Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Thriller

by Abby Rice

An intriguing murder mystery-thriller set in coastal Georgia! Van-life nomad Zoe Nichols hoped to find her biological father in small-town Brunswick, Georgia. Instead, a murder the day she arrives catapults Zoe into a search for the killer – and on a mission to clear the teen who’s falsely accused. In a small town filled with secrets, can Zoe unravel the mystery and find the real killer – before she becomes the next victim?

This is the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van-Life series. A Southern mystery/thriller, it features a woman amateur sleuth and her African Grey animal sidekick. Van-life adventure, heart-pounding danger, and a splash of romance mix in this heady Southern mystery!

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

173 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2023

About the author

Hi, and welcome to my Abby Rice author page! Hope you'll check out my latest book, "Cold Comfort"!

Abby Rice is my pen name for fiction. I've written lots of other things (including history) under my real name, Karen Dustman.

For more on what I'm up to lately, visit www.AbbyRiceAuthor.com and sign up for my Reader List! (Think: free short stories in your in-box, freebies on new books, and of course news when the latest book comes out).

Also check out www.Clairitage.com -- where you can sign up for a free history newsletter!

I love connecting with readers, so feel free to reach out and say hi! I'm Abby@abbyriceauthor.com.

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zoe discovers where her biological father lives and goes to the small town where she encounters the teen suspected of the murder that took place the day of Zoe's arrival. Zoe takes it upon herself to help prove Austin's innocence and find the real killer before resuming her search for 'John'. This is a quick murder mystery read, character-driven, and follows Zoe's literal and metaphorical journeys.


I received a free copy and am leaving a review voluntarily.
Thank you to Hidden Gems Books and author.

[debmar50 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Series

I should have known it would be a series. I just pick books and read them, no research. Anyway good writing and characters. Very fast read SHE drives into town, finds a job, sweetheart and a hint. She helps solve a mystery and she's off on her next adventure. I will read more from this author.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thriller

I chose a five star rating for the author and book because it kept me wanting me to read until the end . I would recommend to family and friends.

[Jessie hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this!

I enjoyed this quick read very much. Nicely developed and relayed characters, great setting, and the Bird! Gotta love Atticus! Definitely the start of something good here.

[Mary Longo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's the sequel? Please tell me it's in the works!

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping story. The fast-paced narrative was balanced with rich character development, which quickly had the reader connecting with the characters. The mystery was well-developed, lined with realism as it captured both small-town life and the intricacies of murder investigations. The powerful imagery really brought this small Southern town to life, allowing readers to engage with the story fully.

The powerful, multi-tiered story and the rich themes surrounding justice really made this story what it was. The murder mystery took center stage, but still left enough breathing room for readers to engage in this personal mystery of Zoe’s father and who he is. The examination of the justice system and how young teens considered “at risk” are often forgotten or used as scapegoats for crimes, and the need to explore all options in an investigation is crucial to the truth.

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The infusion of small-town murder mystery, romance, and filled with shocking twists and turns, this story is a great opening chapter into this larger Zoe Nichols Van Life series.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stone Cold is a quick read , by Abby Rice who also writes as Karen Dustman . Zoe Nichols loves her life travelling in her van , and settles into Brunswick , Georgia , finding work as she begins her search for her biological father. On her deathbed her mother revealed her secret and although Zoe loved her Dad who had raised her, she felt the need to find her real father .
But a murder in a park near where she has parked her van sets off a chain of events and Zoe sets out to solve who the killer of the drug dealer is.
So a good read, fast paced, some likeable characters, and a touch of romance in this Southern Mystery thriller . Zoe's travelling companion Atticus is a treasure and I look forward to more of their antics in the Zoe Nichols Van life series .
Thoroughly recommend to anyone who enjoys a mystery tinged with some humour and I thank the author for a copy of the book to read and review

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Van-life nomad Zoe Nichols hoped to find her biological father in small-town Brunswick, Georgia. Instead, a murder the day she arrives catapults Zoe into a search for the killer – and on a mission to clear the teen who’s falsely accused. The book was ok, I couldn't get sucked in and I didn't feel any of the characters. I just didn't feel the grab that I needed. Zoe has a bird that she takes care of and she talks to a lot. Zoe bumbled her way through a lot and turned a lawyer around to see her point of view. It just felt disconnected to me. I received this book for free but I am giving my opinion freely with my own opinion.

[Skye Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Abby Rice novel. I read it in about two days. It was easy, funny, light yet suspenseful. It was not gory or too much on the crime but enough to keep you engaged. I will definitely read the next book in the series when it comes out. I am also going to read the other books by this author. I have been trying to get back to reading and this book did it. Thanks, sj

[Rebamom7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery

Comfottable? Get a nice tall glass of your favorite beverage and curl up in your favorite spot, because this book will be near impossible to put down. Zoe is spunky and fun. Atticus is a hoot. The mystery will keep you guessing. Ill be reading the next in the series.

[Karen Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

This is a good mystery. A who did it with several suspects. I didn’t even think the guilty person was it. Good story.

[Barbara Mcanally · Rating 4 out of 5]

more of a mystery than a thriller

I felt like the book was not complete. Zoe started out looking for her maternal father but was still looking when the book ended.