Synopsis

When the lifeless body of a man is found on an industrial estate, Detective Kim Stone arrives on the scene and discovers he’s been tortured in the worst way imaginable.

But as she breaks the devastating news to the victim’s wife, Diane Phipps, Kim can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right about the woman’s reaction.

Twenty-four hours later, the victim’s family disappears into thin air.

Then a second body is found staked to the ground in a local nature reserve.

Desperate to crack the case open quickly, Kim and her team unravel a vital clue – a fiercely guarded secret that links both victims and could cost even more lives.

A secret that some police officers are also protecting.

Review

What a cliffhanger!

As usual Angela Marsons has managed to combine the interesting elements of detective work with the brutality of life. Her books always have plenty of murders, but the perpetrator is rarely obvious and there’s always a twist to surprise you.

I was suspicious about one element of the story and although a few of my hunches were correct, I was nowhere near completing the full picture. And that’s perhaps what makes me admire her books. I like to guess, but I much prefer it when I’m shocked by the ending.

As usual there are two stories in each of her books, overlapping (or not) to keep you interested and engaged in the plot.

The books are graphic but not glorified and provide enough visualisation to shock, without being excessive.

Characters are believable and likeable; the more I read, the more that is revealed about each one. The team dynamic is excellent, with plenty of different personalities all working together for the same goal – a scenario most of us can relate to!

Kim Stone is not a friendly character but she’s still appealing as a protagonist and her different relationships with Bryant and Frost really add to the series’ appeal.

This book is definitely a quick read, but it’s captivating and gripping from page one. It helps if you’ve read the other books, but it’s not necessary and works well as a standalone.

A must for crime lovers.

I was kindly provided with an ARC by NetGalley. All opinions are my my own.

If you like this review, please follow us on Instagram.