Killing Mind
4 Stars

After initially agreeing with the pathologist that a young girl's death is the result of suicide, DI Kim Stone revisits the scene and realizes that evidence indicating murder was overlooked. Then another body with similar injuries is found, and Kim and her team link the case to an insulated community and its charismatic leader. Is there a cult at work and is one of the members a killer?

Another fast-paced and thought-provoking addition to the series.

The cult aspect is fascinating and Marson's research into the indoctrination and reconditioning processes is top-notch. Nevertheless, it is somewhat difficult to accept that a police officer with Kim's background and experience would not only dismiss the idea of a cult in her part of the world (no place is immune to the vagaries of the human mind), but also send an untrained and inexperienced policewoman into such an uncertain and risky situation.

The subplot involving Bryant's concern over the parole of a violent rapist adds another layer of tension to the story, and I enjoyed the implied link between the cases - The human psyche is a fragile thing as seen with both Harrison and the cult members. Given the right circumstances, anyone is capable of evil acts.

On a final note, I do think that Marsons needs a better editor. There are numerous grammar mistakes that could be easily resolved with improved proofreading. ( )

In Killing Mind, Kim Stone and her team are thrown into the world of cults. A young woman, who was first thought to have committed suicide, is found to have been murdered, leading Kim to a family keeping secrets about the deprogramming of their daughter by a mysterious figure named Kane. After being stonewalled by the cult, Kim sends in one of her own; a decision she may regret. In the meantime, Bryant is called to the parole hearing of the culprit from an old case, which doesn't turn out the way he hoped.

Killing Mind is another great addition to the D.I. Kim Stone series. Even though two cases are followed in this book, they flow together naturally making the story an easy read. The information about cults is interesting and shows a great deal of research. Once again, the reader is kept in suspense as questions are raised regarding Bryant's earlier case and Kim deals with decisions she makes that may solve the case, but also may put a colleague in unnecessary danger. Overall, Killing Mind is an enjoyable read, made better by the ease at which it could be read. ( )

A superb read and a great addition to the series. I found it hard to put this book down once I started. Angela Marsons knows how to write and write well. Love the characters too. ( )

Killing Mind by Angela Marsons has DI Kim Stone called to the home of Samantha Brown. By all appearances, it looks like the woman took her own life. Kim and her trusty sidekick Bryant visit Myles and Kate Brown to notify them of their daughter’s death. Something feels off to Kim and she rushes back to the crime scene for a second look. Kim is now positive that Samantha was murdered, but she needs to prove it to her boss in order to begin an investigation. Kim and her team are called out when a dead man is pulled from a lake. The man did not drown, his throat was cut just like Samantha’s. They soon find a connection between the two victims and it leads the team down a sinister path. Killing Mind is the 12th A DI Kim Stone Crime Thriller. I do recommend reading the series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one in this engaging series. I thought Killing Mind was well-written and the story moved along at a fast pace. I like the diverse cast of characters that continue to develop. Penn is fast becoming a member of the team. They still miss Dawson, but, while Penn cannot replace him, he shows what he can add to the group. Kim and her team are a hardworking bunch. Bryant is a little distracted because a rapist and killer is up for parole. This case is what led Bryant to working in CID. One of the man’s victim’s is still alive and fearful that the man will come after again. The father of another victim has never been able to recover. Kim and the rest of the team busy with the two murders. The case leads them to Unity Farm which turns out to be a cult led by a manipulative leader. The author certainly did her research for this book. We see how easily it is to fall under the spell of a persuasive man. I thought it was fascinating and frightening. I enjoyed following the mystery to see if I had accurately identified the killer. Killing Mind is a compelling story full that will have you riveted until the very end. ( )

Killing Mind by Angela Marsons has DI Kim Stone called to the home of Samantha Brown. By all appearances, it looks like the woman took her own life. Kim and her trusty sidekick Bryant visit Myles and Kate Brown to notify them of their daughter’s death. Something feels off to Kim and she rushes back to the crime scene for a second look. Kim is now positive that Samantha was murdered, but she needs to prove it to her boss in order to begin an investigation. Kim and her team are called out when a dead man is pulled from a lake. The man did not drown, his throat was cut just like Samantha’s. They soon find a connection between the two victims and it leads the team down a sinister path. Killing Mind is the 12th A DI Kim Stone Crime Thriller. I do recommend reading the series in order. Each book builds upon the previous one in this engaging series. I thought Killing Mind was well-written and the story moved along at a fast pace. I like the diverse cast of characters that continue to develop. Penn is fast becoming a member of the team. They still miss Dawson, but, while Penn cannot replace him, he shows what he can add to the group. Kim and her team are a hardworking bunch. Bryant is a little distracted because a rapist and killer is up for parole. This case is what led Bryant to working in CID. One of the man’s victim’s is still alive and fearful that the man will come after again. The father of another victim has never been able to recover. Kim and the rest of the team busy with the two murders. The case leads them to Unity Farm which turns out to be a cult led by a manipulative leader. The author certainly did her research for this book. We see how easily it is to fall under the spell of a persuasive man. I thought it was fascinating and frightening. I enjoyed following the mystery to see if I had accurately identified the killer. Killing Mind is a compelling story full that will have you riveted until the very end. ( )