4.5 stars
This book was captivating

🧩 thriller
🧩 mystery
🧩 suspense
🧩 crime

The plot
The plot for this book was literally incredible, each clue was so thought out, every event building up to something bigger. It astounds me how someone could have thought this up. And the plot twist?!
The idea for this book was amazing to, combing puzzles and crime, it felt so new and so interesting.

The characters
I love how realistic the characters felt, how they would make mistakes, and how they were able to all come together to solve this problem and find out who is doing everything.
I especially loved how clearly I could understand the reasoning behind each character’s actions, even those that are seen as immoral.

The writing
The writing in this book was so fast paced, once I started, I literally couldn’t put the book down. I spent all day reading it, NEEDING to know what was going to happen.

This book was incredible, thank you so much to Netgalley and Angela Marsons for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is a seriously good thriller. Unfortunately the end is a bit of a let down as the killer turns out to be just a pathetic person. I felt like the characters are well developed, I feel like I know them. #36Hours #NetGalley

This is a book to read when you have lots of time as it starts out intense and does not let up until the end. Kim and her team are fighting a mad man's diabolical set of clues and racing from one place to another. Kim and Bryant are out interviewing people trying to find more information about the person behind the geo-caching puzzles when not going from one location to another. Penn and Stace are at the office trying to decipher the clues, dig through information, and keep themselves sane. There are a lot of potential suspects as well as characters that might or might not have a role in it all. The camaraderie between the team members is as strong as ever, even when Frost is there in the office with them in the beginning. The story is fast paced, complex and hard to put down. There is a touch of good news at the end to balance the intensity of the story. A must read for anyone who loves a good and convoluted mystery. Highly recommend.

i’ll preface this by saying that i’ll most likely never rate books in this series lower than four stars simply because i’m too attached – at this point, angela marsons is one of the few authors whose releases i’m genuinely excited for and i know i won’t be disappointed. however, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me and i couldn’t help but notice that some words/phrases were overused (sicko/sick bastard), which didn’t take me out of the story but was a distraction i couldn’t overlook. i’m hoping there will be some further editing before the publication date so the final product is more polished.

sadly, i didn’t really care for the harmless-hobby-gone-wrong theme that marsons built the plot around, but it was executed well and the pacing was consistent throughout, with very little room for either the characters or the readers to breathe. the atmosphere wasn’t as tense as i’m used to with this series, which isn’t to say that the book was predictable or boring. quite the opposite, actually, because i didn’t guess who the bad guy was and didn’t even suspect that person, which was an oversight on my part as it all made sense once it was revealed. although the whole point of this installment was to see how kim’s team would work under pressure with a strict deadline of two and a half days, i didn’t really get the feeling of this case being a race against the clock. despite wanting to, i wasn’t exactly on the edge of my seat in the most crucial moments of the book and there wasn’t enough momentum built for the final chapters to be as nail-biting as they usually are. thankfully, tracy’s involvement made the story so much better – knowing her history with kim, it was possible that kim would completely dismiss tracy’s concerns, which made reading this all the more interesting because kim’s instincts ultimately overrode her dislike of tracy.

there was an incestuous relationship that i didn’t see coming and, although it wasn’t a major part of the plot, i also didn’t think it added anything of substance to the story. i do understand it was necessary to tie up the loose ends and not leave any of the characters, no matter how minor, without a satisfying resolution and explanation as to why they were a part of the story in the first place, but it was still a bit strange and came out of nowhere. another surprising thing was how much penn struggled with figuring out the puzzles, which is usually his forte, but it wasn’t so out of character if we consider the team worked without a break or sleep for almost three days. the most exciting thing was the introduction of a new character and i can already see the next major storyline taking shape. i don’t want to give anything away, but if whatever angela has planned next is in any way related to kim’s personal life and her childhood, i know i’m absolutely going to eat it up. for the upcoming releases, i’m also hoping for more moments between the team outside of work, especially kim and bryant as i love seeing their friendship blossom and kim be as vulnerable as she’d ever allow herself to be around him. lastly, i’d definitely suggest going into this without reading the blurb because it, for whatever reason, gives away almost the entire plot.

Kim Stone is not best pleased when she finds the person hammering at her front door in the middle of the night is journalist Tracy Frost.

Tracy has received a message saying that she has 36 hours to follow a trail, if she fails, someone will die. If Frost doesn’t report the goings-on, there will be consequences.

Kim and the team quickly realise that this isn’t a hoax, and spend the next 36 hours run ragged, to the brink of exhaustion.

Goodness me! I couldn’t help but imagine the distress that the team were going through with this case was awful. Who would want to be put in this position? This would be mentally as well as physically draining for the team.

A very clever and well-thought-out plot. The cryptic clues were intriguing, and it was great to see how the team worked them out.

I always know I will be lost in the world of Kim and the team when a new book is released in this series, and I’m already chomping at the bit for the next book.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "36 Hours", the 21st book in Angela Marsons' incredible Kim Stone series. I've read them all, and absolutely jump at the chance to read them pre-publication.
I approach each Kim Stone book with a mixture of trepidation - one never knows what fresh hell Kim and her team will have to deal with this time - and joy: joy that the series is continuing and I'll get to spend some time (however short, as I tend to devour the books in one or two sittings) with some of my favourite detectives (and others).
At the outset, Kim is having a peaceful night when her sleep is disturbed by Tracy Frost (her favourite nemesis an thorough pain in the neck - and elsewhere if you get my drift)
This interruption leads to Kim and the team - Bryant, Stacey, Penn et al) to one of their most hair-raising case as they are forced to follow clues provided by The Jester in order to save lives! And Frost has to report on the case or risk increasing the peril.
This case introduces Kim and her team to the world of geocaching, as each clue is secreted somewhere in the surrounding areas, and only by deciphering the clues, and getting to the next ones will they be able to stop this killer.
Another high-octane, well plotted story from Ms. Marsons, and another hair-raising case for the team as they rush from place to place, dogged by the press, other geocachers, and hampered by uncooperative suspects. Oh, and they manage to solve a cold case at the same time!
Recommended either as a standalone, or as part of a series binge. You won't be disappointed.

Oh wow. What. A. Book. Absolutely brilliant.

Full of drama, high tension and trademark laugh out loud moments. I wanted to devour this book in one sitting but made myself read slower so I could savour it. Loved it!!!

36 Hours is the 21st book in the Detective Kim Stone Series and, whilst reading the rest of the series offers depth and understanding to the cast of characters & multi-book plot points, this installment can definitely be read as a standalone.

With Book 21 we follow the team - Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacey - as well as journalist Tracy Frost as they follow a series of cryptic clues in the hopes of finding their victim. Frost has been tasked with writing articles on the investigation by the killer, forcing her and DI Stone to work together - a potentially explosive pairing! They are unable to find the victim before it's too late, but the killer is not finished yet. Another person - a skilled surgeon - goes missing, and its not only her life they are rushing to save.

I really enjoyed 36 Hours, the geocaching aspect and the time pressure of the clues were a combination I have never seen in a thriller book before. As a fan of the series I loved to see not only our main cast of characters, but also the return of Tracy Frost, a character who has appeared in several of the previous books. We see both the professional and personal bonds between the characters put to the test under the time constraints & pressures of the investigation, in a way they haven't been before. The tension increases throughout the book with several twists and turns - including a surprising final reveal!

I rated 36 Hours 5 stars and am eagerly awaiting Book 22!

Thank you to Bookouture, Angela Marsons and Net Galley for the ARC

Wow, what a brilliant read. I loved it. I couldn’t put it down. Such a unique concept to base a storyline on. Kim Stone and her faithful team were all featured. I loved it the interactions between them all. What made this storyline so special was the timeline, from when the crime ‘broke’ to when it was concluded. It added more excitement for the reader as there was the thrill of the jeopardy if the deadlines were not met.Excellent read, thoroughly enjoyed it.

36 Hours is Book 21 in the fantastic DI Kim Stone series from Angela Marsons.

"Journalist Tracy Frost wakes up Kim early to show her a strange message. She has 36 hours to follow a trail set by an anonymous challenger or people will die. Kim knows this is not some prank and must rally her team to stop a killer."

Marsons continues to find ways to tell a compelling story. This story races because of the deadlines between the clues and the pressure from Kim's superiors. Marsons walks the fine line between over-explaining and introducing a topic - geocaching in this story. There's also a character that I'm guessing we'll see in the next book. Marson hides her killer in plain sight and you will never guess who it is.

Can totally be read as a standalone. Another great story from Marsons.

36 Hours by Angela Marsons is book 21 in the Detective Kim Stone series, but I still get excited that the author has written another episode in this fantastic series.
Detective Kim Stone gets a knock on her door in the early hours of the morning. When she opens the door, she finds that it is local Journalist Tracy Frost at the door. At first, they were arch enemies but years later I wouldn’t say they are friends, but they have learned to tolerate each other.
Tracy shows her a message that she received. Telling her that she needs to assemble a team and follow some clues in a certain time, or someone will die. At first, Kim things it’s a joke and wants to kick Tracy out but then realises the chilling element behind it.
This episode in the series is slightly different from the last but I found it to be a chilling read of a sadistic killer playing a game for his own agenda. This has a complex plot but is totally engaging with Kim and her team trying to solve the clues before someone gets killer. Like the other episodes in the series, yet again this disappoint. Can’t wait to see what is more in store in this fab series. 5 stars from me.

It was a delight to be back with detective Kim stone and her colleagues in this 21st instalment of this series. Reading one of these books always feels like coming home and I know once I have another book on this series to read it will get read in one sitting as I will become totally invested and immersed in it and this one was no exception.

This storyline was slightly different to the style of previous ones but that only added to its appeal I think this instalment could also be read as a standalone so would also appeal to those who haven’t read the others in the series.

I have said this before and will say it again these books would make a fabulous tv adaptation. .

36 Hours is yet another rollercoaster ride for DI Kim Stone and her team. Tracy Frost the local newspaper reporter has caused multiple problems for Kim and her colleagues in the past. When she comes to Kim with a message she received claiming that someone will be murdered if they don’t find and follow clues to save that persons life in 36 hours.
Taking this very seriously Kim calls in the team just as they are settling in their homes for a relaxing evening.They are led to a tape recording with gut wrenching sounds of a man being tortured.
Working tirelessly through the night to solve the clues they are having a tough time working out each clue.
Every next book in this series I say is the best yet but with the time constraints this is an absolutely riveting read. The team pull together as usual, working hard and supporting and encouraging each other. The sense of urgency is palpable on every page as is Kim’s outstanding leadership, fearlessness and being a complete pain in the a**e to those that obstruct her.
With a great plot, characters with depth whether they be good or bad this is a joy to read.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

Angela Marsons delivers yet another good thriller in 36 Hours, the latest Detective Kim Stone series installment.

Detective Stone finds herself racing against time to unravel a sinister game set by an anonymous adversary. The stakes couldn’t be higher; she has just 36 hours to follow cryptic clues that could mean the difference between life and death for innocent victims. The plot kicks off with a chilling note delivered to Kim, immediately drawing readers into a relentless countdown. The clues create an intricate web of suspense. The mysterious antagonist is well-developed, showcasing a mind that relishes the thrill of the hunt and pushes Kim to her limits.

The relationship dynamics within Kim’s team add depth to the narrative, and it is interesting to see the intersection of their professional bond and the emotional toll that such high-stakes situations impose on them.

Kim’s determination and resourcefulness are on full display as the plot unfolds, emphasizing her strength as a character while also portraying her vulnerabilities. The dual timelines of the investigation, alternating between the ticking clock and the flashbacks revealed through the tapes, create a masterful sense of urgency. The tension escalates with every twist, leading to a surprising conclusion.

Overall, 36 Hours is a well-crafted thriller and a good addition to detective fiction. I would recommend this book and this series.

#36Hours #NetGalley @bookouture

I’ve been a fan of this series from the very first book, published in 2015, and each review since says the same thing, Angela Marsons has done it again. It is a testament to how good the books are that I eagerly anticipate the next book as soon as the last page is turned.
This, the 21 book in the series has all our favourite characters including the star Kim Stone and her faithful sidekick Bryant. Tracy Frost the local journalist is also integral to the story as she has received a message with an email to assemble a team and play a game, one with rules and consequences that no one is really sure of. Whilst naturally suspicious, on reading the message, Kim's gut tells her this is not a hoax, but can she convince her team the same?

One of the things that keeps this series feeling so fresh is the new aspects that the author uses, this one was the hobby, geofencing, which I’d heard about but didn’t really know much about but was critical to the puzzles that the team were sent. Even more so than normal, the sense of urgency propelled the story forwards but underlying this was the superb plotting backed up by rounded and developing characters.

So to finish on a predictable note, this is one of the best of Angela Marsons' superb series featuring DI Kim Stone and I simply can’t wait to read the next one.

Hold the front page! There is no doubt that Angela Marsons has written another number one bestselling book.  36 hours is the 21st book in the Kim Stone series. It’s clear to see why Angela Marsons dominates the crime thriller genre. She crafts innovative plots, dynamic character interactions, and maintains the high-stakes intensity we readers have come to love. She writes every book as if it’s her first! One strength of this series has to be Kim Stone and her band of merry men and women. Kim Stone and her team’s camaraderie, laced with humour and warmth, are definitely part of what makes each book feel like a reunion with dear friends. The humorous moments to lighten the mood and offer respite from the darker side of the plot.
I enjoy a ‘race against time’ crime thriller, as the stakes are high and the tension intensifies as the clock ticks down. The cryptic clues also added to my enjoyment of this read, as you feel you're part of the investigation. Chapters in “36 Hours,” narrated by The Jester, offer a valuable insight into a very disturbed individual! They also add an extra layer of psychological intrigue that fans of dark, suspenseful crime fiction will appreciate. Without going into plot details, Kim’s worse nightmare comes true when she has to work alongside her old nemesis, Tracy Frost. The relationship between Kim and Frost is entertaining, to say the least! 36 hours is original, fast-paced with red herrings galore. There’s much to keep the crime thriller reader engrossed.36 Hours is another triumph that will thrill both new readers and diehard fans alike!

Suspense packed Kim Stone adventure.
Det Stone is thrown into a cat and mouse puzzle game where the ultimate catch is
saving the life of an abducted homeless man.
Clues are given with time limits attached for solving; failure to do so will result in
videotaped torture of the kidnap victim.
Kim and her team work feverishly to try to interpret the clues. Kim's move media in the
newspaper world, Frost is working with them which adds tension and much discord.
Very strong and interesting characters and a quite intriguing storyline but a lot of nuances that are easily missed if you have not read earlier books in this series.
Which I have not.
But I will definitely be watching for the next one.

Having been the biggest fanatic of this series from the very first book, even 21 books in doesn't dull the complete fizz of excitement I feel when I see a new installment land in my TBR pile, a pile that it goes straight to the top of every single time.

As all fans of this series are aware, Kim Stone and local journalist Tracy Frost have a rather strained relationship, not quite love and hate, more tolerance, at a push. So when Tracy comes knocking at Kim's front door in the early hours of the morning, Kim is not best pleased!

Tracy has received a message with instructions to assemble a team and play a game, one with rules and consequences that no one is really sure of. Whilst Kim's first reaction is to kick her out, on reading the message, Kim's gut tells her this is not a hoax, but can she convince her team the same?

The team now have to work against the clock to try and decipher the most cryptic clues, chasing their tails and literally going in circles. With just minutes to spare, they solve their first clue, and the team soon start to realise that not all is as it seems.

The geofencing was a whole new thing for me, but what an absolute thrill it added to what was already a full acceleration read. It gave a totally new take on the police procedural process, chasing a criminal that hadn't yet committed a crime!

I love the fact that even 21 books in we are still learning about the characters, their strengths and weaknesses within the team, and their personal lives when they get a spare moment to actually be at home. I will never tire of Stacey & Penn's working relationship. Their camaraderie always shines through, and they are an amazing duo.

I can't go into much detail as it will cause spoilers, BUT I can say this has got to be one of my favourites of the series so far. The speed, the tension, and the plot were just all in full force, and it was completely unputdownable.

Could this be read as a standalone? In all honesty, I think this is one of the only ones in the series that could be read without reading the previous books, but why the hell wouldn't you have? Take the time, pick up the first book, and get stuck in... you won't regret it!

As always, the HUGEST thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

One of the best detective series out there, and they just keep getting better. Strong team, complex mystery, red herrings at every turn, and unique crimes that keep you hooked.

36 Hours by Angela Marsons. DI Kim Stone book 21 in the series. Ms Marsons has outdone herself once again. A wild and chilling case that the team works overtime to solve. The villian is one of the most vile, sadistic and reprehensible characters ever written. Very highly recommended.
Thank you to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.