Hidden Scars by Angela Marsons is the latest novel in the DI Kim Stone series. While Hidden Scars can be read as a standalone, I believe it is best to read the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and the backstories. DI Kim Stone is still recovering after the beatings she endured at the hands of Symes. She is returning to work with plans to go slow and ease her way back in. All that goes by the wayside when she learns how DI Ian Burns, her temporary replacement, is mishandling cases and mistreating her staff. DI Burns had written off the case of Jamie Mills as a suicide despite objections from the team. Kim decides to take another look and discovers that the teen was murdered. Kim kicks Burns to the curb and takes back her unit. The mystery is multifaceted and complex. There are twists and turns as Kim and the team uncover more details. The reveal was action packed and provided answers to any lingering questions. There is a secondary mystery involving the disappearance of Gabriel Denton, an accountant. DS Stacey Wood looks into the accountant’s disappearance. She has a feeling about this case. I enjoyed solving the mysteries. There are plenty of suspects and misdirection. I thought Hidden Scars was well-written. The chapters are short and snappy. I like that the story moves along at a quick pace. The book does contain foul language and there are graphic details with regard to the violence. The characters are developed and realistic. I like that we learn something new about Kim and her team members in each book. What happened to Kim in the previous book could have left her broken. I know that she will never fully recover from the ordeal, but I like the facet of Kim we saw in this book. I can tell the author did her research. It is disturbing to learn how parents will treat their children when they tell them they are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. It is even more horrific the places they will take their kids to get them “cured”. Conversion therapy is appalling. I thought the author handled this difficult topic sensitively. Bryant and Kim’s relationship is at the foreground in this story. It was great to see Kim take such a big step. I love how the book ended. The author finally gives fans something they have been wondering for seventeen books. I wonder when DI Ian Burns will attempt retribution. I cannot wait for the next installment in this compelling series. Hidden Scars is a suspenseful, captivating tale with twists that will surprise readers. ( )

Kim is back at work after her near death experience, but she is only on desk duty until she feels more ready to return. DI Burns is running her squad into the ground, especially Stacey, who he treats like a glorified gopher. Kim sees all this but can't take over because she is still dealing with her ordeal, which now includes lack of sleep and nightmares. When Burns's incompetence becomes too much, she takes on the case of a local gay teen who was thought to have killed himself, but Kim and her team discover that there is much more beneath the surface, and clues lead them to a clinic practicing "conversion therapy."

Hidden Scars is almost like two books in one. There is a great deal of information provided about "conversion therapy" as well as other issues facing young gays trying to come to terms with their sexuality. The other story is that of the mystery surrounding several murders. Somehow, the author weaves these two together, but I'm not sure how successfully. While the book is extremely well written and the raising of awareness regarding "conversion therapy" and young gay teens, some of the information presented drew this reader out of the story at different points. There is also a subplot involving Kim and her return to her job, which, in my opinion, needed more space. Overall, however, Hidden Scars is a very good mystery with the usual twists the author provides that make the Kim Stone series so enjoyable. ( )

Another excellent book in one of my favourite series. Kim is returning from a harrowing situation in the last book which would break most people, and is meant to be returning slowly. But we all know Kim, that just ain’t gonna happen. Whilst she is meant to return on light duties she quickly dispatches her temporary replacement and gets stuck into a case which she feels has been glossed over.

Kim shows her normal doggedness on this one and within it the author takes on the controversial subject of Conversion Therapy and whether this is playing a role in a number of suicide / murders. Angela Marsons treads a great line in this book both in exploring the therapy as well as in overseeing a tough return to the fray for Kim.

I really cannot recommend this book and the series more, Angela Marsons keeps the books fresh and has developed such a great group of characters that you care passionately about what happens to them. Currently my favourite crime fiction series out there and I strongly recommend this.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and net galley for providing me with a review copy of this book for an open, fair and honest review. ( )