Play Dead: A Gripping Serial Killer Thriller Book 4
Page 31
‘Nah, not completely. Shit like that changes us a bit. In your case, hopefully for the better but who—’
‘Hey, there’s no need for that,’ Tracy said with a smile in her voice.
Kim heard her mumble something away from the phone.
‘Sorry?’
‘Nothing, I was just thanking my mum for the seventh cup of tea of the day. Apparently it’ll make me all better.’
‘You sleeping?’ Kim asked.
‘Not so much. Not exactly nightmares but just distorted replays.’
Kim understood. ‘That will pass,’ she offered.
She thought about Tracy’s cold, barren house, devoid of everything except for secrets. The complete absence of life and joy, family and friends.
‘We were looking for you, you know. We were determined to get you back,’ Kim said.
‘I know,’ Tracy whispered, and Kim could hear the full extent of emotion in the woman’s throat in those two short words.
Kim cleared her throat. ‘So when am I to expect this starring role in that article of yours?’ she asked.
‘Ha, Stone, what article? You really gotta stop thinking you’re all that, you know.’
Kim couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped from her lips. But now to the real purpose of the phone call.
‘Okay listen, Frost, and listen good because this will never be repeated. Let the past go. The minute you decided to climb that hill defined the person you are now. Don’t ever forget that – because I won’t.’
The line went quiet for a second before Tracy spoke.
‘Hey, Stone, does this mean we’re friends now?’
Kim laughed out loud. ‘Don’t bloody push it, Frost. I’m sure we’ll be banging heads again soon enough.’
Kim ended the call with Tracy Frost still chuckling in the background. She knew that the woman would be okay. She was a fighter, and she would bounce back.
Damn it, Kim acknowledged with a smile. It looked like they were alike after all.
Letter from Angela
First of all, I want to say a huge thank you for choosing to read Play Dead. I hope you enjoyed the fourth instalment of Kim’s journey and that you feel the same way I do. Whilst not the warmest of characters she has passion and drive and a real hunger for justice.
If you did enjoy it, I would be forever grateful if you’d write a review. I’d love to hear what you think, and it can also help other readers discover one of my books for the first time. Or maybe you can recommend it to your friends and family…
Each story is a unique journey and this one was no exception. Some begin with a clear vision and the finished product closely resembles the initial idea, and the relationship between author and story is harmonious. Other times the relationship is fraught with disagreements as the story dictates a different path to the one intended. Play Dead experienced many transitions before settling into the story it was always meant to be.
I hope you will join both Kim Stone and myself on our next journey, wherever that may lead.
If so I’d love to hear from you – get in touch on my Facebook or Goodreads page, Twitter or through my website. And if you’d like to keep up-to-date with all my latest releases, just sign up at the following link:
Angela Marsons’ new releases email
Thank you so much for your support. It is hugely appreciated.
Angela Marsons
@WriteAngie
angelamarsonsauthor
www.angelamarsons-books.com
Silent Scream (Kim Stone Book 1)
#1 BESTSELLER
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Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…
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Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood …
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Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.
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But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.
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As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?
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Fans of Rachel Abbott, Val McDermid and Mark Billingham will be gripped by this exceptional new voice in British crime fiction.
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SILENT SCREAM IS OUT NOW
What people are saying about Silent Scream
‘A superb debut by an assured new writer. Blending sharp wit with emotion, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride alongside DI Kim Stone and look forward to the next outing.’ Mel Sherratt
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'I absolutely loved it! ... This one is one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time, and that includes mainstream authors such as James Patterson! I would seriously put this book in the same league.' Fiona’s Book Reviews
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‘I have not been so impressed by a debut novel in a long time, and I'm actually now itching for more from D.I. Kim Stone and the rest of her squad… D.I. Kim Stone is like the British Jane Rizzoli… I can't wait for the second book, because this one was a top-notch crime thriller.’ Leah Loves
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‘I don't think I've been so hooked by a new author since the discovery of Mark Edwards or Mark Billingham… Silent Scream gets 5 stars from me - if you finish a crime thriller feeling like you just need to have a lie-down and a cup of tea to get your breath back, then the writer has done their job. Angela Marsons, I still don't have my breath back.’ Reading Room with a View
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‘Normally when I see everybody rating a book five stars I think 'Is it really that good?' Silent Scream is that good, and then some… The only problem Angela now faces is keeping up this standard as the series progresses, but if she does than she's going to be an author to watch and a huge star within the genre.’ Book Addict Shaun
Evil Games (Kim Stone Book 2)
OUT NOW…
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The greater the Evil, the more deadly the game…
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When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.
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With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.
Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal.
EVIL GAMES
available now
Lost Girls (Kim Stone Book 3)
Out now…
Two girls go missing. Only one will return.
The couple that offers the highest amount will see their daughter again. The losing couple will not. Make no mistake. One child will die.
When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping.
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And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad.
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Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realises that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive, are getting smaller by the
hour…
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Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families’ past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone’s child pay the ultimate price?
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The latest utterly addictive thriller from the No.1 bestseller Angela Marsons.
BUY HERE
What people are saying about LOST GIRLS
‘I don't think I've been so hooked by a new author since the discovery of Mark Edwards or Mark Billingham … if you finish a crime thriller feeling like you just need to have a lie-down and a cup of tea to get your breath back, then the writer has done their job. Angela Marsons, I still don't have my breath back.’ Reading Room with a View
* * *
‘I absolutely loved it! ... This one is one of the best crime thrillers I've read in a long time, and that includes mainstream authors such as James Patterson! I would seriously put this book in the same league.’ Fiona’s Book Reviews
* * *
‘I’m a little bit speechless to be honest at just how incredible this book was… one of the best new crime authors of 2015, maybe even the decade.’ Book Addict Shaun
* * *
‘I have not been so impressed by a debut novel in a long time… this one was a top-notch crime thriller.’ Leah Loves
* * *
‘Angela Marsons is fast becoming THE one to watch in this genre and I would defy anyone not to read and enjoy her writing… This story has everything, it is riveting, emotional. sad and most of all it has a depth that not many novels can claim to have. I highly recommend this one, Simply brilliant.’ Postcard Reviews
* * *
I love Kim. I cannot remember a female detective I’ve loved so much since Kay Scarpetta – a creation of Patricia Cornwall … Angela Marsons is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.‘ A Bookseller Blabbering
Also by Angela Marsons
Detective Kim Stone series
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1. SILENT SCREAM
2. EVIL GAMES
3. LOST GIRLS
4. PLAY DEAD
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Other books
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THE MIDDLE CHILD
MY NAME IS
Acknowledgments
Every book is a separate and distinct journey. Throughout the process I invariably learn something, and this book was no exception.
In this book I wanted Kim to explore the mind of a killer whose actions while he had the victims were as important as how he chose to dispose of them.
As ever, I have to acknowledge the patience and contribution from my partner, Julie. Her belief and encouragement never wavers, and neither does her willingness to drop everything when she hears my desperate cry of ‘I need a meeting’. She once told me to ‘trust in the process’, which has now become my mantra through the tough times. Although she doesn’t realise it, these books would not happen without her.
As ever I would like to thank the team at Bookouture for their continued enthusiasm for Kim Stone and her stories. In particular, the incredible Keshini Naidoo, who will not stop until the books have reached their full potential.
A special shout-out to the unbelievably ferocious and tenacious Lorella Belli who continues to sell the foreign rights to the Kim Stone stories and has conquered fourteen territories to date.
I must acknowledge the growing family of Bookouture authors. Every single one of them is unique and talented. Their enthusiasm for each other is genuine and provides an environment of friendship, advice and support. Caroline Mitchell is one of the most dedicated and hard-working authors I know, and I am proud to call her my friend. Renita D’Silva continues to wrap me up in her beautiful, expressive prose.
My sincere thanks to my sister Lyn and her husband Clive and my awesome nephews Matthew and Christopher, who continue to offer me encouragement and support on this journey.
My eternal gratitude goes to all the wonderful bloggers and reviewers who have taken the time to get to know Kim Stone and follow her story. These wonderful people shout loudly and share generously, not because it is their job but because it is their passion. I will never tire of thanking this community for their support of both myself and my books, one or two of whom have made appearances in my books (you know who you are). They have all made social-media forums a welcoming and friendly place to hang out. Thank you all so much.
Massive thanks to all my fabulous readers, especially the ones that have taken time out of their busy day to visit me on my website, Facebook page, Goodreads or Twitter, and yes I now know the Bull and Bladder serves good food!
And finally a very warm thank you to the lovely ladies at my local libraries. In particular Rachel Hamar from Stourbridge Library and Shazziah Rock from Cradley Heath Library. Visiting and chatting with your lovely readers is a welcome reward.
Published by Bookouture
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An imprint of StoryFire Ltd.
23 Sussex Road, Ickenham, UB10 8PN
United Kingdom
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www.bookouture.com
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Copyright © Angela Marsons 2016
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Angela Marsons has asserted her right to be identified as the author of this work.
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places and events other than those clearly in the public domain, are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
ISBN: 978-1-78681-007-6