Why has it taken me this long to pick up a book in this incredible series?

Why did I start with #16?

Six Graves focused on two equally exciting and appalling crimes. The first involved a fire at a rurally based residential house, and the discovery of four bodies within – father, mother, and two teenaged children. But, they didn’t die from the flames or smoke inhalation – all were shot. And, to make matters worse, a serial killer, with a long held vendetta against the star of the book series, DI Kim Stone, has escaped from prisons, and he will go to any lengths to get her attention.

It took me a few chapters to get into the swing of things, and familiarise myself with the series regulars. Totally my own fault of course, for leaping in at book sixteen. But, once I got that sorted, I warmed to all the character’s very quickly, especially Kim Stone. I got a kick out of her sense of humour, her sarcasm, and her witty comebacks. And, it also amused me when other character’s riled her up. But, no matter how irritating and annoying Kim’s squad, superiors, and work colleagues found her to be at times, I could always tell how much they respected and cared about her, and it was obvious she felt the same way in return. Furthermore, I adored how much Kim loved her dog, Barney. And, so as to spare you any unnecessary worry, no harm comes to Barney. There were references to past cases, and Kim’s childhood, so I did spoil a few things for myself, but if anything, it’s made me even more intrigued to read the rest of the series. Besides, I have a very short memory when it comes to recalling the finer points of books I’ve read, so I don’t think it will pose a problem.

The dialogue was amazing – the way the characters interacted felt natural and real, their emotions and reactions spot on. Chapters were short, and succinctly written, and the plot moved at a fast, easy-to-follow pace. The main narrator was Kim, but there were also POV’s from her team, suspects, victims, and one deranged serial killer. Both mysteries involved high stakes, multiple twists, and ended on a satisfying, unexpected, jaw-dropping note.

If you’re looking for a top notch police procedural/crime/suspense/mystery series to sink your teeth into – one which nicely balances the investigation with the personal lives of the police team, then you’ve found it. I’m beyond thrilled I have fourteen novels still to read.

I’d like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture, and Angela Marsons for the e-ARC.

I keep repeating myself after every book I've read in this series yet here we are at book 16 and the series still gets better with each book. The series is as fresh as it was in book 1. The gripping prologue certainly set the scene for this gripping read. A family is murdered , Kim Stone is at risk from an escaped prisoner. The team of Kim Stone and her team are just brilliant. Each has their own speciality. Looking forward to book 17!

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

This book grabs you from page 1, beginning at a funeral, with the identity of the coffin occupant undisclosed and then flipping back 13 days.

As always Six graves starts at 100mph and never lets up. Kim Stone is such a strong and fascinating lead character. She is tough as nails with a heart of gold (especially where her dog is concerned). She has a genuine affection for her team, which is why they work so well together, the banter between Kim and Bryant is legendary She does discover a few home truths about her team following a team building exercise.
As always, the plot is superb. 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. My only criticism of . this episode and it is a relatively small one. Is that there isn't quite as much local history described as usual, Being local. i always look forward to learning more about where I live.

Somehow Angela can write hard hitting action, gory details and then write with such compassion (tissues required) about into the personal lives of these characters which really humanises them and helps us as readers to empathise with them and understand them more.

You could easily read this as a stand-alone and enjoy it but 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. Angela Marsons is one of the few authors, who I will drop everything for when I have her latest book in my possession. 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.
Everything is so realistically told that you feel genuine emotion as you and the stories stay with me for a long time afterwards, in fact some of the stories from the previous books still do. 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 .

As always a superb book with an emotional ending.

I'm not quite sure how we've got to book 16 in this series but here it is and it's a cracker. I'm at the point where I don't think Angela Marsons is actually capable of writing anything other than excellent books. Well plotted, solid character development even now when, after 15 previous books in the series, the reader knows these characters so well, and clever use of structure to build tension. I defy anyone who loves this series to read that prologue and not have a heart-stopping moment.

Unusually for a Stone novel, Kim's team are just working on the one crime this time. The space that the reader would expect to be taken up by the secondary investigation is instead filled with the escape of Symes, the danger this places Kim in and the impact on her, the team and their ongoing investigation. Seeing this different dynamic for characters the reader feels like they know so well was really interested and refreshing.

If I have one minor niggle, it's a conversation had at the end of the novel between Bryant and Penn which I didn't feel was inkeeping with the character of Bryant that I've come to know and love over the rest of the series. That didn't stop this from being a 5 star read, though. Utterly gripping from start to finish. Can't wait for the next one!

4.5 stars

Six Graves by Angela Marsons is the 16th in the Detective Kim Stone Police Procedural series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Kim Stone is tough. She has had to be. Her mother is responsible for Kim’s horrendous childhood, and as a result, currently resides in a home for the criminally insane. But Kim has survived, and although her social skills are lacking, her heart is in the right place. Right now, her team consists of: Bryant, her right hand man, and the person who voices her concerns in a much more diplomatic way than Kim would every think of; Stacey, who can find required information in a seemingly bottomless computer system; and the newest member, Austen Penn, who replaced Kevin Dawson who was killed in the line of duty.  


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Kim has a bodyguard, and unfortunately it is Leanne King.  Their history together was not pleasant.  But her boss insists that until Symes is caught,  Leanne will be by her side day and night.  Kim had saved two children from Symes's torture, and he lost the sight in his eye due to Kim's apprehension.  He has now escaped prison, and has serious plans for retribution...against Kim.  Her entire team may be in jeopardy.

Kim and the team visit the sight of an apparent murder-suicide.  It looks like Helen Dayne had shot her husband and her two teenage children.  But questions arise.  Yes, Helen was depressed, but enough to kill her kids?  As well, they were about to foster another child.  Helen and her husband had two older children, who both adamantly refuse to believe their mother would kill anyone.  She may not have been perfect, but she wasn't a killer.  But there seems to have been more to Helen than meets the eye.  This case starts to remind Kim of her own childhood.

Meanwhile, Kim's own mother dying from cancer, and it will probably be only days before she succumbs.

Between the new case, her mother's soon-to-be demise, and an escaped convict out for her blood, Kim may not be able to handle it all.


My Opinions:  
I continue to deduct ½ of a star for these really outdated, unappealing covers. 

The book was about family, and foster care, and choices.  It is also about obsession and revenge.

There were some really good twists in this book. There were really a couple of story-lines, and every bit held me captive.  I had an idea as to the identity of the killer, but I was WRONG !!! -- I actually love when that happens, because it proves that the author is not so predictable, and Angela Marsons can really throw a curve ball.  Meanwhile the Syme's case, sort of ended as I had anticipated, but it was definitely touch and go for a bit.  

The characters continue to enthrall.  I loved the tension between Penn and Bryant, and between Kim and Leeanne.   They feel like a true family of co-workers.  Not always in sync, but still there for one another.    

The pace was good, and it was one of those, can't put it down books. 

Can't wait to see where Angela Marsons takes us next!

Here's hoping your next read is 5 stars !!!

DI Kim stone book 16! Been with her from the beginning and Angela Marsons keeps delivering an amazing crime series that I love more and more. This book starts with a cliff hanger so you probably best to be on board with the previous books to follow this one from the start but as always the back story is explained as the book goes on so you could still read it as a stand alone. Kim attends a house fire to find the bodies of the Daynes family and discover that arson is not the cause of their deaths. As the story unravels we also get to catch up with the rest of the team whose characters are a definite highlight in this series. Another great fast paced book to get immersed in!

Possibly Angela Marsons best work yet!!

Six Graves is the 16th instalment of the Detective Kim Stones series and it begins spectacularly with the Daynes family all found murdered with the blame originally being laid on the mother of the family, Helen, who was found holding the murder weapon. Helen Daynes has a history of mental health problems and a well documented history of depression which seemingly adds up to her being guilty.

The main storyline revolves around Kim and her team investigatigating the murders and trying to discover the well buried secrets of Helen Daynes that drove her to murder her entire family!

The thing that makes this book absolutely enthralling is the second storyline running through this book which relates to an earlier book in the Kim Stones series. I won’t reveal too much about this however it involves a criminal named Sykes previously caught by Kim who has escaped from prison and had hatched an elaborate plot to get his revenge on Kim which he almost manages to execute if it wasn’t from the help given by a person bodyguard assigned to protect Kim once the news breaks that Sykes has escaped custody with a brilliant twist at the end!!

No spoilers will be given away, this book is definitely worth the read! I binge read this book within a few hours as I could not put it down! Despite the fact I did guess the twist ahead of time this did not detract away from my enjoyment of the book, still absolutely 5 star worthy in my opinion!!

Kim Stones is a character you can’t help but like and relate to. She’s no nonsense and down to earth and you can bet on the fact she listens to no one and does things exactly the way she wants to! Can not wait for the next instalment of this series!

You know, the minute I realise that there is another Kim Stone book out, I know I am in for a treat and can't wait to get stuck in and read! Can't believe we are up to book 16 already - and it is a beauty.

The Daynes family have been murdered, and it looks like the mother is the one who pulled the trigger. As Kim starts to unravel the strands around this case, she realises that all is not as it seems, not by a long shot.

On top of a very complex case which seems to have a lot of surprises in store, Kim discovers that the most sadistic murderer she has ever known has broken out of prison - and he is coming for her.

Honestly, I didn't think I was going to get any sleep again, when I was trying to read this book! I just kept on reading and reading and the shocks kept on coming. Just how I like my books :)

5 stars, of course, it was excellent.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I'm certain if you look back at my reviews for this series, they will all say pretty much the same. 'The best one yet!
I seriously do not know how this author does it, but I'm so glad she does. Each time I think ' you'll never better this one, and each time that is exactly what happens. Still, it's the best one yet.

Back with Kim Stone and her merry crew. This time we have an extra member to the team. A much inconvenience for Kim. A new investigation into the killing of a family. It seems that a mother has killed her family. What tragedy could force someone to do such an evil act. What changed so bad from one day to the next for someone to flip like this.
It's the job of the team to figure out the where, why and how. As usual a superb team working together makes all the difference in a complex case. Although there are some tensions between some of the team, they still all work together, but why hasn't Kim noticed this earlier. Could this split her team.
Along with heading a new case, Kim Stone finds her life is in danger, and something Kim really isn't comfortable with is having no control over this. An old case is about to creep up on Kim.
In this gripping read you'll find out exactly what happened. You may also think you know what has happened, just like I did. I had it all sussed out, knew where the book was going, well I thought I did. How wrong was I, good job I'm not a detective that's for sure. I was lead down the garden path, I was so, so wrong. What a superb written story. Gripping the whole way through, such an exciting read.
Listen, if you have not read this series of books then I think it's time you did. It's time to treat yourself. Get lost in the world of Kim Stone, get absorbed in each and every page. You will not want to stop until there are no more books to read. Then you will wish you could un-read them and start all over again.

Bravo, Angela Marsons, you keep your books fresh, engaging and totally gripping that once started it's impossible to put down. I can't wait for more. Huge fan of this author and i can't praise her writing enough, it's outstanding.

omg wow this book was fantastic. I cant wait to read angelas book but then when reading I don't want it to end. This has got to be the best one yet.

I am always massively excited when a new Kim Stone novel comes out and this latest one certainly didn't disappoint. Kim and her team are called to a house where it appears that a mother has shot her 2 teenaged children and her husband before killing herself. But is everything as it seemed? As the team uncover more and more family secrets the case becomes more and more complicated. At the same time a dangerous psychopath who Kim had put away has escaped from prison and is determined to exact his revenge. This is a fast paced story with lots of twists and turns and it will keep you guessing to the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Still Going Strong!

Two cases take center stage in six Graves: one centered on DI Kim Stone’s past, the other in the present involving a family found murdered.

An escaped convict is out for revenge on DI Kim Stone. At the same time, her team needs to put together the puzzle involving an apparent murder-suicide. There is also another storyline involving tensions between Kim’s team members.

Even though this is book #16 in the series, it can still be read as a standalone. However, readers who jump into this series might not fully appreciate the characters and relationship dynamics.

With Kim’s life in danger, she is forced to contend with having Leanne King assigned to her for protection. I didn’t love Leanne’s character in a previous installment, but she really grew on me in this one. I loved the banter between her and Kim. She brought a playful side to Kim, and she wasn’t afraid to go toe to toe with her. I hope we see her character again in the future.

It is so easy to immerse oneself in this series. The characters are quick-witted, full of heart, and smartly written. This installment was fast-paced, and both mysteries had me trying to put the pieces together. Kim’s battle with the escaped convict played out a little predictably, but the other case involved some good twists and turns. I was glad that Bryant and Penn’s relationship got more attention, but the focus is mainly on Kim's character, and the ending suggests that we might get a different Kim in book 17.

Favorite quotes:
“His name is Barney and he already fucking hates you.”

“Stone, we all know you have no friends.”

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️ an easy to read, ok book but having read all the previous books in the series, this was disappointing in comparison.

I’m trying to work out why - maybe the fact all characters were totally unlikeable, even Leanne who was introduced new was annoying. What was that toaster scene?!

Also after the last few books of a close knit team we suddenly have a storyline about Bryant & Penn which has not been evident anywhere else and it didn’t seem elegant to the story.

Having said that, my critique is purely based on how brilliant previous books have been so I’m sure others will really enjoy this book.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Six Graves’, book 16 in the Detective Kim Stone series written by Angela Marsons, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

DI Kim Stone is informed that dangerous psychopath Symes has escaped from prison but she’s ordered not to get involved as he intends to kill her. Kim and her team are investigating the death of four members of the Daynes family and although it looks a case of murder and suicide Kim doesn’t believe it’s as straightforward as it looks.

‘Six Graves’ is another brilliantly written thriller where Kim Stone puts her life at risk in order to save others. From the start I’ve been totally absorbed as each member of her team works to their strengths to solve this latest case while Kim has to keep her distance from them as she knows a psychopath will be watching her every move. Once again Ms Marsons has shown her phenomenal ability in bringing excitement, shock, intrigue and suspense into each and every page, and the final shocking twist had me gasping with horror as I tried to imagine how Kim could extricate herself from what could possibly be her final act. This thriller is exceptionally gripping and I was so involved I was unable to stop reading until I’d reached the conclusion. I didn’t want this book to end, would happily have carried on reading, and can wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thanks to Angela and NetGalley for allowing me to read Six Graves before the publication date.
This is the 16th book in the DI Kim Stone series.

Much to her annoyance, DCI Woodward has insisted that Stone and her team attend a course.
She soon realises that there are tensions between 2 members of her team that she had not been aware of. Then her decision to ignore instructions by Jock, the course co-ordinator, results in her team being disqualified. Could things get much worse?
Jock appears with 2 police officers, one of whom is armed, and tells Kim that she has to return to her station immediately with the officers. Her demands for information are ignored and she finds herself being huckled into the police car before being blue lighted back to Halesowen in silence.

When she meets DCI Woodward, she learns that Symes, a psychopathic killer who is targeting Kim, has escaped from prison. Until he is caught, Kim will be accompanied by a protection officer, Leanne King. The alternative is that Kim will be suspended from duty. Has the furious Kim met her match in Leanne?

Stone and the team are called to a house fire where 4 bodies have been found. The deaths initially look like murder suicide, but the evidence does not support that, not least because it is the mother who is holding the gun. This family have many secrets, some of which will trigger Stone’s memories of her childhood in the care system.

When 7 year old Emma is abducted, Stone realises that Symes is recreating his previous crimes and the only way to stop him is to offer herself as a replacement. Can Stone save the child and herself?

As you would expect from Angela, this book has many twists and turns, plenty of red herrings along the way and many people who would have motive to murder the family.
The character development is excellent and gives insight into some of the aspects of the care system and the children who grow up within it.

WOW!! What an opening!
#16 in the Kim Stone series and the pace doesn’t miss a beat…this book actually opens with a cliff hanger, so if you haven’t read the previous book/s…it really won’t matter because the story is self explanatory as it evolves…but trust me you will wish you had because…
My goodness Angela Marsons simply delivers…every single time!
This one is exceptionally good, and is probably her best yet…although it’s a fine line because (imho) every book in this series has been exceptional.
Just when you think they can’t get any better…boom!
I feel that to say more about the story might give away too much, read the book blurb and just dive right into it…it doesn’t disappoint!

Absolutely recommended!
5⭐️s


Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.

It's hard to believe that this is the sixteenth book in the DI Kim Stone series, and it shows no signs of slowing down. Let me just say that the prologue had me screaming ‘what’ at my kindle and I was on the edge of my seat until almost the last page. Well done.

Kim and her team are spending the weekend team building when she is pulled from the exercise by DCI Woodward. A prisoner who only wants to see Kim dead has escaped and trying to keep her safe and also recapture him will not be an easy task. As if that isn't enough, she is soon called to the scene of what appears to be a murder-suicide. Four people are dead and while the case appears to be straightforward, there is more than what a first glance implies.

I couldn't imagine if Kim was my neighbor. I mean chatting over a cup of coffee with her just would never happen. She is abrupt, opinionated, and doesn't suffer fools easily, but if I was the victim of a crime, I'd want her on the case. No question about it.

Both plots were page-turners and as I alluded to in the beginning, something happens that had me screaming ‘no’ at my kindle. You will have to read this to find out what! Such a good series with characters that feel like old friends at this point. I finished Six Graves in almost one sitting and enjoyed every page.

You couldn't ask for a better author than Angela Marsons. 16 books later and still as fantastic a read as the first, better in fact.
Beautiful and honest character development of a team that you can't help fall in love with.
Kim is just as firey as ever, but even she has her weaknesses,

Six Graves takes a moment to look over the 15 books that came before, includes the characters' collective history and past events, yet would still be just as accessible and enjoyable to someone who'd never read a word from Marsons before.

I'll be devastated when I have to say goodbye to DI Stone, Woody and her team, but for now, this is yet another jewel in Marsons' crown.

Ok so Ms Marson’s what the hell do you think you are playing at handing me a prologue like that when I’ve got to get up and get ready for work! Short, sharp, simple but oh my lord when you turn to chapter one and realise that it’s 13 days earlier then there is not a chance in hell you are putting this book down! Without giving away any spoilers at all, Angela Marson’s has really ramped up the twistiness gene here and be warned she is going to have your jaw slamming off the ground with this one! There’s a saying in Glasgow that comes from Still Game and a character who is very nosey and always needs to know what’s going on - I’ll use that line -"people huv tae know" as this was me! I had to know!!! I had to read on and find out exactly what happens and if Angela Marsons is actually as cruel as this book makes her out to be!
Angie Marson’s has perfected the art of combining plot, pace and characterisation which results in a story you are invested in, pages that compel you to keep turning and characters whom you could actually believe are real and once again she delivers and then some in this book. This is definitely my favourite in the series, and YES, I know I say this for all the books but honestly I’m telling the truth. I cannot find the words to say just how much I LOVE this series!
Six Graves might be the 16th in the series but there is no stale mould to be found here, every book is as fresh as the last one and this is no different. I can’t imagine a reading life without Kim Stone in it! Yes you can read it as a standalone however I really would recommend you invest the time in reading the rest, that way you get a full picture of Kim, the team and the dynamics. It will make the reading of this one all the sweeter, if that is even possible!
Team dynamics are spot on and it’s good to see Bryant and Penn’s relationship under the spotlight
Tension is high as usual but not only does Angela Marson’s deliver on a nail biting storyline she also pokes around your moral compass and through Kim makes you explore some thought provoking and emotional dilemmas. She has given us Kim Stone, a damaged detective but rather than being the same old same old, Kim’s baggage really does make the reader consider some very deep and emotional issues as each layer is peeled away in trying to discover what happened in the Dayne’s home.
Without giving away any spoilers, read this book and expect to be put through an emotional wringer! When you read the prologue you will know where I’m coming from, she dangles you precariously over the edge from the outset… but the question is, will she pull you back to safety in time – we all know just how cruel she can be! I’m saying nothing - read the book and find out - I’m still reeling!

Scene was set in the first few paragraphs,didn't know what to believe. The rest of the story was complex but the team of characters in this series are the best.