The victim is lying under the trees, arms lifted above his head, unnaturally still. His muscles are slack. His eyes are empty. There are no signs of life. But he is not quite dead…

When Detective Kim Stone races to the crime scene, there is no body waiting for her: the paramedics are desperately trying to save the victim’s life. But there is something very strange about the way the man was found, his arms raised above his head, his legs spread apart. When he dies on the way to the hospital, Kim is certain she’s on the hunt for a killer… but all evidence at the scene has been destroyed.

The dead man, Eric Gould, seems ordinary, until the team dig into his past. As a teenager, he was locked away for attacking his girlfriend, and Kim suspects he was hurting his fiancé now. Was someone trying to stop history repeating?

Then another man is found on the verge of death, his bones broken to force him into an unnatural shape. The team realise the killer is sending a message – the victims’ bodies are spelling out their sins. As boys, they were both part of a group of six who bragged about their terrible crimes. But they were children then, and when she sees the grief on the faces of their loved ones now, Kim swears to find answers.

Is someone finally getting revenge… or do they think these men are still dangerous? The killer is threatening to strike again, and the only way Kim can crack the case is by tracking down the rest of the six first.

But then a revelation about what one of her team is suffering makes Kim understand why people take the law into their own hands. Do these victims deserve what’s coming to them?

Or is there even more to fear from their brutal killer?

Unputdownable from start to finish, Bad Blood is a brilliantly gripping crime thriller with a reveal you’ll never see coming. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni and Val McDermid will love the latest compulsive read from multi-million-copy bestseller Angela Marsons.

Can be read as a standalone.

Published
November 15, 2023
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Detective Kim Stone

The series

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The Detective Kim Stone series invites readers into a dark and emotionally charged world of crime-solving, where every case reveals more than just a killer—but the scars that lie beneath the surface. At the heart of this gripping series is Detective Kim Stone, a sharp, driven investigator whose dedication to uncovering the truth is matched only by her own troubled past. As she uncovers buried secrets in the bleak, industrial backdrop of the Black Country, each case tests not only her intellect but her ability to confront her own emotional demons.

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From the very first book, Silent Scream, Marsons sets the tone with a perfect blend of complex characters, heart-pounding suspense, and deep psychological insight. Every mystery Kim faces is not just about solving a crime—it's about understanding the human mind in all its intricacies. Whether she's chasing down a sadistic killer or delving into the trauma of victims, Kim’s investigations draw readers into a world where nothing is quite as it seems.

The series builds on its unique setting, where the grim and gritty landscapes of the Black Country add layers of atmosphere, grounding each case in a place where history and industry leave their indelible mark. It’s a world that mirrors the complexities of Kim herself—dark, worn, but filled with the potential for something more.

What makes Detective Kim Stone truly stand out is its emotional depth. While the books are taut with suspense, they never lose sight of the personal stakes for Kim and her team. Her relationships with those closest to her evolve and grow, providing a perfect balance of mystery and emotional storytelling that draws readers in and leaves them eagerly turning pages for more.

With over 20 books in the series, Detective Kim Stone has not only won over fans globally but has also cemented its place as a leading voice in modern crime fiction. The series is a must-read for anyone who craves a story that challenges the boundaries of mystery and thriller, one that asks difficult questions and never shies away from the darker side of human nature.

Step into Kim Stone’s world and experience a journey that’s as thrilling as it is emotionally compelling—each case more intense than the last, and a character arc that leaves you eagerly awaiting what’s next.

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