A review by philantrop
Dead Memories by Angela Marsons

dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A clever and chilling thriller that blends psychological depth, intense suspense, and emotional storytelling as Kim Stone’s past is dragged back into the present.


“Dead Memories”, the 10th instalment in Angela Marsons’ brilliant “D.I. Kim Stone” series, was yet another great read. As I state so often in these reviews - this one is the best one yet. 

This time, Kim is brutally haunted by her past: A murderer is recreating the traumas of Kim’s time in the child care system. Many of these have already been featured in earlier novels but some of them are new to the reader and truly horrible. While this novel is not as dark as some of its predecessors, there is one scene of sexualised violence against a child. You have been warned.

Marsons wouldn’t be Marsons, though, if she didn’t manage to create an extremely well-balanced, suspenseful, and, at its core, very humane novel out of this. Apart from the well-established team by now, including Penn, who is increasingly developing into a favourite character of mine…

»‘Good job, Penn, bloody good job.’
‘Thanks, boss.’«

… we’re encountering some old acquaintances like behaviourist Alison and others.

»‘You don’t trust me,’ Alison blurted out, coloured and looked away.
‘I do,’ Kim protested. ‘Well, as much as I trust anyone… actually… okay… you got me.’
To her surprise Alison laughed out loud but it wasn’t the derisive sound of a few moments earlier. This was hearty and came from her stomach.«

Stacey also features prominently and plays a much deserved major role in the side story in which she has a particularly great moment…

»‘I believe her,’ said Stacey, standing up behind him. ‘I’m Detective Constable Wood and I just heard every word.’«

It’s probably best to go into this one blind and it might not quite lend itself to being read as a stand-alone if one wants the optimal experience out of it even though it’s so good, it can also serve as an entrance to the series should one insist.

Either way, this one was yet another spectacular success!

Five out of five stars.