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Ellie Kline #1
Cold Truth
Sometimes, the most perfect families are hiding the most terrible secrets. How well do you know the people next door…?
Everybody wants to live on Hogarth Street, the pretty, tree-lined avenue with its white houses. The new family, the Wests, are a perfect fit. Katherine and John seem so in love and their gorgeous five-year-old twins race screeching around their beautiful emerald-green lawn.
But soon people start to notice: why don’t they join backyard barbecues? Why do they brush away offers to babysit? Why, when you knock at the door, do they shut you out, rather than inviting you in?
Every family has secrets, and on the hottest day of the year, the truth is about to come out. As a tragedy unfolds behind closed doors, the dawn chorus is split by the wail of sirens. And one by one the families who tried so hard to welcome the Wests begin to realise: Hogarth Street will never be the same again.
A completely gripping, twist-packed psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Sally Hepworth and Lisa Jewell.
Everybody wants to live on Hogarth Street, the pretty, tree-lined avenue with its white houses. The new family, the Wests, are a perfect fit. Katherine and John seem so in love and their gorgeous five-year-old twins race screeching around their beautiful emerald-green lawn.
But soon people start to notice: why don’t they join backyard barbecues? Why do they brush away offers to babysit? Why, when you knock at the door, do they shut you out, rather than inviting you in?
Every family has secrets, and on the hottest day of the year, the truth is about to come out. As a tragedy unfolds behind closed doors, the dawn chorus is split by the wail of sirens. And one by one the families who tried so hard to welcome the Wests begin to realise: Hogarth Street will never be the same again.
A completely gripping, twist-packed psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty, Sally Hepworth and Lisa Jewell.
334 pages, ebook
First published January 17, 2020
11893 people are currently reading
4479 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,132 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 350 reviews
July 31, 2020
I’m truly baffled by the reviews saying this is thrilling. I found it incredibly boring. There is no action.... none! Ellie is reckless and not at all appealing. She’s a little rich girl, with two guys fawning all over her, both of which she has jumping when she snaps her fingers, yet she keeps them both at arm’s length. She was kidnapped at age 15, and escaped, and now she’s a cop. She is assigned cold cases and coincidentally the first case she opens is the one she’s involved in, but doesn’t remember. Nothing is resolved in this book so prepare to read the next 4 or 5 to get to the conclusion. There are too many plot holes and lack of characters to care about for me to read the next one, so I’ll never know how it turns out. Do I care? No!
January 13, 2020
Cold Truth by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel is the first book in an amazing new series and a real thriller. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put this book down. I may like this series more than Winter Black. This thriller is very intense and full of suspense. Even the interaction between characters is intense. This is a true nail-biting and page turning story.
After being kidnapped and escaping when she was fifteen, Ellie Kline has wanted to be a police officer. She's fought her parents and the stigma of being a little rich girl, but she's reached her first goal as a Police Officer. Following a death defying capture of a murderer, Officer Kline finds herself in the spotlight and suddenly promoted to Detective Kline. Ellie is estatic to have achieved her ssoecond goal so quickly in her career. Unfortunately, instead of investigating and solving active crimes, she finds herself relegated to the basement with the Cold Case files. Well, her parents should be happy, she's no longer on the crime infested streets. Surprise, her first cold case may well lead her into more danger than most patrol officers will find in a lifetime.
The ending is surprising cliffhanger that will have you on pins and needles waiting for the next installment. I'm definitely sitting on those pins 'n needles looking forward to the next installment in the Ellie Kline series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest five+ star review.
After being kidnapped and escaping when she was fifteen, Ellie Kline has wanted to be a police officer. She's fought her parents and the stigma of being a little rich girl, but she's reached her first goal as a Police Officer. Following a death defying capture of a murderer, Officer Kline finds herself in the spotlight and suddenly promoted to Detective Kline. Ellie is estatic to have achieved her ssoecond goal so quickly in her career. Unfortunately, instead of investigating and solving active crimes, she finds herself relegated to the basement with the Cold Case files. Well, her parents should be happy, she's no longer on the crime infested streets. Surprise, her first cold case may well lead her into more danger than most patrol officers will find in a lifetime.
The ending is surprising cliffhanger that will have you on pins and needles waiting for the next installment. I'm definitely sitting on those pins 'n needles looking forward to the next installment in the Ellie Kline series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest five+ star review.
October 17, 2021
Cliff Hanger
Don’t read unless you are prepared to invest in the following books in this series; there will be no neat little package with a bow for you waiting at the end. I knew there were more books in this series but...this book rambled for chapters. We have rich girl Ellie as a newly promoted detective, with rich boyfriend Nick and previous police partner Jacob. The opening of the book finds her in a foot chase, we live in a world where nothing goes undocumented and the video of her jumping off a bridge in pursuit of a criminal goes viral. This notoriety brings her a detective shield and she is assigned cold cases only to find her unsolved case in the evidence room. Through diligence and research she is able to bring closure to 2 families but also discovers there are other cases with the same MO. All while having flashbacks of her own abduction as a teen.
Don’t read unless you are prepared to invest in the following books in this series; there will be no neat little package with a bow for you waiting at the end. I knew there were more books in this series but...this book rambled for chapters. We have rich girl Ellie as a newly promoted detective, with rich boyfriend Nick and previous police partner Jacob. The opening of the book finds her in a foot chase, we live in a world where nothing goes undocumented and the video of her jumping off a bridge in pursuit of a criminal goes viral. This notoriety brings her a detective shield and she is assigned cold cases only to find her unsolved case in the evidence room. Through diligence and research she is able to bring closure to 2 families but also discovers there are other cases with the same MO. All while having flashbacks of her own abduction as a teen.
August 28, 2020
Hated the female lead.
I hated the female lead in this book. She has no redeeming qualities as she does anything she wants to get her way. She is a spoiled rich girl that only cares about what she wants. She doesn't care who she hurts while getting her own way including the people in her life who love her and the man she loves. I really hated the female within the first chapter of the book. I found it difficult to continue reading this book. Gag.
I hated the female lead in this book. She has no redeeming qualities as she does anything she wants to get her way. She is a spoiled rich girl that only cares about what she wants. She doesn't care who she hurts while getting her own way including the people in her life who love her and the man she loves. I really hated the female within the first chapter of the book. I found it difficult to continue reading this book. Gag.
July 27, 2022
Book just kind of ended, without resolution, making it necessary to read at least the next book in the series.
January 20, 2021
COLD TRUTH
A good book that keeps you guessing. It had a lot of details that seemed to be there just to make the book longer. Only half the mystery is solved in this book. Got to read the next to find out the whole story.
A good book that keeps you guessing. It had a lot of details that seemed to be there just to make the book longer. Only half the mystery is solved in this book. Got to read the next to find out the whole story.
May 10, 2020
Great crime plot; it kept me interested, and I'm ready for the next one. I'd have given it 4 stars, but there were things that bugged me too much for that. For example, Ellie sure made detective quickly--not even 3 years as a police officer. I did a little research online, but what I found was not linear enough to grasp the procedure. The info seemed to vacillate between detective and new police officer as to requirements. Then there's Ellie herself; she's reckless to the point of endangering herself and other officers. Mavericks are rarely welcomed in police work. She goes past bending regulations into too stupid to live territory. No wonder others didn't want to work with her.
Yet I plot was so interesting that I'll try another.
Yet I plot was so interesting that I'll try another.
January 17, 2020
Wow what a new series. I received ARC of this book. I gladly leave my review. This book is a roller coaster of emotion. It makes you want to keep reading. Could not put the book down. This is a thrilling mystery. I can't hardly wait to see the next book. This is a heart grabbing and mind blowing read.
January 20, 2020
Cold Truth
Another good book by Mary Stone in a new series. I just don't like that she is now ending them with to be continued.
Another good book by Mary Stone in a new series. I just don't like that she is now ending them with to be continued.
April 7, 2021
Although this was a good book...I did get a little jumpy reading this story. It's a little more on the dark side of human nature. Can Ellie figure out who the killer is in time??? Guess we will have to read on to find out.
April 14, 2021
Enjoyable. Not the greatest mystery ever. I didn't like that the whole case wasn't wrapped up - it proceeds to the next one (and from the sounds of it continues over the next 8 books...). But for the most part I really liked it. I liked Ellie and I really liked Jillian Reed and the partnership they struck up.
The procedural part is slow going, more in the style of Kinsey Millhone by Sue Grafton than Alex Cross by James Patterson or Jack Reacher by Lee Child. I like these sorts of procedurals where they pick away at the case until it unravels. I was annoyed though that there were still so many details left unanswered. Or confused. I didn't realise this was more or less a serial. I did feel there were some gaps in the investigation at points. Like they're looking for details on Monday and then it's Thursday. I didn't feel the time jumps were handled well.
The romance was just plain weird. I didn't really understand the whole relationship between Ellie and Nick - or where Jacob fits in. Does Ellie love Nick? Does Jacob (her cop partner) love her? I don't know - I felt like there was something going on there but it never quite cleared it up. Plus it seems like there's all this distance and then Nick and Jacob are friends? Jacob comes to the hospital and comes in the room before her dad has the transplant ? And has special words? I was just baffled.
Ellie reminded me a little bit of Max Revere by Allison Brennan. Max is kind of remote in the same way - rich and with a taste for the finer things and somewhat removed from human emotion. And a bit unlikeable although I didn't not like Ellie. I liked her drive and enthusiasm. She also reminded me a bit of Eve Ronin (by Lee Goldberg) but not as gungho, not as real or action packed. More just in the way she was dedicated to being a cop and making things right for people.
There were quite a few oddities to be honest. It didn't really seem like Ellie was all that affected by her kidnapping? I mean I know she can't remember but it seemed odd that an event that shaped her whole life is just pushed to the side. Especially since she still got hit by a car and was drugged out of her mind.
Plus in the blurb for the next one it says "coming off the high of solving her first case" ...but she didn't? I mean she's resolved some minor points like who the girls were but it seems like there's a hell of a lot more investigating to do.
Anyway it's a decent book for procedural fans and for all I have a lot of complaints I didn't find it a struggle to read - it flowed really well and I was done before I knew it. It was more on reflection that parts don't stack up to scrutiny.
Apart from that just keep in mind the series will have to be read in order and if your memory is anywhere near as bad as mine - all at once to keep the details straight - since they carry over from book to book. 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
The procedural part is slow going, more in the style of Kinsey Millhone by Sue Grafton than Alex Cross by James Patterson or Jack Reacher by Lee Child. I like these sorts of procedurals where they pick away at the case until it unravels. I was annoyed though that there were still so many details left unanswered. Or confused. I didn't realise this was more or less a serial. I did feel there were some gaps in the investigation at points. Like they're looking for details on Monday and then it's Thursday. I didn't feel the time jumps were handled well.
The romance was just plain weird. I didn't really understand the whole relationship between Ellie and Nick - or where Jacob fits in. Does Ellie love Nick? Does Jacob (her cop partner) love her? I don't know - I felt like there was something going on there but it never quite cleared it up. Plus it seems like there's all this distance and then Nick and Jacob are friends? Jacob comes to the hospital and comes in the room before her dad has the transplant ? And has special words? I was just baffled.
Ellie reminded me a little bit of Max Revere by Allison Brennan. Max is kind of remote in the same way - rich and with a taste for the finer things and somewhat removed from human emotion. And a bit unlikeable although I didn't not like Ellie. I liked her drive and enthusiasm. She also reminded me a bit of Eve Ronin (by Lee Goldberg) but not as gungho, not as real or action packed. More just in the way she was dedicated to being a cop and making things right for people.
There were quite a few oddities to be honest. It didn't really seem like Ellie was all that affected by her kidnapping? I mean I know she can't remember but it seemed odd that an event that shaped her whole life is just pushed to the side. Especially since she still got hit by a car and was drugged out of her mind.
Plus in the blurb for the next one it says "coming off the high of solving her first case" ...but she didn't? I mean she's resolved some minor points like who the girls were but it seems like there's a hell of a lot more investigating to do.
Anyway it's a decent book for procedural fans and for all I have a lot of complaints I didn't find it a struggle to read - it flowed really well and I was done before I knew it. It was more on reflection that parts don't stack up to scrutiny.
Apart from that just keep in mind the series will have to be read in order and if your memory is anywhere near as bad as mine - all at once to keep the details straight - since they carry over from book to book. 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
February 26, 2023
The first few pages drew me in … and then ….. nothing. Not a spark of interest. Kept hoping it would come back to the first few pages but sadly disappointed.
I know it’s the first in a series and you as the reader have to wade through the character development/ back stories but this lacks both. I found out at the end of THIS book that there was a prequel to give a hint more detail about Ellie Kline, the series main character. I don’t think there is much to tell…
Flagged as a “bone-chilling psychological thriller”, after the first few pages that thrill was gone and seemed boring - almost a grade above a cozy mystery but not quite a good mystery. Not a fan of the cliff hanger ending to begin with but this one didn’t even make me want to take a peek at the next one.
I know it’s the first in a series and you as the reader have to wade through the character development/ back stories but this lacks both. I found out at the end of THIS book that there was a prequel to give a hint more detail about Ellie Kline, the series main character. I don’t think there is much to tell…
Flagged as a “bone-chilling psychological thriller”, after the first few pages that thrill was gone and seemed boring - almost a grade above a cozy mystery but not quite a good mystery. Not a fan of the cliff hanger ending to begin with but this one didn’t even make me want to take a peek at the next one.
January 14, 2020
Thank you Mary Stone and Donna Berdel for an amazing new series. Once I started the book, I could not put it down. Love Ellie Kline and her determination to become a great detective despite all the odds (kidnapped, heir, woman, family, etc.) against her. The interaction between Ellie and her ex-partner Jacob and Nick her supposedly future husband is fun and can't wait to see what happens in the future. Lots of action, suspense, and twists and turns. Was left with a surprising cliffhanger. Looking forward to future adventures of Ellie in this new series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
March 20, 2021
This book was so aggressively hyped I think I expected too much. It was an interesting read - with a few editing issues. It was far from “unputdownable” or “unforgettable.” There needs to be a disclaimer telling the reader that there is no resolution. The book is actually not an entire book; it is one episode of a series and ends with a cliffhanger. That always makes me feel cheated. I don’t intend to continue buying and reading installments of one story. I really like the main character and this author’s facility with language; but I hate being duped.
October 10, 2022
Cold Truth is the kind of book that I both love and hate. I love it because of the gripping tale and relatable characters. It's a can't put down kind of a book, with so many people that "could " be the bad guy, that I kept changing my mind! It kept me engaged and hungry for more. Which brings me to the reason for hating it.... I literally COULD NOT put it down. It's 4 pm and I have been reading all day! Not to mention until 2 this morning! And now I have to get the next book, because...... I won't ruin it for you!
August 18, 2020
It was a page-turner, a murder mystery with a horror-serial killer twist. The premise itself is interesting: a killer kidnaps two women and tortures one until the other screams for her to die, then kills the survivor. But the characters are ALL cardboard thin. Every one is a stereotype. Even the city of Charleston, S.C. is reduced to little more than a suggestive southern locale. A missed opportunity.
Read
October 3, 2021Predictable super heroine With red hair and --guess what!--green eyes
A cartoonish wealthy beautiful heroine indulges in her dream to solve crime while repeating herself many times. She has no psychological subtlety, nor does the plot. The opening pages are supposed to draw you into an underlying horror, but are so gruesome as to be caricatures that are easily skipped. Yeah, yeah, we get the idea this is a very bad man doing awful things to helpless women. Yawn.
A cartoonish wealthy beautiful heroine indulges in her dream to solve crime while repeating herself many times. She has no psychological subtlety, nor does the plot. The opening pages are supposed to draw you into an underlying horror, but are so gruesome as to be caricatures that are easily skipped. Yeah, yeah, we get the idea this is a very bad man doing awful things to helpless women. Yawn.
January 13, 2020
New series by Mary Stone. Definitely not disappointed and looking forward to the next book.
May 23, 2023
Bummer 😕
Well y'all. I love Mary Stone, I'm a big fan. But, this one. Nada Grada.
This book was about a patrol cop named Ellie who becomes famous for catching a well known street thug by jumping off a bridge into gator infested waters. After jumping the bridge and catching a thug, she gets promoted into a rookie deal that turns out to be not what she thought it would be.
1. I personally found Ellie to be reckless and stupid which made her difficult to like and get along with. When you can't like the main character, it's hard to love the book. I also found the relationship with her boyfriend wasn't fair to him. She sure as hell doesn't deserve anyone with being that selfish. She's just stringing him along. I felt bad for her boyfriend.
2. Some things were a bit confusing like, one minute she has a 🔫 on her hip and the other minute, she has a shoulder holster. On minute Ellie is standing and another, she's driving. It's like whip lash.
3. Who the hell is Doctor X? That wasn't made clear. And HOW exactly was the case solved? I'm a bit confused on that too.
4. I thought the mystery was pretty good but wo exactly was this guy ? 🤔
To me, the book was a bit confusing and some things didn't add up or wasn't solved at all. I'm like 😬🤔 I'm a bit unnerved. I'm so disappointed. Incredibly disappointed. I love STONE and have rated most of her books a five. This is an exception. I can't like or love but didn't completely hate. Three of five for me.
Well y'all. I love Mary Stone, I'm a big fan. But, this one. Nada Grada.
This book was about a patrol cop named Ellie who becomes famous for catching a well known street thug by jumping off a bridge into gator infested waters. After jumping the bridge and catching a thug, she gets promoted into a rookie deal that turns out to be not what she thought it would be.
1. I personally found Ellie to be reckless and stupid which made her difficult to like and get along with. When you can't like the main character, it's hard to love the book. I also found the relationship with her boyfriend wasn't fair to him. She sure as hell doesn't deserve anyone with being that selfish. She's just stringing him along. I felt bad for her boyfriend.
2. Some things were a bit confusing like, one minute she has a 🔫 on her hip and the other minute, she has a shoulder holster. On minute Ellie is standing and another, she's driving. It's like whip lash.
3. Who the hell is Doctor X? That wasn't made clear. And HOW exactly was the case solved? I'm a bit confused on that too.
4. I thought the mystery was pretty good but wo exactly was this guy ? 🤔
To me, the book was a bit confusing and some things didn't add up or wasn't solved at all. I'm like 😬🤔 I'm a bit unnerved. I'm so disappointed. Incredibly disappointed. I love STONE and have rated most of her books a five. This is an exception. I can't like or love but didn't completely hate. Three of five for me.
May 28, 2021
Where Did It Start
Ellie Kline is the only daughter of society parents, heir to a fortune She is the child who did not fit the mold, the rebel, adored by her younger brother tolerated by her two perfect elder brothers. Ellie is the girl her mother worked over and tries to change. She is the daughter causing her father angst while filling him with pride.
Ellie Kline is also a cop. She never backs down. Haunted by cloudy memories of her own kidnapping and escape, Ellie is driven. When her cavalier approach takes down a criminal, Ellie earns the attention of the Charleston PD, and a promotion to detective. Assigned to the Cold Case locker, Ellie latches unto a horrific double murder. Her tenacity soon draws the interest of the killer.
Using her desire for closure, her newfound partner, and her abilities as a loose cannon and a maverick, Ellie sets off to solve her first cold case even if it means alienating her entire department.
Stone and Barrel have created a psychological thriller which captivated thus reader from page 1. Not only will I be downloading Book 2, but I will be seeking Stone's trademark .05 prequel
Ellie Kline is the only daughter of society parents, heir to a fortune She is the child who did not fit the mold, the rebel, adored by her younger brother tolerated by her two perfect elder brothers. Ellie is the girl her mother worked over and tries to change. She is the daughter causing her father angst while filling him with pride.
Ellie Kline is also a cop. She never backs down. Haunted by cloudy memories of her own kidnapping and escape, Ellie is driven. When her cavalier approach takes down a criminal, Ellie earns the attention of the Charleston PD, and a promotion to detective. Assigned to the Cold Case locker, Ellie latches unto a horrific double murder. Her tenacity soon draws the interest of the killer.
Using her desire for closure, her newfound partner, and her abilities as a loose cannon and a maverick, Ellie sets off to solve her first cold case even if it means alienating her entire department.
Stone and Barrel have created a psychological thriller which captivated thus reader from page 1. Not only will I be downloading Book 2, but I will be seeking Stone's trademark .05 prequel
November 12, 2021
Here is another bone chilling one for you! About half way in I thought I knew who the serial killer was--I was so very wrong! There are numerous twists and turns as Ellie not only attempts to find the killer in a cold case-but also figure out who kidnapped her at the age of 15--
Ellie wanted to be promoted to detective--but was not taken seriously because of who she was-the daughter of very rich parents. Her partner knew she was serious and also knew she was really good at what she did--of course even he did not expect her to jump off a bridge to catch a perp! That got her promoted--but it only got her sent to cold cases. Not really happy about it-until she met the research person who told her about a case that had been bothering her. Between them they managed to piece together the clues that would give closure to two families--and then realized there were more similar cases!!
This was, at times, hard for me to read--but harder to put down. I purchased the prequel to this one to see how it all began--and am looking forward to reading it!!
Ellie wanted to be promoted to detective--but was not taken seriously because of who she was-the daughter of very rich parents. Her partner knew she was serious and also knew she was really good at what she did--of course even he did not expect her to jump off a bridge to catch a perp! That got her promoted--but it only got her sent to cold cases. Not really happy about it-until she met the research person who told her about a case that had been bothering her. Between them they managed to piece together the clues that would give closure to two families--and then realized there were more similar cases!!
This was, at times, hard for me to read--but harder to put down. I purchased the prequel to this one to see how it all began--and am looking forward to reading it!!
December 7, 2023
Nice start, but...
This was a good mystery, but I kind of waffle in my feelings about the leading lady. I get that her past is influencing her present decision making, but these reckless decisions she makes that continually put her life in danger gets on my last nerve. This whole push and pull between her and her mother, then her habit of jumping into things without figuring if she gets killed in pursuit, which gives her mother good reason to worry, then who's gonna care to solve these cold cases?
I read the synopsis of future books, and it seems that every book relates to the person who kidnapped her instead of her solving her case within the first couple of books, then growing as a detective and solving other cases. I don't know. It just seems that their gonna make her character seem like she's obsessed or something because we all know she's gonna be getting funny looks from other cops and her superiors until she comes with concrete evidence.
This was a good mystery, but I kind of waffle in my feelings about the leading lady. I get that her past is influencing her present decision making, but these reckless decisions she makes that continually put her life in danger gets on my last nerve. This whole push and pull between her and her mother, then her habit of jumping into things without figuring if she gets killed in pursuit, which gives her mother good reason to worry, then who's gonna care to solve these cold cases?
I read the synopsis of future books, and it seems that every book relates to the person who kidnapped her instead of her solving her case within the first couple of books, then growing as a detective and solving other cases. I don't know. It just seems that their gonna make her character seem like she's obsessed or something because we all know she's gonna be getting funny looks from other cops and her superiors until she comes with concrete evidence.
February 10, 2024
Cold Truth- Ellie Kline Series : Book One
Die Bitch, Die!
Those are the words touted throughout the novel. The book begins at a gruesome scene of torture and murder. 2 women, kidnapped for pleasure. I’m a sick and twisted obsession, Cold Truth tells the story of a harrowing kidnapped victim turned police officer who - through a series of going against the grain - makes detective. It’s her dream come true untold Elenor Kline realizes she’s assigned to Cold Cases, the ultimate desk duty.
Well on a hunch, given by the evidence room clerk Jillian, Ellie turns to a Jane Doe Case that tips the ice burg and shovels unwanted memories to Ellie’s mind.
Cold Truth introduces us to characters I am guessing we will learn to love (and hate( throughout this series. Book one ends on a doozy of a cliff hanger but I have to admit, after struggling to get past some of the explicitly gruesome details, I settled into the book and am looking forward to cracking open book 2.
Die Bitch, Die!
Those are the words touted throughout the novel. The book begins at a gruesome scene of torture and murder. 2 women, kidnapped for pleasure. I’m a sick and twisted obsession, Cold Truth tells the story of a harrowing kidnapped victim turned police officer who - through a series of going against the grain - makes detective. It’s her dream come true untold Elenor Kline realizes she’s assigned to Cold Cases, the ultimate desk duty.
Well on a hunch, given by the evidence room clerk Jillian, Ellie turns to a Jane Doe Case that tips the ice burg and shovels unwanted memories to Ellie’s mind.
Cold Truth introduces us to characters I am guessing we will learn to love (and hate( throughout this series. Book one ends on a doozy of a cliff hanger but I have to admit, after struggling to get past some of the explicitly gruesome details, I settled into the book and am looking forward to cracking open book 2.
January 20, 2020
Cold Truth
"Anyone who stood in her way would find out exactly what type of woman she was. A woman who refused to live in fear." - Ellie Kline
Eleanor (Ellie) Kline, one of Charleston's elite, had dedicated herself to becoming a police officer, and upholding the law. When Ellie became a detective, and was assigned cold cases, she hadn't a clue what Fate intended.
"Patience was my virtue, and the best flowers were well worth the wait." - the killer
When Ellie takes on her first cold case, the horrific crime scene photographs haunt her. When Ellie discovers a link with another cold case, she finds herself drawn in deeper and deeper... As the past reaches out with a whisper soft, deadly touch...
Like a seemingly oblivious crocodile, this psychological thriller will explode when least expected!
"Anyone who stood in her way would find out exactly what type of woman she was. A woman who refused to live in fear." - Ellie Kline
Eleanor (Ellie) Kline, one of Charleston's elite, had dedicated herself to becoming a police officer, and upholding the law. When Ellie became a detective, and was assigned cold cases, she hadn't a clue what Fate intended.
"Patience was my virtue, and the best flowers were well worth the wait." - the killer
When Ellie takes on her first cold case, the horrific crime scene photographs haunt her. When Ellie discovers a link with another cold case, she finds herself drawn in deeper and deeper... As the past reaches out with a whisper soft, deadly touch...
Like a seemingly oblivious crocodile, this psychological thriller will explode when least expected!
December 11, 2025
great book, well developed characters and plot was flowing. i enjoyed this book for the flow and the story line. maybe a little long mid way thru and i wish for more action and bit less "character feeling" thoughts but that is a personal preference. i like to see how the author develops the character and the actions in which it took them on that path, journey or choice. i am not one for deep deep thoughts or feelings for more than 2 pages. i am happy that Kindle recommended this Author per my current genre history and wish i would have found Ellie (this character) sooner. Now its like watching a good Netflix series you want to binge. I am excited for cozy weather and warm blankets so that i can binge this series. On to book 2! Happy Reading my friends. This book, this AUTHOR definately should be on top of your list if you like a strong lead character and a twist of a plot.
January 18, 2021
I'm going to read the next in the series, I can't say why because I don't understand it myself.
This book is so-so. The first chapter, I kept wondering if I'd already read this book and somehow not tracked it here on GR because I've read something with the same killer setup. OK, so I determined it was just very similar and I hadn't read the book.
The rest is pretty much the same; i.e., very familiar. Girl escapes killer when she's younger? Check. Girl becomes law enforcement? Check. Conflicted relationships with family? Check.
On top of that, I find myself unable to connect sufficiently with the characters for this book to be anything more than so-so.
I'll give the next one a try to see if anything more original develops.
This book is so-so. The first chapter, I kept wondering if I'd already read this book and somehow not tracked it here on GR because I've read something with the same killer setup. OK, so I determined it was just very similar and I hadn't read the book.
The rest is pretty much the same; i.e., very familiar. Girl escapes killer when she's younger? Check. Girl becomes law enforcement? Check. Conflicted relationships with family? Check.
On top of that, I find myself unable to connect sufficiently with the characters for this book to be anything more than so-so.
I'll give the next one a try to see if anything more original develops.
May 28, 2023
Good story, but...
The overall plot was compelling. However, so many editing errors. Starting a new scene with "the next day..." Only to say a could sentences later that it was actually six days that had passed. Ellie rolling her eyes that people "assume she goes to her dad for mad money", as if that wasn't more or less true. Despite her driving a car that most patrol cops can't afford, living in a building her parents own in an apartment most cops can't afford, and obviously having more disposable income than a typical cop. There were were several other inconsistencies that caught my notice. They are a distraction when reading a good novel.
Again, the story was good. But just so many places where the details didn't make sense.
The overall plot was compelling. However, so many editing errors. Starting a new scene with "the next day..." Only to say a could sentences later that it was actually six days that had passed. Ellie rolling her eyes that people "assume she goes to her dad for mad money", as if that wasn't more or less true. Despite her driving a car that most patrol cops can't afford, living in a building her parents own in an apartment most cops can't afford, and obviously having more disposable income than a typical cop. There were were several other inconsistencies that caught my notice. They are a distraction when reading a good novel.
Again, the story was good. But just so many places where the details didn't make sense.
May 9, 2020
An interesting backstory
She seems to have it all, but as the book progresses it is clear from her flashbacks and story that everything is not perfect. She was kidnapped as a child, dads health is not great and many don’t think she can do her job.
This is a quick moving storyline with more than one case being worked on at a time, though they may be more related then Ellie thinks. There is a dash of romance and perhaps a developing love triangle. The writing is well developed and quite vivid. I have plenty of questions and can’t wait to see how they get answered as I read more of this series.
She seems to have it all, but as the book progresses it is clear from her flashbacks and story that everything is not perfect. She was kidnapped as a child, dads health is not great and many don’t think she can do her job.
This is a quick moving storyline with more than one case being worked on at a time, though they may be more related then Ellie thinks. There is a dash of romance and perhaps a developing love triangle. The writing is well developed and quite vivid. I have plenty of questions and can’t wait to see how they get answered as I read more of this series.
March 7, 2023
A young girl is kidnapped with another person and the second person is tortured and killed. Ellie escapes
A young woman cop apprehends two criminals. She makes the news because she actually jumps off a bridge into a river to capture a running criminal. She also gets shot chasing another one. She ends up put in the cold case locker because of her aggression. and begins solving a years old case involving two women who were killed. She makes a friend with the other woman who organizes the cold cases. A good story but I found out at the end that it’s a series and I don’t like those. This cold case ends up being the guy who kidnapped Ellie at the beginning of the story.
A young woman cop apprehends two criminals. She makes the news because she actually jumps off a bridge into a river to capture a running criminal. She also gets shot chasing another one. She ends up put in the cold case locker because of her aggression. and begins solving a years old case involving two women who were killed. She makes a friend with the other woman who organizes the cold cases. A good story but I found out at the end that it’s a series and I don’t like those. This cold case ends up being the guy who kidnapped Ellie at the beginning of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2020
Wow!
This new series is great! I love that Mary Stone's books have strong female leads. This book is very fast paced with lots of twists and turns. There are no boring parts. I was pulled in immediately and I'm still waiting anxiously for the next book.
As always with this author the characters were very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was very realistic. The editing was clean with no spelling errors that I caught. Also there was no profanity or sexual scenes so I would recommend this book to anyone.
This new series is great! I love that Mary Stone's books have strong female leads. This book is very fast paced with lots of twists and turns. There are no boring parts. I was pulled in immediately and I'm still waiting anxiously for the next book.
As always with this author the characters were very well developed and believable. The dialogue flowed smoothly and was very realistic. The editing was clean with no spelling errors that I caught. Also there was no profanity or sexual scenes so I would recommend this book to anyone.
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