She lies on the floor, her blue eyes wide and unseeing, arms outstretched as if begging for help. Kneeling next to her, wearing a purple sequinned ballgown and holding a knife in shaking hands, is her daughter…
In a quiet kitchen, where two mugs wait by the kettle to be filled, Sheryl Hawne lies in a pool of blood. Her only daughter, Katie, is found at her side, still clutching the murder weapon and apparently incapable of speech. To Detective Kim Stone, the case seems open and shut. But Katie is in no state to be questioned, so Kim and the team must dig deep to understand what triggered this brutal act.
Soon, they learn that Katie participated in beauty pageants as a child, and her mother kept a shrine to her achievements. As Kim gazes at the golden trophies and shiny rosettes, she is forced to wonder if this was what set Katie on the path to murder…
But then Kim receives a shocking call. Another woman is dead. And with Katie safely locked up, she cannot be the killer. The second victim also entered her daughter in pageants, and a broken tiara is found thrust down her throat. Someone clearly feels that these mothers are guilty – and that they deserve to die. Forcing back the memories of her own monstrous mother, Kim vows to find justice for these women, no matter what pain they caused.
Now more than a day behind their killer, Kim races to learn more about a competitive world where appearances are everything and mothers will go to any lengths to ensure their daughters triumph. Buried somewhere in this dark past is the key to unlocking the case… but will Kim be able to find it before another family is destroyed forever?
The series
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.
Read full series description
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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#7 · 2017Broken Bones 
#8 · 2018Dying Truth 
#9 · 2018Fatal Promise 
#10 · 2019Dead Memories 
#11 · 2019Child's Play 
#12 · 2020Killing Mind 
#13 · 2020Deadly Cry 
#14 · 2021Twisted Lies 
#15 · 2021Stolen Ones 
#16 · 2022Six Graves 
#17 · 2022Hidden Scars 
#18 · 2023Deadly Fate 
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#20 · 2024Guilty Mothers 
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#22 · 2025Little Children 
#23 · 2026Wicked Women 
#24 · 2026Last Whisper 
#25 · 2027Detective Kim Stone Book 25 Be the first reviewer
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