It was the first time John Stone had been back to London for fifteen years. Last time had been on an exchange program between the NYPD and Scotland Yard: an exchange of skills and experience that was supposed to last six months, but went one for a year and a half. This time he was on honeymoon with his partner and wife, Carmen Dehan. And it seemed, as they prepared to return home, that history was repeating itself.
Because, as they were leaving the hotel for the airport, the call came; the call that said they had to stay, the call that said the killer was back, the one he’d been searching for fifteen years ago, the one who haunted all his secret nightmares - the one that got away.
So now he has to share his dark secrets, and his nightmares, with his new bride. And as the horror that he thought he’d laid to rest, rises up again, the question that haunts him is, will Dehan survive the ordeal?
USA 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
Excellent! The book in which John Stone totally loses his usual cool and Dehan shoots a baddy dead. So some of it is totally over the top. I do not mind at all when it is done in the best possible way and provides humour to lighten up the darkness of the crimes.
The pair are still in the UK, trying to get home at the end of their honeymoon, when they find themselves seconded to the British Police to help solve the murder of a young girl. Stone has worked on aspects of the same case before and he solves it with his usual speed and confidence. People get sectioned, imprisoned and shot and the pace never lets up.
Will the terrible two make it back to the USA for the next book? I just visited Amazon and purchased Box Set 4 so I can find out.
Another disappointment. I have read all in this series ,enjoying them thoroughly but the Scottish one was poor and this latest one absurd. Ridiculous plot line,it was a challenge to finish it. Stone & Dehan need to return to the US. I can't stand reading anymore stereotypical events/characters in their latest British adventures,it's too awful. Will try one more book them may have to give up. Come on Blake Banner! Have you lost your mojo?
This 12th book one the series picks up immediately where the last one left off. Stone and Dehan are prevented from returning home from their honeymoon at the request of Scotland Yard as it appears a serial killer, last active when Stone was there 15 years ago, is once again active and they want Stone’s help.
There are all kinds of revelations in this book and there are murders to solve and agendas to reveal. The difference in policing between the UK and the US is pointed out on several occasions and it makes for an interesting reflection on how things may have gone differently if this book took place in the US. There are some sketchy tactics employed by Stone but, in a typical moral grey zone, the reader is left to wonder if they have a problem with any of it.
The denouement is a great read and the ending is great. As always, I am driven to reflect on what a good TV series could be made from these books.
I am anxious to get Stone and Dehan back to the US to see how their marriage affects their partnership and what the NYPD’s policies allow for.
I have had a short break from "Dead Cold" mysteries and after reading this I wonder why. The interactions between Stone and Dehan are, as always , priceless, as are many of the descriptions of people and places. The whodunit aspect is always interesting, as are the Sherlock and Watson overtones. With most books I highlight the occasional passage I feel is interesting or impressive in some way. With the "Dead Cold" series I am sometimes highlighting almost more than I leave blank. In this novel the excursion into British politics is perhaps rather unflattering to one of the parties, if not something of a caricature and this might put some readers off methinks. If you can get past that aspect of this novel you will enjoy it immensely. If not , the other novels have nothing to say about British politics since they are mostly set in the Bronx, so do read those - if you don't you are missing a treat. Fans of Robert B Parker should also enjoy Blake Banner's "Dead Cold" mysteries...
Detectives Stone and Dehan are in England on their honeymoon. The day of their departure they are contacted by an old acquaintance from Scotland yard about a case he was involved in fifteen years ago. The murder of young American women in Whitechapel as well as the murder of Stones wife of approximately two weeks. Another young women has been murdered but she is British, the daughter of a powerful politician. Stone and Dehan agree to help. Twist and turns to fhe last page. Enjoyed immensely.
Once again Blake Banner has presented us with a wonderful tale starring Mr. & Mrs John Stone. The Couple are just at the end of their two week honeymoon and we find them in the Ritz Hotel in London. This book reveals previously untold information about John. I’m not revealing any other info, you have to read this book to find that out. You would be a fool to let this book go by. Get it today! NickTheMoose
Another cold case to solve but this time it is in England. We find out that Stone worked with Scotland Yard 15 years ago and some of what happened during his time there. Of course there was a case that was never solved. Fast forward to present. Stone and Dehan are in England, finishing up their honeymoon, and a murder happens.
This book tells us more about Stone's past than any book yet. It lets us see glimpses of why he is like he is.
The honeymoon continues in England.....did not see that coming. A fascinating story with lots of background on Mr. Stone. That the author has had this background through 12 books is intriguing. Makes.me wonder if he had this in mind from the beginning or it came.later. We even learn the story about his Jag.
Lots not twists and turns. As usual some items that stretch what is possible, but a fast paced story.
I wanted a serial killer case continuing to haunt stone or dehan while reading book#10 and we have got ourselves exactly that but this killer was connected to Stone's past and his connection to UK which was quite teased about in the last book. We get to know about Stone and his life before cold cases unit happened. It was quite interesting until the narrative went all political and about various ideologies. It was interesting but some things made me skim through it.
This action packed book was short so it should be considered a novella. What I liked: the characters; the fact that Dehan and Stone got up to such crazy capers on their honeymoon; the “good life” being laid out for them. What I didn’t like: the violence Stone displayed; the chaotic plot that was rather loosely put together and explained in such a weak manner; the ego and know it all attitude Stone continues to display. Overall, the was just a so-so read.
The Stones are definitely back on a better track after their sojourn to the wilds of Scotland. The book started very promisingly, but some of the relationships and scenarios at the end seemed a little contrived and rushed especially the meeting between Stone and the 3 main protagonists, but still an enjoyable yarn
Was not expecting what was revealed in this book, thoroughly enjoyed this book and in my opinion the best so far, you learn a lot about Stone and how close he gets to crossing the line,Dehan was as usual her kick ass self,finally finished book 12 which I bought all as a set. Will have to spend some more money on the next four
I have read this series from the start and they are still an excellent read, if anything they keep getting better.
Anyone who hasn't read any of these Cold Case stories are missing out. Dehan and Stone are great characters and I love the humour that accompanies their partnership. Add a good plot and you have a really enjoyable read.
Okay another great book in the Detectives Stone and Dehan. If you like detective novels or TV shows, you’ll like these books. I’m a Columbo fan, I watch Law and Order Criminal Intent, I consider myself as a James Patterson’s character Alex Cross aficionado and I like these books. Great work Blake Banner!
The Stone and Dehan characters have adjusted to their married status, and Stone's previously unknown experience with UK policing (first seen in the preceding adventure) was a surprise twist.
Something has been lost, though. The intellectual tension between John and Carmen is gone. No electricity left.
The Butcher of Whitechapel is the twelfth 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.
Another intriguing mystery by Mr Banner... loved the story line and the way the results are slowly leaked until you think you have it and then another twist is added to the story. Very well written.
Great cast of characters, sprinkle in posh Brits with BadAss Yanks and top it off with current affairs and you end up with a great story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Onto the next in this series!!
This was really good. A real page turner. Every time I thought I would take a break, I got hooked into another chapter. As this one took place in England, it was different than the others. Good story and lots of action. I am on to the next in the series, have been enjoying all of them.
This series gets better and better. This is the best one yet. Action packed. Not knowing what was going to happen to Stone and Dehan Great read. I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait for the next one.
Stone and Dehan continue their honeymoon in London. A cold case, a new murder and the murder of stones first wife keeps this story moving. There is the political under current in this story. Good read. Ready for the next one
Still prefer having them work cases out of the 43rd and not travel to other countries. Nice getting some of Stones bsckground. Looking forward to the next story.
I love how I never expect the endings! With my love of reading, I tend to guess to story fast in most books. I have yet to do it in Blake Banner's books. Dead Cold mysteries is the 2nd series of his that I'm reading!
Even though this book, like the last, takes place overseas and not in the Bronx, I enjoyed this one. The case got a little grandiose at the end, but what can I say? It was engaging and I looked forward to each time I picked it up.