Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of 36 Hours by Angela Marsons in return for my honest review.
I can’t believe that this is book 21 in the Kim Stone series they really do get better and better, 36 hours can definitely be read as a standalone but I would highly recommend reading all of this series you will not be disappointed with great characters and fantastic story lines what’s not to like, get reading.

Angela Marsons delivers yet another unforgettable thriller in her Detective Kim Stone series. This installment is a masterclass in suspense, blending razor-sharp wit, intricate twists, and moments of gut-wrenching intensity that make it impossible to put down.

From the chilling start where Kim is thrust into a deadly game with only 36 hours to save lives, the pace never lets up. Each cryptic clue is meticulously crafted, drawing readers deeper into a dark and twisted mind. Marsons’ ability to create tension is unmatched; the stakes climb relentlessly as Kim races to outsmart her adversary.

What sets this book apart is its ability to blend gruesome crimes with psychological insight. The antagonist’s motivations are deeply unsettling, yet disturbingly human, making the story all the more impactful. And as always, Marsons excels at delivering twists that are both shocking and satisfying.

This is a book that lingers long after the final page—a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Angela Marsons proves once again why she’s the queen of suspense. Prepare for sleepless nights; you won’t be able to tear yourself away.

All I want for Christmas is … more of this!

I’ve been having to do quite a lot of driving for the day job recently. Which meant that I could quickly and easily tell when it was 1st December. Because, all of a sudden, it didn’t matter what radio station I tuned into, each and every one of them had started to play a succession of relentless Christmas songs from around 40 or 50 years ago.

Many of these – with the notable exception of All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey and Last Christmas by Wham, which I hated first time round and still hate now – are songs that I probably liked the first few times, or even the first few dozen times that I heard them. But that was many, many years ago and hearing the same music every year since has just become boring. And it doesn’t excite me in any way to know that I’ll have to endure at least another 24 days of it.

On one journey, I really had heard enough and turned the radio off, and found myself wondering how Angela Marsons’ characters would behave over Christmas. Stacey and Devon, I thought, would be thrilled at the thought of spending their first one together, gift themselves some little knick-knack or other every day in December and end up with a home that had been decorated to within an inch of its life. Penn would be a little more measured, determined to make it an occasion that his brother Jasper could enjoy without being overwhelmed. Bryant and Jenny would put a tree up sometime in mid-December and have Christmas dinner at home together, because it’s what they had always done and it would never occur to them to do otherwise. And Kim Stone …

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She just wouldn’t understand any of it, would she? She doesn’t have the happy childhood memories of visits from Santa that everyone else does. So she’d come into work every day as usual, doing her best to ignore all of the festivities around her. And when 25th December did finally arrive, she’d wake early because she couldn’t help it, go for a long solitary walk with Barney, and then …

Would she sneak into the station and look over some cold case files that she couldn’t get out of her head, refusing to involve any of her team until at least the following day? Or maybe I’m wrong. Does she have one happy Christmas memory with Keith and Erica, that she clings on to as she works on another old motorbike?

If you don’t know what I’m talking about here, that’s your own fault for not having read the other 20 books in this amazing series. Go back to Silent Scream (officially the first instalment) or First Blood (a stand-alone prequel) and read the books in sequence. You really don’t know what you’ve been missing.

And when you get to the latest instalment, be thankful that Queen Angie has ignored my basis for a plot and come up with her own. Because – not for the first time, and almost certainly not the last – I’m wrong and she’s right. 36 Hours is fan-bleeding-tastic.

With her last couple of books, I’ve had the slight issue that, whilst the plots have been just as strong as usual and the character development has continued nicely, I’ve missed the suspense, and the tension that I know Angela can write so, so well. Good news: this time, it’s back.

As the title suggests, all of the action takes place over 36 hours. Which, for all the right reasons, is rather longer than it took me to read it. It’s a book that you pick up at your peril if you have anything else you need to do that day, because once you’ve started reading you absolutely won’t want to stop. If I may briefly bring up the subject of Christmas again, it’s as moreish as a plateful of pigs in blankets. Or that big tin of chocolates.

Kim and her team have just a few hours to solve a series of cryptic clues. And they know how terrible the consequences will be for an innocent victim if they don’t solve them in time. Every action they take, every emotion – including the fatigue – that they go through, every outburst that someone inevitably has at some point, I believed it. I felt it. And I willed them on to each do what they’re best at right up to the finish. And that finish … it’s also fantastic. I’m trying hard not to include a spoiler, but it’s one that has you congratulating Kim whilst – with the aid of Bryant – questioning her at the same time.

If I have a criticism to make, it’s this. I understood why the killer had chosen to do what they had done. But it wasn’t clear why, or how they had known to contact Tracy Frost and through her, Kim Stone – as opposed to another reporter and/or police team who perhaps wouldn’t have taken the threat seriously until it was far too late. I just wished there had been a more personal connection than seemed to be the case.

Obviously, this isn’t important. It doesn’t merit my considering removing even the tiniest fraction of a star for a single second. But think of it as one light in a long string of flashing fairy lights that doesn’t illuminate. It’s barely noticeable. You can hide it round the back of the Christmas tree and not even be able to see it. It’s just something you’ve noticed, and it bothers you that tiny bit more than it really should.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book, which will be published on 10th December. I have reviewed the book voluntarily and honestly.

Having read and enjoyed the first 20 books, I was delighted to see another instalment due and especially so to be allowed an ARC.

it can be read as a standalone, but you would benefit from reading the first 20 books. They are all amazing and there are some references that won’t full make sense if you don’t have the background. This may be book 21, but its has the huge impact as the first. It grabs you, pulls you in and won’t let you go till the end, then you are left think that was the best book of the year.

How the author is still producing such an amazing book, this fare into the series is such an achievement

Another good story from Angela Marsons. Is Kim going on a wild goose chase, is there even a case at all. That's the question she asks herself, until the first of the body parts arrives. After that it's a race against time to save several innocent lives.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher I read a free, advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest and my own opinion.

Another wonderful addition to the Kim stone series. Always enjoy learning more about these characters and the relationships between them. Short chapters which are always a favourite. Fast paced story line that keeps you guessing, thought I had figured it out and was slightly disappointed however as usual I was shocked. Highly recommend as always.

Thank you to Bookouture & NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for an honest review

This was AWESOME! Fast paced and super exciting.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

When you put Detective Kim Stone and reporter Tracy Frost together, it’s like mixing oil and water at best. When Frost rudely pounds on Stone’s door in the early hours of the morning, Stone is ready to bite the journalist’s head off. Her dog Barney, who’s been barking ferociously, might be willing to join in the chewing. Once inside, the two women examine an anonymous message that Frost had received. At first glance, it seems like a hoax, but it’s too threatening to ignore. 36 Hours is the 21st installment in the Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons, and it’s a good one!

An unknown person has given the reporter an ultimatum: create a team, including a highly ranked police officer, and follow the clues on time, or someone will be hurt. Stone chooses to take it seriously and assembles her team. The clue is cryptic; with the team working together to solve the puzzle, Stone and Bryant barely find the box with the next clue on time. There is something else inside: a recording and .... It convinces them that the threat is real.

The clues continue at 3-hour intervals, sometimes longer. Stacy and Penn wrack their brains attempting to determine the location of the next clue as well as to seek the identity of the victim and the perp. There is little to go on, until Penn learns the victim’s name. It’s a start, but it doesn’t tell them much. The clock is ticking. It’s marvelous to “watch” this team work together. Penn seemed frustrated at times, but Stacy was her usual wizardly self at putting pieces together to find answers. Bryant and Kim did the leg work, and Bryant serves as a sounding board and conscience for his boss, even when she doesn’t always take his advice. This team is as dedicated as they come. Frost has been in the office, as permitted by Kim, speaking only when authorized. The perp has required her to write a piece for the paper after each revelation, and she is complying, albeit in very limited fashion.

Stone knows her boss isn’t happy with this case, but she’ll deal with the fallout later. A life is a life, no matter who the victim. Is this a thrill-seeker who’s doing this for publicity? For a game? What’s his motive? Whatever it is, he’s met his match.

I received a digital copy of 36 Hours as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author.

5 stars

I want to start by saying I love the Kim Stone series, but this book did not grip me as the others have. I’m not sure what it was…maybe the story line didn’t interest me or that every chapter was from the teams point of view…but I wasn’t compelled to keep the pages turning. Hope the next book returns to style we have come to know and love in this series.

You know when you get a call from a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while and you seemingly pick up where you left off without missing a beat and the two of you settle in for a nice long chat? Well, reading another book in the Kim Stone series is just like that! This book was well-paced while adequately displaying the sense of urgency the team was up against. The story was wrapped up nicely with a couple of shockers along the way. It also set up one or two things for the next book in the series. And as is often the case after a long catch up conversation with a dear friend, I’m left feeling satisfied but also wondering when next we’ll connect again.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons and NetGalley for my ARC.

This may be book 21 in the series but it is just as amazing as the first book. I love Angela’s style of writing, she hooks me from the first page and doesn’t let go. A fast paced mystery that is like a real horrific treasure hunt with dire consequences if it’s not solved in time. I really like the banter between Kim and her team, it’s like being back with family. I can’t wait for the next instalment. I recommend this book and author 1000%

This was the first book I read from the series, and I cannot believe I have never heard of it until now! Reading this story made me so upset I didn’t find this sooner. This book was unlike any thriller I have read. Angela you have definitely made me a fan and addicted to this series! I must read them all. It makes me sad I’m finished with this one, but so excited to begin the journey of soaking in all of the others! Thank you for the opportunity to read a literary masterpiece. I can tell you worked extremely hard on this and it shows!

This is an absolutely fabulous, mind boggling, exciting book, which if you like chasing clues is great and stretches your imagination. I really don’t know how Angela thinks up these fabulous stories, but she does and they get better and better.

At the start, Kim’s old nemesis Frost turns up at her doorstep with, what at first looks like some cock and bull story, but it soon becomes clear that Kim has 36 hours to follow the clues before someone dies.

She and her team are against the clock all through the book, with what appears to the reader as a wild goose chase. As some poor soul is taken and body parts found with each clue, it is a gruesome tale. Time is running out and then a surgeon goes missing. Will Kim and her team find her in time?

Kim is her usual brusque no nonsense self but underneath she has a heart of gold, and there is a side in this book where we see that.

I loved this book and it was like being with old friends again.

My thanks to Angela and Netgalley for the ARC.

As ever Angela Marsons has crafted a perfect mystery thriller which held my attention from the very first page.
I’ve followed Detective Kim Stone’s adventures since the very first book in the series so was excited to receive a review copy of this, her latest. I certainly wasn’t disappointed as it contained all the elements I like about Angela Marsons’ books as well as all the characters I have come to know and love in this excellent series.
In “36 Hours” Kim and her team have to solve a mystery kidnap where someone has been taken and the Jester, an evil perpetrator, leaves clues for them to solve, almost like a macabre treasure hunt.
If the clues are not worked out in a timely manner, the victim is tortured which is an unpleasant incentive for the team.
Penn and Stacey the detective researchers, really come through as they unscramble the clues for Kim and Bryant. Frost, Kim’s reporter nemesis, is also involved as she is targeted to bring the case to Kim’s attention in the first place and then she is told by the Jester to write articles promoting his nefariousness deeds.
This is a fast paced read which takes place over a short period of time, something that really enhances the tension.
I’d never heard of the treasure hunt game described in the book but it is clear that it is actually a pastime which the author has extensively researched. This is something I can always rely on in this brilliant series- I learn something new!
There are also some interesting themes examined including the value of family and personal relationships in someone’s life. All the team look at their own circumstances as the novel gradually progresses.
I definitely recommend 36 Hours as a five star read, particularly if you have read the earlier books, something I would encourage you to do if you enjoy fast paced thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Title: 36 Hours
Author: Angela Marsons
Series: Detective Kim Stone #21
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Pub Date: December 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars!
Pages: 444

I have not read all the books in this series but I call myself a DI Kim Stone fan!

Detective Kim Stone is awaken at 5 a.m. Sunday morning with someone banging on her front door. It is journalist Tracy Frost who tells Kim she got a disturbing email message at 4 a.m.
The message starts off that is not a joke but instruction for a game that starts at 7 a.m. and ends on Monday at 7 p.m.
You have 36 hours. If you follow the instructions, no one will get hurt…
Tracy must give update every six house and posted on the Dudley Star website.

True Tracy Frost is usually a PIA and not Kim’s dearest friend, Kim fears this is no hoax and summons her team to solve clues. Kim’s team has the same impression of Frost but is willing to work with her if it means saving someone’s life.

Have to admit I was hoping for more for more of a ‘Da Vinci Code’ hunt; - it was more of a TikTok scheme, true the blurb also gave us clues.
I hung in there as the reviews are 5 Star awesome. So I knew it was going to get better!
I did like the ending.

However it was not one of my favorite Kim Stone. Perhaps my expectations were too high – however, I am looking forward to book #22!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read another Kim Stone adventure.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 10, 2024.

Detective Kim Stone is back in Book 21 of this compulsive police procedural crime series and this time Kim and her team have just 36 hours to prevent a murder. Contacted by her nemesis journalist Tracy Frost she is initially sceptical but is persuaded that the note Tracy has received is cause for concern so she calls her team together. As always this is tightly plotted and this time centres around the world of geo-caching, and if you don’t know what that is it’s very well explained.

Briefly, the note is from someone calling themselves ‘Jester’ and giving them a short time to solve a cryptic clue which they do with minutes to spare but what they find will turn your blood cold. The next clue needs solving and everyone is relying on Stacey and her analytical mind; the answer leads them to the next clue and another body part! And the next clue…

I always think that this time I’ll guess whodunit before the reveal, I didn’t! Jester always seems to be one step ahead of the police. It was interesting to see a different dynamic between Kim and Tracy, they really do have more in common than they realise. A fast paced and tense police procedural. Great read.

Definitely one of my favourite series, how is it book 21 allready? Somebody wants to play a game with dire consequences, when an email is sent to the reporter Frost, she asks DI Kim Stone and the team for help, will they solve all the clues before it's too late? A taxing case for the team, but it was a brilliant, captivating read.. The team are sent on a race to stop more blood shed, do they manage it? If you havnt read a DI Kim Stone book, why not? You won't be disappointed.

Angela Marsons delivers another edge-of-your-seat thriller with 36 Hours, the 21st installment in the Kim Stone series. Although this was my first venture into the world of Detective Kim Stone, I quickly found myself immersed in this intense, fast-paced story of a deadly game with the clock ticking and lives on the line.

The premise is gripping from the start: Kim receives a chilling note warning her that she has 36 hours to follow a cryptic trail or face the deaths of innocent people. Marsons wastes no time plunging the reader into the action, as Kim and her team race to unravel the clues left by a shadowy adversary. Each step ratchets up the tension, leaving readers breathless as they follow Kim through increasingly high-stakes twists and turns.

The audiobook, narrated by Jan Cramer, was a wonderful complement to the written story. Cramer’s ability to differentiate the characters through distinct voices enhanced the narrative, making it easy to follow even during the most chaotic moments. While the narration was a bit slow at the normal speed, I found that listening at 1.5x speed provided the perfect tempo to match the pulse-pounding pace of the story.

What stood out most for me was Kim Stone herself. Despite joining her story well into the series, I had no trouble connecting with her character or understanding her relationships with those around her. Kim is a compelling blend of intelligence, grit, and integrity, making her a protagonist you can root for without hesitation. Her determination and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds were a highlight, and I can’t wait to explore more of her adventures in earlier books.

This novel was unputdownable. I devoured it in just eight hours, alternating between reading and listening, because I simply had to know how the team would solve each clue and whether they could save the victims in time. Marsons’ ability to keep the suspense taut throughout was remarkable, and the emotional stakes were just as high as the physical ones. She has earned a new fan, and I’m already planning to dive into more of Kim Stone’s adventures.

Highly recommended for those who love a smart, fast-paced, and heart-pounding mystery!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for providing me a digital copy and the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Kim Stone, instalment number 21. Let that sink in for a minute.

First of all, let me say that I absolutely adored the way Angela Marsons began this story. Scenes of domestic bliss on a Sunday morning for the various team members won’t fail in putting a smile on your face. Of course, those moments are especially rudely interrupted by Frost showing up at Kim’s house with a message she’s received. And from then on, it’s all systems go and bring the oxygen tank!

Someone is playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Kim and her team. They always seem to be one step ahead, leaving the team utterly frustrated. The clues this person leaves behind are complicated, giving Penn and Stacey a headache. And while they’re trying to find out what’s going on and who’s behind it, Frost apparently needs to make sure this person is getting their fifteen minutes of fame.

Throw in a geocaching angle and a dysfunctional family, and suddenly there’s a long list of potential suspects. I zeroed in on one character, but while it turned out they may have been responsible for something or other, I didn’t discover the identity of the actual culprit until it was revealed to me. I have to say I remain utterly in awe that, after so many years, Marsons is still able to pull the wool over my eyes.

‘36 Hours‘ is an addictive and brutal kind of treasure hunt. I could feel the team’s frustration in seemingly always lagging behind the person calling the shots, in having to waste time solving the riddles, and in being forced to play this criminal’s game. With each page, I was nearly able to hear the clock ticking away in the background. The pace felt relentless and when it was all over, it was almost as if I hadn’t drawn a breath since the story started.

I found the ending chapters rather perfect. A full circle moment, if you will. On top of that, it was nice to have Frost somewhat involved in a case, to learn a bit more about her. There’s even a moment or two where you spot Kim’s softer side. All in all, yet another fabulous addition to this long-running series. If Angela Marsons can keep this up, I’ll still be reading these when I’m in the nursing home. With the oxygen tank by my side, just in case.

DI Kim Stone is not pleased to be woken in the early hours of the morning by journalist Tracy Frost banging on her door, but her annoyance turns from annoyance to dismay when Frost shows her the message she has received. She has been instructed by someone called ‘the Jester’ to assemble a team to play a game over the next 36 hours. If she doesn’t follow the rules someone will die.

So starts a high-tension race for Frost, Kim and her team to solve clues to save lives over the next 36 hours. The clues are in the form of a geocaching trail where one clue will lead to the next, all with a time restriction just to add to the difficulty. With the timer running down, Kim’s team must work together to unravel the clues while also searching for the identity of the Jester.

This is another unique story line from Angela Marsons. Very creative and absorbing, the fast paced plot hooks the reader in from the start and keeps them engaged right to the end. I loved seeing all these characters that we know so well by now in this 21st novel of the series, working well together and being supported by Kim. Even Frost, who has a prickly relationship with Kim, contributes to the chase and gains a new respect from the team. Definitely a pulse-pounding, page turner that is guaranteed to keep you glued to the pages!