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Shadow Island #5
Shadow's Watch
The shadows are watching...
Less than twenty-four hours after Hurricane Boris ravages Shadow Island, it delivers one final blow. Two corpses, lashed together, wash up on the shore. Some of them, anyway.
With no primary crime scene, no witnesses, and barely any human remains, Sheriff Rebecca West has precious little to work with. Are these victims connected to the seemingly untouchable Yacht Club, or did Boris’s awesome power simply push them onto her beach?
When the investigation identifies one of the John Does as a well-liked skipper who lived and worked a hundred miles away, Rebecca has more questions than answers. Was he simply at the wrong place at the wrong time? And who is the second victim? And why were his fingers chopped off before he was tossed into the sea?
When another body turns up on the beach with its fingers also missing, Rebecca knows one thing for certain. Boris might have swept the first victims onto her little island, but a murderer had already been waiting...and watching...there.
From its ghastly beginning to the unexpected final chapter, Shadow’s Watch—the fifth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you question how well you really know the people in your life.
Less than twenty-four hours after Hurricane Boris ravages Shadow Island, it delivers one final blow. Two corpses, lashed together, wash up on the shore. Some of them, anyway.
With no primary crime scene, no witnesses, and barely any human remains, Sheriff Rebecca West has precious little to work with. Are these victims connected to the seemingly untouchable Yacht Club, or did Boris’s awesome power simply push them onto her beach?
When the investigation identifies one of the John Does as a well-liked skipper who lived and worked a hundred miles away, Rebecca has more questions than answers. Was he simply at the wrong place at the wrong time? And who is the second victim? And why were his fingers chopped off before he was tossed into the sea?
When another body turns up on the beach with its fingers also missing, Rebecca knows one thing for certain. Boris might have swept the first victims onto her little island, but a murderer had already been waiting...and watching...there.
From its ghastly beginning to the unexpected final chapter, Shadow’s Watch—the fifth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you question how well you really know the people in your life.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2023
1939 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,150 followersTo 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
October 14, 2023
Not as good as the first 4
Love the Shadow Island series so far but Shadows Watch was not as good as the first four. Too many names to keep track of and just not as exciting as the others. Will try book six and hopefully it will be better.
Love the Shadow Island series so far but Shadows Watch was not as good as the first four. Too many names to keep track of and just not as exciting as the others. Will try book six and hopefully it will be better.
July 19, 2023
Good read, as are all the others
Good police procedural with great characters. Well worth reading. A true page turner. I highly recommend this series of books
Good police procedural with great characters. Well worth reading. A true page turner. I highly recommend this series of books
December 29, 2025
*3 Stars
Rebecca can’t seem to catch a break. Two bodies wash ashore after the Hurricane and she and the team have to figure out what happened. There’s a group of elite men called the Yacht club and they seem untouchable. Rebecca and the team have to figure out if the latest murders are tied to them. This book will take you through an entertaining roller coaster.
Rebecca can’t seem to catch a break. Two bodies wash ashore after the Hurricane and she and the team have to figure out what happened. There’s a group of elite men called the Yacht club and they seem untouchable. Rebecca and the team have to figure out if the latest murders are tied to them. This book will take you through an entertaining roller coaster.
March 18, 2023
Mary stone Shadow’s Watch
Shadow’s watch is interesting reading
with a lot of suspense, twist and turns
in this story. Definitely intriguing.
A book well worth reading.
Shadow’s watch is interesting reading
with a lot of suspense, twist and turns
in this story. Definitely intriguing.
A book well worth reading.
August 2, 2025
Continues to hold my interest
I’m really enjoying this series. The characters have been well developed and it flows well from one book,to,the next. Try it!
I’m really enjoying this series. The characters have been well developed and it flows well from one book,to,the next. Try it!
April 7, 2023
The quiet island is on high alert once more after surviving the hurricane and now bodies wash up on shore. Keeps the new sheriff busy!!
March 19, 2023
Never a dull moment on Shadow Island. There’s a new sheriff in town and she’s cleaning house.
July 21, 2023
Slight let down
After book 4 this one seemed a little, let's say not as exciting as the previous book. Got to say for one small island they sure have big problems.
After book 4 this one seemed a little, let's say not as exciting as the previous book. Got to say for one small island they sure have big problems.
January 14, 2026
Sherriff Rebecca West is in for a surprise because she is going to be dealing with a Hurricane coming straight for her Island. She has never been in a Hurricane and does not know what to do so she consults the Hurricane book and her fellow Deputy's.
As Rebecca is making sand bags to help the flooding of the roads she gets a call to come in to the office because a guy has showed up bleeding and bruised and rambling about a mermaid. When Rebecca gets there the ambulance is already there to check on the man. When the EMT checks him out she tells them that the man is in shock and needs warm water and some warm clothes. When Rebecca tries to talk to him she gets nowhere and she starts to look through his belongings to see if he has any identity and he does. So Rebecca gets a hold of his phone and she starts to read where he was last seen. They get an address and Rebecca and Deputy Hoyt go out to the house to see if everything is okay. Only when they get there they find blood at the back door so they enter the house and they find blood everywhere so they search the house and make a gruesome discovery.
The Hurricane is coming so they try and seal off the crime scene as best as they can. Then Rebecca goes back to the station and finds out they need her elsewhere so she goes and is thinking the whole time that she has to figure out who did that to that person and she need to find the husband and let him know what happened to his wife. As Rebecca is looking through all the blood she follows the blood trail out to the beach where she finds a man barely breathing so she drags him to her truck and brings him to the hospital to get some help.
As the Hurricane is barreling through her town she is in the hospital where it is safe to wait out the Hurricane. While there she looks at all the evidence they collected at the scene and she pieces the crime together and finds out who murdered the lady. This is one hell of a murder mystery and I can't wait for the next one. Rebecca is going to be a great Sherriff for Shadow Island.
As Rebecca is making sand bags to help the flooding of the roads she gets a call to come in to the office because a guy has showed up bleeding and bruised and rambling about a mermaid. When Rebecca gets there the ambulance is already there to check on the man. When the EMT checks him out she tells them that the man is in shock and needs warm water and some warm clothes. When Rebecca tries to talk to him she gets nowhere and she starts to look through his belongings to see if he has any identity and he does. So Rebecca gets a hold of his phone and she starts to read where he was last seen. They get an address and Rebecca and Deputy Hoyt go out to the house to see if everything is okay. Only when they get there they find blood at the back door so they enter the house and they find blood everywhere so they search the house and make a gruesome discovery.
The Hurricane is coming so they try and seal off the crime scene as best as they can. Then Rebecca goes back to the station and finds out they need her elsewhere so she goes and is thinking the whole time that she has to figure out who did that to that person and she need to find the husband and let him know what happened to his wife. As Rebecca is looking through all the blood she follows the blood trail out to the beach where she finds a man barely breathing so she drags him to her truck and brings him to the hospital to get some help.
As the Hurricane is barreling through her town she is in the hospital where it is safe to wait out the Hurricane. While there she looks at all the evidence they collected at the scene and she pieces the crime together and finds out who murdered the lady. This is one hell of a murder mystery and I can't wait for the next one. Rebecca is going to be a great Sherriff for Shadow Island.
April 5, 2024
The protagonist Sherriff Rebecca West is one of the more interesting characters that I have come across in a while. She is sharp, witty, dedicated, and real and when she is upset, she even lets a curse word or two escape her lips. “Shadow's Watch” is the fifth installment in this Shadow Island Series.
As the story opens less than twenty-four hours after Hurricane Boris ravages Shadow Island (that is from “Shadow's Force,” the fourth book), “Boris” delivers one final blow. Two corpses, lashed together, wash up on the shore. Later, the investigation identifies one of the John Does, a well-liked skipper a hundred miles away; now Rebecca has even more questions than answers. And the mystery grows.
“Shadow's Watch” is a quick with an unpredictable plot and interesting characters. The plot was generally well thought out. As much as I do like this series, there is a small growing problem with verisimilitude or credibility. So many murders in small towns can happen, but one after another becomes more questionable. Yet, one needs a plot. Regardless, the series maintains an intriguing plots and some interesting characters. This is a nice mystery series that is well worth reading. So, just accept the problems and enjoy the ride.
As the story opens less than twenty-four hours after Hurricane Boris ravages Shadow Island (that is from “Shadow's Force,” the fourth book), “Boris” delivers one final blow. Two corpses, lashed together, wash up on the shore. Later, the investigation identifies one of the John Does, a well-liked skipper a hundred miles away; now Rebecca has even more questions than answers. And the mystery grows.
“Shadow's Watch” is a quick with an unpredictable plot and interesting characters. The plot was generally well thought out. As much as I do like this series, there is a small growing problem with verisimilitude or credibility. So many murders in small towns can happen, but one after another becomes more questionable. Yet, one needs a plot. Regardless, the series maintains an intriguing plots and some interesting characters. This is a nice mystery series that is well worth reading. So, just accept the problems and enjoy the ride.
March 16, 2023
No breaks for Sheriff Rebecca West
Sheriff Rebecca West can’t seem to catch a break. While dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Boris and trying to enjoy July 4th, Rebecca is informed two bodies have washed ashore. Rebecca and Deputy Hoyt Frost investigate the scene where the two bodies washed ashore. At first it appeared that hurricane Boris might have caused their deaths; however, both had been bound by ropes. One of the victims still had his wallet on him so his identity will be easier to verify. The other body had his fingers removed and identification will be harder.
Rebecca, Hoyt and her other deputies are on the hunt for a killer. Who killed Samuel Graves, the easy going Skipper? Who is the second victim? Who is the third victim? Why were they killed? It appears a killer is walking among them. Is the Yacht Club behind the killings?
Rebecca and Ryker are trying to meet up but their schedules keep interfering. Will they finally get together?
Shadow’s Watch is interesting with plenty of suspense and who done questions. It also has a little comic relief especially when Rebecca gives Hoyt a hard time and makes him gag.
Sheriff Rebecca West can’t seem to catch a break. While dealing with the aftermath of hurricane Boris and trying to enjoy July 4th, Rebecca is informed two bodies have washed ashore. Rebecca and Deputy Hoyt Frost investigate the scene where the two bodies washed ashore. At first it appeared that hurricane Boris might have caused their deaths; however, both had been bound by ropes. One of the victims still had his wallet on him so his identity will be easier to verify. The other body had his fingers removed and identification will be harder.
Rebecca, Hoyt and her other deputies are on the hunt for a killer. Who killed Samuel Graves, the easy going Skipper? Who is the second victim? Who is the third victim? Why were they killed? It appears a killer is walking among them. Is the Yacht Club behind the killings?
Rebecca and Ryker are trying to meet up but their schedules keep interfering. Will they finally get together?
Shadow’s Watch is interesting with plenty of suspense and who done questions. It also has a little comic relief especially when Rebecca gives Hoyt a hard time and makes him gag.
March 15, 2023
This 5th installment of the Shadow Island series, Shadow’s Watch, is a book not to be missed. It picks up where the last left off. That being said, it can be read as a standalone but is much better as part of the series. A hurricane has blown through but not without washing a lot of debris upon the shore, including two bodies. When it is discovered that one of the body’s is a Skipper from almost 1OO miles away, the search is on for the identity of the 2nd person and the original crime scene. With not much to go on Stella weaves her way through various situations to gather information and solve the crime. I love how Stella Knox’s character has grown. She is now fully accepted as the new sheriff in town and even has been gifted a lovely new utility belt to show off. Relationships are explored and questions abound. Great novel that will keep you reading to the very end.
March 15, 2023
This is an ARC read from Mary Stone and must say that this one of my favorite series by Mary Stone. I will admit I love all of her series but this one is one of the better ones. As Shadow Island is cleaning up after Hurricane Boris, two dead bodies are found washed up on the shore. As Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are trying to figure out who these men are and who killed them, they are also getting ready for the fourth of July. Then another dead body is found. Are the Murders connected? Are any of the victims related? What connects these deaths to Shadow Island? Can Sheriff West and her Deputies solve these murders before there is another death? Such a great, quick read.
March 19, 2023
Shadow's Watch(Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 5)
OMG!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and very exciting, it kept me on the edge of my seat. It also made me glad that I am allergic to shellfish. I didn't realize how much damage those little bottom- feeders could do. I have a very active imagination and I got a nasty visual in my head, when they described the 2 bodies they found on the beach, I would hate to be an assistant to the medical examiner on a case like that. It is kind of sad that a father and son were both murdered by the same person, and this person was cold enough to send the skipper to his death, while he was alive, even.
OMG!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and very exciting, it kept me on the edge of my seat. It also made me glad that I am allergic to shellfish. I didn't realize how much damage those little bottom- feeders could do. I have a very active imagination and I got a nasty visual in my head, when they described the 2 bodies they found on the beach, I would hate to be an assistant to the medical examiner on a case like that. It is kind of sad that a father and son were both murdered by the same person, and this person was cold enough to send the skipper to his death, while he was alive, even.
December 31, 2025
3.5 - 4 Stars
Shadow's Watch is the fifth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
Shadow's Watch is the fifth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
March 15, 2023
I enjoyed the continuation of the Shadow Series. The books flow effortlessly into each other, leaving you anxiously waiting for the next book in the series. If you enjoy Mysterys check the new Shadow Island Series.
Shadows Watch is where the new Sheriff, Rebecca is still trying to fit in with the department. Murder showing it's ugly side leave a corpse (s?) On the beach close to the 4th of July celebration, in the middle of a busy tourist weekend for Shadow Island. You will not be able to put this book or series down.
I received this ARC from the Author and this is my honest review.
Shadows Watch is where the new Sheriff, Rebecca is still trying to fit in with the department. Murder showing it's ugly side leave a corpse (s?) On the beach close to the 4th of July celebration, in the middle of a busy tourist weekend for Shadow Island. You will not be able to put this book or series down.
I received this ARC from the Author and this is my honest review.
March 18, 2023
Shadow Island and the Sheriff’s office never stop! Straight from a Hurricane and murder to two bodies found on the beach! Sheriff West, Hoyt and Darian have a great dynamic going and so do the women associated with the team and office! The case was detailed and fast paced. I did not figure out the killer until the end and I thought the solving was well developed and engaging. Great blend of humor, mystery and a hint of romance. This series gets better with each book and I flew through this story!
August 7, 2025
Shadow’s Watch continues to raise the stakes in this gripping fifth installment. Mary Stone masterfully keeps the momentum going, delivering another fast-paced, suspenseful read. Winter Black’s character continues to evolve with emotional depth and resilience, making her even more compelling. The mystery is tightly woven, the tension high, and the twists keep you guessing until the end. This series truly keeps getting better with each book, and Shadow’s Watch is no exception. A must-read for thriller fans!
March 9, 2023
Hurricane Boris just keeps on giving, and not nice gifts either.
Bodies wash up on the beach and are found during the cleanup of Boris's aftermath. Rebecca and the crew try to solve the mystery of them.
I sure do like this series. Rebecca West and her deputies are so interesting and I love the growth of each of the characters. Even with grisly murders to figure out, there's still a bit of humor. I also enjoy the bit of budding romance.
A great series to which this is a good addition.
Bodies wash up on the beach and are found during the cleanup of Boris's aftermath. Rebecca and the crew try to solve the mystery of them.
I sure do like this series. Rebecca West and her deputies are so interesting and I love the growth of each of the characters. Even with grisly murders to figure out, there's still a bit of humor. I also enjoy the bit of budding romance.
A great series to which this is a good addition.
March 13, 2023
This story starts with big bang, gruesome event and interiors Rebecca’s life again right after the hurricane in the middle of the holiday preparations. After high paced hurricane event, this investigation slows down, as there is no evidence, information or motif for the crime. There is a lot of twists and terrible moments that rise your pulse. Very good insight into the investigation. Lori and Mary did great job again. Thank you for a wonderful scary read.
March 13, 2023
Rebecca West is proving to be quite a diligent, professional sheriff. The characters are great, each with special personalities. New characters are introduced after 2 bodies are found washed up on shore. The leads send her to another town to investigate & she associates with another quite competent female law enforcement officer. The deaths may lead to mafia & also the Yacht Club. A real page turner!
April 4, 2023
I Can't Get Enough!
I'm loving this series so much! I started with book one and just finished book 5. This is the first review I've done because I was in such a hurry to get to the next book!
The characters are wonderful. I would love to go to this island and meet just about everyone!! Just about!!!
Just an FYI, I never spoil the books for others by releasing any information on plots or endings.
Ok, now onto the next book!
I'm loving this series so much! I started with book one and just finished book 5. This is the first review I've done because I was in such a hurry to get to the next book!
The characters are wonderful. I would love to go to this island and meet just about everyone!! Just about!!!
Just an FYI, I never spoil the books for others by releasing any information on plots or endings.
Ok, now onto the next book!
August 16, 2023
Rebecca is enjoying her new job as sheriff.. it would be perfect if the murders stopped.
Rebecca is starting to enjoy her new job as sheriff. When she downsized to the Island she didn’t expect this many murders though. Her deputies are going a great job and she is feels they have her back. She has even met a great guy if only they could find time to get together. But the hurricane has done so much damage and brought her those strange bodies she is working to much again.
Rebecca is starting to enjoy her new job as sheriff. When she downsized to the Island she didn’t expect this many murders though. Her deputies are going a great job and she is feels they have her back. She has even met a great guy if only they could find time to get together. But the hurricane has done so much damage and brought her those strange bodies she is working to much again.
March 13, 2023
Rebecca West is handed a new case while dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane. Two bodies on the beach and an inept police force in the next town.
Dealing with a budding romance, an autocratic councilman and few clues, can she solve this crime?
Follow the clues along with her to solve this case.
Spine tingling!
Dealing with a budding romance, an autocratic councilman and few clues, can she solve this crime?
Follow the clues along with her to solve this case.
Spine tingling!
March 13, 2023
Excellent story. Fast-paced and well-written.
Sheriff Rebecca West, still recovering from injuries dealt to her from the hurricane that hit the island, has two new murders to solve. With few clues and no suspects, it will take all her training to bring the killer in.
I like this series. I am ready for Rebecca to take on the Yacht Club directly.
Sheriff Rebecca West, still recovering from injuries dealt to her from the hurricane that hit the island, has two new murders to solve. With few clues and no suspects, it will take all her training to bring the killer in.
I like this series. I am ready for Rebecca to take on the Yacht Club directly.
March 13, 2023
This the 5th book in the Shadow Island FBI series. The whole series is GREAT!! The plot in this book is about 2 bodies that are washed ashore, because of the condition of the bodies coming out of the ocean they were more difficult to identify. This is such a good book!! I recommend the whole series!!
March 13, 2023
Any book with Mary Stone as the author you will be guaranteed a frightening opening chapter. Shadow’s Watch with Lori Rhodes is no exception. This latest thriller in the Shadow Island series is a complicated and difficult murder mystery for Sheriff Rebecca West and her team.
Absolutely loved and laughed out loud at the comic relief about half way through. Keep these books coming!
Absolutely loved and laughed out loud at the comic relief about half way through. Keep these books coming!
March 13, 2023
When two bodies are washed up on the beach, it causes all kinds of problems for the Sheriff department of Shadow Island, especially being so close to the 4th of July celebration. Never mind the cleanup from Hurricane Boris. We are also introduced to Rhonda Lettinger, someone I hope we see more of in the future. There is a really good twist in the story. I voluntary reviewed an ARC of this book.
March 14, 2023
Shadow's Watch
This duo write one heck of a good story. The storyline picks up just as the previous one ends. You could read it as a standalone, but the previous stories are really interesting, also! The characters are real and the storyline is intriguing. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good mystery.
This duo write one heck of a good story. The storyline picks up just as the previous one ends. You could read it as a standalone, but the previous stories are really interesting, also! The characters are real and the storyline is intriguing. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a good mystery.
March 14, 2023
I'll keep it simple.
This series is amazing. I could have read and finished this in a couple of hours but my day for ahead of me and so it took me all day to read.
The series is excellent! Excellent characters, great plot, the action and drama is something you'd see on TV. I highly encourage you to read it. It is definitely one of my favorite series of all time
This series is amazing. I could have read and finished this in a couple of hours but my day for ahead of me and so it took me all day to read.
The series is excellent! Excellent characters, great plot, the action and drama is something you'd see on TV. I highly encourage you to read it. It is definitely one of my favorite series of all time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews