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D.I. Kim Stone #2
Nos monstres
Brutal, addictif et extrêmement brillant, un thriller psychologique d'envergure qui fouille les recoins les plus sombres de l'âme humaine, à la recherche de ces monstres qui nous habitent.
Un homme est retrouvé mort à la sortie d'un pub des Midlands, son corps lacéré de coups de couteau. Un ex-taulard, condamné pour viol. Chargée de l'affaire, l'inspectrice Kim Stone débusque rapidement la coupable : Ruth, une ancienne victime. Simple vengeance ? Sauf que quelque chose ne colle pas.
Pour comprendre les raisons de ce passage à l'acte, la policière se tourne vers Alex Thorne, une psychiatre reconnue qui suivait Ruth depuis des mois.
Dès lors, leurs chemins n'en finissent plus de se croiser. D'autres meurtres vengeurs, sauvages, d'autres assassins aux profils inattendus, avec un lien en commun : Alex Thorne.
Que se passe-t-il dans le cabinet du Dr Thorne ? Quelle thérapie propose-t-elle à ses patients ? Et pourquoi Kim se sent-elle menacée par cette psychiatre qui semble si bien la connaître ?
Un homme est retrouvé mort à la sortie d'un pub des Midlands, son corps lacéré de coups de couteau. Un ex-taulard, condamné pour viol. Chargée de l'affaire, l'inspectrice Kim Stone débusque rapidement la coupable : Ruth, une ancienne victime. Simple vengeance ? Sauf que quelque chose ne colle pas.
Pour comprendre les raisons de ce passage à l'acte, la policière se tourne vers Alex Thorne, une psychiatre reconnue qui suivait Ruth depuis des mois.
Dès lors, leurs chemins n'en finissent plus de se croiser. D'autres meurtres vengeurs, sauvages, d'autres assassins aux profils inattendus, avec un lien en commun : Alex Thorne.
Que se passe-t-il dans le cabinet du Dr Thorne ? Quelle thérapie propose-t-elle à ses patients ? Et pourquoi Kim se sent-elle menacée par cette psychiatre qui semble si bien la connaître ?
366 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2015
3721 people are currently reading
7744 people want to read
About the author
Angela Marsons
45 books4,957 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 1,975 reviews
February 26, 2021
She did it, she absolutely did it! Angela Marsons followed up her first D.I. Kim Stone book with something that is even better, I honestly did not think that was possible. This book makes for fantastic reading and officially Angela is up there with my top crime writers world wide without a doubt. Stunning work! I didn't think she could top the first book but she has.
Where do I start with this one? Let me lay the foundations for you first:
When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim soon finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal.
The plot in this book was breathtakingly clever, it had me on the edge of me seat, nerves jangling at times, waiting for what comes next. This is what you call a true page turner, no doubt about it. For me the book is crime fiction but has a mix of psychological thriller mixed in, totally perfect combination. Brilliant, just brilliant writing, taut, intelligent, readable, suburb.
I love, love, love D.I. Kim Stone even more, she is so bloody flawed herself which makes her role so interesting. She is not a cardboard cutout cop like many crime books have, she is different, she has her own demons and they don't always stay away on the job. In this book more of her is revealed as she goes head to head with a sociopath that is relentless. She is one exceptionally written character that is growing as the series progresses. I loved her even more in this book than the first.
This book outlines (scarily) the manipulation and evil that a true Sociopath is, what a character you are going to love to hate. I am not even going to tell you who the character is, just that again, terribly well developed and interesting. Angela Marsons has a knack for making her characters really "pop" out of the book.
The plot is fantastic, it's intriguing and different from the start, can't recall a crime book like it in recent years, I loved turning the pages to find it was taking me around yet another corner. With the right amount of red herrings thrown in to make you think you have bits of it worked out, you will be hanging on to your hat by the last few chapters.
The book has some disturbing scenes, some emotional scenes, some horrific scenes (nothing to really freak out about), but it gives the book a tense darkness that I absolutely loved. No light and fluffy stuff here, we are getting into the psyche of the human mind and shining a torch in every single corner. Absolutely brilliant reading, could not fault it. Some scenes had me holding my breath.
A winner yet again for talented author Angela Marsons, who was just BORN to write these books, why did she take so long? I cannot wait for book three, I am a huge fan. Five huge paw prints from Booklover Catlady. You cannot go wrong with this one. Just read it. Trust me. Meow!
For more of my reviews, bookish things, giveaways and more go to:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Thanks so much to the publisher and author for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
Where do I start with this one? Let me lay the foundations for you first:
When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim soon finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal.
The plot in this book was breathtakingly clever, it had me on the edge of me seat, nerves jangling at times, waiting for what comes next. This is what you call a true page turner, no doubt about it. For me the book is crime fiction but has a mix of psychological thriller mixed in, totally perfect combination. Brilliant, just brilliant writing, taut, intelligent, readable, suburb.
I love, love, love D.I. Kim Stone even more, she is so bloody flawed herself which makes her role so interesting. She is not a cardboard cutout cop like many crime books have, she is different, she has her own demons and they don't always stay away on the job. In this book more of her is revealed as she goes head to head with a sociopath that is relentless. She is one exceptionally written character that is growing as the series progresses. I loved her even more in this book than the first.
This book outlines (scarily) the manipulation and evil that a true Sociopath is, what a character you are going to love to hate. I am not even going to tell you who the character is, just that again, terribly well developed and interesting. Angela Marsons has a knack for making her characters really "pop" out of the book.
The plot is fantastic, it's intriguing and different from the start, can't recall a crime book like it in recent years, I loved turning the pages to find it was taking me around yet another corner. With the right amount of red herrings thrown in to make you think you have bits of it worked out, you will be hanging on to your hat by the last few chapters.
The book has some disturbing scenes, some emotional scenes, some horrific scenes (nothing to really freak out about), but it gives the book a tense darkness that I absolutely loved. No light and fluffy stuff here, we are getting into the psyche of the human mind and shining a torch in every single corner. Absolutely brilliant reading, could not fault it. Some scenes had me holding my breath.
A winner yet again for talented author Angela Marsons, who was just BORN to write these books, why did she take so long? I cannot wait for book three, I am a huge fan. Five huge paw prints from Booklover Catlady. You cannot go wrong with this one. Just read it. Trust me. Meow!
For more of my reviews, bookish things, giveaways and more go to:
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
Thanks so much to the publisher and author for an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
June 26, 2017
Yet another wonderful traveling sister read with with my 2 favorite Canadian sisters - Norma and Brenda!
We all enjoyed the first book so much we couldn't wait to dive into book two. I couldn't have imagined this book surpassing number one... But it did in leaps and bounds! Our reading goals for the day kept changing because none of us had the willpower to put it down. (Just try and stop us!) We constantly made plans to just chat about our progress in the evening, but found ourselves chirping back and forth all day long with every twist the book took. Such fun!
We will definitely continue on to book three in the very near future.
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
We all enjoyed the first book so much we couldn't wait to dive into book two. I couldn't have imagined this book surpassing number one... But it did in leaps and bounds! Our reading goals for the day kept changing because none of us had the willpower to put it down. (Just try and stop us!) We constantly made plans to just chat about our progress in the evening, but found ourselves chirping back and forth all day long with every twist the book took. Such fun!
We will definitely continue on to book three in the very near future.
For our full traveling sister review please visit Norma and Brenda's fantastic book blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
July 2, 2017
Traveling Sisters Review by NORMA, BRENDA and KACEEY!!
Oh my goodness this was even better than the first book, SILENT SCREAMS!!!
EVIL GAMES (DI KIM STONE #2) by ANGELA MARSONS is an action-packed, dark, chilling, interesting, and suspenseful psychological thriller that had us all flipping those pages as fast as we could. What an extremely fitting and wonderful title for this book…..it was perfect!!
DI Kim Stone is back here in a thrilling cat and mouse game with one of the best, cunning, unique, and interesting sociopaths we have ever read. At first we thought Kim has met her match but soon learned our sociopath has met hers. We were on the edge of our seats rooting for our favourite detective. That's not the only case Kim was working on as upon opening the book we were quickly introduced to Kim and her team capturing a despicable and disgusting child molester. A case that appears to be solved but of course there is more here than meets the eye!
ANGELA MARSONS delivers another complex and layered story here and has created a scary mind-blowing sociopath who is such a good character that we disliked so much but on the other-hand loved. What an awesome and complex villain she made.
DI Kim Stone continues to fascinate us and has us laughing out loud with her wicked sense of humor. We enjoyed getting to know her a little more and were heartbroken as we learned more about her dark sad past. We loved how Marsons gave us a glimpse of Kim’s soft side and vulnerable side as we could see her reactions and feelings as she related to and cared for the victims in her cases.
After being off our game for Silent Scream, we all had our game on going into Evil Games and we were all ready for the twists and turns. We all started out strong with Brenda picking up on Alex’s evil games first and Norma and Kaceey right behind piecing things together. Kaceey figuring out the big reveal early on with Norma right behind her picking up on one of the major clues while Brenda was twirling around in left field by herself. With some confusion on all the sisters parts we were able to piece together who done it (not twirling Brenda) and our sociopaths's games making us all feeling quite proud of our gameplay. Sure made for some interesting and fun discussions.
We are definitely keeping our game on and are looking forward to the action-packed race against time as DI Stone tackles her next case in book three.
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Oh my goodness this was even better than the first book, SILENT SCREAMS!!!
EVIL GAMES (DI KIM STONE #2) by ANGELA MARSONS is an action-packed, dark, chilling, interesting, and suspenseful psychological thriller that had us all flipping those pages as fast as we could. What an extremely fitting and wonderful title for this book…..it was perfect!!
DI Kim Stone is back here in a thrilling cat and mouse game with one of the best, cunning, unique, and interesting sociopaths we have ever read. At first we thought Kim has met her match but soon learned our sociopath has met hers. We were on the edge of our seats rooting for our favourite detective. That's not the only case Kim was working on as upon opening the book we were quickly introduced to Kim and her team capturing a despicable and disgusting child molester. A case that appears to be solved but of course there is more here than meets the eye!
ANGELA MARSONS delivers another complex and layered story here and has created a scary mind-blowing sociopath who is such a good character that we disliked so much but on the other-hand loved. What an awesome and complex villain she made.
DI Kim Stone continues to fascinate us and has us laughing out loud with her wicked sense of humor. We enjoyed getting to know her a little more and were heartbroken as we learned more about her dark sad past. We loved how Marsons gave us a glimpse of Kim’s soft side and vulnerable side as we could see her reactions and feelings as she related to and cared for the victims in her cases.
After being off our game for Silent Scream, we all had our game on going into Evil Games and we were all ready for the twists and turns. We all started out strong with Brenda picking up on Alex’s evil games first and Norma and Kaceey right behind piecing things together. Kaceey figuring out the big reveal early on with Norma right behind her picking up on one of the major clues while Brenda was twirling around in left field by herself. With some confusion on all the sisters parts we were able to piece together who done it (not twirling Brenda) and our sociopaths's games making us all feeling quite proud of our gameplay. Sure made for some interesting and fun discussions.
We are definitely keeping our game on and are looking forward to the action-packed race against time as DI Stone tackles her next case in book three.
All of our Traveling Sister Reads Reviews can be found on our blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
June 18, 2016
I want to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and Ms. Angela Marsons for providing me with an ARC of Evil Games in exchange for an unbiased review.
Who is this Angela Marsons and where did she come from? The year is not even half over and we have not one, but two brilliant books from this incredible new thriller writer. I was hoping Evil Games would be close in excellence to Silent Scream. Darned if it isn’t better.
Evil Games grabbed me right from the first sentence (not kidding) and held me tight until the end. First of all, what a perfect title you have given this novel, Ms. Marsons. The bad people in this book are truly despicable; the “games” they play are beyond contempt. I hated these people (this is good). In contrast, I was so happy to revisit the ultra complex Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her partner Bryant. We are also treated to a deeper look into Kim’s past; she is a hard nut to crack and can come off as not at all likeable, though she is highly respected by her colleagues. Despite her lack of social skills, I love her as well as the nonromantic relationship she has with Bryant. It was also affirming to see the touching relationships Kim was able to develop with a couple of minor characters.
The premise of the book is unique and very cerebral; I was simply fascinated. I developed goosies when it became apparent that Ms. Marsons was setting up a battle between two very strong, highly intelligent women. And what a battle it is! The author must have researched extensively to get it right. Major props for that, Ms. Marsons. Major props.
The prose is not complex, which is generally what I like in a thriller. This along with the short chapters propels the story along at a rapid pace, befitting the high-caliber thriller it is. I do not want to delve any further into the storyline as it is best to go into this book cold.
So who is this Angela Marsons? Angela Marsons is a British author who is now a heavy hitter in the crime fiction/thriller genre. If you have not yet read Silent Scream, read it. Read it now. Then read Evil Games. You will not be sorry. I cannot wait for the next book in this exceptional series.
Angela Marsons. Do. Not. Forget. This. Name.
Who is this Angela Marsons and where did she come from? The year is not even half over and we have not one, but two brilliant books from this incredible new thriller writer. I was hoping Evil Games would be close in excellence to Silent Scream. Darned if it isn’t better.
Evil Games grabbed me right from the first sentence (not kidding) and held me tight until the end. First of all, what a perfect title you have given this novel, Ms. Marsons. The bad people in this book are truly despicable; the “games” they play are beyond contempt. I hated these people (this is good). In contrast, I was so happy to revisit the ultra complex Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her partner Bryant. We are also treated to a deeper look into Kim’s past; she is a hard nut to crack and can come off as not at all likeable, though she is highly respected by her colleagues. Despite her lack of social skills, I love her as well as the nonromantic relationship she has with Bryant. It was also affirming to see the touching relationships Kim was able to develop with a couple of minor characters.
The premise of the book is unique and very cerebral; I was simply fascinated. I developed goosies when it became apparent that Ms. Marsons was setting up a battle between two very strong, highly intelligent women. And what a battle it is! The author must have researched extensively to get it right. Major props for that, Ms. Marsons. Major props.
The prose is not complex, which is generally what I like in a thriller. This along with the short chapters propels the story along at a rapid pace, befitting the high-caliber thriller it is. I do not want to delve any further into the storyline as it is best to go into this book cold.
So who is this Angela Marsons? Angela Marsons is a British author who is now a heavy hitter in the crime fiction/thriller genre. If you have not yet read Silent Scream, read it. Read it now. Then read Evil Games. You will not be sorry. I cannot wait for the next book in this exceptional series.
Angela Marsons. Do. Not. Forget. This. Name.
May 9, 2022
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 5/5 | Ending: 5/5
YES this works as a standalone and has basically no rehashing since it's only the second book in the series
THE PLOT
DI Kim Stone and her team arrested vile pedo Leonard Dunn, but the case isn't as open and shut as they hoped. Simultaneously, a brutal rapist is found murdered, and while the team successfully apprehend the murderer in just 48 hours, they realize this case isn't as open and shut as they hoped either.
MY OPINION
BANGER ALERT!!!!! YESSIRRR after The Murder Poo Poo, I needed a good ole police procedural to cleanse my palette. While I would've settled for nearly anything tbh, I got so much more from Miss Marsons. GO. OFF. And btw—you can still request her upcoming DI Kim Stone release, Six Graves, from NetGalley. Highly recommend.
I mean it's 5 stars so you know the vibes. Great writing. Short chapters (ahem Karin Slaughter... take notes). Solid character development. TWO juicy j cases. Dry humour. Unhinged psychiatrist (one of my fave types of baddies). The list goes on and on...
I talk about closed caption ass writing a lot, but this book only had ONE instance of it... so that's saying a lot. I loved how Marsons can show not tell, especially when it came to Dr. Alex Thorne. Here's some great examples:
Alex laughed. She hadn't enjoyed herself this much since sh'ed convinced a chat room full of bulimia sufferers that they'd been getting the best of both world. --> I mean... do I need to say more LOL. You can clearly see where her mind is at and how twisted she is. The closed caption version would be: Alex laughed. She loved torturing people. It reminded her of what she sought out people with an eating disorder with the intent of triggering them for her own fun because she's a sociopath.
Fat, ugly folks always liked the attention of beautiful people (Dr. Thorne) --> This line of thinking clearly demonstrates how vile and narcissistic Dr. Thorne is without writing: Dr. Thorne hated fatties because she was a mean, rotten person who thought beauty was more important than anything and determined your worth.
BEWARE, there are two particularly unnerving scenes, but I can't give away too much without ruining the plot. You'll see it coming though.
If you're in a reading slump or like police procedurals, you need to pick this up RIGHT NAOOWW!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: everything
Cons: nada
YES this works as a standalone and has basically no rehashing since it's only the second book in the series
THE PLOT
DI Kim Stone and her team arrested vile pedo Leonard Dunn, but the case isn't as open and shut as they hoped. Simultaneously, a brutal rapist is found murdered, and while the team successfully apprehend the murderer in just 48 hours, they realize this case isn't as open and shut as they hoped either.
MY OPINION
BANGER ALERT!!!!! YESSIRRR after The Murder Poo Poo, I needed a good ole police procedural to cleanse my palette. While I would've settled for nearly anything tbh, I got so much more from Miss Marsons. GO. OFF. And btw—you can still request her upcoming DI Kim Stone release, Six Graves, from NetGalley. Highly recommend.
I mean it's 5 stars so you know the vibes. Great writing. Short chapters (ahem Karin Slaughter... take notes). Solid character development. TWO juicy j cases. Dry humour. Unhinged psychiatrist (one of my fave types of baddies). The list goes on and on...
I talk about closed caption ass writing a lot, but this book only had ONE instance of it... so that's saying a lot. I loved how Marsons can show not tell, especially when it came to Dr. Alex Thorne. Here's some great examples:
Alex laughed. She hadn't enjoyed herself this much since sh'ed convinced a chat room full of bulimia sufferers that they'd been getting the best of both world. --> I mean... do I need to say more LOL. You can clearly see where her mind is at and how twisted she is. The closed caption version would be: Alex laughed. She loved torturing people. It reminded her of what she sought out people with an eating disorder with the intent of triggering them for her own fun because she's a sociopath.
Fat, ugly folks always liked the attention of beautiful people (Dr. Thorne) --> This line of thinking clearly demonstrates how vile and narcissistic Dr. Thorne is without writing: Dr. Thorne hated fatties because she was a mean, rotten person who thought beauty was more important than anything and determined your worth.
BEWARE, there are two particularly unnerving scenes, but I can't give away too much without ruining the plot. You'll see it coming though.
If you're in a reading slump or like police procedurals, you need to pick this up RIGHT NAOOWW!!!
PROS AND CONS
Pros: everything
Cons: nada
April 8, 2017
I am so glad that I decided to listen to GR friends and try this series out again. I read the first novel for this series and wasn't very impressed at all BUT this one definitely has made me a huge fan of Angela Marsons! And a new series has been added to my fan list ;).
What a perfect title I have to say for this one! Wow.. Evil games did Ruth play! But, you can't help but love this villain in this ever -so -dark and brilliant read!
I definitely grew to love Kim and her team. Kim is strong and amazing detective stopping at nothing to solve her cases and get closure for her victims. I am SUPER obsessively excited to move forward with this series and to book 3!
Thank you to my wonderful friends on here who urged me to try this series again ;). 5 beautiful star dance for this one. :)
What a perfect title I have to say for this one! Wow.. Evil games did Ruth play! But, you can't help but love this villain in this ever -so -dark and brilliant read!
I definitely grew to love Kim and her team. Kim is strong and amazing detective stopping at nothing to solve her cases and get closure for her victims. I am SUPER obsessively excited to move forward with this series and to book 3!
Thank you to my wonderful friends on here who urged me to try this series again ;). 5 beautiful star dance for this one. :)
April 27, 2020
Instead of being good and reading the pile of ARC’s I have, I had to read another Kim Stone book. These books are so strangely addicting that you just can’t help but to keep reading. This book was actually a little different. It had a mystery, but the mystery was actually a much smaller mystery. The main part of the book was about a psychopath and seeing what they were getting away with. As a reader you had to wonder could they be stopped and would Kim be able to ever catch them. Oh and we also got to meet Barney finally:)
This is now the third book I have read in the series and each one has been really good. The series is very impressive and I highly recommend it to mystery/crime fans. I’m keeping this review on the shorter side. If you want a more in-depth take, check out Farah's review. Her reviews for this series have been wonderful!
This is now the third book I have read in the series and each one has been really good. The series is very impressive and I highly recommend it to mystery/crime fans. I’m keeping this review on the shorter side. If you want a more in-depth take, check out Farah's review. Her reviews for this series have been wonderful!
May 19, 2015
Thank you to Netgalley, Bookouture, and author Angela Marsons, a British author, for an ARC of this book, “EVIL GAMES”, in exchange for an honest review. This is the second instalment in the Detective Kim Stone Series, and even better than her debut novel, “SILENT SCREAM.” WOW what an amazing gifted writer! This is a mystery crime/psychological thriller, that will have you flipping the pages, to see what will happen next.
In Evil Games, we continue the journey of DI Kim Stone and her squad of detectives, the interaction of her team, while they are solving crimes. Kim and her team worked on a variety of cases from assault to sexual crimes to murder. The title of the book is so appropriate for this novel.
This book is a Game of playing Cat and Mouse! DI Kim Stone takes on this game against Dr. Alexandra Thorne, two very intelligent woman, toying each other.
“When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal. “
In this novel we know the Who, When, How but need to establish the Why?
This sociopath is a very dangerous person, who will stop at nothing to get the end result. This person has No conscience. They are unable to feel concern or love for any other living person. They are masters of manipulation, and able to seduce people.
It is very apparent the amount of research that went into writing this novel. It shows! I love the character in Kim, and like that she is human with human faults and emotions. While we get to see a glimpse of her troubled past, we can accept it and her. I will continue to root for her in the coming series.
All I can say is I LOVED IT! One is one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time. Like I said after reading her first novel, “I will read anything by this author…she is that good!” So get cracking and read both books.
In Evil Games, we continue the journey of DI Kim Stone and her squad of detectives, the interaction of her team, while they are solving crimes. Kim and her team worked on a variety of cases from assault to sexual crimes to murder. The title of the book is so appropriate for this novel.
This book is a Game of playing Cat and Mouse! DI Kim Stone takes on this game against Dr. Alexandra Thorne, two very intelligent woman, toying each other.
“When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal. “
In this novel we know the Who, When, How but need to establish the Why?
This sociopath is a very dangerous person, who will stop at nothing to get the end result. This person has No conscience. They are unable to feel concern or love for any other living person. They are masters of manipulation, and able to seduce people.
It is very apparent the amount of research that went into writing this novel. It shows! I love the character in Kim, and like that she is human with human faults and emotions. While we get to see a glimpse of her troubled past, we can accept it and her. I will continue to root for her in the coming series.
All I can say is I LOVED IT! One is one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time. Like I said after reading her first novel, “I will read anything by this author…she is that good!” So get cracking and read both books.
January 26, 2016
Another excellent Kim Stone novel! I believe this one was even better than the first. What makes this series so completely disturbing and horrifying to me is how realistic it is. Sure, as a work of fiction there are some artistic licenses. Overall, I think this series has me looking over my shoulder wondering who I can trust.
Kim Stone joins us again after capturing a disgusting child abuser that should be cut and dry, but a few of the facts just aren't adding up. Simultaneously, a rapist is murdered and Stone's team make an arrest that also seems cut and dry. However, the deeper Kim digs, the more she realizes she is up against something far more disturbing and dangerous. As connections are made, Kim will risk her life to put a sociopath behind bars while dealing with her own issues that she has fought so hard to keep buried.
This one was interesting because we find out early on in both storylines who the "culprit" is, if you will. I was concerned this would take away from the suspense and mystery of the novel but it did not. There were still many twists and turns I did not see coming which always adds to a reading experience IMO. Overall, another disturbing and well crafted thriller from Angela; I'm eagerly anticipating starting #3 later this week!
Kim Stone joins us again after capturing a disgusting child abuser that should be cut and dry, but a few of the facts just aren't adding up. Simultaneously, a rapist is murdered and Stone's team make an arrest that also seems cut and dry. However, the deeper Kim digs, the more she realizes she is up against something far more disturbing and dangerous. As connections are made, Kim will risk her life to put a sociopath behind bars while dealing with her own issues that she has fought so hard to keep buried.
This one was interesting because we find out early on in both storylines who the "culprit" is, if you will. I was concerned this would take away from the suspense and mystery of the novel but it did not. There were still many twists and turns I did not see coming which always adds to a reading experience IMO. Overall, another disturbing and well crafted thriller from Angela; I'm eagerly anticipating starting #3 later this week!
May 20, 2016
WoWzers!!
My house turned into complete darkness with only the light from my ipad leading me through the final chapters of this one. I lost all sense of the day......
Evil Games is the second book in the DI Kim Stone Series by Angela Marsons. As the series unfolds, book by book, we are given more and more insight into the backstory of Kim. Although a stellar investigating detective, Kim bears the deep scars of her childhood. There is much to observe in this serious, no-nonsense, black clad individual. She has an uncanny sixth sense and her acute analytical nature sees what others fail to see.
There's been a horrendous murder in the city and Kim and her sharply-tuned team are called in. Who would set their sights on this dog walker? But the trail leads to someone with a stake in the game. And like over-reaching tentacles, more crimes are left on the doorstep. Evil is in the title and evil is in the veins of a heartless sociopath who relishes this interplay with no apparent consequences. We are given a front row seat into the mind of this crazed individual and the creep factor is blaring from the loud speakers in our heads. Goosebumps, a la carte.
Marsons develops her storyline in such a way that blood and gore are not necessary. Your mind and your imagination are all you need to set the stage for the crimes and the atrocities that face Kim and her team. What Marsons leads with is pure intelligence and plausibility. She does her research and it is evident on each page. A smart, smart read.
DI Kim Stone shows us that what may be determined as a weakness by others, can possibly be our greatest strength. I'm hanging my hat on the hook of this series and am looking forward to more from the brilliance of Angela Marsons. Bravo!
My house turned into complete darkness with only the light from my ipad leading me through the final chapters of this one. I lost all sense of the day......
Evil Games is the second book in the DI Kim Stone Series by Angela Marsons. As the series unfolds, book by book, we are given more and more insight into the backstory of Kim. Although a stellar investigating detective, Kim bears the deep scars of her childhood. There is much to observe in this serious, no-nonsense, black clad individual. She has an uncanny sixth sense and her acute analytical nature sees what others fail to see.
There's been a horrendous murder in the city and Kim and her sharply-tuned team are called in. Who would set their sights on this dog walker? But the trail leads to someone with a stake in the game. And like over-reaching tentacles, more crimes are left on the doorstep. Evil is in the title and evil is in the veins of a heartless sociopath who relishes this interplay with no apparent consequences. We are given a front row seat into the mind of this crazed individual and the creep factor is blaring from the loud speakers in our heads. Goosebumps, a la carte.
Marsons develops her storyline in such a way that blood and gore are not necessary. Your mind and your imagination are all you need to set the stage for the crimes and the atrocities that face Kim and her team. What Marsons leads with is pure intelligence and plausibility. She does her research and it is evident on each page. A smart, smart read.
DI Kim Stone shows us that what may be determined as a weakness by others, can possibly be our greatest strength. I'm hanging my hat on the hook of this series and am looking forward to more from the brilliance of Angela Marsons. Bravo!
June 27, 2017
Norma, Kaceey and I had our game on for these Evil Games and had so much fun piecing together the games. Looking forward to Book three!
Our Traveling sister review can be found on our sister blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Our Traveling sister review can be found on our sister blog
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
October 12, 2017
Book two in the series and every bit as good as book one.
Evil Games pits our talented D.I. Kim Stone against the equally talented but totally immoral Doctor Alexandra Thorne. In the course of the action we find out lots more about Kim's unfortunate childhood and her present day steely courage. She reminds me a bit of Eve Dallas.
I enjoyed the many characters in this book and the entertaining conversation that often takes place between members of the team. Kim is an exceptionally good character with many flaws but also great strength. I also liked the police work that eventually solves all the cases and the dramatic action which keeps the story alive and very readable.
I see that I have found myself yet another really good series and I will be reading book three as soon as possible:)
Evil Games pits our talented D.I. Kim Stone against the equally talented but totally immoral Doctor Alexandra Thorne. In the course of the action we find out lots more about Kim's unfortunate childhood and her present day steely courage. She reminds me a bit of Eve Dallas.
I enjoyed the many characters in this book and the entertaining conversation that often takes place between members of the team. Kim is an exceptionally good character with many flaws but also great strength. I also liked the police work that eventually solves all the cases and the dramatic action which keeps the story alive and very readable.
I see that I have found myself yet another really good series and I will be reading book three as soon as possible:)
April 25, 2017
Enjoying myself as I make my way through the first few Kim Stone novels after reading books five and six. I love this DI. Being called to a murder scene and overhearing a constable calling her a cold bitch, her only concern is for the dog that witnessed the murder and making sure he's looked after. How could I not love her? In fact, all the scenes with Barney are heartwarming.
Kim is working on two different cases and both are equally engaging. Dr. Alex Thorne is a true psychopath and is enthralled by Kim, whom she sees as a worthy rival. This book just grabbed me. I kept putting off everything I should have been doing - making dinner, going to sleep - in order to finish it. Book one was good, but this was much more engrossing. Highly recommend! A full five stars.
Kim is working on two different cases and both are equally engaging. Dr. Alex Thorne is a true psychopath and is enthralled by Kim, whom she sees as a worthy rival. This book just grabbed me. I kept putting off everything I should have been doing - making dinner, going to sleep - in order to finish it. Book one was good, but this was much more engrossing. Highly recommend! A full five stars.
August 18, 2021
Een goed opgebouwd boek, dat soms misschien wat korter kon, maar wel goed gevonden is en zeker vernieuwend. https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2021...
November 16, 2020
Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her team begin by taking down a child molester, in his own home. He’s the father of two who is beyond being suspected of sexually assaulting his 8-year old daughter. Next they’re called to the scene of the murder of a convicted rapist and unfortunately the primary suspect is his victim. However, something seems off about it to Kim and it eventually pits her against what will be her most formidable challenge. Dr. Alexandra (Alex) Thorne is a psychiatrist who may be playing much more than mind games.
I’ve read a lot of evil in my crime fiction but Alex North has made my top ten list. I’m not prepared to see Kim Stone be off balance, questioning her instincts but here she is doing just that. As the cases start piling up with patients tied to Alex, Kim just can’t shake off that gut instinct that we are all born with. However, it doesn’t help that she’s alone in her thinking.
This is the most aptly named story and I was mesmerized, not only because the story was downright intriguing but because I was worried for Kim. It went down twisty, mind scary paths, which all led to one exciting conclusion. It wasn’t all hard angles, though, as there is a nice and warm side story that just feels good. As if this wasn’t enough, there’s a big surprise at the end that was a jaw dropper. In retrospect, the clues were there but I’m not Kim Stone. I loved everything about this one, even my discomfort, made even more acute by the fantastic narrator. I’m beginning to understand the hype about this series and I will continue listening to the stories going forward.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
I’ve read a lot of evil in my crime fiction but Alex North has made my top ten list. I’m not prepared to see Kim Stone be off balance, questioning her instincts but here she is doing just that. As the cases start piling up with patients tied to Alex, Kim just can’t shake off that gut instinct that we are all born with. However, it doesn’t help that she’s alone in her thinking.
This is the most aptly named story and I was mesmerized, not only because the story was downright intriguing but because I was worried for Kim. It went down twisty, mind scary paths, which all led to one exciting conclusion. It wasn’t all hard angles, though, as there is a nice and warm side story that just feels good. As if this wasn’t enough, there’s a big surprise at the end that was a jaw dropper. In retrospect, the clues were there but I’m not Kim Stone. I loved everything about this one, even my discomfort, made even more acute by the fantastic narrator. I’m beginning to understand the hype about this series and I will continue listening to the stories going forward.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
July 20, 2022
4/5⭐
Segunda entrega de la serie protagonizada por la inspectora Kim Stone. Me ha gustado más que la anterior.
No es preciso haber leído la primera para seguir esta. La autora nos va a poner en antecedentes de aquello que necesitamos saber. Recomendable sí, pero no necesario en sentido estricto.
Desarrolla dos subtramas independientes. En una de ellas se parte de saber el quién y vamos por delante de la investigación. La otra es de corte más clásico. Las dos me tuvieron enganchada y en vilo. El ritmo es muy ágil y se lee rápido.
Contiene una buena dosis de crítica al sistema inglés de salud mental y a los protocolos de servicios sociales y protección a la infancia.
Kim Stone sigue siendo más o menos la misma de la novela anterior. Arrastra un pasado complicado y no tiene facilidad para relacionarse. Sin embargo es buena en su trabajo, lidera bien y su equipo hace piña con ella.
Su antagonista, es uno de esos personajes que ponen los pelos de punta. Sociópata de libro que usa su profesión como campo de experimentos. Su patio de recreo particular. La lucha de poder entre ella y Kim, muy bien llevada.
El final bueno. Ambas tramas quedan cerradas.
Recomendable si os gusta este género. Por mi parte no tardaré en leer la tercera de la serie.
Segunda entrega de la serie protagonizada por la inspectora Kim Stone. Me ha gustado más que la anterior.
No es preciso haber leído la primera para seguir esta. La autora nos va a poner en antecedentes de aquello que necesitamos saber. Recomendable sí, pero no necesario en sentido estricto.
Desarrolla dos subtramas independientes. En una de ellas se parte de saber el quién y vamos por delante de la investigación. La otra es de corte más clásico. Las dos me tuvieron enganchada y en vilo. El ritmo es muy ágil y se lee rápido.
Contiene una buena dosis de crítica al sistema inglés de salud mental y a los protocolos de servicios sociales y protección a la infancia.
Kim Stone sigue siendo más o menos la misma de la novela anterior. Arrastra un pasado complicado y no tiene facilidad para relacionarse. Sin embargo es buena en su trabajo, lidera bien y su equipo hace piña con ella.
Su antagonista, es uno de esos personajes que ponen los pelos de punta. Sociópata de libro que usa su profesión como campo de experimentos. Su patio de recreo particular. La lucha de poder entre ella y Kim, muy bien llevada.
El final bueno. Ambas tramas quedan cerradas.
Recomendable si os gusta este género. Por mi parte no tardaré en leer la tercera de la serie.
November 14, 2022
I was impressed with the first book in this series but no sophomore slump for book two— Marsons knocked it out of the park!!
Detective Inspector Kim Stone might be carrying her weight in childhood trauma but that’s not keeping her from being a top notch detective. Surrounded by a team of varying personalities, they get the job done.
Between the feature characters and really intriguing crimes by a sociopathic female, this is a great and inventive procedural which blends heinous crime, victimization, and Kim’s hidden trauma seamlessly.
Can’t wait to see what (or who) Kim and her team face in the next book!!
PS- the fifth star was well-earned by a protagonist who remains shut up tight— with just a hint of the revelations to come… and okay, there’s Barney too.
Detective Inspector Kim Stone might be carrying her weight in childhood trauma but that’s not keeping her from being a top notch detective. Surrounded by a team of varying personalities, they get the job done.
Between the feature characters and really intriguing crimes by a sociopathic female, this is a great and inventive procedural which blends heinous crime, victimization, and Kim’s hidden trauma seamlessly.
Can’t wait to see what (or who) Kim and her team face in the next book!!
PS- the fifth star was well-earned by a protagonist who remains shut up tight— with just a hint of the revelations to come… and okay, there’s Barney too.
September 27, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
I really liked the first book in this new series, but this second book in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons totally nailed it.
Seriously, this was better than the first book. It's intense, sometimes disturbing, but always entertaining.
This book is just...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
I really liked the first book in this new series, but this second book in the DI Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons totally nailed it.
Seriously, this was better than the first book. It's intense, sometimes disturbing, but always entertaining.
This book is just...
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5 stars
January 3, 2017
I absolutely love this series Angela Marsons you are an absolute genius of this genre sometimes there was so much going on I couldn't keep up but to cram in so much of the hidden agendas of each character was superb, loved the way the characters developed more in the plot kept me wondering WHAT NEXT!!
I hated Doctor Alex Thorne she was a total whacko who was using her job to get into her patients minds & making them do terrible things they wouldn't normally do she made the whole plot believable, felt sorry for her sister she seemed to be paranoid about her every move, as for Leonard Dunn Child abusers should pay the price.
I loved the sarcasm between Stacy & Bryant the crack me up but when its time to do what they are supposed to do it works right down to the letter.
Detective Kim Stone leads her team once again her character development is A+ she never gives up on the case & backs her team 100% there is so much more I could say about this book but wont spoil it for others who haven't read it all I can say certain characters get right into your own psyche I felt myself willing Alex an untimely demise but will she get into Kim's mind & send her insane or will Kim get the better of Alex??
I have bought The lost Girls the 3rd in the series for a later date this series is a 10 out of 10
I hated Doctor Alex Thorne she was a total whacko who was using her job to get into her patients minds & making them do terrible things they wouldn't normally do she made the whole plot believable, felt sorry for her sister she seemed to be paranoid about her every move, as for Leonard Dunn Child abusers should pay the price.
I loved the sarcasm between Stacy & Bryant the crack me up but when its time to do what they are supposed to do it works right down to the letter.
Detective Kim Stone leads her team once again her character development is A+ she never gives up on the case & backs her team 100% there is so much more I could say about this book but wont spoil it for others who haven't read it all I can say certain characters get right into your own psyche I felt myself willing Alex an untimely demise but will she get into Kim's mind & send her insane or will Kim get the better of Alex??
I have bought The lost Girls the 3rd in the series for a later date this series is a 10 out of 10
June 11, 2015
Fantastic!
I can't think of a book with a more appropriate title than this one. After every chapter where Alex was the lead character, I felt the need for a shower. Ever see a picture of black mold? If not, Google it to find one. I feel the same gross-out when I think of Alex. She was so despicable!
Kim is a wonderfully complex character. I really want to know more about her, and this book offered additional info to what we learned in Silent Scream, the first Kim Stone book. There's still more to come, I hope. Bryant is so very understanding of her, and his wife must be a saint!
Ms. Marsons mentions some other cases in this book. One I know to be true is that of Susan Smith who drove her car into a lake with her two small children secured inside. I remember seeing her plea for help on TV and I immediately knew she was lying and faking it. I'll never forget that feeling of disgust.
So, I am prepared to read everything Angela Marsons writes. Silent Scream was the hook, Evil Games is the line, and I eagerly await the sinker.
I can't think of a book with a more appropriate title than this one. After every chapter where Alex was the lead character, I felt the need for a shower. Ever see a picture of black mold? If not, Google it to find one. I feel the same gross-out when I think of Alex. She was so despicable!
Kim is a wonderfully complex character. I really want to know more about her, and this book offered additional info to what we learned in Silent Scream, the first Kim Stone book. There's still more to come, I hope. Bryant is so very understanding of her, and his wife must be a saint!
Ms. Marsons mentions some other cases in this book. One I know to be true is that of Susan Smith who drove her car into a lake with her two small children secured inside. I remember seeing her plea for help on TV and I immediately knew she was lying and faking it. I'll never forget that feeling of disgust.
So, I am prepared to read everything Angela Marsons writes. Silent Scream was the hook, Evil Games is the line, and I eagerly await the sinker.
December 13, 2015
Milton's Paradise Lost :- 'The mind is it's own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.'
And when someone else is playing with your mind, a mind already searching for justification, for approval, then the stakes become much higher, the game deadlier, the outcomes pure evil.
I had been hanging out to read Evil Games ever since I finished "Silent Scream", and Angela Marsons has not disappointed me. Evil Games flows with a breathless momentum that had me glued to the pages.
Detective Kim Stone returns in this, the second of the series, just as damaged, just as much a 'loner', as ever. She is sickened to discover a father abusing his young daughters, then stunned to find there was another person in the room. Who was it? His wife? His brother-in-law? Or some other as yet unknown person?
At the same time, a recently released rapist is stabbed to death in an alleyway - the same alleyway where the rape took place. And this is only the first of the vengeful killings. Is it possible that someone is reaching out to the original victims then manipulating them into taking a "just" revenge?
And as for psychiatrist Alex Thorne - is she as perfect, as altruistic as everyone says she is, or does she have a hidden agenda?
A cracking good read.
And when someone else is playing with your mind, a mind already searching for justification, for approval, then the stakes become much higher, the game deadlier, the outcomes pure evil.
I had been hanging out to read Evil Games ever since I finished "Silent Scream", and Angela Marsons has not disappointed me. Evil Games flows with a breathless momentum that had me glued to the pages.
Detective Kim Stone returns in this, the second of the series, just as damaged, just as much a 'loner', as ever. She is sickened to discover a father abusing his young daughters, then stunned to find there was another person in the room. Who was it? His wife? His brother-in-law? Or some other as yet unknown person?
At the same time, a recently released rapist is stabbed to death in an alleyway - the same alleyway where the rape took place. And this is only the first of the vengeful killings. Is it possible that someone is reaching out to the original victims then manipulating them into taking a "just" revenge?
And as for psychiatrist Alex Thorne - is she as perfect, as altruistic as everyone says she is, or does she have a hidden agenda?
A cracking good read.
February 20, 2021
When a man recently released from prison after being convicted of rape is found dead in an ally, DCI Kim Stone is on the case. The investigation is solved quickly as all evidence leads them to Ruth Willis, the women he brutally raped years ago. Ruth is arrested and is a sure conviction following her confession of the crime. Case closed.
But DCI Kim Stone isn't certain that Ruth Willis is solely to blame. She has concerns that Ruth was manipulated by her psychiatrist, Alex Thorne. But Kim has no evidence and no one is taking her seriously.
As the body count starts to mount the only thing the cases have in common is that they were all patients of Alexandra Thorne but the psychiatrist is a distinguished doctor in the community and Kim will have to dig deeper if she is to stop further killings.
"Okay, first question, what is a psychopath?"
"It's a person without a conscience."
"These people are often charismatic, sexy, entertaining, and have a superficial charm that allows them to seduce people."
Now Kim finds herself in the midst of the lethal psychopath's twisted experiments who will fight back using every weakness in Kim's past against her. Each move Kim makes could prove deadly.
"Her own façade had been carefully and diligently constructed, course by course, over many years, but she'd never met anyone like Alexandra Thorne."
"Ultimately it came down to a single question. Was she prepared to enter this arena and risk her own fragile psyche to uncover the truth?"
Alongside Kim's search for the truth against Alex Thorne, another case is under investigation.
DCI Stone and her team have worked for months putting together a case with enough evidence to put a man who has been abusing his two young daughters in the basement of his home. His wife insists she had no idea of the abuse happening right under her nose, literally. This seems unlikely as the girl's teacher had enough concerns to notify the police. Now, that case is in jeopardy and her team is having to review the case all over again.
Evil Games by Angela Marsons is a devious game of cat and mouse. One is a monstrous psychopathic psychiatrist who prays on fragile psyches. Another is a determined DCI with a past that has left her with her own emotional damage.
Which one is the cat and which one is the mouse? That is the question!
The storyline is not only believable but is crafty, cunning, and original.
It's an unsettling, fast paced thriller that's difficult to put down.
I'm looking forward to reading the third DCI Kim Stone series as I really enjoyed the first two.
Highly recommended!
But DCI Kim Stone isn't certain that Ruth Willis is solely to blame. She has concerns that Ruth was manipulated by her psychiatrist, Alex Thorne. But Kim has no evidence and no one is taking her seriously.
As the body count starts to mount the only thing the cases have in common is that they were all patients of Alexandra Thorne but the psychiatrist is a distinguished doctor in the community and Kim will have to dig deeper if she is to stop further killings.
"Okay, first question, what is a psychopath?"
"It's a person without a conscience."
"These people are often charismatic, sexy, entertaining, and have a superficial charm that allows them to seduce people."
Now Kim finds herself in the midst of the lethal psychopath's twisted experiments who will fight back using every weakness in Kim's past against her. Each move Kim makes could prove deadly.
"Her own façade had been carefully and diligently constructed, course by course, over many years, but she'd never met anyone like Alexandra Thorne."
"Ultimately it came down to a single question. Was she prepared to enter this arena and risk her own fragile psyche to uncover the truth?"
Alongside Kim's search for the truth against Alex Thorne, another case is under investigation.
DCI Stone and her team have worked for months putting together a case with enough evidence to put a man who has been abusing his two young daughters in the basement of his home. His wife insists she had no idea of the abuse happening right under her nose, literally. This seems unlikely as the girl's teacher had enough concerns to notify the police. Now, that case is in jeopardy and her team is having to review the case all over again.
Evil Games by Angela Marsons is a devious game of cat and mouse. One is a monstrous psychopathic psychiatrist who prays on fragile psyches. Another is a determined DCI with a past that has left her with her own emotional damage.
Which one is the cat and which one is the mouse? That is the question!
The storyline is not only believable but is crafty, cunning, and original.
It's an unsettling, fast paced thriller that's difficult to put down.
I'm looking forward to reading the third DCI Kim Stone series as I really enjoyed the first two.
Highly recommended!
November 20, 2015
Evil Games is the second book in the Kim Stone series by Angela Marsons. Admittedly the first in the series was not my favourite book. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy it - I read it before I started blogging my reviews so I actually can't remember what it was about it that didn't totally grab me. It seemed to grab the majority of my reading buddies who rated it extremely highly. I wasn't against reading the sequel, but it wasn't on my list of priorities. However when I kept seeing phenomenal reviews for this and the third instalment "Lost Girls", it sparked my interest again. When a few trusted book friends suggested that I give Kim Stone another shot, they convinced me. And I'm extremely glad they did!
Detective Inspector Kim Stone is back in this fabulous psychological thriller. Stone investigates the murder of a convicted rapist. Something doesn't quite add up when they find the perpetrator, and trusting her instincts, Kim investigates deeper and gets more than she bargained for when she is faced with an extremely intelligent and difficult adversary, who is manipulating mentally vulnerable people to do their bidding.
I am really enjoying the depth of Kim's character. Gradually we are learning more and more about why she is the way she is. Her childhood is explained in a lot of detail in this book and we begin to understand the horrors of her past. I'm extremely glad I read the second book before the third one, even though I have heard it is great as a stand alone. I also enjoy her interactions with other characters. I remember one of the things I didn't like about the first book was the lack of... I was going to say "romance" but that's not the word I am looking for, I guess tension or chemistry with Kim. There was a female teacher in the first one and someone else if I remember correctly, and in this one there was a glimmer of attraction with David, but I just felt it wasn't enough. I understand why though. Her character is MAJORLY damaged... Sorting out her life comes before a roll in the hay - I understand that, but still I am hoping that the third book will focus a bit on her attempting a not so platonic relationship with another human being. I always enjoy a bit of chemistry/tension in thrillers, even if it doesn't end well.
I really enjoyed the psychological aspect of this book. What a character Alex was! Loved to loathe her! It was refreshing and original to read of events from her perspective... Her skewed view of the world. And I really enjoyed the mind games and the extent that she would go to, to get her way. I have read characters like hers before, in other books by other authors, but I didn't enjoy them half as much as I enjoyed Alex.
There is some subject matter that is disturbing, but there are no overly graphic scenes. So this book will appeal to any thriller fans, even the ones who don't like too much violence and just enjoy a good story!
As like the first one, Marsons writing is impeccable. Easy and so much fun to read. There are not too many characters, but there are just enough to make it difficult to guess who the bad guy is at the end. I was glued to this book from beginning to end and I am really looking forward to the next one! I have Lost Girls on my kindle ready to go! :)
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Marsons is emerging as one hell of a thriller writer!
Fore more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
Detective Inspector Kim Stone is back in this fabulous psychological thriller. Stone investigates the murder of a convicted rapist. Something doesn't quite add up when they find the perpetrator, and trusting her instincts, Kim investigates deeper and gets more than she bargained for when she is faced with an extremely intelligent and difficult adversary, who is manipulating mentally vulnerable people to do their bidding.
I am really enjoying the depth of Kim's character. Gradually we are learning more and more about why she is the way she is. Her childhood is explained in a lot of detail in this book and we begin to understand the horrors of her past. I'm extremely glad I read the second book before the third one, even though I have heard it is great as a stand alone. I also enjoy her interactions with other characters. I remember one of the things I didn't like about the first book was the lack of... I was going to say "romance" but that's not the word I am looking for, I guess tension or chemistry with Kim. There was a female teacher in the first one and someone else if I remember correctly, and in this one there was a glimmer of attraction with David, but I just felt it wasn't enough. I understand why though. Her character is MAJORLY damaged... Sorting out her life comes before a roll in the hay - I understand that, but still I am hoping that the third book will focus a bit on her attempting a not so platonic relationship with another human being. I always enjoy a bit of chemistry/tension in thrillers, even if it doesn't end well.
I really enjoyed the psychological aspect of this book. What a character Alex was! Loved to loathe her! It was refreshing and original to read of events from her perspective... Her skewed view of the world. And I really enjoyed the mind games and the extent that she would go to, to get her way. I have read characters like hers before, in other books by other authors, but I didn't enjoy them half as much as I enjoyed Alex.
There is some subject matter that is disturbing, but there are no overly graphic scenes. So this book will appeal to any thriller fans, even the ones who don't like too much violence and just enjoy a good story!
As like the first one, Marsons writing is impeccable. Easy and so much fun to read. There are not too many characters, but there are just enough to make it difficult to guess who the bad guy is at the end. I was glued to this book from beginning to end and I am really looking forward to the next one! I have Lost Girls on my kindle ready to go! :)
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely! Marsons is emerging as one hell of a thriller writer!
Fore more reviews visit my blog
www.booksbabiesbeing.com
Follow me on twitter
www.twitter.com/BBB_Mel
May 20, 2015
The second D I Kim Stone read had me gripped and was one I really didn’t want to put down at all. Kim is caught up in two investigations, the tail end of a child abuse case and that of a man stabbed to death in the street. During the course of things she crosses swords with an adversary who has the power to get right inside her head and to draw out all those secrets Kim doesn’t want anyone to know about. Whilst I liked Kim, I have to say that I absolutely adored psychiatrist Dr Alexandra Thorne, the adversary she has to pit her wits against. She is a cold, evil, calculating, remorseless sociopath who is intent on playing a very deadly game with her clients and when she meets Kim, she sees the chance to take her game one step further. I do enjoy characters like that, who are larger than life and who you can really start to hate with a passion.
Kim herself is a very complex character who has built up walls around herself over the years and doesn’t let anyone get too close, for reasons that will come out in the book. But, you just cannot help liking her.
It is a really fast read, mainly because it is one that you just can’t help finding excuses to read when you should be doing something else. There are several threads to the story which all come together at the end, although I wasn’t too keen on the “lightbulb” moment that tied up one of them. All in all though, if you like crime procedures then this book is well worth a try. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Kim herself is a very complex character who has built up walls around herself over the years and doesn’t let anyone get too close, for reasons that will come out in the book. But, you just cannot help liking her.
It is a really fast read, mainly because it is one that you just can’t help finding excuses to read when you should be doing something else. There are several threads to the story which all come together at the end, although I wasn’t too keen on the “lightbulb” moment that tied up one of them. All in all though, if you like crime procedures then this book is well worth a try. Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
June 4, 2018
5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Evil Games is the second book in the D.I. Kim Stone series and it's another excellent addition to the series!!
D.I. Stone and crew are working on two cases in this book. Both cases are well thought out and do not take away from the other case.
One involves a revolting child abuser that’s arrested in the beginning of the book. After Kim and her crew try to finish up the case, evidence comes to light that's things are not as they appear to be.
The detectives must go into the world of sexual predators and figure out what’s missing.
Yep, it’s not for the faint at heart but damn it, I loved when this case was solved!!!!
The second case involves the murder of a convicted rapist and the circumstances involved with the suspect. This introduces us to a twisted individual that causes me to equally hate them and stay far, far away. Like a restraining order far away!!
This case also introduces us to Barney and this ends up being one of the best things of the series so far!
Seriously, if you have not had a chance to read this series, get to it. One of the best crime detective series that I’ve read in years. The cases are so real, the characterization is fantastic and the suspense is gripping!
Evil Games is the second book in the D.I. Kim Stone series and it's another excellent addition to the series!!
D.I. Stone and crew are working on two cases in this book. Both cases are well thought out and do not take away from the other case.
One involves a revolting child abuser that’s arrested in the beginning of the book. After Kim and her crew try to finish up the case, evidence comes to light that's things are not as they appear to be.
The detectives must go into the world of sexual predators and figure out what’s missing.
Yep, it’s not for the faint at heart but damn it, I loved when this case was solved!!!!
The second case involves the murder of a convicted rapist and the circumstances involved with the suspect. This introduces us to a twisted individual that causes me to equally hate them and stay far, far away. Like a restraining order far away!!
This case also introduces us to Barney and this ends up being one of the best things of the series so far!
Seriously, if you have not had a chance to read this series, get to it. One of the best crime detective series that I’ve read in years. The cases are so real, the characterization is fantastic and the suspense is gripping!
January 6, 2016
Di Stone is an awesome detective. She hunts down killers and this one is a great psychological thriller! There are some twists, and turns out to be a cat and mouse game. Evil but good.
It is a big mind game! I didn't really care for the subject, but it turned out good anyway. It had me up late at night, there is a lot of suspense, that makes it a page turner. DI Kim Stone has a past and it is brought up.. I really enjoyed this book and was surprised due to the subject matter. This is the second book in the DI Kim Stone series. There are a total of three and the next one is called Lost Girls.
The suspense was everywhere in the book. I do not like gooks whereby he suspense is just at the ending. The ending though was brilliant and the cat and mouse game finally ended. I loved the twists and think that this book is good stuff. I already have the third hook downloaded in my kindle and will finish it soon.
May 10, 2015
After reading Angela Marsons first book Silent Screams and being blown away by it, I have been watching this author from afar until her next book.
As with all follow on books, once an author writes a brilliant outstanding first book, you fear that the next one may not live up to all you need it to be [as a reader]
FEAR NOT!!! This is just as good. If not better in some ways [cannot believe I am saying that!]
Because as we follow on with cased of crimes with Kim Stone the DI, we get more of an insight to her, personally, but there is still lots to come me thinks!! Kim stone is a hard woman on the outside, but inside, I feel she is marshmallow but doesn't allow that to surface, at least, we get glimpses of it, but it doesn't stay for long.
She likes to get right to the core of a crime, she ties up all loose ends, and ends you never knew there were! Even putting herself out there......
Even knowing this could emotionally wreck her
We have many instances in this book, related crimes that you see being tied up with one woman. One manipulating woman.
This woman has the power to crush the DI Kim Stone, but does she?
Kim has never faced her past.
I see one step taken in this book and that's when she gets a dog. I see the tenderness that Kim has deep down and buried for people.
I've had the chance of looking into a sociopath and all that stands for.
This book is so finely tuned, its so well researched.
We have the girl who was raped.
We have the same girl who murdered her rapist.
We have the Mother of the rapist.
We have the Mother of the reformed rapist.
We have a girl who thinks that this world is so bad she should kill her baby for safety.
We have other events too. [not saying much more]
I was gobsmacked, amazed and dazed with the sociapath's manipulating of it all. It really made me think how plays on words can influence someone else, especially when in a vulnerable state.
Excellent.
I just can't wait for Angela's next move. I am so glad I am in contact with her. I'm her quiet stalker!!!
I want to thank Bookouture for my copy and the author for so much great entertainment in the last few hours whilst reading this super book<>
May 11, 2016
I found the first book, Silent Scream, OK, but the story in Evil Games is so much better. And, Kim Stone that sometimes annoyed me in the first book didn't annoy me at all this time, on the contrary, I came to like her.
A rapist is killed by his victim, but this open and shut case feel wrong for Detective Kim Stone. Before the woman killed her rapist did she have a session with her psychologist. could it be that the psychologist planted the thought about the killing? And, if so, why would she do that? Kim Stone and her team must also put a child molester behind bars, but it seems that the man in question wasn't alone...
It was easy to get into this book and I think that you don't need to read the first book to be able to enjoy and keep up with what's going on. What I liked about this book was that I found the story interesting from the beginning not like with Silent Scream where it took me around half the book to get into the story. There are some very tragic and intense moments in this book. Kim Stone is still a very special character, she doesn't let people into her life, but there are moments in this book when she lets down her guard a bit.
I didn't expect the ending in the child molesting case, I felt totally left in the dark until it was revealed. I didn't for a moment suspect that it would turn out as it did.
It's a dark book, with some really nasty scenes and some really nasty people. Thankfully it also had some bright moments and it good to see that Kim starts to open up to Bryant.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
A rapist is killed by his victim, but this open and shut case feel wrong for Detective Kim Stone. Before the woman killed her rapist did she have a session with her psychologist. could it be that the psychologist planted the thought about the killing? And, if so, why would she do that? Kim Stone and her team must also put a child molester behind bars, but it seems that the man in question wasn't alone...
It was easy to get into this book and I think that you don't need to read the first book to be able to enjoy and keep up with what's going on. What I liked about this book was that I found the story interesting from the beginning not like with Silent Scream where it took me around half the book to get into the story. There are some very tragic and intense moments in this book. Kim Stone is still a very special character, she doesn't let people into her life, but there are moments in this book when she lets down her guard a bit.
I didn't expect the ending in the child molesting case, I felt totally left in the dark until it was revealed. I didn't for a moment suspect that it would turn out as it did.
It's a dark book, with some really nasty scenes and some really nasty people. Thankfully it also had some bright moments and it good to see that Kim starts to open up to Bryant.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
May 29, 2015
5 +++ Plus Thrilling Stars
Sociopath.....a person with a psychopathic personality whose behavior is antisocial, often criminal, and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.
Hold onto your hats!!!
DI Kim Stone is back..... along side her partner DS Bryant she is called out to arrest a very unsavoury character Leonard Dunn and bring him to justice for his terrible crime.
But Kim Stone is not leaving it there, oh no she still thinks others must of been involved so she will not rest until everyone is caught.
When a cold blooded murder of an convicted rapist is seen as an open and shut case, Kim once again feels there is more to this than meets the eye.Then other incidents and murders start to come to light... it starts to become apparent that a respectable local Doctor in Psychiatry may be involved somewhere down the line....
As these two cases come to a chilling climax you can be sure that it's a roller coaster ride all the way...
My thoughts.......
Another 1st Class thriller by Angela Marsons
After reading her classy debut novel Silent Scream I couldn't wait to read her follow up Evil Games and it was everything I knew it would be..
The plot is very different this time round and the story as it unfolds showed me what an unique writer this author is.
It was exciting and at times uncomfortable reading but at the same time compelling as the plot unwinds into a fast paced edge of the seat thriller.
There are twists that I didn't see coming so I'm trying not to give much away..
Dr Alex Thorne has to be one of the most terrifying characters I have come across lately, manipulative and cold......
Her obsession with Kim Stone is first seen as a challenge but she soon realises that she will need to up her game to come out on top.
DI Kim Stone is without a doubt one of my favorite characters. The author has made her a very isolated troubled police officer but one that will stop at nothing to get her criminals behind bars.
I'm hoping there is lots more DI Kim Stone still to come in the future...
Without a doubt Five Plus Stars +++++
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
Sociopath.....a person with a psychopathic personality whose behavior is antisocial, often criminal, and who lacks a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience.
Hold onto your hats!!!
DI Kim Stone is back..... along side her partner DS Bryant she is called out to arrest a very unsavoury character Leonard Dunn and bring him to justice for his terrible crime.
But Kim Stone is not leaving it there, oh no she still thinks others must of been involved so she will not rest until everyone is caught.
When a cold blooded murder of an convicted rapist is seen as an open and shut case, Kim once again feels there is more to this than meets the eye.Then other incidents and murders start to come to light... it starts to become apparent that a respectable local Doctor in Psychiatry may be involved somewhere down the line....
As these two cases come to a chilling climax you can be sure that it's a roller coaster ride all the way...
My thoughts.......
Another 1st Class thriller by Angela Marsons
After reading her classy debut novel Silent Scream I couldn't wait to read her follow up Evil Games and it was everything I knew it would be..
The plot is very different this time round and the story as it unfolds showed me what an unique writer this author is.
It was exciting and at times uncomfortable reading but at the same time compelling as the plot unwinds into a fast paced edge of the seat thriller.
There are twists that I didn't see coming so I'm trying not to give much away..
Dr Alex Thorne has to be one of the most terrifying characters I have come across lately, manipulative and cold......
Her obsession with Kim Stone is first seen as a challenge but she soon realises that she will need to up her game to come out on top.
DI Kim Stone is without a doubt one of my favorite characters. The author has made her a very isolated troubled police officer but one that will stop at nothing to get her criminals behind bars.
I'm hoping there is lots more DI Kim Stone still to come in the future...
Without a doubt Five Plus Stars +++++
***ARC provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review***
July 31, 2016
OMG!!! The title is so perfect for this book!
There are already many great reviews written by my friends on this book, so not going to even try to repeat. Just hitting the high points for me.
This series has become a must buy for me. Kim is such a great character, flaws and all. Love learning more about her fellow officers and the area of England she lives in. The most amazing part of this book was the evil, sociopath psychologist, Alex. Every time her character appeared, I would get shivers up and down my spine. I will remember her for a long, long time.
If you haven't tried this series yet, you are missing out on some pretty amazing characters and great writing. I couldn't recommend this series more!
There are already many great reviews written by my friends on this book, so not going to even try to repeat. Just hitting the high points for me.
This series has become a must buy for me. Kim is such a great character, flaws and all. Love learning more about her fellow officers and the area of England she lives in. The most amazing part of this book was the evil, sociopath psychologist, Alex. Every time her character appeared, I would get shivers up and down my spine. I will remember her for a long, long time.
If you haven't tried this series yet, you are missing out on some pretty amazing characters and great writing. I couldn't recommend this series more!
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