Chasing the Smiley Faced Killer: Stella Knox’s Deadly Hunt

The cover of the book Killer Smile against a dark blue background.

Stella Knox sleuths for the Smiley-Faced Killer.

A short summary:

In Killer Smile by Mary Stone, FBI Agent Stella Knox investigates a string of murders linked to a mysterious figure known as the Smiley-Faced Killer. As she follows a trail of eerie clues and unsettling symbols, Stella must use her intuition and determination to uncover the truth behind the smiling facade. Each discovery pulls her deeper into a web of secrets, danger, and deception that threatens to strike closer to home than she ever expected.

My favorite quote from the book:

"People who felt the most, reacted the least" - Mary Stone, Killer Smile



A quote written in cream colored text against a dark blue background

Questions to ponder while reading:

Why did you start your career?

How should we punish those who hurt children?

My review:

Killer Smile by Mary Stone is a raw, gripping thriller that moves at a breakneck pace. The story follows FBI Agent Stella Knox as she tracks the Smiley-Faced Killer, navigating a dark and twisted series of murders that will keep readers on edge. While the plot leans on some familiar thriller tropes, Stone’s execution and attention to suspense make it an engaging read for fans of fast-paced crime fiction.

The novel does tackle particularly harrowing subject matter, including the murder of children, which may be difficult for some readers. Its intense themes and vivid depictions of crime contribute to a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. Killer Smile is best suited for those who appreciate high-stakes thrillers that combine suspense, psychological tension, and relentless momentum.


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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller based in Tontitown, Arkansas.

She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.

You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.

✨ #TakeTheBackRoads

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