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Stella Knox #8
Killer Knockout
Sometimes you win, and sometimes you die.
On the verge of finding the person who ordered their fathers’ deaths, Special Agents Stella Knox and Hagen Yates are diverted by another murder. A kickboxer whose body is discovered with two bullet holes in his head. Stranger still is a pattern of dead boxers around the state.
Are the murders linked to organized crime? A serial killer? A grudge? Or something more disturbing?
Getting information about the illegal world of underground boxing would be next to impossible without the FBI’s Nashville violent crime unit’s inside connection—Special Agent Chloe Foster, a special agent who lives a secret double life in the ring. But as Chloe works undercover, the deeper she’s sucked into her role.
As the trail of bodies grows, Stella knows they must find the killer, and fast, before Chloe faces the fight of her life...for her life.
Puzzling and action-packed, Killer Knockout is the eighth book in the Stella Knox Series by bestselling author Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare—a thriller that will make you question just how far someone will go to win.
On the verge of finding the person who ordered their fathers’ deaths, Special Agents Stella Knox and Hagen Yates are diverted by another murder. A kickboxer whose body is discovered with two bullet holes in his head. Stranger still is a pattern of dead boxers around the state.
Are the murders linked to organized crime? A serial killer? A grudge? Or something more disturbing?
Getting information about the illegal world of underground boxing would be next to impossible without the FBI’s Nashville violent crime unit’s inside connection—Special Agent Chloe Foster, a special agent who lives a secret double life in the ring. But as Chloe works undercover, the deeper she’s sucked into her role.
As the trail of bodies grows, Stella knows they must find the killer, and fast, before Chloe faces the fight of her life...for her life.
Puzzling and action-packed, Killer Knockout is the eighth book in the Stella Knox Series by bestselling author Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare—a thriller that will make you question just how far someone will go to win.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2023
1447 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,131 followersTo download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 5, 2023
Better than the last one
I've been a fan of this series except the book before this one. I'm happy this was a better story line. The only problem now is the story about Stella and Hagen and finding their fathers killer just keeps dragging out. I mean I understand trying to make a few bucks off the story line but finish it already and move on. I really hate authors who drag out a story line until the readers finally lose interest and move on to something else.
I've been a fan of this series except the book before this one. I'm happy this was a better story line. The only problem now is the story about Stella and Hagen and finding their fathers killer just keeps dragging out. I mean I understand trying to make a few bucks off the story line but finish it already and move on. I really hate authors who drag out a story line until the readers finally lose interest and move on to something else.
April 8, 2023
This brought together lots of odds and ends from earlier in the series. I hate it when I have to wait for the next two books in the series.
May 8, 2023
This one was hard to get into …. Love the team and how they interact … now we wait for the next one!
March 29, 2023
First of all I love Mary Stones books. I enjoyed parts of the story. I don't know anything about bitcoin. I have no interest in boxing, mma fighting or kickboxing so the major story line did not appeal to me. But if that interests you then you should definitely read This book.
May 2, 2023
Tangled Webs
Book 8 chocked full of surprises, right up to the very end. I can't spoil the ending but boy oh boy, get ready! You think you get to know people pretty well at work. Then they surprise you. There are people who work out in different formats. Some lift weights. Some run. Some bike or hike. Some use treadmills or elliptical. Some play a sport and some, like Chloe, kickboxing. We knew she had a powerful roundhouse kick but to actually compete. That was a surprise, although; it was fitting to her character. It added another dimension.
In the meantime, all the back stories are filling in and more clues are coming together. You learn more about Sis's relationships. Quite a few surprises there and you get to know her a little better.
The informant is revealed with a twist to his relationships in the story. Also, the Officer is revealed and shares another side of the story. However, I can't quite trust his version of what went down either.
Stella and Hagen have a few go arounds, as they're trying to determine the "trust" level in both their professional and personal roles.
When you read the words, "The End", your mind is screaming, "NO". To be continued...you betcha !
Gotta go folks. I need to know whats going on. I'm guessing I won't get all the answers in Book 9 but hopefully some answers.
Book 8 chocked full of surprises, right up to the very end. I can't spoil the ending but boy oh boy, get ready! You think you get to know people pretty well at work. Then they surprise you. There are people who work out in different formats. Some lift weights. Some run. Some bike or hike. Some use treadmills or elliptical. Some play a sport and some, like Chloe, kickboxing. We knew she had a powerful roundhouse kick but to actually compete. That was a surprise, although; it was fitting to her character. It added another dimension.
In the meantime, all the back stories are filling in and more clues are coming together. You learn more about Sis's relationships. Quite a few surprises there and you get to know her a little better.
The informant is revealed with a twist to his relationships in the story. Also, the Officer is revealed and shares another side of the story. However, I can't quite trust his version of what went down either.
Stella and Hagen have a few go arounds, as they're trying to determine the "trust" level in both their professional and personal roles.
When you read the words, "The End", your mind is screaming, "NO". To be continued...you betcha !
Gotta go folks. I need to know whats going on. I'm guessing I won't get all the answers in Book 9 but hopefully some answers.
April 5, 2023
Win Some - Lose Some
FBI agents Stella Knox and Hagen Yates are still trying to find their fathers’ killer. Stella is concerned about Hagen going on his own to find the killer. Before they get a chance to talk to Stella’s informant, they are assigned another murder case.
Stella, Hagen and their teammates are trying to find the killer of a kickboxer. It appears other kickboxers across the state have been murdered and they are looking into whether this could be organized crime, serial killer or something else. Since she has experience, FBI agent Chloe Foster goes undercover as a kickboxer. What will she find while undercover?
How many kickboxers will die? Who else dies? Will they find the killer or killers in time to save Chloe? Tracking down the killer or killers and trying to determine who the players in the game are keeps the team on the run. Killer Knockout has excitement, drama, action, and enough twists and turns to keep you reading well into the night.
What does Hagen do? Will Stella get to him before he blows their chance to find their dads killer? Beware the ending leaves you in what the heck just happened state. Looking forward to the next book.
FBI agents Stella Knox and Hagen Yates are still trying to find their fathers’ killer. Stella is concerned about Hagen going on his own to find the killer. Before they get a chance to talk to Stella’s informant, they are assigned another murder case.
Stella, Hagen and their teammates are trying to find the killer of a kickboxer. It appears other kickboxers across the state have been murdered and they are looking into whether this could be organized crime, serial killer or something else. Since she has experience, FBI agent Chloe Foster goes undercover as a kickboxer. What will she find while undercover?
How many kickboxers will die? Who else dies? Will they find the killer or killers in time to save Chloe? Tracking down the killer or killers and trying to determine who the players in the game are keeps the team on the run. Killer Knockout has excitement, drama, action, and enough twists and turns to keep you reading well into the night.
What does Hagen do? Will Stella get to him before he blows their chance to find their dads killer? Beware the ending leaves you in what the heck just happened state. Looking forward to the next book.
April 6, 2023
KILLER KNOCKOUT is the eighth installment in the Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series by Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. Get ready for another chilling thriller with a twisted and gruesome plot.
With their last case just closed, Stella and Hagen are heading to Memphis to get more information about the murder of their fathers. Before they can really get started they are called back for a new case. Someone murdered a kickboxer and he may not be the only one. Chloe takes the lead by diving into the seedy underworld of kickboxing. As she goes undercover at the training gym, we get more insight into Chloe's personal world. It's not long before the team is deep into bitcoins, illegal gambling and assassins and of course murder victims.
Full of action and tense suspense, the ending is unexpected and will make readers impatient for the next book in Stella's series. If you enjoy a good thriller, I highly recommend this series. You will find it hard to say no to a book from Mary and Stacy.
I did receive an advance readers copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and freely given review. I am also eagerly waiting for the next installment.
With their last case just closed, Stella and Hagen are heading to Memphis to get more information about the murder of their fathers. Before they can really get started they are called back for a new case. Someone murdered a kickboxer and he may not be the only one. Chloe takes the lead by diving into the seedy underworld of kickboxing. As she goes undercover at the training gym, we get more insight into Chloe's personal world. It's not long before the team is deep into bitcoins, illegal gambling and assassins and of course murder victims.
Full of action and tense suspense, the ending is unexpected and will make readers impatient for the next book in Stella's series. If you enjoy a good thriller, I highly recommend this series. You will find it hard to say no to a book from Mary and Stacy.
I did receive an advance readers copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and freely given review. I am also eagerly waiting for the next installment.
April 3, 2023
Huuuuuge cliffhanger at the end of this great thriller. I wanted to read faster than fan turning my pages lol. Stella and Hagen are again stopped from going after their dads killer, by another murder. It looks as an easy case, but behold! What comes next is beyond teams understanding. Chloe goes undercover, Stella goes after every single sign of the motif or suspect. Murders multiply and so do suspects. Mary and Stella wrote again a unique plot from the kickboxing world and twisted the turned the story so well, you will not find the killer till the very end. Will Stella and Hagen finally talk to the one, who knows what happened to their fathers? This is so well written, all characters including sis are under big pressure. Get ready for another amazing thriller and loosing some sleep.
I believe I just finished another top book from Amazon rating. Don’t miss it. Thank you Mary and Stacy. Lida
I believe I just finished another top book from Amazon rating. Don’t miss it. Thank you Mary and Stacy. Lida
April 2, 2023
This is another great ARC read from Mary Stone. This time Stella and Hagen are on the verge of finding out who killed their fathers and why, but are interrupted by the murder of a Kickboxer. As the FBI unit dig into the death of this up and coming Kickboxer, more bodies start piling up. It seems that someone is paying assassins to kill kickboxer, then the assassins end up dead. As they dig in deeper they find several suspects who have the money and contacts to b behind the killings. After the case breaks, Hagen takes off without Stella to find more info on their fathers death. What he learns surprises him. What will he do with the information and when presented with being able to kill one of the people behind these deaths will he kill or decide to follow the Law?
April 4, 2023
I have really enjoyed Mary Stones Series, all of them. I feel so involved in each book she has written. I think you will enjoy each of her different series as well.
When FBI Agents, Stella and Hagen are on the verge of meeting with the man who may know more about their father(s) deaths they end up on a new case and chomp at the bit to get out and find the answer to their questions about their fathers.
The new case begins by focusing on the death of a boxer and quickly brings up other deaths that are similar. What is steamrolling these deaths? Is it corruption, drugs or what? An FBI agent is undercover in the case but will she find answers before it's too late for her!
I received this book as an ARC from the Author for an honest review.
When FBI Agents, Stella and Hagen are on the verge of meeting with the man who may know more about their father(s) deaths they end up on a new case and chomp at the bit to get out and find the answer to their questions about their fathers.
The new case begins by focusing on the death of a boxer and quickly brings up other deaths that are similar. What is steamrolling these deaths? Is it corruption, drugs or what? An FBI agent is undercover in the case but will she find answers before it's too late for her!
I received this book as an ARC from the Author for an honest review.
April 6, 2023
Stella Knox and Hagan Yates are FBI agents who are searching for who killed their fathers but their FBI cases keep getting in the way. We go into the book knowing that Stella no longer trusts Hagen and fears they do not want the same outcome to their investigation. They are assigned a new case that takes place in the world of kickboxing. It was an interesting mystery. I enjoyed the more in depth look at some of the characters. The conclusion to the case was satisfying. There is a cliffhanger related to Stella and Hagan personal investigation. I would recommend this book to those who have read the other books in the series. I think it would be hard to jump in at this point.
April 3, 2023
In this 8th installment of the Stella Knox series Stella teams up with Anders and the rest of the team to look into murders of fighters in an underground illegal fighting ring. Not only are the fights illegal but so is the betting that goes hand and hand with it. Chloe, one of their own, goes undercover as a fighter, putting her at risk. As murders look a lot like professional hits but when some of the hitmen end up dead the race is on to see who is behind all of it. A good story but not as face paced as a lot of her others. I recommend this novel.
April 3, 2023
When a young fighter is gunned down on the massage table, the agents go to work. They are zeroing in on a prime suspect but when hired killer after hired killer is gunned down the picture becomes more muddled. In the meantime, Hagan has almost gone over the edge. Stella is in a race now to solve the crime and beat Hagan to the prime suspect in the murder of both their fathers! This is a fast paced and roller coaster ride. You'll like the twists and turns and finding out who the real killer is. And, what an ending! Love this series and the characters.
April 8, 2023
Killer Knockout(Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 8)
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! This book was truly amazing and exciting, I couldn't put it down. I hope that Stella and Hagen sweep their houses for bugs because they were both being watched. I hope that the billionaire also spends the rest of his life in maximum security prison, because he deserves it. I hope that Hagen doesn't get into more trouble, because he couldn't save the old man and I hope that Stella can forgive him and learn to trust him again. I can't wait for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! This book was truly amazing and exciting, I couldn't put it down. I hope that Stella and Hagen sweep their houses for bugs because they were both being watched. I hope that the billionaire also spends the rest of his life in maximum security prison, because he deserves it. I hope that Hagen doesn't get into more trouble, because he couldn't save the old man and I hope that Stella can forgive him and learn to trust him again. I can't wait for the next book.
April 9, 2023
Each book gets better and each cliffhanger leaves me more tense! Chloe has a rough go of it in this story, but I loved how it showed us more of her character and more of Anders character. Stella has some concerns about Hagen and starts to share them with Mac. Hagen is more determined then ever for revenge and closure, but that ending has it all up in the air! My head…the questions…what will the FBI think? What will Stella believe? what does this mean for Sis? For Stella? Who did the informant call? Easy to say I enjoyed this read and can’t wait for the next one!
March 30, 2023
I just love Mary Stone’s books; this one did not disappoint.
Stella Knox & her team are on another murder/conspiracy hunt & this one is a bit complicated but you know they will figure it out.
Meanwhile, Stella & fellow team member Hagen Yates are still trying to find out who is responsible for the deaths of their fathers. A huge insight into that answer is revealed at the end of this case. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
Stella Knox & her team are on another murder/conspiracy hunt & this one is a bit complicated but you know they will figure it out.
Meanwhile, Stella & fellow team member Hagen Yates are still trying to find out who is responsible for the deaths of their fathers. A huge insight into that answer is revealed at the end of this case. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
April 3, 2023
Another great book in the Stella Knox series. As Stella & her partner, Hagan, start to hunt down their father’s killers, they are pulled into another case. One of their team, Chloe, goes undercover to infiltrate the killers of assassins in a gambling ring. Each murder keeps you wondering who is behind the scheme. The ending leaves you with an unexpected twist, waiting for the next book in this wonderful series.
April 3, 2023
Wow, I am just reading and reading and then slam bam the story ends!
Killer Knockout was a definite “knock it out of the park” for authors Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. I was holding my breath when Chloe was kickboxing in the ring. The writing was intense and I felt every blow that Chloe and her opponent received.
This intricate story interweaves with the mystery of who killed Stella and Hagen’s fathers.
So much more to uncover! Cannot wait!!
Killer Knockout was a definite “knock it out of the park” for authors Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. I was holding my breath when Chloe was kickboxing in the ring. The writing was intense and I felt every blow that Chloe and her opponent received.
This intricate story interweaves with the mystery of who killed Stella and Hagen’s fathers.
So much more to uncover! Cannot wait!!
April 8, 2023
Knockout Killer was a well written, page turner written by
Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. Stella and Hagen are hunting the killers of Kickboxers while looking for both of their Father’s. The story was a page turner and had lots of interesting twists and turns that keeps you interested. Then it ends with a Cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the rest of the story. 🤔
I received a arc copy of this book for my honest review.
Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. Stella and Hagen are hunting the killers of Kickboxers while looking for both of their Father’s. The story was a page turner and had lots of interesting twists and turns that keeps you interested. Then it ends with a Cliffhanger that leaves you wanting the rest of the story. 🤔
I received a arc copy of this book for my honest review.
September 28, 2023
Boxing
I'm not a fan of the boxing world so although Mary Stone writes a very easy to read stay almost on the edge of your seat FBI mystery I wasn't crazy about the venue for this book however I enjoy her books very much and will continue to read this series to the end. I hope there is more to the intriguing mystery to Hagan and Stella finding who killed their dads as it seemed too easy for Hagan to of learned the truth towards the end of the last chapter.
I'm not a fan of the boxing world so although Mary Stone writes a very easy to read stay almost on the edge of your seat FBI mystery I wasn't crazy about the venue for this book however I enjoy her books very much and will continue to read this series to the end. I hope there is more to the intriguing mystery to Hagan and Stella finding who killed their dads as it seemed too easy for Hagan to of learned the truth towards the end of the last chapter.
April 2, 2023
Another Stella Knox winner. Mary and Stacy never disappoint. Stella and the gang are back learning about the kickboxing world since murders have been committed. This book had lots of twists and turns. Wow, what an edge of your seat ending. I definitely cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
April 9, 2023
Yikes!
Some questions are answered, but others are still in limbo.
The main focus of this installment involves murders that seem random, and geographically unrelated, except that some of the homicide victims are involved in underground mixed martial arts.
Stunning, shocking end to this chapter in the Stella Knox saga.
Some questions are answered, but others are still in limbo.
The main focus of this installment involves murders that seem random, and geographically unrelated, except that some of the homicide victims are involved in underground mixed martial arts.
Stunning, shocking end to this chapter in the Stella Knox saga.
April 14, 2023
So this was such an interesting plot, with all my reading I have never encountered a plot centred around kickboxing - it really worked and bringing in the other characters to the fore was great.
As always the ending was brilliant - kept you impatient for the next one.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
As always the ending was brilliant - kept you impatient for the next one.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
June 2, 2023
Started slow but picked up
The only reason I stuck with this book was because all the others in the series were amazing. I was already a third into the book before it caught hold and I finally finished. Maybe it was too many names of different people or possibly just not being interested in mixed martial arts. In the end, though it was an okay read.
The only reason I stuck with this book was because all the others in the series were amazing. I was already a third into the book before it caught hold and I finally finished. Maybe it was too many names of different people or possibly just not being interested in mixed martial arts. In the end, though it was an okay read.
June 30, 2023
Getting closer to the murder of Know's father but again delay by another case. Hagen goes off on his own and things go wrong. This is a great series and still binging on it, can't stop reading to find out what happens next. Looks like book 9 is the end of this series, so hopefully all will be wound up and loose ends tied up.
July 21, 2023
Action and suspense.
There was an interesting story line. It had lots of twists with the team investigating the murders among the kickboxing fighters. Two members of the team are being stalked by the people responsible for the killing of their fathers. It all climaxed as Stella and Hagen confronted someone who led them closer to the names of the people they seeked.
There was an interesting story line. It had lots of twists with the team investigating the murders among the kickboxing fighters. Two members of the team are being stalked by the people responsible for the killing of their fathers. It all climaxed as Stella and Hagen confronted someone who led them closer to the names of the people they seeked.
September 27, 2023
Slow...until the end
I had a hard time staying engaged through most of this novel. Maybe because I'm not interested in kickboxing? Or maybe I just didn't find the theme - throwing fights to win bets; paying assassins to cover this up - very compelling. But near the end, as Stella and Haden close in on their fathers' killer, got very exciting.
I had a hard time staying engaged through most of this novel. Maybe because I'm not interested in kickboxing? Or maybe I just didn't find the theme - throwing fights to win bets; paying assassins to cover this up - very compelling. But near the end, as Stella and Haden close in on their fathers' killer, got very exciting.
January 17, 2024
too much female “testosterone “
I think this is the last of the Stella books for now. I’m tired of the weak men and super power women. Definitely fantasy.
To be fair, Mary Stone does give an interesting read. This was a nice departure from the “kidnapping and find” from other murder mysteries.
I think this is the last of the Stella books for now. I’m tired of the weak men and super power women. Definitely fantasy.
To be fair, Mary Stone does give an interesting read. This was a nice departure from the “kidnapping and find” from other murder mysteries.
February 26, 2024
A deadly bout!!!
It's all starting to gel!! Couldn't read this book fast enough. Finally getting some answers to who killed Stella and Hagan's fathers. The FBI's case had a lot of action and the story kept moving fast. It will be interesting to see what happens next. I really enjoyed this syory!!
It's all starting to gel!! Couldn't read this book fast enough. Finally getting some answers to who killed Stella and Hagan's fathers. The FBI's case had a lot of action and the story kept moving fast. It will be interesting to see what happens next. I really enjoyed this syory!!
April 2, 2023
Another spell binding, edge of the seat suspense book in the life of FBI Agent Stella Knox. Two separate cases intertwined that finally leads to the one person she hopes will have the answers. But, will she get them?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews