⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 ok stars. Not as good as previous books, they are never as good when Frost features in them.

I didn’t enjoy the solving puzzles aspect and with no character arc for the victim or perp it was hard to engage with the book.

Average sorry.

Kim Stone’s cases are always suspenseful but, this time, she has a literal ticking clock. For once, Kim and her team have the opportunity to save someone, not just show up after they’ve died, but the game they’re playing to stop it is pretty hard. The plot takes off right away, with Kim and her Team ready to enjoy their Sunday when Kim’s frenemy, Tracy Frost, shows up with an email that is probably a hoax. Since they’re not sure, they both take it seriously and the action only grows from there. This is a treasure hunt and the readers are given all the clues along with the Team. Since I don’t know the area, I couldn’t play along, but it was still very stressful seeing them try and almost fail to follow the clues. I loved the very suspicious cast of persons of interest and, as always, the interactions and dialogues amongst the team members. Longtime readers have learned the hard way how no one is ever safe. How anyone can die at any time so I was not surprised by one of the twists, even if I was horrified. The ending was great, unexpected and logical, as always. Another excellent entry in this great series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Bookouture.

Love, love, love this series!!!
I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
The tension really mounts in this one as Kim and the team have been set a challenge by a sick and twisted individual.
When Frost turns up at Kim’s home early one Sunday morning, she is not happy to see her (as always) but she has to listen to her.
The team have cryptic clues to solve and with Frost having to submit regular articles, she’s at the station with them. This is a bit awkward at first but they have to get used to each other.
I loved this book and was on the edge of my seat so many times as the deadline approached for each clue as the person setting the challenge showed they weren’t afraid to hurt people.
This is yet another brilliant crime thriller from Angela Marsons, and one that I’d highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book.

Absolutely brilliant, an innovative storyline that had me thoroughly gripped and more than a few heart racing moments. The plot is contemporary and seems all too real, a series of clues being left to taunt the police in cryptic geocache style which leaves them reaching their targets tantalisingly a moment to late at every turn to the detriment of the kidnapped captive. I loved the idea that first victim was dispensable and unimportant in the public’s consciousness (homeless) and the uncomfortable feeling you experience for also, fleetingly, thinking he was less important. The next victim couldn’t be more opposite, ticking every humanitarian and like ability box. Clever, very clever. As ever the police characters are likeable but raw and not infallible and you find yourself rooting for them and sympathising with their desperation and vulnerability. Top class, great read. Can’t wait for the next one.

This is book #21 in the Kim Stone series. Whilst it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone book, but I would recommend reading the books in series order for better understanding of the characters backstories and, of course, to prevent any spoilers!!

The Queen of Crime does it again!! This was one hell of a read and we follow DI Stone and her team on a race around the Black Country, trying to solve the clues laid out for them by the unknown Jester before the clock runs out. We are given (again!) a completely original storyline that introduces us to geocaching, a scavenger hunt style game where you hide and seek containers using clues or GPS coordinates. It's usually a fun activity, but for DI Stone and the team, this hunt is deadly and the clues are complicated. Rather than hunting the little pieces of "treasure" that are usually left, they find they are looking for people who are going missing across the local area.

This storyline was absolutely brilliant! How does the author think up these ideas??!! I mean, we are 21 books in and you'd think some storylines would start to be repeated by now...but no! The author creates a completely different story...every...single...time! Of course, crimes are crimes, and murders are murders, but in this series the reasons behind them all and what is involved throughout the cases are always unique! I love that we have all the team involved, with Penn and Stacey working the office and Stone and Bryant doing the footwork out in the area. It certainly covers a huge area as well, with them being stretched from one side of the Black Country to the other. If you're local, you'll be pleased to see so many of our well known attractions featured, places we all must have visited so many times! In fact, there's that many that perhaps we should rename the book "Kim Stone's Guide to the Black Country"!

The story grabbed me from the first page, and didn't let up until I got to the end. There are plenty of suspects to keep you on your toes and you can feel the suspense and tension building with the turn of every page. The team work well, pulling all their strengths together and even including, surprisingly, Stone's nemesis, Tracy Frost. Whilst the case is solved by the end of the book, there are still some open storylines which, I assume, will be carried over to the next book in the series! I genuinely cannot wait to see what happens with those!! As with every other book in this series so far, this was an incredible read! Along with all the drama and shocks throughout the story, we also get to see those little bits of humour which help lighten the darkening load. I think Kim Stone is the best character...ever! Why are we not getting to see her on the big screen??!! You will not be disappointed with this book!! Fab..u..lous!!

Waking up Detective Kim Stone before the break of dawn is a brave thing to do, especially when you are journalist Tracy Frost. Reluctantly agreeing to listen what she has to say, Kim is perturbed to read a message from an anonymous source – she has 36 hours to follow a trail, solving the clues along the way, or people will die. Despite her superiors being convinced it is a hoax, Kim is sure it is genuine, her fears being realised when she finds a metal box and discovers its contents. Kim and her team are on a true race against time to find a particularly sadistic killer before more bodies are found.

21 books in and Angela Marsons has written another classic Kim Stone book. I always love any plot featuring Tracy Frost as I love the relationship between the detective and journalist. Here we see a perfect example of the outward distrust they have for each other whereas, as the book progresses, the undoubted mutual respect they have becomes apparent.

The plot also gives us the chance to see Kim at her strong-willed, tenacious best, going against the wishes of her boss to continue with an investigation that she has been warned off. With the support of her team, Kim is pitted against a callous individual who, thanks to the cryptic clues he has set, has placed the survival of his victims firmly in the hands of the police. The plot is written in real time so you really get a feel of the pressure they are under, creating a high-octane, fast-paced read that I found genuinely difficult to put down. Angela Marsons is the queen of, ‘I’ll just read one more chapter…’ and before you know it, the book is finished!

Every time I read and review a Kim Stone book, I wonder how Angela Marsons can possibly top it but with 36 Hours, she has done just that. Please, powers that be, turn this into a television series!

"Because it's there." (George Mallory)

Angela Marsons brings to the surface what drives those involved in geo-caching and those involved in solving crimes. Because it's there is at the core of it. Both depend greatly on clues and also on the articles left behind. It's motivation unto itself. So how did we get here?

Tracy Frost is bangin' on DI Kim Stone's door in the wee hours of the morning. It's definitely not a social call. Frost and Stone are hardly civil to one another in the daylight hours. Frost is a journalist who has hounded Kim for years. But then, Frost has helped Kim with crimes in the past.

The door opens and the banter between these two is priceless. Marsons knows just how to zing quirky dialogue into her novels. The stage is set when Frost reveals the reason why she's here. Someone by the name of Jester has injected himself into her life with a jolt. Clues will be dropped into Frost's lap. Frost must untangle these clues and arrive at a destination before someone is hurt badly or even killed. Frost turns to Kim and her team before this game turns deadly.

Marsons sets up the playing field with links to the geo-caching activity popular around the world. Participants must work together and use coordinates to find a box containing treasured items. It's all in the hunt. This hunt is now involving humans as the treasured items. And the clock is ticking.

Angela Marsons never disappoints. I'd like a flashlight tour within this talented author's mind. Each novel is packed with unusual storylines and off-the-grid characters. 36 Hours is one of the greatest challenges to Kim's team so far. You feel the pressure and the tension right out of the box. One slip up and someone will die. Creative, crafty,and extraordinary. 36Hours brings out the true analytical minds within the team. And it's like walking over broken glass to get to the other side. WoWzers! Another bravo moment for Angela Marsons.

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to the talented Angela Marsons for the opportunity.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Angela Marsons’ 36 Hours is a masterclass in suspense and pacing, delivering a relentless and gripping addition to the Detective Kim Stone series. This 21st installment reaffirms Marsons’ talent for crafting intricate plots and compelling characters, making it a must-read for fans of crime thrillers.

This novel begins with Detective Kim Stone being woken before dawn by local journalist Tracy Frost, who presents her with a chilling note: “You have 36 hours. If you follow the instructions, no one will get hurt.” This sets off a high-stakes race against time as Kim and her team are thrust into a deadly game orchestrated by an anonymous challenger. Each clue leads them deeper into a web of danger, with lives hanging in the balance.

Marsons excels in character development, particularly with Kim Stone, whose determination and resilience are tested to their limits. The dynamic between Kim and her team, including the ever-reliable Bryant, adds depth to the narrative. The antagonist’s psychological complexity and the chilling nature of his game make for a formidable and memorable villain.

Marsons’ writing is taut and immersive, capturing the urgency and peril of the situation. Her ability to weave intricate clues and maintain a relentless pace keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, enhancing the authenticity of the characters and their interactions. Marsons’ descriptive prowess brings the settings to life, from the eerie woods to the tense atmosphere of the investigation room.

36 Hours explores themes of time, morality, and the psychological impact of high-pressure situations. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement and the personal toll of their work. The novel also examines the nature of evil and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their twisted goals.

36 Hours is a pulse-pounding thriller that showcases Angela Marsons at her best. The novel’s intricate plot, well-developed characters, and relentless suspense make it a standout in the Detective Kim Stone series. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will find themselves captivated by this unputdownable crime thriller.

Highly recommended for fans of crime thrillers, police procedurals, and psychological suspense. 36 Hours is a testament to Angela Marsons’ skill in creating gripping and emotionally resonant stories that leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Beginning the month with a five star read - brilliant! Knowing that this is book 21 in the series, and that both the main character, Kim Stone, and the author, Angela Marsons, continue to improve with each book, is even more impressive.

This book packed so much into the 36 hours it focused on. Games, relationships, romance, betrayal, death, tense moments and twists. All of these were there, all keeping the team and readers on the edge of their toes waiting to see how everything would work out as the Jester played his devilish games.

There are new dangers emerging in the background and I do not like new journalist Steve Ashworth, who feels like he will be a major ongoing threat. Just hoping Kim will do her usual Kim stuff and stay ahead of him going forward.

Penn, Stacey, Bryant are the perfect team and the continually growing relationships and friendships in their lives, and in Kim’s help make this a series to keep reading and already i’m looking forward to the next book. There are so many reasons this is one of my favourite series and the way the team works together is definitely a major role, including the regular side characters who also add strength to the series like Woody and Frost.

Thanks so much to Angela for sharing this story; and to Netgalley and Bookouture for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for my review. Available for purchase 10/12/24.

Yes, it‘s as good as all the rest! If you love Kim you‘ll love this one and, if you‘ve never read any before, then you‘ve got a gripping, fabulous long series to start!

This time, someone is leaving cryptic clues for the team to follow, otherwise something terrible will happen…. And can the team actually work alongside Frost?!

The journalist Tracy Frost has never been one of DI Kim Stone's favourite people and especially not when she's banging on her front door at 5am. Frost shows Stone an email she has received - the writer sets a puzzle and intimates that someone will come to harm if it is not solved within the given time frame. Frost has to make contact with the police regarding the email and then write regular articles regarding the investigation. Initially Stone and her team are sure that the whole thing is a hoax designed to make the police force a laughing stock but as they start to solve the puzzles they realise that someone's life depends on them.

Fantastic read, a total page turner from start to finish. Absolutely love this series.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

I say the same every time. How does Angela keep doing it? Book 21 and the writing is as fresh and clever as ever. I barely spoke to my husband for the few days it took to read this. I was quite annoyed I wasn’t able to cancel arrangements to just sit and read. Thank you for another amazing read

Happy to start another Angela Marsons book featuring DI Kim Stone. This is the 21st in the series and since I have only recently discovered Ms. Marsons I have many hours of happy reading ahead of me (this is just my 3rd).

Description:
Kim clutches the note tightly as her pulse starts to race. You have 36 hours. If you follow the instructions, no one will get hurt…

When Detective Kim Stone is woken before dawn because local journalist Tracy Frost wants to show her a message, she’s not impressed. But her blood turns cold when she reads the note. She has 36 hours to follow a trail set by an anonymous challenger. If she fails, people will die.

Kim’s gut tells her this is no hoax. She summons her team, desperate to prevent what lies ahead. With minutes to spare, they solve the first cryptic clue. It leads to a box hidden deep in the woods, containing a second clue and a tape. As she listens to the recording of a heart-wrenching scream, Kim knows her enemy will go to any lengths to achieve his goals… and that she must draw on all her experience of evil men to understand what is driving him.

Refusing to blindly follow orders, Kim and the team turn the killer’s clues against him, using evidence buried deep in the tapes to find where he’s hiding his victim. But they are too late… And then, as the sun rises on the second day, someone else goes missing. This time, it’s a skilled surgeon, and if they don’t save her, an eight-year-old girl will die.

Exhausted and enraged, with her bosses watching every step she takes, Kim realises the only way to win is to break the rules. But with the clock ticking, can she find the twisted mind behind this murderous game before her time runs out?

From the no.1 bestselling author Angela Marsons, 36 Hours is a pulse-pounding race against time that will not let you stop reading for a second. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni and Val McDermid.

My Thoughts:
This was a tense and fast-paced read throughout. Nothing like a deadline with lives at stake to raide the stress level. DI Kim Stone is pushed to the limits but she perseveres hoping to save the victims before the clock runs out. Stone and her team work well together to follow the clues and further the investigation; just hoping they will be fast enough. Anyone who enjoys a good thriller will be happy with this one - it will set you on edge!

Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.

This is probably the most intense book in the series, you can almost feel the pressure Kim and her team are under in their newest case. It’s brilliantly written as always, and I’m really itching to see what happens between Kim and Frost as I definitely sense a bit of chemistry there.

I also can’t believe how quickly we’ve reached book 21!! Truly love this series, and hope it never ends, I want to still be reading these in 20 years time!!

Angela Marsons is the queen of crime thrillers and she has yet again delivered an amazing book. Reporter Tracy Frost has received a cryptic email which has to be solved within a certain time. She turns to her nemesis D.I. Kim Stone and together with Stone’s team rush to solve the complex instructions or someone will be hurt or even killed. This book will deep you hooked until the very unexpected ending. Can’t wait for the next book.

Another great book in the DI Kim Stone series. Reporter Tracy Frost gets a message from the Jester saying follow the clues or someone will die. The team has 36 hours to follow the clues. Will they make it to the end or will an innocent child die. A very fast paced book with lots of twists and turns.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ’36 Hours’, book 21 in the Detective Kim Stone series written by Angela Marsons, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

At 5am on a Sunday morning journalist Tracy Frost rushes to DI Kim Stone’s house to show her a message she’s received from someone calling themselves ‘The Jester’. The message says that a trail of cryptic clues has been set up and if they don’t follow it and identify the location in the clues within a given time then someone will die. Kim summons her team of Bryant, Penn and Stacey for what appears to be the most frustrating case yet as The Jester is completely in charge and always one step ahead of them.

I’ve loved every single moment I’ve spent reading ’36 Hours’ giving proof of what a brilliant thriller Angela Marsons has written. The fast-paced plot has been skilfully crafted and packed with drama, suspense and intrigue as the clues become ever more confusing leading them astray more than once. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with Kim who’s liked and respected by her loyal team, as well as DCI ‘Woody’ Woodward who threatens Kim that she may not have a job if she disregards his orders and doesn’t bring this investigation to a successful conclusion. This thriller has had me gripped from the first page to the last with so many twists that it’s been impossible to stop reading, reaching the final chapters with their shocking conclusion and the wonderful final page. This is a wonderful novel that deserves far more than the five stars I can give it!

Ever felt like you have just stepped right into the midst of a film set? No? Well pick up 36 Hours and that will all change. Those opening chapters had a real cinematic feel to them, that immense build up of tension as we visit each member of the team at home with their nearest and dearest on an ordinary Sunday afternoon going about their business…and you just know that things are going to go crazily pear shaped and oh boy don’t they just! As soon as Kim is dragged from her bed with frantic banging at her front door, that lazy Sunday has been turned right on its head!
The scene is set with the 36 hour countdown set by an anonymous challenger and while at first you might think Kim has gone slightly insane dragging her team out on what could be a wild goose chase, when you discover the first clue left, you just know this game is for real! Talk about giving you the heebie jeebies! Again, Angela Marson’s also pokes around at your brain, making you think about society and the values we place on individuals depending on their social status. She has such a knack of bringing issues to the forefront of her writing without the reader ever feeling that they are sitting through a lecture.
I knew nothing about geocaching before reading this and it was a brilliant hook on which to hang this plotline, it worked perfectly, setting up a whole host of potential suspects that keep you guessing right until the end! Angela Marson’s already knows how to pen a page turner but this one really played to her skills as a writer, with those short, sharp, hooky chapters adding to the pace.
Again, the team dynamics come to the fore, with the addition of Frost in the mix this time around, really adding to the mix. If you know the series, then you will know that Kim and Frost have a tempestuous relationship and Kim often has to restrain herself from going too far with Frost. However, without giving any spoilers away, in this book, we get to know Frost a little bit more and there is something about her that made me warm to her further – the question is – does Kim and is she going to throw her arch enemy to the wolves – well for that you will just need to read the book and find out!
As a long standing reader of the series, I feel as though I have watched the team grow up and develop, I’ve laughed and I’ve cried with them as Angela Marson’s tends to stick them up a tree and throw very large rocks at them. If you haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, you can read this as a standalone, as each book has its own unique storyline. But I’d urge you to go and read the rest because the author has created such a tightknit team, one so vibrant and multidimensional that they almost step out of the pages and into your life. Getting to know the team will give you such a richer reading experience.
Once again Angela Marson’s has penned a masterpiece, a carefully executed plot, all the twists and turns you want and expect from crime fiction; it’s fast and it’s furious – readers – it’s a belter!

Detective Kim Stone Book 21 gutted never come across the author or the series, yes there is back history but didn't stop me enjoying this book.

Good paced book east to read and enjoy. Plot was good and easy to follow, never guessed the ending. Loved the characters but did seem bit to convenient solution to the questions and the kidnapping would have been nice for a tied in but liked the doctor story would she be able to.

Very much enjoyed it will look out for previous books as well as future

What a superb read! Angela Marsons never fails to deliver and this brilliantly crafted thriller certainly lives up to its promise. The team's hoped for relaxing Sunday starts before dawn with an unexpected -and unwelcome- visit from thorn in her side reporter Frost, to Quinn 's home . Been dragged from her shirt sleep by the person she would least like to see wasn't the worst of it. Frost brings an intriguing new case for Quinn and her team to pursue and this time , they are being set a series of challenges with clues that are time sensitive. Each time they fail to crack a clue in time, the victim of the man calling himself The Jester, loses another body part in excruciating, slow torture. They are forced to work with Frost as The Jester has made her part of his sick plan and she has to write regular online articles. There is an added frisson of fear and involvement as we, the reader, gets caught up the urgency of the chase. I don't want to reveal any spoilers but I will say that it gains in intensity as it races along and the stakes get higher with every turn of the page. Superbly written and utterly compelling. The intricacies of the symbiotic relationships within the team and Frost are so cleverly crafted and the storyline contains so many twists and turns that the final dénouement came as a complete surprise. Outstanding!