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Ellie Kline #2
Cold Hunt
Hunt or be hunted...
On a farm in the backwoods of Charleston, South Carolina, a hunter stalks prey—the two legged kind. And it’s not the first time. New players have emerged in the underground human trafficking ring lurking in the shadows of the dignified city, ramping up the stakes.
Coming off the high of solving her first case as a Charleston PD detective, Ellie Kline has linked several Cold Cases together, leading her to the chilling discovery that a serial killer has been watching her for years. Details from the night she was kidnapped when she was fifteen are surfacing, but not fast enough. The man whose voice she still hears in her head is a brutal killer, one responsible for countless murders of women. She has to find him, stop him.
Assigned to a new John Doe cold case, Ellie is surprised to also find evidence of a missing woman. Suspicions that her beloved city of Southern charm is the center of an ever swirling circle of human trafficking become all too real.
When a lead takes her into the darkest parts of the internet, she’s one step closer to solving her own abduction. Ellie’s case will take her on a cold and dangerous hunt that leads her to a truth no one could have predicted.
On a farm in the backwoods of Charleston, South Carolina, a hunter stalks prey—the two legged kind. And it’s not the first time. New players have emerged in the underground human trafficking ring lurking in the shadows of the dignified city, ramping up the stakes.
Coming off the high of solving her first case as a Charleston PD detective, Ellie Kline has linked several Cold Cases together, leading her to the chilling discovery that a serial killer has been watching her for years. Details from the night she was kidnapped when she was fifteen are surfacing, but not fast enough. The man whose voice she still hears in her head is a brutal killer, one responsible for countless murders of women. She has to find him, stop him.
Assigned to a new John Doe cold case, Ellie is surprised to also find evidence of a missing woman. Suspicions that her beloved city of Southern charm is the center of an ever swirling circle of human trafficking become all too real.
When a lead takes her into the darkest parts of the internet, she’s one step closer to solving her own abduction. Ellie’s case will take her on a cold and dangerous hunt that leads her to a truth no one could have predicted.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2020
5794 people are currently reading
845 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,134 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 189 reviews
February 3, 2020
A psychological thriller with heart pumping, nail-biting, and spine-tingling action. Just when you think you know what is going on in comes another twist and turn. Provocative characters that keep you guessing. Non stop action. Storyline moves quickly and you can't put the book down. I received ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
November 15, 2022
well written and a true page-turner… but not crazy about the “to be continued”
Already reviewed in title
.but will repeat… great page-turner and we’ll-written but don’t appreciate “to be continued”. Not sure if I will continue or not. Good story but not sure if that compelling.. kinda like a trick…
Already reviewed in title
.but will repeat… great page-turner and we’ll-written but don’t appreciate “to be continued”. Not sure if I will continue or not. Good story but not sure if that compelling.. kinda like a trick…
January 30, 2020
Wow! This 2nd book did not disappoint. Moved along at a fast pace and kept me on edge the whole time I was engrossed. I finished it in one night. I could not go to sleep until the end. And then I could not get it off my mind.......
February 6, 2020
This is the second book in the series and I can’t get enough of it. It takes off from the start and just keeps on going, like the energizer bunny. Ca t wait for the next installment to see what Ellie does next.
April 20, 2021
Really intense. I loved reading it but hated the way it ended. These two women are on a roll. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
February 17, 2025
These books are like watching criminal minds. 😍
June 28, 2025
It’s true the ending is disappointing, no conclusion.
March 4, 2020
BETTER THAN THE PREVIOUS BOOK
I said. that will never buy another book from this series, but... I'm glad I broke the promise.
This book was way better, but still in the 3⭐ range.
The Characters...
Jillian is becoming a really interesting character. Her development leaps over everybody. She's becoming the brains of the series. She thinks, discerns and yes, guide Kline.
Think as, pardon the comparison, Jillian (as a 1/2 "Watson") and Kline (as an 1/3 "Sherlock") but in this story "Watson" is the brain and "Sherlock" takes a 2nd seat.
Kline is the "detective", the "socialité" and "victim" but needs a firm hand to move in the story and Jillian is the one.
Kline boyfriend is a cartoonish charater nothing more than a prop between Kiline, her Family and the society.
The Story...
With every chapter new details are being discovered. Money is part of the exchange but also the way to "human trafficking". Isn't a deep, trigger events" but is clearly exposed.
Along with every morsel of evidence is clearing a path to and end. I'm grateful that even with an open investigation the authors finish some stories giving the reader the satisfaction of closure.
I had high expectations for the next book. And that my fellow readers is a review without pink lenses! Buy the book or as an Beta book, we all deserved honesty.
I said. that will never buy another book from this series, but... I'm glad I broke the promise.
This book was way better, but still in the 3⭐ range.
The Characters...
Jillian is becoming a really interesting character. Her development leaps over everybody. She's becoming the brains of the series. She thinks, discerns and yes, guide Kline.
Think as, pardon the comparison, Jillian (as a 1/2 "Watson") and Kline (as an 1/3 "Sherlock") but in this story "Watson" is the brain and "Sherlock" takes a 2nd seat.
Kline is the "detective", the "socialité" and "victim" but needs a firm hand to move in the story and Jillian is the one.
Kline boyfriend is a cartoonish charater nothing more than a prop between Kiline, her Family and the society.
The Story...
With every chapter new details are being discovered. Money is part of the exchange but also the way to "human trafficking". Isn't a deep, trigger events" but is clearly exposed.
Along with every morsel of evidence is clearing a path to and end. I'm grateful that even with an open investigation the authors finish some stories giving the reader the satisfaction of closure.
I had high expectations for the next book. And that my fellow readers is a review without pink lenses! Buy the book or as an Beta book, we all deserved honesty.
May 10, 2020
That cliffhanger though!!
The suspense was intense in this one and it was so good!!! Ellie’s core group is developing and she has her inner set for trusting and now is questioning her trust with others. Romantic angle was almost non existent in this one which may lead to a one troubles later on? The family dynamic was not as noticeable in this story either.
Those differences from the first book are because the quest for solving cold case and specifically her case has built with the findings of new information and possible overlap into another series of cases. The scene where she was injured was noteworthy for several reasons, but also created several questions! I can’t make up my mind on two of the officers mentioned frequently and I love that this author and series has my mind bouncing around trying to figure things out. Brava!
The suspense was intense in this one and it was so good!!! Ellie’s core group is developing and she has her inner set for trusting and now is questioning her trust with others. Romantic angle was almost non existent in this one which may lead to a one troubles later on? The family dynamic was not as noticeable in this story either.
Those differences from the first book are because the quest for solving cold case and specifically her case has built with the findings of new information and possible overlap into another series of cases. The scene where she was injured was noteworthy for several reasons, but also created several questions! I can’t make up my mind on two of the officers mentioned frequently and I love that this author and series has my mind bouncing around trying to figure things out. Brava!
April 11, 2020
Annoying
I have read the first two books in this series and have thought they were very good. Kept me reading into the middle of the night but I do not like to be led on. When I read a book I want an ending not a frigging cliffhanger. It shows a real disrespect for the reader. The protagonist in these books is a great character who you are rooting for all the way but I do not want to read two or three more books to have a final resolution!!!
I have read the first two books in this series and have thought they were very good. Kept me reading into the middle of the night but I do not like to be led on. When I read a book I want an ending not a frigging cliffhanger. It shows a real disrespect for the reader. The protagonist in these books is a great character who you are rooting for all the way but I do not want to read two or three more books to have a final resolution!!!
September 21, 2021
Decent procedural but the nature of the crimes….
Appalling and horrifying, inhumane psychopathic sociopaths.
I liked the procedural portions, the footwork and intuition displayed; the diligence and single-Mindedness.
The crimes themselves? A bit grisly for me.
Appalling and horrifying, inhumane psychopathic sociopaths.
I liked the procedural portions, the footwork and intuition displayed; the diligence and single-Mindedness.
The crimes themselves? A bit grisly for me.
September 19, 2020
The second book in this series and wow it was action packed, I am loving this series and getting ready to start the next book in the series.
April 28, 2021
Over it!
I don't know how many books are in this series, but I've had it with constantly being left hanging. I'm done.
I don't know how many books are in this series, but I've had it with constantly being left hanging. I'm done.
February 10, 2020
You'll be looking over your shoulder after reading this one
Cold Hunt is the second book in the Ellie Kline series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is an amazing new series and a real spine chilling thriller. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put this book down. This thriller is intense and full of suspense, even the interaction between characters is intense. Get ready for a true nail-biting, page turning experience because you won't know the good guys from the bad.
Ellie is still working the cold case files while also searching for clues to her own unsolved kidnapping when she was a young teenager. Her friend and co-worker, Jillian is becoming more of a investigative detective than the file clerk. She has a knack for seeing how the pieces fit together.
The ending is another cliffhanger leaving you on pins and needles waiting to find out what comes next. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Mary and Donna, you two rock as team writers. Now you won't be able to stop until all the Cold Cases are solved.
Cold Hunt is the second book in the Ellie Kline series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is an amazing new series and a real spine chilling thriller. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put this book down. This thriller is intense and full of suspense, even the interaction between characters is intense. Get ready for a true nail-biting, page turning experience because you won't know the good guys from the bad.
Ellie is still working the cold case files while also searching for clues to her own unsolved kidnapping when she was a young teenager. Her friend and co-worker, Jillian is becoming more of a investigative detective than the file clerk. She has a knack for seeing how the pieces fit together.
The ending is another cliffhanger leaving you on pins and needles waiting to find out what comes next. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Mary and Donna, you two rock as team writers. Now you won't be able to stop until all the Cold Cases are solved.
June 2, 2021
Trust No One
Fresh off her first cold cases, Ellie has found links between the missing and her own unsolved kidnapping. As she begins a new John Doe cold case, Ellie is also beginning to recall snippets of her own capture. Working with the department 'shrink', Ellie is linking her visions and getting closer to the truth.
As she investigates her John Doe, Detective Kline also forms links to a current missing woman. Excited and confused when she the current missing person case to investigate. As she and Jillian use an untested program to search the dark web, a picture of local human trafficking emerges. The roots are deep and each turn seems to take the detective into uncharted territory. When a video form the past is found, Ellie must question her own past and everyone she knows. Who can she trust? How far down this rabbit hole is Detective Kline willing to go to save a young woman's life.
Regrettably this book ends on a cliff hanger and will continue into Book 3 of the series, Cold Threat.
Fresh off her first cold cases, Ellie has found links between the missing and her own unsolved kidnapping. As she begins a new John Doe cold case, Ellie is also beginning to recall snippets of her own capture. Working with the department 'shrink', Ellie is linking her visions and getting closer to the truth.
As she investigates her John Doe, Detective Kline also forms links to a current missing woman. Excited and confused when she the current missing person case to investigate. As she and Jillian use an untested program to search the dark web, a picture of local human trafficking emerges. The roots are deep and each turn seems to take the detective into uncharted territory. When a video form the past is found, Ellie must question her own past and everyone she knows. Who can she trust? How far down this rabbit hole is Detective Kline willing to go to save a young woman's life.
Regrettably this book ends on a cliff hanger and will continue into Book 3 of the series, Cold Threat.
February 16, 2020
Being an avid fan of Mary Stone this second book in this series was another WOW! Please do not start reading this after supper and chores done because you absolutely will not be able to put this book down until you have gotten to the so called END only to have another kicker at the end to keep you wondering and guessing until the next fantastic psychological thriller book in this series comes available.
I cannot begin to understand how these writers manage to get me so involved in the lives of their characters and start to think of them as being real and get so involved in their storylines. The book stands alone as a horrible human trafficking ring and solving who really are responsible for it but it doesn’t end or begin only that storyline being solved but eludes to other stories to be unraveled also.
I am proud to be an Arc Reader and this is my honest review
I cannot begin to understand how these writers manage to get me so involved in the lives of their characters and start to think of them as being real and get so involved in their storylines. The book stands alone as a horrible human trafficking ring and solving who really are responsible for it but it doesn’t end or begin only that storyline being solved but eludes to other stories to be unraveled also.
I am proud to be an Arc Reader and this is my honest review
February 11, 2024
Cold Hunt: Ellie Kline Series - Book 2
The Tales of Eleanor Kline - what can I say!?!
The book picks up after Ellie is back on active duty. With the case “closed” of the two Jane Doe cases now resolved, Ellie can now focus on other cold cases.
After the memorial for Tabitha and Mabel, we soon discover that Ellie can all but rest because, as it turns out, maybe all the evidence pointed to the wrong perps. Obviously the two men were involved in the kidnapping of the two battered women, but who was the mastermind and was he still lurking in the shadows hoping for more blood.
Cold Hunt beings to lay the foundation for more missing cases and they all might be intertwined in a way Detective Ellie and Evidence Clerk Jillian never imagined.
From life-sized dollar houses to an underground human-trafficking ring, Charleston will NEVER feel safe again.
The Tales of Eleanor Kline - what can I say!?!
The book picks up after Ellie is back on active duty. With the case “closed” of the two Jane Doe cases now resolved, Ellie can now focus on other cold cases.
After the memorial for Tabitha and Mabel, we soon discover that Ellie can all but rest because, as it turns out, maybe all the evidence pointed to the wrong perps. Obviously the two men were involved in the kidnapping of the two battered women, but who was the mastermind and was he still lurking in the shadows hoping for more blood.
Cold Hunt beings to lay the foundation for more missing cases and they all might be intertwined in a way Detective Ellie and Evidence Clerk Jillian never imagined.
From life-sized dollar houses to an underground human-trafficking ring, Charleston will NEVER feel safe again.
October 25, 2021
This is Part 2 in The Cold Series
If you are looking for a neat package wrapped up with a bow Do Not Read This Book. This is a continuation of Cold Truth. Ellie begins to remember her kidnapping in greater detail.
Ellie is settling into her job as detective and has been given cold cases of missing persons to work on. As she looks into the cases she finds sloppy police work and a major cover up.
With the help of her unofficial partner, Jillian a computer wizard, they piece together a dark web trafficking ring. Money really can buy anything.
I’m invested, I like that Ellie is growing but still impulsive and that’s what provides the suspense. On to “Cold Threat” book 3 in a series of 9.
If you are looking for a neat package wrapped up with a bow Do Not Read This Book. This is a continuation of Cold Truth. Ellie begins to remember her kidnapping in greater detail.
Ellie is settling into her job as detective and has been given cold cases of missing persons to work on. As she looks into the cases she finds sloppy police work and a major cover up.
With the help of her unofficial partner, Jillian a computer wizard, they piece together a dark web trafficking ring. Money really can buy anything.
I’m invested, I like that Ellie is growing but still impulsive and that’s what provides the suspense. On to “Cold Threat” book 3 in a series of 9.
February 12, 2020
Wow!
Mary Stone has done it again. She has created an attention grabber from beginning to the end. It's exciting with lots of twists and turns. I love that her lead characters are strong women. The storyline is about human trafficking which needs more attention focused on it because it is happening more and more. I
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is very clean. There are no sexual scenes or inappropriate language. I would recommend this book to anyone. I love Ellie Kline and I can't wait to see how she brings the crooked cops down and finally remembers her kidnapping.
Mary Stone has done it again. She has created an attention grabber from beginning to the end. It's exciting with lots of twists and turns. I love that her lead characters are strong women. The storyline is about human trafficking which needs more attention focused on it because it is happening more and more. I
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is very clean. There are no sexual scenes or inappropriate language. I would recommend this book to anyone. I love Ellie Kline and I can't wait to see how she brings the crooked cops down and finally remembers her kidnapping.
February 13, 2020
This book caught my attention in the first chapter and never let go. This is one of those books that keep your attention throughout. Even though Ellie has been promoted to detective, she continues to keep her desk in the basement and works her cold case files with the records librarian. She keeps her attention to details that allow her to gradually piece together the related cases and ends up solving many of them. This book has the added suspense of some policemen being involved on the criminal side as well. The book ends with a semi-cliffhanger although most of the story was complete. This author continues to deliver well written and entertaining books
April 12, 2025
I read this because I gave 5 stars to the first book in the series but this one really wasn’t anywhere near as good. I still rather liked the characters but it was a little boring and for some reason the conversations all struck me as rather stilted and unnatural. And some of the plot lines were a stretch… like the whole landlord/dog thing which seemed unlikely and then her relationship with her boyfriend is just completely unbelievable. And then it totally annoyed me that yet again it ends with an obvious follow book that may or may not actually solve the mystery. I think I’m done with this series.
April 4, 2024
Great read a real page turner, lot a twists and turns
Great read a real page turner, lot a twists and turns. it was hard to A down at times. . The aurhor is a great story teller, has a way with words and paints a picture so well you think your write there living with them. It had an amazing number twist and turns that I just didn't see coming, it was frustrating at times .. I really kept looking forward to the next reading section of it.. Looking forward to the continuation in the next book
Great read a real page turner, lot a twists and turns. it was hard to A down at times. . The aurhor is a great story teller, has a way with words and paints a picture so well you think your write there living with them. It had an amazing number twist and turns that I just didn't see coming, it was frustrating at times .. I really kept looking forward to the next reading section of it.. Looking forward to the continuation in the next book
February 11, 2020
Cold Hunt is the second installment in the Ellie Kline series. I could not put down the first one, and the second one has the hook in me even further! The things that Ellie finds out in cold cases are amazing! They also are dangerous. After all, cold cases have someone who committed them and they don't want to be found. Get a BIG cup of your favorite beverage, a comfy chair and enjoy!! Oh, hope your, not a nail biter...you won't have any left! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 20, 2020
Mary has done another outstanding job
I love the idea of a woman detective working cold cases. Jillian is perfect in her role. I do wish she was more receptive to Nick though because he's always there willing to accept what she offers even though it's not much. I can't wait to find out who the master is! I hope Mary intends on writing more in this series after the master is revealed because there is so many cold cases that can be weaved into a plot.
I love the idea of a woman detective working cold cases. Jillian is perfect in her role. I do wish she was more receptive to Nick though because he's always there willing to accept what she offers even though it's not much. I can't wait to find out who the master is! I hope Mary intends on writing more in this series after the master is revealed because there is so many cold cases that can be weaved into a plot.
April 23, 2020
I liked the story
Ok possible spoilers
Overall I really like the story but compared to the Winter Black series, it’s not as good. While I love the relationship between Ellie and Jillian being two strong, smart women, I would like to see more of Ellie’s personality/character as it relates to her family, Nick and Jacob. I can’t wait to read the next two books; I’m just hoping Ellie doesn’t stay one dimensional.
Ok possible spoilers
Overall I really like the story but compared to the Winter Black series, it’s not as good. While I love the relationship between Ellie and Jillian being two strong, smart women, I would like to see more of Ellie’s personality/character as it relates to her family, Nick and Jacob. I can’t wait to read the next two books; I’m just hoping Ellie doesn’t stay one dimensional.
July 13, 2020
I’m not sure I like Ellie, she’s a bit arrogant, doesn’t treat others well, deserves to lose Nick who was a bit wish washy anyway, kowtowing to her whims and neglect. She’s condescending at times, and is “always right” no matter what others think. She’s usually right so maybe that evens out. I do like the storyline for the most part though I hope the current theme eventually winds up and doesn’t keep going
September 1, 2022
Once again, I was entirely captivated. I finished this book faster than the first, and it was just as good, if not better. Typically I am not a fan of flashbacks or reading chapters from multiple characters points of view, but the author ties them together seamlessly. Storylines from other characters points of views are not long and drawn out, and they add to the storyline instead of being spacefillers, which is what makes this author so unique. Moving onto the third..
February 25, 2024
No real closure to anything
I get these books are part of a series, but you don't really get any closure of any of the stories so far. In order to get some sort of closure about our main character, you have to read the 3rd book. Sorry, but after the 3rd book, I'm done. There's no way I'm going to invest in all 13 books just to get some questions answered. I don't think I would have started reading if I knew it was 13 book series
I get these books are part of a series, but you don't really get any closure of any of the stories so far. In order to get some sort of closure about our main character, you have to read the 3rd book. Sorry, but after the 3rd book, I'm done. There's no way I'm going to invest in all 13 books just to get some questions answered. I don't think I would have started reading if I knew it was 13 book series
November 20, 2024
Okay, I know this is a series and every book has me wanting more, but I really need to know if my suspicions are true so of course I’m going to read the next book. This has been a great series but I’m curious if people in the family will have a greater presence through the next 3 books. No spoilers, but everything seems to be building up for a larger exposure. Definitely a good series to read if you want to be held captive by a 5 book series
February 10, 2020
The second book in the Series Ellie Kline Cold Hunt by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel this book starts off where it end book one. Elli & Jillian seeking those responsible for Murder of Their Cold Case. This book was so intense full of Action and Suspense I enjoy it so much. I would recommend this book to everyone...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews