I know that I started this series late, but now that I’m fully caught up I’m not letting it slip between the cracks of my TBR mountain again. Of course the fact that the DI Kim Stone books just keep delivering one satisfying detective thriller after the other also plays a big role, and I always do a little happy dance whenever a new sequel appears on my kindle. I can’t believe that 36 Hours is already book number 21 of a series that truly shows no signs of slowing down, and it is without doubt another firecracker.

Before I continue, I have to repeat myself and insist that this is a series to read in order. You will find major spoilers for past events otherwise, and you won't be able to fully understand and appreciate the dynamics between the main characters either. That said, the case investigated in 36 Hours does stand on its own and in theory it can be followed without reading the other books first. But why would you, with the whole series being well worth your time catching up with? Trust me, I had to do so myself in 2021 and I had a blast.

I think that part of the reason that this series is working so well has a lot to do with its cast of characters. I always have such a great time catching up with Kim and the rest of the team, and the banter is absolutely brilliant. I love how the humor balances out the more serious content, and it helps break up the tension in a natural way. The characters feel like old friends by now, and they complement each other perfectly. In this particular sequel, our well known journalist Tracy Frost is once again in the spotlight, and her dynamics with Kim and the rest of the team are always so interesting. I definitely liked what she added to the plot!

I think 36 Hours is probably one of my favorite sequels to date, because I loved that whole 'race against the clock' feeling and the puzzles themselves. It's a plot that provides constant tension and I simply couldn't stop reading... I stayed up late just so that I could discover how it would all end. 36 Hours will take you on a rollercoast ride and there is no time to stop for a breather! There are quite a few twists along the way, and I never did guess the full truth about it all. There are some developments on a personal level as well, and it made me even more curious about the next book.

All in all 36 Hours turned out to be another very satisfying dose of DI Kim Stone for me, and I simply couldn't put it down. If you like your detective thrillers to be fast, engaging, suspenseful and with a healthy dose of banter, I cannot recommend this series enough. It is hands down one of my absolute favorite detective series out there!

What an amazing, gut gripping, edge of the seat book. Not surprising from Angela Marsons! I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to everyone! Huge 5 stars!!

Hammering on the door in the early hours of the morning is not something that Kim Stone expected but when she opens it to see her nemesis Tracey Frost on the other side she's even less impressed. Frost shows her a message from someone calling themselves Jester, telling them if they don't co-operate in their game someone will get hurt, they have just 36 Hours in which to complete it. Kim's first thought is that it's a prank but when she looks closer she realises it's not, so she summons the team and with just minutes to spare they crack the first clue. Who is it that the Jester has taken and what is their end game? All Kim knows is that to get inside the mind of this evil person, within the given timescale, she's going to have to break some rules along the way.

Kim and the team are back again with the latest instalment in this powerhouse of a series, 36 Hours is slightly different to previous books as there is no murder...yet! The team are under more pressure than normal though as they set to solve this geocaching challenge and the clues set out for them to avoid anyone getting hurt and the race is on. I loved how the team put their all into this case, whether it was Kim and Bryant out in the field or Stacey and Penn back at the station, and hell we even see Frost doing her bit to help! This is another fast paced tale, with a cat and mouse element, in a series that even after 21 books is as fresh and exciting as the very first one and, in my opinion, will never grow old, so I urge the Queen of Crime to continue what she's doing for many years to come. This book landed on my kindle just as I finished work for a week's leave so I knew I could read it undistracted, I couldn't wait to start it and finished it in a lot less time than the title of the book, it's a tale of pure genius and I feel a little dejected now it's over. Can we have book 22 very soon please Ms Marsons?

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Kim's not best pleased.

Sher's been woken up in the middle of the night, because her arch nemesis, journalist Tracy Frost, wants to show her a message. One which can't wait.

It looks like a hoax. It sounds like a hoax. It should be a hoax.

But Kim's gut instinct tells her otherwise.

There's a trail to follow, leading to the first clue. And the first clue sets them off on another trail to the second.

The problem?

There's 36 hours to get to the end, otherwise inocent people will die...

Another brilliant addition to a series which never disappoints

I am starting to feel a bit like a broken record. I am not sure there is anything original left to say about how fluffing marvellous this series is. Just when you think that Angela Marsons can't write anything better, she pops out another masterpiece, leaving readers with yet another book hangover. And, in case you hadn't figured this out yet, 36 Hours, is exactly that. Another stonkingly fabulous book in a series that, even after 21 books, shows no signs of growing old.

36 Hours is a work of genius. Fiendish genius as it turns out, as Kim and co are pitted against a foe who is not your average cut and run kind of killer. This baddie wants to play a game. A game where only they know the rules and where no-one, at least in the beginning, understands the consequences of making the wrong call. This is a cryptic game, a series of clues which are designed to lead the team on a not so merry chase across the region, collecting a series of truly macabre and chilling 'souvenirs' as they go. This is the geocache to end all challenges, and if they are not able to solve all of the clues within the killer's schedule, the consequences will be dire for their chosen victim.

I really love the way in which Angela Marsons has drawn this story together. Her twisty mind has thought up some stonkingly good clues which, if you know the midlands well or are an avid geocache fan yourself, you may well work out. It's like an alternate A-Z of some of the regions finest tourism spots and, if nothing else, should earn her some brownie points with the West Midlands tourist boards. Aside from the gruesome association with murder, that is. This is a real ticking clock kind of thriller, the title giving readers a pretty good idea of how long the team has to catch the killer before their end game. And the stakes could not be higher.

The book really does make you think, about the expendable nature of some of society, and how it is only when a potential victim is deemed of social importance that people in power begin to care. This is not the case of our favourite detecting team, of course, and seeing the anger and passion that is infused in them, in spite of not knowing in the first instance if they are merely being taken as fools, reminded me why I love them so much. The case really impacts Penn, whose anger is at odds with his usual level headed approach to work, but I totally get why. And the whole story amplifies the importance of their lives outside of work, making you realise how vital it is to treasure what you have.

This is a perfectly paced, high stakes, high tension read that sees the team having to work closely with Kim's one time nemesis, Tracy Frost. It's always interesting seeing Frost and Kim working together, that grudging respect and tolerance that they have developed brings a smile to the face with every interaction. And while there is the trademark banter that we have come to respect, it is perhaps a little more low key than in some stories, largely driven by the serious nature of what they are investigating, and the frustrating lack of clues, other than those set by their foe. But what it is, overall, is addictive. Within a few paragraphs I was hooked. I needed to understand the game every bit as much as the team, and I was totally invested in the fate of the first chosen victim, the conclusion to that particular part of the case being as emptoive for me as it was for the team.

And that is Angela Marsons real skill. She makes you care. Whether it is for the victim, or a particular member of the team, they all matter. Whether in those faster scenes, where the stakes are high and you can feel the adrenalin coursing through you as you read, or those quieter moments. where you have time to catch a breath and, in this particular story, think about what is really important to you, Ms Marsons hits her mark, every - single - time. Another absolute belter and most definitely recommended.

36 hours... It seems like a life time when you are waiting or longing for something, but it seems to fly when you are chasing a baddie.

The culprit sees it like a game. For Kim and her team it's serious business. It seems like they are dealing with a very intelligent individual, but never underestimate this police force.

I loved the set up of this book and I can assure you I tried to solve the clues too, but I realised I will never be asked to join Kim's team ;).

I have always had and still have the deepest respect for Stacey and Penn who are two wizards when dealing with clues and information. Kim and Bryant still make me smile whit their banter and you just have to like Kim's dry humor. 

Kim likes to color outside the lines and that is what makes her the fantastic detective she is. Sometimes you have to bend the rules a bit in order to achieve your goal. After all, the killers don't really play fair either, right.

Was this a great book? No, it wasn't. It was an excellent one, but that's no surprise. A Kim Stone book equals a masterpiece. 5 stars

Thank you

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.

When reporter Tracy Frost turns up at Detective Kim Stone’s door in the middle of the night, she is initially furious and sceptical. Frost has been sent a clue by The Jester and Kim and her team must solve that and all subsequent clues to rescue the kidnapped man. When a second person is kidnapped and the Jester ups the intensity of the game, the team need to pull together to solve the clues.

Wow! I’ve just finished reading and I don’t really have any other words. This series is amazing, but I think with book 21, Angela Marsons has hit the ball out the park. This was tense, frustrating, fast, paced and exciting. Loved the puzzle aspect, and the process of solving the clues. The characters are really well written and the team dynamics are powerful. I couldn’t put this down, but at the same time I am sad I finished. Kim is a great team leader, rough, aggressive but caring and perfectly balanced by Bryant. Stacy and Penn are a great duo with amazing minds. I enjoyed seeing them challenged in this book, and Kim’s attitude switch towards bother the game and her nemesis Frost. Highly recommend and now not so patiently awaiting book 22!

36 Hours by Angela Marsons is Book 21 in the Detective Kim Stone police series. It is another mesmerising storyline in this police saga, I found myself reading it more or less in one 24 hour period.
The police team are all still there as usual and ready to give each case their very best endeavours, each member has their own specialty which they bring to the team, Stacey, Penn, Bryant and Kim Stone herself.
In this episode the team are given a puzzle to solve in a 36 hour period, any failure to complete in a set time frame results in death.
Highly recommended

I’m glad it was the weekend when I started reading this book as I had no distractions and could keep going, as usual my attention was gripped from page one right to the end and while I have read every book in the series, guessing the suspect never gets easier which makes the author one of my favourites. The reader along with the team is certainly brought along several different avenues before finding out who their adversary is. I was torn between wanting to get to the end while trying to savour the book so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see what is next for Kim and the team.

How Angela Marsons manages to keep this series so fresh after 21 books is a testament to her great story telling. 36 Hours, we’ve all see the films, read the books, where the person, or the team are against a clock to save a life.
Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just another one of those, because it isn’t.
It’s so much more.
Kim Stone working with one of her nemeses, the reporter Tracy Frost, but who are they looking for.
Kim calls the team in when Cross turns up at her house early on a Sunday morning.
Against all that seems natural Kim and the team act on the email that’s sent Frost into a frenzy of worry.
Not everybody believes there is anything to investigate.
Not everybody is willing to help, but Stone can be very persuasive.
The story crisscrosses across some famous Black Country land marks and the plot crisscrosses through the brain, it lead me down the wrong path of assumptions several times.
An absolute cracker of a story, or as we say in the Black Country A Bostin Book.

Oh my god !!! 21 books in and this fabulous series is still fresh and exciting. Kim and her team have 36 hours to solve a case. The victim has been kidnapped and their life is in the balance. Can they figure this out in time to save a life? I was instantly hooked, the story was exciting, I was astounded, puzzled and more, a whole host of changing emotions went through me as I read through this story. This one is a real page turner, read it you will not be disappointed! Highly recommend, absolutely brilliant.

Not your average police procedural... absolutely fascinating, gripping, unique investigation following a geocaching challenge with no victim it may seem. Kim has to decide if the risk of a potential crime is worth the risk to her job.

I had no idea of this seemingly huge hobby and it sounds fun, but less so in these circumstances. Still a whodunnit PP, just a very different kind and I loved it. I was instantly gripped when Frost showed up at Kim's door.

Really loved the start and end chapters in particular.

One of my favourite series still never disappoints. I think this would work well as a stand alone!

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

PD: 10 December 2024.

Wow! Possibly the best book in the series to date.

That had me hooked, befuddled, amazed, enthralled, hooked, astounded, open mouthed... and did I mention hooked?!

And it was incredibly fast paced as the title suggested.

Gotta love what could be a prank or a wild goose chase, but that given the threat within the first communication, Tracy Frost and Kim Stone both realise they have to play the game, as if there is the slightest possibility its serious, it could be disastrous.

Penn and Stacey were absolutely amazing back in the office, trying to work out the various clues, in addition to trying to figure out who was behind everything. I'm a fan of puzzles but would have had absolutely no idea where to start.

Equally we get to learn about a set of related hobbies that sound kind of fun, until they are turned into this version of it.

And when I say I was hooked, I mean totally absorbed and it is only thanks to my subconscious knowing where I was on my tube journey that I didn't miss my stop. I was totally oblivious to the world around me at all times while I was reading this.

It's addictive, it's amazing, and it's impressive how in this 21st book of the series, Angela Marsons is able to make it feel fresh and brand new and exciting still, which is a skill on its own. And there is even a character introduced that I am near certain will be recurring and prove to be a new thorn in Kim's side.

Or in short I totally loved it!

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

A new Kim Stone book.. straight to the top of the TBR of course. I am so grateful to Bookouture for allowing me early access to read this books early. One of my favourite crime series, and this team of detectives always have me hooked on every page. Another late night finishing this one off, and I am not mad about it at all.

Kim and her team of dedicated detectives have their work cut out for them in 36 Hours. As the title suggests, they have 36 to solve this case. Reporter Tracey Frost is sent an email in the early hours of a Sunday morning to follow the clues of someone will be hurt. This killer is sadistic and there are some gruesome scenes.

I feel that zi am running out of words to describe how much I love these books. Always page turning, clever writing with characters that I really care about after so many books. This is book 21 and they just keep getting better and better. Is it time for book 22 yet?!

Publishes on December 10th, a must read series.

I don’t even bother to read the synopsis of a Kim Stone book . I just want to instantly read them. This was fast paced, in that the team has 36 hours to solve this case. With clues and a man’s life on the line, there’s not a moment to lose. Another great story, each one is a fresh story. Book 21 & I never want them to stop.

After a mere 3 hours sleep ,almost the last thing Detective Kim Stone wanted to was to be woken at 5 am on a Sunday morning by someone hammering on her front door,the absolute last thing she wanted was for the culprit to be her nemesis ,journalist Tracy Frost. When Frost reveals the contents of a mysterious and ominous email she has received it's, literally, game on for Stone and her team.
With her colleagues initially unconvinced and her Boss warning her off of what appears to be a wild goose chase it soon becomes clear that Stone is up against not only a clever and sadistic foe but also the clock as a series of puzzles are set with dire consequences for his victims if her and her crew fail to solve them within a set time.

21 books into this series it shows no signs of flagging with an exciting and involving plot. Stone as ever manages to upset everyone outside of her team while Bryant shows signs of coming out of her shadow and winning her increasing respect in the process. Penn gets increasingly stressed trying to identify a victim that only he seems to care about , Stacey proves a good match for their riddle-making tormentor and even Frost briefly becomes a useful part of the team.

The book ends with big changes for most of the main characters and mouth-watering suggestions that there may be problems ahead for Stone from a new and intriguing character.
Great stuff as always.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book, it is book 21 in the series but they just keep getting better and better. I was drawn in from the first page and it didn't let go until the last line (which left me wanting more). It is definitely my number one book of the year and I cannot wait for the next one.

Bryant. Penn. Stacey. A message via WhatsApp means a serious case is now to be before them. The officers immediately know it is a message from their boss, Detective Kim Stone, and to get to the squad room immediately. Driven by an enigmatic email directed to Tracy Frost, a reporter with a contentious relationship with each team member, they nonetheless delve into the matter..

Despite the early hour of Sunday morning, time is of the essence. The email’s author provides precise instructions, raising concerns about whether it constitutes a hoax or a genuine threat. Kim indeed realizes that this is a serious matter, despite having more questions than answers. 36 hours is all they have to get the answers they need.

Kim and the team work tirelessly as time elapses. In fact, this captivating book evokes the atmosphere of a doomsday clock, as each chapter opens with a time stamp indicating that only a few minutes have passed, heightening the sense of urgency. Among the answers they have discovered are the name of the individual they are seeking, known as the Jester. Notably, this case involves the hobby of geocaching, thus expanding their suspect pool significantly.

Under pressure from her boss to conclude the matter promptly, Kim remains steadfast in her pursuit of the Jester, disregarding his repeated warnings. Amidst the multitude of potential leads, Kim perceives time dwindling rapidly. Her relentless search for clues remains elusive as she looks for the Jester within the time allotted. Otherwise, lives could be lost. Despite the occasional annoyance caused by Frost’s presence, Kim remains focused and works diligently.

With the voice of the Jester narrating certain chapters, the tension in this gripping read escalates significantly. Having completed twenty-one books, one may wonder how a series can continue to improve. However, Angela Marsons has mastered the art of storytelling, ensuring that each installment remains exceptional. While this book could be enjoyed as a standalone novel, delving deeper into the team’s dynamics and glimpsing their lives beyond the squad room provides a richer understanding of their characters. Angela Marsons’ captivating storytelling is evident in 36 Hours, which immerses readers in a gripping narrative with palpable tension.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.