Well if awards were to be given out for the opening of a story then Child’s Play would win hands down! You couldn’t get a more thrilling yet gruesome start to a book and the thrills didn’t stop there.

Angela Marsons is a writer who never fails to deliver. With every book and new story, she has the reader gripped with unique and shocking cases. As usual, nothing is ever clear and even the victim’s family members don’t make it an easy ride for Kim and her team making them having to work even harder to solve the case.

The fun and games don’t stop there either as there is a newbie on the team of which I enjoyed Kim’s reaction to them. It was interesting also to see how the force clamps down on the officers working over time and the struggle for them having to go home whilst their minds are very much on the case.

This is such a complex case that had me totally hoodwinked and the author blew me away with the outcome and with who the murderer was. It really makes for some exciting reading.

Child’s Play is a fabulously twisted and dark story that had me tearing through the pages. I couldn’t devour this book quickly enough as I just love this authors books that much, when really I should be savouring them so I don’t have to wait as long for the next one. Don’t know about child’s play but the author certainly knows how to play with the mind of her adult readers. Fantastic read!!!

Angela Marsons has made me squirm, laugh and tear up, but this time she’s giving me a killer right out of my nightmares (seriously, the ending has traumatized me!). The murders are gruesome but I really didn’t guess whodunit or why until Kim Stone and her awesome team solved it. Penn is temporarily back with his original team, trying to figure out if he got the right culprit on an old case that’s gone to trial. That was a side story and the resolution again blindsided me. The final confrontation in the Penn story had me at the edge of my seat and, again, that was not even the main case. The plot is flawless but it’s the characters that make me care. Their banter is funny – a welcome relief – and when a new member joins the team to cover while Penn is out, the dynamic changes. The joy that Tiff brings to an otherwise jaded group, made me laugh. If Bryant has a man-crush on Kim’s therapist, I have a girl-crush on Stace and I can’t wait to see what happens with her character in future books. I sound like a broken record but this is another excellent volume in one of the best series I’ve read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Bookouture!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.5* rounded up.

This instalment begins and ends with gruesome scenes of violence, so be warned. Kim is investigating the deaths of victims staged around play equipment and Penn is revisiting an entirely different case with his former colleagues. I felt this started strongly and the investigation into Belinda's life was intriguing. Then the addition of Penn's storyline was something of a distraction, and after that Kim's case became a bit of a blur to me. Poor Stacey and Tiffany kept being asked to do online searches cross-referencing a whole series of things and I began to share their confusion and exhaustion.

The background about child geniuses was interesting and the identity of the murderer made sense on an intellectual level, but I didn't feel we were sufficiently acquainted with him/her for it to have the same effect on an emotional level. The murderer's past dealings with the victims were not quite as clearly depicted as would have been ideal.

Still, another solid entry in this series.

I could read about Kim Stone and her team every week and never get bored, I love how each book we see more of all the characters personalities and private lives. I liked in this how Penn wasn't involved in the main case but had his own case going on, Bryant as always keeping Kim in line and Stacey doing what she does best, a new character joins them who is fun and hope we see more of her.
The whole concept of the book about child prodigies and the effects on their lives leading to someone affected to murder those they felt were responsible was very interesting.

Firstly I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. What a book it was, as the series has progressed the books have just got better and better and this one is definitely the best so far. This is the 11th book featuring Kim Stone and her team and as always it covers a new theme, and this time we were also introduced to a new character, I really hope this character appears in future books. As always I cannot fault the book it left me wanting more and I will struggle to wait for the next installment.

I swear these books just get better as the series progresses! This is one of my favorite authors and her stories never disappoint! This time around, Kim and her team are dealing with a killer who is positioning bodies in the midst of children's games. The gruesome murders juxtaposed with the innocence of childhood play is off-putting and macabre. And the relatives of the deceased are turning out to be just as mind-boggling as the murders. It's hard for the detectives to empathize with the relatives when they act so suspiciously. Just who can you believe? There is also a sub-plot involving Penn reuniting with his old team for a trial, that, let's just say is not as clear cut as they thought...

The story is brilliant and engaging as usual. Although I tried to pace myself, I read it all in one day and was so sad when it was over - I need more! There's just something about the way the author writes that makes you feel as if you are right there with her team, investigating the case and trying to fit the pieces together. The characters are so realistic and their interactions are hysterical and heart-warming, in turn. I cannot wait to see what they come up against next!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc.

I adore the Kim Stone series and with # 11, it just keeps getting stronger! Hard to believe when so many others seem to go stale well before this point, but Ms. Marsons' seems to be going higher and better with each book.

Again and as always, the pace is fast and the twists will almost make a reader dizzy. The story is an unusual take on the definition of child abuse and at times a little difficult to differentiate "normal" from abuse. It also explores the ripple effect of "abuse" of one child v. the rest of the family. Fascinating stuff.

But the real strength of this book/series is the story of Kim and her team. These characters are just wonderful, human and humane. It was just wonderful to see Kim's growth and her emergence from the "dark". We also get to know Penn a little better in this book as he has his own side story running along side of the main story line. I thoroughly enjoyed Tinkerbell and hope to see more of her in future books.

It is hard to believe that this splendid series has already reached its eleventh instalment! Sometimes with long-running series there is the possibility of staleness and predictability but that is never the case with DI Kim Stone. Angela Marsons constantly refreshes the dramatis personae, and we have two interesting additions to Kim's team, one of whom is still involved in a court case from a previous posting, which adds to the interest. The main story revolves around child geniuses and is thoroughly researched. As always there are twists and turns and red herrings before the crime is solved, in a thoroughly satisfying manner.

Child’s Play. Cute title, isn’t it? Innocent enough to fool you? I don’t think so!

As always, I couldn’t wait to grab a copy (well, you can’t actually grab an advanced e-copy, but you know what I mean) of the latest book by Angela Marsons. My mind was running wild. What would come next for Kim Stone and her team? It’s a legitimate question, as this is the 11th installment in the series. What remains to be done and seen?

EVERYTHING! Angela Marsons pushes the limits again to bring us the best of crime fiction!

Like I was saying, kids. How sweet. But when the first murder you encounter in the book is a woman in her sixties, you know you’re in trouble. I spot an intense and epic plot!!! What is the link? Is there a link?? Did I read too much into the title??? That’s this series’ magic! Nothing is left to chance.
With a disturbing first dead body and a forever sarcastic Kim, I embraced this new adventure into the dark world of police work!

Angela Marsons’ writing is now so familiar to me that I always feel like I belong when I meet with Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacey. It’s comfortable, it’s warm, no matter the atrocities they must deal with. To me, reaching a point where you trust an author this much with your precious time, is invaluable. I just had to say it. We are flooded with books and crime has never been so popular. This is why finding your happy place, your go-to people, your - rather deadly - dreamland is the best feeling in the world and I must thank Angela Marsons for never letting me down. Her series is as strong as ever. Her characters are as sharp as ever. Her plot is as tight as ever. This book is a dark diamond!

Not only are we treated to an amazing case involving people falling like flies around the theme of genius kids, but we also get the very boring ends of work, like abiding to a schedule, when we know murderers don’t work 9 to 5! Those details about life getting in the way, keep me firmly on the ground. Kim and her team are no super heroes. They need rest, they have problems, they drink, they sleep. I don’t enjoy books which ‘forget’ about this tiny but essential edge.

I want to say a million things so this review might feel a little… disorganized? It’s okay, isn’t it???

Back to the heart of the matter! Hearts, actually… See, I’m doing it again! Angela, you put too much awesomeness in your books!!!

Killings! The killings! Wow! I’m used to bodies by now, so what keeps me on my toes is what surrounds them. Crazily orchestrated deaths with an X. Wow! I could not have guessed where this book was going! When the lead took me to children with amazing abilities, I was shocked. Interested. OMG fascinated. I went through all the stages. The psychology behind the murders and the motivation is simply stunning and the author captured the most basic needs and urges into a bottle, that she crushed to create an explosion of blood and feelings. Who are those kids? What are their lives like? How are you supposed to raise them? There is no simple answer to those questions, but could they be the key? Lots of legwork, lots of thinking, lots of sarcasm, and a fabulous team effort had me rooting for the good guys and exploring a world I am not familiar with. Angela Marsons doesn’t reinvent this series with every new book, she adds layers so that with each case, each remark, each breath, you connect with every detail in the most spectacular way.

Meanwhile, Penn’s time in court to see the end of a case he worked with his old team take an unexpected turn, forcing him to reopen a case, and allowing us to get a closer look at his character. I LOVED IT. Did I say I loved it??

Two cases, equally breathtaking, giving us the best of each protagonist, and letting room for new ones…

Nothing can stop Kim Stone, and nothing will ever stop Angela Marsons.

Loved loved this book Angela has done it again just brilliant love Kim and crew. This story is great pulls you in from the first page and never lets go simply love this author just wish she could write faster lol. Get it read it you won't be disappointed.

I always look forward to each new book in the Kim Stone series. Angela Marsons, the author, has maintained each book at a high level. These are well-plotted mysteries of excellent quality and the types of crimes vary from book to book. Child’s Play is the eleventh book featuring Kim Stone, and I admire the way the author has allowed Kim to grow in interpersonal skills and empathy throughout the series.

Kim is a brave and relentless investigator. Her colleagues are well-developed characters, and together they make an effective team. This book works well as a stand-alone police procedural. The previous books will give the reader further background into the characters. Dialogue between team members is often snappy and funny.

While Kim leads an investigation into three murders, the victims seem to have only one thing in common, involvement or connection with gifted children. This leads to interviews and questioning of families of gifted children and a lot of computer work searching for information of the many suspects and trying to figure out a motive. There are some surprising twists before the murderer is apprehended.
In the meantime, Penn is involved in a court case and comes to believe the wrong man had been arrested.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this enjoyable mystery/police procedural in return for an honest review.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced copy of the 11th Kim Stone outing. This has to be my favourite of the entire series and in my opinion the darkest. Right from the opening prologue the pace was set and it did not let up. All our favourite characters were there including a new one (who I hope can make appearances in future books). The story hurtles along without letting up. Each book in this series is as good as its predecessor. The quality of Angela Marsons writing has never diminished over the entire series. The release of a Kim Stone novel is an event to look forward to. Full of engaging characters and humour this series is fast becoming one of my favourites. I wish I could give it more than 5 stars because it certainly deserves it. Excellent and I happily recommend it and the series to anyone.

What a brilliant book. This book has a fantastic story line, excellent characters and is just wonderful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone and I enjoyed it immensely.

Amazing! This author knows how to write a story. Engaging characters, the right balance of back story/character development with the main story having enough twists and turns to hold your full attention right to the end.
Roll on book 12!

This book is another triumph for Angela Marsons. So far the author can do no wrong with all 11 books in this series worthy of 5 star reviews.
In a change from her usual format the author has taken a chance here by having two separate stories going on at the same time. It was a gamble that paid off. DC Penn was introduced in the previous story but we weren't told much about him. By weaving the sub-plot in with the main story we learn more about his personality as well as his home life and his relationship with former colleagues.
Another success for the author, I can't wait for book 12.

Child's Play is the must read thriller for the year. Fabulous characters and well written. I can't wait to read more by this author.

I have nothing but praise for this amazing series, 11 books and counting and the series keeps getting better with each installment.

The main plot of this book is really original and was never approached in other books, so this gives a fresh prescpective on rarely mentioned topics.

There are also nice sub plots weaved nicely with the main one. Detective Kim is also growing out of the shadows of her past and I can't wait to see more of her new attitude.

I highly recommend this series to all fans of original high quality unlit mystery thrillers.

Thanks Netgalley, Bookouture, and author Angela Marsons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This jumped straight to the top of the tbr list. Kim, Bryant, Stacey, Penn et al are back. Number 11 in the series and as good a read as ever. No staleness or predictability about this series. Unusual topic for the main plot and the added bonus of another main plot running along side with the addition of some new faces too. Subplot continues to develop along nicely with Kim being much less the victim of her past than she was. Read in one day, a true unputdownable read

I thought that this story was superb!!

I thought that this storyline was excellent, I loved the opening scenes and even though it was gruesome I have to say it is one of the best openings to a book I have read for quite a while, after I had started the book and read that, there was no way that I was putting this book down for a good while!!

DI Kim Stone is one of my favourite all time characters in this genre, she is sassy, has a wicked personality and excellent wit, and also her vulnerability that she keeps hidden where possible makes her a well grounded and believable character. She is a brilliantly developed character and I loved her interaction with Bryant and Keats. She shines so well in this book, it was a pleasure to read each and every page.

I loved that Penn also got to feature in his own storyline too, after we found out more about his personal circumstances in a previous book, I have been rooting for him to fit in and become part of the team and I think his temporary move in this book shows just how well matched he is with Stone and his colleagues in the West Midlands force. I loved the temporary addition of Tiffany (or Tink) to the team too and her conversations with Stone, Bryant and Stacey did have me giggling in places too.

No hesitation in giving this story five stars, I loved it, I was gripped from the first few chapters and hooked right to the fantastic ending.

This is one of the best books in the series and as this is already book 11 in the series that says a lot as not a lot of author's can keep producing books this strong and so well written - very, very highly recommended!!

OMG!! Love it best well written mystery thriller.

I love that we got inside the killer head once and that was in the prologue.

It start with the murder victim Belinda Evans when she is found in the park and we learn she was a child genius. As Kim Stacy and Bryant investigate it leads to another murder and we meet another child genius Beth who husband was the victim.

We learn how child geniuses adapt to life as adults and how parents goes to extreme to exploit their children and how the siblings of child geniuses feels ignore or cast aside.

I love how while I was reading that I didn't know who the killer could be that I was right there with Kim Stacy and Bryant also the new cop Tiffany as Kim calls her Tinker bell investigate who it could be and when Kim draw the conclusion of who it was I right there with her cause I figure it out to.

There was also another story with Penn who had to go court because of a case he work on with his old team and when he step in court he felt something wasn't going go right he was right because the case blew up and he and his old team had to reinvestigate everything they did what he finds shocks him to his core.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.