Play Dead

Happy Sunday!  The beginning of a new week.  It is World Goth Day which originated in the United Kingdom in 2009 (and quickly spread around the world).  Goth is not just a way of dressing (we tend to think of people with black hair, black nail polish, and black clothing).  You can find out more here.  One of my cats, Miss Penny has decided to take up residence in my bathroom.  I have told her that she is not.  Miss Penny, though, is one stubborn cat.  I wonder which one of us will win (most like Miss Penny).  I do not understand why she would pick my bathroom over her luxurious cat tree.

Play Dead by Angela Marsons is the fourth D.I. Kim Stone novel.  Kim Stone and her team are being given a “treat” by their boss, Detective Chief Inspector Woodward for solving their latest case.  They are being sent to Westerley, a body farm. The West Mercia precinct recently solved two cold cases thanks to information from Westerley.  Woodward is hoping his team will benefit from the trip.  Unfortunately, the stumble across a body that is not a part of the body farm.   Someone beat and killed a woman and then dumped her body at Westerley (it would seem like the perfect dump site).  How did they get onto the property without anyone noticing?  While searching for clues, another body turns up in similar condition.  Are the two connected in any way (besides the killer)?  Then reporter, Tracy Frost turns up missing. As much as Kim dislikes Tracy, she sets out to find her before it is too late.  Will Kim and her team be able to find the killer before Tracy becomes his third victim?

Play Dead was a wonderful novel.  Play Dead is fast paced, has a complex mystery, and great, well-developed characters.  I did not want to put it down (so I just kept reading).  Play Dead was my favorite book in the series.  I liked how Kim is developing and changing and the addition of Barney, her dog, in her life.  We also get more details on Kim’s childhood and it will help you understand her trust issues.  The mystery will draw you in and there is a good twist at the end that most people will not see coming.  It was good to get more information on Tracy Frost (it will help you to understand her better).  While Play Dead can be read alone, I would highly suggest you go back and read the other book in the series.  It will help you know and understand the characters. One thing that gave me a good laugh is the TARDIS reference (you have to be a Doctor Who fan to get it).   I give Play Dead 5 out of 5 stars.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the D.I. Kim Stone series (let’s hope the author and publisher do not keep us waiting long).

The other novels in the D.I. Kim Stone series are Silent Scream, Evil Games, and Lost Girls.  I received a complimentary copy of Play Dead from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest evaluation of the book.

I am off to do some chores.  Thank you for taking the time to visit and read my latest review.  I hope all of you have a lovely day and make sure you take time out for yourself.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader