This is an absolutely fabulous, mind boggling, exciting book, which if you like chasing clues is great and stretches your imagination. I really don’t know how Angela thinks up these fabulous stories, but she does and they get better and better.

At the start, Kim’s old nemesis Frost turns up at her doorstep with, what at first looks like some cock and bull story, but it soon becomes clear that Kim has 36 hours to follow the clues before someone dies.

She and her team are against the clock all through the book, with what appears to the reader as a wild goose chase. As some poor soul is taken and body parts found with each clue, it is a gruesome tale. Time is running out and then a surgeon goes missing. Will Kim and her team find her in time?

Kim is her usual brusque no nonsense self but underneath she has a heart of gold, and there is a side in this book where we see that.

I loved this book and it was like being with old friends again.

My thanks to Angela and Netgalley for the ARC.

As ever Angela Marsons has crafted a perfect mystery thriller which held my attention from the very first page.
I’ve followed Detective Kim Stone’s adventures since the very first book in the series so was excited to receive a review copy of this, her latest. I certainly wasn’t disappointed as it contained all the elements I like about Angela Marsons’ books as well as all the characters I have come to know and love in this excellent series.
In “36 Hours” Kim and her team have to solve a mystery kidnap where someone has been taken and the Jester, an evil perpetrator, leaves clues for them to solve, almost like a macabre treasure hunt.
If the clues are not worked out in a timely manner, the victim is tortured which is an unpleasant incentive for the team.
Penn and Stacey the detective researchers, really come through as they unscramble the clues for Kim and Bryant. Frost, Kim’s reporter nemesis, is also involved as she is targeted to bring the case to Kim’s attention in the first place and then she is told by the Jester to write articles promoting his nefariousness deeds.
This is a fast paced read which takes place over a short period of time, something that really enhances the tension.
I’d never heard of the treasure hunt game described in the book but it is clear that it is actually a pastime which the author has extensively researched. This is something I can always rely on in this brilliant series- I learn something new!
There are also some interesting themes examined including the value of family and personal relationships in someone’s life. All the team look at their own circumstances as the novel gradually progresses.
I definitely recommend 36 Hours as a five star read, particularly if you have read the earlier books, something I would encourage you to do if you enjoy fast paced thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

Title: 36 Hours
Author: Angela Marsons
Series: Detective Kim Stone #21
Publisher: Bookouture
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Pub Date: December 10, 2024
My Rating: 3.3 Stars!
Pages: 444

I have not read all the books in this series but I call myself a DI Kim Stone fan!

Detective Kim Stone is awaken at 5 a.m. Sunday morning with someone banging on her front door. It is journalist Tracy Frost who tells Kim she got a disturbing email message at 4 a.m.
The message starts off that is not a joke but instruction for a game that starts at 7 a.m. and ends on Monday at 7 p.m.
You have 36 hours. If you follow the instructions, no one will get hurt…
Tracy must give update every six house and posted on the Dudley Star website.

True Tracy Frost is usually a PIA and not Kim’s dearest friend, Kim fears this is no hoax and summons her team to solve clues. Kim’s team has the same impression of Frost but is willing to work with her if it means saving someone’s life.

Have to admit I was hoping for more for more of a ‘Da Vinci Code’ hunt; - it was more of a TikTok scheme, true the blurb also gave us clues.
I hung in there as the reviews are 5 Star awesome. So I knew it was going to get better!
I did like the ending.

However it was not one of my favorite Kim Stone. Perhaps my expectations were too high – however, I am looking forward to book #22!

Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read another Kim Stone adventure.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 10, 2024.

Detective Kim Stone is back in Book 21 of this compulsive police procedural crime series and this time Kim and her team have just 36 hours to prevent a murder. Contacted by her nemesis journalist Tracy Frost she is initially sceptical but is persuaded that the note Tracy has received is cause for concern so she calls her team together. As always this is tightly plotted and this time centres around the world of geo-caching, and if you don’t know what that is it’s very well explained.

Briefly, the note is from someone calling themselves ‘Jester’ and giving them a short time to solve a cryptic clue which they do with minutes to spare but what they find will turn your blood cold. The next clue needs solving and everyone is relying on Stacey and her analytical mind; the answer leads them to the next clue and another body part! And the next clue…

I always think that this time I’ll guess whodunit before the reveal, I didn’t! Jester always seems to be one step ahead of the police. It was interesting to see a different dynamic between Kim and Tracy, they really do have more in common than they realise. A fast paced and tense police procedural. Great read.

Definitely one of my favourite series, how is it book 21 allready? Somebody wants to play a game with dire consequences, when an email is sent to the reporter Frost, she asks DI Kim Stone and the team for help, will they solve all the clues before it's too late? A taxing case for the team, but it was a brilliant, captivating read.. The team are sent on a race to stop more blood shed, do they manage it? If you havnt read a DI Kim Stone book, why not? You won't be disappointed.

Angela Marsons delivers another edge-of-your-seat thriller with 36 Hours, the 21st installment in the Kim Stone series. Although this was my first venture into the world of Detective Kim Stone, I quickly found myself immersed in this intense, fast-paced story of a deadly game with the clock ticking and lives on the line.

The premise is gripping from the start: Kim receives a chilling note warning her that she has 36 hours to follow a cryptic trail or face the deaths of innocent people. Marsons wastes no time plunging the reader into the action, as Kim and her team race to unravel the clues left by a shadowy adversary. Each step ratchets up the tension, leaving readers breathless as they follow Kim through increasingly high-stakes twists and turns.

The audiobook, narrated by Jan Cramer, was a wonderful complement to the written story. Cramer’s ability to differentiate the characters through distinct voices enhanced the narrative, making it easy to follow even during the most chaotic moments. While the narration was a bit slow at the normal speed, I found that listening at 1.5x speed provided the perfect tempo to match the pulse-pounding pace of the story.

What stood out most for me was Kim Stone herself. Despite joining her story well into the series, I had no trouble connecting with her character or understanding her relationships with those around her. Kim is a compelling blend of intelligence, grit, and integrity, making her a protagonist you can root for without hesitation. Her determination and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds were a highlight, and I can’t wait to explore more of her adventures in earlier books.

This novel was unputdownable. I devoured it in just eight hours, alternating between reading and listening, because I simply had to know how the team would solve each clue and whether they could save the victims in time. Marsons’ ability to keep the suspense taut throughout was remarkable, and the emotional stakes were just as high as the physical ones. She has earned a new fan, and I’m already planning to dive into more of Kim Stone’s adventures.

Highly recommended for those who love a smart, fast-paced, and heart-pounding mystery!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for providing me a digital copy and the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Kim Stone, instalment number 21. Let that sink in for a minute.

First of all, let me say that I absolutely adored the way Angela Marsons began this story. Scenes of domestic bliss on a Sunday morning for the various team members won’t fail in putting a smile on your face. Of course, those moments are especially rudely interrupted by Frost showing up at Kim’s house with a message she’s received. And from then on, it’s all systems go and bring the oxygen tank!

Someone is playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Kim and her team. They always seem to be one step ahead, leaving the team utterly frustrated. The clues this person leaves behind are complicated, giving Penn and Stacey a headache. And while they’re trying to find out what’s going on and who’s behind it, Frost apparently needs to make sure this person is getting their fifteen minutes of fame.

Throw in a geocaching angle and a dysfunctional family, and suddenly there’s a long list of potential suspects. I zeroed in on one character, but while it turned out they may have been responsible for something or other, I didn’t discover the identity of the actual culprit until it was revealed to me. I have to say I remain utterly in awe that, after so many years, Marsons is still able to pull the wool over my eyes.

‘36 Hours‘ is an addictive and brutal kind of treasure hunt. I could feel the team’s frustration in seemingly always lagging behind the person calling the shots, in having to waste time solving the riddles, and in being forced to play this criminal’s game. With each page, I was nearly able to hear the clock ticking away in the background. The pace felt relentless and when it was all over, it was almost as if I hadn’t drawn a breath since the story started.

I found the ending chapters rather perfect. A full circle moment, if you will. On top of that, it was nice to have Frost somewhat involved in a case, to learn a bit more about her. There’s even a moment or two where you spot Kim’s softer side. All in all, yet another fabulous addition to this long-running series. If Angela Marsons can keep this up, I’ll still be reading these when I’m in the nursing home. With the oxygen tank by my side, just in case.

DI Kim Stone is not pleased to be woken in the early hours of the morning by journalist Tracy Frost banging on her door, but her annoyance turns from annoyance to dismay when Frost shows her the message she has received. She has been instructed by someone called ‘the Jester’ to assemble a team to play a game over the next 36 hours. If she doesn’t follow the rules someone will die.

So starts a high-tension race for Frost, Kim and her team to solve clues to save lives over the next 36 hours. The clues are in the form of a geocaching trail where one clue will lead to the next, all with a time restriction just to add to the difficulty. With the timer running down, Kim’s team must work together to unravel the clues while also searching for the identity of the Jester.

This is another unique story line from Angela Marsons. Very creative and absorbing, the fast paced plot hooks the reader in from the start and keeps them engaged right to the end. I loved seeing all these characters that we know so well by now in this 21st novel of the series, working well together and being supported by Kim. Even Frost, who has a prickly relationship with Kim, contributes to the chase and gains a new respect from the team. Definitely a pulse-pounding, page turner that is guaranteed to keep you glued to the pages!

Oh my freaking gosh I’m OBSESSED with this series!!! How in the heck do I write a review explaining my plethora of emotions without giving any spoilers???
Let me give a few thoughts that went through my mind. Perhaps that will help.
“Oh hell no, Angie. You CANNOT do this to me again!!!”
“Aha! I know exactly who it is!!! … erm… nevermind. That was wrong.”
“Nooooo!!!!”
“YESSSSS!!!!”
“What the actual (bleeeeep) just happened?!?!”
“My gosh these clues make me feel like a total idiot!” (Although I’m firmly using my utter lack of Black County knowledge as a valid reason.)
“Wait! Nononononono! … Oh thank freaking goodness! Wait… nooooo!!!”
My heart was racing throughout the entire book!
On a fun note, I was alternately listening to the audiobook of Silent Scream (a book I’ve already read), the first book in this series, when I wasn’t able to sit down and read this one and absolutely loved getting to know Kim from 10 years ago and I’ll be listening to the rest of the series as I wait with baited breath for book 22 to come out!

I have read one previous book by this author - Silent Scream - and loved it and this was no exception, I really liked it. The writing is so engaging right from the start and held my attention all the way through. I didn't see the final twist coming either

She’s back!
Detective Kim Stone is back with book 21# in this excellent series.

Kim is rudely awoken from some much needed sleep by journalist Tracy Frost hammering at the door. Kim isn’t the least bit pleased to see Frost at the best of times, but when Frost shows her a message that she’s received, Kim’s irritation is replaced by dread, because the sender wants to play a game - a game that gives her 36 hours to follow a trail, and if she fails, people will die.

Kim gathers her team together and they immediately begin work on solving the first clue, which involves geo-caching (no me neither)! With just minutes to spare they solve the first cryptic clue, which in turn leads them deep into the woods where they find the second clue, together with a tape of a heart wrenching scream which turns Kim’s blood cold. I’ll let the rest of the synopsis speak for itself though, and finish with my thoughts.

It’s clear that there’s a sadistic killer at large, and the clock is literally ticking, so much so, that about half way in I was literally holding my breath, and that more or less continued right the way through the rest of the book.

I just love the characters in this wonderful series, their development has been terrific, all complex but very relatable - every book feels like a reunion with people I care about, and this particular storyline really has the heart racing!
Fast paced and gripping as ever, book 21# is still as interesting and inventive as the first, and is a prime example of why Angela Marsons remains one of my favourite authors.

Another brilliant read about Kim Stone I can’t believe this is number 21 in this series I just love them.

She’s working on a very difficult case this time she only has 36 hours to solve the case so as you can imagine it’s very gripping and exciting stuff praying that she succeeds but with lack of sleep and so many puzzles to solve the odds are against her but if she doesn’t more people will die.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC

36 hours is the 21st edition to this series and a brilliant edition to it.
Kim and her team have 36 hours to solve puzzles in the hope no lifes are lost. Kim is rudely woken up at 5am by Tracey Frost the annoying reporter with a piece of paper with a message on it. Her and her team have 36 hours not sure whether its a hoax or not Kim goes with her gut and drags her team out aswell. A long with Frost they try and figure out where the next piece of the puzzle will lend them.
With all Angela Marsons books their is banter between all the team and kim's take no nonsense attitude. Their is always a deeper meaning to the stories it will make you laugh, cry and think about the subject raised.
Another brilliant addition so looking forward to next. Thankyou for advanced copy.

If you have never read any Detective Kim Stone books then you are seriously missing out. This is my favourite ever series of books. Every single one has been fantastic and this latest one is no exception. It had me captivated from page one and I raced through it. Each character is brilliant in their own way and they really draw you in. I honestly can’t recommend this series enough, it will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. I can’t wait for the next one.

Wowee…. The queen of crime has done it again!

Book 21!!!! And I’m still hanging on to the edge of my seat and staying up all hours to finish Angie’s books. If that’s not high praise enough what else can I say?

I love everything that Angie writes but nothing more than her DI Kim Stone series. You’d think that by her 21st novel she’d have a methodology that she rolls out into every plot. But no. Each book is just as thrilling as the ones that came before it, and I still struggle to figure out the details as they are so well hidden.

This book really ramps up the pace, as the team have only 36 hours to solve cryptic clues before someone dies a horrific death and the police are held responsible.

In each and every book Angela tackles a new topic and turns is macabre. This book follows the ‘seekers’ community and how a fun pastime can be used to cause harm.

If you’ve never read Angela Marsons DI Kim Stone series they don’t be daunted by her tremendous back catalogue. This book is so well crafted you can start here and see if you enjoy the characters. You don’t need to know all of the details to be able to enjoy this book.

But I can guarantee that once you pick up a book by Angie it most definitely will not be your last!

Thank you to NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Wowsers, what did I just read?
This extraordinarily brilliant series just got even better, if that's possible.
An unbelievably original main plot. I can't imagine how the author manages to think of them. This is the 21st instalment in the series and it is as, if not more, riveting than the first.
Cryptic clues with tight timelines and devastating penalties if they're not met. A race against time. A cast of possible culprits and the best team to track them down.
On the one hand, the familiarity of the characters and on the other the complete originality of the plot, both result in an epic read.
I adored being back in Kim and the team's world and I can't wait to visit it again soon.

Well, we’re up to book number 21 in the DI Kim Stone series and Angela Marsons shows absolutely no sign of slowing down. I’m not the biggest fan of “race against time” style books, but when reading anything by Angela any preconceived thoughts go out the window! 36 Hours is outstanding. It is a blend of suspense, emotion, and plot twists that make you question everything. It is an intense crime thriller with moments of great warmth and humour. I loved reading it and highly recommend.

*CRACK* That is the sound of Angela Marsons hitting it out of the ballpark with 36 Hours! I can't believe that this is the 21st book in the addictive, captivating, and thrilling DI Kim Stone series! 36 Hours was addictive, original, and tense! Whew! Angela Marsons always has delivers and had me turning the pages and on the edge of the seat as Kim and her team worked against the clock to catch a killer!!!!!!! I was instantly gripped from the very beginning of this book. I was on the edge of my seat with my fingers crossed and my heart pounding as things became grim and deadly.

Detective Kim Stone gets an early morning phone call from journalist Tracy Frost who has received an alarming message. Kim has 36 hours to follow the clues and if she fails, people will die! Talk about pressure! Her team gathered and worked together to solve the clue which led them to a hidden box in the woods which contained another clue and a tape. Kim and her devoted team worked tirelessly to solve the clues to stop a killer before it is too late. The killer is diabolical, clever, and deadly. As the clock continues to wind down and things become dire, the team is pushed to the brink in their pursuit for justice.

Kim continues to be such a fabulous character. I love how she is both tough as nails yet has a heart of gold. She is clever, intelligent, spunky, hardworking and will stop at nothing to get to the truth. She along with her team have great banter, teamwork, and camaraderie. I enjoy the glimpses into their private lives. I also appreciate how Marson's shows how their investigations affect each of them personally. Don’t get me started on the dynamic between Kim and Frost!

36 Hours was brimming with tension, twists, dread, and danger. There were several scenes that had my pulse pounding and had me wanting to know what was going to happen next! Speaking of what comes next, I can't wait to read what Angela Marsons writes next!

I had the pleasure of having both the book and audiobook and enjoying switching back and forth between the two. The narration of the audiobook was fantastic and made for a lovely reading experience.

Wonderfully written, fast paced, addictive and hard to put down!

Wow, just finished this and feel like I can breathe again! This is the 21st instalment in the DI Kim Stone series, one I've read over a number of years, so I feel like I know the characters inside out at this point. They're so well written and the inter-personal relationships are so well fleshed out that it doesn't feel like reading, more like catching up with old friends.

This story sees them pitted against the clock as someone calling themselves "The Jester" has set them a series of puzzles to solve with a threat to life if they don't comply. They seem intent on making it impossible for them to save a life while dealing with the increasing public interest and scrutiny. And as exhaustion sets in and the stakes get higher it becomes all the harder for them to solve.

The pace of this book is perfect and made it really hard to put it down as I constantly wanted to know what happened next! I'd recommend it for readers of the series as it really doesn't disappoint, but could be read as a stand alone without losing too much enjoyment. As always though I'd recommend starting with book 1 and working through as it's an excellent series!

I love this series. I can't believe we're on book 21 already. I also can't believe that they are still just as good as the first. I don't think theres a bad book in this series. Kim is an incredible leader and you can tell how much she loves her team. The team work so well together and I really enjoy getting to see little bits about their personal lives. Even Frost has grown on me and I've obviously been reading too much enemies to lovers romance because her and Kim would make such a cute couple.

The case was interesting and the 36 hour time limit amps up the tension. I did guess who the bad guy was but it didn't ruin it because there was still the suspense of whether they would work it out in time. There were some heartbreaking parts. I did feel a bit bad for the Doctor that everyone was more concerned about the child.

I'm intrigued to see what will happen with the new journalist who has his sights on Kim. Definitely recommend if you like a police procedural with a lovable team.