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Ellie Kline #3
Cold Threat
Monsters hide in the dark until it’s time to feed.
Puppets. Toys. That’s all his captives are to him. He’s the master, the one in complete control, and he’s planning on recreating the night he kidnapped Ellie when she was fifteen.
Ellie Kline’s life has never been the same since that night thirteen years ago. Now a detective in the Cold Case Division of Charleston Police Department, she’s compiled a mountain of evidence against a dirty detective, revealing betrayal within the department. Determined to reveal the truth, Ellie enlists the help of her best friend, CPD file clerk Jillian Reed, to help her prove she’s not just paranoid.
But as the anniversary of the day she escaped a serial killer nears, the murderous villain is coming to finish what he started. She beat him once before, and when he takes someone close to her, she has to hope she can outplay him again.
This time, she’s not a child. And the master is only a man.
Puppets. Toys. That’s all his captives are to him. He’s the master, the one in complete control, and he’s planning on recreating the night he kidnapped Ellie when she was fifteen.
Ellie Kline’s life has never been the same since that night thirteen years ago. Now a detective in the Cold Case Division of Charleston Police Department, she’s compiled a mountain of evidence against a dirty detective, revealing betrayal within the department. Determined to reveal the truth, Ellie enlists the help of her best friend, CPD file clerk Jillian Reed, to help her prove she’s not just paranoid.
But as the anniversary of the day she escaped a serial killer nears, the murderous villain is coming to finish what he started. She beat him once before, and when he takes someone close to her, she has to hope she can outplay him again.
This time, she’s not a child. And the master is only a man.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2020
5031 people are currently reading
665 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 148 reviews
October 4, 2020
NO MORE!
I have now read the first three books in this series.....asking myself why before even finishing the first one. I am relentlessly hopeful....and maybe a bit prone to OCD tendencies about finishing stories. Had I known this was of the "to be continued" ilk I wouldn't have started. The main issue for me is how irritating the main character is. She's set up as the typical rich society woman with a tragic past.....all the fantasy of a basic chick-lit genre plot but not a hint of passion, with a cold fish heroine who only cared about cold cases sashaying through illogical plot developments. But, the editing was great and author a talented wordsmith.....just, IMHO, being very lazy on development.
I have now read the first three books in this series.....asking myself why before even finishing the first one. I am relentlessly hopeful....and maybe a bit prone to OCD tendencies about finishing stories. Had I known this was of the "to be continued" ilk I wouldn't have started. The main issue for me is how irritating the main character is. She's set up as the typical rich society woman with a tragic past.....all the fantasy of a basic chick-lit genre plot but not a hint of passion, with a cold fish heroine who only cared about cold cases sashaying through illogical plot developments. But, the editing was great and author a talented wordsmith.....just, IMHO, being very lazy on development.
September 20, 2020
Cold Threat the third book in the Ellie Kline series, each book just keeps getting better and better. This is such a compelling storyline, and I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series.
March 21, 2020
Just really wish Ellie's kidnapper was caught in this book. I'd like to see her catching other homicides and not have her kidnapping going through her first four books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2020
This series just gets better and better. So many twists but so worth the read. Way to go Mary and Donna, keep us guessing.
May 10, 2020
More information, great plot and entertaining read
Ellie does not back down and this is evident as she takes on her doubt and concerns about some police officers to the chief. This story is well developed and does a great job of world building.
The chief, the police psychiatrist, the master and Gabe are all very present in this story, as is two other police officers. Ellie is trying to get back on full duty but she is also not trusting everyone as she learns more about what happened to her and to other kidnapping victims of the master. The story is fast paced and shows her professional and personal side. The emotions and actions are vivid and captivating.
Jillian is an all star and I love that she doesn’t just always agree, but will throw out some other views to Ellie. My heart hurts for Nick. He seems very under appreciated and it seems odd/sad how little Ellie thinks of him. I am hoping things change or develop in that relationship. Clay is a new character and creates a new route for this story, so I am interested to see how that works both for their team and as individuals. I missed seeing Jacob mentioned as much in this story, but it made sense that he was not present in the scenes that occurred.
The partners in crime were predictable, but I enjoyed how the storyline developed immensely. Can’t wait to see what is next!
Ellie does not back down and this is evident as she takes on her doubt and concerns about some police officers to the chief. This story is well developed and does a great job of world building.
The chief, the police psychiatrist, the master and Gabe are all very present in this story, as is two other police officers. Ellie is trying to get back on full duty but she is also not trusting everyone as she learns more about what happened to her and to other kidnapping victims of the master. The story is fast paced and shows her professional and personal side. The emotions and actions are vivid and captivating.
Jillian is an all star and I love that she doesn’t just always agree, but will throw out some other views to Ellie. My heart hurts for Nick. He seems very under appreciated and it seems odd/sad how little Ellie thinks of him. I am hoping things change or develop in that relationship. Clay is a new character and creates a new route for this story, so I am interested to see how that works both for their team and as individuals. I missed seeing Jacob mentioned as much in this story, but it made sense that he was not present in the scenes that occurred.
The partners in crime were predictable, but I enjoyed how the storyline developed immensely. Can’t wait to see what is next!
June 5, 2021
Memories Are Made of This
As Detective Ellie Kline continues her quest to untangle clues in the Cold Case files, she is way laid by snippets if memories of her own horror. Kidnapped at 15, Ellie was able to escape her attacker. However, clouded glimpses are beginning to unveil a psychopathic murderer who haunts her memories and her nightmares. Having solved her first Cold Case by partnering with an administrative clerk in the file center, Jillian Reed, Ellie has begun to link a number of unsolved missing person cases to a possible human trafficking ring in Charleston.
As Ellie strives to retrieve her repressed memories her friendship with Jillian deepens while her relationship with Nick is sidelined. As the thirteenth anniversary of Ellie's kidnapping approaches her captors have plans to celebrate by finishing the ,"one who got away". Fearful of trusting anyone inside the PD after uncovering a dirty cop who investigated her case, Ellie is alone in protecting herself and those she loves.
With the clock ticking, can Ellie unravel try he mystery, uncover the hidden clues and solve the case?
As Detective Ellie Kline continues her quest to untangle clues in the Cold Case files, she is way laid by snippets if memories of her own horror. Kidnapped at 15, Ellie was able to escape her attacker. However, clouded glimpses are beginning to unveil a psychopathic murderer who haunts her memories and her nightmares. Having solved her first Cold Case by partnering with an administrative clerk in the file center, Jillian Reed, Ellie has begun to link a number of unsolved missing person cases to a possible human trafficking ring in Charleston.
As Ellie strives to retrieve her repressed memories her friendship with Jillian deepens while her relationship with Nick is sidelined. As the thirteenth anniversary of Ellie's kidnapping approaches her captors have plans to celebrate by finishing the ,"one who got away". Fearful of trusting anyone inside the PD after uncovering a dirty cop who investigated her case, Ellie is alone in protecting herself and those she loves.
With the clock ticking, can Ellie unravel try he mystery, uncover the hidden clues and solve the case?
March 13, 2020
COLD THREAT is the third book in the Ellie Kline series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is an amazing new series and another spine chilling thriller. As with the first two books, I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put this book down. This thriller is intense and another nail-biter. These two authors definitely know how to create wonderful characters and a plot that drags the reader into the middle, leaving you shivering and looking over your shoulder.
Ellie is on medical leave following the shootout in "Cold Hunt". She has far too much free time to think about the upcoming anniversary of her own kidnapping when she was fifteen and if it's some how connected to the human trafficking ring she uncovered.
There is the only one witness to what went on in this human trafficking ring. Ellie knows her witness is in danger, but she is determined to keep the witness alive, no matter how difficult it might be.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Ellie Kline series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Ellie is on medical leave following the shootout in "Cold Hunt". She has far too much free time to think about the upcoming anniversary of her own kidnapping when she was fifteen and if it's some how connected to the human trafficking ring she uncovered.
There is the only one witness to what went on in this human trafficking ring. Ellie knows her witness is in danger, but she is determined to keep the witness alive, no matter how difficult it might be.
I'm looking forward to the next installment in the Ellie Kline series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
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September 20, 2021A Mary Stone trademark to have a cliffhanger at the end of the book. Since Kindle sells all 3 together it kind of ok. But now, finishing Book 3, the Master is still free, Katarina is going to take us in another direction. Why did Ellie not contact Jacob to help save Jillian - she should not have gone by herself It was not suspenseful it was irritating. Why was no one watching out for her - tracking her car or her person - it was the 13th anniversary and things were heating up all she needed was a red flag. I think we can write Nick off - and she will fall for the new guy - who it seems we should trust based on how he was introduced - let me stoll in while you are with a victim of serious crime
March 15, 2020
THE MASTER IS BAAAACKKK
This time Ellie had so many difficulties that her own self assurance was off , this parts are a little slow and too repetitive but justified.
The work of Ellie's enemies are closing. The characters are good, Ellie just grow up in her parents-daughter relationship. In this book Jillian is a support character leaving Ellie as the main.
Like that the author weave more than one story and even with a cliffhanger it solves part of the puzzle and leave the reader waiting for more.
Thrme Master, Katarina and a few more are back, will Ellie outsmart them... A Highly Recommend book. Can't wait for the next book in this Series.
This time Ellie had so many difficulties that her own self assurance was off , this parts are a little slow and too repetitive but justified.
The work of Ellie's enemies are closing. The characters are good, Ellie just grow up in her parents-daughter relationship. In this book Jillian is a support character leaving Ellie as the main.
Like that the author weave more than one story and even with a cliffhanger it solves part of the puzzle and leave the reader waiting for more.
Thrme Master, Katarina and a few more are back, will Ellie outsmart them... A Highly Recommend book. Can't wait for the next book in this Series.
February 13, 2024
Cold Threat: Ellie Kline Series Book 3
Ellie Kline finds herself, once again in a tough situation. It’s the thirteenth anniversary of her kidnapping and all her instincts are saying that something is up! Charleston is no where near safe- not with her captor (and a accomplice) still at-large.
Ellie and Jillian do not know who to trust or who is on the 'take'. As the kidnapped victim turned witness needs more protection than once detective can provide, Ellie has to lean on others and hope they aren't crooked.
Like always, this book ends on a hell of a cliff hanger but I am overly invested!
Ellie Kline finds herself, once again in a tough situation. It’s the thirteenth anniversary of her kidnapping and all her instincts are saying that something is up! Charleston is no where near safe- not with her captor (and a accomplice) still at-large.
Ellie and Jillian do not know who to trust or who is on the 'take'. As the kidnapped victim turned witness needs more protection than once detective can provide, Ellie has to lean on others and hope they aren't crooked.
Like always, this book ends on a hell of a cliff hanger but I am overly invested!
March 13, 2020
Evil personified
I deliberately did not read this book at night.....I knew if I did, I would be up til dawn.
I knew the evil would jump right off the pages and haunt me. And it did!!!
Ellie and her best friend and coworker are in the fight of their lives.
Will they both survive this latest onslaught of terror? You'll be pulled so far into this shocking
reign of horror it will be hard to bring yourself out of it and back to the real world.
Get ready for the startling conclusion of this 3rd book. You won't be able to wait til the next book in this
horrific series.
I deliberately did not read this book at night.....I knew if I did, I would be up til dawn.
I knew the evil would jump right off the pages and haunt me. And it did!!!
Ellie and her best friend and coworker are in the fight of their lives.
Will they both survive this latest onslaught of terror? You'll be pulled so far into this shocking
reign of horror it will be hard to bring yourself out of it and back to the real world.
Get ready for the startling conclusion of this 3rd book. You won't be able to wait til the next book in this
horrific series.
March 22, 2020
Another great read!
I love the Ellie Kline series. She is smart, a great detective, and a compassionate human being. And the best part is she is the main character of this series. One thing I love about this author is her main character in all her series is a strong female.
Also the characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is very clean. There were no spelling or grammatical errors. Also no sexual scenes or inappropriate language. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I love the Ellie Kline series. She is smart, a great detective, and a compassionate human being. And the best part is she is the main character of this series. One thing I love about this author is her main character in all her series is a strong female.
Also the characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is very clean. There were no spelling or grammatical errors. Also no sexual scenes or inappropriate language. I would recommend this book to anyone.
July 23, 2023
I am hooked…
I am hooked on this series! I love (and love to hate) the main characters in these books. Sometimes when reading a series of books, it can be a little difficult to move from book to book, with the introduction of new characters. I think Mary Stone does an excellent job of seamlessly bringing new characters on board for the next storyline before you even realize it, and then it’s like, oh, I see where this is going now… I am enjoying this series immensely and going to start book 4 immediately!! Happy reading!
I am hooked on this series! I love (and love to hate) the main characters in these books. Sometimes when reading a series of books, it can be a little difficult to move from book to book, with the introduction of new characters. I think Mary Stone does an excellent job of seamlessly bringing new characters on board for the next storyline before you even realize it, and then it’s like, oh, I see where this is going now… I am enjoying this series immensely and going to start book 4 immediately!! Happy reading!
April 16, 2024
Great Read a real page turner, lots of twist 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 , but it had a satisfying ending. 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 , but it had a satisfying ending. I really kept looking forward to the next reading section of it.. Looking forward to the continuation in the next book
March 13, 2020
Cold Threat by Mary Stone & Donna Berdel Book Three Ellie Kline Series I was left wanting more! It’s just incredible how much Suspense was in this book .. Ellie was so Mature and Her Determination was omg Amazing. I was so Proud Of Ellie she thought before reacting and did not hesitate to Kick Some %#*. Jillian was also so Strong in this Book and Gabe my goodness so Brave ..... Love Love Love Can’t wait till April....
March 14, 2020
Another awesome addition to the Ellie Kline series. They just keep getting better with each book! So much drama and suspense. So, part of the mystery has been solved, but there’s more work for Ellie to do. I’m ready for her to end things with Nick and move on......maybe, with Agent Lockwood? This series is So recommended if you like lots of action and wonderful storylines. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
March 17, 2020
Ellie's nerves are on edge with trying to protect her witness and the anniversary of her kidnapping. Plus she is on leave due to a shooting, and now has to see the department shrink. But someone has bigger plans for her on the anniversary, someone that will surprise you as it did me! Can she finally get the guy that kidnapped her? You will need to read the book to see what happens to whom. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 17, 2020
Another great book by Mary and Donna! It's the third installment in the Ellie Kline series and I have really enjoyed these books. The writing is simple and easy to read, you feel like you are right there with the characters. Lots of twists and turns. Could not put the book down.
Looking forward to future books in the Ellie Kline series. I received this book as an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Looking forward to future books in the Ellie Kline series. I received this book as an ARC member and this is my honest review.
April 24, 2020
It’s a great mystery
Overall I really like this series. I still like the Winter Black series better but this one has still has a story that keeps you guessing to the end.
Possible spoiler: I still want to see more of Ellie’s character. It feels very one dimensional. I miss not seeing her and Jacob’s relationship grow (not romantically but professionally). He seems to balance her out. Nick seems a bland and is way to understanding (no man is ever that patient).
Overall I really like this series. I still like the Winter Black series better but this one has still has a story that keeps you guessing to the end.
Possible spoiler: I still want to see more of Ellie’s character. It feels very one dimensional. I miss not seeing her and Jacob’s relationship grow (not romantically but professionally). He seems to balance her out. Nick seems a bland and is way to understanding (no man is ever that patient).
June 15, 2021
Great read
I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 because of one single reason. The 3 books I have read so far are all great, but the authors must not have much self confidence. If he had more, he would not end each book with " to be continued". He would assume that we would be clamoring for the next book without that teaser. End each book, and move on to the next. We will, too, I promise!
I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 because of one single reason. The 3 books I have read so far are all great, but the authors must not have much self confidence. If he had more, he would not end each book with " to be continued". He would assume that we would be clamoring for the next book without that teaser. End each book, and move on to the next. We will, too, I promise!
February 21, 2022
Ellie Kline detective Savanna PD cold case files finds some very hot openings as she digs
Ellie and friend Jennie are working their way through a large batch of cold case files and run across a whole lot of discrepancies that throw red flags up for them to follow. BE PREPARED TO SIT ON EDGE OF SEAT, miss your glass of soda as you read ,and forget about going to bathroom you are afraid you will miss something.
Ellie and friend Jennie are working their way through a large batch of cold case files and run across a whole lot of discrepancies that throw red flags up for them to follow. BE PREPARED TO SIT ON EDGE OF SEAT, miss your glass of soda as you read ,and forget about going to bathroom you are afraid you will miss something.
February 13, 2024
Plenty of action makes this a great read!
Ellie Kline is a detective who was kidnapped escaped from her kidnapper at the age of 15. Ellie's experience created within her the need to help people that are in crisis, no matter if she gets hurt. She's not the most popular with most of her fellow detectives, and that doesn't matter to her one bit! This story is choc full of action!
Ellie Kline is a detective who was kidnapped escaped from her kidnapper at the age of 15. Ellie's experience created within her the need to help people that are in crisis, no matter if she gets hurt. She's not the most popular with most of her fellow detectives, and that doesn't matter to her one bit! This story is choc full of action!
March 4, 2020
I loved this book, it started out fast, caught my interest from the very beginning, and kept me interested until the very end. I really cared about the characters and what was happing to them. I can hardly wait until the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author and publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own
Thank you to the author and publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own
March 13, 2020
Cold Threat (Ellie Kline Series Book 3) by Mary Stone , Donna Berdel this is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number three in this amazing series and I fell in love with this whole amazing series from from book number one. I highly recommend this amazing story to everyone.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
March 13, 2020
Now that trouble keeps getting worse for Ellie she doesnt know who, if anyone, she can trust. Trying to protect / save those close to her and at the same time keep herself safe gets harder and harder seem to be getting impossible. Will someone come to the rescue and show her they can be trusted or is she on her own in making sure they all survive
March 20, 2020
Ellie is the edgiest character so far in the Mary Stone repertoire. She knows what she wants and doesn't care what others think of her choices. Hanging on the edge of my seat I finished this book with a sigh........to be continued is so hard to swallow. Parts of the book are very predictable but there is still a WOW when it happens. Cannot wait for more Ellie!
March 22, 2020
Wow!
Talk about twists and turns. Just when you think you have it,it slips away much like Ellie's memories. She is single minded when she is in the job which is always. Now what will she do about Nick? And then there is Jacob. And now a new man joins the group. This book keeps you on your toes. I hope she gets a love life to balance her out a bit. Hurry up next book!
Talk about twists and turns. Just when you think you have it,it slips away much like Ellie's memories. She is single minded when she is in the job which is always. Now what will she do about Nick? And then there is Jacob. And now a new man joins the group. This book keeps you on your toes. I hope she gets a love life to balance her out a bit. Hurry up next book!
March 25, 2020
A review
An amazing series it was a fun journey with Ellie and her gang , the characters were well created and till the end you don't know who is the Master
Why it looks like that this with Winter and future Autumn series is leading to a formation of a single unified series regarding the ACT
An amazing series it was a fun journey with Ellie and her gang , the characters were well created and till the end you don't know who is the Master
Why it looks like that this with Winter and future Autumn series is leading to a formation of a single unified series regarding the ACT
May 14, 2020
3.6 stars on this one. It's a good plot, with even the reader not always knowing who can be trusted. I did make several "knew it" mumbles along the way. On the other hand, there were times that my suspension of disbelief suffered some dents and scratches. I enjoyed it, but I'm not as excited about the next book as I was this one. The ending seemed to be the result of trying too hard.
June 16, 2020
Strong Gripping Story
these two ladies grab your attention and have you turning page after page till you get to the end. Then leave you wanting more. There are times I want to jump in and grab Elli an but her tight, then I'm yelling at her go Elli go hurry hurry you have to save her!this time I was sure who the kidnapper was, but the twist came! Well done ladies!
these two ladies grab your attention and have you turning page after page till you get to the end. Then leave you wanting more. There are times I want to jump in and grab Elli an but her tight, then I'm yelling at her go Elli go hurry hurry you have to save her!this time I was sure who the kidnapper was, but the twist came! Well done ladies!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews