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Dead Cold Mystery #15
Blood Into Wine
The weather was freezing, but the case wasn’t cold, it was too hot. It looked open and shut: Dr Agnes Shine had shot Dr Jose Robles eight times with a Sig Sauer Tacops p226, while they were drinking Californian wine in her living room; then she’d disappeared. But Assistant DA Costas Varufakis didn’t like it and he was leaning on Deputy Inspector John Newman of the 43rd Precinct to have somebody look a bit deeper. That somebody was Detectives John Stone, and his partner Carmen Dehan.
And when they started to look, everything looked wrong: the motive was wrong, the weapon was wrong, the location was wrong – even Assistant DA Varufakis was wrong. But when they discover the nature of Robles’ relationship with Dr Alicia Cobos, and when the forensic team discover Robles’ deleted Telegram app, thing go from wrong to very, very dark.
Yet the two question on Stone’s mind are: Is it all smoke and mirrors? And where is Dr Agnes Shine?
And when they started to look, everything looked wrong: the motive was wrong, the weapon was wrong, the location was wrong – even Assistant DA Varufakis was wrong. But when they discover the nature of Robles’ relationship with Dr Alicia Cobos, and when the forensic team discover Robles’ deleted Telegram app, thing go from wrong to very, very dark.
Yet the two question on Stone’s mind are: Is it all smoke and mirrors? And where is Dr Agnes Shine?
229 pages, Kindle Edition
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About the author
Blake Banner
153 books400 followersUSA TODAY and Amazon #1 bestselling author of the OMEGA and DEAD COLD MYSTERY series. Learn more about Blake Banner at his website: www.blakebanner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 30, 2020
Seriously if you enjoy mysteries and crime you should be reading this series. Just pop along to Amazon and buy the first boxed set. It is a total bargain and so good!
Dehan and Stone make an excellent team and their dialogue is laugh aloud funny. She calls him Sensei and he calls her Little Grasshopper which should be corny but in context is not. Rather unusually he is the brain of the partnership and she is the one who regularly saves his life. It is all good fun.
In this fifteenth mystery things get very involved when they are asked to step in to a case which is not cold but because there is cause to think it has been closed wrongly. Even Stone gets confused by this one but of course he comes good eventually.
Excellent reading for pleasure and escapism. Love it:)
Dehan and Stone make an excellent team and their dialogue is laugh aloud funny. She calls him Sensei and he calls her Little Grasshopper which should be corny but in context is not. Rather unusually he is the brain of the partnership and she is the one who regularly saves his life. It is all good fun.
In this fifteenth mystery things get very involved when they are asked to step in to a case which is not cold but because there is cause to think it has been closed wrongly. Even Stone gets confused by this one but of course he comes good eventually.
Excellent reading for pleasure and escapism. Love it:)
July 1, 2019
Did she do it? It seemed like it. Where was she? And is all as it seems? Not when it comes to these mysteries! Another good addition to this series.
October 21, 2019
Overall, a solid police procedural with very likable protagonists
The books in this police procedural series always start off as a fun read, because I enjoy the synergistic energy shared by Detectives Stone and Dehan. This storyline is a bit different, because the detective duo are given an active murder case. As with earlier books, as this story progresses, the many twists and various subplots are interwoven, in an attempt to create a Gordian Knot.
This time around, Detective Stone seems to be more of a self-indulgent know-it-all by not sharing his theories with Dehan. Yes, he’s always been parsimonious with his thoughts, but here, he shares even less with Dehan. When he and Dehan talk about the case, I felt as though he could be addressing her as his Padawan. Plus, although I read Stone’s first person POV, I felt as though I wasn’t privy to a third—or more—of his thoughts about the case. What didn’t help: I wasn’t invested in any of the secondary characters.
Overall, a solid police procedural.
The books in this police procedural series always start off as a fun read, because I enjoy the synergistic energy shared by Detectives Stone and Dehan. This storyline is a bit different, because the detective duo are given an active murder case. As with earlier books, as this story progresses, the many twists and various subplots are interwoven, in an attempt to create a Gordian Knot.
This time around, Detective Stone seems to be more of a self-indulgent know-it-all by not sharing his theories with Dehan. Yes, he’s always been parsimonious with his thoughts, but here, he shares even less with Dehan. When he and Dehan talk about the case, I felt as though he could be addressing her as his Padawan. Plus, although I read Stone’s first person POV, I felt as though I wasn’t privy to a third—or more—of his thoughts about the case. What didn’t help: I wasn’t invested in any of the secondary characters.
Overall, a solid police procedural.
April 3, 2021
Unacceptible
In EVERY book in the series, Stone holds back his thoughts from his partner at work and in later ones
In EVERY book in the series, Stone holds back his thoughts from his partner at work and in later ones
June 5, 2023
Twisty turny mystery
Curious case for Stone and Dehan. I was intrigued and the story kept my attention. Once again it is irritating that Stone keeps withholding theories from Dehan who is not only his partner but his wife. This dynamic is just not realistic. It was a teeny bit less irritating here as he wasn’t quite as condescending.
However a new development here is how vocally conservative Dehan is. The sex role stereotyping just doesn’t work for me for a tough as nails cop. She’s a woman in a man’s world so I find it very tough to swallow that she would hang on to such notions. She works hard to become a detective but says she will just walk away to raise kids? Doesn’t track. I know some of that is my own biases but it’s still my reaction to the character.
There is a bit of cheating here as not all of the key information was available to the reader. A good mystery book reveals all the clues so the reader has a chance to solve it. Stone and Dehan had information that wasn’t shared with the reader.
Minor grievances and the series is still holding my interest so I’ll keep reading.
Curious case for Stone and Dehan. I was intrigued and the story kept my attention. Once again it is irritating that Stone keeps withholding theories from Dehan who is not only his partner but his wife. This dynamic is just not realistic. It was a teeny bit less irritating here as he wasn’t quite as condescending.
However a new development here is how vocally conservative Dehan is. The sex role stereotyping just doesn’t work for me for a tough as nails cop. She’s a woman in a man’s world so I find it very tough to swallow that she would hang on to such notions. She works hard to become a detective but says she will just walk away to raise kids? Doesn’t track. I know some of that is my own biases but it’s still my reaction to the character.
There is a bit of cheating here as not all of the key information was available to the reader. A good mystery book reveals all the clues so the reader has a chance to solve it. Stone and Dehan had information that wasn’t shared with the reader.
Minor grievances and the series is still holding my interest so I’ll keep reading.
October 30, 2025
★★★☆☆
I’ve really liked this series so far and after the last book, this one was a little bit disappointing. I was not a huge fan of it. I feel like the majority of the book, I was more confused than following what was going on. The case got more and more confusing. The first 50/60% were grabbing my attention and I was really wondering who killed Dr José Robles and where was Agnes Shine but then when all the other stuff started evolving and the fact that Agnes Shine and Dr Meigh were lovers but also the ones who plotted the whole thing, it lost me 😭
I will obviously still continue reading this series because I do enjoy it and of course some cases are better than others but I feel like this one was another one of my least favourites. Also, Stone and Dehan always having the criminals go after them and nearly having them killed is insane! 😅
But I’m curious to keep reading this series and Blake Banner’s books are very quick to read. I usually finish them in a day and a half to two days which is perfect ☺️
I’ve really liked this series so far and after the last book, this one was a little bit disappointing. I was not a huge fan of it. I feel like the majority of the book, I was more confused than following what was going on. The case got more and more confusing. The first 50/60% were grabbing my attention and I was really wondering who killed Dr José Robles and where was Agnes Shine but then when all the other stuff started evolving and the fact that Agnes Shine and Dr Meigh were lovers but also the ones who plotted the whole thing, it lost me 😭
I will obviously still continue reading this series because I do enjoy it and of course some cases are better than others but I feel like this one was another one of my least favourites. Also, Stone and Dehan always having the criminals go after them and nearly having them killed is insane! 😅
But I’m curious to keep reading this series and Blake Banner’s books are very quick to read. I usually finish them in a day and a half to two days which is perfect ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
Blood into Wine. Blake Banner
A scientist, is murdered. His lover is framed, the most likely suspect She cannot be found. The ADA wants the case further investigated. All the. clues, evidence points to the scorned lover. Cold case NYPD detectives Stone and Dehan a husband and wife team are. assigned the case after the initial handling detective wants it closed. Nothing is as it appears. No one appears to be telling the truth. This is a classic murder mystery. A throwback to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. A masterfully written mystery that leaves you clueless until the last page. Enjoyed immensely!
A scientist, is murdered. His lover is framed, the most likely suspect She cannot be found. The ADA wants the case further investigated. All the. clues, evidence points to the scorned lover. Cold case NYPD detectives Stone and Dehan a husband and wife team are. assigned the case after the initial handling detective wants it closed. Nothing is as it appears. No one appears to be telling the truth. This is a classic murder mystery. A throwback to Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. A masterfully written mystery that leaves you clueless until the last page. Enjoyed immensely!
June 30, 2023
Interesting book and good ending
I have to admit that I started this book and it ended on my DNF list. But I tried to give it one more try and I was not disappointed. This book has all the elements which are expected from stone and dehan. I was really surprised to see dehan on a role with her theories and stone accepting her theories. But like they always do in this series stone had figured out something and didn't share it with dehan. I would ask the author to change this alone. Other than that this series is wonderful.
I have to admit that I started this book and it ended on my DNF list. But I tried to give it one more try and I was not disappointed. This book has all the elements which are expected from stone and dehan. I was really surprised to see dehan on a role with her theories and stone accepting her theories. But like they always do in this series stone had figured out something and didn't share it with dehan. I would ask the author to change this alone. Other than that this series is wonderful.
May 8, 2024
Ok, ok, ok, it's getting so old, Detective. "I know %^&$ing everything!" I mean Stone. You are an ass. He cannot be right every time. Seriously, why do they even have a department? Stone knows or has an idea. No, wait, he doesn't have time to explain. Oh, and I'm sorry, Dehan almost breaks a perp's arm, and Stone's all like, "You can't do that." meanwhile, he's murdered the perp; he thinks, no, he knows for sure he killed his wife.
It was ok the first book, but come on it's the 15th in the series.
Ok I'm done I just had to get that off my chest.
It was ok the first book, but come on it's the 15th in the series.
Ok I'm done I just had to get that off my chest.
May 24, 2019
I thought I had read every book in this series but somehow I read book number 16 before this one! Just think I could have missed one. Fortunately disaster was averted as I found it.
What can I say but this is once again, an excellent read. How Blake Banner keeps writing such good books, every one with a different plot, always clever, amusing and keeps the reader guessing is amazing. Let's hope he keeps writing.
What can I say but this is once again, an excellent read. How Blake Banner keeps writing such good books, every one with a different plot, always clever, amusing and keeps the reader guessing is amazing. Let's hope he keeps writing.
November 2, 2022
If this plot was confusing to the detectives, it was equally confusing to the reader. What I liked: the physical dexterity of Dehan; how much more balanced the discoveries were between Stone and Dehan; the Christmas gift ending. What I didn’t like: the plot was absurdly convoluted without an appropriate payoff; the gay/lesbian minefield of awful assumptions and stereotypes; how the Inspector is still portrayed as incompetent. This novella was just so-so.
March 1, 2019
Have read all in the series. Mostly well done whodunnits with snappy dialogue and well-drawn characters. In the style, one must try to figure out who dunnit because John holds back his thinking even from his partner/wife, much to her chagrin. This one was one of the best with plenty of clues helping to figure out what was happening. Now I have to keep reading to find out if they have a child.
March 13, 2019
How I love Stone and Dehan
This series should be read in order. If you've read one you MUST read them all. Smart plot, realistic dialogue, badass characters. John needs a slap upside the head by his wife for always keeping something back, but she does have him eating out of her hand, so... Buy it, enjoy it and wait impatiently for the next book.
This series should be read in order. If you've read one you MUST read them all. Smart plot, realistic dialogue, badass characters. John needs a slap upside the head by his wife for always keeping something back, but she does have him eating out of her hand, so... Buy it, enjoy it and wait impatiently for the next book.
December 18, 2020
Outstanding! A Mystery Readers Mystery!!
As my title implies, most emphatically, this is an excellent mystery. A mystery where it’s difficult to determine when the next clue will be dropped.
I’ve now completed this the 15th, and so far the most convoluted book of the series.
Thank you Blake Banner for another fine read.
As my title implies, most emphatically, this is an excellent mystery. A mystery where it’s difficult to determine when the next clue will be dropped.
I’ve now completed this the 15th, and so far the most convoluted book of the series.
Thank you Blake Banner for another fine read.
June 14, 2021
Finally back to some Stone and Dehan gold. Good plot although still a little unresolved from a readers point of view. I wanted to see the culprits explanation to all this. Admit guilt that kind of thing. What happened to Costas? That type of thing.
Anyway it was good. More kickass Dehan and more open discussion and joint solving of the crime. I enjoyed this one
Anyway it was good. More kickass Dehan and more open discussion and joint solving of the crime. I enjoyed this one
November 24, 2021
A hot case
Well this story has it all- murder-betrayal - a cast of characters mixing it all up. It is not snout wine. These characters are unusual and twisted. Enjoyed it. Love the detectives as they solve the murder. Just wish Dehan was more rough and tumble like in the first books. Married life have soften them up a bit. Still good story.
Well this story has it all- murder-betrayal - a cast of characters mixing it all up. It is not snout wine. These characters are unusual and twisted. Enjoyed it. Love the detectives as they solve the murder. Just wish Dehan was more rough and tumble like in the first books. Married life have soften them up a bit. Still good story.
October 5, 2022
As always, superb!
I love these Dead Cold Mysteries.
I'm following them one by one in order, to make sure about the changes in plots, procedures and developments of the cases.
This one made me laugh with Stone's wit, and be perplexed until almost the last page.
I repeat: SUPERB!
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
I love these Dead Cold Mysteries.
I'm following them one by one in order, to make sure about the changes in plots, procedures and developments of the cases.
This one made me laugh with Stone's wit, and be perplexed until almost the last page.
I repeat: SUPERB!
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
August 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Blood Into Wine is the fifteenth book in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
Blood Into Wine is the fifteenth book in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
August 16, 2020
Intriguing mystery!
I have read the first 15 of the Dead Cold series and been impressed with Blake Banners writing and story telling! His books are hard to put down! Moving on to book 16!
I have read the first 15 of the Dead Cold series and been impressed with Blake Banners writing and story telling! His books are hard to put down! Moving on to book 16!
November 20, 2021
Blood into wine
Very confusing tale with continually changing feeling as to what might actually have happened. The logical conclusion was sensible and easy to see once you reached the end, but the convoluted way to get there gave doubts.
Very confusing tale with continually changing feeling as to what might actually have happened. The logical conclusion was sensible and easy to see once you reached the end, but the convoluted way to get there gave doubts.
October 13, 2024
Quite possibly my favorite of the series. This particular book felt very "Law & Order"-ish with the way the case played out, the twists, etc. Since I love Law & Order, that made this entry in the series particularly appealing to me.
February 26, 2019
Another great addition to the series. Book has some twists and turns but keeps your attention. The dialogue is as sharp as ever. I always look forward to the next book in this great series.
March 10, 2019
Dead Cold Mysterys- Blood Into Wine
The dead cold mysterys are tremendous!! This latest mystery is totally great!! I can hardly wait for the next offering!! GMR
The dead cold mysterys are tremendous!! This latest mystery is totally great!! I can hardly wait for the next offering!! GMR
March 11, 2019
Blake Banner
Well, he did it again! Blake Banner knows how to write and you do not figure out who it is. Very good story! I highly recommend!
Well, he did it again! Blake Banner knows how to write and you do not figure out who it is. Very good story! I highly recommend!
March 30, 2019
Quite the 'edge of seat' story
I liked the back and forth between Stone and Dehan. Trying to figure out the real killer really put my mind through some yeah's or nay's.
I liked the back and forth between Stone and Dehan. Trying to figure out the real killer really put my mind through some yeah's or nay's.
December 31, 2019
I am really enjoying these novels. so much so that i have read all 20 novels in this series. I'm now going to start reading the Omega series.
September 28, 2020
So engaging!
I loved it. This book has so many twists and turns in it. You couldn't tell what the truth was. It held to very end. So engaging!!
I loved it. This book has so many twists and turns in it. You couldn't tell what the truth was. It held to very end. So engaging!!
December 13, 2020
Story is like a maze
So many twists and turns in this novel. Lots of suspects . Who really murdered the professor? Was it his student or his good friend?
So many twists and turns in this novel. Lots of suspects . Who really murdered the professor? Was it his student or his good friend?
Read
February 1, 2021Good book, nice twist in plat at the end
May 12, 2021
Complicated
Lots of people being and doing what they shouldn't. To the very end I thought she was dead? Mr and Mrs Stone make a great team!
Lots of people being and doing what they shouldn't. To the very end I thought she was dead? Mr and Mrs Stone make a great team!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews