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Shadow Island #6
Shadow's Hostage
When you’re a hostage of your own nightmare...
As the Shadow Island Historical Society prepares to raise funds to restore the island’s beloved lighthouse, someone else has other lethal plans. Instead of the presentation the group hopes for, they attract the attention of a madman claiming the historic monument is his family legacy before firing several shots and barricading the doors.
Now, one hostage is dying and the rest fear for their lives.
Interim Sheriff Rebecca West is no hostage negotiator, but she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure the elderly captives are safely released. Especially when the perp turns out to be a local boy recently released from the mental hospital where he’d been committed since his mother abandoned him and his father. By all accounts, he’s disturbed but harmless.
Or is he?
He’s making outlandish assertions about the disappearance of his mother that don’t make sense. And identifying missing persons who disappeared miles away. Are these accusations merely the delusions of mentally unstable man? Or is something more nefarious going on?
From its shocking beginning to the jaw-dropping conclusion, Shadow’s Hostage—the sixth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you realize we all see what we want to see, even if it’s not true.
As the Shadow Island Historical Society prepares to raise funds to restore the island’s beloved lighthouse, someone else has other lethal plans. Instead of the presentation the group hopes for, they attract the attention of a madman claiming the historic monument is his family legacy before firing several shots and barricading the doors.
Now, one hostage is dying and the rest fear for their lives.
Interim Sheriff Rebecca West is no hostage negotiator, but she’ll do whatever it takes to ensure the elderly captives are safely released. Especially when the perp turns out to be a local boy recently released from the mental hospital where he’d been committed since his mother abandoned him and his father. By all accounts, he’s disturbed but harmless.
Or is he?
He’s making outlandish assertions about the disappearance of his mother that don’t make sense. And identifying missing persons who disappeared miles away. Are these accusations merely the delusions of mentally unstable man? Or is something more nefarious going on?
From its shocking beginning to the jaw-dropping conclusion, Shadow’s Hostage—the sixth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you realize we all see what we want to see, even if it’s not true.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
1788 people are currently reading
416 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 128 reviews
May 6, 2023
Best series I've read
This was about a man named Mason who holds four people hostage in the local lighthouse
I don't know HOW Mary Stone does it but this is one of my favorite series. Action, Drama, Emotion. All of it. Love it.
This was about a man named Mason who holds four people hostage in the local lighthouse
I don't know HOW Mary Stone does it but this is one of my favorite series. Action, Drama, Emotion. All of it. Love it.
November 7, 2025
Book 6 of a must read murder mystery series, Shadow Island FBI mystery. Very well written and fast paced with a lot of action.
May 1, 2023
I am becoming more and more familiar and captivated by the characters, and the intro of former fbi partner is intriguing as always. I do wish the authors would give some downtime, though at the end of a case, but i get it.
Going back to the story, this was well crafted and captivating. It was definitely an afternoon read.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Going back to the story, this was well crafted and captivating. It was definitely an afternoon read.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
August 22, 2025
Good read
The book kept me Interested from the beginning to end. I am very anxious to read the next book now.
The book kept me Interested from the beginning to end. I am very anxious to read the next book now.
May 4, 2023
Great characters. Great stories. Great series. I can't wait for the next one!
May 1, 2023
SHADOW'S HOSTAGE is the fifth installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Your attention is sure to be captured in the first few pages and keep you engrossed from the beginning to the end with intrigue and suspense. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes.
Mary and Lori definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble. This was another very long and busy night for Sheriff Rebecca West and a fast and tense read for me.
It's only been a little over a month since Rebecca's quiet vacation turned into solving the sheriff's murder and then becoming the new sheriff. Since then she's solved a ring of child smugglers, four murderers who killed nearly a dozen victims, and helped the island withstand a devastating hurricane. And now she's in the middle of a hostage situation at the old lighthouse. This time she needs to get the hostages safely released and hopefully arresting the perpetrator, all without anyone being shot. Will Rebecca be able to negotiate with someone that doesn't seem mentally stable and is unpredictable? Can she get the Island's loved ones home safe and maybe clear a few cold cases at the same time? Rebecca's good, but that good?
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.
Mary and Lori definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble. This was another very long and busy night for Sheriff Rebecca West and a fast and tense read for me.
It's only been a little over a month since Rebecca's quiet vacation turned into solving the sheriff's murder and then becoming the new sheriff. Since then she's solved a ring of child smugglers, four murderers who killed nearly a dozen victims, and helped the island withstand a devastating hurricane. And now she's in the middle of a hostage situation at the old lighthouse. This time she needs to get the hostages safely released and hopefully arresting the perpetrator, all without anyone being shot. Will Rebecca be able to negotiate with someone that doesn't seem mentally stable and is unpredictable? Can she get the Island's loved ones home safe and maybe clear a few cold cases at the same time? Rebecca's good, but that good?
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.
May 3, 2023
The Cypress trees hold the secret.
Sheriff Rebecca West and Hoyt Frost are called out to a disturbance at the old Alton place. It appears that Mason Alton had been there and was upset his home had been destroyed. As they were getting information, Viviane Darby, day shift dispatcher, calls to inform Rebecca about a disturbance at the old Noble Lighthouse. Mason who has a history of mental illness has taken some of the members of the Preservation Society hostage.
Rebecca is not a negotiator; however, she attempts to talk Mason into letting the hostages go. He keeps talking about the Noble Lighthouse and the trees taking his mother. Rebecca is having a hard time getting through to him. Mason is a grown man who seems to have childlike qualities. Rebecca realizes there is more going on and will have to dig deep to find the answers. Her old FBI partner, Benji Hiang, stops by for a visit and Rebecca enlists his help.
Where did Mason’s mom go? Why was he committed to a psychiatric
hospital? What part does his father have in what happened? Who are the key players and what are their motives? Who dies and who lives? Will the Cypress trees reveal their secret? You will have to read the book to find out.
Shadow’s Hostage has plenty of drama, twists and turns to keep you engaged in reading until the end. Will Rebecca ever get a break?
Sheriff Rebecca West and Hoyt Frost are called out to a disturbance at the old Alton place. It appears that Mason Alton had been there and was upset his home had been destroyed. As they were getting information, Viviane Darby, day shift dispatcher, calls to inform Rebecca about a disturbance at the old Noble Lighthouse. Mason who has a history of mental illness has taken some of the members of the Preservation Society hostage.
Rebecca is not a negotiator; however, she attempts to talk Mason into letting the hostages go. He keeps talking about the Noble Lighthouse and the trees taking his mother. Rebecca is having a hard time getting through to him. Mason is a grown man who seems to have childlike qualities. Rebecca realizes there is more going on and will have to dig deep to find the answers. Her old FBI partner, Benji Hiang, stops by for a visit and Rebecca enlists his help.
Where did Mason’s mom go? Why was he committed to a psychiatric
hospital? What part does his father have in what happened? Who are the key players and what are their motives? Who dies and who lives? Will the Cypress trees reveal their secret? You will have to read the book to find out.
Shadow’s Hostage has plenty of drama, twists and turns to keep you engaged in reading until the end. Will Rebecca ever get a break?
May 5, 2023
This is an ARC read and another great book in the Shadow Island series. I love all of Mary Stone's series but this one is my favorite so far. Sheriff Rebecca West and her Deputies are hoping for some well deserved down time when they get a call at the Light house. The preservation committee are meeting in hope to get interest in getting the funds to restore the Lighthouse. As they are setting up, a young man with a gun takes them hostage because he believes they are planning to tear down the lighthouse. Rebecca and her deputies must figure out why Mason believes this and does events from his past play into his belief. As they dig into Mason's pat they come up with more questions then answers. Also what do the names Mason keeps repeating have to do with his missing mother and the sale of his family property. Will the answers to the questions solve why Mason took his hostages in the lighthouse. The answer to all the questions will lead to a serial killer and solve the disappearance of Mason's mom. This is a nonstop action story and you will not want to put it down
February 16, 2024
When a hostage situation is not what you think or expect. Rebecca and team are working a hostage situation in the lighthouse and it quickly takes some odd turns. The hostages are four senior citizens there to preserve the location. The hostage taker is a mentally disturbed young man with ties to the area. The father is raising flags, the crowd is gathering, some new law enforcement faces appear and tension is brewing with media and doctors. The local community lends a hand and humor at times and the core group of the sheriffs office work together to try and figure out what is really happening. The small team quickly finds the ramblings of the young man are much more serious than expected. The ending unravels some crazy connections and the young man broke my heart. Nora and the other senior citizens are a delight and made for a heartwarming angle to a sad and disturbing component of evil for this book. Another great read for a series that makes one question if island life would be that great!😜
May 1, 2023
I love Rebecca’s character. She grows on me more and more with her intuition, selflessness and a “bulldog” perseverance .
In this great story, she is again put in the situation, that she never was before - to negotiate a hostage situation. She faces mentally challenged man, who took hostages in the local lighthouse to protect it from demolition. As a situation evolves, you learn about the present and past history of one family, crooked men, serial killer, real estate and bond between police and FBI, that will mess with your head and the heart. The plot is twisting and story turns fast into a page turner. I thought it cannot get better after hurricane story, I was mistaken. This one beats them all. And of course!!!!! There is a cliffhanger agin. Ouch Rebecca will never get rest of free weekend ever, if these two amazing writers will keep at it!. Thank you. I had an awesome time with your tense story. Lida
In this great story, she is again put in the situation, that she never was before - to negotiate a hostage situation. She faces mentally challenged man, who took hostages in the local lighthouse to protect it from demolition. As a situation evolves, you learn about the present and past history of one family, crooked men, serial killer, real estate and bond between police and FBI, that will mess with your head and the heart. The plot is twisting and story turns fast into a page turner. I thought it cannot get better after hurricane story, I was mistaken. This one beats them all. And of course!!!!! There is a cliffhanger agin. Ouch Rebecca will never get rest of free weekend ever, if these two amazing writers will keep at it!. Thank you. I had an awesome time with your tense story. Lida
May 5, 2023
Stella Knox is at it again and is the modern day women wonder woman in this 6th book in the Shadow Island series, Shadow's Hostage. She takes on the world. A hostage situation occurs in a light house where a meeting is going on to preserve it with the historical society. Mason, a man-child, has been recently released from a mental institution and has taken multiple people hostage. Is he unstable when he says "his mother was taken by the trees"? Is he "really crazy" or is someone pulling the strings? Love Mary's development of her characters, especially Stella. A good book that's worth the read.
December 31, 2025
4 - 4.5 Stars
Shadow's Hostage is the sixth 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 Hostage is the sixth 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…
May 2, 2023
Shadow's Hostage is the fifth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. In this book Mason, a mentally challenged young man takes several people hostage in a lighthouse on Shadow Island that he thinks is part of his legacy and thinks that someone is going to demolish it.
Mary and her team have to ty to negotiate a truce with Mason and assure him the lighhouse is not going to be destroyed.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book.
Mary and her team have to ty to negotiate a truce with Mason and assure him the lighhouse is not going to be destroyed.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book.
July 30, 2024
Fast paced, gets your mind thinking. Hard to put down!
Another puzzle for Sheriff Rebecca! It's a good thing she actually listens to what people are saying. Mason, a mentally troubled young adult, has taken some older citizens hostage in the lighthouse. Yes, he's talking wildly and waving a gun.. but why was he doing this? Rebecca saves the day and, of course, figures out it is connected to some illegal activity. Mason was just being used and was never meant to survive the hostage situation. Mason will need to go back to the hospital and get the help he deserves.
Another puzzle for Sheriff Rebecca! It's a good thing she actually listens to what people are saying. Mason, a mentally troubled young adult, has taken some older citizens hostage in the lighthouse. Yes, he's talking wildly and waving a gun.. but why was he doing this? Rebecca saves the day and, of course, figures out it is connected to some illegal activity. Mason was just being used and was never meant to survive the hostage situation. Mason will need to go back to the hospital and get the help he deserves.
March 22, 2025
The pace of this book was quicker than I expected. The intriguing part was trying to decipher what Mason was trying to explain. Not to justify his behavior, but my heart went out to Mason. It was easy to empathize with his loss, pain, and frustration.
The storyline was engaging while moving at a good pace. Even having a strong sense of the people involved in Mason's plight did not take away from the story. I liked the way law enforcement took their time to come to a favorable resolution. I also appreciated the positive outcome considering the circumstances. Rating: 3.5 Stars
The storyline was engaging while moving at a good pace. Even having a strong sense of the people involved in Mason's plight did not take away from the story. I liked the way law enforcement took their time to come to a favorable resolution. I also appreciated the positive outcome considering the circumstances. Rating: 3.5 Stars
May 1, 2023
Rebecca just can't catch a break. Not even a day off since the last disaster and now a young man has taken the members of the preservation society hostage at the lighthouse. This man was a former resident of Shadow Island, back home from the mental hospital where he was placed after his mother went missing. He's under the impression the lighthouse will be torn down instead of preserved. There's so much more to the story and it's a good one!
May 2, 2023
Sheriff Rebecca has to deal with a mentally challenged man when he takes hostages inside the light house. He also has a gun and has fired it off three times, one wounding an 80-year-old woman. Can Rebecca get him to listen to reason and save the hostages? But there are people that don't want the hostages and their capture to make it out alive. There is more to deal with, and some of it is history that comes from an unstable man, or is he? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
May 6, 2023
Another solid tale, this time of greed, fraud and multiple homicides
A young man, who appears confused and delusional, crashes a meeting of the lighthouse preservation committee, wounding one and terrorizing the remaining hostage attendees with a revolver.
Sheriff West tries to unravel the gunman’s history, with startling results uncovering unsolved disappearances of the hostage-taker’s mother and two other individuals over time, unrelated at first blush to Shadow Island.
A young man, who appears confused and delusional, crashes a meeting of the lighthouse preservation committee, wounding one and terrorizing the remaining hostage attendees with a revolver.
Sheriff West tries to unravel the gunman’s history, with startling results uncovering unsolved disappearances of the hostage-taker’s mother and two other individuals over time, unrelated at first blush to Shadow Island.
May 8, 2023
Shadow's Hostage ( Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 6)
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not put this book down, I read all night. I just wonder how many other strange things can happen on one small island, I mean they were cleaning up from a category 2 hurricane and several murders, now they have a hostage situation, a cold case and another murder. What else can happen, oh sorry next book starts with 2 more murders.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not put this book down, I read all night. I just wonder how many other strange things can happen on one small island, I mean they were cleaning up from a category 2 hurricane and several murders, now they have a hostage situation, a cold case and another murder. What else can happen, oh sorry next book starts with 2 more murders.
May 30, 2023
What kind of person kills their wife and then drives their emotionally unstable son over the edge? It is someone so evil and so consumed by the need for power and money that they care for nothing else. The son hover has some lucidity and what he remembers helps solve a decades long case. His clue is the trees. His journey is long and convoluted. And with the help of the incredible sheriff he reaches an end to the story. Good read. Love this series!
August 13, 2023
Good read
This book starts out with old people gathering to start a fund raiser for an old lighthouse. They are almost immediately taken hostage by a young man with mental problems. Rebecca, her deputies and State Troopers all are involved in the hostage negotiations that are not going anywhere. How to reach this young man, more like a child and keep them all safe. The story goes in several directions as they try to understand what he is trying to say.
This book starts out with old people gathering to start a fund raiser for an old lighthouse. They are almost immediately taken hostage by a young man with mental problems. Rebecca, her deputies and State Troopers all are involved in the hostage negotiations that are not going anywhere. How to reach this young man, more like a child and keep them all safe. The story goes in several directions as they try to understand what he is trying to say.
January 13, 2024
Great read!
The authors have a way of stretching the story out, but making it interesting at the same time. You're constantly turning page after page, then all of a sudden you're at the end of the book. The series is full of colorful, interesting characters in a small town where the citizens treat each other as family. It makes me remember the small southern town I grew up in, and makes me long for the years when our nation was more innocent.
The authors have a way of stretching the story out, but making it interesting at the same time. You're constantly turning page after page, then all of a sudden you're at the end of the book. The series is full of colorful, interesting characters in a small town where the citizens treat each other as family. It makes me remember the small southern town I grew up in, and makes me long for the years when our nation was more innocent.
December 29, 2025
*3 Stars
A hostage situation always leaves you at the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop so that you can see how things will end. This one was no different. The author was able to tell the story in such a way that it made you feel like you were watching the scenario unfold. The end left you satisfied with the storyline but also gave one curiosity for what happens next on Shadow Island. This series is a must read.
A hostage situation always leaves you at the edge of your seat waiting for the other shoe to drop so that you can see how things will end. This one was no different. The author was able to tell the story in such a way that it made you feel like you were watching the scenario unfold. The end left you satisfied with the storyline but also gave one curiosity for what happens next on Shadow Island. This series is a must read.
April 30, 2023
Oh Mary, you’ve done it again. Kept us on the edge of our seat trying to figure out who the bad guy(s) are, and then left us hanging waiting for the next book. Who would know the dreams/nightmares of a young man who’s just trying to save his family’s legacy could lead us down a crooked path of murder.
May 1, 2023
Shadow's Hostage (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 6) By Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. An innocent young adult force to being institutionalized for his fathers greed. This is not a common hostage situation! It’s the history behind a young adult action forced by deceiving adults… I enjoyed this book . Loved it !!!
May 1, 2023
Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have done it again with Shadow's Hostage. Did not think the books could get better but they do. This is an edge of your seat thriller with twists and turns. Wonderful characters and despicable characters. A must read book. I definitely cannot wait until the next book in the series. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
May 2, 2023
Shadows Hostage was an enjoyable book. It was fun to catch up with Sheriff West, Deputy Hoyt and her other employees. And a Lighthouse, how exciting. A simple day to preserve the lighthouse's history and get it restored turned into a murder mystery.
I enjoy reading Mary Stones and Lori Rhodes books and I cannot wait for the next book.
I enjoy reading Mary Stones and Lori Rhodes books and I cannot wait for the next book.
June 6, 2023
I have read all of Mary Stone’s Books and I have enjoyed every one of them. Possibly being from a small town in Eastern North Carolina my favorite series is the Shadow Island Series. As I have read each of the books in this series I become more anxious to learn more about the past. I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did.
June 8, 2023
4.0 stars. No mystery as to the killer(s) here. Just needed the story to play out to get the details of how and why. Quick easy read for an afternoon's entertainment. Thankfully the author let this story come to a conclusion this time, so readers weren't left hanging. However once this story ends, Sherriff West gets a call and it's off to the next case.
July 5, 2023
good book
Rebecca and her deputies are once again thrown into another twisted crime! A young man’s mother is missing for years he’s told she left him, the preservation group is trying to save the Shadow Island lighthouse, he holds them hostage in the lighthouse! Then the twists and turns begin!!!
Rebecca and her deputies are once again thrown into another twisted crime! A young man’s mother is missing for years he’s told she left him, the preservation group is trying to save the Shadow Island lighthouse, he holds them hostage in the lighthouse! Then the twists and turns begin!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews