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Emma Last FBI Mystery #2
Last Vendetta
The wages of sin is death.
It sounds like a scene from a horror movie. But the carnage left by a literal axe murderer in the small town of Little Clementine is far too real.
Two families gruesomely slaughtered, two days apart, the only survivor a two-year-old girl.
The tight-knit community in the Allegheny Mountains is known for its religious fanaticism and aversion to the government. But without a police force, the sheriff has no choice but to begrudgingly accept the assistance of FBI’s Washington, D.C. Violent Crimes Unit to solve the grisly case.
The brutality of the murders suggests the killer is one of the town’s own—and these slayings were as personal as they were violent. But the residents of Little Clementine only take their problems to the Lord or their pastor, and neither are talking.
With no fingerprints, evidence, DNA, or leads, Special Agent Emma Last almost wishes for the appearance of the ghosts she can suddenly see to provide a clue. Because the murderer is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, and the whole flock is in danger.
Last Vendetta, the second book in the riveting new FBI mystery series from bestselling author Mary Stone, peels back the veneer of small-town life to expose its terrifying underbelly. Brace yourself to confront the unsettling truth... while the Bible claims, "Vengeance is mine," there are those who disagree.
It sounds like a scene from a horror movie. But the carnage left by a literal axe murderer in the small town of Little Clementine is far too real.
Two families gruesomely slaughtered, two days apart, the only survivor a two-year-old girl.
The tight-knit community in the Allegheny Mountains is known for its religious fanaticism and aversion to the government. But without a police force, the sheriff has no choice but to begrudgingly accept the assistance of FBI’s Washington, D.C. Violent Crimes Unit to solve the grisly case.
The brutality of the murders suggests the killer is one of the town’s own—and these slayings were as personal as they were violent. But the residents of Little Clementine only take their problems to the Lord or their pastor, and neither are talking.
With no fingerprints, evidence, DNA, or leads, Special Agent Emma Last almost wishes for the appearance of the ghosts she can suddenly see to provide a clue. Because the murderer is the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, and the whole flock is in danger.
Last Vendetta, the second book in the riveting new FBI mystery series from bestselling author Mary Stone, peels back the veneer of small-town life to expose its terrifying underbelly. Brace yourself to confront the unsettling truth... while the Bible claims, "Vengeance is mine," there are those who disagree.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
2038 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
227 books2,159 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 101 reviews
September 1, 2023
This book follows the first book about a week after. The FBI team moves onto another gruesome case.
Little Clementine is a religious and very small town where four people were found hacked to death by an axe. There are some religious aspects/talks in this book by the townspeople. (Personally I am not religious, but it was not an overbearing amount).
It will keep you guessing who the killer is. Every time I thought I knew who it was, I had to guess again. Just like the first book, I enjoy the chapters with the killer's POV.
I am interested in seeing where the ghost aspect with Agent Emma Last is going. There is not really any interaction until the final chapter of the book. I will definitely be reading the next.
I will say be weary of certain topics in this book. There is mention of older men raping young girls and it has all occurred in the past (not in present time in the book).
TW: Gore, murder, mentions of previous child rape.
Little Clementine is a religious and very small town where four people were found hacked to death by an axe. There are some religious aspects/talks in this book by the townspeople. (Personally I am not religious, but it was not an overbearing amount).
It will keep you guessing who the killer is. Every time I thought I knew who it was, I had to guess again. Just like the first book, I enjoy the chapters with the killer's POV.
I am interested in seeing where the ghost aspect with Agent Emma Last is going. There is not really any interaction until the final chapter of the book. I will definitely be reading the next.
I will say be weary of certain topics in this book. There is mention of older men raping young girls and it has all occurred in the past (not in present time in the book).
TW: Gore, murder, mentions of previous child rape.
April 15, 2024
Another Mary stone book added to my LOVE list. So many twists and turns. Full of suspense and drama. I love the alternating views especially from the view of the murderer. Mary stone gives no hint as to who the perpetrator is in these chapters. I love reading their reasoning before finding out who they are. Great story. Very well written. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 23, 2023
Evil is evil
A small town uses its townspeople religious beliefs to protect from the real world. Unfortunately, one person is tired of the leader's hypocrisy and is taking vengeance. Emma Last and her fellow agents are caught in between.
A small town uses its townspeople religious beliefs to protect from the real world. Unfortunately, one person is tired of the leader's hypocrisy and is taking vengeance. Emma Last and her fellow agents are caught in between.
July 19, 2023
Well written book. Keeps you guessing as to who was the killer. Thought I figured who the killer was but I was wrong. Lots of suspense, drama, twist and turns. Patiently waiting for the next book.
August 26, 2023
Emma is really growing on my and I love her dark humor, so far I am putting this series up with Autumn Trent and Winter Black Dalton. I look forward to her next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
I like this author’s writing style and characters, but this book felt a tad predictable.
November 8, 2023
Much better than the first one. Onto the next one. ;)
November 24, 2023
Last Vendetta
Last Vendetta was really good. The murderer was a real surprise. This was a very well written book and total mystery. Mary Stone did a great job bringing these characters to life and presenting the facts which caused the motive for the murders. I really enjoyed this book.
Last Vendetta was really good. The murderer was a real surprise. This was a very well written book and total mystery. Mary Stone did a great job bringing these characters to life and presenting the facts which caused the motive for the murders. I really enjoyed this book.
July 11, 2023
Vengeance is Mine
Emma Last, Special Agent with the FBI’s Washington, D.C. Violent Crimes Unit, has a special talent. She can see, hear and talk to ghosts. Emma along with Special Agents, Leo Ambrose, Denae Monroe, Mia Logan and Vance Jessup are assigned a gruesome murder case in Little Clementine, Maryland. SSA Jacinda Hollingsworth informs them that she accepted the case due to the town’s lack of police. She goes on to give them the brutal details of how four people were hacked to death.
Little Clementine is known for having a religious nature and some feel they may be religious zealots. The team find out they will be holding their meetings in the Jubilant Ridge House of Faith. SSA Hollingsworth is not happy with the location or Pastor Gregory Darl. Sheriff Lowell is allowing the Pastor Darl to sit in on the meetings. How will the team react? How does Paster Darl act? Will the team be able to find another place to set up?
Emma and the others soon realize that the folks in town believe it was some outsider who committed the murders. Will they be able to get the answers they need before someone else is killed? Who is the next person to die and why? What secrets are being withheld?
Emma keeps looking around searching for one of the victims ghost. Does she get any help from a ghost? Does she really want to see one?
Last Vendetta is well written and keeps you guessing who is doing the killing. I was surprised to find I had the wrong killer. The book has plenty of drama, suspense, gore, pain, emotional moments, twists and turns to keep you reading through the night.
At the end of the book, Emma is approached by another ghost. Oh my goodness! Who is the ghost? What does he want? Anxiously waiting for the next book.
Emma Last, Special Agent with the FBI’s Washington, D.C. Violent Crimes Unit, has a special talent. She can see, hear and talk to ghosts. Emma along with Special Agents, Leo Ambrose, Denae Monroe, Mia Logan and Vance Jessup are assigned a gruesome murder case in Little Clementine, Maryland. SSA Jacinda Hollingsworth informs them that she accepted the case due to the town’s lack of police. She goes on to give them the brutal details of how four people were hacked to death.
Little Clementine is known for having a religious nature and some feel they may be religious zealots. The team find out they will be holding their meetings in the Jubilant Ridge House of Faith. SSA Hollingsworth is not happy with the location or Pastor Gregory Darl. Sheriff Lowell is allowing the Pastor Darl to sit in on the meetings. How will the team react? How does Paster Darl act? Will the team be able to find another place to set up?
Emma and the others soon realize that the folks in town believe it was some outsider who committed the murders. Will they be able to get the answers they need before someone else is killed? Who is the next person to die and why? What secrets are being withheld?
Emma keeps looking around searching for one of the victims ghost. Does she get any help from a ghost? Does she really want to see one?
Last Vendetta is well written and keeps you guessing who is doing the killing. I was surprised to find I had the wrong killer. The book has plenty of drama, suspense, gore, pain, emotional moments, twists and turns to keep you reading through the night.
At the end of the book, Emma is approached by another ghost. Oh my goodness! Who is the ghost? What does he want? Anxiously waiting for the next book.
July 17, 2023
LAST VENDETTA is the second installment in Mary Stones newest series, the Emma Last FBI Mystery Series. Like everything from Mary Stone, this is another captivating story and page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Emma Last is still getting to know her new FBI Team in D.C. After wrapping up a case involving a traveling circus the team is finally getting to know each other better. Before they can take a breath, they have another case - an axe murder in small town.
Little Clementine is small town known for having a religious nature and some feel they may be religious zealots. Now there appears to be an axe murderer in its midst. With someone murdering members of their church, no one wants to answer any question from the FBI or even even want them in there town. An Outsider is the murderer. No one from their God fearing town would be capable of killing anyone. As bodies keep dropping, the team seems to be doing catch-up and getting no closer to the killer.
During this entire case Emma has been wondering why no ghosts have been helping her this time. Before she get home, that changes. She's still driving when a headless ghost rushes her car demanding to know where his sister is. What does he mean? Where will the next story go?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
Emma Last is still getting to know her new FBI Team in D.C. After wrapping up a case involving a traveling circus the team is finally getting to know each other better. Before they can take a breath, they have another case - an axe murder in small town.
Little Clementine is small town known for having a religious nature and some feel they may be religious zealots. Now there appears to be an axe murderer in its midst. With someone murdering members of their church, no one wants to answer any question from the FBI or even even want them in there town. An Outsider is the murderer. No one from their God fearing town would be capable of killing anyone. As bodies keep dropping, the team seems to be doing catch-up and getting no closer to the killer.
During this entire case Emma has been wondering why no ghosts have been helping her this time. Before she get home, that changes. She's still driving when a headless ghost rushes her car demanding to know where his sister is. What does he mean? Where will the next story go?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
February 23, 2024
A small religious faction has horrible murders taking place so Emma and her team are headed there to solve the crimes. They quickly see that all citizens are not treated right and that quite a few things are off. The team dynamic is still developing and I loved seeing Emma be herself with her new boss and get praise, how the team was joking and supportive, the potential relationship with Mia, and their overall dynamic. The villain is not clear until the end, but the reason and purpose is made clear very quickly. The final showdown of violence and crime had a surprising, but fitting ending. The team relaxing on their own was a fitting ending with a few possible surprises in upcoming books with Emma seeing Mia’s dead brother who was a big part of all of Mia’s emotional and work problems, Leo maybe dating a coworker and of course what is this Wolf connection that both Leo and Emma have?
July 10, 2023
A very small community suddenly has an axe murderer in their midst. This self-proclaimed religious community can't believe one of their own is the murderer. However, as this vase unfolds, it becomes obvious that the killer lives among them. The FBI is called in after the fourth murder. And, a few days later, another couple is also murdered. Who could be doing this? And will Emma get help from the locals, either living of deceased? This community is hiding a sick secret and the entire country is about to find out what it is. Why are community leaders being marked for death? Who is the killer? Join this thrill ride and Emma and her new team ferret out the secrets and the murderer. The characters are solid and the story is quite a twister. Good read! And, what an epilogue!!
August 21, 2023
Emma is trying to set into her new team at the FBI office. the case is 4 beheaded people in a tight community.
This is Emma’s second case with her new team. They have just been handed a gruesome case involving 4 people murdered by having their heads chopped off. The men were chopped in several pieces and the women killed quickly. The community is a tightly woven religious batch. Borderline fanatics with a strong Minister and close following. The team is starting to jell but each still has its secrets. Emma isn’t about to tell them she sees ghosts. Her partner isn’t going to tell he is haunted by his past. The others are just starting to open up. Then there is a fifth murder and the case becomes wild.
This is Emma’s second case with her new team. They have just been handed a gruesome case involving 4 people murdered by having their heads chopped off. The men were chopped in several pieces and the women killed quickly. The community is a tightly woven religious batch. Borderline fanatics with a strong Minister and close following. The team is starting to jell but each still has its secrets. Emma isn’t about to tell them she sees ghosts. Her partner isn’t going to tell he is haunted by his past. The others are just starting to open up. Then there is a fifth murder and the case becomes wild.
July 10, 2023
Innocent blood...Vendetta?
SA Emma Last is ready/not ready for the new case. SA Leo Ambrose and the team are headed to a new case in a small town of less than 50 residents and an Axe Murderer. They are all ready but also like Emma not ready. Who wants to face the murders that have happened and how?
I enjoyed this book by Author Mary Stone and following Emma Last in her cases and the ghosts that visit her to give her clues. It was hard to put the book down and hard to keep going, I didn't want the book to end and now cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to Mary Stone for your #unputdownable books.
SA Emma Last is ready/not ready for the new case. SA Leo Ambrose and the team are headed to a new case in a small town of less than 50 residents and an Axe Murderer. They are all ready but also like Emma not ready. Who wants to face the murders that have happened and how?
I enjoyed this book by Author Mary Stone and following Emma Last in her cases and the ghosts that visit her to give her clues. It was hard to put the book down and hard to keep going, I didn't want the book to end and now cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to Mary Stone for your #unputdownable books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2023
Emma is again part of the investigation of the grizzly murders in the small religious community. It feels like stepping back few centuries. Obedient wives crazy cult pastor and a big secret that nobody talks about.
It was painful to see that kind of life. I’m so glad Mary created these new series. Emma is wonderful character with the interesting actions and reaction. As always the plot is unique and very well paced. I read this in one sitting and really recommend it to everyone. Bravo Mary. Thx Lida
It was painful to see that kind of life. I’m so glad Mary created these new series. Emma is wonderful character with the interesting actions and reaction. As always the plot is unique and very well paced. I read this in one sitting and really recommend it to everyone. Bravo Mary. Thx Lida
July 11, 2023
In Last Vendetta, Emma Last takes on a second case with her new team and is finally getting to know them better. The case takes them to a small religious town, Little Clementine, where towns people are being beheaded and hacked to death. Mary keeps you guessing as you meet the quirky, secretive, and aggressive people of the town. The FBI team rushes to gather information to find the perpetrator(s) so they can uncover the towns secret and prevent any further murders. A good paced story with interesting characters.
July 11, 2023
This is an ARC read for me and another great story from Mary Stone and her co author. Its full of twists and turns with several secrets revealed. Emma Last and the rest if her FBI team are sent to Little Clementine to find out who is killing people with an axe. Little Clementine is a religious community of around 45 and its obvious someone in the community is doing the killings. As the team investgatez, its obvious the community has many secrets and Pastor Darl has a firm grip. Can the agents uncover the secrets and stop the axe murderer before they strike again?
July 11, 2023
Emma and her new team are headed north to a grizzly murder of four adults.. This very small mountain town maintains an almost cult like atmosphere. All town folk maintain the murderer must be an outsider, nobody in their small town would do such a heinous act. They are all very respectable folks who stick together. Finding the killer is going to be very difficult as nobody will open up and talk freely. The team tries several methods to gain some insight as to who and why these folks were killed. They finally get a break from an unlikely person. Definitely a must read, suspenseful!
December 31, 2023
Found the ending to be very satisfactory. I was a bit put off at all the r****. This was also mentioned as a possibility in the first book. Idk I personally would love a crime without this included. But I enjoyed the suspense filled around the wolves and am curious to understand what Leo has to do with it as well. Sometimes it does fill a bit like Emma’s ghost abilities are an after thought or like the writer is trying to hard to weave it though the crimes to be able to make more books. But overall liked the storyline and will continue to read the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
Who is taking an axe to Little Clementine’s people & why? Emma’s team arrive in the small Appalachian town to track down the killer & the ghosts Emma now sees & hears are silent, interesting. Everyone in town is tight lipped and close knit, except for the good Reverend Darl, who is very outspoken and believes he needs to be part of the investigation because his people need him. Can you guess? Read on …
July 12, 2023
In the new Emma Last book, Lost Vendetta, Emma and the rest of the team are sent to a very religious town, Little Clementine, where there have been a series of ax murders. The murders are very grizzly with the victims being beheaded.
This very strict religious community has a hard time believing that anyone in their group has committed these horrid murders.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
This very strict religious community has a hard time believing that anyone in their group has committed these horrid murders.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
October 3, 2024
Cults and the good ol' boys
Wow...an entire town of religious obedient followers with a murderer running amuck. It seems the highest ranking leaders are being knocked off one at a time but by whom?
Surely couldn't be one of their own. Strangers don't really visit the town so whom.
Emma Last and team work diligently to deduce whom it could be. Surprisingly, the person it is would be one they would not have suspected.
Wow...an entire town of religious obedient followers with a murderer running amuck. It seems the highest ranking leaders are being knocked off one at a time but by whom?
Surely couldn't be one of their own. Strangers don't really visit the town so whom.
Emma Last and team work diligently to deduce whom it could be. Surprisingly, the person it is would be one they would not have suspected.
January 25, 2025
Before you go.....
I was introduced to Mary Stone by the Winter Black series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I decided to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited and read the Emma Last series. I read the first book previously and was surprised by Emma seeing ghosts. I reread the first book to refresh myself and have just finished the second. I really like the way she defines the characters and lets the reader become part of the team.
I was introduced to Mary Stone by the Winter Black series, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I decided to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited and read the Emma Last series. I read the first book previously and was surprised by Emma seeing ghosts. I reread the first book to refresh myself and have just finished the second. I really like the way she defines the characters and lets the reader become part of the team.
March 8, 2025
Useless ghosts
Like the previous book, Mary Stone spins an excellent mystery that leaves you guessing until the end. But Emma Last sees ghosts from time to time that don't really have much to do with the story line. You might think that they'd drop her hints as to who's guilty, but they offer nothing at all. I'm guessing that at some point, one of her tales will reveal the reason for her being able to see ghosts.
Like the previous book, Mary Stone spins an excellent mystery that leaves you guessing until the end. But Emma Last sees ghosts from time to time that don't really have much to do with the story line. You might think that they'd drop her hints as to who's guilty, but they offer nothing at all. I'm guessing that at some point, one of her tales will reveal the reason for her being able to see ghosts.
July 11, 2023
What a messed-up place! People are being killed for their 'sins' and this little village can't really afford to loose too many people, after all its population is less than 50. But who is the killer? There are some strange people in this village that could be the one. Can the team figure it out before there isn't any people left? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 13, 2023
Mary Stone has written another great Emma Last book. It is a real thriller that keeps you engaged until the very end. Has it all, wonderful characters, an axe murderer, secrets, and plenty of twists and turns. You'll definitely be hooked. Cannot wait until the next book in the series. I am an ARC member & this is my honest review.
July 13, 2023
Axe murders in a small, insular, Fundamentalist community
The residents point fingers outward - strangers, vagrants, outsiders - but the manner of death suggests personal enmity much closer to home.
With only a small County Sheriff force, the Sheriff calls in the FBI for help.
Generational secrets are uncovered - with the perpetrator an unexpected individual.
The residents point fingers outward - strangers, vagrants, outsiders - but the manner of death suggests personal enmity much closer to home.
With only a small County Sheriff force, the Sheriff calls in the FBI for help.
Generational secrets are uncovered - with the perpetrator an unexpected individual.
September 19, 2023
Generally okay book. I had my own expectations about the whole ghost thing with Emma but, alas, unmet. My issue (no spoilers here) probably not a problem for other readers. Also, what is up with the relationship stuff with the team members? Again, no spoilers, simply subplots not fitting my knowledge of the FBI. So, a whodunit but not for me.
November 21, 2023
Unique
The sexual abuse done to children in the name of religion of any kind, is unacceptable. I believe that was the theme of this book. That one of the victims, now an adult, snapped and became a vigilante is understandable. Emma's fitting into her new team is good to see. I was a bit surprised when the perpetrator reveal happened. Good one, Mary.
The sexual abuse done to children in the name of religion of any kind, is unacceptable. I believe that was the theme of this book. That one of the victims, now an adult, snapped and became a vigilante is understandable. Emma's fitting into her new team is good to see. I was a bit surprised when the perpetrator reveal happened. Good one, Mary.
March 3, 2024
Little Clementine
The problems at Little Clementine were horrible. A small community that was controlled by men who it seemed were living in an old century. When four individuals were killed by an axe the FBI became involved. The people of the community were not being open with the problems that had happened and was still happening.
The problems at Little Clementine were horrible. A small community that was controlled by men who it seemed were living in an old century. When four individuals were killed by an axe the FBI became involved. The people of the community were not being open with the problems that had happened and was still happening.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews