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A Stone Mountain Mystery #1
Descent
When Kalin Thompson is promoted to Director of Security at Stone Mountain Resort, she soon becomes entangled in the high-profile murder investigation of an up-and-coming Olympic-caliber skier. There are more suspects with motives than there are gates on the super-G course, and danger mounts with every turn.
Kalin’s boss orders her to investigate. Her boyfriend wants her to stay safe and let the cops do their job. Torn between loyalty to friends and professional duty, Kalin must look within her isolated community to unearth the killer’s identity.
Kalin’s boss orders her to investigate. Her boyfriend wants her to stay safe and let the cops do their job. Torn between loyalty to friends and professional duty, Kalin must look within her isolated community to unearth the killer’s identity.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
15 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
K. Stanley
13 books103 followersDESCENT shortlisted for 2014 Crime Writers of Canada Unhanged Arthur award. BLAZE shortlisted for the 2014 Crime Writers' Association Debut Dagger. Short Story "When a Friendship Fails" won 2014 Capital Crime Writers's best short story.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 30, 2015
It’s been many decades since I worked on a ski patrol team and so reading Descent brought me vicariously back to those days, giving me a fresh look at the administrative and security aspect of running a ski resort. It was also fascinating to learn about the ins and outs of the ruthlessness of coaches and their high caliber skiers in their attempts for a spot in the Olympics.
Reading Descent was like skiing downhill with its twists and turns and mogul bumps along the way. It’s also the kind of mystery you want to curl up and read undisturbed, perhaps next to a fireplace, although I read it during a heat wave and could feel the chill of the ski resort and the icy personalities of some of the characters. The author does an excellent job in creating the ski resort atmosphere.
Descent is filled with more than a handful of well drawn characters and their intriguing relationships with each other. The main character, Kalin Thompson, is the kind of character you’d like to have as a best friend. She is feisty and her insecurity in her new post as mini police chief is endearing.
Besides being a well crafted mystery Descent deals with the complexities of romance and the dynamics of domestic life making it a well rounded read.
In some ways it reminded of a classic whodunit in the Agatha Christie fashion with its plot twists that kept me guessing till the end as to figuring out whodunit.
Reading Descent was like skiing downhill with its twists and turns and mogul bumps along the way. It’s also the kind of mystery you want to curl up and read undisturbed, perhaps next to a fireplace, although I read it during a heat wave and could feel the chill of the ski resort and the icy personalities of some of the characters. The author does an excellent job in creating the ski resort atmosphere.
Descent is filled with more than a handful of well drawn characters and their intriguing relationships with each other. The main character, Kalin Thompson, is the kind of character you’d like to have as a best friend. She is feisty and her insecurity in her new post as mini police chief is endearing.
Besides being a well crafted mystery Descent deals with the complexities of romance and the dynamics of domestic life making it a well rounded read.
In some ways it reminded of a classic whodunit in the Agatha Christie fashion with its plot twists that kept me guessing till the end as to figuring out whodunit.
January 14, 2016
A great debut mystery novel! The location of Stone Mountain Ski Resort in British Columbia is so well drawn, I could almost see my breath puff out in the cold, and the protagonist, Kalin Thompson, a rookie head of security, is entirely believable. Add to the mix a sexy boyfriend and an interesting cast of characters and you've got yourself a winning combination. Thoroughly enjoyable!
December 15, 2018
Schneebedeckte Berge
In einem Skiresort in Kanada trainieren sie alle, die Einheimischen, die aus dem Nachbarort, die Deutschen, alle eben. Nicht gut für die Reputation des Ortes ist da natürlich, wenn bei Training ein Unfall passiert. Die neue Sicherheitschefin Kalin, die Pistenbereiter, das Hilfspersonal, alle im Resort versuchen für das Wohlergehen der Sportler zu sorgen. Schon zu Beginn der Trainingssaison allerdings stürzt Steve McKenzie, einer der unbeliebtesten aber auch einer der besten Fahrer. Vielleicht empfindet da mancher etwas Schadenfreude, doch als sich herausstellt, dass der Sportler den Sturz nicht überlebt hat, ist das Entsetzen groß. Neben der Polizei versucht auch Kalin herauszufinden, wie es zu dem schweren Unfall kommen konnte.
Gerade passend für die Jahreszeit ist dieser Winterkrimi. Kalin Thompson, gerade erst zur Sicherheitschefin befördert, muss gleich zu Beginn ihrer Laufbahn ermitteln, wie ein junger Sportler während des Trainings zu Tode kommen konnte. Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass es bei dem Unfall nicht mit rechten Dingen zuging. Dadurch kommt Kalin, die einfach ins kalte Wasser gestoßen wurde, noch mehr unter Druck. Sie kann sich nicht den kleinsten Fehler leisten, schließlich geht es neben der Klärung der Todesumstände auch um den Ruf der Ski-Anlage, die mit guten Ski- und Trainingsangeboten schließlich ihr Geld verdient.
Abfahrt, Super-G, etc. Wer den Skisport mag und sich gerne in eine winterliche Landschaft versetzen lässt, wird an diesem Krimi sicherlich viel Gefallen finden. Die sympathische Kalin Thompson und ihr Freund, der Feuerwehrmann Ben, halten fest zusammen. Als sogenannte Minipolizeichefin ermittelt Kalin zwar nicht wie die Polizei, doch auch sie stellt Nachforschungen an, schließlich will auch der Chef über alles, was in seinem Laden vorgeht, informiert sein. Damit ist dieser Krimi sowohl vom Setting her als auch von der Ermittlerin her etwas anders angelegt als üblich. Das gibt einen besonderen Reiz, der das Buch von der Masse abhebt. Ebenfalls spannend ist es, einen kleinen Einblick zu gewinnen, wie es während verschiedener Trainingslager in einem Skiresort zugeht.
In einem Skiresort in Kanada trainieren sie alle, die Einheimischen, die aus dem Nachbarort, die Deutschen, alle eben. Nicht gut für die Reputation des Ortes ist da natürlich, wenn bei Training ein Unfall passiert. Die neue Sicherheitschefin Kalin, die Pistenbereiter, das Hilfspersonal, alle im Resort versuchen für das Wohlergehen der Sportler zu sorgen. Schon zu Beginn der Trainingssaison allerdings stürzt Steve McKenzie, einer der unbeliebtesten aber auch einer der besten Fahrer. Vielleicht empfindet da mancher etwas Schadenfreude, doch als sich herausstellt, dass der Sportler den Sturz nicht überlebt hat, ist das Entsetzen groß. Neben der Polizei versucht auch Kalin herauszufinden, wie es zu dem schweren Unfall kommen konnte.
Gerade passend für die Jahreszeit ist dieser Winterkrimi. Kalin Thompson, gerade erst zur Sicherheitschefin befördert, muss gleich zu Beginn ihrer Laufbahn ermitteln, wie ein junger Sportler während des Trainings zu Tode kommen konnte. Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass es bei dem Unfall nicht mit rechten Dingen zuging. Dadurch kommt Kalin, die einfach ins kalte Wasser gestoßen wurde, noch mehr unter Druck. Sie kann sich nicht den kleinsten Fehler leisten, schließlich geht es neben der Klärung der Todesumstände auch um den Ruf der Ski-Anlage, die mit guten Ski- und Trainingsangeboten schließlich ihr Geld verdient.
Abfahrt, Super-G, etc. Wer den Skisport mag und sich gerne in eine winterliche Landschaft versetzen lässt, wird an diesem Krimi sicherlich viel Gefallen finden. Die sympathische Kalin Thompson und ihr Freund, der Feuerwehrmann Ben, halten fest zusammen. Als sogenannte Minipolizeichefin ermittelt Kalin zwar nicht wie die Polizei, doch auch sie stellt Nachforschungen an, schließlich will auch der Chef über alles, was in seinem Laden vorgeht, informiert sein. Damit ist dieser Krimi sowohl vom Setting her als auch von der Ermittlerin her etwas anders angelegt als üblich. Das gibt einen besonderen Reiz, der das Buch von der Masse abhebt. Ebenfalls spannend ist es, einen kleinen Einblick zu gewinnen, wie es während verschiedener Trainingslager in einem Skiresort zugeht.
November 20, 2017
Inhalt: Während einer Slalom-Trainingsfahrt im kanadischen Skiresort "Stone Mountain" verunglückt ein junger Fahrer tödlich. Schnell wird klar, dass seine Ausrüstung manipuliert worden war.
Nicht nur die Polizei nimmt die Ermittlungen auf, auch die Sicherheitschefin des Resorts, Kalin Thompson, stellt Nachforschungen an. Sie findet bald heraus, dass der ermordete Sportler sich in letzter Zeit eine Menge Feinde gemacht hatte…
Meine Meinung: Mit großer Neugier hatte ich mit dem Lesen begonnen, denn ein Thriller, der seinen Mittelpunkt im Skisport hat, hatte ich noch nicht gelesen. Auch die Kurzbeschreibungen klang vielversprechend. Ich erwartete also einen Thriller mit einem kleinen Romance-Anteil.
Leider wurde ich, zumindest teilweise, enttäuscht. Zwar gab es eine Vielzahl an
Verdächtigen mit einem begründeten Motiv, zusätzlich ein paar Familiengeheimnisse und Beziehungskrisen, aber für mich kam keine echte Spannung auf.
Am interessantesten fand ich noch die Tätigkeiten, die im Hintergrund eines Skigebiets ablaufen und den Einblick in den Sportleralltag.
Der Roman hat eigentlich alle Zutaten zu einem spannenden Thriller, warum also konnte ich ihn nicht wirklich genießen? Meiner Meinung nach lag das vor allem an der sehr holprigen und sprachlich nicht ansprechenden Übersetzung.
Manches Mal z.B. wirkte der Satzbau gerade zu altmodisch gestelzt, nur um kurz darauf wieder auf einfachstes Sprachniveau abzusinken. Ein angenehmer Lesefluss kam dabei nicht auf. Schade eigentlich…
Fazit: Ein interessantes Setting und viele Verdächtige und Motive, aber leider sprachlich nicht gut umgesetzt.
Da wäre auf jeden Fall mehr drin gewesen!
February 7, 2019
In Kristina Stanley's first book in the Stone Mountain Mysteries series, Descent (Imajin Books 2015), Kalin Thompson becomes the ski resort's new Director of Security when the former Director dies of a heart attack. Not only does she have to deal with the seucirty of a large and popular ski resort, but she has to juggle politics, the attitudes of contestants, and worries that the guy next in line for the job didn't get it, but now one of the top skiers is killed in a skiing accident under mysterious circumstances. The timing couldn’t have been more critical as North American and European teams are at the resort preparing for World Cup events and ski season for the public opens in a few weeks. No one wants the worry of an unsolved murder hanging over guests and professionals. Complicating things is that an old girlfriend of Kalin's boyfriend Ben shows up to reclaim him, at any cost.
I love stories about the power of nature, that chronicle man's best efforts to survive and thrive despite its dominance. This is exactly that story and Stanley is the perfect author to write it. She expertly unwinds the story, dropping clues as to who the murderer could be, but never enough to lower the tension and the drama. The characters are so well-developed, I feel like I know them, which works well for Book 1 of a series. Plus, Stanely put me right there on the freezing slopes of a Canadian ski respite, shivering despite my warm clothing and the 70-degree temps in my California community. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it for those who like nature stories, sports dramas, and thrillers.
I love stories about the power of nature, that chronicle man's best efforts to survive and thrive despite its dominance. This is exactly that story and Stanley is the perfect author to write it. She expertly unwinds the story, dropping clues as to who the murderer could be, but never enough to lower the tension and the drama. The characters are so well-developed, I feel like I know them, which works well for Book 1 of a series. Plus, Stanely put me right there on the freezing slopes of a Canadian ski respite, shivering despite my warm clothing and the 70-degree temps in my California community. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it for those who like nature stories, sports dramas, and thrillers.
August 2, 2015
Kristina Stanley has made an impressive debut with her first mystery novel, Descent. The fictional setting, Stone Mountain, is loosely based on my nearby ski resort of Panorama Ski Resort in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. It was very clever to base the mystery at a ski resort, since it allowed her to add many details about skiing, ski racing, and resort security that lend interest and authenticity to the novel -- especially if you are a skier, but even if you have never skied. Kristina worked in security for Panorama so she knows her stuff.
In addition, a ski resort is a closed environment -- sort of like Miss Marple's English country village -- with a small cast of regular characters, any one of whom could have committed the murder. I enjoyed reading the book and could not guess the murderer's identity! I look forward to more mysteries in this ongoing series.
In addition, a ski resort is a closed environment -- sort of like Miss Marple's English country village -- with a small cast of regular characters, any one of whom could have committed the murder. I enjoyed reading the book and could not guess the murderer's identity! I look forward to more mysteries in this ongoing series.
April 3, 2017
THIS book leaves you breathless like an out-of-control bobsleigher on the Cresta Run. When a top skier dies on the slopes and it’s discovered that his equipment has been tampered with, murder suspects line up like snowboard enthusiasts at a ski lift in a peak holiday period. As a former Head of Security at a mountain resort, Kristina brings her knowhow to bear in crafting a plot to keep you guessing right up to its dramatic conclusion. The first in the Stone Mountain Series, heroine Kalin and her team are likely to leave you panting for another slalom ride into deceit and betrayal.
March 13, 2016
The sudden death of Stone Mountain Resort’s security director turns Kalin Thompson’s life upside down when she’s quickly promoted to take his place. As head of HR, Kalin isn’t sure she’s qualified, but she definitely wants to do her best. Kalin soon finds herself dealing the murder of an elite competitive skier who happens to be one of the least liked people on the mountain. Compounding Kalin’s challenges are personnel issues and the arrival of her boyfriend Ben’s ex girlfriend, who clearly wants him back.
Descent is an action-packed story with plenty of intrigue and action. Author Kristina Stanley maintains a quick pace through dialogue and by escalating the tension. She does a great job of capturing the cloistering, small town environment where secrets, jealousy, and gossip run rampant. There are plenty of angry people in the story, and it was a treat to try to figure out whodunit. I have to admit that I would have loved to read an all-out, no-holds-barred confrontation between the ex-girlfriend and Kalin.
I also appreciated the technical detail in the skiing world. As someone who’s never tried the sport, the intricacies and technology used to adjust boots, tune skis, and inject mountains to create the perfect condition were fascinating. The attention given to security details over things like monitoring keys and access to buildings (something I’m familiar with) were spot on.
My only quibble was the lack of a line space between scenes. There are many short scenes which change from one paragraph to the next. I had to reread sentences to figure out what was happening until I became used to the abrupt changes. I think it’s a formatting issue, not a writing issue, though. Although many loose ends were tied up, some relationships in the story were left for further development, which is just one of many reasons why I’ll soon be picking up the next book.
Descent is an action-packed story with plenty of intrigue and action. Author Kristina Stanley maintains a quick pace through dialogue and by escalating the tension. She does a great job of capturing the cloistering, small town environment where secrets, jealousy, and gossip run rampant. There are plenty of angry people in the story, and it was a treat to try to figure out whodunit. I have to admit that I would have loved to read an all-out, no-holds-barred confrontation between the ex-girlfriend and Kalin.
I also appreciated the technical detail in the skiing world. As someone who’s never tried the sport, the intricacies and technology used to adjust boots, tune skis, and inject mountains to create the perfect condition were fascinating. The attention given to security details over things like monitoring keys and access to buildings (something I’m familiar with) were spot on.
My only quibble was the lack of a line space between scenes. There are many short scenes which change from one paragraph to the next. I had to reread sentences to figure out what was happening until I became used to the abrupt changes. I think it’s a formatting issue, not a writing issue, though. Although many loose ends were tied up, some relationships in the story were left for further development, which is just one of many reasons why I’ll soon be picking up the next book.
August 22, 2015
Descent by Kristina Stanley
This was an impressive debut that left me guessing at the murderer almost to the last page. As the blurb says, “There are more suspects with motives than there are gates on the super-G course, and danger mounts with every turn.”
And as Director of Security at Stone Mountain Resort, Kalin Thompson has a tough task unravelling the tangled web of lives and secrets surrounding the murder of “an up-and-coming Olympic-caliber skier.”
The description of the mountain community, and the rich portrayal of the characters, adds layers as deep as the snow on the slopes. As the RCMP conduct the official investigation, Kalin is tasked by her boss with aiding them. With so many interactions among friends and rivals, Kalin’s investigation follows many avenues and a few dead-ends. Sub-plots lend realism to the lives interrupted by tragedy, and in a setting that still has to continue going about its main activity – skiing.
I could visualise the setting, and wished I still skied and lived in Canada. Kristina Stanley’s background, working at Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia, ensures she has the knowledge of the skiing world to give the characters and the plot solid foundations, but doesn’t make you feel bombarded with info. The writing style was as refreshing as fresh snow, and kept me wanting more.
Next stop “Blaze”.
This was an impressive debut that left me guessing at the murderer almost to the last page. As the blurb says, “There are more suspects with motives than there are gates on the super-G course, and danger mounts with every turn.”
And as Director of Security at Stone Mountain Resort, Kalin Thompson has a tough task unravelling the tangled web of lives and secrets surrounding the murder of “an up-and-coming Olympic-caliber skier.”
The description of the mountain community, and the rich portrayal of the characters, adds layers as deep as the snow on the slopes. As the RCMP conduct the official investigation, Kalin is tasked by her boss with aiding them. With so many interactions among friends and rivals, Kalin’s investigation follows many avenues and a few dead-ends. Sub-plots lend realism to the lives interrupted by tragedy, and in a setting that still has to continue going about its main activity – skiing.
I could visualise the setting, and wished I still skied and lived in Canada. Kristina Stanley’s background, working at Panorama Mountain Village in British Columbia, ensures she has the knowledge of the skiing world to give the characters and the plot solid foundations, but doesn’t make you feel bombarded with info. The writing style was as refreshing as fresh snow, and kept me wanting more.
Next stop “Blaze”.
December 8, 2015
In Descent, author Kristina Stanley introduces readers to Kalin, HR manager at Stone Mountain Sky resort as well as several other individuals who either support or participate on an aspiring Olympic racing ski team. Before long Kalin finds herself promoted to Director and is placed in charge of security in addition to HR, and is forced to adapt her people reading skills to a much different sort of problem. If that weren't challenge enough, her boss expects results immediately. Specifically the name of a the person responsible for the death of one of the competitive skiers.
Told through several points of views, nearly every character is given a potential motive for the crime with clues scattered throughout. I found myself rooting for Kalin, not only to solve the mystery but also to succeed professionally as a director. It is obvious that Ms. Stanley is very familiar with life at a resort her tale not only entertained, but also educated me on the world of competitive skiing.
This cozy mystery also includes romance, overly-confident exes, small town gossip, animal lovers, and the great outdoors. Those who require high-speed chases, cloaks, daggers, or other gun play in their mysteries may be disappointed, but overall I was not and am looking forward to picking up the sequel.
Told through several points of views, nearly every character is given a potential motive for the crime with clues scattered throughout. I found myself rooting for Kalin, not only to solve the mystery but also to succeed professionally as a director. It is obvious that Ms. Stanley is very familiar with life at a resort her tale not only entertained, but also educated me on the world of competitive skiing.
This cozy mystery also includes romance, overly-confident exes, small town gossip, animal lovers, and the great outdoors. Those who require high-speed chases, cloaks, daggers, or other gun play in their mysteries may be disappointed, but overall I was not and am looking forward to picking up the sequel.
March 11, 2016
Much like I imagine a mogul run would feel like, this story had my heart racing with all of its bumps in the road and twists on the path. Filled with a lot of characters, each one seemed as real and honest as the next which made me care for each and yearning for their innocence in all the chaos.
With an opening of a bit of romance, this novel was a whirlwind of enticing looks into lives so complex I had a hard time putting it down. Stanley had a way of enveloping me in the beauty that is a ski resort amid many thickening plots of characters and their family.
Kalin, the main character, was easy to relate to with her honesty about accepting a new position without feeling overly confident as well as her practical approach to attire versus attractiveness. While she felt she had a lot of competition and wasn't sure who she could trust, Kalin did her job to the best of her ability and stayed true to herself.
A great winter read by a fellow Canadian, I am eager to read the next book in this series and you will be, too!
With an opening of a bit of romance, this novel was a whirlwind of enticing looks into lives so complex I had a hard time putting it down. Stanley had a way of enveloping me in the beauty that is a ski resort amid many thickening plots of characters and their family.
Kalin, the main character, was easy to relate to with her honesty about accepting a new position without feeling overly confident as well as her practical approach to attire versus attractiveness. While she felt she had a lot of competition and wasn't sure who she could trust, Kalin did her job to the best of her ability and stayed true to herself.
A great winter read by a fellow Canadian, I am eager to read the next book in this series and you will be, too!
March 7, 2017
A Perfect Winter Read
A snowy winter seemed like the perfect time to read Kristina Stanley’s Descent. Set in the fictitious Stone Mountain Resort, a murder with a slate of likely suspects presents a tough challenge for the resort’s newly promoted Director of Security.
From the first page, it’s clear you’re in the hands of an expert. Stanley infuses the story with her first-hand experience living in a resort community and managing human resources, security and guest services. She’s equally as knowledgeable about Super-G racing, preseason training routines, and small town life. It’s those details that put the reader in the middle of the action, and that action is fast-paced with ratcheting tension.
You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy Descent. It’s a murder mystery that will keep you on the edge and guessing until the very end. Happily, there are two more books in the Stone Mountain Mysteries series.
A snowy winter seemed like the perfect time to read Kristina Stanley’s Descent. Set in the fictitious Stone Mountain Resort, a murder with a slate of likely suspects presents a tough challenge for the resort’s newly promoted Director of Security.
From the first page, it’s clear you’re in the hands of an expert. Stanley infuses the story with her first-hand experience living in a resort community and managing human resources, security and guest services. She’s equally as knowledgeable about Super-G racing, preseason training routines, and small town life. It’s those details that put the reader in the middle of the action, and that action is fast-paced with ratcheting tension.
You don’t need to be a skier to enjoy Descent. It’s a murder mystery that will keep you on the edge and guessing until the very end. Happily, there are two more books in the Stone Mountain Mysteries series.
October 28, 2015
Kristina Stanley's debut novel is set at a wintery, high elevation. This gave me, a B.C. non-skier (what??? everybody says), some vicarious pleasure and education. The murder and intrigue takes place entirely at a ski resort, and the writer's knowledge of the skiing world was fun in itself to read. There's plenty of captivating romance -- especially between Kalin and Ben -- a well-thought out and twisty plot full of suspects and questions, and a lovable yellow lab named Chica, who I have a feeling will be a stand-out star in this promising series. I got a kick out of this novel and have a feeling her talent will only build with Book 2, which I am about to read with pleasure.
January 4, 2016
I enjoyed the easy, natural pace of this book and the interesting plot developments. I was especially enchanted by the local color panache that the author brought to the novel. It is obvious that Kristina Stanley has rich experience in her book's setting and successfully makes it a character in the novel, almost leaving the reader with the wistful desire to escape to a beautiful ski town and start anew. The thoughtful crescendoing of the story and well-crafted denouement also make this a mystery novel well worth the undertaking.
Yours in literature,
J.G.C.
Yours in literature,
J.G.C.
November 10, 2015
This is my first reading of this author , the characters were credible and it was a pacy novel which kept you turning the pages.Lots of twists and turns which kept you thinking did he or didn't he? The heroine Kalin was well portrayed and likeable.I am looking forward to reading more from this author
October 22, 2017
Rating rounded up, more like 3.5 stars, a bit long, and while I did not guess the killer, the suspense came sometimes from information which was introduced late when needed, not real twists. Short chapters, fast read, romance, no sex-scenes, most sex happening off-page.
Expected more thrill and twists, so maybe 4 stars is a bit much, but this is the first book, and I am willing to hope it might get better. Like the setting in British Columbia (Canada) with snow and mountains, better than every other book in LA/NYC/Washington DC.
Recommended as a fast mystery-romance, have bought this together with Stone Mountain Mysteries #2 and #3 and will read them, then I feel like a it. Good read for a rainy weekend.
Expected more thrill and twists, so maybe 4 stars is a bit much, but this is the first book, and I am willing to hope it might get better. Like the setting in British Columbia (Canada) with snow and mountains, better than every other book in LA/NYC/Washington DC.
Recommended as a fast mystery-romance, have bought this together with Stone Mountain Mysteries #2 and #3 and will read them, then I feel like a it. Good read for a rainy weekend.
February 10, 2020
Ich hab das jetzt bei 12% abgebrochen, da es bis dahin überhaupt nichts von nem Thriller für mich hatte. Mich interessiert weder, ob der Freund der Protagonistin toll aussieht und gut gebaut ist, noch, ob sie die Pille nimmt, während die Freundin sich nen Schwangerschaftstest kauft. Klar müssen die Personen vorgestellt werden, aber das hatte für mich keinen roten Faden und zuviele Infos, die ich nicht brauche. Dann kann ich auch nen Liebesroman lesen (was ich normalerweise nicht mache). Wenn Thriller drauf steht, erwarte ich auch etwas Spannung. Schade.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2020
Clean. Authentic. Offers very credible insights into aspects of the ski-racing world. Unfortunately, for me, it was not terribly compelling. Beyond the actual plot, this is closer to YA than adult crime-mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2021
The story kept my interest all the way through the book. The premise of the story was good. The characters needed to be a bit more stronger. The background of the characters needed to be explored more and be more relatable to the premise. But over all, a nice, little mystery.
September 25, 2017
I loved this book. I felt like I was there at the ski resort. Great character interaction. Kristina's writing style is very easy to read, it flows beautifully.
March 13, 2016
I worked at a resort for many years. It sits in my backyard, as a matter of fact. So the fact that this story was based on a ski resort hooked me right away. At first, it was difficult to keep all the characters straight. New twists and turns and motives kept me hooked though, and no matter how confusing the characters got, I stuck with it. I didn't see the real murderer coming, that was a surprise. There were a couple of subplots left unresolved, which I found a little disappointing, but overall it was a good story. The author captured the small-town feel of the resort, and the politics of a resort perfectly. Both the good side of it and the bad, which exists in all resorts I think. Only someone who has worked, lived and breathed life at a resort could write it that well.
But I need to know, what happened to Vicky? Did the dog kill the deer? What about Jeff and Nora and Donny?
Really wish their storylines had been resolved, but still a wonderful story.
But I need to know, what happened to Vicky? Did the dog kill the deer? What about Jeff and Nora and Donny?
Really wish their storylines had been resolved, but still a wonderful story.
March 30, 2016
Kristina Stanley brings her ski resort setting to life, giving it the feel of a small town. And like most small towns, the cast of characters all know each other. Which heightens the suspense, once a murder occurs. Central character, Kalin Thompson, who’s just been promoted to oversee security, walks a dangerous path—investigating her friends to catch a killer. I couldn’t put the book down until I found out whodunit. A very enjoyable read.
February 13, 2016
Great mystery, had me guessing til the end!
April 27, 2016
Good
Within a sking resort, there are a lot of tension making situations especially when training for the Olympics is involved.
Within a sking resort, there are a lot of tension making situations especially when training for the Olympics is involved.
March 23, 2017
Descent is a mystery/romance that is chock full of interesting characters where murder and mayhem reside on Stone Mountain. The author does a commendable job describing the scenes and giving a down-to-earth feel to the multitude of characters. There are so many suspects that no one can figure out who is the guilty party which makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The main protagonist, Kalin Thompson, is the head of Human Resources and finds herself thrust into a new job as head of security. The job begins to weigh on her and she finds herself bogged down by her boss' demands to do and take on more responsibilities. If this isn't enough she becomes embroiled in solving one murder and possibly another when her boyfriend, Ben Tanlin's, ex-girlfriend comes to the resort and causes all kinds of trouble for her. This glamorous woman, Vicky, is determined to take Ben back. Will Kalin be able to handle Vicky and at the same time solve the mysteries surrounding the ski resort without putting her own life in jeopardy?
I found this mystery to be a quick read and couldn't put it down until I found out who the killer was. It kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series. I enjoy a mystery with a strong femal protagonist and a little romance thrown in for good measure. This book is one for all mystery lovers to pick up.
The main protagonist, Kalin Thompson, is the head of Human Resources and finds herself thrust into a new job as head of security. The job begins to weigh on her and she finds herself bogged down by her boss' demands to do and take on more responsibilities. If this isn't enough she becomes embroiled in solving one murder and possibly another when her boyfriend, Ben Tanlin's, ex-girlfriend comes to the resort and causes all kinds of trouble for her. This glamorous woman, Vicky, is determined to take Ben back. Will Kalin be able to handle Vicky and at the same time solve the mysteries surrounding the ski resort without putting her own life in jeopardy?
I found this mystery to be a quick read and couldn't put it down until I found out who the killer was. It kept me guessing until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series. I enjoy a mystery with a strong femal protagonist and a little romance thrown in for good measure. This book is one for all mystery lovers to pick up.
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