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Dead Cold Mystery #6
Strange and Sinister Path
There is nothing unusual about a young Catholic girl from the Bronx winding up raped, beaten, strangled and decapitated – unless she winds up that way in Lefthand Canyon, in the Colorado Rockies, where there hasn’t been a murder since 1922. Then it’s unusual enough to become a problem for the sheriff of Lee County. And when he finds no blood at the scene and no physical evidence, it becomes more than a problem. It becomes a headache – for five long years.
That’s when he bats it back to the Bronx, to the 43rd precinct and right onto Detectives Stone and Dehan’s desk. Let them deal with it.
But Lee County is one of the remotest parts of the USA, and Stone finds his pool of suspects limited, to say the least. Was it Greg, the tough, plain-talking rancher? Was it Ingrid and Alfredo, the bitter, puritanical in-laws? Or somebody in the off-grid, dope farming community at the Shack?
Or was it somebody else, somebody completely different…?
That’s when he bats it back to the Bronx, to the 43rd precinct and right onto Detectives Stone and Dehan’s desk. Let them deal with it.
But Lee County is one of the remotest parts of the USA, and Stone finds his pool of suspects limited, to say the least. Was it Greg, the tough, plain-talking rancher? Was it Ingrid and Alfredo, the bitter, puritanical in-laws? Or somebody in the off-grid, dope farming community at the Shack?
Or was it somebody else, somebody completely different…?
202 pages, ebook
First published December 14, 2017
2536 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
151 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 70 reviews
March 28, 2020
Five stars for this one! This series gets better and better.
There was a lot of action going on and I could visualise it making an excellent TV show. There is a section where Stone defends Dehan from several thugs which makes him sound a bit like Jack Reacher. Their partnership continues to teeter on the edge of becoming a relationship. I hope it actually gets there in a future book.
I thought the cold case was excellent. There were so many possible suspects and I entirely overlooked the actual culprit.
Total entertainment and highly recommended if you enjoy this genre.
There was a lot of action going on and I could visualise it making an excellent TV show. There is a section where Stone defends Dehan from several thugs which makes him sound a bit like Jack Reacher. Their partnership continues to teeter on the edge of becoming a relationship. I hope it actually gets there in a future book.
I thought the cold case was excellent. There were so many possible suspects and I entirely overlooked the actual culprit.
Total entertainment and highly recommended if you enjoy this genre.
December 19, 2018
Another enthralling addition to this series. The relationship between the two main characters is growing and the mystery is interesting. A good read to curl up in bed with!
December 16, 2023
Reread 2023.
April 7, 2024
Stone and Dehan get pulled into a cold case of a murdered woman in Colorado. It’s a twisted story and a good read.
October 4, 2022
3 1/2 Stars: This started out with a really intriguing plot but devolved from there. First of all, his racist writing is demeaning and irritating. He writes in stereotypical cliches - the Irish woman is chipper, the people in Colorado are hicks, the Sheriff is an idiot. Ugh 😩 What I liked: the relationship and progress between Stone and Dehan; seeing the description of beautiful Colorado. What I didn’t like: a lot of the writing; the twist at the end that was unbelievable; Greg, Mo and Anne Marie. I have given up hope on the author’s bad grammar and lack of proper use of adverbs. I continue to say and believe, he would benefit from a good editor. I will give the author credit for being imaginative.
August 10, 2024
★★★★☆
Blake Banner does not fail to disappoint. It’s like each book in this story just keeps getting better and better and even more gruesome as we go through the cold cases.
This case was a little more gruesome due to the fact that Stone had to unfortunately go through some beating once he was caught by a few suspects in the case.
It was sad to see the fact that Kathleen died because her husband didn’t have the balls to leave her and so he raped and killed her in order to finally be with his brother’s wife and also collect the life insurance money they all desperately needed. All this right after she had a baby too, so horrible. Knowing that all of them were in on it, Kathleen’s family is just so sad. Even the story of Stone and Dehan having to go all the way to Colorado to see why her body was dumped there after being raped and killed in New York is just above and beyond. Although the suspects they had in mind were not the actual killers, Stone and Dehan still managed to bust an illegal drug bust. So happy Stone didn’t die but I felt so bad for him when he got whipped with a bull whip but my girl Dehan came to the rescue 🥹
I’m sorry but I will continue to manifest and mention this in each review I do for this series that I can feel the damn chemistry between both Stone and Dehan 😭 I know we see Stone’s POV but I lowkey wish I could get Dehan’s, to see how she feels towards Stone. I hope they get together throughout the series because they are made for one another! They work so well, you can feel the chemistry and I just know it would lowkey help with their cases stress 🫢 rooting for them!
I can’t wait to continue the series and read about more cold cases that they solve!
Blake Banner does not fail to disappoint. It’s like each book in this story just keeps getting better and better and even more gruesome as we go through the cold cases.
This case was a little more gruesome due to the fact that Stone had to unfortunately go through some beating once he was caught by a few suspects in the case.
It was sad to see the fact that Kathleen died because her husband didn’t have the balls to leave her and so he raped and killed her in order to finally be with his brother’s wife and also collect the life insurance money they all desperately needed. All this right after she had a baby too, so horrible. Knowing that all of them were in on it, Kathleen’s family is just so sad. Even the story of Stone and Dehan having to go all the way to Colorado to see why her body was dumped there after being raped and killed in New York is just above and beyond. Although the suspects they had in mind were not the actual killers, Stone and Dehan still managed to bust an illegal drug bust. So happy Stone didn’t die but I felt so bad for him when he got whipped with a bull whip but my girl Dehan came to the rescue 🥹
I’m sorry but I will continue to manifest and mention this in each review I do for this series that I can feel the damn chemistry between both Stone and Dehan 😭 I know we see Stone’s POV but I lowkey wish I could get Dehan’s, to see how she feels towards Stone. I hope they get together throughout the series because they are made for one another! They work so well, you can feel the chemistry and I just know it would lowkey help with their cases stress 🫢 rooting for them!
I can’t wait to continue the series and read about more cold cases that they solve!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
This one kept me guessing all the way through. When a Colorado sheriff asks for help with a 10-year-old cold case that has its roots in the Bronx, Stone and Dehan are assigned. The case was a girl from the Bronx found dead and decapitated in a Colorado canyon. They start by interviewing her mother, her ex-husband Moses (now remarried to his friend's ex-wife), and his friend Isaac. They learn that the connection to Colorado goes back to their childhood days, when she and her sister and parents went there for vacations and met her husband along with some other friends. The murdered girl, apparently suffering from postpartum depression, said she was going to visit her in-laws back in Colorado. But what Stone and Dehan find in Colorado is another whole can of worms. Of course they eventually figure it all out, but things get pretty murky (and dangerous!) for a while. This was one of the better books in the series so far. I am thoroughly enjoying the entire series - the relationship and byplay between the two cold case detectives is entertaining, and the books are well plotted.
July 18, 2025
“Strange and Sinister Path”, sixth in the 'Dead Cold' series, is unusual in that the crime Stone and Dehan are investigating took place only five years ago.
A young mother from the Bronx, Kathleen Olvera, 23, suffering from depression after the birth of her daughter, was found beaten, strangled, raped and decapitated in a remote part of Lee County, Colorado.
Her in-laws lived not far away but Kathleen had not been in touch with them, not was there any record of how she got to Colorado.
The local sheriff didn't ever manage to find a single clue and he's asked the NYPD to see if they can work their magic on the case.
What Detectives Stone and Dehan find in Colorado is very interesting but has little or no involvement with the murder.
The true evil is back in the Bronx!
It reads like two books were combined into one.
The enjoyable, but largely static, relationship between Stone and Dehan, is a stabilising influence on both, while they also recognise that something more is possible (maybe even inevitable at some stage).
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
A young mother from the Bronx, Kathleen Olvera, 23, suffering from depression after the birth of her daughter, was found beaten, strangled, raped and decapitated in a remote part of Lee County, Colorado.
Her in-laws lived not far away but Kathleen had not been in touch with them, not was there any record of how she got to Colorado.
The local sheriff didn't ever manage to find a single clue and he's asked the NYPD to see if they can work their magic on the case.
What Detectives Stone and Dehan find in Colorado is very interesting but has little or no involvement with the murder.
The true evil is back in the Bronx!
It reads like two books were combined into one.
The enjoyable, but largely static, relationship between Stone and Dehan, is a stabilising influence on both, while they also recognise that something more is possible (maybe even inevitable at some stage).
3.5 Stars, brought back to 3 Stars.
December 23, 2020
How I love this series! Mr. Banner is a genius at keeping the plot moving along with twists and turns. Once again, I was surprised by whodunit!! Naturally, I was pretty sure I had it figured out ... but that would be a big nope!
I love John Stone and Carmen Dehan. They have a strong working relationship, sprinkled with humor, that may or may not become something more. Their conversations and interactions are always entertaining.
I do wish the author would not use UK phrases in books that are supposed to be in New York. (For example, the reading of Miranda Rights.) But, as I said, I do love this series! Even if I have to remind myself once in a while what country the books take place in, haha!
I'm already reading #7!
I love John Stone and Carmen Dehan. They have a strong working relationship, sprinkled with humor, that may or may not become something more. Their conversations and interactions are always entertaining.
I do wish the author would not use UK phrases in books that are supposed to be in New York. (For example, the reading of Miranda Rights.) But, as I said, I do love this series! Even if I have to remind myself once in a while what country the books take place in, haha!
I'm already reading #7!
May 11, 2022
I am utterly and completely in shock after reading this book. I never expected the turn of events and this is probably the first time I am reading something like this. Bold choices on story telling, congrats to the author and I am really feeling heavy after reading this book. Knowing how this ends makes me question somehow at human minds work when push comes to shove. Beautiful story and it may look dragging in the middle chapters but trust me, the ending makes up for it completely. And yes it is recommended for crime lovers but be ready to have heavy heart once you finished this.
October 21, 2018
Once again, with feeling
This is book 6 in this series. I have reviewed the previous 5 earlier. The author has seemingly done the impossible, each book is better than the last. As I have said in the past, do yourself a favor, read this book or better yet, read the first in the series “An Ace and a Pair”. Beware these books are addicting. You’ll be hard pressed to read anything else except the next in the series, I know I am.
This is book 6 in this series. I have reviewed the previous 5 earlier. The author has seemingly done the impossible, each book is better than the last. As I have said in the past, do yourself a favor, read this book or better yet, read the first in the series “An Ace and a Pair”. Beware these books are addicting. You’ll be hard pressed to read anything else except the next in the series, I know I am.
December 29, 2017
Still hoping Stone and Delgan get to gather
Well you didn't give us all the information needed to solve on our own, but Mel did strike me as being off key from the beginning. I liked the way you dangled Saul and Scott in front of us. You are a captivating writer that kept me up til 4 AM. I might forgo e you if you get busy writing another book soon.
Well you didn't give us all the information needed to solve on our own, but Mel did strike me as being off key from the beginning. I liked the way you dangled Saul and Scott in front of us. You are a captivating writer that kept me up til 4 AM. I might forgo e you if you get busy writing another book soon.
February 16, 2018
Another great read
Banner's books are always convoluted mysteries; but easy to read and very entertaining. I love the typical end when all the top suspects are in the same room and get to find out who did what to whom. The epilogue is also very rewarding since it bring you back to the "normal" life and still give you some extra analysis about the story.
Banner's books are always convoluted mysteries; but easy to read and very entertaining. I love the typical end when all the top suspects are in the same room and get to find out who did what to whom. The epilogue is also very rewarding since it bring you back to the "normal" life and still give you some extra analysis about the story.
October 27, 2018
Another absorbing read.
Stone and Dehan successfully solve another cold case. The interaction of the two detectives keeps the reader entertained and chuckling throughout while the case goes from speculation to resolution. Highly recommended. On to the next cold case - unfortunately I'm reading them MUCH faster than they are being written!
Stone and Dehan successfully solve another cold case. The interaction of the two detectives keeps the reader entertained and chuckling throughout while the case goes from speculation to resolution. Highly recommended. On to the next cold case - unfortunately I'm reading them MUCH faster than they are being written!
December 19, 2019
Stance and Sinister Path. Blake Banner
The strength and bond of a family can be a powerful and wonderful thing of beauty. It can also be a manipulative and treacherous thing of horror. Especially when a family member is brutally murdered. Cold case detectStone and Dehan are the two tasked with solving this cold case. Another excellent mystery murder . Enjoyed immensely!
The strength and bond of a family can be a powerful and wonderful thing of beauty. It can also be a manipulative and treacherous thing of horror. Especially when a family member is brutally murdered. Cold case detectStone and Dehan are the two tasked with solving this cold case. Another excellent mystery murder . Enjoyed immensely!
July 17, 2020
Great read!
His stories have one twist after another. About the time I think I might have it figured out, the other shoe drops. The relationship between the 2 detectives is unusual & interesting. I have enjoyed each book & the development of the detectives. I have read 2 in one day!
His stories have one twist after another. About the time I think I might have it figured out, the other shoe drops. The relationship between the 2 detectives is unusual & interesting. I have enjoyed each book & the development of the detectives. I have read 2 in one day!
July 12, 2021
3.8/5
This series continues to be great.
I’ve mentioned before that Stone always solves the case and this one is no exception. However, the ever changing pool of possible suspects kept me on my toes.
I still don’t get the way that time is stated in this book. Maybe it’s an Author quirk? Instead of 1:45, it’s written as 15 before the hour? Or 45 past?
This series continues to be great.
I’ve mentioned before that Stone always solves the case and this one is no exception. However, the ever changing pool of possible suspects kept me on my toes.
I still don’t get the way that time is stated in this book. Maybe it’s an Author quirk? Instead of 1:45, it’s written as 15 before the hour? Or 45 past?
April 17, 2022
Another good sriry
I like his stories, but he needs to work on accuracy in the details. In the story, a kilo of cannabis is $2.5k and they agree to buy 10 kilos, but say it costs $30k Also automatics don't fire a .38 bullet. That is a revolver round. Several other minor detail errors, but still a good story.
I like his stories, but he needs to work on accuracy in the details. In the story, a kilo of cannabis is $2.5k and they agree to buy 10 kilos, but say it costs $30k Also automatics don't fire a .38 bullet. That is a revolver round. Several other minor detail errors, but still a good story.
February 14, 2018
What evil is uncovered in this latest Dead Cold Mistery
Blake Banner hit this one out of the park! Just when you think you've figured out who the bad 👎 guy is, Stone has a surprise in store for you.
Blake Banner hit this one out of the park! Just when you think you've figured out who the bad 👎 guy is, Stone has a surprise in store for you.
February 19, 2018
Between New York and Colorado, Stone and Dehan set out to solve another cold case, this one foisted on them by a lazy Colorado sheriff. This is another in the series with a twisted plot and a Holmesian or even Nero Wolfe-like conclusion.
April 14, 2018
Another good story from Blake Banner. I have grown to really like these two detectives - Stone and Dehan, they make such a good team.
Will this murder be solved in the Bronx or in the Colorado Rockies? Kept me turning the pages.
I am really enjoying these Dead Cold mysteries.
Will this murder be solved in the Bronx or in the Colorado Rockies? Kept me turning the pages.
I am really enjoying these Dead Cold mysteries.
April 25, 2018
Another good story
I love Stone & Rehab and fans of the series wont be disappointed in this story. Their closeness grows again on a personal level and the dangerous situation Stone gets himself in to is quite exciting! I'm about to start the next book right now!
I love Stone & Rehab and fans of the series wont be disappointed in this story. Their closeness grows again on a personal level and the dangerous situation Stone gets himself in to is quite exciting! I'm about to start the next book right now!
February 28, 2019
Strange and Sinister Path
Well this was one of the best I have read so far Stone and Dehan are a great team, the ending was totally unexpected great read ,now onto next one in the series
Well this was one of the best I have read so far Stone and Dehan are a great team, the ending was totally unexpected great read ,now onto next one in the series
April 4, 2019
Mystery
Enjoying reading this series. Technology used by others so the two lead characters can be detectives who use the results of the technology to help them work out who did what.
Enjoying reading this series. Technology used by others so the two lead characters can be detectives who use the results of the technology to help them work out who did what.
April 28, 2020
Wow, this is a good one! In fact the whole series is great and I am literally ploughing through these books. NYPD detectives Stone and Dehan solving another seemingly impossible cold murder case, this one stretches all the way from the Bronx to a remote canyon in Colorado and back. Clever, witty, great banter, superb detection and full of twists until the end.
July 21, 2020
Keep the books coming
Fabulous plots and loveable characters. Stone and Dehan make a great team and the way they solve cases is mentally stimulating. Can't wait to read the next book.
Fabulous plots and loveable characters. Stone and Dehan make a great team and the way they solve cases is mentally stimulating. Can't wait to read the next book.
July 22, 2020
Spellbinding read!
Stone and Dehan do it again. Working through a maze on misdirection to come up with the killer. Even more intriguing is the evolving personal relationship that has developed between the two detectives. When will it progress further?
Stone and Dehan do it again. Working through a maze on misdirection to come up with the killer. Even more intriguing is the evolving personal relationship that has developed between the two detectives. When will it progress further?
August 11, 2020
Another excellent story with two of the most interesting partners in detective fiction. The dialog between the partners is believable and realistic. Unraveling the mystery and the layering of the clues and the various characters continues to be fascinating.
August 24, 2020
Another good one in this series. I have enjoyed all the previous but liked this one a lot. Never would have guessed the ending--who would have thought!! Dehan and Stone are a great couple, they work together so well and are becoming (slowly) more than friends. I see romance ahead! I'm anxious to get to the next one in the series.
April 13, 2021
Strange and sinister path
Very well written tale that eventually led to an ending I never expected. The different ways and actions of the participants in the different locations were believable and offered a proper backdrop to the mystery.
Very well written tale that eventually led to an ending I never expected. The different ways and actions of the participants in the different locations were believable and offered a proper backdrop to the mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews