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Stella Knox #6

Killer Note

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One wrong note can lead to murder.

FBI Special Agent Stella Knox’s search for her father’s murderer is put on hold when three bodies are discovered seated in a wealthy Tennessee suburb. It’s strange. The victims seem to be placed in front of a grand piano like an unwilling audience. Stranger still, the killer stopped to eat, taking the plates and silverware with them.

And that’s just the beginning.

When security footage reveals the murderer wore a terrifying rabbit mask, Stella and her team know they’re dealing with their most unpredictable killer yet. They need to crack the case fast, or the bunny’s kill rate will multiply.

It does.

When two more victims are found similarly arranged and garroted with a piano wire, it’s clear the unsub is escalating and with no signs of stopping. Time is running out for Stella and the team to solve the case...before another victim’s untimely finale.

Baffling and eerie, Killer Note is the sixth book in the Stella Knox series by bestselling author Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare that will make you reconsider ever falling asleep to music again.

266 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2022

1569 people are currently reading
356 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

216 books2,131 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
3,600 (65%)
4 stars
1,469 (26%)
3 stars
387 (7%)
2 stars
53 (<1%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
Profile Image for The Humble Jess.
388 reviews29 followers
April 7, 2023
After three people are murdered in front of a piano in a luxury home in the luxurious area of TN, the FBI is brought in to catch the killer.

I really liked the book to a point. I rated it a four not a five because of two things. One being, it's mentioned that we don't know who Joel really is but that's not true. In the previous book we find out his real name/identity. Two, after Hagen nearly makes a grave mistake almost costing Stella, Stella confronts Hagan with a small argument and then automatically forgives him likes it's nothing. I personally hated that. I guess she was all handy dandy after Hagan almost cost her everything. Gee wiz. That point in the book makes Stella looks weak and cowardly. I don't see how she could trust him and/or forgives him for his mistake.

Other than those two areas, the book was as good as the others. I gave it a four for being good but not entirely great.
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,769 reviews43 followers
November 22, 2022
Yet another great and easy to read addition to the arc and it closes on a cliff hanger like normal. These books you can get completely engrossed in.

This one was certainly different with a rabbit killing people whilst listening to music. What a mind to come up with this.

I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
111 reviews
September 2, 2024
Exciting series,

Tightly written, excellent character development and the plot is well executed. I am totally hooked on this series and will recommend it to
all my reader friends.
Profile Image for Twobchelm.
989 reviews19 followers
May 2, 2023
A different twist on revenge …
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,309 reviews8 followers
November 25, 2022
THE KILLER NOTE is the sixth installment in the Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series by Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare. Get ready for another chilling thriller with a twisted and gruesome plot that examines what a person will do to seek revenge for being humiliated. Full of action, you will be jumping all over the place trying figuring out who the killer might be, right up to the end.

Stella and Hagen were called off their unsanctioned personal cold case to find the killer of cheerleaders and immediately after into the Killer Memo case. Before they can take a deep breath there's another high-profile case. Someone is targeting high society's Philharmonic Orchestra donars, and the Kentwood's police chief doesn't want the political heat, so calls in the FBI to solve the murders.

This fast paced thriller ends with Stella telling the team about her investigation into her father’s death. Oh, and her stalker is still watching and waiting to strike. The ending was unexpected and will make readers impatient for the next book in Stella's series.

If you enjoy a good thriller, I highly recommend this series. You will find it hard to say no to a book from Mary and Stacy.

I did receive an advance readers copy of this book from the author and this is my honest and freely given review. I also can hardly wait for the next installment.
117 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2023
Greed is the root of all evil

Killer note is about the good and the bad of classical music. I could hear the "greats" as I read through this story. It shares the tender psychology of an unappreciated artist and his behavior when wronged. I suppose there's nothing worse than an entire audience falling asleep during a personal performance. Unfortunately, noone truly critiqued this pianist on the emotion needed to flow through the keys and touch the hearts and souls of his audience. His execution of the pieces were nearly flawless but lacked feeling to move the audience.

Therein lies the motivation for revenge. Revenge can be deep. I suppose it depends on how deeply humiliated the pianist was. The word killer implies a troubled soul. Although, his story is revealed early on, the mystery is fun to identify all the characters involved. There are few surprises as they are revealed one at a time. I love the way Mary Stone ties up all the loose ends and then leaves you with a zinger so you have to read the next book in the series. I'm off to see what transpires in Book 7.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,366 reviews7 followers
April 6, 2023
So eery and good. Don’t fall asleep. Focus. And the play on the title are all so good! Stella is still working to solve who killed her dad and Hagen is working to find his dads killer, but once again they have to stop to solve a current case. This case looks at music and wealthy people. The killer is led by someone and makes creepy crime scenes. The story is detailed and blends the current case, the FBI team, and the cold case of the dads murders brilliantly. Their is a hint of possible romance and the stalker/spying angle is fascinating. I am intrigued by who Sis is and the role of the Office in the story and the dads murder! The ending is one heck of a cliffhanger which this author is known for imo and I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
November 29, 2022
Don’t Fall Asleep

Killer Note starts off with someone in a rabbit’s mask playing the piano. It appears his audience are three people tied to chairs. The pianist tells them not to fall asleep or suffer the consequences. What happens if someone falls asleep?

Stella Knox and her FBI colleagues are given another weird murder case to solve. Will they be able to find the killer before he strikes again? Interesting interactions between characters.

Stella has told more of her colleagues about her search for her dad’s killer. Hagen also lets them know that whoever killed Stella’s father may have killed his father. As the group discussed the situation, Martin receives a phone call from his sister’s phone but she is not the one on the line. What has happened to Martin’s sister? Guess you will find out in the next book. Now the waiting begins.
1,161 reviews26 followers
November 26, 2022
. This is another great ARC read from Mary Stone and Stacy O'Hare. Stella Knox and her team are trying to recover from their last case when the call comes in about another strange murder. A wealthy financier, his wife and mother in law have been killed in upscale Kentwood. Why this family have been killed is the question. Then another couple are found dead with very similar wounds. Who is killing these people and why? That is the question . Now Stella and Hagen will have to put off the search for the people responsible for the murder of their Fathers and will they ask for help from the rest of the team.
415 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2023
Killer Note(Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 6)

OMG!!!!!!!! This book was amazing. I kind of thought( after i heard about the video) that the killer was the musician but didn't have a name. I was truly shocked to know that the pianist that played at the philharmonic was related to him though. He was just an okay pianist but she was amazing. There were so many twists and turns, it was kind of sad that these people died. I guess this is a reminder to always take your own personal safety very seriously, and always check before you open your front door, because if these rich people, with all their security could be murderer in there homes anything is possible.
154 reviews
November 22, 2022
Will never look at the White Rabbit the same way again.
In Killer Note Mary Stone and Stacy O’Hare have created another thrilling and terrifying mystery.
This is truly a puzzling case for Stella Knox and the Nashville FBI.
Loved the way the story unfolded and it is written so well. I love classical music and was happy it was central to the story. And that “shout out” for Wagner’s Ring Cycle…YES!
This was really fun to figure out who the killer is and who is aiding him.
Let’s not forget that Stella has a stalker too.
Cliff hanger…WOW!
133 reviews2 followers
November 23, 2022
Faced flowing , well paced thriller with strange killings plot. There are no clues and leads left for Stella and the team to solve. The town’s rich live in fear and nobody knows if the killings ever stop. The characters are really growing on me and I love the uncertainty and changes in the relationships. At the end, Stella decides to tell the team about her investigation into her father’s death and asks for help.
What happens next?! Well a big cliffhanger is the author’s stamp. I love all the Mary Stone’s books. She is genuine and her plots are unique and interesting.
20 reviews
December 10, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book by Mary Stone
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 3, 2022
Stella Knox FBI agent has a lot on her mind. She is trying to find out who killed her dad. Now that is on hold as she along with her team have a new case to solve. Someone dressed up with a rabbit's head has killed a financier and his family. When another person and his wife are killed the same way, they start checking to find the connection. When they find music is involved, they start looking closer at a video that show all of the people in watching a concert. Can they find out who it is before someone else is killed? This is book I recommend.
Profile Image for Breia.
1,065 reviews30 followers
July 10, 2023
Still slogging. My mom has finished through 9 and apparently another in the series comes out later this year. If I had something else excited to read, I would do so but still slogging through this. I have Amazon digital credits - IDK what my problem is.

The next book started off well though as well as the ending of this so it sucks me in. The middle is the problem. Same Stella shit, different day. Interesting, all these books take place in like a month - I would reconsider my life choices if I was her.
70 reviews
October 11, 2024
Good Teamwork!

Another twisted case. Agents are working short handed because of the previous case. 2 kidnapped agents made it out safely, but some recouping is needed. Stella is teamed with Ander for this case. All of them still working well together, but no leads to follow. Some tempers flair until they get the break they need. Afterwards Stella decides she needs the whole teams help in finding her father's killer..... Then....oh my! This ends with another phone call. This one is threatening one of Stella's teammates sister! On to Book 7!
Profile Image for Becky .
592 reviews15 followers
November 22, 2022
Another chilling tale by Stone and O'Hara. Killer note was not quite as gory as some, but it had plenty of intrigue and kept you guessing for a bit. Fresh off of the schoolgirl killings, Stella and her crew can't catch a break. Someone is targeting the high society, rich folk, and Kentwood's police chief wants to FBI to solve it.
I enjoyed the story, and the reason ( a novel reason) for the killing was on par for this day and age.
377 reviews
November 30, 2022
I am never disappointed when reading a book from Mary Stone. I don't think you will be disappointed either.
Stella is back on a case, yet still thinking of her father and brother. This new case has lots of questions she is puzzling through. Mac is back at work beat up, bruised and sore but determined to help with the case at hand...Killer Note.
If you love mysterys and enjoy intrigue you will love the new series by Mary Stone.
276 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2023
A recital to die for!!!

I think Mary Stone is an excellent author and Killer Note is definitely a 5 star book!! Stella finds herself putting off her father's case for another murder mystery. This one includes a piano, a gun, a piano wire, and dead people. There are several twists and turns and plenty of action. There is an unusual suspect and a story well worth the time to read. Can't wait for the next story in this series!!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,354 reviews29 followers
November 23, 2022
In this addition to the Stella Knox series she has to put the search for her father’s murder on hold as she has another case to solve. This is another fast paced and chilling story that kept me flipping pages! It’s very entertaining and full of twists, drama and suspense. There is a cliffhanger. *this was a complimentary copy and this is my honest review*
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
November 23, 2022
Another book by the excellent team of Stone and O’Hara. It is a bizarre murder case full of suspense, twists and turns, likable characters and it ends with an unexpected cliffhanger. Sixth book in the Stella Knox series and when you finish it, you will be on the edge of your seat waiting for the next one. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,124 reviews4 followers
November 24, 2022
Killer Note (Stella Knox FBI Mystery Series Book 6) By Mary Stone. The crew is on another case , this time a killer bunny. This killer is creative and very motivated. Stella is not alone anymore! Will that be enough to protect her and her coworkers…. Great story! I enjoyed and recommend this series….
Profile Image for Dawn.
376 reviews2 followers
November 26, 2022
Stella and team are on the trail of an elusive rabbit in the sixth book of the Stella Knox series. People connected to a Philharmonic Orchestra are dying either by gun shot or garrot by a piano wire. The number of bodies are growing and the hunt for the killer of Stella's dad is again put on hold. Good book with interesting characters and a great cliff hanger. Worth the read!
246 reviews3 followers
November 28, 2022
Whaaat!?

Where do you get these ideas for villains?! Borises costumes as he committed the murders has got to be in the top 5 of all villain costumes. The camaraderie of the Nashville FBI office is good to see. The "shatter" at the end involving Martin's sister... Definitely TBC. Looking forward to it. Thank you
13 reviews
Read
May 9, 2023
Killer note

This book had a good flow yet it seemed as though the killer gave up to easily. Its extremely difficult to write a book so any author that takes on the challenge and is successful deserves kudos. I hope the next read is a little more suspenseful, which I feel sure it will be.





274 reviews6 followers
September 24, 2023
4.5 Stars: Good stuff!

I'd give this 4.5 stars if I could. One of my faves from Mary Stone. Yes, it's got brutal murders in it, and those are painful to read, but there's some insight into the killer's motivation, and I like that. And I like how the characters are developing, as well as the relationships between Stella and the two men she works with. A mystery within a mystery!
187 reviews7 followers
December 8, 2023
Musicians who kill it from the music city

Well we don't know who's killing it but someone is killing people who like music and the concerts could either be to die for or put you to sleep, but this book won't. The interrelationships and methods and oddities will leave you wanting more and not such a quick resolution when it comes.
272 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
Just follow the leads and have no question unanswered.

Pretty good read. Great teamwork for the story. They do have each others back. I understand Boris's problem but, he should have did some research into why they fell asleep during the concert. There certainly a lot going on in this story. Kind of keeps you glued to the team.
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
235 reviews
November 22, 2022
Another awesome book that leaves you breathless. Definitely a page turner, suspenseful thriller. Who wants to know what Stella knows and why do they want her to back off finding her fathers killer. Stay tuned …
220 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2022
Another great book in the Stella Knox series. The FBI team is investigating bizzare murders involving a classic pianist & the rich supporters of the Philharmonic. The weapon of choice,a piano string! His is a real page turner, hard to put down til the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews

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