Another great treat from Angela Marsons!

If you are looking for a kick as female detective, who takes no nonsense and has a brilliant bunch of backup characters that you can get 100% get invested in, then this is the crime series for you.

I absolutely love the Kim Stone series and this book did not disappoint, I enjoyed the focus on a topic not widely covered in crime books (not saying what as I don't want to give any spoilers!) and liked seeing a bit more to Bryant's Character and his history.

I cant wait for the physical copy to come out so I can add it to my collection.

We all know I'm going to rave about this book, I am completely obsessed with Angela Marsons Kim Stone series and highly recommend it to EVERYONE!

Angela has a brilliant way of writing that allows you to become fully invested in the characters and story.

'It had seemed so simple. Get in, get the information, get out. But now they were getting inside her mind and she didn’t know how to stop them…

When Detective Kim Stone is called to the home of Samantha Brown, she finds the young woman lying in bed with her throat cut and a knife in her hand. With no sign of forced entry or struggle, Kim rules her death a tragic suicide.

But a visit to Samantha’s parents rings alarm bells for Kim – there’s something they’re not telling her. And, when she spots a clue in a photograph, Kim realises she’s made a huge mistake. Samantha didn’t take her own life, she was murdered.'

This, as always, had me gripped from the start. (But as you may have guessed I'm a bit biased!) This is number 12 in the series and still as brilliant as the first!

I could talk for days about her work (so if you've read it and want to talk message me!) But I just implore you all to read this series!

Huge thank you to @netgalley and @bookouture for sending me a copy in return for an honest review!

☆☆☆☆☆

Brilliant, brilliant,brilliant. I always look forward to Angela Marsons books and this one did not disappoint. It centres around a cult and I found the details of how people are recruited and indoctrinated extremely frightening. The most frightening for me was that I could see how easily it could happen and how inviting the sense of belonging to a family is to many people. This book, although part of the Kim Stone series, can be read as a stand alone but you would miss so much by not reading the rest of the series!
The main characters were sometimes flawed but human and totally believable.
Did I mention that I found this novel brilliant from start to finish?
Thank you Angela Marsons, Bookoutue and Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this advance copy and give my unbiased opinion.

Wowzer this was fantastic, it had me absolutely gripped. This series seriously gets better with every book. I read this in super quick time because I literally couldn’t put it down. It was tense and dramatic and was a really well told story. I really enjoyed it, it had me from page one right through to the end. I highly recommend this book and it totally deserves 5 stars. I would probably give it more if I could!

The loss of a young life is always devastating but there is something about Samantha Brown's death that nags away at Detective Kim Stone even after she's called it as a suicide and leads her to looking again at what she'd found. The grieving parents aren't being straightforward with her either and when she discovers their secret she knows not only was it not as simple as first thought but also other young vulnerable people are still in great danger.

Kim Stone is a great fictional character and her team are always as pivotal to the plot as she is. Once again there are a great many layers to this excellent book involving both the regular protagonists and those unique to this twelfth installment of Angela Marsons's first class series. As always nothing is as it appears and as the tension increases so do the discoveries and revelations which gradually bring everything together.

This time DS Bryant has his past under the spotlight as he struggles with the fallout from a case at the beginning of his career. There were glimpses into his home life I thoroughly enjoyed and were just detailed enough to reinforce his place as my favourite regular character.

Ms Marsons is one of our best, most consistent, murder mystery writers and that fact is highlighted once again in her latest offering. The storyline is compelling and, without giving anything away, Kim's feelings at the end mirrored my own. The amount of research undertaken is clear in the detail included in all aspects of this book and I was left feeling more aware of what constitutes a cult and how they work as well as what is necessary for them to lose their power over those drawn into their shady world without being overwhelmed by detail.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review and would recommend it to anyone who has read any of the previous novels or wants to dip their toe into the Stone universe. Neither group will be disappointed and the latter will very possibly find themselves buying all the previous books as well

Book 12.. Still going strong, still interesting, still unputdownable. The End

​What can I say, we seem to waste our lives away waiting for new books to come out. This one was well worth waiting for, a fantastic addition to the series. There has been no better place for me to be the last few days than in the world of Kim Stone. So a big thank you to the very talented writer, Angela Marsons for taking me away from the troubles of the world for a short while.
I would say you could read this instalment as a standalone, but with all books that are part of a series, it's always better to read the books in order. You learn and grow with the characters this way, you know any back history.
I have found in the past that some series when they are so good start to go a little bland the more books are published, we sometimes see story lines becoming the same etc. Not with these books, I find each and everyone fresh, topical and current. This series shines better each time a new book is published.
Kim Stone has become a favourite with many crime thriller readers and it's no surprise. She's a first class character and one who you just keep learning about.
The team have a new case to work on, what appears to be a suicide is quickly dismissed. Kim and Keats had first agreed that this was suicide, but something is nagging at Kim, and Kim likes to trust her instincts. Maybe just maybe is wasn't suicide.
There is soon another body found and it doesn't take to long for a link between this and the suicide victim to be discovered. These tow victims had spent time at a local farm and this has to be where some of clues can be found. the team are sure that this farm holds a lot of answers for them.

These books grab you as soon as you start reading, and don't spit you out until that last page. they are almost like a drug, as you find yourself craving for more, very addictive.

Yay, she's back, have been waiting for the next in the series, not disappointed, these Kim Stone book's get better and better, she's becoming a force to be reckoned with, you become part of her team, cheering them all on, love this character, go out and start the first and work your way through them, I see a few sleepless nights in for you, brilliant series, British police procedural at it's best

This is book 12 in the D.I. Kim Stone series. It could be read as a standalone but I would totally recommend reading the the previous 11 books, not only to get the back story but because it is such a great series.

This time around Kim and her team are investigating murders linked to a cult. It is another well written, fast paced book with great characters and a compelling storyline.

Like all her previous books I have given this 5 shiny stars and highly recommend it!

“We’re the police. We’re good at this shit.”

Killing Mind, Book #12 in the D.I. Kim Stone, series finds Kim and her team investigating a cult linked to a murder.

A young woman commits suicide, or so it seems. It takes D.I. Kim Stone and her team a hot minute to figure out that what looked like suicide was actually a murder. The team’s investigation leads them to Unity Farm, a cult that lures in the vulnerable. In order for the police to get the evidence they need, one of the team members finds themselves going undercover and joining the cult. This book doesn’t only focus on the creeper who runs the cult, it also focuses on the psychology and manipulative tactics that cult leaders utilize to indoctrinate members.

In addition to the cult case, Bryant finds himself haunted by one of his past cases. This installment also prominently features Stacey, Penn, and Tiff “Tink” who appeared in book 11, and of course Barney, the dog. I love all of these characters, but I have really grown to love Penn. I would love to see more of him. One character who works to deprogram cult members seems to have the potential to appear in a future installment, but I might just be reading too much into things.

I think I write this every time I write a review on this series, but it really keeps getting better and better. Kim Stone is my favorite female detective; she’s kick-ass but also vulnerable. All of the characters in this series have continued to develop, and I look forward to seeing them develop even more in the next installment.

I was completely captivated by both the mysteries and the characters. There never was a dull moment. My only complaint was Stacey’s storyline just kind of felt thrown in and resolved really quickly without much effort. It’s an important topic and needed more attention. O.k., I lied because I have one more complaint: This book felt too short--when I got to the last page I stared in disbelief--not because elements were not resolved (they were), but because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters again. Hopefully, Angela Marsons won’t make us wait too long for book #13.

I highly highly recommend this series!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Every time one of these books come out I wonder how the author will beat the last one. She always does. I now feel like know the characters and I’m way too invested. I held my breath for much of the ending. I eagerly await the next one.

Loved this book. Killing Mind is Book 12 in the D.I. Kim Stone series and worth waiting for. Gripping drama from page 1. This book looks at cults and the devastation they can cause to the vulnerable. Kim Stone is at her caustic best at the helm of her team. The usual team players fulfil their usual roles. Love the characters of Bryant and Stacey. I finished the book in one sitting. Really could not put it down and I am looking forward to the next instalment.
The only drawback I can see is that you do have to read the books in sequence. If you picked up Killing Mind as your first introduction to DI Kim Stone, you would not get a full understanding to what makes her tick. This book does little to develop her character further, concentrating more on Tiff. Both Bryant and Stacey backstories are moved on but again with very little about how they got to that point. Which is fine if, like me, you are reading it as part of a series.
Thank you to Bookouture and Net Galley for giving me an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of Killing Mind in exchange for an honest review.

Angela Marsons does it again!

The Kim Stone series is one of my all time most favorites. I love Kim and her bad-ass team of crime solvers. Bryant brings the warmth, commitment, and devotion of a seasoned cop. Stacey brings the brains and stubbornness of a talented young female cop working her way up the ranks. And Penn? Penn brings joy and a bright light to a team that's still working through heartbreak. And of course, Kim is Kim. Hard, brilliant and stubborn but also soft and fragile when no one is looking.

In book 12 we have two cases that we are following which is a Marsons classic. Sometimes those two cases intertwine and sometimes they do not. In this instance, case two stands alone but it's no less haunting than the case that's front and center; we get a glimpse into Bryant's early days and a case that's followed him for over 20 years. On the other hand, Kim and her team have come in contact with a modern day cult and all of them are soon to be surprised by what they find.

We saw a more emotional side of Kim this go round which I have been craving. I don't need Kim to find love but I do love when we see the more human side of her. She's almost like a machine, going from one case to the next and rarely stopping to talk or think about how she feels. In book 12, we see just a glimpse into her feelings when she handles an issue with Bryant and I loved getting the chance to see more of the emotional side to a character that holds her cards so close. I loved seeing just how much she values the big man who she gripes with almost daily.

Finally, I have said from the beginning of the series that I appreciate so much the complex women that Marsons introduces us to. We see evil, sadistic women whose personality traits are are typically saved for male antagonists and I love that we see a side to females that we don't normally get to see in stories and thrillers.

As always, I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for this ARC.

I love Angela Marsons Kim Stone series and, as always, this latest book is a cracker of a read. I feel like I know Kim and the team, they are not just characters in a book, and have always enjoyed reading of their working relationships, rapport and friendships.

The team investigate what they believe to be a suicide which is actually a murder. When another murder follows, their investigations lead them to a local cult and the story covers manipulative and coercive behaviour, and how being a member of a cult can affect someone and their feelings. Also, an old case of one of Kim’s colleagues returns and you see a different Kim, who sees friendship and support are not a one way street and shows empathy as she tries to be there for her colleague and friend.

I don’t think there is a book that Angela Marsons can write that I won’t like or enjoy. This series is one of my all time favourites, one I can return to and reread again. She has the most wonderful way of drawing me into the story, keeping my attention all the way through and for the last two days I’ve loved being back in Kim’s world again. And being not too far from the Black Country I read the characters lines in my head in their accent 😀. A very well deserved 5 stars. Highly recommended.

I love the Kim Stone and Bryant novels. Great writing. Amazing characters. Page turner. Plenty of suspense to keep me enthralled. Definitely look forward to her next offering. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

Another fantastic five star read from this author. I have been with DI Kim Stone from book one. I must admit that this series is one of my favourites and each new release goes straight to the top of my reading pile. A young girl is found in her bedroom with her throat cut. Suicide or murder???? It is up to Kim and her team to find out which. What is the secret of Unity Farm? This read was devoured in one sitting. Misdirection by the bucket and a really clever plot to boot. Oh yes this author has done it again, a fantastic addition to a very addictive and gripping series. A well deserved five stars and so Highly Recommended.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC.

Outstanding! This author has done it again! Not that there was any doubt - when I pick up one of her books, I know that I will never get anything done until I have finished, my mind and life taken over by Kim Stone and her wonderful team. I save each of this author's books, hoarding it like the treat it is until I am absolutely sure I will not be disturbed. I have lived every one of these books with the characters feeling their pain and hurting for them and this one was no different. What this author is particularly skilled at is how she makes the reader bleed, even for the villains. She shows us how easy it is to turn from law abiding to criminal, how circumstances and choices can make you take that one wrong turn from which there's no coming back. She makes us care and not only for the victims - and this is what sets her apart from all the other crime writers of today. She is the queen of crime and with this book the crown rests even more firmly upon her head. Long may she reign. Cannot wait for more from this incredible author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Killing Mind, the twelfth sequential novel to feature DI Kim Stone of the West Midlands Police.

When Samantha Brown is found dead in her flat with her throat cut everyone assumes it’s suicide until Kim takes a closer look and realises she’s been murdered. When a second body is found in a lake with his throat cut and a link is found to Samantha Kim finds herself in a different kind of investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Mind which is a tense read with a different slant on the serial killer genre. Apart from the prologue the novel is told, in different voices, from the investigative point of view. I like this approach as it gives the reader a broad overview of events but doesn’t detract from the main event, finding a killer. In a sense this is a psychological thriller as it deals with the power of mind control and cults. I’m not sure if it added to my knowledge but the author has obviously done a lot of research and has the gift of explaining the psychology of it in easily understandable language and while there is a fair amount of tell, the show has the most emotional impact, most of it tragic.

The plot is well conceived and executed with moments of tension, suspense and action and reveals that come at a steady pace. I was glued to the pages apart from some eye glazing at the cult descriptions (they do go a bit at times) and I got so immersed that I had to put it down a couple of times when the tension got to me. There is a subplot where one of Bryant’s old cases comes roaring back to life, leading him to question the nature of justice. I found the questions asked in this fascinating and can’t decide if he made the right decision or not.

After so many novels the team is a well oiled machine which works well together. It is always a pleasure to dip into their harmonious world, well amongst themselves as Kim is a friction magnet with outsiders although she appears to be mellowing.

Killing Mind is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Every book in this series is the best yet! Again Marsons has woven a fast paced, complex plotline with a returning cast of well developed, relatable characters and just the right amount of humour to lighten what is a harrowing case.

I know I've said it before and I'm pretty sure I'll be saying it again but I BLOODY LOVE Angela Marsons, I think I might have a little fan girl crush going on!

Before I go on I must say, if you haven't read the previous books (why the hell wouldn't you have?) You're best of reading them before either reading or reviewing this one. I wouldn't recommend as a stand alone read.

Now that's out of the way...Book 12 of the Detective Kim Stone Series... my all time favourite series ever!

This book takes us into the fascinating but dark world of cults and we get to see just how dangerous and destructive they can be. Angela has quite obviously researched this until the 10th degree, every aspect is covered in perfect detail (as usual), especially the "you see what they want you to see". What a predatory and manipulative world they live in.

As the previous books we once again learn more about the other members of the amazing and eclectic team, this time we follow Bryant back to an old case and watch the drama unfold. I must admit I guessed the outcome of that part but it didnt make it any less enjoyable and intriguing to read.

Penn seems to come into his own in this one, growing stronger in his ability, his confidence and his place in the team.

Over the past 11 books I've loved watching Kim grow stronger in every way but unlike previous books Book 12 didnt really fall back on her traumatic childhood like all the others, there was barely a mention so there obviously been a shift in gear to how these stories will now progress. On a side note it was touching to have a small mention of Kevin Dawson put in there.

The Detective Kim Stone Series never fails to hit the mark! Angela Marsons is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to this genre.

A truly riveting, tense, suspenseful and well plotted storyline intricately woven together to produce, once again, one hell of a read!

Now hurry up with Book 13

The biggest thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Ms Marsons has done it again. I was so excited to receive a copy of Killing Mind. The is 12th book in the Kim Stone series. I have read and loved this series from the first page of the first book and this one does not disappoint. This is an amazing series that gets better and better.
When Kim Stone is called to apparent suicide when the persons throat is cut and no forced entry they class the death as suicide but hours later after visiting the parents of the deceased and the pathologist investigating the death, Kim realises she has made a mistake and it is actually a suicide.
A few days later another body of Tyler Short turns up found in the nearby lake. They find a link between the two deaths which come in a retreat called Unity farm. But Unity farm is not all as it seems, it is a cult when they target vulnerable people not only to brainwash them but to take away their assets for the good of the farm.
Bryant is also taking time out from the case when he is contacted to be informed that a killer, he put away 25 years ago is being released from prison. He tries to warn them he will kill again. To no avail.
This is another brilliant episode in the Kim Stone series. The quality of the author is immense. It never falters. The story is always fresh This is professionally researched in the subject matter of cults, how they effect people and how they manipulate and coerce people to do their bidding. I love the camaraderie between Kim and her team. They are like a little family and do anything they can when one of them is in trouble. Another big, big fat 5 stars from me.