I don’t think it’s possible to dislike an Angela Marsons book! Kim is so relatable and has such a good story. I love the short chapters and enjoy the multiple viewpoints.

Angela Marsons is one of my favorites, and this is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and as usual, I can't wait for more!

I stumbled onto another series, but this time chose the prequel. Kim Stone is a detective who investigates crimes. As the author explains sje wanted to explore the character of Kim more, add more depth and context as to why is the way she is.
Her supporting characters also receive plenty of interest and development.
One thing I liked about the novel is the short chapters. They made the reading flow well and made the reading fast.
If your into reading British crime novels with a string female character who is evolving, look no farther.

Tons of twists to keep you on your toes.
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If you are a fan of a series of stories, then you know that sometimes it is hard to break into one, even if they are a standalone read.

In this new release, we are offered the backstory of the Kim Stone thrillers that are loaded with police procedurals and crimes that need to be solved. Especially when you are new to the series, why not start at the beginning?

This story is full of tension, twists, and complex characters that bring the book full circle. Well detailed with intricate weaving in and out, along with a few surprises along the way too, Marsons catches the attention which has me clammering for the next installment.

I know that I am thrilled to find a new series to follow, and I think you will love it too! I cannot wait to learn more about these developing, complex characters and catch a gruesome murderer or two!

I love these characters!

First Blood is a prequel to the DI Kim Stone series. This installment covers the investigation into a brutal serial killer and how the team came to be.

I jumped into this series a little late, and I have always meant to catch up on the first few books in the series, so I was excited to see how it all began.

My favorite part about this book was seeing the team’s early interactions--the mistrust, suspicions, and almost instant camaraderie with some and instant dislike between others. Keats and Kim's snarky banter had me giggling. But, I was especially emotional seeing one character again.

First Blood is a great introduction to the series. The murders are gruesome, there is a surprising twist concerning the killer, and the team members are endearing, even Dawson.

Marsons sets the bar high for procedurals, and this book is no exception. I recommend First Blood to those interested in starting this series and/or craving a well-written, character-driven procedural.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The characters were just as intriguing as the case they were investigating! This was the first in the series for me and to my absolute delight, I find that there are 16 books in this series for me to explore! I’m thrilled to have found a new series to binge. The characters were all so interesting, with full backstories and an interesting dynamic. The case was dark and shocking. I enjoyed this one and look forward to more in the series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Roommate by Caroline Macon Fleischer. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an ARC to review.

Earlier this year, I read my first Kim Stone novel and thought it was pretty good. But having this prequel to the series was so much better. I loved seeing the group's origins, and the mystery was top-notch. Not only was First Blood interesting, but I didn't guess the killer which is always an enjoyable surprise. I give First Blood 4/5 stars.

First Blood by Angela Marsons. Another winner from Ms. Marsons. Enjoyed reading the insights on how the team came together with a really creepy case to solve without much support from supervisors or fellow law enforcement officials. Do know that will not be able to look at nursery rhymes the same way again. Quite an extensive history included in helping solving of the case. Kim's evaluation of the team members strengths and weaknesses at the end were quite enlightening.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

So, when I decided to read this, I wasn't thinking about the fact that it was a prequel to a series I'd never read.

As a result, unlike many readers, I was meeting these characters for the first time. And now? I want to read the other books!

I loved this. I loved our mystery and simply adored our characters. Even one character who started out as worrisome ended up terrific.

The book is sharply written and the author has a deft way with storytelling.

Happy I read this one!

This is a prequel to the amazing Detective Kim Stone series that describes how the team first got together. It's fun to see everyone's initial impressions of each other after having observed so many of their interactions together through the series. Their first case is quite gruesome - a man's body is found beheaded in the woods. It gets worse from there as bodies begin to pile up at a disturbing rate. And what Kim and her team discover about these victims make it clear that plenty of people have reason to want them dead.

Kim works hard to make sense of the case, while getting to know her team at the same time. It's crucial that she learn their strengths and weaknesses to get the best work from them throughout the investigation. She sees Stacey as a promising rookie who lacks confidence and experience. Dawson is over-confident and too reliant on others to do his work. Bryant is steady and reliable but lacks ambition. But she can work with this!

Kim and Bryant team up to make trips to crime scenes and to speak with witnesses, as he has a way with people that Kim clearly lacks. Stacey is an ace with the computer and Kim puts her research and tech skills to good use at the station. Dawson is a bit more complicated, but she's sure he'll find his niche somewhere. And who would have guessed that the information he uncovers just might be the key to solving the entire case?

First Blood is a great addition to this series. It's the same characters that we know and love, but from the point of view of an outsider meeting them for the first time. And we also get to see what Kim's team initially thought of her and how their impressions change the more they get to know her. The best part is that you can read this prequel no matter where you're at in the series - first time reader, reader of a few books, or a reader of every book so far. Be sure to include this installment no matter where you fall!

Yes! This series never disappoints - strong characters, strong female lead, and page-turning tension and detective mystery. One of the best crime series out there - and this takes you back to the beginning! Love it - keep them coming!

First Blood by Angela Marsons is the prequel to the Kim Stone series. I liked getting to know the characters before they formed their strong bond in the other books I have read. This book gave me a new perspective and insight into their motivations and relationships with each other. The murder almost took a back seat to this team forming and growing.

Kim Stone is a fierce and no-nonsense character. This is a solid crime thriller that is fast-paced with good characters and a good storyline.

#NetGalley @GrandCentralPub

As always, I’m obsessed with Angie Marsons’ writing! It was so fun to be able to see how Kim Stone’s team came together! And I openly wept when we got to see a particular character! (I can’t say who because that will spoil another book but you really need to read these books in order of publication rather than chronological order!)
It’s really cool to see how characters have developed. This book is absolute perfection! 🔥

First Blood by Angela Marsons is a prequel of the DI Kim Stone series. Kim meets her team and they start working a series of murders right away. It’s a great look at how the different personalities became a team. I think this story works better after we’ve seen the team work for 11 books. There are parts of this that are tough to read (l always struggle to read about child abuse) And the British care system (sounds like foster care) is not shown in a good light. If you’re a crime fiction fan, you should definitely be reading Marsons. Another fast-paced, excellent Kim Stone story.