Kim and her team are off to Blackpool to assist in the search for missing boys, as well as to root out corruption within the force. The story is complex and nobody is beyond suspicion. Yes there’s murders, but this delves into the sordid world of illegal bare knuckle fighting between the missing boys, who have been cruelly taken from their families. The boys are used, abused and when no longer able to win their fights, disposed of. Kim needs the help of the other team to break up and arrest the criminals and to bring the boys home, but can she trust them. Not her usual style of writing, but this book has undoubtedly crowned her the Queen of Crime. Angela Marsons at her best.

Little Children by Angela Marsons is book 22 in the Detective Kim Stone series. It is published on 12 August. Thank you to Bookouture, Netgalley and the author for the early copy to read and review. Kim and her team are sent to Blackpool CID to find 2 missing boys, Lewis and Noah, and to investigate reports of dirty coppers. The reason the boys have been taken is barbaric. They are tasked with re-examining the disappearance of Lewis. There is a great feeling of suspicion from the Blackpool-based team as Kim’s team settle in and they know they are not wanted there except by the DCI, Miranda Walker. Who is the bad guy or is there more than one. The story is excellent and draws you right in and carries you along for the great ride. The members of her team are very different characters and work together very well. Love their empathy and compassion. I thought I had it right, but it turns out I didn’t work it all out.

Wow!! I think this one may be my favourite of the series !!
It was incredible!! I have a soft spot for Di Kim and the team they got me into reading crime thrillers and honestly my absolute favourite detectives no one had come close.
This one was absolutely shocking !! I have no words I felt like skipping over some of the crime it rocked me to my core!
The team feel like friends so reading this I was full of emotions they are so close to my heart.
I read this in 2 sitting staying up late as I couldn’t out it down smashed it again can’t wait for book 23

A fantastic gripping read with the team going to Blackpool to help with a case and possible corruption. Full of action, realistic but strong characters with a tense backdrop of a race against time.

Lewis Stephens is twelve years old and has been missing for a week, the police force in Blackpool have investigated it, sadly not thoroughly enough as it's not the first time he's disappeared, so he's declared to be a runaway and his family seem to have accepted that. A week later and eleven year old Noah Reid disappears from the pier, nobody has a clue where they've gone. DI Kim Stone and the team are tasked with going to Blackpool to assist the team, but also to discreetly follow up on some reports of corruption within the local team and find out if they're true, but the most important thing to Kim is finding these boys and within a few days she's convinced the disappearances are linked. When she is summoned back to the Black Country because a young boy of similar age has been found dead, she's certain this case isn't just confined to the North. Will they discover the truth before it's too late and who on the inside is not to be trusted?

Little Children is book 22 in this increasingly amazing series by the Queen of Crime herself and boy, was it worth the wait, I devoured this one in less than 24 hours. This latest in the Kim Stone series by Marsons takes us away from the Black Country and all that is familiar to those of us that live there, and drops us in the land of the Illuminations and the Pleasure Beach; Blackpool, where we are greeted with an extremely harrowing tale of child abduction and police corruption and this is definitely not one for the faint hearted. Once again, Kim and the team are determined to get to the truth and leave no stone unturned on the journey there. We are also reminded of a beloved character from 'that book' which broke many of our hearts back then and one I will never forget. This is a hard hitting story from an author whose stories will never wane, each book as fresh and exciting as the last one, going from strength to strength each time she releases one. I pray that this series will carry on for as long as possible as I can't imagine the world of crime fiction without Stone and the team in it!

I'd like to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

Little Children by Angela Marsons featuring Detective Kim Stone in book 22. It seems incredible to write that I have just read book 22 in the Detective Kim Stone police series. It also seems incredible to write that I enjoyed this latest book as much as I have enjoyed reading all the other books in the series.
There were two main stories, one, police corruption and the second, the abduction of teenage boys. One of whom appears dead after being missing for three years, and his body is badly malnourished and bears the scars of being regularly beaten over a prolonged period. The team move out to Blackpool to assist a team there with the missing boys.
There each team member has to cope with working with other police officers not knowing if the other officer is corrupt. The team manage to uncover a corrupt officer, a man capable of murder and also other corruption officer at a higher level when a boxing ring is uncovered where teenage boys are forced to fight each other.
Another hard hitting case with another successful conclusion.
Another masterclass in storytelling.
Highly recommended

Why is it that the books you love are amongst the hardest to review? Part of my problem here is that I really want to talk about how absolutely brilliant, if somewhat emotionally gruelling, this book is, but I also want to avoid spoilers. If you've read the book, you'll likely understand. If you haven't yet, then boy do you have a treat in store. Twenty two books in and Angela Marsons' Kim Stone series shows no signs of going stale. This book is as witty, gripping, anger inducing and a total an utter roller coaster of emotions as everyone of its predecessors. There is even a mention of a beloved character from 'the book that shall not be named', just to make sure it all hit home for me. Like that was even needed.

For once, and this is one of the real factors that makes this book stand out, Kim and co are pulled out of their comfort zone and sent, not entirely unwillingly, to the seaside to assist in an investigation. More specifically they are sent to Blackpool, a place of which Kim has very mixed memories, to help investigate the disappearance of two young boys. The local force are keen to separate the two investigations, certain that one of the boys simply ran away, and that only one, the one from the more affluent family, was likely to have come to harm. No guessing as to Kim's feelings on that particular assessment, and it's not long before the team are knee deep in the investigative mud, determined to prove that they Blackpool force have got things incredibly wrong. There is second reason for their secondment up north, one that only the Midlands team know about, and this, along with a real split in the personalities between the two teams, adds a simmering tension that makes inter-force cooperation an aspirational theory only.

This book takes us well beyond the bounds of a simple abduction or runaway story. Angela Marsons intersperses the investigation with some often harrowing scenes from the perspective of one of the missing boys. It means that we, the reader, understands the implications of what is happening a touch sooner than the teams do, but in a way that is brought into stark focus when a tragically similar situation drags Kim back home for a brief time. There is so much tension, and so much mystery and misdirection as the identities of the perpetrators remains hidden until right at a crucial moment, right after a crescendo of a showdown in which Kim, Bryant, Stacey and Penn show why they are one of the best crime fighting teams in fiction right now. Then again, contrasted against the local team, led by Red Butler and his assorted officers, its really not a fair comparison at all.

I love the humour that Angela Marsons injects into her books, and trust me when I say that it is needed in this particular case. There are elements of the story that will make the skin crawl and yet are scarily plausible with that 'ripped from the headlines' feel about them. Add in the tragedy of the boys' situation - again too possible to sit all that comfortably as simple fiction - and another element of Kim's investigation that takes a decidedly dark turn, and those small pockets of mirth are much needed.

They laughs come less from Bryant and Kim's own blend of banter this time, for reasons that are clear in the reading and in Bryant's assigned task from which he takes absolutely no pleasure. In fact, it comes from the most unlikely of sources, in the funniest of ways and, for once, Kim seems unnaturally reticent in setting the source of the humour straight. If you ever wondered quite how far Kim's nice gene can be pulled before it snaps, this book will leave you with a pretty good idea.

Little Children is another absolutely brilliant addition to the Kim Stone series, and shows that this particular author just goes from strength to strength. Gritty, witty, intense and emotional, it hits all the right notes. Most definitely recommended, and worthy of a red hot reads badge. Kim fans will love it.

Kim Stone and her team are sent by DCI Woodward to assist his fellow DCI and friend in Blackpool. It's full on tourist season and the detectives in Blackpool are investigating the disappearance of 2 young boys. There are also reports of corruption within the force so they are also discreetly looking into that too.
Wow, what a read. We've waited slightly longer for this novel but it was well worth the wait. Probably one of the darkest, most heinous crimes Kim, Bryant, Penn and Stacey have had to deal with. Added to that disgusting colleagues who are a disgrace to the force, this case is certainly going to have a long term affect on them.
This book is number 22 in the series but the writing and storylines are just a fresh as the first. It seems a shame to say I read it in one day after all the work that goes into writing a novel but I just couldn't put it down

By far this is my favorite detective series. Angela’s writing and her stories are engaging, entertaining, and fast paced. Children are missing and a possible corruption are the focus of this book. With Kim at the helm, no stone will be uncovered. This series keeps getting better with every book. Eagerly awaiting the next one.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. This is book 22 in the Kim Stone series and it has kept me gripped from the first page just as all of the previous books did. This book is absolutely brilliant and it covers subjects that are quite harrowing and distressing but as always with Angela Marsons' books I come away feeling like I have learnt a lot, I will be recommending it to everyone I know.

Wow! The latest in the series is just amazing.
Horrifying. Tense. Heartbreaking. Gripping.
Kim and her team are packed off to Blackpool to help out another force who are very busy with the school holidays and the extra work The Illuminations bring in.
A very interesting and intricate case, and the whole team show why they are such a success.
It really is one of my favourites in the series, and I just couldn't put it down.
Many thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early copy in which I give my honest opinion.

Kim and her team head out to Blackpool. Not for a holiday together, but to assist the local police in the search for two missing boys. That’s the official reason, but beneath the surface, they’ve also been tasked with investigating the local team and identifying the bad apple(s) within the force.
Kim prefers working with her own trusted team members, but this time she’s been ordered to cooperate with the local officers. Guess how long it took before things went wrong… ;)
Kim doesn’t let herself get fooled. She’s highly intelligent and has an incredibly sharp eye. When you give her a case, she won’t rest until she has dug down to the very bottom and justice is served. Her team is just as determined as she is, which means they always manage to bring things to a successful close.
Once again, they sink their teeth into the investigation and leave nothing to chance. They keep searching until they’ve uncovered every possible link and examined every last detail.
The truth they uncover broke my heart and sent chills down my spine because it was so horrifying. I wouldn’t be surprised if things like this actually happen in real life—and that makes it all the more shocking.
No matter how you look at it, a book by this author is impossible to put down. You just want to read it all in one go from start to finish.
This is book 22 in the series, and if you can still produce stories where every single one is pure gold, then you are truly a one-in-a-million author!
Angela Marsons continues to amaze, move, and entertain me with her writing, and each time I feel a pang of disappointment when I’ve devoured the last page. Once again, these five stars are more than well-deserved!

Thank you

This is book #22 in the Kim Stone series. Whilst it can be read as a standalone book, I would recommend they be read in series order. We are back with DI Kim Stone and her team of Bryant, Penn and Stacey. We find them being sent to Blackpool to assist the local CID in the case of two missing children, Lewis Stephens and Noah Reid. The local team don’t really want them there, and there are some obvious issues with both the investigation and the team members. Can the teams work together to track down the missing boys?

Oh. My. Goodness!!!!! The Queen of Crime has done it again!!!!! I absolutely loved this book!!!!! Don’t get me wrong, I love Kim and her team being based in the Black Country (I live here so it’s great to hear of places I know so well) but it was brilliant to have them sent to Blackpool and for a different team to face the mighty Kim Stone!! Kim and her team have a tricky mission to complete though as the missing boys investigation isn’t the only thing they’ve been tasked with. Whilst it was hard to watch Stacey, Penn and Bryant out of their comfort zone (poor Bryant especially!!), it was great to see them show the Blackpool lot how it should be done!

The investigation into the two boys disappearance is a difficult one and I found myself going through a wide range of emotions as I read. I have to say though I was mad as hell with a couple of the characters and really hoped they got their comeuppance by the end. The storyline was full of twists and turns and just when you thought you’d worked what was going on, it all changed. It was gripping though, and I literally couldn’t put the book down, forsaking everything else that needed doing so I could finish it in an evening! I really enjoyed seeing my favourite characters in a different location and I was glad I knew some of the places they visited so I could picture them as I read! (Now I know why the author goes to Blackpool for her holidays!)

I love all the Kim Stone books, but this one is my favourite!! We are 22 books in and still the storylines are original, mesmerising, fast paced and filled with so many of changes in direction that it literally makes you feel dizzy!! Whilst I loved it all, my favourite part of the book had to be Kim and Frost’s storyline, which did make me laugh! Another fantastic read from the Queen of Crime and I shall look forward to seeing the new range of Stone’s merchandise including the “Kiss Me Kim” hat and the Kim Stone stick of Blackpool rock! Fab, fab, fab!!!

Two preteen boys go missing, one after another. This case sends DI Kim Stone and her team clear across the country to investigate in Blackpool. With no clues about the first boy’s disappearance, her boss assigns them the case after a second boy goes missing.

There are no clues to help them to know even where to start looking for the boys. They aren’t entering a warm and fuzzy environment either. Between reports of corruption, racism, homophobia and misogyny, Kim knows that she and her team would not be welcomed. Kim hopes to preempt what is going on in Blackpool by assigning specific roles to her team. They are a well-oiled machine, but the force in Blackpool doesn’t need to know that.

Stacey, Penn, Bryant join Kim and they all begin working feverishly hard as they begin to launch their investigation. The lack of cooperation from the local force makes it clear right from the start what they are dealing with. Kim finds it extremely frustrating and tragic that no one seemed to care about the missing boys. She is truly disturbed and disappointed that notices or anything of that nature to bring attention and concern for the missing boys had been in the works.

Two conflicting emotions completely kept me riveted to this 22nd book in the compelling D. I. Kim Stone series. The first was pure fury and frustration with the adults who should have been interested in the welfare of the missing boys. However, Angela Marson’s ability to evoke sadness while Kim and her team do everything they can to find the boys alive hit me much harder, especially as things began to unfold.

This story is equally compelling and heartbreaking, not for the faint of heart. It’s clear that anyone can feel a strong sense of compassion for the welfare of the missing boys, regardless of whether they are parents. Angela Marson’s writing is captivating, and she has kept this addictive series fresh. While this was easily a one-afternoon read, I could have kept reading for hours. As always, I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Wow! What on earth did I just read?
Or should I say devour?
As that was totally and utterly unputdownable.
100% Angela Marsons is at the top of her game, and I think has come up with one of her most sickening stories.

And it amazes me how 22 books into a series, how it keeps feeling fresh.

In this instance Kim Stone and her team are asked to help out with an investigation in Blackpool in the disappearance of two children. And they have a side mission too which was eye opening and rather disturbing.

Actually all the crimes in this are very disturbing and I dread to think how I'll sleep tonight having read this. It was very interesting seeing Kim's team in an unfamiliar location, and seeing how some of the dynamics play out, especially with her dealing with another team.

From the moment I started this book with its rather intriguing prologue, I had a feeling this was something I would need to read in one sitting, and thankfully it was too hot to work so took it into the garden and indulged for the afternoon. And what an afternoon it was and a what a book it is!

And there are some real gasp out lout moments, I certainly didn't expect some of the final revelations, and the depths of the crime and injustice in this book are not to be underestimated.

This is dark, gritty, but texts from a certain reporter do add some light relief! It's always a thrill to be back in Kim Stone's world, and this was no exception.

An utterly addictive and totally amazing book, I'm just gutted that I read it so quickly as I know it means that I will have an even longer wait for the next one. So once again I'm begging Angela Marsons to please write faster, as we need more of this excellence in the world!

Easily one of the best and most addictive books of this always amazing series.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.