Broken Bones

Detective Kim Stone and her team investigate the killing of a landlady found in her burned-out property. The case grows more complex when another body is discovered with similar injuries, leading Stone to suspect a methodical perpetrator. D.I. Stone must navigate both the investigation and internal police politics while racing against time. Her team works to establish connections between the victims and uncover the killer's pattern before more deaths occur. The investigation forces Stone to confront painful elements of her past while maintaining her focus on catching the murderer. Her determination and instincts are tested as she pursues leads through Birmingham's criminal underworld. The novel explores themes of revenge, justice, and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. Through Stone's character, the story examines how past experiences shape present actions and the fine line between seeking justice and pursuing vengeance.

Readers appreciate how this Kim Stone installment maintains momentum despite being book #7 in the series. The police procedural aspects feel authentic, and the parallel storylines keep readers engaged. Many note the strong character development, particularly Kim's evolving relationship with Penn. Multiple reviewers highlight the realistic depiction of human trafficking and praise Marsons for handling sensitive topics without sensationalism. Several mention staying up late to finish the book. Some readers found the dual cases made the plot overcomplicated. A few note that certain secondary characters needed more development. Critics mention predictable elements in the trafficking storyline. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.45/5 (12,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.7/5 (1,400+ ratings) Sample reader quote: "The parallel investigations create real tension but never feel contrived. Kim Stone continues to evolve while staying true to her core character." - Goodreads reviewer

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🦴 "Broken Bones" is the seventh book in Angela Marsons' bestselling Detective Kim Stone series, which has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. 👮‍♀️ The main character, Detective Kim Stone, is based in the Black Country region of England - an area the author knows intimately as she was born and raised there. 💀 The book deals with difficult themes including human trafficking and exploitation, subjects Marsons researched extensively by working with victim support organizations. ✍️ Angela Marsons was rejected by traditional publishers for 25 years before finding success with digital publisher Bookouture, who released "Broken Bones" in 2017. 🏆 The Detective Kim Stone series has been translated into 28 languages, and "Broken Bones" reached #1 on Amazon's crime fiction charts within days of its release.