Before I review this book let me thank Netgalley for sending me a copy. I have read all of the Kim Stone novels and have enjoyed them all. They're cleverly written, with great pacing a real life quality. I flew through Dead Souls and it's an enjoyable read but for me it had one flaw. There's a series of crimes that really should have nothing in common but coincidentally towards the end they all tie together. Far too neat and tidy for me and lacking Marsons usual realism. Saying that, it is a good read and I would recommend.

Another fantastic instalment in the kim stone series . I found this book very busy with more depth to the characters. Loved every bit and hoping no.7 isn't too far away . As always my thanks to netgalley and bookouture for my arc copy 👌

I've read and loved every Kim Stone book so far. I didn't think they could be surpassed. I was wrong. This book is fantastic. This book deals with the subject of hate crimes. It makes for uncomfortable reading at times but it's necessary. This time apart from following Kim, we see the development of other characters. I'm sorry I've finished it as it kept me so gripped.

Loved it! Marsons never fails to deliver a book that grips you from the first page!

Well another Kim Stone novel. Another brilliant read. Book six in the series, you look forward to some things so much that you ultimately set yourself up for disappointment but this series is the one that just keeps giving and must be one of, if not the strongest and most consistent detective series currently being published.

A routine archaeological dig uncovers some human bones and Detective Kim Stone finds herself on the scene to investigate. But the crime scene is on the border to two police jurisdictions and after consultation Kim finds herself taken away from her team for the first time and forced to take joint lead on the case with Detective Inspector Tom Travis and his team.
Tom has become a bit of a nemesis for Kim in the last four or five years. Going out of his way to make things difficult for her any time their paths cross, they have a shared history and worked closely together in the past but a major incident in the past, as yet not revealed, has their relationship soured and Travis treats Stone with distain.
As the investigation progresses two more sets of bones are found in the same dig, human remains. Three victims in total and with bullit wounds and animal trap injuries being present, a dark and sinister murder investigation is under way.

Meanwhile he rest of Kim's team are forced to work without her. Stacey as usual in the office at the computer but Bryant and Dawson are forced to work along side each other as they investigate an increasing number of assault cases that look like hate crimes. An awkward pairing at the best of times they struggle to get along as their investigation sees it crossing paths with the equally awkward and unlikely partnership of Travis and Stone.

To say any more on the plot would be to go into the bones(pun intended)of the story and while maybe not being spoilers would perhaps reveal a little too much for those who have yet to read the book.

What we do have is another brilliant addition to this series. A story of prejudice, racism, hate crimes and intolerance. They say art reflects life and this book intentionally or not, is themeatically right on the pulse of today's world.
The story is an intricate one, multi layered as we follow two investigations that gradually merge. The separation of Kim from her team works really well as we get to see another side of her professionally as she tries to deal with working with Travis. It also gives her team characters a lot more room to breath in the book as they find their own space and room to develop as characters. Stacey especially, who perhaps was the least developed of the team, character wise, really features heavily in this one as we get her back story and spend chapters with her and her life. She really comes into her own in this one.

It's another fantastic story and read from Angela Marsons in the Kim Stone series. Her team were always a strong part of the novels but with the "splitting from the team" device, those characters have become even more fleshed out and developed, a huge plus. They are becoming as important as Kim is to the novels and deservedly get plenty of page time in this one.

I took longer than I had anticipated reading this one due to real life getting in the way and I had to read it in short bursts, but it's a credit to the story that this in no way affected my enjoyment or involvement in it. Cutting to the chase it's just another brilliant read. There's something about Angela's writing style that just makes the words flow off the pages and draw you straight in. The books are just a real pleasure to read from start to finish and at the end of the day what more could you want from a book?

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

Another superb helping of the DI Kim Stone series. Angela Marsons seems to get better and better with each novel she writes. This is a darker side of this story Kim stone investigates a case of bones being found buried in a field with old arch enemy DI Travis. Separated from her own team Bryant is in charge of the team investigating a series of hate crimes. With such a controversial and disturbing subject as Hate crime. The author has written in a sensitive but, riveting way, that can be easily digested. The subject was thoroughly researched. Wow. Well done Angela Marsons.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Dead Souls, the sixth novel to feature DI Kim Stone and her team.

It's pistols at dawn when Kim is called out to a burial site and her nemesis, DI Tom Travis, tries to take the investigation from her. Their bosses decide on a novel solution, Kim will be joint SIO with Tom and they will work from West Mercia's headquarters, using Tom's team. Kim's team who are not involved will investigate a potential hate crime against Polish immigrant, Henryk Kowalski. Left out of much of this investigation DC Stacey Wood becomes fascinated by the suicide of Justin Roberts and delves deeper than maybe she should.

What a great read - I was glued to the pages from start to finish. Dead Souls is a cleverly plotted novel with great pace, a well thought out storyline, some excellent character development and the very topical theme of racism.

The plot has many strands, all interesting, and Ms Marsons does a sublime job of gradually knitting them all together. There are various points of view as the reader follows each investigation until they start to merge and then it is all Kim. Normally I'm not a fan of this approach but with Kim looming over her team and their actions to provide continuity it works extremely well. There is also a historical perspective with Jacob James's experiences of being held captive in 1989. There is no explanation of these chapters but I think it is fairly obvious why they are there.

I was entranced by the characterisation in this novel. I didn't enjoy the first few novels in the series as Kim was too stroppy for me to like her or care about what she was doing. In Dead Souls she is almost mellow. She bites her tongue frequently when dealing with Tom and lets her head rule. She is smart, intuitive, compassionate and brave which is a winning combination for me. I like the way her team flourish, not without aggravation, in her absence and come to a better understanding of each other. I still don't really get Tom Travers' antipathy to Kim despite the explanations but their spiky relationship is well drawn and adds another layer to the novel.

The theme of racism in the novel is extremely well done. It made me think about my own attitudes and how they were formed and how insidious racism can be, from outright hatred to the casual wariness.

Dead Souls is an excellent read and I have no hesitation in recommending it as such.

This is a dark and harrowing addition to the thrilling DI Kim Stone series and it is a superb nightmarish read. In a story where the past and present collide, we have Kim fighting for jurisdiction with a neighbouring police force when an archeological dig uncovers a collection of human bones on a remote farm. Instead, Kim finds herself working with DI Tom Travis with whom she has history. They used to be friends until something happened which Kim has never entirely understood. Tom is hostile and their relationship is tense and difficult. Kim is now on new ground, she is cut off from the comfort, safety and support of her team.

Kim's team struggle to adapt without their erstwhile leader. DS Bryant and DS Dawson work on the severe assault and beating of a Polish man. We learn much more about DC Stacey Wood and her traumatic history, as she delves into a teenage suicide which comes to put her in danger. Tom and Kim find connections between the owners of the farm and the present occupants but face obstacles in their inquiry. It becomes clear that the unpleasant, grotesque and corrosive area of Hate Crimes are central to the book. The dark side of humanity is laid bare in its brutality and insanity along with Britain's deplorable far right organisations. The multiple threads begin to converge as connections become apparent. This is story of family secrets and relationships

Marson's is a talented and gifted writer who excels in her intricate plots and her ability to continue to develop her characters. There is more insight into Kim's personal history and she is more vulnerable without her team, no longer in the position of being in charge. DS Bryant comes into his own more, particularly as a leader. DC Stacey Wood becomes a much more three dimensional and authentic figure to the reader. The trademark banter between the team is still there. Marsons doesn't shy away from murky and difficult topics such as the topical one of Hate Crimes in our contemporary society. Once again she spins a successful chilling tale that pays equal attention to characters and relationships as well as the investigations. A brilliant and compelling series that improves with each new addition. Thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

I have read the previous DI Kim Stone thrillers and enjoyed them all so was extremely grateful to Netgalley and Angela Marsons to receive a free copy of Dead Souls before its publication date in exchange for an honest review.

This book is different from the others as Kim and her team have to work on different cases due to bones being found in the border between Kim's territory and her arch-rival Tom Travis'. Kim’s not happy about this as she finds herself being made to conduct a joint investigation with Tom and his team and there is a lot of tension between the two of them.

I felt that the separation from her team was a great idea as it felt that I got to know each member better, especially Stacey, who had a big part in the storyline. As the story develops you could feel the bond between the team strengthening.

It took me a while to get into the book due to the hate crime storyline but once I was about 60% through I couldn’t put it down as the story really gripped you and I would recommend to anyone who has enjoyed the others in the series.

The only criticism I have (I don’t know if it’s because I have not long finished the latest M J Arlidge book) is I found myself getting confused between DI Kim Stone and DI Helen Grace as they both have extremely troubled pasts and are very similar in character.

Loved this book couldn't wait to find out how it would end but didn't want it to finish. I love Kim Stones character and this time we got to know a bit more about Stacey and the rest of the team. A The topic of hate crime was dealt with sensitively
Can't wait for the next one! Thank you

Holy moly, we're on book six of this wonderful series already! I have read and enjoyed each previous book so I guess it was a foregone conclusion that I would love this just as much. As with all the other books, you can read as a standalone as the crimes being investigated are wholly contained within this volume but, as I have said before and think it's worth repeating, to get the very best from this series, especially with regard to the complexities of Kim herself, it really is better to start from book one and read in order. They are, in my opinion, all cracking reads, so why wouldn't you?
So, we have an archaeological dig and some bones are uncovered. Big question is, are these old bones or do we have something more sinister going on. Obviously the latter, not a spoiler, it's in the blurb! Enter one DI Kim Stone and team to investigate. Well, initially anyway. What we actually end up with is a bit of a jurisdiction battle culminating in a compromise. Kim joins old "friend" and nemesis DI Tom Travis and his team, leaving her own team to fly without her, Bryant stepping up as lead, their own investigations uncovering something a bit close to home for Stacey.
The way that this story progressed had me, at times, literally gasping for breath as I read every single horrific word. No punches were pulled in the making of this production I can tell you. With every curve ball thrown, every twist and turn, I just sat there, mouth agape, as I, along with the police, slowly started to piece it all together. As well as being a rather excellently plotted book, this one also stands out with respect to character development. Having Kim go off and leave her team, we have Bryant, Dawson and Stacey all trying to work without their boss. I found the evolution of this trio to be quite fascinating as they all initially struggled to find their own places in the pecking order. Sink or swim time indeed and, apart from a bit of initial floundering, they did manage to get there. Interesting journey though!
The nature of the crimes being investigated is one that is quite prevalent these days. Topical if you wish. Sometimes justified, sometimes blown out of proportion. Here, it is totally justified and worthy of the name, and here also, it is described quite graphically and does leave a rather nasty taste, so credible and therefore so shocking. To think that people are capable of such acts is just beyond me. At times, it was not an easy read.
Again, all the elements that make, for me, a great read are included here. Characterisation is spot on, plotting tight, and the story really does get on with itself. Oh and we also get a generous slice of Ms Marson's trademark banter. This time enhanced by the sparks that fly between Kim and nemesis Tom which also allows us another glimpse into Kim's past. It's also Stacey's turn to come into the spotlight as she opens up a little more.
All in all, another fantastic addition to an already brilliant series. One of my absolute favourites. The bar has definitely been raised by this story so I really can't wait to see where the author takes us next time.

My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

F
From the first page I just knew this book was going to be good. However as I progressed through the chapters it wasn't good it was pure brilliant. Having read and loved Ms Marsons previous books I was so excited to begin this one and wow talk about a thriller of a book. I love DI Kim Stone and the rapport she has with her team. Ms Marsons has really developed the character in this series and I think this is so important in a book series. I also loved the fact I was completely wrong about the perpetrator and my guess was way off the mark. Fantastic book, can't wait for the next one.

Reviews left on Goodreads, Amazon.UK & Amazon.com

Another fabulous book in the Kim Stone series. These books just get better and better.

The horrific world of hate crimes is explored and makes for some difficult reading. However, the storyline is told brilliantly and keeps you reading.

Detective Kim Stone is back in the thrilling 6th book in the series. Only this time both she and her team are taken out of their comfort zone when she is made joint collaborator on an investigation when she receives a call from Doctor A to say some bones have been discovered in a field. Kim is separated from her usual partner Bryant while working on this case, but not only that, she is made to work with her old partner, Detective Travis, with whom there is serious tension caused by something in their past. We are given a teaser that he got a promotion she wanted but it is soon apparent that this is not the cause of the problem. Will she be able to keep her promise to Woody, her boss?
Meanwhile Bryant and the rest of the team are feeling a bit shell shocked without Kim around, and seem to be struggling with the new set up within the team. Stacey feels like she is being protected because of her colour as Bryant and Dawson pair up to look into a particularly vicious attack which seems to be racially motivated.
As both cases develop, we get to see more of the other characters in the team, almost from their point of view, and it really makes you see things from another angle.
Seeing the characters grow throughout the series is lovely, and I know that this is a crime thriller, and we love that side of the story, but the clever way Angela writes these books makes you feel like you know the regular characters personally.
Out of all the books in the series, I think this may actually be my favourite, although maybe I should read them all again to make sure? Once again, Angela Marsons proves she really deserves to be at the very top of all the charts with yet another gripping tale of murder, mystery and mayhem!

We all have folks that we don't work well with. In this, the sixth in the Kim Stone series, Kim is assigned to a joint investigation with her old partner and current enemy, Tom Travis. There is a lot of animosity there. The issue is that Kim really doesn't know how they became enemies. But I love how she asks if her DCI wants the investigation to fail when she finds out about the assignment. Or how her attempt at an olive branch “had been well and truly snapped in her face”. And it's not just Kim. Her sergeants, with opposing work styles, are forced to work together without her monitoring them.

We are given three story lines. Kim is investigating the discovery of a skull in a field, while the sergeants investigate a series of hate crimes. And for those other dumb Americans like me, I'll save you googling BNP, which stands for the British National Party, a far right political party that specifically is concerned with rising immigration rates and believes that only whites should be citizens in the U.K. And EDL, the English Defence League, a far right protest movement against Islam. And finally, Stacy takes it upon herself to investigate a teenage suicide.

I appreciate that this book is as much about personal relationships as it is about the actual mysteries. All the players are dealing with new work dynamics and it impacts them all in different ways. Marsons does a great job of detailing this. And each character is well developed. There are no cardboard characters in this series. The detectives’ thoughts concerning not only the perpetrators but their own prejudices are nuanced and insightful.

This is a fast paced, well written story. This never drags but continually takes you from one storyline to another. If anything, the book really picks up speed as it goes along. It tackles a very sensitive subject well and thoroughly.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book. Well done, Angela Marsons!

Well I am sorry to say I was a little disappointed with this one. This book didn't grab me as the others have. I had a hard time getting into this one and the subject matter didn't much interest me. No mention of Kim's past life, her brother or even Dr. Alexandra Thorne which was a little disappointing, I would love to have a whole book dedicated to Kim's past with her brother and her mother. I am still giving this 4 stars however as the whole of this series has been great! I have really enjoyed this series and continue to look forward to more of Kim and her team! Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book, it is always greatly appreciated, I get so happy when I am approved.

Dear Angela Marsons,

As I prepare to kneel and worship at the altar of your literary skills, I ask myself "Can you do anything wrong?"

The latest in the Kim Stone series tackles the vile, but topical subject of Hate Crimes. Naturally, it doesn't make for an easy read, it's disturbing and completely beyond my understanding that people can have views like these, but ultimately it will have you completely gripped.

When a collection of human bones is discovered during a routine archeological dig, it quickly becomes a crime scene, and the worst part is the fact that these bones indicate more than one victim, and not only that, but marks on them show signs of extreme cruelty.


Detective Kim Stone has to work alongside Detective Travis on this case, and is separated from her team into the bargain, and there's no love lost between these two, they worked together in the past and it didn't end well.

As the investigation gathers pace, it ensures that you're unable to put this book down ( at times like this I wish I could read twice as fast ), and it will take you to places you don't want to go and meet characters who are simply evil personified.

I'm not giving anything away here because you really should read this one for yourself ( you'll be missing a brilliant read if you don't ) but, just be assured that, horrific as the details are, Detective Stone is about to bring this case to a satisfying conclusion, as only she can!

Wow! Angela Marsons has really challenged herself with this one - the research must have been truly distressing, and she's not only separated Kim from her team, but she's paired her with former colleague Travis, so expect some fireworks! As ever the author has managed to create another sure fire winner and ( In my humble opinion ) she's definitely one of the best crime writers we have right now.

Another brilliant installment in Kim Stone saga.
Full of suspense and twists. Really enjoyed team dynamic of this book - gtreat opportunity to explore other known characters further.
Keep em coming Angela, love your books!

Possibly the best in the series so far, and that is saying something as I have loved them all. The theme of hate crime is so dark but thrilling, and the multi-layered portrayal of relationships centred on Detective Inspector Kim Stone, so brilliantly written, I found the book difficult to put down. I was delighted to see the return of Tom Travis, an intriguing counterpoint to Kim’s prickly character. So many previously peripheral team members were given more central roles, and the dynamics of the split teams added even more depth and excitement.
I’m already looking forward to the next instalment, soon please!!
Thanks to Netgalley for a review copy.

Oh wow! This series of books just gets better and better. Some bits don't make for pleasant reading because of the subject matter but you get a real insight into the dynamics of the team in this book. Loved it.