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Ellie Kline #12
Cold Intentions
With their relationship going through a rough patch, FBI Special Agent Clay Lockwood decides to take some time away and head to Goose Creek, a small suburb of Charleston where his sister and her boyfriend are living in a group home.
Homicide Detective Ellie Kline, still suspended by the Charleston PD, accompanies him. But life is never peaceful for the two of them, as they arrive just in time for a grisly murder to be revealed.
When the overmatched local sheriff doesn’t seem to have the resources to solve the crime, Clay and Ellie decide to help—whether the sheriff likes it or not.
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Homicide Detective Ellie Kline, still suspended by the Charleston PD, accompanies him. But life is never peaceful for the two of them, as they arrive just in time for a grisly murder to be revealed.
When the overmatched local sheriff doesn’t seem to have the resources to solve the crime, Clay and Ellie decide to help—whether the sheriff likes it or not.
Scroll up to pre-order your copy today!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 17, 2023
767 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
232 books2,187 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 76 reviews
May 19, 2023
Cold Intentions
This is a great thriller just like every Ellie Moline is. This is a book you can't put down. This book keeps you in suspense till the very end. I can't wait till the next one comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is a great thriller just like every Ellie Moline is. This is a book you can't put down. This book keeps you in suspense till the very end. I can't wait till the next one comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
May 28, 2023
Cold Intentions is full of suspense and surprises. Twists and turns keep you guessing! You will definitely lose some sleep racing to the finale! Bring on the next book
May 15, 2023
How can a family vacation go wrong? Ellie, Beth, Clay & her parents visit the quaint little town of Long Field Township to spend some time with Clay’s sister and her husband. However, a killer has made his appearance in the sleepy little town and, Ellie & Clay become involved to try to track down the evil that’s descended on the town.
May 18, 2023
High School Grudge
Detective Ellie Cline has been suspended from her job due to her actions on her last case. Her relationship with her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Clay Lockwood is going through a rough patch. Clay decides he wants to get away to visit his sister, Caraleigh and her boyfriend, Luke. Since she is on suspension, Ellie and Bethany go with Clay to Long Field Township, South Carolina. Instead of his peaceful getaway, Clay now has Ellie’s parents making plans for all of them.
While out on a run, Ellie stumbles upon a murder scene. Her appearance is not well received by Deputy Taylor or D.A. Jefferson McNaulty. The sheriff never shows up to the crime scene. She offers her help but was told it would not be needed. Ellie informs Clay of what she saw and he reminds her that he does not have authorization to get involved and he is on vacation.
Ellie can not help but herself and starts doing some nosing around. The whole situation of how the crime scene was handled is questionable and even Clay admits it does sound off. As it turns out, Clay is given authorization to help with the case and Ellie goes to work putting the pieces of the puzzle together. How many people will die before the killer is caught? How does this effect Clay and Ellie’s relationship? Is the ex boyfriend guilty?
Clay visits with Caraleigh and Luke along with Ellie and Bethany. Ellie’s parents come along for the visits and take part in the activities. Will Ellie’s parents be accepting of Caraleigh and Luke? How is Bethany handling the visit? Do Clay and Ellie repair their strained relationship?
Cold Intentions is full of suspense and surprises. The ending leaves you wondering whether or not Ellie’s suspension be ended early due to a new murder case. Already waiting for the next book.
Detective Ellie Cline has been suspended from her job due to her actions on her last case. Her relationship with her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Clay Lockwood is going through a rough patch. Clay decides he wants to get away to visit his sister, Caraleigh and her boyfriend, Luke. Since she is on suspension, Ellie and Bethany go with Clay to Long Field Township, South Carolina. Instead of his peaceful getaway, Clay now has Ellie’s parents making plans for all of them.
While out on a run, Ellie stumbles upon a murder scene. Her appearance is not well received by Deputy Taylor or D.A. Jefferson McNaulty. The sheriff never shows up to the crime scene. She offers her help but was told it would not be needed. Ellie informs Clay of what she saw and he reminds her that he does not have authorization to get involved and he is on vacation.
Ellie can not help but herself and starts doing some nosing around. The whole situation of how the crime scene was handled is questionable and even Clay admits it does sound off. As it turns out, Clay is given authorization to help with the case and Ellie goes to work putting the pieces of the puzzle together. How many people will die before the killer is caught? How does this effect Clay and Ellie’s relationship? Is the ex boyfriend guilty?
Clay visits with Caraleigh and Luke along with Ellie and Bethany. Ellie’s parents come along for the visits and take part in the activities. Will Ellie’s parents be accepting of Caraleigh and Luke? How is Bethany handling the visit? Do Clay and Ellie repair their strained relationship?
Cold Intentions is full of suspense and surprises. The ending leaves you wondering whether or not Ellie’s suspension be ended early due to a new murder case. Already waiting for the next book.
May 17, 2023
COLD INTENTIONS is the twelfth installment in the Ellie Kline Cold Case series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This is another intense psychological thriller in this fast paced and thrilling series. The authors, Mary Stone and Donna Berdel, have done another amazing job capturing your attention in the first few pages of the book. I was hooked from the beginning.
Wow, so much is happening! Ellie is on suspension from the Charleston PD for not following the procedures during the Cupid Killer case. Her boyfriend, FBI Agent Clay Lockwood, sides with her superior and decides he needs a quiet vacation away from everyone to think. Before he knows it, that quiet vacation turns into a family affair with Ellie, her foster daughter Bethany, and Ellie's parents. When a body shows up, Ellie fights the urge to get involved. Then with a second body and still no sheriff, even Clay is wondering what is going on. Get ready as this fast paced story has everyone trying to spend time as a family and stop a killer.
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.
Wow, so much is happening! Ellie is on suspension from the Charleston PD for not following the procedures during the Cupid Killer case. Her boyfriend, FBI Agent Clay Lockwood, sides with her superior and decides he needs a quiet vacation away from everyone to think. Before he knows it, that quiet vacation turns into a family affair with Ellie, her foster daughter Bethany, and Ellie's parents. When a body shows up, Ellie fights the urge to get involved. Then with a second body and still no sheriff, even Clay is wondering what is going on. Get ready as this fast paced story has everyone trying to spend time as a family and stop a killer.
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.
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 Intentions is Book #12 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 Intentions is Book #12 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…
September 11, 2025
Twist and turns
Ellie Kline is a detective with the Charleston PD on suspension. Her boyfriend Clay works for the FBI. They decided to take a vacation that involved both families. They went to a small town and after arriving Ellie is on a run and finds herself on a murder scene. This is not Charleston's jurisdiction but the detective in her can't understand why the forensic team is not there. Josie was in town for her ten year reunion. She was found dead. Next thing there is another murder and Ellie and Clay feel that the town sheriff isn't equipped to handle a murder case let alone two. Ellie and Clay offer their help but are turned down. Clay was able to get the FBI to assign him to the case because of the DA. Lots of suspects from old boyfriends to scorned lovers. Ellie finally figures out who the sheriff really is and saves two lives. She returns to Charleston and her boss wants her back on the force but how does she feel about that?
Ellie Kline is a detective with the Charleston PD on suspension. Her boyfriend Clay works for the FBI. They decided to take a vacation that involved both families. They went to a small town and after arriving Ellie is on a run and finds herself on a murder scene. This is not Charleston's jurisdiction but the detective in her can't understand why the forensic team is not there. Josie was in town for her ten year reunion. She was found dead. Next thing there is another murder and Ellie and Clay feel that the town sheriff isn't equipped to handle a murder case let alone two. Ellie and Clay offer their help but are turned down. Clay was able to get the FBI to assign him to the case because of the DA. Lots of suspects from old boyfriends to scorned lovers. Ellie finally figures out who the sheriff really is and saves two lives. She returns to Charleston and her boss wants her back on the force but how does she feel about that?
May 18, 2023
This is an ARC and another great read in the Ellie Kline series. Ellie has been suspended by the Charleston Police Department, So her FBI boyfriend, Clay, has decided they need to get away. So Ellie, Clay and Ellie's adopted daughter head to Goose Creek. They meet up with Ellies parents and Clays sister and brother in law. Instead of being a relaxing time, Ellie and Clay get caught up in the case of a murdered woman. Then another woman is found murdered and the local sheriff arrests the womans boyfriend. Nobody believes he is guilty and Ellie and Clay rush to find who is killing these women and does an incident that happened in High School holds the key. Ellie and Clay rush to find the killer before others die.
May 28, 2023
In Cold Intentions, Ellie and Clay take off on a vacation to Goose Creek, SC, where Clay's sister lives, to spend time with her and improve their relationship. Of course, not too long into it, they find themselves embroiled in a mystery. Body's begin to pile up and other's are missing, after a local high school reunion. The D.A. of the area gets involved and so does the sheriff, but the latter seems a bit late to the scene. Folks are interviewed and the need for speed in solving the case increases as body's continue to fall. It's nice to see Ellie and Clay are begin to have a better understanding of each other as their relationship evolves. A welcome addition to the Ellie Kline series!
May 30, 2023
This book keeps you interested, and it takes a while to figure out who the killer is. Just follow the breadcrumbs! Ellie Kline is her usual determined self. Like a dog with a bone she just keeps digging until she finds her answers. Clay is the ever-patient boyfriend who joins Ellie and her family on a short vacation. Clays sister is also in this book along with her boyfriend Luke. The gang is all together and ready for some quality time. That is until Ellie stumbles onto a very irregular crime scene. Then we are off to the races. Ellie needs to do a little triage in her personal life. She risks losing a lot. Good read.
June 4, 2023
I just can't get enough of Ellie Kline! Her ways may not always be the best but she won't stop (even when vacationing) until she solves the puzzle! I absolutely love how her family has completely accepted her adoptive daughter and how Bethany gets to experience a solid family life. I enjoy watching Bethany and Ellie recover from everything they've been through in the past. I hope Clay is always in their life. Ellie will never change when it comes to her crime solving tactics and this reader is perfectly okay with that! I can't wait for Ellie's next adventure! Mary and Donna have outdone themselves once again!!
May 22, 2023
Elle, Clay, Bethany and Elle's parents are on a vacation, sort of. Clay is visiting his sister Caraleigh and Luck in the small town of Longfield Township. There was also a high school reunion taking place at the same time. Then the bodies started showing up. The town's sheriff office isn't receptive of outsiders helping, but they are out maned and aren't exactly used to dealing with killings. Can Elle and Clay make a big enough difference to find the killer? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 23, 2023
Cold intentions
Mary and Donna did amazing job again. Wow. What you can get into on the vacations?! Well Ellie and Clay have their hands full without asking for it. Trouble just follows them. I loved the family vacation theme weaving with tension and horrible crimes. Twists were interesting and kept me guessing till the end. Did not go to bed till I knew who did it. The authors gave us another amazingly sad and cruel story. They balanced it well with the romance on the rocks btw Ellie and Clay. Very well written. Do not miss this one! It’s perfect!
Mary and Donna did amazing job again. Wow. What you can get into on the vacations?! Well Ellie and Clay have their hands full without asking for it. Trouble just follows them. I loved the family vacation theme weaving with tension and horrible crimes. Twists were interesting and kept me guessing till the end. Did not go to bed till I knew who did it. The authors gave us another amazingly sad and cruel story. They balanced it well with the romance on the rocks btw Ellie and Clay. Very well written. Do not miss this one! It’s perfect!
May 30, 2023
cold Intentions
Cold Intentions is a very good book. While on vacation Ellie and Clay get drawn into several murders in the small town they are visiting. It is strange that the sheriff is such an amateur seeming person at his job and seems to want to take the easy way out with these murders. Clay and Ellie just can’t help but get involved. This is a great book. They are having a wonderful vacation but also a great murder mystery or rather several murder mysteries to solve. Thank you Mary Stone as usual for a great story.
Cold Intentions is a very good book. While on vacation Ellie and Clay get drawn into several murders in the small town they are visiting. It is strange that the sheriff is such an amateur seeming person at his job and seems to want to take the easy way out with these murders. Clay and Ellie just can’t help but get involved. This is a great book. They are having a wonderful vacation but also a great murder mystery or rather several murder mysteries to solve. Thank you Mary Stone as usual for a great story.
May 17, 2023
I received this book as an ARC. This book was amazing, each story gets better & better. This tells more in depth about the character, Ellie & her family. While Ellie was on vacation with her family & her boyfriend, Clay, in Clay’s sister’s town, she discovers a murder. Although she is on suspension, she has to investigate. This will keep you guessing til the end with an unexpected murderer! Don’t miss this one!
May 17, 2023
A GREAT BOOK THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU ENGROSSED TILL THE LAST PAGE. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND BECOME YOUR FRIEND DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
Sent from Mail for Windows
Sent from Mail for Windows
May 17, 2023
Once again The collaboration of Mary Stone and Donna Berdel has created a fascinating mystery. Ellie Kline has always been one of my favorite characters and series and Cold Intentions does not disappoint.
The authors have this flow that make these stories riveting and I wanted to read and read. Could not put down…each page more thrilling than the next!!
The authors have this flow that make these stories riveting and I wanted to read and read. Could not put down…each page more thrilling than the next!!
May 17, 2023
Another great Ellie Kline story by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. Had me hooked from the first page to the last. Ellie can't seem to stay away from solving crimes, even while on suspension and vacation. A real page turner with twists. Enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the characters. Cannot wait for the next book in the series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
May 18, 2023
Book #12 in the Ellie Kline series is a very good read. This one focuses a bit more on Ellie’s and Clay’s romance and I enjoyed that. Of course, there’s action, twists and suspense, as well. It’s a very entertaining and well developed story. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
May 18, 2023
I have loved Mary Stones books for a few years now and I enjoy each one I read. This continued series with Ellie Kline and boyfriend FBI agent Clay Lockwood in Goose Creek at a Bed and Breakfast. A High School 10 year reunion is being held and there is a murder. Do Ellie and Clay get involved, are they asked, or?
I enjoyed reading Cold Intentions and I think you will enjoy it also.
I enjoyed reading Cold Intentions and I think you will enjoy it also.
May 20, 2023
Out of Work
Ellie has been suspended for her actions in the last book so she decides to take a vacation with Clay and her parents. Bethany is over the moon as they visit Clay’s family but Ellie finds a mystery to solve. It ends in a firefight of epic proportions. But how will her boss deal with the issue while she’s still suspended?
Ellie has been suspended for her actions in the last book so she decides to take a vacation with Clay and her parents. Bethany is over the moon as they visit Clay’s family but Ellie finds a mystery to solve. It ends in a firefight of epic proportions. But how will her boss deal with the issue while she’s still suspended?
May 24, 2023
While being suspended from her job, Eliie,Clay, her daughter and parents go on a vacation to a small town. When Ellie is out running, she stumbles on a body of a young woman. Of course, she has to get involved in trying to solve a series of murders.
This book is full of mystery and suspense and I would highly recommend it.
This book is full of mystery and suspense and I would highly recommend it.
May 26, 2023
Cold Intentions(Ellie Kline Psychological Thriller Series Book 12)
OMG!!!!!!!!!! This one drove me crazy, it was scary, insane, exciting and totally amazing. I do not know Ellie can end up in the middle of a murder investigation while on vacation. But you would not believe who the murderer was and how many victims he would have before it was all over.
OMG!!!!!!!!!! This one drove me crazy, it was scary, insane, exciting and totally amazing. I do not know Ellie can end up in the middle of a murder investigation while on vacation. But you would not believe who the murderer was and how many victims he would have before it was all over.
July 1, 2023
Good as always
Enjoyed Ellie's vacation \ suspension time.
Played by the rules and became that wonderful heroin that women love to read about. Patching up with her boy Clay and raising her daughter. The girl has a great chance to a normal life thanks to her new mom, Clay and her new grand parents. Life is sweet .
Can't wait til the next book is out!
Enjoyed Ellie's vacation \ suspension time.
Played by the rules and became that wonderful heroin that women love to read about. Patching up with her boy Clay and raising her daughter. The girl has a great chance to a normal life thanks to her new mom, Clay and her new grand parents. Life is sweet .
Can't wait til the next book is out!
July 12, 2023
Not impressive
Sorry to say, but I was not impressed with this Ellie Kline series, book 12. Repetitive and more foccused on family dynamics and dealing with the past drama with her nemesis, Dr. Kingsley. Enough lamenting already. Geez, only one fourth of the story focused on the killer.
Sorry to say, but I was not impressed with this Ellie Kline series, book 12. Repetitive and more foccused on family dynamics and dealing with the past drama with her nemesis, Dr. Kingsley. Enough lamenting already. Geez, only one fourth of the story focused on the killer.
February 4, 2024
Go Back
"Did she want to go?" Of course you do, Ellie. Better resources, not to mention backup when needed. Another Ellie Kline page turner. It seems Ellie somehow acquired bloodhound DNA. She won't let go. She got the perp. AGAIN!!! An interesting twist on a vacation that only Mary Stone can conjure up. I am looking forward to Book 13. See ya soon, Ellie.
"Did she want to go?" Of course you do, Ellie. Better resources, not to mention backup when needed. Another Ellie Kline page turner. It seems Ellie somehow acquired bloodhound DNA. She won't let go. She got the perp. AGAIN!!! An interesting twist on a vacation that only Mary Stone can conjure up. I am looking forward to Book 13. See ya soon, Ellie.
March 10, 2024
good book
Ellie is still suspended so her, Bethany, her mom & dad go on vacation. They are meeting Clay there. Clay is visiting his sister & her boyfriend Luke. While they are there two people from a class reunion are murdered, along with the husband of one of them & another young woman. Of course Ellie & Clay get involved.
Ellie is still suspended so her, Bethany, her mom & dad go on vacation. They are meeting Clay there. Clay is visiting his sister & her boyfriend Luke. While they are there two people from a class reunion are murdered, along with the husband of one of them & another young woman. Of course Ellie & Clay get involved.
August 25, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and was hoping that similar to the Shadow Island series, Ellie would eventually become the sheriff of the small town and possibly Clay, because his sister lives there, would move there, too. After reading the preview for Book 13, I fear my idea was just wishful thinking. But I will continue to hope!!
May 17, 2023
On suspension, Ellie is supposed to be on vacation with Clay, trying to repair their fractured relationship. But of course she stumbles upon a body and is immediately engrossed in the circumstances.
Another amazing, easy to read hit from Stone and Berdel!
Another amazing, easy to read hit from Stone and Berdel!
May 19, 2023
Number 12 is a winner for both the authors and the readers. Started reading and just couldn’t stop until I had finished the whole book. Love the storyline. Learned more about the characters. Super read, you won’t be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews