Wow. In fact several wows
Wow 1 How is this book 21 of the series. I know time flies but it only seems like yesterday I was enthralled by Silent Scream.
Wow 2 The fact that the series just goes from strength to strength
Wow 3. What a brilliant story.
Kim Stone and her team are back, but at first not officially.
When Stones not so favourite journalist turns up on her doorstep with a half baked story Kim should not be giving it any credence, but there is something about the message that Frost brings her that impacts and makes her take it seriously enough to text her team, on their day off.
So what exactly is it that grips Stone. Frost has been given a deadline. If she doesn’t follow the clues she’s going to be sent, and solve the puzzle within 36 hours, somebody is going to die.
Not everybody, including Stone’s boss take it seriously and the team are given the opportunity to bail out, or help Kim with the investigation on a voluntary basis.
To make matters more complex Stone includes Frost in the team and gives her a seat in the office.
Even those that decide to stay find this a step to far and the tension in the office is palpable.
The first clue leads them to a box, amongst the contents is an audio file in which a person can be heard screaming.
As each clue is discovered the contents get more horrifying.
I’m running out of superlatives to describe Angela Marsons books. Amongst all of the things she’s always good at, characters, plot, settings, this one added a rhythm to story that only the really best authors seem to get right.
Any author can add pace but this story pulses. The anxiety of a new clue and the rush to find it, the lull and anticipation when the team, back in the office, are waiting to hear what Kim and Bryant have found whilst out in the field.
As a Black Country lad I always look forward to seeing where the plot will be set, in this case they race across many locations that are absolutely perfect for hiding clues.
Pace, suspense and a terrific story meant that I read this book in as close to one sitting as it is possible whilst carrying on with a normal life.
Can it be read as a standalone, yes.
Should you read the rest of the series in order, I would, but then again I’m lucky enough to have been in from the start.
Pages. 362. Publisher. Bookouture. Audiobook length. 8 hours 3 minutes. Narrator Jan Cramer
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