Broken Bones

Not as sharp as before, but Kim Stone’s grit keeps me hooked.

Angela Marsons’ “Broken Bones” follows Kim Stone and her tireless team as they delve into a network of crimes that expose the darkest corners of society. While its predecessor left me enthralled, this one felt like a slight step back in terms of sheer suspense, character development, and immediacy of action.

“Broken Bones” deals with issues of desperation, abuse, and exploitation, exploring the ways marginalised people navigate a world indifferent to their suffering. Among the novel’s many strengths, Detective Kim Stone continues to stand out. Her tenacity, resilience, and willingness to challenge perceptions radiate in every chapter.

»He turned to look at her. ‘You’re advising me on positivity?’

‘Oh, the irony,’ she observed.«

The novel also examines the complexity of human behaviour. In a powerful scene, Kim reflects on the limitations of stereotyping:

»’A contradiction, eh?’ Bryant asked.

Kim shook her head. ‘Just a person, Bryant. Full of likes and dislikes, fears and hopes. I’m still waiting to meet the stereotype.’«

Despite these positives, the pacing felt uneven. At points, the plot unfolded methodically, building tension. Yet the resolution lacked the satisfying intricacy I’ve come to expect. Subplots occasionally dipped into predictability, and the shadow of the previous, stronger instalment loomed large. Marsons sets a high bar, and while “Broken Bones” meets it in parts, it falls short of being as impactful as its immediate predecessor.

All in all, I enjoyed “Broken Bones”—its gritty realism, memorable characters, and moments of raw emotion make it a worthy read. However, it wasn’t as consistently enthralling as I’d hoped, and I missed some of the edge that made earlier books exceptional.

Four stars out of five.

Ceterum censeo Putin esse delendam

Yet another brilliant Kim Stone book from Angela Marsons!! This woman can do no wrong in my opinion.

I love the dynamic between the team even with Penn joining for this book, I especially love the relationship Kim and Bryant have. They have great banter but also do care and look out for each other. They're a great balance to each other's personality, Kim being brash and quick to act but Bryant calming and reasonable, at times!

The plot as always was gripping and twisty, with so many layers and intertwining storylines. This one deals with the sex trade and also with illegal workers and bonded labour, which is just an appalling concept. I love the way Marsons builds and builds the story and weaves each plot line in until the conclusion.

I usually read a few books at the same time, switching between them as my mood dictates but when I'm reading a Kim Stone book that is the only thing I read. I would absolutely recommend this author and series to anyone who enjoys a fast paced, twisty thriller. She reminds me a little of Val McDermid, who I also love!