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Dead Cold Mystery #26
Fallen Angels
There are a lot of things you really don’t want to find when you’re a homicide detective in the Bronx. High on the list is a new serial killer. Serial killers are real bad news because they kill without motive, so they are hard to trace and they can take years to catch.
But even worse than a new serial killer, is a new kind of serial killer: one who murders with a motive, but a motive so unfathomable nobody can understand it; a motive that makes his choice of victims incomprehensible and unpredictable, a motive that leads to each victim being killed in a particularly cruel and unusual way.
One thing – and one thing only – connects each of these awful crimes, and that’s that each victim is made to die slowly, reflecting on the way they have lived, listening to some piece of ancient, sacred music.
When the case finally reaches Detectives Stone and Dehan at the 43rd it is already six years old, and no closer to being solved than it was when the first victim died. To Stone it seems there is a sinister and intelligent hand at work – the hand of a fallen angel.
But even worse than a new serial killer, is a new kind of serial killer: one who murders with a motive, but a motive so unfathomable nobody can understand it; a motive that makes his choice of victims incomprehensible and unpredictable, a motive that leads to each victim being killed in a particularly cruel and unusual way.
One thing – and one thing only – connects each of these awful crimes, and that’s that each victim is made to die slowly, reflecting on the way they have lived, listening to some piece of ancient, sacred music.
When the case finally reaches Detectives Stone and Dehan at the 43rd it is already six years old, and no closer to being solved than it was when the first victim died. To Stone it seems there is a sinister and intelligent hand at work – the hand of a fallen angel.
209 pages, ebook
Published January 11, 2021
1210 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Blake Banner
151 books394 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 53 reviews
May 1, 2021
Seriously if you like your crime novels short, smart and educated then you should read this series.
The main characters, Carmen Dehan and John Stone, are so very likeable. They do not waste a minute on being alcoholic or clinically depressed or generally unable to cope with life as so many lead characters in crime novels do. Instead they work as a team, cook real meals for themselves at home, drink alcohol in a normal manner and get on with their jobs. You have to love them!
They also solve cold crimes and in Fallen Angels they are looking for an extremely sadistic serial killer. There is a lot about philosophy and religion but it is all relevant and when put forward by Stone it is also readable. There is also plenty of action, drama and fun.
I enjoyed it enormously and am waiting to get my hands on book 27.
The main characters, Carmen Dehan and John Stone, are so very likeable. They do not waste a minute on being alcoholic or clinically depressed or generally unable to cope with life as so many lead characters in crime novels do. Instead they work as a team, cook real meals for themselves at home, drink alcohol in a normal manner and get on with their jobs. You have to love them!
They also solve cold crimes and in Fallen Angels they are looking for an extremely sadistic serial killer. There is a lot about philosophy and religion but it is all relevant and when put forward by Stone it is also readable. There is also plenty of action, drama and fun.
I enjoyed it enormously and am waiting to get my hands on book 27.
May 10, 2021
This series is one of my automatic buys, and this story was another good 'whodunnit'. Kept me guessing and turning the pages.
Even more interesting was reading Detective Stone's own perplexed ideas!
Some of the philosophical talk was a little beyond me (what can I say? I'm a simple sheila who has enough dealing with the here and now LOL), so if you like philosophy, you'll enjoy this. And if you like a good mystery, you'll enjoy this!
Even more interesting was reading Detective Stone's own perplexed ideas!
Some of the philosophical talk was a little beyond me (what can I say? I'm a simple sheila who has enough dealing with the here and now LOL), so if you like philosophy, you'll enjoy this. And if you like a good mystery, you'll enjoy this!
January 18, 2021
Fallen Angels. Blake Banner
NYPD detectives Dehan and Stone are cold case homicide detectives. A serial killer is bringing a very agonizing end to all of his victims. Then the killer plays music that he finds appropriate for the victim. As there investigation runs its course even with a confession from their primary suspect, Stone realizes it's not him. Each of the victims were murdered based on their religious views even though one of the victims is an atheist. The killer in his own twisted views his actions as a type or Symbol of enlightenment. He is a Buddhist monk. A cliffhanger to the very last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
NYPD detectives Dehan and Stone are cold case homicide detectives. A serial killer is bringing a very agonizing end to all of his victims. Then the killer plays music that he finds appropriate for the victim. As there investigation runs its course even with a confession from their primary suspect, Stone realizes it's not him. Each of the victims were murdered based on their religious views even though one of the victims is an atheist. The killer in his own twisted views his actions as a type or Symbol of enlightenment. He is a Buddhist monk. A cliffhanger to the very last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
February 25, 2021
The murder is horrific, a victim forced to listen to obscure music as a contraption slowly kills him. The case presented to detectives Stone and Dehan in Blake Banner's "Fallen Angels" shares elements with five others over the previous six years and demonstrates the possibility of a serial killer. Their boss wants it solved yesterday. But figuring out what ties the victims together evades easy analysis. The victims share nothing. But Stone delves deeply into the psyche of each, peeling away motivations, history and experiences. Were they seekers of meaning? Banner uses dialogue between his two detectives to examine a thread that features deep discussion of religion, philosophy and meaning of existence. It's pretty deep but quite compelling. Banner is a master tale spinner. This was my first Dead Cold Mystery. Picking the 26th in the series seems odd, but it was the newest at the time. I was not disappointed. Stone is an intellectual and examines every detail in the extreme, using his vast background knowledge to draw parallels and ferret out clues to the killer's identity.
January 15, 2021
Why?
It's a question we ask ourselves continuously.... Why did he do that? Why do I like that color? Why does it always rain on my day off? But ultimately, we are, one and all, caught up by the questions: why am I here? And what comes next?
Dehan and Stone suddenly find themselves amidst a cold case which seems to have resurrected itself. As always the clues are random, the case doesn't fit into any nice box, and there will be twists and turns a plenty. What is different this time ( and what ultimately held my attention from start to finish) is the overlap of religion, philosophy and investigative skills the pair need to acquire along the way. I am left, as I close the book, wondering if they solved the case or if the case has caused our favorite cold case team to consider many more questions.
It's a question we ask ourselves continuously.... Why did he do that? Why do I like that color? Why does it always rain on my day off? But ultimately, we are, one and all, caught up by the questions: why am I here? And what comes next?
Dehan and Stone suddenly find themselves amidst a cold case which seems to have resurrected itself. As always the clues are random, the case doesn't fit into any nice box, and there will be twists and turns a plenty. What is different this time ( and what ultimately held my attention from start to finish) is the overlap of religion, philosophy and investigative skills the pair need to acquire along the way. I am left, as I close the book, wondering if they solved the case or if the case has caused our favorite cold case team to consider many more questions.
June 3, 2021
I read this author purely for the plot. I know there is going to be no set-up, no character development. The detectives jump onto the case right from the first word. However, I do expect the author to at least establish the case. There were 6 murder victims and the author took just a few paragraphs about all of them and moved on to the investigation. During the entire course of the story it was really difficult to track who was who. The murders had been done in some ingenious way and has something to do with Buddhism. There were philosophical discourse but all amount to nothing in the end. While some books in the series are really shocking mysteries, this one is easily forgettable.
August 20, 2021
Spoliers: Sorry
Ahhh Blake stop it! Your repeating bits and pieces of other stories you have already had in this series and it was SO HARD TO GET THROUGH because of that. If you are struggling with original story lines and need to continually loop back to crazy and corrupt religious plots then maybe just finish up the series?
ANYWAY - apart from this it was a standard Blake Banner crime Stone/Dehan novel. Boo hiss.
Ahhh Blake stop it! Your repeating bits and pieces of other stories you have already had in this series and it was SO HARD TO GET THROUGH because of that. If you are struggling with original story lines and need to continually loop back to crazy and corrupt religious plots then maybe just finish up the series?
ANYWAY - apart from this it was a standard Blake Banner crime Stone/Dehan novel. Boo hiss.
January 21, 2021
Can't stop
I love this series, while short, they pack a punch. I would love a little more character building on John and Carmen yet again, and I don't know how Mr Banner does it, the story is complete. All in less than two hundred pages. You know what you need to know about the characters, and I ride along to catch a killee. I have read all 26 books and want more.
I love this series, while short, they pack a punch. I would love a little more character building on John and Carmen yet again, and I don't know how Mr Banner does it, the story is complete. All in less than two hundred pages. You know what you need to know about the characters, and I ride along to catch a killee. I have read all 26 books and want more.
February 8, 2021
Last of the series
I have chain read every one of the Dead Cold Mystery books and am saddened that there are no more! I want to know more about Carmen and John.
. These books are riveting and keep you on the edge of your seat. Well told and just the right length to keep your interest. I will re-read all 26 of these books at some point.
I have chain read every one of the Dead Cold Mystery books and am saddened that there are no more! I want to know more about Carmen and John.
. These books are riveting and keep you on the edge of your seat. Well told and just the right length to keep your interest. I will re-read all 26 of these books at some point.
February 9, 2021
Another Great Dead Cold Mystery
I love how John Stone’s mind works. He is really smart and so is Dehan. This makes for deep and convoluted cases. Would love to read more about them personally outside of work and what trouble they can stumble into. I have read every book of this series as they come out. Cannot wait for the next one.
I love how John Stone’s mind works. He is really smart and so is Dehan. This makes for deep and convoluted cases. Would love to read more about them personally outside of work and what trouble they can stumble into. I have read every book of this series as they come out. Cannot wait for the next one.
May 12, 2021
Better and better
There is everything to appreciate and enjoy reading this series. I hope it never ends. I hate to put it down and want to read it straight through. The characters are so finely crafted and so much fun. The inclusion of essential and interesting history or philosophy or timely quotes never gets old. It just keeps me anxious and ready for the next book.
There is everything to appreciate and enjoy reading this series. I hope it never ends. I hate to put it down and want to read it straight through. The characters are so finely crafted and so much fun. The inclusion of essential and interesting history or philosophy or timely quotes never gets old. It just keeps me anxious and ready for the next book.
May 16, 2021
Post on amazon
I was not that please$ with this book
I m. Quite sure you did a lot of fact finding but at times it was boring
I have almost all of your cold cases and I’ve enjoyed every one
Always looking forward to your next release
So glad your back on Amazon
Sending best wishes to you
Keep writing!
I was not that please$ with this book
I m. Quite sure you did a lot of fact finding but at times it was boring
I have almost all of your cold cases and I’ve enjoyed every one
Always looking forward to your next release
So glad your back on Amazon
Sending best wishes to you
Keep writing!
December 29, 2021
A Philosophical Mystery
I have enjoyed every Dead Cold Mystery I've read, including this one, but I've given Fallen Angels 4 stars instead of 5 because there is SO MUCH philosophical rhetoric in it. Stone and Behan are among my favorite police partnerships, but Stone got "way out there" in this book, so far that my mind was thoroughly "boggled" much of the time.
I have enjoyed every Dead Cold Mystery I've read, including this one, but I've given Fallen Angels 4 stars instead of 5 because there is SO MUCH philosophical rhetoric in it. Stone and Behan are among my favorite police partnerships, but Stone got "way out there" in this book, so far that my mind was thoroughly "boggled" much of the time.
May 8, 2022
Fallen Angels
This book is focused on religion and what it's meaning to nine people means. I don't think I enjoyed this particular story as much as the others. Religion is personal to me. I believe we each have to make up our own minds about how we perceive it. This is a very dark book about something that is deeply seated in a lot f people, including myself..
This book is focused on religion and what it's meaning to nine people means. I don't think I enjoyed this particular story as much as the others. Religion is personal to me. I believe we each have to make up our own minds about how we perceive it. This is a very dark book about something that is deeply seated in a lot f people, including myself..
August 4, 2024
4 - 4.5 stars
Fallen Angels is Book #26 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 great TV series.
Full Review to come.
Fallen Angels is Book #26 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 great TV series.
Full Review to come.
February 18, 2021
Banner at it's best
I have read all in the series he just keeps getting better. Stone and Dehan are a powerful team. This one has Stone baffled. Wonderful read suspension filled until the end
I have read all in the series he just keeps getting better. Stone and Dehan are a powerful team. This one has Stone baffled. Wonderful read suspension filled until the end
February 24, 2021
Fallen Angels
The Dehan and Stone series is fantastic ride from book 1 though book 26. I'm sorry the series has ended so soon. The characters are fully developed so that the reader feel as if they are old acquaintances and the plots bring your imagination along for the ride.
The Dehan and Stone series is fantastic ride from book 1 though book 26. I'm sorry the series has ended so soon. The characters are fully developed so that the reader feel as if they are old acquaintances and the plots bring your imagination along for the ride.
June 12, 2021
Too deep.
I usually love Banner’s books but this time.... he got too deep for me to follow. Give me good old “who dun it” type of case and the usual motives, greed, love, hate.....
I usually love Banner’s books but this time.... he got too deep for me to follow. Give me good old “who dun it” type of case and the usual motives, greed, love, hate.....
July 27, 2021
Odd twist at end but one expects that. Lots of talk about religion.and Buddhist thought. Author shows some real knowledge here and makes for an interesting story line.
Of course mmm odd religious figures appear.in this series and one wonders what is up.with that.
Of course mmm odd religious figures appear.in this series and one wonders what is up.with that.
October 12, 2021
WOW
WOW! This one has me stumped for sure. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. This was a great read and really made you think and follow the clues but even then a wrench gets tossed in. Great read!
WOW! This one has me stumped for sure. I didn’t see the ending coming at all. This was a great read and really made you think and follow the clues but even then a wrench gets tossed in. Great read!
March 27, 2022
Blake Banner Dead Cold series
I have really enjoyed this series of books. Lots of variety in the plot, and I love the characters. Keep up the good work. Wonderful choices to combat the pandemic blues.
I have really enjoyed this series of books. Lots of variety in the plot, and I love the characters. Keep up the good work. Wonderful choices to combat the pandemic blues.
August 4, 2022
Death
6 deaths. Seemed at first look not to be connected at all but a detective noticed something. Then the case after another death went cold. When the 6th death happened the cold case detectives were brought in. Read see what happens.
6 deaths. Seemed at first look not to be connected at all but a detective noticed something. Then the case after another death went cold. When the 6th death happened the cold case detectives were brought in. Read see what happens.
November 7, 2022
Top of the Word.
This time I beat Stone's ability. I wish I wouldn't.
The meaning of life, death, rebirth, run amok all along the book in crazy lines.
I'm really stressed.I have to rest for a while.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
This time I beat Stone's ability. I wish I wouldn't.
The meaning of life, death, rebirth, run amok all along the book in crazy lines.
I'm really stressed.I have to rest for a while.
Monica Beltrami. Montevideo, Uruguay.
January 18, 2021
Ahhhh, Stone
Great twists and turns over a shaky bridge of characters! Hard to follow the shakes and shake-ups that draw you in thinking you have guessed right!
Great twists and turns over a shaky bridge of characters! Hard to follow the shakes and shake-ups that draw you in thinking you have guessed right!
January 18, 2021
Wow
Another most excellent book. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep writing. I will read every last one!
Another most excellent book. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Keep writing. I will read every last one!
January 21, 2021
Another fast paced action
What can I say. Blake Banner is smart, and the way he writes shows how enlightened he is. Must read.
What can I say. Blake Banner is smart, and the way he writes shows how enlightened he is. Must read.
January 25, 2021
Disappointed
My reading is for relaxation. Way too much religious history complexity. Totally lost my interest but read to the end.
My reading is for relaxation. Way too much religious history complexity. Totally lost my interest but read to the end.
January 27, 2021
One of my favorite authors
I cannot tell you how much I love the Dead Cold Mystery books. I have read 26 and will read another 26 if he writes them!
I cannot tell you how much I love the Dead Cold Mystery books. I have read 26 and will read another 26 if he writes them!
February 20, 2021
Great read
Awesome as always
Keep me hitting page forward as fast as possible
Twists and turns w a great ending
Thank you
Awesome as always
Keep me hitting page forward as fast as possible
Twists and turns w a great ending
Thank you
February 27, 2021
Fallen Angels
I enjoyed the weaving of Buddhism and many well placed quotes into the story line and adding depth to read.
I enjoyed the weaving of Buddhism and many well placed quotes into the story line and adding depth to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews