Evil Games (2) (D.I. Kim Stone)

Angela Marsons delivers a gripping installment in the Detective Kim Stone series with Evil Games, where suspense and psychological intrigue intertwine seamlessly. The story kicks off with the shocking discovery of a mutilated rapist, setting a dark tone that only escalates as more vengeful murders surface. Marsons excels at crafting a tense atmosphere, drawing readers into a cat-and-mouse game where Detective Stone finds herself targeted by a sociopath who seems to know her every move. The stakes feel personal, heightening the emotional intensity of the narrative. Kim's character development shines as she navigates her vulnerabilities while pursuing justice in a chilling, unpredictable landscape. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Marsons deftly reveals layers of the plot, interweaving the investigation with Kim's own struggles. The supporting characters are well-developed, adding depth to the narrative and enhancing the sense of urgency. Evil Games is a masterful blend of crime thriller and psychological drama. Marsons has crafted a story that not only entertains but also explores the darker aspects of human nature, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. Prepare for a wild ride filled with twists, turns, and a haunting exploration of vengeance.

This is the second installment in the D.I. Kim Stone police procedural/psychological thriller by Angela Marsons. The first book, Silent Scream was excellent, and much to my surprise, I found Evil Games to be a far better book, if this is possible. Angela Marsons is a player and she is on an incredible roll. Honestly, both of these books have made my top 5-10 reads of 2015. Both books were written in 2015. This gal is hot, I kid you not. I do not believe in spoilers at all, so I will not delve too far into the book. It is best for the reader to go into the water cold. D.I. Kim Stone and her side kick Bryant are back along with the rest of her squad from Silent Scream. Bryant is a kick that really adds flavor and takes the edge off Stone whom I either love to hate or hate to love, but either way I love to have her in charge with Marsons. I know this doesn’t make much sense but one will see just what I mean if they read the books. D.I. Kim Stone has had a rough background without much love, affection, or attention and boy does it show. She is very rough around the edges and does not play well in the sand box - her social skills are lacking. But, Stone helps to make these books as great as they are. She probably would not fly in real life, however. Evil Games sets up a duel of the wits between our dear Kim and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alexandra Thorne. However, Dr. Thorne is more interested in her own experiments and she is not afraid to include Kim in those plans. Dr. Thorne is a master manipulator and her personal agenda is much more important than her professional agenda. Character development is first rate and forwards the storyline while further developing the plot at a continuous pace. It is amazing how Marsons accomplishes this feat. She performs these tasks so naturally that the story flows seamlessly. As I mentioned readers are in store for a wonderful duel between Kim Stone and Dr. Thorne. Dr. Thorne is an amazingly developed and researched sociopath. What a character she turns out to be. I would have to say that Dr. Alexandra Thorne is my favorite female sociopath that I have read in 2015. Although written in 2014, I read it this year, but Stephen King’s Brady Hatfield would have to be my favorite male sociopath of the year in Mr. Mercedes. Well, enough said without giving away too much of a great book by Angela Marsons. If one likes police procedurals or thrillers, they will love Evil Games. If one likes to read, they will love Evil Games. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series. I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone. Solid 4.5 stars Cam

I definitely rate Evil Games 5 Stars! I was really impressed with Angela Marsons' Silent Scream. I connected to Kim Stone, and became attached to Bryant, Stace and even Dawson. Marsons created this group of people that I looked forward to meeting up with again. Not only did it seem like catching up, we saw more of them, who they are. **SPOILER** I loved it that Kim saved Barney. She opened up her heart to him. But Kim did not change... she did not become sappy, whiny, lovey-dovey. She still was the same Kim. Just better. Kim's progression has to be slow or I think the emotions flooding back might kill her. **END SPOILER** I like the fact that Kim is ready to pursue Alex, even knowing this might not turn out well for her. I have seen things in people that no one else sees. I don't understand it. And when things come to light you are vindicated, but it is getting to the point of vindication. Kim sinks her teeth in and won't let go. Evil Games really has two cases being worked simultaneously. Both are gripping cases. Once again Angela Marsons has managed to surprise me at the very end! With most books I am able to guess the culprit right away. Not much surprise there. Silent Scream was one of the first books, in a long while, that totally surprised me. I was captivated until the very end. I was cocky and was sure I knew who did it. But, throughout the book I had to reassess. Then I narrowed it down again just to have the rug ripped out from under me. I was pleasantly surprised yet again! Thank you Angela Marsons! Boy, I did not see that coming! Of course we knew Alex was a psycho, we new what she was doing as she was doing it... It was 'how would Kim Stone get her?' that was so intriguing & suspenseful. But, the Dunn case really threw me! We saw the case solved, but then we realised it was not completely solved. That was a hard, draining case. I really like that Angela Marsons saved dogs in both books. First Bryant, now Kim. I cried when Bryant walked back in that apartment and brought the mommy and her babies out with him. I was sick at the conditions of this dog and her crying babies. It really was a beautiful moment. So, here's Barney... inside I was begging Kim to stop them, don't let them take him! I am injured and was not feeling well and my 18 year old son had to help me in to bed. When he asked if he could do anything else I pointed at my Kindle and asked if he would read the next chapter of Evil Games to me. It was the chapter where Kim goes to check on Barney.... of course I cried! It was a great chapter to end with. And then when I picked up reading again I loved how Barney wiggled his way up to Kim. I grew up terrified of these beautiful creatures up to my very first moment with a puppy we adopted after my children and I lost their father. It was a moment with just me and Cricket. My life changed. Looking in his eyes opened up a whole new world for me. Reading Kim's reaction to Barney brought that all back. I think if anyone really enjoyed Silent Scream they can't help but enjoy Evil Game. And if anyone is looking at this book who hasn't read Silent Scream I say purchase both, put this one aside in your library, read Silent Scream first. I pre-ordered this book and was so happy when it came in. I wish there were more! I will wait patiently for Angela Marsons to finish a 3rd installment. Until then I will read other books from her.

I want to thank Net Galley, Bookouture, and Ms. Angela Marsons for providing me with an ARC of Evil Games in exchange for an unbiased review. Who is this Angela Marsons and where did she come from? The year is not even half over and we have not one, but two brilliant books from this incredible new thriller writer. I was hoping Evil Games would be close in excellence to Silent Scream. Darned if it isn’t better. Evil Games grabbed me right from the first sentence (not kidding) and held me tight until the end. First of all, what a perfect title you have given this novel, Ms. Marsons. The bad people in this book are truly despicable; the “games” they play are beyond contempt. I hated these people (this is good). In contrast, I was so happy to revisit the ultra complex Detective Inspector Kim Stone and her partner Bryant. We are also treated to a deeper look into Kim’s past; she is a hard nut to crack and can come off as not at all likeable, though she is highly respected by her colleagues. Despite her lack of social skills, I love her as well as the nonromantic relationship she has with Bryant. It was also affirming to see the touching relationships Kim was able to develop with a couple of minor characters. The premise of the book is unique and very cerebral; I was simply fascinated. I developed goosies when it became apparent that Ms. Marsons was setting up a battle between two very strong, highly intelligent women. And what a battle it is! The author must have researched extensively to get it right. Major props for that, Ms. Marsons. Major props. The prose is not complex, which is generally what I like in a thriller. This along with the short chapters propels the story along at a rapid pace, befitting the high-caliber thriller it is. I do not want to delve any further into the storyline as it is best to go into this book cold. So who is this Angela Marsons? Angela Marsons is a British author who is now a heavy hitter in the crime fiction/thriller genre. If you have not yet read Silent Scream, read it. Read it now. Then read Evil Games. You will not be sorry. I cannot wait for the next book in this exceptional series. Angela Marsons. Do. Not. Forget. This. Name.

I read "Silent Scream" - the first book in this series - and enjoyed it; although I felt it was plot-driven and I wanted more character development, which is not uncommon with first books of a series. But, I was intrigued with the main character, DI Kim Stone, so I downloaded a copy of "Evil Games." I'm happy to report that I like this book much more than the first. Not only is the writing better - more polished and more insightful - but the character development is much deeper. I learned a lot about DI Stone and really got to know her through this novel. As a result, I found this book more interesting and it made me a fan of this series. In addition, the antagonist in this story is very interesting - a true sociopath with a chilling penchant for manipulating others to do her bidding. The interplay between Alex Thorne and DI Stone is quite good. It makes the story much more compelling. I highly recommend this series for anyone who is looking for suspenseful stories built around a strong female character - however flawed she may be. As soon as I finished "Evil Games," I downloaded "Lost Girls," the next book in the series. I look forward to digging into that one straight away. Merrill Heath Author of "Timebox" and the Alec Stover Mysteries

DI Kim Stone is still tying up loose ends with the Dunn case when she is burdened with the murder of Allan Harris. I’m sorry did I say “tying up loose ends”. Well it seems as if there was a second person present in the room while Leonard Dunn was sexually assaulting his two young girls. The murder of Mr. Harris isn’t as simple as it may seem to everyone else in the detective’s unit. DI Stone is on her own when it comes to proving that the well renowned Dr. Alexandra Thorne has anything to do with it. But facing Alex could mean unraveling the binds that keep her family secrets locked up tight where they are safest. HOLY CRAP! As I’ve said on Twitter, Angie is a thrill ride genius! Ok, where do I start on this one? The complexity of this story is mindboggling. First of all you have two cases working simultaneously. But one of the cases is actually three, no four, no five… oh heck, several cases in one. But don’t get overwhelmed by that. Marsons does an amazing job giving little hints to jog your memory on which part of which case each of these characters belong throughout the book. Making it easier to keep up. My minor complaint in the first book about character development of the other detectives was addressed in this book and I enjoyed getting to know each of them a little better. I also really liked seeing a bit more depth in the relationship between Kim and Bryant. You see a bit more of their understanding of one another and Kim even throws Bryant a little bone at the end. Now the obvious...Alex. Marsons obviously did her homework when it comes to sociopaths! I’m tempted to give away too much, but I want you to read the book! It scared me how well Marsons was able to throw herself into the mind of someone so sick. Alex is brilliant and absolutely brilliantly written. Mix brilliance and take away a conscience and what do you get? Evil. And her games are certainly that! That leaves me with one question… Angela Marsons, when can we expect book three?! Oh, and FYI, unlike most series, you won’t be lost if you read this one first. However, Silent Scream was fabulous and shouldn’t be missed! www.jewelseclecticbooks.wordpress.com

I really like Angela Marsons' writing style. Her pace is great, her economy with words is great. This is the third in the series I read and while it was above average, I had to skip a big section in the middle. Just too much and too long into the super-evil villain. I understand this is a great way to dive into protagonist Kim's dark and damaged side, but I though Marsons crossed the line into too much back story and psychological delving. I got the antagonist's M.O. the first couple of times, I didn't need to get all deep into the weeds with her third victim. That's where I jumped ahead to the ending, which was great and action packed. I'll likely read another in the series, but rape and child abuse, while real and real important, is hard to take book after book in a fiction series.

Kim Stone is a great character, flawed, imperfect, but with the skill to catch criminals no one else can. She and her team are investigating a child molestation case that turns into so much more. The writing is gritty, keeps your interest til the end.