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D.I. Kim Stone #4
Una morte perfetta
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2016)Il laboratorio di Westerley non è un posto per i deboli di cuore. Si tratta di una struttura che studia i cadaveri in decomposizione. Ma quando la detective Kim Stone e la sua squadra scoprono proprio lì il corpo ancora caldo di una giovane donna, diventa chiaro che un assassino ha trovato il posto perfetto per coprire i suoi delitti. Quanti dei corpi arrivati al laboratorio sono sue vittime? Mentre i sospetti di Kim si fanno inquietanti, una seconda ragazza viene aggredita e rinvenuta in fin di vita con la bocca riempita di terra. Non c’è più alcun dubbio: c’è un serial killer che va fermato il prima possibile, o altre persone saranno uccise. Ma chi sarà la prossima vittima? Appena Tracy Frost, giornalista della zona, scompare improvvisamente, le ricerche si fanno frenetiche. Kim sa bene che la vita della donna è in grave pericolo e intende setacciarne il passato per trovare la chiave che la condurrà all’assassino. Riuscirà a decifrare i segreti di una mente contorta e spietata, pronta a uccidere ancora?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 20, 2016
2991 people are currently reading
9370 people want to read
About the author
Angela Marsons
44 books4,930 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 1,364 reviews
March 17, 2017
I'm going to let you in on a little secret... Ever since my husband took me to Knoxville when we were dating to show me around his old stomping grounds and casually threw in the body farm, I've been obsessed. So you can imagine my pure giddiness when I saw Angela Marsons was coming out with another novel involving my favorite, surly detective AND A BODY FARM!!!!! Its like this book was written just for me; thanks Angie! :) This was by far the best DI Kim Stone novel to date, but that's like saying "Wow, this is the best bowl of ice cream I've ever tasted!"; all ice cream is delicious but sometimes you come across that bowl that was utter perfection. This book was utter perfection.
"There was so much about this murder that was personal. Her instinct
was telling her that Jemima had not been some random woman taken with
no thought or care. Her killer had wanted her for a reason."
We are immediately thrown into multiple lines of action as the story begins. The book is spaced nicely with Marsons' trademark form of including entries from an unknown character (*spoiler alert- this person always ends up bad). I love how books 3 & 4 have started with the solving of a case that we are on the outskirts of; we have some form of immediate closure that gives us some peace before jumping into what we know will be a very graphic and disturbing ride. The storyline revolves around a serial killer who is targeting seemingly familiar women.
"Of course she knew the persona she projected, and it was intentional. It was her only
form of defense... It wasn't armor she'd been born with. it had grown over her
skin like a shield over the years, inch by inch, until she no longer knew how to take it off."
Remember Tracy Frost, the obnoxiously sneaky reporter from Lost Girls that we all loved to hate? We finally get a better glimpse into who and what formed her into the impulsive and self-centered character we all know and love. She starts sticking her nose where it doesn't belong in this case and it costs her more than she bargained for. However, she's not the only character we get a deeper connection with.
"She marveled at his easy manner and affable nature. He was one of life's charmers,
possessing the ability to relate to most people he met. She wondered how that quality
had actually been inserted into his personality. Had Bryant been the kid everyone had flocked around at school, or was it a quality that he had grown into and perfected over the years?"
Kim learns a lot in this novel, as there is a great deal of deeper character development all around in this story. There is a particular scene that I won't spoil, but it ended up being one of my favorite moments in the book when Kim learns a valuable lesson from Bryant and Woody on how there is more than one way to get results. Bryant in turn gets to learn a little more about Kim from an old coworker. We also get another glimpse into Ted Knowles, a familiar figure from Kim's past. I'm still hoping for the day that those two have a deep, fulfilling conversation in working through Kim's past issues.
There is a secondary cold case the team picks up in exchange for something from Tracy involving two dead men who have yet to be identified. I don't want to touch on this too much but it ties in nicely with the rest of the story. Do you remember Dr. Daniel Bates from Silent Scream? Well, there is a tiny bit of romantic progression this go around, although it isn't much.
The pacing of the novel and the execution of the "big twist(s)" were flawless! I really can't think of one bad thing to pick at, except that now I'm suffering a book hangover knowing I'm all caught up in the series and have to wait for more D.I. Kim Stone and her team!
Full disclosure- I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinions.
"There was so much about this murder that was personal. Her instinct
was telling her that Jemima had not been some random woman taken with
no thought or care. Her killer had wanted her for a reason."
We are immediately thrown into multiple lines of action as the story begins. The book is spaced nicely with Marsons' trademark form of including entries from an unknown character (*spoiler alert- this person always ends up bad). I love how books 3 & 4 have started with the solving of a case that we are on the outskirts of; we have some form of immediate closure that gives us some peace before jumping into what we know will be a very graphic and disturbing ride. The storyline revolves around a serial killer who is targeting seemingly familiar women.
"Of course she knew the persona she projected, and it was intentional. It was her only
form of defense... It wasn't armor she'd been born with. it had grown over her
skin like a shield over the years, inch by inch, until she no longer knew how to take it off."
Remember Tracy Frost, the obnoxiously sneaky reporter from Lost Girls that we all loved to hate? We finally get a better glimpse into who and what formed her into the impulsive and self-centered character we all know and love. She starts sticking her nose where it doesn't belong in this case and it costs her more than she bargained for. However, she's not the only character we get a deeper connection with.
"She marveled at his easy manner and affable nature. He was one of life's charmers,
possessing the ability to relate to most people he met. She wondered how that quality
had actually been inserted into his personality. Had Bryant been the kid everyone had flocked around at school, or was it a quality that he had grown into and perfected over the years?"
Kim learns a lot in this novel, as there is a great deal of deeper character development all around in this story. There is a particular scene that I won't spoil, but it ended up being one of my favorite moments in the book when Kim learns a valuable lesson from Bryant and Woody on how there is more than one way to get results. Bryant in turn gets to learn a little more about Kim from an old coworker. We also get another glimpse into Ted Knowles, a familiar figure from Kim's past. I'm still hoping for the day that those two have a deep, fulfilling conversation in working through Kim's past issues.
There is a secondary cold case the team picks up in exchange for something from Tracy involving two dead men who have yet to be identified. I don't want to touch on this too much but it ties in nicely with the rest of the story. Do you remember Dr. Daniel Bates from Silent Scream? Well, there is a tiny bit of romantic progression this go around, although it isn't much.
The pacing of the novel and the execution of the "big twist(s)" were flawless! I really can't think of one bad thing to pick at, except that now I'm suffering a book hangover knowing I'm all caught up in the series and have to wait for more D.I. Kim Stone and her team!
Full disclosure- I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my opinions.
December 13, 2016
I just love series by Angela Marson's called the Kim Stone Series. This book is the fifth book in the series and I would start with the first book so that you can get all of the brilliance that this series has to offer.
Play Dead is just amazing. I gave it four stars only because it was a little slow in the beginning for me but not for very long. Right when I got into the action I couldn't put it down.
Kim Stone is the lead character and she is an excellent police officer.In this book there is a serial killer who brutally murders local women and puts soil into their mouths. Their bodies are put in a secret research facility which is a body farm. The researchers are so upset to have bodies laying in their facility. I was thrilled to read when I got into it because this is where the suspense starts and does not stop.
It was really interesting to see the return of Stone’s , journalist Tracy Frost. The interplay between these two makes for fabulous reading. Frost plays a much larger role in Play Dead but this may not necessarily be a good thing for her! Readers will get to know Ms Frost very well in Play Dead and I will wager that some opinions of the odious journalist will change as readers progress through the story. I found myself wondering how her relationship with Stone would have developed had they both been aware of their respective backgrounds before they crossed swords in a professional capacity. We also learn a bit more about Kim’s background. Angela Marsons teared me up a litttle. Kim had a tough childhood, elements of this are explored in more detail through Play Dead. If you have developed any emotional attachment to Kim’s character like I have then some of the revelations will make for tough reading.
The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen.
The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess.
Play Dead is just amazing. I gave it four stars only because it was a little slow in the beginning for me but not for very long. Right when I got into the action I couldn't put it down.
Kim Stone is the lead character and she is an excellent police officer.In this book there is a serial killer who brutally murders local women and puts soil into their mouths. Their bodies are put in a secret research facility which is a body farm. The researchers are so upset to have bodies laying in their facility. I was thrilled to read when I got into it because this is where the suspense starts and does not stop.
It was really interesting to see the return of Stone’s , journalist Tracy Frost. The interplay between these two makes for fabulous reading. Frost plays a much larger role in Play Dead but this may not necessarily be a good thing for her! Readers will get to know Ms Frost very well in Play Dead and I will wager that some opinions of the odious journalist will change as readers progress through the story. I found myself wondering how her relationship with Stone would have developed had they both been aware of their respective backgrounds before they crossed swords in a professional capacity. We also learn a bit more about Kim’s background. Angela Marsons teared me up a litttle. Kim had a tough childhood, elements of this are explored in more detail through Play Dead. If you have developed any emotional attachment to Kim’s character like I have then some of the revelations will make for tough reading.
The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen.
The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess.
May 15, 2016
I received a copy of Play Dead by Angela Marsons from NetGalley. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and to Angela Marsons for the opportunity.
Have Mercy!
No matter how one tries to disentangle, to zigzag in another direction, or to snap our eyes shut, we are all products of our past. It's got a hold on ya, Baby, and it's not lettin' go any time soon.
Kim Stone is a no-nonsense detective in this popular police procedural/thriller series by Angela Marsons. This is my first spin around the block with Kim Stone, and believe me, she does not disappoint. You had to pry my clenched fingers from around this one. It's that good.
When a body is found under very bizarre circumstances at Westerley Farms, Kim and her team are called in. Westerley Farms incorporates research into insect activity and climate conditions on the human body after death. And this newly found corpse is not on the clipboard inventory. We've got an entomologist, forensic anthropologist, and a forensic osteoarcheologist in the mix. This ain't the boring cop on the beat mystery going on here.
More bodies show up like chickenpox at a birthday party. And still waters run deep as Kim unravels the perplexing circumstances that boggle the mind. And that's the intense draw here. Marsons presents a strong, smart, smart read. She's done the legwork in this one and there are no loose strings of implausibility.
The writing style is pure pleasure with shorter chapters and each ending with the jolt of a buzz. The dialogue is snappy and with quirky humor. "Who pissed on your chips?" And "OK. Enough foreplay." Marsons showcases Kim Stone as a flawed character who has walked the walk. And that is the draw here. I have ordered all the previous books in this series. Angela Marsons, it is with great hope that you are working on your next offering. Our arms are outstretched to receive it with staccato beating hearts.
Have Mercy!
No matter how one tries to disentangle, to zigzag in another direction, or to snap our eyes shut, we are all products of our past. It's got a hold on ya, Baby, and it's not lettin' go any time soon.
Kim Stone is a no-nonsense detective in this popular police procedural/thriller series by Angela Marsons. This is my first spin around the block with Kim Stone, and believe me, she does not disappoint. You had to pry my clenched fingers from around this one. It's that good.
When a body is found under very bizarre circumstances at Westerley Farms, Kim and her team are called in. Westerley Farms incorporates research into insect activity and climate conditions on the human body after death. And this newly found corpse is not on the clipboard inventory. We've got an entomologist, forensic anthropologist, and a forensic osteoarcheologist in the mix. This ain't the boring cop on the beat mystery going on here.
More bodies show up like chickenpox at a birthday party. And still waters run deep as Kim unravels the perplexing circumstances that boggle the mind. And that's the intense draw here. Marsons presents a strong, smart, smart read. She's done the legwork in this one and there are no loose strings of implausibility.
The writing style is pure pleasure with shorter chapters and each ending with the jolt of a buzz. The dialogue is snappy and with quirky humor. "Who pissed on your chips?" And "OK. Enough foreplay." Marsons showcases Kim Stone as a flawed character who has walked the walk. And that is the draw here. I have ordered all the previous books in this series. Angela Marsons, it is with great hope that you are working on your next offering. Our arms are outstretched to receive it with staccato beating hearts.
February 8, 2021
After finishing up the previous one Lost Girls, I continued my series challenged and dived into Play Dead. I am glad to say this one was just as good, and I love DI Kim Stone even more!!
My favorite thing about reading a series is seeing our main character grow with each book and with the other characters as a result of her environment or job. Here we see more into the supporting characters as they add depth and layers to the story and the crime. I loved seeing Tracy return, and she finds herself over her head and in danger. Tracey and Kim's dynamics added some tension and excitement to the story for me.
Two exciting storylines are perfectly paced throughout the story and weaved together for a thrilling twisty end to the story that I didn't see coming. I highly recommend this series.
My favorite thing about reading a series is seeing our main character grow with each book and with the other characters as a result of her environment or job. Here we see more into the supporting characters as they add depth and layers to the story and the crime. I loved seeing Tracy return, and she finds herself over her head and in danger. Tracey and Kim's dynamics added some tension and excitement to the story for me.
Two exciting storylines are perfectly paced throughout the story and weaved together for a thrilling twisty end to the story that I didn't see coming. I highly recommend this series.
October 7, 2018
Angela has upped the ante again! Her work just keeps getting better and better.I've loved every single book in this series but this one now stands out with its sophisticated writing, enthralling realistic dialogue and host of astonishing characters. This series is not getting boring, no way! It's getting better!
I particularly loved the plot in this novel and how some of our familiar characters were brought back into the folds like old friends but not all in the role you may expect them to be in. That was a nice twist.
It's gritty in-your-face police work from the very beginning, beautifully enhanced by a strong knowledge of forensic procedures to ensure the crime reader gets a true to life book that reads like you are watching a good British Crime TV series like Luther, Scott & Bailey or Line of Duty. In fact it should be on TV!
DI Kim Stone is still the woman you can't quite love but by gosh does she get my respect and I love her passion, single minded determination and willingness to forge on when others say it's no use. Her instincts are sharp, she's got the street smarts and skills developed from her difficult upbringing and this make her a damaged but excellent character. Oh ok, I do love her then.
I gobbled this up over 3 hours from midnight and could not let up until I knew where it was all going to end up. Marsons weaves in some strong storylines that all interact without crashing at the right time. It's great reading.
This crime novel is one of the best I've read this year so far and Angela Marsons is an author that continues to get better at her craft. She has a God given talent for crime writing and I know her books will continue to please readers all around the world.
It's dynamic, well-plotted with some exceptionally well placed reveals. The psychology behind the motives of the murders was fascinating. A journey into what the damaged individual and psyche can do. Highly recommended and a whopping 5 stars. This is now in my long list for my Top Ten Reads of 2016.
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for my copy of the book to read and review.
I particularly loved the plot in this novel and how some of our familiar characters were brought back into the folds like old friends but not all in the role you may expect them to be in. That was a nice twist.
It's gritty in-your-face police work from the very beginning, beautifully enhanced by a strong knowledge of forensic procedures to ensure the crime reader gets a true to life book that reads like you are watching a good British Crime TV series like Luther, Scott & Bailey or Line of Duty. In fact it should be on TV!
DI Kim Stone is still the woman you can't quite love but by gosh does she get my respect and I love her passion, single minded determination and willingness to forge on when others say it's no use. Her instincts are sharp, she's got the street smarts and skills developed from her difficult upbringing and this make her a damaged but excellent character. Oh ok, I do love her then.
I gobbled this up over 3 hours from midnight and could not let up until I knew where it was all going to end up. Marsons weaves in some strong storylines that all interact without crashing at the right time. It's great reading.
This crime novel is one of the best I've read this year so far and Angela Marsons is an author that continues to get better at her craft. She has a God given talent for crime writing and I know her books will continue to please readers all around the world.
It's dynamic, well-plotted with some exceptionally well placed reveals. The psychology behind the motives of the murders was fascinating. A journey into what the damaged individual and psyche can do. Highly recommended and a whopping 5 stars. This is now in my long list for my Top Ten Reads of 2016.
Thanks to the author and Bookouture for my copy of the book to read and review.
December 24, 2016
Angela Marsons just keeps on getting better - we are going to have to review the rating system to accommodate her!
Where better to hide a body but in plain sight? Westerley is a 'body farm' devoted to researching decomposition rates and insect activity in bodies. So you expect to find bodies there. But not this one.....
Detective Kim Stone has been given a treat by her boss, a tour around Westerley, where she stumbles upon the fresh body of a young woman that is definitely not part of the research facility. And it is only the first....
Marson's writing is superb. She has my mind darting all about the place, looking for possible solutions - and I almost got it right this time! A twisty plot that is well paced and expertly written.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Play Dead by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Where better to hide a body but in plain sight? Westerley is a 'body farm' devoted to researching decomposition rates and insect activity in bodies. So you expect to find bodies there. But not this one.....
Detective Kim Stone has been given a treat by her boss, a tour around Westerley, where she stumbles upon the fresh body of a young woman that is definitely not part of the research facility. And it is only the first....
Marson's writing is superb. She has my mind darting all about the place, looking for possible solutions - and I almost got it right this time! A twisty plot that is well paced and expertly written.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a digital ARC of Play Dead by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 26, 2017
PLAY DEAD by Angela Marsons is the 4th book in the DI Kim Stone series, and she has hit it out of the ball park with this one! Totally brilliant! I have read all her other three books in the series, starting with Silent Scream, Evil Games and Lost Girls, and While they were all great, this I feel is her best! What a talented author!
I am at a loss for words after reading this amazing book, and can only say I was gripped right to the last page by this serial killer/crime/detective thriller.
Angela Marsons allows us to get to know the protagonist, DI Kim Stone in greater depth, by allowing the reader to follow in her footsteps, make assumptions, question, learn and act. The author fleshes her flawed character out, her interaction with her boss Woody and her team members, Bryant, Stacey and Dawson. DI Kim Stone is a strong blunt detective that does things her own way. She either likes you or hates you. I enjoyed reading about Kim’s dog, Barney a border collie, and his attitude. The plot and characters all fit together seamlessly, her style is unique allowing the reader to sit back and enjoy her writing.
DI Kim Stone and her team are sent by her boss to a place called Westerley,(a body farm) a research facility for “studying the effects of both insect activity and climate conditions on the human body. It is at least a mile and a half from the closest residential property.” It is run by Professor Christopher Wright. There are seven donated corpses on the property, currently being studied, in various stages of decay.
But then a young woman's body is discovered on the property that is not part of their experiments. It looks like the killer has found the ideal place to bury their crime.
“The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess. “
Then a second girl is left for dead, her body drugged and mouth filled with soil. Stone and her team know that a serial killer is at work… but how many more bodies will turn up? Why? And Who?
Then a local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, and the tension increases. Can Kim and her team uncover the truth and the identity of the killer?
I have to say that it is evident that a tremendous amount of time was spent on research for this novel on forensic and medical research and techniques. It definitely shows and enriches the novel. I must say I learned a lot by reading this novel.
This is another winner and I can't wait for the next book.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this book.
I am at a loss for words after reading this amazing book, and can only say I was gripped right to the last page by this serial killer/crime/detective thriller.
Angela Marsons allows us to get to know the protagonist, DI Kim Stone in greater depth, by allowing the reader to follow in her footsteps, make assumptions, question, learn and act. The author fleshes her flawed character out, her interaction with her boss Woody and her team members, Bryant, Stacey and Dawson. DI Kim Stone is a strong blunt detective that does things her own way. She either likes you or hates you. I enjoyed reading about Kim’s dog, Barney a border collie, and his attitude. The plot and characters all fit together seamlessly, her style is unique allowing the reader to sit back and enjoy her writing.
DI Kim Stone and her team are sent by her boss to a place called Westerley,(a body farm) a research facility for “studying the effects of both insect activity and climate conditions on the human body. It is at least a mile and a half from the closest residential property.” It is run by Professor Christopher Wright. There are seven donated corpses on the property, currently being studied, in various stages of decay.
But then a young woman's body is discovered on the property that is not part of their experiments. It looks like the killer has found the ideal place to bury their crime.
“The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess. “
Then a second girl is left for dead, her body drugged and mouth filled with soil. Stone and her team know that a serial killer is at work… but how many more bodies will turn up? Why? And Who?
Then a local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, and the tension increases. Can Kim and her team uncover the truth and the identity of the killer?
I have to say that it is evident that a tremendous amount of time was spent on research for this novel on forensic and medical research and techniques. It definitely shows and enriches the novel. I must say I learned a lot by reading this novel.
This is another winner and I can't wait for the next book.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this book.
February 18, 2018
Damn. This is the last Angela Marsons’ book I have to read until she writes more. I got a bit out of sequence thanks to netgalley.
Body Farms are a big deal over here in the US and I’ve read several books using them as a base. But this is the first British mystery that incorporates one. Interestingly enough, there are no real body farms in England.
Marsons is not a lush writer. But with just the turn of a phrase, she paints the perfect picture. “Intruding on the grief of a family was like entering their bedroom in the middle of the night.” Or this “a dozen spiders had spun webs in her brain”.
Another very enjoyable mystery. Good tension, great pacing. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I could suss out some of where the book was going but other things I totally missed.
I love Kim. As one of the victims thinks “there was honesty in that face, and although the mouth didn’t smile much there was a passion behind the dark eyes”. I love her interactions with her team as well as her interactions with those she doesn’t quite bond with.
For those of you lucky enough to have not read Ms. Marsons series yet, I envy you.
Body Farms are a big deal over here in the US and I’ve read several books using them as a base. But this is the first British mystery that incorporates one. Interestingly enough, there are no real body farms in England.
Marsons is not a lush writer. But with just the turn of a phrase, she paints the perfect picture. “Intruding on the grief of a family was like entering their bedroom in the middle of the night.” Or this “a dozen spiders had spun webs in her brain”.
Another very enjoyable mystery. Good tension, great pacing. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I could suss out some of where the book was going but other things I totally missed.
I love Kim. As one of the victims thinks “there was honesty in that face, and although the mouth didn’t smile much there was a passion behind the dark eyes”. I love her interactions with her team as well as her interactions with those she doesn’t quite bond with.
For those of you lucky enough to have not read Ms. Marsons series yet, I envy you.
June 19, 2017
*Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for my ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review*
*4.5 STARS*
D.I Kim (no nonsense) Stone is back, and what she lacks in social graces, she makes up for, in her grit and determination to catch the bad guys on her West Midlands patch.
Her latest case takes us to Westerley Research Facility, a kind of body farm, where human decomposition is studied via donated corpses, left in varying states of decay.
However, when the body of a young woman is discovered at Westerley, that is not part of their experiments, it appears a killer has found the ideal place to hide their crime. And so begins another great investigation for D.I Stone.
This is a great and unique storyline, with a higher than usual creep factor. The pace is good and the characters particularly well drawn. And just so you know - I never saw that one coming! That's all I'll say.
Another winner from Angela Marsons - who's fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
*4.5 STARS*
D.I Kim (no nonsense) Stone is back, and what she lacks in social graces, she makes up for, in her grit and determination to catch the bad guys on her West Midlands patch.
Her latest case takes us to Westerley Research Facility, a kind of body farm, where human decomposition is studied via donated corpses, left in varying states of decay.
However, when the body of a young woman is discovered at Westerley, that is not part of their experiments, it appears a killer has found the ideal place to hide their crime. And so begins another great investigation for D.I Stone.
This is a great and unique storyline, with a higher than usual creep factor. The pace is good and the characters particularly well drawn. And just so you know - I never saw that one coming! That's all I'll say.
Another winner from Angela Marsons - who's fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
October 20, 2021
3.5 stars
In this fourth book in the 'D.I. Kim Stone series', the detective pursues a serial killer who leaves the victims at a body farm. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Having wrapped up their last case Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her team, from the West Midlands region of England, are sent to look at Westerley Research Facility. This 'body farm' has corpses strewn around to study decomposition in different conditions (wet, dry, buried, unburied, etc.); insect and animal activity on the bodies; rotting of burned bodies; and so on.
While being shown around the facility, Stone discovers a body that's not supposed to be there - a recently murdered woman with a mouth full of dirt and a smashed face.
An autopsy reveals that the woman was held captive before her death - one wrist has handcuff marks and her body has stripy red bruises on the stomach and legs. The woman is identified as Jemima Lowe, a seemingly nice, thirtyish woman from a good family.
Before long another body shows up at Westerley, but this one isn't quite dead. The victim has dirt in her mouth, a bashed skull, and the same marks as Jemima. It seems a serial killer is at work here, who was interrupted during this latter attempted murder. The unidentified victim is in a coma, but her boyfriend shows up and says she's Isobel Jones who's estranged from her husband and dating him. The woman eventually wakes up - but she has amnesia, doesn't even know her name, and can't assist the detectives.
Becoming suspicious about Westerley being used as a body dump, Stone sends in radar experts and anthropologists to search for buried bodies. The anthropologists - mouthy 'Dr. A' and attractive Dr. Daniel Bate (with whom Stone has unwanted sparks) - add a little fun to the book. It's also a treat to watch feisty Stone and her colleagues, DS Bryant, DS Dawson, and data-mining expert DC Stacey Wood exchange friendly quips and digs. 😎
While all this is going on a local reporter, Tracy Frost - who's generally a thorn in Stone's side - persuades the detective to look into an unsolved case: the death of an unidentified man several years ago. Later on, Stone makes a deal with Frost, who agrees to keep mum about an aspect of the Westerley case. And then Tracy Frost disappears! What's going on? Can Tracy be in the murderer's clutches?
The story alternates between the detectives' investigation and the POV of the murderer, who sometimes recalls scenes from childhood and sometimes creepily interacts with abducted victims.
The police query moves along at a steady clip and leads to a surprising and satisfying solution during which Stone must fight for her life.
I enjoyed the book, which is a suspenseful page turner with interesting characters, though some are more fleshed out than others. I especially liked DI Stone, a woman with a troubled past who knows her mind and doesn't take guff from anyone. I always like cute pet characters and got a kick out of Stone's dog Barney, 🐶 who's adept at 'herding' her to the kitchen to fill his food bowl.
I do have a problem with the book, which (in my opinion) has a major flaw in the plot. Rigorous police work and thorough computer searches (I'm looking at you Stacey Wood) would have IMMEDIATELY exposed someone's big lies and a significant connection between two characters. This would have revealed the culprit much sooner. It may be necessary to fudge things a bit for plot purposes, but in real life this would seem like bungling - and it bothered me.
Nevertheless, this is an engaging mystery, recommended to fans of the genre.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author (Angela Marsons), and the publisher (Bookouture) for a copy of this book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
June 18, 2016
I would like to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and Ms. Angela Marsons for an advanced copy of Play Dead in exchange for an unbiased review.
Oh my. Can it possibly be true? Can it, please? YES, it can! Ms. Marsons has again delivered to her loyal readers a masterful thriller with Play Dead, book #4 in the brilliant D.I. Kim Stone series.
Gosh, I am out of superlatives for this author and her books. Time and time again she comes up with a crackerjack plot that totally baffles me and probably the vast majority of her readers (and I went to high school!). She lays out little clues and just when I think I have the answers, I am led off in a totally different direction. The surprises are rampant in this tale; at one point there are three significant little twists within the space of 4 pages. I felt like I was trying to traverse a minefield!
As we do in each installment, we learn even more about Kim and what makes her who she is. Not warm and fuzzy, but someone who I can easily admire and respect and even love. I found the arc involving Kim and obnoxious reporter Tracy Frost to be a highlight. We get more of Barney and Daniel Bate (there’s a little spark there); and her wonderful colleagues Bryant, Stacey and Dawson. A small request—could we learn more about Stacey, Ms. Marsons? I would love to see her fleshed out even more.
As usual, the pace of the story is steady as she goes, and the writing is just excellent.
I thought the author was particularly creative with her red herrings this time around, so readers should take precautions to avoid feeling too impressed with themselves when they think they have things figured out. The ending was killer good. And I think it says something when my eyes filled with tears after the final chapter, not only because of the final scene, but also because I had hit The End.
Downsides to this novel: Are you kidding? None.
Ms. Marsons has easily retained her spot in my very exclusive authors’ shrine. I highly highly highly recommend her books to all readers interested in spectacular plotting and exceptional characterization. Well done, Ms. Marsons!
Oh my. Can it possibly be true? Can it, please? YES, it can! Ms. Marsons has again delivered to her loyal readers a masterful thriller with Play Dead, book #4 in the brilliant D.I. Kim Stone series.
Gosh, I am out of superlatives for this author and her books. Time and time again she comes up with a crackerjack plot that totally baffles me and probably the vast majority of her readers (and I went to high school!). She lays out little clues and just when I think I have the answers, I am led off in a totally different direction. The surprises are rampant in this tale; at one point there are three significant little twists within the space of 4 pages. I felt like I was trying to traverse a minefield!
As we do in each installment, we learn even more about Kim and what makes her who she is. Not warm and fuzzy, but someone who I can easily admire and respect and even love. I found the arc involving Kim and obnoxious reporter Tracy Frost to be a highlight. We get more of Barney and Daniel Bate (there’s a little spark there); and her wonderful colleagues Bryant, Stacey and Dawson. A small request—could we learn more about Stacey, Ms. Marsons? I would love to see her fleshed out even more.
As usual, the pace of the story is steady as she goes, and the writing is just excellent.
I thought the author was particularly creative with her red herrings this time around, so readers should take precautions to avoid feeling too impressed with themselves when they think they have things figured out. The ending was killer good. And I think it says something when my eyes filled with tears after the final chapter, not only because of the final scene, but also because I had hit The End.
Downsides to this novel: Are you kidding? None.
Ms. Marsons has easily retained her spot in my very exclusive authors’ shrine. I highly highly highly recommend her books to all readers interested in spectacular plotting and exceptional characterization. Well done, Ms. Marsons!
November 13, 2016
This story was everything I hoped it would be! With 453 reviews and 3,745 ratings on Goodreads with an average of 4.4 stars what more can I say!! BUY IT!! READ IT!!
Gripping, engaging and hard to put down.
Play Dead was my first D.I. Kim Stone novel and I’m eager to read the preceding three novels and also number five.
If you enjoy gripping suspense thrillers I recommend you read Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone Series.
I received a copy from Bookouture via Netgalley and chose to rate and review.
Gripping, engaging and hard to put down.
Play Dead was my first D.I. Kim Stone novel and I’m eager to read the preceding three novels and also number five.
If you enjoy gripping suspense thrillers I recommend you read Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone Series.
I received a copy from Bookouture via Netgalley and chose to rate and review.
June 20, 2025
I am so glad I am reading this series at last! It just gets better and better with each book.
In book four, Play Dead, someone is getting their revenge for a shocking and humiliating event from their past, with a series of murders. The bodies are left on the site of a body farm for reasons which are a total mystery to the investigators led by D.I. Kim Stone.
Kim is at her very best in this book, snarky, funny, generous and very smart. She picks up leads from the tiniest of clues, and almost solves the case. Only almost as there is a massive twist at the very end which is really exciting. Kim gets a chance to show just how brave she really is.
Really, really good and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
In book four, Play Dead, someone is getting their revenge for a shocking and humiliating event from their past, with a series of murders. The bodies are left on the site of a body farm for reasons which are a total mystery to the investigators led by D.I. Kim Stone.
Kim is at her very best in this book, snarky, funny, generous and very smart. She picks up leads from the tiniest of clues, and almost solves the case. Only almost as there is a massive twist at the very end which is really exciting. Kim gets a chance to show just how brave she really is.
Really, really good and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.
March 16, 2018
Play Dead by Angela Marsons is the 4th book in this outstanding series that will grab you by the coat tails & you wont be able to let go. I only rated this 4 stars due to it being a little slow going for a while, but once you got where the plot was going it was like standby for take off
Play Dead is an awesome novel that centres upon Tracy Frost as the lead character she is kidnapped by a serial killer & her life is at risk i really don't like Tracy that much but her character develops well in the end with Kim, the banter between the two is quite bitchy in a good way, make for a good comrade with the two.
Kim Stone & her team are driven to the end of no return in this dark disturbing series i must say i loved it bought Blood Lines at just 10% which says how this series keeps getting me in with each plot line.
Jemima Lowe was pulled from a tinny van her back landed on the floor as well as her head muscles were severed from her brain, she couldnt control her limbs & was under the effects of drugsthat were ravaging her systemshe knew she was about to die but there was nothing she could do.
Held captive by someone unknown to her his voice chilled her inner coreshe tried to scream but handfulls of dirt were put in her mouth , trying to scream but was paralyzed with fear her body ached in pain she just wanted to end she could not bare any more.
If that doesnt get you in then nothing will there was so much tension throughout this gritty dark crime thriller that you wont want to put it down, Kims character has gone up a notch & she is still fighting her demons but is strong & ballsy, as for Bryant he cracks me up all the time the banter between Kim & himself is a highlight you have to have a lighter side to all the drama that kim & her team are up against all in all another winner for Miss Marsons will read blood lines later down the track.
Play Dead is an awesome novel that centres upon Tracy Frost as the lead character she is kidnapped by a serial killer & her life is at risk i really don't like Tracy that much but her character develops well in the end with Kim, the banter between the two is quite bitchy in a good way, make for a good comrade with the two.
Kim Stone & her team are driven to the end of no return in this dark disturbing series i must say i loved it bought Blood Lines at just 10% which says how this series keeps getting me in with each plot line.
Jemima Lowe was pulled from a tinny van her back landed on the floor as well as her head muscles were severed from her brain, she couldnt control her limbs & was under the effects of drugsthat were ravaging her systemshe knew she was about to die but there was nothing she could do.
Held captive by someone unknown to her his voice chilled her inner coreshe tried to scream but handfulls of dirt were put in her mouth , trying to scream but was paralyzed with fear her body ached in pain she just wanted to end she could not bare any more.
If that doesnt get you in then nothing will there was so much tension throughout this gritty dark crime thriller that you wont want to put it down, Kims character has gone up a notch & she is still fighting her demons but is strong & ballsy, as for Bryant he cracks me up all the time the banter between Kim & himself is a highlight you have to have a lighter side to all the drama that kim & her team are up against all in all another winner for Miss Marsons will read blood lines later down the track.
April 21, 2021
A compulsive and terrifying thriller!
Something hit her in the middle of her face. She heard the sound of cracking bone a second before the pain exploded around her head. Blood spurted from her nose and cascaded over her lips.
The agony travelled to her mouth, causing her to cry out even though she could make no sound. The action sent more dirt travelling down her throat.
Her gag reflex tried to eject it, and she began to choke. She tried to swallow the arid ground, but it was sticking to the sides of her throat like freshly poured tar.
Tears forced themselves from her eyes as she tried to find a breath somewhere in her body.
A second blow landed on her cheek.
Her mind screamed out with the agony.
She writhed against the ground. Her cries of terror were held in the dirt.
A third blow landed on her mouth. Teeth burst away from her gums.
Every inch of her had succumbed to the pain as the calm voice reached her once more.
‘I will no longer see your face in my dreams.’
She had one last thought before the darkness claimed her.
Please, just let me die.
******
Play Dead by Angela Marsons is the fourth book in the DI Kim Stone series.
This series just keeps getting better and better!
With each instalment, we learn a little more about Kim Stone as we get more insight into her past as the series continues and we start to see a bit more softening around the edges of her fierce and determined nature. (Don't tell her I said that!)
The storyline is fraught with terrifying twists around every corner and I was glued to the pages from the start!
Now, on to book five, Blood Lines! What will Kim and her team be up against next??
Something hit her in the middle of her face. She heard the sound of cracking bone a second before the pain exploded around her head. Blood spurted from her nose and cascaded over her lips.
The agony travelled to her mouth, causing her to cry out even though she could make no sound. The action sent more dirt travelling down her throat.
Her gag reflex tried to eject it, and she began to choke. She tried to swallow the arid ground, but it was sticking to the sides of her throat like freshly poured tar.
Tears forced themselves from her eyes as she tried to find a breath somewhere in her body.
A second blow landed on her cheek.
Her mind screamed out with the agony.
She writhed against the ground. Her cries of terror were held in the dirt.
A third blow landed on her mouth. Teeth burst away from her gums.
Every inch of her had succumbed to the pain as the calm voice reached her once more.
‘I will no longer see your face in my dreams.’
She had one last thought before the darkness claimed her.
Please, just let me die.
******
Play Dead by Angela Marsons is the fourth book in the DI Kim Stone series.
This series just keeps getting better and better!
With each instalment, we learn a little more about Kim Stone as we get more insight into her past as the series continues and we start to see a bit more softening around the edges of her fierce and determined nature. (Don't tell her I said that!)
The storyline is fraught with terrifying twists around every corner and I was glued to the pages from the start!
Now, on to book five, Blood Lines! What will Kim and her team be up against next??
May 13, 2016
When Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her partner were sent to Westerley Research Facility for a little instruction on the dead, Kim had no idea they would find a body in the grounds – one that wasn’t part of the research. The horrific image of a young woman who had been brutally murdered was the beginning of a case which tested Kim and her team to their limits. But the determination and stubborn nature of their leader meant they wouldn’t stop until the killer was found…
Kim’s race against time was thwarted by the discovery of another young woman – but this one was still alive; though barely. It seemed the killer had been interrupted by the security guard circling the premises – the young woman was fortunate to be alive, but would she stay that way? Kim and her team were now looking for a serial killer; a meticulous and brutal person who stopped at nothing. Could they find him before another young woman was attacked? And what was the connection between these victims?
The frustration of the team was mounting – and when the abrasive and brash newspaper reporter Tracy Frost disappeared after the first news of the murder broke, Kim – much as she disliked her – knew they had little time. Tracy’s life was on the line…
Wow! Angela Marsons has done it again! Play Dead is #4 in the DI Kim Stone series and is another incredible, heart racing thriller. The plot is excellent, the twists and turns enough to throw everyone off their reading “feet”. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this intense, gritty and mind blowing thriller to all lovers of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
Kim’s race against time was thwarted by the discovery of another young woman – but this one was still alive; though barely. It seemed the killer had been interrupted by the security guard circling the premises – the young woman was fortunate to be alive, but would she stay that way? Kim and her team were now looking for a serial killer; a meticulous and brutal person who stopped at nothing. Could they find him before another young woman was attacked? And what was the connection between these victims?
The frustration of the team was mounting – and when the abrasive and brash newspaper reporter Tracy Frost disappeared after the first news of the murder broke, Kim – much as she disliked her – knew they had little time. Tracy’s life was on the line…
Wow! Angela Marsons has done it again! Play Dead is #4 in the DI Kim Stone series and is another incredible, heart racing thriller. The plot is excellent, the twists and turns enough to throw everyone off their reading “feet”. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this intense, gritty and mind blowing thriller to all lovers of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
January 13, 2018
I like this series, I really do. But I don't LOVE it. It doesn't stay with me like some other series. I don't know why. Maybe it's Kim's character, it's definitely not the writing which is great. I really can't put my finger on it. But I do enjoy it, and for thriller fans this 4th novel surely will not disappoint.
Yes there is yet another serial killer, and it's up to Miss Congeniality Kim and her team to figure out the pieces and put the puzzle together before more people die.
What I really did like about this one was the setting. Utterly fascinating! I never even knew that there were such things as "body farms" but of course it makes total sense. How do the scientists know how long it takes bodies to decompose in numerous settings? Because they test it! Of course! What an original idea for a setting, I was so impressed with it, even though, ewww gross!
I just don't enjoy reading about Kim for some reason. I get she has issues and is all broody because of that, but she annoys me more often than not. I like the other characters, even though I wish there was a bit more spark.
It was a good story, but again, I figured out the twist too early. But I still enjoyed it.
Would I recommend Play Dead?
Yes absolutely! Even though the series doesn't stay with me, it is a good thriller series that every thriller fan will surely enjoy. I will certainly read the others and have no doubt I will enjoy them too.
Big thanks to the author via netgalley for a copy of Play Dead for me to review.
Yes there is yet another serial killer, and it's up to Miss Congeniality Kim and her team to figure out the pieces and put the puzzle together before more people die.
What I really did like about this one was the setting. Utterly fascinating! I never even knew that there were such things as "body farms" but of course it makes total sense. How do the scientists know how long it takes bodies to decompose in numerous settings? Because they test it! Of course! What an original idea for a setting, I was so impressed with it, even though, ewww gross!
I just don't enjoy reading about Kim for some reason. I get she has issues and is all broody because of that, but she annoys me more often than not. I like the other characters, even though I wish there was a bit more spark.
It was a good story, but again, I figured out the twist too early. But I still enjoyed it.
Would I recommend Play Dead?
Yes absolutely! Even though the series doesn't stay with me, it is a good thriller series that every thriller fan will surely enjoy. I will certainly read the others and have no doubt I will enjoy them too.
Big thanks to the author via netgalley for a copy of Play Dead for me to review.
August 20, 2018
Great addition to the D.I. Kim Stone series!
Play Dead is the 4th book in the series by Angela Marsons.
I’m still enjoying the characters, plots and writing in this series. Without a doubt!
It seems like Marsons has found her niche with writing crime detective thrillers. She’s just damn good at it.
Play Dead starts off with D.I. Kim Stone and her detective squad going to the Westerly research facility. This facility is a body farm where human bodies are donated for investigation to help with decomposition and cold cases.
While there, D.I. Kim Stone finds a fresh body that’s not meant to be there. And this is the start of what turns into a race to figure out why these women are being killed and who the actual killer is.
I enjoyed the tension and mystery of who the serial killer was from their POV chapters. Those chapters were very gripping. I thought the ending was a little too convenient with the circumstances of the killer, but I still enjoyed it!
I’m not sure where Marsons plans on taking the character of D.I. Kim Stone. I enjoy reading about characters that grow with the series and I’m hoping for more emotional growth from this character.
Recommended to fans of crime detective thrillers and people that love a great, suspenseful read!
Looking forward to continuing with this series!
Play Dead is the 4th book in the series by Angela Marsons.
I’m still enjoying the characters, plots and writing in this series. Without a doubt!
It seems like Marsons has found her niche with writing crime detective thrillers. She’s just damn good at it.
Play Dead starts off with D.I. Kim Stone and her detective squad going to the Westerly research facility. This facility is a body farm where human bodies are donated for investigation to help with decomposition and cold cases.
While there, D.I. Kim Stone finds a fresh body that’s not meant to be there. And this is the start of what turns into a race to figure out why these women are being killed and who the actual killer is.
I enjoyed the tension and mystery of who the serial killer was from their POV chapters. Those chapters were very gripping. I thought the ending was a little too convenient with the circumstances of the killer, but I still enjoyed it!
I’m not sure where Marsons plans on taking the character of D.I. Kim Stone. I enjoy reading about characters that grow with the series and I’m hoping for more emotional growth from this character.
Recommended to fans of crime detective thrillers and people that love a great, suspenseful read!
Looking forward to continuing with this series!
May 28, 2016
The smart and surly Detective Kim Stone is back, and I honestly can't get enough!
Angela Marsons has done it again...
Not only has she created a strong, independent female lead that is realistic in her flaws, she has once again found a way to put this lead character in the midst of a messy story line that is both fresh and intriguing! (This is my first book I have ever read where the majority of it takes place on a body farm!!) This is the 4th installment in the Kim Stone series, yet it feels just as new as the first.
While Play Dead can read as a stand alone, I highly recommend that this series be read from the start to fully enjoy the background of these richly developed characters. Detective Stone is most certainly the star, but her side kicks bring plenty of depth to each story line and just adds to the whole reading experience.
I am already wondering what could next be in store for Stone and her team-how will Marsons top such a setting as a body farm?! Whatever it will be, I already know it's going to suck me in just like the rest, so bring it on Angela, I'm ready!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Angela Marsons has done it again...
Not only has she created a strong, independent female lead that is realistic in her flaws, she has once again found a way to put this lead character in the midst of a messy story line that is both fresh and intriguing! (This is my first book I have ever read where the majority of it takes place on a body farm!!) This is the 4th installment in the Kim Stone series, yet it feels just as new as the first.
While Play Dead can read as a stand alone, I highly recommend that this series be read from the start to fully enjoy the background of these richly developed characters. Detective Stone is most certainly the star, but her side kicks bring plenty of depth to each story line and just adds to the whole reading experience.
I am already wondering what could next be in store for Stone and her team-how will Marsons top such a setting as a body farm?! Whatever it will be, I already know it's going to suck me in just like the rest, so bring it on Angela, I'm ready!
My thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 30, 2016
Angela Marsons! Your writing is enough to drive a woman crazy! As I read Play Dead, the fourth Kim Stone thriller, I was feeling so darn smug. I was thinking I had this case wrapped up quite early on. But no-oooo! I should have known better. Something happened that changed my mind, and there went my number one suspect. I was left with a gazillion questions, possibilities, and theories. Crazy, I tell you – in a good way! What a thrilling thriller!
While Detective Kim Stone and her team are touring a “body farm” to learn about decomposition, Stone discovers the body of a murdered young woman. Not a bad place to leave a body, but then the killer leaves another, and another – except one woman survives, and that leaves room for hope from D.I. Stone and her crew – and possibly the need for improvising on the part of the killer. My wheels were turning right along with Kim’s as clues were revealed, and I was headed in the right direction…sort of. It was quite fascinating to watch her taking the case apart piece by piece to find the common link between each victim and the killer.
I’m also awed by the way that Ms. Marsons slowly, seamlessly slips in more details about Kim’s past, revealing her deepest fears and sorrows. It explains so much about who she is and how she became the strong, direct, socially guarded person she projects. Time and again, perhaps even more so in this book, we see what a caring heart she has. She empathizes with victims because she truly understands.
There is wit, too, and I found myself laughing out loud in several places. Who knew Kim had a sense of humor? We get to see more of Barney, which I have to think helps soften Kim around the edges a bit. Her team of Bryant, Dawson, and Stacey are loyal and hard working cops, but I’d love to see these characters developed more. Will anything come of the tiny sparks that she now smothers when Daniel Bates comes around? Time will tell. Tracy Frost – I won’t go into detail, but this case could be a game changer in their frosty relationship. It is quintessential Marsons to have written her role in Play Dead the way she did. Well done, Angela!
There are some red herrings, but in the end, I was pleased to know that I got some of it right after all. That big scene caught me by surprise. Of course, I can’t describe, can I? That would be one big spoiler! It was so eerie, so creepy, so Edgar Allan Poe-ish in its setting. Talk about heebie-jeebies! Whew! I give you a five-minute standing ovation for this one, Angela Marsons! Five stars, for sure!
While Detective Kim Stone and her team are touring a “body farm” to learn about decomposition, Stone discovers the body of a murdered young woman. Not a bad place to leave a body, but then the killer leaves another, and another – except one woman survives, and that leaves room for hope from D.I. Stone and her crew – and possibly the need for improvising on the part of the killer. My wheels were turning right along with Kim’s as clues were revealed, and I was headed in the right direction…sort of. It was quite fascinating to watch her taking the case apart piece by piece to find the common link between each victim and the killer.
I’m also awed by the way that Ms. Marsons slowly, seamlessly slips in more details about Kim’s past, revealing her deepest fears and sorrows. It explains so much about who she is and how she became the strong, direct, socially guarded person she projects. Time and again, perhaps even more so in this book, we see what a caring heart she has. She empathizes with victims because she truly understands.
There is wit, too, and I found myself laughing out loud in several places. Who knew Kim had a sense of humor? We get to see more of Barney, which I have to think helps soften Kim around the edges a bit. Her team of Bryant, Dawson, and Stacey are loyal and hard working cops, but I’d love to see these characters developed more. Will anything come of the tiny sparks that she now smothers when Daniel Bates comes around? Time will tell. Tracy Frost – I won’t go into detail, but this case could be a game changer in their frosty relationship. It is quintessential Marsons to have written her role in Play Dead the way she did. Well done, Angela!
There are some red herrings, but in the end, I was pleased to know that I got some of it right after all. That big scene caught me by surprise. Of course, I can’t describe, can I? That would be one big spoiler! It was so eerie, so creepy, so Edgar Allan Poe-ish in its setting. Talk about heebie-jeebies! Whew! I give you a five-minute standing ovation for this one, Angela Marsons! Five stars, for sure!
September 27, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
You get some Body Farm action, murder and revenge and good ol' fashioned police work led by everyone's favourite emotionally stunted detective, Kim Stone. Backed by a familiar cast of characters who bring humanity and support to Stone's gritty determination.
There's a lot of overlapping plot and detail to this novel, something I very much appreciate in mystery writing. There were more details of Stone's personal history, characters you perhaps weren't expecting to see again, and a couple of twists and off-the-wall revelations to really keep it interesting the whole way through.
Fans of the series, or genre in general, will no doubt like/love this. I'm just looking for a little more of Stone's future and less of her past. Evolve, bitch!
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
book source: Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for a review
You get some Body Farm action, murder and revenge and good ol' fashioned police work led by everyone's favourite emotionally stunted detective, Kim Stone. Backed by a familiar cast of characters who bring humanity and support to Stone's gritty determination.
There's a lot of overlapping plot and detail to this novel, something I very much appreciate in mystery writing. There were more details of Stone's personal history, characters you perhaps weren't expecting to see again, and a couple of twists and off-the-wall revelations to really keep it interesting the whole way through.
Fans of the series, or genre in general, will no doubt like/love this. I'm just looking for a little more of Stone's future and less of her past. Evolve, bitch!
⭐⭐⭐½ | 3.5 stars rounded up
book source: Bookouture via Netgalley in exchange for a review
October 3, 2018
Another fantastic read from Angela marson.a woman body was found,another alive but no memory then a third.kim stone on the case loved the ending the most.cant wait for more.highly recommend.
May 8, 2016
Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers and to Angela Marson's for an ARC copy of Inspector Kim Stone's number 4 Play Dead
The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen!
The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess.
Westerley research facility is not for the faint-hearted. A ‘body farm’ investigating human decomposition, its inhabitants are corpses in various states of decay. But when Detective Kim Stone and her team discover the fresh body of a young woman, it seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover to bury their crime.
Then a second girl is attacked and left for dead, her body drugged and mouth filled with soil. It’s clear to Stone and the team that a serial killer is at work – but just how many bodies will they uncover? And who is next?
As local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, the stakes are raised. The past seems to hold the key to the killer’s secrets – but can Kim uncover the truth before a twisted, damaged mind claims another victim …?
Another great book by Angela Marsons, that brings another powerful and chilling story and gripping thriller that you just cannot stop reading and keeps you guessing all the way.
DI Kim Stone is not the most likeable character, but she is an excellent police detective and goes to all lengths to solve a crime. Her trusty team back her up with total faith, and Bryant knows his boss so well that he manages (some of the time) and this often leads to the great comical parts of the book, especially the car parking reference in the supermarket, we know Stone is not the most tactful of people and Bryant is just so perfect as second in charge, with their relationship such a great part of all four books, but as we get to know the team better with each book, their characters get stronger, and the banter does as well.
Some great twists and turns, and I guessed completely the wrong person, and this powerful story came to inclusion with many shocks.
Angela Marsons is fast becoming THE one to watch in this genre ,and one of the best British thriller writers alongside Sharon Bolton, Mel Sherratt in this psychological/crime thriller genre.
The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen!
The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess.
Westerley research facility is not for the faint-hearted. A ‘body farm’ investigating human decomposition, its inhabitants are corpses in various states of decay. But when Detective Kim Stone and her team discover the fresh body of a young woman, it seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover to bury their crime.
Then a second girl is attacked and left for dead, her body drugged and mouth filled with soil. It’s clear to Stone and the team that a serial killer is at work – but just how many bodies will they uncover? And who is next?
As local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, the stakes are raised. The past seems to hold the key to the killer’s secrets – but can Kim uncover the truth before a twisted, damaged mind claims another victim …?
Another great book by Angela Marsons, that brings another powerful and chilling story and gripping thriller that you just cannot stop reading and keeps you guessing all the way.
DI Kim Stone is not the most likeable character, but she is an excellent police detective and goes to all lengths to solve a crime. Her trusty team back her up with total faith, and Bryant knows his boss so well that he manages (some of the time) and this often leads to the great comical parts of the book, especially the car parking reference in the supermarket, we know Stone is not the most tactful of people and Bryant is just so perfect as second in charge, with their relationship such a great part of all four books, but as we get to know the team better with each book, their characters get stronger, and the banter does as well.
Some great twists and turns, and I guessed completely the wrong person, and this powerful story came to inclusion with many shocks.
Angela Marsons is fast becoming THE one to watch in this genre ,and one of the best British thriller writers alongside Sharon Bolton, Mel Sherratt in this psychological/crime thriller genre.
May 19, 2016
The fourth book I’ve read in Angela Marson’s series that revolves around detective Kim Stone, and it’s the fourth step-up in quality: character development, pacing and plot. They just get better, which is partly due to the masterful way the author filters in back-story, particularly in relation to character development. I imagine Marson’s had already outlined her characters fully before typing the first word of book one, and if so, it would have been very easy to tumble everything about her characters into that first book. The magic of this series though, is the way in which the characters develop throughout each of the books with skilful placing of the correct amount of information at the most appropriate time. As a reader, I feel as if I am getting to know these characters as one would get to know real people in real life. It adds to the believability of the unfolding tale and encourages reader investment to a high degree.
Not going to go into the plot, save to say it twists and unravels with brilliant intrigue and tension. This can be read as a stand alone, but would certainly be best read in order, for the character development alone. I highly recommended this book, as I have the three that precede it, and I for one can’t wait for book five of the series.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me a review copy of this book.
Not going to go into the plot, save to say it twists and unravels with brilliant intrigue and tension. This can be read as a stand alone, but would certainly be best read in order, for the character development alone. I highly recommended this book, as I have the three that precede it, and I for one can’t wait for book five of the series.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for gifting me a review copy of this book.
May 15, 2016
Wow, with this fourth book in her Kim Stone series, Angela Marsons just keeps getting better and better. What a creepy idea for a series of murdered corpses to be found at a body farm but it really works. Why they are there and why they were murdered is even creepier and I think Ms Marsons had a lot of fun writing this one. DI Kim Stone is as prickly as ever, but fortunately it's her toughness that counts in solving these crimes, not her underdeveloped social skills. Her favourite journalist Tracy Frost is also back and we learn a bit more about her background and almost start to like her.
With witty and often sassy dialogue, the writing is crisp, clean and well paced and there are enough twists to stop you from putting the book down. The killer turns out to be one of the most psychologically damaged characters I have seen crafted in a thriller for quite a while. Highly recommended for all lovers of thrillers, although you may want to start at the fist book in the series to get to know Kim.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital copy of the book to read and review
With witty and often sassy dialogue, the writing is crisp, clean and well paced and there are enough twists to stop you from putting the book down. The killer turns out to be one of the most psychologically damaged characters I have seen crafted in a thriller for quite a while. Highly recommended for all lovers of thrillers, although you may want to start at the fist book in the series to get to know Kim.
With thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for a digital copy of the book to read and review
October 10, 2017
A little over a year ago I picked up my Kindle and began reading a book by a then unknown to me author called Angela Marsons. I started it hoping for an enjoyable read after a brilliant marketing campaign carried out by Bookouture, and it certainly sounded like my kind of book. I had no idea that in a year's time I would be reading the fourth book from that same author and citing her as now being in my Top 3 Crime Authors of all time. I often worry whether it comes across just how much I enjoy this series, but I think that the fact it often takes years for an author to become a favourite, and that Angela is already in my Top 3, should hopefully make it clear just how special an author she is, and just how much I love the character of DI Kim Stone. These four books have been some of the best, most addictive crime fiction that I have ever read and between Angie and Chris Carter, I am almost scared to read their books because they set the bar impossibly high for other authors.
I've said it in the past but one of the things I particularly like about this series is how different each book has been from the last and how each story offers something unique. Whether that be a shockingly believable insight into the mind of a ruthless sociopath, a decades old cover-up finally being uncovered or families torn apart by one of the worst crimes imaginable. Sometimes a series can become stale and repetitive with the same tired stories being churned out disguised with a different plot, that is absolutely not the case in Play Dead as Angie once again offers something different, but also continues with that winning formula she has achieved with her earlier books. I'm not going to compare Play Dead too much with the earlier books except to say that it was one of the more fascinating reads, certainly in the opening which was one of Angie's most atmospheric. Angie has a way of writing that places you within the scene you are reading, she is a writer who makes you feel like a witness as opposed to a detached reader just reading words on a page. It can be uncomfortable reading at times, but it is always compelling and I defy anyone to turn away from the page. I was glued to this book.
Kim Stone. I'm not sure what else I can say about this woman except I adore her. As I've said in the past, she isn't the most instantly likeable character because she can come across as a bit standoffish, cold and ruthless and whilst I probably wouldn't want her as a boss, these are the things that ultimately make her such an enjoyable character to read about and her skills as a detective are what have made her become my favourite fictional female detective of all time, move over Tennison. And that, is something I never thought I would say in a million years. Lynda La Plante is the reason I love crime fiction so much and whilst there are many differences between Lynda and Angie, Kim and Jane Tennison, all four are the reasons that crime will always be my favourite genre. Talking similarities, I enjoy Lynda's books because of how believable the procedural element is, and how her characters behave in and out of the squad room and the same is true of this series. The team that Angie has created for this series is just one of my absolute favourites. They work brilliantly together, know each others flaws, and they have believable banter and camaraderie and, as you read, you feel like a part of the team yourself. There's always lots of light relief alongside the heavier stuff which is needed in a crime novel and we are given that relief from Kim and her investigative team.
Kim is an endlessly fascinating character to read about and her continuing character development is intriguing to witness and the way her backstory is interwoven seamlessly into the plot is brilliant. She's a character I genuinely care about as if I know her in real life. Her emotions are felt by the reader. At times you almost want to reach in and give her a hug, at the same time knowing she would never accept it. That said, to look at the Kim from Silent Scream and compare her with this one, you can see the changes that she is going through emotionally and this is some of my favourite ever character development and not just within the crime genre. Detectives who refuse to play by the book in crime fiction are commonplace, but Kim's doesn't give a shit attitude when it comes to things like ignoring the rule book and not listening to her superiors somehow manages to feel new and quite refreshing. Her ruthlessness is what makes her such a good detective, and her passion and need to solve a case, whether it's to apprehend a murderer or to bring a missing person home, is the reason why the reader is right alongside her from the very first page cheering her on. It's heartstopping stuff at times as I was reading this book I genuinely did become oblivious to what was happening in the outside world around me. Whilst I was reading this book, nothing else mattered.
I think this is the longest review/essay I have written where I have barely even got around to mentioning the plot but I don't even want to do the obligatory rehashing of the blurb. I will just say that once again Angie has written a truly gripping and, at times, terrifying story. Gripping because from the word go I wanted to know why bodies were being dumped on a research facility that looked into the effect of things like insects and environmental elements on bodies after death (the bodies having been donated for research) which just, if I'm honest, repulsed me. Again though, hugely fascinating and a truly atmospheric place to use for the dumping of bodies. Angie uses some descriptive and vivid writing which means that these uncomfortable scenes will remain in my memory for a while longer yet. And it was terrifying because once again it was a believable insight into some damaged minds and this time around it was scary because I never knew just what, or who, to believe and as the book moved along at a thrilling pace, I had some ideas knocking around in my mind and this time around I was probably about 40% correct. The other 60% creeped up on me, jumped out and well and truly slapped me on the face with a brilliant twist near the end.
Aside from putting this book into the hands of potential readers and forcing them to read it, I'm not sure what else I can say about Angie, Kim Stone or this series to convince the one (or possibly two) person who is yet to discover it to pick it up. Crime is a popular genre, but with popular genres comes many throwaway reads. Reads that you read and forget about almost instantly as you move onto the next one. As with any form of entertainment, that's not always a bad thing but that's not the case with this series. I can remember Silent Scream as vividly as if I read it yesterday. The sociopath from Evil Games is someone that still gives me chills to think about now and the families of Lost Girls still remain in my thoughts each time I pick up a book about missing children or read about them in the news. That's because these books feel real. The characters feel real. They, and the plot twists live on in my mind and I'm always wondering when I will be able to find the time to give them a reread because that's how good they are. You only have to look at the praise this series and author gets across social media and Amazon. Praise that is nothing but genuine and deserved and with the current discussions about reviews and their credibility, I couldn't be telling the truth more than when I say these books are some of the best crime fiction I have ever read. If you are yet to read them, please, go and do so right away. Play Dead is my Top Crime Novel of 2016 and I can see it becoming many other peoples' too. Just an absolutely flawless, faultless read and I cannot wait to read more from Angie and Kim.
I've said it in the past but one of the things I particularly like about this series is how different each book has been from the last and how each story offers something unique. Whether that be a shockingly believable insight into the mind of a ruthless sociopath, a decades old cover-up finally being uncovered or families torn apart by one of the worst crimes imaginable. Sometimes a series can become stale and repetitive with the same tired stories being churned out disguised with a different plot, that is absolutely not the case in Play Dead as Angie once again offers something different, but also continues with that winning formula she has achieved with her earlier books. I'm not going to compare Play Dead too much with the earlier books except to say that it was one of the more fascinating reads, certainly in the opening which was one of Angie's most atmospheric. Angie has a way of writing that places you within the scene you are reading, she is a writer who makes you feel like a witness as opposed to a detached reader just reading words on a page. It can be uncomfortable reading at times, but it is always compelling and I defy anyone to turn away from the page. I was glued to this book.
Kim Stone. I'm not sure what else I can say about this woman except I adore her. As I've said in the past, she isn't the most instantly likeable character because she can come across as a bit standoffish, cold and ruthless and whilst I probably wouldn't want her as a boss, these are the things that ultimately make her such an enjoyable character to read about and her skills as a detective are what have made her become my favourite fictional female detective of all time, move over Tennison. And that, is something I never thought I would say in a million years. Lynda La Plante is the reason I love crime fiction so much and whilst there are many differences between Lynda and Angie, Kim and Jane Tennison, all four are the reasons that crime will always be my favourite genre. Talking similarities, I enjoy Lynda's books because of how believable the procedural element is, and how her characters behave in and out of the squad room and the same is true of this series. The team that Angie has created for this series is just one of my absolute favourites. They work brilliantly together, know each others flaws, and they have believable banter and camaraderie and, as you read, you feel like a part of the team yourself. There's always lots of light relief alongside the heavier stuff which is needed in a crime novel and we are given that relief from Kim and her investigative team.
Kim is an endlessly fascinating character to read about and her continuing character development is intriguing to witness and the way her backstory is interwoven seamlessly into the plot is brilliant. She's a character I genuinely care about as if I know her in real life. Her emotions are felt by the reader. At times you almost want to reach in and give her a hug, at the same time knowing she would never accept it. That said, to look at the Kim from Silent Scream and compare her with this one, you can see the changes that she is going through emotionally and this is some of my favourite ever character development and not just within the crime genre. Detectives who refuse to play by the book in crime fiction are commonplace, but Kim's doesn't give a shit attitude when it comes to things like ignoring the rule book and not listening to her superiors somehow manages to feel new and quite refreshing. Her ruthlessness is what makes her such a good detective, and her passion and need to solve a case, whether it's to apprehend a murderer or to bring a missing person home, is the reason why the reader is right alongside her from the very first page cheering her on. It's heartstopping stuff at times as I was reading this book I genuinely did become oblivious to what was happening in the outside world around me. Whilst I was reading this book, nothing else mattered.
I think this is the longest review/essay I have written where I have barely even got around to mentioning the plot but I don't even want to do the obligatory rehashing of the blurb. I will just say that once again Angie has written a truly gripping and, at times, terrifying story. Gripping because from the word go I wanted to know why bodies were being dumped on a research facility that looked into the effect of things like insects and environmental elements on bodies after death (the bodies having been donated for research) which just, if I'm honest, repulsed me. Again though, hugely fascinating and a truly atmospheric place to use for the dumping of bodies. Angie uses some descriptive and vivid writing which means that these uncomfortable scenes will remain in my memory for a while longer yet. And it was terrifying because once again it was a believable insight into some damaged minds and this time around it was scary because I never knew just what, or who, to believe and as the book moved along at a thrilling pace, I had some ideas knocking around in my mind and this time around I was probably about 40% correct. The other 60% creeped up on me, jumped out and well and truly slapped me on the face with a brilliant twist near the end.
Aside from putting this book into the hands of potential readers and forcing them to read it, I'm not sure what else I can say about Angie, Kim Stone or this series to convince the one (or possibly two) person who is yet to discover it to pick it up. Crime is a popular genre, but with popular genres comes many throwaway reads. Reads that you read and forget about almost instantly as you move onto the next one. As with any form of entertainment, that's not always a bad thing but that's not the case with this series. I can remember Silent Scream as vividly as if I read it yesterday. The sociopath from Evil Games is someone that still gives me chills to think about now and the families of Lost Girls still remain in my thoughts each time I pick up a book about missing children or read about them in the news. That's because these books feel real. The characters feel real. They, and the plot twists live on in my mind and I'm always wondering when I will be able to find the time to give them a reread because that's how good they are. You only have to look at the praise this series and author gets across social media and Amazon. Praise that is nothing but genuine and deserved and with the current discussions about reviews and their credibility, I couldn't be telling the truth more than when I say these books are some of the best crime fiction I have ever read. If you are yet to read them, please, go and do so right away. Play Dead is my Top Crime Novel of 2016 and I can see it becoming many other peoples' too. Just an absolutely flawless, faultless read and I cannot wait to read more from Angie and Kim.
May 11, 2016
DI Kim Stone and her team are sent to Westerley Reasearch .. otherwise known as a 'body farm'. They are all treated to the scenes of bodies in different stages of decomp ... but there is one body that doesn't quite belong.
The body of this young woman is a recent kill .. her face has been bashed in, dirt stuffed down her throat.
A second girl is attacked and left for dead .... the back of her head bashed in, dirt stuffed down her throat. Seems like there's a serial killer on the loose and the body farm is his dumping ground.
How many more bodies will be found? And who's next?
I love the character of Kim Stone .. probably because she is so unlikable. She's abrasive, she's rude, but no one can say that she's not good at her job, good at standing up for the victims. Her team are great people .. and although they've all been the target of Kim's anger at one time or another, there is no one they would rather work with.
This is really a terrific series! I sincerely suggest that if you like a good mystery, cop thriller, you should start at Book 1 and read them in order. They are all good as stand-alones, no cliff hangers at all. Just plain good reading.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
The body of this young woman is a recent kill .. her face has been bashed in, dirt stuffed down her throat.
A second girl is attacked and left for dead .... the back of her head bashed in, dirt stuffed down her throat. Seems like there's a serial killer on the loose and the body farm is his dumping ground.
How many more bodies will be found? And who's next?
I love the character of Kim Stone .. probably because she is so unlikable. She's abrasive, she's rude, but no one can say that she's not good at her job, good at standing up for the victims. Her team are great people .. and although they've all been the target of Kim's anger at one time or another, there is no one they would rather work with.
This is really a terrific series! I sincerely suggest that if you like a good mystery, cop thriller, you should start at Book 1 and read them in order. They are all good as stand-alones, no cliff hangers at all. Just plain good reading.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
April 24, 2016
I am not a new reader of Angela Marsons and have read all of her previous books enjoying them immensely so I had no hesitation in reading this latest novel by this talented author.
This is the 4th book in the DI Kim Stone series and it continues with the same high standard as the previous three. DI Kim Stone is a no nonsense detective with a bucket full of attitude and makes this series great entertainment.
This case takes us to Westerley Research Facility which is a body farm, where human decomposition is studied using donated corpses that are left in varying states of decay. But when a young woman's body is discovered at Westerley, that is not part of their experiments, it appears a killer has found the ideal place to hide their crime.
This is such a strong series and it is difficult to believe that it is written by such a new author. The books are of a consistently high standard and are written in a styly that makes them difficult to put down. This is another winner and I can't wait for the next book.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This is the 4th book in the DI Kim Stone series and it continues with the same high standard as the previous three. DI Kim Stone is a no nonsense detective with a bucket full of attitude and makes this series great entertainment.
This case takes us to Westerley Research Facility which is a body farm, where human decomposition is studied using donated corpses that are left in varying states of decay. But when a young woman's body is discovered at Westerley, that is not part of their experiments, it appears a killer has found the ideal place to hide their crime.
This is such a strong series and it is difficult to believe that it is written by such a new author. The books are of a consistently high standard and are written in a styly that makes them difficult to put down. This is another winner and I can't wait for the next book.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
January 6, 2021
Everything about this series entices me in . . . multiple plotlines, complicated cases, list of red herring villains, and a main character leading her team of misfit officers in a unique, unconventional way. Once I read page one, I was hooked until I read the last one. Raw, graphic, heartbreaking scenes that only serve to fuel DI Kim Stone to work harder as she reads the signs, combs through the evidence and forms ideas that lead her deeper into a case. Highly recommended to fans of mystery suspense thrillers.
June 9, 2016
Play Dead is another super-duper crime thriller by Angela Marsons.
I loved the storyline. Firstly, the body farm, oh my goodness. I didn’t even know they existed. You learn something new every day. It was like a horror version of Springwatch (I’m still coming to terms with this).
The topic of school bullying and the impact it had on those involved was interesting. A few names of bullies came to mind while I was reading this, making it impossible for me not to get emotionally involved.
I found the history of the killer both fascinating and heart breaking. Life can be so unfair to some people, and the damage caused by those who are meant to love and protect that person, can be shocking and sickening. This book triggered strong emotions while I was reading it, and my thoughts and feelings were quite torn at times, but I think I would have to agree with Kim Stone’s view on this matter.
Thank goodness it didn’t take too long to read this, as the dreams I was having while reading it were most bizarre. The first night I had a dream about a giant spider with a skull pattern on its body coming through a hole in my kitchen floor. The second night, I had a dream about having to remove dead bodies from walls of a military ship to stop it sinking as quickly. It’s probably a good job I don’t read crime novels too often, otherwise the men in white coats will be taking me away, and I won’t be able to write reviews, like this one.
If you enjoyed any of the earlier books in this series, you’ll love this one. Bring on book 5. Book 2 (Evil Games) is probably still my favourite in this series, but only just, as book 4 follows closely in second place.
I would like to thank the publisher, Bookouture for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the storyline. Firstly, the body farm, oh my goodness. I didn’t even know they existed. You learn something new every day. It was like a horror version of Springwatch (I’m still coming to terms with this).
The topic of school bullying and the impact it had on those involved was interesting. A few names of bullies came to mind while I was reading this, making it impossible for me not to get emotionally involved.
I found the history of the killer both fascinating and heart breaking. Life can be so unfair to some people, and the damage caused by those who are meant to love and protect that person, can be shocking and sickening. This book triggered strong emotions while I was reading it, and my thoughts and feelings were quite torn at times, but I think I would have to agree with Kim Stone’s view on this matter.
Thank goodness it didn’t take too long to read this, as the dreams I was having while reading it were most bizarre. The first night I had a dream about a giant spider with a skull pattern on its body coming through a hole in my kitchen floor. The second night, I had a dream about having to remove dead bodies from walls of a military ship to stop it sinking as quickly. It’s probably a good job I don’t read crime novels too often, otherwise the men in white coats will be taking me away, and I won’t be able to write reviews, like this one.
If you enjoyed any of the earlier books in this series, you’ll love this one. Bring on book 5. Book 2 (Evil Games) is probably still my favourite in this series, but only just, as book 4 follows closely in second place.
I would like to thank the publisher, Bookouture for allowing me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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