Member Reviews
This was interesting and an easy read. I would try to read the other books in the series before reading this one as it took me a while to get into the characters and the various subplots. However I managed and really enjoyed this book, I really wanted to know how it all got resolved.
I read this in one session in an afternoon given that I wanted to know.
I was given an advance copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
Angela Marsons is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to writing incredibly addictive and thrilling crime fiction novels.
Every time I gets to the point where I am starting a review it still surprises me how many books this series now has! Book 15 of DI Kim Stone is as fresh out of the box as book 1 and as utterly gripping as the 14 that came before.
It’s so easy to say this book is fast paced, when actually it’s actually it has a much more controlled complexity to it. When the story gets intense, Angela releases the reins and this book lifts off and before you know it you’ve read 100 pages! Then, Angela pulls back. Whilst many might be thinking this is a criticism - you couldn’t be more wrong! It is in these moments that the characters are under restraint that the pressure really grows to an intensity. You’re entire focus as a reader is honed and you’re devouring each word, each letter… begging for Kim to be allowed to do a ‘Hulk’ and SMASH IT!
Every book from the series focuses in on a different aspect of police investigation. Whether it’s studying decomposition or analysing map grids or even trying to place larger gaps between crimes and your personal life. Stolen Ones is no different, the theme or ‘challenge’ given to Kim’s team is that they have the end result but they have no evidence or means for conviction. All they are given is the spoken semi-confession of a soon to be believable criminal.
It’s no surprise that Kim demands that Alison rejoins her team for the proceeding interviews and this is where the book spends much of its time. By interviewing the confessor we are treated to learning about a whole host of interview techniques, covering aspects of body language, semantics and even questioning techniques.
Kim is not perfect but she has morals and firm standards and it’s that that makes her so personable and why everyone loves her so much. She’s aware (as are her team) or her flaws but is happy to take constructive criticism and learn new things. The dynamic between her and the interviewee whilst under the watchful eye of Alison is just superb!
Stolen Ines is a real treat when it comes to characters too. As mentioned, Alison makes a brief ‘come back’ as does the beloved Doctor A and Kim’s arch nemesis… Alex Thorne! Who is, as nasty as the first day Kim met her. I was surprised and laughed out loud when I spotted one of Angela’s Bookouture colleagues, Noelle Holden had also made it into her new book although probably not as the best character fit because poor Noelle is a convicted killer!
As I say each time, if you’re thinking about starting an Angela Marsons book then do it! It doesn’t really matter where you begin your journey as long as you know Angela’s writing is a bit like the famous crisp brand… ‘once you pop, you can’t stop!’ Enjoy and happy reading.
Thanks as always to NetGalley and Bookouture for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
DI Kim Stone is back in the fifteenth book of this series, Stolen Ones.
A man, Steven Harte walks into the police station claiming to have information about a girl, Melody Thomas who disappeared twenty-five years ago. Whatever he knows doesn't come pouring out though, it seems he wants to control the narrative. This isn't the type of game Kim enjoys playing, but she has to leave when a call comes in from a daycare center. Eight-year-old Grace has gone missing, and it seems quite an odd and unsettling coincidence. As Kim and her team try to figure out the truth from the lies from Steven's almost impenetrable wall of silence, a pattern of missing girls starts to emerge. What kind of sick game is he playing and how will they put the puzzle pieces together before Grace's time runs out.
One of my favorite things about this series is trying to figure out the whodunnit. In this case, it is apparent from the beginning that Steven is guilty. Of what exactly and why, we don't know, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment in following Kim as she tried to understand what was going on. There was an interesting focus on body language and interview techniques, and I learned something new about the strange dynamics that can develop between a kidnapper and a victim. A second thread brings back someone Kim knows too well, Dr. Alex Thorne, and if you remember her, you will know that nothing good can come from her inserting herself into Kim's life again.
It is always a treat to spend some time in Kim's world and I am so impressed that the author keeps coming up with new challenges for the team.
A new Detective Kim Stone Book... woo hoo! A superb police drama series that would play well as a TV show. It is always exciting to catch up with Kim and her team. No case is ever the same and this one will test their skills and Kim’s patience. I love the dynamics of the characters, good and bad. I am happy to report that book 15 is brilliant and the series is still going strong, a rare feat these days a long running series.
Steven Harte walks into Kim’s police station with the claim that he has information on where to find Melody Jones, a young girl who disappeared 25 years ago. Only that information isn’t going to come easy. On the same day, 8 year old Grace goes missing from her childcare centre. The team have to work hard to find Grace while trying to unravel what SteVen Harte is telling them. At the same time, the evil Dr Alex Thorne has a plan that involves Kim, from her prison cell. It is all happening.
Thanks to Bookouture and. NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Always a pleasure
I’ve read all the previous Kim Stone novels and enjoyed this one as well.
An eight year old goes missing and before Kim can start the investigation Steven Harte walks into the station. Harte claims he has information on a girl who went missing twenty five years ago. Now Kim must decide how much Harte knows and how to get him to talk.
Dr Alex Thorne also appears in this book trying to get under Kim’s skin.
This was a great novel but I did struggle to start with as so much of the case was based in the station and interview rooms. Still a fantastic read and can’t wait for book sixteen!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#StolenOnesDetectiveKimStoneCrimeThrillerBook15 #NetGalley
Loved loved loved it! One of the best crime writers around, I always look forward to the new Angela Marsons book and to catch up with Kim!
I could not put this down, and enjoyed the little name drop as well. I didn't see where the story was leading until the end almost. I thought I'd guessed but I was wrong. If you love detective stories with a fast pace and plenty of twists then you will love this.
7 year old Melody Jones went missing 25 years ago, and was never found, the case remains unsolved. Then a man named Steven Harte turns up, asking to see D.I. Kim Stone, claiming he knows about Melody’s disappearance, co-incidentally on the the very day that another little girl, Grace Lennard goes missing from her childcare centre. Kim realises he’s playing with her, but when she visits the childcare centre she finds a bracelet that belonged to Melody Jones, so she has no option but to play Harte’s game, this discovery can’t be coincidence.
Given that the prime suspect turns up right at the beginning, you’d think that this would be a matter of questioning him before charges are brought, but no, Steven Harte wants to play games, and with only 24 hours to charge or release him, the clock is ticking down, and the tension unbearable.
Dr Alex Thorne, psychiatrist and sociopath makes a return, and tries to wheedle her way into Kim’s life again, and though she’s serving a prison sentence, she claims to have discovered a secret that she knows Kim would love to discover. Of course Thorne being Thorne, she wants something in return. Kim can do without the evil Thorne at the best of times, but with the urgent investigation into missing children, it’s the last thing she needs.
Angela Marsons fans out there won’t be disappointed with Book # 15, let’s face it, she never fails, and the plot behind this one is genius. Kim and the sociopaths she has to deal with results in some really deep psychological mind games. The result is an utterly compelling novel that will have you gripped to the end. And let’s not forget Kim’s team, who are terrific and have become like family to us devoted fans. And what I can also say is, that this one comes with the mother of all twists!
Such a great read , unfortunately I have only read four books in the series so I’m missing some of the back story especially with Alex, so I need to catch up. Reading the reviews about the other books means I have a lot to look forward to so that will keep me busy until the next book is nearly ready to be released.
Detective Kim Stone #15
Twenty five years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
One August afternoon, eight year old Grace Lennard skips into the garden of the childcare centre she attends and vanishes into thin air. Hours before, Steven Harte walks into Halesowen Police Station and confesses to having information that will leas Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones - the little girl who was taken from the playground exactly twenty five years ago.
Kim and her team are investigating the disappearance of a little girl who just seemed to have vanished from her day care centre. Then there's the cold case of a girl who went missing twenty five years ago. There is similarities to both cases. Kim and her team have to race against the clock to try and find the little girl safe and well.
This is another face paced read that's tense, gripping and twist filled. With information mounting, and other abductions are found, the team are doing everything in their power to find out who's behind the abductions. Kim Stone is a formidable character but she's starting to show her sensitive side more now that she's getting older. There is also the return of Dr Alexandria Thorne who we know from a previous book. Alison Lowe also makes an appearance. The story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AngelaMarsons for my ARC of #StolenOnes in exchange for an honest review.
Another hit from the author. As this series continues, the books get better. Filled with the authors mixture of mystery and suspense, the reader can’t turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens next. This is a book which I would recommend to all.
As soon as a new book is released in the Kim Stone series it goes straight to the top of my reading pile. Book number 15 is here and OMG what a page turner. Heartbraking, chilling and utterly compulsive reading. The perpetrator left me feeling cold and dirty. I was in need of a bath with bleach. Hooked from the first to the last page, constantly holding my breath and being shocked. I have been with this series from the beginning and is my go to series when I have nothing to read. No wonder this lady has sold so many books. Go to bed early and curl up with another explosive addition to this gripping and very addictive series.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Once again I must thank the author, Publisher and Netgalley for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review
I t has been probably less than 6 months since the last book, but it feels like an eternity. I have been obsessed with checking Netgalley almost daily since the cover reveal. And boy was it worth it.
Ms Marsons, has given us Kim Stone fanatics a totally different scenario this time. Where the perpetrator just walks into the police station. How would DI Stone tackle this scenario? Well you will have to read the book!!
As a default the story is packed from start to finish with, tension, suspense and surprising twists that you will not see coming. All wrapped up in short snappy chapters, that mean it’s impossible to put down.
This is very tricky to review without giving away key information. I find it amazing that each and every time she comes up with a unique and compulsive storyline and plot. All woven together around the familiar characters of her team as they are developed, in their personal and professional lives.
How can I wait till next May for book 16? Another must read.
I have loved all of Angela Marsons Kim Stone books and I think this is the best one yet! I like that she brought Alex Thorne back into the story. She is such an interesting character. I have read many series by other authors but Marsons Kim Stone books are by far my favorite. Please keep writing them!!! I just reviewed Stolen Ones (Detective Kim Stone Crime Thriller Book 15) by Angela Marsons. #StolenOnesDetectiveKimStoneCrimeThrillerBook15 #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]
I don’t know how she does it, Angela Marsons delivers a 5 star read with every book! She must really be thinking of her readers every time she writes a novel. The plot was intriguing, the main characters were great and the other characters were interesting.
In this novel, a suspect shows up at the station with info about a case, but he’s cagey and doesn’t give up much. Meanwhile, Kim and her team are dealing with a missing child case and every second counts. If that’s not enough, Alex is back and wants Kim to help her get out of prison.
Angela Marsons delivers a great story. Every. Single. Time. I can’t wait for the next...
Watch out Halesowen the fabulous, ballsy, take no prisoners D.I Kim Stone is back!!!
Angela Marsons has once again delivered a top-notch thrill fest that had me devouring this story long into the night.
And with Bryant's humour, brilliant supporting characters, impressive detail and a perfectly plotted storyline involving the disappearance of Melody Jones 25 years ago, the current abduction of Grace Lennard, and the appearance at Halesowen police station of philanthropic Steven Harte who claims to have knowledge of both. I was completely hooked. And this is possibly the best Kim Stone book I've read yet, even with the addition of Alex Thorne.
Would definitely recommend.
It was so exciting to receive an early copy of Angela Marsons’ Stolen Ones. This is the fifteenth story in the marvellous DI Kim Stone series. And the brilliance of the writing never wanes. For an extra treat, Kim’s nemesis Dr Alexandra Thorne makes an entrance, just as she is expecting to leave her prison sentence.
The story is woven around the disappearance of an eight year old child, Grace Lennard. It is twenty five years since seven year old Melody Jones went missing, never to be found again. Kim and her team pull out all the stops to ensure that Grace Lennard will not suffer the same fate.
One day, a man walks into Kim’s police station saying he has information on Melody. At first she is not interested in what she believes is another time waster, but when she speaks to him, her gut reaction is that this man has information that she needs. The man, Steven Harte, is assured and confident. He walks in and out of the police station like he owns it, and he tries to control every conversation he has with Kim.
Harte lets it slip that he is aware of Grace’s disappearance. Kim then starts to get more interested in what he has to say. The team welcome the involvement of behaviourist Alison Lowe. She gets them to see what she can through Harte’s behaviour during questioning. She attempts to calm Kim’s natural reactions towards him to ensure they get the most out of him.
This is certainly a twisted tale, with less action and more desk-based investigation. We find out a lot about various syndromes connected with captors and victims, and just how much the captors can become entrenched with their victims.
This book had less interaction between Kim and her team, but it was great to catch up on what had been happening in their lives. They feel like friends to me after following their stories for so long. Kim has a solid, dependable team who always have her back. They all work incredibly hard to ensure that this case ends well for little Grace Lennard. This book, as with all her others, is difficult to stop once you have started reading. This is a brilliant addition to the series, and I can’t wait for Kim and her nemesis Dr Alexandra Thorne to catch up with each other in a book not too far in the future.
It’s felt like a long wait as I’d been checking NetGalley almost daily since the cover reveal. Finally it’s here and it’s everything I knew it would be and so much more!
So where do I start on my review? Do we talk about Kim Stone’s nemesis Dr Alex Thorne? The new protagonist Steven Harte who is set to throw the team into a whirlwind or the annoying journalist Kim hates?
In the fifteenth book of the DCI Kim Stone series we are re-introduced to her nemesis and the character I love to hate Dr Alexandra Thorne. She is deplorable, a character with an intelligent but manipulative mind and the worst kind of sociopath. But although I hate the character I love the relationship between them. Their dynamics are just fabulous to read!
The protagonist in this book was brilliant and the opposite to Dr Alex Thorne. He was intriguing, level headed and totally composed. The cat and mouse chase between him and Kim Stone was such great writing, psychologically. I really felt quite on edge as I read the chapters further into the book.
The main characters in this series are so familiar to me after reading the full sixteen books that you know how they’ll react to certain situations which I feel is what makes the series such a fantastic one. Being so well formed is what makes it the great success it is.
With a unique premise this book really did deliver a fantastic crime novel. Its insightful, expertly written and it’s fresh. It’s not something I’ve read before, so I really enjoyed this new take.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for this early copy.
Kim and her team are discovering what happened to missing girls - some long gone, and some not so long.
Meanwhile, the perennial thorn in Kim's side is still causing trouble from prison...
Another excellent instalment in this superb series
Book number 15 in the Kim Stone series (Angela Marons) is Stolen Ones. In this story a little girl is missing from her daycare. As Kim and her team look into it they discover there has been a pattern for over 20 years of little girls disappearing, and they believe this child is the latest victim. They begin racing against the clock, hoping to find her alive. This is a stand alone story although things that happened in previous books are alluded to. I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an early copy to review.
How is it that we are already on Book #15... yes 15,, and it just keeps getting better and better.
I've never read a series that has gripped me so deeply as the Kim Stone Series, I am 100% addicted. The minute this ARC landed in my library it was downloaded and read within 24 hours.
Kim Stone is my idol. Such a fearless, formidable yet vulnerable character that has become like a part of the family, as have Bryant, Stacey and Penn. I love them all and even more so love the fact that with each installment (please never riyimg them stop Angela) we learn more and more about each character and their lives out of the Detective role environment.
In book number 15 a young girl goes missing, in the next breathe a man walks into the station stating that he has the information Kim needs. (No spoilers here!) Once again DI Kim Stone and her amazing team are thrown head first in a case that is complex, thrilling, mind boggling and non stop.
In this story we also see the return of Dr Alexandra Thorne, once again playing her conniving games to get what she wants BUT will it work for her this time around.
Another character returning in this instalment is Alison Lowe, behavioral consultant and Stacey's friend. I love reading the relationship pan out between Alison and Kim, they have a real love/hate relationship that just works perfectly.
Angela Marsons truly has a special gift and aucking her readers in on that first breathe and setting the heart racing right until that very last paragraph. Totally compelling, addictive, tense, full to the brim with suspense and 100% original every single time.
I loved the way that this story covered more on the expertise that goes into police interviewing/interrogation techniques and the in depth knowledge of Stockholm Syndrome and also the lesser know Lima Syndrome. I ALWAYS come away learning something new with every Kim Stone book I read.
I honestly can't recommend this series enough. The only major downside is that I'm so desperate with each new book that I devour it so quickly I'm left completely gutted that I have to wait so long for the next one!
Angela you are truly incredible with the most amazing talent.
Huge huge thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.