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D.I. Kim Stone #19
Bad Blood
The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould , seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
Unputdownable from start to finish, Bad Blood is a brilliantly gripping crime thriller with a reveal you’ll never see coming. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni and Val McDermid will love the latest compulsive read from multi-million-copy bestseller Angela Marsons.
Can be read as a standalone.
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould , seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
Unputdownable from start to finish, Bad Blood is a brilliantly gripping crime thriller with a reveal you’ll never see coming. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni and Val McDermid will love the latest compulsive read from multi-million-copy bestseller Angela Marsons.
Can be read as a standalone.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2023
About the author
Angela Marsons
50 books4,517 followersAngela is the author of the Kim Stone Crime series. She discovered a love of writing at Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
October 11, 2023
*4.5 stars*
How DOES Angela Marsons do it? Book 19 and the series never loses its appeal.
Detective Kim Stone and her team are called out to a body that has been deliberately posed, there’s clearly a message from the perpetrator, but what is it? However, the victim isn’t dead! He’s in a very bad way and has been rendered paralysed, eventually dying some hours later. Other victims follow but this won’t be an easy case to crack.
Kim’s team discover that the first dead man had a previous conviction for attacking his girlfriend, and judging by the bruises on his current girlfriend’s face on her social media posts, he’d not changed his ways at all.
It soon becomes clear that the victims were once part of a group who bragged about their terrible crimes with not one of them showing any remorse. Could these killings be at the hands of a vigilante group?
Kim’s colleague Stacey has ongoing problems from last time, but it becomes a problem at work, causing a rift between the two of them, and it’s something that neither of them seem able to overcome.
Another cleverly crafted storyline with a great twist, characters that regular readers love, and as usual I was gripped right through to the end. Another winner for Ms Marsons.
*Thank you to Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
How DOES Angela Marsons do it? Book 19 and the series never loses its appeal.
Detective Kim Stone and her team are called out to a body that has been deliberately posed, there’s clearly a message from the perpetrator, but what is it? However, the victim isn’t dead! He’s in a very bad way and has been rendered paralysed, eventually dying some hours later. Other victims follow but this won’t be an easy case to crack.
Kim’s team discover that the first dead man had a previous conviction for attacking his girlfriend, and judging by the bruises on his current girlfriend’s face on her social media posts, he’d not changed his ways at all.
It soon becomes clear that the victims were once part of a group who bragged about their terrible crimes with not one of them showing any remorse. Could these killings be at the hands of a vigilante group?
Kim’s colleague Stacey has ongoing problems from last time, but it becomes a problem at work, causing a rift between the two of them, and it’s something that neither of them seem able to overcome.
Another cleverly crafted storyline with a great twist, characters that regular readers love, and as usual I was gripped right through to the end. Another winner for Ms Marsons.
*Thank you to Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 17, 2023
I am an ardent fan of Angela Marson’s Kim Stone series. Each addition to the series is a fast moving, engrossing police procedural. She knows the perfect mix of investigation to personal lives of the team.
In this, the 19th book, a young man’s body is found lying under the trees. ME Keats was called and pronounced him dead. Except, he’s not. But then, soon enough, he is. The body is unnaturally posed into a letter. And he’s just the first. It would appear the murders are from someone seeking revenge for their past actions.
Meanwhile, Stacy is dealing with a stalker. And she’s keeping it all hidden from Kim, the team and her wife, Devon. And then, the stalker is killed when a car hits him.
Both plot points deal with vigilante justice and karma. Even the team is divided when discussing the vigilantes, because what would they do if faced with some of the same situations. “The voice that shouted loudest in her head still said that no one had the right to take the law into their own hands and that punishment was decided by the justice system. That voice just wasn’t as loud as it had once been.”
I adore Kim as a main character. Tough, gruff, but, oh boy, does she love her team and have their backs. The rest of the team is equally developed.
I will admit to being captivated by this book. It moves quickly with short chapters, so I was continuously thinking I’d read just one more chapter. There were several twists I didn’t see coming. And the ending was very satisfying - believable, no OTT action.
Fans of police procedurals should not miss this series. For someone who hasn’t read the series, I would recommend at least reading the prior book, Deadly Fate, as there is a continuing plot line.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
Woohoo! I just saw that BBC Studios has optioned the Kim Stone series for tv.
In this, the 19th book, a young man’s body is found lying under the trees. ME Keats was called and pronounced him dead. Except, he’s not. But then, soon enough, he is. The body is unnaturally posed into a letter. And he’s just the first. It would appear the murders are from someone seeking revenge for their past actions.
Meanwhile, Stacy is dealing with a stalker. And she’s keeping it all hidden from Kim, the team and her wife, Devon. And then, the stalker is killed when a car hits him.
Both plot points deal with vigilante justice and karma. Even the team is divided when discussing the vigilantes, because what would they do if faced with some of the same situations. “The voice that shouted loudest in her head still said that no one had the right to take the law into their own hands and that punishment was decided by the justice system. That voice just wasn’t as loud as it had once been.”
I adore Kim as a main character. Tough, gruff, but, oh boy, does she love her team and have their backs. The rest of the team is equally developed.
I will admit to being captivated by this book. It moves quickly with short chapters, so I was continuously thinking I’d read just one more chapter. There were several twists I didn’t see coming. And the ending was very satisfying - believable, no OTT action.
Fans of police procedurals should not miss this series. For someone who hasn’t read the series, I would recommend at least reading the prior book, Deadly Fate, as there is a continuing plot line.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
Woohoo! I just saw that BBC Studios has optioned the Kim Stone series for tv.
November 6, 2023
Writing: typical of this author | Plot: thicc | Ending: fine
HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE for those invested in the series or a fan of old lady police procedurals
SYNOPSIS
DI Kim and the gang are tasked with finding a vigilante who is bragging about their kills on social media.
MY OPINION
After a very meh Deadly Fate, I was happy that this settled firmly into Honda Civic Reliable territory. Also, the last two covers have been MUCH better than those previous Walmart bargain bin ass covers. Anyways, if you're a fan of this series, Alafair Burke, or you love an old lady police procedural, go on and give it a read. If you're more of a thriller girlie and the most police procedure-y you're willing to get is for Karin Slaughter or Lisa Gardner, I'd skip it. Nothing mind-blowing here and at times the writing is giving cozy mystery.
Like Alafair Burke, Marsons always serves up a 2-for-1 special. This time around there's the main case of the vigilante killer and the resolution of Stacey's storyline from Deadly Fate. Happy to see things wrapped up for Stacey because that was one of the low-points of the previous instalment. Not so happy about Kim's reaction but again, as a regular degular reader of this series, it was on brand. At least Kim was more of herself in this book—her clapback game was on point.
A few red herrings here and there. I also recommend you read this in a couple sittings otherwise you might get a lil confused since there's a handful of characters. Some of the math didn't quite add up for me, but again, I have degrees in communications and journalism (aka degrees for people who can't do math), so what do I know?
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Kim was back to her regular self with her unchecked attitude and witty retorts, fast paced, the whole Stacey thing was resolved quickly THANK FK, interesting look at vigilante justice (good for book club discussions or buddy reads)
Cons: writing was subpar, lots of happenstance needed to make the final twist work
HONDA CIVIC RELIABLE for those invested in the series or a fan of old lady police procedurals
SYNOPSIS
DI Kim and the gang are tasked with finding a vigilante who is bragging about their kills on social media.
MY OPINION
After a very meh Deadly Fate, I was happy that this settled firmly into Honda Civic Reliable territory. Also, the last two covers have been MUCH better than those previous Walmart bargain bin ass covers. Anyways, if you're a fan of this series, Alafair Burke, or you love an old lady police procedural, go on and give it a read. If you're more of a thriller girlie and the most police procedure-y you're willing to get is for Karin Slaughter or Lisa Gardner, I'd skip it. Nothing mind-blowing here and at times the writing is giving cozy mystery.
Like Alafair Burke, Marsons always serves up a 2-for-1 special. This time around there's the main case of the vigilante killer and the resolution of Stacey's storyline from Deadly Fate. Happy to see things wrapped up for Stacey because that was one of the low-points of the previous instalment. Not so happy about Kim's reaction but again, as a regular degular reader of this series, it was on brand. At least Kim was more of herself in this book—her clapback game was on point.
A few red herrings here and there. I also recommend you read this in a couple sittings otherwise you might get a lil confused since there's a handful of characters. Some of the math didn't quite add up for me, but again, I have degrees in communications and journalism (aka degrees for people who can't do math), so what do I know?
PROS AND CONS
Pros: Kim was back to her regular self with her unchecked attitude and witty retorts, fast paced, the whole Stacey thing was resolved quickly THANK FK, interesting look at vigilante justice (good for book club discussions or buddy reads)
Cons: writing was subpar, lots of happenstance needed to make the final twist work
November 18, 2023
EXCERPT: There was a buzz in the air that she'd never witnessed before at a crime scene. The puzzlement on the face of her colleague told her he was thinking the same thing.
They got out of the car as a booming voice told everyone to move out of the way.
They headed towards the voice, which came from a police constable sprinting up the path to the car park. Behind him two paramedics were maneuvering a wheeled gurney along the graveled path. Keats followed closely behind, his face ashen.
She watched as the paramedics opened the ambulance door and expertly transferred the gurney into the back.
'Keats, what the hell is going on?' Kim cried.
'He's not dead,' Keats said breathlessly as the engine of the ambulance started up and the siren kicked in.
She turned to face the pathologist. 'Jesus, Keats, how the hell did you fuck that one up?'
ABOUT 'BAD BLOOD': The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould , seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
MY THOUGHTS: Bad Blood is a brilliant crime thriller that has an excellent sideline in the meaning of friendship. I don't know how Angela Marsons keeps coming up with her ideas, but long may it continue.
In Bad Blood, Stacy is keeping a secret from not only her wife Devon, but her boss and her workmates. This seriously affects the dynamics of the team and damages the trust between Stacy and Devon, and Stacy and Kim, which then overflows to cause problems between Kim and Devon. Is this the end of the trust and friendship that has been built up over a long period of time?
The story behind Stacy's secret is every bit as compelling as the bizarre murders the team is trying to solve. And with Stacy preoccupied with her own problems she finds it difficult to concentrate at work and isn't performing to her usual standard. When I found out what the problem was, I couldn't believe she had been so stupid . . . but I also had problems with the way Kim reacted to Stacy when the truth came to light. I didn't know which one I wanted to yell at first!
Angela Marsons has written another blinder of a thriller featuring one of my favorite detective teams. Bad Blood really stirred my emotions. I was angry with Stacy, and angry with Kim. I wanted to do what my mother threatened to do when I was a child and arguing with my brother/s - bang their heads together until they saw sense. I had serious doubts about Devon - that was a superb touch, Ms Marsons - and had no idea as to the identity of the killer until the big reveal.
Please don't stop writing this series Ms Marsons. I am addicted and would definitely need therapy.
P.S. I love the new covers. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BadBlood #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Angela discovered a love of writing at Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Bad Blood by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
They got out of the car as a booming voice told everyone to move out of the way.
They headed towards the voice, which came from a police constable sprinting up the path to the car park. Behind him two paramedics were maneuvering a wheeled gurney along the graveled path. Keats followed closely behind, his face ashen.
She watched as the paramedics opened the ambulance door and expertly transferred the gurney into the back.
'Keats, what the hell is going on?' Kim cried.
'He's not dead,' Keats said breathlessly as the engine of the ambulance started up and the siren kicked in.
She turned to face the pathologist. 'Jesus, Keats, how the hell did you fuck that one up?'
ABOUT 'BAD BLOOD': The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould , seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
MY THOUGHTS: Bad Blood is a brilliant crime thriller that has an excellent sideline in the meaning of friendship. I don't know how Angela Marsons keeps coming up with her ideas, but long may it continue.
In Bad Blood, Stacy is keeping a secret from not only her wife Devon, but her boss and her workmates. This seriously affects the dynamics of the team and damages the trust between Stacy and Devon, and Stacy and Kim, which then overflows to cause problems between Kim and Devon. Is this the end of the trust and friendship that has been built up over a long period of time?
The story behind Stacy's secret is every bit as compelling as the bizarre murders the team is trying to solve. And with Stacy preoccupied with her own problems she finds it difficult to concentrate at work and isn't performing to her usual standard. When I found out what the problem was, I couldn't believe she had been so stupid . . . but I also had problems with the way Kim reacted to Stacy when the truth came to light. I didn't know which one I wanted to yell at first!
Angela Marsons has written another blinder of a thriller featuring one of my favorite detective teams. Bad Blood really stirred my emotions. I was angry with Stacy, and angry with Kim. I wanted to do what my mother threatened to do when I was a child and arguing with my brother/s - bang their heads together until they saw sense. I had serious doubts about Devon - that was a superb touch, Ms Marsons - and had no idea as to the identity of the killer until the big reveal.
Please don't stop writing this series Ms Marsons. I am addicted and would definitely need therapy.
P.S. I love the new covers. 😉
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#BadBlood #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Angela discovered a love of writing at Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Bad Blood by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 15, 2023
** Happy Publication Day **
After book 18 had some of Marsons characters behaving unusually and "out of character" in my opinion, book 19 brought it all back and did it well.
I was laughing at the banter, relieved at some characters decisions and as always, absolutely gripped by the story which was pretty unique.
Very happy to have another 5 star D.I. Kim Stone read and would absolutely recommend this series to crime thriller and police procedural readers!
⚠️ Please check TWs online ⚠️
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
After book 18 had some of Marsons characters behaving unusually and "out of character" in my opinion, book 19 brought it all back and did it well.
I was laughing at the banter, relieved at some characters decisions and as always, absolutely gripped by the story which was pretty unique.
Very happy to have another 5 star D.I. Kim Stone read and would absolutely recommend this series to crime thriller and police procedural readers!
⚠️ Please check TWs online ⚠️
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture for my eARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2023
Angela Marsons delivers time and time again! Seriously, I do not think she is capable of writing a less than thrilling book! Bad Blood is a gripping, shocking, tension filled, page turner!!! This one kept me turning the pages, desperate for answers, while at the same time not wanting this captivating book to end.
Detective Kim Stone is one tough cookie, but she also has a soft side, shh don't tell anyone. I love her tough as nails, hardworking, determination that she brings to both her personal and professional life. In Bad Blood she and the rest of her team are faced with a deadly killer who shows no sign of slowing down. This is a book with layers and picks up where the last book left off.
When Detective Kim Stone arrives at the scene, she is shocked to see that Eric Gould, the victim, is still alive and placed in a strange position. The victim dies enroute to the hospital and Kim later learns more about this troubled life and fears he may have been abusing his current girlfriend. Another man is also found clinging to life in another position. Kim soon learns that the victims once knew each other as boys, (a group of six) who were put away for their horrific crimes.
The tension and sense of danger ebbs and flows throughout this book. While on the hunt for a killer, Kim learns that Stacy, one of her team, was being stalked and kept it a secret. This leads to some tough conversations, tension, and support.
There is never a dull moment in this book. The pacing is spot on and had me flying through the pages! I loved the tension and suspense in this book. I did my own super sleuthing while reading, and had a few suspects lined up, but Marsons was always a step ahead of me! I loved the twists, turns and the shocking reveal in this book. Well done, Marsons, well done!
This is the 19th book in a series that is still going strong! I am always excited when I see there is another book out in this addictive, shocking, well written, and well thought out series!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Detective Kim Stone is one tough cookie, but she also has a soft side, shh don't tell anyone. I love her tough as nails, hardworking, determination that she brings to both her personal and professional life. In Bad Blood she and the rest of her team are faced with a deadly killer who shows no sign of slowing down. This is a book with layers and picks up where the last book left off.
When Detective Kim Stone arrives at the scene, she is shocked to see that Eric Gould, the victim, is still alive and placed in a strange position. The victim dies enroute to the hospital and Kim later learns more about this troubled life and fears he may have been abusing his current girlfriend. Another man is also found clinging to life in another position. Kim soon learns that the victims once knew each other as boys, (a group of six) who were put away for their horrific crimes.
The tension and sense of danger ebbs and flows throughout this book. While on the hunt for a killer, Kim learns that Stacy, one of her team, was being stalked and kept it a secret. This leads to some tough conversations, tension, and support.
There is never a dull moment in this book. The pacing is spot on and had me flying through the pages! I loved the tension and suspense in this book. I did my own super sleuthing while reading, and had a few suspects lined up, but Marsons was always a step ahead of me! I loved the twists, turns and the shocking reveal in this book. Well done, Marsons, well done!
This is the 19th book in a series that is still going strong! I am always excited when I see there is another book out in this addictive, shocking, well written, and well thought out series!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
November 16, 2023
It is hard to believe that Angela Marsons has written the 19th book in the Kim Stone series and once more kept the plot unique and tantalizing. Her books always go to the top of my To Be Read list and present compelling and well-crafted mystery plots. Detective Kim Stone remains gruff and outspoken but very protective and supportive of her staff. I love how Kim and her team have developed and grown since the beginning. The mystery has surprising twists and can be read as a stand-alone. Still, it is helpful to have some insight into how the supporting characters have developed under Kim's guidance and Kim's horrifying backstory.
I found there was too much emphasis on the stalker, who is causing much turmoil in Stacey's home life and her ability to work effectively. By keeping this secret, she has lost the trust of other major characters. Even after the stalker is killed by a motor vehicle, he remains at the forefront of her mind. Will she regain her stability and the support of the two people of greatest importance in her life? Was the stalker's death a case of vigilante justice for the way he had interfered with Stacey's ability to function?
Meanwhile, Kim and her team are investigating the unusual murder of a man, and soon, two others are killed in a similar manner. What could be the method and motive for the murders? These deaths seem to go back a decade, when the victims were incarcerated in an institute for young, violent offenders. They were part of a gang of six who terrorized both the staff and other inmates. Now, the investigation moves to save the other three still alive. It becomes apparent that the murders are a case of vigilante justice, perhaps to keep them from committing similar crimes again. Not everything is obvious in this very complex case.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this much-appreciated ARC. Bad Blood is due for publication on November 15. Recommended for readers looking for a compelling, complex police procedural.
I found there was too much emphasis on the stalker, who is causing much turmoil in Stacey's home life and her ability to work effectively. By keeping this secret, she has lost the trust of other major characters. Even after the stalker is killed by a motor vehicle, he remains at the forefront of her mind. Will she regain her stability and the support of the two people of greatest importance in her life? Was the stalker's death a case of vigilante justice for the way he had interfered with Stacey's ability to function?
Meanwhile, Kim and her team are investigating the unusual murder of a man, and soon, two others are killed in a similar manner. What could be the method and motive for the murders? These deaths seem to go back a decade, when the victims were incarcerated in an institute for young, violent offenders. They were part of a gang of six who terrorized both the staff and other inmates. Now, the investigation moves to save the other three still alive. It becomes apparent that the murders are a case of vigilante justice, perhaps to keep them from committing similar crimes again. Not everything is obvious in this very complex case.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this much-appreciated ARC. Bad Blood is due for publication on November 15. Recommended for readers looking for a compelling, complex police procedural.
November 14, 2023
Detective Kim Stone and partner, Bryant, had seen some bad things in their careers, but the unusual murders which were being announced on social media immediately, had her team scrambling for answers. The bodies were not quite dead when found, dying a short time later. Digging into their pasts saw the revelation of a group of boys, dubbed the Psycho Six, who were at a notorious boys prison - now they were dying, one by one. Could Kim and her team discover the killer before more died?
The heartache and fear that surrounded Stacey after their last case was something she kept to herself. But those close to her could see something was terribly wrong; why did Stacey keep saying she was fine?
Kim and the team were desperate. She knew they were getting closer to putting it all together, but sooner rather than later was necessary. Could they do it?
Bad Blood is the 19th in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons and once again it's a brilliant, electric, tension filled crime thriller that had me riveted from start to finish! I'm not sure how the author continues to come up with original content, but I hope she keeps it up for a long time to come! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The heartache and fear that surrounded Stacey after their last case was something she kept to herself. But those close to her could see something was terribly wrong; why did Stacey keep saying she was fine?
Kim and the team were desperate. She knew they were getting closer to putting it all together, but sooner rather than later was necessary. Could they do it?
Bad Blood is the 19th in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons and once again it's a brilliant, electric, tension filled crime thriller that had me riveted from start to finish! I'm not sure how the author continues to come up with original content, but I hope she keeps it up for a long time to come! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2023
the setup…
DI Kim Stone and her team are called to a crime scene only to learn that the man everyone believed was dead (including coroner Keats), was still alive and was transported to the hospital. But he died on the way and all Kim has are the pictures taken of the scene before she arrived. As they start investigating the victim, Eric Gould, another man is discovered near death with signs almost identical to Gould. In the meantime, the team is experiencing another crisis involving DC Stacey Wood. They are all aware that something is off with her and she’s keeping it secret, even from her wife. The reality is both explosive, shocking and potentially career threatening.
the heart of the story…
In any other the story in this series, this case would have been enough to keep my attention and have me sink into the gnarly and complex procedurals. But it was what was going on with Stacey that had me riveted for a variety of reasons. Her decision to hide what was happening was maddening in itself but the danger she faced from the threat and later to her career was equally disturbing. I bounced back and forth between the two situations, completely absorbed into both.
the narration…
I can’t ever imagine not listening to the books in this series because Jan Cramer is the voice in my head for not only the characters but her storytelling skills. She’s outstanding on every level.
the bottom line…
One of the issues faced here was the fact that the victims were not good men, having a history that connected them and other potential victims that was cruel and sordid. The probable suspects were their victims, making them more sympathetic than the men killed. It’s thought provoking, making you examine your own feelings about the matter as it did for Kim and her team. The normally black and white detective was challenged by the gray and it wasn’t easy for Kim. That included Stacey’s situation and for the first time, Kim had to face decisions that would be unsettling beyond the moment. I must admit that I figured out the killer just shortly before the reveal but it was hard up until that moment. This was another layered story that had me hooked from the onset to the last page.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
DI Kim Stone and her team are called to a crime scene only to learn that the man everyone believed was dead (including coroner Keats), was still alive and was transported to the hospital. But he died on the way and all Kim has are the pictures taken of the scene before she arrived. As they start investigating the victim, Eric Gould, another man is discovered near death with signs almost identical to Gould. In the meantime, the team is experiencing another crisis involving DC Stacey Wood. They are all aware that something is off with her and she’s keeping it secret, even from her wife. The reality is both explosive, shocking and potentially career threatening.
the heart of the story…
In any other the story in this series, this case would have been enough to keep my attention and have me sink into the gnarly and complex procedurals. But it was what was going on with Stacey that had me riveted for a variety of reasons. Her decision to hide what was happening was maddening in itself but the danger she faced from the threat and later to her career was equally disturbing. I bounced back and forth between the two situations, completely absorbed into both.
the narration…
I can’t ever imagine not listening to the books in this series because Jan Cramer is the voice in my head for not only the characters but her storytelling skills. She’s outstanding on every level.
the bottom line…
One of the issues faced here was the fact that the victims were not good men, having a history that connected them and other potential victims that was cruel and sordid. The probable suspects were their victims, making them more sympathetic than the men killed. It’s thought provoking, making you examine your own feelings about the matter as it did for Kim and her team. The normally black and white detective was challenged by the gray and it wasn’t easy for Kim. That included Stacey’s situation and for the first time, Kim had to face decisions that would be unsettling beyond the moment. I must admit that I figured out the killer just shortly before the reveal but it was hard up until that moment. This was another layered story that had me hooked from the onset to the last page.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 31, 2023
Firstly I would like to thank netgalley and Bookoutune and the fantastic author Angela marsons for an early copy of her book to read.
This is book nineteen in this series, Detective Kim stone and her team on a case of a victim was meant to be dead they found a slight pulse.can he be saved?there are more victims left in the same way,who behind it?a continuing story from her last book stacey was being stalked, I was excited to see what happens abit disappointed with the storyline wanted more..so my rating is 3.5 rounded to four..was an enjoyable read just missing exciting elements for me.looking forward to the next instalment and connected to the characters..highly recommend this series.
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
This is book nineteen in this series, Detective Kim stone and her team on a case of a victim was meant to be dead they found a slight pulse.can he be saved?there are more victims left in the same way,who behind it?a continuing story from her last book stacey was being stalked, I was excited to see what happens abit disappointed with the storyline wanted more..so my rating is 3.5 rounded to four..was an enjoyable read just missing exciting elements for me.looking forward to the next instalment and connected to the characters..highly recommend this series.
This book will be reviewed on goodreads and Amazon uk.
October 9, 2023
Another Kim a stone book, another 5 star read. This might be book 19 in the series but there are absolutely no signs of it fading. If anything it just keeps getting stronger. Easily one of my favourite police procedural series and I read many. I dropped everything when I was approved for this early copy and smashed it out in a night.
As always there is plenty going on, with men being murdered in a strange and unusual manner. Is there a connection between the victims? And Kim is struggling with a huge revelation from Stacy. You don’t want to be on Kim’s bad side believe me. She is stubborn and angry. I love how the 2 storylines run side by side.
Being back with this team is always a delight. Thanks so much to Bookouture for the advanced copy. Publishes on November 15th.
As always there is plenty going on, with men being murdered in a strange and unusual manner. Is there a connection between the victims? And Kim is struggling with a huge revelation from Stacy. You don’t want to be on Kim’s bad side believe me. She is stubborn and angry. I love how the 2 storylines run side by side.
Being back with this team is always a delight. Thanks so much to Bookouture for the advanced copy. Publishes on November 15th.
November 15, 2023
Can’t believe we are on book 19. A lot of series start to get a bit stale by this stage, but not this one. It is amazing where all the fresh ideas from always tackling difficult subjects.
As normal Kim is a determined headstrong character. With her loyal and dedicated team, it is the banter and Kim’s unorthodox approach that make this series. The storyline is very cleverly plotted, with loads of red herrings, twists, and surprises.
This the sort of book that you watch the page percentage fly by as the sort chapters increase the pace. You are always thinking I want this to end, but at the same time wish it would last longer, so you don’t have to wait 6 months for the next.
5 stars is not enough as always.
As normal Kim is a determined headstrong character. With her loyal and dedicated team, it is the banter and Kim’s unorthodox approach that make this series. The storyline is very cleverly plotted, with loads of red herrings, twists, and surprises.
This the sort of book that you watch the page percentage fly by as the sort chapters increase the pace. You are always thinking I want this to end, but at the same time wish it would last longer, so you don’t have to wait 6 months for the next.
5 stars is not enough as always.
October 28, 2023
Oh man what a book. If you are a Kim Stone fan you are in for a treat. As good as the best that have preceded it. I honestly don’t know how Marsons keeps these stories so fresh and vibrant. 19 books into the series and it’s as good as it’s ever been.
I think Angela Marsons and Chris Carter have the best double digit police procedural series out there. I mean this had all the vigour and energy of a first time writer with the craft and polish of a seasoned pro.
If I could give this 6 stars I would. Bravo Miss Marsons. Bravo.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
I think Angela Marsons and Chris Carter have the best double digit police procedural series out there. I mean this had all the vigour and energy of a first time writer with the craft and polish of a seasoned pro.
If I could give this 6 stars I would. Bravo Miss Marsons. Bravo.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
October 17, 2023
Another spellbinding mystery by the Queen of modern English crime! Bad Blood is number 20 in the DI Kim Stone police procedural series, (officially it’s 19 but there’s a prequel). Somehow even after all these books, Angela Marsons still manages to find interesting topics to explore and dramatic scenarios for her characters to get themselves out of. This one is about the grey area between the law and justice, and has the team hunting a vigilante killer while themselves breaking the rules to protect their own and those they think have suffered enough. As usual, each novel stands alone, but this is definitely a series best enjoyed in order, or at the very least I recommend reading the previous book, Deadly Fate, before this one to understand what’s happening with Stacey.
Kim is called to a crime scene where the body has been forced into an unnatural position - and then they discover that he’s not quite dead. When a second victim is found in similar circumstances, the team discover that both men had been incarcerated as teenagers for horrible crimes, and became part of a group known as the Psycho Six who terrorised the staff and other inmates. Now someone is getting revenge, and Kim must overcome her revulsion and do her best to protect the other four. Meanwhile Stacey’s stalker has led to her struggling at work, forcing her to reveal her secret, but instead of offering care and support, Kim and Devon are furious at her lack of trust, leaving her just as alone and afraid. Who will stop Terence Birch if the law can’t?
I hate the term unputdownable, because in the real world, you do actually have to go to work, cook meals, sleep and get your tax return done, but this was the first book in a while that I couldn’t wait to get back to because I was desperate to know what would happen next. I loved how the core team all play their parts, as well as having their own life problems to juggle, and other intriguing characters from earlier in the series also reappear to help out. Amidst the drama, there are some very funny scenes, and a few very sweet moments. Yet again, I had no idea who the killer would turn out to be, although the explanation relied a bit too heavily on coincidence, and Kim encountering yet another serial killer within the same small part of England is beyond preposterous. Still, for storytelling this compelling I can forgive much. 4.5 rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Bad Blood is published on November 15th.
Kim is called to a crime scene where the body has been forced into an unnatural position - and then they discover that he’s not quite dead. When a second victim is found in similar circumstances, the team discover that both men had been incarcerated as teenagers for horrible crimes, and became part of a group known as the Psycho Six who terrorised the staff and other inmates. Now someone is getting revenge, and Kim must overcome her revulsion and do her best to protect the other four. Meanwhile Stacey’s stalker has led to her struggling at work, forcing her to reveal her secret, but instead of offering care and support, Kim and Devon are furious at her lack of trust, leaving her just as alone and afraid. Who will stop Terence Birch if the law can’t?
I hate the term unputdownable, because in the real world, you do actually have to go to work, cook meals, sleep and get your tax return done, but this was the first book in a while that I couldn’t wait to get back to because I was desperate to know what would happen next. I loved how the core team all play their parts, as well as having their own life problems to juggle, and other intriguing characters from earlier in the series also reappear to help out. Amidst the drama, there are some very funny scenes, and a few very sweet moments. Yet again, I had no idea who the killer would turn out to be, although the explanation relied a bit too heavily on coincidence, and Kim encountering yet another serial killer within the same small part of England is beyond preposterous. Still, for storytelling this compelling I can forgive much. 4.5 rounded up.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture. I am posting this honest review voluntarily.
Bad Blood is published on November 15th.
October 23, 2023
Somehow this is number 19 in the Kim Stone series and if you’re thinking there is no way that a series could go on for this long and still be just as exciting and well written as the very first book you would be wrong. I have rated every single one of these books five stars and I’m not sure there is another series out there that has been rated as highly by me. That’s really saying something too, because I am the kind of reader who adores a series and I am an devoted reader of so many of them but few can hold a candle to this one, it is definitely one of my very favorites.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about Kim as a character is how very black and white she views the world. She is confident in her beliefs and rarely goes back and forth about situations after she’s made a decision for herself or her team. This book explored the gray areas of life where there isn’t always an easy answer and it was fascinating to see Kim navigate uncharted waters. Vigilante justice plays a role in one of the cases Kim and crew are working and that’s a concept that always gets me thinking. In Marsons skilled hands she leads the reader down a dark and dangerous path alongside the team and the entire ride was suspenseful, entertaining and wholly satisfying. Besides an intricate plot in terms of the team’s caseload, you also have some happenings that have shifted the dynamics between Kim, Bryant, Stacy and Penn. This added an emotional layer to the story and it also added even more depth to the fantastic characterization that I’ve come to expect from the author. If you like very well written crime fiction with incredible characters, fast pacing and complex plotting this one is a must!
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about Kim as a character is how very black and white she views the world. She is confident in her beliefs and rarely goes back and forth about situations after she’s made a decision for herself or her team. This book explored the gray areas of life where there isn’t always an easy answer and it was fascinating to see Kim navigate uncharted waters. Vigilante justice plays a role in one of the cases Kim and crew are working and that’s a concept that always gets me thinking. In Marsons skilled hands she leads the reader down a dark and dangerous path alongside the team and the entire ride was suspenseful, entertaining and wholly satisfying. Besides an intricate plot in terms of the team’s caseload, you also have some happenings that have shifted the dynamics between Kim, Bryant, Stacy and Penn. This added an emotional layer to the story and it also added even more depth to the fantastic characterization that I’ve come to expect from the author. If you like very well written crime fiction with incredible characters, fast pacing and complex plotting this one is a must!
November 15, 2023
Bad Blood by Angela Marsons is the 19th 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: (Contains spoilers from previous books)
DI Kim Stone learned to be tough. Her mother, who recently died of cancer, was being held in a home for the criminally insane due to actions that almost killed Kim, and resulted in her brother's death. Kim had little to do with her. Although Kim's social skills are lacking, her heart is in the right place, and her detective skills outstanding. Her team consists of: Bryant, her right hand man and friend, and the person who voices concerns in a much more diplomatic way than Kim ever would; Stacey, who can find required information in a seemingly bottomless computer system; and Austen Penn, who for some reason, enjoys attending autopsies.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
A man is found lying with his arms above his head, his legs spread. Initially thought to be dead, his pulse showed activity, but not for long. It soon becomes evident that he had been murdered. A social media posting shows that the murderer has an agenda, and it looks like this may be the first death of many.
Investigation of the victim shows that many years go he was incarcerated at a juvenile facility, and had been part of a group of six other boys who everyone feared. The brutal crimes continued once they were in custody. When a second from that group dies, the hunt is on for the rest. It looks like there is a vigilante out there that plans on taking them out.
Meanwhile, Stacey's stalker is about to cause even more problems, and she still hasn't told anyone about him.
My Opinions:
OMG....two books in a row with a normal cover !!!! No more rating reductions, and I'm just going to assume that this is the new norm, and I don't have to discuss it in the future.
As always, these books should be read in order. The team that Marsons created are so much better because of where they came from. You have to read the books in order to understand the characters. It is worth it!
The main topic in this book is family. Kim and her team are definitely a family, and when one of them is in trouble, different members of that family react differently, but all out of love. Sometimes the law is bent a little. The family of a victim was also front and center, the impact that the crime had on all involved, and the lengths a mother will go to bring her family back together while there is still time. The boys that were incarcerated together became a family too, and their eventual separation proved troubling.
The other topic in this book is vigilantism. It was interesting to see all the different viewpoints, from both the victims perspective, and from the law.
I can't believe how these books continue to remain fresh and entertaining. I think it's the characters...then there is the amazing writing....and of course the plots. Okay, I don't care, I just can't wait for the next one!
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
December 1, 2023
I'm so happy that I picked this book up - I've discovered a new series and a new author that I like. I don't know how I missed reading so many of her books. I had heard of Angela Marsons, but somehow did not get around to reading one of her books until now. This is the 19th book in the DI Kim Stone series - I've got a lot of catching up to do!
A body is found, posed into the shape of a letter. The ME pronounced the man dead, but then he had a slight pulse. Maybe he could be saved. Then there are move victims. The investigation takes a lot of twists and turns that kept me focused and tearing through the pages.
Another part of the story happening at the same time is one of Kim Stone's teammates, Stacy, is being stalked, but she doesn't want to tell her teammates. There's quite a bit to follow here too.
I really enjoyed the plot and the investigation. I liked the Kim Stone character who is a tough cookie, but you can tell she really cares about her team and would do anything for them. I recommend this book to anyone who likes good crime drama.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
A body is found, posed into the shape of a letter. The ME pronounced the man dead, but then he had a slight pulse. Maybe he could be saved. Then there are move victims. The investigation takes a lot of twists and turns that kept me focused and tearing through the pages.
Another part of the story happening at the same time is one of Kim Stone's teammates, Stacy, is being stalked, but she doesn't want to tell her teammates. There's quite a bit to follow here too.
I really enjoyed the plot and the investigation. I liked the Kim Stone character who is a tough cookie, but you can tell she really cares about her team and would do anything for them. I recommend this book to anyone who likes good crime drama.
Thanks to Bookouture through Netgalley for an advance copy.
October 24, 2023
I am not quite sure how Angela Marsons has managed and continues to produce such engaging stories with Kim and the team at the 19 books in stage! Many series tend to run their course and people tire of the characters or feel there is nowhere else to go. I feel like there is still plenty of life in this series and I am continuing to love every book as much as the last with this latest book being no excpetion.
This latest storyline and its crime scenes were bordering on the disturbed with vicitms being left not ‘quite’ dead. Yes you read that correctly. Although the first victim does end up dying it opens pandoras box into why a killer would leave somebody ‘not quite dead’ and in addition to this they seem to be laid out in a certain way. Kim and the team have their work cut out for them. In addition to the latest scene they are working I was keen to see how the storyline featuring Stacey panned out in this latest book.
I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for other people but Kim really does love her team members that is all I will say. I read this in record time and then once again berated myself for reading it too early. This now means I have a longer wait until the next one….an absolutely cracking series that shows no sign of slowing down.
This latest storyline and its crime scenes were bordering on the disturbed with vicitms being left not ‘quite’ dead. Yes you read that correctly. Although the first victim does end up dying it opens pandoras box into why a killer would leave somebody ‘not quite dead’ and in addition to this they seem to be laid out in a certain way. Kim and the team have their work cut out for them. In addition to the latest scene they are working I was keen to see how the storyline featuring Stacey panned out in this latest book.
I don’t want to say too much as I don’t want to spoil it for other people but Kim really does love her team members that is all I will say. I read this in record time and then once again berated myself for reading it too early. This now means I have a longer wait until the next one….an absolutely cracking series that shows no sign of slowing down.
November 17, 2023
As D. I. Kim Stone begins her newest investigation, the victim is near death, and Kim races along with the paramedics with hopes that he will survive. Sadly, he does not make it. Before he was moved, Kim could not help but to notice the positioning of his body. When a second murder victim is soon discovered, his bones were broken in such a way as to pose his body. In fact, this second victim’s body was such as the first, which to Kim, is indicative of a pattern.
It does not take Kim long at all to find out the manner behind the murders as well as to the most likely motive. Some killers hide in the shadows. Not so in this case. In fact, the killer begins using social media to highlight his crimes and to also throw in as much confusion as possible. Quite naturally, Kim is determined to flush the killer out before yet another murder can take place.
Then there is the story with Stacey and the trauma she is experiencing. The continuation of her story from book 18, Deadly Fate, has far-reaching effects. This, quite naturally, hits close to home for Kim. Nonetheless, Kim’s primary focus is on her current case and she never misses a beat.
Bad Blood is the impressive and captivating 19th book in the addictive and successful D. I. Kim Stone series. I love how Angela Marsons writes these books. As one who thoroughly enjoys continuity I am glad to see that Marsons does not disappoint. Think about it for a moment, if you will. Not only is every book above par, but the cases as well as the side stories never cease be intriguing, just showing how impressive this series is. Kim Stone has become real to me and I often find myself thinking about her various cases and Kim herself, especially when aspects of her life reflect her work. These books are ingenious and Marsons’ inventive nature shines through time and again.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
It does not take Kim long at all to find out the manner behind the murders as well as to the most likely motive. Some killers hide in the shadows. Not so in this case. In fact, the killer begins using social media to highlight his crimes and to also throw in as much confusion as possible. Quite naturally, Kim is determined to flush the killer out before yet another murder can take place.
Then there is the story with Stacey and the trauma she is experiencing. The continuation of her story from book 18, Deadly Fate, has far-reaching effects. This, quite naturally, hits close to home for Kim. Nonetheless, Kim’s primary focus is on her current case and she never misses a beat.
Bad Blood is the impressive and captivating 19th book in the addictive and successful D. I. Kim Stone series. I love how Angela Marsons writes these books. As one who thoroughly enjoys continuity I am glad to see that Marsons does not disappoint. Think about it for a moment, if you will. Not only is every book above par, but the cases as well as the side stories never cease be intriguing, just showing how impressive this series is. Kim Stone has become real to me and I often find myself thinking about her various cases and Kim herself, especially when aspects of her life reflect her work. These books are ingenious and Marsons’ inventive nature shines through time and again.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
November 19, 2023
Great To be up to date with this series, number 19 in the DI Kim Stone series.
Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and Angela Marsons, just finished book last night, and I think it came out yesterday.
The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for her: the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould, seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
Unputdownable from start to finish, Bad Blood is a brilliantly gripping crime thriller.
Kim Stone and her team are a group of great strong characters, especially Kim Stone and her relationship with Bryant, love the humour this brings to the books. Also added story with Kim and one of her team.
The feel the frustration for the team trying to solve this case.
Four stars.
Thank you to Net Galley, the publishers and Angela Marsons, just finished book last night, and I think it came out yesterday.
The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…
When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for her: the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The dead man, Eric Gould, seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?
Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.
Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.
But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them? Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?
Unputdownable from start to finish, Bad Blood is a brilliantly gripping crime thriller.
Kim Stone and her team are a group of great strong characters, especially Kim Stone and her relationship with Bryant, love the humour this brings to the books. Also added story with Kim and one of her team.
The feel the frustration for the team trying to solve this case.
Four stars.
October 21, 2023
Absolutely brilliant!
I love this series and this is one of my favourites as it has a bit of everything that I love in a book. There’s murders, there’s Kim’s individual brand of humour and there’s some emotional moments when the truth comes out about someone close to Kim.
With the discovery of a body it’s not clear at first if he was murdered but after the post mortem, Keats gives the news that he was injected with with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
The killer then takes to social media and causes chaos for the investigation. With the body count rising, Kim and the team know they need to pull out all the stops to catch this killer.
Kim is also keeping a close eye on another case as the outcome could shatter her friend’s life.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
I love this series and this is one of my favourites as it has a bit of everything that I love in a book. There’s murders, there’s Kim’s individual brand of humour and there’s some emotional moments when the truth comes out about someone close to Kim.
With the discovery of a body it’s not clear at first if he was murdered but after the post mortem, Keats gives the news that he was injected with with a lethal dose of fentanyl.
The killer then takes to social media and causes chaos for the investigation. With the body count rising, Kim and the team know they need to pull out all the stops to catch this killer.
Kim is also keeping a close eye on another case as the outcome could shatter her friend’s life.
This is a brilliant crime thriller and I highly recommend this series.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
October 11, 2023
Kim is back! I get so excited when a new book is announced. I don’t even read the synopsis, I just want to be able to read it immediately. Kim is still her wonderful sarcastic self & Bryant is still there keeping in check. Stacy has been dealing with a stalker for two months & Penn is still working on the puzzles of the investigation. This time around men are being killed that had prior convictions as children. Is this some vigilante action or something else? Book 19 & the story/investigation is still great. This series is not going stale any time soon.
July 9, 2024
I have to say before I even start the next book in this series it's a win for me because.... well .....
it's Kim Stone! ❤
it's Kim Stone! ❤
December 10, 2023
BAD BLOOD is the 19th book in the D.I. Kim Stone crime-thriller series by best-selling author Angela Marsons. This novel can be read as a standalone. Angela Marsons remains one of my favorite mystery authors, and her publisher, Bookouture, always publishes the very best novels. I have read all of her books…and she keeps getting better. I don’t want this series to end!
It was so refreshing to touch base with Kim’s CID team again: DS Bryant, DS Penn, and DC Stacey Wood. Her team are driven and compassionate in their work. The characters keep getting stronger and stronger. We also touch base with Kim’s boss, DCI Woodward, Alison Lowe, the behaviorist, Keats, the local pathologist, and Mitch, the lead forensic technician and …and who could forget Kim’s faithful dog, Barney. Love that dog!
Detective Kim Stone and her colleague, DS Bryant are called to a crime scene, by the local pathologist, Keats. The victim is lying under the trees in the park, with his arms raised above his head and his legs spread apart. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead… Paramedics desperately try to save the victim’s life, but the victim is declared dead on arrival at the hospital…a dead body with no obvious cause of death and no real proof of any crime being committed. All evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The victim was Eric Gould, who seemed ordinary on the surface, until the team dig into his past. When he was a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, domestic abuse and Kim suspects he was recently hurting his fiancé.
Then a second victim, Paul Brooks, a convicted rapist is found dead.
After further investigation, they discover that as boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. The group of six-The Psycho Six and included: Eric Gould, Paul Brooks, Nathan Yates, Dean Newton, Leyton Parker and Ian Perkins-their leader. Both victims spent time at a young offender’s institution-Welton Hall. The victim’s actions at Welton had terrorized the staff and other inmates. None of them had changed from when they were teens.
Kim must track down the rest of the six, before the killer strikes again.
But at the same time one of her team is suffering and being terrorized and Kim tries to understand why this person never came forward to advise their boss of the situation.
This was a fast-paced crime thriller, with relatable characters, and short chapters that kept the suspense level high. The book ends with a reveal you will never see coming. Another brilliant read that gripped you from beginning to the end. Another winner!
My thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
It was so refreshing to touch base with Kim’s CID team again: DS Bryant, DS Penn, and DC Stacey Wood. Her team are driven and compassionate in their work. The characters keep getting stronger and stronger. We also touch base with Kim’s boss, DCI Woodward, Alison Lowe, the behaviorist, Keats, the local pathologist, and Mitch, the lead forensic technician and …and who could forget Kim’s faithful dog, Barney. Love that dog!
Detective Kim Stone and her colleague, DS Bryant are called to a crime scene, by the local pathologist, Keats. The victim is lying under the trees in the park, with his arms raised above his head and his legs spread apart. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead… Paramedics desperately try to save the victim’s life, but the victim is declared dead on arrival at the hospital…a dead body with no obvious cause of death and no real proof of any crime being committed. All evidence at the scene has been destroyed.
The victim was Eric Gould, who seemed ordinary on the surface, until the team dig into his past. When he was a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, domestic abuse and Kim suspects he was recently hurting his fiancé.
Then a second victim, Paul Brooks, a convicted rapist is found dead.
After further investigation, they discover that as boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. The group of six-The Psycho Six and included: Eric Gould, Paul Brooks, Nathan Yates, Dean Newton, Leyton Parker and Ian Perkins-their leader. Both victims spent time at a young offender’s institution-Welton Hall. The victim’s actions at Welton had terrorized the staff and other inmates. None of them had changed from when they were teens.
Kim must track down the rest of the six, before the killer strikes again.
But at the same time one of her team is suffering and being terrorized and Kim tries to understand why this person never came forward to advise their boss of the situation.
This was a fast-paced crime thriller, with relatable characters, and short chapters that kept the suspense level high. The book ends with a reveal you will never see coming. Another brilliant read that gripped you from beginning to the end. Another winner!
My thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.
October 15, 2023
Finished reading: October 14th 2023
"Kim was reminded of the scene from the film Scrooged where the lives of many were improved due to the death of one man."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
November 21, 2023
Another great thrilling dark story written by Angela Marsons. I was hooked on the story and couldn't put it down. Even though this is the 19th installment of the series it is still strong and has a perfect mix of police procedural and personal parts where we see the lives of the characters and an excellent pace of developing the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and can't wait to read the next installments.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital advance copy of this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital advance copy of this book.
October 24, 2023
I really loved this police procedural by Angela Marsons, which is book number 19 in this awesome series! I have read nearly every book by Angela so far, and I have loved them all! This one was just as good as all the previous ones, and I loved being back with Kim and the team, who are just like a family. I love visiting them in each book, to see what they are getting up to, and I really like how it feels like we are inside each story with them.
In this book, Kim and her team have to investigate a killer who is abusing and killing people who have been bad people in their lives. They think they are getting rid of bad people, but they don't realise that they are also acting the same. Will Kim be able to figure out who is doing this?
I also enjoyed the little back-stories in the book, such as; what was happening with Penn and his partner, and what happened to Stacey with her stalker, as well as Stacey's love life with her wife. I found it all very interesting, and exciting. I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend this book, and all the books in this wonderful series!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
In this book, Kim and her team have to investigate a killer who is abusing and killing people who have been bad people in their lives. They think they are getting rid of bad people, but they don't realise that they are also acting the same. Will Kim be able to figure out who is doing this?
I also enjoyed the little back-stories in the book, such as; what was happening with Penn and his partner, and what happened to Stacey with her stalker, as well as Stacey's love life with her wife. I found it all very interesting, and exciting. I can't wait for the next book! I highly recommend this book, and all the books in this wonderful series!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
December 11, 2023
Still my favourite Detective series, even after 19 books you still get wrapped up in the investigation.
Kim is very loyal to her team, and visa versa. So when one of her team members has had a really hard time with a stalker and does not tell Kim, she doesn’t quite respond the way she should. Instead of being there for her colleague mentally and emotionally ( not that Kim shows emotion to much) she is angry and won’t speak.
It is seriously very hard to pick the culprits in these novels, which adds so much more thinking and suspense. I loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this free advanced review.
I’ve pre ordered.
Kim is very loyal to her team, and visa versa. So when one of her team members has had a really hard time with a stalker and does not tell Kim, she doesn’t quite respond the way she should. Instead of being there for her colleague mentally and emotionally ( not that Kim shows emotion to much) she is angry and won’t speak.
It is seriously very hard to pick the culprits in these novels, which adds so much more thinking and suspense. I loved it.
Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this free advanced review.
I’ve pre ordered.
March 7, 2024
Angela Marsons rapidly joined Louise Penny, Deborah Crombie and Michael Wood in my list of favourite crime novel authors. I can't handle horror; I need humour and empathy to counterbalance the bloody crimes, and the Kim Stone series gives me just that. I don't know how she does it, but this 19th novel is just as enjoyable as the earlier ones. I look forward to the next one.
April 15, 2024
What can you say about an Angela Marsons Kim Stone book that hasn’t already been said?
If you’re reading the series as they come out as I am, then you already know it’s going to be a great book!
If you’ve never read one before……well frankly I envy you …….because you can go back to the start and read all nineteen of them in order…..lucky you! Could it be read as a standalone? Yes, I guess so, but honestly there’s so much history with this little team that you benefit from knowing, that I would strongly recommend you read them in order.
I couldn’t put it down!
If you’re reading the series as they come out as I am, then you already know it’s going to be a great book!
If you’ve never read one before……well frankly I envy you …….because you can go back to the start and read all nineteen of them in order…..lucky you! Could it be read as a standalone? Yes, I guess so, but honestly there’s so much history with this little team that you benefit from knowing, that I would strongly recommend you read them in order.
I couldn’t put it down!
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