Deadly Fate: A totally unputdownable and gripping serial killer thriller (Detective Kim Stone Book 18)

You know those books which are too good to put down? The ones you seem to lose your day/evening too but where you just don't care a jot? Well, it's fair to say that Angela Marsons is a master at writing those kinds of books and with Deadly Fate she has done it once again, delivering a book that kept me on the edge of my seat and left me in no small way fearful for the fate of one of our most beloved team. If you have not read any Kim Stone books by now (and if not, why not) then I urge you to begin. You will not be disappointed.Book eighteen (yes - you read that right) sees Kim and co heading into a world which they meet with no small amount of scepticism. A vicious murder is committed in the grounds of a church. The victim? A Medium, Sandra Deakin, whose communication with spirits and forces beyond our mortal realm have left more than a few feathers ruffled. From fellow Mediums, to disgruntled former clients, who could possibly have wanted to kill the poor woman and in such a vicious way? And believe me, it is pretty dang vicious. But then the list of suspects is surprisingly long, as, before long, is the list of potential, and actual, victims.I really enjoy this series. I've never tried to hide it. It's set in a local area to me, towns and villages I recognise, which always goes a long way to making a story enjoyable. Gives it that personal touch and allows you to feel immersed in the action that teeny bit more. And Angela Marsons knows her locations well, using them to great effect, picking just the wright kind of spot, and town, to unleash her dastardly deeds. And dastardly they are too. As for the team, you couldn't meet a more varied and yet lovable bunch, each of whom brings something a touch special to the story. From Bryant, Kim's long suffering DS and partner in crime fighting , to Penn and Stacey, there is a brilliant blent of camaraderie, humour and determination which makes them a very addictive team. I do love the grudging respect hidden by pointed barbs that flow between Kim and pathologist Keats, a kind of dark wit which softens the dark nature of the crime a touch without sacrificing the drama or tension. All of them are on top form once again, testament to Angela Marsons writing that she can still keep this team fresh and interesting, and me completely invested in their fates.As for the supporting cast, we've a real mixture of characters, and suspects to choose from. Angela Marsons has infused them with characteristics that range from skin crawling to fun loving and everything in between. The women who make up Sandra Deakin's last paying gig are as different as they come and it's hard not to suspect nearly each and every one of them in some way, the author casting doubt over nearly all of their motives and the opportunity they may have had to commit murder. Needless to say, the reasons why any of the women sought the guidance of a medium, or spiritualist, varies greatly, as does the urgency with which they seem to seek an answer. There is a true emotional element to some of their stories, one of which sends Kim and the team off on an entirely different investigation. And there is another, unconnected, case which Kim sets Penn to unravel that gives us an interesting diversion from the horrors of the main murder investigation, and goes a way to show just what a big softie Kim Stone really is and how much compassion runs behind her often abrupt and always direct manner. But that's the reason why we love her, right?Be prepared for some really tense moments in this book. And it's not a big, all action, high threat finale that will have you slowly leaning forward in your seats (even though there is kind of one of those). There is an altogether different threat that runs through the book, and the way in which the author has woven it into the main story, paying due respect to the subject matter whilst creating an overwhelming feeling of anxiety at times, is just perfect. This is a case that will push one of the team close to the edge but if you want to know the why's and wherefores of that bit of the story, you're going to have to read the book. It's not quite on a par with that book (fans know the one) in terms of the emotional manipulation, but it's getting pretty dang close and the final pages will have you chewing your nails to the quick, wondering what can possibly come next. Contrast that unease against the very emotional scenes which come near to the end of the book, truths which are finally revealed from an unexpected source from Kim's past, and it makes for quite the heady mix and a brilliantly addictive read.A case that will challenge all of Kim's long held, logically driven beliefs, and that will delight and perhaps even distress fans in equal measure. 18 books in and the series is showing no signs of losing its appeal, leaving me absolutely desperate for the next one. Definitely recommended.

Wow what another amazing Kim stone novel again having read every single book in the series. One thinks you have said absolutely nothing more to offer, however I always find out a little bit more of Kim and her team, it’s one of the best series of books I have ever read. The artistically and creativity that’s gone into every book is something else. Way beyond anything short of Amazing 18. Books in one series with so much from childhood to her adulthood . With such a complex characters especially Kim stone. Angela Marsons a brought life a good bunch of characters to we have got to know so well over time that I would miss them like a old friend if they do stop at nook 20. In all the years we have got to know Kim we have gotten to know everyone little idiosyncrasies that they are a brilliant bunch and each play to there strengths. Although I do miss Dawson in many ways his own qualities again were special despite him being overweight. His loyalties to Kim held no bounds he died to safe her….. To bring to life such a good bunch of characters that it feels like you actually know them as people then not just are they a brilliant characters but it’s a gift that only the best authors can do with the best will in the world for me personally there are authors who I class some of there books are amazingly brilliant however. No matter how good a author is it’s takes a very special kind who can bring the characters alive in the way Angela Marsons as with fantastic storylines. I can across her work not long after she had, had her first book on Amozon I think the first book I ever read by her was brilliant although I forget the name of the novel. They were on kindle unlimited so I searched her name to see what other books she had written, there were only if I remember rightly one maybe two books which I read straight after the firsts novel. I know one was ————- something child I do remember one of the 3 it was the forgotten women all different genres but from than I I loved the looks I had read . So from that day to this I have remained with Angela Marsons ever since and leaped up every book as soon as publication day. I actually came across 3 other Female Authors around the same time. All within months of each other. Yet I remember myself was dreading to have to give my hard back books I used to buy up in favour of a ebook. Although at that time my 4 best authors of all time I would not have met until years latter. As a massive reader I am I had never ever seen a book by any of them in any bookstore. Yet I troweled the biggest and well known bookstore we had back then. Waterstones, Otteckers, and we can never ever forget WHSmiths. It was following a serious operation that I could not hold a thick heavy hard back book for quite some time hence my switch to kindle app being downloaded on to my iPad. because no matter what I could definitely not do without reading for a few months. I know when I Came across Angela Marsons and the other 3 ladies littlest did I know, although I personally felt they should be up there with the most famous authors you could think of at that time. Like Linda Laplant. Jolly cooper, Jackie Collins, Stephen King Dean koonts. Richard layman, which for a good few years people were not aware that Richard layman was a pseudonym for Stephen king. I often smiled when having spoke to other book lovers who like myself was not aware that Richard Layman was a pseudonym for Stephen king I have just realised the manes of the makes are horror writers. So just to mention I had no particular genre back then. Geoffrey Archer yes the British political part members is that Geoffrey Archer who is brilliant. Harold Robins. These ladies shoul definitely been up there then. So it’s been a fantastic experience to sit back and read Angela Marsons climb to fans as did my other 3 ladies. All to be best selling authors. At last. I used want to scream to publishers what are you people not seeing. I saw it straight away in all 4 just glad someone in publishing final came across them. Bloody brilliant. I am already anticipating the next book to see we’re Stacey’s stalker takes her and the team THANK YOU ANGELA MARSONS. Think you