Dead Souls (D.I. Kim Stone, #6) by Angela Marsons

Mar 07, 2017 Chelsea Humphrey rated it it was amazing

Recommended to Chelsea by: Angela Marsons

Shelves: from-publisher, netgalley

Each time I read a book featuring D.I. Kim Stone, I’m positive it’s the best one there is and that it can’t be topped. Also, each time I read the next D.I. Kim Stone novel, I find I’m wholly wrong. This is quite possibly the only time I enjoy being publicly in the wrong. I don’t know how she does it, but Angie manages to take these characters we’ve grown to love and wrestle them OUT of submission. Um, what Chelsea? Think of it this way; how many times have we started a series we love, only to Each time I read a book featuring D.I. Kim Stone, I’m positive it’s the best one there is and that it can’t be topped. Also, each time I read the next D.I. Kim Stone novel, I find I’m wholly wrong. This is quite possibly the only time I enjoy being publicly in the wrong. I don’t know how she does it, but Angie manages to take these characters we’ve grown to love and wrestle them OUT of submission. Um, what Chelsea? Think of it this way; how many times have we started a series we love, only to find out come the third + book(s) have turned stale and stagnant, predictable in a way that disappoints the reader to no end and forces us to toss aside an author and move on to greener pastures? This has never been the case with our Kimmy; I think characters of long running series naturally want to become tired, but Angie maneuvers her entire crew into situations we’d never dream up, keeping the series fresh and the reader on their tippy toes.

For those who have followed the series from Silent Scream, you know that Marsons always includes an element of diversity and a focus on a timely injustice toward either a minority group or those of a more vulnerable classification (I.E. children or those with disabilities). This book is no different and includes a nice focus on what a nasty monster racism is. I won’t be giving away any spoilers, but I loved how she caused me to pause and do a little introspective thinking; as a white female in the United States who has lived an entirely privileged life, it was eye-opening and breathtaking to pause and soak up the horror that other races have to endure on a daily basis. Clearly this novel focuses on an extreme variety of such hatred, but the author does touch on a different type of racism, the type where people hold a fear of any other race assimilating into their neighborhood while claiming they cannot be racist because “they have a friend who is of _____ race”. This type of detail and uncomfortable thought provoking narrative is precisely why Angie always earns a 5 star rating from myself and many other readers.

As I stated above, I won’t go into detail concerning the plot, but I enjoyed how Kim was also put in an uncomfortable situation herself. We get a good bit of backstory into a minor character who has been mostly mysterious since the first book, and we also get to know Stace a little better as well. If you are a fan of exciting crime fiction with a lovable cast of close-knit characters, please pick these up. I rarely implore new readers to start at the beginning of a long running series, but this one is so worth it. The books are extremely affordable on kindle and you will race through them at lightning speed. I’ve once again found myself with a Bookouture hangover, as I just finished all the latest in my favorite series that they publish, so I will just cry into my pillow until it’s time to meet up with Kim Stone once again.

*Many thanks to the publisher and author for providing my copy; it’s always a pleasure to participate in the blog tours. ...more

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Apr 14, 2017 Maureen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

Dear Angela Marsons,

As I prepare to kneel and worship at the altar of your literary skills, I ask myself "Can you do anything wrong?"

The latest in the Kim Stone series tackles the vile, but topical subject of Hate Crimes. Naturally, it doesn't make for an easy read, it's disturbing and completely beyond my understanding that people can have views like these, but ultimately it will have you completely gripped.

When a collection of human bones is discovered during a routine archeological dig, it qu ...more

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Apr 11, 2017 Christine rated it it was amazing

Shelves: british, bookouture, ebooks, net-galley

Ms. Angela Marsons has penned yet another phenomenal thriller in her brilliant DI Kim Stone series. In Dead Souls, book six of the series, she takes us down a very dark road on a most gripping and intense journey with Kim, Bryant, Kev, and Stacey.

Ms. Marsons has tackled a monster of an issue with this one. Hate crimes. Sickening, appalling, and incomprehensible to most of us; a source of twisted debauchery and depravity for the perpetrators. Sadly, this is a most timely subject for what is happe Ms. Angela Marsons has penned yet another phenomenal thriller in her brilliant DI Kim Stone series. In Dead Souls, book six of the series, she takes us down a very dark road on a most gripping and intense journey with Kim, Bryant, Kev, and Stacey.

Ms. Marsons has tackled a monster of an issue with this one. Hate crimes. Sickening, appalling, and incomprehensible to most of us; a source of twisted debauchery and depravity for the perpetrators. Sadly, this is a most timely subject for what is happening in our world today. Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Asians, LGBTQs, handicapped persons, any type of “foreigners”—all “fair game.”

This time around, Kim and her team are split up due to circumstances beyond Kim’s control. Kim is paired with a former friend, DI Tom Travis. Travis has not been friendly to Kim for the last 4-5 years for reasons unknown to Kim. This makes for a most difficult work situation as they co-lead Tom’s team, which is assigned to look into the discovery of decades old human bones buried in a field. We are privy to their struggles to come to terms with not only the case matter but with each other. I thought the DI Stone/DI Travis thread was terrific. We see Kim not always having the upper hand and how she handles that. This is more about further developing Kim’s character “in the now”, and not so much because of what happened to her as a child. The author does not change Kim’s personality, but at the same time allows Kim personal growth. So very well done.

While their boss is away, DS Bryant and DS Kevin Dawson are teamed up and assigned several assault cases. These two have never worked side by side before and their efforts to mesh with each other are illuminating. And we finally get a major story thread for DC Stacey Wood. Stacey’s backstory now comes to light as we see her trying to deal with lifelong struggles stemming from childhood experiences. She goes “off grid” in this one and finds herself in deep trouble. This “split up” of the team (practically family) could have been disastrous, but Ms. Marsons pulls it off beautifully. We are presented sides of these individuals that have not been evident before, and I found it all very revealing.

The plot has a myriad of threads. We have one assault/murder after another, time and again. To see all these lines come together at the end was remarkable. The early part of the book is loaded with intrigue. Some of the scenes are downright wicked, so less resilient readers beware. The last 30% consists of palpable high wattage suspense that screams, “You will not stop reading till you finish this book!” Whew!! What a ride!!

There is only one thing I wish had been done differently. Though there are some wonderful flashback scenes for a couple of the threads, I would have loved to have had more of Stacey’s younger days played out in full flashback mode (perhaps in future books?) or perhaps some full flashback scenes of the Kim/Travis breakdown that occurred five years previously. A bit more show, less tell in those particular areas.

I don’t want to forget kudos for Ms. Marsons’ research efforts into hate crimes. Chapter 70 in particular was most enlightening. This author does her research as well as anyone.

I think Dead Souls is a real feather in Ms. Marsons’ cap. I see her steadily growing as an author (though she started out pretty darn great five books ago). There is no hint of staleness to the series. I feel confident she will continue to stretch and reach new heights in her writing. In my opinion, Angela Marsons has earned the title of Queen (and King, for that matter) of Thrillers for the last two years. I give her books my highest recommendation.

I love you, Angela. Thank you for giving me so many hours of pure reading pleasure. XO

I would like to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and Ms. Angela Marsons for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Dead Souls. Opinions in the above review are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
...more

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Apr 16, 2017 Paromjit rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime-fiction, mystery, netgalley, thriller

This is a dark and harrowing addition to the thrilling DI Kim Stone series and it is a superb nightmarish read. In a story where the past and present collide, we have Kim fighting for jurisdiction with a neighbouring police force when an archeological dig uncovers a collection of human bones on a remote farm. Instead, Kim finds herself working with DI Tom Travis with whom she has history. They used to be friends until something happened which Kim has never entirely understood. Tom is hostile and This is a dark and harrowing addition to the thrilling DI Kim Stone series and it is a superb nightmarish read. In a story where the past and present collide, we have Kim fighting for jurisdiction with a neighbouring police force when an archeological dig uncovers a collection of human bones on a remote farm. Instead, Kim finds herself working with DI Tom Travis with whom she has history. They used to be friends until something happened which Kim has never entirely understood. Tom is hostile and their relationship is tense and difficult. Kim is now on new ground, she is cut off from the comfort, safety and support of her team.

Kim's team struggle to adapt without their erstwhile leader. DS Bryant and DS Dawson work on the severe assault and beating of a Polish man. We learn much more about DC Stacey Wood and her traumatic history, as she delves into a teenage suicide which comes to put her in danger. Tom and Kim find connections between the owners of the farm and the present occupants but face obstacles in their inquiry. It becomes clear that the unpleasant, grotesque and corrosive area of Hate Crimes are central to the book. The dark side of humanity is laid bare in its brutality and insanity along with Britain's deplorable far right organisations. The multiple threads begin to converge as connections become apparent. This is story of family secrets and relationships

Marson's is a talented and gifted writer who excels in her intricate plots and her ability to continue to develop her characters. There is more insight into Kim's personal history and she is more vulnerable without her team, no longer in the position of being in charge. DS Bryant comes into his own more, particularly as a leader. DC Stacey Wood becomes a much more three dimensional and authentic figure to the reader. The trademark banter between the team is still there. Marsons doesn't shy away from murky and difficult topics such as the topical one of Hate Crimes in our contemporary society. Once again she spins a successful chilling tale that pays equal attention to characters and relationships as well as the investigations. A brilliant and compelling series that improves with each new addition. Thanks to Bookouture for an ARC. ...more

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Jun 07, 2018 (Bern) Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fave-reads, adult-reads, 2018

Wow, this series just keeps getting better & better!

Dead Souls deals with some heavy content - hate crimes. A very real topic for our world and definitely not an easy one to read about. Marsons didn't shy away from vile characters and disturbing behavior but of course with Kim Stone & her team on the case - we can read with the knowledge they will meet with justice bc Kim always catches her perp!

This case was masterfully woven as it opens with a current teenage suicide and leads to the ...more

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May 15, 2017 Mary Beth *Traveling Sister* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 250-up-to-date

This is the sixth book in the Detective Kim Stone Series.
The books seem to get better and better. I just love this series and I have loved every book in this series.

The book starts out with a disturbing scene. A teenage boy commits suicide after writing a letter to his mother. You can easily tell that he has done something wrong. Why does he say that he has become a monster.
Kim Stone has a tough case to crack involving buried remains and racist hate crimes that are horrific. This time she is up ...more

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Jul 10, 2017 Shelby *trains flying monkeys* rated it really liked it

Shelves: kick-ass-female, netgalley, read-2017

I've seen this author's series of books read for awhile on here. I was interested but all my friends seem to love them and I was sorta scared that I would hate one of them and then I would get beat up. (You have seen my friends on here-they are vicious little bookworms)..anyways I threw all the cares to the wind when I saw this one and even if it was book six I figured I would dive right in.

AND IT WAS GOOD! I didn't feel lost that I hadn't read the previous books, even if the author didn't take I've seen this author's series of books read for awhile on here. I was interested but all my friends seem to love them and I was sorta scared that I would hate one of them and then I would get beat up. (You have seen my friends on here-they are vicious little bookworms)..anyways I threw all the cares to the wind when I saw this one and even if it was book six I figured I would dive right in.

AND IT WAS GOOD! I didn't feel lost that I hadn't read the previous books, even if the author didn't take fifty eleven million pages to 'catch up' the reader. She just managed it in a way that worked and after a few minutes I was completely in. I felt I knew these characters even if I had just met them.

The book starts out with DI Kim Stone being called out when some bones are found on a family farm, after getting her investigative juices flowing she is told that she must work with a former co-worker that she would rather not work be on the same planet with. She does it anyways because once she felt the call of finding out who hurt these people she could not leave it alone.

Then we find out that there is a whole lot more going on than just these bones..(this is not really a spoiler either). There is a whole hate crime underbelly that is going to blow up in her area.

I'm giving the author mad props on this. She researched the heck out of hate crimes and what they mean. I knew that I was pretty much an all around offensive person.

BUT I had never considered myself a racist of any form or fashion. This author made me question myself. She made me think beyond the way that I think. She made me see things in a different light and I didn't always like that. But isn't that a sign of a great author? I've been thinking about several simple passages of this book since I read them and I hope it changed some of my stupid thinking. (She doesn't shame in it..she just made me realize that something I thought was fine is in fact totally not-that's what SHOULD happen when you change someone's thoughts...not just shame them into feeling like a fool because they asked questions or didn't completely understand something.)

I'm giving kudos to the publisher of these books too. They have introduced me to a couple of authors that I never would have normally picked up and I'm so glad I did. I hope they all get the attention that they all deserve because Bookouture and it's authors should get more attention. They are getting mine.

Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review. ...more

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Apr 15, 2017 Liz rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

We all have folks that we don't work well with. In this, the sixth in the Kim Stone series, Kim is assigned to a joint investigation with her old partner and current enemy, Tom Travis. There is a lot of animosity there. The issue is that Kim really doesn't know how they became enemies. But I love how she asks if her DCI wants the investigation to fail when she finds out about the assignment. Or how her attempt at an olive branch “had been well and truly snapped in her face”. And it's not just Ki ...more

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Apr 10, 2017 Meredith rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

4.5 stars

Intense and deeply disturbing read.

Vicious, deplorable hate crimes take center stage in Dead Souls. Due to the horrific nature of the crimes, it can be hard to read at times. But what makes things a little comforting is knowing that Kim Stone will take down the despicable people committing these crimes.

A turf war erupts between Kim Stone and her former colleague, Tom Travis, when both arrive at a crime scene that borders their jurisdictions. Kim is assigned to assist Travis’ team, whil ...more

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Jun 26, 2017 Diane S ☔ rated it really liked it

I admit to feeling quite a bit of trepidation when I decided to read this, for two reasons. The first is that this is the 6th in series and I usually like to start with the first. The second is that so many of my friends, whose opinions I respect, raved about this series. What if I didn't feel the same?

My second fear was quickly dispelled, I engaged with the characters almost instantly. They are well drawn, each different from the others and Kim, their boss and the lead character was not only d ...more

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Dec 06, 2018 Ginger rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2018

Full review up!

This detective series is just so damn good!! I've not been disappointed yet while reading a D.I. Kim Stone book.
Dead Souls is another great addition to the series!

Dead Souls starts off with an archaeological dig and the group comes across questionable bones with bullet holes and other unimaginable trauma.
D.I. Kim Stone rushes to the scene of the dig and comes across her old partner D.I. Tom Travis. They both want the scene and then are forced to work together for the first time in ...more

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Jun 01, 2017 Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-paperwhite, net-galley, part-of-series, detective-crime, serial-killer, book-6

Dead Souls is by one of my favourite authors, Angela Marsons, is the 6th book in the Detective Kim Stone series and it continues picking up on some themes from the previous novels. It is an excellent police procedural thriller, and after having read all her previous novels, I feel that this one was her best yet ever! The journey is allowing the reader to get close and personal to the characters, especially Kim and her team. Kim has grown so much, and in this novel we see her character more flush ...more

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Apr 19, 2017 Zoeytron rated it really liked it

Shelves: net-galley, new-fangled-e-reader

Copy furnished by Net Galley for the price of a review.

The Event. Doesn't sound particularly threatening, but do not be deceived. The "ticket" for admittance to the event is nightmarish.

Hate crimes. Intolerance. Old bones that tell a story.

In this one, the dynamics of DI Kim Stone's investigative team are drastically altered when left on their own. Meanwhile, Kim has been pressed into service to work on a big case with a former partner. There is bad blood there, the rancor between the two of t ...more

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Apr 25, 2017 Jan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mystery, netgalley, police-procedural, series, 5-stars

Hats off to author Angela Marsons for creating yet another intense and disturbing page turner to add to the Kim Stone series.

Marsons takes on a timely subject matter: Hate crimes. But this goes way beyond your name calling and intimidation that you hear about in the news. Marsons takes the reader on a very disturbing journey that doesn't hold back on just how far some people are willing to take things.

This time around Stone is forced to leave the comfort of her team behind and work alongside a ...more

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May 11, 2017 Gary rated it really liked it

This is the 6th book in the Detective Kim Stone series by author Angela Marsons. I came across Angela Marsons work over 2 years ago when I started this series and was instantly hooked, her books are of a consistently high standard and I am never disappointed.
When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone.

In this novel, a large number of bones are discovered in a grave and it b ...more

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Oct 18, 2017 Veronica ⭐️ rated it really liked it

Shelves: crime, netgalley, 2017, n17

4.5 stars

Dead Souls is book 6 in Angela Marsons D.I. Kim Stone series. Each book in the series is stand alone with crimes solved by the end of the novel but to get a real understanding and feel for the character of Kim Stone I would recommend reading the series from the beginning with “Silent Scream”.

Multiple storylines run through the novel with one taking Kim away from her team to work with D.I. Travis, a previous working partner with whom she has unresolved issues. This gives the story a lig ...more

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Apr 05, 2017 Emma rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley

An easy 5 stars for possibly the darkest and most challenging instalment of this series so far.

In choosing hate crimes as the foundation of this novel, Marsons has gone for a theme that's bang up to date. Turn on the news, spend ten minutes on Twitter, look at some of the new advertising by Sony or Pepsi... the list could be endless. This all hangs in the mind as you read; even if discrimination hasn't happened to you personally, you still recognise this behaviour, the hate, the violence. It gi ...more

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Aug 10, 2017 Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017, favourite-author, netgalley-arc, 4-star, sandy-s-ng-nirvana, sandy-s-reading-retreat

We are all guilty, at some point in time, of voicing or acting out some sort of prejudice; most of us more out of ill temper or frustration than actual ill intent. And I would hope that for most of us, our inherent kindness outweighs our occasional lapses of judgment. Not so the characters in Angela Marsons Dead Souls. They are deadly serious in their intentions to rid their neighborhood of anyone not racially pure - and for that, read white.

Added to those problems, an archeological dig has une ...more

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Apr 14, 2017 Jean rated it it was amazing

Detective Inspector Kim Stone is not known for her social skills, her ability to “play well with others.” After being called to the scene of an archaeological dig where human remains are unearthed, Stone finds herself embroiled in turf wars with long-time rival, Detective Tom Travis, who was once a trusted colleague. Their ill feelings are no secret to her team or to her superior officer, who assigns her to work the case jointly with Travis. This also places her team in a new position; they will Detective Inspector Kim Stone is not known for her social skills, her ability to “play well with others.” After being called to the scene of an archaeological dig where human remains are unearthed, Stone finds herself embroiled in turf wars with long-time rival, Detective Tom Travis, who was once a trusted colleague. Their ill feelings are no secret to her team or to her superior officer, who assigns her to work the case jointly with Travis. This also places her team in a new position; they will be working without Kim at the helm. Dead Souls is Angela Marsons’ sixth novel in her DI Kim Stone series, and it seems that each time Kim has a different, bigger challenge to conquer. Will this one be more than she can handle? One thing I’ve learned: Never, ever underestimate Kim Stone.

While Stone and Travis give each other the cold shoulder, DS Bryant and DS Dawson are paired up to investigate several assault cases. DC Stacey Wood is to provide support, per usual, but she takes a personal interest in the suicide of a young man and branches off on her own investigation. Each individual officer is forging new ground in his or her career, stepping outside the comfort and security of the team. Will Stone and Travis continue their feud, or will they find a way to talk about whatever it was that caused the rift between them nearly five years earlier? How will Kim manage without Bryant and the rest of her team? Will Bryant and Kevin Dawson drive each other crazy, or will they develop a pattern that works? Why is Stacey so determined to learn more about the teenager who killed himself? Does she have what it takes to find the answers she’s looking for?

Dr. A, the forensic anthropologist, finds a human skeleton, and immediately calls Kim. Time and again, she calls her as more information becomes available. Who were these people, and why are they buried on this property?
I liked Dr. A. She’s a native of Macedonia, and while she speaks fairly good English, she often uses improper verb forms, which is amusing at first. After a while, it becomes almost unnoticeable. She is smart, dedicated, and a no-nonsense type of professional, but at the same time, she is human and likable. I hope we will see her in future books.

A sinister shroud permeates the entire novel. Hate. Bigotry. Xenophobia. Racism. We know it all too well in our society today. Each investigation in this book is tied to hate crimes. The response by law enforcement, in this work of fiction, is that it is horrendous, vile, and pervasive. Angela Marsons has done an outstanding job researching and presenting this difficult subject. I was especially struck by the way Stacey confronted attitudes about race among her peers.

What of Kim and Tom? I wondered about their relationship throughout most of the book. So did Kim, and to the author’s credit, we learn the reason for the falling out at the same time Kim hears it. She has already learned part of Tom’s secret, but she needs his explanation. Would the Kim Stone of a book or two prior to this one have dealt with this situation so maturely? I doubt it. Kim also proves her leadership skills as she works with Tom’s team. They respond to her just like her own team does. I think even Tom notices this and grudgingly respects her for it. I love how this character, all of Marsons’ characters, are developing and growing. Thank you, Angie, for that, especially for hearing the voices of your readers who wanted more of the supporting characters, especially Stacey. We all hope that continues.

I could go on and on and on about this book, but Marsons’ fans already know that you need to read this book. If you haven’t ever read her work, get busy! This is an easy five-star rating!
...more

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Apr 22, 2017 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017-release, thriller, suspense, 4000-books, arc, net-galley, own-read, read-on-kindle, psychological-thriller

Hate crimes – is there anything worse?

Detective Kim Stone was shocked when she was told she had to team with Detective Travis to investigate the bones discovered in an archaeological dig. That the bones were human was in no doubt – but Kim and Travis had a history and even though they had worked well together five years prior, there was no liking or respect between them now. But the crime scene needed to be worked and Kim told herself to get a grip and do the job.

Kim’s usual team of Bryant, Daws ...more

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Apr 23, 2017 David Staniforth rated it it was amazing

It has to be said that Angela Marsons is not among the most technically gifted writers I have encountered: I find quite a few instances where the sentence structure is a little clumsy for my taste, or where a better choice of word could have been employed. Therein, similes could have a little more sparkle and phrases could flow more readily from one to the next. And yet I find I have no choice but to award the sixth book in the Kim Stone series a five star rating.

What Marsons does exceptionally It has to be said that Angela Marsons is not among the most technically gifted writers I have encountered: I find quite a few instances where the sentence structure is a little clumsy for my taste, or where a better choice of word could have been employed. Therein, similes could have a little more sparkle and phrases could flow more readily from one to the next. And yet I find I have no choice but to award the sixth book in the Kim Stone series a five star rating.

What Marsons does exceptionally well is tell a good story and tell it well, with an easy style of writing that the vast majority of readers undoubtedly like. She excels in showing the reader rather than telling, allowing us to feel and know the characters without the need for spoon-feeding. The plotting and pacing are perfect, an example in this visit being an encounter between Kim Stone and an ex-colleague. There is clearly history between these two, and a lesser writer might have been inclined to reveal the backstory in one block of text (telling). Marsons weaves this subtext into the main plot, however, allowing us to feel the tension, and taking us on a psychological journey to the final reveal (showing). As with the other books in this series, the character development is also top-notch, and not just the main character; more so in this book, we get to really know more about the secondary characters.

The main plot revolves around hate crimes, and delves into what is perhaps the nastiest aspect of society. It is handled extremely well and is undoubtedly founded on some good research. There are, however, some aspects where a little more research would not have gone amiss, some aspects that jumped out to me as being wrong based on my own knowledge. To focus on them would be somewhat churlish though, as they are not of major importance to the plot and many readers may not pick up on them. Further to this, the text I received was an uncorrected advanced review copy and these instances may have been picked up and altered for the final version.

Working as an assistant in a public library, I constantly recommend Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone series to readers. I will continue to do so, and cannot wait to see what comes next.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for furnishing me with a copy of Dead Souls in return of an unbiased review. The opinions are entirely my own, and have not been influenced in any way as a result of receiving a free copy. ...more

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Aug 14, 2017 Brenda rated it really liked it

The collision of current events and the subject of this book unfortunately put me on overload. I started reading this book while the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia was all over the news and social media. I didn't read the blurb; I didn’t know this book was going to involve hate crimes. I think my enjoyment was affected by this overload.

I did enjoy the book, though there were some changes from previous books. I was a bit dismayed that Kim and Bryant worked separate cases, bu ...more

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Apr 19, 2017 Carolyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2017, netgalley, crime, police-procedural

I can't believe this is already book six in the DI Kim Stone series in less than three years! Angela Marsons is rapidly becoming one of my favourite crime writers and Kim Stone is also fast becoming one of my favourite detectives - a real human being who knows she's not perfect but always looks out for her team.

In this episode, Kim is separated from her team as bones with evidence of torture are found on a training archaeological dig in a field spanning two police jurisdictions. Kim's boss deci I can't believe this is already book six in the DI Kim Stone series in less than three years! Angela Marsons is rapidly becoming one of my favourite crime writers and Kim Stone is also fast becoming one of my favourite detectives - a real human being who knows she's not perfect but always looks out for her team.

In this episode, Kim is separated from her team as bones with evidence of torture are found on a training archaeological dig in a field spanning two police jurisdictions. Kim's boss decides to second her to the other police team, headed by DI Travis, who was once a friend of Kim's until something happened which caused him to resent her. Now Kim has to not only manage without her trusted team but also tread carefully with someone who doesn't want to work with her and tries to undermine her at every opportunity.

Back at her station, Kim's team are dealing with a spate of racial and homophobic hate crimes and DS Bryant and DS Travers must not only manage without Kim but also learn to work together. DC Stacey Wood feels they are both ignoring her and quietly goes underground to solve a puzzle on her own which unwittingly draws her into the spotlight of some very nasty people.

The various threads of the novel come together in a nail biting finish that is not only dark but very disturbing. Altogether a clever, complex plot highlighting a very modern problem of hate crimes and cyber villification of minority groups. The perpetrators were hard to guess, just as they can be in the real world where people can hide behind facades of political correctness.

Ms Marsons device of separating Kim from her team was successful in not only allowing further development of Kim's personality as she deals with new stresses and loss of control to another DI but also allowed Bryant, Travers and Stacey to emerge as more fully developed characters. Can't wait to see what Ms Marsons has in store for this team in her next installment!

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for a copy of the book to read and review ...more

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May 10, 2017 Linda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-star-winners, angela-marsons, mystery-thrillers, net-galley

How does hatred, so deep and so evil, even exist in its neophyte state?

What exactly is the enticement that sets its vicious tentacles in search of others to slither around and permeate far into the corridors of the human heart? Unspeakable and unrelenting horror which visits upon the weak, the innocent, and the unsuspecting. Simply: bad to the bone.

But bones of another course draw us into this compelling storyline. Dr. A., forensic archaeologist, has set up a university training session at Hayl How does hatred, so deep and so evil, even exist in its neophyte state?

What exactly is the enticement that sets its vicious tentacles in search of others to slither around and permeate far into the corridors of the human heart? Unspeakable and unrelenting horror which visits upon the weak, the innocent, and the unsuspecting. Simply: bad to the bone.

But bones of another course draw us into this compelling storyline. Dr. A., forensic archaeologist, has set up a university training session at Hayley Green. Sifting through dirt reveals a human skull with a metacarpal bone protruding from the eye socket. Needless to say, "class is dismissed" and Dr. A. places an urgent call to D.I. Kim Stone. Dr. A. eventually reveals at least three human bodies in the area. Murder most deadly.

Angela Marsons presents her sixth book in the stellar Kim Stone series. And this one takes on the timely topic of Hate Crimes. Marsons does an outstanding job of weaving it throughout this story, but she doesn't just use it as a plot device. Marsons introduces her specific characters, both the innocent and the dastardly, to educate her readers. Although a work of fiction, we are painfully aware of the existence of this dark malfunction of the human entity. It is an infestation within a multitude of thought lodgings existing within every society known around the world. It feeds on the premise that differences of all kinds must be eradicated. Ironically, it is the hate mongering itself that must be expunged beginning in its earliest stages.

D.I. Kim Stone and her team are now operating in different assigned circles. Kim is aligned with D.I. Tom Travis, once again, and some interesting backstories are revealed. Detective Stacey is given a much wider berth which propels this story into high gear. Hatred saddles up and gallops into the confines of Stone and her team, up close and much too personal.

Marsons delivers with short, to the point chapters, no aimless fill-ins, and with straightaway action. She places bits of humor and strategic dialogue in all the right places. Angela Marsons crafts a thriller like no other. It's all here, readers. The pumped-up, lively storyline streaming into intense waters. Perhaps, there's also a longing for more critical awareness as well in this complicated world.

I received a copy of Dead Souls through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to Angela Marsons for the opportunity.

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Apr 22, 2017 Sean Peters rated it really liked it

Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture and author Angela Marsons.

They is no argueing Angela, that in my group "A Good Thriller" on Goodreads you have a tremendous following, as do publishers Bookouture who nearly always approve books on Net Galley for many of my members, so a big thankyou.

We have a sixth instalment of Kim Stone books and by far the most harrowing, dark and disturbing story.
When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field sudde Thank you to Net Galley, Bookouture and author Angela Marsons.

They is no argueing Angela, that in my group "A Good Thriller" on Goodreads you have a tremendous following, as do publishers Bookouture who nearly always approve books on Net Galley for many of my members, so a big thankyou.

We have a sixth instalment of Kim Stone books and by far the most harrowing, dark and disturbing story.
When a collection of human bones is unearthed during a routine archaeological dig, a Black Country field suddenly becomes a complex crime scene for Detective Kim Stone.

As the bones are sorted, it becomes clear that the grave contains more than one victim. The bodies hint at unimaginable horror, bearing the markings of bullet holes and animal traps.

Forced to work alongside Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past, Kim begins to uncover a dark secretive relationship between the families who own the land in which the bodies were found.

But while Kim is immersed in one of the most complicated investigations she’s ever led, her team are caught up in a spate of sickening hate crimes. Kim is close to revealing the truth behind the murders, yet soon finds one of her own is in jeopardy - and the clock is ticking. Can she solve the case and save them from grave danger – before it’s too late?

I love Kim’s working relationship with Bryant, he knows her so well, but this time she is forced into working with D.I. Travis from a neighbouring force. The two forces team up on a boundary crossing case. Stone and Travis share a troubled working relationship going back a few years. Of her usual team, Dawson was paired up with Bryant on a different case, an interesting partnership and not always plain sailing. And Stace was featured so much more than her usual role of being attached to a desktop pc.

Angela gives the readers a chance to see more of the characters of Bryant, Dawson and especially Stacey, and also a chance for a different working relationship for Kim Stone with Travis.

A little slower paced than previous books, although the subject matter of this book is powerful and disturbing a very well written book that finished with a gripping and tense ending.

A four star book for me.
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Apr 03, 2017 Book Addict Shaun rated it it was amazing

It is hard to believe that Dead Souls is the sixth Kim Stone book but this series shows no sign of slowing down and if anything is only going from strength to strength. I read it in one gripping sitting as I just couldn't tear myself away from my Kindle, and being back in the company of Kim Stone, my favourite female detective of all time, is always one of my greatest reading pleasures (yes, even alongside all of the horrors that she has to contend with).

Angie really changes things up here in D It is hard to believe that Dead Souls is the sixth Kim Stone book but this series shows no sign of slowing down and if anything is only going from strength to strength. I read it in one gripping sitting as I just couldn't tear myself away from my Kindle, and being back in the company of Kim Stone, my favourite female detective of all time, is always one of my greatest reading pleasures (yes, even alongside all of the horrors that she has to contend with).

Angie really changes things up here in Dead Souls to keep the series fresh, current and to stop it from becoming like many series have before it, just rehashes of previous books. I would say it is one of her darkest books to date in terms of its subject matter and whilst I'm not going to go into detail about that subject matter, it did make for quite uncomfortable reading at times, for me probably because of how believable the whole thing was. There's probably people sharing the beliefs and attitudes of some of these characters living just down the road from you and that's a scary thought. But, you'll have to read it to discover for yourselves.

In Dead Souls Kim finds herself battling for a case when the discovery of bones on the very edge of the boundary her station covers, sees her forced to merge her investigation with the neighbouring West Mercia, and an old adversary she never wanted to see herself working with again, Detective Travis. I loved how this offered us not only another view of Kim Stone, but also her team when they are left to their own devices and supervised by the always brilliant, Bryant. It offered us a new dynamic and insight into these characters, and Kim's team, in her absence, really started to come into their own after a worrying start that was very much 'while the cats away' and left me wondering whether the team was going to fall apart without her supervision. Rest assured Angie is the master storyteller and had more than a few tricks up her sleeve regarding Kim's team and I was shocked and thrilled in equal measure with where their stories went. In Dead Souls I really endeared myself to Stacey who I have always liked in the past, and she plays a huge role in this book, and an emotional one at that.

There is not much I can say about Kim Stone that I haven't said before except that my love for her grows with each book that I read. She really is just an incredible character and one that I could simply never tire of reading about. I am loath to repeat everything I've said about her before so just in terms of this book alone she goes on yet another journey. Seeing her forced to work with Detective Travis let us see a new side of her, an almost vulnerable side and a side where she wasn't in complete control of herself or an investigative team and this is something she really doesn't like. The scenes with Detective Travis are some of the best in the book, the animosity between them is incredibly palpable and whilst I knew it couldn't possibly last for the whole book, their relationship throughout was, alongside the main event itself, one of the more gripping parts of the book and there's some great moments between the pair. I hope we see Travis again in future books. Kim's fierce determination to solve every case she is given, and to not care about following the rules is what makes her such a fun character to read about. On paper she may sound like your typical fictional detective but she really isn't, she's one of a kind and I just adore reading about her.

The Kim Stone series is one of the best crime series ever written and, in the era of digital books, one of the best-selling ever. It should and will (it better had do!) go into double figures and I dread the time coming when we will say goodbye to this series. However, it's clear with every single book the love that Angela Marsons has for this series and for Kim Stone itself and I can't see it stopping any time soon. You can see the work that goes into each book, and clearly Angie is an author who likes to switch things up with each book but retain those same elements that have earned her fans across the globe. She also isn't afraid to push the boundaries and write about the most despicable acts a human being can commit, and use that to create some of the most gripping crime fiction that I have ever read. Dead Souls is an incredibly powerful read, one that drew real emotion from me as a reader, one that I stormed through in just a few hours, and one that just proves when it comes to crime fiction, Angela Marsons is in a league of her own and having been lucky enough to be able to call her a friend, albeit online only (for now!) I am so very thrilled at the phenomenal success she has had as an author. It couldn't be happening to a nicer person and I just love her. There can't be a crime fan left in the world who hasn't discovered this series yet but if there is and you are one of them, go and read them all immediately. Some of the best crime fiction ever written. ...more

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Aug 03, 2017 Janet rated it it was amazing

Book six!! Book six!! How have we gotten to book six already?! Doesn't seem like two minutes ago when DI Kim Stone came storming into our lives on a motorbike and leathers with her trustee team.

Bones are discovered on the private land of a farming family during a training exercise on an archaeological dig. Once a successful working farm it has now fallen into disarray after the BSE crisis. As the grisly find lays between two police forces DI Stone is teamed with an ex colleague, DI Tom Travis. H Book six!! Book six!! How have we gotten to book six already?! Doesn't seem like two minutes ago when DI Kim Stone came storming into our lives on a motorbike and leathers with her trustee team.

Bones are discovered on the private land of a farming family during a training exercise on an archaeological dig. Once a successful working farm it has now fallen into disarray after the BSE crisis. As the grisly find lays between two police forces DI Stone is teamed with an ex colleague, DI Tom Travis. Her team are left to fend for themselves and find themselves working on what appears to be hate crimes.

This was at times a difficult read for me. Anything to do with hatred of any description is an uneasy topic and will never sit comfortably. Marsons enters a world that is dark and frightening and very much prevalent in our times. She doesn't shy away from the murky underworld reality that hides behind notoriety and keyboards working across cyberspace. What I liked about this book in particular is how Stone's team were given much bigger roles. No one really dominated the book in this instance and learning more about the background of her team brought about real depth which I loved.

Marsons has a canny ability to write hooks at the end of each chapter so again, you're driven to just keep turning regardless of whether you need to eat, sleep or live really!! Characters as always were vivid and suitably hateful and genuinely the speed picks up as the book moves along. My only slight niggle and it is a slight one is that I've come to expect Stone to take on the perpetrator towards the end. Getting into some kind of scrap; wrestling them to the ground. It's an expectation of her nature; it's who she is .... but still ..... just something slightly different would be good. Like I said, just the teeniest niggle in what is another fine example of Marsons knowing how to tell a rollercoaster story in her own inimitable style. Even with that niggle it's still a 5 star read. Seriously I don't know how she does it ..... what goes on in her head ..... and all in longhand!! Phew!!

I wonder if she's scribbling away!!

Highly recommend. Many thanks for my review copy.

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Apr 11, 2017 Louise Wilson rated it really liked it

4.5 stars. Detective Kim Stone is back in the 6th book in the series.

A collection of human bones has been unearthed during a routine archaeological dig. They are found on the edge of the boundary Kim's station covers and she is forced to merge the investigation with West Mercia and Detective Travis, with whom she shares a troubled past. It's not long before Kim uncovers dark secretive relationships between the families who own the land where the bodies were found. Kim's team are also investigati ...more

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Apr 20, 2017 Karen rated it it was amazing

DEAD SOULS (Detective Kim Stone #6) BY ANGELA MARSONS

When I saw that another installment of DI Kim Stone was available I dropped everything and rushed to request it. I had read the fifth installment of DI Kim Stone last year as an introduction to me to this author and it has quickly become one of my favorite series of police procedurals. After finishing DI Kim Stone's #5, I rushed to Amazon and bought the previous four in the series preceding it. The talented Angela Marsons has done it again wit DEAD SOULS (Detective Kim Stone #6) BY ANGELA MARSONS

When I saw that another installment of DI Kim Stone was available I dropped everything and rushed to request it. I had read the fifth installment of DI Kim Stone last year as an introduction to me to this author and it has quickly become one of my favorite series of police procedurals. After finishing DI Kim Stone's #5, I rushed to Amazon and bought the previous four in the series preceding it. The talented Angela Marsons has done it again with her latest book.

DI Kim Stone teams up with DI Tom Travis over jurisdictional boundaries that conflict with whose territory does the crime scene belong to. The higher ups in the department decide that since they can't come to an agreement on which inspector its jurisdiction truly belongs to, that both DI Kim Stone and DI Tom Travis join forces and work together. Kim is ordered to share jurisdiction in the
investigation with Tom who is openly hostile to Kim. I thought I was missing something from a previous installment to understand where Tom's hostility is coming from. It gets explained towards the end of the book about three quarters into the story. Kim has to work with Tom's team who are all helpful in trying to solve this crime. She is without her team for the first time.

Dawson and Stacey are working under the capable and unflappable acting DI Bryant. Just as Kim is working without her team they are working without her. Bryant does an excellent job as leader in Kim's absence. He always keeps a level head and has a nice personality. Bryant can handle himself under any situation and is so damn likeable. They are working a series of hate crimes in their departmental counties that they cover. Stacey is more developed than I have ever seen her in previous installments of this series.

Stacey decides that she wants to delve in deeper to a suicide the team has closed. Stacey goes to Justin's mother unbeknownst to any body else on the team including Kim. She borrows Justin's computer and what she finds totally turns her off and puts her life at risk. Will the team or Kim be able to rescue Stacey in time?

Angela Marsons has created a highly addictive read yet again. The relationships between her characters and the way she weaves together her plots so that they interconnect is where her genius lie. I think this series is underrated and I hope it gets the exposure it deserves. I really love this series and I hope you continue to write more installments of this series Angela Marsons. Highly recommended for lovers of mysteries with interesting characters.

Thank you to Net Galley, Angela Marsons and Bookouture for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review. ...more

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Apr 16, 2017 Adrian Dooley rated it it was amazing

Well another Kim Stone novel. Another brilliant read. Book six in the series, you look forward to some things so much that you ultimately set yourself up for disappointment but this series is the one that just keeps giving and must be one of, if not the strongest and most consistent detective series currently being published.

A routine archaeological dig uncovers some human bones and Detective Kim Stone finds herself on the scene to investigate. But the crime scene is on the border to two police Well another Kim Stone novel. Another brilliant read. Book six in the series, you look forward to some things so much that you ultimately set yourself up for disappointment but this series is the one that just keeps giving and must be one of, if not the strongest and most consistent detective series currently being published.

A routine archaeological dig uncovers some human bones and Detective Kim Stone finds herself on the scene to investigate. But the crime scene is on the border to two police jurisdictions and after consultation Kim finds herself taken away from her team for the first time and forced to take joint lead on the case with Detective Inspector Tom Travis and his team.
Tom has become a bit of a nemesis for Kim in the last four or five years. Going out of his way to make things difficult for her any time their paths cross, they have a shared history and worked closely together in the past but a major incident in the past, as yet not revealed, has their relationship soured and Travis treats Stone with distain.
As the investigation progresses two more sets of bones are found in the same dig, human remains. Three victims in total and with bullit wounds and animal trap injuries being present, a dark and sinister murder investigation is under way.

Meanwhile he rest of Kim's team are forced to work without her. Stacey as usual in the office at the computer but Bryant and Dawson are forced to work along side each other as they investigate an increasing number of assault cases that look like hate crimes. An awkward pairing at the best of times they struggle to get along as their investigation sees it crossing paths with the equally awkward and unlikely partnership of Travis and Stone.

To say any more on the plot would be to go into the bones(pun intended)of the story and while maybe not being spoilers would perhaps reveal a little too much for those who have yet to read the book.

What we do have is another brilliant addition to this series. A story of prejudice, racism, hate crimes and intolerance. They say art reflects life and this book intentionally or not, is themeatically right on the pulse of today's world.
The story is an intricate one, multi layered as we follow two investigations that gradually merge. The separation of Kim from her team works really well as we get to see another side of her professionally as she tries to deal with working with Travis. It also gives her team characters a lot more room to breath in the book as they find their own space and room to develop as characters. Stacey especially, who perhaps was the least developed of the team, character wise, really features heavily in this one as we get her back story and spend chapters with her and her life. She really comes into her own in this one.

It's another fantastic story and read from Angela Marsons in the Kim Stone series. Her team were always a strong part of the novels but with the "splitting from the team" device, those characters have become even more fleshed out and developed, a huge plus. They are becoming as important as Kim is to the novels and deservedly get plenty of page time in this one.

I took longer than I had anticipated reading this one due to real life getting in the way and I had to read it in short bursts, but it's a credit to the story that this in no way affected my enjoyment or involvement in it. Cutting to the chase it's just another brilliant read. There's something about Angela's writing style that just makes the words flow off the pages and draw you straight in. The books are just a real pleasure to read from start to finish and at the end of the day what more could you want from a book?

I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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