Child's Play

Name: Child's Play
Author: Angela Marsons

Finally we’re playing a game. A game that I have chosen. I give one last push of the roundabout and stand back. 'You really should have played with me,’ I tell her again although I know she can no longer hear.

Late one summer evening, Detective Kim Stone arrives at Haden Hill Park to the scene of a horrific crime: a woman in her sixties tied to a swing with barbed wire and an X carved into the back of her neck.

The victim, Belinda Evans, was a retired college Professor of Child Psychology. As Kim and her team search her home, they find an overnight bag packed and begin to unravel a complex relationship between Belinda and her sister Veronica.

Then two more bodies are found bearing the same distinctive markings, and Kim knows she is on the hunt for a ritualistic serial killer. Linking the victims, Kim discovers they were involved in annual tournaments for gifted children and were on their way to the next event.

With DS Penn immersed in the murder case of a young man, Kim and her team are already stretched and up against one of the most ruthless killers they’ve ever encountered. The clues lie in investigating every child who attended the tournaments, dating back decades.

Faced with hundreds of potential leads and a bereaved sister who is refusing to talk, can Kim get inside the mind of a killer and stop another murder before it’s too late?

Amazon: View on Amazon

Published: July 11, 2019

Where to find this book

Amazon Amazon CA Amazon UK Amazon Europe Kindle Audible

External links open a book search at the selected retailer. Availability may vary.

Detective Kim Stone

The series

Full series details →

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.