the setup…
DI Kim Stone is called to the scene of the latest murder victim, Ashley Reynolds, a married social worker with a seven year old daughter. After close inspection, she was killed with a knife and left on her back while the murderer stood until she died. By all accounts, she was well liked by most everyone. Her husband wasn’t a suspect until he suddenly tries to leave town. But then a second woman is found murdered almost identically to Ashley and there is no apparent connection. The team has their work cut out for them when a third woman turns up dead.
the heart of the story…
These cases were interesting enough but then there were subplots that were just as or even more intriguing. Ashley’s daughter is also caught up in the failures of the Child Protective Services system which was terribly heartbreaking as it’s a mirror of real life. The procedurals were outstanding (as usual) and I gave myself whiplash trying to settle on a theory and a suspect.
the narration…
Jan Cramer is the voice of this series…period. By now, I readily identify her voice distinctions with the primary characters and adore her storytelling.
the bottom line…
I love this series and it’s still fresh after more than 20 books. This was a massive puzzler that I never could get quite right. Didn’t matter because I was trailing the team and let them do the work. Marsons masterfully weaved together a host of subplots that ended in a coherent solution I never would have figured out. I also enjoyed how the team is evolving, even the formidable Kim Stone.
Book Info
- Release Date: April 14, 2026
- Series: DI Kim Stone #23
- Narrator: Jan Cramer
- Audio Length: 8 hours, 17 minutes
- Publisher: Hachette UK – Bookouture
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Blue Mood Café 
Fantastic review, Jo, glad the series is still fresh!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 This one is in my top five favorite series.
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