Winters Schmerz (Winter-Black-Serie)

Winter Black #1

by Mary Stone

Vor dreizehn Jahren kam Winter Black, die bei einer Freundin übernachten wollte, verfrüht nach Hause zurück und fand ihre Eltern brutal ermordet im Bett vor, während ihr kleiner Bruder verschwunden war – entführt von einem Serienmörder, dem man den Namen der Preacher gegeben hatte.

In ihrer Rolle als junge FBI-Agentin, die gerade in ihrem ersten Mordfall ermittelt, ist Winter nun wieder in ihre kleine Heimatstadt zurückgekehrt. Doch als von einem Jäger gefundene Menschenknochen zur Entdeckung mehrerer Skelette von Kindern führen, die im Wald verscharrt wurden, rücken die Ermittlungen ihr plötzlich ganz nahe, da mit jeder neuen, schockierenden Entdeckung die Vergangenheit ihr Haupt erhebt. Wird als Nächstes das Skelett ihres Bruders auftauchen?

Das weiß nur der Preacher, doch er wird alles tun, um die Vergangenheit – und ihre Geheimnisse – unter der Decke zu halten, bis er zum letzten Akt bereit ist.

Ein meisterhaft erdachter psychologischer Thriller, der an Lisa Jackson, Harlan Coben und Karin Slaughter erinnert. Winters Schmerz wird den Leser bannen, der – mit ängstlichen Blicken zum Fenster – das Buch bis lange nach Mitternacht nicht aus der Hand legen wird.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Audiobook

364 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2019

About the author

To 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.

Reviews

[Adrian Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I never read the reviews before I read this book; there's so much negativity about excessively simplistic writing and foul language. I had no issue with the writing style and I'm fairly sure there was not a single use of offensive cussing. Strange.
This, the first in a nine book series, leaves me hoping the next eight will perform as well. It's easy reading without an excess of needless characters, often found in novels as a method to create a whodunit with poor stories. This book has a strong central plot that I'm guessing will run throughout the series plus it had the current mystery our FBI heroine is called in to solve. A mystery full of intrigue that maintains a solid pace. The main characters are likable and their banter equally light. I can't say I'd honestly expect real agents to behave this way but it's fiction and I want entertaining. And this book did so. What did surprise me was the element of the paranormal. Had I known about this before purchasing, I would have steared well clear but it worked really well. Moving directly to book two.

[edward philo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Head hopping. Unlikable main character.

This story was just poorly written. I had to stop and go back and re-read to see who was talking, thinking, moving. I don't want any sentence in a fictional book to begin with, "He felt...she felt...". I hate that kindergarten style. I want to see and feel through actions. Also, I did not like Winter. Her behavior and attitude, regardless of her back-story makes her a rough-edged, unlikable woman. This story could have been better if Winter had an ounce of softness. The plot was too over-the-top.
I will not be reading the rest of the series because I don't care what happens next.



rearea

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter Black is a rookie FBI agent investigating her first murder case. However, she has a hidden agenda. As a 13-year old, she was the only survivor when her family was viciously murdered. Waking from the coma which was the result from a crushing blow to the head from the murderer, she has a new ability that she did not have before the attack. She has no control over it, but has been successfully using it in her few previous cases. However, this murder case brings her back to the hometown where she lost her family and memories come flooding back. Can she focus her attention on the murder case at hand while dealing with the loss of her family and the memories they stir?

I stumbled upon this book and am so happy I did. It came as a complete surprise. It is an outstanding murder/mystery story. In addition, I have now found a new author! A win-win all the way around. Onto the next book in the series, "Winter's Curse." ;)

[Kelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

The most interesting part was the last page.

The book started out interesting but just went on and on. Lots of filler. The best part was the last page making you want to read the next book, but I wouldn’t recommend.

[Burk · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book isn't really even worth reviewing. Trite plot, shallow character development, formula writing (out of control female law enforcement officer whose male counterparts are all enamoured with her despite her over-the-top self-absorption, insubordination and self-perceived discrimination because she is a woman in a man's world.) Would probably be a hit "mindless" TV series, but a bust of a read.

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, interesting characters

I liked this book and eventually grew to like Winters. Like many other books in this genre the main character is tragically flawed with some sort of revenge needed to come to terms with the past. I did like the twist in her capabilities and liked the secondary characters as well even though they are rather stereotypical. I hope future books won’t bring out crime-ance, making the main character romantically involved with her partner. I hate crime romance and hope this series doesn’t flail in that. Enjoyed the book, enjoyed the twists and will continue on.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve only discovered Mary Stone this year and I am loving her books!! This is the second series from her I’ve started reading, and the storyline is so compelling, with a pace that moves at lightning speed!! It’s very difficult to put one of her books down once you start reading!

The characters in this series are fantastic and are developed so incredibly well! Our protagonist, Winter Black, is haunted by family tragedy, providing the impetus for her pursuing a career in the FBI. Fellow agents and friends, Noah and Aiden, provide the unconditional support Winter needs without her even realizing she needs it. The three make quite a remarkable and likable team, and I can’t wait to delve more into their lives in Book 2 of Winter’s series!! Can’t recommend Mary Stone’s books more!!

[Jadyn Post · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Why did it have to end like that?! I feel compelled to pick up book 2 just to see what happens. This book gave me Bones vibes, and I loved it. Mystery books are awesome, and this one really made me think. This was my first book by this author and I definitely want to read more.
Thank you booksforward for sending me a copy read!!

[CD {Boulder Blvd} · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up...

The primary case is solved but there is an unsolved cold case that goes into at least one more book.

[Taryn Tubbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An FBI agent with a hot coworker solving cases that could lead to her parents murderer and her missing brother???? say less - this is going to be a new fave series i can feel it

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It definitely kept me Kindling, despite my crap vision. Loved the suspense in this FBI thriller (and the slight tough of paranormal.) The next book is already on my TBR list.

[Marge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually 3.5 stars. With all the hype and press I’ve seen about this book, I was a bit disappointed. Pretty much an average mystery read.

[Jessica Bravo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had really high hopes for this book. I kept seeing it online along with some great thrillers.

What went through my mind while listening to the audiobook was “Did all the people who talked about this book actually read it????”

So it’s either that the narrator doesn’t make any appropriate pauses or the author wrote the novel in a stream of consciousness rambling. I listened to the audiobook so the print version may be better. The bones of the story isn’t bad, it just reads like one long run-on sentence after another. There’s also a lot of “she felt” and “he felt” instead of letting it come across in the story.

I may try another in the series in print to see if it’s any better.
Be warned…

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting story I enjoyed it a lot

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was good and kept me engaged. The writing is decent but the author should do a little more research. I don't know about the FBI procedures so maybe those are fine, but the smaller details were grating. (i.e. M*A*S*H is mentioned as being set in Vietnam. A common mistake I suppose but annoying.) I may read the next of her books to see if it improves and because I did enjoy the plot. Her work came highly recommended.

[Vanessa Rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard book to put down

Once i sat down and started reading i couldnt put it down. Winter, Aiden and Noah were very good together. I still cant wait to see which one she picks. I also cant wait to find out who the preacher is. I'll be waiting.

[Teresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought books 1-4.
This one is not very good. The writing style is juvenile and Winter, the main character is totally unlikeable

[Judy Odom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter's Mourn had me turning the pages quickly , staying up late to finish Book 1 in the series and can't wait to read Book 2.

I am excited for the rest of the series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspense with splash of sexual tension

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 20%. It’s not like it was so horrible that I had to stop reading, but life is too short to spend on 340 pages of a book you don’t like. My gripes:

The Writing: I get that these are supposed to be relatively “new” FBI agents. Even the characters were like “Why would they have newbies lead an investigation?” Noah’s writing is pretty consistent, but the female lead feels like she’s a teenager pretending to be a grownup.

The POV Hopping: This is definitely a personal preference. I am incapable of getting attached to characters when you’re hopping between them all of the time, sometimes multiple times within one chapter.

The “Abilities”: Those “abilities” she woke up with don’t make any sort of sense. It’s not something that already exists like talking to the dead or telekinesis. She’s apparently just a super cop and things glow red when she needs to pursue them. It’s like the author wanted to write a detective novel without having to do any detective work to figure out what to do next.

[Brenda Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent start to the series. A strong, independent FBI agent returns to her hometown after bones are found in the woods. Winter hasn't returned since the horrendous murder of her parents and the kidnapping of her brother.
With her partner, Winter uncovers other remains. They struggle to piece together the history of the town as well as a commune.
Fast paced. Excellent intro to the characters.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good crime fiction, book 1 in series. Just what I needed this week. Highly rated, but I don't think I will continue series. A little too dark for me.

[Rachel Buttimer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall decent storyline. Could have done without the “super powers” and romantic interests. Aspects of the book felt like I’d seen or heard similar things before in other books or TV shows.

[Janice Somers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down. The story was a cliffhanger and I hate that, but I couldn't stop reading. What will happen to Winter and her little brother? Will they catch the killer/kidnapper?
The story had some language flaws, but compared to real-life it was nothing to complain about.
The story was one that held me to the end.

[Katrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Sterne

Ein sehr guter Start in die Reihe.

Flüssiger und guter Schreibstil, mit sympathischen Charakteren.

Über die Klischees in den Charakteren und der Story kann ich hinwegsehen, da es spannend war und mir wirklich gut gefallen hat.

Werde die Reihe auf jeden Fall weiterlesen.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter’s Mourn by Mary Stone

Synopsis /

The graves are small, but they hide a big secret.

When The Preacher targets her family for his last kill, Winter Black is the only survivor. After recovering from the brain injury she received that brutal night, Winter single-mindedly pursues a career as an FBI agent, but not even her unexplainable talents, discovered after her coma, can prepare her for her first case.

After human remains are discovered in the woods, someone will go to lethal lengths to keep an old mystery buried. Special Agent Black is pulled into an investigation that hits too close to home. In the town where her parents were murdered, Winter needs to find one killer...while being stalked by the shadow of another.

Welcome to book one of Mary Stone’s debut crime fiction series. If you love a page-turning thriller with mind churning mystery, unexpected villains, and riveting suspense, Winter’s Mourn will keep you guessing until the end.

My Thoughts /

Did I read that correctly? Book one of Mary Stone’s debut crime fiction series? Insert applause here 👏 👏 👏. What an excellent start to the series! In fact, I enjoyed it that much that I broke one of my own rules (Rule #101: Never pay full price for a book) and purchased the next instalment in the series.

Thirteen years ago, Winter Black (now a rookie FBI agent) came home early from a sleepover to find her parents brutally murdered and her little brother gone….taken by a serial killer called The Preacher. Left for dead and in coma, Winter wakes up with special gifts/psychic powers. Cue the spooky music here: do do do do. Assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned home to the small Virginia town where she grew up. It seems that a body has been found--and then more bodies and more bodies! All but one are very young children. Her gifts allow her to locate a series of graves at the site which leads her to a now defunct cult/commune. There is a deep dark secret in this town. Cue more scary music. Meanwhile, in the background, the person who had murdered her family was watching. For Winter, finding and taking down The Preacher is a very personal vendetta. An eye for an eye.

The character development and scenes painted through words are spot on. I especially loved the interplay between the three FBI agents, Winter; her partner Noah; and mentor, Aiden. This book pulled me in straight away and kept me all the way until the very end. WARNING: It will keep you page turning long into the night.

I’m going to read the 2nd book and, if it’s as enjoyable, it will definitely go on my favourites list. Recommend.

[J.Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some dreams are born of nightmares. That's true of Winter Black, who has dreamed of being an FBI agent ever since the nightmare of her parents brutal murder and the kidnapping of her baby brother by a man known only as The Preacher. Now, at long last, Winter is living her dream, and her first official case as an FBI Special Agent takes her back to where it all began. Someone has discovered the bones of a young child that dates back to when her brother disappeared, and Winter has to find out if it's Jacob. What she gets is a grisly set of murders, mostly of infants and small children, and mostly from the same time period as her own personal tragedy. Can Winter unravel all the tangled ends to find out why these innocents were targeted and bring the criminals to justice? Read Winter Mourn to find out.
Lots of fast paced action, well written, and magnetic. Sucks you in and doesn't let you go until you finish the whole book. The only drawback is that it leaves the story hanging where Winter's story is concerned.

[Jessi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I opted to read this because a co-worker recommended the series and it was free on Kindle Unlimited. So you know, why not. I love a good mystery.
I felt like the premise was pretty ridiculous. I highly doubt the FBI would send an agent on their first big case back to their hometown. Where they had major childhood trauma. That was unresolved. So, that annoyed me off the bat.
Then, there is almost immediately an attempt to make you want some romance between Winter and her partner agent. Nope, not needed. Move along.
I thought maybe it would be good once there were extra senses/ powers brought up. I got a bit of a vibe like the Harper Connolly series by Charlaine Harris. However, this one was just not as captivating.
It seemed that this book was just trying to go in too many directions at once. The love triangle aspect made me roll my eyes, and it was completely superfluous. The book ended on a cliffhanger, but I simply did not care. I will not be reading anymore in this series.

[Han · Rating 1 out of 5]

How in the world does this book have such a high rating?

I only read this book 10 pages at a time just before I fell asleep. It was literally a book that put me to sleep.

It is poorly written and the truth is not revealed in the actual unfolding of the story. It was expressed all at once in a word dump. Why? That is just lazy writing. 275 pages of very few clues to solve the mystery and BAM the last 5% of the book is a word dump of information.

There were very few clues, an unsolved cold case, and the ending was really anti climatic.

I would not recommend this book.

[Opal Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I devoured this as quickly as I did the previous ones. The writing is so believable and the characters bring you into the story. I look forward to her next books. The interplay between the three agents kept me wondering if Winter would choose one of them.