Almost Perfect

If you’re like me, you look forward to a new Kim Stone novel. First Blood will not disappoint. I don’t know how Marsons does it, churning out two books per year without losing her literary mojo! I’ve mentioned my one gripe in previous reviews and I’ve attributed it in the past to Jan Cramer, but I’ve come to realize it’s not entirely her fault. Every time she reads from the killer’s perspective, she reads it like she’s the “Wicked Witch of the West”. I expect each section to end with “I’ll get you and your little dog too!” I’ve come to realize the fault lies with Marsons. These vignettes are the one flaw in her novels. They serve no purpose, are entirely superfluous. On a side note, there’s a twist toward the end that will warm the heart of any reader of the Kim Stone series. No spoiler, just be prepared to feel a gentle tug on your emotions.

10 people found this helpful

What a great surprise

So this is how this team got started. Very interesting. This series is a favorite of mine so this surprise prequel was another must-read for me. Kim, which is easy to understand, has had problems at previous assignments and gets sent to “Woody”’s team. There she meets her new crew - Stacey, Dawson, and Bryant. It was fun to get to know the beginnings of this team. Even though Kim was given a day to learn the team, they are immediately thrown into a gruesome murder investigation which soon escalates. As typical of Angela Marsons, we are led down many paths during the investigation. The story is disturbing but hard to put down. And it’s worth it for the little revelation at the end. The narration by Jan Cramer does, as usual, enhance the story. Very well done!

7 people found this helpful

Enlightening and Intriguing

I was a little hesitant when I realized this was going back to the beginning of the team after I had already read every single installment in the series and was waiting for the next one. But I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend all fans of this series to read/listen to how this amazing team came together. And yes I was sad at one of the characters because I know what happens down the line but still enjoyed knowing how this character started out in the team (no spoilers from me!) And I absolutely loved the interview at the end between the amazing narrator Jan Kramer and the very talented author Angela. So interesting to hear both of them discuss their individual rituals while reading or writing their current novel. And last but certainly not least, the mystery and murder investigation was fascinating as always, and once again I did not foresee the conclusion ahead of time. I never want this series to end!

6 people found this helpful

Detective Kim Stone Book 12

Author Angela Marsons continues her outstanding Detective Kim Stone series with FIRST BLOOD. Kim gets a fresh start with a new team in this modern detective thriller. Narrator Jan Cramer can always be counted on to deliver superb narration. One of many things I like about Audible is their classification of series novels. Audible failed to classify this novel First Blood as part of the Kim Stone series. Yesterday I finished Mark Dawson's The Assassin which is part of his Isabella Rose series but was not noted as such by Audible.

13 people found this helpful

Not bad

It’s unfortunate that I have recently read a lot of Robert Bryndza’s work, which is similar to this but better executed. That made this novel a little flat for me. The characters are a little over the top, and feel forced instead of natural. I also feel that the author is trying to guide my emotions and opinions too much. The story itself was decent, but nothing remarkable. It’s not a bad read, and I understand how people enjoy it, but I’m not over the moon about it:

3 people found this helpful

Best beginning ever!

Angela never disappoints. She amazing! The series is wonderfully written that Kim and her team are part of my family. Can't wait for the next book. Thanks Angela for a superb series.

3 people found this helpful

An excellent addition to the series

Angela Marsons has written an excellent addition to the series. I love the idea of going back to the beginning to discover how Kim’s team came together. I highly recommend this book to fans of the series. And to new fans this is a good way to get your feet wet.

2 people found this helpful

Awesome

I loved this book as I did the rest of the series. Jan makes the story more real and the characters come to life. Highly recommended series.

1 person found this helpful

Good start

To a new series. I liked learning about each character and the story kept me interested. The narrator did a really good job as well.

Very predicable

The story was ok but the "bad guy" was totally out of left field. Convoluted and rather forced plotline that in the end was very unsatisfying and rather rushed to tie up dangling loose ends. First time reading this author and though the novel was not very enjoyable, I will try book two in the series in the hopes that Angela Marsons has improved.