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Winter Black #1
Winter's Mourn
A killer is watching…
Thirteen years ago, Winter Black 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.
Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next?
Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move.
Thirteen years ago, Winter Black 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.
Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next?
Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 9, 2019
24.1k people are currently reading
14.4k people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
177 books1,939 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 1,153 reviews
March 5, 2021
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.
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.
April 12, 2020
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
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
September 14, 2019
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." ;)
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." ;)
January 26, 2020
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.
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.
November 29, 2019
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.
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.
January 27, 2021
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.
March 24, 2024
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!!
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!!
April 19, 2023
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!!
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!!
December 30, 2019
3.5 rounded up...
The primary case is solved but there is an unsolved cold case that goes into at least one more book.
The primary case is solved but there is an unsolved cold case that goes into at least one more book.
August 8, 2024
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
March 8, 2020
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.
January 27, 2021
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.
June 24, 2022
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…
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…
February 29, 2020
A very interesting story I enjoyed it a lot
April 19, 2021
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.
April 26, 2019
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.
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.
May 31, 2021
Bought books 1-4.
This one is not very good. The writing style is juvenile and Winter, the main character is totally unlikeable
This one is not very good. The writing style is juvenile and Winter, the main character is totally unlikeable
December 29, 2021
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.
I am excited for the rest of the series.
June 2, 2020
Suspense with splash of sexual tension
June 5, 2020
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.
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.
September 14, 2020
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.
January 3, 2022
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.
December 30, 2020
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.
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.
February 4, 2022
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.
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.
April 16, 2019
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.
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.
March 21, 2025
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 trying to be a badass cop or something.
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.
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 trying to be a badass cop or something.
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.
April 19, 2020
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.
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.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2019
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.
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.
January 10, 2021
Author : Mary Stone
Winter's Mourn (Winter Black Series Book 1)
318 pages
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
A killer is watching…
Thirteen years ago, Winter Black 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.
Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next? Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move.
⭐MY REVIEW⭐
After starting 26 books I found one that caught my attention. This is my first book by Mary Stone and WOW what an amazing very well written story. I loved it so much that i honestly never wanted it to end.
I just love it when I find a new to me author and they have a wonderful series that I get hooked on. Winter's Mourn is book 1 in the Winter Black Series. It
had me gripped from the first page and held my interest all the way through. Stones writing style draws the reader in within the first few lines. This was an amazing 5 star read and I never knew where it would go next. It was one of those books that you want to end and yet you want it to go on forever because you fall in love with the characters. The plot was suspenseful and thrilling at all times. It really is a roller coaster of a ride.
I was truly hooked until I got to the very end. And what an ending it was !!! Talk about ending with a bang. You will feel as if you've stepped into the characters shoes.
It's most definitely a book you will not want to miss. Just be warned you won't be able to put it down once you start ! Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
#MaryStone
#WintersMourn #WinterBlackSeries
Winter's Mourn (Winter Black Series Book 1)
318 pages
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description:
A killer is watching…
Thirteen years ago, Winter Black 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.
Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next? Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move.
⭐MY REVIEW⭐
After starting 26 books I found one that caught my attention. This is my first book by Mary Stone and WOW what an amazing very well written story. I loved it so much that i honestly never wanted it to end.
I just love it when I find a new to me author and they have a wonderful series that I get hooked on. Winter's Mourn is book 1 in the Winter Black Series. It
had me gripped from the first page and held my interest all the way through. Stones writing style draws the reader in within the first few lines. This was an amazing 5 star read and I never knew where it would go next. It was one of those books that you want to end and yet you want it to go on forever because you fall in love with the characters. The plot was suspenseful and thrilling at all times. It really is a roller coaster of a ride.
I was truly hooked until I got to the very end. And what an ending it was !!! Talk about ending with a bang. You will feel as if you've stepped into the characters shoes.
It's most definitely a book you will not want to miss. Just be warned you won't be able to put it down once you start ! Definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.
#MaryStone
#WintersMourn #WinterBlackSeries
May 10, 2021
This was an okay mystery - first in a series. I would probably read the next one. In many ways it's like a lot of other mysteries out there -female FBI agent joins the FBI due to past trauma (in this case her parents were murdered and brother kidnapped - killer never caught).
She is being 'stalked' by the killer while working a different case - this story ends and her family's killer leaves her another taunting note -implying that this cat and mouse game will continue. I am tired/bored of books with a bad guy who never caught; or not caught until 7-8-9 books later. If that is the case with this series I won't stick with it. This story also reminded me a bit of the Kay Hooper - Bishop series as Winter has some sort of psychic abilities since her parent's murder (she was attacked by the murder and in a coma for awhile -emerged with super powers).
overall and easy read - but nothing special -
She is being 'stalked' by the killer while working a different case - this story ends and her family's killer leaves her another taunting note -implying that this cat and mouse game will continue. I am tired/bored of books with a bad guy who never caught; or not caught until 7-8-9 books later. If that is the case with this series I won't stick with it. This story also reminded me a bit of the Kay Hooper - Bishop series as Winter has some sort of psychic abilities since her parent's murder (she was attacked by the murder and in a coma for awhile -emerged with super powers).
overall and easy read - but nothing special -
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,153 reviews