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Dead Cold Mystery #2
Two Bare Arms
It was November in New York. It was raining, it was cold and the trees all looked like skeleton’s hands. And Detective John Stone was having a problem with habeas corpus, because all there was of the body, was two bare arms. Two bare arms that somebody, twelve years ago, had put in a lock up in the East Bronx. What they had done with the rest of the woman, nobody knew. But as Stone and Dehan start to investigate, two things become clear: whoever killed the woman, wanted her arms to be found, as a boast, as a challenge. And that meant they were dealing with a psychopath – a serial killer.
But who –the biker with a taste for beating up women? Or his best pal the Satanist and devotee of Crowley? Or perhaps the neurotic IT freak who spent his leisure hours surfing the net for porn? Or maybe somebody else…?
One thing Stone understands clearly, whoever it is, is a master of misdirection…
But who –the biker with a taste for beating up women? Or his best pal the Satanist and devotee of Crowley? Or perhaps the neurotic IT freak who spent his leisure hours surfing the net for porn? Or maybe somebody else…?
One thing Stone understands clearly, whoever it is, is a master of misdirection…
201 pages, ebook
First published August 29, 2017
5288 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
150 books392 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 148 reviews
November 3, 2019
Well number two was every bit as good as number one. These books are fast paced, interesting and short. There's no time to lose interest and anyway the characters are just as intriguing to read about as the mystery is!
Detectives Stone and Dehan worked their way through a cold case, twelve years cold actually, which revolved around the discovery of two bare arms. That's all. Just two arms - no idea where the rest went. Stone worked his usual magic although even he found that there were too many suspects and not enough evidence. I did not guess the killer.
Blake Banner writes well. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
Detectives Stone and Dehan worked their way through a cold case, twelve years cold actually, which revolved around the discovery of two bare arms. That's all. Just two arms - no idea where the rest went. Stone worked his usual magic although even he found that there were too many suspects and not enough evidence. I did not guess the killer.
Blake Banner writes well. I am looking forward to the rest of this series.
November 12, 2021
Detectives John Stone and Carmen Dehan are still consigned to working cold cases. Their current one, a 12 year old murder doesn't have much to go on - just a pair of bare arms belonging to a woman. They were found in a lockup and have never been matched up with a body. Quite a challenging case you might think, but Stone and Dean almost have too many suspects on their hands.
This is an enjoyable fast paced murder mystery with plenty of action as the detectives face angry Satanic Hells Angels and a devious psychopathic kidnapper and killer. I'm beginning to get a feel for the characters who are both meant to be misfits, but wouldn't mind a bit more character development in the next book, especially as they are both interesting and likeable with a bit of chemistry zapping between them. Definitely a series I will keep reading.
This is an enjoyable fast paced murder mystery with plenty of action as the detectives face angry Satanic Hells Angels and a devious psychopathic kidnapper and killer. I'm beginning to get a feel for the characters who are both meant to be misfits, but wouldn't mind a bit more character development in the next book, especially as they are both interesting and likeable with a bit of chemistry zapping between them. Definitely a series I will keep reading.
January 4, 2018
Great cop story with plenty of twists that lead to a surprising ending!
Second in a series with detectives Dehan and Stone, who continue to investigate cold cases but the one their on turns into also happening today! These two have a great relationship, their wits and thought processes enhance each other, enabling them to work flawlessly together.
I really enjoyed this story, and found myself unable to put it down until I read ' The end'. A great police procedural , that anyone interested in this type of story will absolutely love reading!!
Second in a series with detectives Dehan and Stone, who continue to investigate cold cases but the one their on turns into also happening today! These two have a great relationship, their wits and thought processes enhance each other, enabling them to work flawlessly together.
I really enjoyed this story, and found myself unable to put it down until I read ' The end'. A great police procedural , that anyone interested in this type of story will absolutely love reading!!
June 4, 2025
The more you're into mysteries, the more you may enjoy this story. For me this kind of story, not so much.
November 5, 2022
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Two bare arms a dead cold mystery prt 2
Two Bare Arms is about a cold case 12 years ago where a Man named Peter found two human arms in his storage locker. No evidence, no DNA, no witnesses, the case goes cold. No knows who's arms or who dismembered a body. Detective Stone and Detective Dehan work the cold case to try to figure who's arms, why were they stored in Peter's locker, where's the rest of the body AND who's the killer.
The book follows through the investigation. I would say about 40 percent of the book, I pretty much figured out who the killer was. But then...It wasn't that guy or the other guy I swore was the killer. I then became very confused 😕 UNTIL.....duh duh duh it was someone completely different. Someone completely unexpected, I literally was shocked. I gasped. Confusion became the WHAT THE HELL....to holy shit, this Author is brilliant. What a unexpected surprise.
What I don't like the most about the book was the the fact there were ALOT of coincidences. I can't give an example without giving the book away but there were several. It made me a little annoyed and definitely several eye rolls 🙄.
This is the second book of the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner. I found it decently written as much as the first installment. I like the characters and I really liked the detective work, the grunt work. It was detailed but not too much. I find that this series has several good reviews and plenty of 5 stars for a reason. It is greatly thought out. Easy to read and understand but NOT a young adult. This series is definitely for Mature audiences due to the crime and nature.
My Rating is 4 stars. I think there are 28 books in total and not one of them that I saw were under 4 star rating. I just might read more from this Author.
Two bare arms a dead cold mystery prt 2
Two Bare Arms is about a cold case 12 years ago where a Man named Peter found two human arms in his storage locker. No evidence, no DNA, no witnesses, the case goes cold. No knows who's arms or who dismembered a body. Detective Stone and Detective Dehan work the cold case to try to figure who's arms, why were they stored in Peter's locker, where's the rest of the body AND who's the killer.
The book follows through the investigation. I would say about 40 percent of the book, I pretty much figured out who the killer was. But then...It wasn't that guy or the other guy I swore was the killer. I then became very confused 😕 UNTIL.....duh duh duh it was someone completely different. Someone completely unexpected, I literally was shocked. I gasped. Confusion became the WHAT THE HELL....to holy shit, this Author is brilliant. What a unexpected surprise.
What I don't like the most about the book was the the fact there were ALOT of coincidences. I can't give an example without giving the book away but there were several. It made me a little annoyed and definitely several eye rolls 🙄.
This is the second book of the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner. I found it decently written as much as the first installment. I like the characters and I really liked the detective work, the grunt work. It was detailed but not too much. I find that this series has several good reviews and plenty of 5 stars for a reason. It is greatly thought out. Easy to read and understand but NOT a young adult. This series is definitely for Mature audiences due to the crime and nature.
My Rating is 4 stars. I think there are 28 books in total and not one of them that I saw were under 4 star rating. I just might read more from this Author.
May 9, 2022
4.75 ⭐
What can I say I freaking love Dehan and Stone's partnership. This book was even better than the first one. Truly, the story was so bizzare and hilarious, for a moment I was like "what in the heck is going on?!" but for some absurd reason the plot sucks you right in and keeps you on your toes.
What can I say I freaking love Dehan and Stone's partnership. This book was even better than the first one. Truly, the story was so bizzare and hilarious, for a moment I was like "what in the heck is going on?!" but for some absurd reason the plot sucks you right in and keeps you on your toes.
November 16, 2018
Thrilling
Fast paced ( for a cold case). Twists and turns, you don't figure it out until the last few pages. Stone and Dehan are a perfect partnership. Can't wait to read the next one!
Fast paced ( for a cold case). Twists and turns, you don't figure it out until the last few pages. Stone and Dehan are a perfect partnership. Can't wait to read the next one!
November 22, 2018
Easy to read, engaging, kept my attention, and had a good twist.
May 31, 2020
I. Loved. This. Book. Who says cold cases are boring?? I have to say I was surprised by who the bad guy turned out to be. I suspected so many people and now I guess I owe them all apologies. 😂 Stone and Dehan make the best team and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
April 28, 2020
John Stone and Carmen Dehan investigating another cold case - and they have very little to start with, namely a pair of severed female arms found 12 years before. This book is as well written as the first one - fast paced, clever, good characters, great banter, with many twists and turns and a very surprising end. Only reason I cannot give it 5 stars is this very stupid scene/chapter about the Hell's Angels in the old church. I mean, normally Stone is the brain, and Dehan the fighter, but all of a sudden he takes on 6 heavily armed crazy bikers all by himself, plus knocks out a huge FBI agent in the process? Honest, this was like a stray chapter of Jack Reacher or something equally idiotic accidentally inserted into an otherwise clever book. Hence 4 stars, not 5.
February 24, 2024
Stone and Dehan are still assigned to cold cases but now with a supportive Captain. This cold case surrounds two arms found in a storage unit twelve years ago. There are twist and turns, with Dehan being in the clutches of the killer. Looking forward to another book in the series.
October 6, 2017
Another 4 1/2 stars
A few annoying Editting/proofreading issues. This book didn't describe either detective, but describes the winter trees ad nauseam. However, the plot, the dialogue, the two detectives are superb. Delicious. So human. I may have had a fleeting thought of who the killer was, but then I was beautifully blindsided! All I want for the next book is for our detectives to realize they are a hot-to-be-couple!
A few annoying Editting/proofreading issues. This book didn't describe either detective, but describes the winter trees ad nauseam. However, the plot, the dialogue, the two detectives are superb. Delicious. So human. I may have had a fleeting thought of who the killer was, but then I was beautifully blindsided! All I want for the next book is for our detectives to realize they are a hot-to-be-couple!
March 22, 2025
Detectives John Stone and Carmen Dehan have been relegated to solving cold cases - because it's hard to argue they should be anywhere else when they deliver results. The second case they investigate involves two bare arms that turned up in a storage locker and were reported by the owner of said storage locker. With little to go on, they delve deep into the history of each of the owners with lockups but soon find that they've reawakened a serial killer.
I'm confused? I feel like the author and I are on two very different planets. Much like the first one, I found things getting lost in translation. It was definitely better than the first one, but I was still only mainly catching the gist of what was going on. There are just too many random references and/or slang that I just don't get. But I love cold case investigations and this series has a lot of books so I'm willing to keep going for as long as possible.
In regards to the mystery it was a bit all over the place. There was lots of rumination on to who, how and why but it was hard to follow at points and the balance between that and actual investigating was a bit iffy. It meandered a bit but it was generally fast paced and kept me guessing. I did not see the ending coming at all. It was definitely a tricky one.
The relationship between Stone and Dehan was alright. They seem to get on well and I like that Stone goes to bat for her. I dislike Dehan saying But they seem to have something of a friendship and it's okay. No doubt it'll develop into full blown romance - they stare at each other a hell of a lot - but it's par for the course these days. I would've liked to see more depth to both of them though. For all I've read two books, I don't really know anything about either of them and their lives. They seem to just revolve around one another, spend lots of time staring at each other and solve cases. Most of their dialogue is banter, snark and musings about the case. It's not bad, but I would like to get to know each character better.
I know this is a hard boiled noir flavoured mystery and they tend to be a little less politically correct but it's a little much at times. The race, domestic abuse and gender comments were terrible and unnecessary, made all the worse by how casual the references seem to be. It's the style - but I didn't like it - even if that is on me for reading.
It's not a perfect book but one that I enjoyed enough to decide to read the next one. 2.5 stars, rounded to 2 stars.
I'm confused? I feel like the author and I are on two very different planets. Much like the first one, I found things getting lost in translation. It was definitely better than the first one, but I was still only mainly catching the gist of what was going on. There are just too many random references and/or slang that I just don't get. But I love cold case investigations and this series has a lot of books so I'm willing to keep going for as long as possible.
In regards to the mystery it was a bit all over the place. There was lots of rumination on to who, how and why but it was hard to follow at points and the balance between that and actual investigating was a bit iffy. It meandered a bit but it was generally fast paced and kept me guessing. I did not see the ending coming at all. It was definitely a tricky one.
The relationship between Stone and Dehan was alright. They seem to get on well and I like that Stone goes to bat for her. I dislike Dehan saying But they seem to have something of a friendship and it's okay. No doubt it'll develop into full blown romance - they stare at each other a hell of a lot - but it's par for the course these days. I would've liked to see more depth to both of them though. For all I've read two books, I don't really know anything about either of them and their lives. They seem to just revolve around one another, spend lots of time staring at each other and solve cases. Most of their dialogue is banter, snark and musings about the case. It's not bad, but I would like to get to know each character better.
I know this is a hard boiled noir flavoured mystery and they tend to be a little less politically correct but it's a little much at times. The race, domestic abuse and gender comments were terrible and unnecessary, made all the worse by how casual the references seem to be. It's the style - but I didn't like it - even if that is on me for reading.
It's not a perfect book but one that I enjoyed enough to decide to read the next one. 2.5 stars, rounded to 2 stars.
August 7, 2021
Two Bare Arms, delves into the dark and depths of witchcraft top it off with a psycho narcissist in the mix. Sinister & devilish.
This case was cold and so is the weather “condensation billowing from our mouths as though we were all smoking cigarettes.”
This seems to make this cold case even colder.
‘Whether it’s Boston PD, Connecticut, or New York, that case will end up at the bureau.’ Anywhere the evidence leads they leave no “Stone” unturned.
These detectives play by the book, very meticulous and calm no matter that the evidence is compelling on several prime suspects.
“She climbed back in, and I watched her drive away.” Oh the admiration between these two, a romantic undertone to this partnership; makes this read so sweet with anticipation.
“The sky was turning black, and thunder rolled far off. A few fat drops fell as we climbed into the Jag and pulled away”.
The weather gives this journey of discovery the ambiance so to speak, it plays a big part in bringing the necessary chilling edge.
“How… how can you possibly know that?”
A hunch is almost a premonition with Stone even Dehan is mind boggled frequently. Cold cases have protruding hot tails like shooting stars, you miss them at your peril
Oh the chuckles, this read is fun 😃 smack bang just when reading gets tense and mystery is relentless, simultaneously. A tear rimmed my eye when he found her in a lockup trying to revive her to life.
I was getting disappointed when tracking the directing of evidence and circumstances, it wouldn’t reveal Bob the neighbor as I had suspected him right from the beginning. Then boom after all is said and done I had the right hunch. Satisfaction 👌🏼
This case was cold and so is the weather “condensation billowing from our mouths as though we were all smoking cigarettes.”
This seems to make this cold case even colder.
‘Whether it’s Boston PD, Connecticut, or New York, that case will end up at the bureau.’ Anywhere the evidence leads they leave no “Stone” unturned.
These detectives play by the book, very meticulous and calm no matter that the evidence is compelling on several prime suspects.
“She climbed back in, and I watched her drive away.” Oh the admiration between these two, a romantic undertone to this partnership; makes this read so sweet with anticipation.
“The sky was turning black, and thunder rolled far off. A few fat drops fell as we climbed into the Jag and pulled away”.
The weather gives this journey of discovery the ambiance so to speak, it plays a big part in bringing the necessary chilling edge.
“How… how can you possibly know that?”
A hunch is almost a premonition with Stone even Dehan is mind boggled frequently. Cold cases have protruding hot tails like shooting stars, you miss them at your peril
Oh the chuckles, this read is fun 😃 smack bang just when reading gets tense and mystery is relentless, simultaneously. A tear rimmed my eye when he found her in a lockup trying to revive her to life.
I was getting disappointed when tracking the directing of evidence and circumstances, it wouldn’t reveal Bob the neighbor as I had suspected him right from the beginning. Then boom after all is said and done I had the right hunch. Satisfaction 👌🏼
April 20, 2024
★★★★☆.25
“To feel nothing is more painful than to feel pain.”
Another one of Blake’s books and it did not disappoint. I liked this second book to the Cold Case Mysteries. It really has you hooked from the beginning to the end. I also love that the books are quick reads of no more than 200 pages! 🤠
I honestly did not expect that ending. I though it would either be Dave or Peter who was the serial killer. But never did I expect it to be the neighbour all throughout. We only saw him in the beginning and then at the end which is when Stone and Dehan confronted them by thinking they were going to arrest Peter and his wife but in reality, they knew it was the neighbours. It was so well written that you really don’t see it coming 🫣
I enjoyed the other characters, not for their weird kinks and habits and crimes themselves but the way they were well written too which shows how they could’ve ended up being one of the suspects. It was sad that the crimes were done the way they did and the poor woman who was murdered by the man who she left her boyfriend for along with the girl who’s arms were found in the lockup along with the rest of her body parts scattered around the other states. I’m glad they found closure for the families although it’s never the best news 😭
Also, I’m really loving the flirty banter between both Stone and Dehan. I can feel the chemistry between them! I was lowkey hoping they would have a fling especially with the way that Stone reacted when Dehan was kidnapped and nearly died in his arms. I know they’re partners but I feel like there’s more and I’m curious to see if it ever grows into anything more or is explored in the rest of the series 🥹
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be 100% reading the rest of this series. I am loving all the different crime stories and the fact that they’re being solved after years/decades 🕵🏻♀️
“To feel nothing is more painful than to feel pain.”
Another one of Blake’s books and it did not disappoint. I liked this second book to the Cold Case Mysteries. It really has you hooked from the beginning to the end. I also love that the books are quick reads of no more than 200 pages! 🤠
I honestly did not expect that ending. I though it would either be Dave or Peter who was the serial killer. But never did I expect it to be the neighbour all throughout. We only saw him in the beginning and then at the end which is when Stone and Dehan confronted them by thinking they were going to arrest Peter and his wife but in reality, they knew it was the neighbours. It was so well written that you really don’t see it coming 🫣
I enjoyed the other characters, not for their weird kinks and habits and crimes themselves but the way they were well written too which shows how they could’ve ended up being one of the suspects. It was sad that the crimes were done the way they did and the poor woman who was murdered by the man who she left her boyfriend for along with the girl who’s arms were found in the lockup along with the rest of her body parts scattered around the other states. I’m glad they found closure for the families although it’s never the best news 😭
Also, I’m really loving the flirty banter between both Stone and Dehan. I can feel the chemistry between them! I was lowkey hoping they would have a fling especially with the way that Stone reacted when Dehan was kidnapped and nearly died in his arms. I know they’re partners but I feel like there’s more and I’m curious to see if it ever grows into anything more or is explored in the rest of the series 🥹
Overall, I enjoyed this book and will be 100% reading the rest of this series. I am loving all the different crime stories and the fact that they’re being solved after years/decades 🕵🏻♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2021
The Wrong Book, The Right Story
I was intending to read the tenth Harry Bauer novel next but discovered Mr Banner had not yet published that one: so I chose the second Dead Cold Mystery. I discovered that I had previously started the first in this series but quit halfway, so decided to start afresh but near.
It turns out that BB writes police procedurals very well. I enjoyed the Bauer series but this mystery is written in another style, a similar style but another voice. I have wondered occasionally if he is intentionally mimicking different authors. Harry Bauer is a modern version of James Bond as written by Ian Fleming (not the movie version) with the wry humour frequently directed at Fleming's own British affectations. Dead Cold Mystery Nr 2 is an American cop story with echoes of a few old time American novelists and their heroes; it would be easy to visualise Detective Stone as a young Spencer Tracy or Humphrey Bogart in their film roles.
So Philip Marlowe as a Twenty-first century policeman? Maybe. I enjoyed the cleverness, the intellectual play and the characterisation of the two main protagonists, I've not mentioned the female lead and how she echoes cool humour of Lauren Bacall and those same 1940s books. Maybe next time I will watch her more closely.
I will be following the series and definitely recommend it strongly.
I was intending to read the tenth Harry Bauer novel next but discovered Mr Banner had not yet published that one: so I chose the second Dead Cold Mystery. I discovered that I had previously started the first in this series but quit halfway, so decided to start afresh but near.
It turns out that BB writes police procedurals very well. I enjoyed the Bauer series but this mystery is written in another style, a similar style but another voice. I have wondered occasionally if he is intentionally mimicking different authors. Harry Bauer is a modern version of James Bond as written by Ian Fleming (not the movie version) with the wry humour frequently directed at Fleming's own British affectations. Dead Cold Mystery Nr 2 is an American cop story with echoes of a few old time American novelists and their heroes; it would be easy to visualise Detective Stone as a young Spencer Tracy or Humphrey Bogart in their film roles.
So Philip Marlowe as a Twenty-first century policeman? Maybe. I enjoyed the cleverness, the intellectual play and the characterisation of the two main protagonists, I've not mentioned the female lead and how she echoes cool humour of Lauren Bacall and those same 1940s books. Maybe next time I will watch her more closely.
I will be following the series and definitely recommend it strongly.
July 6, 2022
"Two Bare Arms", second in the Dead Cold mystery series, is a tighter book than the first and all the better for it.
It's still got the strange obsession with steak dinners, and Det. John Stone continues to channel Sherlock Holmes (I consider myself well read but the whole element involving Floradix Liquid Iron still has me baffled and the author definitely has a greater knowledge that I when it comes to Aleister Crowley).
Twelve years ago two arms were found in a lockup in New York - it is the coldest of cold cases. Stone and his partner, Det. Carmen Dehan, set out to re-investigate.
It's an odd mix of dedicated police work and Stone's unerring ability to eventually find an answer from out of the blue that eventually leads to answers. It's a slightly annoying mix but, overall, does not detract from an interesting read.
There are suspects aplenty, many of them red herrings, and the final revelations do come as a surprise (even if it is a rather genteel one).
3 Stars.
It's still got the strange obsession with steak dinners, and Det. John Stone continues to channel Sherlock Holmes (I consider myself well read but the whole element involving Floradix Liquid Iron still has me baffled and the author definitely has a greater knowledge that I when it comes to Aleister Crowley).
Twelve years ago two arms were found in a lockup in New York - it is the coldest of cold cases. Stone and his partner, Det. Carmen Dehan, set out to re-investigate.
It's an odd mix of dedicated police work and Stone's unerring ability to eventually find an answer from out of the blue that eventually leads to answers. It's a slightly annoying mix but, overall, does not detract from an interesting read.
There are suspects aplenty, many of them red herrings, and the final revelations do come as a surprise (even if it is a rather genteel one).
3 Stars.
July 24, 2022
So glad I found this series!
I love this series and the author’s writing style. Reminds me so much of Agatha Christie, perhaps a combo of Poirot and Marple. The mystery is difficult and intriguing, there are lots of clues, lots of red herrings, humor, some danger, and lots of using of the “little grey cells.”
Stone’s brilliance as a detective finally get some support in the form of his new captain. I kept wondering as I read this one if he would have had the resources and backup if his old captain from book one were still around.
I’d like to see more of a role for Dehan. She contributes far less in this book and isn’t portrayed as nearly as strong or equal a partner. I have a fear of where this is leading and I certainly hope not as that would be the end of my enjoyment of the series.
But right now, these appear to be excellent mysteries and I highly recommend them and will keep reading.
I love this series and the author’s writing style. Reminds me so much of Agatha Christie, perhaps a combo of Poirot and Marple. The mystery is difficult and intriguing, there are lots of clues, lots of red herrings, humor, some danger, and lots of using of the “little grey cells.”
Stone’s brilliance as a detective finally get some support in the form of his new captain. I kept wondering as I read this one if he would have had the resources and backup if his old captain from book one were still around.
I’d like to see more of a role for Dehan. She contributes far less in this book and isn’t portrayed as nearly as strong or equal a partner. I have a fear of where this is leading and I certainly hope not as that would be the end of my enjoyment of the series.
But right now, these appear to be excellent mysteries and I highly recommend them and will keep reading.
February 22, 2019
Never a dull moment.
I will admit the first page of the first book had me frowning. I wasn't sure I would like an author who started things off with a disparaging description of a character with out anything to balance it.
Detectives Dehan and Stone begin their partnership and the cold case operations in the Bronx PD with suspicion, energy and attitude. They have a healthy respect for each other and their investigation. Unlike cop stories with a wall of suspects these two meet once or twice a day to review their leads and suspects in the case. I have now read the first two books and look forward to more. These are quick reads, heavy on mystery, and sometimes have more suspects than any case needs. I found I would want to cheer and moan turning pages quickly to get to the solutions and conclusions.
I will admit the first page of the first book had me frowning. I wasn't sure I would like an author who started things off with a disparaging description of a character with out anything to balance it.
Detectives Dehan and Stone begin their partnership and the cold case operations in the Bronx PD with suspicion, energy and attitude. They have a healthy respect for each other and their investigation. Unlike cop stories with a wall of suspects these two meet once or twice a day to review their leads and suspects in the case. I have now read the first two books and look forward to more. These are quick reads, heavy on mystery, and sometimes have more suspects than any case needs. I found I would want to cheer and moan turning pages quickly to get to the solutions and conclusions.
March 22, 2019
This will be a general review for why I like this series. If I have any specific comments for each book, I will add to it. Here's why I'm liking this series (not in order or importance):
[This is after reading #1-5]
1. Likable MCs that aren't one dimensional
2. Though it is told through Stone's POV, we get a good sense of Dehan
3. Multi-layered, interesting mysteries that are not (IMO) easy to guess and figure out
4. Interesting dynamics between Stone and Dehan. The between them is going to happen (I happened upon the blurb of book #11, LOL) and it plays out really well. Not rushed, natural. I also like how things are written where you can read the subtext and know what is sort of doing on with their thoughts/feelings for each other without it being obvious and shoved in your face.
5. Things are well written and they make for compelling reads. I find myself reading many back to back like binging on a TV series.
[This is after reading #1-5]
1. Likable MCs that aren't one dimensional
2. Though it is told through Stone's POV, we get a good sense of Dehan
3. Multi-layered, interesting mysteries that are not (IMO) easy to guess and figure out
4. Interesting dynamics between Stone and Dehan. The between them is going to happen (I happened upon the blurb of book #11, LOL) and it plays out really well. Not rushed, natural. I also like how things are written where you can read the subtext and know what is sort of doing on with their thoughts/feelings for each other without it being obvious and shoved in your face.
5. Things are well written and they make for compelling reads. I find myself reading many back to back like binging on a TV series.
August 3, 2020
Encouraged by its high ratings and in a mood for a good mystery, I reached for this book and, unfortunately, ended up struggling to finish it. This speaks volumes since I don’t think I had encountered a crime novel I hadn’t enjoyed up until this book.
With endless descriptions of tree branches “reaching” in various directions and everyone “hunkering down” to see bodies or evidence, I got very annoyed with the writing and very bored with the plot (and this was at 20 or 30% into this novel). There are plenty of better options out there, so maybe consider choosing them over this particular book.
With endless descriptions of tree branches “reaching” in various directions and everyone “hunkering down” to see bodies or evidence, I got very annoyed with the writing and very bored with the plot (and this was at 20 or 30% into this novel). There are plenty of better options out there, so maybe consider choosing them over this particular book.
April 5, 2021
This is the kind of palate cleanser I enjoy immensely. It's obviously written by a professional who knows his tools well. Pacing is exemplary and the plot is satisfyingly more complicated than your average Cold Case or Criminal Minds episode, without taxing your brain too much. At two hundred pages, it won't take much of your time and resets your mind between a literary heavyweight and that convoluted "History of Europe" you've been putting off. The characters are likable and no loose threads remain, even with a gallery of suspects and a half-dozen States visited. Why aren't more authors learning from this?
December 9, 2017
Second in a series, I snagged the first one on FreeBooksy, which was a good move for the author as now I'm hooked,
I read this one from cover to cover, overnight, and am wondering how an author can have so much imagination and cunning without being a serial killer himself - so he writes these books in order to throw the coppers off his trail - oh wait - now he'll be coming for me......
GREAT BOOK< I bought the five book series so hope I love the next three as much as the first two.
HIGHLY recommended.
I read this one from cover to cover, overnight, and am wondering how an author can have so much imagination and cunning without being a serial killer himself - so he writes these books in order to throw the coppers off his trail - oh wait - now he'll be coming for me......
GREAT BOOK< I bought the five book series so hope I love the next three as much as the first two.
HIGHLY recommended.
September 29, 2022
3 3/4 Stars: These are certainly interesting detective novels. What I liked: the two lead detectives and their relationship; the mysteries; the fast pace. What I didn’t like: the denigrating stereotypical “speech” he writes for various characters; the non-obvious twist toward the end that is becoming formulaic; the incorrect usage of adverbs and at times just bad writing - as an author, he should do better. Having a good editor would help. I’m hooked enough to read the next book in this series.
February 15, 2024
This series got me hooked
When detective John Stone & Dehan start prodding a decade old coldcase, little did they know that they were waking up a hornets nest. Relishing the newfound interest shown on him, the killer sends the duo scurrying around to save potential victims before things get ugly. To make matters worse, the detective duo find several characters with probable motive for murder and the evidence implicates multiple people, rather than just one individual.
Its one of those novels where the real identity of the killer is unveiled in the last few pages.
When detective John Stone & Dehan start prodding a decade old coldcase, little did they know that they were waking up a hornets nest. Relishing the newfound interest shown on him, the killer sends the duo scurrying around to save potential victims before things get ugly. To make matters worse, the detective duo find several characters with probable motive for murder and the evidence implicates multiple people, rather than just one individual.
Its one of those novels where the real identity of the killer is unveiled in the last few pages.
November 11, 2017
Another excellent police procedural featuring Dehan and Stone. The plot is complex with many twists, and the two main characters are a delight. They work well together, and their rapport is strong. Maybe a romance will follow in time but at the moment I think it unnecessary. They act like a married couple without the spectre of sex destroying a good story. A satisfying ending and I am eager to read the next one.
January 24, 2018
This was a very good police procedural. I read it as part of a four-volume box set. I liked this one (#2 of 4) even better than the first one. The protagonists (Stone & Dehan) are both oddballs that don't fit in well in the NYPD, but work well with each other. The plot had lots of twists and misdirections, but our hero, Stone, managed to solve it at the end. It was a good story, and a tale well told. I will definitely read more.
November 2, 2018
Great Story
This, as the first book in the series, was intriguing.It kept urging you to flick the page for the next part of the story. I have often read the statement. " You will not want to put this book down " Now I know that this is really the case with this book series. I thoroughly recommend and enjoyed the story in the first two books that I have read so far. Looking forward eagerly to the next instalment.
This, as the first book in the series, was intriguing.It kept urging you to flick the page for the next part of the story. I have often read the statement. " You will not want to put this book down " Now I know that this is really the case with this book series. I thoroughly recommend and enjoyed the story in the first two books that I have read so far. Looking forward eagerly to the next instalment.
November 14, 2018
Two bare arms/b. Banner
This is 2nd series of stone a detective and his partner rehab also a detective in solving cold case files. They are on the hunt for possible serial killer , a case that involved finding two bare arms of a girl that was dismember found in a storage unit or lock up as some people calls them. I will not give it away, but, stone reminded me of the old Columbo character in a tv series call columbo. Love the character.
This is 2nd series of stone a detective and his partner rehab also a detective in solving cold case files. They are on the hunt for possible serial killer , a case that involved finding two bare arms of a girl that was dismember found in a storage unit or lock up as some people calls them. I will not give it away, but, stone reminded me of the old Columbo character in a tv series call columbo. Love the character.
December 22, 2018
Well worth the read...
I'm impressed with the writing sytle of Blake Banner. His characters are captivating to say the least. I enjoyed how Blake Banner entices the reader with a story that draws you in as the plot thickens. Detectives Stone and Dehan are heroes in their own right, fighting for those forgotten souls. I'm excited to read the next book in the series and would definitely recommend this series to other fans of detective mysteries.
I'm impressed with the writing sytle of Blake Banner. His characters are captivating to say the least. I enjoyed how Blake Banner entices the reader with a story that draws you in as the plot thickens. Detectives Stone and Dehan are heroes in their own right, fighting for those forgotten souls. I'm excited to read the next book in the series and would definitely recommend this series to other fans of detective mysteries.
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