Angela Masons has long been one of my favourite authors, from the moment I read her first book I was hooked. You don't need to read the blurb to know that you are in for an amazing read. This book was up there with the best, it has an unique storyline which keeps you guessing and enthralled to the very end. Although the story is dark, violent and suspenseful there is also humour which creeps in when your least expecting it but that's what makes for a believable read.
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Oh my. The first one in this series that I have given less than 4 stars to. A lot of this book is excellent but it lost me maybe three quarters of the way through. Up until the it was a 4-5 star easily.
Let me explain.

We have two investigations running simultaneously here. One with Kim and her team involving killings that involve long slow torturous deaths based on medieval methods. Gross I know but absolutely intriguing.
The second and concurrent story, involves our favourite nosey reporter Frost who stumbles onto a case involving domestic violence and murder. The husband has been tried once and the trial collapsed. A retrial is looming and the husband who is very wealthy, employs the biggest PR firm going to improve his image. So much so that it looks like he may get off again. Frost, who finds the story a bit too close to home, decides to investigate on her own and run a series of articles about the victim to try and balance the publicity and get a fair trial.

All great so far. Two very strong stories. The usual high standard of writing and pacing from Marsons, I’m all in at this stage. In my comfy place as the story unfolds.

Now the bad part, for me at least. The final quarter of the book really lets both stories down. Kim’s case is not nearly as exciting or intriguing as the killings suggest. In fact when all is revealed, the motives seem incredibly contrived and the dont really make sense or have credibility. Also there is a red herring in the story arc that is explained away in an incredibly tacky and all too convenient way. Totally unbelievable. Stuck out like a sore thumb as a plot driver and red herring. I honestly don’t think it was thought out fully.

Frosts story ends up being more interesting but again this concludes with a ludicrous ending. A totally bizarre choice by the author. Again I couldn’t understand the authors thinking. I think it may have been trying to be clever for the sake of it and it just ended up being again, totally unbelievable. I found it ludicrous.

I take no pleasure in writing this review. I love this series. I loved a lot of this book but I just can’t overlook the final quarter or so of this book and for me at least, it ruined both stories and therefore the book as a whole. I’m still giving this 3 stars as the majority of the book reads great.

Still I’ll be first in the queue when book 15 comes out.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It’s hard to believe that this is the 14th novel about DI Kim Stone and her team and every bit as good as the previous ones, although the murders are a bit more gruesome! Once I started it I literally couldn’t put it down as it is so fast paced. Angela Marsons is in the top three of my favourite police procedurals, they are so good. The dialogue is excellent, there are touches of humour and the characters easy to get invested in as they have grown throughout the series. There are two elements running through this book and it is well researched, especially in an aspect of policing we do not normally hear obout. A definite 5 stars and highly recommended.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC and give an honest opinion.

It absolutely amazes me every time that each book Angela Marsons writes is better than the one before! I love watching Kim’s stubborn character grow a little in each book. I love her gut instincts. I love seeing a little more of one side character develop in each book. I was thrilled to see journalist Tracy Frost featured in Twisted Lies! She’s such a fascinating character with so much more depth than anyone realizes. So many shocking twists throughout the last half of this book! And the end revealed which side character we will get more of in her next book! I am just tickled about that! Thanks for the sneak peek, Angie! So as usual, her latest book gets a whopping 5 stars and I just wish I could give more. I go into every one of her books expecting a 5 star read and I’m never disappointed!

Another outstanding read in the DI Kim Stone series. I love this series and regardless of what I'm doing, when a new book comes out everything gets dropped so I can read it.

This book centre's on a series of grisly murders where the victims and their families are hiding secrets - but what connects them.
Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacey work together again to solve the puzzles and find the murderer.

What I love most about this series is not only the fabulous storylines but also the characters. This is book 14 now and as a reader I feel like I really know these characters as the author writes about them so warmly. This book for me was especially good as Frost, the local journalist, was a major character and I particularly enjoyed her banter with Kim.

There was nothing at all to dislike about this book, it was one of my favourites out of the whole series. I highly recommend not only this book, but the whole series.

Really enjoyed this book. I have read the entire and it never disappoints. The author creates great characters and storylines that take your breath away

Thank you to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and NetGalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had several other ARC’s in the queue ahead of this one, but when a new book by Ms Marsons comes out, I have to drop everything else, read and savour. Book one was a masterpiece and an easy 5 stars. Every book since has somehow improved on the previous book. On that basis, this should be at least 10 stars, maybe 15! Very few authors can not only maintain the high quality of storytelling and character development but continue to surpass the previous book every time. I am in awe of her immense talent, please keep writing.

As always, the plot is hard hitting action packed with lots of gory details. The main plot is based on ….. (That would be telling). As always extremely well researched and woven into the story effortlessly, without detracting from the story. There have been many very sick and twisted people in her books and I always wonder how she can possibly follow that, but every single book leaves me wanting more.

Twisted Lies starts at 100mph and never lets up. DI Kim Stone has a standoffish generally rude attitude, with few social skills. Yet she has a genuine affection for her team, which is why they work so well together, the banter between Kim and Bryant is legendary. Stacey’s character is rapidly growing, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next. Penn, well when I think back to Penn arriving on the team, it is difficult to imagine it is the same character.

A sub plot involves Tracy Frost the local reporter, her and Kim are old foes and the conversations between the two of them are witty and amusing, despite the animosity between them.

You could easily read this as a stand-alone and enjoy it but if you are considering it, I’d recommend checking out the whole series. There isn’t a weak one in it. No fillers at all. The books have been knocked out at an amazing pace over the last few years but still all feel like they’ve been given the care and attention they require, and they never disappoint. But be warned, the story telling is so realistically told that genuine emotion is felt by me as I read. These stories stay with me for a long time afterwards, That’s how fantastic and memorable they are, but also speaks volumes to the effect they had on me as I read. I really don’t want to say too much about the plot, as it’s best discovered by readers for themselves.

I highly recommend this book, and the entire series. I may have read my favourite book of the year, at least until book 15 comes out. No pressure.

There is no better comfort than snuggling up in a blanket with snacks and diving head first into a DI Kim Stone book!

I love returning to this series and the characters within. With each book we see a little more of the team dynamic, and see the relationships between them blossom even more.

In this installment we find the team delving into one of the darkest cases to date. The murders are gruesome and case complicated. The twists are brilliant as always.

I really enjoyed learning about other aspects of the police force things that you wouldn't usually think about.

What I love most about these books are the quick fast paced chapters which make them so utterly addictive and so difficult to put down. I always fly through them because how can you even put down a book like this?

I will once again "patiently" await the next book from Angela Marsons in this series, ready to drop everything and cosy up with my favourite police team!

Omg another brilliant book in this series. I can't believe after so many books that the series gets better everytime. Never get bored always eager to turn the page

Wow! Another great mystery with twist a turns.


DI Kim and her team is called when a body of man found is in a warehouse they are shock with the way he was murder. When Kim informs his family she feels something is off and their hiding something. While she tries figure out what their deal is another body turns up and she starts to wonder maybe they are connecting. This may be the worst case Kim and her team ever work with the way the murder kills their victims.

There another storyline with Tracey who is a journalist she and Kim don’t exactly get along but they both need each other help. I love their conversation with each other because it’s so amusing I think the reason they have this animosity toward each other is they have respect for each other but don’t want to admit it to each other.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

Wow, wow, wow, You, know when you pick up a book by Angela Marsons you are in for a ride and this does not disappoint. Twisted Lives is the 14th book in the series, and you would think by now that the quality of the story will falter but no. Her quality of her books are top notch and I get excited at every one I read.
When a body if found in an abandoned warehouse Di Kim Stone and her team discover that the man was murdered in a ritualistic way. When the inform the family of his death. DI Kim stone sixth sense tells her that there is something wrong and things that they are not telling them. When another body turns up and there is a link between them, Kim goes on the hunt for the killer but there are obstacles in her way. Even the top of the police force is being secretive about.
Kim, adversary Tracy Frost is involved of a case where a woman is abused by a well-known figure but, he is not trailed for his crimes. Tracy investigates him which lives her fearing for her own life and her home ransacked.
This is another excellent book from the author. Darker and twisted then her previous novels. But always keep you wanting more. I love the character development and the camaraderie between the team and shocked to see that both Kim and Tracy finally be warming to each other. We shall see. Can’t wait for the next book.

You know it’s a fantastic book when you start it in the afternoon, hurry through all your normal ‘life chores’ in a race to get into bed and continue reading. Only to attempt to put it down at least three times (unsuccessfully) because you know, if you don’t get to sleep soon you are going to useless the next day!
Needless to say I finished this long-awaited Kim Stone instalment at 4.45am and then started imagining plots for book 15!
My dark eye-bags are totally worth a night of uninterrupted, heart-pumping reading!

I can't believe this is book #14! An absolutely stellar series which keeps getting better and better. DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant are joined by journo Tracy Frost for a day of shadowing, much to Kim's disgust. One of their calls is to the family of a woman murdered by her husband. They are hoping for a conviction this time but don't hold out much hope. Tracey who is always looking out for a story thinks there can be more to this.

A man tortured beyond belief is found in a disused warehouse and Kim and the Team are instantly on the case. When they go to tell his wife she doesn't seem that upset. Her sister takes charge which seems alien to Kim. 24hrs later the family have gone.

A second body is found and the Team find something out which seems to link the two cases. It's not long however before another body is found, again brutally tortured. The race is on to find the killer before it's too late..... It's great to catch up with Stacy, Penn and Barney too! Kim and Frost also seem to find more even ground and Kim truly believes she's done a good job. It's fast paced, twisty and very grisly with a few secrets intertwined. Highly recommend as always!

What can I say about the Kim Stone series apart that it is superb?These books can be read as standalones but I would very highly recommend that all of the series is read. 
Compelling, so gripping from the first few pages, Angela Marsons created this brilliant and complex character that could perhaps not be likeable but you will end up absolutely loving. 
Angela Marson's masterful writing captivates one's attention in an indescribable way and it is incredibly difficult to put her page-turner books down and this book is no different. 
I am always so keen to read DI Stone's adventures and my only problem is having to wait for more once I finish her amazing books. 
This series is always a hilghy recommendation for me.

Another great Kim Stone novel. I love DI Stone and her team. I might even start liking Frost...Kim and the team find a horrific killer and Frost does a good thing.

Wow!!! AM has done it again!! I absolutely love every single one of the Kim Stone books.

I have to admit, that when Angela releases a new book, everything else goes out of the window, I have to read it straight away.

I live catching up with the team, and knowing what they have all been up to.

The storyline in this book was as fast paced as the others. I did not see the twist coming at all!!

Fantastic!

Can’t wait for the next instalment

Another fabulous installment in this series. 14 books in and no signs of it becoming stale. . .

This book is #14 in the DI Kim Stone series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend reading the books in series order for better understanding of the characters back stories.

You just know that whenever you start a book by this author you may as well clear a space in your diary as you won’t want to put it down until you’ve finished. The story follows on from the previous book with Stone and her team investigating some particularly horrific and gruesome murders scattered around the Black Country. I live in the area and like I’ve said in every review I’ve written for this series it was great to read of places that I know so well – the Wrens Nest being one which is just visible in the distance from my bedroom window!

Kim Stone is a fantastic character and beneath that icy and moody exterior we are beginning to see a soft and fluffy interior – okay, perhaps soft and fluffy aren’t words which one could use to describe Stone but we do get to see glimpses of her more caring and understanding side. Her relationship with her team is first class and I love the banter between her and her DS, Bryant. They understand each other so well that I’m often left wondering if they are an old married couple!! Journalist Tracy Frost, who rubs Stone up the wrong way just by being in the same town, provides some welcome light relief in her interactions with Kim and experiences a side to Kim that she hasn’t seen before. Frost's storyline runs parallel to the murders and is quite shocking, with just as many twists as the main plot. Not being a huge fan of Frost in the past, I really found myself warming to her all the more by the end of the book.

The murder storyline is chilling, brutal and stomach churning! I had no idea where the story was heading and the author is superb at holding back any hints or clues until you are least expecting it. With all the twists and turns I did find myself reading open mouthed as the plot begins to unfold and things begin to slot into place. I have no idea where the author gets her ideas from but I dread to think what her Internet search history must look like with all the research of torturous and sadistic crimes! The storyline moves along at a fantastic pace, barely giving you chance to catch your breath before the next piece of action starts up. We are constantly fed red herrings and follow dead ends throughout and don’t get to find out who the killer is until Stone and her team do.

I honestly can’t begin to say how much I enjoyed this book! At the end of every book I think there is no way it can be beaten, but the author pulls another one out of the bag and surpasses herself every single time. With original, well researched storylines, fantastic writing and crimes that will make your heart beat faster and keep you hooked from the first page, I can only hope that this series goes on forever! Angela Marsons is undoubtedly the Queen of Crime!! Fab, fab, fab – what more can I say!!

This was by far the easiest 5 stars I’ve ever awarded a book. Time and time again, Angela not only proves herself as top of the class in crime fiction but an expert story teller.

It’s becoming a little insane as to just how much I anticipate a new DI Kim Stone book. ‘Fan Girl’ doesn’t quite cover the depth of devotion I have to Angela and her truly remarkable mind in developing such a wonderful series! Just knowing a new book is on its way, or about to be published is enough to set my world in a spin to (probably) the same extent that fans go crazy at gigs or buy up all of the paraphernalia from cult movies. The DI Kim Stone series is the cool aid in my world!

Onto the book itself... 14 books later (!) and Angie has maintained and finely honed this magnificent ability to come up with yet another very distinctive plot that is intensely researched and can serve as a stand-alone novel or part of the series.

This book is very gory, those of a weaker disposition may need extra reading time for ‘light relief’! That said, none of the gore is gratuitous, as bad as it is, all the ‘details’ serve a purpose and we are indulged with a wealth of historical, medical and factual data that only goes to prove just how much research must go into building a story like this!

Notable differences with book 14 were that it was actually more in-line with her earlier novels than the previous 3. In wrapping up the need for Kim’s backstory we are given alllllllll the treats: Easy banter between her and her team, a rekindling of friendship (albeit probably short lived) with Frost, a bit of limelight for both Stace and Penn to develop their individual traits and most importantly...
Barney time!

In terms of character interaction this book feels more relaxed and natural than book 13. I felt at times the humour between her and Bryant was a bit overkill and forced. Whereas in this book it just moulded into the plot a lot more seamlessly. I was also pleasantly surprised to see my hometown of Bristol pop up in Stone’s investigation.

As previously mentioned this book also rekindles the love/hate (or should I say ‘respectfully hate’?) relationship between Kim and Tracey. These two women are more alike than either would care to recognise and often find it more comfortable to dislike each other than admit that they might actually agree or hold the same values. In book 14 we are granted full access to Frost and her skilful ways of investigation. It allows her to open up more as a person and shows her for more than just a teeth baring, blood demanding journalist. Instead we see a determined, often career driven woman who’s not afraid to back down from doing what’s right - no matter the cost! After reading TWISTED LIES I’m finding myself wanting more of Frost. Not just for interaction with Kim which is often hilarious but because she’s a fascinating creature in her own right.

And this... is the crux of all that is the Kim Stone series. Yes I LOVE Kim but Angela Marsons has done so much more than deliver brilliantly written novels featuring a wicked lead female role. She’s created a whole world, a whole host of characters that are all so integral to the series no book could be without any of them. That, alone deserves a huge acknowledgement!

I go 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 and Bookouture 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 crazed fan I am today!

Twisted Lies is the 14th book in series, at this point in a series I have normally lost interest, the excitement you get when you pick up a new book in the series has long gone. But that’s not the case here, because once again Angela Marsons has written another stellar episode in the ‘Kim Stone’ series, it’s gripping, intense and just as compelling as previous books in this much loved series.

The plot follows two threads: there’s Kim’s investigation into a series of victims who are horrifically tortured prior to their deaths, and then there’s the upcoming retrial of an abusive husband who has killed his wife. The latter is being covered by Kim’s adversary and thorn in her side reporter Tracy Frost. Although Kim much to her dismay develops a grudging respect for Frost.  

 Another reason this series is such a success is the characters, the author has created a ‘real life’ team, that feel like old friends as the series has developed I’ve laughed and cried with them, been a witness to their troubles in their personal and working life’s, and felt their every emotion.

I love the camaraderie between the members of Kim’s team, the banter, the way they torment each other in a way that only close friends can, It’s the wisecracks between Kim and her team that add a dose of humour to counterbalance a dark and gristly plot. 

Twisted Lies is probably one of the darkest and most gruesome books in the series, just the way I like them, and I admit there were a couple of macabre scenes that made even me grimace! Gruesome crime scenes, a fast-paced investigation, a mystery steeped in suspense, Angela Marson has combined all the ingredients every crime thriller lover looks for in a read, mixed them up and created an exciting and gripping read that will keep the reader on tenterhooks. Highly recommend.