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A Villain’s Story #1
Blood on the Badge
Every villain has a story. Every hero, a dark past.
Justice Hall has secrets. His name is just the beginning.
Born as Timothy Stewart, this twenty-six-year-old rookie detective’s life took an unexpected turn when Justin Black, the serial killer known as The Disciple, brutally murdered his family and groomed him as a child. Out of the wreckage, little Tim reinvented himself, adopting a new identity that eerily echoes his malefactor’s name. A mere coincidence, or an indelible imprint of the past?
The truth remains buried within Justice. Even from himself.
Justice is certain of one thing, though. His most recent case needs to go cold...and quickly. The son of East Texas’s most beloved senator has disappeared, and the father is pressuring the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Office to devote its full resources to the search. Justice disagrees. Not only are there more pressing cases to work—like a brutal killer mutilating young women—but he also harbors a secret about the missing man...
He’s buried beneath Justice’s own apple tree.
Blood on the Badge is book one of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, an enigmatic thriller that will convince you a picture’s worth a thousand words. Or the hallmark of a killer.
Justice Hall has secrets. His name is just the beginning.
Born as Timothy Stewart, this twenty-six-year-old rookie detective’s life took an unexpected turn when Justin Black, the serial killer known as The Disciple, brutally murdered his family and groomed him as a child. Out of the wreckage, little Tim reinvented himself, adopting a new identity that eerily echoes his malefactor’s name. A mere coincidence, or an indelible imprint of the past?
The truth remains buried within Justice. Even from himself.
Justice is certain of one thing, though. His most recent case needs to go cold...and quickly. The son of East Texas’s most beloved senator has disappeared, and the father is pressuring the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Office to devote its full resources to the search. Justice disagrees. Not only are there more pressing cases to work—like a brutal killer mutilating young women—but he also harbors a secret about the missing man...
He’s buried beneath Justice’s own apple tree.
Blood on the Badge is book one of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, an enigmatic thriller that will convince you a picture’s worth a thousand words. Or the hallmark of a killer.
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About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,149 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 60 reviews
July 7, 2024
It was a cool quick read. 3.5
July 14, 2025
Overall, this was an entertaining and enjoyable first entry to the series. I liked that you were rooting for the main character even though he is flawed. While I will gladly read more books in this series, there were some minor issues that I didn't care for. My main one is that I don't care for the name Justice Hall. It is a bit too on the nose for an antihero character—Lucas, Donald, Daniel, Liam, etc. Something else for a first name would have been better. Even after you get the backstory of how his name came to be, it just didn't work for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
This is Mary Stone at her best. It was delightfully dark, kept me intrigued throughout, and kept me going with enough twists and hints on future stories in this series. It had the trademark Mary Stone ending leading onto the new book, which I can't wait for.
I was given an advance copy by the author, but the review is entirely my own.
I was given an advance copy by the author, but the review is entirely my own.
July 19, 2023
Loved this book. Loved Justice and how he fights his bad side. Really and looking forward to see what’s in store for Justice. Another great book. Keep them coming Mary.
July 21, 2023
Justice ensures justice is served
Detective Justice Hall is a rookie detective in the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department. No one there knows his true identity and he hopes they don’t find out. Justice’s name as a child was Timothy Stewart and he had been kidnapped by Justin Black, a serial killer. During his stay with Justin Black, he suffered great horrors. What effect did Justin have on Timothy? Was Timothy now Justice able to overcome the horrors he suffered?
Justice and his partner, Detective Henry Carlson, are assigned a missing person case. Sheriff Galvez is bowing to pressure from Senator Al Daulton to find his missing son, Darrel. Justice would like the case to disappear and be forgotten. He knows what happened to Senator Daulton’s son. What happened and what does Justice know? Was justice served on Darrel?
Justice and his partner also are trying to solve the murder of Luiza when another young woman is found murdered in the same way. How are the two murders connected? What does Justice see? Do they have a serial killer or a copy cat of a serial killer?
Pressure is still coming from Senator Daulton to find his son; however, Justice thinks finding a killer is more important. Is Senator Daulton involved? What does Justice find?
Blood on the Badge keeps you on edge. It makes you question if justice was served or is there a killer hidden behind a badge. It allows you to discover some of the horrors that happened to little Timothy Stewart who is now known as Justice Hall. Will Justice be able to keep it together? Is he imagining things or really seeing what he is seeing? It will be interesting to find out. Justice reminds me of another person, who I will not name. Read the book. What do you think?
Detective Justice Hall is a rookie detective in the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department. No one there knows his true identity and he hopes they don’t find out. Justice’s name as a child was Timothy Stewart and he had been kidnapped by Justin Black, a serial killer. During his stay with Justin Black, he suffered great horrors. What effect did Justin have on Timothy? Was Timothy now Justice able to overcome the horrors he suffered?
Justice and his partner, Detective Henry Carlson, are assigned a missing person case. Sheriff Galvez is bowing to pressure from Senator Al Daulton to find his missing son, Darrel. Justice would like the case to disappear and be forgotten. He knows what happened to Senator Daulton’s son. What happened and what does Justice know? Was justice served on Darrel?
Justice and his partner also are trying to solve the murder of Luiza when another young woman is found murdered in the same way. How are the two murders connected? What does Justice see? Do they have a serial killer or a copy cat of a serial killer?
Pressure is still coming from Senator Daulton to find his son; however, Justice thinks finding a killer is more important. Is Senator Daulton involved? What does Justice find?
Blood on the Badge keeps you on edge. It makes you question if justice was served or is there a killer hidden behind a badge. It allows you to discover some of the horrors that happened to little Timothy Stewart who is now known as Justice Hall. Will Justice be able to keep it together? Is he imagining things or really seeing what he is seeing? It will be interesting to find out. Justice reminds me of another person, who I will not name. Read the book. What do you think?
August 4, 2023
BLOOD ON THE BADGE is the first installment in Mary Stones newest series, A Villain's Story. Like everything from Mary Stone, get prepared for a captivating story and page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mary Stone is an artist with a pen and her masterpieces are the stories she creates.
Fans of the Winter Black series have wondered about what happened to little Timmy Stewart when he was held captive by Justin Black. Now we get to learn a little of his story.
After years of counseling and therapy, Tim Stewart has changed his name to Justice Hall and is now a rookie detective in the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department. Justice is trying so hard to blend in and be a good person, but he is still haunted by the unmentionable horrors he was forced to live through. Is he so broken that his horrors will take control of his life. Personally, I hope not. I hope he regains his moral awareness and learns to contain his rage. Thank you Mary for not forgetting about little Timmy.
BTW, I can't say I was surprised to find out who "daVinci" was.
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.
Fans of the Winter Black series have wondered about what happened to little Timmy Stewart when he was held captive by Justin Black. Now we get to learn a little of his story.
After years of counseling and therapy, Tim Stewart has changed his name to Justice Hall and is now a rookie detective in the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department. Justice is trying so hard to blend in and be a good person, but he is still haunted by the unmentionable horrors he was forced to live through. Is he so broken that his horrors will take control of his life. Personally, I hope not. I hope he regains his moral awareness and learns to contain his rage. Thank you Mary for not forgetting about little Timmy.
BTW, I can't say I was surprised to find out who "daVinci" was.
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.
July 20, 2023
Local police officer Justice Hall has just been promoted to detective. He has served in the military and has an outstanding record, but he has a secret. His birth name was Timothy Stewart. His family had been terrorized by Justin Black years ago, and his folks and sister were killed during Justin’s rampage. He has worked hard to be a good person but sometimes his demons haunt him.
Someone is brutally killing young women and leaving no clues to why or who is doing this. Justice is assigned this case. There seems to be no leads until they look at old cases. Now they see that it appears a set of murders from years ago are very similar. Esther their “da Vinci” killer is back or it’s a very knowledgeable copycat. This story keeps you on your toes, the ending was a big surprise !
Someone is brutally killing young women and leaving no clues to why or who is doing this. Justice is assigned this case. There seems to be no leads until they look at old cases. Now they see that it appears a set of murders from years ago are very similar. Esther their “da Vinci” killer is back or it’s a very knowledgeable copycat. This story keeps you on your toes, the ending was a big surprise !
March 1, 2024
Reading 2024
Book 32: Blood on the Badge by Mary Stone
This book is one that got away from book club. It was on our vote for March and April 2024, but did not get selected. The book sounded interesting to me so I got from Kindle Unlimited.
Synopsis: Blood on the Badge is book one of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, an enigmatic thriller that will convince you a picture’s worth a thousand words. Or the hallmark of a killer.
Review: I enjoyed this book a bunch. Quick read, good palette cleanser. A cop or a killer? Found myself rooting for the villain/hero even with his dubious morals. This is the first in a series, think I will find my way back to the series to see what happens next. 4 ⭐️.
Book 32: Blood on the Badge by Mary Stone
This book is one that got away from book club. It was on our vote for March and April 2024, but did not get selected. The book sounded interesting to me so I got from Kindle Unlimited.
Synopsis: Blood on the Badge is book one of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, an enigmatic thriller that will convince you a picture’s worth a thousand words. Or the hallmark of a killer.
Review: I enjoyed this book a bunch. Quick read, good palette cleanser. A cop or a killer? Found myself rooting for the villain/hero even with his dubious morals. This is the first in a series, think I will find my way back to the series to see what happens next. 4 ⭐️.
July 20, 2023
Wow I did not expect what Mary Stone did with Timothy Steward ,the young victim of Justin Black. The character is so controversial , I did not know if I should love him or dislike him. Amazing tense and thrilling new series. The genuine plot comes with cannon ball fire. Omg that was unexpected. The best book ever! I cannot tell more praise without giving out spoilers. Just read it! You miss a lot if you skip. It’s a trademark Mary Stone. I love all the author’s books, none disappointed yet. And it’s a several long series!!!!! It will be another #1 on Amazon, you bet. Thank you Mary for your hard and amazing work to keep us busy. Lida
July 21, 2023
Mary Stone has created a superb new series. Justice Hall is a character from the Winter Black series. He was a little boy named Timothy Stewart who survived his abduction and the murder of his family. Now he is a brilliant Detective with the sheriff’s department in a Texas county. The department has two cases to solve…a missing person and a vicious killer who targets young women.
Mary Stone crafts masterful stories that just beg to be read. This one is a page turner filled with secrets and terror. Definitely a must read!!
Mary Stone crafts masterful stories that just beg to be read. This one is a page turner filled with secrets and terror. Definitely a must read!!
July 22, 2023
In this new series, Timmy returns and Justin Black is "with him". Love that Timmy's character is back and the story was developed around him, now Justice. Justice is now grown up and a cop. Is he good or is he bad? How did his childhood experiences shape his life? Someone is carving up young ladies and leaving them as works of arts. Is this an old serial killer who was never caught, a copy cat or someone else? Read the novel and find out. Can't wait to see what Justice does next! Great story!!! I received this novel as an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
July 23, 2023
Blood on the Badge is the first book in a new series by Mary Stone The book centers around Justice Hall who was in a previous Winter Black series and was known as Timothy Stewart.
Justice is now a detective and has been assigned to work on 2 different cases. In the first case a friend of his has been murdered and in the second a person called daVinci has been carving up girls bodies and leaving them in the cemetery.
This book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
Justice is now a detective and has been assigned to work on 2 different cases. In the first case a friend of his has been murdered and in the second a person called daVinci has been carving up girls bodies and leaving them in the cemetery.
This book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
July 25, 2023
Is he a hero?
It was hard for me to start reading this book. I didn't like the title and when I saw that Justice was actually Timmy it was tough to swallow. You need to read the Winter Black series to understand what Justice/Timmy went through and how he could be so sketchy. But I did enjoy reading this book. The fact that Justice has a very analytical mind and actually solved the murders and brought the bad guy to his appropriate end made it worth the read. Some twists and turns but not all were unexpected. I imagine we will hear more from Justice Hall.
It was hard for me to start reading this book. I didn't like the title and when I saw that Justice was actually Timmy it was tough to swallow. You need to read the Winter Black series to understand what Justice/Timmy went through and how he could be so sketchy. But I did enjoy reading this book. The fact that Justice has a very analytical mind and actually solved the murders and brought the bad guy to his appropriate end made it worth the read. Some twists and turns but not all were unexpected. I imagine we will hear more from Justice Hall.
July 20, 2023
Another new series by Mary Stone that did not disappoint. A page turner with lots of twists and turns including a surprise ending to the daVinci killer that you will not see coming. We also get to learn a little about what happened to Timmy Stewart, now going by Justice Hall, when he was held captive by Justin Black. This book had it all and I can't wait for the saga of Justice to continue. I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
July 23, 2023
Where has he been??
A new Mary Stone Series with Timmy Stewart who's family was killed by Justin Black. Timmy is now now Justice Hall and a Detective in East Texas. Justice has an edge on solving crime, could it be due to his grooming by Justin Black?
A new series an emergence of Timmy who we had lost touch with and how is he really? Mentally that is...
You will really like this new series, I know I am looking forward to the next book in Mary Stones series.
A new Mary Stone Series with Timmy Stewart who's family was killed by Justin Black. Timmy is now now Justice Hall and a Detective in East Texas. Justice has an edge on solving crime, could it be due to his grooming by Justin Black?
A new series an emergence of Timmy who we had lost touch with and how is he really? Mentally that is...
You will really like this new series, I know I am looking forward to the next book in Mary Stones series.
July 24, 2023
I admit, I was a bit dubious when I found out who Justice was, and even more so when what he had done was revealed, but in the end, I decided that I like him.
Now I am talking about the character, not the writing.
The story is Always good when it's from Stone, so I knew it would be another good one, a bit of gore, much intrigue, a good guy, and of course a baddie. And this definitely did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this new series. I think y'all are gonna like it.
Now I am talking about the character, not the writing.
The story is Always good when it's from Stone, so I knew it would be another good one, a bit of gore, much intrigue, a good guy, and of course a baddie. And this definitely did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this new series. I think y'all are gonna like it.
October 14, 2023
The writing in this book is incredible. To say that I don’t even begin to know how to read this book is putting it mildly. In every other book by Mary Stone, we have the story of the full blown hero, this one is a villain hero just put another layer on the book and how we are supposed to rate it. I liked it I love the writing, the storyline is interesting, but a little bit depraved. I’ll be moving onto book two.
February 18, 2024
“For a true artist, the need to make art is a compulsion. I cannot choose not to do it any more than I can choose not to breathe. If I force myself to stop, I will lose everything.” - Da Vinci
Sucks you in and keeps you captivated from sentence one! Twists and turns abound, as you fall deeper and deeper... Into madness.
It takes a thief to catch a thief... What if it takes a killer... To catch a killer?
Sucks you in and keeps you captivated from sentence one! Twists and turns abound, as you fall deeper and deeper... Into madness.
It takes a thief to catch a thief... What if it takes a killer... To catch a killer?
July 18, 2023
Loved this book. I love the whole concept of Justice. I did not guess who DaVinci was but I was glad it turned out to be who it did. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Mary Stone is one of the best authors I have ever read. I highly recommend this book and all of her other books
July 18, 2023
Where does one start? Who is Justice Hall and what is he doing in the Elmeader County Texas Sheriff’s office as a detective? Oh the stories he could tell, but you don’t want to know the truth or do you. You know his mentor or, at least, have heard of him - Justin Black. Open and read to find out. It’s a doozie
July 23, 2023
Wow, what an incredible start to a new series!! It’s better if you have read the Winter Black series so you understand the main character better but not completely necessary. I absolutely loved getting to see what happened to Timmy now Justice. This story was incredibly well written and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t stop reading.
July 23, 2023
One of my favorites from the author! Loved the book. It’s dark and creepy and everything I love about a story. Justice Hall is a very interesting character and I can’t wait to see what he brings to the next story. When I found out his true identity, which he keeps secret, I was so much more intrigued. Great book!
July 24, 2023
I wasn’t sure about the concept of a book about Tim Stewart, the serial killer Justin Black’s prodigy, but this ended up being a real page turner. Tim has grown up, changed his name to Justice Hall & is a detective in Texas. No one knows his background & he is able to perceive killers because of his past with Justin. This series is going to be another great one that will not disappoint!
October 5, 2023
Bravo author, loved the uniqueness of this books premise! (I’m a huge ‘Dexter’ fan!)
Always good to pick up past characters and find out how they turned out. Poor Timmy Stewart was favourite of mine and I’m excited to read his stories. Keep them coming . It’s refreshing to read a different point of view.
Always good to pick up past characters and find out how they turned out. Poor Timmy Stewart was favourite of mine and I’m excited to read his stories. Keep them coming . It’s refreshing to read a different point of view.
October 20, 2023
Through the magic of fictional time, Blood on the Badge introduces us to the adult version of a child character from the past. Justice Hall, formerly Timothy Stewart, is now a rookie detective with his own ideas about "justice". Love this new series!! Mary Stone can always be depended on for a great read!!
June 9, 2024
I just didn't relate to this book, didn't feel like other Mary Stone books that just pull you in from the start. I put the book down several times and then started reading again hoping the story would be more interesting. This is the first and last book in this series for me, such a disappointment but I will keep reading other series by this author.
December 25, 2024
The book is a gripping page turner. When several girls go missing and are brutally murdered by a sadistic serial killer, Detective Justice Hall is on a mission to stop him. Justice Hall is struggling with his own demons but has reinvented himself. Despite this he is very likable and I found myself rooting for him.
The book is fast paced and a great read.
The book is fast paced and a great read.
July 20, 2023
GET THIS ONE QUICK. A NEW SERIES THAT GRABS YOU FROM THE FIRST AND DOESN'T LET GO TILL THE END AND LEAVES YOU LOOKING FOR THE NEXT ONE. WELL WRITTEN AND ORIGINAL WITH GREAT CHARACTERS YOU WILL LIKE. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE OR THE OTHERS BY THIS AUTHOR. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM ALL
July 21, 2023
This story about Justice was a excellent story about him punishing people that are bad and trying to save people that are good. This story had lots of suspense and drama. Thank you for a different kind of story.
July 21, 2023
I just finished reading ”Blood on the Badge”. It was really good, I couldn’t put it down! I loved everything about it. The mystery, the secrets, the characters, the setting, the suspense, and so much more! Another great start to a wonderful new series! You won’t be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews