The woman is lying on her back, eyes closed, face still. The blood from the single stab wound in her chest has pooled on the ground, interrupted only where her killer stood to watch her die…

Detective Kim Stone knows from the moment she looks down on Ashley Reynolds that this is no ordinary crime. No one has a bad word to say about this loving wife and mother. So why did someone murder her, and wait to make sure she was dead?

Ashley was a social worker, and some claimed she tore families apart. But her husband is also acting strangely, planning to take their daughter and leave town. Did the threat to her come from home or work?

Then another woman is killed in the same cold, calm way. Nadine was a honey trapper, and the men she tricked blamed her for destroying their marriages. Someone clearly believes Ashley and Nadine were wicked… and that wicked women deserve to die.

But when a third woman is murdered, Kim and the team can’t find anything that even the sickest mind would find fault with. Certain that time is running out, they search desperately for something that links their victims.

And then Kim realises something that chills her to the bone. Because if she’s right, the worst danger is yet to come…

A brilliantly gripping crime thriller about secrets and revenge that will have you gasping at the final reveal. Fans of Karin Slaughter, Val McDermid and Robert Dugoni will love Wicked Women.

Can be read as a standalone.

Published
April 14, 2026
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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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