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Stella Knox #12

Killer Setup

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In the cracks of the thin blue line, danger thrives.

Since joining the FBI, Special Agent Stella Knox has faced the darkest corners of humanity—dismembered corpses, impaled bodies, and murdered teens. She’s brought down monsters, one by one. All except one. The one who eluded her. The one who haunts her nightmares.

The dirty cop who ordered her father’s murder.

When she and her team are called to investigate the horrific arson death of a young woman tied to that dark part of her past, Stella senses justice is tantalizingly close. They just need the evidence solid enough to put him in jail to suffer the slow death he deserves.

But the man who betrayed and killed his partner and tortured a woman who was like a daughter to him before burning her to death is a ruthless survivor who doesn’t want to be caught. He knows Stella and her partner are coming for him. And his only way out is to kill them first.

In a deadly game of cat and mouse, Stella must outwit a predator who will stop at nothing to stay free. The stakes are higher than ever, and failure is not an option.

Shocking and climactic, Killer Setup, the twelfth book in the Stella Knox Series by bestselling author Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare, will make you question the very system designed to protect us.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 30, 2024

813 people are currently reading
129 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

225 books2,152 followers
To 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.

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5 stars
1,880 (74%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
607 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2024
Wonderful book. I am glad Hagen and Stella got their closure. It was a long time coming.
Profile Image for Lynn Poage.
8 reviews
September 12, 2024
a great series

Loved the complete series! I really liked the ending of the book 12. I usually don’t like a long series, but would recommend this one.
3 reviews
September 11, 2024
One of Mary Stones best yet

The drama, twist, bringing the unknown into the resolution, then the romance thrown in. Super. Looking forward to next in series
133 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2024
O M G. Mary and Stacy ! This is Delvious (deliciously devious) hot , high drama, tense page turner and all full range of emotions book you wrote!!! You are amazing, fabulous incredible writers. Thank you. Oh my uncle Joel, the hunt, another betrayal. What do you want more. This books is ready for you. Find the place nobody can find you, put antiperspirant on and start to read. You will enjoy it and won’t stop reading . Thank you. Bravo!!!!
247 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2024
Killer setup

Excellent book, I highly recommend you read it. I am already looking forward to the next book of this series.
378 reviews
September 3, 2024
Watch your 6, or your back...
Stella Knox and her partner Hagen Yates had just flown back from their last case in Miami and were hoping for a quiet day and night before another case came in.
Myself working with law enforcement I learned quickly, you never say the 'Q' word if you don't want all H*** to break loose. Stella and Hagen not only shared their Law Enforcement Partnership but also shared the fact that the same man (past Police Officer, Dirty Cop, Joel Ramirez) had killed both of their Fathers when they were young.
They had just been set on a new case when Joel Ramirez had slipped protective custody and started on his mission to remove the last two people he knew were after him, Stella and Hagen.
I have enjoyed very much the series with Stella Knox and Hagen Yates's journey. I can't wait for the next book in the Stella Knox Series.
119 reviews2 followers
September 7, 2024
Just soooo good!

I love reading this series. But what happens now Stella and Hagen have got the man who killed their fathers, and now have each other. What's the team going to do without Chloe? All these questions and no answers at the moment. Would recommend this series, can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,318 reviews8 followers
August 30, 2024
KILLER SETUP is the twelfth installment in the Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series by Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. These authors never dissapoint in bringing us a chilling thriller with a twisted and gruesome plot. As usual, Mary and Stacy have  outdone themselves in this page turning story full of drama, suspense, and surprises. 

Stella has brought down some monstrous villains, that is all but one, 'Uncle Joel' Ramirez, her father's partner and murderer.  She and Hagen are currently investigating a gruesome arson death of a woman connected to Ramirez. They are hot his trail, but this time they have their entire team backing them up. Once they catch up to Ramirez they will also have Memphis police to assist them. Will this be the end of the deadly reign of Ramirez, or will Ramirez still a surprise up his sleeve? How many lives will this case cost? Will it be worth it in the long run? 

By the time you get to the end, you will be questioning the very people and system designed to protect us all.

If you enjoy a good thriller, I highly recommend this series. You will find it hard to say no to a book from Mary and Stacy.  I did receive a copy of this book from the authors and this is my honest and freely given review.

I am also eager to see what's in Stella's and Hagen's future.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
465 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2024
This book had it all. Every time you thought Stella and Hagan has Joel Ramirez he slipped through their fingers. Well connected, lots of money, incredibly powerful, and evil. That's a tough combination to track down. This guy really had the bases covered. He decided his best way out was to take our Stella and Hagan. Jowel Ramirez built an empire of evil and corrupted official across the board. He made two big mistakes. He killed his best friend Keith Knox and his lawyer Seth. Big mistake because they had some dedicated children. They grew up to be FBI and the hunt was on. If you like the twists and turns of the chase, you'll like this series of books. This book really ended well.
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
139 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2024
Stella and Hagen are determined to finally get “Uncle Joel” to pay for his crimes (the murder of each of their fathers are top priority). They know he is responsible for a couple of recent murders and feel they are closing in on him, but he keeps getting 1 step ahead of them, but then a wild plan begins to take hold. The big drawback is it could easily backfire and possibly truly loose sight of their suspect and cost them their jobs.
YOU GOTTA READ THIS !
Profile Image for Dawn.
379 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
Absolutely loved it!! Stella and Hagen are on the hunt of their lives. After one of their main foes is killed, they then turn to the "main prize", the notorious Joel Rameriz! It's a question of who is going to win the war. After many lost battles do Stella and Hagen end up victorious or does he slip through their fingers again? A whirlwind of events, some good and some not. A story not to be missed!
156 reviews
August 29, 2024
Killer Setup contains intense drama, nail biting drama and reader cannot put down drama! The writing and the way the story was built makes for an amazing read. Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare have outdone themselves with the 12th installment of this series. I highly recommend finding a comfortable chair and settle in for a fine read!
179 reviews
August 30, 2024
Another great page turner from Mary Stone and Stacey O'Hare. Can Stella and Hagen finally find closure? Will have to read to find out and you definitely won't be disappointed. Lots of oh my gosh moments. Cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
224 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
Stella & Hagan are at it again! The FBI agents have worked & solved many gruesome cases but the one that haunts them is tracking the murderer of both of their fathers. The whole team is set out to finally solve this case but they are met with tragedies & obstacles not expected. Thus is a roller coaster, fast paced read that will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,631 reviews9 followers
September 11, 2024
whew! what a ride!

Through thick and thin, Stella snd Hagen weather the common storm brewed by the man Stella knew as Joel Ramirez.

As the FBI finally tightens the net around the fugitive, the breadth and depth of evil deeds, death and despair become clearer and more appalling, with more death and destruction yet to come.
237 reviews3 followers
June 30, 2025
A 14 year search for the murderer of 2 fathers, by a bad cop.

Two fathers, one a lawyer one a cop, are murdered by a bad cop. Fourteen years later they finally are able to find him but only after he has murdered many more people in some truly terrible ways. Can they find him before he disappears, forever this time?
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
235 reviews
August 26, 2024
Finally it looks like their chase to get the man who was responsible for their father’s murders will come to a close. But at what cost and whose lives will be taken in the final pursuit? Will it be worth it?
137 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2024
ANOTHER GREAT READ IN THIS SERIES. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL AND GRABS YOU AND WON'T LET GO TILL THE END. PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES TILL THE END. WELL WRITTEN WITH GREAT CHARACTERS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THE SERIES.
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
August 29, 2024
Nightmare is almost over.

Killer Setup is the 12th book in the Stella Knox series. Stella and Hagen are finally going to get their dad’s murderer. Will they find peace at last? A page turner. You don’t want to miss this book.
Profile Image for Robin Mattei.
130 reviews6 followers
August 31, 2024
Absolutely loved this book. Stella has been my favorite of all of Marys books and this one kept me rivited. Read it straight thru. Readers of this series will not be disappointed
Totally loved the ending
12 reviews
September 3, 2024
Enjoyed this sequel to the other Stella Scott books and was anxious to see if the outcome would be satisfying Don’t want to speak about the ending but suffice to say I will continue to read the next in the series, as some previous plots came together. Enjoyed the outcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
172 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2024
This is the 12th book in the Stella Knox series by Mary Storm. Stella and Hagen are still trying to find "Uncle Joel" a man who murdered both Stella and Hagen's dads.

The book is full of mystery and suspense and I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for taffykathiegmail.com.
580 reviews
September 8, 2024
Revenge only ages you

Years of trying to find who killed your father comes to fruition. TBE need to arrest him after all this time went to the back of your brain, when one bullet will complete the search.
421 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2024
Killer Setup(Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 12)

OMG!!!!!!! This book was amazing, I loved everything about it. Stella and Haden finally got justice for both of their fathers murders and it was a long time coming. I just hope there is more to come. I can't wait to read more.
743 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2024
This was a excellent story about Stella and team going all out to find the killer who killed her dad and partners dad and ending it. This story had lots of suspense and action . Thank you for this awesome story.
1,507 reviews7 followers
September 20, 2024
Killer Setup

Now this is an exciting book. Loved the ending. I was waiting for this ending glad it finally happened. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Pamela DeMine.
100 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2025
back o trzck

okay, this bok.brought the original terror and cohesiveness of the team back again . The story moved fluidly and the main buy wascaptured! and boo us, Still and Hayden got s !o g break from their jobs to fall in lovd
Profile Image for Patricia A. Biba.
399 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2025
Stella and Hagen

I was extremely happy that after all the problems they encountered they finally got the chance to get the killer of their fathers. Stella and Hagen finally have peace.
685 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2024
Action from start to finish as Stella and Hagen chase Joel Ramirez. Will they do it this time, or will he get away again? You’ll need to read the book to find out.
65 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2024
Revenge/or Justice

A very short review of the excellent ending! You get to decide which it is! Enjoy a very delightful read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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