Six Graves by Angela Marsons

Another absolutely fantastic book about Kim Stone , the authors 16th novel of this brilliant character. I think I've read most of them and everyone just gets better.
I really don't know how Angela Marsons can keep writing such great books and I love reading about the cases that Kim solves along side her team.

My mind is wobbly and I've been left speechless........

That's the hand-off after an Angela Marsons' novel. Whether you've just gotten onboard with this one or you've been strapped in for the long haul, Six Graves is going to leave its mark. Marsons has taken her main character of DI Kim Stone and aimed for the sky. Kim has walked through life over broken glass. She resides locked into a holding pattern that plays non-stop since she was a child. Battle scars never quite heal on the inside and they bleed onto every element of the future.

Angela Marsons takes us back to the Black Country in the West Midlands. Kim Stone and her team have received a call in the Halesowen Police Department of a fire that took the lives of an entire family. Kim is immediately on the scene interviewing neighbors who appear to know nothing. When the crime scene investigators and the forensics crew put out their findings, it looks to be a murder/suicide situation. The rifle was found in the hands of the mother with the husband and two teenagers shot in their sleep. Kim is not so sure.

Flip to the next scene and we find that the worst bottomfeeder of the century, Symes, has escaped from prison. Symes is a notorious psychopath who lives off inflicting physical and emotional pain on others. He has his sites set on Kim who foiled his attempt to brutalize two young girls. He ruthlessly wants Kim to pay. DCI Woodward has assigned Leanne King, a witness protection officer, to guard Kim. Knowing the feisty Kim, she wants nothing to do with this set-up until Woody threatens her with withdrawal from the force.

Kim is shadowed by Leanne as she and the team investigate the deaths of those family members. Marsons sets up an almost impossible situation for Kim with the monkey on her back and her own personal safety. And we begin to rub elbows with the vicious Symes as he moves about the area in pursuit of Kim. The air is thick with evil.

Angela Marsons knots this one up tightly. Nothing in a Marsons' novel is in a linear fashion. As readers, we set and reset our opinions and faulty deductions. Marsons makes us work for the grand finale. She lets the erratic human element seep into this storyline where people are gonna do what people are gonna do. And there's an underlying thread that's going to make a true fan's heart beat in a staccato fashion........guaranteed. Wowzers!

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to the talented Angela Marsons for the opportunity.

Book 16 in the Kim Stone series and I always think will it be as good as the last. I can assure you it is and better. This is one of my favourite series and although each book can be read as a standalone I would advise to read from the beginning of the series as it’s just phenomenal. Plenty of the usual twists and turns so you can’t put the book down and the ending was very dramatic, the most dramatic of all the books. My one wish is that Penn could meet a lovely lady but not sure that will happen. I highly recommend this book and amazing author 1000%

Oh wow!!! The prologue drew me in so much I couldn't put the book down until I'd finished it in a day, Kim is up against it, an escaped convict who will stop at nothing until he has got his revenge on Kim, she has a body guard with her 24/7 which is amusing knowing how Kim has hardly any friends and loves her space.
As this isn't enough Kim and her team are trying to find who murdered a whole family, with lots of twists and turns and the most dramatic ending I've ever read this book deserves more than 5 stars!!! I think it's the best one yet but I say that every time

My ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review of Angela marsons six graves. This is the 16th book in the kim stone series but can also be read as a standalone although I would highly recommend reading the whole series for the full Kim stone experience.

Wow wow just wow what can I say these books just keep getting better and better just finished this one and now feel like I need to go and lie down in a darkened room so many shocks twists and edge of the seat moments and just when you think there is nothing left to shock you you are back on the edge of your seat again a totally nail biting roller coaster of a read. Like others have said so hard to review without giving spoilers.

If your already a Kim stone fan you are in for a treat with this one if you haven’t read any before then nows the time to get started abs to buckle yourself in for a bumpy ride. This one is out on the 12 may 2022.

Already excited for the next one in the series.

Another sleepless night as. I devoured the latest Kim Stone installment. My heart was in my mouth for this one. It really pulled on every emotion - even making me laugh out loud at one point. I didnt spot the villain and was kept glued to the pages until the very end. I couldn't stop reading. The author writes fabulous characters particularly female ones that don't comply to "normal" gender values. I'm a true Stone fan and cant wait for the next book but can we please, pretty please have some romance for Penn. He deserves it. LOL

Angela Marsons never fails to captivate me in her DI Stone novels. Detective Inspector Stone is thrown into a seeming murder suicide when a mother appears to have killed her family then herself. All is not as it seems, however, and as more information is uncovered, discrepancies appear. At the same time, Kim herself is the focus of a threat from the past, and this time it might be more than she can handle.
I am an avid reader of the Kim Stone series and this book is no exception. Great stuff! Keep them coming Ms Marsons.

Six Graves is Book 16 in this amazing series and a phenomenal book. Warning: If you start this book in the evening you will read all night because you won’t be able to stop. The murder-suicide of a family has Kim and her team trying to figure out the why this happened. And to top it off, a psychopath is after Kim and she is under protection. Just read the book and if you are new to the series do yourself a favour and get reading. Thanks to NetGalley, Bookoutre and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

Angela Marson's Kim Stone books are the kind you pick up then find yourself putting everything else on hold and reading them right through in one go...................which is exactly what I did with Six Graves,the latest in the series.

The book begins at the end with almost all of the regular team at a funeral.......for one of their own, it then goes back in time to describe the events beginning 13 days earlier leading up to the solemn event.
Stone is dragged back from a team bonding exercise by her boss and warned that Symes, the psychopathic villain who she thwarted and mutilated in events related in "Lost Girls".has escaped and is hunting her. Much to her disgust Stone is given a "Minder", protection officer Leanne King, who regular readers will recognise , know what Stone's reaction will be and be looking forward to the clash of 2 very strong-willed women with a neat line in put downs.
With Symes taking action that is an obvious bait for Stone she's told to keep away from that case and instead investigate a house fire that leads to a shocking discovery.

As ever in this series this book is all action right from the beginning as Stone and her crew uncover family secrets while in the background Symes is watching and planning his revenge ,leaving a trail of carnage behind him as he does so.

As well as a great murder mystery and the shadow of Symes lurking in the background there's also a bit of insight into adoption,which plays a big part in the tale. Leanne King and Kim Stone have different experiences of adoption,as do other significant characters in the story and there's plenty of food for thought as well as great entertainment.

There is some quite explicit violence,including when some of the more vulnerable members of society are terrorised, which might upset some people so please be aware of that when deciding whether this is the book for you.

A great read and another surefire hit for Angela Marsons..

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.

Writing: 4/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 4/5

Full disclaimer: I have never read a book in this series, and despite this being the SIXTEENTH installment, jumping in blind did not impact my ability to understand the characters and ongoing storylines.

THE PLOT

Kim Stone and her team are back in action on a grizzly family murder-suicide. Simultaneously, Kim is being hunted by Symes, an unhinged maniac determined to kill her. Ooh la la.

MY OPINION

Maybe it's a solid police procedural, maybe it's "book goggles" from the last dud I read, maybe it's Maybelline. Either way, I enjoyed this book. It was well-written, fast-paced, funny, and well-plotted. I find that police procedurals written by women never let me down. They're always well-rounded and have thought-out characters. They don't try too hard to emulate a John Wick type of vibe like male authored police procedurals. And often they have more diversity and inclusion in their cast instead of relying heavily on stereotypes like disgruntled, functioning alcoholic detective and women who are little more than sex dolls.

Yes, Kim had the maturity of a 5-year-old and swears like a sailor, but it was done in a way that doesn't come across as annoying. I can't really explain it. But I just felt like it was light-hearted and she was self-aware. Idk. I can't word properly right now LOL.

Anyways. The pace kept me blazing through this one. Short chapters, rotating POVs of the entire team, and TWO juicy j cases. I'm fascinated by familicide (I know, I know) so this was really scratching my itch if you know what I mean.

If you're looking for a quick, solid af police procedural with likable characters, this is the one. I'll def be picking up more of the Kim Stone series.

PROS AND CONS

Pros: juicy j plot, great cast of characters with their own personalities, well-paced, funny

Cons: idk I guess you could find Kim's behaviour a little annoyingly immature sometimes. And I think Symes' POV used "bitch" one too many times (and I'm not adverse to swearing)

Wow I bloody loved this one. Book 16 in the DI Kim Stone series and it's still going strong, still exciting and thrilling and has you on the edge of your seat. This one certainly didn't disappoint, from the very first page with that opening! That was a shocker and def not a nice one.
Kim's old nemesis Symes has escaped and he won't stop until he has killed her, so she is assigned protection in the form of Leeann, who Kim really hates, tho to be fair there's not many that Kim doesn't hate! I never warmed to Leeann previously, not many could as she's as cold a fish as Kim herself. But this time around I enjoyed their new forced dynamic, reminds me of her relationship with reporter Frost.

Alongside this drama is the murder of a family, we're all points in the beginning to the mum as the culprit, until evidence points elsewhere. There are a whole multitude of people who could be responsible, not least the two older children, Zach and Rachel. Add in secretive past history of the family and a long history of depression from Helen, the mum, many of those in authority keeping the secrets of this family, even after death.

Fast paced and gripping throughout, I read this book in one sitting. I love the dynamics of Kim and her team and this time really not having a clue what would happen and for many concerned.

I want to say a massive thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.
If your a Kim Stone fan you won't be disappointed and if your not a fan, yet, then it's never too late to start. You won't regret it :-)

I know I say this every time but…this was the best one yet!! What a fantastic read! I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and cleared my day so I knew I could settle down and read until my eyes hurt! As usual, this author has done it again with another fast paced, gripping, emotional and nerve-wracking instalment in the Kim Stone series. We are at book #16 in the series, and whilst others may be slowing down, this series just keeps going from strength…to strength…to strength!! If you haven’t read any of this series yet (…why not?!) or if you are running a bit behind, then I would recommend you read the books in series order. We do encounter some characters who we have met before, and you really wouldn’t want to spoil their storylines from the previous books!

Kim Stone is facing her toughest case yet. Not only does she have to solve the case of what looks like a murder/suicide, but she also must face one of her deadliest threats. I have to admit to reading the opening chapter with my heart in my mouth, unable to believe what I was reading! It certainly laid down the groundwork with what the rest of the book was going to be like, and I spent the next few hours biting my nails, covering my eyes and keeping my fingers crossed! Kim has her usual team working with her, but there is also a new addition from a character we’ve met before! I love the banter between them all, and the author has done a fabulous job in creating those little moments of humour amongst the tense storyline! Stone and Bryant have to be my favourite double act, reminding me of an old married couple who know themselves so well they don’t even have to say anything to know what the other one is thinking!

The storyline grabs your attention from the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. There are two different stories running alongside each other. The murder/suicide is a tragic case with lots of suspects to ponder over and full of unexpected twists and turns. The other storyline, featuring a former adversary of Stone’s is heart-stoppingly good, leaving you on the edge of your seat with every page turn! I’m so in awe of this author, amazed by her ability to create the perfect read every single time, and yet slightly scared by where she gets the ideas for her books from!

As usual, I love the locations within the book, living in the Black Country myself, and could easily pictures places that Stone and her team visit. The author has certainly done it again, finishing with an ending which leaves you, not only wanting more, but wondering how this changes things for the future! I LOVE Kim Stone (I have the mug to prove it!), I LOVE this series and I LOVE this author! She deserves a flipping knighthood for her services to crime, thriller and creating the best character ever in the guise of Kim Stone…arise Dame Marsons!

Whenever I start a book by Angela Marsons I always think this can't top the last book, why I think it I'll never know because every time she does it again. Six Graves is definitely no exception, I can't praise it enough, the storyline is so brilliant that it left me reeling, I'm not exaggerating it really is an amazing nail-biting read with plenty of suspense and drama.

Okay, okay, okay..... just breathe.

I have to keep repeating to myself. I have just finished this book and kind of left a bit stumped on how to review this with the justice it deserves but without ruining it for the entire world.

I dont actually think the tag line of 'heart pounding' is warning enough for this book. It is so intense that I just couldnt put it down.

As an avid follower of this series, I have become so so attached to the characters that they feel like family. They feel like people I have known for years and I just can't wait to catch up with whatever is thrown at them next.

Well this one is no different. Right from the off your drawn in through utter disbelief. Kim and her team are thrown into a case that is full of lies and secrets that you just couldn't even think up.

But in the background there is another story going on from Kim's past that changes the whole dynamic of the book. But in the most intense way possible.

It is so hard to review this book without giving anything away. So all I will say is, if like me your pregnant and hormonal I recommend waiting until after pregnancy to read it.

It’s not a secret, I love Angela Marsons’s books. Her Kim Stone series is fantastic, and reading a new one is like sitting down with your huge family to a fabulous meal. The start of this book shocked me to the core, and it took quite a while for me to calm down so that I could read on.

Knowing the team so well, there is no waste of time going over those involved and their special skills. They make the perfect team, and slot together incredibly well. That’s not to say that someone new to this series couldn’t read this as a standalone. Angela’s writing skills reinforce the details a newcomer to the series would need.

Those following the series will remember the psychopathic Symes from an earlier story, where Kim foiled his attempts and ensured he paid the highest price. The fact that he has now escaped from prison is extremely concerning as he is determined to take out his revenge on Kim. Even if it’s the last thing he ever does.

Kim and her team are forbidden to go after Symes and they are forced to concentrate all their attention on a new case which immediately looks like a family have all been killed by the mother figure, only for Kim to notice tiny details that lesser mortals have overlooked. Their new case is another murder, made to look like a family annihilator.

The threat to Kim leaves Kim’s bosses with no choice but to give her her own protection officer. It’s hilarious to read how they both get on with one another when neither of them is happy with their latest assignment. Kim has to share her home with the new officer and also, to ensure her dog is safe, he has to go on holiday. Kim must feel abandoned.

The two cases run along side by side as the team does everything it can to determine who has taken this family out. It is flawless writing. You can’t help but play along as you read, wondering how the other case is progressing as you read. This is truly one of the best books of the series. It is incredibly complex and Kim has to face up to many dangers and uncomfortable situations. Once again, I can’t wait for the next in the series. I wish Kim a speedy recovery back to full health as she will need it for the next situation she is forced to face. Just brilliant.

Oh my god!! After reading the first chapter my heart was in my mouth!!! I’ve been impatiently waiting for this, but could never have foreseen the rollercoaster ride I was in for. I can’t say any more without spoiling it, just buy the damn book, it’ll be the best money spent all year, I promise you that!!

In Six Graves we see the return of Symes one of the most evil characters Angela has written. We also have a new character in Leanne who is very cool (obviously not as cool as Kim though). She has the difficult job of keeping Kim safe and even has to move into Kim's house which of course Kim hates. There are two stories in this book one around Symes and the other round the Daynes family. I absolutely loved this book as i have the others in this series. I go through so many emotions reading them. Easily a 5 star read which I can thoroughly recommend. Thank you Bookouture and Netgalley for this early read.

Wow! This was my favorite Kim Stone book! Angela Marsons did not disappoint. Great plot line that was flawlessly delivered. I loved the characters. This book hooked me from page one and never let go. Highly recommend.

Wow! Another fantastic page turner from Angela Marsons. The first chapter gave me the absolute fear, but I suspected and hoped that all would turn out ok. That chapter set the tone for the rest of the book, set my mind racing and kept me wondering throughout if we were going to see the demise of our favourite detective.
As always, concurrent storylines blended so well, with a murder investigation and an old adversary turning up ramping up the suspense.
Don’t start this book late at night as you won’t be able to put it down. I started reading in bed and put it down at 4am.

Another great read in this series. If you have not read any of the other books in the series I would suggest you go back and start with the first and work your way through. Whilst it is not essential and the book can be enjoyed as a standalone plot, I think more enjoyment would be gained from seeing the progression, particularly as this book has a direct link to one of the previous ones.