Play Dead

By Angela Marsons

Play Dead - Angela Marsons
  • Release Date: 2016-05-20
  • Genre: Police Procedural
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 141 Ratings

Description

The girl stared unseeing up to the blue sky. Her mouth was open, as if she was about to speak, to cry for help… but her voice had been silenced forever.
 
When Detective Kim Stone and her team are sent to Westerley, a forensic research facility, they discover the body of a young woman, her mouth filled with soil. But she doesn’t belong there. It seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover for their crime.

Kim breaks the devastating news of Jemima’s murder to her parents, who speak of a gentle soul with no enemies. Yet when Jemima’s sister confides in Kim that she was afraid to leave the house, Kim is certain that Jemima knew her killer, and is determined to find this brutal murderer before he strikes again.

Scouring Jemima’s crime scene, Kim finds a hairgrip, decorated with a heart cut in two. Then a second woman is attacked and left for dead, her mouth crammed with dirt, just like Jemima’s. A similar hairgrip is found nearby. But when she wakes in hospital, she can’t remember what happened, only the sing-song rhyme one for you and one for me.

As Kim stares into her tear-filled eyes, she vows to uncover what links the women. And when she learns they went to the same school, she knows the answers lie buried in the past. But then a third woman goes missing, and she knows time is running out. Can she find the truth before a twisted, damaged mind claims another life?

An absolutely heart-pounding mystery thriller from multi-million-copy number one bestseller Angela Marsons that will have you hooked on the Detective Kim Stone series.

Can be read as a standalone.

Read what everyone is saying about Play Dead:

‘I read this book in one sitting, yes it really was that good … the perfect crime thriller, well plotted, great characters, suspense … and the most deviant and chilling serial killer… Utterly gripping and it's certainly going to be in my top reads 5 stars out of 5 plus a glass of wine (to steady my nerves, after reading such a heart-pounding crime thriller).’ The Book Review Café, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow, wow, wow, I absolutely freaking loved it and without a shadow of doubt this is the best one yet… with this one being more gritty and tense. You crime book fans are seriously going to love it... I cannot recommend this book enough it's flippin fantastic or like they say in the Black Country Supa' smashin' great read!’ Chelle’s Book Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Hooks you and reels you in… Life gets put on hold until you've finished the latest offering in her AMAZING Kim Stone series… utterly fantastic.’ Reading Room with a View, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow. Give me a minute while I catch my breath, because I've just finished the latest Angela Marson's book… Ingest it by any means, just make sure you do. It is a riveting, blood-tingling, pulse pounding read that will take you on the journey that will play on your mind long after you've finished reading.’ Caroline-Writes, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This may well be the best thriller I have ever read. I could hardly breathe with the suspense and it was definitely a hardship to wrench myself away from the action.’ Redheaded Bookworm, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I defy anyone to turn away from the page. I was glued to this book.’ Book Addict Shaun, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best book I've read all year so far… Dark, intense, spine-tingling and absolutely perfect.’ The Bookshelf Blog, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
A thrilling, tense and nail biting read.’ Best Crime Books & More, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wow, I didn't think Angela Marsons DI Kim Stone series could get any better, but this one really has blown me away! Fast paced and tension filled, I loved every second of this rollercoaster of a ride. How soon can the next one be released?’ Cal Turner Reviews, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

  • Gripping intense psychological thriller

    5
    By Birdlady1950
    Author Angela Marsons has created a deep and intense psychological thriller that will leave you breathless with anticipation for the next book in the series. She has the ability to scare the pants off her readers as she takes you through the investigation of harrowing murders, deranged killers, and crimes that could very well happen in any city any where. Ms. Marsons created plots that were intriguing and will hold your attention to the last page. Ms. Marson's development of the characters was skillful as they grew throughout the story-line; this is the team you want on your side if you are the victim of a crime. Ms. Marsons shows that even law enforcement officers have issues in their life that colors everything they do and presents her villains with backgrounds that almost make you pity them. You notice I said almost. The pace of the story was fast and full of action and clues, it never slowed, lagged, or bogged down. I gave this book 5+ stars without hesitation. It is a solid, well-written story with characters that are likeable or hated depending on the character, written by a talented author who has a bright future ahead. I received this book from Netgalley.com in return for honest book review.
  • Play Dead

    5
    By Mmm meggie
    Well written, captivating mystery. Great character development and book holds together all the way through. Look forward to more books.
  • Play Dead

    5
    By sydjld
    Love, love, love!!!! If you can't get enough of detective stories, this is a must read. I have loved all 4 of the books in this series, and I can't wait until #5 comes out!
  • Complex characters & mystery!

    5
    By Kris Anderson, The Avid Reader
    Play Dead by Angela Marsons is the fourth D.I. Kim Stone novel. Kim Stone and her team are being given a “treat” by their boss, Detective Chief Inspector Woodward for solving their latest case. They are being sent to Westerley, a body farm. The West Mercia precinct recently solved two cold cases thanks to information from Westerley. Woodward is hoping his team will benefit from the trip. Unfortunately, the stumble across a body that is not a part of the body farm. Someone beat and killed a woman and then dumped her body at Westerley (it would seem like the perfect dump site). How did they get onto the property without anyone noticing? While searching for clues, another body turns up in similar condition. Are the two connected in any way (besides the killer)? Then reporter, Tracy Frost turns up missing. As much as Kim dislikes Tracy, she sets out to find her before it is too late. Will Kim and her team be able to find the killer before Tracy becomes his third victim? Play Dead was a wonderful novel. Play Dead is fast paced, has a complex mystery, and great, well-developed characters. I did not want to put it down (so I just kept reading). Play Dead was my favorite book in the series. I liked how Kim is developing and changing and the addition of Barney, her dog, in her life. We also get more details on Kim’s childhood and it will help you understand her trust issues. The mystery will draw you in and there is a good twist at the end that most people will not see coming. It was good to get more information on Tracy Frost (it will help you to understand her better). While Play Dead can be read alone, I would highly suggest you go back and read the other book in the series. It will help you know and understand the characters. One thing that gave me a good laugh is the TARDIS reference (you have to be a Doctor Who fan to get it). I give Play Dead 5 out of 5 stars. I cannot wait to read the next book in the D.I. Kim Stone series (let’s hope the author and publisher do not keep us waiting long). I received a complimentary copy of Play Dead from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.