Killing Mind is Angela Marsons at her best. Samantha Brown is found dead, seemingly from suicide. DCI Kim Stone is first on scene and while initially she too agrees it is a suicide it's not long before she changes her opinion. While Samantha's parents are naturally devastated at the news Kim suspects they know a lot more than they are letting on. What are they hiding about their daughter's past and why? Another body is found which is also connected to Samantha and the race is in to find the killer. Kim and her team find themselves facing their most unusual case for a long time. The stakes for them are particularly high when they place an undercover officer in the mix who's life is at risk. I really enjoyed Killing Mind, it's absorbing and clever. Thank you Netgalley for my advance copy for an honest opinion.

Kim Stone is back in the twelfth instalment, Killing Mind, in Angela Marsons bestselling crime series. Kim and the team are called to a scene where the body of a young woman has been found. It appears that she has tragically committed suicide, but Kim isn’t so keen to wrap the case up, and she soon discovers something that doesn’t quite match up with the team’s early findings and suspicions. As they investigate the woman’s death further, it draws Kim and the team to investigate a cult known as Unity Farm. And soon the young woman isn’t the only person with a connection to the cult to end up dead. But is the cult responsible for the killings? What had they done that was so wrong to deserve death?

I’ve read a few books recently where cults have featured, and they are scary and fascinating at the same time. It’s terrifying to see how leaders of these cults can easily manipulate vulnerable people and make them wholly dependent on them. Angela Marsons examines just how easy it is for them to get inside a person’s head and change perceptions on their life, and this is the case with the cult’s leader. You can see how other members of the group worship and look up to him, and it becomes clear that they would do anything for him if they were asked to do so.

In the latest book, Angela Marsons introduced us to a new member who joined Kim’s team, Tiffany, who Kim refers to as Tink. Tiffany takes a more prominent role in this book as she is sent to unity farm undercover. Tiff is determined to prove herself to Kim and her team, but we can also see just how vulnerable she is herself, and how she is drawn into the group. It’s been really good to see her character grow, like Kim I think I found her a little irritating in the last book in the series. After this instalment, however, I think she is a welcome addition to the team.

DS Bryant becomes distracted in this book, by a previous case he once worked on before he was part of Kim’s team. A man who helped put behind bars for the murder and rape of a young woman is up for parole, and he lends his support to the victim’s family. He is determined to make sure that the man isn’t released, as he fears that the man will kill again. This was an intriguing sub-plot as we do see a side to Bryant that we haven’t quite seen before. Usually, there is a lot of wit between him and Kim, which I really like, but Killing Mind does seem to take on a darker tone.

Angela Marsons once again captured my interest very early on and held it right the way through. I have reviewed nearly every book in this series now, and it is becoming harder and harder to find new things to say about it. All I can say is that you need to read these books if you haven’t already, you won’t regret it!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in return of my review.
Firstly I cannot believe that I have missed what is obviously an amazing series of books as this is No 12 of Angela Marsons stories featuring Kim Stone I will certainly be looking out for the previous books. I absolutely loved Kim and her team Bryant, Penn, Stacey etc. straight away you felt connected to them. The story which involved a "cult" was also well written and made you feel uncomfortable with what it was doing with vulnerable people. You could totally understand how people who are unhappy or alone at drawn into these places. Can't wait for No 13 now.

Another incredible installment in the series! I don't know how Angie does it, but Kim Stone and crew are still as fresh and relatable in book #12 as they were in book #1. Anxiously awaiting the next book, and every book after!

I absolutely loved the storyline in Killing Mind. A death which to start with looks like suicide and then another death with links to the same retreat, things start to get very interesting indeed.

Kim is just a fabulous character and for me, I seem to be seeing new levels to her in each book. For someone with a hardened exterior, she seems to be mellowing ever so slightly. She almost felt a bit like a mother hen with her young officer, working undercover in the retreat.

Tiffany was a stand out character for me. I loved her youthfulness and vulnerability. For a young police officer to be working undercover, I was really hoping that Kim knew what she was doing by sending her in. I held my breath many a time, waiting to see how things were going to turn out.

There are definitely some shocking surprises in store for the reader. Unexpected ones at that. Not sure how the author manages to keep coming up with such brilliant cases that grab the readers attention but she does.

Killing Mind is a book that you will want to set aside a day to read it. Once you pick it up, you won’t be going anywhere. I was instantly hooked with this perfectly paced story that didn’t let me go until the very last word. Another 5 star read from an author that I wouldn’t expect anything less from.

Another brilliant read. I love this series... Kim goes from strength to strength. I particularly liked the story in this book- Angela Marsons makes the unravelling of the tangled web very straightforward and easy to navigate. 2 parallel plots that leant energy and confusion to the main characters of Kim and Bryant. Love Stacey’s foibles and Penn’s thinking skills. Another great read 5* couldn’t put it down

Angela Marsons has done it again! It is certainly no secret that Kim Stone is one of my favourite characters and I have loved each and every of these books. This is book 12 and there are absolutely no signs of slowing down. I always look forward to a new installment and I read this in pretty much one sitting. It is like a series on Netflix that you cannot get enough of. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves to read a good, solid story.

Kim Stone and her team are on the case once again. They are called to the scene of an apparent suicide of a young woman, Samantha Brown in her home.. But Kim being Kim is not leaving it there. After talking to her distraught parents and going over the crime scene photos again she has it re-classified as a murder. When another body is discovered, found in a lake with his throat cut, the same way that Samantha's was, the race is on to find the killer. A link is found to a local retreat - Unity Farm. Both had visited the farm and Kim believed that this is the key to the crime.

As always the whole team pull together to work on this one. a character for a previous book, Tiffany, is brought in to help. All of the these characters work together so well, and all have their quirks.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.

I just love Angela Marson’s style of writing. The characters are awesome and the plots are always interesting. They’re not always stories about serial killings and child abusers which is a common theme among crime authors which I do struggle with at times, particularly child abuse. She writes about other types of crime which is both refreshing and can be very interesting to read. I’ve learnt a lot about cults from reading this book. Keep up the great work!

As usual, I loved reading about Kim Stone and her team. I was excited that Tiff was back in this book and I love that Penn is becoming an integral part of the team. Add that the murders have something to do with a cult and I’m hooked. I have not yet read any other series where every single book is a 5 star read! I can’t wait for the next book!

Killing Mind kicks off with Stone and Bryant attending a suspicious suicide, a woman found alone in her apartment with her throat slashed. When a man is found dead in a pond with similar injuries and the dead girl’s parents are reluctant to share much about their daughter’s past, Kim realizes the two cases may be connected.

DI Stone’s team are all present for this investigation but it feels like only half have their heads in the game. Bryant, usually reliable and solid, is distracted by a parole hearing for a killer from a case at the very beginning of his career. Stacy is distracted by her upcoming wedding but she and Penn do what they can to uncover background on the victims in the case. When connections to a place called Unity Farm are uncovered, Stone brings back a favourite character from a previous book to infiltrate the farm, the young constable Tiff, fondly called Tink by the otherwise hard-nosed DI.

This is another great addition to this stellar series. Marsons brings us into the world of cults, “alternate lifestyles” and the mind control, manipulation and charismatic leaders who prey on the elderly and impressionable in society. DI Stone has a crisis of confidence over her decision to send one of her own into a situation Kim cannot control. The danger surrounding this cult makes for another thrilling read and a great addition to the series.

ARC received with thanks from Bookouture via NetGalley for review.

This author never fails to impress me......outstanding!
The twelfth in the D.I. Kim Stone series, and it continues in the same way….just brilliant!
Another masterpiece of writing by Angela Marsons. The plot was fast paced and I couldn't put it down. I read at every opportunity, the short chapters were perfect to sneak in when I could. The quality is always there, truly blows me away with each book. Angela Marsons books are just so effortless to read. I love them.
Kim Stone visits the parents to inform them of the death of their daughter, Samantha Brown. On instinct, she feels there is more to it than a suicide. When a young man is found dead in a lake, Kim finds a link between him and Samantha. They’d both spent time at Unity Farm.
It’s a fascinating storyline, as the team uncover what goes on at the Unity Farm retreat. An officer goes in undercover and I felt genuinely concerned for their welfare. I really felt they would get sucked into the lifestyle and mindset of the other residents. Cults are not something I’ve given much thought to but I found it taught me something about how vulnerable people can easily get swayed by someone persuasive. All books by this author seem to educate me on subjects I’d never even thought about.
There is side story to the main one. An old brutal case Bryant worked on when he was a PC, it’s stayed with him for more than 25 years and he can’t let it go. It’s a really interesting part of the story for me.
I love the team of Kim, Bryant, Stacey and Penn. They complement each other perfectly.

How the author keeps coming up with these fab books just astonishes me, the content is amazing. It wouldn’t be an Angie Marsons without some brutality and shocking scenes.
I recommend this book 100%, and all the others in the series. Please read them all!
Angie Marsons is definitely one of my favourite authors, I think the books are just fantastic and I can't wait for the next one.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy in which I give my honest review.

I am a big fan of Angela Marsons books and the Kim Stone series has to be right up there with my favourite characters.
This book did not disappoint at all
Kim is a great detective who just gets on with the job
Over the previous books in the series you grow to admire and respect this detective even though she can,at times appear a little intense
She always gets her killer!
This book flowed from page to page and every chapter was great to read.
It’s one if those books that is very easy to devour in one sitting
I love the fact that Angela brings her characters from other books in the series back in each of these books
I love to read how they are “now “ albeit in a fictitious manner.
I feel Detective Kim Stone has a lot more miles in her yet and many more crimes to solve.
I envy those readers who have yet to experience these well researched and well written books.
It was my pleasure and honour to read this book prior to publication and I loved every page of it

The Kim Stone series (book 12) ‘Killing Mind’ is another brilliant read. Angela Marsons seems to get the balance spot on every time. There is enough human interactions and issues relating to the police involved in the case to keep the books alive and interesting and this time infiltrating a ‘cult’ is cleverly portrayed. The cunning balance between entertainment and being informative hits just the right tone.
There is no doubt that having read the previous eleven books improves my enjoyment but this can easily be read as a stand-alone.

DI Kim Stone arrives at the apparent suicide of a young girl but she notices there are some discrepancies and starts to believe it is murder. When another body is found having similar food inside as the first victim the investigation leads to PC Tiffany Moore going undercover.

At the same time DS Bryant becomes involved in a rape/murder because the man he sent to prison for a similar offence has been paroled.

Much of the storyline is dark and depressing although well-handled and as usual the suspense continues throughout the novel. This series is excellent all the way through and I am already eagerly anticipating the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Angela Marsons for the ARC in return for my honest review.

Brilliant, as always and highly recommended.

Killing Mind is the 12th book in the D.I. Kim Stone series and can be read as a standalone.


Kim Stone and her partner Bryant are investigating the death of twenty-one-year-old Samantha Brown who apparently committed suicide in her apartment. Or was it a suicide?


But there’s something about the crime scene and that suggests otherwise and Kim presses her boss, Woody to let them carry out a full investigation.


I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It kept me intrigued. I loved the way Kim and her team tried solving the murders. I love the way Angela writes by keeping you on your toes. Totally recommend this well-written book.


Many thanks to Angela Masons, NetGalley, and Bookouture for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Killing Mind by Angela Marsons is the twelth book in her DI Kim Stone series.

"DI Stone is called to the scene of an apparent suicide. Further investigation reveals it to be a murder and when a young man is found killed by the same method, Kim and her team search for connections between the two victims. They are led to a communal farm and send in an undercover officer. And now they've lost contact..."

Marsons has given us another good DI Stone story. We get to see a part of Bryant's backstory. Penn hits his stride as a member of the team. Tinkerbelle has an important role. And we get to see Kim grow and change. And the way that Penn develops a victim profile from one shoe and Amazon was remarkable. First time I had seen a crime writer use that in a story - quite ingenious.

If you're looking for crime fiction with a cult setting, this is a good option. Only issue is the tendency to overexplain information about cults and cult practices. It's written as an research by DI Stone, but seems a bit much.

Some great crime fiction from Marsons and a great series.

This is one of the best series of books around. I have enjoyed every one of them and was delighted to receive an ARC. In this book, Kim and her team become involved in the activities of a cult which preys on vulnerable people of all ages. Kim attends the scene of an apparent suicide, which quickly becomes a murder. I loved the pace and the character development, especially Tiffany the young PC.The discovery of a second body leads Kim to the cult. This was another great read from the author and I highly recommend the series to lovers of crime thrillers. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

When DI Stone arrives at the scene of a young girl’s apparent brutal suicide, the verdict appears to be clear. Later on, she notices some discrepancies and starts to think that the suicide may be murder instead. She’s also sure that the parents are hiding something. A couple of days later, they find the body of a 20-year-old boy in a lake. He also has a cut throat. Both victims have nothing but rice and beans in their stomach, they also were members of a new-age-like cult based in a ‘retreat’. When pc Tiffany Moore goes undercover in the cult, without permission from higher-on and without appropriate training, she seems to be taken in by the handsome cult-leader Jake Black and her new and chummy friend Britney. Can the inexperienced constable stand her ground?
DS Bryant has his own demons to deal with. As a young rookie PC, he was the first officer on the scene of the rape and murder of a 14-year-old girl and swore to give her justice. This case was the main reason for him to apply for CID. Now the killer gets paroled what gives him a very bad feeling. Not long after Peter Drake is released, another rape/murder happens, with the same MO as his earlier crimes. Bryant is allowed to assist the team of the West Mercia squad where the crime occurred.

It’s a compelling plot, dark and distressing when you understand how easy it is for a cult to turn someone’s head, especially if you’ve got low self-esteem or just a bit depressed. No heavy stuff as sleep deprivation and drugs, just plain-old psychology.
The story is sometimes slow and then fast-paced with surprises around every corner. The suspension-arc stretches until the end. It’s an extremely well-told story.
In this book, there’s no over-exposure to the home- life and background stories. Of course, the police officers are real human beings with their own problems and quirks, but it doesn’t distract you from the story as in some other books. The problems of Tiffany and Bryant do take more centre-stage, but that’s completely in function of the story.
The only sad bit is that I discovered this interesting and suspenseful series only now at the 12th book in the series. (Thank you, Maureen) Nevertheless, it can be perfectly read as a standalone. It won’t be the last book I read by this author.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for their free ARC, this is my honest, unbiased review.

Angela Marsons never disappoints! Her Kim Stome series can hold it's own among the veterans in serial fiction. A strong female that is both complex and thoughtful. After reading Killing Mind, I see a very long, and hopefully prolific, career for Marsons. A must read!

Angela Marsons NEVER disappoints! I started reading her Kim Stone detective novels from the start. The characters have all become so familiar that part of my literary life that they almost feel like friends! Brilliant writing that flows and keeps you hooked from the start.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Angela Marsons is one of the best authors out there. All her books are gripping and amazingly written. Book 12 of the Kim Stone series is no different. I was sucked in from page one. I've always had a sick fascination with cults, so to have one of my Kim Stone and her team have to deal with one was the best thing EVER.