So... learning from last time, I was fully expecting this book to finish around the 90% mark - the remaining 10% stuffed with advertising, mostly previous books in this series. But, imaging my dismay when this copy ended at 85% with advertising of EVERY previous book in this series... Why does that matter I hear you ask... Well, when you have planned your time with a book, paced yourself to finish and then it ends abruptly, well, it annoys me anyway... Note to self - with EVERY book by this publisher, find out the % ending BEFORE I start!
Anyway, apart from leaving my experience with the book ending on a damp squib and my annoyance overshadowing any emotional connection I had with the book I did actually enjoy the main story.
Kim is still recuperating from the shenanigans of the previous book and is on the verge of returning to work, on desk duty initially. But on her return she sees how her stand-in is treating both her team and the cases they come across. Especially that of a young lad found hanging in a park. His death has been ruled suicide but, along with that of her team, Kim is sure there is more to it... So... desk duty out the window, she takes back her team and the rest of the book is them doing what they know and do so well! And if you have read the previous books, and you HAVE, haven't you, you'll know exactly what you are getting into!
What I do know is that I am never moving to anywhere near the are where these books is set. How many serial killers are there? Really? I know it is a formula that has worked for a while now and, don't get me wrong, I am still enjoying this series, but I wonder if the author, skilled as she so obviously is, couldn't mix it up a little bit in the future... She took a brave move a while ago which rebooted and refreshed the series and I think maybe another is due in a wee while to keep it fresh.
But that's just me, a lot of people will say, not broke, don't fix... And the two are both valid.
Anyway... all in all, another great addition to one of the longest running series that I still engage with. Roll on next time. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Kim Stone is returning to work after some lengthy recovery time off, she has been cautioned by her boss to ease herself back into the job slowly, taking as much time as she needs and not to push herself.
Such counselling from her boss is not to be taken lightly as Kim still has a lot of recovery to do, both mentally and physically, after being attacked in a previous investigation…and for once she is in agreement.

However, after arriving at her office with a view to addressing a lot of paperwork, Kim takes note of a certain low mood among her team in the incident room and a quick glance at the all but empty whiteboard tells her that all is not well.
Kim furtively appraises her team from the confines of her office and notices the contemptible way her temporary replacement treats them, and their potential cases. He is looking for promotion and not interested in any cases that he deems unworthy of his attention, so he’s keeping the team in a kind of holding pattern doing menial jobs while he waits for a big case to come along…one that will put him in the limelight.

Meanwhile a nineteen year old boy is found hanging in a tree in the park, his name only is on the whiteboard, but their temp boss wants to dismiss it as an ordinary suicide and has the board wiped clean, much against the instincts of the team. They are quietly fuming and Kim can sense that she has to do something…and soon.
She walks in and takes charge, effectively dismissing her temp replacement…no love lost there anyway!

Kim pulls her much relieved team back into action mode and starts delegating work. She doesn’t really feel ready but she can’t stand by and watch her team fall apart, and she can’t let an innocent nineteen year old boy’s life be so recklessly dismissed.

Kim quickly finds the workload taking its toll…has she come back too soon?

It’s time to post my review for Hidden Scars, the latest (#17) in the D.I. Kim Stone series and I’ve run out of superlatives!
Angela Marsons, what can I say that hasn’t already been said?!
Maybe not quite as edge of your seat as some of her previous, but this is still classic Angela Marsons no doubt gearing up for the next installment in the series…and every bit as good as this reader has come to expect.

Another 5⭐️s from me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my electronic copy to read and review.

To be honest, when it comes to rating this book I had a bit of difficulty. I had mixed feelings on this one. Some parts I liked but others not so much. At times it seemed get deeper into the "clinic doings" and it often made the story drag for me. Although the author did do her research when it came to this topic, the same information was also repeated a lot from different sources too.
There was a whole lot of people in this story. It took me a while to find my balance in this story as a first time reader. Later someone said that it would be best if prior books be read and I totally agree that would have helped. That said, it really was a well written story. With interesting people even starting with the doofus who was left in charge of Kim's unit. Reminds of a phrase I think I heard in a movie, "you couldn't find your rear end with a flashlight and both hands." His incompetence was off the charts and dangerous too.
Kim was definitely a complex woman with scars that didn't just start with her most savage beating from Symes. Her emotional scars go WAY back like from when she was 6 years old. With all of that said, I really really liked her.
All in all, this was an emotional, active, twisty, surprising story with another great twisted surprise at the end.
So, I have to say that I liked the story with some reservations.

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Book seventeen in DI Kim Stone series and one that might’ve been quite hard to read for me.
I loved how emotional and human was Detective Kim Stone portrayed in this story.
While she’s coming back stronger and ready to catch the killers , we get to know her so much more now. She’s suffering from PTSD since she was almost killed and hasn’t got over it as some might think she would.

The whole idea of trying to cover up murders by making them look like suicides had me engaged from the beginning. And the other investigation that she needs to take part of was quite surprising as well, at least the ending.

I loved this story. It’s so easy to forget that I’m reading a fiction book while the author has created a perfect character that feels so real with lots of flows and strength at the same time.
The book can be read as a standalone without issues but I would recommend to read the last few past books in the series to understand the characters better.
If this series is being made into movies, I don’t think I would want to watch anything else.

I can hardly believe that this is Book 17 in the Detective Kim Stone series(time really does fly). In the last book (Six Graves), Kim went through a traumatic ordeal( mentally and physically) and she has been away from her team long enough for her replacement to almost destroy it.

 Kim jumps in probably sooner than she should, but the death of Jamie Mills, classified by her replacement as “just a suicide”, has her blood boiling and makes her realize it’s time to go back to work. Jamie won’t be the only ‘suicide’ they investigate, along with a missing husband with seemingly no reason to disappear. This one also delves into the lengths some people go to change people's nature. It’s a harrowing look into sexuality and how for some people, only their beliefs are the right ones.

 Another compelling read and once again I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I never want to give any important plot points away so all I will say is that this story really made me think not only about Kim and her team, but also that something like this could happen. Scary indeed.

Does this series just keep getting better? Why yes it does.

Detective Kim Stone returns after the trauma of the last case. A new disturbing case awaits. An unusual storyline looking at some beliefs you would think would be long gone. Very well written.

I have read all the Kim Stone detective novels and I continue to be immersed in them. Kim Stone is returning to policing following her ordeal that nearly took her life. She finds her team demoralised, without effective leadership and losing the will to live! The death of Jamie Mills - apparently a suicide - does not convince Kim and she digs deeper and finds out that he could not have committed suicide. Two further deaths with links to a clinic which cures people of their sexuality leads the team to uncover the world of conversion therapy.

There is a second parallel investigation into the apparent disappearance of a loving husband which is led by Stacey.

Both involve outcomes I did not expect.

Kim has been changed by her experiences and has a new vulnerability which changes the dynamics - makes her seem more human.

This series just gets better and better!

After the traumatic events of the last book Kim Stone is supposed to be recuperating & is only going to be doing light duties. When she arrives in the office she discovers that her stalwart team of Byant, Penn & Stacey are lethargic & quashed by their current leader. There has just been the report of a young boy found hanging from a tree in the woods. The board shows no details- their leader didn't see the point as it was obviously a suicide. After visiting the parents & viewing the scene with Bryant it becomes clear he couldn't have climbed the tree with a leg that couldn't bend. So much so light duties- Kim sweeps in & takes over to the delight of her team. Investigations reveal that Jamie's parents had sent him to a clinic to 'cure' him of his homosexuality! Further study opens a horrific can of worms at the clinic including torture & rape. Does Kim have the energy & stamina to solve this case?

I have adored this series from the start & each book continues to intrigue & delight me. I love the characters & the convoluted plots & am always left looking forward to the next one. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.

Years ago, a mother was viciously beaten to death with a hammer. The case was never solved. Detective Kim Stone is back on the job after suffering a near death experience in her last case. Although she is supposed to “take it easy”, that is not in her vocabulary. When she realizes that the death of young man was not a suicide, she removes the detective who was all too willing to close the case from her squad. An investigation takes concentration and the ability to watch all “the balls in the air”. Does she have the concentration she needs? The parents of the young man had tried to cure him of being gay. When a young gay woman is found as another staged suicide, she and her team are led to a clinic that tries to “change” a person’s sexuality, but by what methods? Why won’t former clinic patients talk to Kim…fear of lawyers or fear of death? Her team is also investigating a missing person case. Could the two cases be connected? A twisted mystery, written by one of the best, with an ending that took me by surprise. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

Hidden Scars is the latest book in the very addictive Kim Stone series. A series of books i have followed from the beginning and a series that i love reading. Marsons know how to deliver a killer read and never fails to keep the reader engrossed.
I don't really know what i can say that I haven't said before about this series, It's by far one of my favorite and this book will certainly hit my top 10 of 2022.
After a long absence Kim Stone is back to work. Her team are thrilled to have her back. The temp Di they have been working with while Stone has been on leave isn't up to the standard they are used to. He's certainly not very much liked by the team. Has the team been damaged too much by the incompetence of the current DI.

Kim maybe back in body, but has her mind returned with her. She just doesn't seem to have the umph, she normally has. Good old Keats to the rescue, can he awake the real 'Kim Stone and put her back on the right track and functioning as a copper again. The Kim we know and love has to be in there somewhere.
It's good to be back with the team, the banter, the way they work, their dynamics are just brilliant. Marsons has created a superb team that work well together on the page.
What appears to be a typical suicide is soon realised that there is nothing typical about it, Once the team start to dig deeper a whole new theme emerges.
The story within this book regarding sexuality was written really well, Showing how different people can see things so differently. It was brilliantly put together how families can react when your sexual identity doesn't fit their 'expectations. Even in todays society there are still so many obstacles for people of same sex relationships. So many people stuck in the past and this was written about in this story perfectly.
As always this was a Dark, thrilling, exciting read and once started you must realise it will be difficult to put down. Book your manicure in now because you'll have no nails left when you finish.
Bravo Angela you not only delivered you exceeded all expectations.
Can not recommend this book highly enough.

Wow Angela Masons doesn't ever miss a trick with her books! This one lives up to all expectations and more. I loved this, read it so fast, desperate to get the story in. Highly recommend this series it's brilliant.

Kim Stone and the team are faced with a killer who is staging suicides, and they have to find out why and stop them at the same time. Full of the twists you'd expect and want.

Rounded up to 4.5. Another incredible and unique instalment in this fine series. Both cases were compelling and disturbing. As always the characterisations were phenomenal. It was tough to witness Kim’s emotional scars resulting from her last case, and I really felt for Kim’s team having to put up with her temporary replacement misogynist boss. Addictive read. Highly recommended.

“She wasn’t back yet. She wasn’t even close.”

Kim Stone makes an emotional return to her squad in Hidden Scars.

Hidden Scars is a procedural/mystery about a chain of murders covered up as suicides. Stone’s team investigates, exposing the brutal practice of conversion therapy.

I would not recommend reading this book if you haven’t yet read the previous books in the series.

Book #17 finds a tougher yet, more vulnerable Kim. She has PTSD from her near-death experience at the hand of her nemesis, and she hasn’t been good about letting people in--which is not a surprise. When she finally returns to work after an absence from her ordeal with Symes, she finds her team nearly shattered after being under the rule of a DI deemed “the idiot.”

The narrative is equally divided between Kim, Stacey, and Penn, with a little less from Bryant. However, Bryant and Kim share some emotionally packed scenes. Additionally, Barney gets the star treatment, and some visitors from previous books make an appearance.

There are two mysteries: one involving the staged suicides, the other involving a missing husband. There are some surprising twists and turns, and I was especially caught off guard by the case of the missing husband.

Marsons explores some dark topics concerning homosexuality and gender through the so-called cure of conversion therapy. The “therapeutic” methods are sickening to read. This is a darker and more emotional installment than some of the others in the series. However, there is a great deal of humor, snark, and joy mixed in.

I loved the final scene between Kim and Bryant--the reader finally finds out his first name.

Overall, this was another solid addition to the series. I look forward to book #18!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review.

This is book number 17 in the DI Kim Stone series and I seriously recommend you read the previous books, or at least book number 16 to get the back story as this picks up two months after the ending of that book.

Kim returns to work after recuperating after her last case nearly cost her her life and she has been advised to ease herself back in slowly. In typical Kim Stone fashion she doesn't take advice and gets stuck straight into a new case when a suspected suicide is revealed to be a murder case.

Hidden Scars is another well written compelling read with an original and gritty storyline and I am already looking forward to book number 18!

Highly recommended!

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

omg this book starts as it means to go on...with murder and the hits keep coming

but its also kims first day back at work after being brutally beaten and literally dying in the last book and she is to take it slow...yeah right

as kim takes back control of her team from symes the stand in boss and boy was that a brilliantly written scene, they start to investigate a young mans apparent suicide that get reclassified to murder after a proper investigation takes place...good old kim she is back and in the saddle....

and its not long before another body turns up and with links to a special clinic

this book is a eye opener for certain practises that have only recently been abandoned....
and also this author knows how to keep you reading until the very end...i cant wait for the next book in this brilliant series

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Hidden Scars by Angela Marsons in return for my honest review.
This is book 17 in the Detective Kim Stone series and I have to say this series just gets better and better. Hidden Scars continues on brilliantly from Six Graves (book 16), I would highly recommend reading this series in order as you’ll really get to know the characters more and more with each book. This is a fast paced and exciting story everything you expect from Angela Marsons a truly brilliant author, long may this series continue.

Hidden Scars by Angela Marsons

I can see why the author has named her 17th book in the Kim Stone series Hidden Scars , namely because of the plot but also due to Kim's return after the horrific end to the previous book.
Back at work and trying to work through her psychological problems due to the attack she finds her team under a man who seems to be belly and on shutting down the team.
The series of deaths are being looked upon as suicides , but in reality they are murders but Kim and The team have to come together again to prove The fact.
As always a brilliant read.

Absolutely brilliantly, a riveting read that does not fear to tackle highly sensitive and emotive subjects.
The premise for the book is a highly original idea about conversion therapy and the (shocking) concept of ‘curing’ people who are gay. The therefore revolves around a private clinic who offer this therapy to patients and the complex and personal stories of those who were behind setting the clinic up and have made it their life passion.
The action in the story was fast paced and compelling and the twists and turns were expertly navigated and presented. I did not guess the final reveals although there were concerns in those general areas (trying not to give spoilers!). The main characters were also likeable and well developed.
A thought provoking and very enjoyable read, I definitely recommend this one.

I can’t believe we’re already at book 17 of the D.I. Kim Stone series. I’ve been with this series from the first book and have loved every single one of them. Kim Stone is such a fantastic character and her team past and present have always felt like family to me. I also hold a very special place in my heart for Keats and Frost and I just smile every time that banter between them and Kim hits.

As is always the case with Angela Marsons she sucks you right in from the start. With the quick chapters you’ll be finding yourself playing the one more chapter game and before you know it you’ll be speeding toward the epic conclusion.

This book hit me really hard and I found myself sitting there in tears after one particular chapter just over halfway through. I would definitely suggest checking out the trigger warnings before reading.

Angela Marsons has been one of my favourite authors for so long now and I don’t see that changing any time soon. If you haven’t already I definitely recommend checking out this series.

Hidden Scars is releasing on November 9. A huge thank you to Bookouture and Angela Marsons for providing me with an arc copy of this book. Now I’ll have to start the not so patient wait for book 18.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this advanced copy. The latest Kim Stone and what a book. Heart in the mouth reading from the first page to the last. Angela Marsons does it again and again and this series is as fresh now as it was when the first book came out. It has every emotion going and was an absolute belter of a read. 5 stars