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Dead Cold Mystery #13
Little Dead Riding Hood
An eighteen-year-old girl sets out one November night to walk five blocks down Gleason Avenue to her boyfriend’s house. He calls her and she tells him she’s on her way. It’s a walk that should take ten minutes, but she never arrives.
When she does turn up, it’s five days later, washed up on the banks of the River Bronx, in Soundview Park, strangled to death.
The detective who investigates the murder, a friend of the family, finds no forensic evidence, nothing of interest in her phone records, no witnesses to the abduction or the murder. Nothing. The case goes cold.
Until her brother, Samuel, comes forward with new evidence he has found. And then the cases is handed to Detectives Stone and Dehan of the 43rd Precinct. They start asking the difficult questions, like how did she get into the river in the first place, and then the case starts heating up again…
When she does turn up, it’s five days later, washed up on the banks of the River Bronx, in Soundview Park, strangled to death.
The detective who investigates the murder, a friend of the family, finds no forensic evidence, nothing of interest in her phone records, no witnesses to the abduction or the murder. Nothing. The case goes cold.
Until her brother, Samuel, comes forward with new evidence he has found. And then the cases is handed to Detectives Stone and Dehan of the 43rd Precinct. They start asking the difficult questions, like how did she get into the river in the first place, and then the case starts heating up again…
147 pages, ebook
Published November 19, 2018
1913 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
153 books402 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 48 reviews
June 28, 2020
The last few days of each month are days I reserve for random reading - grabbing whatever I feel like from my shelf. As is often the case what I feel like is another Dead Cold Mystery from the always entertaining Blake Banner.
This series is actually improving as it goes along. Admittedly Banner has a formula which he follows in each book but it is a great one which needs no change. What he is doing is getting a little bit more descriptive but still keeping to the short, snappy style which keeps his story lines moving.
I am still loving his characters although Dehan must love Stone very much to put up with him! One day he is surely going to be wrong - surely!
Anyway I enjoyed that so much I was unable to prevent myself starting the next book in the series immediately. I hope Mr. Banner is writing these quicker than I am reading them....
This series is actually improving as it goes along. Admittedly Banner has a formula which he follows in each book but it is a great one which needs no change. What he is doing is getting a little bit more descriptive but still keeping to the short, snappy style which keeps his story lines moving.
I am still loving his characters although Dehan must love Stone very much to put up with him! One day he is surely going to be wrong - surely!
Anyway I enjoyed that so much I was unable to prevent myself starting the next book in the series immediately. I hope Mr. Banner is writing these quicker than I am reading them....
November 4, 2021
I stepped away from this series after not finishing, “A Murder Most Scottish.” That book was a mess.
I skipped ahead to this one and it was, again, a good mystery. Not quite the great repartee that used to exist between Dehan and Stone prior to their marriage, though and that’s a shame.
The downgrade is for grammar. Please, Mr Banner, hire an editor! It’s YOU’RE, not YOUR, omgaaaaa
I skipped ahead to this one and it was, again, a good mystery. Not quite the great repartee that used to exist between Dehan and Stone prior to their marriage, though and that’s a shame.
The downgrade is for grammar. Please, Mr Banner, hire an editor! It’s YOU’RE, not YOUR, omgaaaaa
January 25, 2022
Unlucky 13 ..... This one misses the mark badly. Since the "wedding" this series has turned downward. It looks as if this one has run it's course. Leave this one on the bookshelf.
November 22, 2018
Love this series
A few editing issues, but overall skillful writing by one of my favorites. I'm not sure if I've missed it before or if Mr. Banners style is evolving. Sprinkled in with tight dialog are beautifully poetic descriptions that are a pleasure to read. The mystery isn't complex, if you pay attention as you read you can probably figure it out. But the read is what it's about. John is a badass. Carmen is a badass. their relationship is comfortable but as newlyweds I expect a little heat. The book is written only from John's pov, which works. He makes remarks that let you know he is wild about her and thinks she's sexy as hell, but Mr. Banner writes zero sexual tension. When one of them is nearly killed i can't believe the other doesn't hug or kiss or declare how scared they were. John is one of the best detectives on the force and training Carmen to be as well. He always has ideas on why something doesn't add up or who isn't what they seem. He never shares this with Carmen (or us) and it makes it seem like he's undermining her. She shows admirable restraint by not giving him a peace of her mind. I don't like wimpy women and Carmen sure isn't one. However, she is a woman and I'd like to see her show John once in a while that he's dealing with one. All that said, if you like a mystery and strong mc's you'll like this book. It's 13 in the series and if you haven't read the first ones all I can say is do it. Do it now. I'm now waiting impatiently for the next one.
A few editing issues, but overall skillful writing by one of my favorites. I'm not sure if I've missed it before or if Mr. Banners style is evolving. Sprinkled in with tight dialog are beautifully poetic descriptions that are a pleasure to read. The mystery isn't complex, if you pay attention as you read you can probably figure it out. But the read is what it's about. John is a badass. Carmen is a badass. their relationship is comfortable but as newlyweds I expect a little heat. The book is written only from John's pov, which works. He makes remarks that let you know he is wild about her and thinks she's sexy as hell, but Mr. Banner writes zero sexual tension. When one of them is nearly killed i can't believe the other doesn't hug or kiss or declare how scared they were. John is one of the best detectives on the force and training Carmen to be as well. He always has ideas on why something doesn't add up or who isn't what they seem. He never shares this with Carmen (or us) and it makes it seem like he's undermining her. She shows admirable restraint by not giving him a peace of her mind. I don't like wimpy women and Carmen sure isn't one. However, she is a woman and I'd like to see her show John once in a while that he's dealing with one. All that said, if you like a mystery and strong mc's you'll like this book. It's 13 in the series and if you haven't read the first ones all I can say is do it. Do it now. I'm now waiting impatiently for the next one.
July 9, 2019
Stone and Dehan
Another very enjoyable read in this series about Detective Stone and Dehan the ending is not what I suspected well done to the author, onto book fourteen in the series all books so far have been very enjoyable well worth reading
Another very enjoyable read in this series about Detective Stone and Dehan the ending is not what I suspected well done to the author, onto book fourteen in the series all books so far have been very enjoyable well worth reading
March 13, 2022
Storyline Errors
The author always has an excerpt about how quickly they write, but maybe if they slowed down a little there wouldn’t be glaring storyline errors. I also don’t understand why the author would write American characters but use British slang. Americans don’t “row,” and we have surgery we don’t go to the “operating theater.” Just write British characters or hire an American editor. My biggest complaint is the small, snide political undertones. Yes the “Thought Police” are definitely after you. Dehan has the potential to be a strong female lead and instead you made her a pick me girl. She’s not like the other girls, she definitely doesn’t get crazy one week a month when her period starts *eye roll*
I’ve liked the stories more than I’ve disliked small irritations (Stone mocking a Chinese accent, give me a break) but I think this will be the end of the road for me.
The author always has an excerpt about how quickly they write, but maybe if they slowed down a little there wouldn’t be glaring storyline errors. I also don’t understand why the author would write American characters but use British slang. Americans don’t “row,” and we have surgery we don’t go to the “operating theater.” Just write British characters or hire an American editor. My biggest complaint is the small, snide political undertones. Yes the “Thought Police” are definitely after you. Dehan has the potential to be a strong female lead and instead you made her a pick me girl. She’s not like the other girls, she definitely doesn’t get crazy one week a month when her period starts *eye roll*
I’ve liked the stories more than I’ve disliked small irritations (Stone mocking a Chinese accent, give me a break) but I think this will be the end of the road for me.
March 19, 2023
Some interesting twists but not as compelling as previous books
3.5 stars…I’m a fan of this series and I really like the MCs but for some reason this book just didn’t suck me in like previous books have. I can’t really put my finger on why. Perhaps the case just wasn’t made as compelling or maybe the complete lack of sympathetic characters? I’m not quite sure.
It doesn’t put me off the series or anything and we still get Stone’s logical reasoning but if I were Dehan I’d get more than a little annoyed with his keeping so much of his thought process to himself, especially now that they are married. I’m not sure how the author will deal with this as the big reveal at the end is part of the formula. But it was bad enough when he refused to discuss what he was thinking with his partner. Refusing to reveal his thoughts to his wife so she feels constantly one step behind, in the dark, and out of the loop seems a bridge too far.
3.5 stars…I’m a fan of this series and I really like the MCs but for some reason this book just didn’t suck me in like previous books have. I can’t really put my finger on why. Perhaps the case just wasn’t made as compelling or maybe the complete lack of sympathetic characters? I’m not quite sure.
It doesn’t put me off the series or anything and we still get Stone’s logical reasoning but if I were Dehan I’d get more than a little annoyed with his keeping so much of his thought process to himself, especially now that they are married. I’m not sure how the author will deal with this as the big reveal at the end is part of the formula. But it was bad enough when he refused to discuss what he was thinking with his partner. Refusing to reveal his thoughts to his wife so she feels constantly one step behind, in the dark, and out of the loop seems a bridge too far.
November 29, 2018
Blake Banner is an awesome author. He keeps you wondering and just when you think you have it figured out - bam! - the real culprit is someone else!
I love the way he described the rain at the beginning of chapter 11: "...the world was a gray, misty place, and from the lintel, cold silver pearls of water gathered and dripped onto the sill below. An occasional wind shook them from time to time and dispersed them dragging the rain back and forth in the background, among the black shades of naked trees." It is an artist rendering of what he sees.
He is just as descriptive in the action taking place throughout the book.
Can't wait for the next one!!
I love the way he described the rain at the beginning of chapter 11: "...the world was a gray, misty place, and from the lintel, cold silver pearls of water gathered and dripped onto the sill below. An occasional wind shook them from time to time and dispersed them dragging the rain back and forth in the background, among the black shades of naked trees." It is an artist rendering of what he sees.
He is just as descriptive in the action taking place throughout the book.
Can't wait for the next one!!
April 30, 2021
I love Banner's Harrry Bauer series, though I'm not a committed reader of Dead Cold Mystery. This is my second book in the series and it's not the strongest. Our protagonist duo are dealing with another cold case of a teenage girl who went missing then found washed up on the banks of river Bronx. The number of suspects are limited and you would know beforehand that they're red herrings. Halfway into the story you'll find author's trademark adrenaline pumping action and you'll forget for a moment that you're reading and murder myster. The mystery though was unexpected but the motive didn't seem convincing enough to me.
October 25, 2022
2 1/2 Stars: The books are getting shorter. This one was only 137 pages - barely a novella, more like a brief. This plot seemed really sparse and like the author was trying to fill in at the end. What I liked: the interplay (mostly) between Stone and Dehan; the terrific memory of the construction boss’s wife. What I didn’t like: the way Stone cuts Dehan out and makes the discoveries about his ego; the wimpiness of the Inspector; the characters; the flimsy plot; the thinness (on every level) of this book. Plus it drives me crazy that the author sets his books in the Bronx but uses British phrases and terms. And, as I always say, this author needs a good editor.
November 25, 2018
Another Stone Cold Hit
Blake Banner has done it again! This book continues keeping us intrigued with John Stone’s analytical mind. His partnership with Carmen Dehan-Stone continues to deepen and this book leaves us with that feeling that every author desires. We want more! Blake, if you see this, stop reading & go back to writing. We’re waiting, quite impatiently, for more.
If you’re new to this series, go back to the beginning & read them all. I’m sure you will be as in thralled as I am.
NickTheMoose
Blake Banner has done it again! This book continues keeping us intrigued with John Stone’s analytical mind. His partnership with Carmen Dehan-Stone continues to deepen and this book leaves us with that feeling that every author desires. We want more! Blake, if you see this, stop reading & go back to writing. We’re waiting, quite impatiently, for more.
If you’re new to this series, go back to the beginning & read them all. I’m sure you will be as in thralled as I am.
NickTheMoose
December 28, 2019
Little Dead. Riding Hood. Blake Banner
A mother dies giving birth to her daughter. Her entire life her family holds her responsible. As a teenager, at age 18, she has had enough. Her behavior becomes unbearable to her devoutly religious brother. On the way to see her boyfriend she is murdered. The handling detective finds the case unsolvable. It turns into can cold case. The detective did not investigate are follow up on leads. Another puzzle for cold case detectives Stone and Dehan. Another excellent whodunit murder mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
A mother dies giving birth to her daughter. Her entire life her family holds her responsible. As a teenager, at age 18, she has had enough. Her behavior becomes unbearable to her devoutly religious brother. On the way to see her boyfriend she is murdered. The handling detective finds the case unsolvable. It turns into can cold case. The detective did not investigate are follow up on leads. Another puzzle for cold case detectives Stone and Dehan. Another excellent whodunit murder mystery. Enjoyed immensely!
May 26, 2022
We all read many crime novels or cold case mystery novels and what makes this so interesting is the cleverness of the author and the way he navigates the cases pointing out the suspect pool via Stone. Each and every case will be straightforward in paper and when finished reading it would be something that was staring at us in the face at all times. Beautiful book and highly recommended one too. Also I don't understand why some of the cases Stone takes seems to rock the boat so much.......
November 28, 2018
This was my first book by Blake Banner and it was a decent read. Not the most intense thriller I've ever read but it did keep me turning the pages to figure out who did it! There were times when I questioned if I had started on the second book of a series as sometimes the backstory between the main detectives felt lacking - like it was all in the first book - and a few of the little remarks felt like inside jokes I wasn't apart of. Overall those were easy to overlook as they didn't have major baring on the overall plot and it was a good quick read for me.
August 4, 2024
4.5 stars
Little Dead Riding Hood is the thirteenth 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.
Little Dead Riding Hood is the thirteenth 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.
November 28, 2018
Banner Does It Again
If you liked the others in the series you'll love this. Nice to see them back in NY.
The previous 2 in the UK were a nice break but implausible.
Great stories, keep them coming please.
If you liked the others in the series you'll love this. Nice to see them back in NY.
The previous 2 in the UK were a nice break but implausible.
Great stories, keep them coming please.
February 24, 2019
Love/Throughly Enjoyed
I am hooked on this series. Great author, great police details, great unexpected plots. I’ve alway been surprised by the ending. Not predictable at all. Thank you for the total escape that never disappoints. Nancy Hamner
I am hooked on this series. Great author, great police details, great unexpected plots. I’ve alway been surprised by the ending. Not predictable at all. Thank you for the total escape that never disappoints. Nancy Hamner
July 31, 2020
I gotta tell you as soon as the read the first three chapters I had an idea who the killer was, but not sure. Not until the middle, then I got it. Another good read, good interaction from the main characters I am glad I am reading the whole series.
August 18, 2020
Another winner
Stone and Dehan are on top of their game again. It always amazed me how Stone managed to figure it out in the end. I'd like to see Dehan figure it out once in a while.
Stone and Dehan are on top of their game again. It always amazed me how Stone managed to figure it out in the end. I'd like to see Dehan figure it out once in a while.
December 18, 2020
This is book #13 of the series. To me this series has taken a wrong turn. The author, at the end of every book, states he writes books quickly. It is starting to show.
This book again has Stone and Dehan working a cold case from 2 years ago. Not very cold.
This book again has Stone and Dehan working a cold case from 2 years ago. Not very cold.
September 28, 2021
Glad they are home
Glad the married couple are home. This cold case is brought to them per request of family. And then it does stop there. It is woven as this author moves you closer to the killer. Excellent mystery.
Glad the married couple are home. This cold case is brought to them per request of family. And then it does stop there. It is woven as this author moves you closer to the killer. Excellent mystery.
October 19, 2021
Little Dead riding hood
Another good tale of mystery and the Holmesian logical approach to the various situations. Interesting to see the family relationship as a clue to the murders.
Another good tale of mystery and the Holmesian logical approach to the various situations. Interesting to see the family relationship as a clue to the murders.
November 30, 2022
It's so difficult to give any of these 5 stars until Banner stops having New York City cops and residents speak as though they're British, refer to things that exist in England, but not in America, etc. I found this one fairly interesting, but not enough to overcome the annoyance from that.
August 21, 2024
Finally back to NYC after a two book hiatus!
Great mystery that had me thinking about whodunnit when I wasn't reading the book. It was nicely wrapped up and was one of the better set up mysteries of the series.
Great mystery that had me thinking about whodunnit when I wasn't reading the book. It was nicely wrapped up and was one of the better set up mysteries of the series.
March 11, 2025
Twists & Turns
The way this author reveals suspects and the things that reflect on the possibility of each having committed the crime is fascinating. There are so many twists and turns and the culprit is a surprise at story’s end. Truly well written.
The way this author reveals suspects and the things that reflect on the possibility of each having committed the crime is fascinating. There are so many twists and turns and the culprit is a surprise at story’s end. Truly well written.
November 20, 2018
Another winner
I love this series. The plots are always interesting. I really like the play between Stone and Dehan and that they are married.
I love this series. The plots are always interesting. I really like the play between Stone and Dehan and that they are married.
November 24, 2018
Comfortable read. Plot just ok.
December 8, 2018
Great book
As usual evenly paced well written, solid characters and great plot looking forward to the next one in the series
As usual evenly paced well written, solid characters and great plot looking forward to the next one in the series
January 17, 2019
This book is a nice quick read with some interesting characters. The plot line is a bit convoluted with not enough clues to guess who done it. It still had a satisfying ending
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews