Member Reviews
The problem with starting an Angela Marson’s book is that I don’t want to put it down, which leads to late nights and cranky mornings. But it’s worth it. Every. Single. Time.
I will never tire of the banter between Kim and Bryant. It never fails to make me laugh. I love seeing how much Kim cares for her team. I love how they all work together so well.
Just as all of Angela Marsons other books in the series, this one is full of twists and turns that keep you guessing. And as always, along with the main story, there’s a side story in there as well which is always fun.
The chapters are short, the pacing is perfect, the urge to continue turning the pages never stops. This is book 19 (book 20 with the prequel) and I am still always eager for the next book to come out. This is hands down, one of my favorite series ever.
Thank you to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Wow! Just when you think Angela Marsons cannot outdo her previous books, she proves you wrong once again. This story about a diabolical killer who has a message for the victims will give you cold chills. When DI Kim Stone and company are called to the scene of a dead body, they are informed that the man is actually not dead, at least not yet. This, in and of itself, is strange and slightly eerie. The first victim appears to be a normal guy who likes to go to the gym. However, upon further investigation, we find that he has a dark past. When the second victim is found folded up like a pretzel, the urgency to find this killer is amped up, especially when they tie the two victims together. It seems the past is coming back to haunt a group of people. Someone is dispensing their own brand of justice.
This is a brilliantly written police procedural that is tense, intriguing and disturbing all at once. It actually reads like an episode of Criminal Minds. DI Kim Stone is a tough, fearless woman who is tenacious and will not rest until a case is closed. She has also mother bear instincts when it comes to her teammates. This is a captivating serial murder mystery with a macabre twist that will pull you into the story from the beginning chapter.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The awesome take no prisoners tough cookie that is Detective Inspector Kim Stone is back in another unforgettable story.
That sees her and her team investigate possibly their strangest case to date. When Kim and Bryant are called to the scene of a murder. Only to be told by Keats that he's made a mistake and the victim isn't dead. Which delights Kim no end until the victim dies on the way to the hospital and the investigation gets underway.
And it's a complicated one to say the least. As it seems nobody really knew the victim apart from his fiancee and her parents. Who weren't exactly enamoured of him.
But Kim doesn't need to worry as she knows Stacey will find her a lead. Only Stacey isn't quite herself. Thanks to a secret she's not shared with anyone, and it's one that's about to blow up in a big way.
And when more victims are found. Kim is seriously torn between scratching her head and banging it, particularly when she faces questions from her superiors and the prospect of her team falling apart.
And with perfect pacing, danger, secrets, humour, twists and turns. This was a delightfully gripping and unputodownable read. That I'd one hundred percent recommend to all.
Detective Kim Stone and partner, Bryant, had seen some bad things in their careers, but the unusual murders which were being announced on social media immediately, had her team scrambling for answers. The bodies were not quite dead when found, dying a short time later. Digging into their pasts saw the revelation of a group of boys, dubbed the Psycho Six, who were at a notorious boys prison - now they were dying, one by one. Could Kim and her team discover the killer before more died?
The heartache and fear that surrounded Stacey after their last case was something she kept to herself. But those close to her could see something was terribly wrong; why did Stacey keep saying she was fine?
Kim and the team were desperate. She knew they were getting closer to putting it all together, but sooner rather than later was necessary. Could they do it?
Bad Blood is the 19th in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons and once again it's a brilliant, electric, tension filled crime thriller that had me riveted from start to finish! I'm not sure how the author continues to come up with original content, but I hope she keeps it up for a long time to come! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you very much NetGalley for the ARC of Bad Blood by Angela Marsons in return for my honest review.
I have been a huge fan of the Kim Stone series and I can’t believe this is the 19th instalment, if you haven’t read any of the previous books you can certainly read Bad Blood as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading them all, this is a truly brilliant series, the characters are so well written it feels like being reunited with old friends.
Happy publication day to book number 19 in the Kim stone series!
Another great book. I love that these books always have short chapters which keep you hooked in and wanting to keep reading. Loved being able to learn more about these characters and the dynamics between them all, especially continuing the Stacey storyline that was teased at the end of the last book. As always the storyline has a twist that I just never see coming and always leaves me feeling surprised. This book series has become such a comfort read and as always is a pleasure to be able to read them
Highly recommend.
Thank you to Bookouture & NeutGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review
Angela Marsons has done it once again. Every book you start reading is so gripping that you want to race through it and this one is no different.
When Kim races to the scene of what she thinks is a murder she then finds that actually the man isn't dead. What on earth is going on. How could Keats get it so wrong. Its just the start. When another body turns up they know its a race against time as it seems to be a vigilante killing. While having all that on her mind Kim learns that (Stacey) one of her team is suffering with her health following a previous investigation.
I loved the way this all came together and the way the team looked out for Stacey. I was sad when I came to the end of the book. I can't wait for the next one of the DI Kim Stone books.
I can highly recommend this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy. A full 5stars from me
The first thing you need to do when you pick up a book from this Publisher is sneak a look at the contents page and whizz to the end to see where the actual story finishes. This Publisher is renown for back stuffing their books with ads for pretty much every other book the author has written, and often other authors from their stable. It still annoys me that they do it, but I now just do this and roll my eyes. So yeah, be warned...
Anyway... we are now at book 19, and still going strong. We start with a body, found posed. Kim is called to the scene. The man was already pronounced dead by Keates, but, no, to his horror, actually not quite dead. Vital signs have return, albeit very weak, and he is whisked away to hospital. Where he does die before coming round. It's a weird one and definitely one that Kim and her team have to have their wits about them for. Unfortunately, one of their team is distracted by events that are the fallout from a previous case. Ones that threaten her sanity and, of course, her performance. But she is keeping schtum.
Meanwhile, having just started to investigate the dead man, uncovering something from his past, they are called to the scene of another incident. A second man close to death...
And so begins an interesting and intriguing case which is in and of itself quite tricky without the aforementioned distraction...
I love this series. I have been there fro the start, eagerly awaiting each and every new release. Clearing the decks so I can read uninterrupted as I know once I start I will get totally sucked in, and grumpy if I have to stop for anything that isn't life threatening or urgent!
As with all series books, I have bonded with the main characters and do feel for them in their lives outwith the main investigation. I especially liked that their bonds were tested in this book. The author is never afraid to mix things up a bit. That, I believe, is what keeps this series fresh and something other authors could learn a lot from!
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well impressive and indeed, one of my favourite series. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
I love this series, the characters, and the challenge of solving murders as the story progresses. Angela Marsons does an excellent job creating characters that are not typical, run-of-the-mill people. They all face challenges that many of us can relate to or sympathize with, and still, they wake up every day and jump into the job of catching the bad guys. I love that we see their above average skills at police work, but they are often insecure in their personal lives.
In Bad Blood, the nineteenth book in the DI Kim Stone series, the team pursues a vigilante killer focused on men formerly in a juvenile detention center. The method of killing is unusual because the victim isn’t dead when Keats first appears on the scene. The case confuses the medical examiner, Keets, and Kim’s team until they start to dig deeper.
I love the way Marsons sets up the suspects. So many could be the killer for different reasons. This one had me baffled until very close to the reveal.
Like the other books, there is more than one investigation in progress. In this case, Stacey is keeping a secret from everyone. (If you read the previous book, you know what she is hiding.) Marsons makes a good case for the way this investigation is handled. However, I was disappointed that Stacey, once again, didn’t follow procedure. Although I do love the way Kim supports her without Stacey knowing it. The resolution heals the hurt feelings and is a feel-good moment.
Of all the books in this series, Bad Blood works best as a standalone. However, a lot of background and character development is missed if you don’t start at the beginning. I am now anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
Another instalment in the DI Kim Stone series. Cannot praise these books enough always a pleasure to read and this one is no exception. Brilliant writing and plot.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
What an incredible book, this is Detective Kim Stone Book 19 and the writing is as brilliant as the first in the series.
Every book has a great Individual story so can be read as a stand alone BUT I really think you’ll benefit immensely from reading the whole series in order. Kim Stone and her team are a great bunch of characters, and there is a ongoing storyline from the last investigation for one of her team.
The past 18 books have had an investigation which is unique and enthralling to watch unfold….. book 19 is no different.
The main storyline here is a vigilante killer is ‘catching up’ with a now, grown up group of teenage thugs. Who and why they are being murdered and arranged as a letter relating to their crime is the question.
In the words of one of the main team, “The bloody case has more twists and turns than Alton Towers”.
Another gripping Detective Kim Stone thriller from Angela Marsons. Kim is investigating a series of murders that seem to be unconnected at first. When the link is found and the background of some of the victims is discovered,Kim and her team start to think that they might deserve all they have got.
Meanwhile Kim’s Detective Constable, Stacey, is going through some difficulties of her own as following on from a previous investigation she is being stalked by one of the witnesses she interviewed.
This leads to complications in both her home and work life and when she finally reveals what is happening to her no one knows how to react.
This book examines some extremely grey areas of policing- how far would you go to protect those you care about and is it ever right to take justice into your own hands? Kim is faced with this situation with Stacey but finds it difficult to know whether her instinctive actions are really acceptable.
Yet again the author has written another compelling novel, this time examining the theme of families we make and our need to protect them along with vigilantism and whether it is ever right to muddy the waters so that you protect those you love.
The two plot lines are separate but intrinsically linked and fit together very well as the novel progresses.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it, both to Kim Stone fans and others who have yet to make her acquaintance!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advance copy.
DI Kim Stone and her team race to find a vigilante killer before he gets to all of his intended victims.
This book series really is so good! I’ve read all of them and they are on my automatic buy list. I love the team and Kim’s sarcastic attitude but I also love when I see glimmers of her affection for her team. This installment had a lot of unexpected twists that kept it interesting! Add this series and this book to your list!
Angela Marsons has outdone herself once again with the latest addition to the Kim Stone series. This 19th installment proves that the series only continues to improve, offering a captivating and thrilling experience from start to finish. Marsons' storytelling prowess ensures a guaranteed 5-star read, making it a joy for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
My only regret is devouring this novel so quickly that I now find myself eagerly anticipating the next one. The narrative's intensity and the character development kept me hooked, showcasing Marsons' ability to weave a masterful tale.
A special thanks to NetGalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange for this review, allowing me to delve into the world of Kim Stone ahead of the official release.
Another fantastic DI Kim Stone novel from Angela Marsons. If you have read 19 Kim Stone books, you pretty much know the formula... however Marsons frequently tackles interesting and relevant topics in her books which always gives them a new and fresh angle.
Utterly brilliant another great episode in the drama that is Kim Stone and her team. Devoured this book and now bereft waiting for the next instalment. Great characters, interesting storylines … but i cant read it at bedtime 😂
Detective Kim Stone is called to a death scene but when she arrives, there is no body. Realising that the man was still alive, he has been rushed to hospital only to die on the way. When another body is found, posed in a similar fashion, Kim looks for connections between the two victims. Investigations lead her to a shared past and she fears that this is not the end of the murders. Meanwhile, one of Kim’s team is enduring their own personal nightmare, one that has great implications for the rest of her team.
Kim Stone is back with a bang in what is the nineteenth book in the series. After the ending of the previous book, Deadly Fate, fans have been on tenterhooks waiting to see how the shocking story concerning one of the team would play out. One of the strengths of this series is how Angela Marsons has created characters that you really care about and so when one of them is threatened, it is almost like it is happening to a friend! This part of the book, while not the main plot, had me on the edge of my seat and I was not disappointed by the outcome!
Bad Blood has a storyline that keeps you gripped throughout and contains enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Kim and her team certainly have their work cut out for them as they try to unmask a killer who appears to be avenging something that happened in the past and I found the moral dilemma regarding vigilante groups a great talking point.
As always, the relationship between the characters helps the story to flow seamlessly and Angela Marsons has the knack of being able to intersperse the drama with humour and emotion. It is these short scenes that bring the characters to life without ever compromising the crime they are investigating; the balance between work and home life is perfect.
The Kim Stone books are always ones that move to the top of my TBR list as soon as they appears on my Kindle and I am already eagerly awaiting the next one!
I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Bad Blood’, book 19 in the Detective Kim Stone series written by Angela Marsons, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
When the body of Eric Gould is found at Homer Hill Park DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant are summoned to the crime scene where they find the paramedics desperately trying to save his life. Another body is discovered in a nature reserve and on digging deeper into their backgrounds the two men are found to have been members of a group of six violent thugs who met at Welton Hall Young Offender’s Institute and who called themselves ‘The Superior Six’. Kim and Bryant are racing against time to locate the remaining four men before the killer does.
I came across this author when she wrote the first book in the series and have followed the ups and downs of DI Kim Stone and her wonderful team ever since. ‘Bad Blood’ is another fantastic thriller with a well-written complex case for them to untangle, made especially difficult as they learn that Stacey is still being stalked by Terence Birch. This thriller has had my heart racing from page one, through each jaw-dropping incident, each twist and turn, trying to guess the identity of the killer but failing. There’s drama and suspense that have left me open-mouthed with surprise, and an ending that was completely unexpected. Yet again Ms Marsons has shown her phenomenal ability to bring excitement and intrigue into each novel and I’m constantly surprised that the series hasn’t been televised. This is an excellent thriller that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed read and didn’t want to end. I have no hesitation in recommending it.
This follows on quite quickly from the previous book and Stacey's health is suffering due to the stalking by Terence Birch where he has transferred his attentions to her. It has been going for a couple of months when she works up the courage to tell Devon and Kim. Meanwhile a man was found, initially he was thought to be dead, but Keats found a faint pulse, but he later died. Consequently no forensics were found.
Kim, Bryant and the team have to find out the who and why. When another man is found in the same way they realise that both men had been posed.
A twisting and turning compelling read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I don’t know how Angela Marsons manages to keep the Kim Stone books so fresh and original, whilst also writing about such a group of disparate ongoing characters.
This time, vigilantism is addressed, allowing the group to question how far they would go to protect those that they love.
Needless to say there are grisly murders, lots of twists, red herrings, and the Stacey storyline from the previous book is wrapped up (if a little too neatly).
A great read with lots of short chapters.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.