STONE COLD: A Gripping Pacific Northwest Female Sleuth Crime Thriller

by Valerie Davisson

326 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

A book addict from way back, I cut my teeth on fairy tales and C.S. Lewis, skipping class to hang out in the library. Later, I moved on to Tolkein and Twain. During graduate school, I only had time to read Anthropology books, so it wasn't until later I got hooked on Mysteries and Thrillers. Michael Conneally's Bosch, Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone, C.J. Box, J.A. Jance's Sheriff Brady, and Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon. I don't know about you, but I burned through those books as fast as I could discover a new series. Still do!

But it wasn't until I had a serious back injury that I realized how important well-written stories were to me. I could get lost in a good book. They kept my mind off of things over which I had not control. And even though they were pure fiction, the ones with strong, female protagonists inspired me to overcome my own hurdles in life. I realized I not only enjoyed reading them, but I wanted to write books like that.

Somewhere during that time, the character of Logan McKenna began to take shape, eventually turning into my first book of the Logan series, SHATTERED. With 8 books and a novella prequel in the series so far, I am grateful readers have enjoyed getting to know Logan and friends and keep buying the books, allowing me to do what I love. I am rarely happier than when I am at my keyboard, headphones clamped on my head, listening to ocean waves crashing on rocks (my go-to white noise), allowing the story to flow out of my fingertips.

I also love to hear from readers. It may take a while due to my research and writing schedule, but I will answer!

My husband and I live in our dream forest cottage on the Oregon coast with our dog, Finn. We have six children and numerous grandchildren, grand dogs and a few grand cats. When I'm not at the computer, I'm usually out walking Finn or in the kitchen trying new recipes.

Reviews

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I can't believe that this is the eleventh book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series! Time certainly flies when you love a series as much as I do. I have been patiently waiting for this release.

Stone Cold is another engaging crime thriller in which Logan finds herself caught in a complicated web of intrigue. Logan is strong, determined, and always strives to seek justice for those who can't fight for themselves. Working with the Lincoln County Cold Case Unit, she faces a challenging investigation that becomes a race against time; she has just five days to uncover the killer before they claim their next victim. As Logan gets closer to the truth, she finds herself on the killer's radar.

Valerie excels at crafting twists and turns that lead you to think you know what’s coming, only to surprise you completely. This story is fast-paced and a real page-turner; I couldn't put the book down until I discovered how everything played out.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Stone Cold is the eleventh book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series by Valerie Davisson. It is another solid, engaging crime thriller that pulls you right into the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The story follows Logan McKenna, a smart and determined sleuth, as she joins the Lincoln County Cold Case Unit and tackles a chilling mystery filled with secrets, danger, and unexpected twists.
As expected from Ms. Davisson, the mystery was intriguing, and the pacing was spot-on, keeping me hooked without feeling like the story was being rushed. Having read the entire series, so far, Logan drew me into her world from the beginning, bringing interesting and suspenseful mysteries with each new instalment. She is a relatable and likable character – a strong woman who is sharp, brave, and has a lot of heart - which makes following her journey/adventures all the more enjoyable. The plot is packed with suspense, and just when I think I’ve figured it out, Ms. Davisson throws in another curveball.
So, if you’re into crime thrillers with strong female leads, this is definitely worth checking out. It’s a great mix of suspense, emotion, and a touch of grit that’ll keep you turning the pages.
The series contains:
-Bella: An Appalachian Love Story (Book #0)
-Jagged Dawn (Book #0.5)
-Shattered (Book #1)
-Forrest Park (Book #2)
-Devil’s Claw (Book #3)
-Vanishing Day (Book #4)
-Safe Harbor (Book #5)
-Lies That Bind (Book #6)
-Whisper Creek (Book #7)
-In Plain Sight (Book #8)
-Lost and Found (Book #9)
-Look Again (Book #10)
-Stone Cold (Book #11)
Wonder what Logan will get up to next?
Happy Reading…

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unfortunately for me this is the first book I have read in this series and now it makes me want to go back and read it from the first book in the series. I love the story line and the characters. It starts with Logan starts as a volunteer for the Lincoln County Cold Case Unit while her husband Ben is away. A body is discovered at a Construction She works with them to help identify the body and then put the pieces together to find out who done it. This book had be drawn in from page one all the way to the end. If you enjoy a good Crime thriller this is a good one to read. It reminds of me a little of what you would see in the movie bones or csi.