Winter's End

Winter Black #9

by Mary Stone

Sometimes, the beginning is the end.

For thirteen years, FBI Special Agent Winter Black has been haunted by a man who performed heinous acts. Murdering her parents. Abducting her baby brother. Leaving her in a coma that changed her life forever.

For thirteen years, she’s suffered mentally and physically. Often doubted her sanity and ability to move forward to achieve her goal of bringing that brutal man down.

Thirteen years of regret. Of hope. Of fear. Of hate.

But now, the boy she longs for has transformed into a man she fears.

She has to face him. Catch him.

Maybe even kill him. Even if it means the end of her.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Audiobook, Adult

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2020

About the author

To 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.

Reviews

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took little time at all for this series to become one of my favorites and the next book the most anticipated. Right from the get go, I was totally hooked. Everyone of them, without exception, are "edge of your seat" reads. Each book in the series were page turners. I really enjoyed watching all the main characters change and grow in each book. Oh yes, I was totally vested in each of them. They were all such unique people, with such diverse backgrounds who, through time, became a close and cohesive unit. I always ached for Winter. She is stubborn, tenacious, determined, smart and very much a risk taker. Noah was perfect for her. I came to totally adore Autumn and am so glad to see her intriguing character will be in a spin off series. So many possibilities there with a different perspective to a case. All of the characters (Aiden, Bree and Max) were fantastic. I was so anxious about how it was all going to come together at the end. I was NOT disappointed. It was fantastic. The only thing that would truly disappoint me would be if there were no more "Winter Black" books in the future! I want more! ;)

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The drawn out saga of Winter Black and her brother sighs to a sort of conclusion.

After all the (nine volumes) build-up, the closure for Winter Black is most welcome.

I am relieved to be done with this grueling, unpleasant mish-mash of melodrama, dark psychology, paranormal flashes and police procedural.

[Aimee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Done With This Author

I started reading the 2 Autumn Trent books and pretty much enjoyed them, and moved on to the Winter Black series. I was interested in the Kilroy/Jaime story. I liked Noah and Aiden and Bree. Interesting characters. Not crazy about Winter or Sun. I figured I could tolerate them to get to the long-running story.

Each book I walked away more annoyed with this horribly abusive Winter character, and I was not fond of Autumn either. It has kind of ruined future plans of reading the ongoing Autumn Trent series. The first instance in which I despised Autumn was after meeting Noah she assassinated his character as being a pervert because he offered her a ride home. The wonderfully abusive Winter had left him high and dry with no contact, great friend. And this "super power" to read peoples thoughts is an invasion of their privacy, allowing her a high and mighty judgmental throne to sit on while she casts aspersions. Think, in real life, if this were possible, she would he the biggest hypocrite. She can look at Aiden in a sexual way, but he would never know, while she is condescending and venomous to him. Who of us would not be embarrassed if every thought were telecast and betrayed us? Just because were had a thought doesn't mean we act upon it.

Winter is abusive to those who are nice enough to befriend her or care about her. I can't imagine much thought went into her actions being appropriate for an FBI agent. She is constantly sniping at her supervisors. She goes off book. She lies. She withholds important evidence. She threatens her boyfriend, also an agent, to give her information that could cost him his job or she won't have sex with him. She is continuously abusive to him. Her unethical actions would surely leave her without a job in the real world. Some of the actions against Aiden alone would get her canned. It is unprofessional how she keeps squawking about not being that same 13 yr old girl and Aiden being over protective. Even if he is instructing her in regards to the job she still freely flips him the middle finger at work and throws tantrums. It is unbecoming of the profession she works in. If she was not constantly going off half cocked Aiden and Max would not have to be looking after her.

As a middle aged woman I am so tired of the attack on men so prevalent today. We all have sons, or fathers, or brothers, or grandfathers...that are good men. I cringe hearing stupid, made-up words like man-splaining that are used so liberally in this series. This series, pre-covid , did not exist in my library queue. I am just so sick of the hostility towards men in these books, and hostility towards others in general in the real world. I should have quit after the first Winter Black book, but was interested in the Kilroy story line. And I refrained from leaving reviews. But I'm done. I will suffer boredom next time.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter Black is put on a leave of absence to keep her away from her brother’s case.

This is the final book in the Winter Black series and the author changed two facts from previous books. First, she changed Justin Black’s/Jaime Peterson’s personality - in a previous book, he was already a sociopath at age six, unafraid of anything and having contempt for Winter. The author also changed why Winter came into the house late on the night of her parents’ murder - instead of spending the night with her best friend and having a fight, in this book, Winter had snuck out of the house earlier and was sneaking back in. Also, unlike the first book, Justin walked into his parents’ room and tried to wake them up, leaving bloody footprints in the hall as well as his favorite stuffed giraffe, Raff.

I liked a lot about the series, but the changing of major plot points was irritating. There are many more than I mention above, but if you’ve read the entire series, you should know what I mean.

[Jennifer Miernicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the first books in the series by Ms Stone show the characters as thoughtful and complex, everything falls apart as we near the culmination of the overarching plot. Lead characters Winter and Noah become flat, their thoughts incoherent and inconsistent, flat and confusing — and not in a deliberate way that indicates a conscious decision by the author to show their descent into uncertainty or something akin to madness. The writing is disjointed and the book contains inconsistencies: a reference to NY that is out of place, lack of acknowledgement that Winter and Cameron met before, more numerous typos than in prior books, and a general ineptitude on the part of characters that were, just a few books ago, demonstrably competent in their jobs but by book 9 have forgotten their training and strengths. Strongly recommend that the author get a better editor to help flag issues and to strengthen the narrative so it is not left on such a flat note.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story gives us more information on the night Winter's parents were killed, Winter attacked and left for dead and her little brother kidnapped. That was thirteen years ago, now it seems that the kidnapper was The Preacher. Winter killed The Preacher and now there is someone out there who committed a murder in The Preacher's style, they believe it is Winter's little brother. The FBI has suspended Winter, but she is bound and determined to find out if it is her little brother and why if it is. Then things change in a big way for Winter. How? You will need to read the book to find out. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Donna George · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually love her books. This was disappointing. Too wordy and left everything hanging

[Liz Mistry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action packed, thought provoking and with some real heart in my mouth moments. - a real heart stopper - satisfying ending to the series, but with an intro into a new series

[S A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed feelings about the “end” of the series. First, while I am all for cliff hangers, to end the final book in a slight one to continue with Autumns story is just rude. This is the ninth Winter book and if this series was ending it should have fully been finished. My other big gripe is about Justin/Jamie. In the previous book we got a look into his head and that showed he was always this killer and that Kilroy didn’t make him that way. It seems the author forgot all about doing that in the previous book and in this book all of this is so completely different. I love all the characters in this series but I will not recommended it based on this last book.

[Diane Griffin · Rating 2 out of 5]

The End?

I enjoyed the series until I got to this book. It didn’t even stay true to character for Winter. Just jumbled up. I get that she is starting a new Autumn Trent series but she should have finished the Winter Black series, not have a cliffhanger. Not sure if I will buy anymore of hers. Totally dissatisfied!

[JOANNE R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Winter Series

Author strings you along to buy the next book. Last book in derives still does not resolve the main questions about her brother so situation remains in question. Series got tiresome. Four books and end it. Will not read anymore of her different series.

[Madeline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just not as good as the rest of the series.

[Mary Anne Timchishen · Rating 4 out of 5]

holy smokes!

All in all, this was a good series. Kept me interested and turning the page. I feel sorry for the people in the book; somewhat like watching Criminal Minds - how do agents have what anyone might consider a ‘normal’ life. Good luck to them all

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a roller coaster ride! Entertaining.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why must every one of her books end on a cliffhanger 🙄

[Barbara Langlois · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter is on a mission to capture her baby brother alive. Little does she know her brother is hunting her down to kill her. This book has lots of twist and turns. Hang on its going to be a fast pace ride of adrenaline. Such a dramatic end to Winters search.

[Susan L Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Amazing Book Series From Beginning to End

It seems like only yesterday I started the first book in the Winter Black series and now I find myself at the end. I read all 9 books back to back because I couldn't get enough of the characters and their adventures. I must admit I was very worried thinking this was going to be the end but without giving to much away I am very excited to continue the journey in Autumn's Game. I am so glad I found this author and look forward to reading many more of her books in the future. Thanks for the exciting journey with Winter and her friends. Now I'm off to see how Autumn's adventures turn out!!

[Susan Novak · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series started strong for me. But over the course of nine books, instead of the characters growing and becoming more fleshed out, they all just sort of fizzled into obscurity. Almost none of the major peripheral characters have much to do in this installment and the story suffers because of that. I did enjoy getting more details about the night their parents were murdered and how the Preacher was related to their family. This should have been book 4 or 5 and then the rest of the series focused on breaking their relatives. Missed opportunity for Ms Stone.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winter’s End

Man I’m glad that’s done. I really enjoyed this series at the beginning but somewhere it lost me. Maybe the repetition was part of it. There were issues where things that happened were forgotten and things that had been covered were covered again but differently. I really liked Winter early in the series but that pretty much ended in book 8.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's End (Winter Black Series Book 9) by Mary Stone is a story I loved reading. Mary Stone has done it aagain this is an amazing story to read. I highly recommend this story to all.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series. Book 9 is just as fast paced as the other books. Does it come to a,conclusion, no. It keeps you guessing and anxiously awaiting the next chapter

[Stella Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Winters Ende is not just the conclusion of the Winter Black series, it’s the emotional reckoning the story has been building toward for years.

What makes this book so powerful isn’t only the suspense or the high-stakes confrontation, but the weight of thirteen years of trauma carried by Winter Black. Mary Stone doesn’t rush past the damage. She lets us sit with Winter’s doubt, her anger, her grief, and the exhaustion that comes from surviving something that never truly leaves you.

Winter has always been a compelling heroine because she’s not invincible. In this final chapter, that vulnerability is front and center. The story asks difficult questions about justice, revenge, love, and hate, and it never offers easy answers. By the time Winter faces the man who destroyed her family, the outcome feels deeply personal, and honestly earned.

I especially appreciated how the ending respects Winter’s journey. It’s raw, intense, and emotionally honest, without relying on cheap twists. This is the kind of finale that stays with you because it feels true to the character we’ve grown to know.

If you’ve followed the Winter Black series, this book delivers a powerful, unforgettable close. And if you’re drawn to crime thrillers with strong, complex female leads and psychological depth, Mary Stone’s work is absolutely worth your time.

A gripping and emotionally resonant ending to an exceptional series.

[Sunsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Da ich mir die Inhaltsangabe nur selten durchlese, hatte ich bei diesem Titel, obschon die Reihe in einer zweiten Staffel weitergeht, einige Vorstellungen, was mit Winters Ende gemeint sein könnte. Zum Glück kam es für Winter dann doch nicht so schlimm, und das Ende ist hier eher als Anfang zu sehen 😅

Nicht nur für Winter ist dieser Fall ganz besonders schrecklich, weil so persönlich, er ist auch für alle anderen vom FBI, einschließlich ihres Partners Noah und ihrer bester Freundin Autumn alles andere als einfach. Alle krauchen buchstäblich auf dem Zahnfleisch und gehen über ihre Grenzen hinaus.

Spannend, wie nur was...

Diese Reihe ist für mich eine der besten Agententhriller-Reihen überhaupt. Protagonist ist eine Frau, eine ganz besondere Frau. Es macht wirklich Freude, ihr über die Schulter zu schauen, auch wenn sie vor lauter Recherche ihre eigenen Bedürfnisse übersieht...

Meine Bewertung für Buch 9: 94/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte.

https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2025...

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't want the series to end

Like a good movie, you don't want the ending to show. Keep going, I want more. I believe Winter Black will continue in Autumn Trent's stories also. Of course, Winter, Noah, Autumn and Aiden will need to wrap up Justin/Jamie's outcome. Is he going to be tried as a competent and guilty suspect or found not guilty due to reason of insanity? Don't read the books on Christmas until after reading all of Autumn's first series. I did and it had spoilers throughout the book. Winter's End the title and story were in and out of this last book. I don't know how Mary Stone keeps all these characters separated. I think I saw at least 3-4 more books with different names, Journey, Shadow, Storm, and the standalones. Although this was Winter's End, there is more in this series and Autumn's. Winter Black and Autumn Trent's Season Two. Highly recommend this series.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing. It seemed to me that all of the characters lost the traits that made them truly intriguing, with the exception of Justin (Jamie). In spite of all the truly heinous things that could be tied to Justin, the author wrote him in such a way that I felt sympathy while hoping his behavior would be shut down for good.

Aiden, Winter, Noah, and Autumn developed personalities that did nothing to endear me to their characters. I kept wondering what happened to the sharp, intelligent professionals that I had come to be drawn to earlier.

The fact that the book remained somewhat open-ended after being continued for so long was majorly frustrating. Does the Justin saga continue? There were so many questions left unanswered about so many things. Not to mention that there was no direction at the end of the book as to what comes next, if anything. I will say that the narration was good. 2.5 Stars.

[Darla Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thirteen years ago, Winter Black's parents were murdered, she was left for dead, and her six year old brother, Justin, was taken. Now, Justin has resurfaced but he's not the same boy he used to be. In fact, it seems he's responsible for multiple heinous acts of murder. Winter is fighting her emotions throughout the case dealing with everything from hope to fear. And, while she's not officially on the case, she knows that the boy she loved has to be caught and stopped.

I really enjoyed this series and this book, while good, was not one of the better ones. The ending seemed too unfinished for the last book in a series. And Winter's behavior was not at all like the woman she had become. The book was well-written and the other characters were done well. I do look forward to the Autumn Trent series and hope it answers some of the questions that were left here but I still think that there should be more Winter Black. I do recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

For 13 years FBI Agent Winter Black is wondered about her brother who was abducted. She knows he is alive, but can he be saved? Is he too damaged to be helped? This book is about pursuing something that you know will hurt you because it is the right thing to do. It is about hope versus what you are sure is true. The book is dark and fast paced. I enjoy Winter as a character. She has been through so much but keeps on going. Her friends are wonderful and supportive. This book tests everyone especially her life partner and fellow FBI agent, Noah Dalton. I would recommend this book to readers who have read the series.

[Laura Wilhelm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite book of the whole series. There was no action whatsoever and even the climax was extremely weak. Most of the book was seemed to be the characters searching their feelings. I am disappointed because there is so much the author could have done with this particular story line. I also cannot understand why the author chose to end the series in this way, with hardly any resolution and no sense of closure. Did someone else write this book for her?? It just doesn't seem to entirely fit with the previous 8 books. i will give the Autumn Trent series a try because I liked the first 8 books in this series. I hope there is more action and less soul searching.

[Maria Costantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

For thirteen years, FBI Special Agent Winter Black has been haunted by a man who performed heinous acts. Murdering her parents. Abducting her baby brother. Leaving her in a coma that changed her life forever.

For thirteen years, she’s suffered mentally and physically. Often doubted her sanity and ability to move forward to achieve her goal of bringing that brutal man down.

Thirteen years of regret. Of hope. Of fear. Of hate.

But now, the boy she longs for has transformed into a man she fears.

She has to face him. Catch him.

Maybe even kill him. Even if it means the end of her.

[Taryn Botts · Rating 3 out of 5]

All 9 books combined are 3-4 stars

Each book reads like a long chapter in one long book. Although i only gave most of the books 3 stars, the way each ends and segues into the next, makes them hard to put down. Some of the main character's traits are irritating but overall, I've come to like these "people". I will continue on with the Autumn Trent series because i must know how it all ends!