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Ellie Kline #8
Cold Trail
The cold trail offers no place to hide...
On New Year’s Eve, Charleston Cold Case Detective Ellie Kline vows this will be the year she finally brings Dr. Lawrence Kingsley to justice. Not only did the elusive serial killer force her to play his twisted games as a teen, but his reign of terror has killed countless other victims and traumatized the few who survived.
When her boss hands her the files containing dozens of trafficked children, she’s instructed to close as many as possible. Drawn by the case of a twelve-year-old boy who disappeared sixteen years ago, Ellie decides that Kingsley—who also vanished without a trace—will have to wait.
Before long, the autistic boy isn’t the only missing person Ellie must follow the clues to find. One by one, those who once escaped Kingsley’s snare begin to disappear. It’s only a matter of time before Ellie’s next.
Each shocking twist and turn of Cold Trail, the eighth book of Mary Stone and Donna Berdel’s Ellie Kline series, leads to a wild goose chase where the hunter becomes the hunted in a thriller that will convince you of one thing...safety is only an illusion.
On New Year’s Eve, Charleston Cold Case Detective Ellie Kline vows this will be the year she finally brings Dr. Lawrence Kingsley to justice. Not only did the elusive serial killer force her to play his twisted games as a teen, but his reign of terror has killed countless other victims and traumatized the few who survived.
When her boss hands her the files containing dozens of trafficked children, she’s instructed to close as many as possible. Drawn by the case of a twelve-year-old boy who disappeared sixteen years ago, Ellie decides that Kingsley—who also vanished without a trace—will have to wait.
Before long, the autistic boy isn’t the only missing person Ellie must follow the clues to find. One by one, those who once escaped Kingsley’s snare begin to disappear. It’s only a matter of time before Ellie’s next.
Each shocking twist and turn of Cold Trail, the eighth book of Mary Stone and Donna Berdel’s Ellie Kline series, leads to a wild goose chase where the hunter becomes the hunted in a thriller that will convince you of one thing...safety is only an illusion.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2021
1537 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
218 books2,136 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 127 reviews
March 8, 2021
Although I keep saying that Mary is a great writer and her series are realy great to read I also have to say that this is my third series I am reading and for me it is become clear that each series is the same , only the main characters are different in each series, it is like reading a series over and over and that is such a pity, I just hope she will change with the next series.
March 10, 2021
Wow, wow, wow. This book was incredible. Ellie is handed a stack of cold case missing children files she knows she has to look into it but can’t stop thinking about Kingsley and where he might be. The missing kids are relying on her so she starts looking into the cases and soon finds that she might be able to find them.
April 12, 2021
I am really invested in these characters and every book in the series that I read just takes it further up a notch. There always is development of the characters. Really do recommend
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is all my own.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is all my own.
March 9, 2021
I felt there was more to the characters in this book. I could feel what they were feeling. It had me frustrated, scared, determined, and resigned to do what they had to be done. There were some nice and happy moments too. I enjoyed the twists and the ending.
December 30, 2021
One book left in this riveting series. Highly recommended!
March 15, 2021
Now I'm just mad.
I'm tired of being strung along on this series. I had hoped for a conclusion and I still didn't get it. I wish that I never started the series no matter how compelling it is. Do you have any idea how many books I will have read and/or listened to by May? I won't even remember I wanted to read it and HOPE I will get an ending. This is very common with Kindle Unlimited! I am tempted to cancel it. 2 stars for leaving me hanging!
I'm tired of being strung along on this series. I had hoped for a conclusion and I still didn't get it. I wish that I never started the series no matter how compelling it is. Do you have any idea how many books I will have read and/or listened to by May? I won't even remember I wanted to read it and HOPE I will get an ending. This is very common with Kindle Unlimited! I am tempted to cancel it. 2 stars for leaving me hanging!
March 21, 2021
Duped
I bought and read all 8 books in the series. Very disappointing to find out that the story was not finally brought to a conclusion. It was BS to sell the books as a series when that was not the case.
I bought and read all 8 books in the series. Very disappointing to find out that the story was not finally brought to a conclusion. It was BS to sell the books as a series when that was not the case.
June 20, 2021
And so it goes.
Katrina has aligned herself with drug dealers, Clay has opened up to Ellie about his life. Dr Kinsley has emerged from seclusion and began his revenge.
As Cold Trail picks up the story, Ellie is suffering as she blames herself for Gabe's death and the stall of the investigation. Unable to connect to the detective in charge of the search for Kinsley, Ellie is once again delegates to cold cases. But, every one matters and as she tugs on the files found in Dr Burton's office, patterns and connections appear.
When Valerie is missing from WitSec , fear that Dr Kinsley us again targeting the "ones who got away" emerges. Capable if the most evil and devious revenge, who will Kingsley target and what innocents will become tangled I. His web?
Katrina has aligned herself with drug dealers, Clay has opened up to Ellie about his life. Dr Kinsley has emerged from seclusion and began his revenge.
As Cold Trail picks up the story, Ellie is suffering as she blames herself for Gabe's death and the stall of the investigation. Unable to connect to the detective in charge of the search for Kinsley, Ellie is once again delegates to cold cases. But, every one matters and as she tugs on the files found in Dr Burton's office, patterns and connections appear.
When Valerie is missing from WitSec , fear that Dr Kinsley us again targeting the "ones who got away" emerges. Capable if the most evil and devious revenge, who will Kingsley target and what innocents will become tangled I. His web?
March 2, 2024
Cold Trail: Ellie Kline Series Book 8
Mary Stone does it again. This author has a way of reeling in the reader until you’re hanging on every black letter sprawled across ivory pages.
In Book 8, Ellie comes to face the infamous Kingsley once more, but this time instead of sinister abandoned buildings, (now known as) Abel Del Rey sets his sights on tying up loose ends using his childhood vacation home as the backdrop for his newest rendition of Die,Bitch! Die!
From WitSec person to ‘beloved’ daughter of the sadistic killer, Katarina is now thrusted back into the entanglement of Kingsley’s crimson-splayed web. Kidnapping so many repeat victims AGAIN, will Ellie be too late to save the day?
Mary Stone does it again. This author has a way of reeling in the reader until you’re hanging on every black letter sprawled across ivory pages.
In Book 8, Ellie comes to face the infamous Kingsley once more, but this time instead of sinister abandoned buildings, (now known as) Abel Del Rey sets his sights on tying up loose ends using his childhood vacation home as the backdrop for his newest rendition of Die,Bitch! Die!
From WitSec person to ‘beloved’ daughter of the sadistic killer, Katarina is now thrusted back into the entanglement of Kingsley’s crimson-splayed web. Kidnapping so many repeat victims AGAIN, will Ellie be too late to save the day?
March 9, 2021
Cold Trail is the best book in the Ellie Kline series so far!! Ellie Kline is assigned a new case to find missing children while still on the hunt for Dr. Kingsley. How many times can one man outsmart the police ? Will this be the book when Ellie finally gets him? This book held my attention from the start only to end with a MAJOR cliffhanger for Detective Kline and FBI Agent Clay Lockwood. I can't wait to see what the future holds for Ellie on her hunt for Kingsley along with her personal life with Clay.
March 12, 2021
OMG!!!
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It was so good. But the bad thing about reading it so quickly is that it ended and I have to wait until the next new one comes out. I love this author's writing style. It's like silk. It just flows.
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely. The editing is clean. There are no spelling or grammatical errors that I saw. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery. I can't wait until the next new book comes out!
I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It was so good. But the bad thing about reading it so quickly is that it ended and I have to wait until the next new one comes out. I love this author's writing style. It's like silk. It just flows.
The characters are very well developed and believable. The dialogue flows freely. The editing is clean. There are no spelling or grammatical errors that I saw. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good mystery. I can't wait until the next new book comes out!
August 6, 2022
Much better than the last one, but...
Come On! Still haven't caught the bad guy by book 8? Nothing more to say than it at least had a bit more depth to the story. No loose ends like the last one (besides the obvious). If you are reading this, odds are you, like me, haven't given up yet. Probably not a glowing review for a book, but at least this one was fast paced. One glaring inconsistancy worth pointing out - see how Katarina ends a certain somebody's life and see how in the subsequent books they refrence it done in another way. How could the author forget something so important? Big big faux pas.
Come On! Still haven't caught the bad guy by book 8? Nothing more to say than it at least had a bit more depth to the story. No loose ends like the last one (besides the obvious). If you are reading this, odds are you, like me, haven't given up yet. Probably not a glowing review for a book, but at least this one was fast paced. One glaring inconsistancy worth pointing out - see how Katarina ends a certain somebody's life and see how in the subsequent books they refrence it done in another way. How could the author forget something so important? Big big faux pas.
March 26, 2021
I understand there will be one more to this series, which I will read. However, Ellie Kline's story with Kingsley is getting very old. You start at the beginning and plan on reading about 3,000 pages before you ever get to the end. When I finally do finish this series, it will be the last that I will read by this author. BTW - if you follow her on Facebook and explain this, you will have your comment deleted. Doesn't say much about the author or her admins.
March 27, 2021
This series is getting very very tired. Ellie should have been fired LONG ago. Also as mentioned in other reviews the Nick storyline started one way and was changed to fit what the authors wanted to do with the story. At NO time was nick against Ellie’s job. He was, in fact, the only one who SUPPORTED her career choice in the first few books. You cannot change already established storylines because you want it to go someplace else now.
April 6, 2021
This is my fav series!
Book 8 really held my attention. I like this story line and every character continues to change and evolve. Dr. Kingsley is such a bogus man, he appears and disappears almost at will. Just when you think Detective Kline will have him trapped he finds ingenious ways to escape. He is the ultimate bad man. Can’t wait to see the next book to see what happens to Clay and Ellie and their new reveal.
Book 8 really held my attention. I like this story line and every character continues to change and evolve. Dr. Kingsley is such a bogus man, he appears and disappears almost at will. Just when you think Detective Kline will have him trapped he finds ingenious ways to escape. He is the ultimate bad man. Can’t wait to see the next book to see what happens to Clay and Ellie and their new reveal.
May 14, 2021
Loved this book. Ellie has such determination and wants to solve the cold cases she has been given of missing children. Even with Kingsley haunting her and Witsec witnesses disappearing and being told to stay out of the Kingsley investigation she is determined to find him. The only thing I missed in this book was the friendship and camaraderie of Ellie, Jillian, Clay and Jacob. But, now I’m ready to read #9, which I understand is Ellie’s last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
Cold Trail
Cold Trail begins with a bang and ends with a bang. This book captures the imagination as well as the heart. The evil Dr. Kingsley, known now as Abel Del Rey is back in business and dedicated to getting the ones who got away. Ellie and Clay are just as dedicated to stopping him but don’t even know what he looks like now. This book has a surprise ending that is quite a twist. I can’t wait for the next book.
Cold Trail begins with a bang and ends with a bang. This book captures the imagination as well as the heart. The evil Dr. Kingsley, known now as Abel Del Rey is back in business and dedicated to getting the ones who got away. Ellie and Clay are just as dedicated to stopping him but don’t even know what he looks like now. This book has a surprise ending that is quite a twist. I can’t wait for the next book.
January 24, 2022
Good but...
I love a good mystery with suspense and plot twists which Mary Stone is good at. I gave this book 3 stars because seeing into the evil mind of a pedophile murderer is sickening. I would rather not go to such a dark evil perpetrated on innocent children even in the plot of a book. It is disgusting and wicked in my opinion. Reader beware it you share my abhorrence.
I love a good mystery with suspense and plot twists which Mary Stone is good at. I gave this book 3 stars because seeing into the evil mind of a pedophile murderer is sickening. I would rather not go to such a dark evil perpetrated on innocent children even in the plot of a book. It is disgusting and wicked in my opinion. Reader beware it you share my abhorrence.
January 27, 2022
OMG!! What a story!!!!
Clay has a sister who disappeared many years ago. Where is Caraleigh? Is she still alive? Did Kingsley have her at one time? Will Valerie survive her second capture by the evil doctor? Can Ellie save Harmony(Bethany) a 2nd time? Will Katerina get her daughter back? This is the best one so far! Find ell the answers in this excellent book! Highly recommended.
Clay has a sister who disappeared many years ago. Where is Caraleigh? Is she still alive? Did Kingsley have her at one time? Will Valerie survive her second capture by the evil doctor? Can Ellie save Harmony(Bethany) a 2nd time? Will Katerina get her daughter back? This is the best one so far! Find ell the answers in this excellent book! Highly recommended.
February 25, 2022
Ellie Kline,CPD, Clay Lockwood,FBI, both on special Task Force hunting for lost children.
If I could I would give more stars. This series has me wrapped up and trapped. Waiting anxiously to find what next. Praying that no more people get killed because each pierces Ellies heart like she did it herself. Everyone is trying to find this monster but he keeps getting away. But they are going to keep going after him. They have too.
If I could I would give more stars. This series has me wrapped up and trapped. Waiting anxiously to find what next. Praying that no more people get killed because each pierces Ellies heart like she did it herself. Everyone is trying to find this monster but he keeps getting away. But they are going to keep going after him. They have too.
April 13, 2024
Loving this series?!
I am really enjoying reading the Ellie Kline series. COLD TRAIL was the hardest to stomach so far as the descriptions of terrorizing someone were very descriptive and, well, terrifying!
Plus, I don’t enjoy even thoughts of harming children!!! But the read is still very good.
I do gloss over the recap of, seemingly, EVERY book plot in the book series. Really people? Read the books in order! Then the writer could move faster.
I am really enjoying reading the Ellie Kline series. COLD TRAIL was the hardest to stomach so far as the descriptions of terrorizing someone were very descriptive and, well, terrifying!
Plus, I don’t enjoy even thoughts of harming children!!! But the read is still very good.
I do gloss over the recap of, seemingly, EVERY book plot in the book series. Really people? Read the books in order! Then the writer could move faster.
March 24, 2021
Awesome
Born rich, kidnapped at 15 Ellie is out to stop the evil that is & has been destroying lives & getting closure for the cold cases she has been assigned to. If you like strong women, fast paced action edge of your seat thriller, you’ll love this series!! Can’t wait for the next one.. please continue this series!!!
Born rich, kidnapped at 15 Ellie is out to stop the evil that is & has been destroying lives & getting closure for the cold cases she has been assigned to. If you like strong women, fast paced action edge of your seat thriller, you’ll love this series!! Can’t wait for the next one.. please continue this series!!!
March 30, 2021
Ellie Kline
I am giving Mary Stone a five star rating as I just finished book 8! Written very well ALL 8 BOOKS, as soon as I finished the first the second etc. One book after another! They say you write what you know and if that's is true Mary wrote a great series , and waiting for more.well I guess the truth is I couldn't put them down now waiting for 9in May.
I am giving Mary Stone a five star rating as I just finished book 8! Written very well ALL 8 BOOKS, as soon as I finished the first the second etc. One book after another! They say you write what you know and if that's is true Mary wrote a great series , and waiting for more.well I guess the truth is I couldn't put them down now waiting for 9in May.
April 2, 2021
Full. Body. Chills.
That’s how the ending left me. Good freaking Lord, I don’t want to wait until May for the last book!!!!
Exceptionally well written, as all books in this series have been. Kingsley is probably my favorite villain to hate, and this was no different.
Great read!
That’s how the ending left me. Good freaking Lord, I don’t want to wait until May for the last book!!!!
Exceptionally well written, as all books in this series have been. Kingsley is probably my favorite villain to hate, and this was no different.
Great read!
April 14, 2021
Grrrrrrr.....
I almost gave this book one star based on the ending! Since this is #8 of 8, I assumed all the questions that have been unanswered in the previous books, would be answered! Now I have to wait for another book! One that’s not published yet! Grrrr..... I’m not a patient person and these books have grabbed me and pulled me in!
I almost gave this book one star based on the ending! Since this is #8 of 8, I assumed all the questions that have been unanswered in the previous books, would be answered! Now I have to wait for another book! One that’s not published yet! Grrrr..... I’m not a patient person and these books have grabbed me and pulled me in!
May 24, 2021
Excitement
What is there not to like? If readers are interested in reading books the keep you on the edge of your sit, this is the author to read & all of her series are excellent. Can not wait to see what happens in each book so I can move on to next book. Have never been disappointed in Mary Stone’s books.
What is there not to like? If readers are interested in reading books the keep you on the edge of your sit, this is the author to read & all of her series are excellent. Can not wait to see what happens in each book so I can move on to next book. Have never been disappointed in Mary Stone’s books.
May 25, 2021
I am becoming increasingly bored with these books. They are all the same. This one left a storyline unfinished as well as you know who, still in the wind. I will read the 10th and final book. The author (s) is/are growing as writers. I see a vast improvement from Book 1 to 9. However, I feel like they are stringing us along to write more books, and it is getting very old.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2021
I've loved this series and I'm now reading the final book, but I must admit I've picked up on a few mistakes in the storyline, it didn't make a great deal of difference to the fast paced action and nonstop anxiety about who will die next, but it made me stop and think "did I read that right?" On the whole, a good read!
May 12, 2023
NONSTOP AWESOME READING
Another awesome, nonstop reading by author, Mary Stone. Fascinating, attention grabbing, easy reading story that keeps me rivited till I finish and then can’t wait for the next episode in the series. I love these detective stories and recommend to anyone who loves this kind of book. Keep up the amazing work Mary Stone.
Another awesome, nonstop reading by author, Mary Stone. Fascinating, attention grabbing, easy reading story that keeps me rivited till I finish and then can’t wait for the next episode in the series. I love these detective stories and recommend to anyone who loves this kind of book. Keep up the amazing work Mary Stone.
March 13, 2021
Series to keep your interest
I have read everyone of Mary Stones book series. They get you from the beginning till then end. They are in my opinion the best. They will keep you on your toes waiting to see if they catch the monster and/or find Clays missing sister.
I have read everyone of Mary Stones book series. They get you from the beginning till then end. They are in my opinion the best. They will keep you on your toes waiting to see if they catch the monster and/or find Clays missing sister.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews