I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.

Stacey is tasked with reviewing cases a neighbouring force was unable to solve, to see if a fresh pair of eyes helps, and picks a rape case to focus on. Kim is made to attend a meeting about the security surrounding a Z-list celebrity book signing (it was ridiculous the number of people with responsible senior job who apparently needed to attend this meeting, but whatever...). Then a mother is murdered and her child left alone in a shop, followed closely by the murder of another mother, but this time her son is taken.

After a promising start things became more and more unlikely (bodies piled up, Kim shouted at people and disobeyed direct orders) culminating in the least likely solution to the crimes I have read in a long time.

On the other hand, I did love the rendering of Penn's relationship with his brother, and the Kim/Bryant dynamic is always entertaining.

This is the 13th book in the DI Kim Stone series by author Angela Marsons. I have loved this series from the very start and cannot recommend it any higher. Great characters, good plots and excellent writing.

I only received this book yesterday and read it cover to cover in one day, I just couldn't put it down.

The body of a young mother is discovered in an abandoned building while her daughter is left holding a teddy bear in a busy shopping centre. What can the motive be for this senseless murder while the mother was out shopping with her young daughter. DI Kim Stone senses is out to find the murderer of what appears to be a one off crime. A few day's later a second woman's body is found with her neck broke and her six year old son is missing. When a handwritten letter from the killer lands on Kim’s desk addressed to her, pleading for help, she knows time is running out to bring the little boy home alive.

I am already looking forward to the next Angela Marson's book.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying another excellent book in return for an honest review.

A little girl is found alone, her mother seemingly vanished into thin air while out shopping. Hours later, her body is found. The motive is unclear - why would a mother out shopping be murdered? Days later a second victim is found and this time her six year old son is missing. Detective Kim Stone and her team try to put the pieces together to figure out who could be doing this and why. What connects the killings? Why are some extremely violent and some more reluctant? Does the killer want to be found? Why do some victims have scratches on them? Why has the little boy been taken? Detective Stacey Wood divides her time between helping with this case and also trying to solve an old case. Will her efforts prove to be worthwhile? Can all the crimes be solved? The whole team race against time to try to solve the mysteries and find the killer before someone else is killed.

Another fantastic entry into the Kim Stone series. As usual I loved all the regular characters and hearing how their lives are going. The plot of this book was brilliant, gripping and tense, and I couldn't stop reading until I reached the shocking conclusion. I never would have guessed, the twists were amazing! A really satisfying ending and I'm already looking forward to the next in the series. Recommended!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of the book in return for my honest feedback.