Outstanding! This author has done it again! Not that there was any doubt - when I pick up one of her books, I know that I will never get anything done until I have finished, my mind and life taken over by Kim Stone and her wonderful team. I save each of this author's books, hoarding it like the treat it is until I am absolutely sure I will not be disturbed. I have lived every one of these books with the characters feeling their pain and hurting for them and this one was no different. What this author is particularly skilled at is how she makes the reader bleed, even for the villains. She shows us how easy it is to turn from law abiding to criminal, how circumstances and choices can make you take that one wrong turn from which there's no coming back. She makes us care and not only for the victims - and this is what sets her apart from all the other crime writers of today. She is the queen of crime and with this book the crown rests even more firmly upon her head. Long may she reign. Cannot wait for more from this incredible author.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Killing Mind, the twelfth sequential novel to feature DI Kim Stone of the West Midlands Police.

When Samantha Brown is found dead in her flat with her throat cut everyone assumes it’s suicide until Kim takes a closer look and realises she’s been murdered. When a second body is found in a lake with his throat cut and a link is found to Samantha Kim finds herself in a different kind of investigation.

I thoroughly enjoyed Killing Mind which is a tense read with a different slant on the serial killer genre. Apart from the prologue the novel is told, in different voices, from the investigative point of view. I like this approach as it gives the reader a broad overview of events but doesn’t detract from the main event, finding a killer. In a sense this is a psychological thriller as it deals with the power of mind control and cults. I’m not sure if it added to my knowledge but the author has obviously done a lot of research and has the gift of explaining the psychology of it in easily understandable language and while there is a fair amount of tell, the show has the most emotional impact, most of it tragic.

The plot is well conceived and executed with moments of tension, suspense and action and reveals that come at a steady pace. I was glued to the pages apart from some eye glazing at the cult descriptions (they do go a bit at times) and I got so immersed that I had to put it down a couple of times when the tension got to me. There is a subplot where one of Bryant’s old cases comes roaring back to life, leading him to question the nature of justice. I found the questions asked in this fascinating and can’t decide if he made the right decision or not.

After so many novels the team is a well oiled machine which works well together. It is always a pleasure to dip into their harmonious world, well amongst themselves as Kim is a friction magnet with outsiders although she appears to be mellowing.

Killing Mind is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Every book in this series is the best yet! Again Marsons has woven a fast paced, complex plotline with a returning cast of well developed, relatable characters and just the right amount of humour to lighten what is a harrowing case.

I know I've said it before and I'm pretty sure I'll be saying it again but I BLOODY LOVE Angela Marsons, I think I might have a little fan girl crush going on!

Before I go on I must say, if you haven't read the previous books (why the hell wouldn't you have?) You're best of reading them before either reading or reviewing this one. I wouldn't recommend as a stand alone read.

Now that's out of the way...Book 12 of the Detective Kim Stone Series... my all time favourite series ever!

This book takes us into the fascinating but dark world of cults and we get to see just how dangerous and destructive they can be. Angela has quite obviously researched this until the 10th degree, every aspect is covered in perfect detail (as usual), especially the "you see what they want you to see". What a predatory and manipulative world they live in.

As the previous books we once again learn more about the other members of the amazing and eclectic team, this time we follow Bryant back to an old case and watch the drama unfold. I must admit I guessed the outcome of that part but it didnt make it any less enjoyable and intriguing to read.

Penn seems to come into his own in this one, growing stronger in his ability, his confidence and his place in the team.

Over the past 11 books I've loved watching Kim grow stronger in every way but unlike previous books Book 12 didnt really fall back on her traumatic childhood like all the others, there was barely a mention so there obviously been a shift in gear to how these stories will now progress. On a side note it was touching to have a small mention of Kevin Dawson put in there.

The Detective Kim Stone Series never fails to hit the mark! Angela Marsons is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to this genre.

A truly riveting, tense, suspenseful and well plotted storyline intricately woven together to produce, once again, one hell of a read!

Now hurry up with Book 13

The biggest thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

Ms Marsons has done it again. I was so excited to receive a copy of Killing Mind. The is 12th book in the Kim Stone series. I have read and loved this series from the first page of the first book and this one does not disappoint. This is an amazing series that gets better and better.
When Kim Stone is called to apparent suicide when the persons throat is cut and no forced entry they class the death as suicide but hours later after visiting the parents of the deceased and the pathologist investigating the death, Kim realises she has made a mistake and it is actually a suicide.
A few days later another body of Tyler Short turns up found in the nearby lake. They find a link between the two deaths which come in a retreat called Unity farm. But Unity farm is not all as it seems, it is a cult when they target vulnerable people not only to brainwash them but to take away their assets for the good of the farm.
Bryant is also taking time out from the case when he is contacted to be informed that a killer, he put away 25 years ago is being released from prison. He tries to warn them he will kill again. To no avail.
This is another brilliant episode in the Kim Stone series. The quality of the author is immense. It never falters. The story is always fresh This is professionally researched in the subject matter of cults, how they effect people and how they manipulate and coerce people to do their bidding. I love the camaraderie between Kim and her team. They are like a little family and do anything they can when one of them is in trouble. Another big, big fat 5 stars from me.

Another belter, the like of which we have come to expect from Angela Marsons.
Strong plot, solid characterisation and an easy, intelligent writing style.
The cult angle is an interesting one which was obviously well researched. (I almost got sucked in myself!)
A final, excellent twist sealed the deal.
Already looking forward to the next one.

I have read all Kim Stones outings so was very much looking forward to this and I was not disappointed.
A case involving an apparent cult and a spate of murders leads to one of Kim's own coming close (too close?) to the action.
Hugely enjoyable as usual!

Angela Marsons could write a note on the back of a receipt and i would want to read it. I love her writing, I love this series and I tell everyone I know to read her. This is another great addition to the series, compelling, exciting and I loved it!

Once again Angela Marsons delivers a heart pounding, show stopping, masterpiece of a novel. How does this woman do it? Time and time again, Angela not only proves herself as top of the class in crime fiction but an expert story teller.

Each novel she has written for the Kim Stone series has its own unique qualities and its very distinct and well researched, insightful plot. This book is no exception. In book 12 we see Kim’s team tackling head-on a sophisticated cult that is as hard to find as it is to leave which ends up putting one of their own in danger.

Notable differences with book 12 were that there was no more hints or links to Kim’s back story. Quite rightly this has been removed as it has been extensively covered in the previous 11 books and it is not missed nor is it vital to the plot. Kim’s personal life of bikes and Barney also take a back seat and the beloved Betty has ‘left’ the team.

After Kim’s ordeal in book 11 it’s interesting to see a subtle change in her own character. Not quite as fiesty but all the more determined and in a few places you see her acting almost (dare I say it) motherly and caring.

As for Kim’s team, in this book we see a new edge to Bryant as he is dragged back to an old case of his that should never have been reopened. Silent and moody and with a grudge to bear it’s good to see the old teddy bear get some gumption!

I know a lot of Marson fans are still sad about the loss of Dawson but I have to say I’m enjoying Penn even more and it was nice to read more of his abilities and quirks.

Book 12 sees the return of Tiff (Tink), proving herself as an ace police officer once again and providing some light comedy in what is otherwise a very disturbing time. I wouldn’t be surprised to read that she becomes part of the team permanently.

I don’t want to go any further into the details of the book because I don’t want to spoil it for anyone that hasn’t read it yet. But I do want to express my extreme gratitude to NetGalley for providing me with a copy for my reading pleasure. And my warmest regards to Angie and her partner for, without them I wouldn’t have become the crazy fan girl that I now am! Much love... now go finish my book 13! 🥰

Another great book following Detective Kim Stone and her team. on her search for a killer into a world it’s hard to believe actually exists. How does jake charm people young and old ? What secrets are held behind the doors of the farm and how does it contain so much power for people to drop contact with family and friends. Sinking into one of Angela Marsons books you know you won’t be disappointed

One of my favorite series and that doesn't look like its going to change anytime soon. Book 12 and this is still going strong. I like Kim Stone and her team the more I read them. The investigations are always well done. Never a dull moment when reading these books. Highly recommend if you love following a D.I. and their team. You will not be disappointed!!

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great story line from Angela Marsons featuring Detective Kim Stone and her team. An unusual story line with the team using various devices at their disposal to bring the story to a surprising conclusion which baffled me to the end.

Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone series is another of my favorites. Kim may be brusque, but she’s a great team leader. And she has a super team. This time around, Kim is called to an apparent suicide. But within hours, she changes her mind and rules it a murder. And then, within days, a second body turns up with the same manner of death. Both of the victims spent time at Unity Farm and there are concerns that the place is a cult. The decision is made to send someone in undercover.

As the book goes on Marsons spends a lot of time educating the reader on how a cult works. Not only as Kim tries to learn about them, but from Tiffany’s personal experience as she goes undercover. It’s very well done and engrossing. Once again, I didn’t see the ending playing out as it did.

This is a series that benefits from reading them in order to see the character development. I can recommend it to anyone that enjoys well done police procedurals that focus on strong characters.

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

How is this book 12? I think this is my favourite series of all time. I love this Author's writing and boy does she have an imagination! DI Kim Stone and her team have lots to investigate. Was it suicide or murder? Lets throw a cult into the story and see where that leads. I really liked the references to a past team member and I am so sad that Betty died. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoutre and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book. Bring on #13.

Book 12 in the Kim Stone series and it doesn’t disappoint.

An apparent suicide which turns into a murder has DI Kim Stone and her team baffled. When the body of a young man is found, she is called in as it seems that both victims were killed in the same way. As the team digs deeper it appears that both were residents at Unity Farm, a supposed retreat which helps the lost and lonely. But it turns out that Unity Farm is really a cult praying on the vulnerable so Kim decides to send young constable Tiffany undercover to find out what is going on. Will DI Stone get the answers she is looking for or will she come to regret her decision?

Compelling, fast paced and full of suspense, Killing Mind is another excellent book in this series.

Angela Marsons continues her fabulous DI Kim Stone series with this brilliant addition that explores the predatory, manipulative, and dangerous world of cults, one where we have real life examples of just how devastating the psychological damage can be with their narcissistic, disturbed and charismatic leaders. Kim finds herself rethinking her initial signing off of the death of 21 year old Samantha Brown, her throat cut in her flat, as suicide. Closer examination has her designating it as murder, and the discovery of a second body, 20 year old Tyler Short, with the same MO has her and her team frantically looking for connections and a killer. Both victims attended Dudley College, identical last meal stomach contents, both stopped using social media 3 years ago and were emotionally vulnerable individuals.

Samantha's parents are being less than transparent about their daughters, Samantha and Sophie, but Kim is a determined woman as it emerges that the victims are members of a new age cult at Unity Farm, run by Jake Black. However, her visit to the farm and the affable behaviour of Black leaves her no further forward, at which point she comes up with the idea of putting someone undercover to find out more. She fixes on the bright and chirpy Tink, who looks younger than her 24 years and radiates an innocence that makes her the ideal candidate. Could this be a deadly error of judgement? Kim has yet to grasp the nature of cults and how they work and the damage they can wreak on the psyche almost immediately as they set to isolate, build dependency and a strong sense of belonging to their new 'family'. Bryant's mind is on the historical rape and murder of 15 year old Wendy Harrison when he was a 36 year old constable. Her killer, Peter Drake, looks like he will be successful in gaining parole this time around, and Bryant is convinced he will kill again.

Marsons's Kim Stone series hits the mark with her ongoing development of her police team members, they are a close, diverse and hardworking bunch, the solving of the cases is always a team affair, and this time we see Penn further entrench himself into the team, after the loss of Dawson, with his stellar work. Tink showcases just how effective cults are at controlling vulnerable minds and the example of Sophie illustrates just how hard it is to exit cults. The author's impressive research on cults is woven into a tense, riveting and skilfully plotted thrilling story. As ever, this is a wonderfully entertaining and engaging addition to a series that justifiably has a huge number of crime fiction fans. Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this captivating book

after several bodies turn up and a man in black driving a white car, questions are asked....could he be the one wanted for these murders....

kim and her crew have their work cut out for them as they investigate several leads but it all points to the farm...could they really be a cult and why doesnt anybody leave

wow an interesting read and you can see how easily people can be manipulated and played...

well worth a read, keep an eye out for this author...

Police thriller with great characters. Kim Stone and her detectives are great together. Fast paced story with lots of twists.

Thank you Angela Marsons for writing another brilliant Kim Stone novel. Kim is one of my favourite detectives with her brand of intuition and doggedness that brings down even the most determined killer. If I'm ever murdered, I want her assigned to my case.

When Kim attends what looks like a suicide of a young woman who has cut her own throat, she feels something is not quite right with the scene. And after talking to the woman's parents, she is sure they are holding something back. Then a second body is found, that of a young man, with a similar wound to the throat and Kim suspects both people were murdered by the same person. When she learns that both had links to Unity Farm, a wellness centre and retreat she sends in a young policewoman undercover to find out what really goes on there. Reports of a bulky man dressed in black driving a white range rover keep popping up at sites associated with the victims making Kim keen to find him and find out what he's up to.

With a well paced, compelling plot and plenty of suspense this was a fascinating and engaging read. The ongoing development of the characters is one of the highlights of this series and learning more about Kim and her team is one of the features I really enjoy. New boy on the team, Penn comes into his own a bit more in this book as Bryant is distracted by the release of a vicious killer from his earliest days in the force. Stacey is once again invaluable at finding key information for the team on social media and the internet, while struggling to stick to her self imposed diet ahead of her wedding. It was also pleasing to see young policewoman Tiffany once again helping out the team by going undercover, even though it turned out to be a lot more dangerous than Kim expected. Overall, an excellent and thrilling read. Now for the impatient wait for the next book in the series!

The folks at Unity Farm are just one big happy family.  Meditation is a very big deal there, as is yoga and other new age doings.  It certainly sounds benign enough, but it becomes clear that it is more cult-like than not.  There is the requisite charismatic leader, bestowing his beatific smile and warmth on his flock.  But do not be deceived, these people prey on lost souls, those who are starved for affection, who have little self-esteem.  Ripe for the picking.  When bodies start cropping up with possible ties to the farm, DI Kim Stone and her team dig in.  Rest assured they will get to the bottom of it.

Angela Marsons continues to pen this series with a sure hand.  Not a clinker in the bunch.