Review: Twisted Lies by Angela Marsons

Twisted Lies (DI Kim Stone, Book #14)

by Angela Marsons

Release Date:  May 13th 2021

2021 Bookouture

Kindle Edition; 410 Pages

ISBN: 978-1838887353

ASIN: B08W2CDXVR

Genre: Fiction / Mystery / Police Procedural

Source: Review copy from publisher

4.5 / 5 Stars

Summary

When the lifeless body of a man is found on an industrial estate, Detective Kim Stone arrives on the scene and discovers he’s been tortured in the worst way imaginable.

But as she breaks the devastating news to the victim’s wife, Diane Phipps, Kim can’t help feeling that something isn’t quite right about the woman's reaction.

Twenty-four hours later, the victim’s family disappears into thin air.

Then a second body is found staked to the ground in a local nature reserve.

Desperate to crack the case open quickly, Kim and her team unravel a vital clue – a fiercely guarded secret that links both victims and could cost even more lives.

My Thoughts

Twisted Lies is the fourteenth entry in the DI Kim Stone mystery series and I am amazed that it's as innovative and thought-provoking as the first few in this gripping series.  And I was amazed it was 410 pages as I finished this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down.  

First of all, I always enter every book since book eight with extreme trepidation as I no longer trust this author not to break my heart.  Even though I got book nine as an ARC, it took my quite a while to delve into it as I was afraid after the events of book 8 and just could...not...do...it.  However, I finally bucked up and took the plunge again, and I am so glad I did and now, six books later, the author is still going strong with innovative and creative ideas that are thought -provoking and unsettling.  

 

When a series is long-running like this, it is so nice to come back to the next book as it's like meeting up with old friends and discovering what each one has been up to. I love how Stacey is so excited to be married that she has to throw it into every sentence she utters.  Penn's fascination with forensic science just makes me smile and the author uses that device to give the reader some really important information.  What I particularly enjoyed in this book was the development of the relationship between Kim and Frost, but not in the way that sounds.  These two have always been at odds, but for once, they are in agreement that something needs to be done and I love that Kim helps Frost, even if it's reluctantly.  Could it be that these two are destined to be friends after all?  We shall see.   

The mystery itself was quite interesting actually, and I was fascinated by the implications the author threw at the reader.  She gave both sides of the situation through the eyes of her characters and it was a lot to think about; in fact, I am still thinking about it and I am still not sure on which side of the fence I sit on the topic.  The ending was quite ambivalent as well, and while I understand the plight the women faced, I am not sure I agree with the method and the ethics involved were a bit skewed.  I know this sounds so mysterious, but if I mention anything, it will give away huge plot points and spoil the story which is something a reader really needs to discover for themselves.  Be cautious reading reviews on this book as I saw some that are giving away a lot of spoilers.  

 

Verdict

Twisted Lies was an engrossing mystery, full of twists and turns, with a throught-provoking concept over which I am still mulling.  The story is full of quirky characters, lively dialogue, and investigative work that will capture the reader's attention and draw them into the story. There was a huge twist at the end that I didn't see coming, and I love it when I get surprised like that.  However, it is also that ending that has me questioning our whole system and why a person needs to do what they did. So very absorbing and thoughtful.  Although this is the fourteenth entry, I feel it is just as strong as the first few entries, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.