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DI Stella Cole Thriller #6
Death Wears A Golden Cloak
A serial killer stalks a snowbound Swedish town ... with marriage in mindThe priest in a snow-blanketed Swedish town opens her church and discovers a dead woman on the altar. The corpse is dressed in a wedding gown and clutches a fresh bunch of cornflowers. Fatima Engquist has no signs of violence on her body and the local cops soon call the Stockholm murder squad. Kriminalinspektör Stella Cole lands the case.Once a rising star at Scotland Yard, Stella calls Sweden home now. She was blackmailed into leaving Britain by an ambitious Home Secretary who knows all about her dark past and is exploiting Stella’s guilty secrets for her own ends.More dead bridesOn the case with Stella are detectives Johanna Carlsson and Oskar Norgrim. As they investigate Fatima Engquist’s murder, another dead woman is found on the same church altar. Also wearing her wedding dress. Also holding a posy of out-of-season cornflowers.Fatima's brothers appear to be prime suspects, but then an unexpected turn of events changes the case entirely. Meanwhile, the town priest is doing some sleuthing of her own. But is her interest as innocent as it seems?"I'm not the evil one, Stella!"With pressure from her boss and the Swedish media to produce an early result before any more dead brides turn up, Stella Cole needs to be at her sharpest to catch a serial killer who doesn’t even believe he’s evil.He's following the case intently, and starts targeting people who are obscuring his "message" - and that includes Stella herself.Readers’ opinionsThis hard-hitting, gritty and violent crime thriller is the second book in Andy Maslen’s popular Stella Cole series. Be prepared to lose sleep as you promise yourself ‘just one more chapter’."Another great book from Andy. Stella is now working and living in Sweden. She ends up with a case on her desk after a dead woman dressed in her wedding dress was found in the altar of a church. The twists and turns make for an interesting read. If you haven't found the Stella Cole series yet it's one I can highly recommend."Maureen Russell"What a good move to have Stella seconded to Sweden, giving her fresh fields to challenge her deductive skills, along with different cultural challenges. I found the storyline gripping and with a foreign setting, gave me a better understanding of different procedurals and customs. A superb addition to a great series!"Colin M. Willmott"Another Stella Cole murder mystery set in the snow. I loved it that much that it took me a day and a half to read. I won’t give away any spoilers but if your a fan you really need to read this ASAP."Trisha BucklerThe second novel in an enthralling seriesThis hard-hitting, gritty and violent crime thriller is the sixth book in Andy Maslen’s popular Stella Cole series. Be prepared to lose sleep as you promise yourself ‘just one more chapter’.BUY YOUR COPY OF DEATH WEARS A YELLOW CLOAK NOW
- GenresCrime
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
207 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
73 books520 followersMULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 30, 2021
Stella Cole is Back, only she has been blackmailed into leaving Britain by those who know her dark past and secrets, and use that knowledge to benefit themselves. But crimes are happening in Sweden, as Stella takes a new case of a woman found dead on a church's altar, dressed in a wedding gown with fresh cornflowers in her hands. As the investigation continues another woman is found at the same church, dressed the same with another bouquet of cornflowers. A serial killer is at work, and Stella works with Detectives Johanna Carlsson and Oskar Norgrim as the Boss puts pressure on them to get results before any more dead brides turn up!
Stella is at her best, following the twists and turns meant to mess with her investigation, but the bodies do continue to pile up! With memorable characters, exciting action, and a need to find out just why these women are being murdered, this fabulous thriller will hold your attention deeply from the first page to the last! By an author who brings a fantastic story to us every time, a very enjoyable read with the always on her toes Stella Cole!
I received an ARC from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
Stella is at her best, following the twists and turns meant to mess with her investigation, but the bodies do continue to pile up! With memorable characters, exciting action, and a need to find out just why these women are being murdered, this fabulous thriller will hold your attention deeply from the first page to the last! By an author who brings a fantastic story to us every time, a very enjoyable read with the always on her toes Stella Cole!
I received an ARC from the author and I offer You my honest thoughts and feelings in this review.
June 10, 2022
This is an interesting police drama and the blend of solid police legwork and forensics was good. I liked the character of Stella but I had a hard time grasping her past. This book does not really stand alone. Throughout the book there are hints and mentions of her backstory but it is hard to piece it together. She apparently killed a lot of people and justified it by convincing herself that people above her in rank wanted her to kill them and reduce the ranks of a secret organization. But I wasn't convinced. Stella is an interesting character and being an English officer on assignment in Sweden adapts very well to the new culture, laws and language. Amazingly well actually. I figured out the killer and the plot about 60% through the story but it was still interesting to read it all.
Currently reading
March 3, 2025Stella Cole has been blackmailed into leaving her job with the British PD, and is now an investigator with the Swedish police, working for the Stockholm Police as a Kriminalinspektör, a part of their murder squad. and boy, this one is a real doozie.
September 30, 2021
DI Stella Cole Proves Once Again She Is Not To Be Trifled With As She Hunts A Serial Killer
No longer in her homeland, DI Stella Cole now calls Sweden home, and while some things change, the politics, the action, and the suspense, does not!
Stella, and her team, are on the hunt for a serial killer with a penchant for new brides. Can Stella and her team apprehend him before he strikes again, or will his reign of terror continue in this small Swedish Community? Well. You’ll have to read it to find out. I don't do spoilers.
Andy Maslen is a member of a select group of authors who always writes a suspenseful and thrilling story. His characters are always multi-dimensional, some, like DI Stella Cole may seem to have “issues” but then don’t we all?
I HIGHLY Recommend “Death Wears a Golden Cloak” to those of you who enjoy tightly written, thrilling, and suspenseful reading. Yes, it can be read as a “standalone”, but it is book six(6) in a series so there are references that will leave you wondering, and therefore I recommend some “binge reading”.
As an Advanced Copy Reader, I received a “FREE” copy of this book, in exchange for agreeing to write, and post, an “HONEST” review, I was neither offered nor did I accept any other consideration to influence my review. This is an HONEST Review” based solely upon my personal enjoyment of the book.
No longer in her homeland, DI Stella Cole now calls Sweden home, and while some things change, the politics, the action, and the suspense, does not!
Stella, and her team, are on the hunt for a serial killer with a penchant for new brides. Can Stella and her team apprehend him before he strikes again, or will his reign of terror continue in this small Swedish Community? Well. You’ll have to read it to find out. I don't do spoilers.
Andy Maslen is a member of a select group of authors who always writes a suspenseful and thrilling story. His characters are always multi-dimensional, some, like DI Stella Cole may seem to have “issues” but then don’t we all?
I HIGHLY Recommend “Death Wears a Golden Cloak” to those of you who enjoy tightly written, thrilling, and suspenseful reading. Yes, it can be read as a “standalone”, but it is book six(6) in a series so there are references that will leave you wondering, and therefore I recommend some “binge reading”.
As an Advanced Copy Reader, I received a “FREE” copy of this book, in exchange for agreeing to write, and post, an “HONEST” review, I was neither offered nor did I accept any other consideration to influence my review. This is an HONEST Review” based solely upon my personal enjoyment of the book.
September 30, 2021
This is another DI Stella Cole Winner
Major Characters
• Stella Cole, Detective Inspector of England's Scotland Yard
• Johanna (Jonna) Carlsson and Oskar Norgrim, Swedish Detectives
Story Line
DI Stella Cole has been seconded to Sweden from London. Soon after she arrives, Sweden Home Secretary Gemma Dowding sends her to the Sweden Police Authority for a two-year assignment. Then shortly, she and Jonna are sent to the town of Soederbarke to investigate a murder. After arriving to the town, the search for the murderer turns into the search for serial killer.
Follow Stella, Jonna, and Oskar as they search for this insidious killer while they weave their travels amongst members of the press, higher Swedish police authorities, and the members of Soederbarke who just want to be safe in their hometown.
Heads-up: for those who are just reading their first Stella Cole mystery, you will find herein short tales of previous cases that Stella has worked and people she's killed. This will definitely drive you to read other Andy Maslen's Stella Cole books.
Major Characters
• Stella Cole, Detective Inspector of England's Scotland Yard
• Johanna (Jonna) Carlsson and Oskar Norgrim, Swedish Detectives
Story Line
DI Stella Cole has been seconded to Sweden from London. Soon after she arrives, Sweden Home Secretary Gemma Dowding sends her to the Sweden Police Authority for a two-year assignment. Then shortly, she and Jonna are sent to the town of Soederbarke to investigate a murder. After arriving to the town, the search for the murderer turns into the search for serial killer.
Follow Stella, Jonna, and Oskar as they search for this insidious killer while they weave their travels amongst members of the press, higher Swedish police authorities, and the members of Soederbarke who just want to be safe in their hometown.
Heads-up: for those who are just reading their first Stella Cole mystery, you will find herein short tales of previous cases that Stella has worked and people she's killed. This will definitely drive you to read other Andy Maslen's Stella Cole books.
September 30, 2021
Stella returns!
Stella has moved to Sweden following a threat from a senior politician as her history seems to be returning to haunt her! A bride is murdered just before their anniversary and is found in the church, is she the only victim or will there be more? Another excellent Stella novel and the start of a new life for her in Scandinavia, but has Jamie lost interest after the revelations in the last novel or is he still secretly hankering after her? Stella’s life has moved on and she is still an excellent Member of the Police force and is solving crimes along with the help of her colleagues in the Sweden in her own inimitable way but with the same good solid results. The weather may have changed but not Stella in this fantastic new book in the Stella series, roll on the next one!
Stella has moved to Sweden following a threat from a senior politician as her history seems to be returning to haunt her! A bride is murdered just before their anniversary and is found in the church, is she the only victim or will there be more? Another excellent Stella novel and the start of a new life for her in Scandinavia, but has Jamie lost interest after the revelations in the last novel or is he still secretly hankering after her? Stella’s life has moved on and she is still an excellent Member of the Police force and is solving crimes along with the help of her colleagues in the Sweden in her own inimitable way but with the same good solid results. The weather may have changed but not Stella in this fantastic new book in the Stella series, roll on the next one!
September 16, 2021
Homicide Detective Stella Cole has been made to leave Britain and go to Sweden in an exchange program. No choice---she was forced to go. As soon as she gets settled in to the way of life in Sweden, there's a dead girl found murdered and placed on a church alter in her wedding dress in a small town. And then another girl is found the same way and then a third. With only a handful of police officers to assist her in the small town, Stella is racing against time to find the killer before there are more dead girls found.
October 6, 2021
Andy does it again! Stella is back at her Brilliant best. She's in Sweden on secondment. Murder is as usual the name of the game. There are times when Stella's alter ego begins to raise her head when the case takes a turn and memories from her past are questioned. Will she be able to keep her under control? A Superb storyline that we have become to expect from Andy Maslen. Death Wears A Golden Cloak is a must read. Wholeheartedly recommend this thrilling book.
October 18, 2021
life is never how you imagine it will be
We find Stella living and working is Sweden in this novel , she has been forced out of England by a high flying politician with an unknown agenda but has adapted her life to cope.
Then her sedate existence is shattered by a killer on a mission , follow her as she try’s to solve this case , good emotional writing with lots of surprises along the way as we have come to expect from Andy Marlene . Well written crime drama I’d recommend
We find Stella living and working is Sweden in this novel , she has been forced out of England by a high flying politician with an unknown agenda but has adapted her life to cope.
Then her sedate existence is shattered by a killer on a mission , follow her as she try’s to solve this case , good emotional writing with lots of surprises along the way as we have come to expect from Andy Marlene . Well written crime drama I’d recommend
September 23, 2021
An excellent murder mystery thriller with a well written storyline and a great cast of characters. Stella and Jonna attempt to solve the murders going on in a Swedish town. A real page turner with plenty of action and suspense. Highly recommended mystery. Will be looking for Stella's next adventure in solving crimes..
October 13, 2021
Good storyline.
A good storyline involving a Detective Inspector seconded from an English police force to Sweden. A transfer that results in her investigation of murders in a small town centred around local churches or buildings linked to them. All in all a good storyline albeit a bit slow at times.
A good storyline involving a Detective Inspector seconded from an English police force to Sweden. A transfer that results in her investigation of murders in a small town centred around local churches or buildings linked to them. All in all a good storyline albeit a bit slow at times.
October 19, 2021
Great book
Another great book from Andy. Stella is now working and living in Sweden. She ends up with a case on her desk after a dead woman dressed in her wedding dress was found in the altar of a church. The twists and turns make for an interesting read. If you haven't found the Stella Cole series yet it's one I can highly recommend.
Another great book from Andy. Stella is now working and living in Sweden. She ends up with a case on her desk after a dead woman dressed in her wedding dress was found in the altar of a church. The twists and turns make for an interesting read. If you haven't found the Stella Cole series yet it's one I can highly recommend.
October 15, 2025
Persistence Pays Off
As Stella is immersing herself deeper into her new Swedish life, a serial killer puts her and her team under serious pressure. Beset by ambiguous motives and obfuscating suspects, solving this one puts her once again at risk of death and self doubt. Another twisting page turner from the amazing Andy Maslen.
As Stella is immersing herself deeper into her new Swedish life, a serial killer puts her and her team under serious pressure. Beset by ambiguous motives and obfuscating suspects, solving this one puts her once again at risk of death and self doubt. Another twisting page turner from the amazing Andy Maslen.
September 30, 2021
Death Wears A Golden Cloak by Andy Maslen is the latest in the Stella Cole series and in this storyline Stella Cole is now based in Sweden. Stella and her small team investigate the murders of young women who are left on the altar of the local church on the eve of the first year they were married. The cause of death is not obvious but it is poison, which is derived from a particular frog only produced by one laboratory in Sweden. The death toll carries on rising until eight women are dead.
Will Stella find the killer and find out why the women are being killed on that specific date?
Highly recommended
Will Stella find the killer and find out why the women are being killed on that specific date?
Highly recommended
September 30, 2021
Sorry I can't give more than 5 stars.
Andy Maslen is a master storyteller, of that there is no doubt.
Each Stella Cole story is a work of art in it's own right.
Deep and dark, intense yet subtle, not to be missed.
A whole shoal of red herrings.
Enjoy.
Andy Maslen is a master storyteller, of that there is no doubt.
Each Stella Cole story is a work of art in it's own right.
Deep and dark, intense yet subtle, not to be missed.
A whole shoal of red herrings.
Enjoy.
October 6, 2021
Has Stella encountered the devil?
Is it a sick one off or is the killer about to taunt Stella? Getting a nickname of SuperCop does not help Stella gel with all her colleagues. This rollercoaster ride leaves the reader eager for more.
Is it a sick one off or is the killer about to taunt Stella? Getting a nickname of SuperCop does not help Stella gel with all her colleagues. This rollercoaster ride leaves the reader eager for more.
October 8, 2021
Fantastic read
What is the inside of Andy Maslen's head like? He writes fantastic books. This is yet another fantastic book. There are twist and turns all the way through this book. I highly recommend you read all of Andy Maslen's books
What is the inside of Andy Maslen's head like? He writes fantastic books. This is yet another fantastic book. There are twist and turns all the way through this book. I highly recommend you read all of Andy Maslen's books
October 11, 2021
Stella is terrifyingly good!
Thanks Andy for yet another excellent yarn. Stella is such a brilliant character and now I have to wait to see just what this unpredictable lady is going to do with her new conundrum.
Thanks Andy for yet another excellent yarn. Stella is such a brilliant character and now I have to wait to see just what this unpredictable lady is going to do with her new conundrum.
October 12, 2021
STELLA is back
In this newest offering our fav DI Cole has moved to Sweden. With a serial killer on the loose, Stella is once again on the path to find the crazy. The story kept me wondering and on the edge and of my seat til the end. Great Read
In this newest offering our fav DI Cole has moved to Sweden. With a serial killer on the loose, Stella is once again on the path to find the crazy. The story kept me wondering and on the edge and of my seat til the end. Great Read
October 13, 2021
Stella delivers
Stella delivers .No matter the obstacles ghosts of her past, love life in the trash, run out of her own country and learning a new language. Stella is on the trail of another serial killer a good read with a high stakes ending. Stella never dissapoints.
Stella delivers .No matter the obstacles ghosts of her past, love life in the trash, run out of her own country and learning a new language. Stella is on the trail of another serial killer a good read with a high stakes ending. Stella never dissapoints.
December 22, 2021
Red herrings here and there
Another Andy Maslen , Stella Cole story..really enjoy the characters and the the story weaved around them all set amongst the background of a Swedish winter.
Thank you Andy for another great read🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Another Andy Maslen , Stella Cole story..really enjoy the characters and the the story weaved around them all set amongst the background of a Swedish winter.
Thank you Andy for another great read🙏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
January 14, 2022
Another good read
Stella Cole again this time in Sweden. The author has taken a lot of trouble to show Stella as this nothing is impossible cop. This is a page turner at every stage.
Stella Cole again this time in Sweden. The author has taken a lot of trouble to show Stella as this nothing is impossible cop. This is a page turner at every stage.
November 25, 2022
Brilliantly set out story line
The latest Stella Cole mystery set in the frozen plains of Sweden. Gripping storyline and plot. Does Stella have a new future or is she still on borrowed time?
The latest Stella Cole mystery set in the frozen plains of Sweden. Gripping storyline and plot. Does Stella have a new future or is she still on borrowed time?
July 29, 2023
Stella Cole is the best character!
Totally addicted to this series and Stella Coles’s character. The way Andy Maslen weaves the plot is amazing. Totally hooked and hoping for many more books in the series!!!
Totally addicted to this series and Stella Coles’s character. The way Andy Maslen weaves the plot is amazing. Totally hooked and hoping for many more books in the series!!!
February 21, 2025
Exhilarating
This has to have been the best so far. I'm not going to tell people the story as others do because then there'd be no need for you to read it. Let's just say, Stella becomes the Ice Queen and falls into her new life fantastically we'll. Well done Andy, beat this
This has to have been the best so far. I'm not going to tell people the story as others do because then there'd be no need for you to read it. Let's just say, Stella becomes the Ice Queen and falls into her new life fantastically we'll. Well done Andy, beat this
March 9, 2025
Wonderful read.
Good to have Stella in action again. I think she's becoming sad and isolated, whether she could ever become a chilled individual with her history makes for good reading.
Good to have Stella in action again. I think she's becoming sad and isolated, whether she could ever become a chilled individual with her history makes for good reading.
September 20, 2021
WOW a well written story I thoroughly enjoyed. Action from start to finish, with a mixed cast of characters. A real page turner. I look forward to Stella’s next ‘Adventure’.
October 3, 2021
Page Turner
Another amazing book, could not put it down until I had finished it. Just waiting for the next one to be published.
Another amazing book, could not put it down until I had finished it. Just waiting for the next one to be published.
October 18, 2021
Death wears a golden cloak
Another great Stella Cole adventure can't wait for book no 7 would recommend this author to anybody looking for a great read
Another great Stella Cole adventure can't wait for book no 7 would recommend this author to anybody looking for a great read
November 9, 2021
Maslen,s. Stella Cole
Andy Maslen has done it again. DI Stella Cole now working in Sweden, slights to solve a serial killing case. Fantastic from start to finish
Andy Maslen has done it again. DI Stella Cole now working in Sweden, slights to solve a serial killing case. Fantastic from start to finish
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews