What do you think?
Rate this book
Shadow Island #10
Shadow's Darkness
When the dead can't speak, the shadows whisper their secrets.
There’s never a dull moment on Shadow Island, especially for its small but growing sheriff’s department. This time, Sheriff Rebecca West, along with new deputy Viviane Darby, discover a man hanging from the rafters of the caretaker’s shed at Oceanview Cemetery.
Does death follow Rebecca? Or does she attract it?
The scene suggests suicide—an unlocked padlock, a rope, a toppled bench, and the lifeless body. The plot thickens when they unearth the fact that the man’s high school love and former wife, claimed by cancer, lies buried close by. Surely, the man took his own life.
Rebecca’s gut says otherwise.
When she investigates the dead cybersecurity expert’s office the next day and interrupts a burglary in progress, things are suddenly not so cut and dried. Now they’re looking for a murderer—one who’s gone to a lot of trouble to cover their tracks and make the victim’s death look like a suicide.
And he isn’t finished.
A cybersecurity expert could make a lot of enemies. The next "suicide" victim had only one. And Rebecca must find and stop him before he strikes again.
From the staggering beginning to the unpredictable conclusion, Shadow’s Darkness—the tenth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is a reminder that sometimes, the answers lie in embracing the shadows, because everyone has a hidden side.
There’s never a dull moment on Shadow Island, especially for its small but growing sheriff’s department. This time, Sheriff Rebecca West, along with new deputy Viviane Darby, discover a man hanging from the rafters of the caretaker’s shed at Oceanview Cemetery.
Does death follow Rebecca? Or does she attract it?
The scene suggests suicide—an unlocked padlock, a rope, a toppled bench, and the lifeless body. The plot thickens when they unearth the fact that the man’s high school love and former wife, claimed by cancer, lies buried close by. Surely, the man took his own life.
Rebecca’s gut says otherwise.
When she investigates the dead cybersecurity expert’s office the next day and interrupts a burglary in progress, things are suddenly not so cut and dried. Now they’re looking for a murderer—one who’s gone to a lot of trouble to cover their tracks and make the victim’s death look like a suicide.
And he isn’t finished.
A cybersecurity expert could make a lot of enemies. The next "suicide" victim had only one. And Rebecca must find and stop him before he strikes again.
From the staggering beginning to the unpredictable conclusion, Shadow’s Darkness—the tenth book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is a reminder that sometimes, the answers lie in embracing the shadows, because everyone has a hidden side.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2023
1273 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
224 books2,143 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
March 4, 2024
Glad to see the victims here weren’t closely related to the team and nice to get some resolution on Ryker.
October 18, 2023
And Rykers back….. missed the closeness between Rebecca and Ryder. this series is captivating. The twist and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. A must read.
October 20, 2023
Death and Love
Sheriff Rebecca West is still recovering from her previous injuries and it appears she may be suffering from PTSD. Rebecca and new deputy Viviane Darby are visiting the grave of the former sheriff, Alden Wallace, when Viviane finds a man hanging from the rafters inside the caretaker’s shed at the Oceanview Cemetery. It appears to be a suicide; however, Rebecca has her doubts. Who is the man? Is it a suicide? What secrets will be uncovered?
Rebecca is proud of how her newest deputy, Viviane is handling herself at the crime scene. Rebecca’s police department is growing and she is hoping it will help cut out some of the crime. Deputy Jake Coffey is the newest team member who transferred in from the state police. Since Locke is still on vacation, Rebecca, Viviane, Hoyt and Jake will be working to solve the case. What will they find? How many more people will die? Is the Yacht Club behind the murders?
During the investigation, Rebecca receives a call from the hospital regarding Ryker. It appears Ryker can be released from the hospital if he has someone to watch over him. Ryker is having some memory issues due to his head injury. Rebecca is so happy to realize that Ryker still loves her. It appears there was a big misunderstanding about her not being able to see him in the hospital. Will Ryker and Rebecca be able to get their relationship back on track?
Shadow’s Darkness is full of suspense, drama, murder, some laughter and believe it or not love. I totally enjoyed this book and was overjoyed that Rebecca and Ryker were able to get back together. The ending leaves you with a what the heck is happening now moment.
I highly recommend this book and all the others in the series.
Sheriff Rebecca West is still recovering from her previous injuries and it appears she may be suffering from PTSD. Rebecca and new deputy Viviane Darby are visiting the grave of the former sheriff, Alden Wallace, when Viviane finds a man hanging from the rafters inside the caretaker’s shed at the Oceanview Cemetery. It appears to be a suicide; however, Rebecca has her doubts. Who is the man? Is it a suicide? What secrets will be uncovered?
Rebecca is proud of how her newest deputy, Viviane is handling herself at the crime scene. Rebecca’s police department is growing and she is hoping it will help cut out some of the crime. Deputy Jake Coffey is the newest team member who transferred in from the state police. Since Locke is still on vacation, Rebecca, Viviane, Hoyt and Jake will be working to solve the case. What will they find? How many more people will die? Is the Yacht Club behind the murders?
During the investigation, Rebecca receives a call from the hospital regarding Ryker. It appears Ryker can be released from the hospital if he has someone to watch over him. Ryker is having some memory issues due to his head injury. Rebecca is so happy to realize that Ryker still loves her. It appears there was a big misunderstanding about her not being able to see him in the hospital. Will Ryker and Rebecca be able to get their relationship back on track?
Shadow’s Darkness is full of suspense, drama, murder, some laughter and believe it or not love. I totally enjoyed this book and was overjoyed that Rebecca and Ryker were able to get back together. The ending leaves you with a what the heck is happening now moment.
I highly recommend this book and all the others in the series.
November 6, 2023
My apologies, I finished this I'm October but forgot to post.😒
SHADOW’S DARKNESS is the tenth installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for another exciting murder mystery that will have you hooked from the beginning and a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes
Sheriff Rebecca West has just returned to work following her near death injuries she suffered during a fire fight on Quell Island. Now they have a call for a suicide, and it's about time they had a less intense case. Unfortunately, something doesn't feel right about the case. Before they know it, there's another suicide.
Get ready to dive into a murder mystery that just gets deeper and deeper. Clues to the more clues to the killer, the more bodies drop
Then the sunny minutes at the end. Rykers out of the hospital, and recovering at Rebecca's. Rebecca gets a chance for a serious confession to Ryker and a loving hug from him before the phone rings for the next emergency.
Each of these books can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy mystery thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead characters in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
SHADOW’S DARKNESS is the tenth installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for another exciting murder mystery that will have you hooked from the beginning and a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes
Sheriff Rebecca West has just returned to work following her near death injuries she suffered during a fire fight on Quell Island. Now they have a call for a suicide, and it's about time they had a less intense case. Unfortunately, something doesn't feel right about the case. Before they know it, there's another suicide.
Get ready to dive into a murder mystery that just gets deeper and deeper. Clues to the more clues to the killer, the more bodies drop
Then the sunny minutes at the end. Rykers out of the hospital, and recovering at Rebecca's. Rebecca gets a chance for a serious confession to Ryker and a loving hug from him before the phone rings for the next emergency.
Each of these books can be read as a standalone, so if you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy mystery thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead characters in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
February 18, 2024
Nothing is ever what it seems on Shadow Island and this case lives up to that idea. The sheriffs department has a new hire, but one from off the island and with experience. I liked how it was handled from the work, the pairs, the desks, etc. So that Darian is still felt and present. I also enjoyed seeing the emotional aftermath still impacting the team individually and collectively. We get answers to where Ryker has been and the state of their relationship. We see the Yacht club and the council are still trying to work against Rebecca and the law. Seeing Hoyt with the newer members of the department is fun and funny. The case is full of twists and shows how even the deputies don’t see how or what the connection is at first. Great imagery and vivid descriptions brought the graveyard and scenes to live. Another great addition to the series!
October 15, 2023
For me this last installment in Rebecca’s series is the smash. The tension and unpredicted swings in the cases start right from beginning and don’t stop . The plot is again unique and interesting. I feel for Rebecca and I absolutely enjoy delightful banter between Vivian and Hoyt . The squad is getting finally new deputies and Vivian proves to be an excellent sidekick to Rebecca. And What a great addition Jake is. I love author’s humor and her playful jokes with the names. I did not read I swallowed this book in one setting and need more. Don’t miss this opportunity to read and excellent past paced thriller. Bravo Lida
October 23, 2023
Shadow's Darkness(Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 10)
This book was amazing, from the first sentence, I couldn't put it down. It starts with a body hanging is a shed at the cemetery and just keeps you guessing. I didn't want to stop reading it, but when I couldn't keep my eyes open, I had to put it down. There is another apparent suicide and a arson with a third victim, you don't know who the killer is until the very end and it just leads to more questions are they going to finally be able to bring down "The Yacht" club down and who are the members? I can't wait to read the next book.
This book was amazing, from the first sentence, I couldn't put it down. It starts with a body hanging is a shed at the cemetery and just keeps you guessing. I didn't want to stop reading it, but when I couldn't keep my eyes open, I had to put it down. There is another apparent suicide and a arson with a third victim, you don't know who the killer is until the very end and it just leads to more questions are they going to finally be able to bring down "The Yacht" club down and who are the members? I can't wait to read the next book.
October 29, 2023
Another great ARC from Mary Stone and crew. Rebeccca West and Deputy Viviene Darby are in the cemetary when they find a body hanging in the took shed. Is it the body of the caretaker of someone else. Also was it suicide or murder? Then another body is found and it also looks like it might be suicide. Then it turns out that both are murders and the same drug was used on each and then the deaths made to look like suicides. Now Sheriff West and her deputies are in a race to find out the connections and who else may be a victim. As they get answers, they find out they may have found another link to the Yacht Club. Will they get the answers they need before somelse dies.
November 2, 2023
Sheriff Rebecca is fighting a new serial killer on her island.
Rebecca is having a hard time settling back in her job as sheriff after all the murders the previous month. She really misses her boyfriend and wish things would settle down. There have been so many murders since she became sheriff she is feeling like she draws the bad guys to her island. Then a new batch of staged suicides happen on her island again. Being staged made it easy to prove they were murder. Now her staff was being put in the front of another killer. Its the time they pull together and find the killer before one of them gets killed
Rebecca is having a hard time settling back in her job as sheriff after all the murders the previous month. She really misses her boyfriend and wish things would settle down. There have been so many murders since she became sheriff she is feeling like she draws the bad guys to her island. Then a new batch of staged suicides happen on her island again. Being staged made it easy to prove they were murder. Now her staff was being put in the front of another killer. Its the time they pull together and find the killer before one of them gets killed
April 11, 2024
The series becomes more enjoyable as you gain more understanding of the characters and their ways of interacting with each other. So glad to see Ryker come back into the picture, however, the manner in which he returned was a little abrupt. It will be interesting to see what happens with his parents.
A foreshadowing of potential future investigations based on this book's murderer's past deeds and use of the cemetery. It will be interesting how this impacts the Yacht Club scenarios.
I agree with another reviewer that the author needs to give the characters a bit of a break (beyond comas) between catastrophes/murders. I can't believe the pace they have been maintaining.
A foreshadowing of potential future investigations based on this book's murderer's past deeds and use of the cemetery. It will be interesting how this impacts the Yacht Club scenarios.
I agree with another reviewer that the author needs to give the characters a bit of a break (beyond comas) between catastrophes/murders. I can't believe the pace they have been maintaining.
December 31, 2025
4 - 4.5 Stars
Shadow's Darkness is the tenth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
Shadow's Darkness is the tenth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
October 16, 2023
This is one of my favorite series. Each book is just as great as the first one. The characters are enjoyable, especially Rebecca West and there is a new deputy that seems to fit right in. This is a captivating story with lots of twists and turns. Did not want to stop reading until I reached the end. I definitely cannot wait until the next book in the series because I know I will not be disappointed. Thank you, Mary and Lori, for such great stories.
I am an ARC member and am voluntarily leaving this review with great pleasure.
I am an ARC member and am voluntarily leaving this review with great pleasure.
October 16, 2023
Without a doubt the Shadow Island series is a favorite of mine. Of course I say that about any books Mary Stone writes and with co-author Lori Rhodes this series is captivating!
Their character, Rebecca West, is an outstanding Sheriff. She and her deputies dive right in on these complicated cases that the authors create for them. These mysteries are baffling and really keep you guessing.
Mary Stone, Lori Rhodes and Shadow’s Darkness will not disappoint. The cliffhanger just keeps you wanting more!
Their character, Rebecca West, is an outstanding Sheriff. She and her deputies dive right in on these complicated cases that the authors create for them. These mysteries are baffling and really keep you guessing.
Mary Stone, Lori Rhodes and Shadow’s Darkness will not disappoint. The cliffhanger just keeps you wanting more!
October 17, 2023
Another twist in the ongoing adventures of murder island. These people have a much bigger problem than they realize. Sheriff West just keeps pulling back the layers and bodies are still falling. The focus has to be on the Yacht Club. These are more than just rich men with some very sick tastes, they are a club of murderers. Either the sheriff will start digging up the graveyard or that's a major clue left unturned. I like this series but the number of murders on this small island would send me running for the hills. It's a good read.
October 23, 2023
One question Answered and one or two still on hold!
Great story but one major question was left hanging! Was the burial of the recently murdered people ever located on the cemetery? It was mention a couple of times before
the murder of the cemetery worker that the were buried in existing plots and only he knew which locations! More coming I am sure as we are left wondering about the blazing boat fire. Trouble ahead for The Yacht Club and their expensive boats? Maybe what they are involved in and who all belongs to that exclusive club?
Great story but one major question was left hanging! Was the burial of the recently murdered people ever located on the cemetery? It was mention a couple of times before
the murder of the cemetery worker that the were buried in existing plots and only he knew which locations! More coming I am sure as we are left wondering about the blazing boat fire. Trouble ahead for The Yacht Club and their expensive boats? Maybe what they are involved in and who all belongs to that exclusive club?
March 27, 2025
I was glad to see Ryker return. It was easy to make assumptions about the time Rebecca could not get in touch with him, but there seemed to be some underlying reason that had not been fully disclosed.
This book did not have everyone on the team suffering injuries, so I was really glad about that. I thought the new team member, Jake, was an intriguing addition to the story.
If I am being honest, I am pretty tired of the Yacht Club story. I will probably continue until the audiobooks run out. Then I will decide if I want to continue with the e-books.
This book did not have everyone on the team suffering injuries, so I was really glad about that. I thought the new team member, Jake, was an intriguing addition to the story.
If I am being honest, I am pretty tired of the Yacht Club story. I will probably continue until the audiobooks run out. Then I will decide if I want to continue with the e-books.
October 15, 2023
A cybersecurity expert is found hanging in a shed at the graveyard, in what looks like a suicide. But Rebecca's gut tells her it's not what it seems.
Viviane is shaping up nicely as a new member of the crew, and Jake, the ex statie, is fitting in nicely with the rest. Now, it's up to all of them to figure out who or what happened to the security expert.
A great, action-packed story with some of my favorite characters.
Viviane is shaping up nicely as a new member of the crew, and Jake, the ex statie, is fitting in nicely with the rest. Now, it's up to all of them to figure out who or what happened to the security expert.
A great, action-packed story with some of my favorite characters.
October 16, 2023
Something more sinister than simple burials is happening in the graveyard. When a body is discovered hanging in a shed there it is initially thought to be a suicide but sheriff Rebecca West isn't so sure. Join her on this adventure through cybersecurity and beyond to see who is causing trouble in her neck of the woods. Oh, by the way, a certain lover interest is back in the picture. A delightful story with Rebecca at the head with her trusty team right beside her.
October 25, 2023
I’m enjoying this series but,
I’d really like to see Rebecca have some character development that includes downtime, even if that time is only referenced to. I feel like this non stop pace, with a new case starting before the ink is dry on the paperwork of the previous one, and no respite between exceptionally dangerous cases and perilous situations is neither realistic nor sustainable.
I’d really like to see Rebecca have some character development that includes downtime, even if that time is only referenced to. I feel like this non stop pace, with a new case starting before the ink is dry on the paperwork of the previous one, and no respite between exceptionally dangerous cases and perilous situations is neither realistic nor sustainable.
October 18, 2023
Sheriff West cannot even heal from her last case and she gets attacked again in the new case. Lots happening on Shadow Island and the fun never ends. Murder mysteries are one of my favorite genre and I have enjoyed every book Mary Stone has written.
I think you will enjoy this series as much as I have. I am a Book Addict and love this Author.
I think you will enjoy this series as much as I have. I am a Book Addict and love this Author.
October 19, 2023
Shadow’s Darkness book 10
Oh wow, this was a great read. Nice that Ryker is back in the story line. New deputy too, and the whole book just flowed so well, and kept me reading. Mary and Lori just keep getting better with Shadow Island and Sheriff West books. Can’t wait till the next instalment, sounds like it’s going to be a…..blast!
Oh wow, this was a great read. Nice that Ryker is back in the story line. New deputy too, and the whole book just flowed so well, and kept me reading. Mary and Lori just keep getting better with Shadow Island and Sheriff West books. Can’t wait till the next instalment, sounds like it’s going to be a…..blast!
October 20, 2023
already book 10….
Something about this series seems to speed by; the personal development of the protagonists, the serious, yet somehow less horrifying, crimes.
The law enforcement grimness seems tempered by Sheriff West’s somehow uplifting sense of duty without all of the emotional angst and posturing of many of her literary peers.
Something about this series seems to speed by; the personal development of the protagonists, the serious, yet somehow less horrifying, crimes.
The law enforcement grimness seems tempered by Sheriff West’s somehow uplifting sense of duty without all of the emotional angst and posturing of many of her literary peers.
October 25, 2023
Another great book by Mary Stone. I this book Rebecca and her crew ae trying to solve the mystery of 2 hangings in the local cemetery. The victims appear to have been injected with a powerful drug
The book kind of leaves you with a cliffhanger as you never know if Rebecca finds out about the previous killings.
Also, it appears that the Yacht Club is once again involved i some way.
The book kind of leaves you with a cliffhanger as you never know if Rebecca finds out about the previous killings.
Also, it appears that the Yacht Club is once again involved i some way.
December 10, 2023
Thriller & Action packed
If you love who done its with a steady story of lives on the line with a little romance sprinkled in then this book is what you're looking for! You must start with the first book in the series to really get to know the characters but once you do you'll be hooked! Give it a read you won't be sorry!
If you love who done its with a steady story of lives on the line with a little romance sprinkled in then this book is what you're looking for! You must start with the first book in the series to really get to know the characters but once you do you'll be hooked! Give it a read you won't be sorry!
December 25, 2023
They just keep getting better
Well, the team has their work cut out for them. The team needs to work together to make a difference. The Yacht Club is in the vision as they move forward. 2 locals have been murdered and expressed as suicide. Great how the teammates unravel the not so easy crime.
Well, the team has their work cut out for them. The team needs to work together to make a difference. The Yacht Club is in the vision as they move forward. 2 locals have been murdered and expressed as suicide. Great how the teammates unravel the not so easy crime.
January 13, 2024
Shadows Book 10
All of Mary’s books are excellent the last two books 9 and 10 brought tears to my eyes. Mary writes with so much feeling in her words you forget this is a story. I felt like I personally knew these people and could understand what they were going through. Really love the Shadow series. Now on to book 11.
All of Mary’s books are excellent the last two books 9 and 10 brought tears to my eyes. Mary writes with so much feeling in her words you forget this is a story. I felt like I personally knew these people and could understand what they were going through. Really love the Shadow series. Now on to book 11.
February 25, 2024
Getting better. And better
Started the series with the first book,which was okay. By this book the characters are like old friends, And Sheriff Rebecca West is a woman I am proud to call a friend. Go I on vacation on Shadow Midland and ended up as the Sheriff with at least 10 bodies in 10 weeks.
Started the series with the first book,which was okay. By this book the characters are like old friends, And Sheriff Rebecca West is a woman I am proud to call a friend. Go I on vacation on Shadow Midland and ended up as the Sheriff with at least 10 bodies in 10 weeks.
March 18, 2024
Another great book in this series and a new an interesting plot with the characters who have become so familiar. I is amazing after so many books in this series it is still fresh and readable. The author makes words flow and visual images form easily from the descriptions. I keep looking forward to the next in the series.
January 18, 2025
Who Is The Killer?
Interesting story as it involved a killer who found methods to eliminate dead bodies and used medication to help in the killing. Rebecca again but herself in dangerous situations. However she has developed a problem thinking about the number of people she has killed. Read the book to find out how they solved the murders.
Interesting story as it involved a killer who found methods to eliminate dead bodies and used medication to help in the killing. Rebecca again but herself in dangerous situations. However she has developed a problem thinking about the number of people she has killed. Read the book to find out how they solved the murders.
December 29, 2025
*3 Stars
I liked the darker tone and atmosphere in this installment, which added an extra layer of intrigue. The story had its suspenseful moments, though I found myself wanting a bit more depth to fully elevate it. That said, it flows smoothly as part of the series and remains an engaging, comfortable read, especially if you’re binge-reading these books.
I liked the darker tone and atmosphere in this installment, which added an extra layer of intrigue. The story had its suspenseful moments, though I found myself wanting a bit more depth to fully elevate it. That said, it flows smoothly as part of the series and remains an engaging, comfortable read, especially if you’re binge-reading these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews