Book number 14 in the fantastic DI Kim Stone series and by god Angela Marsons has another absolute page turning cracker of a novel for her avid fans.
In this book we follow Kim and her team as they investigate the world of people who are in witness protection and those that protect them. There are many twists and gory turns and the team are stretched to their limit to find a serial killer who is acting out killings with such pain staking torture that their meaning only becomes clear at the end of the novel.
In this book Kim’s nemesis, reporter Tracy Frost, plays a pivotal role and we see how the two are initially forced to spend the working day together and then how this becomes an almost grudging mutual respect, as Frost helps uncover truths connected with the police case. This relationship shift is really well written and the sarcastic barbed comments between them show the reader some light relief among the seriousness of the police drama.
The characters of the whole team are built on again as we find out that Stacey has married and looks set for promotion; will this mean a change in Kim’s squad again?
Excellent writing and great tension throughout. Some graphic descriptions of the torture make hard but engrossing reading and the series, if possible, just gets better and better.
Thank you to Netgalley, to Bookouture and to the author Angela Marsons for the absolute pleasure of being able to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.

Detective Kim Stone and her amazing team are back, with what is possibly one of their most complex cases. While I have loved getting to see how the various characters have developed since Silent Scream, in this, we really get to see Stacey show how far she's come since joining the team, and how determined she is to fight for something. It''s hard to say more without giving anything away, but I am once again in awe of how Angela seamlessly manages to link everything together while keeping the reader completely sucked into the story. Keep them coming please, because I will seriously start a petition if you stop!!

Love this whole series, each one better than the last. There are not enough superlatives I can use to say how good this series is.

I usually read more than one book at the same time. Different genres, authors and I'm usually able to do it.
It was not possible with this book as I had to read it and wasn't able to put it down. I had to stop from time to time because you have to work/sleep/eat/etc but I kept on thinking about the plot and wondered what was going to happen.
I think that defining this story gripping is a sort of understatement but I cannot find another word. Let's say you start reading and you keep on reading and then it's over. You're having a lot of fun and you want more fun and to read some more pages even if it's late in the night.
As this is a review I assume I have to write something meaningful like: gripping plot, great characters, a highly entertaining story.
Now go and read it.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine

Twisted Lies begins with Kim being told by her boss, Woody that she is going to be accompanied for the day by none other than Tracey Frost, the reporter that Kim loves to hate, but Woody is returning a favour as Frost assisted them on a previous case, so Kim has no choice but to let her tag along. During their first visit to the family of Trisha Morley, a young woman who was murdered a year earlier by her abusive husband, Kim gets a call to attend an incident where a man has been the victim of the worst torture possible. Needless to say, Frost is given the elbow, but the plight of Trisha Morley has got to her and she decides to follow it up. Meanwhile Kim and the team have a case to crack, but every way they turn obstacles are thrown in their way, the family of the tortured man have disappeared and a second tortured body is then discovered, is there a link between the two? If so, Kim needs people to start talking before the killer strikes again!

This is the 14th book in the Kim Stone series and I was as excited to read this as I have been all the others, not only because it's set in my local area of the Black Country and its always good to read books with places that you recognise, but also because it's, well it's Angela Marsons, THE QUEEN OF CRIME! Marson's Kim Stone series is so well crafted, the characters so authentic and the stories she creates so absolutely seamless, that it's hard not to get excited when you hear there's a new instalment in the series and Marsons makes every single book so fresh and exciting, that we, as readers, never get bored with them and this latest one is no exception. The chapters are short, but packed with detail, the plot is gruesome, but not overly so, and once again we get that cliffhanger that leaves us wanting more and hoping that she's already started to pen book 15. Angela Marsons, you've done it again, absolutely brilliant!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

It was my first book in the Kim Stone series. But even if I haven't read the previous ones, I really enjoyed it.
The only problem is that I have now 13 more books to add to my TBR pile...
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC

Twisted Lies is the fourteenth instalment in the Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller series and holy mother Mary is it a riveting, enthralling and intensely gritty story; one that'll excite long-time fans and newbies alike. When DCI Woodward calls Kim to his office at the station and informs her, much to her bemusement, that journalist for local newspaper the Dudley Star, Kim’s long-time nemesis and a constant source of annoyance, Tracy Frost, will be accompanying her and DS Bryant on the job for a day. When she begins to object he reminds her that they owe Tracy a debt of gratitude, after she provided life or death assistance in their last case helping to save a six-year-old boy’s life during a ruthless kidnapping, and she quickly realises he has an agenda and ulterior motive, which Kim comes to understand and appreciate. This agenda becomes clearer when they make a visit to reassure Penny Colgan, sister of domestic abuse and murder victim 27-year-old Trisha Morley, who seemingly died at the hands of her “saintly” husband, Nick, who is ironically a human rights lawyer. Known as "Midas" for his golden touch in the legal sphere, both the police and Trisha's devastated family know that getting a conviction will be tough as this is a guy with a stellar reputation whose knowledge of the law will be a great advantage to him. He is currently awaiting a second trial. The second plot thread is, unusually, just as engrossing and palpably tense as the first. They are barely out of the Morley home when Kim receives a call from pathologist Keats, who directs them to Hayes T-Trading Estate in Lye before promptly hanging up. Kim has no idea what they are heading there to find but the distinct tremble in Keats' voice tells her it has to be a particularly gruesome crime scene.

As they near the industrial estate they see the crime scene vehicles parked hastily outside a former lawnmower wholesale warehouse about the size of two football pitches. Walking inside they are greeted by a man who had been cuffed by his hands and feet to a roller cage, similar to ones used by stores to transport supplies around the business. The man was naked. His arms and legs had been spread so that he formed a grotesque star shape. Every inch of his skin that she could see was burned and blistered with raised white sores. He had been slowly and horrifically tortured. They discover the man to be 38-year-old Keith Phipps, a construction worker for J Norris & Sons, after finding his driving licence and have the unenviable task of informing his wife, Diane, and sister, Leanne, about his unspeakably brutal death. The family act strangely throughout the visit and then disappear less than 24 hours after the death notice is given. When another body is discovered in a similarly graphic state, Kim and co realise they have a demented serial killer on the loose and the bodies don't stop there. This is a riveting, enthralling and completely compulsive procedural right from the outset with Marsons crafting yet another scintillating, gritty and masterfully woven tale. It's intense, chilling and moves at pace and the concise, snappy chapters entice you to carry on reading. The tension and suspense are ratcheted up as it progresses and her ability to cleverly carry the story in an unpredictable direction never fails to astound me. It's another mindblowing addition from the inimitable Marsons with a twisty-turny narrative, devious red herrings, drama, lies, betrayal and lots of adrenaline-pumping action. Highly recommended.

First off, a big thank you to #bookouture #netgalley and #angelamarsons for the ARC of this book in exchange for a review of #twistedlies!

This is book 14 in the DI Kim Stone series and it starts out with a bang! There are 2 plots running simultaneously which made this an interesting read!
Kim finds a dead body that had been tortured and burned and while notifying the family feels that the victim’s wife’s reaction is just STRANGE. Then they just outright disappear. Then another body is found tortured. Is there a serial killer on the loose?
The subplot involves reporter Tracy Frost investigating the murder of Tricia Morley, whose husband was accused of her murder but whose trial ended in a mistrial. The re-trial is pending but there is a PR campaign painting him as a saint. It is less than likely he will be convicted this time either. Can Frost get to the bottom of this and help bring a killer to justice?

This was a great police procedural thriller. Definitely recommended 4⭐️

I have read and enjoyed all of the Detective Kim Stone books. I enjoy her strength, her “bad ass” attitude and her sometimes snarky dialog with her team. This book was more graphic than I like with two different stories alternating throughout the book. Kim and her team are searching for a killer who kills and tortures his victims in the most gruesome manner. In the other case, a man is facing a second trial in the abuse and murder of his wife. He was portrayed in court and through the media as an honorable man and his wife was just clumsy. A mistrial was declared, even though the police found her body parts buried on his property. When reporter Tracy Frost learns that the husband hired a PR firm to overshadow the facts of his wife’s abuse and death, she decides to remind the public of how the wife suffered. Even as she is threatened, Tracy uses her resources to find further evidence against the husband. The twist at the end caught me off guard and it didn’t seem believable. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I have read and enjoyed every book in this series, and I can't wait to read each new book. Just when I think it can't get any better, it does, this book was a complete rollercoaster. The research that Angela does is amazing and I love reading it I am so glad it is included in the book. I really enjoyed the relationship between Stone and Frost in this book ,I feel like Frost is developing into a very interesting character. I also like the humour she brings out in Stone, or maybe I am mistaking humour and sarcasm ! I will not give the plot away so am waffling a bit now, but I really loved reading this book and am sure other readers will love it as much as I did. Cracking book.

Kim Stone is angry that Woody assigned Tracy Frost. Reporter, to ride with her and Bryant for a day. She feels it is hard enough that they must visit Trisha Morley’s family when it looks like Trisha’s husband and murderer is going to go free. Kim never knows if Tracy will help or hinder her investigation.

Nick Morley, a high-class barrister is awaiting another trial. The forensic evidence is more than sufficient to convict most people. However, Nick is not most people. He has money and a high-priced PR firm working the system to give Nick good press. He is confident an acquittal or another hung jury.

While Kim is worried about Tracy, her team is on the path of a gruesome series of murders. Initially there doesn’t seem to be a connection. However, the team is tenacious and determined to find it. They uncover secrets and cover-ups. They always seem to be one step behind the murderer. Does he have inside information?

I love how Angela Marsons builds and develops this group from book to book. They are a perfect mix of diverse people who know what they do best and do it. They will jump in wherever Kim needs them to solve a case. Bryant is the voice of reason who keeps Kim on the straight and narrow—most of the time. Stacey is one of my favorite characters. She is a smart, gifted researcher/computer wiz who often makes me laugh.

Kim Stone is one of my all-time favorite characters. She is often brisk, and unfeeling, but she has some beautiful and caring moments that show her true heart. The support characters add so much life and depth to the stories; I love each one of them for different reasons. I enjoyed learning more about Tracy’s backstory and the like/hate relationship between her and Kim.

The murder investigation is brutal. The torture and murders are mind-boggling and sick. The murder scenes are difficult to read sometimes. If you know this series, you know Keats. The murders make Keats voice quiver, and other cops need to walk away. As sick as it is, I was riveted.

I love this series. In my opinion, Twisted Lies is one of the best. Even though this book works as a standalone, I don’t recommend reading out of order. The previous books have a lot of backstory that adds to the characters. However, if you are picking up this book, the primary focus is the case.

If you love a gripping police procedural this is a must read. If you love stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, this is the book for you. If you are reading this series, wow, what a great addition. If you are crazy about a good story, you must discover Kim Stone. You will not be sorry.

I received an advance copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Again Ms Marsons delivers a great read. Being book #14 you feel like meeting old friends again, catching up on what's happened. This time we get two-for-one. As Kim and the team investigate a series of particularly gruesome murders, Tracy Frost goes on a crusade to stop a killer from getting away.
As always the story is believable, the plot has no holes and the ending is totally surprising.
Excellent read

So this is the 14th book in the Kim Stone series and it definitely doesn't feel like it is number 14!! I haven't read them all but I will be going back and work my way through them. This story doesn't feel stale and the characters have so much depth to them, it feels like you know them. It is so well written and has you hooked right from the beginning.
It starts straight off with crime scene number one, and Angela Marsons has not held back with these murders. It feels like a real crime scene and you also get to see another side of police work, which we don't really hear about much. So that is really interesting.
Angela Marsons is a fantastic author and really knows how to set the scene and keep you trying to figure out what is going on and why. It feels like you are watching a tv drama.
I can't wait to read more from this author.

#14 in Marson's excellent Kim Stone series, this was another solid entry. A man's body is discovered, basically roasted alive, and after the death notice is given to his family, they all disappear less than 24 hours later. Soon after, more bodies turn up tortured and murdered in grotesque ways and Kim's team can't seem to make any connections or gain any traction as even certain police officers seem to be hiding something. A well researched and interesting topic at the heart of this mystery, good characters and a bonus storyline with Stone's reporter nemesis, Tracy Frost. Thanks to Angela Marsons, Bookouture and Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I think we all have a series or author, or two that no matter what as soon as that author releases a book, you know you have to read it. The Kim Stone series and author Angela Marsons is one of those for me. I don't even bother reading what the book is about anymore, I see Angela's name and know I'll be reading it.

Clear your diary, you are going nowhere when you start this. You know it!

I know I say this with ever book I've read from this author but OMG. How the hell does Angela manage to keep this series so flaming exciting, so gripping and unique. How does she keep her characters so alive, interesting and likeable. High praise for this series, this would make prime time tv viewing amazing and needs making into a TV series.

My words never seem to do these books any justice, I want you to understand how good this series is, how addictive it is, how each and every book just gets better and better. How Angela Marsons is an author who clearly knows what her readers want and she manages to deliver it each and every time. Never fails.

Any fan of this series will no doubt regard Kim Stone as a fictional friend. I love to hear about her and her life as much as I love her work life and the cases she deals with. The comradery and humorous banter between the team in this series really makes it stand out. The author seems to be able to cover any subject matter and make the story around it so real and believable. I did have a sneaky idea what was going on, but i wont reveal that here. The ending of this book was also superb and we all know we have to wait for the next one, but no one wants to wait. If you haven't read this series then oh my what a treat you have in store being able to jump from one to the next.

If you don't have an OMG, WTF or 6 while reading this book, may I suggest you read it again. lol.. I also had some other words but best not to say them out loud.

Devoured this book, loved being back with the team and a whole new case. A pretty gruesome case at that.

Added to my Must read list for 2021

I feel like I've run through every gamut of emotions as I raced through this latest book in the Kim Stone series. Book 14 and they just get better and better. All the usual main characters are there , Kim, Bryant, Penn, Stacey, Frost et al and the dynamics between them continue to evolve and grow. This time the team are racing against the clock and battling a cloak of secrecy, to catch a ruthless killer who is using the most gruesome medieval tortures on his hapless victims. In an intricate and well crafted storyline, ,we get insight into the witness protection scheme and all the sacrifice, subterfuge and danger inherent in supporting it. It was good to see the often obnoxious reporter, Frost, reveal a different side of her character as she pursues justice for the victim of domestic abuse. Such a brilliantly crafted story, well researched as always and with such well loved and complex characters ,it is a source of delight to spend time with these old friends. Sheer brilliance!

#14 in the DI Kim Stone series.

Kim Stone’s boss, Senior Detective Inspector Woodford (Woody) has told Kim that she is to be accompanied for the day by a journalist…not affectionately known to Kim as Tracy Frost…she starts to object when he reminds her that a debt is owed to Frost for services rendered in a previous case which assisted them in a positive direction in the execution of their police work and subsequently solving a big case.

So it is that Kim and Bryant, after a routine visit to the family of an ongoing case, find themselves on route to the scene of a crime with an unwanted journalist in the back seat of the car firing questions at them.

During the drive Kim Stone receives a call from Keats (the coroner) urgently summoning her to the site of an industrial estate, she knows it can’t be good, and most likely signals the discovery of a body…
What she doesn’t yet know is that this discovery is the worst she has ever seen.
Keats tells her and Bryant to brace themselves before they look at the grotesquely tortured remains of a man who had clearly suffered immense and prolonged agony at the hands of someone determined to make him suffer sustained agony, until he no longer could…only his contorted face remained intact.

Is this a one off murder committed by a crazed person seeking revenge for some perceived injustice?
Was he trying to extract information from the victim?
Or worse…is this just the beginning of something more sinister and threatening?

When the victim’s family disappear less than twenty four hours after being informed of his death, Kim wonders if they have also been targeted…then she gets another call.
Another body, also grotesquely tortured, has been found in a nature reserve and Kim is propelled into action as she fears a serial killer of the worst possible kind is at large.

Obstacles start to appear and hinder their progress as Kim and her team start investigating what appears to be a family without a history, every search comes up blank and even police files seem to be absent.

Nobody is talking and Kim is at a loss as to a motive for these horrendous killings.
It’s all hands on deck now as some help starts to filter through slowly from unexpected sources obliging Kim and her team to work in a tightly restricted information bubble…any leaks whatsoever are out of the question.

Another cracker of a read from Angela Marsons! Her best just keeps getting better!
I am really enjoying this series and the now familiar regular characters of Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her team.
I hope one day they make a DI Kim Stone television series, I would binge watch them all!
As always, highly recommended for lovers of good crime writing.

5⭐️’s

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture publishers for providing me with a digital copy to read and review.

Few series manage to keep their beginning’s momentum and keep the reader engaged in the stories for so long. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. The Kim Stone series is one of the strongest you will find in the crime fiction genre. And today, I’m telling you all about why the fourteenth (yes, 14th!) novel is such as cracking as the previous ones.

Angela Marsons knows how to use a prologue… Enough to spark curiosity and raise questions, and before you know it, you’re in the middle of the action! Who, why, what? I had to put those questions aside to explore the first crime scene of the book… The first of a series of horrific and stomach-churning scenes that the author describe in her usual accurate and precise way for you to have the images seared into your mind. Warning: do not read this while eating. Or just after having eaten. Believe me. I don’t know what’s been added to Angie’s breakfast but boy, this case is one of the worst I’ve read! Because the author is not betting on sensationalism, every detail is only given so that the reader can connect to the team and victims, and this is something I always appreciate with the Kim Stone series. No gratuitous violence for the sake of a good twist. Still, the violence is up a notch here, and left me reeling. If I figured out a couple of things very early in my reading, it never dampened my interest and I finished Twisted Lies within twenty-four hours. The core of the book explores a side of police work that we mostly hear about in American novels, so I was curious to learn more about how things worked in the UK.

Once again, the investigation, or investigations, give plenty of room for us to spend time with the characters and watch them grow. I am particularly fond of a certain journalist, and her relationship with the very … not always friendly *coughs, coughs* Kim is a delight to read about. Each character brings something to the table and if we are reminded that nothing stays the same forever, I was glad to spend those hours with one of my favorite team!

As this series goes on and we are now up to book 14 I always worry that they are not going to be as good but as ever they just keep getting better! This one was the most gory in my opinion and quite possibly my favourite one to date. I'm really enjoying the growing relationship between Stone and Frost and really do believe that they may become friends. This book is based on the interesting and intriguing subject of the witness protection scheme and like all the others in the series has the reader sucked in from the first page. Another fantastic installment in this superb series.

I am loving the development of Kim Stone. A mystery that is brutal and involves many secrets. And a secondary story that involves Frost as man who murdered his wife is put on trial for the second time. Not many authors can keep their books fresh for 14 books but Angela Marsons does it.

I was given a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.