Shadow's Force

Shadow Island #4

by Mary Stone

Twelve hours earlier, Interim Sheriff Rebecca West was enjoying a casual lunchtime burger. Now she’s preparing for a hurricane headed straight for Shadow Island. While hauling sandbags and calming town officials, the last thing she needs is a stunned man stumbling into the sheriff’s department.

Covered in blood.

Clearly in shock, the man doesn’t know who he is and only mutters about needing help finding a mermaid. Is he distraught because he killed someone or because he witnessed a horrific event?

Rebecca needs to find out—and fast.

Fighting the torrential rain and wind, Rebecca discovers the victim, posed and decorated like a mermaid. Is the catatonic man the killer? Or is something more sinister at work?

With very little support, she has to work quickly before the island is completely cut off from the mainland and any evidence is destroyed by the natural disaster. It’s all hands on deck as Rebecca and the entire department scramble to prepare for a hurricane...and solve a murder.

From its enigmatic beginning to the nail-biting conclusion, Shadow’s Force —the fourth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you fear the storms of nature and love.

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Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Thriller, Fiction, Thriller Suspense, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

244 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2023

About the author

To 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.

Reviews

[The Humble Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmm 🤔
I liked the book BUT it went from a yacht club member being murdered in Book 3 to a Hurricane murder in this one. I'm kinda..stumped. disappointed. Answers left open. For example, is the prostitution ring not going to be settled? Like..... okay. I guess not? That was a good plot and it wasn't even solved. I'd like to have a conclusion. That's a bit unnerving.

Okay and then there's Rebecca, is she or is she not going to be Sheriff? I was hoping we'd get a conclusion here in this book but nada. I'm a bit unsettled with that too. Book five description kinda gives it away though I guess? Book five description says deputy Rebecca and not sheriff. Soooooooo that sucks. And why? That's unnerving too. She's supposed to be Sheriff. 🤦🏽‍♀️ If that's the case I won't even read book five.

I liked this story and the plot and the characters but I'm unnerved, unsettled and I have questions.
That's why I have it a four.

[Sam keys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I found the story line difficult to follow. That’s probably on me. I just couldn’t get into the hurricane details and the various aspects involved. From a public safety perspective, you either evacuate or suffer the consequences. Rescuing an idiot from a roof during the storm is greatly Ill-advised.

[Judy Churchill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. There was so much going on with a nasty, bloody murder, a major hurricane, and untold damage to Shadow Island.

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page turner that you can't put down until the end. Can't wait to see what is next in the series. I want more hope the next one will be out soon. Never disappointed in a noon from Mary Stone

[Twobchelm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of action plus dealing with a hurricane …

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHADOW'S FORCE is the fourth installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Captures your attention in the first few pages and keeps you engrossed from the beginning to the end with intrigue and suspense.

A very long and busy night for Rebecca and a fast and tense read for me. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes

Former FBI Special Agent Rebecca West just wanted a quiet vacation while doing some soul searching. Instead, she finds herself the interim sheriff. After solving the former sheriff's murder, it's one thing after another on this "quiet, peaceful" island.

This time Hurricane Boris is barreling down on them. In the middle of shoring up the island and a potential mandatory evacuation, a bloody, man stumbles into the station and soon becomes catatonic, only mumbling the word mermaid. It's not long before there's a body and murder that needs evidence gathered before Boris destroys it. Rebecca's four member staff is tased with preparation for the hurricane, saving citizens, solving a murder, and of course politics are always interfering. Will Rebecca be able to keep her people and the citizens of Shadow Island safe and still solve a gruesome murder before Boris hits the island?

If you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. This series is a little less dark than the others, but still chilling.

I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn't think I would enjoy this book as much as I did. It grabbed my attention from the very first page. The descriptions of the impending hurricane and all that was being done to combat it were very interesting. I thought the murder was intriguing and it kept me off balance trying to figure out if Jenner was the murderer or a victim.

The detailed look into the lives of the deputies of Shadow Island added depth to the ongoing story. I was relieved the story switched from solely focusing on the yacht club drama. Having advanced knowledge that the particular plot revolving around the yacht club conflict will not be concluded at the end of each book makes it easier for me to enjoy each story.

Rebecca's continued commitment to work diligently even as her current position as interim Sheriff was constantly being used as a threat against her, showed her strength of character. I liked the way both some of the residents and deputies were being supportive of her work as the Sheriff and not trying to undermine her because she was female. I am actually looking forward to the next installment.

[Hunter]

As an avid Mary Stone reader, this is the third series I've read by her. Until this book, it wasn't my favorite.

With this series, you have to read a few books before you really start to relate to and understand the characters, in my opinion. Now, I feel like we know more about everyone in small town Shadow Island. I really enjoy learning more about Rebecca's past and what brought her to her job as interim sheriff after leaving her big job with the FBI after her parents murder.

While there's still more to uncover from her past, I feel like she's really coming into her own person and getting more comfortable with her identity as the sheriff in a small town. She definitely came in and kicked up some dust, since she's been investigating crimes that precede the sheriff she took over for.

I was considering not reading further into this series, but after book 4, I believe I'm going to keep on with it. I highly recommend Mary Stone, but I'm a bigger fan of the Winter Black and Autumn Trent series.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent description of a hurricane.

A murder mystery that needs to be solved during a Category 2 hurricane, it is very hard to do. When Hurricane Boris is headed to Shadow Island, the Sheriff's office has so much to do. One of the many things Sheriff West has to do is to solve a murder. Can she possibly do it without help...just her senior deputy is along with her.
As a survivor of a Cat 4 hurricane, that came 50 miles inland, unexpectedly, I can tell you her descriptions are accurate. FIsh are in puddles on the lawn, and moored boats are thrown about like toys. I'm even talking about large shrimp boats that are tossed out of the ocean. Hurricanes are not fun, and trying to solve a murder is definitely not on a to do list.
This book has an accurate description of a hurricane, problems of getting people off a barrier island, and a murder. Adventure is non stop. I know you will enjoy this book.

[MD Morsed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thrilling and intriguing book Shadow's Force will keep you on the edge of your seat. A little island town dealing with a natural disaster and a sick killer is depicted by the author in a vivid and realistic manner. Rebecca West, the main character, is a resilient and astute heroine who must navigate both personal and professional obstacles while overseeing the investigation. The plot moves quickly and is full of surprises that will keep you guessing until the very end. The vivid and captivating writing style makes you feel as though you are a part of the story. Other topics covered in the book include identity, memory, trauma, and justice. If you want to read something exciting and engrossing, Shadow's Force by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best book so far in this series. Rebecca is still interim sheriff because there is a hurricane getting ready to hit the island. While trying to decide what to do as the outer bands of the hurricane hits, a man covered in blood stumbles into the Sheriff's Office. Now Rebecca and her deputies are racing to figure out who is dead, who killed them, and how to manage preparations for the hurricane. This book keeps you hopping and guessing on what is really going on. It will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to know who the killer is, will evidence be lost, and how much damage will the hurricane do?

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are faced with a catatonic and blood soaked man, a murder victim and a nasty hurricane. After finding the identity of the man covered in blood the Sheriff locates the female murder victim. How will the Sheriff’s department even begin to preserve the crime scene with the hurricane approaching?
This is fast paced and a page turner that really pulls the reader in. Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes description of the hurricane was so fierce that I felt drenched and chilled to the bone.
So much so that I needed a hot shower, warm clothes, coffee and biscuits and gravy. Thank you for a delicious book!

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nonstop action and world development. The crime was brutal but the sheriff and team also face the obstacle of a hurricane hitting the island. So solve a murder case and handle a hurricane…why not! The team at the sheriff office is getting more developed and I love the dynamic developing between them as individual and as a team. The details of the case were creepy and the steps and build up of the Hurricane vivid. Met new characters and saw some sweet community members that I hope to see again. The potential romance is present, but still on the sideline and as a sweet mention. A good read that I couldn’t put down!

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a thrill ride! This book keeps you literally turning pages as fast as you can. If you've ever been in a hurricane this book will be all too real for you. If you've never been in a hurricane this book will amaze you. In the midst of a hurricane barreling down on their small island there is a murder. Not just a murder but a horrific crime. There's also a man wandering around covered in blood who doesn't know who he is. Flooding, treacherous winds, and crime. What a combination. You will love this read!

[Lesli M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hurricane is coming and in addition to handling the evacuation, Sheriff Rebecca West also has a murder on her hands. This is her first time in a hurricane and time is running out to get the islanders to safety and secure the evidence so it is not blown away before she can find the killer. I have been through hurricanes before and the tension and build-up was well written. I enjoy Rebecca’s relationship with her deputies, townspeople, and handyman Ryker. The killer thought he could get away with his crime, but he did not count on Rebecca.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hurricane Boris is headed toward Shadow Island. Everyone including Sheriff Rebecca are out filling and stacking sandbags. Rebecca gets a call to the station. There is a man there covered in blood and is in a catatonic state, saying hurt or hurt somebody? They find an address on the guy's phone and find his 'mermaid' murdered. Just what they need alone with a hurricane coming. Plus, they need to get an evacuation going on. A lot going on in this story. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Bev Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is such an exciting read.

Shadows Force takes you on a ride you won't soon forget. This is Book 4 in the Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series. What a wild ride the characters are on preparing for a hurricane landing while discovering the brutal murder of a local citizen has taken place. When I began reading it, I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn't put it down until I reached the end. Mary Stone is an amazing author and I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

[margaret waniska · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder to solve in a hurricane..... Yep!

Rebecca is still running around solving a murder as well as prepping for, and then evacuating Shadow Island residents due to a hurricane! The way this author tells the story, you can picture it in your mind. Very well written and another book that keeps you interested the entire story. I'm liking the development of the characters as they learn how to work together and start to accept the new Sheriff. They all are taking notice that she actually cares about her job and the people she's been hired to protect. On to book 5 !

[Tania Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shadow’s Force continues the gripping pace of the Shadow Island series with Sheriff Rebecca West once again at the center of the storm. This installment brings even more intensity, twists, and emotional depth as Rebecca tackles new threats to her community. Mary Stone does a great job keeping the tension high while still building out Rebecca’s character and relationships. I’m loving this series so far—each book adds more layers and keeps me hooked. If you enjoy strong female leads and small-town mysteries with an edge, this is definitely a must-read series.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, what a thrilling book! Hurricane Boris is making things absolutely crazy on Shadow Island, and amidst the storm Rebecca has to solve a suspicious, gruesome death as well as coordinate evacuations.
Even with all the excitement though, there's always a bit of humor.
Great characters and awesome interactions between them, plus intense situations that had me on the edge of my seat and kept me reading nearly nonstop!
The best so far in my opinion.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed when picking up a book from Mary Stone. I started reading it and could not put it down. Here I was 3 am finishing Shadows Force. I loved it, you can see the characters begin to become who they are meant to be. It seems you get to know these characters as friends and it's hard to put the book down and wait for the next adventure.
But... I will never get tired waiting for one of the books in any of Mary Stone's Series's.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 4th installment in the Shadow Island series Rebecca West, interim sheriff, shows her leadership and grit as the town rushes to evacuate before a hurricane hits the island. At the same time, they are baffled about a man who shows up at the police station covered in blood, soaking wet and mumbling about someone being hurt and a mermaid. A fun and interesting story that keeps your attention. I received this novel as an ARC. All thoughts are mine. I recommend this novel and series.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

So exciting, so much going on in such a short period of time during a devastating hurricane. Who would think a murder could be solved during an approaching direct hit on the island from a hurricane. The new sheriff is trying to keep everyone safe & also investigate a crime scene, interview & hold murder suspects. Is there also a romantic interest involved? Such a great book in this series, can't wait to find out the next adventure.

[Mary Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely could not put this book down. When sheriff West is enjoying her lunch she gets news of an incoming hurricane and the race is on to save her small beach side town. While the department is starting the hurricane preparations a man walks into the station covered in blood and no memory of what happened Sheriff West has to find out if he’s hurt or if he hurt someone. They are under the gun to find the clues before they are washed away by the storm.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty scary and the main protagonist was mother nature. A man comes into the policy station covered in blood and catatonic. He says he thinks her hurt someone but can’t say who. Rebecca and the rest of the sheriff’s office are trying to find out whose blood is all over the man all while preparing for a major hurricane that is about to hit the island within a day.
This book was a nail biter because they were trying to solve a murder, collect evidence, board up houses, evacuate the island, find a missing elderly man, sandbag the bridge off the island….you get the idea. It was a crazy wild ride and I loved every minute of it.

[Teresa Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow's Force(Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 4)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! I read this book late into the night, before I finally had to put it down so I could get some sleep. I loved it, I have never been in a hurricane, but after reading this book, I feel like I have and never really want to experience in real life. I don't know how first responders do what they need to do in an emergency and not freak out.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Decent story and at least this mystery ended up being resolved. Guess that whole Yacht Club storyline we were given in the first 3 books just came to a halt with no way of knowing what happened and to who. Was anyone prosecuted? If it was interesting enough for readers to hang in there for 3 books, don't we deserve answers? It's incredibly weird.

Will read the next book because I like these characters but don't care for this authors writing style.

[Julie Born · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

This book is a little different because you know the murderer is one of two people. Just not which one. It is also set in the scene of a Hurricane which makes an interesting back story. It really gives you an idea of what law enforcement and first responders have to deal with in these events. The issue I have with many of Mary's books is the same. One after another in small towns and the gruesome nature seems far fetched but aside from that a good read.

[Charlette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as if I had experienced a hurricane!

This author's series gets better with each book. The team work of the sheriff's office, the caring and closeness of the people of Shadow coming together in an emergency makes you feel good. I grew up in a small southern town, and the people where I grew up were the same as the people on the island. Quite a refreshing read with the world the way it is currently.

[Lorraine Keogh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book in a good series. Probably a 3.5 stars. I read some of the later books in the series out of order and was a little lost so I am going back to read what I missed. This author develops characters and relationships well - where you care about them and root for them to solve mysteries and catch the criminals. The action and suspense enhances the overall writing. I would recommend the author and this is one of her better series so far.