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Kylie Hatfield #1
Deadly Act
Kylie’s new job is turning out to be a real killer...
When quiet, unassuming Jessica Hilyard mysteriously disappears, Kylie Hatfield promises Jessica’s sister she’ll find her. So what if she’s technically just the office assistant at Starr Investigations? It’s the perfect opportunity to prove to her boss she has what it takes to become a real private investigator.
But when the evidence starts to link Jessica’s disappearance to a dangerous serial killer, everyone warns Kylie to back off the case—the police, her boss, and Linc Coulter, the maddeningly sexy ex-soldier who’s training (or trying to train) her nutty Newfoundland dog, Vader, and making Kylie crazy in the process. But nothing’s going to stop Kylie from becoming a full-fledged private investigator...not even the threat of an unexpected murderer, who wants to take more than just her life.
When quiet, unassuming Jessica Hilyard mysteriously disappears, Kylie Hatfield promises Jessica’s sister she’ll find her. So what if she’s technically just the office assistant at Starr Investigations? It’s the perfect opportunity to prove to her boss she has what it takes to become a real private investigator.
But when the evidence starts to link Jessica’s disappearance to a dangerous serial killer, everyone warns Kylie to back off the case—the police, her boss, and Linc Coulter, the maddeningly sexy ex-soldier who’s training (or trying to train) her nutty Newfoundland dog, Vader, and making Kylie crazy in the process. But nothing’s going to stop Kylie from becoming a full-fledged private investigator...not even the threat of an unexpected murderer, who wants to take more than just her life.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2019
5141 people are currently reading
1035 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
224 books2,143 followersTo download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
August 20, 2019
Not what I expected
Guess I hoped this would be a really good mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. But what came through on the pages was a bumbling, ditzy, immature girl ready to jump into bed while trying to solve a case that she has absolutely no qualification to do. Slightly disappointing for Mary Stone book.
Guess I hoped this would be a really good mystery with a little bit of romance thrown in for good measure. But what came through on the pages was a bumbling, ditzy, immature girl ready to jump into bed while trying to solve a case that she has absolutely no qualification to do. Slightly disappointing for Mary Stone book.
February 18, 2020
I think this book was a rip off of the old Stephanie Plum mysteries which were sweet and funny as well as exciting. This was not. It was at times crude and offensive. The main characters jumped in and out of love (sex) without really establishing any believable relationship between them. I did like the dog.
August 7, 2020
Who is it so hard to write a realistic, strong female lead? And don’t get me started on the need for a romance in every book with a female lead.
I’ve read Mary Stone’s Winter series, and they weren’t nearly this ridiculous. I don’t know if it’s because it was written with Bella Cross or not.
I’ve read Mary Stone’s Winter series, and they weren’t nearly this ridiculous. I don’t know if it’s because it was written with Bella Cross or not.
September 10, 2019
Just OK
Was looking forward to this one since I liked the Winter books so much. But wound up skimming. Don't mind cursing but this just seemed gratuitous
Was looking forward to this one since I liked the Winter books so much. But wound up skimming. Don't mind cursing but this just seemed gratuitous
April 29, 2020
Really annoying character, dumb as a rock. Not really likable or interesting... won't be continuing this series.
March 19, 2020
Really enjoyed!
This was a nicely developed mystery. I fell in love with the characters. Kylie is such a hot mess and so funny, she’s hard not to love. The last person you would match her with is a brooding former military man with PTSD. They keep butting heads but in the end things get exciting.
This was a nicely developed mystery. I fell in love with the characters. Kylie is such a hot mess and so funny, she’s hard not to love. The last person you would match her with is a brooding former military man with PTSD. They keep butting heads but in the end things get exciting.
March 28, 2020
Wonderful book
Kylie is a filing clerk that dreams of being a great detective. Along with her Newfoundland, she manages to bumble her way through her first case. She is a mess, the dog is a mess but she still finds a way to solve the case.
Kylie is a filing clerk that dreams of being a great detective. Along with her Newfoundland, she manages to bumble her way through her first case. She is a mess, the dog is a mess but she still finds a way to solve the case.
January 6, 2021
This series was a big change from the Winter Black and Autumn Trent series. The two biggest being a quirky heroine and lots of humor. There was also more romance. What did not change was a page turning story with plenty of murder, suspense and a twisted killer.
August 30, 2021
How could it not be good with a Newfie? Poor Kylie almost got killed by a rare female serial killer but Vader, the Newfie, saved her. Good story!
January 31, 2024
Fun
This was an exciting book. Not gonna lie the main female character was a bit annoying but the storyline was fabulous and I enjoyed the mystery the whole way through. I will read more for sure
This was an exciting book. Not gonna lie the main female character was a bit annoying but the storyline was fabulous and I enjoyed the mystery the whole way through. I will read more for sure
March 15, 2024
Awesome
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was hooked from the first page. I was already a fan of Mary Stone's work, so I knew I'd love this series. Can't wait to read more.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I was hooked from the first page. I was already a fan of Mary Stone's work, so I knew I'd love this series. Can't wait to read more.
December 22, 2019
Deadly Act
Loved this book. Once I started I could not wait to get back to it. Read it in 2days. Ordered next one in the series
Loved this book. Once I started I could not wait to get back to it. Read it in 2days. Ordered next one in the series
July 25, 2019
The main character, Kylie, really wants to be a P. I. and solve cases. No training, no patience, and absolutely no common sense. She just wants to dive into the deep end, before she even knows the first thing about swimming. She can't even dog paddle, yet. So, sure, she got lucky on her first case, and found the missing husband and his mistress. Too bad the mistress didn't survive the whole encounter. Now, Kylie is all gung ho to solve the case of a missing person. Jessica Hilyard is missing, presumed dead. Finding her means finding a possible murderer … especially since Jessica's boyfriend (the one nobody knew about) turned up dead. Kylie's boss wants her off the case. The cop handling the case wants her to back off. The hot, sexy trainer who's trying to help Kylie learn to control her dog wants her to back off. Unfortunately, all this male opposition makes Kylie more determined to charge, with a "full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes" attitude. And, the rest of the story can only be found inside "Deadly Act" by Mary Stone.
The book is well written, the plot is interesting and the action is fast and smooth.
The book is well written, the plot is interesting and the action is fast and smooth.
November 30, 2020
DNF, for now at least. I just can't like Kylie. Since this is a Kindle Unlimited, I may try again later.
Finally finished it, just to get it off my KU account. Ugh. There were a few good places. I eventually warmed up to Link. But Kylie? She impulsive and reckless, topped off with a generous dollop of naivete. Add in her belief that she, and only she, is able to solve the mystery, and she becomes a danger magnet. She is so obnoxious that I was repeatedly disgusted by her. I managed to get through this book, but I will avoid Kylie and the rest of the series like the plague.
Finally finished it, just to get it off my KU account. Ugh. There were a few good places. I eventually warmed up to Link. But Kylie? She impulsive and reckless, topped off with a generous dollop of naivete. Add in her belief that she, and only she, is able to solve the mystery, and she becomes a danger magnet. She is so obnoxious that I was repeatedly disgusted by her. I managed to get through this book, but I will avoid Kylie and the rest of the series like the plague.
February 14, 2021
Page turner
This story line was very good and kept me reading to the very end. The plot line was very good and well developed. The downfall was immature sexual comments. Poorly developed. Almost like they had to throw in a sexual thought or action here and there and felt as though they came right out of a middle school boys thoughts. I highly recommend reading the book and just suffer through those parts as they have little substance to the actual plot line.
This story line was very good and kept me reading to the very end. The plot line was very good and well developed. The downfall was immature sexual comments. Poorly developed. Almost like they had to throw in a sexual thought or action here and there and felt as though they came right out of a middle school boys thoughts. I highly recommend reading the book and just suffer through those parts as they have little substance to the actual plot line.
July 31, 2019
I loved Mary Stone's Winter Series, having said that this book just really didnt caught me and hold me. I really didnt like Klyie she was too ditzy for my liking, and the storyline was not one that I enjoyed either.
January 15, 2021
She's a magnet for trouble and her dog is a bit of a doofus! Together they are a hell of a team!
This is the first novel in a new series by two authors new to me, Mary Stone and Bella Cross. They have done a masterful job creating characters that are relatable, fun and delightfully quirky! I admit though that was the main female character, Kyle's dog that made me pick up the book. Her black Newfoundland puppy, Vader, shares my black and white carrier's name. My Darth Vader, called Vader for short is no Sith Lord! And I have long wanted to include him in my own story. So I picked up the book to see how the authors had used the dog in their story. And I fell in love! Vader is a big fluffy doofus of a dog. His antics made me laugh until I cried. But even more wonderful is that he is a perfect partner for the zany Assistant P.I Kylie. Kylie is a magnet for trouble and Vader while seemingly silly is really very good at protecting his partner from the bad guys.
The Ashville that the authors have created is a perfect backdrop for the character's adventure ! There is plenty off suspense with many twists and turns to keeping you guessing to the end . There is also romance between two opposite personalities (Kylie and dog trainer, Linc) that also kept me on the edge of my seat . I kept wondering if they were ever going to realize that their differences would give them balance. From beginning to end this book was a delightful romp that kept me enthralled on a snowy Missouri afternoon ( by the way finished it in the wee hours of the morning it was just that kind of a book).
A real bonus is that the prequel was free for subscribing to the authors' website. And the series is available under Kindle Unlimited so it makes it ready to pick up as soon as I clear some space in the library! I am recommending this book to all my dog mystery friends! Well Done Mary and Bella! Keep on writing!
This is the first novel in a new series by two authors new to me, Mary Stone and Bella Cross. They have done a masterful job creating characters that are relatable, fun and delightfully quirky! I admit though that was the main female character, Kyle's dog that made me pick up the book. Her black Newfoundland puppy, Vader, shares my black and white carrier's name. My Darth Vader, called Vader for short is no Sith Lord! And I have long wanted to include him in my own story. So I picked up the book to see how the authors had used the dog in their story. And I fell in love! Vader is a big fluffy doofus of a dog. His antics made me laugh until I cried. But even more wonderful is that he is a perfect partner for the zany Assistant P.I Kylie. Kylie is a magnet for trouble and Vader while seemingly silly is really very good at protecting his partner from the bad guys.
The Ashville that the authors have created is a perfect backdrop for the character's adventure ! There is plenty off suspense with many twists and turns to keeping you guessing to the end . There is also romance between two opposite personalities (Kylie and dog trainer, Linc) that also kept me on the edge of my seat . I kept wondering if they were ever going to realize that their differences would give them balance. From beginning to end this book was a delightful romp that kept me enthralled on a snowy Missouri afternoon ( by the way finished it in the wee hours of the morning it was just that kind of a book).
A real bonus is that the prequel was free for subscribing to the authors' website. And the series is available under Kindle Unlimited so it makes it ready to pick up as soon as I clear some space in the library! I am recommending this book to all my dog mystery friends! Well Done Mary and Bella! Keep on writing!
May 5, 2021
Finding Who You Really Are
Kylie Hatfield has changer her major enough to know what she isn't, but still isn't sure what - or even who - she is. She knows a few things: she does not want to be a file clerk assistant to anyone, men can never be trusted and she is head over heals in live with her dog.
Enter Link Coulter, military veteran, black sheep of the family, "not" A lawyer, and SAR dog trainer/handler.
As Kylie and Link clash over her pups inability to track, Kylie's wanna be career as a PI and their love/hate relationship; A missing woman's life may hang in the balance.
Can Link overcome his PTSD enough to tamp down his nightmares? Can Kylie convince her boss that she should be an Assistant Private Investigator and not just an assistant to a Private Investigator? Can Link's friend Jacob and the local police solve the mystery of Jessica' s disappearance before it all goes terribly wrong?
Stone and Cross have introduced another complex and unforgettable character, leaving this reader waiting for the next installment of "the misadventures of Kylie".
Kylie Hatfield has changer her major enough to know what she isn't, but still isn't sure what - or even who - she is. She knows a few things: she does not want to be a file clerk assistant to anyone, men can never be trusted and she is head over heals in live with her dog.
Enter Link Coulter, military veteran, black sheep of the family, "not" A lawyer, and SAR dog trainer/handler.
As Kylie and Link clash over her pups inability to track, Kylie's wanna be career as a PI and their love/hate relationship; A missing woman's life may hang in the balance.
Can Link overcome his PTSD enough to tamp down his nightmares? Can Kylie convince her boss that she should be an Assistant Private Investigator and not just an assistant to a Private Investigator? Can Link's friend Jacob and the local police solve the mystery of Jessica' s disappearance before it all goes terribly wrong?
Stone and Cross have introduced another complex and unforgettable character, leaving this reader waiting for the next installment of "the misadventures of Kylie".
June 8, 2021
Mary Stone is absolutely a great author
This is the third series I've read of hers well I just started this one it's just as good as the last two you can't put them down once you start reading them so I try not to pick another one up when I finish one but then I tell myself I'll just read the first chapter I end up reading another book. Mary Stone is very creative have fantastic characters and knows how to write. She writes the books that can't put down. She's written several books so I'll probably be reading her first for a while. Wish I had found her last year when I couldn't leave the house sure would have taken my mind off of Calvin and all the problems I've been going through. I suggest anybody wanting something good to read pick up any one of her books and you'll fall in love with her writing. I know I did.
This is the third series I've read of hers well I just started this one it's just as good as the last two you can't put them down once you start reading them so I try not to pick another one up when I finish one but then I tell myself I'll just read the first chapter I end up reading another book. Mary Stone is very creative have fantastic characters and knows how to write. She writes the books that can't put down. She's written several books so I'll probably be reading her first for a while. Wish I had found her last year when I couldn't leave the house sure would have taken my mind off of Calvin and all the problems I've been going through. I suggest anybody wanting something good to read pick up any one of her books and you'll fall in love with her writing. I know I did.
June 26, 2021
I thought I remembered reading something good by this author and downloaded this one based on that memory. What a disappointment! I am so tired of twenty-something and thirty-something characters whose dialogue sounds like that of petulant, poorly-raised, and poorly-educated thirteen year olds. There are actually other nouns besides “shit”, other adjectives/adverbs besides “damn”, and not everybody thinks about and discusses “dicks” and “tits” non-stop. Give me a break. The blurb sounds like there might be a little storyline, but I didn’t feel like wading through this unrealistic and annoying “shit” to find it.
January 24, 2021
Good book.... spoilers
This was a good book. Well written. Great killer! However, i get frustrated when people do stupid things that don’t make sense. Kylie has a great personality. Wants to be a p.i. But isn’t smart enough to tell the police the killer has been in her home, her car, her office. And thinks she needs no fun, no protection, no way to defend herself. No sane person would leave that out. She wants to be a pi so bad, but has no idea how to go about it. Other than that, the book was intriguing, great killer, believable characters.
This was a good book. Well written. Great killer! However, i get frustrated when people do stupid things that don’t make sense. Kylie has a great personality. Wants to be a p.i. But isn’t smart enough to tell the police the killer has been in her home, her car, her office. And thinks she needs no fun, no protection, no way to defend herself. No sane person would leave that out. She wants to be a pi so bad, but has no idea how to go about it. Other than that, the book was intriguing, great killer, believable characters.
July 16, 2021
I can't believe all the high ratings for this book! I have read all of Mary Stone's other series and this is nothing like her usual creative, captivating writing. The characters are sophomoric, the protagonist is a dizzy dimwit and there is really more in the English language than dick, tits, and common curse words. I could see where this book was going and what the main thrust would be after reading only about 15% so I didn't even finish it. Deadly Act makes Sun Tzu's The Art of War look like a page-turner.
February 18, 2020
Deadly Act
Very fast paced reading,Kylie takes a job in a PI's office as his assistant like answering phones filing and preparing bills but she really wants to his assistant as a real PI and she takes on a case that could get her killed.Then there is Linc who she is seriously falling who is a dog trainer and is training Killed dog as well.Then there is Jason a detective who does not want Kylie investigating any murders a n d it gets out of hand.Ordering book two in the series.
Very fast paced reading,Kylie takes a job in a PI's office as his assistant like answering phones filing and preparing bills but she really wants to his assistant as a real PI and she takes on a case that could get her killed.Then there is Linc who she is seriously falling who is a dog trainer and is training Killed dog as well.Then there is Jason a detective who does not want Kylie investigating any murders a n d it gets out of hand.Ordering book two in the series.
March 3, 2020
So Kylie wants to be a P.I.
No one takes her dream seriously, not even when she begins turning up the only clues to Jessica's disappearance. Linc is helping train her dog to be more controllable until feelings begin to develop that neither of them had anticipated, complicating what had at first been a very simple relationship. This book is fun, quirky and full of smiles, giggles and maybe even a guffaw or two. Recommended
No one takes her dream seriously, not even when she begins turning up the only clues to Jessica's disappearance. Linc is helping train her dog to be more controllable until feelings begin to develop that neither of them had anticipated, complicating what had at first been a very simple relationship. This book is fun, quirky and full of smiles, giggles and maybe even a guffaw or two. Recommended
March 29, 2020
Adorably funny and suspenseful
Vader is my hero. He is an adorable dog that is an unlikely hero, but saves the day more than once. Kylie and Lincoln are opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts. All the characters are charismatic and well developed. This story had my attention and I look forward to learning more about this couple, the families, community and their jobs! Especially the PI work as Gregg seems like the perfect caring grandpa/boss.
Vader is my hero. He is an adorable dog that is an unlikely hero, but saves the day more than once. Kylie and Lincoln are opposites, but their chemistry is off the charts. All the characters are charismatic and well developed. This story had my attention and I look forward to learning more about this couple, the families, community and their jobs! Especially the PI work as Gregg seems like the perfect caring grandpa/boss.
November 29, 2023
Really disappointed. Have read every Mary stone series. Love them and the characters. Only read two chapters in this one and deleted from kindle. Found it inane, shallow, almost trashy. There’s a love interest in every series but this read like a racy novel. I’m interested in the plot and mystery and characters not the hard bodies and genitalia references in this one. Get back to extending your other series, Mary stone. This one is not you.
December 10, 2023
Deadly Act(Kylie Hatfield Amateur Sleuth Mystery Series Book 1)
I truly loved this book, if I didn't know there were more books in the series, I would have been totally sure Kylie was going to be the next victim of a serial killer. I am happy to say she was not, but it was close. I am happy that Linc loves her and maybe he can keep her safe. We'll see, she seems to have a nack for finding trouble and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble she gets into next.
I truly loved this book, if I didn't know there were more books in the series, I would have been totally sure Kylie was going to be the next victim of a serial killer. I am happy to say she was not, but it was close. I am happy that Linc loves her and maybe he can keep her safe. We'll see, she seems to have a nack for finding trouble and I can't wait to see what kind of trouble she gets into next.
January 10, 2020
I liked the idea of Kylie trying to figure out what she wants out of life. She finally found a career she likes and wants to follow for longer than two seconds. She has been taking care of a dog she found on the side of the road after being hit by a truck. I really liked Linc and Kylie together. This is a great series so far
February 23, 2020
A new PI is in town
Mystery, humor and murder. Kylie has it bad. Not content to just work for a private eye, she is sure she can be one. In book 1 she becomes too involved in a missing persons case and almost becomes missing herself. A good start to a series and I look forward to reading more of Kylie Hatfield.
Mystery, humor and murder. Kylie has it bad. Not content to just work for a private eye, she is sure she can be one. In book 1 she becomes too involved in a missing persons case and almost becomes missing herself. A good start to a series and I look forward to reading more of Kylie Hatfield.
March 24, 2020
Another great book!
I laughed out loud at some if the antics if Kylie Hatfield. How can you not like this character. She is ditsy but loveable. And boy is she determined! And what an incredible combination she makes with that hunky man. Can't wait to read the next one and see what she gets into next.
I laughed out loud at some if the antics if Kylie Hatfield. How can you not like this character. She is ditsy but loveable. And boy is she determined! And what an incredible combination she makes with that hunky man. Can't wait to read the next one and see what she gets into next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews