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Ellie Kline #15
Cold Finish
One murder is chance. Two is coincidence. Three is death.
Life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, Charleston Homicide Detective Ellie Kline is staring at the man of her dreams, her heart ready to say yes to the biggest question of her life. The next, she’s staring at the blood-soaked crime scene where her martial arts instructor was murdered—and her father stands accused.
Love is patient. Murder isn’t.
Ellie knows her father isn’t capable of murder. He’s a fixture in Charleston, renowned for his philanthropy. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time covered in the wrong man’s blood. So why was he meeting the Krav Maga dojo, a man he claims to barely know? Unfortunately, no one’s talking. Her mother’s dodging questions. Her father is silent. Her mentor is dead.
And every one of them is lying.
As Ellie scrambles to understand it all, she’s summoned to investigate the execution-style murder of a CFO. But she soon suspects the two murders—and her father—are somehow connected. Ellie’s parents are hiding something. Something worth killing for. And unless Ellie can figure out what, her father is next on the killer’s list.
Unfinished business is getting wrapped up in Cold Finish, the fifteenth book of Mary Stone’s bestselling Ellie Kline series. Because dead men can’t tell secrets.
Life can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, Charleston Homicide Detective Ellie Kline is staring at the man of her dreams, her heart ready to say yes to the biggest question of her life. The next, she’s staring at the blood-soaked crime scene where her martial arts instructor was murdered—and her father stands accused.
Love is patient. Murder isn’t.
Ellie knows her father isn’t capable of murder. He’s a fixture in Charleston, renowned for his philanthropy. He was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time covered in the wrong man’s blood. So why was he meeting the Krav Maga dojo, a man he claims to barely know? Unfortunately, no one’s talking. Her mother’s dodging questions. Her father is silent. Her mentor is dead.
And every one of them is lying.
As Ellie scrambles to understand it all, she’s summoned to investigate the execution-style murder of a CFO. But she soon suspects the two murders—and her father—are somehow connected. Ellie’s parents are hiding something. Something worth killing for. And unless Ellie can figure out what, her father is next on the killer’s list.
Unfinished business is getting wrapped up in Cold Finish, the fifteenth book of Mary Stone’s bestselling Ellie Kline series. Because dead men can’t tell secrets.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
365 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
228 books2,169 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 40 reviews
March 19, 2025
COLD FINISH is the fifteenth and reportedly final 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. These two authors have done an excellent job with this series and finished it superbly - it is above excellent. I admit, I was hooked from the first to this last installment in the series
This may be the most emotional, nerve-racking, and intense case yet for Ellie, as it strikes too close to home. Ellie is dealing with:
▪️An interrupted proposal
▪️Her dad is the prime murder suspect
▪️One case turns into three
▪️and, most shocking, she may lose what's most important to her.
The entire story is page-turning, but the tension towards the end of this book will leave you out of breath from trying to keep up with all all the action happening. I found it impossible to put down! Thank you, Mary and Donna - Thank You, for such an amazing series and characters that you want to hug, cheer, and cry for.
This story and the entire series can be read as stand-alones, but I do recommend reading the entire series. The 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.
This may be the most emotional, nerve-racking, and intense case yet for Ellie, as it strikes too close to home. Ellie is dealing with:
▪️An interrupted proposal
▪️Her dad is the prime murder suspect
▪️One case turns into three
▪️and, most shocking, she may lose what's most important to her.
The entire story is page-turning, but the tension towards the end of this book will leave you out of breath from trying to keep up with all all the action happening. I found it impossible to put down! Thank you, Mary and Donna - Thank You, for such an amazing series and characters that you want to hug, cheer, and cry for.
This story and the entire series can be read as stand-alones, but I do recommend reading the entire series. The 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.
April 14, 2025
This is the last in the Ellie Kline series. And, I'm sorry to see it end.
Ellie and Clay are both investigating different cases that that eventually intertwine. Clay is looking at the Delacroix organization that has been identified as a human trafficking organization. Ellie has been investigating several different murders when she finds a computer that links to her case to Clay's. Additionally, Ellie's father is arrested for the murder of Ellie's mentor, Dothan. Things are moving rapidly!!
Meanwhile on the home front, Ellie's roommate, Jillian moves out and Clay suggests they move in together, they contemplate getting Bethany a dog for her birthday. But, when Clay gets down on one knee with a ring the phone rings telling Ellie of her father's troubles.
What will her answer be?
The series ends at Bethany's birthday party where she is overjoyed with her puppy and the answer to the BIG question!!!
Though this is advertised as the final in the series, there are a few doors left open!!
Ellie and Clay are both investigating different cases that that eventually intertwine. Clay is looking at the Delacroix organization that has been identified as a human trafficking organization. Ellie has been investigating several different murders when she finds a computer that links to her case to Clay's. Additionally, Ellie's father is arrested for the murder of Ellie's mentor, Dothan. Things are moving rapidly!!
Meanwhile on the home front, Ellie's roommate, Jillian moves out and Clay suggests they move in together, they contemplate getting Bethany a dog for her birthday. But, when Clay gets down on one knee with a ring the phone rings telling Ellie of her father's troubles.
What will her answer be?
The series ends at Bethany's birthday party where she is overjoyed with her puppy and the answer to the BIG question!!!
Though this is advertised as the final in the series, there are a few doors left open!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 Finish is the fifteenth (and final) book 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 Finish is the fifteenth (and final) book 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…
March 10, 2025
Who can you really trust?
Ellie is called to another grisly crime scene. Only this crime scene is different. The victim is an old friend, and the alleged assailant is her father! This is a great tale about sorting out details and leads and even similarities. There are a few rabbit holes but keep your eye on the ball and you can figure this out. Ellie's new partner is assigned to the case, and she is benched. But she doesn't like how he is working the scene and feels he may be missing key evidence. So, of course, she gets herself involved. And it's against the direct orders of her boss. Loved this book and it will keep you on your toes. Great endling to a great series! And you'll like it!
Ellie is called to another grisly crime scene. Only this crime scene is different. The victim is an old friend, and the alleged assailant is her father! This is a great tale about sorting out details and leads and even similarities. There are a few rabbit holes but keep your eye on the ball and you can figure this out. Ellie's new partner is assigned to the case, and she is benched. But she doesn't like how he is working the scene and feels he may be missing key evidence. So, of course, she gets herself involved. And it's against the direct orders of her boss. Loved this book and it will keep you on your toes. Great endling to a great series! And you'll like it!
March 12, 2025
Ellie Kline, Charleston PD detective is on an interesting case but before she was called out to the Murder scene. Her boyfriend FBI special agent Clay Lockwood had taken her to a very nice special dinner then Clay was down in one knee when her phone rang.
The murder of her friend and mentor who had taught her to fight from the time she was 11, but the shocker was her father leaning over Dotham's bloody body, covered in blood. Dan Kline Ellie's father was arrested for Dotham's murder.
What is happening in this crazy mixed up mess of a case Ellie has been assigned to?
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel did an excellent job with this series and finished it with the best book yet!
The murder of her friend and mentor who had taught her to fight from the time she was 11, but the shocker was her father leaning over Dotham's bloody body, covered in blood. Dan Kline Ellie's father was arrested for Dotham's murder.
What is happening in this crazy mixed up mess of a case Ellie has been assigned to?
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel did an excellent job with this series and finished it with the best book yet!
March 23, 2025
Cold Finish (Ellie Kline Mystery Series Book 15)
OMG!!!!!!!!This book was so freaking amazing and I never wanted to put it down. Ellie is beside herself, her mentor is murdered and he father is charged with his murder. She cannot be apart of the murder investigation, but she gets called to another murder scene, and the she gets another case. She is running around, trying to prove her father's innocence and trying to solve her 2 murder cases. When her fiance is shot. I don't think life could get any crazier. But she does solve her cases and prove her father is innocent, and she also gets rid of a dirty cop. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!This book was so freaking amazing and I never wanted to put it down. Ellie is beside herself, her mentor is murdered and he father is charged with his murder. She cannot be apart of the murder investigation, but she gets called to another murder scene, and the she gets another case. She is running around, trying to prove her father's innocence and trying to solve her 2 murder cases. When her fiance is shot. I don't think life could get any crazier. But she does solve her cases and prove her father is innocent, and she also gets rid of a dirty cop. I can't wait to read the next book.
March 9, 2025
Ellie is called to investigate a local murder, unfortunately she knows the victim, her friend and instructor in Krav Maga. When the police arrived they discover a possible suspect right by the body, Ellie’s father, Dan. Ellie swears her father is innocent, but admits things don’t look to good for him. She begins the search for the real killer because her dad just wouldn’t do something like this. Fast paced and very interesting
March 10, 2025
As Clay is asking Ellie to marry him, her phone rings & she is thrown into another murder investigation. Her Krav Maga instructor is found dead in his gym & her Father is there covered in blood. Ellie knows he’s innocent but can’t be on the case. However, before there are any answers more murders lead her into a discovery of mystery around her Father & all the murders. Can she help him & solve all the murders? A fast paced read that will not disappoint
March 13, 2025
Fast moving and twists, as usual!
Very glad that Ellie and Clay and Bethany are able to start to be a family. I was extremely worried that Clay would not make it through the assassination attempt. That would be too much for these good hearted characters to overcome. I am sad that this is the end of the series. There are so many stories yet to be told. Anyway, thank you for bringing this series to your readers.
Very glad that Ellie and Clay and Bethany are able to start to be a family. I was extremely worried that Clay would not make it through the assassination attempt. That would be too much for these good hearted characters to overcome. I am sad that this is the end of the series. There are so many stories yet to be told. Anyway, thank you for bringing this series to your readers.
March 19, 2025
Riviting
So sad this is the last in this series but it absolutely was the perfect finish. All loose ends tied up neatly. Reading this series and all of Mary's other series makes you feel as if you are part of the families and their stories. Looking forward to the new series that will be coming soon. If you haven't read any of the Mary Stone series I highly recommend all of them.
So sad this is the last in this series but it absolutely was the perfect finish. All loose ends tied up neatly. Reading this series and all of Mary's other series makes you feel as if you are part of the families and their stories. Looking forward to the new series that will be coming soon. If you haven't read any of the Mary Stone series I highly recommend all of them.
March 9, 2025
Clay is about to pop the big question when Ellie gets a call from her boss - her father has been found next to a dead man and was under arrest. From there things just spiral out of control. Her partner Lancaster has been given the case and because it’s her father, Ellie isn’t allowed to have anything to do with the case. Did her father murder him or ….
March 10, 2025
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. Will not disappoint. Love Ellie Kline and am sad this is the last book in the series. 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.
March 10, 2025
The team of Mary Stone and Donna Berdel is magical! The story they have woven for the Ellie Kline finale is wonderful, filled with lots of intrigue, suspense and thrills! As the tension builds toward the end of this book I found it impossible to put down! Thank you Mary and Donna for this amazing series and wonderful characters!
March 13, 2025
This was a great story about Ellie and her family involved with people being killed because of a secret organization and finding who is killing and is a member of the police involved as a mole . This story had lots of suspense and action and Ella’s family and her are having a happy ending . Thank you for this marvelous story.
March 24, 2025
Ellie Kline is on the brink of beginning a life with Clay when she is called to a homicide. From that moment on, her life is turned upside down. This story was a fabulous turn pager, and Ms. Stone was able to tie up all the loose ends in this series with a chilling sinister murderer we all know and may have suspected. I will miss Ellie and her family and friends!
April 11, 2025
chaos
Ellie can’t avoid chaos, it just surrounds her and the people she cares about. So many people die I her world and now her father is implicated in a murder. Lots of action and twists and she finally…I hope, has solved the biggest crime of her career. Felt like the series ending ?
Ellie can’t avoid chaos, it just surrounds her and the people she cares about. So many people die I her world and now her father is implicated in a murder. Lots of action and twists and she finally…I hope, has solved the biggest crime of her career. Felt like the series ending ?
April 30, 2025
What a rollercoaster!!!!
Dothan is slain at his gym by an extremely motivated killer.
Unfortunately, Ellie’s father - summoned to the gym by text, just in time to be arrested for Dothan’s murder - is taken into custody despite his obvious frailty.
This volume triumphantly ties up many threads.
Dothan is slain at his gym by an extremely motivated killer.
Unfortunately, Ellie’s father - summoned to the gym by text, just in time to be arrested for Dothan’s murder - is taken into custody despite his obvious frailty.
This volume triumphantly ties up many threads.
February 13, 2026
Cold finish....
Much as Jane Austin novels !... Build up to a romantic conclusion but don't feed the readers!, Which is why 3/4 books have been written so they can also have closure of a sorts !!!, I have decided used thAt this sort of author !, Well she really isn't I defeated in pleasing her readers come the last book !!,, So very disappointed!
Much as Jane Austin novels !... Build up to a romantic conclusion but don't feed the readers!, Which is why 3/4 books have been written so they can also have closure of a sorts !!!, I have decided used thAt this sort of author !, Well she really isn't I defeated in pleasing her readers come the last book !!,, So very disappointed!
March 10, 2025
Enjoyed the book as always and hoping there are more to come with Ellie and Clay, sorta guessed the bad guy but wasn’t quite sure, a little nervous at one part but turned out good and Ellie pushes on to get the answers and the bad guys against her bosses orders.
March 13, 2025
Great Finish.
Great finish to a very enjoyable series. Ellie is challenged to the limit on several fronts with too many dying. Love is in the air but so is death. Thanks for a terrific read. Thanks for a terrific read.
o
..
Great finish to a very enjoyable series. Ellie is challenged to the limit on several fronts with too many dying. Love is in the air but so is death. Thanks for a terrific read. Thanks for a terrific read.
o
..
March 14, 2025
Cold Finish is the 15th and final book in the Ellie Kline series by Mary Stone. In this book Ellie's father is accused of murder and Ellie is not assigned to the case because it is a family member. The book is filled with suspense and has a great ending and I am really sad to see the series end.
April 11, 2025
Cold Finish
This is a great mystery book. I loved it. I could not put this book down nd when I got to the end I was not disappoiinted. This book is filled with suspense. I highly recommend this book and sris
This is a great mystery book. I loved it. I could not put this book down nd when I got to the end I was not disappoiinted. This book is filled with suspense. I highly recommend this book and sris
April 14, 2025
So good!!
This author never lets you down. While reading her books little things, like housekeeping, cook and other things don't get done as quickly because you don't want to stop reading.
This author never lets you down. While reading her books little things, like housekeeping, cook and other things don't get done as quickly because you don't want to stop reading.
April 19, 2025
Good ending to this series, don't see another book is planned. The plot was engaging, didn't think all the characters would survive. The pages flew buy and was at the end way too soon but many of the loose ends have been tied up.
July 8, 2025
Very suspenseful, a real page turner.
I loved the fast paced action. I would recommend it to anyone that likes detective thrillers! This book is the last one in the Ellie Kline series but each one is good. It could be little disturbing to some (especially the first book).
I loved the fast paced action. I would recommend it to anyone that likes detective thrillers! This book is the last one in the Ellie Kline series but each one is good. It could be little disturbing to some (especially the first book).
August 9, 2025
A mystery assassin on the loose, can they be stopped?
Ellie Kline's father's friend is murdered! Her father is arrested for that murder, which is only one of the murders connected to him. Are the murders connected?
Ellie Kline's father's friend is murdered! Her father is arrested for that murder, which is only one of the murders connected to him. Are the murders connected?
March 10, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, another great one from this author. Had my suspicions about the villain, glad I was right
March 13, 2025
Cold Finish
I enjoyed every book in this series. I feel like I personally know each of her life-like characters. Every book was full of fascinating twists and plots.
I enjoyed every book in this series. I feel like I personally know each of her life-like characters. Every book was full of fascinating twists and plots.
March 17, 2025
This is the fifteenth and final book in the Ellie Kline Mystery series. It’s full of action and suspense. A great ending to a great series.
March 19, 2025
Conclusion- Bye, Ellie!
I've read the all. I caught the clues because Stone taught me to figure out Ellie. What a great character and I'm so pleased with the ending.
I've read the all. I caught the clues because Stone taught me to figure out Ellie. What a great character and I'm so pleased with the ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews