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Ellie Kline #14
Cold Theory
Dig up the past, and you might end up buried with it.
Charleston Police Detective Ellie Kline prefers to work alone, especially after her last partner killed a suspect just as he was about to reveal details of a sprawling human trafficking conspiracy infiltrating the city's elite. When Ellie is called to a new crime scene—featuring the corpse of a senator’s bodyguard—she plans to handle it alone.
Unfortunately, her new boss has other ideas. Once again saddled with the detective who derailed her previous case, Ellie investigates the murder of the ex-cop turned bodyguard, found shot at point-blank range with a chilling note pinned to his shirt: Just the beginning. Tell Senator Stevens to watch his back.
Is the senator truly the target, or is it a coverup for something far more sinister?
When another former cop from the same precinct dies under strange circumstances, the coincidences become impossible to ignore. Especially amidst rumors of bribes and corruption within the department that her partner refuses to take seriously.
Three things become starkly clear. Ellie can’t trust anyone. The victims harbored secrets worth killing for. And the killer will strike again unless she can stop him first.
The body count keeps rising in Cold Theory, the fourteenth book of Mary Stone’s bestselling Ellie Kline series. Because when you dig up the past, the skeletons might want you dead.
Charleston Police Detective Ellie Kline prefers to work alone, especially after her last partner killed a suspect just as he was about to reveal details of a sprawling human trafficking conspiracy infiltrating the city's elite. When Ellie is called to a new crime scene—featuring the corpse of a senator’s bodyguard—she plans to handle it alone.
Unfortunately, her new boss has other ideas. Once again saddled with the detective who derailed her previous case, Ellie investigates the murder of the ex-cop turned bodyguard, found shot at point-blank range with a chilling note pinned to his shirt: Just the beginning. Tell Senator Stevens to watch his back.
Is the senator truly the target, or is it a coverup for something far more sinister?
When another former cop from the same precinct dies under strange circumstances, the coincidences become impossible to ignore. Especially amidst rumors of bribes and corruption within the department that her partner refuses to take seriously.
Three things become starkly clear. Ellie can’t trust anyone. The victims harbored secrets worth killing for. And the killer will strike again unless she can stop him first.
The body count keeps rising in Cold Theory, the fourteenth book of Mary Stone’s bestselling Ellie Kline series. Because when you dig up the past, the skeletons might want you dead.
- GenresThriller
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2024
565 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,154 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 35 reviews
August 23, 2024
COLD THEORY is the fourteenth installment in the Ellie Kline Cold Case series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is another intense psychological thriller in this fast paced and thrilling series. The authors, Mary Stone and Donna Berdel, continue to do an amazing job capturing our attention in the first few pages of the book. I admit, I was hooked from the beginning.
A retired cop and bodyguard to a senator, is found murdered. Again, due to her societal connections, Ellie is on the case.and again she's partnered with Lancaster. Ever since he shot Chaven in their last case, she just can't help not trusting him. It doesn't take long to discover the murdered cop was rumored to have been corrupt before his early retirement.
Follow Ellie as she investigates a task force rumored to have been corrupt, tries to work around a cop she doesn't trust, finds one cop she finally trusts and solve a case that could open up more issues for the Charleston PD.
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 retired cop and bodyguard to a senator, is found murdered. Again, due to her societal connections, Ellie is on the case.and again she's partnered with Lancaster. Ever since he shot Chaven in their last case, she just can't help not trusting him. It doesn't take long to discover the murdered cop was rumored to have been corrupt before his early retirement.
Follow Ellie as she investigates a task force rumored to have been corrupt, tries to work around a cop she doesn't trust, finds one cop she finally trusts and solve a case that could open up more issues for the Charleston PD.
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 11, 2026
4 Stars
‘A determined detective haunted by her past, Ellie Kline investigates chilling cold cases while being stalked by the relentless killer who once shattered her life.’
Cold Theory is Book #14 in the ‘Ellie Kline’ Series by Mary Stone - where we follow Charleston PD detective Ellie Kline - a survivor of a teenage kidnapping. The series blends gritty police work with the haunting pull of Ellie’s unresolved trauma. Each book dives into chilling cold cases, but the real hook is Ellie herself: fiercely determined, deeply human, and constantly walking the razor’s edge between justice and obsession.
Ms. Stone masterfully choreographs fast-paced plots with layered character development, keeping you invested and guessing until the final page. The recurring shadow of Ellie’s past adds a slow-burn tension that makes the series quite addictive - think procedural precision meets psychological depth.
Start at book one, you’ll thank yourself later - Ellie Kline will be your next obsession.
Happy Reading…
‘A determined detective haunted by her past, Ellie Kline investigates chilling cold cases while being stalked by the relentless killer who once shattered her life.’
Cold Theory is Book #14 in the ‘Ellie Kline’ Series by Mary Stone - where we follow Charleston PD detective Ellie Kline - a survivor of a teenage kidnapping. The series blends gritty police work with the haunting pull of Ellie’s unresolved trauma. Each book dives into chilling cold cases, but the real hook is Ellie herself: fiercely determined, deeply human, and constantly walking the razor’s edge between justice and obsession.
Ms. Stone masterfully choreographs fast-paced plots with layered character development, keeping you invested and guessing until the final page. The recurring shadow of Ellie’s past adds a slow-burn tension that makes the series quite addictive - think procedural precision meets psychological depth.
Start at book one, you’ll thank yourself later - Ellie Kline will be your next obsession.
Happy Reading…
August 22, 2024
As always, this book opens with a chilling tale. This one of an ex-cop who is sharpening his skills at the shooting range. The next thing he knows, he's the target! There is a pretty intense search started because this man is also a bodyguard for a state senator. As the story unfolds you get drawn in to guessing who is doing this. Because before long another body drops that is also an ex-cop and who happens to be among the same group of officers. Then another. Although seemingly unrelated Ellie starts pulling the pieces together and starts an unrelenting search for the killer. Lots of good leads and it keeps you busy guessing. I like this Ellie Kline as she has pulled herself together and does the job. The ending will keep you guessing about the next book.
August 21, 2024
When Ellie is assigned to a murder at the local gun range, she discovers the victim is a former police officer who retired under strange circumstances. A note is attached to the body warning that a well known senator is next. While tracking to find the connection between the victim and senator, another murder happens, and Ellie is sure it is also connected, but how. Help from her partner and her boss seems non existent, but she persists.
This story is well written and truly keeps you guessing for reasons and who is responsible.
This story is well written and truly keeps you guessing for reasons and who is responsible.
August 29, 2024
Do you think you can solve it as fast as Ellie thinks she has? Ellie Kline is back at work with her eye on what she thinks may be the target. She knows the steps to take but she is inclined to step on toes and used to getting her wrists slapped. Even after being told to stay away from one person, she is determined she knows the truth.
I have enjoyed reading the Ellie Kline Series, she has made me laugh and worry and hope she has it right. I think you will love this series as much as I have if you like Mystery.
I have enjoyed reading the Ellie Kline Series, she has made me laugh and worry and hope she has it right. I think you will love this series as much as I have if you like Mystery.
August 20, 2024
This book had me hooked from the beginning until the end. Could not put it down. It's fast paced with lots of twists and turns that always keeps you guessing. Love Ellie Kline and was happy to read more about her life outside of solving the crime. Can't wait to read the next book especially after reading the shocking ending. Thank you Mary Stone and Donna Berdel for all the great Ellie Kline thrillers.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
August 24, 2024
Cold Theory (Ellie Kline Psychological Thriller Series Book 14) By Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. A killer removing all evidence to prevent someone name from in incriminating himself. It’s an action packed page turner. Elli and Clay trying to play catch up . We finally have the moment Clay proposes but instead it’s interrupted by a murder. Hopefully the next book Elli and Clay will finally tie the knot. It’s a phenomenal story …..
August 21, 2024
I found out that I love good people bending rules. Mary and Donna masterfully created the tense and twisty plot again. The fast paced action made me finish the book in two sittings. Ellie is amazing and I have to admit , that I like the Clay getting closer. Whole series are special. And the cliff hanger. Omg!!!! Thank you ladies. Bring it up!
August 22, 2024
This series has been a favorite of mine since the very first novel. The suspense that Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have created is magical! Cold Theory is fast paced and hard to put down. The characters are well written and easy to root for.
WOW…that cliffhanger…just saying! Cannot wait for the next is this series!
WOW…that cliffhanger…just saying! Cannot wait for the next is this series!
August 23, 2024
Fact or Cover Up??
Golly the death seems pretty straightforward but is it?? ?Oh no another one and another one, wow are these connected somehow! A terrific read with interesting twists turns and a very interesting ending! Enjoyed and excitedly looking forward to the next book!
Golly the death seems pretty straightforward but is it?? ?Oh no another one and another one, wow are these connected somehow! A terrific read with interesting twists turns and a very interesting ending! Enjoyed and excitedly looking forward to the next book!
August 29, 2024
COLD THEORY is the fourteenth installment in the Ellie Kline Cold Case series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is another intense psychological thriller in this fast paced and thrilling series. The authors, Mary Stone and Donna Berdel, continue to do an amazing job capturing our attention in the first few pages of the book. I admit, I was hooked from the start.
August 31, 2024
OMG
Random homicides are cropping up, the victims all former officers of the Charleston Police Department who took early retirement or who terminated under an undocumented cloud.
Changes are also afoot in Ellie’s personal life - and a cliffhanger ending to this volume leaves the reader stunned.
Random homicides are cropping up, the victims all former officers of the Charleston Police Department who took early retirement or who terminated under an undocumented cloud.
Changes are also afoot in Ellie’s personal life - and a cliffhanger ending to this volume leaves the reader stunned.
September 1, 2024
smart, caring and law oriented.
The ups and downs. So many different things to keep the mind into the story which needs to keep those words of sad and happiness. Never ending longing to keep on reading for more. What is happening? Always suspense with the thrill of so much to think about. I absolutely love reading these stories. Haw can you not?
The ups and downs. So many different things to keep the mind into the story which needs to keep those words of sad and happiness. Never ending longing to keep on reading for more. What is happening? Always suspense with the thrill of so much to think about. I absolutely love reading these stories. Haw can you not?
September 7, 2024
Another great story
This one felt slow moving. It was good but I wasn't enraptured like I've been in some of the previous books. As all the characters in the story, move about with their own lives, in the Background the mystery and murder continue. I'm looking forward to what's next because the book ends in a cliff hanger, of course.
This one felt slow moving. It was good but I wasn't enraptured like I've been in some of the previous books. As all the characters in the story, move about with their own lives, in the Background the mystery and murder continue. I'm looking forward to what's next because the book ends in a cliff hanger, of course.
September 16, 2024
Cold Theory(Ellie Kline Psychological Thriller Series Book 14)
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and strange, kind of ulimimanating. It let you into the mind of a killer. I can't believe how many twists and turns this book took before you finally got to the actual murderer. It totally get me questing until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and strange, kind of ulimimanating. It let you into the mind of a killer. I can't believe how many twists and turns this book took before you finally got to the actual murderer. It totally get me questing until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book.
October 7, 2024
Why are retired cops being killed?
Wow!!! With all the murders happening and clues helping to find the reasons and who Ellie and her partner really had to discover why. In the end Ellie had saved the life of an individual who was helping with information from years passed that had been deleted from the computers. Good story.
Wow!!! With all the murders happening and clues helping to find the reasons and who Ellie and her partner really had to discover why. In the end Ellie had saved the life of an individual who was helping with information from years passed that had been deleted from the computers. Good story.
August 20, 2024
Wow! From the start to the end, Mary has you clutching the edge of your seat to not fall off. One murder leads to another and another seemingly unrelated but actually intertwined with each other. Where the pieces of the puzzle join will surprise you.
August 21, 2024
Detective Ellie Kline is pulled into a case partnering with the detective she found untrustworthy on her last case. Will she be able to work with him to solve the murders of retired cops? This is a fast paced read that will not disappoint!
August 21, 2024
Ellie keeps her partner and boss at a distance. She's not sure who to trust. Former policemen are being killed, were they corrupt cops that knew about her last case? The story moves at a fast pace and leaves you wanting more.
August 21, 2024
Loved this book. The story line was really good. Kept you wanting to read to see who died next. I did not guess who was doing the killing but I should have. Definitely a must read. You cannot go wrong with Mary Stone and Donna Berdel.
August 25, 2024
Cold Theory
Gripping plot!! Cliff hangers from beginning to end. I wanted to continue reading once I started. Mary Stone never disappoints. Of course, Ellie is like an old family friend. Love this series.
Gripping plot!! Cliff hangers from beginning to end. I wanted to continue reading once I started. Mary Stone never disappoints. Of course, Ellie is like an old family friend. Love this series.
September 25, 2024
Cold Theory
Loved this book. I could not put it down . This is a thriller full of excitement and intrigue. Can't a it for the next book to continue the story. I highly recommend this book.
Loved this book. I could not put it down . This is a thriller full of excitement and intrigue. Can't a it for the next book to continue the story. I highly recommend this book.
April 17, 2025
Riveting
Another spine tingling book in the series. Dirty police, crooked politicians? What’s the truth and who is connected? Ellie is on the job with help from her agent boyfriend. This one keeps you engaged with shocking ending.
Another spine tingling book in the series. Dirty police, crooked politicians? What’s the truth and who is connected? Ellie is on the job with help from her agent boyfriend. This one keeps you engaged with shocking ending.
August 21, 2024
Another terrific story from Mary Stone and Donna Berdel that I couldn't put down. Full of action from beginning to end. An edge of the seat page turner.
August 25, 2024
This was a great about Ellie and trying to find who is killing excops and why and try to figure out who is responsible. This story had lots of suspense and action. Thank you
August 29, 2024
Easy read. Continues the series.
September 2, 2024
Exciting read
Such a fun exciting and mysterious book. You really don't know until the end who we behind all the deaths . Goo suspense and entertaining .
Such a fun exciting and mysterious book. You really don't know until the end who we behind all the deaths . Goo suspense and entertaining .
September 24, 2024
Got Up to Finish in the Middle of the Night
Ellie and Clay get serious about their relationship and the blonde dynamo and find the answers about both of their cases.
Ellie and Clay get serious about their relationship and the blonde dynamo and find the answers about both of their cases.
October 1, 2024
good book
Another great book in th Ellie Line series! I really have enjoyed the continuing stories and how they all connect
Another great book in th Ellie Line series! I really have enjoyed the continuing stories and how they all connect
November 28, 2024
great
Ellie gets another wild ride of a case that just explodes! Ex cops are dying: murdered, suicides, fire & drug deal going bad. It doesn’t seem right to Ellie.
Ellie gets another wild ride of a case that just explodes! Ex cops are dying: murdered, suicides, fire & drug deal going bad. It doesn’t seem right to Ellie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews