What do you think?
Rate this book
Dead Cold Mystery #7
The Heart to Kill
The killing had all the hallmarks of an execution...
USA TODAY & Amazon 2-million copy bestselling author BLAKE BANNER is at his best in this mystifying crime series! Dave Thorndike, an investigative reporter on the New York Telegraph, is in the habit of disappearing for weeks at a time. So when he vanishes in the winter of 2008, investigating the story of his life, nobody worries – until he shows up shot in the head with his own 9mm - no laptop and no story. It wasn’t much to go on in 2008, but when Stone and Dehan pick it up ten years later, the case is as cold as the icy winds blowing off the East River. Both his wife and his mistress had motive, but the killing has all the hallmarks of an execution. Things get deep when Dehan realizes Thorndike’s investigation was into non other than Senator Carol Hennessy, head of the Hennessy Foundation and presidential candidate - a woman whose opponents tended to die young. But that’s not the only thing she notices. She also sees Shelly Pierce, the sexy new editor of the NY Telegraph, coming on to Stone. A fact to which Stone seems totally blind…
USA TODAY & Amazon 2-million copy bestselling author BLAKE BANNER is at his best in this mystifying crime series! Dave Thorndike, an investigative reporter on the New York Telegraph, is in the habit of disappearing for weeks at a time. So when he vanishes in the winter of 2008, investigating the story of his life, nobody worries – until he shows up shot in the head with his own 9mm - no laptop and no story. It wasn’t much to go on in 2008, but when Stone and Dehan pick it up ten years later, the case is as cold as the icy winds blowing off the East River. Both his wife and his mistress had motive, but the killing has all the hallmarks of an execution. Things get deep when Dehan realizes Thorndike’s investigation was into non other than Senator Carol Hennessy, head of the Hennessy Foundation and presidential candidate - a woman whose opponents tended to die young. But that’s not the only thing she notices. She also sees Shelly Pierce, the sexy new editor of the NY Telegraph, coming on to Stone. A fact to which Stone seems totally blind…
254 pages, ebook
First published February 6, 2018
2423 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 31, 2020
Another good one! I seem to be reading this series at a tremendous speed but each book is short and action packed and I keep waiting for the two MCs to get together! Also I did buy a boxed set which comes up on the kindle as if it was one very long book. It is hard not to start the next book as soon as I finish the last one.
In The Heart to Kill Stone and Dehan become involved in a cold case of murder which turns out to involve a few high up political figures. It all becomes very dangerous since the main suspect is known for hiring an assassin to fix all problems, including nosy police officers.
As usual the book is short, sharp and witty. Love these characters!
In The Heart to Kill Stone and Dehan become involved in a cold case of murder which turns out to involve a few high up political figures. It all becomes very dangerous since the main suspect is known for hiring an assassin to fix all problems, including nosy police officers.
As usual the book is short, sharp and witty. Love these characters!
December 25, 2020
As usual, an entertaining, fast-paced book! The Heart to Kill is a wild, twisting, turning journey to solve a 10-year old cold case murder.
Also, as usual, I loved the banter between partners Stone and Dehan. It appears their relationship is heating up, big time...
My only complaint is how the characters are always "leaning their asses" on things. (Cars, windowsills, desks, tables, etc.) Whatever that is all about, it's certainly becoming a wee bit tedious. Also, I laughed when they went to Kmart for groceries!
Also, as usual, I loved the banter between partners Stone and Dehan. It appears their relationship is heating up, big time...
My only complaint is how the characters are always "leaning their asses" on things. (Cars, windowsills, desks, tables, etc.) Whatever that is all about, it's certainly becoming a wee bit tedious. Also, I laughed when they went to Kmart for groceries!
December 20, 2020
Leaned my ass on something
I have read all of this series.
I enjoy the plot very much
But the writer keeps saying I leaned my ass on the counter
She leaned her was on the car hood etc etc
I know it is a little thing but it gets to redundant
I have read all of this series.
I enjoy the plot very much
But the writer keeps saying I leaned my ass on the counter
She leaned her was on the car hood etc etc
I know it is a little thing but it gets to redundant
Read
December 17, 2023Yeah...was he or wasn't he?
April 11, 2024
Stone and Dehan pull a cold case where an investigative reporter is murdered. The case links back to a senator and her foundation. A really well written story.
October 24, 2018
Really Broken-hearted
Book 7 in the series. I don’t know you. I don’t know if you like books written in a series. I don’t. I read the first book, An Ace and a Pair, because it was free through BookBub. Since then, I have compulsively read the next 6. These are not romance novels, they are detective tales with the addition of two lonely people who work together. Great books, please treat yourselves. I already bought the rest, join me. Nick the moose.
Book 7 in the series. I don’t know you. I don’t know if you like books written in a series. I don’t. I read the first book, An Ace and a Pair, because it was free through BookBub. Since then, I have compulsively read the next 6. These are not romance novels, they are detective tales with the addition of two lonely people who work together. Great books, please treat yourselves. I already bought the rest, join me. Nick the moose.
December 21, 2019
The Heart To Kill. Blake Banner
A journalist is murdered. The case turns cold, unsolved. Detectives Stone and Dehan begin to investigate. The clues lead them to an ex Secretary of state and senator. Apparently , anyone who crosses her dies rather mysteriously. Sound familiar? An attempt is also made on Stones life. Non stop action, twist and turns on every page. An excellent read!
A journalist is murdered. The case turns cold, unsolved. Detectives Stone and Dehan begin to investigate. The clues lead them to an ex Secretary of state and senator. Apparently , anyone who crosses her dies rather mysteriously. Sound familiar? An attempt is also made on Stones life. Non stop action, twist and turns on every page. An excellent read!
December 22, 2021
A journalist who get an apartment and consecrates on writing till done. This time he had a mistress for several months, when the manuscript was done. He gave her the news, he was married would get a divorce song and dance. The wife finds out just before his execution type killing.
Finding the senator Carol Henessey also running for president, was the journalist topic.Everyone is a suspect, not knowing what time he was killed, so no alibi is good. Good story with many twists
Finding the senator Carol Henessey also running for president, was the journalist topic.Everyone is a suspect, not knowing what time he was killed, so no alibi is good. Good story with many twists
December 17, 2023
The Heart To Kill (A Dead Cold Mystery)
Well, you're going to recognize the villain very quickly once she makes an appearance. And the storyline is right out of the extreme right wing.
Well, you're going to recognize the villain very quickly once she makes an appearance. And the storyline is right out of the extreme right wing.
July 19, 2025
“The Heart to Kill”, seventh in the 'Dead Cold' series, hasn't get the best plot but it doesn't really matter.
An investigative report, Dave Thorndike, secretively working on a story that he claims will blow up the machinations of the American political system, was found shot dead, execution style, in 2008.
Both his notes and his laptop were missing and have never been found.
Ten years later Detectives Stone and Dehan of the NYPD Cold Case Unit re-open the investigation.
Initially the pickings are slim but, bit by bit, they slowly reveal a connection to a notorious politician, Carol Hennessy.
Hugely wealthy, people who cause her problems have a habit of dying.
But while allegations are plentiful, proof is entirely absent.
What's most interesting is the relationship between Stone and Dehan - they might as well be married for all the time they spend together.
They spar constantly and can often predict what the other will say.
Everyone around them knows that they are an item, but neither is prepared to cross that line … yet!
This many books into the series there is a certain amount of predictability when it comes to food and drink and references to popular culture, but ultimately it results in a greater understanding of Stone and Dehan.
There's 30 books in the series but, while I almost certainly won't pass the finishing line, I'm happy to keep reading for the moment.
4 Stars.
An investigative report, Dave Thorndike, secretively working on a story that he claims will blow up the machinations of the American political system, was found shot dead, execution style, in 2008.
Both his notes and his laptop were missing and have never been found.
Ten years later Detectives Stone and Dehan of the NYPD Cold Case Unit re-open the investigation.
Initially the pickings are slim but, bit by bit, they slowly reveal a connection to a notorious politician, Carol Hennessy.
Hugely wealthy, people who cause her problems have a habit of dying.
But while allegations are plentiful, proof is entirely absent.
What's most interesting is the relationship between Stone and Dehan - they might as well be married for all the time they spend together.
They spar constantly and can often predict what the other will say.
Everyone around them knows that they are an item, but neither is prepared to cross that line … yet!
This many books into the series there is a certain amount of predictability when it comes to food and drink and references to popular culture, but ultimately it results in a greater understanding of Stone and Dehan.
There's 30 books in the series but, while I almost certainly won't pass the finishing line, I'm happy to keep reading for the moment.
4 Stars.
May 13, 2023
I like the characters in the Dead Cold series better than Harry Bauer/ODIN series. The Bauer characters have no depth / dimensionality.
Both Stone and Bauer re cursed with similar scotomas -- they can't see or understand or properly respond to affection from others.
Still, I keep on buying them, hoping for a look into the thought processes of Carmen Dehan, The Major, the Brigadier. We know that Carmen is in love with Jake, but can't say it, and Jake refuses to acknowledge what he sees and has been told about Carmen's feelings. Bauer is fatalistic and consciously and deliberately promiscuous (Ave morituri),and Jake is a ridiculously continent / repressed man.
Both Stone and Bauer re cursed with similar scotomas -- they can't see or understand or properly respond to affection from others.
Still, I keep on buying them, hoping for a look into the thought processes of Carmen Dehan, The Major, the Brigadier. We know that Carmen is in love with Jake, but can't say it, and Jake refuses to acknowledge what he sees and has been told about Carmen's feelings. Bauer is fatalistic and consciously and deliberately promiscuous (Ave morituri),and Jake is a ridiculously continent / repressed man.
May 12, 2022
Absolutely speechless. What a book and what a series this is turning out to be. Brilliant writing and execution. Every case they take is dangerous in nature and even though story is moving fast paced, the underlying relationship between Stone and Dehan is beautiful to read and as I am happy to see them together, I am also sad because I know you can't date or be in a relationship with your partners and I would hate to see this team to be split up
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2023
"But his politics..."
I'm not interested in having an author's political pontificating interfering with my reading of fiction. If I want to read a fictional smear campaign of a real life person, I'll pull up Faux "News" articles online. However, MAGAts will love it and cite it in their memes.
I'll be blocking the author anyway as he's lost control of his contrived plots and banal characters. Plus, his liberal use of Asian stereotypes has become tiresome. Hard pass.
I'm not interested in having an author's political pontificating interfering with my reading of fiction. If I want to read a fictional smear campaign of a real life person, I'll pull up Faux "News" articles online. However, MAGAts will love it and cite it in their memes.
I'll be blocking the author anyway as he's lost control of his contrived plots and banal characters. Plus, his liberal use of Asian stereotypes has become tiresome. Hard pass.
May 17, 2023
I have to say I am really enjoying this series. Especially as it is a Kindle Unlimited series, for which I don't always have high expectations. The 2 main characters have come to life for me, I enjoy their banter and how they work with each other. I'm also enjoying how they work through the clues they have to get through the end. I work along with them, trying to decipher the clues, and am surprised by the results in most of the books.
February 9, 2018
Banner is by far the best writer of books you dont want to put Down
This is part of the Dead Cold sseries of detective novels all of which are superb. They are beautifuuy written with real depth in the charaattors and gripping plots .His ccommndo type series is is also first class and gripping extremely ghard to put down .Blake Banner is my favourite Auther
This is part of the Dead Cold sseries of detective novels all of which are superb. They are beautifuuy written with real depth in the charaattors and gripping plots .His ccommndo type series is is also first class and gripping extremely ghard to put down .Blake Banner is my favourite Auther
April 25, 2018
Book 7 in the series. Stone and Dehan are working on a ten-year-old case of an investigative reporter shot with his own gun - and all his research and the laptop are missing. When they discover he was apparently going to blow the gaff on a senator and her husband popularly supposed to kill people who oppose them, things get complicated - or was it his wife or his girlfriend?
August 15, 2020
Entertaining
Stone and Dehan get serious about bringing down corruption in high places. Hmmm, we need these two in action in America right now! As their relationship deepens, their commitment to solving cold cases heats up. Once again, they stay on target and get the job done.
Stone and Dehan get serious about bringing down corruption in high places. Hmmm, we need these two in action in America right now! As their relationship deepens, their commitment to solving cold cases heats up. Once again, they stay on target and get the job done.
April 2, 2021
Best one so far
I havev read the previous 6 novels by Mr. Banner, and as good as they were (which is why I keep coming back for more) I personally felt this storyline was the best to date. I love the characters, their relationship (will they or won't they), this particular plot line, and the resolution (certainly did not see that coming). All told a great read.
I havev read the previous 6 novels by Mr. Banner, and as good as they were (which is why I keep coming back for more) I personally felt this storyline was the best to date. I love the characters, their relationship (will they or won't they), this particular plot line, and the resolution (certainly did not see that coming). All told a great read.
May 19, 2021
Political corruption. Hard hitting journalist. Assassins. Buddhism. This book has a lot going on but it's all put together in that calm stone & dehan way. I really enjoyed the take down at the end but would have liked a little closure. Summaries of trials and outcomes. Maybe even a final chat with Stone and Hennessy and the shmuck D'Angelo
June 19, 2021
Chemistry
The chemistry in this book works. Good description, you feel you are really there. The author has to have done his homework. The story has good aspects of detective series but the interaction between Stone and Dehan is interlaced into the story to make it totally enjoyable.
The chemistry in this book works. Good description, you feel you are really there. The author has to have done his homework. The story has good aspects of detective series but the interaction between Stone and Dehan is interlaced into the story to make it totally enjoyable.
February 19, 2018
Another great story
I really really like the way his stories flow. Very believable. I wonder if I am the only one who sees a similar between the villains and current political figures???
I really really like the way his stories flow. Very believable. I wonder if I am the only one who sees a similar between the villains and current political figures???
April 4, 2018
Interesting and quick read thriller, murder, mystery
Enjoyable characters. Bondable and believable yet refreshing. I enjoying bonding with the main characters. Good series!! Easy and fun reading. With enjoyable twists and turns
Enjoyable characters. Bondable and believable yet refreshing. I enjoying bonding with the main characters. Good series!! Easy and fun reading. With enjoyable twists and turns
April 29, 2018
Great stuff!
Wow things really heating up between Stone and Dehan in this one! Dangerous situation in this story had me really worried when one of them got hurt. Ready for next book in series...right now.
Wow things really heating up between Stone and Dehan in this one! Dangerous situation in this story had me really worried when one of them got hurt. Ready for next book in series...right now.
March 12, 2019
Cold Case-Book Seven-The Heart to Kill
Really enjoyable book seven in the Stone Dehan Cold case series,lots of twists and turns with a brilliant ending thoroughly enjoyed this one,onto book 8😀
Really enjoyable book seven in the Stone Dehan Cold case series,lots of twists and turns with a brilliant ending thoroughly enjoyed this one,onto book 8😀
May 21, 2020
Cold Case turns Hot, Hot, Hot!!!
Well developed story and characters! Great action and detective work! Stone and Dehan make an awesome team! When these guys are on the hunt no-one is safe!!! Watch out here comes the Cold Case Hunters!!!
Well developed story and characters! Great action and detective work! Stone and Dehan make an awesome team! When these guys are on the hunt no-one is safe!!! Watch out here comes the Cold Case Hunters!!!
July 21, 2020
These books would make a great TV series. I love Stone and Dehan. The cases turn out to be really well thought out and it's great following how the detectives end up solving them. I'm really excited that there are 24 books in the series.
October 31, 2020
Who is to blame
This was an amazing story I absolutely love this Author and his stories. so can not say enough good things about him. If I could have him 10 stars I would. I do not want to give the story away but you are for in for a fantastic read .Enjoy.
This was an amazing story I absolutely love this Author and his stories. so can not say enough good things about him. If I could have him 10 stars I would. I do not want to give the story away but you are for in for a fantastic read .Enjoy.
April 6, 2021
The heart to kill
Excellent puzzler and the usual degree of introspective research to eventually uncover the culprits and close the case. I doubt Hillary and Bill truly paid but it was an interesting tale.
Excellent puzzler and the usual degree of introspective research to eventually uncover the culprits and close the case. I doubt Hillary and Bill truly paid but it was an interesting tale.
May 26, 2021
I have to say you writing a book a month is great. Love these series. Love the connection with Dehan and Stone. Love the stories. Keeps you engrossed and entertaining at the same time. Love it. Onward to the next one.
August 15, 2022
4.75/5⭐: If the take down of a powerful person was as easy as this book made it out to be then we would truly have equal justice. That thought aside this was a good read but once again the language is unnecessary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews