I have read the majority of the Kim Stone series and generally find them an enjoyable, easy read. Kim can be a bit annoying in her single minded, stubborn approach but she has a good team around her as well as a sympathetic back story which overall evens out . This book was similar to the others with a good storyline, you don't necessarily need to read them in order but overall I would imagine it helps as reference is made to aspects of previous books. I enjoyed the topic of cults as similar to Angela Marsons I find it fascinating. Perhaps, it would have been helpful to have more of a background on the leader to understand more about how it came about but just my preference.

Angela Marsons has done it again (I think I write this at the beginning of every review in the Kim Stone series)
Killing Mind is book 12 in the Kim Stone series and the series just gets better and better.
From the second I start to read I’m engrossed. Short, sharp chapters that makes me unable to put the book down.
Kim and her team work so well together even though the personalities are so different and each has their own strength and they gel so well together.
Kim is called to a death of a young girl which looks like suicide..but is it? Then when she goes to inform her parents they seem to be hiding something. Is there more to it than what they are letting on?
You need to read it to find out what...
This book is gripping, page turning and just brilliant.
5 stars
Highly recommend

I absolutely love these books and cannot rate them high enough. How Angela marson manages to think up these storylines I cannot fathom but I hope she continues for many more books.

The team are called to investigate what appears to be a clear case of suicide but things don’t sit right with DI Kim Stone and the case is reviewed then reclassified as murder. The crime leads them to have dealing with Unity Farm a kind of spiritual retreat run by the charismatic Jake Black. But is everything as perfect and welcoming as it seems?

Many thanks to the publishers and netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Another brilliantly constructed Kim Stone novel from the superb Angela Marion's. The characters, the plot, the settings, the realistic dialogue and the police work all ring so true. This series is one of the best around! They are best read in order, but I recommend that you read them however you can find them. Completely, stunningly excellent.

Killing Mind is another excellent immensely readable book in the Kim Stone series.
An apparent suicide turns out to be a murder, as Kim and team begin to investigate. When liaising with the family they discover links to a retreat called Unity Farm. As the case continues at a fast pace it becomes clear that people are been targeted and their fears and insecurities being used to indoctrinate them into a cult.
More bodies are discovered and Kim sends ‘Tink’ a police officer who was introduced in a previous book to go in undercover, not realising the danger she may be being placed in.
Along side there is a secondary story involving Bryant and the first murder scene he attend as a young constable. This works well and is well written and emotional.
This book romps along at a good pace, it is interesting and captures your attention to the point you won’t want to put the book down.
I felt there was less personal interaction between the main characters this time but mainly because they were so committed to unearthing the truth and catching the villain/s
My thanks to net galley and publisher Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this arc. And special thanks to Angela Marsons!!

Make a big pot of coffee.
Turn off the phone.
READ.

I love this series. And with book # 12, the love continues. This story started with an apparent suicide of a young lady for Kim, followed quickly by the murder of a young man in a similar manner. While Kim and her team were trying to figure out how the two victims were connected, Bryant was side-tracked by the prison release of the murderer of his very first case as a policeman. And they're off as they say at the races. The pacing of the two stories was great as usual. Kim, Stacy and Penn found the cult connection between their victims early on. Kim, given her own background and mental toughness didn't give it much credibility to start with, but with the addition of a single shoe found at their second victim's scene, began to think further. As a result, she called on Tink to come in on the action. YEAH!! Tink!!

A great fast read, but left me with a couple or three burning questions at the end:
1. Were Kim's moments of gooey softness with her team members aberrant one-offs? I hope not.
2. Will Bryant get all the knots worked out of his knickers?? I hope so.
3. WHO is going to replace Betty???

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I love this series and (being pessimistic) I often fear that maybe this one may be the one that disappoints as surely, she can’t keep hitting the jackpot! But not this series, it just seems to get stronger and stronger. It was great to catch up with Kim and her team again, but was sad that Betty has left us…
The books are exciting reads with short punchy chapters that keep the pace at a fantastic speed. I love the very believable characters, that have developed over the series and a great new character Tiff (Tink).

The subject matter of this one is cults, it was obvious Ms Marsons has done a lot of research, but unlike other authors, she has edited it down to just the right level. Overall this was yet another gripping crime thriller, with some great banter in the team and familiar locations.

Five massive stars from me for this utterly brilliant read. Book 12 in the Kim Stone series. What a great story with the usual great characters that are part and parcel of this super series.

The problem with reviewing the twelfth volume in a series that you love, is that eventually you repeat yourself. What can I say? That I love the characters, the writing and the plot? Well, I do. How can Marsons have written so many novels and still keep it fresh is outstanding. This time, one of the team members goes undercover into a cult. Said person is a police officer so the leader won't be able to brainwash them, right? Well, that's what makes cults truly terrifying, you may be a normal person but no one is safe from psychological manipulation. All the characters get a chance to shine. Bryant revisits his first case in a subplot that surprised me and made me look at him under a different light. Stacey seems to be closer to personal happiness and Penn is just as good-natured as always. But it's Kim that I like more and more every time. She's more empathetic and smarter than ever.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/ Bookouture!

Another Kim Stone novel. 12 now in the series. That’s a lot right? Usually you start to reach diminishing returns. But book 12 - Killing Mind is one of, if not my favourite in the series.


When Kim is called to the death of a young woman in her flat it is ruled a suicide. The woman appears to have cut her own throat, knife still in her hand.
Kim visits the parents to tell them of their daughters death but she gets the feeling they are being evasive and not telling her the whole truth about her daughter.
When she spots a clue in a photo she realises she’s made a terrible mistake and that their daughter was murdered.
When a body is discovered shortly afterwards of a young man in a nearby lake with his throat cut in a similar fashion, Kim looks for a link between the two and finally finds that they both spent time in Unity Farm, a sort of retreat for vulnerable people.
She sends one of her officers in under cover to find out more but she soon finds out that Unity Farm is not all it seems and has a sinister side to it. Some refer to it as a cult. Has she sent her rookie officer into unnecessary danger?

Well this was just bloody brilliant, no other way to put it. I do love this series and with every new release I do fear that it may disappoint as you can’t keep hitting the jackpot. I think I rated all the previous books between four and five stars and this one is an easy five stars. It may be my favourite in the series.

I found the subject matter fascinating and was drawn in to the story in the early part of the book where short sharp chapters keep you on the edge of your seat and reel you into the story that’s to unfold. I was riveted to this from start to finish. Perfectly paced, nicely plotted and a very satisfying ending.
There were a couple of times when I did have to suspend disbelief but they were minor and obvious plot points to drive the story on. Not enough to detract from my five star score.

If you like Kim Stone you are in for a real treat here. Start the book early in the day because once you pick it up you won’t want to put it down.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. (less)

As always, a cracker of a book from Angela Marsons. Hooked from the first page; the insight into cults and how they prey on insecurities and use vulnerabilities to snare their targets made for a compelling storyline. I love catching up with all the characters, can’t wait for the next instalment!

I was delighted to receive an advanced copy of The Killing Mind. This is the 12th book in the Detective Kim Stone series, and Angela Marsons has maintained the high standards, gripping suspense and the psychological insights of previous books. I have enjoyed all books in this series and a new one always goes to the front of my reading list.

The author’s insight into the background and emotional makeup of victims, villains, as well as Kim and her team adds a compelling dimension to these police procedurals. This can be read as a stand-alone, but previous books give added information about the team members and how much Kim has grown during this brilliant series.

The plot begins with Kim called to the scene of the suicide of a young woman. Her distraught parents seem to be concealing something about the circumstances surrounding her death. When a young man is found killed in a similar manner, her death is classified as murder. This leads the detectives to a place called Unity Farm, a retreat where both had been members of a cult-like lifestyle movement.

Kim interviews Kane, a gruff deprogrammer, who is dedicated to removing people from this cult and restoring them to their normal personality. Kim is suspicious of his involvement with Unity Farm and dislikes his abrupt manner. He refuses to answer some of her questions. He explains to her the psychology of cults and how they recruit and prey upon the unhappy, dissatisfied and lonely, manipulating their minds for sinister gain. He describes the difficulty of successful de-programming and how it may be accomplished.

Kim does not seem to absorb much of what Kane tells her, not yet convinced that Unity Farm is a cult. There may be other disappearances connected with the place and its charismatic leader. She sends a young constable, Tiff, undercover into Unity Farm to find out what is going on. Tiff seems ideal for the assignment, looking younger than her age and quite innocent. Is Tiff too vulnerable for this duty? Might she be programmed into the cult? Tiff is excited to take on the role, hoping that a successful outcome would lead her to become a full member of the team.

Penn is becoming a valuable member of the team having replaced a favourite detective. Bryant has his own case, following the release of a man who was imprisoned for brutal crimes in the past, and now due for release may commit more violence. Stacey has found some important information relating to Unity Farm and its adherents. Kim comes to the realization that Tiff may be facing grave danger. Is it possible to save her in time or have they manipulated her mind through programming?

This is a complex but easy to read plot. Its short chapters increase the pace, momentum and suspense.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this absorbing ARC.

Another five-star hit from the author. As the series continues, the stories get better. The author does a good job of seamlessly weaving different plot points to bring them to conclusions. A book and a series which I would recommend to everyone.

This was the twelfth in the most fabulous crime series ever written. I am a huge fan and was not disappointed in this latest offering. DI Kim Stone is a brilliant character and I enjoyed seeing a slightly more tender side to her in this book.

Being called to the scene of what appears to be a suicide, Kim agrees that the young girl killed herself until later, when reviewing one of the crime scene photographs makes her change her mind. After getting the case reclassified she sets out to gain a better understanding of the girl and her family, who she believes are not being straight with her about the circumstances that led to their daughter’s death. Of course, she is right. And so begins the story that leads Kim and her team to Unity Farm, a retreat from the usual way of life.

However, all is not as it seems, and in order to find out more, Kim sends Tiff undercover to discover just how the Farm works. While Tiff is undercover, Kim gets increasingly concerned for her welfare as she finds out just how cults like Unity Farm work. I loved reading about Tiff and her character grew through her adventure at the Farm. I was hoping the book might end with an invitation for Tiff to join Kim’s wonderful team.

I still miss DS Dawson from the earlier books, but his place is ably taken by DS Penn, whose character continues to develop in this book, particularly in regard to the relationship with his brother. Such brilliant writing allows the reader to gain insights into lesser characters while a storm is raging with the main characters.

Even though DS Bryant plays a lesser role in this book, he nevertheless plays a major role in his own case in which a murderer gets parole after 25 years in prison. DS Bryant is concerned that he may once again be responsible for another murder. Angela’s amazing writing allows us to follow both stories at the same time without ever losing touch with either.

It is always sad when a brilliant new book is read. I will mourn it like a friend. Until the next book in the series. I can’t wait!

Another fantastic book in the Kim Stone series.
I couldn’t wait to read this book as I knew it would be a gripping crime thriller, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s great to catch up with Kim and the team again but I was sad to hear Betty is no more...
This book centres around a cult that is luring young people in and brainwashing them to stay.
One of it’s former residents is found dead and soon after another resident’s body is found with the same cause of death.
Kim and the team get close to what’s happening at Unity Farm but they can’t fully know what’s going on without sending one of the team in....
I loved this book as it linked in with a cult which I’ve always found intriguing.
The leader is charismatic and knows exactly say to say to persuade people to stay.
It’s a great read that will keep you hooked from the first to the last page.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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. Being a fan of Angela Marsons , Kim Stone books since the first one, it always amazes me that she's able to up the excitement from the previous book. This book is simply brilliant as are all her books can't wait for more.

The twelfth book in the Kim Stone series and as excellent as the previous ones. Called to agree that a suspicious death is a suicide Kim thinks it’s a box ticking exercise but something does not add up. Following instinct she comes across a group called Unity Farm a lifestyle retreat or something more serious?
I am a major fan of all the Kim Stone books including this one. Bryant, Kim’s second in command, is also dealing with a case from his past.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#KillingMindDetectiveKimStone #NetGalley

This new chapter in the Detective Kim Stone series does a great job of highlighting just how predatory and dangerous cults can be. When the team realizes that such a place is at the center of multiple suspicious deaths, they need to carefully infiltrate Unity Farm and find out just what goes on there and why no one seems to return to their former lives for long. Why are they ending up dead, instead?

They have the perfect officer to send in, Tiff, whom we've met in a previous story. She looks so young and innocent that she will be able to blend in well and report back to the team. But of course, nothing goes as planned, and is that because she may in fact be too vulnerable to their influence? Is anyone safe from this place?

I loved the character of Kane. Through his gruff, detailed conversations with Kim, the author is able to explain quite a lot about how cults use manipulation of emotions and physical needs to ensure that the members gain dependence on them for just about everything. They turn them against their families using their past against them. I did feel that Kim would have been a little more open to the idea than she's portrayed, as she's very street smart and aware that people are all too willing to manipulate others for a more sinister gain.

I also enjoyed the subplot of Bryant's involvement with a former and very personal case of his. After a murderer is unsuccessfully kept from being denied parole, he feels a duty to the father of a victim and another victim to keep them safe. He makes some tough decisions that highlight his incredibly kindhearted personality and deeply ingrained integrity. He's easily my favorite character after Kim.

Whether you are new to this series or a faithful follower, Book 12 is one that should not be missed.

DI Kim Stone series.
Kim and her team investigate the supposed suicide of a young woman and then a young man. They quickly realise that these were murders and connected.
DS Bryant, one of her team, is also involved in an investigation of a murderer recently released from prison.
Kim and her team focus their investigation on Unity Farm ,its charismatic leader and the members of the group who live there.
Tiff, a young constable goes undercover as a disaffected daughter and starts to be dragged further into the ‘group’.
Some old and new characters which kept the plot interesting.
Pacy writing on a difficult subject which is well handled .
Good lead up to climatic ending.

This is book #12 in the Kim Stone series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the books in series order to fully understand the previous story references. Kim Stone is a fantastic character who has got better and better as each book is written. If you’ve read my reviews for the other books in the series, you’ll know that I love the geographical references. The books are based in and around the Black Country, and I love seeing and reading about places that I know and live around! The Black Country has a great history, and I love how the author not just mentions local landmarks but delves into the history of them as well!

This latest book is based around the discovery of a young woman’s body at her home. Seemingly a suicide, Kim trusts her gut feeling and looks into the death a little more closely. Realising that this is a case of murder, Kim and her team work hard to find out who would have killed her and why. When more bodies are discovered, the team connect them all to Unity Farm, a retreat for people who want to live an alternative way of life. Kim’s usual team are back but it seems that they are all carrying personal problems of their own, which they need to work through. It was a great change of events from previous books as usually it’s Kim’s personal problems which are prevalent and yet this time Kim is the one giving out advice! I love Bryant’s character and always have throughout the series. His relationship with Kim is great and the humour between them both makes me smile every time. We are again also introduced to the newer member of the team, Tiffany. Without giving too much away, her storyline was gripping and left me with my heart in my mouth on more than one occasion!

I find it amazing how we are now so many books into the series, yet it never loses its appeal! The storylines are all so different from each other and unique from book to book. The introduction of a ‘cult’ group in this book had me hooked, even though the whole premise of cults makes me very nervous! The author portrayed perfectly how easy it is for people to be drawn into these groups, bringing a dark and sinister tone to the storyline. A great deal of research has obviously also gone into writing these stories, and this shows with the realistic plots and factual information which is given. I also loved Bryant’s side story, which ran alongside the main theme. His interest in one of his previous cases from many years before is particularly emotional, and his conscience is pushed to its limits with the events that happen.

I knew this would be another five-star rating before I even started the book! The author is so clever with her writing and has the ability to hook you in on the first page and not let you go until the very end. It is full of twists and turns, dead ends and false clues, constantly making you think you’ve worked it out, for it to then all change on the turn of a page! There’s plenty of dead bodies and forensically factual terminology for the more gruesome amongst us, lots of suspects for those who like to try and work it out and even some light hearted humour for those who need a break from the first two!! This has to be the best crime series I have read, and long may Kim Stone continue! Fab-u-lous!!