Can’t believe this was my 8th outing with DI Kim Stone. A gripping read that was up to Angela Marsons usual suspenseful style. Looking forward to book 9 to see what happens next for DI Stone & her team

EXCERPT: I lied.

I said yes.

How could I tell them how I really felt? How could I tell them that a piece of me dies every time I come home? How could I try and penetrate the perfect bubble around them? How could I reveal what I do to stay calm? How can I share the darkness that shadows every thought I have; the rage that heats my blood?

How could I tell them that I'm the broken child?

ABOUT THIS BOOK: How far would you go to protect your darkest secrets?

When teenager Sadie Winter jumps from the roof of her school, her death is ruled as suicide – a final devastating act from a troubled girl. But then the broken body of a young boy is discovered at the same school and it’s clear to Detective Kim Stone that these deaths are not tragic accidents.

As Kim and her team begin to unravel a dark web of secrets, one of the teachers could hold the key to the truth. Yet just as she is about to break her silence, she is found dead.

With more children’s lives at risk, Kim has to consider the unthinkable - whether a fellow pupil could be responsible for the murders. Investigating the psychology of children that kill brings the detective into contact with her former adversary, Dr Alex Thorne – the sociopath who has made it her life’s work to destroy Kim.

Desperate to catch the killer, Kim finds a link between the recent murders and an initiation prank that happened at the school decades earlier. But saving these innocent lives comes at a cost – and one of Kim’s own might pay the ultimate price.

MY THOUGHTS: Clear your diary! Angela Marsons has a new book in the D. I. Kim Stone series, and Dying Truth is a book that, once you start, you can't put down. I took it to work. I read through morning tea, I read through lunch instead of taking advantage of the sunshine and going for a walk, I read through afternoon tea, and we had takeaways for dinner because I didn't want to lose reading time by cooking! I finished Dying Truth before I went to sleep. This is the best of the series yet!

Marsons is an incredible writer. In Dying Truth she tackles the subjects of bullying and self-harm, all neatly tucked into the investigation of the apparent suicide of a young girl at an elite school. Heathcrest is a school that is a bastion of secrecy, lies, private elite clubs, privilege, wealth, and illegal abortions, and has been for generations. Here alliances are formed and relationships brokered that will last for lifetimes.

But secrets and lies have consequences, and someone has to pay the price. ..

D. I. Kim Stone has grown a lot in character in the previous seven books. She continues to do so in Dying Truth. But she still shuts herself off, to a certain degree, assuming guilt for every victim she can't save, burying herself in responsibility, and the determination to right every wrong. 'For as long as she could remember, her mind had been a series of boxes. Every one contained something that had the power to hurt her, to reach the depths of her soul and break her apart.' She relaxes by rebuilding old motorbikes and walking her dog Barney.

And it is great to also see the growth of the supporting cast, Dawson and Stacey in particular. They have become characters in their own right.

I love Marsons turns of phrase. ..'He reminded her of an overfilled laundry basket at home, so full of items that it was misshapen, bulging. It was like he'd been stuffed to overflowing with good looks, a lean athletic body, excessive charm and charisma bursting out of his sixteen year old body. Once he emptied the basket and learned moderation, he'd be a dangerous individual.'

Where to next Angela Marsons? I long ago ran out of rating stars for your books - five stars just aren't enough.

Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of Dying Breath by Angela Marsons for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.

This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...

This was a surprisingly good read. My first by this author but I will definitely read more. The story is interesting and real, though as I teacher I hope never to meet any students or teachers like those in the book. The pace of the story is just right and as clues appear the reader can start to speculate. The web of lies and intrigues goes back further than I anticipated and kept me guessing to the very end. I hope the others in the series are as good.

Detective Kim Stone and her team are investigating an apparent suicide of a 13 year old Sadie in a prestigious Heathcrest Academy. Kim has her suspicions and when another kid is found dead on the school premises she knows the death’s are not an accident.

Dying Truth ,the eight book in Detective Kim Stone series is a gripping , tense , emotional heartbreaking thriller.One of the best book in the series with great heartfelt characters makes it a brilliant , entertaining 5 star read.

I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.

This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

Another cracker of a book from Angela Marsons. This author just gets better and better. Set in a boarding school, this book has dark secrets, sinister undertones, twisted characters and a suicide with more than meets the eye. A cracking good read, I just couldn't stop reading.

I'm always overjoyed when I discover that there's a new Angela Marsons book out. With Kim Stone reaching the 8th book in the series, the characters have more depth and have developed as people. Whilst it's essential to have read the earlier books in the series, it is recommended as this gives you some of the back story and context around the evil Dr Alex Thorne. It seems a shame that Dr Alex is just a character in this series, she has as much depth and far more complexity than Kim Stone. Hopefully the author has more stories up her sleeve - i do hope so.

5 very well deserved stars

Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Dying Truth", #8 in the Detective Kim Stone Thriller Series. I've read the first two, and am in the process of reading the third, but when I saw this one was available, I jumped at the chance.
When DI Stone and her team are called to the suicide of Sadie Winters at an exclusive school, it does not take them long to discover that things are not as they seem. Subsequently, the suicide becomes a murder; and then there is another suspicious death (murder by peanut allergy - a horrible description). Something is rotten at Heathcrest. And it goes back decades!
DI Stone, along with Dawson, Bryant and Woods (and some help from the eerie and psychopath Alex Thorne) have to sort out what the secrets are that everyone involved are keeping. And boy, what secrets.
This is a dark tale of revenge that had me on the edge of my seat practically throughout, and definitely at the race to the finish, tragic ending.
I sometimes struggle with Kim Stone and her personality, but it was just what was needed to get to the bottom of these murders/attempted murders.
I was genuinely sad for her team at the end, and for Kim in particular for her decision.
I highly recommend this book; at times it's difficult to read, but you won't be sorry.

Dies ist bislang das beste Buch der Reihe. Es ist spannend, weckt Emotionen und rührt zu Tränen. Spannend und nicht immer so, wie man denkt...

I love Angela Marson's books and always look forward to the next Kim Stone thriller. The Dying truth starts at the end of the story with Kim watching on as her team rush into the tower at a school where a young girl has been murdered not knowing what fate awaits them. The story then starts with Kim and team investigating what is going on at the school with murders, secret clubs and twists and turns at every turn of the page. If you have never read Angela Marson's books do yourself a favour and read this now.

was given an ecopy of this book in exchange for an honest review as part of the blog tour for Dying Truth organised by Angela Marsons publisher, Bookouture. This is something I am more than happy to do.

Whenever I hear Angela has written another book my heart begins to beat a little bit faster, each and every book from the very first one Silent Scream has pushed me to the edge of an abyss and then she somehow brings me back before I go into a total freewill. That insight into how far you can push a reader and leave them gasping for air but exhilarated at the same time is second to none. As she very well knows I've tried reading a bit faster to try to save lives but it doesn't work - I'm left bereft that the book has ended so quickly.

Where do I begin with book eight, you just know it's going to be a difficult read when children are the victims in a book and Angela Marsons has spared no punches with Dying Truth, in fact she socked one right below the belt this time. I normally read one of her books in a single sitting but life at the moment is pretty full on and it took me the best part of a week - only finishing it at lunchtime today, I've been an absolute wreck.

OMG, I sat outside having lunch with tears rolling down my face - what have you done to me. I don't think I have ever been so distraught by a book EVER. I'm finding it difficult to compartmentalise fact from fiction, such is Angela's style of writing. Every word is like a true account totally mesmerising and compelling.

Dying Truth is DI Kim Stone's biggest challenge to date, an apparent suicide and then another death at the same upmarket, private school. The first victim jumps from the school roof and everyone assumes it's a suicide. Everyone that is except Kim Stone - a second death at the same school has her radar on high alert, she's like a sniffer dog - she has her nose into every corner and doesn't rest until every clue and avenue has been explored. She opens a pandora's box which leads to difficult situations and thoughts for everyone involved in the investigation. It's so difficult to share how fantastic this book and Angela Marsons is without spoiling the story.

I more than highly recommend this book and each and every book she's previously written, but the best news is, there are at least eight more books in the series to come!!!!!


Huge thanks to Kim Nash and Bookouture for another totally captivating read and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour.

I received an ARC from Net Galley and publisher Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

I had yet to read a book by Angela Marsons, although I had heard very good things from her from several people. Unfortunately this perhaps isn't the best book to showcase her talents. This is a perfectly acceptable, fairly interesting crime thriller but I was not blown out of the water by it. The plot starts off quite gripping and I like most of what it does but the biggest problem by far is the writing.

For starters, this book is far too long. It could have easily been condensed without losing anything and that might have helped with me being engaged with the plot. The author also has the annoying habit which I call 'the Goosebumps effect'. That is, often a chapter will end on an artificial cliffhanger, created only by people acting like no one ever has in real life. For example, one point a character says something along the lines of 'And you won't believe what I'm about to tell you'. Who would ever say that? Why wouldn't someone just say the actual thing, especially when both people are part of the police force and working on the same case?

Honestly aside from the writing, there isn't much to fault here. The characters managed to be interesting on the whole, although they all had a slightly unsettling air of apathy to the situation about them. However, if you know you like Marsons' writing then it might be worth checking this out, especially if you are a fan of the series. It hasn't put me off reading her other works and there are definitely some on my list to check out.

Overall Rating 3/5

Dying Truth is another corker from the mighty pen (keyboard?) of Angela Marsons. To be honest, I finished reading this a week ago, and it has taken me until now to pull myself out of the emotional wringer and together enough to write this review.

A fab prologue leaves you with sense of dread that lingers throughout the book and what follows is a dark, dark tale with distressing and emotive themes throughout. Fortunately, we do still get some of the humorous team banter that makes these stories so strong.

I hate elitism, snobbery and bullying and all that jazz so a lot of the characters at this exclusive boarding school got right up my nose. I did have my suspicions of the ‘baddie’ as soon as they were introduced (well and most others to be honest! 😉 ) but the web of secrets and lies and motives uncovered is incredible and it is a far more complex explanation than a relatively simple whodunit.

The repercussions of the events at the conclusion will be felt for some time to come yet, although one or two of the characters did offer hopeful lights for the future at the end. This is a strong entry in a great series. Bravo Angela Marsons.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of Dying Truth.

How long can a good crime series last? Well, if you put it in Angela Marsons’ hands, the answer is forever! Here I am, about to tell you all about book 8 in the Kim Stone adventures. Well, no, not really. If I say too much, it will ruin this story or hint at previous storylines. Instead of shouting out loud about what happens, I am going to whisper about it. Then I’ll yell at you to just go and buy it!

I haven’t had the chance to follow Kim Stone throughout all her books. Yet! I am lucky to have “only” read 2 books, which means 5 brilliant times with the Guv’s and her team. You might think I cannot truly connect or understand everything that is going on. It is true that the longer a series is, the better you know the character, therefore you are bound to be more connected to them. But Angela Marsons’ characterization is out-of-this world and the magic happens. You get to know those police officers, part of their backgrounds. Yes, there are questions hanging around, yet they feel familiar and realistic enough for you to pick a favorite, roll your eyes at another, want to hug one, or slap them all! Those protagonists are flesh and bones, making the Kim Stone series one of the most solid rocks of the crime scene!

In Dying Truth, Kim’s instincts kicks in right away, and mine did, too. We were back in the game! The mix of forensics and police work is brilliantly balanced and spiced up with personal issues and a cold case hitting too close to home. Once again, the team is the heart of the book, their secrets, lies, laughs, and work echo on every page, dance around the investigation to unveil truths some people would have preferred kept well-hidden. They tackle life in all its ways. Lonely Kim surrounded by loyal and different people forming a family. Don’t go tell them, though! Kim wouldn’t appreciate the sappy moment!

Teens falling like flies in what seems to be accidents. We all know better! Well, it takes a seasoned cop with a strong gut to pick up the pieces from teeny tiny elements, but you can count of Kim for this. We are not talking far-fetched intuition here, but common sense from a mind that has looked at darkness in the eye and did not blink until every inch of darkness was gone! This is how good our main protagonist is. Did I mention how much I love Kim? Resilient, dog-lover, not-gonna-hug-you Kim with a sharp tongue and an even sharper brain. But let’s be honest, Angela Marsons created more than an iconic female police officer, she sculpted each of her character line by line so you can almost know what their reaction to an event will be before it happens. Better than this, she stretches every page to give them the space they need to grow, make mistakes, learn, and they let us tag along on their personal path.

This eight book deals with several “normal” teenager issues such as overweight, shame, secrets. Secrets. Did I say secrets? Every one of us can relate to what is being said, left unsaid, find the elephant in the room and follow the clues to reach their conclusions. More than just crime, the Kim Stone series is an plunge into the depth of human nature. The police are the first witnesses to what we are capable of, and the author opens our eyes to what we may see on TV without looking twice in such an intense and astonishing way we cannot help but get immersed from the first page to the last. Life-paced, filled with emotions and adrenaline, Dying Truth will make you feel more alive than ever!

Oh, and brace yourself. This book will make your blood run hot then cold. You won’t be able to forget it!

Now GO BUY THE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!

This is only the third book of the Kim Stone series that I read. And like the previous two, I feel the need to catch up with the rest of the books but never getting around to do it. This time I’m sure I’m gonna make time for them. This series is just amazing.

Private school with elite students, secret clubs for the elite of the elite, joker Kings and queens, calling cards, oaths for life and punishments... I felt like I fell through a rabbit hole. A nightmarish rabbit hole!

The suicide of 13 years old Sadie winters leaves many questions behind. Questions that keep Kim Stone and her team pretty busy. Questions leading to more questions about well hidden secrets. And the truth behind all that happened was just unexpected for me.
Actually, it’s one of the things I like about Angela Marson’s books, she explores some rather disturbing part of the human nature.
I won’t say much about the plot let’s just say I was practically glued to the pages of the book to see what happens next.

The end was emotional. And it’s not something I usually feel while reading a thriller. I feel shocked, disturbed, disgusted, surprised.. well you get the idea, but almost never emotional. It’s not the novelty of the situation, I’ve read similar events before, it’s rather how good the writing of the scenes was.
I really can’t wait to see what’s coming next for this series.

Really enjoyable and gripping story. I have read the other stories in this series and they keep getting better and better!

The This this is book number 8 in the series featuring Kim Stone and one that I devoured on the sun bed on holiday! This can be read as a standalone but you don’t want to miss out on the other seven books in the series, Kim and her team are called out to an elite boarding school where the bod6 of a young girl is found after jumping off the roof. Initially it is thought to be suicide but when other bodies of students are found Kim and her team realise that they have a major investigation on their hands. They have to delve into the privileged world of a public school and their traditions and reveal all their hidden secrets.
Another brilliant read by Angela Marsons. Gripping, tense, twists and turns, this book has the lot and then a most unexpected ending. A definite recommended read.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Loved the previous books in the series and this one was no exception.

This storyline caught my attention from the beginning. The intrigue of secret societies, clandestine meetings & more of an insight into Kim Stone’s life.

The ending was unexpected & left me quite emotional.

Can’t wait for the next instalment!

How did we get to book 8 in this series? as ever, a great read from Angela Marsons. This is a cracking series and one of my favourite authors who never disappoints. Lovely descriptions of the scenery, an intricate plot and enough suspense to keep everyone happy. A 4 star from me and highly recommended. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Amazon, Goodreads and Facebook.

Angela Marsons continues to impress with her novels featuring Kim Stone. With each book, more layers are peeled back and we get to know Kim better. Her real vulnerability (though she would deny it, no doubt) shines though. Her determination to do what she feels is right, no matter who tries to dissuade her, makes her who she is. At the same time, she's never too perfect to relate to. She snaps sometimes, she's sarcastic, and she makes mistakes. All of these things make her a lovable character, and one that I don't think will get old to readers anytime soon. Her team is still strong, working well together even as they bicker and rib on each other. I maintain that this series would make an incredibly entertaining and addictive television show!

A thirteen year old killing herself is hard to stomach, but it is possible... Kim is just convinced that isn't what happened this time. Young Sadie is found on the ground, apparently having jumped from the roof of her prestigious boarding school. Living in the shadow of her talented and popular big sister, she's described as "troubled" by her teachers. Kim just doesn't think the way she landed and manner in which she jumped fit. Then another student meets an early demise. The principal just wants business as usual at the school, wary of upsetting powerful parents and losing money. Those things don't concern Kim. She simply wants answers... and it's going to take her and her team a lot of digging to find them, because this school is full of secrets. Could this be the work of a student, essentially a child killing other children? This school is no stranger to bullying, power struggles, and even a mysterious secret society.

THAT ENDING, THOUGH.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My opinion is honest and unbiased.

Dying Truth by Angela Marsons is the eighth book in DI Kim Stone series. DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant are heading back to headquarters when they get a call to the exclusive Heathcrest Academy where a student is on the roof. By the time they arrive, Sadie Winters is dead. It looks like a suicide until Kim notices details that are inconsistent with that ruling. Despite pressure from above to quickly close the case, Kim and her team question the students and teachers. Kim is surprised when one of the teachers is Joanna Wade (who likes to flirt with Kim). Kim gets a call from Joanna to meet, but she arrives too late. Someone got to Joanna before she could talk with Kim. DS Kevin Dawson connects with Geoffrey Piggott, a student who is similar to Dawson at that age. Geoffrey provides a key clue to what is happening at this privileged school. An old tradition has been kept alive and what is happening in the present is connected to a past death. Kim and her team race to stop another death, but it will come with a great sacrifice.

Dying Truth is another great installment in the DI Kim Stone series. The novels in this series build upon each other. You need to start with Silent Scream and work your way up to Dying Truth. I thought the book was well-written with complex characters. The characters continue to evolve as the series progresses. I enjoyed getting to know more about DS Kevin Dawson. I did find the pace a little slow in the beginning of the book, but it picks up as you get into it. As the mystery develops, the suspense amps up and the pace picks up. I will say that I was not immediately drawn into Dying Truth as I have been with the other novels in this series. It took me a couple of chapters to get thoroughly into Dying Truth. The mystery is multifaceted. There are several parts (layers) to it and it can be challenging to figure out all the details (I love a twisty mystery). I have to admit to some tears at the end (I wish I could say more, but I do not want to spoil it for anyone). I am giving Dying Truth 4 out of 5 stars. Dying Truth is an intense suspense novel that will have you up very late to find out it turns out. I am eager for the next adventure with DI Kim Stone.

This is the 8th book in this series and I can't wait for the 9th. I keep on saying that her books can't get any better but I am wrong. Each book is better than the last. Will she be able to top it with the next one, we shall see.