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Shadow Island #8
Shadow's Conspiracy
Not every conspiracy is a theory.
When a man washes up onto Shadow Island, Sheriff Rebecca West has a moment of déjà vu. This isn’t the first body the ocean spat out on one of her beaches, but it’s the first one she’s found alive.
Barely.
The brutal gunshot wounds to the victim’s hand and the lower part of his face indicate he was shot offshore and dumped overboard, but there’s no boat or perpetrator. Just a few cryptic clues before the victim becomes unresponsive.
At first glance, the investigation points to pirates or a drug deal gone bad. But as Rebecca delves deeper, she realizes that this is far more than an attempt on a low-level criminal’s life. The case stretches out its tendrils, entangling the esteemed members of Shadow Island's Select Board, the sinister Yacht Club, and even her own sheriff's department.
And it could jeopardize everything.
Blackmail, power, and corruption collide as Rebecca resolves to clean the island up once and for all. Unless she dies trying.
From its puzzling beginning to the devastating conclusion, Shadow’s Conspiracy—the eighth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you realize that whatever you sweep under the rug always comes back to haunt you.
When a man washes up onto Shadow Island, Sheriff Rebecca West has a moment of déjà vu. This isn’t the first body the ocean spat out on one of her beaches, but it’s the first one she’s found alive.
Barely.
The brutal gunshot wounds to the victim’s hand and the lower part of his face indicate he was shot offshore and dumped overboard, but there’s no boat or perpetrator. Just a few cryptic clues before the victim becomes unresponsive.
At first glance, the investigation points to pirates or a drug deal gone bad. But as Rebecca delves deeper, she realizes that this is far more than an attempt on a low-level criminal’s life. The case stretches out its tendrils, entangling the esteemed members of Shadow Island's Select Board, the sinister Yacht Club, and even her own sheriff's department.
And it could jeopardize everything.
Blackmail, power, and corruption collide as Rebecca resolves to clean the island up once and for all. Unless she dies trying.
From its puzzling beginning to the devastating conclusion, Shadow’s Conspiracy—the eighth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will make you realize that whatever you sweep under the rug always comes back to haunt you.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2023
1308 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
218 books2,135 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 147 reviews
August 6, 2023
Oh my! This is the best one yet. So intense. It will take me some time to catch my breath after this one. Definitely breath stealing.
November 9, 2025
OMG! This one was crazy and emotional. I've never had a book make me laugh out loud before. this one did!! I also cried at the very end of this book. Which doesn't happen very much when I read. This part of the series was the one that gives you all kind of feels. A big credit to the authors talents. One of the best series I've read this year.
August 3, 2023
I was very curious what Mary will put Rebecca through this time. She really enjoys torturing her heroines and has fun show her “blood thirst” lol.
I was not disappointed ever. This time the Whole team is spread thin with drug dealers investigation, unexpected killings and protecting the Island from their own. She finally find some time for romancing too. While you are comfortably tense , the fast pace thriller changes into the horror. Omg I got cramps in my hands and neck from holding the book too hard. The end is shocking and I still try to get over the loss of my hero, even after reading several other books. I tell you, our favorite author Mary Stone will not hesitate to kill any of our favorite character at any time. Nobody is safe! Ahhhhh my heart broke. Why this person? hA! Thank you for the fantastic thriller. Lida
I was not disappointed ever. This time the Whole team is spread thin with drug dealers investigation, unexpected killings and protecting the Island from their own. She finally find some time for romancing too. While you are comfortably tense , the fast pace thriller changes into the horror. Omg I got cramps in my hands and neck from holding the book too hard. The end is shocking and I still try to get over the loss of my hero, even after reading several other books. I tell you, our favorite author Mary Stone will not hesitate to kill any of our favorite character at any time. Nobody is safe! Ahhhhh my heart broke. Why this person? hA! Thank you for the fantastic thriller. Lida
August 4, 2023
Tragedy Strikes
Shadow’s Conspiracy has Rebecca and her deputies looking for murderers and drug runners. Who shot the man who washed up on shore? Why was he shot? Is the Yacht club involved?
Rebecca, Hoyt, Darian, and Locke will end up in a fight for their lives. Will Ryker arrive in time with his boat? Does Ryker get caught up in the mayhem? Who lives and who dies?
Shadow’s Conspiracy is one emotional book. It has all the necessary ingredients to keep you reading until the end. There is suspense, drama, lies, grief, twists and turns along with a little romance. I am still feeling the sadness and grief of the last few chapters. I cried the first time I read them and still crying after reading them again.
I definitely recommend reading Shadow’s Conspiracy.
Shadow’s Conspiracy has Rebecca and her deputies looking for murderers and drug runners. Who shot the man who washed up on shore? Why was he shot? Is the Yacht club involved?
Rebecca, Hoyt, Darian, and Locke will end up in a fight for their lives. Will Ryker arrive in time with his boat? Does Ryker get caught up in the mayhem? Who lives and who dies?
Shadow’s Conspiracy is one emotional book. It has all the necessary ingredients to keep you reading until the end. There is suspense, drama, lies, grief, twists and turns along with a little romance. I am still feeling the sadness and grief of the last few chapters. I cried the first time I read them and still crying after reading them again.
I definitely recommend reading Shadow’s Conspiracy.
June 10, 2025
“Shadow's Conspiracy” is the eighth entry in the Shadow Island series. Like most of this series, it is well crafted. Mary Stone's characters are good and the central characters are likeable. The protagonist of the series Rebecca West is one of the more interesting characters that I have come across in a while. She is sharp, witty, dedicated, and realistic and when she is upset, she even lets a curse word or two escape her lips.
As I read the Shadow Island series, there is a growing problem with credibility. The number of horrendous crimes that have occurred in such a short period of time. The murders in small towns can happen, but one after another becomes more questionable. Happily, I do like Mary Stone’s writing, so I can ignore this minor unrealistic element and just enjoy the mystery. Regardless, “Shadow's Conspiracy” was better than the last one. The plots keep getting better, and it kept my attention a little more. The series maintains intriguing plots and interesting characters. So, let us just accept what it is and enjoy the ride on Shadow Island. This is a nice series that is well worth reading.
As I read the Shadow Island series, there is a growing problem with credibility. The number of horrendous crimes that have occurred in such a short period of time. The murders in small towns can happen, but one after another becomes more questionable. Happily, I do like Mary Stone’s writing, so I can ignore this minor unrealistic element and just enjoy the mystery. Regardless, “Shadow's Conspiracy” was better than the last one. The plots keep getting better, and it kept my attention a little more. The series maintains intriguing plots and interesting characters. So, let us just accept what it is and enjoy the ride on Shadow Island. This is a nice series that is well worth reading.
July 29, 2023
This is an ARC read and maybe one of the best. We join Rebecca West and her deputies back on Shadow Island. An injured man washes up on the shores of the Island and he mumbles about finding the other two and a couple of other words before passing out. This sets Rebecca up with the start of another mystery. Now they are searching for two more bodies in the hopes of uncovering how this man ended up almost dead on the Island. Things start going in a different direction when they uncover that one of the dead men is the son of a Senator. This leads to possible drug trade going on around Shadow Island, and the hunt to stop it and if it has connections within the Yacht cub. Then comes a clue that leads them to a possible drug transaction getting ready to go down. So Rebecca and her deputies, with the help of Virginia State Police set out to stop it. The outcome of this encounter will have lasting effects on the whole Island and especially Rebecca and her Deputies
August 3, 2023
SHADOW’S CONSPIRACY is the eighth installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for a murder mystery that will have you hooked from the beginning and a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes
A body on the beach, a drug cartel, the Yacht Club and more bodies and death than a small island should ever have. Will anyone survive?
This book can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
A body on the beach, a drug cartel, the Yacht Club and more bodies and death than a small island should ever have. Will anyone survive?
This book can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
November 6, 2024
Good book, although I think it's a bit irresponsible that Rebeca goes into a situation of immense danger, without taking the necessary precautions or studying the dangers in more detail.
One thing that has been bothering me a bit in the story (despite it being a story with characters that I love) is the amount of horrendous crimes that have occurred in such a short period of time.
It seems like Rebeca has been there for more than 5 years, and not just a month. I know it's a fictional story, but with the amount of crimes, it should even have federal jurisdiction. The space of time could have bigger leaps and not just a few hours between books.
And I was really sad with the ending. He did not deserve to die and I do t think his death was important to the storyline
One thing that has been bothering me a bit in the story (despite it being a story with characters that I love) is the amount of horrendous crimes that have occurred in such a short period of time.
It seems like Rebeca has been there for more than 5 years, and not just a month. I know it's a fictional story, but with the amount of crimes, it should even have federal jurisdiction. The space of time could have bigger leaps and not just a few hours between books.
And I was really sad with the ending. He did not deserve to die and I do t think his death was important to the storyline
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
3.75/5 stars
Shadow’s Conspiracy thrusts the ever‐capable Sheriff Rebecca West into murkier waters than usual on the brooding shores of Shadow Island, when a nearly dead man washes ashore—with gunshot wounds, no boat in sight, and more questions than answers. As the investigation spirals into the island’s elite Yacht Club, its Select Board, and even Rebecca’s own department, the book delivers a potent mix of corruption, power plays, and the personal stakes of cleaning house—unless you die trying. The writing crackles with tension and the plot twists smartly, though at times the body-count and conspiracies stretch credulity just a bit. For readers who enjoy a procedural with a sharp bite and a coastal setting steeped in menace, this installment hits the mark.
Shadow’s Conspiracy thrusts the ever‐capable Sheriff Rebecca West into murkier waters than usual on the brooding shores of Shadow Island, when a nearly dead man washes ashore—with gunshot wounds, no boat in sight, and more questions than answers. As the investigation spirals into the island’s elite Yacht Club, its Select Board, and even Rebecca’s own department, the book delivers a potent mix of corruption, power plays, and the personal stakes of cleaning house—unless you die trying. The writing crackles with tension and the plot twists smartly, though at times the body-count and conspiracies stretch credulity just a bit. For readers who enjoy a procedural with a sharp bite and a coastal setting steeped in menace, this installment hits the mark.
August 3, 2023
Secrets in the Shadow. Shadow Island and the ocean keeps giving up the secrets. Are the Secrets going to haunt Sheriff West forever? A body washes up and is discovered on the beach.. but this body...is still alive. Will this victim recover enough to help Sheriff West's efforts to get to the bottom of the secrets haunting Shadow Island? The Sheriff has struggled with the secrets the island holds. But it seems that the last person found may help her stir up the older men of the city council and members of the Yacht Club.
I enjoyed reading Shadows Conspiracy very much and can't wait for the next in the series.
I enjoyed reading Shadows Conspiracy very much and can't wait for the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 16, 2024
A wonderfully written horrible ending that had me in tears and disbelief. The danger this team has been in lately finally took its toll on all of them and left them forever changed. The story is detailed and full of graphic action and beautiful emotion. Some of the humor played out throughout and the grief and pain felt through the vivid moments. The town development of corruption made some big reveals and the internal dialogue showed how Hoyt and others were reflecting on the past and changes for the future. Rebecca and Ryker made some big strides but also had a huge setback. I am in shock by the ending and so sad as it impacted everyone but included my favorite.
August 3, 2023
Rebecca and her team are called into work early. A barley alive person is found on the beach. While trying to locate information on who and why this person is lying on the beach, the team discovers that the victims last call was to a member of the local town “select board”. What is the connection? Meanwhile Rebecca is called to DC, Vale is found in a section of the sheriffs office that is off limits to him. Trouble in the towns old timers is becoming obvious to Rebecca and Hoyt. This was a great read.
August 10, 2023
Oh, what an ending !!!!!
The tension started at the beginning. Who was corrupt, drugs, murders, more crime was heading Rebecca's way. What can this Sheriff do to help save the people of the island. This book had so much going on, and the end, what can I say I cried, honestly Mary Stone never leaves an ending like this. Just when Rebecca was feeling more settled in her personal life with Ryker, this happens, and to loose one of the team is devastating. I am absolutely enthralled with this series. What can come Rebecca's way next time? I for one can't wait.
The tension started at the beginning. Who was corrupt, drugs, murders, more crime was heading Rebecca's way. What can this Sheriff do to help save the people of the island. This book had so much going on, and the end, what can I say I cried, honestly Mary Stone never leaves an ending like this. Just when Rebecca was feeling more settled in her personal life with Ryker, this happens, and to loose one of the team is devastating. I am absolutely enthralled with this series. What can come Rebecca's way next time? I for one can't wait.
August 17, 2023
ten star story. Rebecca new sheriff, retired FBI, is a softy but bad ass cop.
Rebecca is still learning how to be a decent sheriff. She has a great staff, at least most of them, the one who isn’t is at least promising. She is getting tired of all these murders happening in her island. She will be glad when she and the staff and the state troupers finally wind this case up. So far the twists have been bizarre. Now if only she can close it before any more deaths. But that isn’t how fate plays it. Life and death the coin flips and death wins this time.
Rebecca is still learning how to be a decent sheriff. She has a great staff, at least most of them, the one who isn’t is at least promising. She is getting tired of all these murders happening in her island. She will be glad when she and the staff and the state troupers finally wind this case up. So far the twists have been bizarre. Now if only she can close it before any more deaths. But that isn’t how fate plays it. Life and death the coin flips and death wins this time.
August 2, 2023
Book 8 of this series was intense! That ending, OMG! Stella Knox and her crew kept me on the edge of my seat. Bodies are again washing up on the island but something even more sinister that the hurricane has caused their demise. Someone is running something up and down the waterways and is willing to kill to keep it secret and keep it going. Read the novel to find out who is involved and what is going on. Will they all survive or die trying. I highly recommend this novel!
August 3, 2023
Definitely a must-read book. This mystery brings out all the emotions. Makes you want to keep reading until the conclusion. What an ending. Rebecca West is badass. I don't know how Mary and Lori get better with each new book, but they sure do. This is my favorite series besides Storm and Autumn, and I really cannot wait to read the next one.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
August 3, 2023
This book is riveting. Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes sure know how to create a doozy of a story! Drug running, murder, bribery, ambush so much going on in Shadow’s Conspiracy. Love Rebecca West and her deputies. She is a wonderful heroine…feisty, intuitive and very clever. The final chapter will leave you gasping. I was very sad to finish and just plain sad. I kept thinking about this story for days.
August 3, 2023
This book was so good, one of the best so far in this series. You get to learn more of the characters lives in depth. A body washes up on shore & this starts a tumultuous search for the culprits. Elite members of the islands leaders, the Yacht Club & even government officials seem involved. Rebecca & her deputies are put in a dire situation that doesn’t turn out well. This is a real page turner that makes you want more, this can’t be the end!
November 4, 2023
This on made me cry!
I’ve read all of the Shadow Island books, anxiously waiting on each one to come out! This one made me cry till I had to put it down. So so very good! If you are a part of law enforcement or have the privilege to be in a law enforcement family, I highly recommend this series. But beware, read the end of this book alone or be prepared to explain the tears! Mary Stone, this one is unforgettable! Well done!
I’ve read all of the Shadow Island books, anxiously waiting on each one to come out! This one made me cry till I had to put it down. So so very good! If you are a part of law enforcement or have the privilege to be in a law enforcement family, I highly recommend this series. But beware, read the end of this book alone or be prepared to explain the tears! Mary Stone, this one is unforgettable! Well done!
January 13, 2025
Solve The Problems
While the story was good the murders were difficult to accept. Drugs being involved with fighting between sellers caused a lot of conflict. Because the previous sheriff closed his eyes to the problems it caused Rebecca to fight the crimes while having to put up with individuals who wanted her to look the other way. How did she handled the situation? Read the book and find out.
While the story was good the murders were difficult to accept. Drugs being involved with fighting between sellers caused a lot of conflict. Because the previous sheriff closed his eyes to the problems it caused Rebecca to fight the crimes while having to put up with individuals who wanted her to look the other way. How did she handled the situation? Read the book and find out.
July 31, 2023
Great read. Exciting and thrilling. Another great work by Mary Stone. The small community, Shadow Island, is home to many crimes, including drugs, human trafficking and murder. Rebecca West is the Sheriff confronted the “good old boy” mentality Influencing this community. What a ride! What a Read.!
August 1, 2023
You know it's a great book when the authors can make you cry.
A body has washed up on the beach, leading to many questions as to how, where from, if there are others,and why.
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are on top of things, finding clues, identifying, and doing their best to keep Shadow Island safe. It's a great crew, until....
I couldn't believe it.
A body has washed up on the beach, leading to many questions as to how, where from, if there are others,and why.
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are on top of things, finding clues, identifying, and doing their best to keep Shadow Island safe. It's a great crew, until....
I couldn't believe it.
August 4, 2023
When a body washes up on the shore of their beaches barely alive and leaves a message before they go unconscious Sheriff West and team must use all their resources to solve this crime. I absolutely loved this installment of the series and it just keeps getting better. The characters are all so incredibly well written and the action and mystery keep you on the edge of your seat.
August 6, 2023
Not what I expected!
The more Sheriff West digs the worse it gets. This island community is held in the grip of some very corrupt people. Murder and mayhem are almost a daily affair. But this was a heart breaker. I don’t want to give anything away, but you really need to read this book. I can’t wait for the next one and hope there is good news in it. Well worth the time.
The more Sheriff West digs the worse it gets. This island community is held in the grip of some very corrupt people. Murder and mayhem are almost a daily affair. But this was a heart breaker. I don’t want to give anything away, but you really need to read this book. I can’t wait for the next one and hope there is good news in it. Well worth the time.
August 6, 2023
Shadow's Conspiracy (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 8)
OMG!!!!!!!! This book made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put it down. I am sad to say Sheriff West lost a deputy, I won't tell you who, because it still makes me want to cry. They did survive another gun battle and did stop some drug runners. They also solved 2 murders, I can't wait for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!! This book made me laugh and cry. I couldn't put it down. I am sad to say Sheriff West lost a deputy, I won't tell you who, because it still makes me want to cry. They did survive another gun battle and did stop some drug runners. They also solved 2 murders, I can't wait for the next book.
August 6, 2023
Amazingly Suspenseful
I could not put this down. The range and depth of each character was awesome. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole book. Anyone liking strong women will love this. Rebecca was absolutely amazing. Brought me to tears. Keep these books coming. Have read all in this series and some others as well!
I could not put this down. The range and depth of each character was awesome. I was kept on the edge of my seat the whole book. Anyone liking strong women will love this. Rebecca was absolutely amazing. Brought me to tears. Keep these books coming. Have read all in this series and some others as well!
August 7, 2023
And It Keeps Coming
Rebecca and the Island just can’t get a break. Dead people keep turning up on the island and the Yacht Club keeps on bringing in drugs. One man seems to be getting closer and closer to the good guys. Can Rebecca keep her small band safe with help from the other jurisdictions?
Rebecca and the Island just can’t get a break. Dead people keep turning up on the island and the Yacht Club keeps on bringing in drugs. One man seems to be getting closer and closer to the good guys. Can Rebecca keep her small band safe with help from the other jurisdictions?
August 9, 2023
Best Shadow Island Book So far!
This book is so well written and it kept me in suspense throughout. I found myself holding my breath during parts of this story as well as having tears run down my cheeks during other parts. I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
This book is so well written and it kept me in suspense throughout. I found myself holding my breath during parts of this story as well as having tears run down my cheeks during other parts. I read this book in one day because I couldn’t put it down. I had to know what would happen next. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
August 22, 2023
It took me away!
This is definitely the best book in the Shadow Island series! Rebecca and her crew finally came together as a working unit and it is how I was able to be pulled into Shadow Island as a neighbor and friend. It took me away from my problems and into the island's. I'm thankful.
This is definitely the best book in the Shadow Island series! Rebecca and her crew finally came together as a working unit and it is how I was able to be pulled into Shadow Island as a neighbor and friend. It took me away from my problems and into the island's. I'm thankful.
April 10, 2024
Rebecca West is at her best
The story of Rebecca West and her Deputies continue with a barely alive man washing ashore. Two other bodies were later recovered and then following leads, being called to Washington, DC and an all,out war wraps this book. It has a cliff hanger at the end of course, since it is a series. ARGH!!!! I need to get the next book.
The story of Rebecca West and her Deputies continue with a barely alive man washing ashore. Two other bodies were later recovered and then following leads, being called to Washington, DC and an all,out war wraps this book. It has a cliff hanger at the end of course, since it is a series. ARGH!!!! I need to get the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews