Twisted lies is another must read suspense story for everyone who enjoys the genre.
It amaze me how sometimes the author can come up with all sorts of unthinkable murder cases and how the investigation takes very unpredictable turns throughout the book.
Kim Stone is that female character that you can’t want to be friends with and have her on your side at all times. And here, she’s growing even more on me after her interactions with Tracy Frost , the local newspaper reporter that is always on her case. But while they spend time together, there’s a new understanding between them and I may go ahead and say appreciations from each side when they work as a team to unveil all the pieces of this puzzle.
Twist after twists, this book kept me intrigued with each chapter and I’m so looking forward to see what other mysterious crimes the author comes up with.

WOW book 14 and it’s still as fresh as book 1 ....... amazing story and I was gripped from the start ...... and what a twist ...... book 15 can’t come quick enough ...... live the characters they have such depth, the writing is fantastic and just keeps you hooked, it’s like being on a rollercoaster waiting for the next twist

4.5 stars

Twisted Lies by Angela Marsons is the 14th in the Detective Kim Stone series. 

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detective Kim Stone is tough. She has had to be. Her mother is responsible for Kim’s horrendous childhood, and as a result, currently resides in a psychiatric facility. But Kim has survived, and although her social skills are lacking, her heart is in the right place. Right now, her team consists of: Bryant, her right hand man, and the person who voices her concerns in a much more diplomatic way than Kim would every think of; Stacey, who can find required information in a seemingly bottomless computer system; and the newest member, Austen Penn, who replaced Kevin Dawson who was killed in the line of duty.


My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Kim attends the scene of a dead man, who had been horrifically tortured for hours.  When she notifies his wife, it is her sister who identifies the body.  There is something strange regarding their reactions, and hours later, the whole family has disappeared.

When a second body is also found tortured,  Kim and her team find they  are treading some dangerous waters.  The higher ups are protecting the evidence.  Although there are a lot of secrets about these cases, Kim is determined to find out why these people are being killed, and in such a painful and prolonged manner.  But the bodies are piling up. How are they going to stop this spree.

Meanwhile, reporter Tracy Frost is writing some pieces on a woman who was killed by her abusive husband.  The man has already had one trial where the jury was hung, and it looks like he's going to get off again.  But Tracy refuses to admit defeat.  The police can't do anything more, but maybe she can.                              


My Opinions:  
I will continue to deduct ½ of a star for these really outdated, unappealing covers.

This book definitely saw a different side to Tracey Frost, and it was welcome. As always, Kim, Bryant, Stacey and Penn were strong characters.  Even though he didn't figure prominently, I really like Keats.  The character of Leanne was an even more antagonistic Kim, and the reasoning behind her attitude was well thought out.

With short chapters, the book moves along at a good pace.  The plot, although a little dark, was excellent.  The book told a side of witness protection that I had never considered.  It would be so hard to give up everything, even if it was for a good cause.  It is difficult on the witnesses as well as their handlers, something I had never considered.

Now, talk about twists!  I didn't realize the identity of the killer until it was revealed, which was really good.  More stunning, was the identity of the person writing an occasional chapter in italics.  WOW, simply WOW.  WTG Angela Marsons!

After 14 books, this series is still going strong!

The arrival of a new Kim Stone is always exciting - straight the top of the TBR pile.

This book had the usual fast paced hunt for a psychopath as bodies begin to pile up, cleverly set against the back stories of Kim, her team and journalist nemesis.

I enjoyed this one but it dropped a star because I didn't feel it had the empathy and grip of previous novels, The murder scenes seemed to be gruesome for the sake of it and things didn't quite hang together.

That said, it was still a good read!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy.

I received this ARC from Bookouture. Book 14 in the DI Kim Stone series.....what can I say it must now be predictable repetitive and boring yes...........NO yet again Angela Marsons pulls another top class thriller out of the bag. Fantastically written and 14 books in still managing to develop and evolve the characters. I literally consume these books whenever they are released.
Come on now I want book 15
Highly rated and recommended

This has officially become my favorite one in the series!

Twisted Lies is full of twisted people, twisted crimes, and a twisted killer!

Angela Marsons has outdone herself with book #14 in the DI Kim Stone series!! Bodies are being found, each more horrific than the worst. Detective Kim Stone and her team are called to the scene. and dive into their investigation. When Kim and Bryant go to tell the first victim's wife, they are left unsettled. She did not behave as most usually do when they hear about the death of a loved one. Twenty-four hours later, the first victim's family is gone! Leaving the team scratching their heads and trying to determine why, and where could they have gone? But as I mentioned, more bodies are being found and soon, Kim will learn a heavily guarded secret which ties the victims but also means that there may be more victims as well.

Whew! Not for the faint of heart! This book deals with gritty horrific murders (none are told in graphic detail but if you have a good imagination, well, it is not pretty). Kim and her team continue to be a cohesive unit. I love their banter, non-verbal communication and back and forth while solving the case. Kim might be the star, but her team is a brilliant ensemble and I loved reading about them again. Plus, reporter, Tracy Frost, plays a major part in this book as well. Fans of the series will know her as a thorn in Kim's side. Their scenes in this book had me smiling and shaking my head. They had the BEST lines and interactions!

Again, this has become my favorite in the series. I was intrigued by the murders and wondered who the killer could be. Marson's kept us in the dark, for most of the book. I believe that some will have figured this out - I was not one of them! This book is gritty, riveting, and hard to put down! From the detective work to the witty and snarky interactions, I loved this book. It is ripe with tension, dread, and suspense. Just how I like them!

Another plus, although this is #14 in the series, his would work nicely as a stand-alone. Some things may be lost on the reader, such as one character repeatedly saying she is a married woman, but there is enough here so that someone can jump right in if they choose to.

Fans of the series, police procedurals, and Marsons will LOVE this one!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘Twisted Lies’, book 14 in the Detective Kim Stone series written by Angela Marsons, in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

The body of Keith Phipps is found and within two days the total number of bodies has risen to three. After DI Kim Stone and DS Bryant have interviewed his wife, Diane Phipps and their two boys have disappeared. Meanwhile, the retrial of Nick Morley is approaching after a jury have been unable to come to a decision as to whether he murdered his wife Trisha a year ago. Reporter Tracy Frost of the ‘Dudley Star’ gets involved and is writing a series of articles about Trisha Morley as she believes the husband is guilty.

‘Twisted Lies’ is another brilliant and enthralling thriller in the series and every bit of good as the previous thirteen. From page one I’ve been gripped as each member of the team works to their strengths to discover the identity of the killer, and we see another side to Kim Stone and Tracy Frost as they put their love/hate relationship to one side and support each other in their desire for the truth. The plot is well-written and fast-paced with an abundance of drama, suspense and twists and turns, with a final twist that’s surprising, totally unexpected and has made me re-think what I know of the characters. Yet again Ms Marsons has shown her phenomenal ability in bringing excitement, shock and intrigue into each novel and I’m constantly surprised that the series hasn’t been televised. It’s an excellent thriller which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading and have no hesitation in recommending it.

Angela Marsons and her Kim Stone series are a guaranteed blockbuster every step of the way and book 14 is another smash.
Kim is investigating the most gruesome murder and is even more dumbfounded when the victims family disappears overnight. Then a second body is found so the challenge is on to find the killer before more victims are discovered.
This was a fantastic read and kept me hooked from page one and then I suffered The low when I finished the final page and was at a loss what to read next.
Can’t wait for book 15.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Even first thing in the morning Detective Kim Stone knows her day is only going to get worse when she learns her least favourite journalist, Tracy Frost, is going to be riding along with her for an entire day. That is the least of her worries however, when the body of a middle-aged man is found, tortured beyond almost anyone's worst nightmares. With her team having trouble finding out anything about their victim Kim needs his family's help to discover the motive behind the attack but by the end of the day his wife and children have disappeared without trace.

Having sent Tracy Frost away from her new crime scene Kim is furious to discover the journalist has published an article about a woman murdered a year earlier. Trying to counter the husband’s charm offensive across all aspects of the media before his trial Tracy is determined to put the victim’s story out there so she isn't forgotten. With secrets threatening to change the lives of everyone involved in both cases Kim finds herself racing against the clock to discover the truth and save innocent lives before it’s too late.

Wow, this is just wow! I have read all the Kim Stone novels but was still left totally amazed by the fourteenth book in the series. It covers two cases, and is shown from the viewpoints of Kim and her team for one and Tracy Frost for the other and I was blown away by both. Ms Marsons storylines always shock and inform in this was no different with the attention to detail as rigorous as her admirers have come to expect. I didn't see any of the different solutions in advance and was both surprised and satisfied by the conclusions. There was even a cliffhanger ...

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an exceptional continuation of a first class series of books.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this gripping novel

oh my word where to start with this one and not give out any spoilers....

tortured bodies
endless hours of extreme torture, with no clues why
what is the motive behind this sadistic crime wave

a wealthy man accused of murdering his wife has set in motion a pr campaign so that when he stand trial again nobody will remember the victim they will only think of him as someone who couldnt possibly be able to do all that he is accused of, and its working

kim has her work cut out for her with her team looking for answers in the tortured bodies and with frost the reporter hanging around its never a dull moment but these two women find a common ground that they know will never lead to friendship but maybe an acknowledgement of each others skill set

brilliant written book that keeps you on the edge of your seat right to the end..

Another huge five stars for Angela Marsons. I love this series and was so excited to read it.
It’s yet another brilliant crime thriller and whilst we’re on book 14, it never gets stale.
Kim and Bryant are called out to a crime scene where the victim has been brutally tortured, and it’s one that will stay with them for some time.
When they visit the relatives there’s something amiss but Kim can’t put her finger on it.
Frost had a brief outing with Kim and Bryant and this leads her on to a story about a victim of abuse which shows her in a whole different light.
I loved this story and how all the murders tied together.
Other characters in this book also made it a great read as despite clashing with Kim, there was a reason for it.
Stacey, Penn and Bryant are also brilliant as ever and I just hope the dynamic doesn’t change for some time.
Another brilliant book from Angela Marsons.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Each time I read a new Kim Stone book, I expect that it may be the one to disappoint me. Every series has at least one! So far, I've loved every single one of the books in the series, and this one was no exception!

We find Kim Stone with her normal team investigating a crazy weird (and grotesque) murder using a torture method. The victim's family is clearly hiding something, and then they disappear. As DI Stone and the team are trying to find the family, another body in a different jurisdiction turns up. And then another. They have to unravel what is going on to find a very depraved murdered.

There is a second plot string involving Frost using her position as an investigative journalist to try to overcome the PR machine that has wound up behind a man on trial for murdering his wife. There was a hung jury in the first trial, and Frost is concerned that he'll get away with it, so she works against long odds and lots of danger to bring the victim and what happened to her to life for the readers.

Solid story, fast-paced, and suspenseful. I love the continued character development, especially with Kim and Stacey. I'd love to see a little more about Penn in the next one.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Twisted Lies' by Angela Marsons.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Angela Marsons, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 13th May 2021.

This is the eighth book I have read by this author and it is the fourteenth book in the 'DI Kim Stone' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first 7 books in the 'DI Kim Stone' which I loved and would recommend. Sadly I haven't had time to read from the 8th book until this one but will definitely be making time to as I LOVE KIM STONE!!!

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a MASSIVE fan of Angela Marsons and the Kim Stone series and if this is half as good as the rest it is sure to be a great read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue and 108 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in West Midlands, UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. I have actually visited the West Midlands on several occasions so am looking forward to see if I recognise anywhere.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist being Detective Kim Stone. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

'Twisted Lies' discusses some topics that may trigger some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Angela discusses/includes strong language and graphic scenes.

OMG!!! SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO US ANGELA!!!! JUST WOW!!!! Seriously love, love LOVED this book!!!! Although, shouldn't be so shocked, it is Angela Marsons and Kim Stone after all!!!! Anyway, on with the review shall I....

Angela's style of writing is absolutely fantastic. She has a way in which she completely absorbs the reader into the book with vivid and graphic descriptions that have you completely lost in the plot. It is the type of book that when you finish you look around and wonder where you are and how is nobody else reacting to the bombshell that has just been dropped!!! The cover IS Kim Stone for me and the name and synopsis suited the plot perfectly.

The storyline is an absolute rollercoaster ride through a multi layered adventure park set in the world of horror and crime!!! There's never just one case with Angela but so much going on, not too much to get you confused but just the perfect amount to keep the pace continuous. The majority of chapters end on cliffhanger so keeps reader addicted and turning pages. Although this book is the 14th book in the epic Kim Stone series it can easily be read as a standalone. I haven't had time to read a fabulous Kim Stone book in so long I've missed since book 7 which I read all the way back in August 2019. Although I cannot wait to get back to her previous books I never had any point felt I'd missed out something to do with the book. Anything that had been mentioned from previous cases were explained with just the right amount of information, not too much to bore those who have read every book and just enough so new readers know what's happened. The murders and crimes are unique and morbidly intriguing. I was on the edge of my seat, biting my nails whilst feeling my heart pounding into the silly hours of the morning as this is one book that cannot be put down so clear your diaries before picking it up. It fills you with all emotions from fear to laughter, tension to shock. I was not expecting that ending at all on both cases. I was absolutely speechless and actually shouted OMG to which my partner looked at me stupid!!! I just could not believe what I was reading. Well done Angela, I'm getting harder and harder to shock but you had me hook, line and sinker!!!!

As I previously mentioned, I haven't had time to read a fabulous Kim Stone book in so long I've missed since book 7 which I read all the way back in August 2019. However, before I'd even finished the first chapter the memories came flooding straight back and oh how I missed Kim and her fierce attitude, DCI Woodward and his stress ball, the hatred for Tracy Frost and so much more. Had me giggling straight away which is brilliant considering it's a crime novel. I love it when authors put some comedy in these novels as it lightens it up at times and Kim's attitude really does make me smile. Angela creates fantastic team dynamics with memorable characters who work together brilliantly and perfectly. Each character is unique and has strong personalities and they just are completely unforgettable. Randomly, its always important for me to like the pathologist in any police procedurals and to click with them as much as the main police team. Their relationship with the main protagonist is also important to me as reader. In this case the pathologist is Keats and Ph how I love the sarcasm between him and the team and his attitude. Stacey and Penn are also strong team members and I love how they work so well together and yet wind each other up constantly. I was shocked that I actually warmed to Tracy with her discretion to the case and concern about the family of Trisha Morley. I cannot wait to meet them all again!!!!

A MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS ANGELA MARSONS!!! As always you have done the research and you have created what I can guarantee will be one of the best read books this year!!! When are you going to bring Kim to the big screen??? I hope your busy writing cause I cannot wait to get my hands on your next success!!! Seriously what are you waiting for guys??? Stop reading this and get your copy now!!!!

Overall an absolutely amazing psychological thriller of epic proportions that will keep your heart pounding all night. This is one of the best books I have ever read!!!! An absolute MUST READ!!!


Some of my favourite quotes in this book include the following:

😂 Way too many for me to include!!! I'd end up adding the whole book and giving too much away


Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Police Procedural and Psychological Fiction amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of page turning, heart pounding, non stop, unputdownable crime books that will shock you!!!!


414 pages.

This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVE LOVE LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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Oh my, this series goes from strength to strength! Angela Marsons has delivered another blockbuster.

There are two plot threads here - in one Nick Morley is having a re-trial of the case against him for murdering his wife, Tricia. The first trial was a close thing but since then his publicity machine has gone into overdrive and painted him as a saint. It is even less likely that he will be convicted this time. The second plot line is about a series of gruesome murders that involve a slow and painful death. I have to say this killer has been very creative, I don’t know where authors get their ideas from but these MOs are new to me - yucky but creative!

Tracy Frost, DI Kim Stone’s journalist nemesis, gets herself involved in the Morely case and, because she was once a victim of domestic violence, something clicks with her and she writes a series of articles focussing on Tricia as a victim while she tries to counteract the saintly publicity. Morely, who is a class A creep tries to intimidate her as he has done with previous witnesses but Frost won’t be intimidated.

Stone’s case is a tricky one and the deaths start to mount up. Soon they realise that the first few victims were all in the witness protection scheme. The secrecy surrounding this scheme is necessary but makes investigating so much more difficult. But when a protection officer is murdered the stakes get higher and the desperate motive starts to become clear.

This book really gets into the heart of witness protection, it is not as straightforward as I had thought. It also spells out very clearly the sacrifices that people who go into the scheme make. It is not as easy as you might think, especially if you have a family. Angela Marsons did some extensive research on this while writing the book.

As usual, the story was tightly plotted and you learn more about the characters of Kim’s team. It was great to see her relationship with Frost thawing somewhat. The two now seem to have a grudging respect for each other. Also, as usual, the ending was tense and dramatic with lives at stake. It wasn’t a twisty book per se but a couple of twists at the ending were both surprising and satisfying. This is an excellent series that I have followed from the start and I can’t wait to see what Marsons comes up with next. I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I had lost my reading mojo for a while during lockdown, every book I picked up couldn’t hold my attention...Twisted Lies changed that! Reading about some of your favourite characters is like coming home, even if they are investigating brutal and torturous murders! Loved it, didn’t want to put it down once I started . Can’t wait for the next instalment of Kim Stone and her team.

Angela Marsons at her best. I was so happy when Bookouture and Netgalley gave me the opportunity to review this book and it did not disappoint.I found myself waking in the middle of the night and picking up my Kindle because I couldn't wait to find out the next twist and turn.
As you may have gathered, I would thoroughly recommend this book.

The 14th book in the DI Kim Stone series and I’ll hold my hands up now and admit it’s the first of her books I’ve read. No idea why and I will be rectifying that situation after reading this. A brilliantly written police procedural book with a strong and believable main character in Kim Stone.

Briefly, Stone and her team are investigating the murder of a man found horribly tortured. But there is something strange about the victim and his family. Why did his wife and children disappear after they found out he was dead? Then another body is found, again horribly tortured but this time in a different manner. How are the two murders connected?

Alongside this investigation local reporter Tracy Frost is trying to help the family of a woman murdered by her husband, but who is expected to be found innocent at trial. He has hired a PR firm to sway public perception of him and Tracy is determined to stand up for the victim.

What I really loved about this book is the relationship between Stone and her team and between her and Frost. Although portrayed as a hard woman her softer side peeks through both with her colleagues, Frost and with her dog, Barney. The descriptive parts of the murders are quite graphic so please be aware, but they are not the crux of the story. There are twists and turns aplenty in the book and a massive twist at the end that I never saw coming. It’s a 5* read for me.

Four people tortured and killed in the most gruesome way. The first victim is in the West Midlands and Kim Stone and her team are assigned the case. The second case is in Somerset and once Stone is told of the connection with their case she has to continue to investigate without letting Somerset know the true identity of their victim. It’s obvious that the killer is searching for someone in the programme and won’t stop until they find them.

Meanwhile reporter Tracey Frost is covering the story of a young woman killed by her violent husband. After his arrest he mounted a full on PR campaign and his trial resulted in a hung jury. The second trial is about to start and it looks like he’s going to be acquitted and Frost can’t let that happen even if it puts her life in danger.

Another fantastic installment in this series by Angela Marsons. They just keep getting better and better.

Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Angela Marsons for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Another brilliant book by Angela Marsons.

I have been following the Kim Stone series from the beginning and the just get better and better.

In this book Kim and her team are trying to find out who is murdering people in the most gruesome way and what all the victims have in common.

I have to say this is my favourite so far and cannot wait for the next one especially with the teaser at the end.

I was given the opportunity to read an ARC (advanced reader copy) of this book through the NetGalley review site. Many thanks to them and the author and publisher.

This book is definitely Angela Marsons back to her best.

I couldn’t read this book quick enough. Again it focuses on murder that need to be solved by DI Kim Stone and her team. The author definitely did what she did best with the research that must of gone in to this book and the way it has been written so vividly you feel like you were actually at the crime scenes. Definitely not for the squeamish and don’t be eating food when reading this book.

A side story that ran through this book, in fa t as it does through the majority of the DI Kim Stone books, is the relationship between DI Stone and her nemesis reporter Ms Tracy Frost. This time the reporter seems to have her own storyline, linked to the main characters of course but the twist that story alone was enough to make me feel that this book is definitely a return to form in all its guts and gory for the author.

How long do we have to wait for book 15 in the series.