📖 Overview
Detective Kim Stone faces one of her most complex cases when bodies begin appearing with distinct ritualistic elements. The investigation leads her team through Birmingham's criminal underworld as they race to prevent more deaths.
The case becomes personal for Stone as connections emerge to events from her past. Her team must navigate internal police politics while pursuing leads that point to organized crime networks and potential corruption.
At its core, Deadly Cry examines cycles of violence and the lasting impact of childhood trauma on both victims and perpetrators. The novel balances procedural police work with deeper questions about justice, redemption, and the true meaning of family.
👀 Reviews
Readers call this a solid addition to the Kim Stone series, maintaining the established quality while introducing fresh elements. The dual investigations format keeps the pacing brisk.
Likes:
- Effective balance between police work and character development
- Complex relationships between Stone and her team
- Integration of forensics details adds authenticity
- Plot twists that readers "didn't see coming"
Dislikes:
- Some found the dual cases confusing to follow
- A few readers noted less emotional impact compared to previous books
- New readers struggled without background from earlier books
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.42/5 (7,800+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (3,900+ ratings)
One reader noted: "The procedural details feel authentic without bogging down the story." Another mentioned: "The villain reveal caught me completely off guard, but made perfect sense in hindsight."
Critical reviews focused on pacing: "Takes longer to get going than usual for this series."
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The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths A forensic archaeologist works with police to solve the disappearances of young girls in a coastal town where ancient burial grounds hold modern secrets.
The Night Hunter by Robert Bryndza A detective tracks a serial killer who hunts victims in London's darkness while confronting personal demons from her past.
Still Life by Val McDermid A Scottish detective inspector investigates interconnected murders while uncovering corruption within the police force.
The Scholar by Dervla McTiernan A police procedural set in Ireland follows a detective sergeant who discovers links between a hit-and-run death and a pharmaceutical research facility.
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths A forensic archaeologist works with police to solve the disappearances of young girls in a coastal town where ancient burial grounds hold modern secrets.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 "Deadly Cry" is the 13th book in Angela Marsons' internationally bestselling Kim Stone series, which has sold over 4.5 million copies worldwide.
🔍 The story takes place in the Black Country region of England, where author Angela Marsons was born and raised, lending authenticity to the novel's setting.
💼 Before becoming a full-time author, Marsons worked as a security guard and had her first Kim Stone novel rejected by numerous publishers before self-publishing it to great success.
🎭 The book explores the psychological impact of childhood trauma, a recurring theme in Marsons' work that she researches extensively by consulting with mental health professionals.
⚡ The character of Detective Kim Stone was partially inspired by Marsons' own experiences with autism, though she didn't receive her diagnosis until after creating the character.