Cover Image: Deadly Cry

Deadly Cry

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4.5* gore score🗡
I was lucky enough to read an arc from Netgalley.
I love this series, but like most of my books I haven’t read them in order.
Another excellent book.
Easy going humorous writing style with Kim’s acerbic tongue, love dipping back into to the familiarity of the team.
Two stories running parallel. An old unsolved case and the present murders. Plenty going on and a good fast pace.
The part with Penn and Jasper had me in tears 😢
Stacey had her own emotional scene.
I love how Kim Stones character has developed and mellowed.
Looking forward to the next one.

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We are now into the 13th book and I’m still interested in these books. They are so fricking good!! I love the camaraderie between the characters. The mysteries are well written. I can’t see myself not getting excited for the next installments!!

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

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Death Score is the thirteenth book in the brilliant Kim Stone series - fourteenth if you include the prequel. Sometimes by this stage, plots can start to become stale or predictable as authors run out of ideas - this certainly is not happening, which is impressive given Marsons brings them out twice a year. The main reason I’ve dropped a star here, for the first time in about eight of her books, is the sheer preposterousness of the idea that one small team/town could have faced quite so many serial killers within just a few years. I’m pretty sure no one will guess the perpetrator this time, but I found the reveal of who/how/why so unbelievable that I felt a bit cheated. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a great book and Kim’s complicated personality is as compelling as ever, but I’m starting to prefer mysteries & thrillers with a credible plot scenario.

A young girl loses her mother in a shopping mall - and soon after the woman is found dead, her neck broken. The following day, another is found - but this time her child has been taken, and the killer is writing letters to Kim pleading with her to make him stop. Meanwhile Kim is having to attend meetings regarding security for a minor celebrity’s book tour, Penn is grieving for his mother, and Stacy picks up a rape case that was never taken to court despite the assailant being behind bars. Under pressure from their superiors and the media, the team seek help from a graphologist and a profiler, and only together can they stop the twisted perpetrator.

One of the great things about this series is that it’s not all about the tortured protagonist - in fact Kim is now more balanced and has mostly put her past trauma behind her. Her hilarious grumpiness is part of her charm, and her team love her for it. Here Stacy is arguably just as important in solving the case, and I liked that she’s no longer letting her insecurities stop her doing her job. It was nice to see Alison the behaviourist again, and see even tricksy reporter Frost evolving into a character we can root for. Reading about Penn’s loss was hard for me as this week marks a year since my mother died, also of cancer, but I liked the progress of his character arc too, and Bryant, my favourite, is as solid and dependable as ever.

I don’t want to spoil the mystery by saying anything about the investigation, but as ever there are twists, red herrings and surprises - and kudos for coming up with another shockingly unexpected reveal, but I’m hoping that in future books we might move away from serial killers with nonsensical motives, and that Kim can investigate some more realistic murder cases?
4.5 rounded down. My thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Death Score is published on November 13th.

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Angela Marion's is, once more, showing how to write a police procedural series. I'm so invested in the lives of Kim Stone and her team, the character development is fantastic. The plot is immensely well thought out, I had no idea who the killer was. This book draws you in right from the start, the word 'unputdownable' is very overused, but in this case it's the honest truth.

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I have been reading Angela Marsons since the first book and now we are up to number thirteen. Among the very best series in my opinion, each book is a stand alone, although all together they become a cohesive whole as you get to know all the characters. D.I. Kim Stone is a wonderful character; feisty, argumentative, with a lot of issues but commands great loyalty from her colleagues.
The books themselves and the latest is completely up to standard, have a cracking plot. There are short chapters beautifully written propelling the story on. For a serial killer plot, this one is full of depth, even informative and a very satisfying conclusion. It’s a great book and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

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No bad luck for this thirteenth volume in one of my favorite series. Kim Stone is back and stronger than ever. Her team is again in top shape and they tackle another another impossible case when the body of a mother is found in an abandoned building. A very similar murder happens immediately after, and Kim is at a loss as to the culprit or even the reason. While investigating these murders, Stacey is also trying to get a conviction on a rape that couldn’t be prosecuted, even if the police seemed to have a culprit. It’s pretty clear that she’s going to find something, but we don’t know what. All that we know is that Stacey, who is about to get married, is awesome. The team’s dynamics are better than ever, and the sense of humor is still there, lightening up the darkest parts. For as long as Kim and her team continue investigating cases, I’ll keep reading.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Bookouture!

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• ANGELA MARSONS
• NEW KIM STONE NOVEL
• RATED 5 STARS

If you haven’t bought this book based on at least two of the above points then I really don’t know what I can say that’ll make this book more purchase-worthy!

Quite simply, Angela Marsons is THE QUEEN of Crime Fiction. If you’ve not heard of her, or at least met anyone that’s read one of her books then ... welcome to the world! You no longer need to live under that rock. DI Kim Stone is (as I’m sure you’ll discover) one of the best strong, female leads to have been created in recent years. Combining the best qualities that you’d want for yourself or best friend with the thickest of skins and badass nature to create what would otherwise be a unlikeable character. Every book of Angie’s is a masterpiece of storytelling, each so different in theme and incredibly enjoyable to read.

Even though I found the leap of escalation in this book a little tricky to follow and perhaps believe. This book had me by the scruff of my neck from page 1. I absolutely love the level of detail Marson’s provides when it comes to police procedures and how their outside sources enable them to capture their killer. In her previous book we learnt (from Alison) about Profiling and in ‘Death Score’ we are treated to an insight of how graphologists (handwriting experts) can identify not only a person’s personality but how they view themselves and their place in the world. It was absolutely fascinating and something I really want to read more about.

Alison returns in this book (somewhat reluctantly I might add) and I would’ve loved it if Tink had also. But sadly her particular skill set was not required.

You can read this book as a stand-alone novel as Kim’s backstory, however relevant and omnipresent, is not required for a reader to enjoy this book. It’s nice to see how comfortable Kim has become with her colleagues and they’re banter and finishing of sentences proves this.

Marson’s discusses in this book how involved fans become with popular tv personalities. Totally buying into their on screen characters and watching each episode like they were catching up with an old friend. It’s funny (and I don’t think for one minute Angie’s wasn’t intending this) but that’s exactly how fans of Kim see Angie’s books.

I’m sad that I’ve finished this book but I literally can’t wait to ‘tune in’ for more Stone activities! Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for my advance copy (if only to stop me nagging Angie about the next!) in exchange for my honest review.

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I always say I only give a five star review to a book that was so good that I’m at a loss as to what book I should read next. Now I have a new reason I give five stars to a book that I must read instead of anything else. Angela Marsons is definitely in this category. The minute I was approved I stopped reading another to start Death Score and I was disappointed when it ended.
I this instalment DI Kim Stone and her team are investigating the murder of a young mother followed by another murder. All your favourite characters are back and involved in the case. I did identify one part of the conclusion but this did not detract from my enjoyment.
I now can’t wait for book 14 and think I need to read the series again from book one. Thank you Angela for such an amazing cast of characters.
Thanks to a Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#DeathScore #NetGalley

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Whoopee The queen of crime is back, can you believe Death Score is the thirteenth book in the “Kim Stone” series? No me neither! 13 is an unlucky number for some but not for the awesome and exceptionally talented Angela Marsons. I think if anything this book is a reminder to all her fans what a brilliant crime series this is, and it’s obvious she puts her heart and soul into every book she writes. Unlike some long running crimes series,  each book always brings something new to the table, whether it be its characters, the plot, or jaw dropping moments that take the reader by surprise.

In Death Score Kim and her team have a lot going on, but as usual they take it all in their stride,  a murdered mother, a missing child, a cold case, personal issues for some members of the team,  the list goes on but there are so many sinister threads that make Death Score such an exciting book to read. I like the fact this book doesn’t just concentrate on solving a Murder,  there are smaller but just as important puzzles to be solved, that give credibility to the work of a police force. The pace of this book is spot on, It’s not frantic, you are given time to digest and process the plot, and it gives the reader time to become the “amateur sleuth” sifting through the red herrings and misdirection.  

When I read a book in this series I always feel like I’m meeting up with old friends, one of the things I love about this crime series is the way the author has worked her magic and created living, breathing characters, I love the camaraderie between the members of Kim’s team, the dark humour, the way they irritate the hell out of each other, it’s the small details that make them a very credible team. The insight into Kim’s teams private life enhances rather than distracts from the plot lines, and like old friends you feel their pain, their struggles and rejoice when something good happens to one of them, it’s only a talented author who is able to add emotional depth to a crime read, and it’s one of the reasons this series stands out from the rest. 

Death Score also features sporadic chapters told from the perspective of the killer, there’s nothing more disturbing or chilling than being in the head of a serial killer. I could rave about this book all day, but I won’t! instead I will leave you with this, Angela Marsons has once again delivered a riveting read, from the first page to the last: it’s one that will keep the reader on their edge of their seat.  Death Score (in fact the entire series) is one that ticks all the boxes for crime read junkies, with an original plot, all to human characters and a style of writing that immerses the reader from the start. I cannot wait for the next book in this epic crime series. Highly recommended by me.

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Death Score is another absolute cracker of a read in the Kim Stone series. This time Kim and her team of detectives have much to investigate, when a women is murdered for no apparent reason quickly followed by another woman’s body being discovered added to which her child has also been abducted. Although the murders seem to have been committed by the same person there are subtle differences that don’t seem to make sense.
Detective Stacey Wood although involved is also looking into another police forces investigation of a previous rape case so we have a good side story as well. It is great to see her development into a really good detective. We also have Penn grieving with his brother after the loss of their mother, he never lets up on his investigation with the team, who give him great support.
The usual cast of great characters new and old, I love Bryant and his interactions with Kim keeping her grounded. Lots of action and much to discover. When the reveal came I was left astounded as I had no clue, very cleverly well done Ms Marsons I salute you!
I hope this series continues for ever, every book is like meeting an old great friend.
My thanks to net galley and publisher Bookouture for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

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Another brilliant one in the Detective Kim Stone series. Angela Marsons is one of the most gifted authors I've read. One book in the series flows effortlessly into the next. I have read every one of her books and have never been disappointed. The only problem I have is my impatient wait for the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for allowing me to read this fantastic Arc.

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I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. Yet again another brilliant book featuring Kim Stone and her team, it drew me in from the beginning and didn’t let go until the end. Lots of twists and the storylines all tied together in a way I wasn’t expecting. This is crime thriller writing at it’s very best.

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I could read Kim Stone books every day and never get bored, I read this in a day as couldn't put it down.
Murders are happening and patterns are noticed but not understood, the killer is reaching out to Kim for help but can she stop any more murders. With the help of Bryant, Stacey and Penn they all work together to try and stop any more murders, what a twist !

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** Cue the Hallelujah Chorus ** Another welcome instalment in the unfailingly excellent DI Kim Stone series. Angela Marsons delivers another bostin’ Black Country brain twister to keep us happy.

Death Score opens with our tenacious team experiencing a quiet patch and hoping for an interesting cold case to fill their time. Stacey is preoccupied with preparations for her upcoming wedding, Penn is grieving the loss of his mother whilst worrying about his beloved brother, and Kim has been corralled into attending a meeting to discuss security arrangements for a visiting glamour model. Fans of the series can imagine how much she enjoys that assignment!

Yet of course this is very much the calm before the storm - soon they will be attending post-mortems on a daily basis, receiving letters from a conflicted killer, and hunting for a missing child.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and to the publishers for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

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I know I say this on every one of my Angela Marsons, Kim Stone series book reviews but why change?
Angela Marsons has done it again! Another brilliant read right from the first page.

I love this series. Kim Stone is a brilliant character and I love how the team all work together, all of them so different but with their own strengths that work so well.

This book starts with a child wondering around without her mom then her moms body is found and so begins another job for Kim..
Then the next day another body is found and Kim and her team need to find the killer.

The book is fast paced I just couldn’t put it down. I love this series, I cannot wait for book 14.

Thank you to Angela, bookature and netgally for the advanced copy.

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Number 13 in the series and still as good as number 1. It’s a credit to the author that there is nothing stale or predictable about this as is often the way with other long running series. Kim, Bryant, Penn, Stacey are all here and it’s on one level like catching up with old friends and hearing what’s happened in their lives. On another level there is a brilliantly executed main plot that really had me totally stumped. The way the plot unravels is just brilliant. Lots of intrigue, writing that keeps you hooked and a jaw dropping ending.

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I really love this series. It’s like catching up with friends when I start a new book. Apart from the fact that I am super excited to start a new book! Every book is the same but different. Same great characters, different case, different environment, different threat. Kim Stone is a brilliant character and she never changes. She is always surly and difficult, but brilliant and fascinating at the same time.

This case starts when a young woman is killed and her daughter is left wandering around a shopping centre on her own. Kim becomes involved in the case by way of an interdisciplinary meeting which she totally hates. The team are involved in looking after a new celebrity who has told secrets of her affair with a famous man which has left her prone to attacks by others. Just the sort of thing Kim loves - not!

At the same time, DC Stacey Wood is re examining a cold case of a rape case that never got to Court. She is balancing this with working on the main case with the team and arranging her wedding to her girlfriend Devon. She is a brilliant detective, who has really good investigation skills from working so closely with Kim. She realises that something is very wrong with the original case and believes the wrong person was found guilty.

Meanwhile, Kim starts to receive letters from the person who is carrying out a series of strangulations. They are written to her personally to stop him (Noah) from committing further murders. He claims that she can stop him, otherwise they will continue. On a previous case, the team worked with a behaviourist called Alison, who Kim knows they need to help them make sense of the letters. However, after nearly getting killed previously, Alison isn’t happy to work with Kim’s team ever again. After Kim persuades her (because by now a boy is missing), she does indeed help the team make sense of the letters which leads them along the right track to catch this killer.

After many twists and turns, the team are successful. It is delightful to witness the growth of the team under Kim but I worry they are growing out of their roles. Penn is a great character who we witness care for his brother with special needs following the death of their mother. Only Derwent seemed to stand still in this book, ever the faithful sidekick and the only one able to berate Kim for her poor attitude.

I’m already excited for book fourteen. I believe there will be a promotion for DC Stacey Wood, but I hope this won’t detrimentally affect the team. They are a finely balanced murder solving machine, and long may we continue to read their adventures.

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DI Kim Stone is by far one of my favourite characters of all time. She’s ballsy, rude and arrogant but she gets the job done and has a great team behind her.

Death Score is the thirteenth book in the series and I devoured each page. We start off with what looks like a simple murder, but when another one happens in quick succession, Kim realises this is becoming a complex case. With her colleague Stacey working on an unsolved case, Penn dealing with his own inner turmoil and the arrival of a handwritten letter to her from the killer, Kim knows she needs to act fast. This book grips you from the first page, it’s tense with a great plot line that gathers pace with each turn of the page. I absolutely loved it. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

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Can Angela Marsons ever write a bad book? Well, I don’t think so!
DI Stone is back and I absolutely devoured this book!
My favourite detective for sure with another fantastic plot and her amazing and witty team.
Angela Marsons In undoubtedly One of my favourite authors and the Kim Stone series, for sure my favourite Policial/ Crime and thriller Novels around!
The setting, the twists that I never see coming and the emotional investment! The plot is absolutely fantastic and my only regret is that I didn’t pace myself and now I will have to be waiting for the next book to come out.
Although this book is part of a series, and it is book 13, they can all be read as stand alone novels. I would, though, highly recommend that everyone reads all the other novels because they are simply fantastic!
Overall, I would sincerely recommend this and all Kim Stone Books ti any fan of thriller and crimes that focus on the investigation and detective work.
I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for the opportunity to read this brilliant advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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I was excited to receive an advance copy in the continuing series of DI Kim Stone books having been lucky enough to have read all the back catalogue. How this author is able to keep writing books of this high standard I cannot imagine.

Stone’s team’s detective skills are again put to the test whilst all individually dealing with issues in their personal lives.

The banter that Kim has with Bryant and pathologist, Keats is amusing whilst her empathy towards victims of crime and their families is heartwarming.

This is a series of books I would highly recommend.

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

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