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wc4's review against another edition
5.0
4.5* In a series, there's always a fear that the next one might not be as good as the previous ones. Glad to say, 5 books in, this series is still awesome. Book #5 of DI Kim Stone series features the return of Dr Alex Thorne, from book #2, Evil Games. The sociopathic psychiatrist is still determined to go after Kim and get her old life back. Alex is one of the best protagonist I think has been written. She's a highly-intelligent sociopath and a master manipulator. It's probably silly to feel anxious for a fictional character, but I did feel anxious for Kim every time Alex is shown scheming.
Aside from Alex, Kim and her team also have to solve crimes. A woman has been found stabbed in her car. What's unusual is that it's a single stab wound and not much else to go on. Then another victim is discovered. But the two victims have nothing in common and the team struggles to find the motive behind these murders. As usual, I love how the puzzle pieces fall together and I'm surprised again at the resolution.
Aside from Alex, Kim and her team also have to solve crimes. A woman has been found stabbed in her car. What's unusual is that it's a single stab wound and not much else to go on. Then another victim is discovered. But the two victims have nothing in common and the team struggles to find the motive behind these murders. As usual, I love how the puzzle pieces fall together and I'm surprised again at the resolution.
thatflamingofeeling's review against another edition
5.0
Another amazing book in the fantastic Kim Stone series. As always I learnt more about her character and motivation. It was great to see some more of the twisted mindset of Alex in this book. I didnt guess the ending but all the little details that built up to the reveal were brilliant and I enjoyed this one so much I immediately began the next in the series.
emmalynn's review against another edition
4.0
A very good instalment in a great series that never disappoints.
You need quite a dose of suspension of disbelief to buy the "psychopath having such power from within a prison" plot (I'm not spoiling, it starts at the very beginning of the book) but I didn't mind.
And I always love when it gets more personal for Kim, so I really enjoyed this book.
You need quite a dose of suspension of disbelief to buy the "psychopath having such power from within a prison" plot (I'm not spoiling, it starts at the very beginning of the book) but I didn't mind.
And I always love when it gets more personal for Kim, so I really enjoyed this book.
pgchuis's review against another edition
4.0
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley.
In this fifth instalment of the series featuring DI Kim Stone, she investigates the stabbing of a social work manager and then the identical stabbing of a teenage girl struggling with addiction. There seems to be no link between the two victims. Running parallel to this is a thread describing the ruthless efforts of Dr Alex Thorne (she appeared in book 2) to obtain a new trial and get out of prison. Her Machiavellian plans involve playing on Kim's hatred of and trauma from her mother. Finally there are a few chapters from the perspective of a kidnapper/torturer from 2007.
Personally, I would always be happy to read a straight procedural without any of the messy personal life of the detective included, but the Alex Thorne narrative did become quite compelling and the conclusion of that part of the storyline was satisfying. The murderer revealed at the end was, while a character we had encountered, slightly out of left field - I didn't really get that "oh, now I see" feeling - but on the other hand, the scenes at the caravan park were well written. Sometimes "action scenes" leave me a bit bored/confused, but these were concise and convincing. I liked the fact that Kim spoke to Dawson about how much she valued him, and the banter between her and Bryant is always entertaining.
After being disappointed with book 4, I liked this one very much and would recommend it.
In this fifth instalment of the series featuring DI Kim Stone, she investigates the stabbing of a social work manager and then the identical stabbing of a teenage girl struggling with addiction. There seems to be no link between the two victims. Running parallel to this is a thread describing the ruthless efforts of Dr Alex Thorne (she appeared in book 2) to obtain a new trial and get out of prison. Her Machiavellian plans involve playing on Kim's hatred of and trauma from her mother. Finally there are a few chapters from the perspective of a kidnapper/torturer from 2007.
Personally, I would always be happy to read a straight procedural without any of the messy personal life of the detective included, but the Alex Thorne narrative did become quite compelling and the conclusion of that part of the storyline was satisfying. The murderer revealed at the end was, while a character we had encountered, slightly out of left field - I didn't really get that "oh, now I see" feeling - but on the other hand, the scenes at the caravan park were well written. Sometimes "action scenes" leave me a bit bored/confused, but these were concise and convincing. I liked the fact that Kim spoke to Dawson about how much she valued him, and the banter between her and Bryant is always entertaining.
After being disappointed with book 4, I liked this one very much and would recommend it.
louiseog's review against another edition
5.0
This book did not disappoint, another development in Kim Stone's character and a fast paced crime novel. Great.
dialogy's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book.I freaking LOVED IT.
I can confidently say that I will buy anything Angela Marsons writes without hesitation because she writes the best books ever…
Bloodlines is the fifth book in DI Kim stone series which is my all time favorite in mystery genre.The plot focuses on Kim trying to catch a killer who murdered a woman who everyone loved and respected.Their team can’t find any motive at all.
All the while Kim fights her own battles which appear in the form of Dr.Alexandra Thorne.
I can’t say too much without giving anything away but the mystery is top notch just like the other books in this series.You will never feel bored or swayed from the story line.Yes there are some chapters from the sociopath Alex Thorne,who we saw in Evil Games but I felt that added to the charm of this book.
Coming to the characters,this series contains the best cast of lead and supporting cast I have ever seen.
Kim Stone is as badass always.Aside from the fact that I just wanted to hug her too many times in this book,nothing changed from the prickly and tactless character I adore ❤️ Please Ms.Marsons,don’t ever change Kim.I love her as she is.
In this book,we explore the relationship between Kim and her mother.You get to understand her so much more.
And Byrant,who is like light to Kim’s darkness.Their encounters always leave me with a warm feeling.You rarely get friends like that who know you more than yourself.
And Stacy and Kev were as amazing as ever.I think Kev grew up a lot in this one.which was fun to watch.I always felt he was the baby in the team
And the last chapter where Kim mentions her brother,I swear I didn’t get a little misty-eyed,not at all.
Awaiting book 6 and anticipating many more new and old characters.Bring it on!
If you are a fan of mystery genre or trying out this genre,please check out DI Kim stone series.You will not be disappointed at all.
bibliophilebookclub's review against another edition
4.0
I have FINALLY finished this one and it was brilliant. As expected! Life got in the way of getting to read the last 50 pages but I really enjoyed this one, and I love the feeling of community/camaraderie between the team members in these books. It’s always a pleasure to return to familiar characters and Kim Stone is always great to read about.
itsallaboutthebooksuk's review against another edition
5.0
Kim Stone is back in the 5th instalment from the talented Angela Marsons and I know I say this every time but this one is the best (to be honest they are all blooming brilliant).
I’d say this book could be read as a standalone but really you would be better to read them all in order, although throughout the book, references to the past are described pretty well so would leave the reader feeling fulfilled, but it’s such a fantastic series you’d be missing out if you started here.
Picking up this book was like catching up with an old friend, through this series the reader really gets to know Kim Stone but like any friend there’s always more to find out and in Bloodlines we delve a little more into Kim’s past and her relationship with her mum, all thanks to the EVIL Dr Alex Thorne, yes the evil sociopath Dr is back and is still up to no good (shivers). Kim’s team is also still with her, Bryant, Dawson and Stacie. They are a close team who are always on hand to back up Kim and it’s been great reading over the series how the relationships within this team has developed.
The story covers two plots, a murder investigation and the return of Dr Alexandra Thorne who is planning Kim’s downfall from within her prison walls and playing serious mind tricks again (shivers again). Both plots are equally engrossing and the author does a fantastic job of bringing them together.
I tend to find when I pick up an Angela Marson book time seems to slip away, I get so involved in the story that everything else gets ignored. From page one I’ve been caught, hook, line and sinker and I think the family have realised that they will not get a sensible answer or any answer for that matter until I’ve finished the book.
Bloodlines is another blood pumping thriller that gets under your skin. Full of twists and edge of your seat moments this is a definite 5 star read that I highly recommend.
I’d say this book could be read as a standalone but really you would be better to read them all in order, although throughout the book, references to the past are described pretty well so would leave the reader feeling fulfilled, but it’s such a fantastic series you’d be missing out if you started here.
Picking up this book was like catching up with an old friend, through this series the reader really gets to know Kim Stone but like any friend there’s always more to find out and in Bloodlines we delve a little more into Kim’s past and her relationship with her mum, all thanks to the EVIL Dr Alex Thorne, yes the evil sociopath Dr is back and is still up to no good (shivers). Kim’s team is also still with her, Bryant, Dawson and Stacie. They are a close team who are always on hand to back up Kim and it’s been great reading over the series how the relationships within this team has developed.
The story covers two plots, a murder investigation and the return of Dr Alexandra Thorne who is planning Kim’s downfall from within her prison walls and playing serious mind tricks again (shivers again). Both plots are equally engrossing and the author does a fantastic job of bringing them together.
I tend to find when I pick up an Angela Marson book time seems to slip away, I get so involved in the story that everything else gets ignored. From page one I’ve been caught, hook, line and sinker and I think the family have realised that they will not get a sensible answer or any answer for that matter until I’ve finished the book.
Bloodlines is another blood pumping thriller that gets under your skin. Full of twists and edge of your seat moments this is a definite 5 star read that I highly recommend.
leahmichelle_13's review against another edition
5.0
Angela Marsons plans to write sixteen books in her Kim Stone series, and let me tell you THAT WILL NOT BE ENOUGH KIM STONE FOR ME. I have just finished Blood Lines, number 5 in the series, and I just can’t get enough! Kim Stone is the kind of detective you can read about all day and I just know sixteen books will not be enough for me; her personality, the way she works as a police officer, everything about Kim Stone makes the books so exciting. Maybe she isn’t the warmest person in the world, but I feel like if you know Kim personally, she’ll have your back for life, like she does for her team book after book after book. I like her frank honesty, how she doesn’t hold her temper back and needs Bryant there to soften her barbs.
Blood Lines once again sees Kim drawing battle lines with Alexandra Thorne, it isn’t the main plot, the death of two people with a single stab wound is the main plot, but when Alexandra Thorne is around it kind of feels like she takes over the plot, that really the book is all about her and what she plans to do and despite being in prison, she has plans (duh) and they involve Kim (duh, again, because Thorne is nothing if not a pain in Kim’s backside, a thorn if you will allow it…) and once again it’s like a dance. I was wary of the idea of Thorne being back, because of how it ended last time, how she almost destroyed Kim mentally and I didn’t want to see that happening again, but then there’s another part of me that feels Thorne is one of those recurring villains, someone who can go toe-to-toe with Kim, but that you feel (hope!) that Kim can always best.
I really enjoyed Blood Lines, I’ve said in all of my reviews of the Kim Stone series that I love the camaraderie the detectives have; how Bryant is the good cop to Kim’s bad cop; how Stacey solves things from the office, working her hacker magic (not really hacker magic, just FYI) and how Dawson feels a bit like an outcast, makes mistakes, but can do good work. Even Woody, Kim’s boss, is an integral part, and I fear for each new book that someone may come in and upset the delicate balance. I mean we’re five books in and no one has died, which is a major achievement and although it was a close thing in Blood Lines, the team is in tact (FOREVER, ANGELA OR I WILL HAVE WORDS WITH YOU). They get the job done and my love for Bryant grows once again, because despite Kim’s prickliness and willingness to throw herself into bad situations, Bryant is always there to help her out.
I loved how the case came together in Blood Lines, how it all panned out, and I didn’t see it coming. I loved the extra bits we learned of Kim’s relationship with her mother, and her complicated past, and Barney put in yet another stellar performance. I do love that dog. I can’t wait to get stuck into Dead Souls, Angela Marsons is one of the very best (if not the best, let’s be honest here) crime writers around. Her books are fast-paced, frantic but they have a lot of heart. The cases are fresh each time around and while some book series start to wane a little bit after five books, I am still not bored of Kim Stone, it doesn’t feel rote or routine, and I have no idea why this is not yet a TV series because it would be BRILLIANT. Who needs Luther when you have D.I. Kim Stone?
