Another belter, the like of which we have come to expect from Angela Marsons.
Strong plot, solid characterisation and an easy, intelligent writing style.
The cult angle is an interesting one which was obviously well researched. (I almost got sucked in myself!)
A final, excellent twist sealed the deal.
Already looking forward to the next one.

I have read all Kim Stones outings so was very much looking forward to this and I was not disappointed.
A case involving an apparent cult and a spate of murders leads to one of Kim's own coming close (too close?) to the action.
Hugely enjoyable as usual!

Angela Marsons could write a note on the back of a receipt and i would want to read it. I love her writing, I love this series and I tell everyone I know to read her. This is another great addition to the series, compelling, exciting and I loved it!

Once again Angela Marsons delivers a heart pounding, show stopping, masterpiece of a novel. How does this woman do it? Time and time again, Angela not only proves herself as top of the class in crime fiction but an expert story teller.

Each novel she has written for the Kim Stone series has its own unique qualities and its very distinct and well researched, insightful plot. This book is no exception. In book 12 we see Kim’s team tackling head-on a sophisticated cult that is as hard to find as it is to leave which ends up putting one of their own in danger.

Notable differences with book 12 were that there was no more hints or links to Kim’s back story. Quite rightly this has been removed as it has been extensively covered in the previous 11 books and it is not missed nor is it vital to the plot. Kim’s personal life of bikes and Barney also take a back seat and the beloved Betty has ‘left’ the team.

After Kim’s ordeal in book 11 it’s interesting to see a subtle change in her own character. Not quite as fiesty but all the more determined and in a few places you see her acting almost (dare I say it) motherly and caring.

As for Kim’s team, in this book we see a new edge to Bryant as he is dragged back to an old case of his that should never have been reopened. Silent and moody and with a grudge to bear it’s good to see the old teddy bear get some gumption!

I know a lot of Marson fans are still sad about the loss of Dawson but I have to say I’m enjoying Penn even more and it was nice to read more of his abilities and quirks.

Book 12 sees the return of Tiff (Tink), proving herself as an ace police officer once again and providing some light comedy in what is otherwise a very disturbing time. I wouldn’t be surprised to read that she becomes part of the team permanently.

I don’t want to go any further into the details of the book because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone that hasn’t read it yet. But I do want to express my extreme gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a copy for my reading pleasure. And my warmest regards to Angie and her partner for, without them I wouldn’t have become the crazy fan girl that I now am! Much love... now go finish my book 13! 🥰

Another great book following Detective Kim Stone and her team. on her search for a killer into a world it’s hard to believe actually exists. How does jake charm people young and old ? What secrets are held behind the doors of the farm and how does it contain so much power for people to drop contact with family and friends. Sinking into one of Angela Marsons books you know you won’t be disappointed

One of my favorite series and that doesn't look like its going to change anytime soon. Book 12 and this is still going strong. I like Kim Stone and her team the more I read them. The investigations are always well done. Never a dull moment when reading these books. Highly recommend if you love following a D.I. and their team. You will not be disappointed!!

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

Another great story line from Angela Marsons featuring Detective Kim Stone and her team. An unusual story line with the team using various devices at their disposal to bring the story to a surprising conclusion which baffled me to the end.

Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone series is another of my favorites. Kim may be brusque, but she’s a great team leader. And she has a super team. This time around, Kim is called to an apparent suicide. But within hours, she changes her mind and rules it a murder. And then, within days, a second body turns up with the same manner of death. Both of the victims spent time at Unity Farm and there are concerns that the place is a cult. The decision is made to send someone in undercover.

As the book goes on Marsons spends a lot of time educating the reader on how a cult works. Not only as Kim tries to learn about them, but from Tiffany’s personal experience as she goes undercover. It’s very well done and engrossing. Once again, I didn’t see the ending playing out as it did.

This is a series that benefits from reading them in order to see the character development. I can recommend it to anyone that enjoys well done police procedurals that focus on strong characters.

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

How is this book 12? I think this is my favourite series of all time. I love this Author's writing and boy does she have an imagination! DI Kim Stone and her team have lots to investigate. Was it suicide or murder? Lets throw a cult into the story and see where that leads. I really liked the references to a past team member and I am so sad that Betty died. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoutre and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book. Bring on #13.

Book 12 in the Kim Stone series and it doesn’t disappoint.

An apparent suicide which turns into a murder has DI Kim Stone and her team baffled. When the body of a young man is found, she is called in as it seems that both victims were killed in the same way. As the team digs deeper it appears that both were residents at Unity Farm, a supposed retreat which helps the lost and lonely. But it turns out that Unity Farm is really a cult praying on the vulnerable so Kim decides to send young constable Tiffany undercover to find out what is going on. Will DI Stone get the answers she is looking for or will she come to regret her decision?

Compelling, fast paced and full of suspense, Killing Mind is another excellent book in this series.

Angela Marsons continues her fabulous DI Kim Stone series with this brilliant addition that explores the predatory, manipulative, and dangerous world of cults, one where we have real life examples of just how devastating the psychological damage can be with their narcissistic, disturbed and charismatic leaders. Kim finds herself rethinking her initial signing off of the death of 21 year old Samantha Brown, her throat cut in her flat, as suicide. Closer examination has her designating it as murder, and the discovery of a second body, 20 year old Tyler Short, with the same MO has her and her team frantically looking for connections and a killer. Both victims attended Dudley College, identical last meal stomach contents, both stopped using social media 3 years ago and were emotionally vulnerable individuals.

Samantha's parents are being less than transparent about their daughters, Samantha and Sophie, but Kim is a determined woman as it emerges that the victims are members of a new age cult at Unity Farm, run by Jake Black. However, her visit to the farm and the affable behaviour of Black leaves her no further forward, at which point she comes up with the idea of putting someone undercover to find out more. She fixes on the bright and chirpy Tink, who looks younger than her 24 years and radiates an innocence that makes her the ideal candidate. Could this be a deadly error of judgement? Kim has yet to grasp the nature of cults and how they work and the damage they can wreak on the psyche almost immediately as they set to isolate, build dependency and a strong sense of belonging to their new 'family'. Bryant's mind is on the historical rape and murder of 15 year old Wendy Harrison when he was a 36 year old constable. Her killer, Peter Drake, looks like he will be successful in gaining parole this time around, and Bryant is convinced he will kill again.

Marsons's Kim Stone series hits the mark with her ongoing development of her police team members, they are a close, diverse and hardworking bunch, the solving of the cases is always a team affair, and this time we see Penn further entrench himself into the team, after the loss of Dawson, with his stellar work. Tink showcases just how effective cults are at controlling vulnerable minds and the example of Sophie illustrates just how hard it is to exit cults. The author's impressive research on cults is woven into a tense, riveting and skilfully plotted thrilling story. As ever, this is a wonderfully entertaining and engaging addition to a series that justifiably has a huge number of crime fiction fans. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this captivating book

after several bodies turn up and a man in black driving a white car, questions are asked....could he be the one wanted for these murders....

kim and her crew have their work cut out for them as they investigate several leads but it all points to the farm...could they really be a cult and why doesnt anybody leave

wow an interesting read and you can see how easily people can be manipulated and played...

well worth a read, keep an eye out for this author...

Police thriller with great characters. Kim Stone and her detectives are great together. Fast paced story with lots of twists.

Thank you Angela Marsons for writing another brilliant Kim Stone novel. Kim is one of my favourite detectives with her brand of intuition and doggedness that brings down even the most determined killer. If I'm ever murdered, I want her assigned to my case.

When Kim attends what looks like a suicide of a young woman who has cut her own throat, she feels something is not quite right with the scene. And after talking to the woman's parents, she is sure they are holding something back. Then a second body is found, that of a young man, with a similar wound to the throat and Kim suspects both people were murdered by the same person. When she learns that both had links to Unity Farm, a wellness centre and retreat she sends in a young policewoman undercover to find out what really goes on there. Reports of a bulky man dressed in black driving a white range rover keep popping up at sites associated with the victims making Kim keen to find him and find out what he's up to.

With a well paced, compelling plot and plenty of suspense this was a fascinating and engaging read. The ongoing development of the characters is one of the highlights of this series and learning more about Kim and her team is one of the features I really enjoy. New boy on the team, Penn comes into his own a bit more in this book as Bryant is distracted by the release of a vicious killer from his earliest days in the force. Stacey is once again invaluable at finding key information for the team on social media and the internet, while struggling to stick to her self imposed diet ahead of her wedding. It was also pleasing to see young policewoman Tiffany once again helping out the team by going undercover, even though it turned out to be a lot more dangerous than Kim expected. Overall, an excellent and thrilling read. Now for the impatient wait for the next book in the series!

The folks at Unity Farm are just one big happy family.  Meditation is a very big deal there, as is yoga and other new age doings.  It certainly sounds benign enough, but it becomes clear that it is more cult-like than not.  There is the requisite charismatic leader, bestowing his beatific smile and warmth on his flock.  But do not be deceived, these people prey on lost souls, those who are starved for affection, who have little self-esteem.  Ripe for the picking.  When bodies start cropping up with possible ties to the farm, DI Kim Stone and her team dig in.  Rest assured they will get to the bottom of it.

Angela Marsons continues to pen this series with a sure hand.  Not a clinker in the bunch.

I am yet to read a bad book by this author. Absolutely brilliant story, hooked right to the end. Brilliant characters, can't ask for more.

This is number 12 in the series and it's still going strong with no end in sight (hallelujah)! As I just mentioned this is book number twelve, but it does work brilliantly as a stand-alone novel. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend it. DI Kim Stones is tough as nails and yet has a big heart and a big mouth. Ha! I love how she speaks her mind. Love her.

This book explores the world of cults - psychology, the manipulation, the grooming, etc. It's quite fascinating and frightening at the same time. The book opens as Detective Stone is called to the apartment of Samantha Brown's whose death is believed to be a suicide but then things begin to not add up and soon DI Stone and her team find more victims and the clues all point to a place called Unity Farm.

While this is going on DI Bryant is dealing with a case that has been affecting him for over twenty years. The killer is up for parole which leaves Detective Bryant deeply trouble.

Marson continues to build upon her previous books with character development. This is a strong, engaging and brilliantly written series. I look forward to new books coming out and they never disappoint. There is never a lag in the investigation of the crimes and in the action of the book. The characters are likable and deal with real issues in their private lives and have fun banter with each other. The writing is strong, and the book subject matter is relevant and strikes a chord.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
Killing Mind was Book 12 in the Detective Kim Stone crime thriller series and once again it was another fascinating, intriguing storyline. The regular police characters are superb as usual and I found the cult storyline was excellent and well written.
Highly recommended.

I really must learn to stop repeating myself - well ok then, just this once perhaps - can Angela Marsons do anything wrong? There, I’ve repeated myself again, as I’ve done so many times with her Detective Kim Stone series!

It seemed like a cut and dried case of suicide, when Samantha Brown was found dead in her flat, both Kim and forensic pathologist Keats agreed. However, something kept niggling away at Kim, a little voice telling that her that there is more to this death than first appears. When a young man Tyler Short is found dead in a lake, Kim discovers a link between him and Samantha, they both spent time at a local retreat - Unity Farm, supposedly somewhere for those seeking an alternative way of life. Kim discovers that the cosy facade presented to visitors isn’t the whole truth. There’s nothing else for it but for Kim to get one of her team into its inner circle to find out what’s really going on!

A second storyline follows Kim’s colleague Bryant, and it’s a case from his past - a case that has haunted his intervening years - that of the horrific murder of 15 year old Wendy Harrison. Bryant was a 26 year old constable at the time, first at the scene of crime, and then left guarding the spot where Wendy’s body lay. Every single injury inflicted on Wendy’s ravaged body made him promise her that he’d do his best to get her justice, and it was this case that brought about his desire to join CID. He wanted to be the one arresting the perpetrators of such vile crimes, not the one guarding the scene. But Wendy’s killer, Peter Drake, will make yet another appearance in Bryant’s life some 26 years later.

Book 12 takes us into the dark and distressing world of cults, and needless to say, it makes for a tense and scary read. It goes without saying, that Kim and her team are an eclectic but interesting bunch, and fans of this terrific series have come to love them all without reservation. It’s Kim Stone - it’s Angela Marsons - what are you waiting for? Fantastic

You know that the world is still humming along when Angela Marsons presents another fine selection in her D.I. Kim Stone Series. Keeps the lid on things from boiling over.

D.I. Kim Stone and her team have been called to the scene of a suicide in the West Midlands. It appears that a young woman had administered a fatal knife wound to herself. Suicides are a nasty business, but this one, in particular, has Kim revisiting the crime scene with a different mindset.

Both she and DS Bryant find it curious that Samantha Brown's apartment is pretty much barren. Aside from a half-eaten sandwich on the counter, there's not much evidence of an active life here. And who would make sure that they had a lunch before taking their life? Neighbors report seeing a stocky man all dressed in black and driving a Range Rover leaving the building. We'll be seeing this dude flitting back and forth within these pages.

Add to this Bryant's remorse of a serial killer who will be released on parole in the next few days. Bryant was assigned to the case twenty-five years ago. The father of one of the victims will keep vigil with Bryant and there's nothing that they can do.

Angela Marsons fine-tunes each and every one of her books with well-researched and timely topics. She draws you in with sharp dialogue that snaps to attention and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. Marsons is a wiz at chunking off grand pieces of storyline into compact chapters that have you flipping pages to keep the tide rolling. Those of us fans have been hooked since the initial book hit the shelves. If you're new, get a wiggle on and grab the first one. With #12, we've only just begun........

I received a copy of Killing Mind through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to the talented Angela Marsons for the opportunity.