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Dead Cold Mystery #21
A Christmas Killing
Statistically people don’t get murdered on Christmas day.
Lilith Jones was a statistical anomaly. Her mother found her face down on the frozen sidewalk, by the light of the single streetlamp on Pugsley Avenue, with her neighbor’s scissors stuck in her back.
The scissors belonged to her neighbor, and so did all the fingerprints on them. Her neighbor, Pat Perkins, hated Lilith. She hated her because her own husband, her brother and her daughter all loved Lilith. Lilith was charming, beautiful, smart and adorable.
Now she was dead, too.
But Pat, who was unlovable, ugly and stupid, had vanished without a trace, taking her Toyota RAV4 with her. BOLOs were issued nation wide, her financials were checked and rechecked, her phone was tapped, but it was like she had vanished off the face f the Earth.
When Stone and Dehan take the case, it’s a mystery, but the deeper they dig the more impenetrable it becomes, until they find Pat’s lover, Bobby Hansen. Then the terrible truth begins to emerge…
Lilith Jones was a statistical anomaly. Her mother found her face down on the frozen sidewalk, by the light of the single streetlamp on Pugsley Avenue, with her neighbor’s scissors stuck in her back.
The scissors belonged to her neighbor, and so did all the fingerprints on them. Her neighbor, Pat Perkins, hated Lilith. She hated her because her own husband, her brother and her daughter all loved Lilith. Lilith was charming, beautiful, smart and adorable.
Now she was dead, too.
But Pat, who was unlovable, ugly and stupid, had vanished without a trace, taking her Toyota RAV4 with her. BOLOs were issued nation wide, her financials were checked and rechecked, her phone was tapped, but it was like she had vanished off the face f the Earth.
When Stone and Dehan take the case, it’s a mystery, but the deeper they dig the more impenetrable it becomes, until they find Pat’s lover, Bobby Hansen. Then the terrible truth begins to emerge…
209 pages, ebook
Published February 11, 2020
1956 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
153 books400 followersUSA TODAY and Amazon #1 bestselling author of the OMEGA and DEAD COLD MYSTERY series. Learn more about Blake Banner at his website: www.blakebanner.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 20, 2021
I love this series and am desperately trying to slow down my reading so as not to catch up to the author! Sadly I am nearly there. Luckily he is writing a different series which I am sure will be good too.
A Christmas Killing was not quite as good as usual so four stars rather than my normal five. I found it a bit too convoluted and Stone's explanation at the end seemed much too long and involved. Nevertheless it was still a great read, lots of action, lots of fun and the usual Dehan/Stone commentary.
Looking forward to the next one already - wonder how long I can make myself wait!
A Christmas Killing was not quite as good as usual so four stars rather than my normal five. I found it a bit too convoluted and Stone's explanation at the end seemed much too long and involved. Nevertheless it was still a great read, lots of action, lots of fun and the usual Dehan/Stone commentary.
Looking forward to the next one already - wonder how long I can make myself wait!
July 21, 2020
Stone does it again
Well, try as I might, I can’t quite figure them out but, I came close this time. I narrowed the culprit down to two people and figured out who was dead but not what had happened to the body. Wonderful plot as usual, on to the next one.
Well, try as I might, I can’t quite figure them out but, I came close this time. I narrowed the culprit down to two people and figured out who was dead but not what had happened to the body. Wonderful plot as usual, on to the next one.
September 2, 2020
Enjoyed the mystery. I did guess the killer within minutes of 'meeting' them (yay me! LOL) but getting through the twists and turns of the story was intriguing. Nice addition to the series.
May 18, 2020
Cold case mystery w fantastical elements
3.5 stars
As a crime fiction fan, I suggest speed-reading through this police procedural and cold case mystery, so inconsistencies don’t niggle. I decided on the culprit at about the 40% mark, but the convoluted plot kept me reading to see how the author tied up the many threads.
Unfortunately, Detective John Stone’s lengthy explanation at the denouement fell short, because I had difficulties suspending disbelief about the elaborate murder planning, its execution, explanations, excuses, etc. Furthermore, I was totally floored by the implausible body disposal method(s)—which I’d buy if this were a work of UF.
Lastly, I wasn’t fond of how Detective Carmen Dehan was portrayed. Example: Why does Dehan keep talking whilst eating and with her mouth full? No, it’s not funny when she says: “C’mong, Shtome. Lesh go bijit yom aunch. Sh’Quishmash fr crying ouchlow!” or “Be ashly hub no weal chime fwame fo je mwada.” Stone then translates for readers. Funny? Not.
3.5 stars
As a crime fiction fan, I suggest speed-reading through this police procedural and cold case mystery, so inconsistencies don’t niggle. I decided on the culprit at about the 40% mark, but the convoluted plot kept me reading to see how the author tied up the many threads.
Unfortunately, Detective John Stone’s lengthy explanation at the denouement fell short, because I had difficulties suspending disbelief about the elaborate murder planning, its execution, explanations, excuses, etc. Furthermore, I was totally floored by the implausible body disposal method(s)—which I’d buy if this were a work of UF.
Lastly, I wasn’t fond of how Detective Carmen Dehan was portrayed. Example: Why does Dehan keep talking whilst eating and with her mouth full? No, it’s not funny when she says: “C’mong, Shtome. Lesh go bijit yom aunch. Sh’Quishmash fr crying ouchlow!” or “Be ashly hub no weal chime fwame fo je mwada.” Stone then translates for readers. Funny? Not.
February 24, 2020
A Christmas Killing. Blake Banner
The Christmas holidays are meant to be a joyous occasion. Families together, presents. Not the case here. To say that this particular family is dysfunctional would be an understatement of mega proportions. A mentally challenged, cruel and sadistic wife. A highly intelligent, self serving scheming husband. A daughter who lived a childhood that was a living nightmare. A neighbor girl murdered when she became no longer useful because she didn't or rather wasn't attracted or in love with the right person. Another classic whodunit!!! An excellent read!
The Christmas holidays are meant to be a joyous occasion. Families together, presents. Not the case here. To say that this particular family is dysfunctional would be an understatement of mega proportions. A mentally challenged, cruel and sadistic wife. A highly intelligent, self serving scheming husband. A daughter who lived a childhood that was a living nightmare. A neighbor girl murdered when she became no longer useful because she didn't or rather wasn't attracted or in love with the right person. Another classic whodunit!!! An excellent read!
December 30, 2025
This book never quite decides whether it wants to be a cozy Christmas mystery or a hard-edged crime thriller—and that indecision holds it back. A Christmas Killing by Blake Banner has a solid premise and a seasonal hook, but the execution feels uneven.
The pacing drags in spots, the tension never fully spikes, and while the mystery is serviceable, it’s fairly predictable. Banner can write, and there are moments where the atmosphere clicks, but the characters don’t dig deep enough to make the story memorable.
It’s not bad—it’s just fine. A decent holiday read if you’re filling time, but not one that lingers after the last page.
The pacing drags in spots, the tension never fully spikes, and while the mystery is serviceable, it’s fairly predictable. Banner can write, and there are moments where the atmosphere clicks, but the characters don’t dig deep enough to make the story memorable.
It’s not bad—it’s just fine. A decent holiday read if you’re filling time, but not one that lingers after the last page.
June 15, 2020
I have read and so enjoyed 21 books of "cold case " series. Dehan and Stone are such smart and loveable characters. I am 80 years old and have read a lot of books.💘💘 Keep writing your great stories. I am waiting! Csm
I just completed 1-21 of the "cold case" series by Blake Banner and I have totally enjoyed them all and looking forward to the next one. Dehan and Stone are such great character, so smart and likable.💘💘💘 Keep telling great stories as I am waiting for the next cold case. Thank you for writing interesting and entertaining books. Csm
I just completed 1-21 of the "cold case" series by Blake Banner and I have totally enjoyed them all and looking forward to the next one. Dehan and Stone are such great character, so smart and likable.💘💘💘 Keep telling great stories as I am waiting for the next cold case. Thank you for writing interesting and entertaining books. Csm
July 20, 2021
Okay that one was predictable but good. I knew who the killer was as soon as they spoke to them. I still really enjoyed it though. It was a wicked web of lies. Only think with all these books that gets on my nerves is:
1. Nearly always they spook the killer and someone else dies even though Stone apparently knows who the killer is. They still go on the wild goose chase. It's getting a bit predictable and annoying
2. We never find out if they are convicted. Did joe and the team find the forensic evidence to back up the wild story.
Get it together banner. We need some variation
1. Nearly always they spook the killer and someone else dies even though Stone apparently knows who the killer is. They still go on the wild goose chase. It's getting a bit predictable and annoying
2. We never find out if they are convicted. Did joe and the team find the forensic evidence to back up the wild story.
Get it together banner. We need some variation
February 15, 2021
I am slowly reading this series and am almost to the end. This is book 21 and to this point, I have only figured out the guilty person a few times. The books are getting shorter in length than those earlier in the series. They are definitely quick reads. I am noticing that the author will mention something in a book, then in the next book, nothing. For example: a vacation or a pregnancy. Kind of leaves the reader wondering.
August 4, 2024
3.5 stars
A Christmas Killing is Book #21 in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
A Christmas Killing is Book #21 in the Dead Cold Mystery series by Blake Banner.
Great series. Cold Cases. Crime and investigation. Mystery. Suspense. Detectives. Police procedural. Intrigue. Tension. Dramatic developments. Action. Engrossing.
Would make a superb TV series.
Full Review to come.
September 7, 2020
Awful !!!
Very little banter between the main characters that made the previous books so great. No, this book is more like the author has gone totally crazy and wants his readers to also. This book is a total nightmare.
Very little banter between the main characters that made the previous books so great. No, this book is more like the author has gone totally crazy and wants his readers to also. This book is a total nightmare.
February 20, 2022
Cold case
Stone and Dehan do it again no matter how old or cold they always manage dig through the most obscure clues and hidden evidence to bring in the perps they move patiently thru and deliver . And this one was especially well concealed
Stone and Dehan do it again no matter how old or cold they always manage dig through the most obscure clues and hidden evidence to bring in the perps they move patiently thru and deliver . And this one was especially well concealed
May 13, 2022
Excellent, as have been all the stories in this series. The summary of the crime at the end was a bit difficult to read, kind of gruesome! But all in all, good reading. Will be reading all the rest in the series. Recommend to anyone who has not yet read any in this series!
October 24, 2022
I could throw up in the end. Oh my!
Actually I almost did. It remembered me of an awful true fact that happened in South America a lot of decades ago.
Sorry. But this book really shocked me.
You have to read it to know how.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
Actually I almost did. It remembered me of an awful true fact that happened in South America a lot of decades ago.
Sorry. But this book really shocked me.
You have to read it to know how.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
February 20, 2020
Great Whodunit
This book kept you guessing until the end. Only thing I didn't like were some editing problems. Stating one name when it should have been another.
This book kept you guessing until the end. Only thing I didn't like were some editing problems. Stating one name when it should have been another.
February 24, 2020
Yet again Blake Banner is in top form. I really do enjoy these Cold Case stories.
There are so many twists and turns I got lost trying to figure out the guilty party until close to the end.
Anxiously waiting for the next now ..........
There are so many twists and turns I got lost trying to figure out the guilty party until close to the end.
Anxiously waiting for the next now ..........
February 23, 2020
Again an excellent story,this one kept you guessing right up to the last few pages, I like the way that both Dehan and Stone can almost read each others mind.
February 25, 2020
Crime
Another great mystery book. Love this series. They are "do not disturb me , I'm reading "stories.😀 hope the next one comes out soon
Another great mystery book. Love this series. They are "do not disturb me , I'm reading "stories.😀 hope the next one comes out soon
March 22, 2020
Another Homerun
As usual Stone and Dehan gave astounded and amazed me. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.
As usual Stone and Dehan gave astounded and amazed me. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment of this series.
March 25, 2020
Another good Stone and Dehan novel. Very interesting and pleasant reading. Looking forward to the next story. Bake Banner always seem to write an interesting story.
March 25, 2020
Strange characters.
Another great cold case but I had a hard time with the characters. That was too much for one family.
Another great cold case but I had a hard time with the characters. That was too much for one family.
May 15, 2020
Classic
Stone and Dean, still seeing the cold hard truth! Lil grasshopper still learning the facts, just the cold facts ma’am...
Stone and Dean, still seeing the cold hard truth! Lil grasshopper still learning the facts, just the cold facts ma’am...
June 9, 2020
Frightful Ending
Like all of Banner's books, the ending was unpredictable. Lots of twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book. All 21 have been entertaining.
Like all of Banner's books, the ending was unpredictable. Lots of twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book. All 21 have been entertaining.
June 9, 2020
I enjoy his Dead Cold Mystery series. Editing could be watchd a little closer...quite a few small errors...but I’ll still keep reading.
June 22, 2020
Christmas killing
Once again Blake Banner has written a superb murder mystery.
Definitely bizarre! Twists upon plot twists.
You will not be disappointed
Once again Blake Banner has written a superb murder mystery.
Definitely bizarre! Twists upon plot twists.
You will not be disappointed
July 22, 2020
Got to be kidding!
The story was more complex than some of the books. The ending-- fantastic. Twisted to say the least but great.
The story was more complex than some of the books. The ending-- fantastic. Twisted to say the least but great.
January 13, 2021
Not quite as good as other books in series
July 3, 2021
This was great really enjoyed the story. I love how at the end there is that twist the least person you expect. Love it. Keep them coming.
April 25, 2022
I loved this whole series. I’ve finished the series and tried other Blake Banner but didn’t care for them as much.
May 3, 2022
Love this series. New adventure every book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews