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Winter Black #25

Winter's Stalker

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You know what you did. So do I.

The man who’s been stalking Private Investigator Winter Black is dead, but he wasn’t working alone. Threats linger in the shadows, and she can’t shake the chilling feeling that she’s being watched.

It’s about to get personal…again.

A flyer advertising her business—Black Investigations—was found on the tenth-floor balcony of a woman who apparently jumped to her death. Except Winter has never seen the brochure before. Stranger still, her two newest clients received the same fake flyer, along with a blackmail letter.

Pay for your crime or kill yourself.

Did the dead woman receive the same threat and choose option two? Or did someone make that choice for her?

As Winter digs deeper into her clients’ dark confessions and pasts, she finds more questions than answers—and a terrifying pattern. Someone is playing a twisted game, and the flyers are an invitation for Winter to play…whether she wants to or not. But it’s hard to win when you don’t know the rules. Or your opponent.

The stakes have never been higher in Winter’s Stalker, the darkly addictive seventh book in the Winter Black Season Two series, where one thing becomes chillingly in this game, there are fates worse than death.

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 2024

992 people are currently reading
190 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

226 books2,157 followers
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.

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5 stars
1,911 (68%)
4 stars
685 (24%)
3 stars
159 (5%)
2 stars
22 (<1%)
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12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Angela.
8,695 reviews122 followers
December 31, 2025
4.5 Stars

‘Everything’s bigger—and deadlier—in Texas...
Finally free from the claustrophobic worry caused by her psychotic baby brother’s bloodthirsty reign, former Special Agent Winter Black—newly Mrs. Winter Black-Dalton—is ready for a fresh start in Austin, Texas. With her husband and former partner, Noah Dalton, at her side, she’s hoping to shed the skin of her past and return to hunting down criminals, but in a very different way...’

Winter's Stalker is Book #25 in the Winter Black Series (Winter Black: Season Two Book #7) by Mary Stone. These books follow Special Agent Winter Black, whose life was shattered when her parents were murdered, and her little brother was believed to have been killed by a serial killer known as The Preacher. Years later, she’s not only chasing down dangerous criminals but also searching for the truth about her brother - a thread that runs through the entire series.
Here, you get the adrenaline rush of intense investigations - serial killers, twisted motives, and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments - but also the personal side of Winter’s life. She’s tough and determined, but she’s also human, dealing with grief, trust issues, and complicated relationships.
Mary Stone’s writing is easy to sink into. The chapters are short and snappy, which made it really hard to put the books down. Each installment has its own case to solve, but there’s always that bigger mystery in the background, so you’ll probably want to read them in consecutive order to get the full picture and impact.
If you like shows like Criminal Minds or enjoy crime series with a mix of action as well as character depth, then this series is a solid choice.
Engaging, bingeable, and packed with both thrills and heart.
Happy Reading…
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,321 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2024
WINTER’S STALKER is the seventh installment in Season 2 of the Winter Black Mystery Series by Mary Stone. The development of the main characters and depth of depravity in the criminals is just as good/chilling as ever and continues to keep the reader on the edge of their seat, beginning to end. 

Noah has started a year long sabbatical from the FBI. He has a lot to think about: return to the FBI, start a new career, start a family, OR, what does Winter want? 

Winter's new client has a dark secret and is being blackmailed with two options: pay $30,000 - or kill himself. But Winter, with Noah's help, determines the client's memory is false, no crime was committed. Then another man shows up angry about Winter's business flyer and blackmail note. The thing is, the flyer is fake and Winter didn't send either one.

Read on and find out how someone could believe in a memory that would send them to suicide?  

If you are not intimidated by detailed descriptions of torture, killing, and harassments, and enjoy drama, fear, and suspense, Mary Stone is your author, or should be. 

I did receive a copy from the author and the above is my honest review.
379 reviews
November 22, 2024
I have loved Winter Black from my first reading the series. I love that Mary has branched out yet kept Winter there too.
Winter and her husband Noah have left the big city for a slower pace. Winter left the FBI to work in the Private investigator field. Her birth father showed up, that is she has doubts that he is who he says he is with his made up name, disappearing act at different times, secrecy and now Winter has a stalker. Noah just took a sabbatical to help Winter and to possible follow his dreams.
Will Winter find her Stalker, why are so many murders happening and where will each moment of her day find her..
You'll have to read to find out. The whole Winter Black Series is great, you should check it out.
224 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
Winter’s stalker is dead, but is he!? A supposed suicide victim is found with a flyer in her apartment advertising Black Investigations, but winter has never produced any fliers. When other fliers turn up with blackmails to the recipient, Winter gets involved in the investigation. As Noah, her FBI husband, takes a sabbatical from his job, he is determined to help Winter in her PI business. Can the two of them solve this case? A fast paced read that will keep you guessing & surprised & wanting more at the
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
140 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2024
People are receiving notices stating they need to pay up or commit suicide or their past discretion will be made public. The notice infers they should talk to Winter at Black Investigations. Winter is confident that she nor anyone in her office sent the notices. After a few of these appear she starts investigating to find the real story. When there are no records of the crimes these people think they committed, Winter and Noah start some in-depth searching. What they find is some serious cruelty. There are many dead ends and surprises. It’s truly a “must read”.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
468 reviews1 follower
November 20, 2024
I really like the Winter Black character. She is smart, strong, and discerning. Nothing gets by her or if it does, not for long. The characters in this story are all very interesting. Dr. Polle is a psychologist with a secret. Her new receptionist has a bigger secret. But who is the mystery man that hate Winter so much that he is willing to kill and manipulate everyone around Winter. The Watcher is the real danger and Winter know it. He is getting under her skin, and he is enjoying her suffering. This book was great and a quick read.
Profile Image for Jussara Berlie.
22 reviews
December 18, 2024
I liked the book, but it's a little tiring that the the criminal world revolves around Winter. That the story about her brother still survives and there are crazy people out there wanting her dead, for the simple reason that she exists. I think it's time the page was turned on this chapter and Justin Black was left behind and the absurd stories that everyone wants to see Winter suffer, no matter what. It would be interesting to change the subject, go to new crimes, new adventures, see Winter and Noah's relationship develop without so much drama, danger, scares. Anyway, just an opinion.
Profile Image for Dawn.
379 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
Who's after Winter now? Is it someone from the Justin fan club or just a mere sociopath? Clients of a hypnotist are dying and a letter about Winter's services and a threat are found with the bodies. This leads to the police to her door. The therapist is hypnotizing clients but they seem to have memories of things that seemed not to have happened. What is going on? Winter is on the case and her husband, Noah, on sabbatical for a year, is joining her. An interesting case with a cast of spectacular characters!
133 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2024
Wow, another intense story I read in one sitting. The stalker and the killer scared me and I had a hard time to guess who it is. Winter is an amazing character, I love her unorthodox approach and Witt. She just puts everything in ,ignoring danger , and pursuing the truth . I’m glad Noah joined her there is a lot of surprises with omg cliff hanger. I really enjoyed this page turner and looking forward to the next winter’ adventure. Mary’s bet series. Thank you. Bravo
24 reviews
December 22, 2024
Kept me guessing!

Each book in this series is better than the one before !! It was hard to wait until this one was published and now I am going to be impatiently waiting for the next.
The ending of this one makes that even harder!!! Mary Stone how do you manage to write social many marvelous reads? The cliffhanger at the end of this one had me scared for what's next for Noah and Winter for sure!!!!!!
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
236 reviews
November 18, 2024
A death made to look like a suicide, blackmail notes to people making them believe they’ve committed a crime - how does it all tie in? Add in a recently discovered father who decides to disappear again. Noah is now on sabbatical from the FBI and helping Winter as she tries to track down “The Listener” and at the same time the Watcher. Are the both the same?
180 reviews
November 20, 2024
You can't go wrong with a Winter Black book. Mary Stone has done it again with this fast-paced edge of your seat page turner that you can't put down until you reach the end. It has lots of twists and turns and keeps you guessing until the end. I definitely cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my very honest review.
421 reviews4 followers
November 22, 2024
Winter's Stalker:Winter Black Season Two( Winter Black FBI Mysteries Book 25)

OMG!!!!!! This book was amazing and truly scary. I hope that I am one of those people who can't be hypnotized, I would not like to have someone in my mind. I didn't think you could convince someone to commit suicide through hypnotizing. That is terrifying. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Andrea M Letizia.
18 reviews
November 26, 2024
Editing required

I have read 5 of Mary stones series and I'm a huge fan. The only thing i wish is that there would be one more final edit before publication. This is the third book I've read where character names get mixed up... Granted that's only 3 books of the probably 65 Mary Stone books I've read. Great storyteller??
174 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2024
Winter's Stalker is the 25th book in the Winter Black series and it is definitely a fast paced book that will keep you interested till the end.

Someone is passing out flyers about Winter's business along with notes telling the receiver to pay a ransom or commit suicide and Winter is hired to see who is sending these letters.
155 reviews
December 1, 2024
Meh

I'm trying to continue reading the Winter Black series, but I wish there was another storyline other than Justin Black. I am so tired of this storyline! Please, enough with the Justin Black angle. Argh! Just stop writing the Winter Black series. The character is painted into a deadend since she couldn't follow any rules and left the FBI.
244 reviews2 followers
December 8, 2024
Worth a read

I wasn't sure I'd like to read about Winter being a PI but it has surprised me. These books are good too. I miss reading about Winter and her FBI team. But Winter gets into her own problems with those looking to use her investigative skills. There are crazy evil people everywhere. I'm interested in reading the next book of course as this one leads into it
72 reviews
December 29, 2024
Quite another page turner!

This book doesn't fail in keeping you interested. Noah's taking his sabbatical from the FBI just in time. It's nice having them work together again. But then....you know what hits the fan! Glad the next book is available now to read! Would really not like waiting forever to continue this story. I just hope Winter and Noah can someday be happy.
41 reviews8 followers
March 29, 2025
I never tire of Winter Black

Winter had a bad childhood and it didn't get any better in adulthood. A cracker jack retired FBI BAU agent now turned PI. Her brother is a sociopath who just can't seem to stay in max security hospital .. .. All he wants is to torment & kill his sister. This book revolves around that and the fact that the next one will be better!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,404 reviews33 followers
December 16, 2025
A definite must read series

Winter Black's newest case is a confusing and tangled mess. Even before she accepts the intriguing case, she's unwittingly brought into the "game." It's certainly going to be an unusual and suspenseful story.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Profile Image for Naisinkoi.
377 reviews
December 30, 2025
*3.5 Stars

This book leans into psychological tension as Winter faces a case that feels unsettlingly personal. I liked the darker tone and how it heightened the suspense throughout the story. Winter’s instincts and determination really stood out here, making this a compelling and immersive read within the series.
137 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
ANOTHER GREAT READ IN THIS SERIES. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL AND GRABS YOU AND WON'T LET GO TILL THE END. PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES TILL THE END. WELL WRITTEN WITH GREAT CHARACTERS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THE SERIES.
157 reviews
November 19, 2024
Once again Mary Stone has created an ingenious thriller. The plot for Winter’s Stalker is intricate and well crafted. This is so original and clever, her writing captures the reader from the first chapter and doesn’t let go until you turn the last page!
Highly recommend!!!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,441 reviews30 followers
November 20, 2024
This is book twenty five in the Winter Black FBI Mysteries series. In this edition, Winter’s FBI husband, Noah, is helping her solve the case of a supposed suicide victim. It’s fast paced and well developed. It’s so entertaining, you won’t want to stop reading! A great page turner.
2 reviews
November 21, 2024
I loved all 25 of the Winter Black series but it does not seem that it should end there. The book 25 is open ended and I do not know the name of the next issue to have closure as there were only supposed to be 25 books.
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
November 30, 2024
Winter’s Stalker is the seventh installment of the Winter Black Mystery. It’s another intense read. Winter has a stalker. Noah is taking sabbatical from his work to protect her. Will she finally get her stalker. Must read. I can’t wait til next book to find out
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,365 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2024
Winter's Stalker

Winter and Noah help catch the woman that framed the psychologist for murder, an act of revenge for an incident dating back many year. They find out she was partnered with Winter's stalker. Great story with several twists.
50 reviews
December 10, 2024
Who is the stalker?

Never a dull minute in Winters life. Mary's books on Winter Black just keep getting better and better. This book is on the edge why is Dr. Poole killing her patients or is it? Someone has been watching Winter for along time.
8 reviews
December 24, 2024
I have been a big fan of most of Mary Stones book series, especially Winters. I don't know how to explain the difference I get from her books. That is why this is actually my first rating of 2 stars. For years my rating was a solid 5. I can't explain why.
Profile Image for Mary Peake.
41 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2024
Finally I know

Finally I know who is after Winter! I am so glad that hopefully I am getting to the "end"? This read kept me guessing to who was behind it all. Whoever has gotten to know Winter will love this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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