Another five-star hit from the author. As the series continues, the stories get better. The author does a good job of seamlessly weaving different plot points to bring them to conclusions. A book and a series which I would recommend to everyone.

This was the twelfth in the most fabulous crime series ever written. I am a huge fan and was not disappointed in this latest offering. DI Kim Stone is a brilliant character and I enjoyed seeing a slightly more tender side to her in this book.

Being called to the scene of what appears to be a suicide, Kim agrees that the young girl killed herself until later, when reviewing one of the crime scene photographs makes her change her mind. After getting the case reclassified she sets out to gain a better understanding of the girl and her family, who she believes are not being straight with her about the circumstances that led to their daughter’s death. Of course, she is right. And so begins the story that leads Kim and her team to Unity Farm, a retreat from the usual way of life.

However, all is not as it seems, and in order to find out more, Kim sends Tiff undercover to discover just how the Farm works. While Tiff is undercover, Kim gets increasingly concerned for her welfare as she finds out just how cults like Unity Farm work. I loved reading about Tiff and her character grew through her adventure at the Farm. I was hoping the book might end with an invitation for Tiff to join Kim’s wonderful team.

I still miss DS Dawson from the earlier books, but his place is ably taken by DS Penn, whose character continues to develop in this book, particularly in regard to the relationship with his brother. Such brilliant writing allows the reader to gain insights into lesser characters while a storm is raging with the main characters.

Even though DS Bryant plays a lesser role in this book, he nevertheless plays a major role in his own case in which a murderer gets parole after 25 years in prison. DS Bryant is concerned that he may once again be responsible for another murder. Angela’s amazing writing allows us to follow both stories at the same time without ever losing touch with either.

It is always sad when a brilliant new book is read. I will mourn it like a friend. Until the next book in the series. I can’t wait!

Another fantastic book in the Kim Stone series.
I couldn’t wait to read this book as I knew it would be a gripping crime thriller, and I wasn’t disappointed.
It’s great to catch up with Kim and the team again but I was sad to hear Betty is no more...
This book centres around a cult that is luring young people in and brainwashing them to stay.
One of it’s former residents is found dead and soon after another resident’s body is found with the same cause of death.
Kim and the team get close to what’s happening at Unity Farm but they can’t fully know what’s going on without sending one of the team in....
I loved this book as it linked in with a cult which I’ve always found intriguing.
The leader is charismatic and knows exactly say to say to persuade people to stay.
It’s a great read that will keep you hooked from the first to the last page.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I could read about Kim Stone and her team every week and never get bored, I love how each book we see more of all the characters personalities. Being a fan of Angela Marsons , Kim Stone books since the first one, it always amazes me that she's able to up the excitement from the previous book. This book is simply brilliant as are all her books can't wait for more.

The twelfth book in the Kim Stone series and as excellent as the previous ones. Called to agree that a suspicious death is a suicide Kim thinks it’s a box ticking exercise but something does not add up. Following instinct she comes across a group called Unity Farm a lifestyle retreat or something more serious?
I am a major fan of all the Kim Stone books including this one. Bryant, Kim’s second in command, is also dealing with a case from his past.
Highly recommend.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#KillingMindDetectiveKimStone #NetGalley

This new chapter in the Detective Kim Stone series does a great job of highlighting just how predatory and dangerous cults can be. When the team realizes that such a place is at the center of multiple suspicious deaths, they need to carefully infiltrate Unity Farm and find out just what goes on there and why no one seems to return to their former lives for long. Why are they ending up dead, instead?

They have the perfect officer to send in, Tiff, whom we've met in a previous story. She looks so young and innocent that she will be able to blend in well and report back to the team. But of course, nothing goes as planned, and is that because she may in fact be too vulnerable to their influence? Is anyone safe from this place?

I loved the character of Kane. Through his gruff, detailed conversations with Kim, the author is able to explain quite a lot about how cults use manipulation of emotions and physical needs to ensure that the members gain dependence on them for just about everything. They turn them against their families using their past against them. I did feel that Kim would have been a little more open to the idea than she's portrayed, as she's very street smart and aware that people are all too willing to manipulate others for a more sinister gain.

I also enjoyed the subplot of Bryant's involvement with a former and very personal case of his. After a murderer is unsuccessfully kept from being denied parole, he feels a duty to the father of a victim and another victim to keep them safe. He makes some tough decisions that highlight his incredibly kindhearted personality and deeply ingrained integrity. He's easily my favorite character after Kim.

Whether you are new to this series or a faithful follower, Book 12 is one that should not be missed.

DI Kim Stone series.
Kim and her team investigate the supposed suicide of a young woman and then a young man. They quickly realise that these were murders and connected.
DS Bryant, one of her team, is also involved in an investigation of a murderer recently released from prison.
Kim and her team focus their investigation on Unity Farm ,its charismatic leader and the members of the group who live there.
Tiff, a young constable goes undercover as a disaffected daughter and starts to be dragged further into the ‘group’.
Some old and new characters which kept the plot interesting.
Pacy writing on a difficult subject which is well handled .
Good lead up to climatic ending.

This is book #12 in the Kim Stone series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the books in series order to fully understand the previous story references. Kim Stone is a fantastic character who has got better and better as each book is written. If you’ve read my reviews for the other books in the series, you’ll know that I love the geographical references. The books are based in and around the Black Country, and I love seeing and reading about places that I know and live around! The Black Country has a great history, and I love how the author not just mentions local landmarks but delves into the history of them as well!

This latest book is based around the discovery of a young woman’s body at her home. Seemingly a suicide, Kim trusts her gut feeling and looks into the death a little more closely. Realising that this is a case of murder, Kim and her team work hard to find out who would have killed her and why. When more bodies are discovered, the team connect them all to Unity Farm, a retreat for people who want to live an alternative way of life. Kim’s usual team are back but it seems that they are all carrying personal problems of their own, which they need to work through. It was a great change of events from previous books as usually it’s Kim’s personal problems which are prevalent and yet this time Kim is the one giving out advice! I love Bryant’s character and always have throughout the series. His relationship with Kim is great and the humour between them both makes me smile every time. We are again also introduced to the newer member of the team, Tiffany. Without giving too much away, her storyline was gripping and left me with my heart in my mouth on more than one occasion!

I find it amazing how we are now so many books into the series, yet it never loses its appeal! The storylines are all so different from each other and unique from book to book. The introduction of a ‘cult’ group in this book had me hooked, even though the whole premise of cults makes me very nervous! The author portrayed perfectly how easy it is for people to be drawn into these groups, bringing a dark and sinister tone to the storyline. A great deal of research has obviously also gone into writing these stories, and this shows with the realistic plots and factual information which is given. I also loved Bryant’s side story, which ran alongside the main theme. His interest in one of his previous cases from many years before is particularly emotional, and his conscience is pushed to its limits with the events that happen.

I knew this would be another five-star rating before I even started the book! The author is so clever with her writing and has the ability to hook you in on the first page and not let you go until the very end. It is full of twists and turns, dead ends and false clues, constantly making you think you’ve worked it out, for it to then all change on the turn of a page! There’s plenty of dead bodies and forensically factual terminology for the more gruesome amongst us, lots of suspects for those who like to try and work it out and even some light hearted humour for those who need a break from the first two!! This has to be the best crime series I have read, and long may Kim Stone continue! Fab-u-lous!!

Incredible! I read this within 24 hours, with a newborn to look after this wasn't as easy as it sounds. The storyline leads you one way and a chapter later it leads you a different way. I love every one of Angela Marsons books but this one is definitely in my top five.

I have been an avid reader of detective novels for years and in my opinion nobody does it better than Angela Marsons. I was delighted to get the chance to read the newest novel in the series and I was not disappointed! Detective Kim Stone and her team faced one of their most challenging cases to detective that focuses on cults. I love everything about this series of books, the plot lines are always strong and I can never see the conclusion coming. The greatest strength however is the characters themselves, I am extremely fond of the all main characters and each time I read a new book in the series it is like catching up with old friends!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC

Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture and Angela Marsons for allowing me to read this Arc.
I have read all of Angela's books. And Killing Mind is another one that I won't forget in a hurry. It is book twelve in the Kim Stone series. It's absolutely fantastic but that's no surprise from Angela.
Definitely a five stars!!

When a young woman is found with her throat slit, alone in her flat with no forced entry, it is deemed to be a tragic suicide. But after a visit to the girl's parents and clues to suggest that it wasn't suicide, Detective Kim Stone starts to consider that it may just have been murder. A young man is then found in a lake with his throat cut which links the victims. Further investigations find that both of the victims spent time at Unity Farm, a retreat that looks suspiciously like a cult. The team investigate and send one of their own undercover, but could this be a mistake?

Another fantastic entry to the Detective Kim Stone series. I am a huge fan of the series and always love to hear about Kim and her team. In this book we not only hear of the case at hand, but also Bryant's own distractions when an old case from the past enters his life again. As usual the plot is great and thrilling, and the characters are as interesting as ever. A great crime story that is hard to stop reading until you reach the end!

Thanks so much to the publisher, author and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.

Woohoo Angela Marsons is back with yet another cracking read!  It’s a rare author who makes the twelfth book as exciting and compelling as the first book in a series. I’m not certain how Angela Marsons manages it but Killing Mind the latest book in the Kim Stone set, is just as impressive, riveting, and exciting as every other book in this much-loved series.  Another thing that’s worth a mention is the fact the author never fails to deliver a gripping storyline for each and every one of her books, they're always original and well researched . 

Kim Stone is called to what appears to be a routine suicide, but something  doesn’t entirely add up. It soon becomes evident to Kim and her team that the suicide was staged to cover up a murder, and that at every turn leads back to Unity Farm, a retreat for people seeking an alternative way of life. As Kim digs deeper into the Farm, she realises she is looking into a Cult, a subject she knows very little about. Cults are something that have always fascinated me, especially the psychology behind what attracts people to cults. Angela Marsons gives the reader a realistic, spine chilling insight into the world of Cults, the members who prey on peoples’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities and how they manipulate, compliment and flatter victims to reel them in. The author has the extraordinary ability to turn a crime thriller into something more, she’s able to give her victims and their families a voice, she highlights the effects a cult can have on Family members, loved ones and friends, when they lose someone to a cult. 


It’s great that the author has brought Tiffany (AKA Tink) back, I love her character, she has a certain innocence about her, that makes her very likeable, as more of her backstory is revealed, I really felt for her. Team member Bryant has a side story of his own in Killing Mind, which adds another yet another layer of intrigue to the story. Kim is as difficult as always, but underneath that cold, brittle exterior is the Kim fans of this series have come to love. The beauty of the authors writing is her attention to her characters, has a unique identity. They have their own problems,  strengths and weaknesses, but as a team they are the perfect fit. 


The cult gives the plot a dark and sinister tone that continues to thread its way through the plot, and when one of Kim’s team whose working under cover is placed in danger, a palatable sense of dread fills the pages. There are moments in this book I found gut wrenching, not something you would expect in a crime thriller, but that’s the beauty of the authors writing she never fails to surprise the reader. Once again Angela Marsons has written a taut, fast-paced crime thriller, it’s a cliche but I really ‘couldn’t turn the pages fast enough’ as the body count rises and the investigation intensifies. If you consider yourself a crime thriller lover then this book, hell the whole series is unmissable. 

This review maybe altered slightly and edited prior to publication on my blog

It is difficult to think of anything new to say about this splendid series--great characters, wonderful sense of place and intriguing plots. Killing Mind is no exception, and DI Kim Stone is on crackling form. A series of corpses leads her to a cult and the joy of this book is the way in which Angela Marsons describes the effect such a cult can have on people's lives. A superb read!

Kim Stone is called to a young girl's suicide. A straightforward matter - until Kim visits the parents. With a sense of unease, a photo gives a clue - she was murdered.

And when another body turns up, Kim makes the connection with Unity Farm and the cult which lives there....

This is the 12th book in the DI Kim Stone series by author Angela Marsons.
I have followed this series from the very start and the series just keeps getting stronger and stronger. Excellent, believable characters that have been developed in the course of the books. The chapters are short, which increases the tempo of the novel and pulls the reader into reading just one more chapter and then another as you feel you can't stop just yet.
Samantha Brown is found lying in bed with her throat cut and a knife in her hand. There are no signs of forced entry and everything points to a tragic suicide. DI Kim Stone goes round to inform the parents but feels troubled by the feeling that they are holding something back. Kim discovers a clue in a photograph and changes the suicide call to murder.
Shortly after a man's body is found in a local lake with his throat cut and Kim is instantly aware of a link between the two murders. Both victims spent time at Unity Farm, a retreat for people seeking an alternative way of life and it is down to Kim and her team to uncover the truth.

I really enjoy this series and love the fact that I have visited many of the locations mentioned in the books due to their locality. The books are exciting reads with short punchy chapters that keep the story travelling at a breakneck speed. Excellent characters, Kim Stone, DS Penn, DS Bryant and also the new character Tiff. I really hope this series runs and runs.

I would like to thank both Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Angela Marsons never disappoints. This is the twelfth book in the series and she has never once dropped the ball.
This time around,deaths, missing persons, cults, Bryant distracted by an old case, Stacey hampered by her wedding diet and a mystery man in a Range Rover are all in the mix. I welcomed the return of Tiffany aka Tink to help the team, not realising she could be in danger, and Penn seems to be settling in nicely.
What can I say? How long til the next one?

Another amazing book in the Kim Stone series. I don’t know how Angela manages to write brilliant books one after the other but I’m so glad she does. They just keep getting better in my opinion, this one I couldn’t put down and read it in a day. I’m sad though as have to wait now for the next instalment. Please don’t keep us waiting too long. I 1000% recommend this author and series

I’ve enjoyed every single book Angela Marsons has written so knew when I was granted an advanced copy of her 12th novel in the DI Kim Stone series I was in for a treat. I LOVED this book. There’s bodies, a ‘retreat’, team members facing their own demons - all brought together by Angela’s fantastic writing.

This is a police procedural that will draw you in from page one. It’s gritty, compelling, intriguing and one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

I absolutely loved getting to spend more time with DI Kim Stone and her team!
Killing Mind is book 12 in this series and although all of the books can easily be read as standalone, I would recommend reading them in order of publication. Silent Scream is the first in this series. If you enjoy that one, you’ll be set for awhile because every single book is phenomenal!
That said, I loved the twists and turns in Killing Mind and as usual, Angela Marsons continues to be one of the very few authors who surprise me no matter how many of her books I read.
The psychology of being brainwashed in a cult is fascinating and I really enjoyed the way she describes the grooming and indoctrination by a cult leader.
I loved getting to see more of Tiffany (aka Tink) and learning more about her backstory. She’s a fascinating character.
I really liked seeing a side case that Bryant was working on as well.
I still feel the pain of a teammate lost several books ago, which is always a good sign that I’m vested in a series.
I’m definitely giving Killing Mind a full 5 stars!