With the death of the serial killer who kidnapped and tortured her as a child, Charleston Police Detective Ellie Kline is finally free. But with a traumatized girl to care for and a new lead detective who questions both her mental health and her investigation techniques, Ellie’s problems are far from over.
When the body of a young man is found outside a downtown bar, Ellie is pulled off the cold case files and assigned to investigate the homicide. This isn’t a typical murder scene, but it’s one that’s chillingly familiar. The removal of the victim’s heart and the letters C and K written in the victim’s blood indicate the work of a serial killer who chooses one victim per year...on Valentine’s Day.
But as the body count grows, it seems their killer has gotten hungrier for hearts. Now, it’s up to Ellie to find him before he claims his next Valentine.
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.
I have enjoyed the main character in this series of books. Ellie is funny, smart, and loves her job. She just doesn’t like to follow the rules which gets her into a lot of trouble.
Ellie is back. Thrown i to being a single mom, her personal struggle with a dead Kingsley and her love life. Interest to see hope she handles it all. It’s another page turner that holds you from the start. I can’t wait for the next book. It’s a must read you won’t be disappointed.
Ellie is back to work part time after healing from her battle with Kingsley. She may be physically healed but she appears to be dealing with PTSD. Detective Rachel Stoddard, the new lead detective, pulls Ellie from the cold cases to work on a recent murder. It’s not an ordinary case as the person has had his heart removed. Ellie and Detective Stoddard have different opinions on how to proceed with the case. Ellie is sure the killer is using a dating site to find his victims and Stoddard wants more evidence before acting on the information.
Ellie gets Clay involved with the case and goes ahead trying to solve the case her way. Clay and Ellie are involved as a couple and it is good to see how patient Clay is with Ellie.
Along with going back to work, Ellie is now Bethany’s guardian. Bethany is dealing with Katarina’s death and being held captive by Kingsley. Ellie is trying to bond with Bethany; however, she is having difficulty knowing what to do. I feel so sad for Bethany and wonder what kind of mental damage Katrina and Kingsley have caused her. Ellie needs to focus on Bethany and herself.
Cold Heart is the perfect title for this book. I made sure not to read this book at night as I wanted to be able to sleep. There are parts of the book that grossed me out and that is not easy to do. Each book stands on its on; however, If you have not read Ellie Kline’s other books, I recommend that you read them in order as it gives the background on all the characters.
COLD HEART is the tenth installment in the Ellie Kline Cold Case series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel, is just as intense as the other installments to this series. This one is fast paced and thrilling with a wild sea of emotions. A must read! The authors Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have done an amazing job capturing your attention in the first few pages of each book. I was hooked from the beginning.
Wow, so much is happening! Ellie is still recovering from her last battle with Kingsley and now is having blackouts, anger issue and forgetfulness, she's even learning to be a mother. All the while she feels Kingsley is still controlling her life -- denying she possibly has PTSD.
Ellie has a new boss, a "By the book" person; Ellie is a "follow your gut" person. They seem to be at odds from their first meeting. Immediately they have a case together, someone is killing and removing hearts. The her boss insists in methodically following the clues, but Ellie would prefer to follow up on a remote clue. When another person goes missing, Ellie is sure there will soon be another body without a heart. She may sacrifice her career, but she must follow her gut and try to save the victim.
This story and the entire series can be read as stand-alones, but I recommend reading the entire series, your chills will go so much deeper.
I did receive an advance readers copy from the author and the above is my freely given and honest review
Welcome back Ellie Kline!! Another phenomenal read brought to us by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. Not only is Ellie Kline a Charleston SC Detective she is also a foster Mom to 8 year old Bethany. This little girl and her Mother, Katarina, were in Witness Protection until the evil Lawrence Kingsley found and abducted Bethany. He traumatized this child who is his great granddaughter all to get Katarina to come rescue her. And that is what she did only to be killed in front of her little girl. Ellie swore to Katarina she would take care of her child. This book deals with all the emotional trauma that Kingsley dealt out to Ellie and Bethany. In that last stand Ellie killed the monster Kingsley. Along with this the Detective gets a new case dealing with a serial killer and she also gets a new lead detective. The new lead is not a fan of Ellie’s and actually impedes Det. Kline’s ability to solve this case. Ellie needs to follow her leads even if her boss says NO. Another thrilling adventure created by these authors. Heart stopping action and a very intriguing cliff hanger!
‘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 Heart is Book #10 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…
Charleston Detective Ellie Kline is back with a case she has worked before, the CK killer. Ellie is fostering Bethany, 8 year old Katrina's daughter. Before Katrina died she asked Ellie to care for the fragile Bethany. Ellie had returned to work, possibly sooner than she should have With a new boss Rachael Stoddard that kept advising her to take more time off to heal. Ellie's mother set appointments up for Bethany at a therapist and told Ellie she should go to counseling too. After the last book in the series when she was taken and abused by a murderer, her boyfriend Clay an FBI agent felt she needed to see a therapist too. Ellie is angry, forgetful, tiptoeing around the new boss investigating things Detective Stoddard felt should be left alone. It was all coming to a head... How will it end?
I received this book as an ARC from the Authors for an honest review.
Cold Heart by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel takes us happily back into the world of Ellie Kline. Ellie has finally ended the reign of Lawrence Kingsley, but now she has to deal with the lingering effects of a life of trauma. The only problem is Ellie is a strong, assertive survivor who believes she has recovered from her trauma. Now that she is raising Bethany, and partnered with a new lead detective who seems to lack empathy and social skills, Ellie’s deeply buried trauma begins to manifest itself at the worst possible times. As Ellie searches for the Cupid Killer, learns how to be a mother, negotiates the intricacies of a relationship with Clay, and attempts to find solid ground with her new boss, her mother cleverly schedules an appointment for her and Bethany to see a therapist. Little by little Ellie’s walls are coming down.
This is an ARC from Mary Stone and Donna Berdel featuring Detective Ellie Kline. as usual, this is another great read and you don't really meet the killer til the end. Ellie is back to work at Charleston PD and has a new boss. Detective Stoddard, Ellie's new boss, is pulling Ellie from cold cases to work on an active case. This case resembles other murders by the Cupid Killer. As Ellie digs into the investigation she buts heads with her boss over clues she wants to investigate. Ad to this mix, Ellie is trying to be a good mother to Bethany. Both Bethany and Ellie have ties to Kingsley and Bethany's mother, Katarina. Can Ellie fight thru her PTSD, Her need to be a good mother, good detective, and the need to solve the murders before someone else dies.
The book previous to this was my favorite in all of the series. This one was on the complete opposite end of that spectrum. I loved the previous Ellie Kline- the strong, beautiful heroine she was. I despised this Ellie Kline- the weak, hateful heroine she’s turned into.
Needing help is not weak. So ask for it. People who try to help you are not the enemy. So let them try to help. The lashing out and always being defensive for no reason made me want to stop reading this book multiple times. I enjoy a book with angst…this book felt very juvenile just to enhance what? PTSD? There were so many other ways to go about that.
I was super excited to read more about Bethany and all this book did was show me that there’s a great chance Bethany is better off with Jillian or somebody else.
I kept getting annoyed at Ellie for not letting people in and refusing to admit she was falling apart. I know she is justified in not trusting people after what she went through but being unwilling to accept help and admit she’s not ok drove me insane. Her behavior and impulsivity reminded me of her in book 3 and 4. Her excuse of her job and her duty to protect citizens is tired and she does not learn from her mistakes and how going against superiors results putting herself in very dangerous situations. With her having Bethany now, I kept feeling like her behavior and refusal to admit she needed help was irresponsible and setting a bad example for Bethany who is clearly struggling herself. Ellie is borderline selfish when it comes to her job and it’s impacting her relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kingsley is dead, but his crimes and harm are still impacting Ellie and the team. Ellie and Bethany both are working on their trauma and PTSD, but struggle to trust the well meaning help form friends. The therapist is interesting and leaves us with one big question at the end of the book!
The case was fascinating and I enjoyed seeing the details come together and how Ellie’s passion stayed the course even when frozen, angry or busy. The introduction of the new boss was not fun as she is a harsh character and the martial arts leader has me intrigued. The catch up on Clays sister was sweet and I was thrilled to return to this series!
I'm so thrilled this series is continuing, You know when a series ends and you feel like you have to say goodbye to an old friend feeling? Haahaa. Ellie is back and better than ever, this last case had me on the edge of my seat, sometimes wanting to hide under the covers scary movie kinda vibe! I just wanted to keep reading and find out what was going to happen next. Now that Ellie has solved another tough case in true Ellie fashion I can't wait to see what the next case will be! I'm glad she's getting the Therapy help she needs even if she doesn't realize it! Mary and Donna have done it yet again, just when you think it can't get any better.... Boom!!!
Ellie is one a new case and partnered with a new detective. They rub each other the wrong way and have difficulty agreeing. I enjoy the on going interactions with the characters. Ellie is pulled off her cold case assignment to pursue a new serial killer and not only is the body count is rising but there are many similarities to the past. The books' suspense builds at a good rate and as usual it is enjoyable throughout. This is only the 2nd book of the Ellie series I have read but I plan to go back and start at the beginning. I received this book as an advanced copy but the views are solely my own. 5 out of 5 stars!
Mary, Donna, are you going to allow this child portraying an adult to ever grow up? Maybe I don't understand the PTSD associated with trauma, but it seems to me this detective is headstrong, selfish, and in this book especially, totally believes her way or no way regardless of law or rules or the feelings of others. At times, the only reason I didn't throw the book across the room is because it's on my kindle. I wasn't going to read the rest of the series but I guess I have to see what happens, if you do allow her to heal. Truly sorry, this is the first one of your books I haven't loved.
Ellie is having PTSD in top of that is a new mother to Katarina's child, have a new boss and is having a lot of trouble to juggle all that.
Kingsley is dead but, it is? Ellie isn't so sure...PTSD. And old killer changes his MO and the police is at lost. This will be Ellie's 1st active case and Fortis replacement is clashing with her.
As the killer add victims and don't leave any clues as who he was, Ellie's life is a mess. Good characters and story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ellie is back at work, part time, and is working on a new case. She and the lead detective, Rachel, are not in agreement on how to proceed, so she gets Clay involved. Along with working a murder case, she is Bethany’s guardian and isn’t sure how to help her work through the trauma of her mother’s death. This is a very dramatic thriller. It’s book #10 in the Ellie Cline series. The books need to be read in order to get the full understanding of this one. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the authors*
Cold Heart (Ellie Kline Cold Case Mystery Series Book 10) By Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. Wow you two outdid yourself in this book . Amazing Ellie and Bethany are still healing from the trauma with Kingsley and the death of Fortis.. Ellie has a new boss and I honestly don’t like her… Their is a serial killer and he is The Cupid Killer , his trophy are his victims heart. Love this series and I can’t wait for the next book. I recommend this series…
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have written yet another excellent book. We continue to follow Charleston Detective Ellie Kline as she pursues cold cases as well as working on new cases. Can she tie the cold case together with the new case? Her past continues to haunt her! Can she let go of Lawrence Kingsley and Katarina? Will they always be with her? This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommend!
Ellie Kline thought she had killed her abductor & serial killer Kingsley, but he still haunts her through her next case hunting the Cupid Killer, who cuts the hearts out of his victims. Ellie has a new boss, who does not view Ellie’s ideas to hunt down the murderer. And in the midst of it all, she is trying to foster Bethany, Katrina’s daughter. Is it all too much for Ellie to overcome? This book was so exciting, such a roller coaster ride of emotions & actions. Great job, Mary & Donna!
I was really looking forward to the continuing saga of Ellie Kline and book 10 definitely did not disappoint. We see how Ellie's life continues after the death of Kingsley. She is dealing with being a foster parent, PTSD, a new boss, and a new case. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have another winner and I am so happy the saga will continue. Cannot wait to read the future books. I am an arc member and this is my honest review.
But why? This new killer is a blank. Ellie is having no luck getting a lead. He goes from once a year to two heartless bodies in six weeks. And though Ellie’s new boss brings her out of cold cases to solve t his new one, she doesn’t like or support Ellie’s methods. She defeated Kingsley. He’s dead, isn’t he? Then why is he so in her head? And Bethany isn’t adjusting well. Why would she after all she’s been through? Great read in one sitting story!
Just when Ellie thinks she is getting her life together it really isn't. Starting back to work and finding a new boss doesn't help either. The Cupid Killer is actually part of the cold cases she had been working on comes to the top.of the list when she and her new boss go to a crime scene and find the cupid killers trademark. Ellie stays in trouble with the new boss and family and friends story ends abruptly to lead into another.
I LOVE this series!!!! Each book has a different case that Ellie and crew are working to solve.
Great cast of characters, evil killers, twists/turns, head-butting (usually Ellie is doing the head-butting), lies/omission (again Ellie), while Ellie is smart, determined, and stubborn, she usually gets the bad guy (with a little help, of course). I just hope one day she listens and starts to work on herself.
OMG! Grabbed from the start and each subsequent page, follow Kline again through the rabbit hole. Suffering from PTSD after her run-in with Kingsley and trying hard to raise Katrina!s daughter, Ellie is thrown into the lions den with a new lead detective in a search for a serial killer. Will she prevail?
Ellie is back to work after being off for a work-related injury. She is now an instant mother to Bethany. Together they have to overcome the damage done to them by Kingsley. She also has a new Lead Detective to work with, Rachel Stoddard, who isn't too impressed with Ellie and her way of doing things. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Another fantastic read, thanks Mary and Donna. Ellie’s story gets better and stronger with each new case. With new characters in Bethany, who hopefully they can gain strength from each other and Stoddard who has definitely got skeletons in her closet, will give Ellie (Mary + Donna) a lot more stories to come. 💗⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💗
Love the series,but this book truly proves Ellie is too reckless to be a dective, or a mother. How will Bethany ever get the feeling of being loved by Ellie, if Ellie forgets she is around continually. Good thing Ellie 'a mom is there for back-up. I hope Ellie does get the help she needs.
Wow o wow, a serial killer who steals hearts. The Cupid killer is on the loose and Ellie is dealing with a new boss. Ellie is trying to deal with a new daughter, a new relationship, and a serial killer. This book is incredibly fast paced and so full of action I just couldn’t put it down. This is one of my favorite series. You definitely must read this series.