Step into the thrilling world of Kylie Hatfield, where amateur sleuthing meets heart-pounding suspense! The Kylie Hatfield series, co-authored by Mary Stone and Bella Cross, follows a spirited office assistant turned private investigator as she unravels dangerous mysteries in a small town. Packed with quirky characters, clever twists, and a dash of romance, this series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries with an edge.
Kylie Hatfield isn’t your typical detective. Armed with determination, a nutty Newfoundland dog named Vader, and a knack for stumbling into trouble, she tackles cases that test her courage and wit. Whether it’s a missing person or a sinister killer, Kylie’s journey is as much about proving herself as it is about delivering justice.
How Kylie Hatfield Began
The Kylie Hatfield series burst onto the scene in 2019, born from the creative minds of Mary Stone and Bella Cross. Stone, known for her gripping psychological thrillers like the Winter Black series, teamed up with Cross to craft a lighter yet thrilling mystery series. Inspired by their love for strong female leads and intricate puzzles, the duo set out to create a protagonist who’s equal parts relatable and fearless. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, the series draws on the charm and secrets of small-town life to ground its high-stakes drama.
The collaboration was a hit, with the first book, Deadly Act, released in July 2019. Stone’s knack for suspense and Cross’s flair for humor gave the series its unique blend of tension and levity, quickly winning over readers eager for a fresh take on the amateur sleuth genre.
The Heart of Kylie Hatfield
The series kicks off with Deadly Act, where Kylie, an office assistant at Starr Investigations, seizes the chance to prove her PI skills when a shy woman, Jessica Hilyard, vanishes. As clues point to a serial killer, Kylie’s dogged pursuit puts her in danger—and sparks fly with Linc Coulter, a brooding ex-soldier training her dog Vader. Deadly Lies follows, with Kylie investigating an elderly woman’s embezzlement fears, only to uncover deadly family secrets. Deadly Games dives into Kylie’s personal quest to find her long-lost father, blending mystery with mob-fueled chaos. Finally, Deadly Dreams sees Kylie and Linc, now engaged, tackling missing search-and-rescue responders hunted by a vengeful predator.
At its core, the series explores themes of justice, resilience, and the complexities of human nature. Kylie’s growth from a self-doubting assistant to a confident PI mirrors the series’ focus on personal empowerment. The small-town setting amplifies the stakes, where everyone knows everyone, yet secrets lurk behind every door. Humor, often through Kylie’s witty banter or Vader’s antics, balances the darker elements, making each book a rollercoaster of emotions.
The series’ style is fast-paced, with tightly woven plots that keep readers guessing. Stone and Cross excel at crafting villains who are as cunning as they are chilling, ensuring each case feels fresh and unpredictable. Fans praise the chemistry between Kylie and Linc, whose romance adds heart without overshadowing the mysteries.
Why Kylie Hatfield Resonates
The Kylie Hatfield series has carved a niche in the mystery genre, blending cozy charm with thriller intensity. Readers love Kylie’s underdog spirit—she’s not a polished detective but a determined everywoman who grows through her mistakes. The series’ focus on justice, especially for the overlooked, strikes a chord, as Kylie often champions the voiceless, from missing mothers to vulnerable elderly clients. Its small but loyal fanbase cherishes the mix of humor, suspense, and heart, with reviews calling it a “page-turning escape.”
Though less known than Stone’s other works, the series’ completed five-book run offers a satisfying arc, making it a hidden gem for mystery lovers. Its exploration of human nature—greed, betrayal, and redemption—ensures it lingers long after the final page.
- Publication Years: 2019
- Number of Books: 5 (plus a prequel, Deadly Beginnings)
- Setting: Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Dive into Deadly Act and join Kylie Hatfield’s thrilling world of mysteries, mayhem, and a mischievous dog! Whether you’re a seasoned sleuth or new to the genre, this series promises a wild ride you won’t forget.