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DI Stella Cole Thriller #8
Playing the Devil's Music
A Satanic serial killer returns. There's just one problem. He's in jail.
A dead man crucified on an oak tree used by pagans. A pentagram carved into his chest. Antlers adorning his lifeless body. A horrific discovery in the autopsy room. All hallmarks of infamous serial killer Ulrik Ahlgren - the 'Brain Surgeon'. It should be an open-and-shut case. Except Ahlgren is currently locked up in Kumla Bunker, Sweden's secure prison for its most deranged killers.
After committing a serious criminal offence against a senior officer, Detective Inspector Stella Cole is out of Stockholm Homicide. But as the killings mount, her superiors realise they have no choice but to bring her back. Only the 'Queen of Weirdness' has the insights and the experience to solve the case.
The killer is copying every aspect of Ulrik Ahlgren's horrific crimes. Stella's new colleagues in the county town of Örebro are convinced it's a classic master-disciple set-up. But as Stella investigates, she spots more and more oddities. Aspects of the gruesome MO don't fit the pattern. She realises something else is in play. She visits Ulrik Ahlgren in the Bunker to ask for his help.
As her investigation takes her deep into the world of outlaw biker gangs and the Swedish death metal scene, it's another serial killer she turns to for help when everything appears lost. Not just for the case, but for Stella herself.
Crime fiction fans love Stella!
Here are a few comments on earlier books in the series…
"Another great book from Andy. Stella is now working and living in Sweden. She ends up with a case on her desk after a dead woman dressed in her wedding dress was found in the altar of a church. The twists and turns make for an interesting read. If you haven't found the Stella Cole series yet it's one I can highly recommend."
Maureen Russell
"What a good move to have Stella seconded to Sweden, giving her fresh fields to challenge her deductive skills, along with different cultural challenges. I found the storyline gripping and with a foreign setting, gave me a better understanding of different procedurals and customs. A superb addition to a great series!"
Colin M. Willmott
"Another Stella Cole murder mystery set in the snow. I loved it that much that it took me a day and a half to read. I won’t give away any spoilers but if you’re a fan you really need to read this ASAP."
Trisha Buckler
The eighth novel in an enthralling series
This twisty, intricately plotted crime thriller is the eighth book in Andy Maslen’s popular Stella Cole series. The action takes place in Sweden, home to fictional detectives Martin Beck, Kurt Wallander, Harry Hole and Saga Norén.
Be prepared to lose sleep as you promise yourself ‘just one more chapter’.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF PLAYING THE DEVIL'S MUSIC NOW
A dead man crucified on an oak tree used by pagans. A pentagram carved into his chest. Antlers adorning his lifeless body. A horrific discovery in the autopsy room. All hallmarks of infamous serial killer Ulrik Ahlgren - the 'Brain Surgeon'. It should be an open-and-shut case. Except Ahlgren is currently locked up in Kumla Bunker, Sweden's secure prison for its most deranged killers.
After committing a serious criminal offence against a senior officer, Detective Inspector Stella Cole is out of Stockholm Homicide. But as the killings mount, her superiors realise they have no choice but to bring her back. Only the 'Queen of Weirdness' has the insights and the experience to solve the case.
The killer is copying every aspect of Ulrik Ahlgren's horrific crimes. Stella's new colleagues in the county town of Örebro are convinced it's a classic master-disciple set-up. But as Stella investigates, she spots more and more oddities. Aspects of the gruesome MO don't fit the pattern. She realises something else is in play. She visits Ulrik Ahlgren in the Bunker to ask for his help.
As her investigation takes her deep into the world of outlaw biker gangs and the Swedish death metal scene, it's another serial killer she turns to for help when everything appears lost. Not just for the case, but for Stella herself.
Crime fiction fans love Stella!
Here are a few comments on earlier books in the series…
"Another great book from Andy. Stella is now working and living in Sweden. She ends up with a case on her desk after a dead woman dressed in her wedding dress was found in the altar of a church. The twists and turns make for an interesting read. If you haven't found the Stella Cole series yet it's one I can highly recommend."
Maureen Russell
"What a good move to have Stella seconded to Sweden, giving her fresh fields to challenge her deductive skills, along with different cultural challenges. I found the storyline gripping and with a foreign setting, gave me a better understanding of different procedurals and customs. A superb addition to a great series!"
Colin M. Willmott
"Another Stella Cole murder mystery set in the snow. I loved it that much that it took me a day and a half to read. I won’t give away any spoilers but if you’re a fan you really need to read this ASAP."
Trisha Buckler
The eighth novel in an enthralling series
This twisty, intricately plotted crime thriller is the eighth book in Andy Maslen’s popular Stella Cole series. The action takes place in Sweden, home to fictional detectives Martin Beck, Kurt Wallander, Harry Hole and Saga Norén.
Be prepared to lose sleep as you promise yourself ‘just one more chapter’.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF PLAYING THE DEVIL'S MUSIC NOW
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
203 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Andy Maslen
73 books522 followersMULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
Andy Maslen writes thrillers across a number of genres: police procedurals, vigilante, psychological, suspense and horror. He spent 30 years in business before turning to writing full time.
Readers praise Andy's novels for their relatable characters, realistic dialogue, sense of place and kinetic action sequences, and for his meticulous research into police procedure around the world.
He is the creator of best-selling series featuring Kat Ballantyne, Gabriel Wolfe, Stella Cole and Inspector Ford, plus standalone novels and short stories.
Andy was born in Nottingham, England. After leaving university with a degree in psychology, he worked in business for thirty years as a copywriter. In his spare time, he plays the guitar. He lives in Wiltshire.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 18, 2026
Kindle Unlimited
Stella Cole has lost her job with the Swedish Police. Until they have the repeat of a satanic murder - an exact copy of a crucifixion committed by Ulrik Ahlgren, this one in the county town of Örebro. A man who is serving life in the Bunker, Sweden's top high security prison. A man who has not escaped, nor been even momentarily unaccounted for. It is quickly obvious that only Linda Cole, known locally as the 'Queen of Weirdness', must be re-instated to solve this one...
Stella Cole has lost her job with the Swedish Police. Until they have the repeat of a satanic murder - an exact copy of a crucifixion committed by Ulrik Ahlgren, this one in the county town of Örebro. A man who is serving life in the Bunker, Sweden's top high security prison. A man who has not escaped, nor been even momentarily unaccounted for. It is quickly obvious that only Linda Cole, known locally as the 'Queen of Weirdness', must be re-instated to solve this one...
June 24, 2023
Playing the Devil’s Music by Andy Maslen is book 8 in the DI Stella Cole series and it is a welcome addition to the other books in the series.
In this book a satanic serial killer returns but Ulrik Ahlgren, the ‘Brain Surgeon’ is still in Kumla Bunker, Sweden’s top secure prison for its most deranged killers. Stela Cole has been assigned to work on the youth’s drug programme in schools and colleges for her attack on the head of the Rat Squad.
When the murders similar to the Brain Surgeon mounts up, Stella Cole presence is required to assist in finding the copy cat killer. It appears that the members of the police team who captured the Brain Surgeon are the victims, with only two members left alive, one of them the head of the Rat Squad, Stella’s old adversary will she be able to track down the killer?
Highly recommended
In this book a satanic serial killer returns but Ulrik Ahlgren, the ‘Brain Surgeon’ is still in Kumla Bunker, Sweden’s top secure prison for its most deranged killers. Stela Cole has been assigned to work on the youth’s drug programme in schools and colleges for her attack on the head of the Rat Squad.
When the murders similar to the Brain Surgeon mounts up, Stella Cole presence is required to assist in finding the copy cat killer. It appears that the members of the police team who captured the Brain Surgeon are the victims, with only two members left alive, one of them the head of the Rat Squad, Stella’s old adversary will she be able to track down the killer?
Highly recommended
July 6, 2023
Andy Maslen strikes again with Playing the Devil's Music, the next edition of a DI Stella Cole thrilling series
After a serious engagement with a senior officer, DI Stella Cole is shipped off from her duty of being called the Queen of Weirdness, (for solving crimes of serial killers) she was demoted and sent to the field to present an outreach program of drugs to school students.
In the meantime, a killer is spreading his crimes that are strikingly similar to those of a famous serial killer who already happens to be in prison: Ulrik Ahlgren. So, Stella is brought back to help those members of a team already searching for this killer
So be prepared: Andy Muslin has written another book that is hard to stop reading once you start! Regardless, you wown't be disappointed.
After a serious engagement with a senior officer, DI Stella Cole is shipped off from her duty of being called the Queen of Weirdness, (for solving crimes of serial killers) she was demoted and sent to the field to present an outreach program of drugs to school students.
In the meantime, a killer is spreading his crimes that are strikingly similar to those of a famous serial killer who already happens to be in prison: Ulrik Ahlgren. So, Stella is brought back to help those members of a team already searching for this killer
So be prepared: Andy Muslin has written another book that is hard to stop reading once you start! Regardless, you wown't be disappointed.
July 7, 2023
Stella made a mistake and has been demoted to talking to kids at schools about the dangers of drugs. When a body is found in a small town Stella is called up to assist in the case. The reason? She has experience in catching killers with strange killing methods. This murder is strange. A second and third victim are found in the same manner and it seems there may be a killer who is performing murders similar to a serial killer who has been in prison for years. When the identities of the victims are discovered Stella is sure there is more to the killings than it seems.
(Thanks to the author for an advance copy)
(Thanks to the author for an advance copy)
July 9, 2023
Andy Maslen has done it again with this absolutely brilliantly written book.
Even working for the Swedish Police doesn't slow Stella down. She is still like a whirlwind, not thinking of danger to herself and determined to solve this herendous case.
This is a very fast-paced edge of your seat gripping thriller, which you have a job putting down for one second.
It's a brilliantly written captivating storyline and plot, with very strong characters, wonderful descriptive, and those twists and turns you don't expect .
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and what a finish.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
Even working for the Swedish Police doesn't slow Stella down. She is still like a whirlwind, not thinking of danger to herself and determined to solve this herendous case.
This is a very fast-paced edge of your seat gripping thriller, which you have a job putting down for one second.
It's a brilliantly written captivating storyline and plot, with very strong characters, wonderful descriptive, and those twists and turns you don't expect .
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish, and what a finish.
My thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
This is my honest and unbiased review.
July 13, 2023
What an awesome thriller of a ride with Stella...Once again Andy has produced another terrific, superbly written book that has you gripped from the first chapter. Each time Andy writes about Stella you feel that Wow this is the best yet....But each time he surpasses the storyline every time. There are parts were you think how the devil does he think these things up!!
No spoilers at all...Buy the book for a tremendous read..
No spoilers at all...Buy the book for a tremendous read..
August 19, 2023
Super Cop does it again!!
Stella gets on the wrong side of a superior officer, causing the loss of her position salary and left teaching school pupils the perils of drug's.
However before she dies of the tedious repetition, an apparent death of a police officer has disturbing similarities to a serial killer firmly locked up in a High security
Prison. Stella returns briefly to homicide duties. The roller coaster ride begins.
A must read for all who love a puzzle.
Stella gets on the wrong side of a superior officer, causing the loss of her position salary and left teaching school pupils the perils of drug's.
However before she dies of the tedious repetition, an apparent death of a police officer has disturbing similarities to a serial killer firmly locked up in a High security
Prison. Stella returns briefly to homicide duties. The roller coaster ride begins.
A must read for all who love a puzzle.
June 13, 2023
Another Excellent Addition to the Stella Cole Collection, Had the Good fortune to read it as a member of the Arc Team. And can honestly say it's full of action, thrills and on the edge of your seat nail hitting Excitement well up to standard. In Case I have not been clear I c a n Highly recommend it ,buy and Enjoy you wan't be disappointed
July 15, 2023
playing the devils music
Wow. Stella Cole, the Queen of Weird. Rides again. Her Swedish Nemesis, Nik Olsen, patronising, arrogant, P***k. But Stella rides the waves in the latest serial case. Blood, satanic routings, and displaying of death. We follow Stella and a new team, to the end. Gripping, exciting storyline.
Wow. Stella Cole, the Queen of Weird. Rides again. Her Swedish Nemesis, Nik Olsen, patronising, arrogant, P***k. But Stella rides the waves in the latest serial case. Blood, satanic routings, and displaying of death. We follow Stella and a new team, to the end. Gripping, exciting storyline.
January 11, 2024
Another crowd-pleaser from our DI Stella Cole. As always, wherever she is, the serial killers come out to play. The Queen of Weirdness is called in to investigate the crude murders of detectives who put a serial killer in prison years ago. Is it a copycat or a disciple? Once again, you have to suspend belief at one point, but interesting and nail-biting as ever.
June 17, 2023
Great crime fiction mystery with a well written storyline and outstanding realistic characters. The serial mystery is full of action and page turning excitement. Highly recommended and very enjoyable story in the Stella Cole thriller series.
July 25, 2023
Oh my word!!!
Mr Maslen, I love your books! All of them! Then they kind of have little overlaps and I see one favourite character with another!! I’m not sure how many reviews I’ve left you but I’m always careful not to make any giveaways! Keep em coming please 💕
Mr Maslen, I love your books! All of them! Then they kind of have little overlaps and I see one favourite character with another!! I’m not sure how many reviews I’ve left you but I’m always careful not to make any giveaways! Keep em coming please 💕
August 5, 2023
Brilliant as always
Andy Maslen all the way. You can't put it down its all over. Question is , is it now??
Just when I was waiting for Stella to join Gabriel and them getting married, she ends up with Jonna.
Andy how could you???
Andy Maslen all the way. You can't put it down its all over. Question is , is it now??
Just when I was waiting for Stella to join Gabriel and them getting married, she ends up with Jonna.
Andy how could you???
June 11, 2023
An exgtremely well written story which I thoroughly enjoyed. Action from start to finish. An edge of the seat page turner.
July 2, 2023
Yet another brilliant book with plenty of plot twists.
July 17, 2023
absolute stinker of a read
Once again could not put the book down. A whirlwind of a read.congrats once again to andy maslem. Great stuff
Once again could not put the book down. A whirlwind of a read.congrats once again to andy maslem. Great stuff
July 21, 2023
One of my favourite series. Loved it…
July 21, 2023
Wow
Wow what a page turner
I could not put it down. I love Andy's books they are amazing. Keep writing Andy
Wow what a page turner
I could not put it down. I love Andy's books they are amazing. Keep writing Andy
July 28, 2023
Good reading
Love these books. Couldn't put them down as they grabbed me but so sad to have finished them.
Are there any more?
Love these books. Couldn't put them down as they grabbed me but so sad to have finished them.
Are there any more?
December 20, 2023
yet another page turner
I'm losing beauty sleep because of this author! More compulsive anticipation as every page is exciting. A really good read.
I'm losing beauty sleep because of this author! More compulsive anticipation as every page is exciting. A really good read.
March 26, 2024
A gripping read in the Stella Cole series. She's like a machine and nicknamed supercop. Plenty of action in the latest in the series. Well worth the read.
April 29, 2025
Slay end to the series
June 14, 2025
Another winner
Although things do get a bit unbelievable at times, this is winner in the Stella Cole series with an ending that I have suspected was coming (pun intended)
Although things do get a bit unbelievable at times, this is winner in the Stella Cole series with an ending that I have suspected was coming (pun intended)
December 11, 2025
Started a bit slow but very good finish
July 6, 2023
Stella makes a mistake at a office party and gets demoted to teaching school kids why drugs are bad. In the meantime a heinous murder is committed with the same MO of a serial killer who has been in jail fir oven 10 years. While everyone else is scrambling to find clues a second murder is committed. The lead on the case goes to talk to the serial killer in prison and gets nowhere. He says he’ll only talk to Stella. As a result Stella is soon brought back to help. The twists and turns alone will keep your head spinning but the non stop action will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely a must read !
July 4, 2023
“Playing The Devil’s Music” by Andy Maslen is the latest offering in the series, and by far one of the more “twisty”, than past offerings(in more ways than one…Read The Author’s Blurb for more detail).
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my “error free” ARC, and I believe if you are a fan of this Fiction “Category” you will enjoy it as well.
I highly recommend this book. While it can be read as a standalone I believe readers who have previous exposure to the Stella Cole Series will enjoy it more. First time reader’s I would advise beginning with book #1.
Thank you Mr. Andy Maslen for another great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading my “error free” ARC, and I believe if you are a fan of this Fiction “Category” you will enjoy it as well.
I highly recommend this book. While it can be read as a standalone I believe readers who have previous exposure to the Stella Cole Series will enjoy it more. First time reader’s I would advise beginning with book #1.
Thank you Mr. Andy Maslen for another great read!
July 15, 2024
Another winner from Andy Maslen
Having read all of the Stella Cole’s novels,, I’m a big fan. Each book, and this one had me hooked from the first page. I so hope Andy has another Stella novel in the pipeline, or at least an idea in his head. It’ll take a while, I’m sure but, I can wait.
Having read all of the Stella Cole’s novels,, I’m a big fan. Each book, and this one had me hooked from the first page. I so hope Andy has another Stella novel in the pipeline, or at least an idea in his head. It’ll take a while, I’m sure but, I can wait.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews