She can still feel the cold ground beneath her, but the light is dimming now, the sound fading. With her last breath, she whispers the name of the woman she hoped would save her: ‘Kim Stone.’
Chelsea Taylor’s fall looked like an accident. But hours before she died at the bottom of the unforgiving concrete steps, she came to the police station desperate to talk to Detective Kim Stone.
Kim has no idea who this woman was, what she wanted, or why she called for Kim in her last moments alive. But she doesn’t believe her death is innocent. And when she realises Chelsea left behind a baby girl who will never know her mother, she makes a vow: she might not have been able to save Chelsea’s life, but she will bring her justice.
Then another man falls to his death and now Kim is sure: this is murder. She and the team dig into the victims’ pasts and uncover a shocking link. They were both patients at Rayburn: a quiet clinic, deep in the countryside, surrounded by trees and flowers, which treats people with serious personality disorders.
Kim rushes to the clinic to interrogate the staff. Everyone seems only too happy to talk. But do the doctors really help people as much as they claim? And why does one of the patients seem scared of her? Is this peaceful place hiding a killer?
Kim is convinced that Rayburn holds the answer to why Chelsea urgently sought her out. But is her own traumatic past blinding her? Or is she hunting the most terrifying murderer of all – someone who will never, ever stop…
A completely unputdownable, twisty crime thriller that will have you racing through the pages. Perfect for fans of Val McDermid, Robert Dugoni and JM Dalgliesh.
Can be read as a standalone.
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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#25 · 2027Detective Kim Stone Book 25 Don’t miss this book’s release
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