Lock the front door, put your phone on do not disturb, grab a drink and a packet of biscuits. Why? Because it’s time to settle down with book 22 in the DI Kim Stone series, and this latest instalment from author Angela Marsons will have you hooked from the start.

In this book, the team have been sent to north to assist another force in the case of two young boys who have disappeared. They’re also on a covert mission to try and weed out corruption in the force. We know Kim doesn’t play well with others, but her job is made even tougher when the local team seem to disregard obvious suspects. And when another boy turns up dead in Kim’s local area, the rush is on to find the two missing children.
Gripping, thrilling and tension building throughout. This is Angela Marson’s at her finest. Impossible to put down and I wish I could rate it higher than five stars. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

Absolutely epic. When I wonder how Angela Marsons will bring a fresh twist to next instalment after 22?!+ books, she still always delivers. I’m so in love with the cast, the story was great, read in 24hrs!

As ever Angela Marsons has written an engrossing and compelling detective story featuring Kim Stone.
In this one Kim and her colleagues are asked to help a Police team in Blackpool investigate the disappearance of two young boys whilst also looking into the force itself. Apparently someone is corrupt and needs to be caught quickly by police officers from a different area.
This proves to be a difficult task as it appears the Blackpool team have been cutting corners and almost any one of them could be the corrupt officer.
As it becomes clearer who the culprit is, danger lurks, particularly for Bryant who is getting closer to one of the suspected policemen.
The missing boys are also difficult to locate and Stacey and Pen need to use all their skills to find any clues as to their whereabouts.
This was a great addition to the Detective Kim Stone series. The subject matter became quite dark as it is finally revealed what has happened to young Lewis and Noah. It is hard to believe but I’m sure the author has done her homework and this must have happened somewhere.
I definitely recommend this book as well as the whole series featuring this excellent detective.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Another brilliant book in the Kim Stone series. It may be book 22 but this series just keeps getting better. An excellent dual storyline regarding missing children and corrupt police officers. I just love Angela’s style of writing, she really draws you in so I couldn’t read it fast enough. I hope we don’t have to wait too long for the next instalment. I recommend this series and author 1000%.

Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her team headed to Blackpool after being requested by their Chief, who knew Kim's boss. Two young boys had gone missing, and with the second one gone only the night before, help was needed; they couldn't have asked for better. Kim, Bryant, Stacey & Penn joined the ranks at Blackpool, knowing immediately they weren't wanted. So with an office to themselves, they started. Lewis - the first boy missing - hadn't been seen since he left the arcade, but now more CCTV was requested; they might find more. Lewis' mother, brother and small siblings, plus step-father, seemed not to care. There was obviously much going on in that family. But Noah's parents were the opposite, completely shattered by his disappearance, begging Kim to find their boy.

With corruption in the Blackpool force, Kim was set on finding out who, and how many. And when she was called back home to the body of a young boy, she suddenly knew they were connected, even 100 miles apart. What was going on? Would they discover who was taking pre-teen children before anyone else was taken?

I think Little Children, #22 in the DI Kim Stone series, is Angela Marsons's best yet! What an absolute cracker of a thriller! Fast paced from the get go, with loads of action and plenty of twists, I had trouble putting it down. Kim and her team are a tight bunch, good friends even, and work seamlessly together. I'm loving this series and hope it continues for a long time to come! Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Bookouture for my digital ARC to read and review.

Never fails to keep me gripped. A two pronged investigation into missing teen boys and corrupt police officers. Current, relevent, shockig and gripping in equal measure, Loved it!

This is book 22 of this most excellent series and...yadda yadda... series rules apply with regard to getting the best from the characters, their backstories, and ongoing development.
We start with a missing 13 year old boy. Not on Kim Stone's patch so she's not involved... yet... but when an 11 year old boy also goes missing, she and her team are dispatched to Blackpool to assist as the current investigators appear to be a bit on the "not getting anywhere" side of things. She immediately realises that they are not really taking the first boy's disappearance too seriously as he "has done this before" but she isn't convinced... Especially given the secret special job her team are also tasked with... to investigate the Blackpool team after whistle-blower allegations of corruption.
And then a previously missing boy, one from her own patch this time, turns up dead with a battered and bruised body, and she starts to realise that whatever this is they are investigating, it's bigger than Blackpool...
I love this series. It's always well plotted, and said plot is always executed with aplomb. The series characters continue to develop in each and every book. The author is definitely not scared of putting the cat amongst the pigeons, which you will already know if you have read all the previous books. And the stories she comes up with are poignant, topical, and wholly credible. Making them even more heinous. And it's all delivered in a completely no nonsense way. No waffle, no padding, and it all gets on with itself very well indeed. And in this book we also have a bit of a threat against Kim to deal with... but I'll leave you to follow that thread...
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well established and well loved series of books. Definitely one of my top ten, and I read a LOT of series... Roll on next time...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

This is the first book I've read by this author, and I loved it! DI Kim Stone has a close-knit team of detectives in the West Midlands in England. When two young boys go missing from the Blackpool area, Kim and her team are called in to assist. However, they also have a hidden agenda to look for corruption within the other force. Kim and her team pretend not to get along, hoping this will encourage the members of the other team to spill some of their secrets. It was entertaining seeing colleagues who like and respect each other acting like they don't, while actually always having each others' backs.

This is a dark, intense case, but the issues are handled sensitively. I was completely engaged in this suspenseful story. There are a couple mini-subplots going on, but everything comes together beautifully by the end. I had no problem connecting with the main characters even though I've not read any of the prior books. However, I enjoyed this book so much I will definitely be going back and reading some of the earlier books in the series.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Bookouture and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

Angela Marsons does it again. Another wonderful page turner which kept me up to the early hours. Angela;s style of writing and characters are second to none. As you may have gathered I thoroughly recommend this book and give it 5 stars

Angela Marsons has done it again with Little Children, the 22nd installment in her phenomenal DI Kim Stone series. While jumping in at book twenty two might sound daunting, rest assured it’s possible—and even rewarding—to do so. That said, this is truly a series worth starting from the beginning if you love compelling police procedurals, page turning thrillers, and character driven storytelling. Marsons has a gift for keeping this long running series fresh, unique, and emotionally resonant. Her books never feel like filler; each new installment adds depth and richness to an already exceptional body of work. For readers who love sinking deep into a cast of characters until they feel like family, this series delivers every single time.

In Little Children, Kim and her team are temporarily sent outside their usual jurisdiction to assist in the heartbreaking investigation of two missing boys. At the same time, they’re covertly digging into anonymous corruption allegations, adding a layer of tension and secrecy to the case. As if that weren’t enough, Kim is also being pulled back into another investigation closer to home, stacking the pressure in a way that makes the pacing absolutely relentless. Yet despite the layered plot, the writing never feels rushed or chaotic. Marsons maintains total control, balancing urgency with emotional depth and ensuring every subplot feels essential. The missing persons case leads the team, and the reader, down some dark and emotionally devastating paths, but the author’s sensitive and thoughtful approach to difficult subject matter ensures nothing feels gratuitous.

One of the most compelling aspects of this book is how it pushes familiar characters into new dynamics. Because the team is working with unfamiliar officers, we see them shifting their behavior slightly, adapting to the unfamiliar environment and navigating interpersonal politics in new ways. I found myself especially captivated by Bryant in this installment, his actions and decisions revealed sides of him we haven’t seen before, and it was genuinely fascinating to watch unfold. The plot is gripping, the emotional stakes are high, and the writing is sharp and assured. Little Children is exactly what I’m always hoping to find when I pick up a thriller: fast paced, emotionally resonant, and expertly executed. Truly, no notes.

Wow wow wow. I devoured this book. Absolutely smashed it out the park and into the field once again. I read late into the night and when I woke up earlier than needed the next morning I kept on reading instead of trying to sleep it was just that good.

This is the first book I have read by this author, and wow, it will not be the last. I have hardly ever been so engrossed in a story that I did not pause til the end. Short sharp chapters,brilliant characters,gripping storyline.
This book had everything from police corruption, missing children,illegal sporting activities and it was so well written I found myself in the places the children were. Excellent read

DI Kim Stone and her team of three, Bryant, Penn and Stacey, are sent to help the Blackpool police in the search for two young boys who disappeared within days of each other. They’ve been told they also have another agenda – to find out who has made anonymous claims of corruption in the Blackpool team and to determine if the claims are true.

In this 22nd episode of the series, it was good to see Kim out of her comfort zone and having to play nice with another team who don’t want them there. She is particularly frustrated that one set of parents believe their son has just run away, even though the twelve year old has been missing for ten days. The team has their work cut out following up the sloppy work of the disinterested Blackpool police who accept this and claim the disappearance are not linked. Kim feels strongly that something is not right with the investigation and that someone seems to be hindering it. But Kim is nothing if not tenacious, and discovers an abhorrent and disturbing reason for the boys to have gone missing.

This is an excellent addition to the series with a fresh take on the missing children trope. The plot is fast paced and dished out in short chapters. The darkness of the tale is somewhat lightened by Kim being barraged by texts, memes and invitations to meet up from journalist Tracy Frost, who is recovering from a serious head injury. She seems to think Kim is her best friend and Kim doesn’t quite know how to tell her that they actually hate each other. It’s great to see all Kim’s team are at their best here, each playing to their strengths and trusting each other to watch their backs. I can’t wait to see what Marsons is plotting for them in their next outing.

Another fabulous read by Angela. A definite page turner which had me hooked from the start..
I would highly recommend this series to everyone

Getting my hands on a new Kim Stone will never not be totally exciting, but I wasn’t at all prepared for the utterly disturbing road Angela Marsons took me on this time. 'Little Children' has left me feeling so extremely discombobulated and shaken that I don’t even know where to start.

This 22nd (!!!) book in the Kim Stone series is Dark with a capital D. I often come away from reading a crime fiction story hoping I could convince myself stuff like this doesn’t happen, but I dare say we all know better. There doesn’t seem to be a limit to man’s potential for depravity, as long as there is money to be made. I don’t even want to know where Marsons got the idea for 'Little Children', and part of me wishes she’d never put these images in my head. I went from rage to feeling entirely heartbroken, to sheer frustration as I realised there’s a vast place of darkness that those who try to do good just can’t get cleaned up. 

When Woody’s DI friend hundreds of miles away asks for help in finding out who on her force might not quite be who they say they are, Kim and her team are sent to investigate. I like that these characters were pulled out of their comfort zone, so to speak. This requires some most excellent acting skills to try and fit in, and lure out a potential bad apple. Poor Bryant will never be the same again.

While there, a young boy goes missing. He’s the second one in rather quick succession but nobody is even looking for the first boy, as detectives seem convinced he’s a runaway. Even his family doesn’t seem to particularly care about his whereabouts. Luckily, Kim doesn’t give up that easily.

Cases involving children are incredibly hard to read about. As they are undoubtedly also to investigate for those who are unlucky enough to be confronted with it all. But that’s not all that’s going on in this instalment. It seems not every person who signs up to “serve and protect” takes that oath so seriously. This in itself is a harrowing thought too. That some of the people you are supposed to be able to turn to are just as rotten as the ones you’re trying to get away from.

I’ve deliberately kept things vague so you too can experience the full impact of this distressing story. I have no doubt 'Little Children' will linger in my mind for a long time. It’s a tense, haunting, and devastating tale. The snappy chapters urged me on to keep reading, even when part of me needed a breather. But I was desperate to know how things would end, and who was responsible. I didn’t figure it out, and that’s always a bonus. 

I probably say it every time but this series just keeps getting better and better. Marsons shows no signs of slowing down and, as the cool kids say, I’m here for it. But maybe next time we can have something a little lighter, like “The Case of the Missing Unicorn”. Just a thought.

Little Children is the 22th book of the series of Detective Kim Stone written by Angela Marsons. I love this series very much and I'm the fun of Angela Marsons. I’m buzzing with excitement by reading it! Kim Stone is back and fiercer than ever—this time diving into a chilling case of missing boys in Blackpool. The suspense is off the charts, and the emotional depth. It gripped me from the very beginning. I love how Kim’s no-nonsense attitude clashes with a corrupt local force, and the twists kept me flipping pages like mad. Angela Marsons knows exactly how to hook you in and never let go. If you’re a fan of crime thrillers with heart and grit, this one’s a total gem! Highly recommend the whole series.

Detective Kim Stone book 22

I have loved every book in this series. Picking a book up is like reconnecting with old friends.

This is no cosy crime mystery. It's dark, sickening and heartbreaking. I dread to think what the author came across as she did her research.

I was totally hooked from start to finish and was totally absorbed in these characters. Even if I did want to do serious damage to one in particular!

Loved it and can't wait to read more.

Omg I couldn't put this book down. Read it in 2 nights. Brilliant as usual and love that the team get to go off to Blackpool to solve some cases. cant wait for the next one.

Absolutely loved this latest addition to the Kim Stone series. From the outset, Little Children felt like a refreshing change of pace, thanks to the whole team being on secondment. I really liked how the shift in location opened up space for a whole new cast of characters, each bringing something different to the investigation. It gave the story a slightly unfamiliar edge while still keeping that trademark Kim Stone sharpness.
The plot moved quickly, as always, and I flew through it in a couple of sittings. Despite the tough themes, it never felt heavy – Angela Marsons has such a knack for balancing darkness with readability. What stood out to me most was how everything slotted together. Even though Kim had one of her signature lightbulb moments, it didn’t feel far-fetched. Her reasoning made sense, and the build-up to the reveal was well-paced and believable.
There’s something so satisfying about these books – the mix of solid police work, character development, and a storyline that keeps you guessing but never loses focus. It’s not often a long-running series keeps its momentum like this, but Marsons makes it look effortless. Another strong entry – and now I’ve got that usual post-Kim book slump!

One of my favourite series.....
When the team are sent to a neighbouring police station, they are there to gather information on whether there is any corruption.. kims boss woody, is old friends with the chief there. They are not welcomed!. Bryant is asked to play a part in the pretence of befriending a fellow officer there.... Boys are being taken from. Their families, but by whom and why? The team have to dig deep
Can one of kims many haters change their opinion of her and could they work together??
Action packed as always, if you have never read a kim stone book, why not? Highley recommend...