Hidden Scars

Detective Kim Stone investigates a suspicious suicide at a rehabilitation center. The case leads her team to explore dark connections between the victim and other deaths at rehabilitation facilities. Stone must navigate the complex world of addiction treatment while dealing with pressure from her superiors. Her investigation reveals a web of secrets within the recovery community and forces her to confront institutional failures. The investigation becomes personal for DC Penn as he confronts his own past experiences with addiction. Meanwhile, the team races against time to prevent more deaths as they uncover a pattern of exploitation. The novel examines themes of redemption, institutional corruption, and the societal stigma surrounding addiction. Through its criminal investigation framework, it raises questions about who bears responsibility when systems meant to help instead cause harm.

Readers call this Kim Stone installment emotionally intense and suspenseful, with multiple compelling plotlines that converge. The book maintains momentum throughout all 14 chapters. Readers praised: - Complex moral questions about justice and revenge - Well-researched portrayal of domestic abuse impacts - Character development, especially Kim's growth - Balance between police procedure and personal drama Common criticisms: - Some found domestic abuse scenes too disturbing - A few readers wanted more focus on the main murder case - Several noted similarities to earlier books in the series Ratings: Goodreads: 4.5/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.6/5 (1,900+ ratings) "The way Marsons handles sensitive topics while keeping readers invested in the mystery shows her skill," wrote one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer noted: "The parallel investigations work well together without feeling forced."

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🔍 Hidden Scars (2022) is the 17th book in Angela Marsons' bestselling Detective Kim Stone series. 🖋️ Angela Marsons was rejected by traditional publishers for 25 years before her first Kim Stone novel became a runaway success, selling over 3 million copies. 📚 The book explores the difficult subject of foster care abuse, drawing from real-life cases and investigations in the UK system. 🌍 The series is set in the Black Country region of England, an area known for its industrial heritage and distinct dialect, which Marsons incorporates authentically into her writing. 🏆 Prior to Hidden Scars' release, the Kim Stone series had sold over 4.5 million copies globally and been translated into 28 languages.