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Dead Cold Mystery #16
Jack in the Box
It was a real Jack in the box.
Only this box was a UPS delivery to crime novelist Helena Magnusson, and the Jack was Jack Connors – her husband; or at least his head. The rest of him was probably in the East River somewhere.
When Detectives Stone and Dehan of the 43rd Precinct reopen the case it isn’t just cold - with no forensic evidence and no witnesses, it’s nigh impossible to solve - and in an investigation that takes them from the Bronx, through Connecticut, right up to Malone on the Canadian border, the cold case team’s list of suspects only seems to grow longer: Is it Connors’ lover, the mysterious Penelope Peach? Or her jilted lover, ruthless South African arms dealer, Grant Shaw? Or is it Helena’s creative writing student, Lenny dos Santos, now doing time for murder?
Or is it none of them?
But in this cold case, these questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Detective Dehan will discover that for her, the box holds a darker, more terrible revelation than she could possibly imagine…
Only this box was a UPS delivery to crime novelist Helena Magnusson, and the Jack was Jack Connors – her husband; or at least his head. The rest of him was probably in the East River somewhere.
When Detectives Stone and Dehan of the 43rd Precinct reopen the case it isn’t just cold - with no forensic evidence and no witnesses, it’s nigh impossible to solve - and in an investigation that takes them from the Bronx, through Connecticut, right up to Malone on the Canadian border, the cold case team’s list of suspects only seems to grow longer: Is it Connors’ lover, the mysterious Penelope Peach? Or her jilted lover, ruthless South African arms dealer, Grant Shaw? Or is it Helena’s creative writing student, Lenny dos Santos, now doing time for murder?
Or is it none of them?
But in this cold case, these questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Detective Dehan will discover that for her, the box holds a darker, more terrible revelation than she could possibly imagine…
220 pages, Paperback
Published November 13, 2024
1787 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
155 books397 followersUSA TODAY and Amazon #1 bestselling author of the OMEGA and DEAD COLD MYSTERY series. Learn more about Blake Banner at his website: www.blakebanner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 1, 2020
Jack is very definitely in the box. Well his decapitated head is - the rest of him has gone missing.
Another excellent and easy read from Blake Banner with all the usual great detective work from Stone and Dehan. The story is good and the dialogue sparkles. Stone gets himself into trouble and Dehan gets him out. This is more or less the pattern to each book but it never gets boring.
I am off to buy the next boxed set. These books have become my go to when I want to read something entertaining and that I know will be good.
Another excellent and easy read from Blake Banner with all the usual great detective work from Stone and Dehan. The story is good and the dialogue sparkles. Stone gets himself into trouble and Dehan gets him out. This is more or less the pattern to each book but it never gets boring.
I am off to buy the next boxed set. These books have become my go to when I want to read something entertaining and that I know will be good.
September 12, 2019
Slapdash mystery. I was tempted to 1 star this book. See below.
SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS
Can’t tell you why a low rating without spoilers.
I’m a mystery/police procedural fan, so after seeing the 5 star reviews, I had to read this book. It’s a quick read, but I had believability problems, unanswered questions, noted illogical events, etc. Plus police procedures and protocols were not followed. Overall, slapdash across the board with a ending that left many questions unanswered.
Plus there are odd sentences, like: “Kendo, Japanese sword fighting, is central to a number of Japanese arts, like Ikido, Budo generally.” What is the author trying to tell me? Why didn’t the author Wiki “Budo,” plus what is Ikido? Is it aikido or perhaps iaido? Please read Wikipedia.
I’ll list some problems, but there are more problems and more questions:
1. Stone and Dehan are eccentric, but what cold cases detectives don’t read the original murder book or talk with the initial investigators?
2. About 30% into the book, the murderer’s name shows up on a list of names. Stone and Dehan investigate one man on the list and ignore the others.
3. Stone goes missing in a secure building with a guard, but Dehan doesn’t immediately ask for security cameras recordings—in the building, on the surrounding streets, and from nearby buildings.
4. Why didn’t the original detectives do their due diligence and find Alorneck’s alibi-witness acquaintances from Europe? How can detectives believe that two adults couldn’t remember a restaurant where they ate—especially if it’s one that’s new to them?
5. The NYPD should notify authorities in Copenhagen that an unknown person traveled using a missing woman’s passport. A flight from NYC to Copenhagen takes over eight hours, so how could the NYPD detectives assume she’ll vanish into the E.U.? She damn well will if they don’t have her arrested at the airport.
6. Piano wires or similar are used as garrotes and have decapitated men racing motorbikes and/or ATVs. The author mentions pulleys and rollers, but I couldn’t visualize a setup that could have propelled the wire at high speed and with adequate main force—to cut through a man’s neck, including vertebrae.
7. Furthermore, NYPD MEs must have attended garrotings and partial decapitations by same. I doubt decapitation by garrote and a cut by a samurai sword would look the same. Furthermore, who would damage a samurai sword by decapitating a person lying on his back, possibly hitting wood or metal.
1.5 stars, bumped to 2 stars because I finished the book.
SPOILERS—SPOILERS—SPOILERS
Can’t tell you why a low rating without spoilers.
I’m a mystery/police procedural fan, so after seeing the 5 star reviews, I had to read this book. It’s a quick read, but I had believability problems, unanswered questions, noted illogical events, etc. Plus police procedures and protocols were not followed. Overall, slapdash across the board with a ending that left many questions unanswered.
Plus there are odd sentences, like: “Kendo, Japanese sword fighting, is central to a number of Japanese arts, like Ikido, Budo generally.” What is the author trying to tell me? Why didn’t the author Wiki “Budo,” plus what is Ikido? Is it aikido or perhaps iaido? Please read Wikipedia.
I’ll list some problems, but there are more problems and more questions:
1. Stone and Dehan are eccentric, but what cold cases detectives don’t read the original murder book or talk with the initial investigators?
2. About 30% into the book, the murderer’s name shows up on a list of names. Stone and Dehan investigate one man on the list and ignore the others.
3. Stone goes missing in a secure building with a guard, but Dehan doesn’t immediately ask for security cameras recordings—in the building, on the surrounding streets, and from nearby buildings.
4. Why didn’t the original detectives do their due diligence and find Alorneck’s alibi-witness acquaintances from Europe? How can detectives believe that two adults couldn’t remember a restaurant where they ate—especially if it’s one that’s new to them?
5. The NYPD should notify authorities in Copenhagen that an unknown person traveled using a missing woman’s passport. A flight from NYC to Copenhagen takes over eight hours, so how could the NYPD detectives assume she’ll vanish into the E.U.? She damn well will if they don’t have her arrested at the airport.
6. Piano wires or similar are used as garrotes and have decapitated men racing motorbikes and/or ATVs. The author mentions pulleys and rollers, but I couldn’t visualize a setup that could have propelled the wire at high speed and with adequate main force—to cut through a man’s neck, including vertebrae.
7. Furthermore, NYPD MEs must have attended garrotings and partial decapitations by same. I doubt decapitation by garrote and a cut by a samurai sword would look the same. Furthermore, who would damage a samurai sword by decapitating a person lying on his back, possibly hitting wood or metal.
1.5 stars, bumped to 2 stars because I finished the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2019
Jack in the Box. Blake Banner
NYPD cold case detectives have reopened a case that involves a women whose husbands head is mailed to her in a box. They slowly unravel a number of potential suspect's, but they feel like their being intentionally lead in a certain direction. The wrong direction. This is a classic whodunit murder mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
NYPD cold case detectives have reopened a case that involves a women whose husbands head is mailed to her in a box. They slowly unravel a number of potential suspect's, but they feel like their being intentionally lead in a certain direction. The wrong direction. This is a classic whodunit murder mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
November 11, 2022
Oof … this short little novel was a mess, with the author trying to lead the story here and there, trying to deflect the detectives from seeing the truth of the matter. But instead, it was just convoluted and not captivating. What I liked: the relationship and short-hand communication between Dehan and Stone; the fact that these books are so short. What I didn’t like: the ridiculous plot; the idiotic and incompetent Inspector; the fact that no other detectives seem capable or doing any real police work; the ego of the author that bleeds through. Overall, this one was really a big “meh” - don’t bother.
January 2, 2021
Not as good as past stories in the series.
Very disappointed. The murderer was kind of out of left field and at the last second decision to conclude the story.
Very disappointed. The murderer was kind of out of left field and at the last second decision to conclude the story.
February 20, 2023
intense read
As I have read the “Cold Case” series in order, I’ve established a view of Stone and Dehan as a very close laid-back, honest, humorous pair. This book not only taxed that viewpoint but made the reader guess if one of them would survive. As the case took quite a number of twist and turns it also appeared at times as if the killer vanished into thin air. How does the victim’s head get delivered by UPS to his wife by 5 pm, when he was seen less than 4 hours earlier going to lunch. As Stone attempts unravel the clues more and more suspects are added to the list. His famous wife, his rich partner, his mistress, his mistress secret lovers, his staff and the list goes on. Stone and Dehan finally bring the clues together, then Stone gets kidnapped…..
As I have read the “Cold Case” series in order, I’ve established a view of Stone and Dehan as a very close laid-back, honest, humorous pair. This book not only taxed that viewpoint but made the reader guess if one of them would survive. As the case took quite a number of twist and turns it also appeared at times as if the killer vanished into thin air. How does the victim’s head get delivered by UPS to his wife by 5 pm, when he was seen less than 4 hours earlier going to lunch. As Stone attempts unravel the clues more and more suspects are added to the list. His famous wife, his rich partner, his mistress, his mistress secret lovers, his staff and the list goes on. Stone and Dehan finally bring the clues together, then Stone gets kidnapped…..
August 10, 2019
A BB Mystery Murder Action Adventure (JITB) (ADCM)
BB has penned a mystery murder action adventure that does not require our dashing twosome to travel far from home on this cold case file. The body indicates a kidnappinga, but when the head is returned in a box and no follow up clues occurs then the file is sent to the Cold Case section meaning no evidence further evidence is prevalent. The daring twosome of the Brooklyn Cold Case Squad are on the trail and realize this will not be an easy one to solve. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
BB has penned a mystery murder action adventure that does not require our dashing twosome to travel far from home on this cold case file. The body indicates a kidnappinga, but when the head is returned in a box and no follow up clues occurs then the file is sent to the Cold Case section meaning no evidence further evidence is prevalent. The daring twosome of the Brooklyn Cold Case Squad are on the trail and realize this will not be an easy one to solve. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
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September 28, 2019A MURDER MYSTERY WORTHY OF A MYSTERY WRITER
Who would send the wife the severed head of her husband? That is the cold case Stone & Dehan chose to solve. But will they? Have the Detective duo finally met their match?
In “Jack In The Box” Blake Banner has created the perfect murder-mystery where ALL the suspects had motive, reason and opportunity to kill Jack and then lie about their alibis, relationships and whereabouts during the murder.
Another great addition to the ‘Cold Case’ series.
Who would send the wife the severed head of her husband? That is the cold case Stone & Dehan chose to solve. But will they? Have the Detective duo finally met their match?
In “Jack In The Box” Blake Banner has created the perfect murder-mystery where ALL the suspects had motive, reason and opportunity to kill Jack and then lie about their alibis, relationships and whereabouts during the murder.
Another great addition to the ‘Cold Case’ series.
September 10, 2020
I find the Dead Cold Mystery series very good readings . Stone and Rehab are interesting as main characters. Their personalities continue to develop with each book. Blake Banners descriptions of the seasons, locations, crime scenes etc. make his reads more interesting to me. I'm already into #17!
June 25, 2021
Good story from beginning to end. Quite exciting, I had to hold my breath for a few chapters. Was surprised at the twist at the end--who would have thought! Rather out of the blue. I was OK with what was spelled out up to that point, and then the surprise. Guess you never know until you get to the last pages. I am on to the next, enjoying the whole series.
August 4, 2024
4 stars
Jack in the Box is the sixteenth book in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
Jack in the Box is the sixteenth book in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
January 2, 2026
The plots are getting soooo sloppy. You can’t drop a box at UPS at 1pm and have them deliver it at 4pm the same day - duh. Stop being a lazy bastard Banner. You have some talent but need to make a little more effort coming up with sensible interesting mysteries… this one is so full of plot holes the ending was pretty insulting… I’ll try one more…
May 24, 2019
At the risk of repeating myself (I do seem to be writing a lot of reviews for this series!) this is another really good book.
I do enjoy every one I read. Dehan and Stone are great together and the plot is always one to grab the readers attention and hold it all the way through.
Excellent.
I do enjoy every one I read. Dehan and Stone are great together and the plot is always one to grab the readers attention and hold it all the way through.
Excellent.
August 18, 2019
Love this author.
I am now nearing completion of Dead Cold series and already hoping more are in the works. I love the details described throughout and the characters are sublime. Excellent reading.
I am now nearing completion of Dead Cold series and already hoping more are in the works. I love the details described throughout and the characters are sublime. Excellent reading.
August 6, 2020
WHAT????
This one didn't make a lot of sense it was all over the place and the ending wasn't very good.it was too farfetched for me all the way around but the other books have been so good Who Cares!!!!
This one didn't make a lot of sense it was all over the place and the ending wasn't very good.it was too farfetched for me all the way around but the other books have been so good Who Cares!!!!
March 26, 2021
Just finished # 16 in thr series and can’t wait to keep reading more. I love the characters and the backstory. The. Mystery/Crime/Thriller aspects keep you guessing that mail thr end and there is usually a nice unexpected plot twist. Very enjoyable reads.
November 29, 2021
Jack in the box
Another typically enjoyable tale in the Holmesian tradition with intrigue at every turn of the story. Interesting means of killing the victim and a totally unexpected reveal of the killer.
Another typically enjoyable tale in the Holmesian tradition with intrigue at every turn of the story. Interesting means of killing the victim and a totally unexpected reveal of the killer.
March 6, 2024
Pretty intense
I like these cold case stories. Like the investigations and the hunt and when they get on a hot clue things get pretty intense. Like the two of them together they make a great team.
I like these cold case stories. Like the investigations and the hunt and when they get on a hot clue things get pretty intense. Like the two of them together they make a great team.
October 15, 2024
I was completely glued to this book in the series and read it in a day, but was disappointed by the ending. It didn't feel like I had a chance to figure it out on my own, having a random C-character end up as the culprit. I like to at least feel like I could have figured out the mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
Blake Banner
Blake Banner never fails to surprise me with who actually did it! Another excellent addition to the series! I highly recommend!
Blake Banner never fails to surprise me with who actually did it! Another excellent addition to the series! I highly recommend!
May 20, 2019
Another Great Book
A page turner that keeps you guessing to the very end. Love all the twists and turns to get to the outcome. Look for future books by Blake Banner
A page turner that keeps you guessing to the very end. Love all the twists and turns to get to the outcome. Look for future books by Blake Banner
July 1, 2019
Twists, turns, and intriguing, everything a good detective story should be. Did not disappoint.
August 17, 2019
Another Gripping story
Yet another twist and turn story to keep you guessing and your mind alert as every twist and turn unfolds .a great read .
Yet another twist and turn story to keep you guessing and your mind alert as every twist and turn unfolds .a great read .
September 26, 2019
Jack books
I like these books. I'm actually rereading this one again. Great entertainment and that is why I read. I recommend this series.
I like these books. I'm actually rereading this one again. Great entertainment and that is why I read. I recommend this series.
December 31, 2019
I am really enjoying these novels. so much so that i have read all 20 novels in this series. I'm now going to start reading the Omega series.
March 9, 2020
Again a superb reading
Stone and Dehan are featured in some of the greatest mysteries I've read. Keep them coming. I'm ready to read them all!
Stone and Dehan are featured in some of the greatest mysteries I've read. Keep them coming. I'm ready to read them all!
January 13, 2021
Love Stone and Dehan
Another great read from Mr. Banner. So glad he's keeping the series going. Hope there will be many more adventures for John and Carmen.
Another great read from Mr. Banner. So glad he's keeping the series going. Hope there will be many more adventures for John and Carmen.
May 18, 2021
As always twists and turns until the end - I am always surprised to finally discover who did it at the very end!
May 31, 2021
Always a page turner!
Read
February 9, 2022The book didn't read like other books by this author. It felt like Stone and Dehan were brand new cops. The ending was very random. Didn't really enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews