Child's Play

Detective Kim Stone and her team investigate when children's remains are discovered at a former children's home in Black Country, England. The case forces them to unravel decades-old secrets while racing to prevent present-day crimes. The investigation connects to both historical abuses and an active threat targeting the vulnerable. Stone must navigate complex institutional cover-ups and confront her own experiences in the care system to solve the case. DI Stone works with a forensic psychologist to build psychological profiles of both past and present perpetrators. The team's pursuit leads them through the dark corners of child protective services and forces them to question who can be trusted. The novel examines themes of institutional accountability and the lasting impact of childhood trauma. It raises questions about justice delayed and the intersection of past crimes with present consequences.

Readers describe this as a dark, disturbing entry in the Kim Stone series that deals with difficult themes around child abuse and murder. The pacing and dual timeline structure kept readers engaged. Likes: - Complex, layered mystery that comes together at the end - Kim Stone's character development and backstory - The balance between police procedural and psychological elements - Treatment of sensitive subject matter without being gratuitous Dislikes: - Too dark/heavy for some readers - Multiple storylines felt confusing to follow at times - Several readers found parts predictable - Some felt the ending was rushed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.44/5 (13,800+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.6/5 (1,900+ ratings) Reader Quote: "Marsons handles the delicate subject matter with sensitivity while still delivering gut-punching moments. The parallel investigations kept me guessing until the end." - Goodreads reviewer

Silent Scream by Robert Bryndza This police procedural follows a female detective investigating murders linked to a former children's home, featuring similar themes of past crimes affecting the present.

Little Girls Sleeping by Jennifer Chase A detective tracks a serial killer who targets children while confronting her own traumatic past, paralleling the investigative style and emotional depth of Child's Play.

The Doll House by Phoebe Morgan The story unravels a complex mystery involving missing children and dark family secrets, connecting past and present crimes.

Perfect Remains by Helen Fields A Scottish detective inspector pursues a killer who leaves staged crime scenes with child victims, matching the intensity and procedural detail of Marsons' work.

The Teacher by Katerina Diamond A detective sergeant investigates a series of murders connected to a school's dark history, exploring themes of institutional abuse and revenge.

📚 This psychological thriller is the 11th book in Angela Marsons' acclaimed DI Kim Stone series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide. 🔍 The story touches on the real phenomenon of "mean girl" bullying, which studies show affects up to 48% of school-age children. ✍️ Angela Marsons was rejected by traditional publishers for 25 years before self-publishing her first Kim Stone novel, which became an immediate bestseller. 🏆 Child's Play reached #1 on the UK Kindle charts within days of its release in July 2019. 🌍 Though set in the Black Country region of England, the book has been translated into 28 languages, demonstrating its universal themes and appeal.