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Ellie Kline #13
Cold Crash
On a crash course with death.
Ellie Kline’s return to the world of crime investigation is heralded by two unexpected texts. The first bears unsettling news from her mother...a family friend has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. Was it an accident, suicide, or foul play?
Before Ellie can process this family tragedy, the second text arrives, jolting her back into professional mode. The Charleston Police Department, grappling with a case that could shake the city’s upper crust, lifts Ellie’s suspension but pairs her with a partner to investigate the case.
A lone ranger at heart, Ellie isn’t pleased.
But as a scion of a respected family, Ellie’s deep roots in Charleston’s elite circles make her the perfect choice to untangle the web surrounding one of their own’s tragic end. Embarking on a journey through the labyrinth of high society, Ellie’s search for the truth yields more questions than answers. Each interview leads to frustrating dead ends.
And more dead bodies.
With the line between ally and enemy blurring, Ellie’s quest for the truth turns into a race against a killer determined to keep the past buried.
A killer’s vendetta turns eerily personal in Cold Crash, the thirteenth book of Mary Stone’s best-selling Ellie Kline series, thrusting Ellie into a deadly game where skeletons don’t just lurk in closets—they lie in wait.
Ellie Kline’s return to the world of crime investigation is heralded by two unexpected texts. The first bears unsettling news from her mother...a family friend has been found dead under mysterious circumstances. Was it an accident, suicide, or foul play?
Before Ellie can process this family tragedy, the second text arrives, jolting her back into professional mode. The Charleston Police Department, grappling with a case that could shake the city’s upper crust, lifts Ellie’s suspension but pairs her with a partner to investigate the case.
A lone ranger at heart, Ellie isn’t pleased.
But as a scion of a respected family, Ellie’s deep roots in Charleston’s elite circles make her the perfect choice to untangle the web surrounding one of their own’s tragic end. Embarking on a journey through the labyrinth of high society, Ellie’s search for the truth yields more questions than answers. Each interview leads to frustrating dead ends.
And more dead bodies.
With the line between ally and enemy blurring, Ellie’s quest for the truth turns into a race against a killer determined to keep the past buried.
A killer’s vendetta turns eerily personal in Cold Crash, the thirteenth book of Mary Stone’s best-selling Ellie Kline series, thrusting Ellie into a deadly game where skeletons don’t just lurk in closets—they lie in wait.
- GenresThriller
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2024
681 people are currently reading
1669 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 48 reviews
January 4, 2024
Ellie is called back to solve the crime, the murder of the mom’s close friend. She hesitates, she is so busy with Bethany and wants to get better herself. But Stoddard needs her skills and ability to close cases fast and will not accept NO. And guess what. The woman assigns the partner to Ellie. What the heck.
Ellie decides to try and soon she is in above her head and consumed with anger and later fear for her family. Murders multiply and heat gets close to the Klein family.
The terrible background for the murderer’s reason turned my stomach. Mary and Dona do not shrink from social issues, mafia crimes, trafficking, all and above, to let readers know about the real world. Most of us are safe and not exposed to the awful shady world and we can only pray, that the world become better and we can only read fantastic thrillers like this one. Great job, I finished reading in one sitting. Another lost night lol. Thank you for bringing Ellie back.
Ellie decides to try and soon she is in above her head and consumed with anger and later fear for her family. Murders multiply and heat gets close to the Klein family.
The terrible background for the murderer’s reason turned my stomach. Mary and Dona do not shrink from social issues, mafia crimes, trafficking, all and above, to let readers know about the real world. Most of us are safe and not exposed to the awful shady world and we can only pray, that the world become better and we can only read fantastic thrillers like this one. Great job, I finished reading in one sitting. Another lost night lol. Thank you for bringing Ellie back.
April 5, 2025
Ellie is quicky thrust back into the world of crime when she is called back from her suspension to solve the murder of her mother's friend. A well known member of society who's family has a foundation is found dead at the gala's venue. She and her partner (she really prefers working alone but, this is a stipulation of her early return from suspension) set out to solve the murder. Though she is partnered with another detective, she frequently sets out on her own using her tie to the elite populus.
She meets with the victims daughter, Jackie who she knew from school to find out what their argument at the gala was about. While there she meets Jackie's boyfriend. He was also at the gala working for the catering company but said he left early. Then, after her meeting with Kira Long from the foundation she is found brutally murdered. Plus, her brother who was at the gala is suddenly taken ill and hospitalized in a medical coma shortly after meeting with her for lunch where he told her that he saw a heated argument between the victim and a man. This precludes her from questioning him further. When the medical examiner tells her that the victim was pregnant she must break this news to Jackie. Plus a finding of poisoning complicates the scenario. But, then she wonders if the same poison was used in an attempt to kill her brother. She shares the name of the drug with her mother and tells her to have the doctor's check for it. Amazingly, it's a match and suddenly the puzzle pieces begin to fit. Once her brother is able to identify the man in the argument, more puzzle pieces fall into place.
While solving the murder in a hostage situation a human trafficking ring is discovered that lead to the murders. Unfortunately, the perpetrator is killed by her partner during the altercation.
So who committed the murders??
She meets with the victims daughter, Jackie who she knew from school to find out what their argument at the gala was about. While there she meets Jackie's boyfriend. He was also at the gala working for the catering company but said he left early. Then, after her meeting with Kira Long from the foundation she is found brutally murdered. Plus, her brother who was at the gala is suddenly taken ill and hospitalized in a medical coma shortly after meeting with her for lunch where he told her that he saw a heated argument between the victim and a man. This precludes her from questioning him further. When the medical examiner tells her that the victim was pregnant she must break this news to Jackie. Plus a finding of poisoning complicates the scenario. But, then she wonders if the same poison was used in an attempt to kill her brother. She shares the name of the drug with her mother and tells her to have the doctor's check for it. Amazingly, it's a match and suddenly the puzzle pieces begin to fit. Once her brother is able to identify the man in the argument, more puzzle pieces fall into place.
While solving the murder in a hostage situation a human trafficking ring is discovered that lead to the murders. Unfortunately, the perpetrator is killed by her partner during the altercation.
So who committed the murders??
August 22, 2024
COLD CRASH is the thirteenth installment in the Ellie Kline Cold Case series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is another intense psychological thriller in this fast paced, thrilling series. The authors, Mary Stone and Donna Berdel, have done another amazing job capturing our attention in the first few pages of the book. I was hooked from the beginning.
A high society death has tabled Ellie Kline's suspension resulting from the Cupid Killer case, as long as she accepts a partner. The hostess of the Mayor's political fundraiser dinner is dead and happens to be a close friend of Ellie's mother. Now the big question: suicide or homicide? Thus starts an investigation were Ellie and her new partner can't seem to agree on what the clues mean. Is this how whole investigation going to go? How can Ellie follow procedures when she and her partner can't seem to agree on anything in this investigation?
This story and the entire series can be read as stand-alones, but I recommend reading the entire series, your chills will go so much deeper.
I did receive an advance readers copy from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
A high society death has tabled Ellie Kline's suspension resulting from the Cupid Killer case, as long as she accepts a partner. The hostess of the Mayor's political fundraiser dinner is dead and happens to be a close friend of Ellie's mother. Now the big question: suicide or homicide? Thus starts an investigation were Ellie and her new partner can't seem to agree on what the clues mean. Is this how whole investigation going to go? How can Ellie follow procedures when she and her partner can't seem to agree on anything in this investigation?
This story and the entire series can be read as stand-alones, but I recommend reading the entire series, your chills will go so much deeper.
I did receive an advance readers copy from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review.
January 3, 2024
Another great ARC read from Mary Stone. It is a book once you start you will not be able to put down. I read this in one day because it kept me going. Ellie is called back to duty after her suspension to deal with the case involving the death of a Society leader, who is also a friend of Ellie's mother. Ellie is saddled with a partner which slows her down some but she quickly dives into the case. Then another person dies practically in front of her. What ties these people together and as she tries to find the answer her brother is poisoned and another individual is violently killed. Now its a race to find the killer and find the answers/
January 11, 2024
I love Ellie's Story
Ellie has been suspended for going off the rolls to solve cases. Because of her ties to the eliete of Charleston, she has a in. The Lead Detective Stoddard has called Ellie in to talk. Now Ellie is concerned she will face more than suspension. The surprise is that she is to work the new murder case and with a partner. Is the partner to keep her from running off or to help her and how will Ellie work with a partner to tie her down?
I have enjoyed Mary Stones books and I love reading the mysteries in her series.
I honestly could not put the book down.
I think you will enjoy reading about Ellie, the new partner and the case.
Ellie has been suspended for going off the rolls to solve cases. Because of her ties to the eliete of Charleston, she has a in. The Lead Detective Stoddard has called Ellie in to talk. Now Ellie is concerned she will face more than suspension. The surprise is that she is to work the new murder case and with a partner. Is the partner to keep her from running off or to help her and how will Ellie work with a partner to tie her down?
I have enjoyed Mary Stones books and I love reading the mysteries in her series.
I honestly could not put the book down.
I think you will enjoy reading about Ellie, the new partner and the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2024
A wealthy fund raiser is found dead on the rocks below an uptown facility. First thought is suicide, but will the evidence confirm that? Due to Ellie’s family status, she is the perfect person to get thru the secrets of this case, so her suspension is lifted…with limitations. She agrees to work with Lancaster and follow all to be a team player. They start off rocky and it begins to look as though she might end up suspended again. After working by herself, having a parter is a struggle for her. This book is full of emotion and surprises..
January 10, 2024
Back to Work
Ellie Kline is still on suspension for her actions in her last case and she has been using the time off to get closer to Bethany. Ellie Kline’s mother informs her that a family friend has died under mysterious circumstances. She then gets a text from her boss at the Charleston Police Department requesting her present at the station. Ellie's suspension is lifted so she can work the case. This time out Ellie will not be on her own as she is assigned a partner. Who killed her mother’s friend? Why are members of the elite being killed? Who is Ellie’s partner? How many more people will die before Ellie can solve the case? Is her partner good or bad?
Ellie again gets involved working the case and Bethany is feeling the effects. Ellie and Clay are still in a relationship. Will Ellie be able to balance work and family life?
Cold Crash is full of suspense, surprises, drama and emotional turmoil. It will keep your interest until the end.
Ellie Kline is still on suspension for her actions in her last case and she has been using the time off to get closer to Bethany. Ellie Kline’s mother informs her that a family friend has died under mysterious circumstances. She then gets a text from her boss at the Charleston Police Department requesting her present at the station. Ellie's suspension is lifted so she can work the case. This time out Ellie will not be on her own as she is assigned a partner. Who killed her mother’s friend? Why are members of the elite being killed? Who is Ellie’s partner? How many more people will die before Ellie can solve the case? Is her partner good or bad?
Ellie again gets involved working the case and Bethany is feeling the effects. Ellie and Clay are still in a relationship. Will Ellie be able to balance work and family life?
Cold Crash is full of suspense, surprises, drama and emotional turmoil. It will keep your interest until the end.
January 20, 2024
Probably my last read in this series
These books are really getting old. A lot of stuff Ellie does in these books would get any normal detective fired and relieved of duties. She crosses the line so many times. I'm just really over her me attitude and trying to solve everything on her own. Also why wasn't the question asked as why her temporary partner killed that suspect in cold blood? Then on top of all that, you gotta wait a whole year for the next book. Just not worth the wait any longer.
These books are really getting old. A lot of stuff Ellie does in these books would get any normal detective fired and relieved of duties. She crosses the line so many times. I'm just really over her me attitude and trying to solve everything on her own. Also why wasn't the question asked as why her temporary partner killed that suspect in cold blood? Then on top of all that, you gotta wait a whole year for the next book. Just not worth the wait any longer.
January 29, 2024
Cold Crash(Ellie Kline Psychological Thriller Series Book 13)
This book was so very worth waiting for, I can't believe everything that went on. First, there was a murder, someone from the upper crust of society, then Charleston PD had to reinstate Detective Ellie Kline, then there was a second murder, and while Ellie and her new partner were working on, there is a third murder. So everything gets all jumbled up, but the good guys always win. I can't wait to read the next book.
This book was so very worth waiting for, I can't believe everything that went on. First, there was a murder, someone from the upper crust of society, then Charleston PD had to reinstate Detective Ellie Kline, then there was a second murder, and while Ellie and her new partner were working on, there is a third murder. So everything gets all jumbled up, but the good guys always win. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 21, 2024
if it says Mary Stone on the outside, there's delicious reading on the inside.
Books either written by Mary Stone or in corroboration with Mary Stone should be considered by all to be a safe bet for a good read. Mary Stone has a good handle on creating characters and tales to bait you, hook you, and slowly reel you in until you're dying to know how this ride can possibly end. If it says "Mary Stone" on the cover, turn the lights and the electric blanket up a little, snuggle up, and get ready to be intrigued.
Books either written by Mary Stone or in corroboration with Mary Stone should be considered by all to be a safe bet for a good read. Mary Stone has a good handle on creating characters and tales to bait you, hook you, and slowly reel you in until you're dying to know how this ride can possibly end. If it says "Mary Stone" on the cover, turn the lights and the electric blanket up a little, snuggle up, and get ready to be intrigued.
January 3, 2024
I was glad to see Elle get back to work. Unfortunately, there are restrictions for her to abide by to lift her suspension. The major problem the police have with this case is that it involves the 'elite' people, and they need Elle's status as such to try and find the answers. The victim is one of her mother's friends and so this case is personal for Elle. No one saw what was coming when the digging starts! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
January 4, 2024
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel’s combined talents have created a thrilling series featuring Detective Ellie Kline. Ellie is a fascinating character. She is fierce, loyal, loving, courageous and prefers to work alone! Coming back to the Charleston Police Department after a suspension she finds herself saddled with a partner. How will that play out with Detective Kline? Cold Crash is a fast paced, intriguing story. This is page turning magic, read, read, read type of book!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
January 6, 2024
Great
I've loved this series since the beginning. Ellie is now a detective that closes her homicide cases, while she is struggling to balance life with her foster daughter, boyfriend, friends and family. This case came close to Ellie's family her brother was at the scene of the crime and the victim was her moms close friend. Ellie has found more trafficking in Charleston and wonders who in the department may be corrupt.
I've loved this series since the beginning. Ellie is now a detective that closes her homicide cases, while she is struggling to balance life with her foster daughter, boyfriend, friends and family. This case came close to Ellie's family her brother was at the scene of the crime and the victim was her moms close friend. Ellie has found more trafficking in Charleston and wonders who in the department may be corrupt.
January 2, 2024
Ellie is called back to the station because a beloved socialite has been murdered. Her suspension is suspended, but she's given a new partner. Yeah, we all know how that's gonna work, don't we?
There are too many murders happening close to home, so she needs to figure this one out super quick.
I honestly do like the Ellie Kline series and this is another hit in my book.
There are too many murders happening close to home, so she needs to figure this one out super quick.
I honestly do like the Ellie Kline series and this is another hit in my book.
January 8, 2024
complications ensue as a prominent philanthropist dies
A family friend, the widow of a wealthy old-money patriarch, dies under mysterious circumstances at an event benefiting the family’s charity, being held at a remote venue above a fast-flowing waterway.
A reinstated Ellie is partnered with a seasoned partner, a bumpy road to the solution to three homicides.
A family friend, the widow of a wealthy old-money patriarch, dies under mysterious circumstances at an event benefiting the family’s charity, being held at a remote venue above a fast-flowing waterway.
A reinstated Ellie is partnered with a seasoned partner, a bumpy road to the solution to three homicides.
January 9, 2024
Ellie is still unlikeable and impossible to relate to but now she has a partner who she treats as a subordinate… the story line in terms of their relationship is lacking at best. Still not sure why Bethany is a character when she just gets pawned off onto other people or has promises continually broken. It’s getting harder to stay interested in this series.
February 8, 2024
Just because you're rich, that doesn't make you good!
A charity set up for homeless children by a very rich family leads to multiple murders. Who is murdering the family members and why? How can Ellie, A suspended detective, with a foster child solve the Gridley murders and give her daughter the life she deserves? The answer, keep on fighting for the truth!!
A charity set up for homeless children by a very rich family leads to multiple murders. Who is murdering the family members and why? How can Ellie, A suspended detective, with a foster child solve the Gridley murders and give her daughter the life she deserves? The answer, keep on fighting for the truth!!
October 6, 2024
Socialist Murdered?
Ellie is called back to work to solve the death of a socialist. Was it murder or something else? It was determined that it was murder. Two more murders happened and her brother had a drug given to him. It was interesting how they solved the crimes. How was it involved with trafficking?
Ellie is called back to work to solve the death of a socialist. Was it murder or something else? It was determined that it was murder. Two more murders happened and her brother had a drug given to him. It was interesting how they solved the crimes. How was it involved with trafficking?
December 30, 2023
Ellie is on suspension for not following rules. She is called back to work when one of her parents friends is murdered. She is trying to juggle motherhood, career and everything else. Can she figure out who is murdering and why?
January 3, 2024
A GREAT BOOK THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU ENGROSSED TILL THE LAST PAGE. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND BECOME YOUR FRIEND DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
January 6, 2024
Ellie has another case but this time her case overlaps a lot with her actual personal life and those in it. A friend of her mother's dies at a philanthropic event and it looks like murder. As the case unfolds, other's die and secrets are revealed. When her brother falls ill and seems to have been targeted, Ellie races to find who and what is behind everything. A really fast paced and fun novel!
January 4, 2024
Ellie Kline is from the "haves", the aristocracy of Charleston, but believes in her calling to be a police detective. Can she find a good balance to being a cop, a mother, and an FBI agent's girlfriend? This latest case has her questioning her priorities.
January 6, 2024
A compelling read
Many of us grew up poor and turned out okay. This story,though fictional touched a nerve about the foster system as some of it failings. Thank you Mary for this books effort to expose the dark side of the system.
Many of us grew up poor and turned out okay. This story,though fictional touched a nerve about the foster system as some of it failings. Thank you Mary for this books effort to expose the dark side of the system.
January 24, 2024
Good book!!!!
Ellie's suspension is lifted & she' back to work, but she has a partner! Someone has murdered her mothers best friend. Then the security for the benefit is murdered. Who 's next?
Ellie's suspension is lifted & she' back to work, but she has a partner! Someone has murdered her mothers best friend. Then the security for the benefit is murdered. Who 's next?
January 25, 2024
rogue detective
This detective should be suspended permanently. She does not know the meaning of being gracious. She only wants the limelight, not protecting like she claims. I find myself hoping she is wrong.
This detective should be suspended permanently. She does not know the meaning of being gracious. She only wants the limelight, not protecting like she claims. I find myself hoping she is wrong.
February 4, 2024
Cold Crash (Ellie Kline Psychological Thriller Series Book 13) By: Mary Stone. Ellie Kline is incredible in this story . The Elite are being targeted by a vengeful victim. However, this Lawrence Detective is hiding something! Ellie will surely find out what it is .. Great Series …..
March 19, 2024
Fantastic
I love this series and Ellie and her whole family and friends group. All the characters are so well written that it is hard not to get excited for every book. This series is a must read
I love this series and Ellie and her whole family and friends group. All the characters are so well written that it is hard not to get excited for every book. This series is a must read
December 30, 2023
An extremely good story that I couldn't put down. Action from start to finish, an edge of the seat page turner.
January 3, 2024
Ellie is still under suspension when she is called back into the police department. Her boss wants her to take on a new case involving the apparent murder of on of Charleston’s elite. The kicker is she has to have a partner. Can Ellie solve this crime while hamstrung with a partner or will she go line wolf again?
January 4, 2024
Well I did not see that twist coming. Very Interesting story line. Never guessed who it was. The signs were there. I should have. I hope we get more about the trafficking. Must read people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews