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Dead Cold Mystery #14
Trick or Treat
Sue Benedict wasn’t giving out treats, so she got the trick. It was a hell of a trick. She was raped and murdered in her apartment after attending a Halloween party with a bunch of art students. The killer did not use a condom or gloves, the CSI team got a perfect DNA profile and two perfect thumbprints from her throat, a witness saw her admit the killer to her apartment at two-thirty AM that night. It should have been a slam dunk.
The only problem was, the DNA profile and the thumb prints didn’t match anyone on CODIS or IAFIS, or anyone at the party. The killer, who made no effort to hide his identity, had vanished without a trace – just like the one witness who might actually have known what happened that night. And twelve years later the case is as cold as Sue Benedict, and the icy December wind coming in off the East River.
So cold in fact that Detective Dehan of the NYPD thinks this may be the one case she and her partner, Detective Stone, will never crack.
A hell of a trick.
The only problem was, the DNA profile and the thumb prints didn’t match anyone on CODIS or IAFIS, or anyone at the party. The killer, who made no effort to hide his identity, had vanished without a trace – just like the one witness who might actually have known what happened that night. And twelve years later the case is as cold as Sue Benedict, and the icy December wind coming in off the East River.
So cold in fact that Detective Dehan of the NYPD thinks this may be the one case she and her partner, Detective Stone, will never crack.
A hell of a trick.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
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190 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
153 books399 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 42 reviews
June 29, 2020
Oh dear - I need to slow down. I am reading these books faster than Blake Banner is writing them. That takes some doing because he is a prolific writer.
This was another great contribution to the series. Guessing who dunnit was complicated by some very unusual events and I was definitely confused. This was a clever story, very well told, and I enjoyed it enormously.
Just keep on writing Mr Banner. You are a genius!
This was another great contribution to the series. Guessing who dunnit was complicated by some very unusual events and I was definitely confused. This was a clever story, very well told, and I enjoyed it enormously.
Just keep on writing Mr Banner. You are a genius!
February 21, 2019
This writer is self published. He creates great mysteries as his detectives solve cold cases. Wonderful plots. The plots are what drew into the series. The problem is the author needs a good editor! Sentences can ramble on for fifty words with a half dozen commas. Other times a random descriptive sentence occurs that has nothing to do with what is going on and adds nothing to the story. Words are misspelled. I have read several books in the series. As I said the stories are great but need for an editor is just getting too distracting. He publishes every couple of months. I think he should slow down and get an editor.
November 7, 2021
Very good mystery, again solved by Stone.
Mr Banner, do you have a problem with women in authority? Geesh, give Dehan the time of day.
How about using spellcheck and hiring an editor? Oh, drop the British slang, too, this is not an Agatha Christie novel.
Mr Banner, do you have a problem with women in authority? Geesh, give Dehan the time of day.
How about using spellcheck and hiring an editor? Oh, drop the British slang, too, this is not an Agatha Christie novel.
January 15, 2019
Always 5 star for this series
The cover has me perplexed, as I don't see how it relates to this story. But as usual, Carmen and John find a cold case they just can't resist. I won't recap since the book blub covers it all.
Although it's a series that keeps developing its characters and over past books has revealed a lot about them, it can be read as a stand alone. These books are really mysteries (and darn good ones) not romances even tho the mc's are now married. Mr. Banner doesn't write PDA, but jeez, a little PDA when we see them at home wouldn't kill him.
Carmen and John work good together, they peel back the facts bit by bit, keeping us on the edge of our seats thru out. Carmen must be madly in love with John because he has a couple bad habits she endures without going off on him. He gets ideas and puts the puzzle together and keeps his thoughts on it from her. This time she called him on it, but that's who he is. While he's putting his ducks in a row new murder happens. If he could share a little more and let his partner in on EVERYTHING, some of this might be averted.
All in all if you like a twisty murder mystery, badass detectives that like good food, good drink and drive a cool car, this is it.
And as usual, I was proud of myself to figure out one small piece of the puzzle, but I'll keep my day job. Good read, time well spent.
The cover has me perplexed, as I don't see how it relates to this story. But as usual, Carmen and John find a cold case they just can't resist. I won't recap since the book blub covers it all.
Although it's a series that keeps developing its characters and over past books has revealed a lot about them, it can be read as a stand alone. These books are really mysteries (and darn good ones) not romances even tho the mc's are now married. Mr. Banner doesn't write PDA, but jeez, a little PDA when we see them at home wouldn't kill him.
Carmen and John work good together, they peel back the facts bit by bit, keeping us on the edge of our seats thru out. Carmen must be madly in love with John because he has a couple bad habits she endures without going off on him. He gets ideas and puts the puzzle together and keeps his thoughts on it from her. This time she called him on it, but that's who he is. While he's putting his ducks in a row new murder happens. If he could share a little more and let his partner in on EVERYTHING, some of this might be averted.
All in all if you like a twisty murder mystery, badass detectives that like good food, good drink and drive a cool car, this is it.
And as usual, I was proud of myself to figure out one small piece of the puzzle, but I'll keep my day job. Good read, time well spent.
May 28, 2022
Balke did it again in this book. We follow the case as so the detectives and come to a conclusion or some kind of end result and in the end it will be a slap to your face kind of truth that reveals itself. The most amazing book and this will be the first book I have ever read that had this kind of ending.
Saying this I am kind of starting to get irritated at Detective Stone for the way he conducts his business. If he is alone without partner he may do things in his way. He is having a partner who is also his wife, and he has to share things which will be good for his professional as well as personal life. I get that in order to give that wow effect or that shock to the readers while reading this book you have to not reveal everything to the readers but you can make it as both the characters know what is going on so that way Dehan will always not feel inferior when compared to his partner Stone.
Saying this I am kind of starting to get irritated at Detective Stone for the way he conducts his business. If he is alone without partner he may do things in his way. He is having a partner who is also his wife, and he has to share things which will be good for his professional as well as personal life. I get that in order to give that wow effect or that shock to the readers while reading this book you have to not reveal everything to the readers but you can make it as both the characters know what is going on so that way Dehan will always not feel inferior when compared to his partner Stone.
December 30, 2019
Truck or Treat. Blake Banner
A gruesome rape and murder following a party on Halloween. The case goes cold. Cold case detectives Dehan and Stone decide to reopen the case. Two of the initial suspects are murdered during their investigation. Their third suspect who left New York shortly after the first murder, committed suicide. Actually not long after the first murder, another step backwards in their investigation. Or, was his suicide staged? The body was never recovered due to its location and inability to recover. Another classic whodunit. Another excellent read!
A gruesome rape and murder following a party on Halloween. The case goes cold. Cold case detectives Dehan and Stone decide to reopen the case. Two of the initial suspects are murdered during their investigation. Their third suspect who left New York shortly after the first murder, committed suicide. Actually not long after the first murder, another step backwards in their investigation. Or, was his suicide staged? The body was never recovered due to its location and inability to recover. Another classic whodunit. Another excellent read!
January 21, 2019
Tricked Until the Very End
I love the way Stone and Dehan work together. This was a very complicated case. I did not have it figured out until the end and then I still didn't understand it. Thankfully, Stone explains it all! Blake Banner has a great mind and knows how to relate a story!
I love the way Stone and Dehan work together. This was a very complicated case. I did not have it figured out until the end and then I still didn't understand it. Thankfully, Stone explains it all! Blake Banner has a great mind and knows how to relate a story!
May 21, 2023
The best yet!
If you're a fan of Stone and Dehan, you have to read Trick or Treat. It is the ultimate fusing of their investigative responses. If you are looking for a new author, this is not the place to start. The series should be read in order and this is too far along to play catch up.
If you're a fan of Stone and Dehan, you have to read Trick or Treat. It is the ultimate fusing of their investigative responses. If you are looking for a new author, this is not the place to start. The series should be read in order and this is too far along to play catch up.
October 28, 2021
Dead cold in NYC
Stone and Dehan started working on a cold case like usually. In the end not only did they have the original murder victim but 4 more murders. Case solved. Good story with usual good twist. I miss the original personality that Dehan had. She has become to soft. On to the next case.
Stone and Dehan started working on a cold case like usually. In the end not only did they have the original murder victim but 4 more murders. Case solved. Good story with usual good twist. I miss the original personality that Dehan had. She has become to soft. On to the next case.
September 22, 2022
I had to search for the word twist.
Really, I had to look in the dictionary for all the meanings of the word twist.
I rarely fail to discover the murderer in a mistery novel.
This one got me completely surprised, hence my need to look for synonyms of twist. And also for turn.
I won't say anything more.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
Really, I had to look in the dictionary for all the meanings of the word twist.
I rarely fail to discover the murderer in a mistery novel.
This one got me completely surprised, hence my need to look for synonyms of twist. And also for turn.
I won't say anything more.
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
November 5, 2022
Another Interesting Cold Case
I always like these stories and how the two main characters work their way from cold file to solution. However, it is always Stone who solves the cases while he talks down his nose to his partner, and wife, Dehan. I’m surprised she doesn’t just punch his lights out for being so darn arrogant!
I always like these stories and how the two main characters work their way from cold file to solution. However, it is always Stone who solves the cases while he talks down his nose to his partner, and wife, Dehan. I’m surprised she doesn’t just punch his lights out for being so darn arrogant!
August 4, 2020
Another really good one!!!!!!
I started with the first and have read everyone in between this series gets better and better!!! I don't believe it's one writer tho if you notice they never have shown a picture of the author.Great writing can't put the book down until I'm finished
I started with the first and have read everyone in between this series gets better and better!!! I don't believe it's one writer tho if you notice they never have shown a picture of the author.Great writing can't put the book down until I'm finished
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August 11, 2020Okay, Okay this was a plot twister. Good read, I love the fact of how the author always point out where they rest their ass against something. The dialogue is getting old, just a bit. I think I will take a break for a while, but I will be back.
April 23, 2021
Another good one. I couldn't figure it out, always try but this time I was unsuccessful. Interesting twists. Already downloaded the next in the series. These are all good mysteries and will be going to the very last one!
June 6, 2021
I just love Stone and Dehan I could read these all day. I'm up to book 15. These stories are so good. I love the relationship between Stone and Dehan. Love Frank and Bernie. I love the twist and turns of the story. Keep up the great work Blake. Awesome!
January 19, 2019
Well written story flow. Easy read. Love the epilogue, as this was pretty complicated psychologically.
February 2, 2019
Trick or Treat
As always, an extremely entertaining read! Blake Banner never fails to totally surprise you with the ending! Looking forward to the next one!
As always, an extremely entertaining read! Blake Banner never fails to totally surprise you with the ending! Looking forward to the next one!
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.
August 20, 2020
Good as ever
These books are always intriguing and deformed you on the edge of your seat. This one has a real my unexpected twist.
These books are always intriguing and deformed you on the edge of your seat. This one has a real my unexpected twist.
December 16, 2020
Awesome
A must read. This is s series that you will not be able to.put down,! It is a fast read.
A must read. This is s series that you will not be able to.put down,! It is a fast read.
May 3, 2021
Great Mystery... loved the story line. Ready for another... !!
February 19, 2022
Love this series.
May 15, 2022
Great plot twist! Enjoy!
September 14, 2022
Great plot!
Another great thriller! Always a strong mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you wanting to find out who did it.
Another great thriller! Always a strong mystery with plenty of twists and turns to keep you wanting to find out who did it.
January 24, 2023
Such a good ending....
March 22, 2023
Definitely DID NOT see that coming! Wow! What an ending! Great reading as always!!🧡🧡
April 26, 2023
Interesting twisty turny read but the formula needs altering
I have to start by saying now that Stone and Dehan are married I think if I were Dehan I would murder him in his sleep! It was bad enough he didn’t tell her what he was thinking when they were partners but now as a married couple and partners it is bordering on unbelievable. I realize the author wants to keep the formula going but I think he needs to find a way around this because it is starting to make Stone unlikeable and their marriage and partnership unrealistic.
In this book a 12 year old murder is on one hand easily solved and on the other hand impossible to solve. They have a perfect DNA sample and fingerprints but no person matching the profile.
I figured out the who, the how, and the why pretty early on and am surprised Dehan never caught on. It seems pretty obvious to me. It didn’t ruin the book as the path to the denouement was intriguing. However I’m surprised Stone didn’t take more decisive action sooner and I do think he’s partially responsible for what happens in the crisis moment. That element is not really addressed and I think it should have been. And it once again ties in to his keeping everything close to the vest and keeping his partner out of the loop. The ending here is once again devoid of follow up which always bugs me and especially in this case as the ending seems to come from left field.
I hope the author finds a better way to deal with his formula because I don’t think I can continue reading if future books are going to continue to play out this way. Based on the way Dehan’s character has been developed there is no way she would stand for this.
I have to start by saying now that Stone and Dehan are married I think if I were Dehan I would murder him in his sleep! It was bad enough he didn’t tell her what he was thinking when they were partners but now as a married couple and partners it is bordering on unbelievable. I realize the author wants to keep the formula going but I think he needs to find a way around this because it is starting to make Stone unlikeable and their marriage and partnership unrealistic.
In this book a 12 year old murder is on one hand easily solved and on the other hand impossible to solve. They have a perfect DNA sample and fingerprints but no person matching the profile.
I figured out the who, the how, and the why pretty early on and am surprised Dehan never caught on. It seems pretty obvious to me. It didn’t ruin the book as the path to the denouement was intriguing. However I’m surprised Stone didn’t take more decisive action sooner and I do think he’s partially responsible for what happens in the crisis moment. That element is not really addressed and I think it should have been. And it once again ties in to his keeping everything close to the vest and keeping his partner out of the loop. The ending here is once again devoid of follow up which always bugs me and especially in this case as the ending seems to come from left field.
I hope the author finds a better way to deal with his formula because I don’t think I can continue reading if future books are going to continue to play out this way. Based on the way Dehan’s character has been developed there is no way she would stand for this.
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June 9, 2021I'm a little deflated about this book.
Stone need to stop leaving Dehan out of the loop and it's becoming less do the Stone and Dehan show and more of the Stone knows everything and likes the like light. This book and the last couple make it sound like Dehan isn't adding much value to the investigations and I don't like her as the hot sidekick with not much value to add. I hope this balances out in the next books.
Story line was ok, bit fantastic but hey it's crime fiction right? None of the characters were like able or believable though
Stone need to stop leaving Dehan out of the loop and it's becoming less do the Stone and Dehan show and more of the Stone knows everything and likes the like light. This book and the last couple make it sound like Dehan isn't adding much value to the investigations and I don't like her as the hot sidekick with not much value to add. I hope this balances out in the next books.
Story line was ok, bit fantastic but hey it's crime fiction right? None of the characters were like able or believable though
October 26, 2022
Another short novella in this series. What I liked: the interplay between Stone and Dehan (for the most part); the twisty plot; the neighbor, Bob. What I didn’t like: the condescending attitude Stone shows towards almost everyone; Stone’s lack of sharing with Dehan; the seeming incompetence of the Inspector; how much Stone owes to his FBI contact and the coroner; the veiled aspects of Cyril. Just an okay addition to the series.
May 21, 2019
I just love this series. It doesn't matter what I might be reading when a new one is published I want to put that on hold to get started on the new Dehan and Stone.
If you are already a fan you won't need me to say this is another good one and if you haven't read any yet then you are missing out on a good read so best get started........
If you are already a fan you won't need me to say this is another good one and if you haven't read any yet then you are missing out on a good read so best get started........
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews