Introduction
What if your worst nightmare returned—again and again, across years and states? Cold Highway by Mary Stone is a haunting entry in the Ellie Kline series that plunges readers into the terrifying chase for a sadistic serial killer haunting America’s highways. With a protagonist still healing from her own past abduction, this psychological thriller blends trauma, justice, and survival in a heart-pounding race against time.
Whether you’re a fan of strong female detectives, procedural suspense, or dark crime fiction, this book delivers the gripping intensity you crave—and then some.
Cold Highway Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
Detective Ellie Kline is no stranger to trauma. Kidnapped at fifteen, she survived—but never escaped her scars. Now working Charleston’s Cold Case Unit, she’s thrust into an active investigation when a string of highway murders reveals a chilling pattern. Partnered with Special Agent Clay Lockwood, Ellie uncovers eerie connections to her former captor, Dr. Kingsley, suggesting that a new predator—dubbed “Lucky”—is continuing his twisted legacy. As the clues draw closer to Ellie’s past, she must confront the darkness she thought she’d buried.
Why This Book Will Hook You
- A fierce yet broken heroine you’ll root for
- Relentless pacing that never lets you breathe
- A villain so eerie he’ll stay with you long after the last page
- Emotional stakes as high as the body count
Character Spotlight: Ellie Kline
Ellie is one of the most layered heroines in modern crime fiction. She’s not just chasing killers—she’s chasing pieces of herself. Her chemistry with Clay Lockwood adds depth without overshadowing the action, and her inner dialogue offers emotional resonance rarely seen in this genre. Ellie’s evolution from victim to investigator is a testament to strength, grit, and resilience.
Themes That Hit Home
Cold Highway explores how trauma distorts perception, how justice can be personal, and how predators often lurk in plain sight. It’s a chilling reminder that survival is just the beginning—and healing is its own war.
Mary Stone’s Writing Style
Stone’s prose is lean, fast-paced, and cinematic. She excels at balancing procedural authenticity with raw emotional insight, crafting scenes that are both urgent and intimate. Every chapter ends with a hook. Every scene demands you keep going. If you love a thriller that respects your intelligence and quickens your pulse—this one’s for you.
What Readers Are Saying
Fans praise the intense suspense, emotionally scarred but heroic lead, and the twisted villain that could rival any true crime case. It’s described as “addictive,” “authentic,” and “impossible to put down.”
Recommended For
- Fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter, or Gregg Olsen
- Readers who love psychological suspense and criminal profiling
- Anyone who enjoys a female-led series with emotional depth and procedural realism
Ready for a Sleepless Night?
If you’re searching for your next can’t-put-it-down thriller, Cold Highway might be it. Prepare for chills, heartbreak, and the kind of storytelling that stays under your skin.
👉 Buy Cold Highway on Kindle now and join Ellie Kline on the road to justice.
Explore More in the Ellie Kline Series
- Book 1: Cold Truth – The chilling beginning of Ellie Kline’s journey into darkness
- Book 2: Cold Hunt – A relentless pursuit through shadows and secrets
- Book 3: Cold Threat – A deadly new danger that hits close to home
Pro Tip: Start with Book 1 to follow Ellie’s emotional evolution and unlock the full suspense experience.
More thrillers, more broken heroes, more justice. Cold Highway is your next dark obsession—don’t miss the ride.
