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Charli Cross #8
Dark Mask
Hey little kid, want some candy?
Still on bereavement leave and dreading her upcoming birthday—a byproduct of the kidnapping and murder of her best friend in high school—Detective Charli Cross doesn’t feel much like celebrating. She’d much prefer being called in to investigate a reported homicide at a neighborhood playground. Until she realizes the young woman murdered was the nanny of the four-year-old son of a wealthy business mogul and a federal judge.
And the boy is missing.
Believing the motive to be about money or a past or future case, Charli and the rest of the Savannah Police Department anticipate a ransom demand. But none is forthcoming.
When another murder and possible kidnapping occurs, with no similarities to the first victims, Charli fears they’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle. And without it, more children may be in harm’s way.
As Halloween closes in, Charli grapples with solving an ever-growing number of homicides and kidnappings in the present...and deciphering the cryptic yet horrifying messages from a kidnapper from the past who’s haunted her for over a decade.
Malevolent and nerve-wracking, Dark Mask is the eighth book in the Charli Cross series from best-selling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you: realize the scariest masks are those that hide evil/wonder, and fear, what’s hiding behind the masks we all wear/realize that sometimes a mask hides the devil in disguise/ realize we all hide behind masks. Some are just more sinister than others.
Still on bereavement leave and dreading her upcoming birthday—a byproduct of the kidnapping and murder of her best friend in high school—Detective Charli Cross doesn’t feel much like celebrating. She’d much prefer being called in to investigate a reported homicide at a neighborhood playground. Until she realizes the young woman murdered was the nanny of the four-year-old son of a wealthy business mogul and a federal judge.
And the boy is missing.
Believing the motive to be about money or a past or future case, Charli and the rest of the Savannah Police Department anticipate a ransom demand. But none is forthcoming.
When another murder and possible kidnapping occurs, with no similarities to the first victims, Charli fears they’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle. And without it, more children may be in harm’s way.
As Halloween closes in, Charli grapples with solving an ever-growing number of homicides and kidnappings in the present...and deciphering the cryptic yet horrifying messages from a kidnapper from the past who’s haunted her for over a decade.
Malevolent and nerve-wracking, Dark Mask is the eighth book in the Charli Cross series from best-selling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you: realize the scariest masks are those that hide evil/wonder, and fear, what’s hiding behind the masks we all wear/realize that sometimes a mask hides the devil in disguise/ realize we all hide behind masks. Some are just more sinister than others.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2024
505 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
232 books2,179 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 51 reviews
February 29, 2024
Ok... I was ready to rave about this book until that last sentence.. Why?? Things better be fine. I hated when a character was lost in the Shadow Island series and haven't picked it back up since. So I really hope that isn't the direction this one is going. Eager for the next one after that cliffhanger. Hope it's soon. And hope things turn out ok because if not I'll be extremely bummed.
Before that moment, this was a great read.
Before that moment, this was a great read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2024
Beware of the Clown
Detective Charli Cross is still out on bereavement leave when she is called back to work to help investigate a homicide case. The body of a young woman was found at the neighborhood playground. Charli and her partner, Matthew, are busy trying to find out any information that will help them find the killer when Charli realizes a young child is missing. The young woman found dead was the child’s nanny. Who killed the woman? Where is the missing child? Why was the child taken?
Charli and Matthew disagree with the FBI that the missing child is being held for ransom. They seem to think something else is in play. Charli and Matthew are called out to another murder and missing child. They are trying to figure out what if anything connects the two cases. One child was from a wealthy family and the other from a lower income family. Why are young children being kidnapped? Is human trafficking involved? Will more children be kidnapped?
While trying to solve this case, Charli is still dealing with the death of her father and being stalked. She has been receiving messages and other things that lead you to believe that it is her childhood friend, Madeline’s killer. Charli is also trying to get along with her sister, Cassie who is staying with her family in their dad’s home. Is Charli’s stalker Madeline’s killer? Will Charli and Cassie resolve their issues?
There is a failed attempt to kidnap two more children. Who will the kidnapper go after next?
Charli and Preston are growing closer together as is Matthew and Rebecca. Will their relationships grow stronger?
Dark Mask keeps you on edge trying to figure out who is killing the adults and kidnapping the children. There is suspense, drama, grief, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you reading until the end. The ending leaves you in tears at least it left me in tears. Please I want a miracle in the next book and that book better come sooner than later.
Detective Charli Cross is still out on bereavement leave when she is called back to work to help investigate a homicide case. The body of a young woman was found at the neighborhood playground. Charli and her partner, Matthew, are busy trying to find out any information that will help them find the killer when Charli realizes a young child is missing. The young woman found dead was the child’s nanny. Who killed the woman? Where is the missing child? Why was the child taken?
Charli and Matthew disagree with the FBI that the missing child is being held for ransom. They seem to think something else is in play. Charli and Matthew are called out to another murder and missing child. They are trying to figure out what if anything connects the two cases. One child was from a wealthy family and the other from a lower income family. Why are young children being kidnapped? Is human trafficking involved? Will more children be kidnapped?
While trying to solve this case, Charli is still dealing with the death of her father and being stalked. She has been receiving messages and other things that lead you to believe that it is her childhood friend, Madeline’s killer. Charli is also trying to get along with her sister, Cassie who is staying with her family in their dad’s home. Is Charli’s stalker Madeline’s killer? Will Charli and Cassie resolve their issues?
There is a failed attempt to kidnap two more children. Who will the kidnapper go after next?
Charli and Preston are growing closer together as is Matthew and Rebecca. Will their relationships grow stronger?
Dark Mask keeps you on edge trying to figure out who is killing the adults and kidnapping the children. There is suspense, drama, grief, romance, and enough twists and turns to keep you reading until the end. The ending leaves you in tears at least it left me in tears. Please I want a miracle in the next book and that book better come sooner than later.
February 5, 2024
Another great ARC read in the Charli Cross series. Charli is still on bereavement leave and dealing with Cassie, her sister, her husband and two kids. Charli knows there are problems for her sister but the stress is getting to Charli. Then she gets a call about a missing child and because of flu striking the Police force they need Charli back to work. They find that the Nanny has been killed and the little boy is missing. To Charli and Matthew, this does not fell like a ransom kidnapping. Then another person is murdered and the small child is missing. The deaths are similar but the one family has money and the latest murder victim is the mother and very poor. What do the two kids have in common and can Charli and Matthew find the answer. As they follow clues trying to find answers, Cassie finds things getting harder with her husband and Halloween is coming up. Then an attempt at a third abduction occurs with two kids involved in this. The father is able to help with some information and they get a major clue. As they race to get more information, a clue leads back to Charli's sister. So they race to get to Cassie and pray they are in time. Added to all this, Charli receives several pictures of her best friend, Madeline, just before she is killed. So the stress is mounting on Charli.
April 20, 2024
DARK MASK is the eighth installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. These two authors are a great team and do an amazing job capturing and keeping your attention in the first few pages of their books. The emotions in this page turner may just bring you to tears. Had me hooked from the beginning to the end.
Charli has a lot on her plate. Her sister and family are in town giving Charli a front row seat to a dissolving marriage. Charli's stalker has stepping up the ominous messages like "The Madness Is About To Begin", and pictures of Charli's childhood friend after she was kidnapped.
Charli and her partner, Matthew Church, also have a new case, a homicide in a park with a four-year old boy missing. Before this case is closed the danger will come closer to Charli's life than anyone would want.
It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. Don't even mention the cliffhanger that will leave you gasping "NO! That Can't Happen". I need the next Charli Cross NOW!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I definitely recommend all their books.
Charli has a lot on her plate. Her sister and family are in town giving Charli a front row seat to a dissolving marriage. Charli's stalker has stepping up the ominous messages like "The Madness Is About To Begin", and pictures of Charli's childhood friend after she was kidnapped.
Charli and her partner, Matthew Church, also have a new case, a homicide in a park with a four-year old boy missing. Before this case is closed the danger will come closer to Charli's life than anyone would want.
It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. Don't even mention the cliffhanger that will leave you gasping "NO! That Can't Happen". I need the next Charli Cross NOW!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I definitely recommend all their books.
February 5, 2024
Love the series but hate unanswered questions
I've loved every one of the Charlie Cross books. For me it just takes too long in between books for the next one. In this particular one I didn't like the fact that several things didn't get answered. One being, why they didn't try to find out where the psychic got her information from about Charlies childhood friend. Then from previous books the note that was found at her fathers house obviously from the killer, they didn't think to check if her father was drugged or his heart attack was caused by something not natural. For a supposedly smart detective, too many things go unanswered. Then now the fact it seems her partner was blown up and just left us hanging until the next book which will probably be about another six months to a year. Other than that, yeah it was a good book and story line. Looking forward to the next one.
I've loved every one of the Charlie Cross books. For me it just takes too long in between books for the next one. In this particular one I didn't like the fact that several things didn't get answered. One being, why they didn't try to find out where the psychic got her information from about Charlies childhood friend. Then from previous books the note that was found at her fathers house obviously from the killer, they didn't think to check if her father was drugged or his heart attack was caused by something not natural. For a supposedly smart detective, too many things go unanswered. Then now the fact it seems her partner was blown up and just left us hanging until the next book which will probably be about another six months to a year. Other than that, yeah it was a good book and story line. Looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2024
Charli is always the thinker, planner of the partnership. Matthew likes his gut instincts. Both come into play when children are missing and presumed kidnapped. The first child missing comes from a very affluent family. The nanny is killed while the child is kidnapped. However, unlike the FBI who thinks this is an abduction for money, Charli and Matthew sense something else. As they follow the leads the plot really thickens. And someone is stalking Charli and tormenting her with pictures of her best friend while she was held in captivity and killed. This book has it all. But the ending was absolutely crushing! This is a spoiler alert and a plea, please don't kill Matthew! He's central to the story and there is so much more that can be written about him. This is a must read in this series!!
February 15, 2024
A great book, but that cliffhanger of an ending has my heart racing. Charli has family drama, a heavy case, her personal cold case and relationship drama all going full steam ahead in this book. Matthew is a great partner as always and we get to see more of him, his relationship with his daughter and finally his in person relationship with Rebecca!! The case is creepy, but fascinating. The killer is made clear fairly early on, but the quest to find her and the why of the crimes developed throughout the entire story. Cassi gets more developed and we see her and Charli’s roles as sisters taking more shape and coming together. I flew through this book and hope we don’t have to wait long for the next book because I need to know if someone is okay after that explosive ending!
February 14, 2024
ทดลองเล่นสล็อต pg | สล็อตเครดิตฟรี | สล็อตเว็บตรง | pg slot
📲 ทางเข้าเล่น 👉 ทดลองเล่นสล็อต pg
💎สมัครสมาชิกฟรี 👉 สล็อตเว็บตรง
📌เว็บตรง ถอนไว จ่ายชัวร์ 🎯
🔥โปรโมชั่นจุกๆ แตกง่าย ✨
✅ เว็บใหญ่ ที่นี่เท่านั้น 📲 pg slot
🔥เว็บสุดปัง โปรโมชั่น สุดฟิน🔥
🌟 รีบมาเร็ว สมาชิกใหม่ 🌟
💸 แจกฟรี 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 💸
📲 ทางเข้าเล่น 👉 ทดลองเล่นสล็อต pg
💎สมัครสมาชิกฟรี 👉 สล็อตเว็บตรง
📌เว็บตรง ถอนไว จ่ายชัวร์ 🎯
🔥โปรโมชั่นจุกๆ แตกง่าย ✨
✅ เว็บใหญ่ ที่นี่เท่านั้น 📲 pg slot
🔥เว็บสุดปัง โปรโมชั่น สุดฟิน🔥
🌟 รีบมาเร็ว สมาชิกใหม่ 🌟
💸 แจกฟรี 𝟏𝟎𝟎% 💸
July 18, 2024
I greatly enjoyed the first 7 books of this series. Loved the dynamic between Charli and Matthew as well as the storylines. This book #8 left me cold and bored! 80% family drama and personal issues and 20% mystery/police work. I kept saying “get back to the mystery and stop all this personal stuff”!
As I trudged through this book, I swore I wasn’t going to read book 9……until the last page and the major cliff hanger!!
I started book 9 and not sure how this will be. SPOILER ALERT: seems Matthew is out of the picture and Charli is teaming up with the annoying redhead. Not confident I’ll finish this one.
As I trudged through this book, I swore I wasn’t going to read book 9……until the last page and the major cliff hanger!!
I started book 9 and not sure how this will be. SPOILER ALERT: seems Matthew is out of the picture and Charli is teaming up with the annoying redhead. Not confident I’ll finish this one.
April 19, 2025
Extreme
One of the most extreme (top 3) "shatters" to end a book. What is weird, a page or so before I read about Matthew's truck exploding I knew it was going to happen. No, I didn't read ahead. That's weird. Anyway... I wonder how many times an author gleans the characters from real life cases or headlines. Has there been someone like Henrietta with the childhood brain damage, who delusionally kidnapped children and for that purpose? This was difficult to put down. The plight of children in the story kept me engaged. Thank you, Donna and Mary for what I consider the best in the Charli Cross Mystery Series, so far. NEXT!!!
One of the most extreme (top 3) "shatters" to end a book. What is weird, a page or so before I read about Matthew's truck exploding I knew it was going to happen. No, I didn't read ahead. That's weird. Anyway... I wonder how many times an author gleans the characters from real life cases or headlines. Has there been someone like Henrietta with the childhood brain damage, who delusionally kidnapped children and for that purpose? This was difficult to put down. The plight of children in the story kept me engaged. Thank you, Donna and Mary for what I consider the best in the Charli Cross Mystery Series, so far. NEXT!!!
April 2, 2025
This was full of all sorts of adventures, and misadventures. Two deaths, children being kidnapped, Charli continuing to be stalked, and a really bad clown. Add Halloween adventures and you do have a thriller. I learned lots about Charli and her relationship with her sister Cassie. They have a complicated history that Charli wasn’t even aware of. Matt has a crush on Rebecca. Chelsea is getting closer to Matt and may come and visit. Charli is finally giving Preston a chance.
And that is not the story line….
And that is not the story line….
January 29, 2024
another page turner from Mary Stone.
every church has a cross. this has been my mantra ever since i started this series'
together they are working had to solve the kidnapping of two children and the murder of their
adult supervisors. matthew is finally getting some quality communication with his daughter and
Charlie is bonding with her sister.
the kidnapper is found and all seems well. they arrive home from trick or treating and Matthew
prepares to leave.
to be continued
every church has a cross. this has been my mantra ever since i started this series'
together they are working had to solve the kidnapping of two children and the murder of their
adult supervisors. matthew is finally getting some quality communication with his daughter and
Charlie is bonding with her sister.
the kidnapper is found and all seems well. they arrive home from trick or treating and Matthew
prepares to leave.
to be continued
January 29, 2024
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel are each superb writers on their own and when they collaborate on a book expect magic! This is exactly what they turned out in Dark Mask, the Charli Cross series. The authors have created a thrilling and terrifying story that kept me riveted. This series just keeps getting better and better. And the last page blew me away… stunning cliffhanger! Can only hope the next in this series will be out…like yesterday!
January 29, 2024
Oh I do not like clowns and the one that causes havoc in this story is no exception. Children are missing, people close to them murdered and there is no clue why, who and what is next? Charli has her plate full, her birthday celebration is interrupted not only by the crime , but also by a strange gift/message from the killer in her past. This pulse pounding drama culminates by killings getting close to Charli’ family and gruesome cliff hanger. Great job Donna and Mary. Thank you.
January 30, 2024
Charli is an officer with her partner Matthew. They are working on trying st solve a nanny's murder and a child abduction. As the case progresses more children go missing. Do you know 'who done it'? Can you figure it out before they are caught or more murders happen?
If you love Murder Mysteries you will love all of Mary Stone books.
I've really enjoyed reading her books and I can't wait for the next one.
If you love Murder Mysteries you will love all of Mary Stone books.
I've really enjoyed reading her books and I can't wait for the next one.
January 31, 2024
An excellent storyline. Charli is trying to juggle having her bickering sisters family there. Decisions need to be made on who keeps what and do they keep or sell the house. Can Cassie leave the no good jerk or continue in faking it? Children are being taken with no explanation why the kidnapper is killing their nanny and parents. Can they stop the kidnapper before more children are taken and hurt.
February 2, 2024
Charlie and Matt are on a new case set around Halloween. Children are disappearing, seances are happening and the past is coming back to haunt everyone. Furthermore, someone is trying to send the message to Charlie that she and those she cares about are not any safer than her friend Madeline was in her teens. An unexpected and explosive ending leaves you wanting to know more. Good book and enjoyable series!
February 3, 2024
As Halloween approaches, Charli is called to work from her bereavement leave to work on a case that involves kidnapped children and a murdered nanny and a mother.
Besides trying to solve these cases with her partner, Charli dealing with her sister's troubled marriage and her own stalking.
This is an awesome book and the ending is truly shocking. I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens.
Besides trying to solve these cases with her partner, Charli dealing with her sister's troubled marriage and her own stalking.
This is an awesome book and the ending is truly shocking. I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens.
February 14, 2024
Charli is a good character to follow. She has had an interesting life style to say the least. I’m ready for the finality of Madeline as every mention of her is haunting. I don’t like books about missing kids, however made this an exception and satisfied with the conclusion. The way the world is today, the story line could be less fiction and close to non-fiction. I shudder to think of this actually happening.
Keeping on rocking Mary Stone.
Keeping on rocking Mary Stone.
January 27, 2024
Another fantastic book by Mary and Donna. Each series is better than the last. Charli has to deal with kidnappings, murders, her sister's crisis, and her own stalker. A whodunit that keeps you hooked until the end with a shocking and unbelievable cliffhanger. Charli Cross #9 can't come soon enough. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
January 29, 2024
While Charli is out on bereavement leave due to the death of her father, someone has murdered a young lady and a child is missing. With Charli & her partner Matthew investigating this crime another child goes missing across town, the mother murdered. Can these crimes be related? And, at what cost?
March 5, 2024
Very good book! Despite discovering the culprit very early in the story, this did not harm the suspense or the development of the plot and characters. I liked the book because it developed Charli's life more, adding more joy, making peace with her sister, building her relationship with Preston. I just hope the ending isn't what was described, as it will be very sad and tragic.
October 17, 2024
wow!
Another insane page turner! Charli, her sister, husband & kids are staying at their family home. Someone in a clown costume is kidnapping kids & killing their parent. Charli’s brother in law keeps taking off. Charli is getting messages with pictures of her friend while she was held captive & murdered.
Another insane page turner! Charli, her sister, husband & kids are staying at their family home. Someone in a clown costume is kidnapping kids & killing their parent. Charli’s brother in law keeps taking off. Charli is getting messages with pictures of her friend while she was held captive & murdered.
January 26, 2024
So many sub plots in this story, it kept me on my toes. So many things going on in Charlie's personal life but she still has a murder and kidnapping to solve with Mathew. I did not see the ending coming, it shocked me. Can't wait for the next one.
January 29, 2024
A GREAT BOOK THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU ENGROSSED TILL THE LAST PAGE. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND BECOME YOUR FRIEND DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?
January 29, 2024
When a young boy goes missing and his Nanny is found dead Charli and Matthew are tasked with finding the child and the person that killed the Nanny. This book has many twist and turns and nonstop action. It’s definitely a page turner!
January 31, 2024
This was a great story about Charli trying to find who is taking kids and why. This story had lots of suspense and action with Charli solving who is doing it and finding the kids. Thank you Mary and Donna
February 9, 2024
Dark Mask
This is a thriller you will not want to put down. Once I started reading this book it just got better and better. I loved this book but hated the suspense at the end. I can't wait for the next book.hope it will be soon. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is a thriller you will not want to put down. Once I started reading this book it just got better and better. I loved this book but hated the suspense at the end. I can't wait for the next book.hope it will be soon. I highly recommend this book and series.
February 11, 2024
A Halloween Horror story!
A chilling plot that is every parents nightmare. Great believable characters that you connect and empathize with throughout the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book!
A chilling plot that is every parents nightmare. Great believable characters that you connect and empathize with throughout the series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book!
March 12, 2024
Tragic but Triumphant.
Great characters doing what they do best. Charlie is warm and astute, but also tough. The other characters support her well in this scary abduction murder story.
Great characters doing what they do best. Charlie is warm and astute, but also tough. The other characters support her well in this scary abduction murder story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews