Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her team are sent to Westerley Farms, a forensic research facility, better defined as a body farm, to explore how they can use their findings to better investigate cold cases. Wouldn’t you know that while there, one of the bodies they encounter doesn’t belong. What was supposed to be a teaching moment turns into a new investigation. The victim is unidentified, her face brutally crushed and her mouth full of soil. With little to go on, the team begins their work to find out the name of the victim and how she ended up dead at a body farm. After a second victim turns up at Westerley, it’s clear they’re dealing with a serial killer on a mission.
The police procedurals and underlying themes were wonderfully intertwined in this story. I was just as invested in the investigation as I was in getting to know the victims and others involved with the case. The interplay between Kim and her team continues to bring them closer and operate more skillfully. They still have some upset moments but for the most part, they work rather seamlessly. One of the surprising elements for discovery was the gender of the killer. It wasn’t clear which and that was as important a clue as all others. The motivation was slowly revealed and it was unsettling. Also, the annoying reporter Tracy Frost makes another appearance and factors significantly in the investigation, of course to Kim’s dismay.
The effect of childhood trauma is also a major aspect of this story and not limited to the victims. It was thought provoking and provocative, as well as troubling. That also means we crawl a little bit closer to better understanding Kim Stone. I listened to the story and Jan Cramer continues to master the storytelling and character distinctions. As long as she remains as narrator, I’ll continue to listen to the series. This was an extremely difficult mystery, both in its complexity and topic. I was riveted to the end, even though I was so wrong in figuring out the mystery.
Book Info
- Release Date: May 20, 2016
- Series: DI Kim Stone #4
- Narrator: Jan Cramer
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 35 minutes
- Publisher: Bookouture
Filler
Listen to a Sample!
Filler
Blue Mood Café 
Great review Jo. This was a good one and I like that there was a look at what childhood trauma can do to a person’s psyche.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Carla💜 It was a fascinating portrayal!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, I know this is one of your fav series, and yes, I have some of this series on my Wish List, maybe I should add this one too. Oh dear … oh, and look a sample!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just throwing everything at you💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Ha! You’re not kidding! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fab review Jo I hope they keep the same narrator for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Nicki💜 I peeked ahead and she’s in every book so far…yay!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope to start this series pretty soon. But I have to finish up some first.
Anne – Books of My Heart
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure you’ll love it, too!
LikeLike
Fab review! I definitely can’t wait to meet Kim Stone this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yvo💜 You’re in for some great reading.
LikeLike
Wonderful enticing review to yet another series I should read!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Marialyce💜 It’s moved up to my top ten list of series.
LikeLike
Love the sound of childhood trauma at the heart of this mystery! Great review. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Lashaan💜 These topics, in the hands of skilled writers, can be more than provocative moments. She added relevance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing review! I love the series but never tried the audio version xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Meggy💜 It’s a wonderful audio experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
been wanting to read her books for a while! your review is making me so eager once again!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Vandana, I’m late to the party, too, and it has surpassed my expectations!
LikeLiked by 1 person