How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace?


Well it's pretty simple really. You just put Kim Stone on the case.

​Owww wow wowchersss... What a Freakin read and a half that was. I really don't know how Angela Marsons does it. But by god i'm glad she does. This lady can write!
​I'm annoyed with myself as this seemed to get lost on my kindle, and it was only while sat scrolling through my books I spotted it. I honestly thought I was upto date with the series. So as well as being annoyed with myself for having not read it, I was also pleased as it means I get to read just in time for the new book being released on 28th April. Dead Souls will be book 6 in this awesome series.
​So the story, well it's a good un' its more than good, it really is a fantastic read.

​To date this book has 791, 5* reviews on Amazon uk and I can see why after reading it.
​Kim Stone is an amazing Character, she's not perfect, and she's almost not crazy. She's just the right balance of making a fantastic fictional Detective,  

​Kim is faced with finding the killer of two people who have both been killed in the same way. But there is nothing else that seems to link these two. Can Kim and her team find out just what has happened and how?
​Kim also has a few of her own demons to face in this book, but as they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Or does it?

​Another outstanding 5 star read from an author who certainly knows how to write. Well Done on this one Angela, I'm hoping and praying for bigger and better with each book, so far you certainly haven't disappointed this reader. Keep it up. 
You could own the full series for less than the cost of a night out, Hell it's less than having an hour out.
​Treat yourself.

Really enjoying how Kim is developing in this series.  great personality insights are shown in the writing making it a great read

The last book in the series, Play Dead, was fabulous, a truly thrilling an engrossing book. This one did I have a harder time with. For one thing, did it take some days with me reading around 20% every time, not really getting into the story, but still liking the characters enough to wanting to read the book.

But, I do think the biggest issue is that the return of Dr. Alex Thorne just didn't do the trick for me, sure she was an interesting character in Evil Games (book 2), but I found the vendetta against Kim to be a tad annoying. That said, the story was not bad, the case with the murders that Kim and her colleagues tried to solve was baffling and as the book progressed even the storyline with Alex Thorne got better. Then, we have the last part of the book, that's when the book truly became engrossing and thrilling to read, and thanks to that the rating of the book went from an OK 3-star book to a really good 4-star book instead and now I'm craving book 6! 

Blood Lines started off slow for me, grew better as the story progressed and ended on a high note. I quite like this series, Detective Kim Stone has become a favorite character of mine, a woman that has overcome a miserable childhood and have some issues (quite a lot to be honest), but she's a tough cookie! 

On a side note; I did miss Daniel Bate. I hope to see him in a coming book!

Kim Stone is as addictive as ever!  Loved every moment of this book and can't wait for the next one

Published by: Bookouture (4 November 2016)

ISBN: 978-1786810991

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4*

Synopsis:
A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring mother and social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up.

When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet.

Desperate to catch the twisted individual, Kim’s focus on the case is threatened when she receives a chilling letter from Dr Alex Thorne, the sociopath who Kim put behind bars. And this time, Alex is determined to hit where it hurts most, bringing Kim face-to-face with the woman responsible for the death of Kim’s little brother – her own mother.

As the body count increases, Kim and her team unravel a web of dark secrets, bringing them closer to the killer. But one of their own could be in mortal danger. Only this time, Kim might not be strong enough to save them…

Review:
As a fan of Angela Marsons' previous novels featuring Detective Kim Stone, I was eagerly awaiting this latest publication, her second to feature Kim's nemesis, the evil Dr Alex Thorne. I was expecting high drama, emotionally charged scenes and a compelling plot...

It took me far longer to read Blood Lines than anticipated, purely because I wasn't plagued by my usual insomnia, so I read until I fell asleep every night, until I dropped my kindle and it hit me in the face or dropped onto the floor! The plot is enticing, it grabs you from the outset and winds itself around you, nudging at you to peek at the horrors within.

Kim is one of my favourite police characters; although she's sarcastic and a bit ferocious on the outside it's all a bit of a front to protect that vulnerable damaged part of her that she's so desperate to keep inside. I think we can all identify with that to a certain extent. I'd like to get to know more about Kim's team members; maybe that'll come in time. One thing I found annoying, and that stopped my flow of reading, was the phonetic spelling of Stacey's accent. Whenever I got to one of those words, I stopped and (unsuccessfully) tried to work out how to pronounce the word. I'm still none the wiser! When I read a book, if I know a character is from a particular place or has a certain accent, when I imagine them speaking, they automatically have that accent. Maybe other readers find it useful but I found it more of a hindrance, to be honest.

Having said that, I did really enjoy this book. The end few chapters felt a little rushed, as though nothing much happened for a while and then all of a sudden there was a buzz of activity and everything happened at once. But I guess the end of a case can be like that when everything falls into place.
Special thanks to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.

Well deserved 5 stars! Angela Marsons has done it again with another fantastic book. The story follows on from previous books flawlessly.

The fifth book in the DI Kim Stone series, Blood Lines, did not disappoint. Thank you to Angela Marsons and Net Galley for providing me with an advanced copy.

Oh wow. Angela Marsons never fails to deliver! This is a fantastic read and everything you want from a thriller. Grips you from the very first page - Kim Stone is a truly captivating character. There is so much layer and depth to Kim I feel like she's real! Tense, intriguing and clever, this is a must read.

Wow, wow, wow my favourite Queen of Crime Angela Marsons has done it again and produced another sublime crime novel with my favourite female crime fighter Detective Inspector Kim Stone. This is a series which just seems to get better and better with each book and Angela has become my most anticipated author to read (hope book six isn’t too far away). 
In Blood Lines Kim and her team are given a baffling case. A woman is found dead in her car with one single stab wound, indicating a cold and heartless killing but as usual Kim’s gut is telling her there’s more to this case than the team initially think. As a second body of a young drug dealer is found with an identical wound, Kim knows the two murders are linked but proving it is going to be tricky as nothing seems to link the two victims.
As Kim gets stuck into the case she receives notice that her mother, who is under psychiatric care is due to be released from her care facility. When Kim enquires about why this is happening she is informed it’s due to her encouraging and forgiving letters which she has been sending. Kim knows she would never ever have done such a thing and knows instantly who would be so cruel…Dr Alexandra Thorpe an old advisory of Kim’s who is out for revenge. Can Kim work out what on earth Alex is up to before her mother is released? Even behind bars Alex seems to be able to manipulate Kim but can she be outwitted a second time?
I think the thing I loved most about this book was the return of Dr Alexandra Thorne from the second Kim stone book Evil Games. She’s such an evil and manipulating character that I was just hooked on reading what depths so was going to sink to this time. I think if you haven’t read Evil Games yet then you definitely should so you get the maximum effect of just how bad Alex can be and how easily she is able to push Kim’s buttons which doesn’t seem to happen often.
Another thing I loved about this book was that we gain more insight into some of the background characters which have appeared in previous books. We get to learn a little bit more about Stacey, a character who has seemed a bit of mystery before now, I’d still like more from her in the next book. I also liked that we got to see a softer side to Woody Kim’s boss, which makes him a more likable character to me. We also finally get see Kim face to face with her mother, something which I didn’t think would ever happen and I loved seeing how this encounter affected Kim. The way Angela Marsons is adding more and more details to her main characters as the series continues is just fascinating and has really made the books come alive for me. 
The murder plot in this book is yet again another one I couldn’t work out and just when I thought I had it cracked we got given another twist to the tale. Just brilliant, I love Angela’s writing and hope we have many more Kim Stone books to come.
Thank you so much to the publishers Bookouture for this copy to review I adored it and cannot wait for the next one.

Review Schedule: 02-13-17

Angela Marsons does not disappoint.

Blood Lines presented a case that kept me thinking. A social worker was stabbed in the heart. There were no traces of the murderer aside from her 'emotionless' way of killing. This paved way for a couple more murders being connected. It was an interesting case and I like how Kim slowly made the connections among the victims. However, this case didn't kept me on the edge of my seat.

BUT setting this case aside, what I like about Blood Lines is the further development of Kev and Kim. Let's talk about Kev first, okay? I mentioned before that I was so glad that Marsons delved into Kev's character. And while, I was hoping that she'd go through Stacey this time, getting more development of Kev is also an okay thing for me. But the thing is, Kev's issue here is kind of the same one he was having before. And I really thought that that he's over it and feels more comfortable and trusted. But then, right here, Kev shows the need to be trusted. He feels that he isn't as reliable as his colleagues and he wants to prove that he is. And surely, Kev made mistakes and did face them head on. Also, the things he went through here are much bigger than before. There's a better understand between him and Kim right now.

The highlight of Blood Lines, for me, is Dr. Alex Thorne's comeback. In my review of Evil Games, I mentioned that Dr. Thorne's a sociopath. She doesn't feel sympathy. She enjoys seeing people's emotions play out and how well her interventions affects them. I also admitted then that I liked the internal battle that formed in Kim because of Dr. Thorne and that certainly made Blood Lines good for me.

I'm genuinely amazed by Dr. Thorne's connections and influence. And I was amazed of the length she actually went through just to get out of prison early -- even ruining the lives of many people (not that she cares anyway. if there's anything else at all, she's extremely amused).

Dr. Thorne's second intervention in Kim's life opened up more things about Kim (that may have been mentioned before and my tiny mind can't remember it). And going through it, I really feel sorry for Kim and the things her mother did. Her mother does seem out of her mind and I cannot even believe what the heck Dr. Thorne is doing -- releasing and comforting Kim's mother. Aside from the fact that the news of Kim's mother's possible release actually ruins her game.

However, the crime presented on this novel did not absorbed me. Admittedly, I was not able to guess the serial killer and I find his reasons and solutions to be interesting and quite indirect and still painful revenge-wise. But unfortunately, this just didn't work for me. I'm thinking that it's because Kim's and Kev's personal issues (mostly Kim's though) overpowered this. Aside from Kim's and Kev's dilemma, Dr. Thorne's point of view was also presented along with a couple more characters.

OVERALL, Blood Lines is a great addition to the D.I. Kim Stone series. It was able to develop Kim's character as well as other more like Kev and Woody (and that's certainly a good thing). However, it overwhelmed the crime-plot of the novel that I didn't care much about it but the twist is still well written and I was not able to guess it. SO I'm still highly motivated to read the next novel in this series (because DUH, it's Kim Stone!). If you're looking for a crime fiction series with a strong and stubborn detective and a great team, you definitely NEED to read this.

Bloodlines by Angela marsons is a mystery and thriller and general fiction  (adult) read. 
How do you catch a killer who leaves no trace?
A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring, upstanding social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up.

When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet. 
OMG Angela's books gets better and better.  This is book 5 and I simply couldn't put it down.  I had to find out if kim caught the killer. She is still my favourite character.  Can't wait for next part.  This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book.  5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.

Brilliant read. I have read the previous Kim Stone books and they always have you on the edge of your seat. Loads of suspense and twists. This one sees the return of Alex who almost broke Kim last time. ''This time it's more personal.

A well written thriller with plenty of action to keep you engaged and a well thought out plot line. I would recommend this to fans of the Mystery/Thriller genre.

I honestly believe that this is the best one so far in the series (although I seem to be saying that about every single one of Angela Marsons Kim Stone books). So many twist and turns, I really did not have a clue who the murderer was and was genuinely surprised when it was revealed. Cannot wait for the next in the series.

I'm going to put this out there at the beginning, I love Kim Stone! She's brilliant. She's a hard nosed, not-to-be-messed-with police detective with a gut that sniffs out clues like my kids can sniff out chocolate and sweets. 

I've loved all the stories so far, they've got better each time. The author's writing has drawn me into Kim's world, I feel I'm right there in the thick of the investigation! This time round Kim's got more than just unconnected murders to deal with. Alex Thorne is back! I loved the devilish character that first appeared in the second Kim Stone book "Evil Games".  She's so calm and calculating.  She knows how to mess with someone's head, a master (or mistress to be precise) of mind manipulation.  She can wrap someone round her finger and not in a good way. Alex Thorne is one of the more evil characters I've read about - I think that what makes her so dark is the fact that she doesn't get her hands dirty, she's removed herself from the dastardly deeds that she meticulously plans.

Blood Lines is no exception to the series, we find out more about Kim, her angst, her history, the things that make her who she is. This does not detract from the storyline, in fact it adds to it - I'm not going to say anymore as that would be a #spoiler and no one likes a spoiler!!  

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for my e-copy of Blood Lines.  I cannot wait for Book 6!!

Kudos to my Goodread friends who turned me onto Angela Marsons and her Kim Stone series.  And thanks to netgalley for providing me with this fifth in the series.  This was my first by Ms. Marsons but will certainly not be my last.  For those of you, like me, always on the lookout for a new mystery series, this is it!   And for those wondering if it works to read this book without having read the others, I had no trouble.  Which isn't to say I won't be reading those first four (I’ve already bought the first one). There are references to a prior book and a certain criminal from the prior book features prominently here.  But I didn't feel lost or confused.  

This is a fast read and a good heart pounder.  DI Kim Stone is a great lead character.  “Being helpful was not a natural disposition for her”.   My kind of gal.  Not warm, not cuddly.  True Type A, wanting it all done right.  Still, she's a good boss, trying to teach her team. And you have to love anyone so devoted to her dog.   But she has her demons, especially a history with an abusive mother, so all is not right in her world.  

Marsons does an equally good job making Bryant and the rest of the team feel like real flesh and blood people.  

The book runs along the twin paths- the aforementioned tale with the prior criminal and then a serial killer whose victims have nothing in common but the manner of death.  Both storylines are engaging and kept my interest.    A fabulous ending that I never saw coming.  

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

Wow - what a winner!  A book which starts off at a gallop and doesn't ease off the whole way through - if you want a slow burner, then choose something else.  DCI Kim Stone has her hands full this time what with a series of apparently unconnected murders and the return of her nemesis, Alexandra Thorne, who is truly a thorn in Kim's side.  What a thrill of a ride as the team work out what is happening and by who.  I didn't want the novel to end as it was so enjoyable - really gripping and certainly entertaining.  Loved it and this is one series which gets better with each succeeding book - more please!!

Angela Marsons is rapidly becoming one of my favourite UK writers and with her fifth novel Blood Lines my enthusiasm shows no signs of abating.  Blood Lines is a fantastic book and one of the main pulls for me has to be the battle of wills between DI Kim Stone and her nemesis Dr Alexandra Thorne... a truly magnificent battle worthy of any Star Wars movie!!!
Seemingly random victims are killed by a singe stab wound.  The absence of any links between the victims makes the task of finding the perpetrator seem impossible.  However, Stone's dedicated team delve deep to find the trail of crumbs that link the victims.  
Kim Stone herself is a delightfully complex character - vulnerable yet strong, passionate yet reserved, sympathetic yet tough.  Her relationships with her colleagues are nuanced and all the more believable because of that.   Blood Lines is a triumph for Marsons putting her up there with the likes of Val McDermid and Peter May.  Can't wait for the next one.

Very easy to read even though I didn't read the books before this, It didn't effect my understanding of the story. I really liked the main character , she was very intriguing,I really liked her fight with Dr Alex . SO we had physical and emotional fight , smooth writing and complicated characters.

Angela Marsons became one of my favourite writer.. and I need to have next book :(

Had been waiting for the 5th book in this series so was delighted to see it. I didn't find it as engaging as the previous 4 though and it seemed a little disjointed.