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Ellie Kline #4
Cold Highway
Sometimes the prey eats the predator...
The only way to take his power from women is to kill. Lucky’s playground is America’s cold highways, and in twenty years he’s never been caught. Only perfected his skills, leaving countless victims in his dust.
Dr. Kingsley, the man who kidnapped Detective Ellie Kline when she was fifteen, is in the wind. But if he’s incapacitated and on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, has someone taken his place?
Partnered with Special Agent Clay Lockwood to crack open a case as horrifying as the human trafficking ring Ellie and the Charleston PD broke open, all signs point to a new master, or mistress, of a terror that went under with the master.
But Ellie is determined more than ever to bring this ring of terror down, and she’s now got Special Agent Clay Lockwood at her side. When someone very close to Ellie is taken, the hunt turns personal once again.
The only way to take his power from women is to kill. Lucky’s playground is America’s cold highways, and in twenty years he’s never been caught. Only perfected his skills, leaving countless victims in his dust.
Dr. Kingsley, the man who kidnapped Detective Ellie Kline when she was fifteen, is in the wind. But if he’s incapacitated and on the FBI’s Most Wanted list, has someone taken his place?
Partnered with Special Agent Clay Lockwood to crack open a case as horrifying as the human trafficking ring Ellie and the Charleston PD broke open, all signs point to a new master, or mistress, of a terror that went under with the master.
But Ellie is determined more than ever to bring this ring of terror down, and she’s now got Special Agent Clay Lockwood at her side. When someone very close to Ellie is taken, the hunt turns personal once again.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2020
3792 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,130 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 113 reviews
May 19, 2020
I enjoy the Ellie Kline series, however, starting in this book i can already see the inconsistencies similar to what ruined the Winter Black series for me.
SLIGHT SPOILER
How Ellie has treated Nick for the ENTIRE series so far is terrible. That he breaks up with her in this book isn't a surprise but what IS a surprise is how suddenly Nick is portrayed by everyone as not being supportive of her or her career etc. This is EXTREMELY inconsistent with the other books where Nick not only supported her but was the only one of her family members besides Wes to do so AND he stuck up for her time and again. Now they are broken up and the whole family is supporting her and saying Nick couldn't handle her. Come on.
I get that you the authors need to move the plot along and they obviously want Ellie with the FBI agent BUT you cannot just change major things in the book to make that happen. Same with the Winter Black series.
Ellie is one of the MOST selfish characters and someone needs to point out to her that it isn't other people, it is how SHE treats THEM.
Hopefully the inconsistencies stop but i am already fearing they won't and if this book series has a final book but doesn't actually end to continue a spin off story I will not be reading this author anymore.
SLIGHT SPOILER
How Ellie has treated Nick for the ENTIRE series so far is terrible. That he breaks up with her in this book isn't a surprise but what IS a surprise is how suddenly Nick is portrayed by everyone as not being supportive of her or her career etc. This is EXTREMELY inconsistent with the other books where Nick not only supported her but was the only one of her family members besides Wes to do so AND he stuck up for her time and again. Now they are broken up and the whole family is supporting her and saying Nick couldn't handle her. Come on.
I get that you the authors need to move the plot along and they obviously want Ellie with the FBI agent BUT you cannot just change major things in the book to make that happen. Same with the Winter Black series.
Ellie is one of the MOST selfish characters and someone needs to point out to her that it isn't other people, it is how SHE treats THEM.
Hopefully the inconsistencies stop but i am already fearing they won't and if this book series has a final book but doesn't actually end to continue a spin off story I will not be reading this author anymore.
May 7, 2020
It’s a wonderful book. The series is a must read book. Lots of mystery and suspense. Keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book
January 22, 2021
Only if it’s free! Never ending story.....
Well, I’m done with Ellie Kline. I can’t believe this series. Loose ends all over the place that might get resolved in the next book. I think of books like movies- an entire story wrapped up. It seems lately writers see them as episodes of TV series. If you like the idea, go for it. I’m done!
Well, I’m done with Ellie Kline. I can’t believe this series. Loose ends all over the place that might get resolved in the next book. I think of books like movies- an entire story wrapped up. It seems lately writers see them as episodes of TV series. If you like the idea, go for it. I’m done!
February 19, 2024
Round up to 4.5 stars.
May 25, 2021
As Ellie gets closer to Kinsley the twist and turns make it hard to predict what will happen next. And meanwhile Ellie is connecting more and more of the Jane Does to be identified. In comes the help that Ellie doesn't want but is exactly what she needs to capture the cold highway killer. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
May 10, 2020
A little karma is a b**** storyline occurs in this book. The new task force is working on a series of cold cases and Clay helps Ellie out with some research involving her kidnapping. Ellie is also handling a breakup and tension from other detectives in this latest installment.
Nick is an odd character. I have gone from liking him, to thinking he need to stand up for himself, to being surprised by him, not liking his attitude, to feeling sorry for him and then back. It is a rollercoaster, but also fitting for this series. I hope to see him in more stories, but as a friend. The addition of long distance truck driving, prostitution, runaways and serial killers was intriguing. This is the second book I have read that includes this idea and it makes me wonder how prevalent of an issue this is today.
This series is fantastic. I would recommend reading it in order as the characters grow and the relationships and concerns grow with each story. I enjoyed the twists of this story and can’t wait to see how everyone reacts to the return of the villain, especially with his new approach! Also fingers crossed that Ellie has more than a work relationship with Clay!
Nick is an odd character. I have gone from liking him, to thinking he need to stand up for himself, to being surprised by him, not liking his attitude, to feeling sorry for him and then back. It is a rollercoaster, but also fitting for this series. I hope to see him in more stories, but as a friend. The addition of long distance truck driving, prostitution, runaways and serial killers was intriguing. This is the second book I have read that includes this idea and it makes me wonder how prevalent of an issue this is today.
This series is fantastic. I would recommend reading it in order as the characters grow and the relationships and concerns grow with each story. I enjoyed the twists of this story and can’t wait to see how everyone reacts to the return of the villain, especially with his new approach! Also fingers crossed that Ellie has more than a work relationship with Clay!
November 10, 2020
Cold Highway
In Book 4 Ellie continues to search for those behind the human trafficking ring. It’s no different from the other books with the exception of new characters and new bodies. (Spoiler) While trying to protect Valerie Ellie draws her gun on Nick. Seeing that it’s him she doesn’t put down her gun. She continues to trust no one including her boyfriend. He breaks up with her however she doesn’t let anyone that she pull her gun on him. Poor Ellie. After being in the hospital (because of her acts) Nick stops by her apartment and she tells him he just can’t stop by anytime he want. Seriously? It’s all about her. Her character is not a fan of mine.
In Book 4 Ellie continues to search for those behind the human trafficking ring. It’s no different from the other books with the exception of new characters and new bodies. (Spoiler) While trying to protect Valerie Ellie draws her gun on Nick. Seeing that it’s him she doesn’t put down her gun. She continues to trust no one including her boyfriend. He breaks up with her however she doesn’t let anyone that she pull her gun on him. Poor Ellie. After being in the hospital (because of her acts) Nick stops by her apartment and she tells him he just can’t stop by anytime he want. Seriously? It’s all about her. Her character is not a fan of mine.
April 20, 2020
A strong intensity. Great writing. It's been a great ride so far. However, I do have some negatives, though they are not great enough to deter me from continuing on with this series. First negative: One must read the first 3 installments to understand exactly and truly what is happening and why. Second negative: Just how many times are things going to slip through the cracks before there is a resolution to everything.
June 8, 2021
Maybe Now, He'll Believe.
Nick and Ellie have been best friends since childhood. Later, after the kidnapping, Nick was her rock - the anchor for her sanity. But Ellie had changed. Once the promising up and coming socialite Ellie Kline was no longer comfortable in the family plan. Embarking on a career in law enforcement, Ellie immediately provide herself a hard core, one of a kind officer. Her attitude and success lands now Detective Ellie Kline in the Cold Capture Unit if the Charlotte PD and in the radar of her former kidnapper. "The one who escaped", Ellie finds herself tracked and targeted by the kingpin of a human trafficking
organization.
Meanwhile Ellie and Nick's relationship has grown over the past 13 years too. Now a couple, the two are clashing on the idea of marriage and commitment. To say that Ellie has "trust issues" is an understatement. Finding out the truth about her past, pushes the pair further apart. In addition, Nick has begun to question Ellie's career path and her sanity. As Detective Kline comes closer to uncovering the traffickers operating in her hometown, her 'paranoia' explodes resulting in the breakup of the couple.
Broken and still caring, while trying to establish a friend zone, Ellie tries to warn Nick that his new business may not be all he seems. But will Nick even entertain her "hysteria"? And is anything she says even remotely " believable?
Nick and Ellie have been best friends since childhood. Later, after the kidnapping, Nick was her rock - the anchor for her sanity. But Ellie had changed. Once the promising up and coming socialite Ellie Kline was no longer comfortable in the family plan. Embarking on a career in law enforcement, Ellie immediately provide herself a hard core, one of a kind officer. Her attitude and success lands now Detective Ellie Kline in the Cold Capture Unit if the Charlotte PD and in the radar of her former kidnapper. "The one who escaped", Ellie finds herself tracked and targeted by the kingpin of a human trafficking
organization.
Meanwhile Ellie and Nick's relationship has grown over the past 13 years too. Now a couple, the two are clashing on the idea of marriage and commitment. To say that Ellie has "trust issues" is an understatement. Finding out the truth about her past, pushes the pair further apart. In addition, Nick has begun to question Ellie's career path and her sanity. As Detective Kline comes closer to uncovering the traffickers operating in her hometown, her 'paranoia' explodes resulting in the breakup of the couple.
Broken and still caring, while trying to establish a friend zone, Ellie tries to warn Nick that his new business may not be all he seems. But will Nick even entertain her "hysteria"? And is anything she says even remotely " believable?
February 15, 2024
Cold Highway: Ellie Kline Series Book 4
This book begins with the discovery of the readers that the ‘Master’ (the cryptic name his ruses referred to him as) was still clinging to life. After his run-in with the infamous Detective Cline - who he had kidnapped and tortured 13 years ago - he was left battered and sliced. This would not be the last we see (or hear) of the master.
Cold Highway focuses on a rough patch when Ellie’s relationship to the equally affluent Nick Green. After a tough disagreement and heated reactions, Ellie prepared herself to distance from Nick …or so she thinks.
This book is unlike the others in the series in the sense that the Master is not up to his normal shenanigans. As he is being completely ripped of his born-identity in another country, the elusive Katarina becomes the Big Wolf.
Though predictable in some parts, this particular book awakened so many more demons we were not privy too before. It seems that Ellie Kline (and her loved ones) receive no break when it comes to hunting (or being hunted by) criminals.
This book begins with the discovery of the readers that the ‘Master’ (the cryptic name his ruses referred to him as) was still clinging to life. After his run-in with the infamous Detective Cline - who he had kidnapped and tortured 13 years ago - he was left battered and sliced. This would not be the last we see (or hear) of the master.
Cold Highway focuses on a rough patch when Ellie’s relationship to the equally affluent Nick Green. After a tough disagreement and heated reactions, Ellie prepared herself to distance from Nick …or so she thinks.
This book is unlike the others in the series in the sense that the Master is not up to his normal shenanigans. As he is being completely ripped of his born-identity in another country, the elusive Katarina becomes the Big Wolf.
Though predictable in some parts, this particular book awakened so many more demons we were not privy too before. It seems that Ellie Kline (and her loved ones) receive no break when it comes to hunting (or being hunted by) criminals.
May 8, 2021
Cold Highway
There is a new evil in town. Someone else who wants to hurt Ellie Kline. The man who kidnapped her when she was fifteen is missing. Ellie is still uneasy. There is a suspected serial killer traveling the roads and Ellie is a part of ACTeam searching out the human traffic group as well as looking for the serial killer and her old kidnapper if he is still alive. Ellie has to know for sure. Mary Stone writes exciting and scary books about evil we pray we never come face to face with.
There is a new evil in town. Someone else who wants to hurt Ellie Kline. The man who kidnapped her when she was fifteen is missing. Ellie is still uneasy. There is a suspected serial killer traveling the roads and Ellie is a part of ACTeam searching out the human traffic group as well as looking for the serial killer and her old kidnapper if he is still alive. Ellie has to know for sure. Mary Stone writes exciting and scary books about evil we pray we never come face to face with.
January 29, 2024
I understand Ellie’s paranoia and while she did end up right, I also understand how frustrating it is for the people around her like Nick. I am glad that they broke up because I do think he wasn’t willing to fully support who she was as a detective. But I found myself getting annoyed with her paranoia in this book and the last one. I know she will be paranoid until Kingsley is caught but I hope it isn’t as much as a focal point in future books like it was in this and the last one. It just gets old and annoying after a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2020
Good read
Ellie , working closely with the ACTeam as liason for Charleston PD, keeps looking for missing victims of cold case files . She identifies two young women , and helps to identify the killer . Of course, Kingsley is getting remade, and Katarina is getting a new business up and running.
These two authors seem to work well together .
Ellie , working closely with the ACTeam as liason for Charleston PD, keeps looking for missing victims of cold case files . She identifies two young women , and helps to identify the killer . Of course, Kingsley is getting remade, and Katarina is getting a new business up and running.
These two authors seem to work well together .
September 21, 2020
Cold Highway is the fourth book in the Ellie Kline series, it continues to follow Ellie's search for Dr. Kingsley the man whom kidnapped her as a teenager. There is a lot going on in this book, Nick comes to the conclusion that they no longer make the perfect couple. So Ellie does her best to move on, working with the task force I enjoy the chemistry she also has with Clay. Looking forward to the next book.
March 6, 2023
I am addicted to the Ellie Kline Mystery Series. The story contains many twists and turns that kept me anticipating what would happen next. I could not put the book down. Main characters are very realistic and many of the subcharacters - well the weave of the story makes me uncertain if they are good or bad guys.
Just a great read!
Just a great read!
May 23, 2023
Very good book
Enjoyed reading this book very much. I thought it was going to be about a serial killing trucker. In a round about was it was, but it was so much more. There are a lot of different things happening through out the book: killing, selling of humans, embezzling, hiding from the law, and a lot of detective work. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
Enjoyed reading this book very much. I thought it was going to be about a serial killing trucker. In a round about was it was, but it was so much more. There are a lot of different things happening through out the book: killing, selling of humans, embezzling, hiding from the law, and a lot of detective work. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
May 30, 2023
Unexpected
I'm mad that the Master isn't dead. This story grabs, And you hope but get stabbed in the gut. I find myself reading ahead because I can't wait to find out what happens. Yes this book is compelling and exciting. I wanted it to end a different way but in not the writers. So im heading into book 5 with anxiety already.
I'm mad that the Master isn't dead. This story grabs, And you hope but get stabbed in the gut. I find myself reading ahead because I can't wait to find out what happens. Yes this book is compelling and exciting. I wanted it to end a different way but in not the writers. So im heading into book 5 with anxiety already.
August 22, 2023
Another great book…
Another “episode” of Ellie Kline and company. I love that there are new characters in each book, but my favorite characters return and get intertwined in new storylines, as well as continuing storylines. Great story telling and I can’t wait to finish this review and start Book 5.
Another “episode” of Ellie Kline and company. I love that there are new characters in each book, but my favorite characters return and get intertwined in new storylines, as well as continuing storylines. Great story telling and I can’t wait to finish this review and start Book 5.
February 18, 2024
Wow, 3 serial killers take a while to sort out!
This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ellie has to battle and find 3 serial killers, an old foe from when she was 15 years old, a killer who has been killing for over 20 years, and 2 human traffickers. That's a whole lot of action for Detective Ellie, and a story that's hard to put down.
This is a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ellie has to battle and find 3 serial killers, an old foe from when she was 15 years old, a killer who has been killing for over 20 years, and 2 human traffickers. That's a whole lot of action for Detective Ellie, and a story that's hard to put down.
June 22, 2020
Four down one to go
While this was a good book I did not enjoy this one as much as the three preceeding books. Hopefully number five will tie up all the loose ends and be a great read. All in all this is a great series and holds your interest through each book.
While this was a good book I did not enjoy this one as much as the three preceeding books. Hopefully number five will tie up all the loose ends and be a great read. All in all this is a great series and holds your interest through each book.
June 25, 2020
Cold Cases
Another Mary Stone great mysteries. This is a Ellie Kline stories. She is still working cold cases, but still looking for those who had kidnapped her. Read the exciting ending.
Another Mary Stone great mysteries. This is a Ellie Kline stories. She is still working cold cases, but still looking for those who had kidnapped her. Read the exciting ending.
September 16, 2020
Great series
This series just keeps getting better with every book! I am excited to get to the next one. Ellie May get on with her life not only as a detective but as an agent as well? Can’t wait to find out
This series just keeps getting better with every book! I am excited to get to the next one. Ellie May get on with her life not only as a detective but as an agent as well? Can’t wait to find out
September 18, 2020
Cold case
As always Mary Stone has written a compelling story. Human trafficking and cold cases trying to find family for the ones they have found is heart breaking. Can't wait to read more.
As always Mary Stone has written a compelling story. Human trafficking and cold cases trying to find family for the ones they have found is heart breaking. Can't wait to read more.
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October 5, 2020Wicked!
I fell right into the plot and enjoyed the characters. Now I'm hooked and can not wait to get back to continue the storyline when l get back to a place I can download more books.
I fell right into the plot and enjoyed the characters. Now I'm hooked and can not wait to get back to continue the storyline when l get back to a place I can download more books.
February 20, 2021
Another Amazing Plot
Mary Stone writes so clearly that I feel lime I know her characters. This 4th book in the Ellie Kline series was very good and really connects to Boom 3. Can't wait to begin the 5th book in the series.
Mary Stone writes so clearly that I feel lime I know her characters. This 4th book in the Ellie Kline series was very good and really connects to Boom 3. Can't wait to begin the 5th book in the series.
March 17, 2021
Unusual
This was awesome! I really enjoyed how unusual the plot was. It was inspired to have several.crimes entwined & then as one crime is closed others are solved unexpectedly.
This was awesome! I really enjoyed how unusual the plot was. It was inspired to have several.crimes entwined & then as one crime is closed others are solved unexpectedly.
August 20, 2021
Very Good
I like the storyline but like the other books in the series & like the other stories, the stories drag robin did chapters I skip past and the story on to number 5, gotta see how it ends
I like the storyline but like the other books in the series & like the other stories, the stories drag robin did chapters I skip past and the story on to number 5, gotta see how it ends
January 15, 2022
Ellie Persevered!!
I think the author did a great job developing her characters. Ellie had difficulty dealing with a family and her boyfriend who couldn't give her room to live her life as she wished.
I think the author did a great job developing her characters. Ellie had difficulty dealing with a family and her boyfriend who couldn't give her room to live her life as she wished.
July 8, 2022
This series is so good!
The books are well written and edited. The characters are well developed. There are some twists but mostly the stories are the progression of Ellie and her small team solving the case. Im binge reading this series and I'll be sad when I run out of books.
The books are well written and edited. The characters are well developed. There are some twists but mostly the stories are the progression of Ellie and her small team solving the case. Im binge reading this series and I'll be sad when I run out of books.
August 5, 2022
Serial killer
I think the serial killer should have not cried because, they have no empathy or lack emotion. Also , they don't rage kill . I don't think they have sexual gratification. From killing either.
I think the serial killer should have not cried because, they have no empathy or lack emotion. Also , they don't rage kill . I don't think they have sexual gratification. From killing either.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews