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Stella Knox #9

Killer Fame

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It’s been an eventful twenty-four hours for FBI Special Agent Stella Knox. She’s saved her colleague from a murderer, rescued the same murderer, and watched the man who killed her father plummet to his death. Now, she’s not only tormented with questions about her father's murder, but new worries about her colleague and friend, Special Agent Hagen Yates, are plaguing her too.

What should she do?

A new case is a welcome distraction, so when two bodies are found, Stella dives into the investigation. The deaths are seemingly unrelated—one an apparent suicide, and the other a victim of robbery—except for a woman’s embroidered handkerchief found in victims’ pockets.

It could be nothing. Or it could be a serial killer’s calling card.

The truth is something far worse. And little does Stella know she’s playing right into the hands of a killer who’ll do anything for fame.

Intense and chilling, Killer Fame , the ninth book in the Stella Knox Series by bestselling author Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare, will leave you questioning the true cost of fame...and those inside the spotlight’s embrace.

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254 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2023

1126 people are currently reading
257 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

226 books2,158 followers
To 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.

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5 stars
2,457 (64%)
4 stars
1,010 (26%)
3 stars
273 (7%)
2 stars
32 (<1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon Bell tabbert.
571 reviews6 followers
June 27, 2023
Good book. I like Stella & Hagen, I want to keep reading just to see what happens with those two.
133 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
Stella Knox series are getting hotter, so is the relationship with Hagen, but the wrong way. The thrill of the search and investigation apices with the wants and needs of the fame is additive. I read this book in one sitting. What a joy to savor the Mary and Stacy’s latest unique plot. The famous cliffhanger is so far the biggest one. Ouch!!! What happened?!!! Thx Lida
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2023
Broken Trust and a Killer

Warning: if you have not read Killer Knockout this review will contain spoilers.

Stella Knox is still dealing with a cast on her arm and the shock of seeing Donald Monahon, the man who killed her father, fall to his death. Special Agent Hagen Yates had beat her to Monahon’s apartment and from her view it looked like Hagen let Monahon fall to his death. Hagen swears his hand slipped and he tried to save him. Hagen did learn from Monahon that Joel Ramirez is the one who ordered their fathers’ death. Stella is no longer sure she can trust Hagen. Will Hagen continue to strike out on his own? Will Stella be able to trust him?

Once back in Nashville, Stella along with Stacy, Mac, and Chloe go to the Big Mix a club which was playing country music. While there Stella dances with a gentleman by the name of Mark Hudson. They listen to a singer named Carli Arlotta. Carli sang a song that reminded Stella of her father. Along with Carli, they were introduced to Fay Rush and Eliza Kane. Carli Arlotta invites them to her home to discuss what she can do to support their work. Stella and Stacy look at the invitation as a public relations opportunity. What will happen?

The team is given a murder case and it turns out that the victim is the someone Stella met. Who is it? Now it appears the suicide of the young woman may have been murder because the same handkerchief was found at the scene of both victims. Stella and her team must now try to determine what they had in common.

Stella and Stacy decide to visit Carli Arlotta at her home. Once there Carli starts asking about the cases they have worked on. Both of them are getting a weird vibe from Carli and start to leave. Carli talks them into having one more drink. What happens to Stella and Stacy?

Killer Fame is full of drama, suspense, surprises and shock. Who will live and who will die? Will Stella ever be able to trust Hagen again? Will Hagen get his revenge? The ending was shocking. What in the world happened?

Highly recommend the Stella Knox series.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,323 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2023
KILLER FAME is the ninth 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. As usual Mary and Stacy have given us a story full of drama, suspense, surprises. 

With their last case just closed, Stella and Hagen are are not in agreement with how their father's murderer literally slipped out of Hagen's hands. No time to delve into it now, the team has another murder to investigate, the victim is someone Stella recognizes.  While waiting for more info on the three victims, Stella and Stacy accept an invitation to visit the home of one of the celebs they met during a recent girl's night out. This is where a sinister turn of twisted events may mean the end if the line for one or both of them.

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.

What could the unidentifiable, fiery yellow ball streaking across the Nashville sky mean for Stella and the FBI Team?

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.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,695 reviews122 followers
January 28, 2026
4 Stars

Killer Fame is the ninth book in the ‘Stella Knox’ Series by Mary Stone. I enjoyed binging this fast-paced blend of crime, mystery, and intrigue that hooked me from the get-go. We follow rookie cop-turned-FBI hopeful Stella Knox, and as I embarked, I discovered plenty of high-stakes investigations with a deeper personal quest - that of solving her father’s murder.
The author cleverly weaves sharp procedural detail, intriguing mystery, dramatic developments, and emotional factors. Each installment delivers a fresh case with clever twists, while the overarching mystery keeps us invested across the series.
Stella isn’t just chasing criminals; she’s navigating grief, trust issues, and the relentless pressure of proving herself in a male-dominated field.
If you enjoy strong, determined heroines, layered & intriguing mysteries, and edge-of-your-seat pacing, this is a binge-worthy series that will entice you to devour them all.
Happy Reading…
119 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2023
Is this the calm before the storm

A case closed, a new one starts. Stella and Hagen's relationship is strained after seeing the man who killed her father call to his death, and was it Hagen's fault. A lot of paperwork gives a lull in the office, till a new case comes to light. Two deaths in quick succession, are they connected? Stella puts all on effort into solving the case along with the rest of the team. But it's Stella and Stacey who come face to face with the killer. Drugged and taken to caves, can Stella and Stacey escape, and who will come to their rescue. If you have not read this series, please start at the beginning to see how all the characters in the team work together. Brilliant series
Profile Image for Dawn.
379 reviews2 followers
June 17, 2023
Killer Fame by Mary Stone is the next installation in the Stella Knox series and is not to be missed. Stella and Hagen continue to pursue who they think killed their fathers, but their methods are very different. Stella is beginning to question Hagen’s integrity and her trust in him continues to decline. Meanwhile multiple deaths occur and a possible “calling card, a handkerchief, is left at each scene”. A friend invites the FBI ladies to a nightclub to enjoy an evening of fun, but it eventually brings on much more. When two of their own disappear, the race is on to find them and the killer. I read this as an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,419 reviews8 followers
June 24, 2023
Picking up right after book eight we find Hagen and Stella facing some difficult discussions and perhaps consequences. Part of the search for justice has an answer, but more details emerge as to who Uncle Joe is and his role, creating more concern and confusion. For Ana Croce case the team has a killer who doesn’t seem to be picking people for a rhyme or reason. We know who the killer is and see their POV which is fascinating and disturbing. Stacy and Anders get more time in the story, as does Slade. Loved the balance of villain and FBI POV l. The ending has a cliffhanger that confused me, but I am certainly excited for the next story!!
1,161 reviews27 followers
June 16, 2023
This is an ARC read. This is another great read from Mary Stone. Stella and Hagen are at odds over finding their fathers killer. So a new case is the needed distraction. One is a believed suicide and the other is a definite murder. The two have a handkerchief in common. To add to the mix is a night out at a new club with singers, song writers, and other famous people. The murdered man was also at the club. Can there be a connection. Then Stella and Clare go missing. Can the team find them and the answers before its to late
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
140 reviews2 followers
June 16, 2023
Stella and her friends decide a trip to the Club will be fun and relaxing way to spend the evening. Bonus is there is live entertainment. One singer Carli, cozies up to the ladies and invite’s them to her home the next night. The next morning Stella gets a call that a body has been found…a new case for her. When she sees the body she is shocked to see that it is the guy she danced with the previous night. When it comes time to go to Carli’s only Stella and Stacy are able to attend. This get together takes a sinister turn and ends with a wild twist. Wow!
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
June 13, 2023
Things have not been going well for Stella and Hagen. Just when they have Monahan in their grasp, Monahan dies when he falls from the balcony and Hagen's grasp. But a new case keeps them from trying to find Joel Ramirez who is in the WITSEC. There are two bodies found dead, the only thing connecting them is a handkerchief. But that isn't the only thing, problem is Stella, and the team don't realize they are playing into the killer's hand. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Becky .
601 reviews16 followers
June 16, 2023
Stella and Hagen are back in an exciting new story. After Hagen lost control of his and Stella's fathers killer (per the last book), Hagen is arrested and Slade has to pull strings. Poor Stella still isn't sure whether the death was an accident or not. Now there are two new cases that are quite suspicious that need solving. This crew is always busy because crime never sleeps.
I like this series. I especially like Stella.
Strong characters and good stories worth reading.
379 reviews
June 16, 2023
Loving the new Stella Knox series. Mary Stone writes great murder mysteries. I get caught up in the story and excitedly waiting for the next book in the series.
Stella thinks her friend and coworker is a murderer. In trying to wrap her head around the murder or was it an accident of her father's murderer. She needed answers but a new case came up and she is busy with the case and little time to ponder her father's death.
I have enjoyed this series very much and I think you will too.
174 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2023
This book is the ninth book in the Stella Knox series by Mary Stone. Things are not going good for Hagen and Stella as the man who killed their fathers falls from a balcony an dies.

Meanwhile, they are assigned to a case where 2 people have died and a pink handkerchief is found on their bodies.

This book is full of suspense and mystery and will keep you engrossed from the first page to the last.
421 reviews4 followers
June 21, 2023
Killer Fame (Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 9)

OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not put this book down. Stella sure gets into some fine messes, who could have thought this the killer in this one could have been someone famous. Crazy and then I was left with a cliff hanger, I hope the next book is done soon, I think I am going to be counting down the minutes until I get the next one.
157 reviews
June 16, 2023
Already anxious to read the next book in this series. Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare have created killer after killer in this series that just blow my mind. Stella Knox and her FBI teammates have a tough case in Killer Fame.
The ingenious way the authors craft these stories bring vivid images to these pages.
Ah…the Cliffhanger…
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
468 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2023
Some fading stars are desperate to get back in the limelight. They seek inspiration in a lot of ways. Is killing someone an inspiration or it is just a big mistake? The smallest clues are what to watch for. And, the continuing story of Stella and Hagen has made progress. But, that ending will leave you wondering if everything is lost. Great read.
224 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2023
Another great book in the Stella Knox series. Stella sees Hagan, one of her FBI partners, let her Father’s killer drop from a balcony to his death & now has qualms as to his innocence. As she wonders, another case evolves to take her mind in another direction. Of course there are twists to this page turner. You won’t be disappointed in this book.
117 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2024
Creative Thinking

This was a first…you never know who will commit a crime. There’s not always a “type”. You never know the passion that drives them to murder one after another producing a serial killer. The suspenseful moments take place in a cavern. Interesting setting but solid. I pictured the movie set this could be filmed on. Great storytelling!!
272 reviews3 followers
March 14, 2025
It is really hard even the culprits are unpredictable!

Good read. A lot of work for Stacey and Stella but they do well together. It seems this team gets a lot of work with hardly any time to recover before the next case. It's tell kind of hard when you're really with a mentally challenged woman. They actually work it out.
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
236 reviews
June 13, 2023
Another fabulous read from Mart Stone & Stacy O’Hare. While Stella & Hagen disagree on how to find their father’s murderer(s), they’ll soon be embroiled in a very strange case. Things take a turn when Stella & Stacy are kidnapped by a country music legend. For what purpose?
747 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book about Stella and co-workers finding out who is killing people and Stella always getting in the thick of things and with help from her team. This book had much suspense and action. Thank you Mary and Stacy for a well written story.
180 reviews
June 16, 2023
Another great book by Mary Stone and Stacy O'Hare. The Stella Knox series does not disappoint and just keeps getting better with each installment. Killer Fame is a page turner with lots of twists. Cannot wait to see what happens next. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
277 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2023
Great book

This has the craziest plots, up and down suspense. Then the craziest characters in all of her books. Then a ending that you won't believe. Love Mary's books this series is great.
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
June 19, 2023
Who doesn’t love a mystery with a country music theme? I would describe this book as a page turner with lots of twists and turns. This is the 9th installment of the Stella Knox series and it doesn’t disappoint, in fact, the books in the series just keep getting better. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,636 reviews9 followers
June 28, 2023
Madness comes in all different forms, although frustrated creative artists are certainly among the less mentally stable folks!

Glitz and glamor end up in a dusty and dangerous natural cavern system….while the “Uncle Joel” story continues to unroll.
1,668 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2023
I thought this was the end of the series, but there is a cliff hanger at the end and another book coming. The plot was fresh and the characters are developing in different ways, growing more into a team. I can't wait to get the next book in this series.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,152 reviews4 followers
July 31, 2023
Killer Fame (Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 9) By: Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. What a crazy musician! Hagen is rushing to avenge his father killer and Stella is so disappointed. It was a great story and I cannot wait for the next book…
Profile Image for Sharon.
122 reviews
August 20, 2023
action

I love this series and the agents.
This story was disturbing The killer was not rational nor predictable.
Stella and Stacy were in deep danger.
I wont spoil the ending.
187 reviews
September 23, 2023
More please

I need to know more. More more more! I even had it check to make sure there was another book in the series for me to read before even writing this I had to and now I am moving forward to read it haha.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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