having read all her previous novels, I feel that this one was her best yet ever! The journey is allowing the reader to get close and personal to the characters, especially Kim and her team. Kim has grown so much, and in this novel we see her character more flushed out…her strengths…her faults, but more important how she deals with the curve balls life throws her way.

First of all, I would recommend reading all the earlier books in sequence to fully understand the story.

In this story Ms.Angela Marsons has taken on a difficult subject, that of Hate crimes, and racism and showed us the evil that lurks in the minds of some, and how a person can be motivated to treat some minorities with hatred. I commend her for taking on such a difficult task…and making it work.

With each new story, Kim faces a different test, and in this one we she how she handles working with another team, working alongside DI Tom Travis, her rival from the past. She pairs up Bryant and Dawson in their own investigation…with Stacey on the sidelines on the computer. This is the first time that Kim has been separated from her team. And she is forced to take joint lead on the case with Detective Inspector Tom Travis and his team.

“When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone.”

“As the bones are sorted, it becomes clear that the grave contains more than one victim. The bodies hint at unimaginable horror, bearing the markings of bullet holes and animal traps”.

Forced to work alongside Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past, Kim begins to uncover a dark secretive relationship between the families who own the land in which the bodies were found.

But now there are three victims in total with bullet wounds and animal trap injuries!
I will not say anymore for risk of spoilers.

With splitting up the team, the characters, especially Stacey are fleshed out even more, and we see the characters functioning in grave danger.

Another excellent book by this talented author who never lets me down, I can't wait for the next instalment.

This is one author that pushes the boundaries in both her writing skills and choice of topics. She is not afraid to tackle the issues right now in the political arena.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for an ARC.