What do you think?
Rate this book
Ellie Kline #9
Cold Death
Kill or be killed...
Despite her blossoming relationship with Clay Lockwood, Charleston police detective Ellie Kline will never find her happily ever after until Dr. Lawrence Kingsley is locked away for good...or dead. Not only did the sociopathic psychiatrist kidnap Ellie when she was fifteen, the serial killer has murdered or traumatized everyone Ellie has sworn to protect. She's no longer looking for justice...she’s looking for vengeance.
Now, with Kingsley’s protégé in a psych ward, it’s up to Ellie to find Katerina’s young daughter, Bethany, the latest victim of Kingsley’s monstrous machinations, before he kills again.
But there’s nothing Kingsley loves more than a game of cat and mouse, with Ellie as his unwilling opponent. Before long, Ellie is drawn into the doctor’s twisted game as he leaves her clues that lead her on a dangerous hunt—one that could finally put an end to Kingsley...or to Ellie and everyone she loves.
Lock your doors, steel yourself, and hold on tight for Cold Death, the bone-chillingly nerve-racking and thrilling conclusion to the Ellie Kline Series.
Despite her blossoming relationship with Clay Lockwood, Charleston police detective Ellie Kline will never find her happily ever after until Dr. Lawrence Kingsley is locked away for good...or dead. Not only did the sociopathic psychiatrist kidnap Ellie when she was fifteen, the serial killer has murdered or traumatized everyone Ellie has sworn to protect. She's no longer looking for justice...she’s looking for vengeance.
Now, with Kingsley’s protégé in a psych ward, it’s up to Ellie to find Katerina’s young daughter, Bethany, the latest victim of Kingsley’s monstrous machinations, before he kills again.
But there’s nothing Kingsley loves more than a game of cat and mouse, with Ellie as his unwilling opponent. Before long, Ellie is drawn into the doctor’s twisted game as he leaves her clues that lead her on a dangerous hunt—one that could finally put an end to Kingsley...or to Ellie and everyone she loves.
Lock your doors, steel yourself, and hold on tight for Cold Death, the bone-chillingly nerve-racking and thrilling conclusion to the Ellie Kline Series.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 12, 2021
1493 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,148 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
May 14, 2021
The series finale was satisfying all loose ends were tied up. Didn’t leaving you wondering what’s next. Kept me on the edge she couldn’t put it down. Definitely worth the read.
June 23, 2021
For Every End There is a Beginning
As Detective Ellie Kline continues her quest to take down, Dr Kinsley and put an end to her nightmare, she has learned to open herself to friendships. Her partner Jacob, sidekick and roommate Jillian and even FBI Special Agent Clay Lockhart, as well as Duke and Sam, have broken down some if her trauma shields and forged a relationship.
As Dr Kinsley emerges from his disappearance and begins to eliminate his enemies, Ellie is drawn back into his web. But who will thus demented killer target next? When Kinsley locates Katrina and Bethany in WitSec, the game is on. Delving into Kingsley's past uncovers a myriad of death and destruction going back years. The overlapping cases are difficult to digest and follow as Ellie is forced to work with and for so many victims. As the chase continues and the players converge, Stone and Berdel do an amazing job of tying up cases and resolving family issues.
When the story ends, the reader is left feeling that the next chapter of Ellie's life may be more pleasant, but that many threads and adventures remain
As Detective Ellie Kline continues her quest to take down, Dr Kinsley and put an end to her nightmare, she has learned to open herself to friendships. Her partner Jacob, sidekick and roommate Jillian and even FBI Special Agent Clay Lockhart, as well as Duke and Sam, have broken down some if her trauma shields and forged a relationship.
As Dr Kinsley emerges from his disappearance and begins to eliminate his enemies, Ellie is drawn back into his web. But who will thus demented killer target next? When Kinsley locates Katrina and Bethany in WitSec, the game is on. Delving into Kingsley's past uncovers a myriad of death and destruction going back years. The overlapping cases are difficult to digest and follow as Ellie is forced to work with and for so many victims. As the chase continues and the players converge, Stone and Berdel do an amazing job of tying up cases and resolving family issues.
When the story ends, the reader is left feeling that the next chapter of Ellie's life may be more pleasant, but that many threads and adventures remain
January 11, 2026
4 Stars
‘A determined detective haunted by her past, Ellie Kline investigates chilling cold cases while being stalked by the relentless killer who once shattered her life.’
Cold Death is Book #9 in the ‘Ellie Kline’ Series by Mary Stone - where we follow Charleston PD detective Ellie Kline - a survivor of a teenage kidnapping. The series blends gritty police work with the haunting pull of Ellie’s unresolved trauma. Each book dives into chilling cold cases, but the real hook is Ellie herself: fiercely determined, deeply human, and constantly walking the razor’s edge between justice and obsession.
Ms. Stone masterfully choreographs fast-paced plots with layered character development, keeping you invested and guessing until the final page. The recurring shadow of Ellie’s past adds a slow-burn tension that makes the series quite addictive - think procedural precision meets psychological depth.
Start at book one, you’ll thank yourself later - Ellie Kline will be your next obsession.
Happy Reading…
‘A determined detective haunted by her past, Ellie Kline investigates chilling cold cases while being stalked by the relentless killer who once shattered her life.’
Cold Death is Book #9 in the ‘Ellie Kline’ Series by Mary Stone - where we follow Charleston PD detective Ellie Kline - a survivor of a teenage kidnapping. The series blends gritty police work with the haunting pull of Ellie’s unresolved trauma. Each book dives into chilling cold cases, but the real hook is Ellie herself: fiercely determined, deeply human, and constantly walking the razor’s edge between justice and obsession.
Ms. Stone masterfully choreographs fast-paced plots with layered character development, keeping you invested and guessing until the final page. The recurring shadow of Ellie’s past adds a slow-burn tension that makes the series quite addictive - think procedural precision meets psychological depth.
Start at book one, you’ll thank yourself later - Ellie Kline will be your next obsession.
Happy Reading…
August 31, 2021
What a shame that this is the last book in the Ellie Kline series because I really liked the character, her friends and her indomitable mother. Perhaps she can find other crimes to solve in the future and I would enjoy finding out how her personal life develops.
In the meantime this novel neatly wrapped up her story line with an almost completely satisfying ending. I had actually begun to like Katarina but I guess her fate became inevitable the day she met Kingsley as a young girl.
The book was well written and edited and I flew through the pages to find out what would happen.
Good luck with the next collaboration but don’t forget about Ellie!
In the meantime this novel neatly wrapped up her story line with an almost completely satisfying ending. I had actually begun to like Katarina but I guess her fate became inevitable the day she met Kingsley as a young girl.
The book was well written and edited and I flew through the pages to find out what would happen.
Good luck with the next collaboration but don’t forget about Ellie!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2021
Wow, unexpected twists, turns and revelations throughout the book. Ellie is still looking for Dr. Kingsley and Bethany while Clay is looking for his sister. Katarina’s mama bear comes out during the search for Bethany. A surprising death occurs in the police department. Emotions range from fear, horror, despair, sadness, but also relief, happiness, and peace. Revelations are revealed about Katarina and Kingsley that have you wondering what if. The book is well written and the ending is, well you need to read it to find out. Make sure to have tissues handy.
May 28, 2021
What an ending! This is a great series and story full of suspense, action, crime solving, and romance. The loose ends that Ellie and Zane were working on were all addressed and had a few extra surprises thrown in at them. The writing was fast paced and the action kept my brain jumping to the next scene. There were a few predictable moments, but also a few mouth dropping no moments! I love reading the characters and worlds created by this author and Ellie is a favorite for me. While I hate that her series is over, I loved the way it all wrapped up!
May 30, 2021
Okay, just finished this, and I will say I cried. I cried when Fortis was murdered, I liked him a lot. and yes, I will freely admit I cried when Katarina was murdered by kingsley. I felt that kingsley's demise was too quick! they should have tied him to a damned chair and tortured him for awhile. So far I have read every series, now I'm reading the one with storm. there's only four to this series. After I finish those four I'll have to look for more. I love her writing and I love her books! I always feel she leaves each series so she can revisit occasionally.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
Loved this series
I was a preteen in Houston Texas when the term was "mass murderer" and the villain was a man named Dean Corrll - the Candy Man. My obsession with serial killers was born from the nightly news coverage of more and more discovered bodies.
Everyone knows Bundy, Dahmer, BTK, Zodiac, etc. but my innocence was shattered at age twelve with 28 recovered bodies in and around Houston, Texas in 1973 and a prolific sadistic killer few know about even today. There may be more victims so his body count is 28+.
I was a preteen in Houston Texas when the term was "mass murderer" and the villain was a man named Dean Corrll - the Candy Man. My obsession with serial killers was born from the nightly news coverage of more and more discovered bodies.
Everyone knows Bundy, Dahmer, BTK, Zodiac, etc. but my innocence was shattered at age twelve with 28 recovered bodies in and around Houston, Texas in 1973 and a prolific sadistic killer few know about even today. There may be more victims so his body count is 28+.
May 15, 2021
What a thrilling, exciting ending to a faced-paced roller coaster ride of a series. This book answers many questions, solves many problems, and leaves readers with a satisfactory ending to a thriller/suspense story. I highly recommend the whole series to everyone. Please get all the books in the series and start from the beginning and read to the end. Wow! You won’t be disappointed. I received a complementary ARC copy of the book for an honest review.
May 16, 2021
Satisfying ending to a great series
I've enjoyed this series since it first showed up as a recommendation on kindle unlimited, and this was an extremely satisfying ending. There are sad parts, it isn't a 100% happy ending. But given the premise and everything that has happened, the way it ends is believable and everything I could've reasonably hoped for and I'm not at all disappointed.
I've enjoyed this series since it first showed up as a recommendation on kindle unlimited, and this was an extremely satisfying ending. There are sad parts, it isn't a 100% happy ending. But given the premise and everything that has happened, the way it ends is believable and everything I could've reasonably hoped for and I'm not at all disappointed.
May 25, 2021
Finally the conclusion
Finally the conclusion to the Ellie Kline series. It only took 9 books and about 3000 pages for Ellie to get Kingsley. If you don't mind continuations in a book, then start at the beginning of the series. I do not like having to wade through multiple books to reach the conclusion. The only positive aspect is that it is months, not years between the books. The author has other series, but I won't be reading them.
Finally the conclusion to the Ellie Kline series. It only took 9 books and about 3000 pages for Ellie to get Kingsley. If you don't mind continuations in a book, then start at the beginning of the series. I do not like having to wade through multiple books to reach the conclusion. The only positive aspect is that it is months, not years between the books. The author has other series, but I won't be reading them.
May 21, 2022
A Can Not Stop Reading Kline Thriller
I've read each of the Ellie Kline Series books. Even though each has kept me on the edge to get to the ending, Cold Death was a non-stop marathon read. I literally had to stop long enough to do daily routines, including sleeping. I recommend reading each book in order to become an intricate part of the narrative. I'm ready to try to solve Book 10; knowing there will be an extraordinary unforseen
ending!
I've read each of the Ellie Kline Series books. Even though each has kept me on the edge to get to the ending, Cold Death was a non-stop marathon read. I literally had to stop long enough to do daily routines, including sleeping. I recommend reading each book in order to become an intricate part of the narrative. I'm ready to try to solve Book 10; knowing there will be an extraordinary unforseen
ending!
October 17, 2022
I want to continue
I personally love books that have away to keep me interested. This reading does just that. I think family parents that enjoy reading and feel deeply about the children might like to venture in this book.
It’s always tough to deal some happy and more of the sad. I seem to get by it, but I no they do both exist. So cheering on the good and hoping that is the ending to be red.
I personally love books that have away to keep me interested. This reading does just that. I think family parents that enjoy reading and feel deeply about the children might like to venture in this book.
It’s always tough to deal some happy and more of the sad. I seem to get by it, but I no they do both exist. So cheering on the good and hoping that is the ending to be red.
March 7, 2024
Cold Death: Ellie Kline Series Book 9
My anxiety ran rampant during the course of this book. From the boarded
-up ‘abandoned’ home of the infamous serial killer, to the look inside his life as a teenaged abuse victim, this installment in the Ellie Kline series sent me in a rollercoaster of emotions.
I’m quire interested in what the next book holds for our fiery-haired heroine.
My anxiety ran rampant during the course of this book. From the boarded
-up ‘abandoned’ home of the infamous serial killer, to the look inside his life as a teenaged abuse victim, this installment in the Ellie Kline series sent me in a rollercoaster of emotions.
I’m quire interested in what the next book holds for our fiery-haired heroine.
May 16, 2021
Spine tingling and heart stopping moments throughout this final book. Will Ellie be able to save Bethany before Kingsley can harm her? Who has kidnapped her mom? Who is Leticia? So many questions that you have to read this book. You want to have chilling and thrilling heart pounding moments then this is the series you want to read.
May 18, 2021
Eye-opening, twisty wrap-up to an intense thriller series!
These ladies sure can craft a super creepy villain, and an imperfect amazing heroine! Satisfying in a full-circle, twisty, teary-eyed way, and excited to sense a spin off coming.
Triggers: child neglect- physical & psychological abuse
I was given an ARC of this novel, and CHOSE to leave an honest review.
These ladies sure can craft a super creepy villain, and an imperfect amazing heroine! Satisfying in a full-circle, twisty, teary-eyed way, and excited to sense a spin off coming.
Triggers: child neglect- physical & psychological abuse
I was given an ARC of this novel, and CHOSE to leave an honest review.
May 20, 2021
Finally
It's great to be to finished with the series. I am not really keen on cliffhangers between each book so I am g!ad there is a finale. This particular book was quite compelling and that made it hard to put down. That's a good thing though. I don't want to give away a single thing. just read it!
It's great to be to finished with the series. I am not really keen on cliffhangers between each book so I am g!ad there is a finale. This particular book was quite compelling and that made it hard to put down. That's a good thing though. I don't want to give away a single thing. just read it!
May 23, 2021
I am so sad to say goodbye to Ellie!!! I truly enjoyed this series. I won't give anything away, but I was hoping for a little more closure on certain things.
There were great characters, lots of action, somethings I didn't see coming and some I did. It kept me on the edge of my seat page flipping the pages and wishing a certain someone was caught.
Hopefully we will see Ellie and gang in the next series, but who knows???
Thank you Mary and Donna for a great adventure!!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!
There were great characters, lots of action, somethings I didn't see coming and some I did. It kept me on the edge of my seat page flipping the pages and wishing a certain someone was caught.
Hopefully we will see Ellie and gang in the next series, but who knows???
Thank you Mary and Donna for a great adventure!!!! Can't wait for the next one!!!
June 3, 2021
Finally finished the series.
I waited until the end of the series to review these. Interesting characters, with lots of information about psychopaths. I enjoyed Ellie's journey, but felt that this could have been trimmed by a few books. I can only read about the monster so long.
I waited until the end of the series to review these. Interesting characters, with lots of information about psychopaths. I enjoyed Ellie's journey, but felt that this could have been trimmed by a few books. I can only read about the monster so long.
June 7, 2021
A Bit Anticlimactic!
I was so ready for the final chapter but life got busier for a change and I didn't devour this book. Of course, the ending was similar to what I imagined; but it was such an ordeal to arrive to the conclusion! Now I have to decide which of their series to tackle.
I was so ready for the final chapter but life got busier for a change and I didn't devour this book. Of course, the ending was similar to what I imagined; but it was such an ordeal to arrive to the conclusion! Now I have to decide which of their series to tackle.
January 16, 2022
Anything Mary Stone writes about Ellie Kline, I want to read it!
Cold Death has all the chills, feels and and wanting to jump in the pages and help!
I always love the roller coaster books of Mary Stone and #ColdDeath is an awesome satisfying finish
to Ellie Kline #9.
And they live happily ever after….probably not!
Cold Death has all the chills, feels and and wanting to jump in the pages and help!
I always love the roller coaster books of Mary Stone and #ColdDeath is an awesome satisfying finish
to Ellie Kline #9.
And they live happily ever after….probably not!
January 27, 2022
WOW!! Who thought it would end like this??
And the best part is that this is not the end!!!! There is another book coming soon. What will Ellie do next? Will she ever be truly happy with Clay? Is Kingsley really gone for good now? Who knows? You will if you read this outstanding book! Highly recommended.
And the best part is that this is not the end!!!! There is another book coming soon. What will Ellie do next? Will she ever be truly happy with Clay? Is Kingsley really gone for good now? Who knows? You will if you read this outstanding book! Highly recommended.
February 26, 2022
this is Ellie and Katrina’s story with that sorry ass Kingsley thrown in.
Ellie Kline, detective CPD, KATRINA, MOTHER, Victims, both part of Kingsley’s manipulation. Ellie at 15 and Katrina for years. Both trying to find the same little girl, Katrina’s daughter, Bethany. Now in Kingsleys hands and they have to get her before he can damage her the way he did them.
Ellie Kline, detective CPD, KATRINA, MOTHER, Victims, both part of Kingsley’s manipulation. Ellie at 15 and Katrina for years. Both trying to find the same little girl, Katrina’s daughter, Bethany. Now in Kingsleys hands and they have to get her before he can damage her the way he did them.
July 4, 2022
Cold Death
OMG!!!!!!! This book had it all, from happy, to sad,and to make you angry and frustrated. I laughed and cried. I am happy that the "master" is finally gone but sad the Bethany doesn't get to see her mother anymore. I am happy the Ellie and Clay are together and that Clay got his baby sister back and that Luke is finally free. I can't wait to see were this is going.
OMG!!!!!!! This book had it all, from happy, to sad,and to make you angry and frustrated. I laughed and cried. I am happy that the "master" is finally gone but sad the Bethany doesn't get to see her mother anymore. I am happy the Ellie and Clay are together and that Clay got his baby sister back and that Luke is finally free. I can't wait to see were this is going.
May 17, 2023
LIKE A GOOD PREACHED SERMON
Like a good preached sermon, this book keeps you gripping the pew expecting the judgment to fall. It leads you to tears of sorrow and then to tears of joy. When it’s all over you are so happy and ready for the next chapter in Ellie Klines mysteries. Thanks to Mary Stone for your great work.
Like a good preached sermon, this book keeps you gripping the pew expecting the judgment to fall. It leads you to tears of sorrow and then to tears of joy. When it’s all over you are so happy and ready for the next chapter in Ellie Klines mysteries. Thanks to Mary Stone for your great work.
February 27, 2024
The horrors just keep on comin' !
Wow! Cold Death just keeps the horrors coming! Ellie, the Police Detective and Clay the FBI Agent along with many others are on the trail of what is undoubtedly the most horrible criminal there ever was, and the people who helped make him. Will he ever be neutralized, will the horrors never end?
Wow! Cold Death just keeps the horrors coming! Ellie, the Police Detective and Clay the FBI Agent along with many others are on the trail of what is undoubtedly the most horrible criminal there ever was, and the people who helped make him. Will he ever be neutralized, will the horrors never end?
August 23, 2025
Thank you for the ending!
I have scarfed down all the preceding books in this series like a starving person, reading one right after the other! This series is exce!!ent and quite frankly, I couldn't put it down! You won't be disappointed believe me! Now, on to the rest of this series!
I have scarfed down all the preceding books in this series like a starving person, reading one right after the other! This series is exce!!ent and quite frankly, I couldn't put it down! You won't be disappointed believe me! Now, on to the rest of this series!
May 15, 2021
The Best!
It’s hard to be sad about an end when your adrenaline is going crazy from a fantastic story. Such an awesome series and a perfect ending. I will watch for and read anything from these authors!
It’s hard to be sad about an end when your adrenaline is going crazy from a fantastic story. Such an awesome series and a perfect ending. I will watch for and read anything from these authors!
May 15, 2021
This is the last book in the Ellie Kline series. My heart was pounding from the first page! I have enjoyed the other books, and was quite sad that I would no longer be involved in Ellie's story. This finale is fantastic, gripping and even better than the episodes that preceded it.
May 18, 2021
I'm sad it's over
This was a fabulous series, and I hate to see it end. But I am looking forward to the new series. I have read every book Mary Stone has written and I've loved every one of them.
This was a fabulous series, and I hate to see it end. But I am looking forward to the new series. I have read every book Mary Stone has written and I've loved every one of them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews