Absolutely fascinating crime thriller around the theme of mothers.
This is a multifaceted investigation that focuses on maternal relationships and is very thought provoking. The added dimension of the pageant is intriguing and somehow Marsons manages to keep the reader off balance as our sympathies sway from character to character.
Tense, brooding, thought provoking and compelling

Another brilliant entry to the series. A thoughtful look at the impact of beauty pageants and the different relationships between mother and daughter. I couldn't put this one down, fantastic! Lots of twists too, loved it.

I can't believe this series is on book 20 already and the plots haven't become stale! Each one could probably be read as standalone since enough background is given. There were plenty of twists so I was unable to pinpoint who I thought the killer was, but Kim and her team solved the case. In my opinion, a great read (I read it in one sitting)

Great book from beginning to end. Detective Kim Stone and her fellow work colleagues have their work cut out when women keep being found brutally murdered. They soon find a link between them all but not the motive.
There are so many twists to this book to keep you guessing right up to the end. I have read other books from this author and each one is great.

Angela Marsons never fails to deliver a compelling storyline, and, look, I'm from the Black Country, so the fact that this novel starts off with a murder in my home town hooked me immediately. Say what you want about 'quality of writing', but what Marsons never skimps on is plot, meticulous research and compelling theme. The theme of this one being beauty pageants - which, come on, is a thrilling concept to spring a story from. It confounds me how Marsons can keep delivering the goods like this. If you love a twisty plot and realistic characters, you won't be disappointed. My grateful thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the privilege of an early read.

I cannot even believe it but this is the twentieth installment in the series, how impressive is that? What’s even more impressive is that this still felt as fresh and exciting as book one did, there is nothing formulaic or repetitive here and is the reason I have stuck with the series so long. I’ll continue to do so as long as the author keeps writing, Kim and team may as well be part of my family at this point and I never tire of reading what they’re up to. I always get asked if you can jump into the series late and technically yes, you can and would be fine because each book follows a new case. But in this instance the twenty book commitment is well worth it so I say start at the beginning, enjoy the ride and thank me later!

The team is tasked with not one, but two cases simultaneously here, someone is hunting down the mothers of former beauty pageant contestants and brutally murdering them and there’s a side case involving a long dead body found in a fishing lake. So no shortage of excitement here, I have always thought child beauty pageants are both fascinating and slightly creepy so that angle interested me greatly. It focused heavily on the relationship between mothers and daughters and if you’re caught up on the series then you already know about Kim’s complex relationship with her own mother so the parallels and introspection Kim had while working this case was highly engaging. I love how the author always lays the groundwork where you could, plausibly solve the case as you read but I never quite get there before Kim and the team crack it wide open themselves. It’s so fun to look back after I finish and think, oh I see what you did there, the breadcrumbs were all strewn about I just didn’t figure it out. Per usual this was fast paced, gripping and exciting with plenty of dark and disturbing reveals that were balanced by snarky comments and banter between Kim and her team. There are always moments of levity in these books and it is executed so well. Another winner, the author never misses for me and continues to write some of my very favorite crime fiction out there.

⭐️⭐️ 2 stars sorry:

I have read every Kim Stone book and most have been four or five stars - the odd three stars. But never have I ever given two stars.

I just didn’t gel with this book at all. It lacked the usual zing between Kim and her team, it had a weird talent show thread that Woody was apparently keen on, but most of all, it was like it was written in American using as much American slang and terms as possible. Which would be fine if this was the norm but it was a total departure from previous books!

There were American phrases not used by Brummies ata ll and every mum was Mom. It just read really odd.

The pageant storyline didn’t grab me and I had no interest in who died next or who did it.

Lastly, Stacey really needs to go. Even with her own storyline in a previous book, she’s so dull. Move her out and bring in Tiff.

PS. What had happened to Penn’s girlfriend?!

Loved this book, and read it in one sitting I was so engrossed. What a very interesting storyline about child pageants and the psychological damage that they can do, which I genuinely believe must have some truth behind it.I am in awe of anyone who can construct a web of murder, abuse, and abduction, and produce it into a novel. I love the main characters who form Kim Stones team. Not sure but is Kim mellowing?!!

I’ve read all of Angela Marsons’ Detective Kim Stone series so was very pleased to receive this review copy of her latest which I discovered was set in the world of child beauty pageants and examined relationships between mothers and daughters, a difficult subject for Kim whose own mother neglected and mistreated her as a child.
When a woman is discovered brutally stabbed to death with her daughter present at the scene of the crime, it seems an obvious quick solve case but gradually it becomes apparent that the daughter might not be the guilty party.
Very soon the team discovers a link to beauty pageants- a room full of costumes and trophies in the house. However the relationship between the deceased and her daughter does not seem to be straight forward. As Kim and the other detectives look into the beauty contests, it becomes clear that it is a competitive and sometimes toxic world with mothers and daughters often not seeing eye to eye. The children are pushed to behave in a certain way, mainly by their Mums and it does not always work out well when they grow up. As more murders occur it is a race against time to catch the perpetrator. I must add here that the author has done so much research into the child beauty pageant world!
There is also another plot line about a man found drowned in a fishing lake 2 years after being reported missing by his girlfriend which leads 2 of the team to Logan and his mother Olivia. This is another difficult relationship but in a completely different way. Coercive control and intimidation are words that spring to mind.
I really liked the way the two stories came together, sharing a similar familial theme. There was not too much about the personal lives of the detectives in this book, it was more about the murders but after the previous novel which focused on Stacey, this did not matter at all.
I enjoyed trying to work out who the culprit was and to be sure I did not guess as there were so many possibilities.
As ever this was a compelling read, a book which I found hard to put down which is always a good sign.
I definitely recommend this and the whole series to crime thriller fans and have no hesitation in giving it five stars.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

This is the latest in Angela Marson's brilliant DI Kim Stone crime series, each book concentrates on themes that the author has obviously researched in depth. This time the focus is on mother-daughter relationships and what may be problematic issues that may arise. Kim arrives at the home of 48 year old Sheryl Hawne who having been savagely knifed again and again, lies in a pool of blood, next to her is her daughter, Katie, with the knife, apparently in a state of shock and not speaking. All seems clear, there is no need to look further, as Katie is taken into custody. However, when another mother is killed with a similar MO, it becomes clear that Katie is innocent, but has severe mental health issues.

So begins a complex and urgent murder inquiry for Kim as she and her team race to prevent further murders, but it is a struggle to find leads. This is a case that plunges them all into the dark and niche world of child beauty pageants and mothers with one track dreams, desperate to ensure their daughter is a winner. It may be the daughter has no choice when it comes to participation, their lives often being tightly controlled, in terms of looks, diet, no friends, and non-stop punishing training so that they can perform 'perfectly'. Kim learns more than she could have possibly imagined about child pageants, including the people who provide services to the participants and the industry, such as the making of expensive and glamorous dresses, and those who determinedly campaign against such pageants.

Tiff comes into her own and gains confidence with the help of Penn, as she follows her instincts in the case of the drowned James Nixon recovered from a Dudley fishing pool. This is a chilling read that has Kim reflecting on her harrowing relationship with her own mother, the only mother she recognises is her foster mother, Erica. There is a fascinating exploration of the mothers and daughters in the pageant world, along with the police teams different relationships with their own mothers, making this an emotionally thought provoking case for all of them. I recommend this to fans of the series and to new readers. As always, I look forward to the next in the series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture and the author for this eARC.

Angela Marsons has excelled again with Guilty Mothers. Pageant mothers are being murdered and Kim and her team investigate. I can't fault Angela Marsons on her research here, reading about the goings on behind pageantry and the relationships between mothers and their daughters quite eye opening. The authors writing and plot line here is, as always, second to none and the story flows seamlessly. I loved all the story threads and the separate investigation undertaken by Penn and Tiff. There is the usual banter within the team as they follow all leads to solve the cases. I honestly had no idea who the murderer was, I kept changing my mind as I was reading. My only gripe is that I felt the ending was rushed although as always with me anything Angela Marsons writes definitely hits the mark and Guilty Mothers grabbed my attention and interest straightaway and held it all the way through to the last page. I loved being back in Kim and the teams world, they are like old friends and I can't say that about many characters I read about.

So ....overall a great read that is fast paced and full of thrills. This series just goes from strength to strength and how Angela Marsons manages to keep her story lines and characters so fresh and current is beyond me. If you're a fan of police procedurals I'd recommend this and if you've not heard of Kim Stone or Angela Marsons start at the beginning, you'll be hooked and in for some serious catching up!

4 stars

3.75 stars

In Guilty Mothers , themes of motherhood and parental abuse are explored through two cases. One involves child pageants, shedding light on the darker side of these competitions. The other case explores a disturbingly violent relationship between a mother and her son.

This is book #20 in the DI Kim Stone series and can be read as a standalone.

All has been quiet for the team since the events of book #19. They find themselves in a lull and eagerly awaiting their next case while reluctantly preparing for a department talent show. Soon, they are called to a murder scene in which the mother of a former child pageant star is found murdered.

Another case piques their interest when a team member picks up on weird vibes between a mother and son.

The narrative primarily focuses on the murders, and the cases deeply affect Kim due to her troubled past. However, there is less emphasis on the team dynamics and their personal lives than in previous installments. I missed this element, as I was looking forward to seeing some new developments in the team member's lives. At least Barney makes an appearance.

Overall, I loved the child pageant storyline. The one of parental abuse is also intriguing and sickening. As always, this series offers twisty cases and loveable characters. I can't wait to see what unfolds in book #21.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

When Sheryl Hawne is found fatally stabbed on her kitchen floor her daughter Katie is still clutching the knife when DI Kim Stone arrives on the scene it seems as though the case is clear cut. Katie has not said a word, so the team have to delve deeper to find out why it appears Katie has killed her mother. As they delve deeper into their lives, they discover that Katie was a beauty pageant entrant as a child, and had won numerous trophies. Whilst Katie is still in police custody, Kim is called to a second murder, with the same set of circumstances and links to the beauty pageant world. Katie couldn’t have done it, so who is the killer? The team find themselves in a race against time, uncovering more dark sides to the child pagent world. Why is the killer targeting these mothers? And what is the link? Can Kim and the team find this ruthless killer before any more people end up dead?

I can’t believe this is Kim Stone 20! Each and every story is uniquely different, but with us seeing more developments in the team. It’s lovely to see Tiff coming into her own more in this book. Kim is struggling to keep her own thoughts and feelings in check, as she is dealing with something close to her own life - mums and daughters. As the investigation progresses, Kim is confused with her own feelings about her own mother, and finds herself paying a visit to an old friend to gain some perspective. I don’t know how Angela manages to keep every book so fresh and interesting but she does and it’s amazing! I look forward to every instalment, and the twits in this book are like no other! Absolutely brilliant, I loved every single second of this roller coaster ride!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of Guilty Mothers by Angela Marsons.
I’ve had this book on my tbr pile for 2 weeks. Dying to start it but knowing once I did, I wouldn’t be able to put it down until it was finished, and then it’s such a long wait to the next. Yesterday was a free day and I devoured it.
Kim and her team are like family I love catching up with them.
This time a middle aged woman has been brutally stabbed, no enemies, no reasons that anyone can see. Then another one.
It’s a great story with a side story featuring Tiff a new recruit to CID who has appeared in earlier story’s and will make a great addition.
A great series which I hope will continue for a long time.

Thanks to Angela and NetGalley for allowing me to read Guilty Mothers, the 20th book in the D.I. Kim Stone series, before the publication date.

By her own admission, Angela likes to present DI Stone with new situations and she has certainly kept on track in this book.

The central storyline takes place in the topical and often controversial world of beauty pageants, describing the strict nutrition and exercise regimes required by those taking part.
It seems that the participants recollections of their time as contestants is often blurred by time.

As the body count increases, lies and secrets are gradually revealed.

It is a well-crafted story which weaves many topical threads to great effect, giving me pause for thought.
In addition to the occasional black humour, watch out for the interchange between Kim and reporter, Tracy Frost.

I raced through this crime thriller, thoroughly enjoying it. In Guilty Mothers, straightforward, intolerant Kim and her team investigate the murder of a mother, seemingly by her daughter, a former pageant girl. At the same time, a man’s body is pulled from a fishing pond. While his death seems accidental, Tiff and Penn suspect something is not quite right about the situation.
There’s an additional, hilarious challenge for Kim’s team, however, one far more daunting for them than police work. I loved the juxtaposition of this humorous situation against the stark cruelty of the murders.
In the course of the story Marsons delivers fascinating insights into several controversial topics. She takes themes that interest her – maternal relationships, narcissistic mothers, the world of child pageantry and abuse within families – and creates a cleverly plotted, fascinating tale y around them. I particularly enjoyed reading about the pageant scene – quite an eye-opener. And of course a deep dive into the complex relationships between mothers and their children really suits a Kim Stone book as the detective suffered a horrendous relationship with her own schizophrenic mother who constantly tried to kill her and her twin brother.
All in all, this is a real page-turner, full of suspense, but also packed with a real human element and threaded through with sobering facts.

I cannot rate this author and series highly enough. Whenever a new Kim Stone book is released all other books are put on hold.

In this book Kim, Bryant and Stacey are investigating the complex world of child beauty pageants. I found this to be a thought provoking storyline on a topic I didn't previously give much thought to. Whilst Kim and her team investigate, Penn and Tiffany 'Tinks' look in to a missing person with troubling family dynamics.

As with all the other books in this series, once that first chapter is read it's almost impossible to put the book down. The storylines are always 5* but what makes this series so special is the bond this team have and their unique characteristics. A must read series for all crime thriller readers.

I love this series and can’t believe it’s on book 20!

From domestic violence to the dark side of the pageant world, this is another fast paced book. As usual I read it in one sitting!

Bring on book 21….

This is a wonderful thriller with many twists and turns! I'm excited to read more detective Kim Stone books after reading this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

I've been reading and loving the Kim Sone series since day one so I always get excited when I have a new book to read. This one, though was a little bit disappointing. Don't get me wrong it was an enjoyable read but there was just something missing. I didn't feel the usual "gallop to the finish line" excitement. I didn't like the way Kim just suddenly said she knew who the killer was without any real reasoning so for the first time Angela has lost a star.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.