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Playing the Devil's Music
(2023)(The eighth book in the DI Stella Cole series)
A novel by Andy Maslen
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
Genre: Mystery
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
Genre: Mystery
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