DI Kim Stone and her team are called to the crime scene of a murdered young prostitute. Before Kim can leave for the station, she discovers an abandoned baby outside its doors. She assigns DS Kevin Dawson and DC Stacey Wood to find the baby’s mother, Stacey’s first case in the field since her harrowing abduction four months earlier. Kim and DS Bryant begin their investigation of the murder but are soon having to go to the scene of another similar one. It’s clear that these young women are at horrible risk and time doesn’t seem to be on their side.
As both cases are explored, there’s a strong maternal theme that emerges as these young girls had families and sad circumstances that led them to the streets and the baby’s abandonment. It was also enlightening to see in detail how young girls are “groomed” by unlikely people and trapped in these situations. “Seeing the bigger picture” was a common refrain heard throughout that took on an ominous meaning. I love how Kim Stone made these victims a priority and didn’t discount their lives, any of them. There’s a particular act of kindness she renders in the story that almost made me cry (okay, my eyes did get teary). And the investigation of the abandoned baby led to a different kind of human enslavement involving an immigrant community. It was quite an education.
I keep thinking with each book in this series that the next won’t be able to measure up to the last one and the author continues to prove me wrong. There are underlying messages and themes that elevate these stories beyond a police procedural and crime novel. I emerge smarter and more connected to humanity. By the end, solving the mystery isn’t even as important as the experience getting there. I continue to listen to these books as Jan Cramer is a talented storyteller and inhabits these characters like a well tailored suit. I hated the crimes but loved how the victims were honored and their stories told. This was special.
Book Info
- Release Date: November 3, 2017
- Series: DI Kim Stone #7
- Narrator: Jan Cramer
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 22 minutes
- Publisher: Bookouture
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This sounds very intense, in a good way. Any mystery that brings tears to your eyes is definitely one to keep in mind. Wonderful review, Jo!
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Thank you, Tessa💜 I couldn’t put this one down.
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I love that this series keeps getting better. ….and of course I have to get to it some day! Excellent review as always, Jo!
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 I think you’d enjoy how multifaceted the stories end up being…lots of layers and themes that are brilliantly connected.
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I’m glad that you enjoyed this one Jo. I love this series!
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Thank you, Jacob💜 This series is on my top 5 list. We’re reading it as a group and the love is unanimous.
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A great series that gets better and better is difficult to find!
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So true, Carol💜
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Yeah so I didn’t read this as I hope to read this series sometime soon.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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You’re gonna love it when you do, Anne!
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