Silent Scream

D.I. Kim Stone #1

by Angela Marsons, Jan Cramer (Narrator)

Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00WN8KV1K


Listening Length: 8 hours and 18 minutes

Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…
Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …

Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.

But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.

As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?

Fans of Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.

Watch out for more from D.I. Kim Stone

A Detective hiding dark secrets, Kim Stone will stop at nothing to protect the innocent. Silent Scream is the first book in the series – watch out for EVIL GAMES coming soon.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense

9 pages, Audible Audio

First published February 20, 2015

About 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.
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.

Reviews

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been struggling to review this one as my feelings are all over the place. This book was disturbing and horrifying, just the way I seem to like them. While it kept my attention throughout, I had to read this in pieces as I wanted to pace myself on the graphic details and content matter.

I loved the character of DI Kim Stone. This plot was complex and layered like an onion; as I kept reading I kept peeling away new levels to the individual case and to what I assume is part of the continuing storyline. I always enjoy a strong, female detective and this book did not disappoint.

I would highly recommend to those with a strong stomach and do not have trouble sleeping at night. This hit all the feels for me with subject matter close to my heart, as our family and extended family are adopted and came from situations very similar to those described in Silent Scream. I found myself close to tears multiple times. The story was complex but in the best way possible as it was fairly easy to follow and only added to the greatness of the story. I'm excited to follow DI Stone and her team on to Evil Games!

[Lit with Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

🚨💥SOUND THE ALARM!! IT'S A BANGER ALERT !!!!!💥🚨

SYNOPSIS

A permit is granted to excavate a field beside an old children's home, leading to human remains being discovered and old employees suddenly picked off one by one. Kim Stone and team are on the case to figure out what secrets are worth killing for.

MY OPINION

After reading #16 and #2, I decided maybe it was time to read the book that started it all. 1. I can't believe this is a debut. And 2. I can't believe this was published in 2015. So in 7 years Marsons has pumped out SIXTEEN Kim Stone novels??? Homegirl is WORKING working. Respect.

So because this is five stars, I have no gripes. This was a perfect introduction to sarcastic, passionate, and workaholic Kim Stone. The bants were bantering. The case was juicy as usual. The red herrings were plentiful. The chapters were short. The pace was Usain Bolt.

And that last twisty twist?? OHHWEEE. If you're familiar with my review, you know I'm always bitching about that one extra (unnecessary) twist as an attempt to shock the reader. But this one actually shocked me and made me run it back to look for the clues I missed. It added another dimension to the story and made a cold-hearted hoe feel things.

Marsons takes police procedural to the next level. Do not let this bargain bin ass cover fool you. This is top notch writing. My fave series by far.

PROS AND CONS

Pros: everything duh

Cons: even with a gun to my head I couldn't name one

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Teresa Wyatt had the inexplicable feeling that this night would be her last."

Chills! I was hooked after reading that sentence! Silent Scream is the first book in the gripping, thrilling and shocking DI Kim Stone Series! I first read this book in May 2018, but I recently had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook. It was fantastic! (it's on NetGalley right now!) Silent Scream wowed me from the very first page, sent shivers up and down my spine, and had me listening to this book long into the night! This book is full of secrets, tension, dread, danger and a raising body count!

Human remains have been found at a former children's home. Through the course of the investigation, it becomes clear that the human remains may be connected to recent murders. But how? Why? Plus, young women/teens from the children's home disappeared ten years ago. What's the connection?

Lots of questions went through my mind while I was reading this: Who is the current killer? What is his/her motivation? Is this the same person responsible for the remains found at the children's home? Is there more than one killer? Whose body was found at the children's home? D.I. Kim Stone is on the case and the reader knows early on that she has demons in her past. Maybe it is just me, but has anyone else noticed the trend to have female investigators have troubled pasts? Or perhaps, maybe it is just coincidence that my book choices have contained these types of characters. hmmmm

This is a book that had an I-did-not-see-that-coming moment in it!!!! Woohoo! The reveal was, well, REVEALING! Seriously, I was shocked, and I love it when a book can shock me and yet have that shock be believable and make sense. Whew! Plus, I really enjoyed how the book went back and forth in time. Giving the reader glimpses into the past and back into the present investigation. The changes in location and time flow very nicely and really help move the plot along and keep things interesting.

If you have not read this series before, dive in and you will not be disappointed! Angela Marsons is an awesome writer and storyteller. This book had me on the edge of my seat, my heart pounding, and doing my own super sleuthing. This series is a must read for me, and it was a joy to go back and listen to the first book in the series. The audiobook version is very well done and is not to be missed.

Gripping, shocking, well thought out, tension filled and hard to put down!

Thank you to Bookouture Audio 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 📖

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angela Marsons has produced a complex mystery thriller with many unique and distinctive characters. We are soon introduced to Detective Inspector Kim Stone who has no ability to hide her feelings. She demonstrates persistent stubbornness, is extremely pushy, and barks orders to her team expecting them to jump straight away. When a female has been found dead in a bathtub, it’s just the beginning of baffling murders all taking place within a short period. As each victim is assessed, Stone’s team finds one thing in common; they had been employed at a children’s home now empty and abandoned. Angela Marsons has received high praise for her novel which is first in a series. No doubt many readers will continue to follow this fine author.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just an unbelievable debut thriller by British author Angela Marsons. Her book reads as if she has been writing best sellers for years.

The action as well as the intrigue starts up immediately. And I mean immediately, as in the prologue! Eventually we are dealt several murders occurring both 10 years previous and in the present. We are gradually introduced to a large cast of characters, all fleshed out to some extent making it easy to keep them straight. The protagonist, DI Kim Stone, has had an extremely hard upbringing. She is left with scars, including minimal social skills, yet she has a deep burning desire to come to the aid of suffering innocents. Her zeal in this respect is somewhat uncontrolled which pretty much keeps her in the doghouse with her superiors. On the other hand, her team members have a deep respect for her and are extremely loyal and protective towards her. Kim is damaged and her past is fed to us in small doses as the story of her challenge to solve the murders progresses. I found myself intensely caring and rooting for her.

Ms. Marsons does a wonderful job, not only with the protagonist, but the supporting characters, both good and bad. We are able to get into their heads, which to me always enriches a tale. I also found the characters to be believable. I particularly liked the close (but nonromantic) relationship between Kim and her partner Bryant.

There is a sinister air that pervades the book creating unrelenting tension for the reader. Twists and turns abound as the deliciously complex plot unfolds. There are 3 instances in the novel (chapter 20, chapter 66 and one other section) that actually gave me chills and goosebumps, they were so terrifyingly sick. As the story progressed, my interest did not flag for one moment, and the last 15% of the book was crazy good! Even at 96%, I was asking myself “what the hell is going on?” You will just have to experience it yourself to appreciate it.

I highly recommend Silent Scream to all thriller fans. This is one not to be missed. It will easily make my list of top 10 books of 2015. I have my eye out for the second book (Evil Games) in what I suspect will be an outstanding series.

[Kaceey]

A traveling sister read with my 2 favorite Canadian sisters (Norma and Brenda)!

A wonderful start to a very successful series from Angela Marsons. We had a great time trying to stay one step ahead of all the twists...we weren't very successful! But had so much fun along the way with our midnight chat sessions (2am for Brenda)!

Before we reached the end we were already queuing up book 2!!

For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amongst my Goodreads friends I have only seen good comments on this author's books so I had to give her a try, starting with the first book in the series of course. And it was excellent.
I took to the main character, Detective Kim Stone, immediately. She is feisty and smart and never lets anyone score a point over her. Her offsider, D.S. Bryant, is her perfect foil. I enjoyed their friendly dialogue especially since there is no romance involved to mess things up!
The mystery is good and ends up quite convoluted as they seek not just a murderer from the present but also one from the past. The final solution is very cleverly done and totally unexpected. I especially enjoyed all the police work and forensics.
Definitely a page turner and an excellent first outing for Kim and her crew. I will certainly be reading more.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Footsteps.

I followed them back to this first book in the DI Kim Stone series. I've lined all the rest up like jagged stepping stones. They are beckoning to me.

This is heavy-weight subject matter presented here, but it is Angela Marsons driving the bus. She will lay it all out on the table without the overkill of muck and mire seeping into your socks. You get it. You know the depth to which the human mind can transcend. This is Marsons' debut novel, but you already feel the vibration of something grand about to happen from the first page onward.

DI Kim Stone is called in when the body of a headmistress is found under the water of her bathtub. No casual bubblebath here. Someone has also set fire to the front of the building to tidy up any loose strings that may lead to the killer. And this killer possesses all the quick steps to stay ahead of Stone. More bodies turn up. But this killer has never taken into account that Stone can make connections like a bloodhound on steroids. Angela Marsons ensures that the reader is totally engaged.

Kim Stone, herself, is a product of a children's home gone wrong, wrong. Her antennae jets out when things just don't jive. That's why this debut novel removes any doubt of what has previously transpired in Stone's life. "It was the way she always handled things. The bad things were packed away in boxes and sealed shut."

There is more to Kim Stone than just perusing the surface. She definitely has staying power to which the next books in this series will contribute to. I highly recommend Angela Marsons and her stellar writing ability. The insertions of the killer's reflections is like a pinwheel that keeps spinning and spinning, blurring things at first, but bringing a creep-filled closing at the end.

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I sucked up every word of this brilliant novel, it intrigued me from the word go. I love it when I get a book that I can get lost in and read in one sitting, this was one of those. It's a good start to 2015 for this crime loving book lover and reviewer!

Many crime novels are a bit same-same if you know what I mean, it's kind of hard to add elements that make it stand out from the rest on the shelves. Where I think Angela Marsons managed to do this is with her intense characters, especially Detective Inspector Kim Stone. SO well done!

D.I. Kim Stone is not only a dedicated and passionate police officer but her character in the book is so fantastically deep and memorable. It was easy to feel along with her, think along with her and just really, really like her. I think she is one of my favourite new crime leading ladies I have come across for a while. Some of the emotion coming off her in this book was tangible. A very well written character.

Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…

Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …

Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.

But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.

As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?

The plot is brilliant in this novel. It surprised me with the direction it took and the sheer emotion behind it all. This is much more than just another crime novel, it's tackles issues that can really make you feel very uncomfortable.

I am a hardened crime and horror reader, so hardened to difficult and gory moments, yet scenes in this book, whilst not graphic still disturbed me hugely. This was mainly because of the way the author portrays the viewpoint of the killer/s. How he/she sees the victim. It left me angry, saddened and all sorts of other feelings. Pretty much the same as Kim Stone is feeling. I was right with her in wanting to catch the bad guys let me tell you.

As more and more bodies are uncovered the book just gets better and better, like a busy train intersection, all the story lines and people in the book come together neatly at the end to give you the conclusion you have been begging for as you read along.

Now when did a crime novel ever reduce me to tears? Let me think..umm....umm...never. But there is a particular scene in this book that is so touching, such an outstanding piece of written fiction that contains so much human emotion and dignity that I had a little tear in my eye. Essentially this book stirred a lot up in me.

The pace is enjoyable, straight into the action and it doesn't slow down or let you go. One of those books where I worked out some of the answers but not all, so very satisfied. A fantastic read that I really recommend whether you are a crime lover or not. I will be looking out for more writing from Angela Marsons for sure.

Five easy stars for Silent Scream. This one would make a great movie.

I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley, many thanks for the opportunity to review the book.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture.

All I can say is that this crime novel, “Silent Scream” by Angela Marsons was amazing, and I was very surprised to see that this was her debut novel. As an avid reader of crime, suspense , mystery, psychological thrillers, I will say that this is the BEST novel in this category that I have read this year. If I hadn’t had other obligations, I would have read this novel in one sitting.

A headmistress is found strangled to death, but her death is one of many! Then, human remains are found on the grounds of a former children’s home, Crestwood, and then D. I. Kim Stone, assigned to the case is on the hunt for a killer who’s been active for years, but in doing so she will have to come to terms with her own past.

"Kim would not fail these girls because damn it, they mattered to someone. They bloody well mattered to her."

In this very dark and atmospheric police procedural, the author has done a fantastic job of creating characters that are real and totally believable, with all their faults and merits. We can totally relate to Kim, and we are drawn further into the story. I love the way Kim's own past is revealed over the course of the book, information is disclosed on a need to know basis. So many twists and turns to this novel, and the ending will have you in awe. I also like that there is a balance between the crime investigation process and the character portrayal.

"Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…

Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …

Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.

But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.

As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?"

They all shared a secret but was it worth killing for?

I expect great things of Angie Marsons and I can't wait to read the next in the series, “Evil Games.” I will read anything by this author. She is that good!

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning: this series is addictive! After reading the prequel First Blood, I could not get the book out of my mind. I have a ton of books I need to read/review, but I had to stop and read another in this series instead. These are really good mysteries that take place in England.

I think I liked the prequel better than this book when it came to the characters. Angela Marsons does a great job of really introducing everyone and I felt like I could really understand the whole team. I would recommend starting with First Blood because of that. Also, there is something Kim does right at the end of this book that will have even a greater impact if you read First Blood first.

While I liked the overall feel of the prequel better, the mystery of this book is really well done. I’m actually pretty proud that I was able to solve it since her first one stumped me. The way Marsons’ writes her mysteries makes you excited if you can actually figure them out. That part is what I love about reading good mysteries and these books sure don’t disappoint.

I really have to be good and try to get back to some ARC reading. This series is so addicting that I’m not sure how long I will be able to hold off. I do know at some point I will absolutely be coming back for more Kim Stone.

EDIT to change Karen into Kim. Not sure why I keep calling her Karen!

[Li'l Owl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent read! Draws you in and doesn't let go. This is the first of a series, and I was intrigued by DI Kim Stone, and her team, from the start, growing to love their tenacious and relentless efforts to bring justice to those who have been lost. The story line was completely believable and continued to draw me in all the way to the brilliant finale. The forensic evidence adds tiny details that bring a true crime feel to the story, also adding some crucial clues needed to solve the case. There's a light sense of humor throughout that I found refreshing, but it doesn't take away from the seriousness of the crimes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will undoubtedly be reading the next book in this series, sooner rather than later.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silent Scream (D.I. Stone #) by Angela Marsons is a 2015 Bookouture publication.

I noticed this series was very popular on Goodreads, so naturally, I had to see why everyone was so keen on it… well now I know!

This British thriller is, believe or not, a debut novel! So, I am doubly impressed by how well the plot is crafted, with the well timed pacing, and how the author made this jaded reader gasp out loud on more than one occasion.

When a headmistress is murdered and it is discovered she had ties to an old children’s home where a body has been unearthed, it is D.I. Kim Stone’s job to determine how the crimes are connected.

But, the body count just keeps piling up, however, unbeknownst to Kim, someone is watching her investigation very closely and if she gets too close to the truth, she could be the next murder victim.

I loved D.I. Stone right from the beginning. It’s not a matter of knowing when to turn her filter on or off, it’s that she doesn’t seem to have a filter. So, what you see, is what you get with her… at least most of the time.

Her sidekick, Bryant, is perhaps her closest friend, and he helps to soften her rough edges a bit. The secondary characters on the force are still shoved a little too far into the background to get a true reading of them, but I’m sure their personalities will flesh out as we go along.

The crime drama is certainly not for the faint of heart. There is no shortage of graphic violence, and the set up is particularly disturbing, but don't let that distract you, because the psychological aspects are where the real scary stuff is.

The author does a nice job of luring the reader into the next chapter, not just by teasing you, or tossing out tantalizing bait, but by dropping a bombshell on you, guaranteeing you will have to read the next chapter, and the next…
so, be forewarned, you may lose a little sleep before you get the end of this one.

The thriller was already above average from the start, with jaw dropping twists, and a furiously frustrating mystery that I simply could not puzzle out. But, the finale, blindsided me, really, really taking me by surprise, and left me flabbergasted and speechless. This doesn’t happen to me all that often, so it goes without saying, that I am definitely on board for book two, and can’t wait to see how this series shapes up.

4 stars

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a dangerous and deadly pact of old and the day of reckoning is coming.

Detective Inspector Kim Stone (I like her) is on the hunt for a ruthless killer in this multi-layered, multi-crime mystery novel, and the clues being unearthed have become personal. Having a common bond with the victims, D.I. Stone is determined to seek justice regardless of the consequences.

While not exactly what I would define as a "thriller" Angela Marson's debut novel was certainly enthralling, fast-paced and a worthwhile read especially at the bargain price of $2.99! Look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading books five and six in this series and loving them, I'm finally getting chance to go back and start at the beginning. DI Kim Stone and her team are investigating the bathtub drowning of a headmistress. Almost immediately, a man is murdered in his home. Both victims were previously employees at Crestwood, a children's home which is now abandoned. I like that the mystery manages to combine the current plot while providing a way for us to learn about Kim’s backstory. Kim herself had spent time at Crestwood. But it's the time with her fourth foster family that will bring tears to your eyes.

As I found with the later books, Marsons has a great style that quickly engages the reader. This story grabs you quickly and doesn't let you go. Each of the team members is well developed and I love how they all interact. Even Woody, her boss, is well drawn. I especially like that Bryant and Kim can be just friends with no romantic tension. Kim is a great character. Brash, strong willed, she's constantly in trouble with her superiors because she is so focused on finding the truth. “Dammit, Stone. When will you learn that there is an element of politics when policing at this level? “No, sir, there is an element of politics at policing at your level. Mine is still about uncovering the truth.”

Great start to a series, I'm so glad I still have books 2-4 to read.

[NZLisaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Another fine mystery in the Kim Stone series. After starting with book #16, it was great to start at the beginning and receive the intended introduction to these wonderful characters. Full review to follow.

[LolaF · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detective Kim Stone 01

Thriller policiaco duro y adictivo. Toca temas sensibles: menores/adolescentes.

Una mujer aparece asesinada y pronto empiezan a aparecer más cuerpos. El equipo de investigación, capitaneado por la detective Kim Stone no tarda en averiguar qué todos tienen algo en común, trabajaron en un centro de menores. Se inicia una carrera contrarreloj para localizar a las posibles víctimas antes de que sean asesinadas y de paso, descubrir unos secretos que han marcado sus vidas. ¡Pobres niñas!.

Hasta aquí nada nuevo, pero tiene un punto que engancha y no puedes soltar el libro. En cierto sentido me ha recordado a otros libros que he leído hace tiempo, como los primeros libros de Patricia Gibney y su serie de la inspectora Lottie Parker donde toca el tema de orfanatos, abusos y niños desaparecidos, aunque este tiene un toque distinto.

El ritmo es bueno, los capítulos son cortos. Es la propia investigación la que saca a flote lo que ocurrió en el pasado. No hay dos escenarios temporales que se vayan interrumpiendo e intercalando, tan frecuentes últimamente. El pasado de Kim y la relación personal con el resto de personajes/miembros de su equipo está presente en el libro, pero el peso del libro es la propia investigación.

Kim Stone es una mujer con caracter, anda pisando fuerte, le cuesta seguir ciertas órdenes, su prioridad es resolver el caso sin importar las consecuencias incluso arriesgándose a ponerse en peligro en acciones un tanto temerarias, goza del respeto de su equipo y de su superior, tiene cierta dificultad para relacionarse con la gente que no conoce o no le cae bien, carga con su propia mochila pero no va de víctima. A pesar de un carácter frío, sarcástico y a veces irascible, tiene algo en común con las niñas que le permite empatizar con ellas y potencia la carga emotiva, la desesperación y el deseo de descubrir lo que ocurrió en el pasado. Este es el primer caso de esta detective, habrá que ver qué temas trata en los siguientes y si se complementan tan bien como en este libro. El resto de personajes del equipo investigador también me ha gustado.

Hay alguna pista que podría revelarte bastante pronto quién podría ser el asesino del presente, qué le ocurrió a alguno de los personajes en el pasado -incluyendo al asesino-. Aún así tienes tus dudas y te queda por saber o confirmar el porqué. Lo normal es que entres en el juego de descartes, ir cambiando de sospechosos hasta que veas cómo van cayendo.

En conjunto me ha gustado y en breve tengo intención de continuar con el siguiente de la serie. Estoy en la duda de 4 o 5*, lo dejaré en 4 y ya veremos el siguiente.

Valoración: 8,5/10
Lectura: mayo 2022

[Antonio Scotto di Carlo · Rating 2 out of 5]

ENGLISH (segue recensione in italiano)

I really didn’t like the main character. I found her as unpleasant because she’s too fake. She seems coming out of a recipe: 1 cup of rhetoric, mixing it with 1 cup of defiance, some pseudo-humor, a teaspoon of immaturity… and there you go! These things could be a good cocktail, but if you make the cocktail without skills, you could throw it up just like it happened to me. A very fake character, without even a bit of genuineness. At least, this is how I saw her. And about suspense too: zero, due to the same reason. Never a doubt or hesitation. Always great eureka moments! The killer’s “confessions” seem to be in the book just to prove that Kim is always right (which mean, the author gives us all the pieces of the puzzle and she also puts them together. So, what am I supposed to do? Look at you while you enjoy the game? I never felt involved in the story because of the way she tells it.)

I found the dialogs very boring and annoying.

I gave 2 stars instead of 1 just because Anatomy and Archeology are treated very well. And also Beth and Nicole’s story, especially in the last chapters: I was fascinated by it and I clap my hands. But it’s too little, because the story is told in a too simple way. The Author says to us whatever she made up through the characters’ talks: this could be ok at a theater or in a movie, but I think that, in a book, it’s just coarseness and incompetence. A writer is supposed to find a way to lead the reader to understand what’s going on without telling them. Too easy let the characters tell it. Everybody can do that. Perhaps that’s why we have more writers than readers…

The excitement in a thriller is to gradually get at a conclusion, it’s to monitor the detective’s deductions, it’s to see how a clue or idea become a lead. If you don’t show all of this, but you just give me the conclusion (because the detective deduces things outside the book), how can I feel the story? It’s like taking a cooking class where they give you cooked food instead of teaching you how to cook it.

It’s a story full of stretches, unlikely things that only happen because the Author wants to. Passing on the ways the murders happen (it would be like to shoot the Red Cross), how is it possible that the detectives never make a single hypothesis about who the killer is along the all book? Not a single “So, who do you think could be?” Nope. They keep investigating around, picking clues and evidence like they’re buying stuff at a grocery store, and eventually they directly find the solution. It’s like all the characters shamelessly follow the Pied Piper (the Author)

I recommend this book to those who only want to eat. I don’t recommend it to those who want to cook too.

ITALIANO

Ciò che non mi è piaciuto per niente di questo libro è la protagonista. L’ho trovata un personaggio sgradevole e fasullo. Sembra il frutto di una ricetta: prendi 200 grammi di moralismo, lo mescoli con mezzo litro di spirito ribelle, un pizzico di pseudo-humor, una spruzzata di immaturità… e voilà! Queste caratteristiche possono essere un cocktail vincente, ma se il cocktail è preparato senza arte, magari uno lo vomita come è successo a me. Un personaggio finto al cubo, senza mai un sussulto di genuinità. Antipatica in tutto quello che pensa, dice e fa. Almeno questo è l’effetto che ha fatto a me. E pure la suspense: zero, per lo stesso motivo. Mai un dubbio, mai un’esitazione. Sempre intuiti formidabili. Le “confessioni” dell’assassino sembrano buttate lì giusto per confermare che Kim ci azzecca sempre (in altre parole, l’autrice fornisce tutti i pezzi del puzzle e li mette pure insieme. E io guardo, senza mai sentirmi coinvolto visto che fa tutto lei.)

Anche la scrittura, di basso livello. Non so nella versione inglese, ma in quella italiana avrò contato almeno 15 scoppi di risate. Imbarazzante e fastidioso. Dialoghi da orticaria.

Ho dato due stelle invece di una solo perché anatomia e archeologia sono trattati con competenza ben dosata. E anche per la storia di Beth e Nicole, soprattutto negli ultimi capitoli: questo mi ha affascinato davvero e faccio i miei complimenti. Tuttavia è troppo poco, perché poi la storia è narrata in maniera veramente elementare, con l’autrice che si limita a dire al lettore tutto quello che ha architettato per bocca dei personaggi: questo potrebbe andar bene in teatro o in un film, ma in un libro è a parer mio sintomo di grossolanità e imperizia. In un libro si deve trovare il modo di condurre il lettore a capire quello che lo scrittore ha in mente. Dirglielo per bocca dei personaggi è troppo semplice. Sono buoni tutti. Forse perciò ci sono più scrittori che lettori…

Il fascino di un thriller sta nell’arrivare gradualmente a una conclusione, sta nel seguire passo per passo i ragionamenti dei detective, sta nel vedere come un indizio o un’intuizione si evolvano portando a una pista. Se tutto ciò non viene mostrato, ma ci viene servita la conclusione bell’e pronta (perché la detective ha ragionato al di fuori del libro), come faccio ad appassionarmi? È come seguire un corso di cucina dove invece di insegnarti a preparare una pietanza, te la servono bell’e fatta.

Resta una storia piena di forzature, cose improbabili che accadono solo per volontà dell’autrice. Tralasciando le modalità di quasi tutti i delitti (sarebbe come sparare sulla Croce Rossa), ma possibile che per l’intero libro Kim e i suoi collaboratori non formulino mai uno straccio di ipotesi su chi possa essere il killer? Mai un “Secondo te chi è stato?”. No. Loro investigano a destra e a manca, raccogliendo prove e indizi nemmeno stessero facendo la spesa, per poi arrivare direttamente alla soluzione. È come se tutti i personaggi seguissero il piffero magico suonato dall’autrice.

Consigliato a chi vuole solo mangiare. Sconsigliato per chi vuole anche cucinare.

[Sandysbookaday (on indefinite hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCERPT:
PROLOGUE
Rowley Regis, Black Country, 2004
Five figures formed a pentagram around a freshly dug mound. Only they knew it was a grave.Digging the frozen earth beneath the layers of ice and snow had been like trying to carve stone but they’d taken turns. All of them.An adult-sized hole would have taken longer.The shovel had passed from grip to grip. Some were hesitant, tentative. Others more assured. No one resisted and no one spoke.The innocence of the life taken was known to them all but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried. Five heads bowed towards the dirt, visualising the body beneath soil that already glistened with fresh ice. As the first flakes dusted the top of the grave, a shudder threaded through the group. The five figures dispersed, their footprints treading the trail of a star into the fresh, crisp snow.
It was done.

THE BLURB: Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…
Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …
Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.

But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.

As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?

Fans of Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.

Watch out for more from D.I. Kim Stone
A Detective hiding dark secrets, Kim Stone will stop at nothing to protect the innocent. Silent Scream is the first book in the series – watch out for EVIL GAMES coming soon.

MY THOUGHTS: The cover states that this is an edge of the seat serial killer thriller - and yes, it does deliver what it promises!
A headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.
Then human remains are discovered buried in the grounds of a former children’s home, threatening to bring to light a legacy of disturbing secrets.
How far will the killer go to protect these secrets?
The characters, some of whom are quite horrifying, are all well portrayed and well rounded.
This book had me gasping in shock, then shedding tears at moments of extreme compassion and tenderness.
Strongly recommended. But beware - this book is almost impossible to put down.

Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Silent Scream by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

[Magdalena · Rating 3 out of 5]

DI Kim Stone is called to a scene of a crime. A woman has been found murdered in a bathtub and the murder seems to be linked to a body that is discovered a little while later buried at a former children’s home. Kim Stone and her team must figure out who is behind the killing and why before more people die.

I had some trouble getting into the story, mostly because I felt a bit weary when the cops were introduced, they seem to be the usual bunch, a wish cracker, best friend, and the technical one (well surfing FB and finding clues in emails) and the gruff boss. Also, Kim Stone, the main character is a woman with a dark past in foster homes, she doesn't obey orders and has an attitude problem. And, Kim is one of my main problems with this book. The thing with orders and regulations is something that is there for everyone and every time she does something wrong in this book she is called in to see her boss, but she doesn't get suspended or taken off the case. I'm sorry, no matter how good you are as a cop. you have to obey orders. I'm having a hard time seeing how this would work in the real world. And then towards to end when she breaks into the former children’s home to look for something, All ALONE at night. Come on. She doesn't tell anyone and she goes by herself. There is a killer loose, but who cares, let's play recklessly.

Another thing that bothered me was how convenient everything was:

1. We have a former children’s home. Kim was a foster home child and has spent time in children's home.

2. There are two sisters in the story, they are twins. Kim was a twin.

3. Someone is mentally ill. Kim's mother is mentally ill.

So of course, this makes her the perfect cop to solve the crimes! Also, we have a killer that decided that Kim is the perfect adversary. That's new, never happens in books...

To the plus side. I had problems getting into the story, that's true, but it got better around 50% into the story. Things started to happen and the story got more intense. Also, I was totally blindsided when it came to the ending of the book. And, despite the fact that the cops felt a bit stereotypical. I did come to like them, including Kim. I just hope that next case hasn't any similarities with her life.

[Norma ~ The Sisters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling Sisters Review by NORMA, BRENDA and KACEEY!!

SILENT SCREAM (DI KIM STONE #1) by ANGELA MARSONS is an action-packed, tense, fast-paced, and a suspenseful thriller with lots of surprising twists and turns along the way that kept us all reading and guessing right to the very end.

SILENT SCREAM opens up great and caught our attention right away but then got a little weighed down for us with the array of characters that had us a little confused and struggled somewhat keeping them all straight. How did they fit into the story and when were they introduced? So then things started to go a little slow for us however when the action picked up and the boat started rocking we could not put this novel down. It felt like the calm before the storm for us.

DI Kim Stone is a fascinating and feisty female character with a wicked sense of humour and a soft side to her that we all absolutely loved. We loved the glimpses into her past and felt heartbroken by her childhood memories. Allowing us to see the vulnerable side of her.

ANGELA MARSONS delivers a complex and layered story here that is cleverly written in such a skillful way that allowed us to really get into the unique and distinctive characters and the storyline.

There is little snippets throughout, at just the right time, giving us a glimpse into the killer’s creepy motives adding some tension to the story for us.

The confusion with the characters and the slow start threw Kaceey off her game and she never saw the twists coming. Norma simply had a hard time getting her groove back after not reading much on vacation and was also stumped and felt like the author offered all those distractions early on to confuse her. Actually quite clever! We all thought we had it figured out only to find out we didn't. Brenda is always off her game when it comes to thrillers and was so excited that she figured something out only to find out she didn’t. We all had a good laugh over this.

In amongst some darkness with subjects like abuse and neglect there is light with kindness from some of the characters that had us loving them even more.

Angela Marsons sure has left us wanting more and we are ready to dive into book two of this series very soon. We can’t wait to see what's in store for DI Kim Stone next. Highly recommended!

[Zoeytron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is the fear of getting caught what really masquerades as a person's conscience?

D.I. Kim Stone has a predilection for fudging the rules of law enforcement. She has a tendency to buck authority, but the results she gets are what saves her bacon. Some of the niceties are going to fall by the wayside as she works her cases, she can come across as rude, cold and without emotion, but the compassion is in there, buried deep. You can rest assured of one thing – she is relentless and will not stop until she puts the pieces together. You want Kim Stone in your corner, along with her excellent investigative team.

I have read three of the four Kim Stone crime thrillers at this point, and have thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Perfect pacing, a good story, a strong leading lady, and a believable cast of characters. Every single time.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant,couldnt put this book down a lot of killings and kept me on the edge of my seat.the way they were murdered was gruesome.and the killer tells there part of the story.hooked want to read more from this author.good crime book.

[Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the twists and turns in this one that Norma, Kaceey and I never saw coming. Great fun choice for a sister read that I absolutely loved reading with them!

Traveling sister review with Norma and Kaceey can be found our sister blog

http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...

[Jonetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

We begin with a creepy prologue where five people have jointly dug a grave for someone and have agreed to keep it secret. Next we watch in horror as a woman is murdered in her own home, told from her point of view. It’s a perfect start for someone like me who likes to settle in to assemble clues and deduce gnarly mysteries.

Detective Inspector (D.I.) Kim Stone leads the team in West Midlands charged with solving this crime and others that later prove to be connected. She’s prickly, doggedly persistent and very good at her job, having great instincts and a loyal, capable team. The subject matter is sensitive as it involves crimes against young teens in England’s care system, all considered disposable by family and the adults responsible for their well being.

What I enjoyed most about the story is the procedurals and the rather convoluted mystery. That prologue was always in the back of my mind as I shifted through clues, less than forthcoming characters and a strong investigation. I also enjoyed learning about a region foreign to me, The Black Country, an industrial area within the West Midlands. The author provided not only vivid descriptions but authentic dialects to a story I thought was well paced. I figured out most of the puzzles but missed some. I’m a fan of British detective series and liked this one well enough to continue.

[Eline Van Der Meulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Het verhaal sleept je mee en heeft telkens iets nieuw in petto waardoor je niet kan stoppen met lezen".
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020...

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely disturbing, and yet everything in the book was necessary to the story....
D I Kim Stone is on the case when after a headmistress is killed, followed by several other murders, and the discovery of bodies buried at the site where they all used to work... this was a very good police procedural, yes with some graphic moments, but I didn't think any of it was gratuitous.... DI Stone was especially eager to solve this crime, because it hit close to home.... I can tell that there will be a lot of growth in this character throughout the series, she had a hard childhood.... and that helped her with this case, because somethings did not ring true with her, and she was determined to figure this out.... good thing she was on the case and not me, because I was really surprised with the outcome, good start to a series, that I will probably continue....

[TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I see why this series is so well-loved! This is definitely how you write a crime thriller. So much tension, a strong, complex main character, and perfectly paced writing. I can’t wait to read more.

Thank you to Grand Central for the gifted copy.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!!

The question that always comes up in my mind when I start a new series is,
“Do I need another series to follow?!”
And after reading Silent Scream by Angela Marsons,
”That’s a hell yes!”

I can’t believe this is Marsons debut novel. The writing and characterization is excellent. I loved D.I. Kim Stone from the start along with the whole detective team. D.S. Bryant will likely hold my heart though so I’m hoping nothing happens to this guy in the rest of the series. After his intervention with some dogs, I fell in love with this character!

Plus, he seems to be the only one D.I. Stone trusts as a friend. I’m looking forward to seeing this dynamic duo and friendship evolve with the rest of the books. The dialogue between them was fantastic; sarcastic, deep and to the point.

D.I. Stone is a great character. She’s tough, blunt and has some hardcore trauma from her past life. This all comes out in the first book and I’m excited to see where Marsons takes this character. I know it might feel cliché to have a tormented detective as the main character, but I ate it up!

Just a heads up about this series. The subject matter is dark and it’s hard to read at times due to the violence of the crimes and how evil the suspects are. I’ve read lots of crime detective series over the years and I was still a bit sad and horrified by this case.
I think it’s a great writing skill of Marsons. She can write realistically about what a detective would see and experience. Doing this type of job is not a walk in the park and she relates this so well!

The book starts off with a group of people gathered around a shallow grave. Who’s in the grave and what type of secrets are these people protecting? One of the people standing at the grave is murdered in the first part of this book. From there, the book just keeps picking up steam.

Don’t hope to get anything done in the next few days because I binge read this due to short chapters, addicting material and a suspenseful plot!
If I’m ever in a book slump, I now know that I can just pick up a book from the D.I. Kim Stone series and I’ll be good to go!

Well done Marsons! You have another fan.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are great reviews written by my friends about this book already. I am a little late to the party, but they were so right to keep recommending this series to me.

Excellent start to a new series with a great lead character and supporting cast. Loved the plot and resolution. This will definitely be a must buy and continue reading for me. On to the next book!