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D.I. Kim Stone #15
Pavogtos
Vieną rugpjūčio dieną aštuonmetė Greisė Lenard nušokuoja į vaikų centro, kurį lanko, sodą ir pradingsta. Atvykusi į Greisės dingimo vietą, Kima aptinka kraują stingdantį įkaltį: apyrankę su širdele, kuri priklausė Melodei Džons — kitai mažai mergaitei, lygiai prieš dvidešimt penkerius metus dingusiai iš žaidimų aikštelės.
Kiek anksčiau į Heilsoveno policijos nuovadą įžengia Stivenas Hartas ir prisipažįsta turįs informacijos, kuri nuves detektyvę Kimą Stoun pas Melodę Džons. Iš pradžių inspektorė vyro prisipažinimo nevertina rimtai, bet dingus Greisei yra priversta žaisti suktą Stiveno žaidimą, jei nori rasti mergaitę gyvą.
Kima ir jos komanda turi tik dvidešimt keturias valandas, kad išnaudotų kiekvieną Stiveno apklausos sekundę ir įžvelgtų jo slaptas užuominas. Galbūt inspektorė mano, jog galės greitai pričiupti žudiką, tačiau byla darosi dar painesnė, nes vietiniame parke aptinkami vaiko kaulai, ir Kima baiminasi blogiausio.
Kiek anksčiau į Heilsoveno policijos nuovadą įžengia Stivenas Hartas ir prisipažįsta turįs informacijos, kuri nuves detektyvę Kimą Stoun pas Melodę Džons. Iš pradžių inspektorė vyro prisipažinimo nevertina rimtai, bet dingus Greisei yra priversta žaisti suktą Stiveno žaidimą, jei nori rasti mergaitę gyvą.
Kima ir jos komanda turi tik dvidešimt keturias valandas, kad išnaudotų kiekvieną Stiveno apklausos sekundę ir įžvelgtų jo slaptas užuominas. Galbūt inspektorė mano, jog galės greitai pričiupti žudiką, tačiau byla darosi dar painesnė, nes vietiniame parke aptinkami vaiko kaulai, ir Kima baiminasi blogiausio.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2021
1593 people are currently reading
1774 people want to read
About the author
Angela Marsons
52 books4,982 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 575 reviews
November 2, 2021
“Psychopaths like to play games and they like to win.”
Stolen Ones , book #15 in the Kim Stone series, centers on a creepy philanthropist who claims to know the whereabouts of a missing girl, but he won’t share the details unless DI Kim Stone plays his game. Will she play along or beat him at his own game?
The plot is a departure from the usual. It isn’t about trying to find the kidnapper, as it’s clear from the beginning who the guilty party is. Rather, this is about the psychology behind the guilty party’s motives. Much time is spent on analyzing behavior and body language, Kim’s included. She must learn to modify her behavior to win this sick and twisted cat and mouse game. At the same time, her arch-nemesis, Alexandra Thorne, is cooking up a scheme of her own.
This installment revolves mostly around Kim. We get pieces of the team, here and there, and, of course, a few scenes with Barney, but Kim is the star of Stolen Ones.
Stolen Ones is fast-paced and intriguing. There was also a major twist that I didn’t see coming. This can be read as a standalone, but you will appreciate the characters more if you read the series in order. I can’t believe we have reached book #15 in this series. It is as exciting and fresh as ever, and I am excited to see what is up next for DI Kim Stone and the team!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
Stolen Ones , book #15 in the Kim Stone series, centers on a creepy philanthropist who claims to know the whereabouts of a missing girl, but he won’t share the details unless DI Kim Stone plays his game. Will she play along or beat him at his own game?
The plot is a departure from the usual. It isn’t about trying to find the kidnapper, as it’s clear from the beginning who the guilty party is. Rather, this is about the psychology behind the guilty party’s motives. Much time is spent on analyzing behavior and body language, Kim’s included. She must learn to modify her behavior to win this sick and twisted cat and mouse game. At the same time, her arch-nemesis, Alexandra Thorne, is cooking up a scheme of her own.
This installment revolves mostly around Kim. We get pieces of the team, here and there, and, of course, a few scenes with Barney, but Kim is the star of Stolen Ones.
Stolen Ones is fast-paced and intriguing. There was also a major twist that I didn’t see coming. This can be read as a standalone, but you will appreciate the characters more if you read the series in order. I can’t believe we have reached book #15 in this series. It is as exciting and fresh as ever, and I am excited to see what is up next for DI Kim Stone and the team!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
7 year old Melody Jones went missing 25 years ago, and was never found, the case remains unsolved. Then a man named Steven Harte turns up, asking to see D.I. Kim Stone, claiming he knows about Melody’s disappearance, co-incidentally on the the very day that another little girl, Grace Lennard goes missing from her childcare centre. Kim realises he’s playing with her, but when she visits the childcare centre she finds a bracelet that belonged to Melody Jones, so she has no option but to play Harte’s game, this discovery can’t be coincidence.
Given that the prime suspect turns up right at the beginning, you’d think that this would be a matter of questioning him before charges are brought, but no, Steven Harte wants to play games, and with only 24 hours to charge or release him, the clock is ticking down, and the tension unbearable.
Dr Alex Thorne, psychiatrist and sociopath makes a return, and tries to wheedle her way into Kim’s life again, and though she’s serving a prison sentence, she claims to have discovered a secret that she knows Kim would love to discover. Of course Thorne being Thorne, she wants something in return. Kim can do without the evil Thorne at the best of times, but with the urgent investigation into missing children, it’s the last thing she needs.
Angela Marsons fans out there won’t be disappointed with Book # 15, let’s face it, she never fails, and the plot behind this one is genius. Kim and the sociopaths she has to deal with results in some really deep psychological mind games. The result is an utterly compelling novel that will have you gripped to the end. And let’s not forget Kim’s team, who are terrific and have become like family to us devoted fans. And what I can also say is, that this one comes with the mother of all twists!
*My thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
Given that the prime suspect turns up right at the beginning, you’d think that this would be a matter of questioning him before charges are brought, but no, Steven Harte wants to play games, and with only 24 hours to charge or release him, the clock is ticking down, and the tension unbearable.
Dr Alex Thorne, psychiatrist and sociopath makes a return, and tries to wheedle her way into Kim’s life again, and though she’s serving a prison sentence, she claims to have discovered a secret that she knows Kim would love to discover. Of course Thorne being Thorne, she wants something in return. Kim can do without the evil Thorne at the best of times, but with the urgent investigation into missing children, it’s the last thing she needs.
Angela Marsons fans out there won’t be disappointed with Book # 15, let’s face it, she never fails, and the plot behind this one is genius. Kim and the sociopaths she has to deal with results in some really deep psychological mind games. The result is an utterly compelling novel that will have you gripped to the end. And let’s not forget Kim’s team, who are terrific and have become like family to us devoted fans. And what I can also say is, that this one comes with the mother of all twists!
*My thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *
October 18, 2021
Angela Marsons’s latest is a cracking addition to her popular West Midlands DI Kim Stone crime series, and features the return of the dangerous, scheming, manipulative, and ruthless psychiatrist and sociopath that is Dr Alexandra Thorne, in prison with a upcoming parole hearing. Thorne is determined to ensure that she will be released, and is leaving nothing to chance, and part of her plans involve trying to get Kim to help her. Having Alex back in her life is the last thing that Kim needs, its the 25th anniversary of the abduction of 7 year old Melody Jones from the notorious Hollytree Estate, and the event has all the crazies crawling out to make their false confessions. So when a man, Steven Harte, walks into the police station saying he has information on Melody, and will only speak to Kim, her only aim is to quickly get rid of what appears to be another time waster.
Kim and DS Bryant make their way to Little Peeps Daycare Centre, where 8 year old Grace Lennard has gone missing during a fire drill. Harte's apparent knowledge of this forces Kim to take him far more seriously, as the discovery of a bracelet links the old and now new case. An assured and confident Harte is intent on controlling matters, dispensing information as he sees fit, hinting at the taking of other young girls. With no grounds to arrest him, Kim is not happy at being played by a killer, as her boss, DCI Woodward, brings in an ex-MI5 trainer specialising in interviewing and interrogation techniques to help. However, there is only person that the police team believe can help, the consulting behaviourist, Alison Lowe. With the clock ticking, and the discovery of bones at Hawne Park, Kim and her crack team work all the hours they can in the hope of locating and rescuing young Grace.
Marsons once again writes a story packed with tension and suspense, with surprising twists that you will not see coming. There is a strong focus on the skills and expertise behind effective police interviews and interrogations in a bid to get Harte to reveal vital information and confess to his crimes. One of the interesting aspects is how victims can come to connect with and identify with their captors, Stockholm Syndrome, and when it comes to perpetrators, the lesser known Lima Syndrome. This was a great fast paced crime read, a terrific addition to the series, it's amazing how the author can keep on coming up with such compulsive storylines and plots. It was a joy to reconnect with the familiar characters of Kim and her wonderfully solid, trusted, reliable and supportive police team, and catch up with what is happening in their lives. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
Kim and DS Bryant make their way to Little Peeps Daycare Centre, where 8 year old Grace Lennard has gone missing during a fire drill. Harte's apparent knowledge of this forces Kim to take him far more seriously, as the discovery of a bracelet links the old and now new case. An assured and confident Harte is intent on controlling matters, dispensing information as he sees fit, hinting at the taking of other young girls. With no grounds to arrest him, Kim is not happy at being played by a killer, as her boss, DCI Woodward, brings in an ex-MI5 trainer specialising in interviewing and interrogation techniques to help. However, there is only person that the police team believe can help, the consulting behaviourist, Alison Lowe. With the clock ticking, and the discovery of bones at Hawne Park, Kim and her crack team work all the hours they can in the hope of locating and rescuing young Grace.
Marsons once again writes a story packed with tension and suspense, with surprising twists that you will not see coming. There is a strong focus on the skills and expertise behind effective police interviews and interrogations in a bid to get Harte to reveal vital information and confess to his crimes. One of the interesting aspects is how victims can come to connect with and identify with their captors, Stockholm Syndrome, and when it comes to perpetrators, the lesser known Lima Syndrome. This was a great fast paced crime read, a terrific addition to the series, it's amazing how the author can keep on coming up with such compulsive storylines and plots. It was a joy to reconnect with the familiar characters of Kim and her wonderfully solid, trusted, reliable and supportive police team, and catch up with what is happening in their lives. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
November 17, 2021
EXCERPT: 'Hope your lunch was okay,' Kim said stepping back into the interview room with Bryant right behind her.
Alison had instructed her not to bait him, and her boss had warned her to go gently. Do whatever it takes to find Grace Lennard had been his instruction.
It was clear that she was expected to play nicely with a man who, in her mind, had kidnapped two girls, killed Melody Jones, and knew the whereabouts of Grace Lennard. She'd certainly give it her best.
ABOUT 'STOLEN ONES': 25 years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
One August afternoon, eight-year-old Grace Lennard skips into the garden of the childcare centre she attends and vanishes into thin air.
Hours before, Steven Harte walks into Halesowen police station and confesses to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones – the little girl who was taken from a playground exactly twenty-five years ago. But something about his confession is off and Kim dismisses his claims.
Arriving at the scene of Grace’s disappearance, Kim finds a chilling piece of evidence: the heart bracelet belonging to Melody. Now Kim must play Steven’s twisted game if she is to find Grace alive. But they’re going to play by Kim’s rules.
With only twenty-four hours to make every second of Steven’s interrogation count, and scan his behaviour for hidden clues, Kim and her team soon link Steven to the abduction of several vulnerable girls – two were kept for a year and then released, unharmed – but where are Melody and the others?
Then small bones are discovered in the grounds of a local park, and Kim fears the worst.
Kim may be close to convicting a killer, but there’s another who wants revenge against her – Dr Alex Thorne – the evil woman Kim did her best to keep behind bars. Alex is about to reveal a shocking secret to Kim that will hit her where it hurts the most. And if Kim lets Alex mess with her head, she might not be able to save Grace and find the other missing girls in time.
MY THOUGHTS: #15. That means only one book to go in this series.... 😬
Stolen Ones completely different to any other book in the Detective Kim Stone series, but every bit as good. It's psychologically more subtle, more cat and mouse, but no less thrilling. It is deliciously challenging and puzzling. I stayed up a good part of the night to finish it.
Why would a man walk into a police station and confess to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones and then not provide it? Is he telling the truth? Or is he lying?
Alison Lowe, Consultant Behaviourist, is called in to study the man's body language, those little 'tells' that give away more than the words that are said. I always enjoy Alison's involvement in the series and she really proves her worth here.
Stacey acts a part brilliantly in an effort to get Harte to open up and, sorry Penn, but I figured out the password for his phone well before you.
Psychopathic psychiatrist Dr Alexandra Thorne is once again needling Kim, trying to gain advantage. She's a dangerous and devious woman who, I believe, has a major role to play in the next book. Her machinations here will be nothing compared to what she has planned for Kim, and while her inclusion in Stolen Ones seems extraneous, I believe Marsons is setting the stage for the final denouement.
I wish Kim could just ignore Alex, but it seems that she has a way of getting under her skin and manipulating her. But then, that is Alex's talent. They are very well matched as opponents and when it comes to the final showdown, although I know who I want to win, I would not be confident in picking the winner.
Stolen Ones has left me both longing for and dreading #16. While I want to know how it all ends, I don't want this brilliant series to end at all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#StolenOnes #NetGalley
I: @angelamarsonsauthor @bookouture
T: @WriteAngie @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #psychologicalthriller
THE AUTHOR: Angela 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Stolen Ones by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Alison had instructed her not to bait him, and her boss had warned her to go gently. Do whatever it takes to find Grace Lennard had been his instruction.
It was clear that she was expected to play nicely with a man who, in her mind, had kidnapped two girls, killed Melody Jones, and knew the whereabouts of Grace Lennard. She'd certainly give it her best.
ABOUT 'STOLEN ONES': 25 years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
One August afternoon, eight-year-old Grace Lennard skips into the garden of the childcare centre she attends and vanishes into thin air.
Hours before, Steven Harte walks into Halesowen police station and confesses to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones – the little girl who was taken from a playground exactly twenty-five years ago. But something about his confession is off and Kim dismisses his claims.
Arriving at the scene of Grace’s disappearance, Kim finds a chilling piece of evidence: the heart bracelet belonging to Melody. Now Kim must play Steven’s twisted game if she is to find Grace alive. But they’re going to play by Kim’s rules.
With only twenty-four hours to make every second of Steven’s interrogation count, and scan his behaviour for hidden clues, Kim and her team soon link Steven to the abduction of several vulnerable girls – two were kept for a year and then released, unharmed – but where are Melody and the others?
Then small bones are discovered in the grounds of a local park, and Kim fears the worst.
Kim may be close to convicting a killer, but there’s another who wants revenge against her – Dr Alex Thorne – the evil woman Kim did her best to keep behind bars. Alex is about to reveal a shocking secret to Kim that will hit her where it hurts the most. And if Kim lets Alex mess with her head, she might not be able to save Grace and find the other missing girls in time.
MY THOUGHTS: #15. That means only one book to go in this series.... 😬
Stolen Ones completely different to any other book in the Detective Kim Stone series, but every bit as good. It's psychologically more subtle, more cat and mouse, but no less thrilling. It is deliciously challenging and puzzling. I stayed up a good part of the night to finish it.
Why would a man walk into a police station and confess to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones and then not provide it? Is he telling the truth? Or is he lying?
Alison Lowe, Consultant Behaviourist, is called in to study the man's body language, those little 'tells' that give away more than the words that are said. I always enjoy Alison's involvement in the series and she really proves her worth here.
Stacey acts a part brilliantly in an effort to get Harte to open up and, sorry Penn, but I figured out the password for his phone well before you.
Psychopathic psychiatrist Dr Alexandra Thorne is once again needling Kim, trying to gain advantage. She's a dangerous and devious woman who, I believe, has a major role to play in the next book. Her machinations here will be nothing compared to what she has planned for Kim, and while her inclusion in Stolen Ones seems extraneous, I believe Marsons is setting the stage for the final denouement.
I wish Kim could just ignore Alex, but it seems that she has a way of getting under her skin and manipulating her. But then, that is Alex's talent. They are very well matched as opponents and when it comes to the final showdown, although I know who I want to win, I would not be confident in picking the winner.
Stolen Ones has left me both longing for and dreading #16. While I want to know how it all ends, I don't want this brilliant series to end at all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#StolenOnes #NetGalley
I: @angelamarsonsauthor @bookouture
T: @WriteAngie @Bookouture
#contemporaryfiction #crime #detectivefiction #mystery #policeprocedural #psychologicalthriller
THE AUTHOR: Angela 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Stolen Ones by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 25, 2022
One sentence review: A promising premise that falls short – the equivalent of me trying to make a shot from half-court...
SYNOPSIS
Hours before an eight-year-old goes missing, a mysterious man comes to the station and offers DI Kim Stone answers to a 25-year-old cold case... but only if she'll follow his rules. And when Kim realizes this latest abduction is connected to the cold case, the stakes are higher than ever.
THE PLOT
Ok so this premise was set up for greatness and YES the Goodreads rating goes crazy, but it just wasn't hittin for me. I was super pumped for the cat and mouse game between Creepo Steve-o and Kim Stone... plus another appearance by Dr. Crazy AF (aka Alex Thorne)?? But yet it left A LOT to be desired.
Usually I love this series because the team tackles two unrelated cases at once and Marsons flexes her juggling skills. But in this instance the Dr. Thorne stuff was so contrived and boring. Tbh I would've been fine without it. Sub in another juicy ass case instead plz.
And then we have Creepo Steve-o. Tbh I think this would've banged harder if Steve's POV was included. It would've been interesting to see the Simone Biles' level of mental gymnastics he performed to justify his behaviour, instead of being told so via Kim.
Lastly, we have the ending. Come tf on lmao. This was lame af in my opinion and had more plot holes than a slice of swiss cheese. Overall I was just NOT impressed. I felt like the writing was very basic as well; a lot of closed captioned ass writing. It was kinda giving me "gotta meet my contractual obligation" vibes. Ofc this didn't deter myself from picking up another Marsons right afterward... which was a BANGER. I don't expect every book in such a series to be an absolute winner. She was pumping these bad boys OUT.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: premise was juicy
Cons: execution fell very flat, ending was eye-roll inducing, writing was lacklustre to say the least
SYNOPSIS
Hours before an eight-year-old goes missing, a mysterious man comes to the station and offers DI Kim Stone answers to a 25-year-old cold case... but only if she'll follow his rules. And when Kim realizes this latest abduction is connected to the cold case, the stakes are higher than ever.
THE PLOT
Ok so this premise was set up for greatness and YES the Goodreads rating goes crazy, but it just wasn't hittin for me. I was super pumped for the cat and mouse game between Creepo Steve-o and Kim Stone... plus another appearance by Dr. Crazy AF (aka Alex Thorne)?? But yet it left A LOT to be desired.
Usually I love this series because the team tackles two unrelated cases at once and Marsons flexes her juggling skills. But in this instance the Dr. Thorne stuff was so contrived and boring. Tbh I would've been fine without it. Sub in another juicy ass case instead plz.
And then we have Creepo Steve-o. Tbh I think this would've banged harder if Steve's POV was included. It would've been interesting to see the Simone Biles' level of mental gymnastics he performed to justify his behaviour, instead of being told so via Kim.
Lastly, we have the ending. Come tf on lmao. This was lame af in my opinion and had more plot holes than a slice of swiss cheese. Overall I was just NOT impressed. I felt like the writing was very basic as well; a lot of closed captioned ass writing. It was kinda giving me "gotta meet my contractual obligation" vibes. Ofc this didn't deter myself from picking up another Marsons right afterward... which was a BANGER. I don't expect every book in such a series to be an absolute winner. She was pumping these bad boys OUT.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: premise was juicy
Cons: execution fell very flat, ending was eye-roll inducing, writing was lacklustre to say the least
November 13, 2021
Twenty-five years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
Eight-year-old Gracie Lennard skipped into the garden of her childcare center and vanished. She wasn't the only girl to go missing. Over the past twenty-five years several girls have gone missing. Some were returned a year later, others never returned. Why?
Kim Stone is back in book #15 and this time she is up against Steven Harte, who walked into the Halesowen police station and confessed to having information to Melody Thomas a girl who went missing twenty-five years ago. Now Kim must play his twisted game to find Gracie.
Making things worse - small bones were found which set a fire off under Kim, making her more determined than ever to not only find Gracie but to bring down Steven Harte. But there is another- Dr Alex Thorne who wants revenge. Things are heating up, but Kim can take the heat, right?
Angela Marsons always delivers with this series. Fifteen books in and she is still going strong! The series keeps getting better. I get excited when I see a new book is coming out, and you should too! This book could easily work as a stand-alone so give it at read and find out what all the hype is about!
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
Eight-year-old Gracie Lennard skipped into the garden of her childcare center and vanished. She wasn't the only girl to go missing. Over the past twenty-five years several girls have gone missing. Some were returned a year later, others never returned. Why?
Kim Stone is back in book #15 and this time she is up against Steven Harte, who walked into the Halesowen police station and confessed to having information to Melody Thomas a girl who went missing twenty-five years ago. Now Kim must play his twisted game to find Gracie.
Making things worse - small bones were found which set a fire off under Kim, making her more determined than ever to not only find Gracie but to bring down Steven Harte. But there is another- Dr Alex Thorne who wants revenge. Things are heating up, but Kim can take the heat, right?
Angela Marsons always delivers with this series. Fifteen books in and she is still going strong! The series keeps getting better. I get excited when I see a new book is coming out, and you should too! This book could easily work as a stand-alone so give it at read and find out what all the hype is about!
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
October 26, 2021
Somehow in the vast scheme of things, the world is still rotating on its axis when Angela Marsons releases another edition in her Detective Kim Stone Series. And we slip into a reader's paradise.
We are swept from August of 1996 gazing through an open door of a small bedroom. There's a fuzzy brown bear tucked on the pillow on the bed. We note this strange presence before the page is turned and we are suddenly centered, once again, in the present moment.....
Then we are jarred by a phone call received by D.I. Kim Stone in the Halesowen Police Station. There's a child missing from a nearby daycare. An alarm had sounded at the daycare and all the children were brought outside into the fenced area. When the all-clear was sounded, eight year old Grace Lennard was not among them. Upon reviewing the security video, the back gate was open and Grace could be seen exiting. The beginning of a parent's nightmare.
Then Kim is notified that Steven Harte, a millionaire philanthropist, is waiting downstairs. He claims that he may have information on the missing girls that have vanished over the years. With not much to go on, Kim agrees to see him. But the interview seems to be more of a cat and mouse routine with Harte holding back and only peaking Kim's interest. There's nothing definitive to connect Harte to any of these disappearances at the moment. And yet, Harte has created a habit of just dropping by to see Kim. What's up with that?
Kim's team, DS Bryant, DC Stacey Wood, and DC Penn ban together to find the missing Grace. And strangely, they keep laying out similarities to cases of abduction from 25 years ago. Two of those girls were released by their captor unharmed. The rest were never found. And they're video taping Steven Harte each time he comes into the station. Something just might pop from that.
Angela Marsons is a wizard when it comes to sorting out crimes of all persuasions. This is #15 in the series and it's one of the best. She gets knee deep in the psychology of body language and verbal cues as we sit alongside the team. It's pure genius as the reader is allowed access into the team's thought processes......leaving us to wonder which cards she's holding back in the meantime. And when the "meantime" comes, it's a brilliant shocker.
Now add to this piping hot stew the fact that Kim's ol' nemesis, Dr. Alex Thorne, is up for parole. Kim knows a ton of monkeys about the so-called "reformed" sociopathic psychiatrist. But will the goose be on the loose once again? Wowzers! Stay tuned, boys and girls, because #16 can't get here fast enough.
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to the talented Angela Marsons for the opportunity.
We are swept from August of 1996 gazing through an open door of a small bedroom. There's a fuzzy brown bear tucked on the pillow on the bed. We note this strange presence before the page is turned and we are suddenly centered, once again, in the present moment.....
Then we are jarred by a phone call received by D.I. Kim Stone in the Halesowen Police Station. There's a child missing from a nearby daycare. An alarm had sounded at the daycare and all the children were brought outside into the fenced area. When the all-clear was sounded, eight year old Grace Lennard was not among them. Upon reviewing the security video, the back gate was open and Grace could be seen exiting. The beginning of a parent's nightmare.
Then Kim is notified that Steven Harte, a millionaire philanthropist, is waiting downstairs. He claims that he may have information on the missing girls that have vanished over the years. With not much to go on, Kim agrees to see him. But the interview seems to be more of a cat and mouse routine with Harte holding back and only peaking Kim's interest. There's nothing definitive to connect Harte to any of these disappearances at the moment. And yet, Harte has created a habit of just dropping by to see Kim. What's up with that?
Kim's team, DS Bryant, DC Stacey Wood, and DC Penn ban together to find the missing Grace. And strangely, they keep laying out similarities to cases of abduction from 25 years ago. Two of those girls were released by their captor unharmed. The rest were never found. And they're video taping Steven Harte each time he comes into the station. Something just might pop from that.
Angela Marsons is a wizard when it comes to sorting out crimes of all persuasions. This is #15 in the series and it's one of the best. She gets knee deep in the psychology of body language and verbal cues as we sit alongside the team. It's pure genius as the reader is allowed access into the team's thought processes......leaving us to wonder which cards she's holding back in the meantime. And when the "meantime" comes, it's a brilliant shocker.
Now add to this piping hot stew the fact that Kim's ol' nemesis, Dr. Alex Thorne, is up for parole. Kim knows a ton of monkeys about the so-called "reformed" sociopathic psychiatrist. But will the goose be on the loose once again? Wowzers! Stay tuned, boys and girls, because #16 can't get here fast enough.
I received a copy of this novel through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to the talented Angela Marsons for the opportunity.
October 30, 2021
I’ve been a big fan of the Kim Stone series since the beginning. And once again, it’s a compelling mystery. But I will admit to getting a weensy but tired of the Alexandra Thorpe mastermind aspect of the series.
This time, an eight year old goes missing from her child care center. A man walks into the police station, saying he has information, but will only give it on his own terms. And then he proceeds to tell Kim about a missing girl from 25 years earlier. I really enjoyed this cat and mouse game, with Kim receiving help from Alison on how to read body language and other psychological tells. The ending was a big plot twist I never saw coming and really enjoyed.
But the Alex theme? Nope, I’m totally over it. But it doesn’t look like Marson is.
This is a well done police procedural, heavy on the team dynamics. The book could work as a stand-alone but I don’t recommend it, as readers will miss out on meaningful parts of Kim’s backstory.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
This time, an eight year old goes missing from her child care center. A man walks into the police station, saying he has information, but will only give it on his own terms. And then he proceeds to tell Kim about a missing girl from 25 years earlier. I really enjoyed this cat and mouse game, with Kim receiving help from Alison on how to read body language and other psychological tells. The ending was a big plot twist I never saw coming and really enjoyed.
But the Alex theme? Nope, I’m totally over it. But it doesn’t look like Marson is.
This is a well done police procedural, heavy on the team dynamics. The book could work as a stand-alone but I don’t recommend it, as readers will miss out on meaningful parts of Kim’s backstory.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
November 13, 2021
Detective Kim Stone and her partner, Bryant were called to a nearby childcare centre where eight-year-old Grace Lennard had seemingly vanished. They knew they were in a race against the clock if Grace was to be found alive. When Steven Harte walked into Halesowen police station and demanded to speak to Kim, she wasn’t at all prepared for what he had to say. Immediately Kim’s team of Stacey and Penn, plus psychologist Alison, were working behind the scenes while Kim battled with Harte and the game he wanted to play. Melody Jones went missing twenty-five years prior – what did Harte know about her abduction?
Then bones were found at a construction site – small, childlike bones. Was it Melody? Or another child who’d been missing for a long time? Arresting Harte was all well and good, but they needed the evidence within 24 hours for it to stick. Could they do it? And what was the evil Dr Alex Thorne doing? Why did she need to speak to Kim? Alex Thorne was a person Kim had locked up, and she needed her to stay that way. Kim didn’t have time to have Alex Thorne messing with her mind – and it was something she did well…
Stolen Ones is the 15th in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons and once again it was breathtaking in its brilliance! I can’t get enough of Kim Stone and her beloved dog Barney; her snarky ways which her team embraced (that was just Kim) and her passion for always getting the bad guy. The chilling twists and intense chapters keep right on going until the last page! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Then bones were found at a construction site – small, childlike bones. Was it Melody? Or another child who’d been missing for a long time? Arresting Harte was all well and good, but they needed the evidence within 24 hours for it to stick. Could they do it? And what was the evil Dr Alex Thorne doing? Why did she need to speak to Kim? Alex Thorne was a person Kim had locked up, and she needed her to stay that way. Kim didn’t have time to have Alex Thorne messing with her mind – and it was something she did well…
Stolen Ones is the 15th in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons and once again it was breathtaking in its brilliance! I can’t get enough of Kim Stone and her beloved dog Barney; her snarky ways which her team embraced (that was just Kim) and her passion for always getting the bad guy. The chilling twists and intense chapters keep right on going until the last page! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2021
Angela Marsons has hit the ball out of the ground with this latest addition to her Kim Stone series! A superb plot with our favourite team of detectives honing their interview skills as the clock ticks down in the search for an abducted child.
On the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of seven year old Melody Jones, two things happen. Firstly, a man called Stephen Harte presents himself at the police station claiming to have information about Melody. Secondly, another little girl, eight year old Grace Lennard disappears from a daycare centre. Linking the two events is the discovery of Melody’s bracelet at the centre.
It soon becomes clear to Kim that Stephen Harte is playing some sort of game with her, which he is determined to control. With the clock racing against Kim and her team before they have to release him from custody, Kim brings in behaviouralist Alison Lowe to spy on his interviews for lies and deceptions and feed her hints on how to interview him. It makes for a fascinating account of interviewing techniques and the ability to read body language to look for deception and lies.
Meanwhile, sociopath Alexander Thorne, is still taunting Kim from her prison cell. Alex’s time behind bars has only served to make her more ruthless and practiced in the art of manipulating others. Now she’s focussing on her upcoming parole hearing and using all the tricks she knows. Will she be released to once again become a thorn(e) in Kim’s side?
The pace of the novel is excellent, keeping the tension high as one discovery after another is made by Stacey, Bryant and Penn working frantically behind the scenes while Kim tries to crack Harte. The final twist was totally unexpected and shocking. It’s always a delight to read a new book by Angela Marsons and this one is especially good.
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
On the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of seven year old Melody Jones, two things happen. Firstly, a man called Stephen Harte presents himself at the police station claiming to have information about Melody. Secondly, another little girl, eight year old Grace Lennard disappears from a daycare centre. Linking the two events is the discovery of Melody’s bracelet at the centre.
It soon becomes clear to Kim that Stephen Harte is playing some sort of game with her, which he is determined to control. With the clock racing against Kim and her team before they have to release him from custody, Kim brings in behaviouralist Alison Lowe to spy on his interviews for lies and deceptions and feed her hints on how to interview him. It makes for a fascinating account of interviewing techniques and the ability to read body language to look for deception and lies.
Meanwhile, sociopath Alexander Thorne, is still taunting Kim from her prison cell. Alex’s time behind bars has only served to make her more ruthless and practiced in the art of manipulating others. Now she’s focussing on her upcoming parole hearing and using all the tricks she knows. Will she be released to once again become a thorn(e) in Kim’s side?
The pace of the novel is excellent, keeping the tension high as one discovery after another is made by Stacey, Bryant and Penn working frantically behind the scenes while Kim tries to crack Harte. The final twist was totally unexpected and shocking. It’s always a delight to read a new book by Angela Marsons and this one is especially good.
With thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a copy to read
October 31, 2021
Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.
For those who follow this series and dote on the demented Dr. Alex Thorne, you are in for a treat. Her evil machinations have not been squelched simply because she is behind bars. She is a master manipulator and her fellow inmates are ripe for the picking. Alex is busily spinning an idea that is sure to gain her early release from prison, but she will need to lure DI Kim Stone into her sticky web for it to succeed. Unfortunately, Alex knows exactly how to push the prickly DI's buttons.
Allison, behavior specialist and ace profiler, is in the mix again. Her astute observations are right on task, and her odd vocabulary tends to lend a bit of humor. Penn's prowess with puzzles comes into play, and Stace's computer savvy has never been more important. As for DI Kim, she has a better idea of how to play the game, but that doesn't mean she will always do it.
For those who follow this series and dote on the demented Dr. Alex Thorne, you are in for a treat. Her evil machinations have not been squelched simply because she is behind bars. She is a master manipulator and her fellow inmates are ripe for the picking. Alex is busily spinning an idea that is sure to gain her early release from prison, but she will need to lure DI Kim Stone into her sticky web for it to succeed. Unfortunately, Alex knows exactly how to push the prickly DI's buttons.
Allison, behavior specialist and ace profiler, is in the mix again. Her astute observations are right on task, and her odd vocabulary tends to lend a bit of humor. Penn's prowess with puzzles comes into play, and Stace's computer savvy has never been more important. As for DI Kim, she has a better idea of how to play the game, but that doesn't mean she will always do it.
December 15, 2021
It’s the 25th anniversary of the day 7-year old Melody Jones was abducted and never seen again. Wealthy businessman and philanthropist Steven Harte presents himself at the police precinct of DI Kim Stone and declares he has information related to her abduction. Hours later, 8-year old Grace Lennard is abducted from her day care and there’s evidence that she’s been taken by the same person who took Melody. Meanwhile, the evil psychologist from hell known as Dr. Alexandra (Alex) Thorne, is scheming to be recommended for release at her upcoming parole hearing. It’s all enough to provide Kim and her team many sleepless nights as they work to find Grace.
I’m always nervous when I read stories involving child abductions and nothing about this one gave me relief. Add Alex Thorne to the mix and it is a heartburn brew. Steven Harte was a perplexing issue throughout as I couldn’t decide if he was guilty or not, though he was certainly involved in some manner. I loved the procedurals in this story as Kim’s team, including profiler Alison Lowe, are top notch as usual, moving the investigation along at breakneck speed.
Without saying much more, this was a baffling case that had one stunner of a twist. The secondary plot (though it is equally weighted) involving Alex just raised my ire. Everything about it annoyed me but I’m certain that’s what the author intended. I’m now highly invested in the next release in this series. I can’t believe I’ve caught up and don’t have another book waiting in the wings for next month. I’ll be spending a precious Audible credit when it’s ready because the narrator is the voice in my head for these characters and the storytelling. She’s that good and I’ll always listen to this series because of her consistently outstanding performances.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I’m always nervous when I read stories involving child abductions and nothing about this one gave me relief. Add Alex Thorne to the mix and it is a heartburn brew. Steven Harte was a perplexing issue throughout as I couldn’t decide if he was guilty or not, though he was certainly involved in some manner. I loved the procedurals in this story as Kim’s team, including profiler Alison Lowe, are top notch as usual, moving the investigation along at breakneck speed.
Without saying much more, this was a baffling case that had one stunner of a twist. The secondary plot (though it is equally weighted) involving Alex just raised my ire. Everything about it annoyed me but I’m certain that’s what the author intended. I’m now highly invested in the next release in this series. I can’t believe I’ve caught up and don’t have another book waiting in the wings for next month. I’ll be spending a precious Audible credit when it’s ready because the narrator is the voice in my head for these characters and the storytelling. She’s that good and I’ll always listen to this series because of her consistently outstanding performances.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
October 27, 2021
4.5 stars. A new crime thriller by author Angela Marsons is always a compelling treat and I put everything else aside to read it. It is hard to believe that this fresh new mystery is the 15th in the Detective Kim Stone series and I was surprised to learn from my records that I have read every one of them since 2015. I am a big fan and admire the way that the author makes each crime case different and intriguing. The book can be read as a stand-alone mystery, but new readers will enjoy also reading previous books in the series.
Kim Stone was wounded emotionally by a traumatic past. At first, she had difficulty relating to other police officers and was considered rude. Kim's personal growth makes her character an outstanding read. The personal and interpersonal growth of the team shows great character development. She shows great empathy for crime victims and determination in bringing the guilty to justice. Her trusted team is cooperative and trusts Kim's leadership, each one assigned to work they do best.
Millionaire and philanthropist, Steven Harte, walks into the police station and demands to speak to Detective Kim Stone. It has been 25 years since young Melody Jones disappeared without a trace. Harte drops subtle, tantalizing clues that he knows something about Melody's abduction. There is something in his detached, calm manner indicating that he is enjoying playing mind games and controlling the interview. There is a slight hint that another little girl may be missing, giving Kim an uneasy feeling.
Sure enough, 8-year-old Grace Leonard has just vanished from daycare. An item that belonged to Melody is found at the scene of Grace's disappearance. What is the connection? Harte also alludes to other missing girls. His comments are assured and he is controlling the interview but has said nothing definite that would give grounds for his arrest.
Kim's boss, DCI Woodward brings in a former MI5 trainer specializing in interview and interrogation techniques. The team finds him dull and pedantic. His textbook-style lecture gives them no confidence that it will have much effect on Harte's enjoying his game-playing role. They call in the behaviourist Allison Lowe. She specializes in observing minute clues to a criminal's behaviour and reactions to questions. The earliest missing girls were released unharmed, but after Melody, no trace of them was ever found. Now bones of little girls are being uncovered. Some suspicion falls on a former sex offender and owner of a construction site where children's bones are being uncovered. His company was financed by Harte. The realization that prior to Melody's abduction, the captive girls were released unharmed but afterwards the victims were murdered. There is now a rush to find little Grace before she is killed. Interesting facts about the Stockholm syndrome and the lesser-known Lima syndrome are discussed. Do they play a part in this case?
Meanwhile, the evil, psychopathic psychiatrist, Dr. Alex Thorne, is in prison with a hearing for her release coming up. She is determined to make this happen and manipulates prisoners and a guard, no matter who is harmed in the process. She draws Kim into her schemes by indicating that she knows something in Kim's background of which even Kim is unaware. Will Kim be able to resist this diabolical woman and concentrate on finding Grace?
Tension and suspense continue to mount in this compulsive thriller. There are many twists and turns and a surprising motive. Recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Kim Stone was wounded emotionally by a traumatic past. At first, she had difficulty relating to other police officers and was considered rude. Kim's personal growth makes her character an outstanding read. The personal and interpersonal growth of the team shows great character development. She shows great empathy for crime victims and determination in bringing the guilty to justice. Her trusted team is cooperative and trusts Kim's leadership, each one assigned to work they do best.
Millionaire and philanthropist, Steven Harte, walks into the police station and demands to speak to Detective Kim Stone. It has been 25 years since young Melody Jones disappeared without a trace. Harte drops subtle, tantalizing clues that he knows something about Melody's abduction. There is something in his detached, calm manner indicating that he is enjoying playing mind games and controlling the interview. There is a slight hint that another little girl may be missing, giving Kim an uneasy feeling.
Sure enough, 8-year-old Grace Leonard has just vanished from daycare. An item that belonged to Melody is found at the scene of Grace's disappearance. What is the connection? Harte also alludes to other missing girls. His comments are assured and he is controlling the interview but has said nothing definite that would give grounds for his arrest.
Kim's boss, DCI Woodward brings in a former MI5 trainer specializing in interview and interrogation techniques. The team finds him dull and pedantic. His textbook-style lecture gives them no confidence that it will have much effect on Harte's enjoying his game-playing role. They call in the behaviourist Allison Lowe. She specializes in observing minute clues to a criminal's behaviour and reactions to questions. The earliest missing girls were released unharmed, but after Melody, no trace of them was ever found. Now bones of little girls are being uncovered. Some suspicion falls on a former sex offender and owner of a construction site where children's bones are being uncovered. His company was financed by Harte. The realization that prior to Melody's abduction, the captive girls were released unharmed but afterwards the victims were murdered. There is now a rush to find little Grace before she is killed. Interesting facts about the Stockholm syndrome and the lesser-known Lima syndrome are discussed. Do they play a part in this case?
Meanwhile, the evil, psychopathic psychiatrist, Dr. Alex Thorne, is in prison with a hearing for her release coming up. She is determined to make this happen and manipulates prisoners and a guard, no matter who is harmed in the process. She draws Kim into her schemes by indicating that she knows something in Kim's background of which even Kim is unaware. Will Kim be able to resist this diabolical woman and concentrate on finding Grace?
Tension and suspense continue to mount in this compulsive thriller. There are many twists and turns and a surprising motive. Recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2021
Well hello you twisty little story! Angela Marsons has knocked it out of the park again. At this point I would read her shopping list. If she wrote it, I want to read it!
It all kicks off one day in August, an 8 year old girl, Grace Lenard, disappears from a day care centre. On the same day wealthy philanthropist Steven Harte presents himself at the police station saying he can help them to find Melody Jones…who just happened to disappear exactly 25 years ago, aged 7. So far - so fishy! Steven Harte is perfectly pleasant and cooperative but it is clear he has an agenda and he wants to play the game his way.
DI Kim Stone has her team pulling out all stops on this one and soon they find a pattern. Every two years a girl is abducted and, for a while, they were returned one year later. When Kim interviews the returnees they can’t tell her anything about the kidnapper but they do say he didn’t mistreat them or abuse them in any way. They had a lovely room, new clothes, toys, books and their own bathroom. They never saw their abductor. Food was delivered while they slept and after 12 months they simply found the door open. When they walked out they were put into a van and dropped off near a police station. That doesn’t really make much sense to Kim but that is what the women are telling her.
But the next girl abducted is Melody Jones and she was never returned. And it seems there were others after her. That’s all I want to say. Yes, it seems obvious what is happening here but I can assure you all is not as it seems. Kim is very conscious of time ticking away while they are no closer to finding Grace. If indeed Mr Harte has her stashed somewhere how long will it be before her water and food runs out? And why is the man’s story not ringing quite true?
At the same time Kim is having to deal with her nemesis Dr Alexandra Thorne, the sadistic psychopath who will soon have a parole hearing. As usual Alex is armed with information with which to skewer Kim in an attempt to get her recommendation for parole. This will be a thread to watch in future books!
Back to the main story - excellent misdirection Ms Marsons! I couldn’t pick this one and you could be forgiven for overlooking the tiniest of clues that may have set you on the right path to solving this. But I enjoyed the mystery right up until the final showdown. Stacey, the Detective Sergeant, played a blinder in this book and Penn’s puzzle solving skills helped the team enormously. I can’t wait for the next one. What evil does Alex have planned? Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
It all kicks off one day in August, an 8 year old girl, Grace Lenard, disappears from a day care centre. On the same day wealthy philanthropist Steven Harte presents himself at the police station saying he can help them to find Melody Jones…who just happened to disappear exactly 25 years ago, aged 7. So far - so fishy! Steven Harte is perfectly pleasant and cooperative but it is clear he has an agenda and he wants to play the game his way.
DI Kim Stone has her team pulling out all stops on this one and soon they find a pattern. Every two years a girl is abducted and, for a while, they were returned one year later. When Kim interviews the returnees they can’t tell her anything about the kidnapper but they do say he didn’t mistreat them or abuse them in any way. They had a lovely room, new clothes, toys, books and their own bathroom. They never saw their abductor. Food was delivered while they slept and after 12 months they simply found the door open. When they walked out they were put into a van and dropped off near a police station. That doesn’t really make much sense to Kim but that is what the women are telling her.
But the next girl abducted is Melody Jones and she was never returned. And it seems there were others after her. That’s all I want to say. Yes, it seems obvious what is happening here but I can assure you all is not as it seems. Kim is very conscious of time ticking away while they are no closer to finding Grace. If indeed Mr Harte has her stashed somewhere how long will it be before her water and food runs out? And why is the man’s story not ringing quite true?
At the same time Kim is having to deal with her nemesis Dr Alexandra Thorne, the sadistic psychopath who will soon have a parole hearing. As usual Alex is armed with information with which to skewer Kim in an attempt to get her recommendation for parole. This will be a thread to watch in future books!
Back to the main story - excellent misdirection Ms Marsons! I couldn’t pick this one and you could be forgiven for overlooking the tiniest of clues that may have set you on the right path to solving this. But I enjoyed the mystery right up until the final showdown. Stacey, the Detective Sergeant, played a blinder in this book and Penn’s puzzle solving skills helped the team enormously. I can’t wait for the next one. What evil does Alex have planned? Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
November 23, 2021
This is my favorite series. Nothing makes me more excited than a new Angela Marsons’ book and she is one of the few authors for which I’ll do an automatic pre-purchase.
This book was a splendid twist of events where we think we know who the killer is. A man named Steven Harte walks into the police station and announces he knows the killer and can point the police to the person abducting and killing young girls. However, Steven is arrogant and a sociopath who insists on playing games. DI Kim Stone doesn’t do games, but we still go on a cat and mouse chase. I love following the clues but even at that there is a twist in the end, which I should have seen coming if I paid more attention. Whoops! We have all the same lovable characters in this book, including Doctor A and the infamous, Alexandra Thorne. I won’t say more. If you are a fan, you’ll enjoy this book. If not a fan but you love crime, you should check it out.
Now, I anxiously await book 16, which has been confirmed. I hope there are more and I’m not above groveling or begging for more.
This book was a splendid twist of events where we think we know who the killer is. A man named Steven Harte walks into the police station and announces he knows the killer and can point the police to the person abducting and killing young girls. However, Steven is arrogant and a sociopath who insists on playing games. DI Kim Stone doesn’t do games, but we still go on a cat and mouse chase. I love following the clues but even at that there is a twist in the end, which I should have seen coming if I paid more attention. Whoops! We have all the same lovable characters in this book, including Doctor A and the infamous, Alexandra Thorne. I won’t say more. If you are a fan, you’ll enjoy this book. If not a fan but you love crime, you should check it out.
Now, I anxiously await book 16, which has been confirmed. I hope there are more and I’m not above groveling or begging for more.
July 19, 2024
This is book 15 in this series,just book 16 to go then im caught up with this fantastic series.kim stone and her team investigating a disappearance of a child Grace only 8 years old at the scene they find a bracelet belonging to a girl who was taken 25 years ago her name was Melody Jones is there a connection?..I enjoyed the beginning of this read the middle was very slow and enjoyed the ending so I'm rating this book 3.5 rounded to 4...my favourite character is back Dr Alex Thorne in prison doing what she does best plotting and scheming she has a hold on Kim. I hope to read a lot more from this character....one of my favourite authors and series looking forward to reading more.....
October 31, 2021
Hard to believe I have just read the 15th book in the DI Kim Stone series by author Angela Marsons. This is such a good series, great plots, likeable characters and so well written. These novels are addictive and so difficult to put down once you start reading and most times I read them in one sitting, such is the pull.
Steven Harte walks into Halesowen police station and confesses to having information on the case of Melody Jones who went missing from a playground exactly twenty five years ago. Only a matter of hours later eight year old Grace Lennard disappears from her childcare centre in similar circumstances. Detective Kim Stone has great reservations regarding the information and fears there may be something far more sinister concerning Steven Harte.
DI Stone attends the scene of Grace’s disappearance and discovers heart bracelet that belonged to Melody. Kim is forced to play a game of cat and mouse with Steven Harte if she is to have any hope of finding Grace alive. Kim faces a race against the clock to uncover the truth in what is to prove a very difficult case. Kim and her team soon link Steven to the abduction of several vulnerable girls, two were kept for a year and then released, unharmed.
I really enjoy this series and still can’t believe I have read fifteen books already. I must be the only reader who doesn’t enjoy the addition of Kim’s nemeses psychopath Dr Alex Thorne. I personally don’t need the extra plot to satisfy my enjoyment of these books.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Steven Harte walks into Halesowen police station and confesses to having information on the case of Melody Jones who went missing from a playground exactly twenty five years ago. Only a matter of hours later eight year old Grace Lennard disappears from her childcare centre in similar circumstances. Detective Kim Stone has great reservations regarding the information and fears there may be something far more sinister concerning Steven Harte.
DI Stone attends the scene of Grace’s disappearance and discovers heart bracelet that belonged to Melody. Kim is forced to play a game of cat and mouse with Steven Harte if she is to have any hope of finding Grace alive. Kim faces a race against the clock to uncover the truth in what is to prove a very difficult case. Kim and her team soon link Steven to the abduction of several vulnerable girls, two were kept for a year and then released, unharmed.
I really enjoy this series and still can’t believe I have read fifteen books already. I must be the only reader who doesn’t enjoy the addition of Kim’s nemeses psychopath Dr Alex Thorne. I personally don’t need the extra plot to satisfy my enjoyment of these books.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2021
Detective Kim Stone #5
Twenty five years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
One August afternoon, eight year old Grace Lennard skips into the garden of the childcare centre she attends and vanishes into thin air. Hours before, Steven Harte walks into Halesowen Police Station and confesses to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones - the little girl who was taken from the playground exactly twenty five years ago.
Kim and her team are investigating the disappearance of a little girl who just seemed to vanish from her day care centre. Then there's the cold case of a girl who went missing twenty five years ago. There is similarities to both cases. Kim and her team have to race against the clock to try and find the little girl safe and well.
This is another fast paced read that's tense, gripping and twist filled. With information mounting, and other abductions are found, the team are doing everything in their power to find out who's behind the abductions. Kim Stone is a formidable character but she's starting to show her sensitive side more now that she's getting older. There's also the return of Dr Alexandria Thorne who we know from a previous book. Alison Lowe also makes an appearance. The story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AngelaMarsons for my ARC of #StolenOnes in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty five years ago he took a girl. Today he takes another.
One August afternoon, eight year old Grace Lennard skips into the garden of the childcare centre she attends and vanishes into thin air. Hours before, Steven Harte walks into Halesowen Police Station and confesses to having information that will lead Detective Kim Stone to Melody Jones - the little girl who was taken from the playground exactly twenty five years ago.
Kim and her team are investigating the disappearance of a little girl who just seemed to vanish from her day care centre. Then there's the cold case of a girl who went missing twenty five years ago. There is similarities to both cases. Kim and her team have to race against the clock to try and find the little girl safe and well.
This is another fast paced read that's tense, gripping and twist filled. With information mounting, and other abductions are found, the team are doing everything in their power to find out who's behind the abductions. Kim Stone is a formidable character but she's starting to show her sensitive side more now that she's getting older. There's also the return of Dr Alexandria Thorne who we know from a previous book. Alison Lowe also makes an appearance. The story held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and the author #AngelaMarsons for my ARC of #StolenOnes in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2024
With her characteristic short chapters and fast paced stories, Angela Marsons brings us the latest offering in her DI Kim Stone series, STOLEN ONES.
Kim and her team don’t quite know the cat-and-mouse game that awaits them when intelligent and wealthy philanthropist Stephen Harte coolly enters the police station and confesses to having information about the child abduction of Melody Jones that occurred twenty five years ago.
Frustrated at his lack of directness, Kim is ready to disregard his claims until word comes through that another girl has just gone missing, and at her place of abduction is a piece of jewellery that belonged to Melody.
In every book, Marsons strives to bring to light a new facet of investigative work. This time around it’s interview and interrogation techniques. How do you engage with someone, and get them to reveal information you need to solve a case? How do you read and respond to their body language? How do you get Stephen Harte to confess his connections to the crimes and hopefully make it in time to find a frightened little girl still alive?
This was another engaging and enjoyable read. There were plenty of interesting twists along the way – and that final big twist – yikes! I did not see that coming at all.
Deranged ex-psychiatrist, Alexandra Thorne is also back on the scene. She's been a great character in some of the previous books, but this time around I felt she was an extraneous detour from the primary plot that offered little to the overall story.
One character I would love to see more of is forensic archaeologist, Dr. A. She’s so caring and passionate about her work. Her brusque interactions with colleagues, coupled with her regular butchering of the English language always provides humour.
Well done to Angela. This is book 15 in the series, and it is as fresh as the earlier books. That’s worthy of recognition. This book holds up well as a standalone read, but I think there is a lot value for to readers to start at the beginning. I am already eager to read the next book.
3.5 stars
Review copy courtesy of Bookouture and Netgalley.
Kim and her team don’t quite know the cat-and-mouse game that awaits them when intelligent and wealthy philanthropist Stephen Harte coolly enters the police station and confesses to having information about the child abduction of Melody Jones that occurred twenty five years ago.
Frustrated at his lack of directness, Kim is ready to disregard his claims until word comes through that another girl has just gone missing, and at her place of abduction is a piece of jewellery that belonged to Melody.
In every book, Marsons strives to bring to light a new facet of investigative work. This time around it’s interview and interrogation techniques. How do you engage with someone, and get them to reveal information you need to solve a case? How do you read and respond to their body language? How do you get Stephen Harte to confess his connections to the crimes and hopefully make it in time to find a frightened little girl still alive?
This was another engaging and enjoyable read. There were plenty of interesting twists along the way – and that final big twist – yikes! I did not see that coming at all.
Deranged ex-psychiatrist, Alexandra Thorne is also back on the scene. She's been a great character in some of the previous books, but this time around I felt she was an extraneous detour from the primary plot that offered little to the overall story.
One character I would love to see more of is forensic archaeologist, Dr. A. She’s so caring and passionate about her work. Her brusque interactions with colleagues, coupled with her regular butchering of the English language always provides humour.
Well done to Angela. This is book 15 in the series, and it is as fresh as the earlier books. That’s worthy of recognition. This book holds up well as a standalone read, but I think there is a lot value for to readers to start at the beginning. I am already eager to read the next book.
3.5 stars
Review copy courtesy of Bookouture and Netgalley.
October 25, 2021
A new Detective Kim Stone Book... woo hoo! A superb police drama series that would play well as a TV show. It is always exciting to catch up with Kim and her team. No case is ever the same and this one will test their skills and Kim’s patience. I love the dynamics of the characters, good and bad. I am happy to report that book 15 is brilliant and the series is still going strong, a rare feat these days a long running series.
Steven Harte walks into Kim’s police station with the claim that he has information on where to find Melody Jones, a young girl who disappeared 25 years ago. Only that information isn’t going to come easy. On the same day, 8 year old Grace goes missing from her childcare centre. The team have to work hard to find Grace while trying to unravel what SteVen Harte is telling them. At the same time, the evil Dr Alex Thorne has a plan that involves Kim, from her prison cell. It is all happening.
Thanks to Bookouture and. NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Always a pleasure
Steven Harte walks into Kim’s police station with the claim that he has information on where to find Melody Jones, a young girl who disappeared 25 years ago. Only that information isn’t going to come easy. On the same day, 8 year old Grace goes missing from her childcare centre. The team have to work hard to find Grace while trying to unravel what SteVen Harte is telling them. At the same time, the evil Dr Alex Thorne has a plan that involves Kim, from her prison cell. It is all happening.
Thanks to Bookouture and. NetGalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. Always a pleasure
February 16, 2024
Mėgstu šią seriją, nes jinai lengva, įtraukianti, atpalaiduojanti, tačiau šį kartą net nežinau, knyga man sukėlė daugiau neigiamų jausmų ir minčių, ar teigiamų. Visų pirma, tai Torn personažas. Jinai apibūdinama kaip puiki manipuliuotoja, sugebanti be didesnių pastangų padaryti taip, kad kiti žmonės elgtųsi taip, kaip jinai nori. Tačiau tie jos manipuliavimai tokie apgailėtini ir pradinukų lygio, kad norėjosi tik daužyti galvą į sieną. Ir dar ne bet kur, o kalėjime, kur tokių manipuliuotojų turėtų būti kaip vežimu vežk. Ir apskritai, vien tik tai, kad Kima eilinį kartą užkibo ant jos kabliuko ir nuėjo jos aplankyti, nors pati puikiai suprato, kad jinai nori tik įlįsti į jos galvą. Na ir pati pagrindinė istorija. Hartas, toks pasitikintis savimi ir valdantis padėtį, į pabaigą labai greitai palūžta ir pasiduoda. Ir nors iš pat pradžių vis sau paburbėjau, kokio velnio jis iš vis atėjo į nuovadą, vėliau lyg ir klausimų dėl to nebeliko.
January 1, 2023
It is the twenty fifth anniversary of the disappearance of Melody Jones - the little girl who was taken from a playground - and there are pleny of people coming out to claim to have information or confess. Then Steven Harte walks into Halesowen police station and insists on speaking to D.I. Kim Stone claiming he has knowledge that would lead to Melody. He then tells her "... you’re about to be faced with a more urgent problem".
At that moment Kim gets a call. Eight-year-old Grace Lennard vanishes from her childcare center. Finding Grace is the priority now but Kim knows that Steven Harte is not the average attention seeking person confessing to crimes. He hasn't provided information that wasn't public knowledge but he knows more than he is telling. Kim intends to find out. Right now she wants to bring Grace home.
Unless they plan on charging him they can only hold Harte for 24 hours. It is all hands on deck as they investigate the disappearance of Melody Jones and try to find Grace. The team soon learns there are other missing girls. Two were held for one year and then released. Since the abduction of Melody the others have not been seen. Then small bones are found in a local park. Kim and her team fear the worse. The clock is ticking. Can they find the proof to charge Harte? Can they find Grace in time?
While all of this is happening Kim's nemisis, Dr. Alex Thorne, is busy. She has a parole hearing coming up and she has a plan. A plan that involves Kim. A secret that will rock Kim to the core. Just when she needs to focus on findiing Grace before it is too late.
A really good story that will keep you turning the pages wondering if Kim and her team can save Grace, discover the secrets behind the disappearance of several young girls, at the end the stage appears to be set for the return of Dr. Alex Thorne. Stay tuned.
At that moment Kim gets a call. Eight-year-old Grace Lennard vanishes from her childcare center. Finding Grace is the priority now but Kim knows that Steven Harte is not the average attention seeking person confessing to crimes. He hasn't provided information that wasn't public knowledge but he knows more than he is telling. Kim intends to find out. Right now she wants to bring Grace home.
Unless they plan on charging him they can only hold Harte for 24 hours. It is all hands on deck as they investigate the disappearance of Melody Jones and try to find Grace. The team soon learns there are other missing girls. Two were held for one year and then released. Since the abduction of Melody the others have not been seen. Then small bones are found in a local park. Kim and her team fear the worse. The clock is ticking. Can they find the proof to charge Harte? Can they find Grace in time?
While all of this is happening Kim's nemisis, Dr. Alex Thorne, is busy. She has a parole hearing coming up and she has a plan. A plan that involves Kim. A secret that will rock Kim to the core. Just when she needs to focus on findiing Grace before it is too late.
A really good story that will keep you turning the pages wondering if Kim and her team can save Grace, discover the secrets behind the disappearance of several young girls, at the end the stage appears to be set for the return of Dr. Alex Thorne. Stay tuned.
October 19, 2021
How is it possible that this is book 15 and it’s still going strong? This was incredible. I knew I would be hooked but this exceeded my expectations. Kim Stone is on the hunt for a missing child when a man walks into the station and begins a game that’s hard to resist. I had no idea how things would play out & the ending had me shaking my head and saying WTF. If that wasn’t enough, Kim’s nemesis, Alex is back and gripping Kim in her claws again. Absolutely loved every moment of this book. As much as I’m happy that I got to read it early, I’m disappointed in having to wait so long before the next one!
January 10, 2022
I’m reading this series for the first time and I’m already in love with it. Too bad because I was not able to start at the beginning, nevertheless, it’s not too late, I have all the time in the world to get to know more about Kim Stone and her team.
Fast paced, shocking, cleverly written and heartbreaking! I love crime thrillers like this! Angela Marsons will definitely be one of the writers I’ll have to watch out for. She means business. With characters like Alex Thorne, I think I’ll come back for more.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book!
Fast paced, shocking, cleverly written and heartbreaking! I love crime thrillers like this! Angela Marsons will definitely be one of the writers I’ll have to watch out for. She means business. With characters like Alex Thorne, I think I’ll come back for more.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy of this book!
January 10, 2022
Angela Marsons what can I say?! …Just don’t ever stop writing!
I’ve read every book in this series and each time I wonder how this author could possibly do any better…and every-single-time she delivers.
This latest, Stolen Ones, #15 in the series, is now my absolute favorite!
From the very first page we are drawn right into the thick of it and held captive until the very last page.
Not for a moment does it get boring or old, nor does it loosen the ties that keep you riveted; I had to force myself to put the book down because I wanted to make it last longer.
Kim Stone’s day starts out on the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of seven year old Melody Jones who has never been found, and whose memory lives on in the minds of many on this day, including police and certain older police who worked the case back then and still can’t get over the sad facts of this unsolved mystery.
When a well presented, good looking man named Steven Harte turns up at the station first thing that same morning wanting to make a confession to Kim Stone about this particular 25 year old cold case, she is understandably skeptical, thinking him to be another attention seeking nutter…the kind to always surface on these anniversaries.
Then Kim receives news that a little girl of the same age has incredibly just gone missing without a trace from a day care centre.
It’s all systems go now as Kim Stone and her talented team of investigative detectives jump into action. Steven Harte is obviously their first suspect as he seems to know a lot of details about both missing girls, though it seems he has primed himself to play games with Kim Stone and starts by laying down his own rules for how the search will proceed…if she wants his help.
She is on a tight timeline now and whilst other pressing stories play out in the background vying for Kims immediate attention, she has to wonder at the synchronicity of certain events and whether or not they might have some connection to the current situation, testing her to the limits.
What a cracker of a page turner this is! The pace doesn’t let up and even at just over 400 kindle pages long, this book seemed to be almost too short, it was that good.
I sincerely hope Angela Marsons’ stories are picked up for a television series as they would be perfect with their backdrop of the Black Country in the West Midlands of England…where so many good police procedural television series have already been set. …”Scott & Bailey” springs to mind.
Loved it!
5⭐️s
I’ve read every book in this series and each time I wonder how this author could possibly do any better…and every-single-time she delivers.
This latest, Stolen Ones, #15 in the series, is now my absolute favorite!
From the very first page we are drawn right into the thick of it and held captive until the very last page.
Not for a moment does it get boring or old, nor does it loosen the ties that keep you riveted; I had to force myself to put the book down because I wanted to make it last longer.
Kim Stone’s day starts out on the 25th anniversary of the disappearance of seven year old Melody Jones who has never been found, and whose memory lives on in the minds of many on this day, including police and certain older police who worked the case back then and still can’t get over the sad facts of this unsolved mystery.
When a well presented, good looking man named Steven Harte turns up at the station first thing that same morning wanting to make a confession to Kim Stone about this particular 25 year old cold case, she is understandably skeptical, thinking him to be another attention seeking nutter…the kind to always surface on these anniversaries.
Then Kim receives news that a little girl of the same age has incredibly just gone missing without a trace from a day care centre.
It’s all systems go now as Kim Stone and her talented team of investigative detectives jump into action. Steven Harte is obviously their first suspect as he seems to know a lot of details about both missing girls, though it seems he has primed himself to play games with Kim Stone and starts by laying down his own rules for how the search will proceed…if she wants his help.
She is on a tight timeline now and whilst other pressing stories play out in the background vying for Kims immediate attention, she has to wonder at the synchronicity of certain events and whether or not they might have some connection to the current situation, testing her to the limits.
What a cracker of a page turner this is! The pace doesn’t let up and even at just over 400 kindle pages long, this book seemed to be almost too short, it was that good.
I sincerely hope Angela Marsons’ stories are picked up for a television series as they would be perfect with their backdrop of the Black Country in the West Midlands of England…where so many good police procedural television series have already been set. …”Scott & Bailey” springs to mind.
Loved it!
5⭐️s
December 19, 2021
It's the 25th anniversary of the kidnapping of seven-year-old Melody Jones. She disappeared without a trace. The story is featured heavily in the local news. Several people have showed up at the police station to confess to the crime. One man, Steven Harte, says he has information and will only speak with D.I. Kim Stone. Kim considers him a crackpot and has just started to interview him when she and her team are called out to another kidnapping. Grace Lennard disappeared from the school yard while the children were outside for a fire drill. As the investigation starts to take shape, Kim discovers that Steven Harte may actually know something about the new case and about the disappearance of Melody Jones.
Meanwhile, Kim has been ignoring calls from Dr. Alexandra Thorne, a psychologist that Kim put behind bars a couple of years ago. Alex wants Kim to write a recommendation for her upcoming parole hearing. Kim knows that Alex is dangerous and should never be released early. But worrying about Alex's schemes will have to take a backseat to the current kidnapping case.
This is the 15th book in the D.I. Kim Stone series. I enjoyed the kidnapping case and watching Kim and her team unravel the clues. Profiler Alison Lowe was pulled in to help with the investigation. It's always nice to see her included in these books. I wasn't too happy that Alex Thorne popped back up in the series. She is bordering on becoming a super villain who can manipulate her way through anything. I'm ready for that character to go away. My rating: 4 Stars.
Meanwhile, Kim has been ignoring calls from Dr. Alexandra Thorne, a psychologist that Kim put behind bars a couple of years ago. Alex wants Kim to write a recommendation for her upcoming parole hearing. Kim knows that Alex is dangerous and should never be released early. But worrying about Alex's schemes will have to take a backseat to the current kidnapping case.
This is the 15th book in the D.I. Kim Stone series. I enjoyed the kidnapping case and watching Kim and her team unravel the clues. Profiler Alison Lowe was pulled in to help with the investigation. It's always nice to see her included in these books. I wasn't too happy that Alex Thorne popped back up in the series. She is bordering on becoming a super villain who can manipulate her way through anything. I'm ready for that character to go away. My rating: 4 Stars.
February 20, 2022
Stolen Ones by Angela Marsons
Eight-year-old Grace Leonard has gone missing, and D.I. Kim Stone and her cracker-jack team have barely started looking for the young girl when a man walks into the police station claiming to have information that will lead them right to her. Steven Harte is exceedingly self-assured. He insists upon having thing things his way, which is not how things work in Kim Stone’s world. While claiming to have information, he refuses to answer questions. What kind of game is he playing?
While retracing the steps of Grace’s final moments before her disappearance, Detective Stone finds a bracelet that belonged to Melody Jones, a girl who was taken twenty-five years earlier. Stone’s team researches the enigmatic Mr. Harte and learns that he is extremely wealthy, single, and that he owns a good deal of property. Does that make him a person of interest? What do you think? I love this team – Stacy, Penn, Bryant, and consulting behaviourist Alison Lowe. Soon the detectives are delving into past missing child cases and tearing apart Steven Harte’s history. Alison is called upon later to watch video of Harte’s interrogations for insights into his behavior or personality. My favorite parts of the book, I think, were the interpretations by Alison of Steven Harte’s facial expressions and movements during his interviews. I found these to be quite fascinating. And kudos, as always to the portrayal of the fabulous teamwork. These folks are stellar.
When human remains are found at a construction site, the clock seems to tick even faster. Finding young Grace is paramount. Still, Harte refuses to change his tune.
While all this is going on, there are interludes that I found rather distracting and annoying. Those who have followed the series from the beginning remember Dr. Alexandra Thorne, who is now behind bars. She is a psychopath who has been a thorn in Kim’s side for many years. There is no love lost between them, and once again, she is attempting to get under Kim’s skin and have her way with her. Will she succeed? Again, we see just how evil Alex is. I felt that this added very little to the story, except to show how much Kim Stone has grown and matured. Angela, really? Haven’t we had about enough of Alex?
That aside, Marsons does a great job of making us believe that Harte is responsible for the kidnapping and deaths of young girls. She throws in another suspect who could be involved, but are they working together? Maybe. Maybe not. What is Harte really up to? I did not expect the twist!
In the final analysis, three individuals had their start in life in Hollytree. We know about Kim Stone’s wretched early childhood. The other two characters in this book managed to get out and have success, too, in their own ways. I think readers can make their own determination as to how that works out for each.
4 stars
Eight-year-old Grace Leonard has gone missing, and D.I. Kim Stone and her cracker-jack team have barely started looking for the young girl when a man walks into the police station claiming to have information that will lead them right to her. Steven Harte is exceedingly self-assured. He insists upon having thing things his way, which is not how things work in Kim Stone’s world. While claiming to have information, he refuses to answer questions. What kind of game is he playing?
While retracing the steps of Grace’s final moments before her disappearance, Detective Stone finds a bracelet that belonged to Melody Jones, a girl who was taken twenty-five years earlier. Stone’s team researches the enigmatic Mr. Harte and learns that he is extremely wealthy, single, and that he owns a good deal of property. Does that make him a person of interest? What do you think? I love this team – Stacy, Penn, Bryant, and consulting behaviourist Alison Lowe. Soon the detectives are delving into past missing child cases and tearing apart Steven Harte’s history. Alison is called upon later to watch video of Harte’s interrogations for insights into his behavior or personality. My favorite parts of the book, I think, were the interpretations by Alison of Steven Harte’s facial expressions and movements during his interviews. I found these to be quite fascinating. And kudos, as always to the portrayal of the fabulous teamwork. These folks are stellar.
When human remains are found at a construction site, the clock seems to tick even faster. Finding young Grace is paramount. Still, Harte refuses to change his tune.
While all this is going on, there are interludes that I found rather distracting and annoying. Those who have followed the series from the beginning remember Dr. Alexandra Thorne, who is now behind bars. She is a psychopath who has been a thorn in Kim’s side for many years. There is no love lost between them, and once again, she is attempting to get under Kim’s skin and have her way with her. Will she succeed? Again, we see just how evil Alex is. I felt that this added very little to the story, except to show how much Kim Stone has grown and matured. Angela, really? Haven’t we had about enough of Alex?
That aside, Marsons does a great job of making us believe that Harte is responsible for the kidnapping and deaths of young girls. She throws in another suspect who could be involved, but are they working together? Maybe. Maybe not. What is Harte really up to? I did not expect the twist!
In the final analysis, three individuals had their start in life in Hollytree. We know about Kim Stone’s wretched early childhood. The other two characters in this book managed to get out and have success, too, in their own ways. I think readers can make their own determination as to how that works out for each.
4 stars
November 11, 2021
The fifteenth book in a crime thriller series featuring Detective Kim Stone from Halesowen police continues in the same vein as she and her team tackle an unusual case. A man walks into the police station and states that he has information about a girl who has been missing for 25 years. Things take a turn when another girl disappears from a childcare center and everything kicks into high gear. No spoilers.
I've been with Kim Stone and her cohort since the beginning, and I think the time has come to say goodbye. Throughout our relationship, Kim has not changed a bit and I keep trying to like her but I can't keep up the work to continue our association. I am tired of Alex Thorne and her machinations and of Kim's backstory with her twin brother and all that family dysfunction. I would be eager to see Angela Marsons develop a new character as I like her writing style. I know fans won't agree and I'm sorry to say that I'm done with this series. I read this over a couple of hours and, although it is a sound police procedural with characters I have known for years, I didn't find this as satisfying as I used to. It's not you, it's me...and all that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
I've been with Kim Stone and her cohort since the beginning, and I think the time has come to say goodbye. Throughout our relationship, Kim has not changed a bit and I keep trying to like her but I can't keep up the work to continue our association. I am tired of Alex Thorne and her machinations and of Kim's backstory with her twin brother and all that family dysfunction. I would be eager to see Angela Marsons develop a new character as I like her writing style. I know fans won't agree and I'm sorry to say that I'm done with this series. I read this over a couple of hours and, although it is a sound police procedural with characters I have known for years, I didn't find this as satisfying as I used to. It's not you, it's me...and all that.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
March 20, 2025
Solid mystery. I definitely did not see the ending coming. Kim and her team investigate a series of kidnappings that spans decades. When an eccentric millionaire steps into the police station to offer information on the missing girls, Stone begins to unravel the layers. 4.5 stars only because the story felt a tad convoluted.
November 6, 2021
Stolen Ones is the 15th book in the wonderfully addictive Kim Stone series, about a steely Black Country detective and her devoted team, who solve a conveniently remarkable number of serial killer cases for a small city. Each one is a separate mystery, so you could read them out of order without significantly spoiling the earlier books, but there is a satisfying progression of the team’s personal lives and dynamics that you would miss out on if you did. This one sets Kim a new challenge - how to trick a highly intelligent manipulator who has willingly presented himself to her into revealing the details she needs to arrest him. At the same time we witness the return of Kim’s nemesis, the supremely evil psychiatrist Alex Thorne.
I have been avoiding missing children plotlines for the last couple of years - they became ubiquitous in crime and psychological suspense novels for a while and got very boring, but this is Kim Stone and there was no way was I missing out on her latest adventure. As ever, Marsons presents us an old trope in a new package: this kidnapper is no ordinary paedophile and she will need to use every tool in her arsenal to get win to reveal his secrets. Luckily, those tools include Stacey and her computer skills, Penn’s puzzle-solving abilities, Bryant's steadfast support, and Alison the behaviourist, back for another round of affectionate insults and accurate insights.
I love the way this author always picks an interesting criminal or psychological topic to explore in her novels - in this case Stockholm syndrome, cleverly contrasting it with the fascination held by the captive Dr Thorne for Kim who put her in prison. The sense of dread mounts as we follow Alex's twisted manœuvres as she tries to achieve parole: surely they wouldn't be so stupid? In fact this subplot contained the book's only weaknesses and logic holes - I can see why it was necessary for the benefit of future plots and maybe it just illustrates Kim's blind spots when it comes to Alex. Probably just wishful thinking on my part - Alex has that effect on people!
After a run of very putdownable books, it was a pleasure to return to a crime author who always delivers real tension and genuinely surprising twists. There's even the fun cameo appearance of a name most keen reviewers for this publisher will recognise! 😉 4.5 rounded up for giving our beloved characters a break for once - Kim aside, the biggest threat they face in this one is to their dental health!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC, I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Stolen Ones is published on November 11th.
I have been avoiding missing children plotlines for the last couple of years - they became ubiquitous in crime and psychological suspense novels for a while and got very boring, but this is Kim Stone and there was no way was I missing out on her latest adventure. As ever, Marsons presents us an old trope in a new package: this kidnapper is no ordinary paedophile and she will need to use every tool in her arsenal to get win to reveal his secrets. Luckily, those tools include Stacey and her computer skills, Penn’s puzzle-solving abilities, Bryant's steadfast support, and Alison the behaviourist, back for another round of affectionate insults and accurate insights.
I love the way this author always picks an interesting criminal or psychological topic to explore in her novels - in this case Stockholm syndrome, cleverly contrasting it with the fascination held by the captive Dr Thorne for Kim who put her in prison. The sense of dread mounts as we follow Alex's twisted manœuvres as she tries to achieve parole: surely they wouldn't be so stupid? In fact this subplot contained the book's only weaknesses and logic holes - I can see why it was necessary for the benefit of future plots and maybe it just illustrates Kim's blind spots when it comes to Alex. Probably just wishful thinking on my part - Alex has that effect on people!
After a run of very putdownable books, it was a pleasure to return to a crime author who always delivers real tension and genuinely surprising twists. There's even the fun cameo appearance of a name most keen reviewers for this publisher will recognise! 😉 4.5 rounded up for giving our beloved characters a break for once - Kim aside, the biggest threat they face in this one is to their dental health!
Thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC, I am posting this honest review voluntarily. Stolen Ones is published on November 11th.
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