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DI Stella Cole Thriller #2
Hit Back Harder
This cop has blood on her hands...Detective Inspector Stella Cole only has one case. To find, and kill, the remaining members of a legal conspiracy who turned her world into ashes. But their leader, Adam Collier is her boss. And he’s pulling in friends from the underworld to take the fight to Stella. Chief among them, an Albanian drug lord nicknamed, The Shark".Regrouping in Spain, Stella makes contact with an old adversary. A retired gangster named Ronnie “The Razor” Wilks. He proposes a deal that tests Stella’s resolve to the limit.The only problem? Stella is losing her mind to a second, unrelentingly brutal version of herself she’s dubbed “Other Stella”. As the violence escalates, the question is, which one will win?A visceral, psychological crime thriller…Hit Back Harder picks up where the first book in the series, Hit and Run, left off. Stella has already shot and killed a High Court judge. But will she have the skills and the survival instincts to fight off the ruthless killers on her tail?A rising body countExpect a rising body count and corrupt deals between people who are morally compromised as Stella adopts covert tactics to reap revenge on those who who her family apart.Readers’ opinions“Oh my word, just finished this the second in the trilogy of D. S . Stella Cole. It's 6.15am, I've had four hours sleep and I had to finish the book. It's brilliant and I can't wait to read the next in the series.”Joan Mackie“Stella Cole and her alter ego take vengeance to a new level. She's brutal and a deceptively skilled assassin. Maslen doesn't pull any punches and her ability to both defend herself and attack is merciless and deadly.”Philip James“This book kept me awake at night... it didn't give me nightmares although I suppose the graphic detail could have done. No, it was its gripping storyline that was the problem. I like to read for a short while before settling to sleep at night, but I couldn't put the book down and ended up with some very, very late nights.”Carol A.E. BentleyThe second novel in an enthralling seriesThis hard-hitting, gritty and violent crime thriller is the second book in Andy Maslen’s popular Stella Cole series. Be prepared to lose sleep as you promise yourself ‘just one more chapter’.DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY OF HIT BACK HARDER NOW
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2017
1228 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
73 books520 followersMULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 21, 2020
Stella Cole = John Wick's sister
No time for review I need the next book like a junkie.
No time for review I need the next book like a junkie.
December 19, 2017
Split/Second
In the first novel, “Hit and Run,” London DI Stella Cole learned the horrific hit-and-run deaths of her husband and baby daughter were no accident. They were murdered by a cabal of high-profile judicial vigilantes, including her boss, DCS Adam Collier. Already mentally broken, Stella becomes psychotic and begins a quest for vengeance, by viciously killing the man who drove the car that killed her family and leaving the country to plan her next moves.
In this second novel, Stella is intent on completing her vendetta by killing the remaining members of the cabal. But a new character has emerged to assist her — “Other Stella,” who only Stella can see. Stella’s psyche has literally split into two personalities: Stella wants to punish those who killed her family, Other Stella just likes to kill — period. This ups the psychological suspense dramatically. Andy Maslen has masterfully created a heroine you root for and a bitchy villain you hate IN THE SAME WOMAN! The dialog and interplay between the two Stellas is like seeing two street girls fighting over the same guy — sarcastic, nasty and physically brutal.
The reader is taken from the houses of high-society judicial London to the playground of Spain’s Costa del Sol as Stella makes her plans and recruits some rather nefarious characters to assist her. All the while, her old boss and nemesis, Adam Collier works his own plot to stop Stella before she can kill him. This cat-and-mouse chase is not for the faint-hearted (some scenes are gruesome) but its psychological depth in the splintering of Stella Cole is truly a tour-de-force. Very well done, indeed!
In the first novel, “Hit and Run,” London DI Stella Cole learned the horrific hit-and-run deaths of her husband and baby daughter were no accident. They were murdered by a cabal of high-profile judicial vigilantes, including her boss, DCS Adam Collier. Already mentally broken, Stella becomes psychotic and begins a quest for vengeance, by viciously killing the man who drove the car that killed her family and leaving the country to plan her next moves.
In this second novel, Stella is intent on completing her vendetta by killing the remaining members of the cabal. But a new character has emerged to assist her — “Other Stella,” who only Stella can see. Stella’s psyche has literally split into two personalities: Stella wants to punish those who killed her family, Other Stella just likes to kill — period. This ups the psychological suspense dramatically. Andy Maslen has masterfully created a heroine you root for and a bitchy villain you hate IN THE SAME WOMAN! The dialog and interplay between the two Stellas is like seeing two street girls fighting over the same guy — sarcastic, nasty and physically brutal.
The reader is taken from the houses of high-society judicial London to the playground of Spain’s Costa del Sol as Stella makes her plans and recruits some rather nefarious characters to assist her. All the while, her old boss and nemesis, Adam Collier works his own plot to stop Stella before she can kill him. This cat-and-mouse chase is not for the faint-hearted (some scenes are gruesome) but its psychological depth in the splintering of Stella Cole is truly a tour-de-force. Very well done, indeed!
December 13, 2017
I love this book, the character of Stella Cole is growing on me. The book is the second in the series but is written so that it could be read as a standalone book, I had not read any Andy Maslen books before this series but after reading both Stella Coles books I will be. She is a character that for me has real legs and you could see her working with the police or even in the darker murky underworld
I am huge fan of Stephen leathers spider Sheppard series and I can see Stella being a female version of spider.
The story is fast paced and full of great, believable characters, yes the story at times makes you wonder at times if this could ever happen in the real world, but hey perhaps it does happen and we don’t know about it . it also makes you think hard about what you would do in her situation and for me that makes for a good book
So Stella’s family have been killed and she is out for justice and she wants good old fashioned eye for an eye justice. I like the writing style and plot. I can’t wait for the next novel
I am huge fan of Stephen leathers spider Sheppard series and I can see Stella being a female version of spider.
The story is fast paced and full of great, believable characters, yes the story at times makes you wonder at times if this could ever happen in the real world, but hey perhaps it does happen and we don’t know about it . it also makes you think hard about what you would do in her situation and for me that makes for a good book
So Stella’s family have been killed and she is out for justice and she wants good old fashioned eye for an eye justice. I like the writing style and plot. I can’t wait for the next novel
June 23, 2020
The second DI Stella Cole novel and leading straight on from the first. Stella carries on with her crusade, with Other Stella taking over more frequently and becoming increasingly violent and out of control. At times unbelievable with what Stella will do, but then again, understandable when you remember she is a mother whose baby has been taken from her brutally. The ending paves the way for the next book leaving a huge question of how she will get out of the situation she is now in.
September 17, 2025
Fast, and very, very motivated.
One of the great things about having holiday time on your hands is that when you have a completely unputdownable book, you can read it from start to finish. Like hinge-watching a movie series. Andy Maslen's second Stella Cole instalment is a superb build on the first. Spoiler - when you get to the end, it'll make you about a rather rude word. Revenge is bittersweet, after all....
One of the great things about having holiday time on your hands is that when you have a completely unputdownable book, you can read it from start to finish. Like hinge-watching a movie series. Andy Maslen's second Stella Cole instalment is a superb build on the first. Spoiler - when you get to the end, it'll make you about a rather rude word. Revenge is bittersweet, after all....
December 15, 2017
An Absolute must.
The second book in the DI Stella Cole series is a first class read. Action from beginning to end, excellent plot line, brilliant characters and full of twists and turns.Clearly well researched and an easy writing style that made it a shame to finish it! Looking forward to book 3.
The second book in the DI Stella Cole series is a first class read. Action from beginning to end, excellent plot line, brilliant characters and full of twists and turns.Clearly well researched and an easy writing style that made it a shame to finish it! Looking forward to book 3.
September 18, 2018
Hit Back Harder. Andy Malsen
Detective inspector Stella Cole's husband and young daughter were murdered by a group of extremely powerful individuals called Pro Patria Mortem. Their goal? Justice when the legal system fails to do their duty. Vigilantes. Cole is going after them with extreme prejudice. This is an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!
Detective inspector Stella Cole's husband and young daughter were murdered by a group of extremely powerful individuals called Pro Patria Mortem. Their goal? Justice when the legal system fails to do their duty. Vigilantes. Cole is going after them with extreme prejudice. This is an excellent read! Enjoyed immensely!
February 3, 2020
I enjoyed the first in this series, but I have to say this one, not so much.
The further the key character sunk, into what seemed to be a developing mental disorder, I lost more sympathy and struggled with some of the multiple character layers (schizophrenia but referred to as something else more specific)
The further the key character sunk, into what seemed to be a developing mental disorder, I lost more sympathy and struggled with some of the multiple character layers (schizophrenia but referred to as something else more specific)
September 23, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable read from an excellent author. There was plenty of excitement all the way through and seeing Stella’s gradual fall from reality was really well portrayed. Some people may be put off by the particularly gruesome killings but they did not detract from the book for me. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 16, 2021
Hit back Harder
After reading the fir DI Cole novel I just had to read this, onse too. I now have to go to the third in the series, which I'm sure will be just as good.
The book is well written and captures the imagination od the reader right from the start as you continue on DI Coles journey.
After reading the fir DI Cole novel I just had to read this, onse too. I now have to go to the third in the series, which I'm sure will be just as good.
The book is well written and captures the imagination od the reader right from the start as you continue on DI Coles journey.
August 30, 2019
Stella\Other Stella
I was hooked with Book 1, and Book 3 is waiting for me! The author's writing got me in the heads of every character, making me feel every emotion and action so deeply. The lines blur between good/bad of these good/bad people. I'm rooting for you Stella!
I was hooked with Book 1, and Book 3 is waiting for me! The author's writing got me in the heads of every character, making me feel every emotion and action so deeply. The lines blur between good/bad of these good/bad people. I'm rooting for you Stella!
October 10, 2020
Good ~ but it dragged in the middle for me ~ same old/same old ~ kinda slow. Surprising, since Andy Maslen usually has NO 'draggy' parts, but, for me, it did. Now I need to read #3, and of course I'm not happy, but I will . . . . hope it picks up . . . . .
January 15, 2021
Stellar performance by Stella
Stella had been lost in the memories of her dead husband and child. Now she wants vengeance, and she has no pity for her quarry. I liked the streak of ruthlessness that spurred her on. I liked the new characters, whom she involved in her crusade with impunity. I became involved in the story and cannot wait to read the next book.
Stella had been lost in the memories of her dead husband and child. Now she wants vengeance, and she has no pity for her quarry. I liked the streak of ruthlessness that spurred her on. I liked the new characters, whom she involved in her crusade with impunity. I became involved in the story and cannot wait to read the next book.
January 23, 2021
She Sure Did
Man! This character kicked butt! The storyline is, of course, implausable, but it was still enjoyable. Do go out and buy a copy of this book, and reimagine the bullies at school getting what they deserve.
Man! This character kicked butt! The storyline is, of course, implausable, but it was still enjoyable. Do go out and buy a copy of this book, and reimagine the bullies at school getting what they deserve.
March 17, 2021
One hell of a book
I was really captured by the first Stella book but my gosh this one is totally explosive. A gripping Book has you sat practically on the edge of your seat and wondering what an earth will happen next. A absolutely cleverly written and put together book.
I was really captured by the first Stella book but my gosh this one is totally explosive. A gripping Book has you sat practically on the edge of your seat and wondering what an earth will happen next. A absolutely cleverly written and put together book.
May 15, 2022
Great read
Really enjoyed the 2 books in the series so far. I'm sure Stella will get the result she wants in the end so I'm off now to read the third in the series. Really can recommend these books. Great author.
Really enjoyed the 2 books in the series so far. I'm sure Stella will get the result she wants in the end so I'm off now to read the third in the series. Really can recommend these books. Great author.
August 2, 2025
Gripping storyline.
This book is one that is hard to put down! Make sure you have completed all your chores before starting! The authors depiction of a split personality is riveting, and believable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This book is one that is hard to put down! Make sure you have completed all your chores before starting! The authors depiction of a split personality is riveting, and believable. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
December 13, 2017
Well written and an exciting story. It takes you in and makes you feel sorry for Stella and what she has been thru with her family.Waiting for the next one will be hard. Hurry!!!
March 2, 2018
WOW ! DI Stella Cole takes revenge to a new level. Great story, great characters and great action. How far would you go if you lost your husband and daughter ? You gotta read this !
March 4, 2018
Enjoy reading this book
Plenty of action.
Plenty of action.
January 3, 2019
Stella
Another great book by Andy Maslen, gripping from start to finish can’t wait to start book number three in the series thanks Andy keep up the great work. 👍🏻
Another great book by Andy Maslen, gripping from start to finish can’t wait to start book number three in the series thanks Andy keep up the great work. 👍🏻
April 22, 2019
Not Back Harder
Liked the first two books and bought the 3rd. I like the characters, especially Stella. She was a good cop but got into a terrible situation.
Liked the first two books and bought the 3rd. I like the characters, especially Stella. She was a good cop but got into a terrible situation.
March 2, 2020
Love this series of books.
September 6, 2020
Excellent read. Exciting!
April 13, 2022
Unexpected finish. Looking forward
to 3 for resolution for DI Cole.
to 3 for resolution for DI Cole.
June 24, 2022
A cracking read with DI Stella Cole developing into a really hard-hitting central character.
August 31, 2022
A thrilling read from start to finish. Can’t wait for the next in the series.
December 19, 2022
Excellent, well written and engaging from start to finish.
February 29, 2024
Great follow up to the first book Hit & Run.
July 9, 2024
A brilliant second read, loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews