Another fantastic instalment. I never read the blurb to this author’s books as you always know you are in for a good read and are never disappointed.

Angela Marsons has brilliant writing skills in keeping Kim and her team fresh and enjoyable to read. The plots is like the others, fast likeable characters. I do think this is a series that needs to be started at the beginning, especially if you are invested in the characters like Kim Stone, her back story always features and the read is made aware of why Kim is not the easiest of people to work with. She does soften a bit in this book, when she is thrown in the deep end, having her nemesis reporter Tracy Frost tag alone to a crime scene.

Twisted is the operative word here.  Lies are to be expected with this type of tale.  A psychopath is hard at work, employing all manner of hideous ways to torture and kill.    What is this person after?  What unspeakable itch begs to be scratched?  DI Kim Stone is thrown together with Tracy Frost, the reporter who has been a thorn in her side more than once.  The zingers and barbs fly between them as one might expect.  The humor garnered with this is most welcome, as the case under investigation is intense.

Once again, Marsons proves herself more than adept at keeping things fresh, even this deep into the series.  Other reviewers have mentioned it and I wholly agree - when a new installment is available, I jump on it and have yet to be disappointed.

A great detective story. Kim Stone is not the easiest to get along with, but she has a good working relationship with her team. The crimes are fairly gory but well thought out and there are a couple of twists in the story . It kept my interest thoughout and there is enough information given so that you can think about solving the crime.
This is part of a series, but is fine as a stand alone too. You get enough information to fill in what has occured with the team in the past, but not too much .
Thank you to Net Galley for a great read in exchange for an honest review

Another brilliant addition to this character.
An engaging title. There are people dying in horrific ways and there are people concealing facts.
A very clever way these stories are entwined.

When a new DI Kim Stone drops, you just know you’re in for a treat. This series is consistently brilliant with great plotting, excellent pacing and fantastic characters.

But quite honestly, I’m running out of words that will heap sufficient praise on this series and its author. It’s becoming harder and harder with every book and since this is book 14 in the DI Kim Stone series, I’ve been doing this for a while now. If you’re looking for a solid crime fiction series that after all this time is still as fresh as ever, then you should not look any further. This is it.

If you’re wondering how Angela Marsons keeps things interesting, this time it’s by giving Tracy Frost, journalist and pain-in-Kim’s-proverbial, a starring role in Twisted Lies. The trial of a man convicted of killing his wife seems to be heading to a foregone conclusion but Tracy isn’t willing to let that happen. I have to say this is probably the first time I actually liked Tracy and it was a real treat seeing a bit of a different side to her. Honestly, a dog with a bone has nothing on her.

Kim and her team are kept busy with something entirely different. A man’s body is discovered in an abandoned building on an industrial estate. It looks like he’s been tortured. Then, a mere 24 hours later, his family disappears. Vanishes without a trace. Where did they go? Did they leave willingly? Or was it an (alien) abduction? What is going on? It’s up to DI Kim Stone to find out but it seems she’s met with a wall of silence everywhere she turns.

It probably goes without saying that this may not quite be for the faint-hearted or the squeamish. Torture is torture and it’s every bit as brutal as you imagine it to be. I often caught myself making faces at my book while reading and being extremely happy I wasn’t eating anything. This is a killer who is extremely inventive, meticulous and patient. They are also on a mission and they will not stop until that mission is completed. But what is it they want and why?

I figured part of the story out quite early on but that didn’t ruin my enjoyment of Twisted Lies at all. There were still plenty of twists to keep me entertained and I never quite grasped the full picture until Angela Marsons revealed it to me. This is one of those books that really deserves the ‘unputdownable’ word. It definitely was for me. Once I started, I just couldn’t stop and I flew through it in one afternoon. Twisted Lies isn’t always an easy read and I’m not just referring to the torture. There are some disturbing background stories where both cases are concerned.

If you’re following this series, you’ll undoubtedly love this. If you’re not following this series, I don’t know how many times I have to tell you that you really should be. If you’re in the middle of catching up, you have so much awesomeness still to look forward to.

And in the case of Twisted Lies, to end, two words : HOLY CLIFFHANGER! If that doesn’t get people coming back for book 15, I don’t know what will. I know I’ll be waiting at the front of the line!

Twisted Lies by Angela Marsons is the 14th DI Kim Stone Crime Thriller. Twisted Lies can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading this series in order. It allows you to get to the know the characters and see how they have developed since Silent Scream. Twisted Lies, like the other novels in the series, is well-written with complex characters. The author captured the setting of Halesowen, West Midlands, England. Kim is happy with her unit and dislikes change. Unfortunately, her boss is pressuring her to talk with Stacey. Stacey has come a long way and it is time for her consider taking the test to become a sergeant. Stacey has mixed feelings about the news (as does Kim). The author has come up with a unique crime this time. Each crime scene is more gruesome than the one before (fair warning). There are twists and turns that will keep readers guessing. Just when you think you have it all figured out, the author surprises you with a new detail. I loved it. In addition to the main crime, a previous case is going to trial again. After getting a mistrial, the accused has hired a PR firm to make him look like a saint. Kim doubts they will get a conviction. Tracy Frost, a reporter and Kim’s foe, is on a ride along with her and Bryant. Kim takes Tracy to visit the victim’s family. It inspires Tracy to write a series of articles that allows people to see things from a different perspective. Tracy has hit a nerve which endangers her life. I enjoyed the interactions between Kim and Tracy. They added humor to the story along with Kim’s discussions with Barney. It also allows reader to see how much Kim has changed since the beginning of the series. We also get to see another side of Tracy Frost. Twisted Lies is a fascinating police procedural that will have you riveted until the very last page. The ending will have you itching to get your hands on the next DI Kim Stone novel. I do want readers to know that there is foul language (too much of it) as well as detailed macabre crime scenes. Twisted Lies is a fascinating and twisty tale with an energetic reporter, a canny canine, horrifying homicides, surprising secrets, a crafty killer, and a determined detective.

If you've been following me a while you will know that Angela Marsons is one of my favourite authors. So as you can imagine I was super excited to be approved for her new one via @netgalley ⁣
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I do highly recommend this series, I absolutely love Kim and all of her team! I was really glad that Frost was shown more in this one and I enjoyed seeing a different side to her. ⁣
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Saying that, this one for me had something slightly missing but I don't know what it was. Hence why it's only a 4.5 and not a 5 star for me. I did figure out one of the twists but that didn't take anything away from the story for me. ⁣
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And that ending makes me look even more forward to the next book in the series. ⁣
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☆☆☆☆.5 ⁣

Twisted Lies is the fourteenth entry in the DI Kim Stone mystery series and I am amazed that it's as innovative and thought-provoking as the first few in this gripping series. And I was amazed it was 410 pages as I finished this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.

First of all, I always enter every book since book eight with extreme trepidation as I no longer trust this author not to break my heart. Even though I got book nine as an ARC, it took my quite a while to delve into it as I was afraid after the events of book 8 and just could...not...do...it. However, I finally bucked up and took the plunge again, and I am so glad I did and now, six books later, the author is still going strong with innovative and creative ideas that are thought -provoking and unsettling.

When a series is long-running like this, it is so nice to come back to the next book as it's like meeting up with old friends and discovering what each one has been up to. I love how Stacey is so excited to be married that she has to throw it into every sentence she utters. Penn's fascination with forensic science just makes me smile and the author uses that device to give the reader some really important information. What I particularly enjoyed in this book was the development of the relationship between Kim and Frost, but not in the way that sounds. These two have always been at odds, but for once, they are in agreement that something needs to be done and I love that Kim helps Frost, even if it's reluctantly. Could it be that these two are destined to be friends after all? We shall see.

The mystery itself was quite interesting actually, and I was fascinated by the implications the author threw at the reader. She gave both sides of the situation through the eyes of her characters and it was a lot to think about; in fact, I am still thinking about it and I am still not sure on which side of the fence I sit on the topic. The ending was quite ambivalent as well, and while I understand the plight the women faced, I am not sure I agree with the method and the ethics involved were a bit skewed. I know this sounds so mysterious, but if I mention anything, it will give away huge plot points and spoil the story which is something a reader really needs to discover for themselves. Be cautious reading reviews on this book as I saw some that are giving away a lot of spoilers.

Twisted Lies was an engrossing mystery, full of twists and turns, with a throught-provoking concept over which I am still mulling. The story is full of quirky characters, lively dialogue, and investigative work that will capture the reader's attention and draw them into the story. There was a huge twist at the end that I didn't see coming, and I love it when I get surprised like that. However, it is also that ending that has me questioning our whole system and why a person needs to do what they did. So very absorbing and thoughtful. Although this is the fourteenth entry, I feel it is just as strong as the first few entries, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.

TWISTED LIES is the 14th book in the D.I. Kim Stone crime-thriller series by best-selling author Angela Marsons. Angela Marsons remains one of my favorite mystery authors, and her publisher, Bookouture, always publishes the very best novels. I have read all of her books…and she keeps getting better. I don’t want this series to end!

It was so refreshing to touch base with Kim’s team again: DS Byant, DS Penn, and Detective Stacey Wood who just recently got married. The characters keep getting stronger and stronger. And who could forget Kim’s faithful dog, Barney. Love that dog!

In this book we also see Kim’s rival, Tracy Frost, a local reporter become accepted over time. Tracy Frost is allowed one day access to the department to remain with Kim and Bryant at all times, to show gratitude for her assistance in their last case. Kim must demonstrate to Tracy that her team are driven, compassionate and professional.

When the lifeless body of a man is found on an industrial estate, Detective Kim Stone arrives on the horrific scene and discovers he’s been tortured and burned to death tied to a steel cage. The victim was Keith Phipps.

But when Kim and Bryant go to inform the victim’s wife, Diane Phipps of the devastating news, they are surprised that the wife shows no emotion. Kim can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right about the woman's reaction.

Then twenty-four hours later, the victim’s family disappears into thin air.

With tension heightened, a second body is found staked to the ground in a local nature reserve, and Kim and her team discover a link to both victims. The victim is Dennis Burke and he had tortured on a stretching mechanism.

Angela Marsons provides enough detail to describe both scenes but not overly graphic.

Kim and her team must unravel a vital clue – a fiercely guarded secret that links both victims and could cost even more lives. A secret that some police officers are also protecting.

Kim must discover the motive if she is to find the killer. But time is running out… Can she stop this sadistic killer before he strikes again?

This was another brilliant fast-paced story that gripped you from beginning to end. Another winner! Can’t wait for book 15!

Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and Netgalley for my digital copy.

Another amazing book in the Detective Kim Stone series and I hope Angela Marsons continues with this series for a long time to come.
Yet another compelling storyline. I continue to love the dynamics in the team of detectives, from the relationship of the two younger members to Kim Stone’s long-suffering side-kick Bryant. We even saw a softening in the love/hate relationship between Kim and local reporter Tracy Frost. How long that will last is anybody’s guess.
I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every book in this long running series and find Angela Marsons books so easy to read. She is a master of crime novels. Roll on the next one.

Another amazing book I always like reading about Kim and her team but I would really like to see her in a relationship I think it would do her good especially with that good looking anthropologist from a few books back - loved it

When I read a Kim Stone book, I know before I have even read the first page that I am in for a treat. Angie Marsons is a very skilful author and all her books are fast-paced and gritty, including this one.

Kim and her dedicated team have to figure out why there are bodies turning up on their patch which have been horrifically tortured in very creative ways. There is a link somewhere there, but finding said link is turning out to be difficult. Which makes things harder for Kim is that she is told to let Tracy Frost tag along with her - the reporter is a thorn in Kim's side and Tracy is not exactly Kim's biggest fan either.

Having said that, Tracy turns out to be useful when it comes to another case that is in the background, even though it puts her at risk of harm herself. I really like how this second case is tackled.

An excellent book with two cases for us to think about.

Looking forward to the next one already!

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

Amazing and engrossing,couldnt put it down. Then had to start with book 1 and reading a book every two nights until I finish with the series. The characters are so real they jump off the page. Reminds me of the brilliant episodes of Line of Duty with extra grit. Loved it

Another gritty instalment in this series. The characters are all well described and their on going interactions make the story,even Frost.
Tough storyline but excellent and exciting with a twist.

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Twisted Lies’ by Angela Marsons in exchange for an honest review.

This is Book 14 in Marsons’ popular DI Kim Stone series of police procedurals set in the West Midlands. I am going to be cautious about plot details to avoid spoilers. I have read a few books in this series and so had confidence that Marsons would deliver a strong, fast-paced crime thriller.

‘Twisted Lies’ focuses on two cases for DI Stone and her team and while these are separate there was a common theme linking them. One involves a grisly discovery on a trading estate and the other a quest for new evidence following a mistrial in a controversial murder case. Adding to this local reporter Tracy Frost has been allowed to shadow Stone and her colleague, DS Bryant, for the day. Stone is not amused to be saddled with the pushy reporter.

As in previous books the chapters are short and move smoothly between various aspects of the investigations. Angela Marsons does provide some background on her characters for readers new to the series (or to refresh memory) though there are also a few references to previous cases and other events.

I found myself gripped by this excellent police procedural from the opening pages until the final reveal and appreciated the ending that teases the opening for Book 15.

Twisted Lies is Angela Marsons at her very best, in fact, I would say this is her best book in the Kim Stone series in the last few years. Kim's team are tasked with solving a particularly gruesome murder. Keith Phipps has suffered a horrendously painful and prolonged death at the hands of a sadistic killer. When Kim and Bryant go to break the news to his wife her reaction isn't the norm. She seems unmoved and her sister is more concerned with getting the process of identifying the body done as fast as possible. Later that day when Kim and Bryant return to the Phipps house they find it empty, the family have fled. When another tortured murder victim is found not long afterwards Kim realises there's more going on than she's privy to. This is a real page turner. Thank you NetGalley for my advance copy.

Twisted Lies is my seventh Angela Marsons novel and I couldn't put it down.

The author continues her fabulous West Midlands based series with this intriguing instalment. Blunt-speaking Kim stunned when her superior, DCI "Woody" Woodward informs her that Tracy Frost, a reporter for a local newspaper, the Dudley Star, will be shadowing her and DS Bryant on their next job. So Tracy is in tow when Kim and Bryant visit Penny Colgan, the sister of 27-year-old Trish Morley, abused and murdered by her human rights lawyer husband, Nick. Just after leaving, Kim takes another call about a body found on an industrial estate. The man is believed to have been tortured.

This is a well-plotted mystery of excellent quality. I love the author's characterisation of Kim who is acerbic, though relentless and determined as an investigator. Her colleagues are all well-drawn characters, collectively making an extremely effective team.

This book works well for me as a single-read police procedural, but there is no doubt that reading the previous books provides further background into the characters. The dialogue between team members was pithy and witty and very pleasurable to read. Angela Marsons hones each of her books with well-researched topics, keeping the reader totally engaged throughout.

The psychological element of the author's stories is always done extremely well, and this one is no exception. As I fully expected, this is a massively entertaining and polished addition to a marvellous series that has a huge number of crime fiction fans. The time I spent reading this brilliant novel was well worth it and I confidently recommend Twisted Lies.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.

Book 14 in the DI Kim Stone series and I can honestly say this series just keeps on getting and better. Twisted Lies is an absolutely fantastic read that will have you the reader gripped from the very first chapter as it did me. This was a book I just couldn’t stop reading so eager was I to discover who the perpetrator was. This is a book full of tension and a few twists and turns along the way. Now I eagerly await book 15.

Book 14 in the Kim Stone series. Book 14! To me that’s something special.
DI Kim Stone and her team are back investigating a very gruesome murder case where someone goes through hours of torture. But why does the killer want to torture their victim so? In the way we have come to expect, Kim and her team will stop at nothing to find out.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and of course the author for the advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.