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Winter Black #18.5
Winter's Black Christmas
Jingle all the way...to murder.
When FBI Special Agent Winter Black enters a luxurious Montana cabin two days before Christmas, she’s excited because all the people she loves will be joining her soon. Her joy is dashed when an unexpected blizzard hits the area, leaving her stranded and without any means of communication.
And she’s not alone.
Instead of her friends and family arriving, a momma cat shows up at the cabin’s door, begging for help. Braving the snow, Winter finds more than just the feline’s litter.
She finds a dead body.
With nowhere to run and thrust into a game of psychological warfare by a killer she can’t see, Winter’s hope for a bright and shiny Christmas turns into a fight for her life.
Winter’s Black Christmas, a special Winter Black Christmas Mystery by Mary Stone, is a reminder that both dreams and nightmares come from the same place...your mind.
Scroll up to grab your copy today!
When FBI Special Agent Winter Black enters a luxurious Montana cabin two days before Christmas, she’s excited because all the people she loves will be joining her soon. Her joy is dashed when an unexpected blizzard hits the area, leaving her stranded and without any means of communication.
And she’s not alone.
Instead of her friends and family arriving, a momma cat shows up at the cabin’s door, begging for help. Braving the snow, Winter finds more than just the feline’s litter.
She finds a dead body.
With nowhere to run and thrust into a game of psychological warfare by a killer she can’t see, Winter’s hope for a bright and shiny Christmas turns into a fight for her life.
Winter’s Black Christmas, a special Winter Black Christmas Mystery by Mary Stone, is a reminder that both dreams and nightmares come from the same place...your mind.
Scroll up to grab your copy today!
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
1204 people are currently reading
977 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,149 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 160 reviews
December 14, 2024
Disappointed
This was supposed to be a thriller. If you took out all the Christmas references that were in place so there was no swearing it would have been better. You can write a thriller without it instead of doing that.
It made the book silly instead of a thriller.
This was supposed to be a thriller. If you took out all the Christmas references that were in place so there was no swearing it would have been better. You can write a thriller without it instead of doing that.
It made the book silly instead of a thriller.
December 8, 2021
Just when Winter thinks she can relax with family and get away from her job, things go terribly wrong. The cabin is great! The weather is not! Then Winter finds a dead body and she is all alone in a Montana winter. Someone is playing mind games with her. But who? And why? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 23, 2021
Yay Winter is back
I was so excited to see a Winter book. I loved everything about this book except I wish it was longer. But I’m thrilled to see that Winter will be back. She has always been my favorite
I was so excited to see a Winter book. I loved everything about this book except I wish it was longer. But I’m thrilled to see that Winter will be back. She has always been my favorite
December 10, 2024
Good short story for the festive period. I read this in one sitting. This one did have me on the edge of my seat at times and really managed to create suspense.
I think some of it was a little silly at times but the story and thrill of it made up for it.
I think some of it was a little silly at times but the story and thrill of it made up for it.
December 16, 2022
A quick Christmas thriller novella. I enjoyed it even without having read this series (though I plan to now).
January 23, 2023
A cute & quick story to bring the reading vibes back into play. Thank you Mary Stone
December 8, 2021
Mary Stone books always cause my heart to beat a little faster. Her talent for creating spine tingling books is amazing.
Winter Black Is the first series of Mary Stone that I read. I flew through these books! They are not for the faint of heart. Winter is my favorite of all the heroines that Mary has created.
Winter Black Christmas does not disappoint. Anticipating a wonderful Christmas in beautiful Montana with her FBI partner and love of her life, Noah Dalton, Winter is beyond excited. Also coming to celebrate are family members and friends Autumn Trent and Aiden Parish, also with the FBI.
Winter arrives a day early planning on decorating the Christmas tree she ordered and making sure all will be perfect for their arrival.
However things don’t work out like she planned…
Bring on a tremendous snow storm, a dead housekeeper,a mysterious intruder and a Momma cat with her kittens and the result is one thrilling story.
Loved it! Hmmm…might just read again!
Winter Black Is the first series of Mary Stone that I read. I flew through these books! They are not for the faint of heart. Winter is my favorite of all the heroines that Mary has created.
Winter Black Christmas does not disappoint. Anticipating a wonderful Christmas in beautiful Montana with her FBI partner and love of her life, Noah Dalton, Winter is beyond excited. Also coming to celebrate are family members and friends Autumn Trent and Aiden Parish, also with the FBI.
Winter arrives a day early planning on decorating the Christmas tree she ordered and making sure all will be perfect for their arrival.
However things don’t work out like she planned…
Bring on a tremendous snow storm, a dead housekeeper,a mysterious intruder and a Momma cat with her kittens and the result is one thrilling story.
Loved it! Hmmm…might just read again!
December 30, 2021
Love love this one. It’s a short story but had all the mystery and suspense we have come to expect from Mary Stone. When Winter rents a mountain cabin for the Christmas holidays she decides to go early to decorate to get ready for her first holiday with Noah his family and their friends. A snow storm descends on the cabin and something is not right. Sounds and things moving. Is someone messing with her? Is she in danger?
December 11, 2023
Just ok for me
Mary Stone did not write this short story. I’ve read so many of her books to know her writing. On one page the word darlin was said 4 times. Way too many conversations with herself, verbally and in her head. It was exciting at times but disappointed in the whole story.
Mary Stone did not write this short story. I’ve read so many of her books to know her writing. On one page the word darlin was said 4 times. Way too many conversations with herself, verbally and in her head. It was exciting at times but disappointed in the whole story.
December 31, 2025
4 - 4.5 Stars
‘Driven by the trauma of her family’s brutal destruction, FBI Special Agent Winter Black is determined to take down her parents’ killer and every villain in her path. Little does she know, her biggest threat is much closer to home.’
Winter's Black Christmas is Book #18.5 in the Winter Black Series by Mary Stone. These books follow Special Agent Winter Black, whose life was shattered when her parents were murdered, and her little brother was believed to have been killed by a serial killer known as The Preacher. Years later, she’s not only chasing down dangerous criminals but also searching for the truth about her brother - a thread that runs through the entire series.
Here, you get the adrenaline rush of intense investigations - serial killers, twisted motives, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments - but also the personal side of Winter’s life. She’s tough and determined, but she’s also human, dealing with grief, trust issues, and complicated relationships.
Mary Stone’s writing is easy to sink into. The chapters are short and snappy, which made it really hard to put the books down. Each installment has its own case to solve, but there’s always that bigger mystery in the background, so you’ll probably want to read them in consecutive order to get the full picture and impact.
If you like shows like Criminal Minds or enjoy crime series with a mix of action as well as character depth, then this series is a solid choice.
Engaging, bingeable, and packed with both thrills and heart.
Happy Reading…
‘Driven by the trauma of her family’s brutal destruction, FBI Special Agent Winter Black is determined to take down her parents’ killer and every villain in her path. Little does she know, her biggest threat is much closer to home.’
Winter's Black Christmas is Book #18.5 in the Winter Black Series by Mary Stone. These books follow Special Agent Winter Black, whose life was shattered when her parents were murdered, and her little brother was believed to have been killed by a serial killer known as The Preacher. Years later, she’s not only chasing down dangerous criminals but also searching for the truth about her brother - a thread that runs through the entire series.
Here, you get the adrenaline rush of intense investigations - serial killers, twisted motives, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments - but also the personal side of Winter’s life. She’s tough and determined, but she’s also human, dealing with grief, trust issues, and complicated relationships.
Mary Stone’s writing is easy to sink into. The chapters are short and snappy, which made it really hard to put the books down. Each installment has its own case to solve, but there’s always that bigger mystery in the background, so you’ll probably want to read them in consecutive order to get the full picture and impact.
If you like shows like Criminal Minds or enjoy crime series with a mix of action as well as character depth, then this series is a solid choice.
Engaging, bingeable, and packed with both thrills and heart.
Happy Reading…
December 15, 2021
Mary Stone gives us a creepy holiday quickie.
I have to admit that I would have done most of the tasks that Winter performs to take her mind off of things that go bump in the house. Stone balances the present and Winter’s trip down memory lane with just the right amount of psychological mind twisting to make the reader wonder what is real and what isn’t real.
Winter’s Black Christmas is actually a great book to read if you have never read the series before because Stone recaps Winter’s life nicely, amidst finding a dead body and saving a kitty litter. There is a whole section of (for a lack of a better word without giving away the story) nesting that I would have done completely differently. I was shaking my head during that whole portion.
The mystery is quick, dirty, and makes sense for a holiday mystery. The best part? I loved the cat part of the story line. Read Winter’s Black Christmas and you will see why people dedicate a day every week to promoting cats (chuckle).
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
I have to admit that I would have done most of the tasks that Winter performs to take her mind off of things that go bump in the house. Stone balances the present and Winter’s trip down memory lane with just the right amount of psychological mind twisting to make the reader wonder what is real and what isn’t real.
Winter’s Black Christmas is actually a great book to read if you have never read the series before because Stone recaps Winter’s life nicely, amidst finding a dead body and saving a kitty litter. There is a whole section of (for a lack of a better word without giving away the story) nesting that I would have done completely differently. I was shaking my head during that whole portion.
The mystery is quick, dirty, and makes sense for a holiday mystery. The best part? I loved the cat part of the story line. Read Winter’s Black Christmas and you will see why people dedicate a day every week to promoting cats (chuckle).
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
December 28, 2021
If you’re a Mary Stone fan, this short story would likely be a 4 stars read. If you’re a crime fiction nutter like me, it’d be 3 stars or less. I zipped through this quick read whilst ignoring things unbelievable. Example: the author should’ve given the protagonist a dog (instead of a mommy cat) to sprint through ice and snow, and to protect her.
My biggest problems had to do with the storyline. A rapist/murderer escaped prison a WEEK ago, and injured or killed prison guards. He scaled a fence to escape, so was he in a low security prison? No BOLOs to local cops, towns, and outlying residents? He carjacked an SUV, got miles up a steep mountain, but later ran through the woods. Then he killed a woman cleaning windows, in winter. She fell through the boards of a porch—which later was unremarkable. Plus, the criminal still wears prison-related clothing? The house he took over showed few signs of occupation? Or stink of dirty 200-pound male?
My biggest problems had to do with the storyline. A rapist/murderer escaped prison a WEEK ago, and injured or killed prison guards. He scaled a fence to escape, so was he in a low security prison? No BOLOs to local cops, towns, and outlying residents? He carjacked an SUV, got miles up a steep mountain, but later ran through the woods. Then he killed a woman cleaning windows, in winter. She fell through the boards of a porch—which later was unremarkable. Plus, the criminal still wears prison-related clothing? The house he took over showed few signs of occupation? Or stink of dirty 200-pound male?
December 8, 2021
Winter’s Christmas Cabin
Winter has rented A cabin in Montana for Christmas. She’s waiting for Noah, her grandparents, Noah’s mom and sister and Autumn and Aiden to arrive so they can celebrate Christmas.
It appears the cabin has not been cleaned as expected and
Winter has to drive to a small store to call the landlord to let him know. She buys some food and heads back to the cabin. Winter hears strange noises and discovers a mama cat. The cat enlists Winter’s help in getting her kittens to safety. In doing so, Winter discovers a dead body. What is going on? She heads back to the cabin and finds doors that will not lock and other signs someone has been in the cabin.
It is a cat and mouse game of hide and seek. Does the killer find Winter? I loved this story. It has everything you possibly could want from a Mary Stone story.
Winter has rented A cabin in Montana for Christmas. She’s waiting for Noah, her grandparents, Noah’s mom and sister and Autumn and Aiden to arrive so they can celebrate Christmas.
It appears the cabin has not been cleaned as expected and
Winter has to drive to a small store to call the landlord to let him know. She buys some food and heads back to the cabin. Winter hears strange noises and discovers a mama cat. The cat enlists Winter’s help in getting her kittens to safety. In doing so, Winter discovers a dead body. What is going on? She heads back to the cabin and finds doors that will not lock and other signs someone has been in the cabin.
It is a cat and mouse game of hide and seek. Does the killer find Winter? I loved this story. It has everything you possibly could want from a Mary Stone story.
November 28, 2024
One of the best book series I've ever read!
I only discovered Mary Stone books within the last 2 years & haven't been able to put her books down since! Recently finishing book 9 in the Winter Black series I wanted to read "Winter's Black Christmas" book before starting book 10 "Autumn's Game". It is a short book, finished it in about 2-3 hours but it still was a great read!
Anyone looking for a good book series to read I promise none of Mary Stones series will let you down. I HIGHLY recommend reading her books & it doesn't matter which series you chose first. Happy Reading!
I only discovered Mary Stone books within the last 2 years & haven't been able to put her books down since! Recently finishing book 9 in the Winter Black series I wanted to read "Winter's Black Christmas" book before starting book 10 "Autumn's Game". It is a short book, finished it in about 2-3 hours but it still was a great read!
Anyone looking for a good book series to read I promise none of Mary Stones series will let you down. I HIGHLY recommend reading her books & it doesn't matter which series you chose first. Happy Reading!
November 29, 2024
This is actually the only book in the Winter series that I have read, as I did not know that it was a series. It stands on it's own though, so you can read it and completely understand what's going on without reading the others. It is a very short, quick read. Being a novella, it seemed to take awhile to really get going. Had it been a normal length book, it wouldn't have been a rather normal pace. It takes a lot for a book to scare me or creep me out, but the moment where Winter was trying to act distracted cause she knew the killer was in the closet creeped me out so bad. I love a snowed in cabin setting, so I really enjoyed this one.
November 7, 2022
A fantastic holiday story
This was a fantastic story to get you in the holiday spirit, well..... Winter Black style anyways! Lol! It's truly going to be a memorable Christmas that she won't soon forget.
Although this book is not listed with the original series, it should be read after season #1, but before starting season #2. If you haven't already read the first season, I would highly recommend you do. You won't be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was a fantastic story to get you in the holiday spirit, well..... Winter Black style anyways! Lol! It's truly going to be a memorable Christmas that she won't soon forget.
Although this book is not listed with the original series, it should be read after season #1, but before starting season #2. If you haven't already read the first season, I would highly recommend you do. You won't be disappointed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
December 24, 2024
I think it could be because I have not read any of the books in this series and I jumped straight into a novella but I was really confused the whole time and I was really confused regarding the main female character. I didn’t grasp what was going on, to the point I was just confused the whole time. Like does she have visions? She also kept talking to herself and then at one point talk to herself in a mafia voice and that confused me. But maybe it’s just because I haven’t read the series and I just went into this because it was a Christmas novella I don’t know.
June 15, 2024
Merry Mary Stone
Gave out a few spoilers that I'll look for in the last Winter Black book I'm going to start reading. Poor Winter can't even get a break with a Christmas get away for herself and family and friends. Montana for Christmas, snow and all the fun. Didn't happen. Bad guys and cats who are willing to help defend those that had helped it. Now what does Winter do with Vixen and her six reindeer, new kittens?
Gave out a few spoilers that I'll look for in the last Winter Black book I'm going to start reading. Poor Winter can't even get a break with a Christmas get away for herself and family and friends. Montana for Christmas, snow and all the fun. Didn't happen. Bad guys and cats who are willing to help defend those that had helped it. Now what does Winter do with Vixen and her six reindeer, new kittens?
August 16, 2024
Winter's Black Christmas
Winter has planned a great Christmas at a cabin in Montana. She gets there a couple of days early to decorate and prep everything. Noah and her grandparents will come first followed by Noah's family then Autumn and Aiden. Things go haywire when she is confronted by an escaped convict but with the help of a momma cat she saved she turns everything into her favor. Great short story, packed with action and emotion.
Winter has planned a great Christmas at a cabin in Montana. She gets there a couple of days early to decorate and prep everything. Noah and her grandparents will come first followed by Noah's family then Autumn and Aiden. Things go haywire when she is confronted by an escaped convict but with the help of a momma cat she saved she turns everything into her favor. Great short story, packed with action and emotion.
September 28, 2024
Disappointing
I' be read every preceding Winter Black FBI Mystery Series. Winter is supposedly a smart woman and crack FBI Agent; yet she does stupid things. She has visions that give her pertinent information; but not necessarily logical ones. She believes them. But the everyday senses we all have, she ignores. Maybe the author uses this as a tool to advance the story but it doesn't ring true to the character as written.
I' be read every preceding Winter Black FBI Mystery Series. Winter is supposedly a smart woman and crack FBI Agent; yet she does stupid things. She has visions that give her pertinent information; but not necessarily logical ones. She believes them. But the everyday senses we all have, she ignores. Maybe the author uses this as a tool to advance the story but it doesn't ring true to the character as written.
December 8, 2021
Ho Ho Holy smokes! For a novella, this was a nail biter! I LOVE the story and the fantastic ending, but for a while there, I was very worried about just who might be up in that “cabin” with Winter. She is such a tough, capable survivor. I am so proud of how far she has come since she discovered saving her brother was no longer an option. This story is a wonderful Christmas read.
December 9, 2021
Winter's Black Christmas (Winter Black FBI Mystery Series) by Mary Stone is a great story that I have loved reading. I loved reading this story and can not wait to see what else this author will write. I recommend this story to everyone.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
December 11, 2021
You can't take on Winter and win
Winter is one tough cookie!! Don't mess with her! Thank You Mary for writing this! I love that she found a little friend and helper during her ordeal at this gorgeous cabin. Winter is one of my favorites and I can't wait to see what happens next.
Winter is one tough cookie!! Don't mess with her! Thank You Mary for writing this! I love that she found a little friend and helper during her ordeal at this gorgeous cabin. Winter is one of my favorites and I can't wait to see what happens next.
December 27, 2021
Christmas sometimes isn't what you planned
Winter was getting ready for a family Christmas when things weren't quite what she was expecting. The property was as beautiful as expected but things weren't as promised. A mama cat with kittens helps winter. Definitely a crazy vacation for Winter.
Winter was getting ready for a family Christmas when things weren't quite what she was expecting. The property was as beautiful as expected but things weren't as promised. A mama cat with kittens helps winter. Definitely a crazy vacation for Winter.
February 11, 2022
Winter's Black Christmas
I have now read everyone of the Winter's series and I have loved each and every one. Not once have I lost interest in the story and the characters are all easy to get to know. I am so excited to here a new Winter series is coming out you can be sure I will be on of the first in line. Thank you for sharing your talents and my God bless. Cheryl Adams
I have now read everyone of the Winter's series and I have loved each and every one. Not once have I lost interest in the story and the characters are all easy to get to know. I am so excited to here a new Winter series is coming out you can be sure I will be on of the first in line. Thank you for sharing your talents and my God bless. Cheryl Adams
October 8, 2022
Winters Black Christmas
Having been reading this story about Winter continues with her and her FBI career. Great book for a follow up story that’s as thrilling as her career leading up to her Christmas family get together.
Do yourself a favor and read a good series of Winters life and her celebration afterwards.
Having been reading this story about Winter continues with her and her FBI career. Great book for a follow up story that’s as thrilling as her career leading up to her Christmas family get together.
Do yourself a favor and read a good series of Winters life and her celebration afterwards.
December 4, 2022
LOVED IT
When I first saw that this book was only 11 chapters I was surprised and wasn’t sure how the author was going to get her story across. But I loved how short the book was and just how in that short amount of time she had my attention the whole time and ended the book in a good way. I would definitely recommend!
When I first saw that this book was only 11 chapters I was surprised and wasn’t sure how the author was going to get her story across. But I loved how short the book was and just how in that short amount of time she had my attention the whole time and ended the book in a good way. I would definitely recommend!
September 24, 2024
Enjoyable Christmas Story
Winter's Black Christmas was an exciting short story that could be read in a day. The book continues with all the same characters and the suspense surrounding their lives. I wanted more! Anyone who has enjoyed the Winter books, by Mary Stone's, will want to read this book.
Winter's Black Christmas was an exciting short story that could be read in a day. The book continues with all the same characters and the suspense surrounding their lives. I wanted more! Anyone who has enjoyed the Winter books, by Mary Stone's, will want to read this book.
December 8, 2021
This book was so good I read it in one sitting, not able to put it down. I loved the WinterBlack series, but this was so intense. She is alone in a remote Montana cabin & faced with a murderer. Only Winter can come out the hero & also saves a mother cat & her babies!
December 8, 2021
This was an ARC book. I must say for a short story it was full of action and lots of twists and turns. Winter Black goes ahead if her friends and family to decorate the rental house for Christmas. But things don't go as planned and Winter finds her life in danger. You will love this story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews