What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter Black #23
Winter's Peak
It’s lonely at the top. And deadly at the bottom.
Sexual harassment isn’t the type of case Private Investigator Winter Black usually takes. But it’s a welcome distraction from whoever’s been sending creepy, anonymous text messages to her phone and set up cameras to spy on her home and office. And after her new client reveals that one of her female coworkers hanged herself after fending off their boss’s sexual advances, Winter suspects there’s more to the story.
When another woman disappears, she’s certain.
Posing as an employee, Winter sets her sights on uncovering the truth at the climbing equipment company, starting with the powerful and well-connected boss who seems intent on showing her the ropes—in more ways than one. But when an employee's body is discovered at the bottom of a gorge, strangled by self-tightening rock-climbing knots, it's clear there’s a killer on the loose, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. And his victims aren’t random.
With employees dropping like flies, Winter must uncover the madman behind the murders before she becomes the next victim caught in the killer’s web.
The mystery and suspense continue with Winter’s Peak, the fifth book in the Winter Black Season Two series, a gripping thriller that will tie you up in knots. If you give someone enough rope, they’ll eventually hang themselves. Or you.
Sexual harassment isn’t the type of case Private Investigator Winter Black usually takes. But it’s a welcome distraction from whoever’s been sending creepy, anonymous text messages to her phone and set up cameras to spy on her home and office. And after her new client reveals that one of her female coworkers hanged herself after fending off their boss’s sexual advances, Winter suspects there’s more to the story.
When another woman disappears, she’s certain.
Posing as an employee, Winter sets her sights on uncovering the truth at the climbing equipment company, starting with the powerful and well-connected boss who seems intent on showing her the ropes—in more ways than one. But when an employee's body is discovered at the bottom of a gorge, strangled by self-tightening rock-climbing knots, it's clear there’s a killer on the loose, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. And his victims aren’t random.
With employees dropping like flies, Winter must uncover the madman behind the murders before she becomes the next victim caught in the killer’s web.
The mystery and suspense continue with Winter’s Peak, the fifth book in the Winter Black Season Two series, a gripping thriller that will tie you up in knots. If you give someone enough rope, they’ll eventually hang themselves. Or you.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2024
1104 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,149 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
May 24, 2024
I love, love Mary Stone’s original Winter Black series winter Peak is the best so far as she works as an P.i. She takes a cares in a corporate world ful of sleazy sexual harassment . Who as a hound girl or woman did not experience some of kind of harassment ? Creepiness and crimes kept the hair standing up on my neck. The case was tense and I could not stop reading. Noah is on the leave and cannot help her much. But he discovers who is secretly following and video them. When he thinks, he has everything figured out, all the hell breaks out. Winter’s case explodes and thank her red vision from injury, she can follow the killer. But where?! The P.i. Case turns into an intense thriller and I am in seventh heaven, satisfied and excited, after finishing it. Bravo Mary. Lida
December 31, 2025
4.5 Stars
‘Everything’s bigger—and deadlier—in Texas...
Finally free from the claustrophobic worry caused by her psychotic baby brother’s bloodthirsty reign, former Special Agent Winter Black—newly Mrs. Winter Black-Dalton—is ready for a fresh start in Austin, Texas. With her husband and former partner, Noah Dalton, at her side, she’s hoping to shed the skin of her past and return to hunting down criminals, but in a very different way...’
Winter's Peak is Book #23 in the Winter Black Series (Winter Black: Season Two Book #5) by Mary Stone. These books follow Special Agent Winter Black, whose life was shattered when her parents were murdered, and her little brother was believed to have been killed by a serial killer known as The Preacher. Years later, she’s not only chasing down dangerous criminals but also searching for the truth about her brother - a thread that runs through the entire series.
Here, you get the adrenaline rush of intense investigations - serial killers, twisted motives, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments - but also the personal side of Winter’s life. She’s tough and determined, but she’s also human, dealing with grief, trust issues, and complicated relationships.
Mary Stone’s writing is easy to sink into. The chapters are short and snappy, which made it really hard to put the books down. Each installment has its own case to solve, but there’s always that bigger mystery in the background, so you’ll probably want to read them in consecutive order to get the full picture and impact.
If you like shows like Criminal Minds or enjoy crime series with a mix of action as well as character depth, then this series is a solid choice.
Engaging, bingeable, and packed with both thrills and heart.
Happy Reading…
‘Everything’s bigger—and deadlier—in Texas...
Finally free from the claustrophobic worry caused by her psychotic baby brother’s bloodthirsty reign, former Special Agent Winter Black—newly Mrs. Winter Black-Dalton—is ready for a fresh start in Austin, Texas. With her husband and former partner, Noah Dalton, at her side, she’s hoping to shed the skin of her past and return to hunting down criminals, but in a very different way...’
Winter's Peak is Book #23 in the Winter Black Series (Winter Black: Season Two Book #5) by Mary Stone. These books follow Special Agent Winter Black, whose life was shattered when her parents were murdered, and her little brother was believed to have been killed by a serial killer known as The Preacher. Years later, she’s not only chasing down dangerous criminals but also searching for the truth about her brother - a thread that runs through the entire series.
Here, you get the adrenaline rush of intense investigations - serial killers, twisted motives, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments - but also the personal side of Winter’s life. She’s tough and determined, but she’s also human, dealing with grief, trust issues, and complicated relationships.
Mary Stone’s writing is easy to sink into. The chapters are short and snappy, which made it really hard to put the books down. Each installment has its own case to solve, but there’s always that bigger mystery in the background, so you’ll probably want to read them in consecutive order to get the full picture and impact.
If you like shows like Criminal Minds or enjoy crime series with a mix of action as well as character depth, then this series is a solid choice.
Engaging, bingeable, and packed with both thrills and heart.
Happy Reading…
May 30, 2024
WINTER'S PEAK is the fifth installment in Season 2 of the Winter Black Mystery Series by Mary Stone. The development of the main characters and depth of depravity in the criminal(s) is just as good/chilling as ever and will keep you in the edge of your seat to the end. This is another chilling look-over-your-shoulder story. Season 2 follows ?Winter and Noah's new life in Austin.
After resigning from the FBI, Winter opened her own Private Investigation business and her husband Noah transferred to the local FBI office. Winter is still on high alert after discovering someone is spying on her, but she still has a job to do. Her newest client insists her boss is a sexual abuser, but proof is needed to file charges. So Winter decides to go undercover to obtain enough proof to bring charges. She no more than starts her undercover job than a coworker's body is found, then another body is found. It's a good thing Winter keeps her training active. She'll need everything she's learned to survive sexual abusers and killers. The Private Eye business seems just as deadly as the FBI.
I have read all of Mary Stone's books starting with the Winter Black series and plan to keep reading everything she publishes. If you are not intimidated by detailed descriptions of torture, killing, and harassments, and enjoy drama, fear, and suspense, Mary Stone is your author, or should be.
I did receive a copy from the author and the above is my honest review.
After resigning from the FBI, Winter opened her own Private Investigation business and her husband Noah transferred to the local FBI office. Winter is still on high alert after discovering someone is spying on her, but she still has a job to do. Her newest client insists her boss is a sexual abuser, but proof is needed to file charges. So Winter decides to go undercover to obtain enough proof to bring charges. She no more than starts her undercover job than a coworker's body is found, then another body is found. It's a good thing Winter keeps her training active. She'll need everything she's learned to survive sexual abusers and killers. The Private Eye business seems just as deadly as the FBI.
I have read all of Mary Stone's books starting with the Winter Black series and plan to keep reading everything she publishes. If you are not intimidated by detailed descriptions of torture, killing, and harassments, and enjoy drama, fear, and suspense, Mary Stone is your author, or should be.
I did receive a copy from the author and the above is my honest review.
May 31, 2024
Mary Stone books showed me the love of reading.
I was almost not going to write anything. I thought differently about that.
My life unfortunately has been pretty much robbed of my independence that I valued having. Not having to interfere with another person’s life because I was hoping I could get a ride somewhere.
I learned late in my life that reading is kind a fun thing to do.
I’ve enjoyed different authors during my beginning of experiencing how the time spending reading was, okay. Fun and enjoyable.
After a few years of reading and realizing how captivating it is, I stumbled onto different authors.
My stumbling brought my path to Mary Stone books.
I actually found myself an Author I don’t want to let go. I want more always. Yes, I have some characters I prefer over others, but the writing is so good for me, I just melt into each one I venture.
I almost always want to read Mary Stone book more than searching for other authors.
Thank you for the life’s pleasures I didn’t realize in my younger years.
I was almost not going to write anything. I thought differently about that.
My life unfortunately has been pretty much robbed of my independence that I valued having. Not having to interfere with another person’s life because I was hoping I could get a ride somewhere.
I learned late in my life that reading is kind a fun thing to do.
I’ve enjoyed different authors during my beginning of experiencing how the time spending reading was, okay. Fun and enjoyable.
After a few years of reading and realizing how captivating it is, I stumbled onto different authors.
My stumbling brought my path to Mary Stone books.
I actually found myself an Author I don’t want to let go. I want more always. Yes, I have some characters I prefer over others, but the writing is so good for me, I just melt into each one I venture.
I almost always want to read Mary Stone book more than searching for other authors.
Thank you for the life’s pleasures I didn’t realize in my younger years.
June 5, 2024
This is another great ARC from Mary Stone in the Winter Black second series. Winter needs a distraction from finding out Kline is her father and someone is stalking her. She is beginning to believe the stalker is somehow associated with her brother, Justin Black. In the door walks her distraction, a woman who wants Winter help in getting the evidence to put her boss away for not only sexual harrassment but sexual assault. As Winter goes to work for the company, several members are murdered in a very unusual way, they are tied up in such a way that by struggling they strangle themselves. Now Winter must find out who is killing the employees and is the boss the murderer or someone else who works there. Also Noah gets some leads on who is stalking Winter and he quickly closes in, hoping to get more info. Both are racing against time.
May 25, 2024
I'm so glad Winter is back doing more of her investigations. I began my journey with Winter a few years ago and I still love all of her books and have bought them for friends and family.
Winter has gotten involved with two investigations at once. Working under an assumed name to serve murders involving employees and a missing persons case, which has evolved into a duel case.
I enjoy reading Mary Stones books and you will enjoy reading this newest book in the series or any of the FBI series by Mary Stone.
Winter has gotten involved with two investigations at once. Working under an assumed name to serve murders involving employees and a missing persons case, which has evolved into a duel case.
I enjoy reading Mary Stones books and you will enjoy reading this newest book in the series or any of the FBI series by Mary Stone.
May 29, 2024
Not a Simple case
Private Investigator Winter Black takes on a case of sexual harassment. Winter’s cases are never simple and the sexual harassment case turns deadly. Winter goes undercover to find out the truth. Noah has been given time off from the FBI because he has been helping Winter with her cases. Will Winter find the killer before another murder occurs? Will Noah be able to help with this case? Is Noah’s FBI career over?
Winter’s Peak is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Plenty of drama, action, suspense along with those twists and turns.
Private Investigator Winter Black takes on a case of sexual harassment. Winter’s cases are never simple and the sexual harassment case turns deadly. Winter goes undercover to find out the truth. Noah has been given time off from the FBI because he has been helping Winter with her cases. Will Winter find the killer before another murder occurs? Will Noah be able to help with this case? Is Noah’s FBI career over?
Winter’s Peak is well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Plenty of drama, action, suspense along with those twists and turns.
August 2, 2024
Couldn't stop reading!
Each book gets more and more suspenseful! Mary Stone keeps readers enthralled with plenty of twists. Don't know how she can keep coming up with new situations to make each book so great! This series has kept me doing nothing else but reading another chapter to see if Noah and Winter survive. I did find some errors that should have been edited before being published, but I have found them in other books too. That's just because I am a retired English teacher. Nobody should rely on their computer to find all the mistakes. Human proofreading is a must!!
Each book gets more and more suspenseful! Mary Stone keeps readers enthralled with plenty of twists. Don't know how she can keep coming up with new situations to make each book so great! This series has kept me doing nothing else but reading another chapter to see if Noah and Winter survive. I did find some errors that should have been edited before being published, but I have found them in other books too. That's just because I am a retired English teacher. Nobody should rely on their computer to find all the mistakes. Human proofreading is a must!!
May 24, 2024
Winter is still running her PI business in this story. A woman stops in to discuss a man who she believes is abusing employees, her boss. One employee has died. Winter is hesitant to accept, but does take the job. She goes undercover to truly check on this man’s actions with his employees. Meanwhile Noah has been put on leave by the FBI and would like to aid his wife, but his boss says, no. Great read.
May 27, 2024
I love Winter Black. She is a strong albeit incredibly stubborn woman. When she is on a case, she will get to the bottom of things. Winter takes on a case of a boss who is sexually harassing his female employees. Then things turn deadly as people begin dying. Is it the boss or is there someone even darker involved? And has Noah jeopardized his career with the FBI while helping Winter on her cases? This is a good read with lots of twists.
May 27, 2024
This is another great book in the Winter Black series. Winter, working as a private eye, takes on a case of sexual harassment by the boss of a company. As she further investigates the case, murders in the company start occurring. Winter's husband, Noah, is suspended from his jog innthe FBI sohe helps Winter with the case.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
May 31, 2024
Starting to like this Winter series more and more. Winter goes undercover when a woman comes and asks for her help with her boss sexually harassing women at work and maybe worse. Winter gets a job at the company and is soon "an object of desire" from the man himself. Unfortunately, finding witnesses has been hard as many of them are turning up dead. A fast paced mystery that keeps you intrigued as to what will happen next and who the killer is.
May 24, 2024
The Winter Black series is one of my favorites and Mary Stone did not disappoint with this new book.
It is a suspenseful thriller that keeps you reading until the end is reached. I highly recommend this enthralling new book and cannot wait until the next one in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
It is a suspenseful thriller that keeps you reading until the end is reached. I highly recommend this enthralling new book and cannot wait until the next one in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
May 23, 2024
Winter is hired to look into the owner of company where they work. He’s being accused of sexual shenanigans with the women of the company. To top it off, one of the women had committed suicide from the supposedly dalliances. As Winter goes undercover two more people from there are found murdered. The race is one to find the killer.
May 28, 2024
This is the fifth book in Season Two of the Winter Black series. She’s a PI now and takes on a sexual harassment case. The harassment turns into murder. She has help from her husband, Noah. The drama and suspense is intense. I’ve enjoyed this series since its inception, and this is a wonderful addition. An edge-of-your-seat page turner.
June 6, 2024
great installment
I feel like winter is showing some growth which is nice. Creepy Justin and his followers are appropriately creepy and terrifying. Good cliffhanger pieces and twists. But friends: spoilers here; the situations in this book regarding sexual abuse, discrimination at work and cameras everywhere…chilling
I feel like winter is showing some growth which is nice. Creepy Justin and his followers are appropriately creepy and terrifying. Good cliffhanger pieces and twists. But friends: spoilers here; the situations in this book regarding sexual abuse, discrimination at work and cameras everywhere…chilling
June 10, 2024
He Deserved It
Nathan Lynch. What a POS. Scum of the earth extraordinaire. He got what he deserved. Maybe not the physical torment. Maybe... Well paced. The plot is loosely based on corporate executives and Hollywood movie executives sexual abuses. I am glad Ailyah survived. Keep Ariel in Winter's life. Next.
Nathan Lynch. What a POS. Scum of the earth extraordinaire. He got what he deserved. Maybe not the physical torment. Maybe... Well paced. The plot is loosely based on corporate executives and Hollywood movie executives sexual abuses. I am glad Ailyah survived. Keep Ariel in Winter's life. Next.
June 11, 2024
Winter's Peak: Winter Black Season Two(Winter Black FBI Mystery Series Book 23)
OMG!!!!!!! This book was amazing. Winter Black seems to have a hard time keeping her clients alive. She doesn't give up the case, though, she keeps on until she solves the case. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!! This book was amazing. Winter Black seems to have a hard time keeping her clients alive. She doesn't give up the case, though, she keeps on until she solves the case. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 30, 2024
Another winner
Loved it! A thrilling roller coaster ride from the first. Winter goes undercover to find a killer in a rock climbing company. Men and women alike are being killed. Is it the sleezy CEO Nathan or someone else? You have to read this thrilling book to find out. And of course there are traces of Justin Black thrown in too!!
Loved it! A thrilling roller coaster ride from the first. Winter goes undercover to find a killer in a rock climbing company. Men and women alike are being killed. Is it the sleezy CEO Nathan or someone else? You have to read this thrilling book to find out. And of course there are traces of Justin Black thrown in too!!
September 19, 2025
Good reading
A hard to put away read. So sad that people feel the need to follow serial killers. The things Justin Black did was unimaginable. But to continue following his sister and killing more of her family, is disgusting. I hope they find them in the end and put the killers away for good.
A hard to put away read. So sad that people feel the need to follow serial killers. The things Justin Black did was unimaginable. But to continue following his sister and killing more of her family, is disgusting. I hope they find them in the end and put the killers away for good.
October 18, 2025
Even after so many books in this series, it remains fresh and interesting. The dynamics of Winter as a private detective adds to the plot since she seems to forget she is no longer and FBI agent. The story moves at a fast pace and I didn't see the ending coming. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.
November 28, 2025
Another great book by Mary Stone
Another well written and captivating book by Mary Stone. As always, following Winter's cases is always suspenseful and draws you in. Although I don't particularly like Winter's career change and move, the book was still amazing. I can't wait to see where things go from here. Secretly hoping her and Noah are lead back to their friends in Virginia.
Another well written and captivating book by Mary Stone. As always, following Winter's cases is always suspenseful and draws you in. Although I don't particularly like Winter's career change and move, the book was still amazing. I can't wait to see where things go from here. Secretly hoping her and Noah are lead back to their friends in Virginia.
December 15, 2025
A definite must read
As Winter Black begins another case, she has no idea that what begins as an investigation of sexual harassment in a workplace is going to end with several murders. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
As Winter Black begins another case, she has no idea that what begins as an investigation of sexual harassment in a workplace is going to end with several murders. It's certainly not a story or series to be missed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
December 30, 2025
*3.75 Stars
This book felt like the series fully hitting its stride in the private investigation phase. The mystery was layered, the tension built nicely, and Winter felt especially sharp and capable here. I was invested from start to finish, and the balance between plot and character development worked really well. One of the stronger entries in this part of the series.
This book felt like the series fully hitting its stride in the private investigation phase. The mystery was layered, the tension built nicely, and Winter felt especially sharp and capable here. I was invested from start to finish, and the balance between plot and character development worked really well. One of the stronger entries in this part of the series.
May 23, 2024
A GREAT BOOK THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU ENGROSSED TILL THE LAST PAGE. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND BECOME YOUR FRIENDS DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
May 24, 2024
Winter takes on a sexual harassment job as a PI & ends up going under cover to investigate the allegations. As she gets deeper in the case, victims turn up that takes the case in a whole new direction. Will she find the killer or be a victim. A roller coaster ride that so t disappoint.
May 27, 2024
The mystery deepens
Once again, the author has led me down to the deep recesses and kept me turning the pages non-stop. Will Justin ever be stopped? I can hardly wait for the next book!
Once again, the author has led me down to the deep recesses and kept me turning the pages non-stop. Will Justin ever be stopped? I can hardly wait for the next book!
May 27, 2024
You might need a length of rope?
I already suspected cameras hiding where least expected. In the future I will be adding all colors of rope to items to be suspicious of or maybe it should include most of humanity??
I already suspected cameras hiding where least expected. In the future I will be adding all colors of rope to items to be suspicious of or maybe it should include most of humanity??
May 29, 2024
Outstanding
Just finished reading this book and could hardly put it down. Absolutely loved the storyline and the different twists and turns. Can't wait for book 24. Highly recommend.
Just finished reading this book and could hardly put it down. Absolutely loved the storyline and the different twists and turns. Can't wait for book 24. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2024
oh, that’s too, too creepy!
A case where the majority of the players are either sleazy or damaged or both; what a horrible universe!
Bodies dumped in the wilderness, bound in knotted ropes….and more to come; while the depredations of Justin’s rabid followers intensify.
A case where the majority of the players are either sleazy or damaged or both; what a horrible universe!
Bodies dumped in the wilderness, bound in knotted ropes….and more to come; while the depredations of Justin’s rabid followers intensify.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews