What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter Black #2
Winter's Curse
Knowing someone will die is the worst curse...
A bank robbery turns into a blood trail as a pair of unhinged masterminds hack their way through a list of the most notorious US heists. The copycat crimes, emulating famous robberies, escalate as the FBI work with local law enforcement.
But the federal team has problems of its own. Sun Ming, Winter Black’s partner and nemesis, has her own agenda, while Winter can’t keep her mind off The Preacher, the notorious serial killer who murdered her parents and holds the key to finding her missing little brother.
To make matters worse, Winter must attempt to hide her ever growing abilities as the "gift" The Preacher gave her years before turns into a curse that threatens to destroy her, body and soul.
A bank robbery turns into a blood trail as a pair of unhinged masterminds hack their way through a list of the most notorious US heists. The copycat crimes, emulating famous robberies, escalate as the FBI work with local law enforcement.
But the federal team has problems of its own. Sun Ming, Winter Black’s partner and nemesis, has her own agenda, while Winter can’t keep her mind off The Preacher, the notorious serial killer who murdered her parents and holds the key to finding her missing little brother.
To make matters worse, Winter must attempt to hide her ever growing abilities as the "gift" The Preacher gave her years before turns into a curse that threatens to destroy her, body and soul.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2019
11669 people are currently reading
2100 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,131 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews
April 1, 2024
*4.5 stars rounded up!
Fabulous second book in the Winter Black series! In WINTER’S CURSE, we are introduced to a couple of thieves who do a whole lot more than liberate valuables and money from their victims. With baddies who have dark motives beyond theft and larceny, Winter, Noah, and Aiden (as well as the truculent Agent Sun Ming), they have their work cut out for them this time around. The ending is quite intense and pretty satisfying. On to the next book in the series, where Winter may finally put her demons to rest along with the notorious Preacher. Fingers crossed!! Loving this series more and more and more!!
Fabulous second book in the Winter Black series! In WINTER’S CURSE, we are introduced to a couple of thieves who do a whole lot more than liberate valuables and money from their victims. With baddies who have dark motives beyond theft and larceny, Winter, Noah, and Aiden (as well as the truculent Agent Sun Ming), they have their work cut out for them this time around. The ending is quite intense and pretty satisfying. On to the next book in the series, where Winter may finally put her demons to rest along with the notorious Preacher. Fingers crossed!! Loving this series more and more and more!!
June 4, 2021
Really enjoyed this!
This is a really good crime mystery with a good flow and dynamic characters. There are several interesting things going on at once to keep your attention. I started with #2 in the series but I look forward to reading #1 and continuing the series.
I enjoyed this on audible and really liked the narration.
This is a really good crime mystery with a good flow and dynamic characters. There are several interesting things going on at once to keep your attention. I started with #2 in the series but I look forward to reading #1 and continuing the series.
I enjoyed this on audible and really liked the narration.
September 16, 2019
WOW! Another edge-of-your seat, page-turner, can't put this book down, read in the Winter Black series by Mary Stone! I think agent Sun Ming got off too easily, but she still might get her butt kicked yet. I'm hopeful! An outstanding read! Onto the third book in this outstanding series, "Winter's Redemption" where The Preacher just might bite it!
May 11, 2024
Excellent series with a really strong FMC. I enjoy the author's writing, I also enjoy the plots and the character's development as well as their relationships. They are such bingable books, with plots that keep you hooked. I also just really like Winter, and her ability in this book really add to the story and keep it even more entertaining.
August 13, 2024
Loved loved loved
February 22, 2021
Winter’s Curse (Winter Black #2) by Mary Stone
Synopsis /
A bank robbery turns into a blood trail as a pair of unhinged masterminds hack their way through a list of the most notorious US heists. The copycat crimes, emulating famous robberies, escalate as the FBI work with local law enforcement.
But the federal team has problems of its own. Sun Ming, Winter Black’s partner and nemesis, has her own agenda, while Winter can’t keep her mind off The Preacher, the notorious serial killer who murdered her parents and holds the key to finding her missing little brother.
To make matters worse, Winter must attempt to hide her ever growing abilities as the "gift" The Preacher gave her years before turns into a curse that threatens to destroy her, body and soul.
My Thoughts /
Book 2 in the Winter Black series. And I must say that we are travelling along rather well here! To catch you up quickly….. Thirteen years ago, Winter Black (now a rookie FBI agent) came home early from a sleepover to find her parents brutally murdered and her little brother gone….taken by a serial killer called The Preacher. For Winter, finding and taking down The Preacher is a very personal vendetta.
This episode has copycat crimes mimicking famous past bank robberies (but with a twist). The FBI team assigned to solve the case includes Sun Ming (as the agent in charge), Winter Black, and Winter’s partner Noah. Now our agent in charge, Sun, is highly ambitious and feels threatened by Winter and as a result, mistakes in the investigation are made. Winter senses that Sun has is working on own agenda and knows that (somehow) they must learn to work “together”. The villain, or villainess in this case, is extremely focused and well-rehearsed. She manipulates her sidekick mercilessly. The story flows really well with short punchy chapters, it’s beautifully written, has well developed characters and a fast paced storyline. And at the end of the book we catch a glimpse of the Preacher coming back into the fray. Exciting times ahead!
Synopsis /
A bank robbery turns into a blood trail as a pair of unhinged masterminds hack their way through a list of the most notorious US heists. The copycat crimes, emulating famous robberies, escalate as the FBI work with local law enforcement.
But the federal team has problems of its own. Sun Ming, Winter Black’s partner and nemesis, has her own agenda, while Winter can’t keep her mind off The Preacher, the notorious serial killer who murdered her parents and holds the key to finding her missing little brother.
To make matters worse, Winter must attempt to hide her ever growing abilities as the "gift" The Preacher gave her years before turns into a curse that threatens to destroy her, body and soul.
My Thoughts /
Book 2 in the Winter Black series. And I must say that we are travelling along rather well here! To catch you up quickly….. Thirteen years ago, Winter Black (now a rookie FBI agent) came home early from a sleepover to find her parents brutally murdered and her little brother gone….taken by a serial killer called The Preacher. For Winter, finding and taking down The Preacher is a very personal vendetta.
This episode has copycat crimes mimicking famous past bank robberies (but with a twist). The FBI team assigned to solve the case includes Sun Ming (as the agent in charge), Winter Black, and Winter’s partner Noah. Now our agent in charge, Sun, is highly ambitious and feels threatened by Winter and as a result, mistakes in the investigation are made. Winter senses that Sun has is working on own agenda and knows that (somehow) they must learn to work “together”. The villain, or villainess in this case, is extremely focused and well-rehearsed. She manipulates her sidekick mercilessly. The story flows really well with short punchy chapters, it’s beautifully written, has well developed characters and a fast paced storyline. And at the end of the book we catch a glimpse of the Preacher coming back into the fray. Exciting times ahead!
February 5, 2022
Wie man sehen kann, hat mir der zweite Band überhaupt nicht gefallen.
Dieses ganze rumgezicke der beiden FBI Damen war einfach nur verdammt nervig. Hat mir wirklich das Buch mit versaut.
Wobei ich jedoch auch sagen muss, dass mich die Story des Buches ebenfalls nicht überzeugen konnte, weder die Idee noch die Charaktere dazu.
Ich hab es zuende gelesen, war dann aber auch froh, dass es vorbei war.
Ich hoffe, dass Band 3 wieder gut wird.
Dieses ganze rumgezicke der beiden FBI Damen war einfach nur verdammt nervig. Hat mir wirklich das Buch mit versaut.
Wobei ich jedoch auch sagen muss, dass mich die Story des Buches ebenfalls nicht überzeugen konnte, weder die Idee noch die Charaktere dazu.
Ich hab es zuende gelesen, war dann aber auch froh, dass es vorbei war.
Ich hoffe, dass Band 3 wieder gut wird.
May 30, 2020
I have really enjoyed reading Mary Stone ‘s books of Winter Black. This story will keep you glued to the pages to where you will not want to put the book down.
January 21, 2020
This book starts with a bank robber that seems to kill without any reason. Then the agent put in charge of the case has a tantrum because she doesn’t like Winter and it turns out she is also withholding vital information.
To be honest I found the book a bit irritating, I thought the author was just trying too hard. She seemed to be killing everybody in sight, her villain was ‘way over the top’ and she even made the lead agent mentally disturbed and rampantly ambitious.
Then the way they identified the killer wasn’t particularly believable;
Also I wish the author would settle The Preacher stuff one way or another instead of just dragging it out from one book to the next.
To be honest I found the book a bit irritating, I thought the author was just trying too hard. She seemed to be killing everybody in sight, her villain was ‘way over the top’ and she even made the lead agent mentally disturbed and rampantly ambitious.
Then the way they identified the killer wasn’t particularly believable;
Also I wish the author would settle The Preacher stuff one way or another instead of just dragging it out from one book to the next.
May 31, 2021
Still don’t like Winter. The villain is ludicrous and screws up in the most unbelievable way.
I have already purchased books 3 and 4 so hope 3 is better
I have already purchased books 3 and 4 so hope 3 is better
October 9, 2023
These are lighter FBI stories that are entertaining and well written. I do enjoy the players and their interactions.
October 22, 2023
Love this series! woot woot
She is so cool! I love all the characters in this series! I even like Sun Ming! Lol Looking forward to the next book!
She is so cool! I love all the characters in this series! I even like Sun Ming! Lol Looking forward to the next book!
April 3, 2025
I like Mary Stones novels. They have lots of action. Very good crime thrillers. I also love how the crooks get a taste of their own medicine her Story plots. I'm going to continue reading her books in my spare time.
April 28, 2023
I don’t normally like bank robberies/heists, but this was better than expected. 3.5
December 17, 2023
Fast-paced thriller. Dynamic characters. Intriguing series.
September 29, 2024
The fact that it ended on a love triangle + plot cliffhanger 😭 I’m too curious to know what happens. My fault for thinking it’s a standalone.
I'm a huge fan of Winter. I love strong, intelligent female protagonists.
I'm a huge fan of Winter. I love strong, intelligent female protagonists.
August 2, 2025
Really enjoying this series so far
May 17, 2019
Another fantastic ride with Winter. Fast paced, suspenseful, edge of your seat book. Can't wait for the next book!!!
Another fantastic ride with Winter. Fast paced, suspenseful, edge of your seat book. Cant wait for the next book. Going to be a long few months!!!
Another fantastic ride with Winter. Fast paced, suspenseful, edge of your seat book. Cant wait for the next book. Going to be a long few months!!!
June 5, 2025
Winter Book #2
Winter book 2 did not disappoint. The characters and back stories are building quite nicely. I look forward to Book #4
Winter book 2 did not disappoint. The characters and back stories are building quite nicely. I look forward to Book #4
September 1, 2025
This book has some charm and intensity. It has some romantic tension and some action. The storyline is awesome. Always keeping you wondering about the preacher. I'm enjoying this series very much.
February 13, 2023
Average story but I have fallen for the characters.
May 3, 2019
This is the 2nd book in the series featuring Winter Black. She is an FBI agent and her long term goal is to locate her parents’ murderer, The Preacher. This episode focuses more on the interactions among Winter and the other FBI agents in her office and how they work together to solve a case. Winter’s abilities to see a little bit of the future certainly helps but it causes tension with the other members.
The characters are introduced gradually and they are inserted into the story flawlessly. Although you expect Winter to emerge victorious, she still has a little growing up to do in order to be accepted by her fellow team members.
This book kept my attention easily and had a bit of a surprise ending. I will certainly continue reading the series.
The characters are introduced gradually and they are inserted into the story flawlessly. Although you expect Winter to emerge victorious, she still has a little growing up to do in order to be accepted by her fellow team members.
This book kept my attention easily and had a bit of a surprise ending. I will certainly continue reading the series.
July 8, 2019
The Winter Black series is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good police story, and especially so for those who like a little paranormal addition thrown in to spice things up. Starting with Winter's Origin and continuing through Winter's Curse, the action has been non-stop, the suspense well-played and the plots well written. The characters are realistic, and 3-D, and seem to take on a life of their own.
When Winter Black was thirteen, her family was destroyed by a madman known as The Preacher. Her parents were murdered and her little brother taken, and Winter herself suffered a serious head trauma during the assault that put her into a coma. When she recovered from the head injury, and picked up the pieces of her life, Winter studied hard, and joined the FBI, determined to find the psychopath who stole her family from her.
After bank robbers kill two people during a hold-up in California, Winter finds herself paired with fellow agent Sun Ming, her chief rival and worst enemy. Sun Ming is positive she knows what's going on in the case, and that she will be the one to catch the robbers. Winter knows Sun is holding out on her, and has her own suspicions about what the robbers are going to do next. When Winter successfully pulls up detail after detail about the robber's dreadful plan, Ming angrily closes her out of the case. Can they work out their differences and learn to work together before the robber's final, fatal play? Read the answer's in Winter's Curse, by Mary Stone.
When Winter Black was thirteen, her family was destroyed by a madman known as The Preacher. Her parents were murdered and her little brother taken, and Winter herself suffered a serious head trauma during the assault that put her into a coma. When she recovered from the head injury, and picked up the pieces of her life, Winter studied hard, and joined the FBI, determined to find the psychopath who stole her family from her.
After bank robbers kill two people during a hold-up in California, Winter finds herself paired with fellow agent Sun Ming, her chief rival and worst enemy. Sun Ming is positive she knows what's going on in the case, and that she will be the one to catch the robbers. Winter knows Sun is holding out on her, and has her own suspicions about what the robbers are going to do next. When Winter successfully pulls up detail after detail about the robber's dreadful plan, Ming angrily closes her out of the case. Can they work out their differences and learn to work together before the robber's final, fatal play? Read the answer's in Winter's Curse, by Mary Stone.
May 13, 2020
Intense action
Winter is paired with Sun and if you are reading this series you know there is going to be tension between these two women. The cases are bank robberies that reflect famous bank heists, but with a slight twist.
This story flew. The writing was detailed and the scenes full of action. I loved how vivid all the pieces were and how the emotion leaped off the page. I am not a fan of Sun, but I thought it was fantastic seeing the two women paired together as it showed Willow in a different light. My condition over how or if I want a romance between willow and Noah or Aiden is still present and so is my general understanding of her relationships with the two men. Aiden does get more time so he is more developed and personable.
This is a great read and I am enjoying the series!
Winter is paired with Sun and if you are reading this series you know there is going to be tension between these two women. The cases are bank robberies that reflect famous bank heists, but with a slight twist.
This story flew. The writing was detailed and the scenes full of action. I loved how vivid all the pieces were and how the emotion leaped off the page. I am not a fan of Sun, but I thought it was fantastic seeing the two women paired together as it showed Willow in a different light. My condition over how or if I want a romance between willow and Noah or Aiden is still present and so is my general understanding of her relationships with the two men. Aiden does get more time so he is more developed and personable.
This is a great read and I am enjoying the series!
June 16, 2020
This is the second book in Mary Stone's series on Winter Black. This one I flew through and have already downloaded Book #3. The story follows a rash of bank robberies and the FBI is called in. Winter along with Noah, Aiden and Sun Ming are on the trail to catching the crazy person (Heidi and Ryan) who is not only robbing but also killing, with no remorse.
With her own problems in her head, (still looking for The Preacher) Winter manages to hunt them down, sometimes using her "gift" and gives us an exciting ride all over the country. This was certainly a page turner for me, having finished it in two days. I think I am addicted and cant wait to see what the next case is for Winter Black.
#KindleUnlimited #fivestars
With her own problems in her head, (still looking for The Preacher) Winter manages to hunt them down, sometimes using her "gift" and gives us an exciting ride all over the country. This was certainly a page turner for me, having finished it in two days. I think I am addicted and cant wait to see what the next case is for Winter Black.
#KindleUnlimited #fivestars
December 2, 2019
This book has it all
So happy I found this series. The 2nd installment, which can be read on its own, has clever twists and turns. The characters continue to develop and there are plot twists and people twists. I liked the interaction between Winter and Sun and how they both learned to give a little. The main antagonist is this story is cold and calluses, offset by her partner who doesn’t like bloodshed. My only hope is that this won’t eventually turn out to be a romance based novel. I like vet crime stories, but don’t like romance mixed in as it’s like adding water to perfume. Overall, this is a very worthwhile read and I’m looking forward to moving to book 3.
So happy I found this series. The 2nd installment, which can be read on its own, has clever twists and turns. The characters continue to develop and there are plot twists and people twists. I liked the interaction between Winter and Sun and how they both learned to give a little. The main antagonist is this story is cold and calluses, offset by her partner who doesn’t like bloodshed. My only hope is that this won’t eventually turn out to be a romance based novel. I like vet crime stories, but don’t like romance mixed in as it’s like adding water to perfume. Overall, this is a very worthwhile read and I’m looking forward to moving to book 3.
July 18, 2020
So much better than book one! The plot was a lot tighter and, unlike the plot of book one, held my interest and was a page turner. I enjoyed the character development, and hope Sun continues to work with Winter and Noah (provided she has learned humility). I appreciated that Winter’s abilities weren’t as “in your face” and overused, as I felt they were previously. I also anticipated and enjoyed the twist with one of the robbers. I’m looking forward to book three and hope the arc continues to be strong.
Oh, I’m also putting suspicions of who The Preacher is in my back pocket. It’s too early to tell, but there is something being set up...
Oh, I’m also putting suspicions of who The Preacher is in my back pocket. It’s too early to tell, but there is something being set up...
May 16, 2021
Glad there is only one left in the series. While the main characters are likable, the author has sooooo poorly written the Bad Guy, aka Preacher, that it ruins the whole book for me. His “voice “ is not believable and very contradictory. He’s supposedly a ruthless serial killer, but he sounds one dimensional and stupid, calling Winter “girlie”. Again, the plot is smart, and engaging, but this character which the author may think “drives” Winter and her books is the weakest link, IMO. Saving grace is that he appears very briefly in each book.
September 30, 2022
Few things..
I am LIVING for the day Winter chooses between Aiden and Noah. I personally can’t decide who I like more. The dynamic between the three of them… knuckle biting! And that kiss!!!
How in the hell did Ming get off so easily? I would have loved to see Winter take the credit for that win. I hate seeing female tear down other females! Mary Stone did a great job making me hate Ming more than Heidi!
Lastly, is it bad that I liked Ryan and was glad he was able to get away in the end?
I am LIVING for the day Winter chooses between Aiden and Noah. I personally can’t decide who I like more. The dynamic between the three of them… knuckle biting! And that kiss!!!
How in the hell did Ming get off so easily? I would have loved to see Winter take the credit for that win. I hate seeing female tear down other females! Mary Stone did a great job making me hate Ming more than Heidi!
Lastly, is it bad that I liked Ryan and was glad he was able to get away in the end?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
Another good read from Mary Stone . Winter Black a great character
Displaying 1 - 30 of 584 reviews