This is Angela Marson's 20th book, and it features DI Kim Stone and her highly efficient team of investigators. It is amazing that there have been so many entertaining books in the series, and I have read them all. The cases are always fresh and varied, and I look forward to every new book. Kim survived a gut-wrenching, traumatic early childhood and tried to force out of her mind in favour of thinking of her loving, supportive foster family. She had difficulty relating to other people but has made strides in her interpersonal relations. She has managed to put together a cooperative and efficient team, and we can watch their development in their work-related and personal lives with each new story.

This time, she looks inside children's beauty contests and the emotional pain that the children must endure when forced to practice and perform by overly ambitious mothers. The children are now adults, and someone is holding anger and a deadly grudge against these mothers. Three of the former beauty pageant mothers have been brutally slashed to death, and an object associated with the contests shoved down their throats. One of the mothers was especially vile, taunting and abusing the daughter to do better and guilty of abduction. This came with calling the girl terrible names, depriving her of friends, long hours of practice, and causing tension among the group. We read that some mothers were reasonable and allowed their daughters to quit when they no longer enjoyed participating, but others put all their energy into the satisfaction of producing a winner.

The parents must buy elaborate, expensive costumes for the children. Some clothing would be more appropriate for twenty-year-olds. Heavy makeup, false eyelashes, hair extensions, etc make the little girls appear overly sexualized. Think of the old TV documentary 'Toddlers and Tiaras'. Kim and her team must figure out who is killing the victims before more deaths occur. Two of Kim's team are investigating the case of a man who was found drowned in a nearby lake. They learn that his death is related to a case of a son's ongoing abuse of his mother. Can both cases be solved and the guilty charged before there are more deaths?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the highly anticipated ARC. It is recommended for all fans of Angela Marsons and anyone who enjoys a compelling detective story. Guilty Mothers is due to be published on May 31.

DI Kim Stone is my literature Pringle! Once I start a book I just can’t stop!

Every time I get a new DI Kim Stone book I tell myself that I won’t stay up at all hours to finish it. That I’ll read it ‘nicely’ and then I won’t feel so utterly bereft once it has finished because I ‘made it last’… And every time Angela Marsons proves to me that I have no self control!

As always with a new Angela Marson’‘s book I wish there was a real life pause button that you could press that would stop time. Then I wouldn’t have to choose between earning a salary and needing to read the book in one sitting!

Book 20! And still going strong, the entire series of DI Kim Stone is absolutely flawless and totally consuming! Honestly, I can’t believe why no one has picked up this series of books yet and offered Angela a TV deal.

This book sees the return of tiff (Tinkerbell) as she is progressing towards becoming CID. It was wonderful to have her back for this book and to see her rejoin DI Kim‘s team as they jointly investigate to murders both investigating and questioning the bonds and relationships that mothers have with their children.

Kim is different now, she’s changed a lot since the start of this series. And quite rightfully so considering everything that she’s had to deal with and in doing so how her acceptance of her past has shaped her both as a woman and an investigator. She definitely feels more grown-up and more professional in this novel and a much better leader for the team. That said, she still got that fiery attitude that we all know in love and she still takes all advice and correct protocol with a pinch of salt - much to Woody’s annoyance.

Now that we have book 20 we have a wide plethora of characters and people that Kim has an association with and has worked with. It will be interesting to see how this mega team will continue to work with and alongside her and her colleagues.

Now that Kim has started this movement of change and is becoming more accepting of her own self and worth how much further she is willing to take her own personal life and whether she would be willing to allow someone to be more than just her work partner. That said I really really don’t want a romcom DI Kim Stone novel but it is definitely one area that Kim has shown no interest in and no ability to even entertain as a thought.

Thanks to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Kim Stone series is going from strength to strength, book 20 and still as fresh, captivating and thrilling as book 1!

In Guilty Mothers, the relationship between mother and daughter is explored against a back drop of the pageant circuit, starting with a violent murder, with the victim’s daughter the prime suspect.

What I love about this series is that there is usually a main investigation and a side, but equally important investigation running in parallel and Guilty Mothers is no exception.

I loved this book, parts were difficult to read, as they should be, which brought to life the challenges that were experienced in the past.

Roll on book 21!

Being a massive DI Kim stone fan I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this and it really brightened up my week. I can’t believe this is now book 20 in the series. These books just keep getting better and better and you feel like you are in the room with Kim stone and her colleagues trying to solve the latest case. These books could be read as standalone but highly recommend reading the whole series from the beginning to capture just how brilliant they are.

As always once I had started reading this I couldn’t put it down and this time we had two cases running parallel to one another to sink our teeth into and as always the dynamics between Kim and her team are very well written as is the storylines.

I have said this on several occasions before but these books would make great tv dramatisations.

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before release

I always get excited when and new Angela Marson’s book comes out as this is my favourite Police procedural. Guilty Mothers is book 20th in the Kim stone series, and the author never disappoints.
When Kim, Bryant and the rest of the team visit a murder scene that seems an open and shut case. A woman dead on her kitchen floor and her daughter crouching over her covered in blood clutching the murder weapon in her hand. But when the daughter is arrested another body turns up. Which they are both linked to mothers who put their daughters through beauty pageants. Some enjoy the experience, but some children are abused to satisfy their mothers obsessions.
This is another amazing read from the author. I feel like I have come home again to the regulars in this story. The quality of the authors writing never falters. The storyline is always original and gripping and couldn’t put this down I read it in 24 hours. I loved it. I will wait in anticipation for book 21…..

“Guilty Mothers" emerges as a standout installment in the DI Kim Stone series, firmly securing its place among my top five favorites. Angela Marsons expertly weaves a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of motherhood, both its nurturing embrace and its darker, more sinister manifestations.

The story starts with a chilling crime scene that immediately sets the tone for the events to come. DI Kim Stone and her team are called to the crime scene by Keats, where the identity of the killer seems all wrapped up at the outset. As the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the key to unraveling the cases lies in understanding the intricate dynamics of motherhood, particularly within the competitive world of pageantry.

Meanwhile, Kim partners Tiff with Penn on another investigation that Tiff discussed with her after a body was found at Donkey Pool. This investigation, which starts at a fishing pond, adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery of mothers.
Marsons skillfully explores the theme of maternal influence, portraying a spectrum of mother-daughter relationships ranging from loving support to toxic manipulation. The juxtaposition of mothers who nurture and empower their daughters with those who exploit and control them adds depth and complexity to the narrative, prompting readers to ponder the role of parental influence in shaping one's actions and identity.

The police procedural aspects of the story are cleanly executed, with Marsons demonstrating keen attention to detail and authenticity in her portrayal of investigative procedures. While the clues may not always lead me directly to the killer, they serve to heighten the suspense and keep readers guessing until the final revelation.
One of the book/series highlights is the dynamic between DI Kim Stone and Ted Morgan. I love it when a story includes an interaction between these two. Marsons utilizes their exchanges to provide insights into Kim's past and personality, deepening the story's emotional tone.

Overall, "Guilty Mothers" is a compelling read that seamlessly blends suspense, action, and emotional depth. Marsons' adept storytelling and meticulous research ensure a gripping reading experience from start to finish. Whether you're a fan of British police procedurals or simply enjoy a well-crafted mystery with plenty of twists and turns, this book is sure to satisfy. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, diving into the series from the beginning only enhances the overall enjoyment.

Guilty Mothers Angela Marsons, D.I. Kim Stone #20 explores the world child beauty pageants and obsessive mothers and of course ,murders. There was interesting and intriguing insights on how the childhood beauty pageants affect both the children and their families. Book 20 in the series is still going strong and fresh new cases with unexpected twists and turns. Catching up with team their personal and work lives is always a plus. Looking forward to the next cases with Kim and the team.
Thank you to the Angela Marsons, Bookouture. and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Guilty Mothers (Detective Kim Stone Book 20) by Angela Marsons is a crime thriller that grabs you from page one and doesn't let go until the exciting conclusion.

In a quiet kitchen, where two mugs wait by the kettle to be filled, Sheryl Hawne lies in a pool of blood. Her only daughter, Katie, is found at her side, still clutching the murder weapon and apparently incapable of speech. To Detective Kim Stone, the case seems open and shut. However, Katie is in no state to be questioned, so Kim and the team must dig deep to understand what triggered this brutal act.

Detective Stone investigates the dark side of beauty pageants and learns more than she bargained for.

I enjoy reading this series, and Guilty Mothers does not disappoint. The characters feel like old friends, and I enjoy reading more about them and their lives.

I would highly recommend this book, this series, and this author.

#GuiltyMothers #NetGalley @bookouture

Kim and Bryant are called to the scene of a very gory murder.
Sheryl Hawne has been repeatedly stabbed and is lying in her kitchen in a pool of blood.
Her daughter Katie is there covered in her mothers blood. She is clutching the murder weapon though is unable to speak, apparently not knowing if she murdered her mother or not.
What appears to be a straightforward case of matricide quickly changes when another murder takes place.
Katie is safely locked up so she can`t be the killer.
Aided by Stacy doing what she does best with the help of her keyboard working through data , looking for patterns making connections to steer them on the right course to reveal the killer.
They uncover the fact the two victims have in common, both had daughters they entered into child beauty pageants.
They learn its not all pretty dresses, makeup and tiaras
Running alongside this the body of a missing man has been found submerged in a fishing lake.
The post mortem does not give anything away other than the obvious drowning.
However the gut reaction is that there is a lot more going on.
Given the go-ahead Tink and Penn investigate.

This may be book 20 in the series but it is Kim at her usual best.. In these perplexing cases she leads her well oiled team through the twists and turns of the investigations treating the reader to a gripping suspense filled race that keeps you guessing to the end.

The only question left being when will book 21 be available????

This is quite an emotional read with the plotting being centred around child pageants and the relationships between mothers and daughters. Kim has two separate investigations going on, one being pursued by Tiff who is really coming into her own as a character. Book 20 in the Kim Stone series is a little bit different as regards the plotting but it is still a very good read. Thanks to Net Galley for my ARC.

I've been waiting for this book to come out, I love the Kim Stone series and feel like I know the characters so well after 20 books. And yet despite that familiarity Angela Marsons manages to surprise and keep me reading into the early hours every time!
The premise of this book centres around relationships between mothers and their children, from the good to the truly awful. Given Kim's back story with her own mother it was interesting to see how she navigates the cases unfolding around her. I loved seeing more of Tink in this one too, she's an excellent recent addition to the series and I'm already enjoying seeing her growth. I hope she'll be around for a few more books at least.
You could pick this up as a standalone novel and still be hooked, but I'd always recommend reading the series in order as each book is excellent, if anything they get better as time goes on!
I'm grateful to NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

I know that I started this series late, but now that I’m fully caught up I’m not letting it slip between the cracks of my TBR mountain again. Of course the fact that the DI Kim Stone books just keep delivering one satisfying detective thriller after the other also plays a big role, and I always do a little happy dance whenever a new sequel appears on my kindle. I can’t believe that Guilty Mothers is already book number twenty, and it is without doubt another worthy addition to the series.

Before I continue, I have to once again insist that this is definitely a series to read in order. You will find major spoilers for past events otherwise, and you won't be able to fully understand the dynamics between the main characters either. That said, the particular cases investigated in Guilty Mothers do stand on their own, and we are spared the shocking developments on a personal level some sequels seem to throw at us. It's still very much worth your time catching up with the rest of the series first though.

I think that part of the reason this series is working so well has a lot to do with the cast of characters. I always have such a great time catching up with Kim and the rest of the team, and I loved having Tiff in the spotlight again in Guilty Mothers. The banter between the team is absolutely brilliant, and I always look forward to their conversations. The humor makes for such a great contrast with the more serious content as well, and as a result the books always feel balanced. The characters themselves feel like old friends by now, and they complement each other perfectly.

Like the title already suggests, this particular sequel focuses on mothers, toxic relationships as well as the pageant world. Guilty Mothers takes us on a journey exposing some of the toxic world of beauty pageants and just how far some mothers are willing to go to win. The plot gives us a range of different experiences to explore, and as a result the story felt more realistic. There are multiple suspects in play, and I loved how the plot was able to mislead me more than once. I also really enjoyed watching Tiff in action and I liked how she worked together with Penn.

All in all there is no doubt that Guilty Mothers turned out to be another satisfying dose of DI Kim Stone for me, and I literally flew through it. If you like your detective thrillers on the fast, engaging and twisted side and can appreciate a healthy dose of banter, you have found your next series to read.

4.5 Stars. With full disclosure, I have been a fan of this series from the very beginning of the series, so I really looked forward to book 20 and already had it on pre order. Whilst there were references to both book 19 and back stories on Kim and her team, it would be possible to still pick up this novel cold and read it as a standalone story. That said, it was really nice to settle back into the world of Kim Stone and her team of detectives and solving murders.

I am always amazed just how fresh Angela Marsons is able to keep this series without me feeling reader fatigue. This was one interesting premise, the sometimes toxic relationship between mothers and daughters. And conversely a topic that is rarely spoken about, parental abuse. I was interested in seeing how the sub plot lines converged as is usually case, and was welcomely surprised by the Author’s choice in the handling of both plot lines. Also nice to see Tink become a more integral part of the team given she has earned her place in past stories.

Thank you to the Author, Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read, review and give my honest opinion for an ARC.

Always like when Kim Stone and her team are involved in a cases(s) I enjoyed the secondary murder class better with Tiff and Penn leading it . The lead case involving the beauty pageants just had a lot going with the numerous suspects . Lots of discussions in this book pertaining to mothers and their involvement in their daughter’s lives predominantly beauty pageants in this book. A quick read that dealt with a variety of topics mostly associated with mothers and their relationships with their children and extended family members.

Another fantastic D.I Kim Stone novel from Angela Marsons!! Book 20 was just as thrilling as the first! She truly never disappoints! BRILLIANT

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review

Angela Marsons never disappoints. The 20th book in the Kim Stone series is as enthralling as the first one, and each new addition to the series feels like seeing old, familiar friends again. One of the things I love about this series is that I learn something new with each book, and I enjoyed delving into the world of pageantry and exploring the complex relationships between mothers and daughters with this one. The two story lines got me hooked from the beginning, I devoured this book and can’t wait for the next one! I highly recommend it to all crime/police procedural fans

I love this series, its great, love the new addition of Tiff great new character, and what a cracking story. This is a brilliant read, keeps you guessing, and bowls along at a great pace. Really good read, and I am sure other readers will love it as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review another great book in Angela Marsons's "Detective Kim Stone" series, "Guilty Mothers".
Here we are at book number 20, and the series just keeps getting better and better. The team is tight, Kim is, well, Kim. And Tiff is working her way into CID, her character becoming more prominent.
The team is waiting to be called to the scene of a body discovered in the water, a possible missing person, when they instead get the call to a horrendous murder scene. As usual, when Keats calls, the team goes. And while Kim and Bryant are on scene for that case, Tiff and her Sergeant, meanwhile, draw the 'floater' straw.
This book delves into two themes: the broader theme is mothers and daughters (and sons, to an extent) and the main theme is beauty pageant life and how the participants' lives are affected and how they cope later in life. And the lengths that some may go for success.
Kim, Bryant and team are tasked with investigating the murders of a number of former beauty pageant mothers and must search for the perpetrator amongst the women themselves, service providers (costumes, makeup, etc) and a supposed 'support' group.
The other case is equally perplexing, as Tiff finds herself in the unenviable position of not really believing that happened to the man found dead in the water.
The twists and turns never seem to stop, and you'll be surprised right up until the very end.
Recommended for fans of great police procedurals, and of course fans of the series. Can be read independent of the series, but I'd highly recommend you delve back into previous books to really get the full impact (and understand some of the underlying themes).

Absolutely adore this series. 20 books in and the quality of writing has not wavered at all. Just brilliant!

Guilty Mothers is the 20th in the Kim Stone series. Marsons manages to keep the series fresh and it never feels formulaic.
As is easy to infer from the title, motherhood is at the center of this story. First, there is the pageant mother who is stabbed. Her now 25 year old daughter is covered in her blood and doesn’t deny committing the murder. But Kim and her crew are anxious to discover the “why” behind the crime, especially since so many years have passed since the daughter was a contestant. But it’s not long before a second pageant mother is dead and the first daughter is in the clear. This part focuses on the different relationships between mothers and daughters and how the young women came out of the experience. Marsons uses her characters to make some pertinent points about sexualizing a young girl. Meanwhile, Tiff is asked to inform a woman that the man she reported missing two years earlier has been found dead in a pond. She has an off feeling about the woman’s son but isn’t sure if she should raise any alarms.
As always, Marsons does an excellent job of putting the reader inside the heads of Kim and her team. And I adore the way this team works together. This is a character driven story but that doesn’t mean that the story is in any way slow. In fact, it moves at a pretty brisk place. Marsons brings in enough facts to give you a real feel for the pageant “business” without slowing down the story. I found the ending believable and I hadn’t guessed the murderer.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.