Kim is such a breath of fresh air in what , at times, feels like an oversaturated market. She is a lone wolf, happier fixing her bikes and hanging out with her dog Barney than real human interaction. She is also the heart and soul of her team , as is proved from the outset when they successfully catch a serial rapist, using Kim as bait. As a timely reminder that crime never sleeps, it is literally minutes after they ceremoniously wipe the crime board, that the murder squads' next case comes in.

What looks initially like a car jacking turned murder has a deeply sinister undertone to it. f\or the victim is the social worker who was publicly castigated in the case of child abuse, where a toddler had an appalling and violent filled , tragically shortened life.

As Kim's gut instincts tell her that not everyone in Deanna Brightman's household is quite on the level, another body turns up. And then a third. What looks increasingly like a serial killer vies for attention in Kim's psyche with the knowledge that her criminally insane mother has apparently been rehabilitated. And is due for release. This miraculous turn around in condition has been down to letters which Kim has written her, letters which Kim wouls never, ever have written.

A ghost from Kim's recent past is about to resurface and challenge her sanity like never before. Psychiatrist Alexandra Thorne has not plans to let Kim off lightly.

As the net tightens closely, and personally around Kim, the danger she is in escalates like never before.

Intensely gripping, this novel works on so many levels. It references the way which motherhood is socially constructed-and deconstructed-and how damaging relationships between parent and child can be. The expectations on women to parent, to take on the children of other women, even to grandparent and also to acknowledge each other as links in a genetic chain is examined in minute detail.

Deanne was responsible for children in her care yet could not have her own. Kim is childless by choice. Her second victim is a child of a minor celebrity who was forced to give her up for adoption. A third is the grandchild of the only surviving member of breathtakingly tragic events.

All of these speak to using the format of the police procedural to discuss modern , sociological themes which debate the nature versus nurture philosophy within the framework of the UK justice system. There are few who do it better than Ms Marsons, there is a reason why Kim, her second in command, Bryant -the only one she will listen to-and Kev, the intuitive police man in her team, inspire such devotion. Angela tells a cracking story with a beating heart, and that human touch comes through on every single page.

Angela Marsons is up to #14 in the Kim Stone series, so I have several more books to enjoy in this series. DI Kim Stone is investigating a series of murders where the only thing common is that they were stabbed. The team is looking for a common link, but can't see to find anything. Each case Kim comes up against, seems to be more difficult than the last. She is also dealing with some insubordination with a member of her team as well as the fact that her mother is up for release from the psychiatric facility she has been living in since Kim was young. Throw in the psychopath Alex Thorne who Kim was responsible for catching getting incarcerated, and you know this one will be non-stop.

This is a police procedural with a lot more. There are twists and turns all over the place and enough suspense to keep me listening long after I should have gone to bed. I enjoy the team that Kim works with, even though they have some issues here and there. Kim is abrasive and honest to a fault, but her team, in particular, Bryan is there to temper her and keep her from going off the deep end. She is extremely dedicated and besides her dog, she doesn't have much in her life except her job. I do recommend that you read this series in order as you will miss a lot of character development as well as the meshing of the team. I never guessed the culprit, and neither did Kim and her team, so I loved the ending of this one.

The fifth book in Angie Marsons series featuring D.I Kim Stone. Blood Lines is as always an excellent book and one worthy of the series.
The book starts with what looks like a case of a robbery gone wrong but you know when DI Stone and her team get involved that it will turn out to be far from simple. Another victim turns up however the only thing that seems to link them is the way in which they were killed. To add to this Kim’s mother is now trying to gain her freedom, as is a face from one of Kim’s previous cases - Dr Alexandra Thorne. The last time these two met it nearly didn’t end well for DI Stone but just because Alex is behind bars Kim knows she has to keep her guard up and not let her get inside her head. Alex is a master manipulator and is not to be trusted. The reasons for this become clearer as the story unfolds.
We learn more about Kims past in this instalment and how it has shaped her today.
Another cracker from the Master of storytelling Angie Marsons.
Thanks to NetGalley for the book so I could write this review.

I chose to read and review a free eARC of Blood Lines but that has in no way influenced my review.

I'm ashamed to admit that the Detective Kim Stone series by the incredibly talented Angela Marsons is another crime fiction series I've fallen behind with. (I've also discovered, which has thrown a rather massive spanner in the works, that I've managed to miss a book out 😲. Not a problem, it can be rectified, but...doh! I have an awful lot of catching up to do anyway as currently, there are 12 books in the series!) It's been a while since I last spent time with Kim and the team but reading Blood Lines was like catching up with old friends you haven't seen for years. It felt as though no time had passed and I was straight back into the heart of the investigation with this small but elite team.

Kim and her team are called to investigate a brutal murder carried out by a cold-blooded, professional killer. The body of a highly considered social worker is found in her car with a single, precise stab wound to the chest. Why someone would kill Deanna Brightman is anyone's guess. But then a second body is discovered and despite the same kill method, the victims are polar opposites. This time the victim is a young drug addict. What connects these two women? Kim and the team are baffled and desperately search for a sliver of a clue to help piece together who would commit such an atrocious crime on two such different individuals. But Kim is distracted. Having received a letter from her nemesis, the despicable Dr Alexandra Thorne, Kim's attention isn't 100% on the investigation. Will the team discover what connects the victims, before it's too late...?

Holy moly, there's a lot going on in this book! Not only does Detective Kim Stone have to deal with a tricky murder investigation, there's the very dark and ominous threat of Kim's arch-enemy, the absolutely brilliant and dastardly Alex Thorne, to contend with as well. Thorne is locked up tight in Drake Hall Prison but that doesn't stop her evil, meddling ways - no siree! She's such a brilliantly written character who not only gets under Kim's skin, but the reader's skin as well. I loved the chapters where Kim visits Thorne in prison. There's so much power play and manipulation between the two women and I found myself getting totally lost in Marsons' words and characters.

The investigation in Blood Lines is really interesting and I struggled, along with the team, to see what the connection between the victims was. I was, of course, playing amateur sleuth but I'm delighted to say I failed miserably and the big reveal was a complete surprise. I felt the reader discovered a lot more about Kim in this book, which I personally, really enjoyed. Reference has been made to her traumatic childhood in previous novels and her intense hatred of her mother, but the reader finds out so much more in Blood Lines than we've been party to in past novels. I've always been fond of Detective Kim Stone but I really respect and admire the character more having read this book.

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. Even though I've only read up to book five (minus one in the middle somewhere....😬) I would heartily recommend this entire series. Marsons is an incredibly talented writer and this is such a clever and accomplished series. There's always a twist in the tale, an extra surprise thrown in to take your breath away and I love that about Marsons's books. Edgy, compelling reading which is 100% entertaining from start to finish. Highly recommended.

I chose to read and review an eARC of Blood Lines. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

What can I say that hasn’t been said already about the 5th book in the amazing Kim Stone series. I think I need to put this one in a new category called JOMC – Just One More Chapter because that is exactly how I read it. I literally couldn’t put it down it because each chapter was so gripping and the storyline so clever.

Once again Angela Marsons has created a thrilling story about a killer who leaves no trail, and as a “Brucie Bonus” she has reintroduced one of my favourite villians, the evil Alex Thorne (star of book 2) who certainly knows how to push Kim’s buttons. The relationship between Kim and Bryant just gets better and better – the way they bounce off each other, the humour and the strong friendship is a joy to read.

I thoroughly recommend this series and can’t wait to read book 6.

This has to be my favorite series right next to Karin Slaughters books! Such raw talent! Action packed and extremely well written and thought-out plot! I will always read kim stone books as long as Ms. Marson keeps writting them. Do not miss this series!!!!

Blood Lines is the fifth installment of the Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller Series by Angela Marsons. Kim is investigating the murder of a social worker and also the murder of a drug addict; both have similar wounds, and she suspects they are related. Unfortunately, Kim’s nemesis, Dr. Alex Thorne, who is the psychopath Kim put in prison, is manipulating her and causing havoc in her personal life; Kim is on the edge and may not be able to cope or do her job properly.

Marsons is a master at building suspense, and also developing believable characters. Anyone who knows a psychopath or narcissist will understand how spot-on the character of Dr. Alex Thorne is, and will understand the danger she can cause even though incarcerated. This is affecting Kim and her ability to solve the murders that she is investigating. Kim wants to put her investigation first, but finds it difficult because of her personal life where she blames her mother for the death of her beloved brother and Thorne has made it so that Kim’s mother suddenly appears in her life. Kim is having trouble balancing her personal and professional lives and it just may get the best of her.

InBlood Lines, the suspense starts to build at the beginning of the novel and doesn’t let up until the dénouement. Readers will feel the emotions of the protagonist, Kim Stone, and will be unable to put the book down. Marsons is an excellent storyteller; the story will envelop readers and keep them reading to the end without wanting to put the book down.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Wow, this sure was a twisty turny kind of book! I love that the characters, good or bad, have such a depth to them.

Kim Stone is a tough cop who works hard and who doesn't suffer fools lightly. Unfortunately, whilst she is trying to solve her current case, a series of murders committed on very different victims, she has Dr Alex Thorne messing with her head. And she is doing a great job of it too. I was shocked at how manipulative this character actually was, and I was hoping that Kim wasn't going to suffer at her hands, the way that so many others had done in the past.

My heart was in my mouth for the majority of this book and I am looking forward to reading what Kim gets up to next, it has to be said.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Blood lines is the fifth book in DI Kim Stones series and what a wonderful addition it is.
DI Kim Stone is investigating a series of murders where the only thing common is that they were stabbed . With no common link between the victims Kim Stone and her team are finding this case almost unsolvable . Add to this mix her old nemesis Dr Alex a true sociopath is back and willing to play mind games again with Kim

Angela Marsons writing never ceases to amaze me as the twists and turns keep coming . If the suspense was not enough the depth of character she adds to Kim and her friendship with Bryant keeps me coming back for more. This is one series that all mystery and suspense lovers should not miss.

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

Have read them all so far and each one is as good as the last one.

Another triumph by Angela Marsons, I absolutely love her Kim Stone series. Angela grips you to the story from page one and doesn't let you put it back down until you have finished it! I love the interaction Kim has with her team and how they all know what each other are thinking without saying anything. She has an amazing team around her. In this book, the notorious Dr Alex Thorne returns to taunt Kim and not let her forget her. I enjoyed reading more about her Mother and their non-existent relationship but glad to read she will not be let out of the home she is in. I didn't guess who the killer was, I never do! But, for the first time I had tears in my eyes towards the end of this book with Leo. I would highly recommend this series to anyone and I cannot wait for the next one. Where will the story take Kim this time!? I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!

Another excellent Angela Marsons book. 5th in the Kim Stone series and every bit as good as the previous 4 books
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Blood Lines is book 5 in the D.I. Kim Stone series and is another gripping thriller from the Queen of crime Angela Marsons.

Psychiatrist Alex Thorne is back and still managing to wreak havoc on Kim’s life even while locked inside a prison.

Kim and her team are investigating two similar murders that seem to have no connection other than the way they were murdered, all the while battling her own unresolved issues.

This instalment delves further into Kim’s heartbreaking past and gives the reader real insight into the person she is and what motivates her.

The police procedurals are very well done and as they dig for small clues and links in each case we are thrown some surprising twists.

Multiple storylines are weaved throughout the novel coming together for a suspenseful and shocking finale.

Marsons has definitely secured her spot among the top authors in the crime/thriller genre. Her books have become an automatic ‘must read’ for me.

Gripping read from the start. Real page turner! Highly recommended

Total respect to the amazing Angela Marsons for producing this utterly captivating book. If there's one author you can rely on to deliver the goods every time, it's her. This is a cracker of a story, and you only have to look at the Amazon book charts to see how popular her work is worldwide.
Blood Lines was such a treat to read that each night before bed I would limit myself to a certain amount to read. I just didn't want it to end. DI Kim Stone's character opens up and progresses with every read, and her colleagues are such an interesting bunch, I really enjoy how they bounce off each other as each investigation gains momentum. I loved reading about the dark and devious Alex Thorne, and could easily imagine the prison scenes as she manipulated her counterparts. You hit the ground running with this book, and the plots and sub plots are driven at breakneck speed. If there is anyone left on the planet who has not yet enjoyed an Angela Marsons book, then I recommend they start with book 1 and read the series through. Words can't do this series justice, just read the books and see for yourself!

I am currently on an Angela Marsons binge read, and this was another absolutely brilliant read. The reader have already met the sociapath doctor Alex, and in this offering she plays a big role again. The book takes you at the beginning, and leaves you exhausted at the end. This was another Angela Marsons masterpiece!

This is the fifth outing for DI Kim Stone and her team and once again I found myself not wanting to put the book down.
The book starts with what looks like a case of a robbery gone wrong but you know when DI Stone and her team get involved that it will turn out to be far from simple. Another victim turns up however the only thing that seems to link them is the way in which they were killed. To add to this Kim’s mother is now trying to gain her freedom, as is a face from one of Kim’s previous cases - Dr Alexandra Thorne. The last time these two met it nearly didn’t end well for DI Stone but just because Alex is behind bars Kim knows she has to keep her guard up and not let her get inside her head. Alex is a master manipulator and is not to be trusted. The reasons for this become more evident as the story progresses.
In Blood Lines you get to learn a little more about Kim Stone and the events of her past that have shaped the person she is today. Alex Thorne forces her to finally confront her mother, something she has managed to avoid since she was very small and takes her to places in her memories she would rather not visit.
I have to say that I love Kim Stone. Yes she is a bit of a loner in her personal life and she doesn’t really trust anyone, and yes it can be a bit dangerous to be around her, but she also values her team, the strengths they have and the input they can bring to an investigation. She can be a bit sharp when dealing with the public but in Bryant she has the perfect partner and she will often let him handle the softer sides of the investigations and he always seems to manage to calm her down. Her past is the reason why she is so dedicated to her job and always determined to do the best for the victims no matter what danger she finds herself in.
Dawson can be a bit of an idiot at times in an effort to prove he is every bit as good as Bryant. Even when he messes up Kim manages to not totally wipe the floor with him but explain her choices in how the team works in a way that does not make him feel like he is not appreciated.
The fact that the series is set in the Midlands is another tick in the box for me as I can connect with some of the areas that the investigations take the team to. Added to this is the fact that Angela doesn’t shy away the local dialect that would often make me chuckle (probably not always at an appropriate moment in the book – but then again have never been told I have a normal sense of humour)
This is the first book in the series that I would say you need to at least have read Evil Games to understand the dynamic between Kim and Alex however, if I am honest then I think that you would be mad not to start at the beginning and work your way through the entire series as there are little hints to what makes DI Stone tick in every book and Blood Lines brings a lot of this together.
I have to thank (or blame) my sister for introducing me to the world of Kim Stone but I am glad she did. Angela Marsons is one hell of a story teller and each book is better than the one before making them for me compulsive reading (so much so I read her first 4 books in 4 days). I can’t wait to see what Kim and the team have to tackle next and if she has finally laid the ghosts of her past to rest.

Bookouture and NetGalley provided me with an electronic copy of Blood Lines. This is my honest opinion of the book.

DI Kim Stone has returned as the featured main character in her fifth book, Blood Lines. Late into the evening, Stone gets called to the scene of a puzzling murder, where the victim is an expensively dressed woman with a single stab wound. As the investigation continues, Kim is plagued by a case in her past. Doctor Alexandra Thorne, sociopath with delusions of grandeur, is trying to fix the outcome of her trial from the confines of her jail cell. Will her manipulation of everything around her place Alex squarely in Kim Stone's path?

Manipulation is the name of the game, with both the rash of murders and Alexandra's games with DI Stone. As the case becomes more complex, the big question is whether Kim will allow her personal issues to interfere with her work. With a fast paced plot and good characters, Blood Lines is a police procedural that will appeal to readers who enjoy the genre.

How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace?


Well it's pretty simple really. You just put Kim Stone on the case.

​Owww wow wowchersss... What a Freakin read and a half that was. I really don't know how Angela Marsons does it. But by god i'm glad she does. This lady can write!
​I'm annoyed with myself as this seemed to get lost on my kindle, and it was only while sat scrolling through my books I spotted it. I honestly thought I was upto date with the series. So as well as being annoyed with myself for having not read it, I was also pleased as it means I get to read just in time for the new book being released on 28th April. Dead Souls will be book 6 in this awesome series.
​So the story, well it's a good un' its more than good, it really is a fantastic read.

​To date this book has 791, 5* reviews on Amazon uk and I can see why after reading it.
​Kim Stone is an amazing Character, she's not perfect, and she's almost not crazy. She's just the right balance of making a fantastic fictional Detective,  

​Kim is faced with finding the killer of two people who have both been killed in the same way. But there is nothing else that seems to link these two. Can Kim and her team find out just what has happened and how?
​Kim also has a few of her own demons to face in this book, but as they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or does it?

​Another outstanding 5 star read from an author who certainly knows how to write. Well Done on this one Angela, I'm hoping and praying for bigger and better with each book, so far you certainly haven't disappointed this reader. Keep it up.
You could own the full series for less than the cost of a night out, Hell it's less than having an hour out.
​Treat yourself.

The last book in the series, Play Dead, was fabulous, a truly thrilling an engrossing book. This one did I have a harder time with. For one thing, did it take some days with me reading around 20% every time, not really getting into the story, but still liking the characters enough to wanting to read the book.

But, I do think the biggest issue is that the return of Dr. Alex Thorne just didn't do the trick for me, sure she was an interesting character in Evil Games (book 2), but I found the vendetta against Kim to be a tad annoying. That said, the story was not bad, the case with the murders that Kim and her colleagues tried to solve was baffling and as the book progressed even the storyline with Alex Thorne got better. Then, we have the last part of the book, that's when the book truly became engrossing and thrilling to read, and thanks to that the rating of the book went from an OK 3-star book to a really good 4-star book instead and now I'm craving book 6!

Blood Lines started off slow for me, grew better as the story progressed and ended on a high note. I quite like this series, Detective Kim Stone has become a favorite character of mine, a woman that has overcome a miserable childhood and have some issues (quite a lot to be honest), but she's a tough cookie!

On a side note; I did miss Daniel Bate. I hope to see him in a coming book!