Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of Killing Mind in exchange for an honest review.

Angela Marsons does it again!

The Kim Stone series is one of my all time most favorites. I love Kim and her bad-ass team of crime solvers. Bryant brings the warmth, commitment, and devotion of a seasoned cop. Stacey brings the brains and stubbornness of a talented young female cop working her way up the ranks. And Penn? Penn brings joy and a bright light to a team that's still working through heartbreak. And of course, Kim is Kim. Hard, brilliant and stubborn but also soft and fragile when no one is looking.

In book 12 we have two cases that we are following which is a Marsons classic. Sometimes those two cases intertwine and sometimes they do not. In this instance, case two stands alone but it's no less haunting than the case that's front and center; we get a glimpse into Bryant's early days and a case that's followed him for over 20 years. On the other hand, Kim and her team have come in contact with a modern day cult and all of them are soon to be surprised by what they find.

We saw a more emotional side of Kim this go round which I have been craving. I don't need Kim to find love but I do love when we see the more human side of her. She's almost like a machine, going from one case to the next and rarely stopping to talk or think about how she feels. In book 12, we see just a glimpse into her feelings when she handles an issue with Bryant and I loved getting the chance to see more of the emotional side to a character that holds her cards so close. I loved seeing just how much she values the big man who she gripes with almost daily.

Finally, I have said from the beginning of the series that I appreciate so much the complex women that Marsons introduces us to. We see evil, sadistic women whose personality traits are are typically saved for male antagonists and I love that we see a side to females that we don't normally get to see in stories and thrillers.

As always, I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I love Angela Marsons Kim Stone series and, as always, this latest book is a cracker of a read. I feel like I know Kim and the team, they are not just characters in a book, and have always enjoyed reading of their working relationships, rapport and friendships.

The team investigate what they believe to be a suicide which is actually a murder. When another murder follows, their investigations lead them to a local cult and the story covers manipulative and coercive behaviour, and how being a member of a cult can affect someone and their feelings. Also, an old case of one of Kim’s colleagues returns and you see a different Kim, who sees friendship and support are not a one way street and shows empathy as she tries to be there for her colleague and friend.

I don’t think there is a book that Angela Marsons can write that I won’t like or enjoy. This series is one of my all time favourites, one I can return to and reread again. She has the most wonderful way of drawing me into the story, keeping my attention all the way through and for the last two days I’ve loved being back in Kim’s world again. And being not too far from the Black Country I read the characters lines in my head in their accent 😀. A very well deserved 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Book Review

Killing Mind by Angela Marsons

Synopsis

Kim and her team are asked to attend the scene of a young woman who is found alone in her flat with her throat slit. With no signs of forced entry or any other forensic evidence, it is concluded that the young woman took her own life. However, following a visit to the young woman’s family along with discovery of other evidence, Kim realises that this young woman was actually murdered. Another body (this time a young man) is then discovered also with his throat slit. After further investigations, it comes to light that both these young people spent time at Unity Farm, a retreat for people seeking an alternative way of life. Kim decides that the only way to gain valuable information regarding the workings of Unity Farm is to send someone in undercover….

Review

This is the 12th book in the Kim Stone series. I have read and loved every single one and always excitedly await the next instalment. Each instalment can be read as a standalone book, however I would recommend reading the books in order to understand the references to previous storylines and also to get to know Kim and her team (who are such important parts of each storyline). In my opinion, each book builds upon the previous one (mainly with regards to the characters) and gets better and better.

What can I say about this book that I haven’t previously said about the previous 12!? I loved the storyline, the character development, the short chapters and the storyline being told from different points of view. I find all her book fast-paced which I am unable to put down (I often read her books in one sitting - my partner just keeps bringing me tea!) As I have previously stated, I love that the books are based in the Black Country (my home-town!) as this enables me to relate to the geographical locations/storyline more.

I did feel that Kim displayed more vulnerability (i.e. questioning her decisions) and compassion and empathy towards her team during this instalment; this is different to her usual demeanour but I enjoyed seeing this side to her.

Overall, this is a binge-read worthy, fascinating read which I would recommend to anyone! Roll on the next book! I never want this series to end!

Thank-you to Quercus Books via Netgalley for providing me with an advanced electronic copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Killing Minds is due to be published on the 13th May 2020.

I love the Kim Stone and Bryant novels. Great writing. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me enthralled. Definitely look forward to her next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Another fantastic five star read from this author. I have been with DI Kim Stone from book one. I must admit that this series is one of my favourites and each new release goes straight to the top of my reading pile. A young girl is found in her bedroom with her throat cut. Suicide or murder???? It is up to Kim and her team to find out which. What is the secret of Unity Farm? This read was devoured in one sitting. Misdirection by the bucket and a really clever plot to boot. Oh yes this author has done it again, a fantastic addition to a very addictive and gripping series. A well deserved five stars and so Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

Outstanding! This author has done it again! Not that there was any doubt - when I pick up one of her books, I know that I will never get anything done until I have finished, my mind and life taken over by Kim Stone and her wonderful team. I save each of this author's books, hoarding it like the treat it is until I am absolutely sure I will not be disturbed. I have lived every one of these books with the characters feeling their pain and hurting for them and this one was no different. What this author is particularly skilled at is how she makes the reader bleed, even for the villains. She shows us how easy it is to turn from law abiding to criminal, how circumstances and choices can make you take that one wrong turn from which there's no coming back. She makes us care and not only for the victims - and this is what sets her apart from all the other crime writers of today. She is the queen of crime and with this book the crown rests even more firmly upon her head. Long may she reign. Cannot wait for more from this incredible author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Killing Mind, the twelfth sequential novel to feature DI Kim Stone of the West Midlands Police.

When Samantha Brown is found dead in her flat with her throat cut everyone assumes it’s suicide until Kim takes a closer look and realises she’s been murdered. When a second body is found in a lake with his throat cut and a link is found to Samantha Kim finds herself in a different kind of investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Mind which is a tense read with a different slant on the serial killer genre. Apart from the prologue the novel is told, in different voices, from the investigative point of view. I like this approach as it gives the reader a broad overview of events but doesn’t detract from the main event, finding a killer. In a sense this is a psychological thriller as it deals with the power of mind control and cults. I’m not sure if it added to my knowledge but the author has obviously done a lot of research and has the gift of explaining the psychology of it in easily understandable language and while there is a fair amount of tell, the show has the most emotional impact, most of it tragic.

The plot is well conceived and executed with moments of tension, suspense and action and reveals that come at a steady pace. I was glued to the pages apart from some eye glazing at the cult descriptions (they do go a bit at times) and I got so immersed that I had to put it down a couple of times when the tension got to me. There is a subplot where one of Bryant’s old cases comes roaring back to life, leading him to question the nature of justice. I found the questions asked in this fascinating and can’t decide if he made the right decision or not.

After so many novels the team is a well oiled machine which works well together. It is always a pleasure to dip into their harmonious world, well amongst themselves as Kim is a friction magnet with outsiders although she appears to be mellowing.

Killing Mind is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Every book in this series is the best yet! Again Marsons has woven a fast paced, complex plotline with a returning cast of well developed, relatable characters and just the right amount of humour to lighten what is a harrowing case.

I know I've said it before and I'm pretty sure I'll be saying it again but I BLOODY LOVE Angela Marsons, I think I might have a little fan girl crush going on!

Before I go on I must say, if you haven't read the previous books (why the hell wouldn't you have?) You're best of reading them before either reading or reviewing this one. I wouldn't recommend as a stand alone read.

Now that's out of the way...Book 12 of the Detective Kim Stone Series... my all time favourite series ever!

This book takes us into the fascinating but dark world of cults and we get to see just how dangerous and destructive they can be. Angela has quite obviously researched this until the 10th degree, every aspect is covered in perfect detail (as usual), especially the "you see what they want you to see". What a predatory and manipulative world they live in.

As the previous books we once again learn more about the other members of the amazing and eclectic team, this time we follow Bryant back to an old case and watch the drama unfold. I must admit I guessed the outcome of that part but it didnt make it any less enjoyable and intriguing to read.

Penn seems to come into his own in this one, growing stronger in his ability, his confidence and his place in the team.

Over the past 11 books I've loved watching Kim grow stronger in every way but unlike previous books Book 12 didnt really fall back on her traumatic childhood like all the others, there was barely a mention so there obviously been a shift in gear to how these stories will now progress. On a side note it was touching to have a small mention of Kevin Dawson put in there.

The Detective Kim Stone Series never fails to hit the mark! Angela Marsons is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to this genre.

A truly riveting, tense, suspenseful and well plotted storyline intricately woven together to produce, once again, one hell of a read!

Now hurry up with Book 13

The biggest thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Ms Marsons has done it again. I was so excited to receive a copy of Killing Mind. The is 12th book in the Kim Stone series. I have read and loved this series from the first page of the first book and this one does not disappoint. This is an amazing series that gets better and better.
When Kim Stone is called to apparent suicide when the persons throat is cut and no forced entry they class the death as suicide but hours later after visiting the parents of the deceased and the pathologist investigating the death, Kim realises she has made a mistake and it is actually a suicide.
A few days later another body of Tyler Short turns up found in the nearby lake. They find a link between the two deaths which come in a retreat called Unity farm. But Unity farm is not all as it seems, it is a cult when they target vulnerable people not only to brainwash them but to take away their assets for the good of the farm.
Bryant is also taking time out from the case when he is contacted to be informed that a killer, he put away 25 years ago is being released from prison. He tries to warn them he will kill again. To no avail.
This is another brilliant episode in the Kim Stone series. The quality of the author is immense. It never falters. The story is always fresh This is professionally researched in the subject matter of cults, how they effect people and how they manipulate and coerce people to do their bidding. I love the camaraderie between Kim and her team. They are like a little family and do anything they can when one of them is in trouble. Another big, big fat 5 stars from me.

Another belter, the like of which we have come to expect from Angela Marsons.
Strong plot, solid characterisation and an easy, intelligent writing style.
The cult angle is an interesting one which was obviously well researched. (I almost got sucked in myself!)
A final, excellent twist sealed the deal.
Already looking forward to the next one.

I have read all Kim Stones outings so was very much looking forward to this and I was not disappointed.
A case involving an apparent cult and a spate of murders leads to one of Kim's own coming close (too close?) to the action.
Hugely enjoyable as usual!

Angela Marsons could write a note on the back of a receipt and i would want to read it. I love her writing, I love this series and I tell everyone I know to read her. This is another great addition to the series, compelling, exciting and I loved it!

Once again Angela Marsons delivers a heart pounding, show stopping, masterpiece of a novel. How does this woman do it? Time and time again, Angela not only proves herself as top of the class in crime fiction but an expert story teller.

Each novel she has written for the Kim Stone series has its own unique qualities and its very distinct and well researched, insightful plot. This book is no exception. In book 12 we see Kim’s team tackling head-on a sophisticated cult that is as hard to find as it is to leave which ends up putting one of their own in danger.

Notable differences with book 12 were that there was no more hints or links to Kim’s back story. Quite rightly this has been removed as it has been extensively covered in the previous 11 books and it is not missed nor is it vital to the plot. Kim’s personal life of bikes and Barney also take a back seat and the beloved Betty has ‘left’ the team.

After Kim’s ordeal in book 11 it’s interesting to see a subtle change in her own character. Not quite as fiesty but all the more determined and in a few places you see her acting almost (dare I say it) motherly and caring.

As for Kim’s team, in this book we see a new edge to Bryant as he is dragged back to an old case of his that should never have been reopened. Silent and moody and with a grudge to bear it’s good to see the old teddy bear get some gumption!

I know a lot of Marson fans are still sad about the loss of Dawson but I have to say I’m enjoying Penn even more and it was nice to read more of his abilities and quirks.

Book 12 sees the return of Tiff (Tink), proving herself as an ace police officer once again and providing some light comedy in what is otherwise a very disturbing time. I wouldn’t be surprised to read that she becomes part of the team permanently.

I don’t want to go any further into the details of the book because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone that hasn’t read it yet. But I do want to express my extreme gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a copy for my reading pleasure. And my warmest regards to Angie and her partner for, without them I wouldn’t have become the crazy fan girl that I now am! Much love... now go finish my book 13! 🥰

Another great book following Detective Kim Stone and her team. on her search for a killer into a world it’s hard to believe actually exists. How does jake charm people young and old ? What secrets are held behind the doors of the farm and how does it contain so much power for people to drop contact with family and friends. Sinking into one of Angela Marsons books you know you won’t be disappointed

One of my favorite series and that doesn't look like its going to change anytime soon. Book 12 and this is still going strong. I like Kim Stone and her team the more I read them. The investigations are always well done. Never a dull moment when reading these books. Highly recommend if you love following a D.I. and their team. You will not be disappointed!!

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great story line from Angela Marsons featuring Detective Kim Stone and her team. An unusual story line with the team using various devices at their disposal to bring the story to a surprising conclusion which baffled me to the end.

Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone series is another of my favorites. Kim may be brusque, but she’s a great team leader. And she has a super team. This time around, Kim is called to an apparent suicide. But within hours, she changes her mind and rules it a murder. And then, within days, a second body turns up with the same manner of death. Both of the victims spent time at Unity Farm and there are concerns that the place is a cult. The decision is made to send someone in undercover.

As the book goes on Marsons spends a lot of time educating the reader on how a cult works. Not only as Kim tries to learn about them, but from Tiffany’s personal experience as she goes undercover. It’s very well done and engrossing. Once again, I didn’t see the ending playing out as it did.

This is a series that benefits from reading them in order to see the character development. I can recommend it to anyone that enjoys well done police procedurals that focus on strong characters.

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

How is this book 12? I think this is my favourite series of all time. I love this Author's writing and boy does she have an imagination! DI Kim Stone and her team have lots to investigate. Was it suicide or murder? Lets throw a cult into the story and see where that leads. I really liked the references to a past team member and I am so sad that Betty died. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoutre and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book. Bring on #13.

Book 12 in the Kim Stone series and it doesn’t disappoint.

An apparent suicide which turns into a murder has DI Kim Stone and her team baffled. When the body of a young man is found, she is called in as it seems that both victims were killed in the same way. As the team digs deeper it appears that both were residents at Unity Farm, a supposed retreat which helps the lost and lonely. But it turns out that Unity Farm is really a cult praying on the vulnerable so Kim decides to send young constable Tiffany undercover to find out what is going on. Will DI Stone get the answers she is looking for or will she come to regret her decision?

Compelling, fast paced and full of suspense, Killing Mind is another excellent book in this series.