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Shadow Island #11
Shadow's Flame
Where there’s smoke, there’s murder.
As the sun dips toward the horizon at Dee’s Dock, a yacht ignites more than just the evening sky— it sparks yet another deadly mystery on Shadow Island. Sheriff Rebecca West leads the charge as the tight-knit community bands together to battle the blaze. But as the smoke clears, a chilling discovery is made... arson is only the beginning, and the charred remains aboard signal murder.
Was the fire the ultimate goal, or was the blaze a smokescreen for a much darker deed?
Unfortunately, there are no witnesses to the crime. To make matters worse, the incident has triggered an FBI investigation into the increase in crimes on the island since Rebecca became sheriff.
Rebecca knows the spate of crimes is the result of her kicking the beehive of the previously untouchable Yacht Club, and she suspects this case is no different. Of the three boats damaged by the fire, two belong to blue-collar business owners. The other belongs to a member of the Yacht Club.
The plot thickens when the leading suspect is found executed, forcing Rebecca and her team to sift through the ashes for answers. With every clue leading to more danger, they must catch a killer amidst the crosshairs of corruption before Shadow Island is consumed by the inferno of its own secrets.
From the tense beginning to the explosive conclusion, Shadow’s Flame—the eleventh book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will draw you in like a moth to a flame. Just don’t get burned.
As the sun dips toward the horizon at Dee’s Dock, a yacht ignites more than just the evening sky— it sparks yet another deadly mystery on Shadow Island. Sheriff Rebecca West leads the charge as the tight-knit community bands together to battle the blaze. But as the smoke clears, a chilling discovery is made... arson is only the beginning, and the charred remains aboard signal murder.
Was the fire the ultimate goal, or was the blaze a smokescreen for a much darker deed?
Unfortunately, there are no witnesses to the crime. To make matters worse, the incident has triggered an FBI investigation into the increase in crimes on the island since Rebecca became sheriff.
Rebecca knows the spate of crimes is the result of her kicking the beehive of the previously untouchable Yacht Club, and she suspects this case is no different. Of the three boats damaged by the fire, two belong to blue-collar business owners. The other belongs to a member of the Yacht Club.
The plot thickens when the leading suspect is found executed, forcing Rebecca and her team to sift through the ashes for answers. With every clue leading to more danger, they must catch a killer amidst the crosshairs of corruption before Shadow Island is consumed by the inferno of its own secrets.
From the tense beginning to the explosive conclusion, Shadow’s Flame—the eleventh book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will draw you in like a moth to a flame. Just don’t get burned.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2023
1324 people are currently reading
806 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,134 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 84 reviews
November 13, 2023
A great thriller and suspense mystery. I loved this book. I can't wait until the next book in this series comes out. This book is full of suspense and excitement. Mary Stone keeps you in suspense thru out her book. I highly recommend this book and series.
July 17, 2025
Another great book in this series!
November 14, 2023
Received ARC
Shadow Island should be a laidback, quiet little community but ....
Since Rebecca West took over as the new Sheriff, the town's Yacht Club members aren't getting away with their criminal behaviors anymore. Now even the Staties want to know what's going on!
Hang onto your hats and see what happens next!
Shadow Island should be a laidback, quiet little community but ....
Since Rebecca West took over as the new Sheriff, the town's Yacht Club members aren't getting away with their criminal behaviors anymore. Now even the Staties want to know what's going on!
Hang onto your hats and see what happens next!
February 18, 2024
Oh that twist threw me! I thought I knew who was the arsonist until I didn’t 😜 Great storytelling of a case but still incorporating the bigger questions of the large corruption behind the scenes. The personal view of her relationship and friendships also had more tension this story which brought a growth and development to her character that I liked! The question of Serenity and if she was okay was answered…and well done! Now though, I have so many questions with the sheriffs house, now Ryker (his health) and who actually holds the power!! Loved seeing the town people work together and support each other. This story is gripping, as is the series, and even though this island has had a lot of bad things really quickly, I am loving the pace and intrigue of it all!
November 28, 2023
The book was pretty good
I just didn't like how Rhonda was a total bitch.i absolutely disliked her but then at the end of the book..she went from bitch to friend? It was weird and off putting. I also miss Locke. He was only mentioned twice. I wish locke had more character in this series. It went from three deputies to four deputies but mainly focusing on Darby which is getting annoying. Jake seems cool but he needs more buildup. We need more of Jake less Darby and more locke less hoyt.
I just didn't like how Rhonda was a total bitch.i absolutely disliked her but then at the end of the book..she went from bitch to friend? It was weird and off putting. I also miss Locke. He was only mentioned twice. I wish locke had more character in this series. It went from three deputies to four deputies but mainly focusing on Darby which is getting annoying. Jake seems cool but he needs more buildup. We need more of Jake less Darby and more locke less hoyt.
December 17, 2023
SHADOW’S FLAME is the eleventh installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for another well written, exciting murder mystery that will have you hooked from the beginning. You'll hard a time setting this book down for even a few minutes.
When a fire breaks out at Dee’s Dock, everyone is called in to help. Once under control, three boats and a section of the dock are destroyed by fire. Surprisingly one of the boats burned is a yacht belonging to a Yacht Club member. Could the Yacht Club be involved? Just as Sheriff Rebecca West gets busy trying to discover who owns the boats, how/who started the fire and who died in the fire, a new problem appears. A stern, all business VSP Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger shows up at the police station. She has been been assigned to investigate why crime has increased since Rebecca West became the sheriff. Therefore, she will be closely shadowing everything Sheriff West does. Could this be the end to a budding friendship?
This book is full of suspense and excitement. Mary and Lori will keep you in suspense throughout this book with never a dull moment.
Each book 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 book and the series.
I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
When a fire breaks out at Dee’s Dock, everyone is called in to help. Once under control, three boats and a section of the dock are destroyed by fire. Surprisingly one of the boats burned is a yacht belonging to a Yacht Club member. Could the Yacht Club be involved? Just as Sheriff Rebecca West gets busy trying to discover who owns the boats, how/who started the fire and who died in the fire, a new problem appears. A stern, all business VSP Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger shows up at the police station. She has been been assigned to investigate why crime has increased since Rebecca West became the sheriff. Therefore, she will be closely shadowing everything Sheriff West does. Could this be the end to a budding friendship?
This book is full of suspense and excitement. Mary and Lori will keep you in suspense throughout this book with never a dull moment.
Each book 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 book and the series.
I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
November 17, 2023
Never Ending Crime
Sheriff Rebecca West never seems to catch a break. A fire has broken out on some boats docked at Dee’s Dock and everyone is called in to help. Three boats caught fire and a section of the dock was destroyed by fire. To make matters worst a body was found in one of the boats. Who do the boats belong to? Is the Yacht club involved? Who died and why?
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies, Greg Abner, Jake Coffey, Viviane Darby, Hoyt Frost and Trent Locke have their work cut out for them trying to track down who started the fire. They also have to determine if the body found was a victim or the fire starter.
VSP Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger is sent in to investigate why crime is higher since Sheriff Rebecca West has taken over as sheriff. Rebecca is not happy she is being shadowed by Rhonda and thought she was a friend now she is questioning whether or not Rhonda can be trusted along with her new deputy Jake who was recommended by Rhonda. Is the Yacht club behind the investigation? What will Rhonda find?
Rebecca and Ryker are still living together as he recovers from his traumatic brain injury. Will their relationship survive?
Shadow’s Flame is well written and has plenty of suspense, action, drama, twists and turns to keep you interested until the end of the book. I am looking forward to the next book.
Sheriff Rebecca West never seems to catch a break. A fire has broken out on some boats docked at Dee’s Dock and everyone is called in to help. Three boats caught fire and a section of the dock was destroyed by fire. To make matters worst a body was found in one of the boats. Who do the boats belong to? Is the Yacht club involved? Who died and why?
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies, Greg Abner, Jake Coffey, Viviane Darby, Hoyt Frost and Trent Locke have their work cut out for them trying to track down who started the fire. They also have to determine if the body found was a victim or the fire starter.
VSP Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger is sent in to investigate why crime is higher since Sheriff Rebecca West has taken over as sheriff. Rebecca is not happy she is being shadowed by Rhonda and thought she was a friend now she is questioning whether or not Rhonda can be trusted along with her new deputy Jake who was recommended by Rhonda. Is the Yacht club behind the investigation? What will Rhonda find?
Rebecca and Ryker are still living together as he recovers from his traumatic brain injury. Will their relationship survive?
Shadow’s Flame is well written and has plenty of suspense, action, drama, twists and turns to keep you interested until the end of the book. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 28, 2025
This book had me in my feelings. I could accept that Rhonda had been assigned a particular job. The way she went about it seemed unacceptable to me. The about-face Rhonda did was spectacular. The entire shadowing situation seemed mired in distrust and dishonesty. Even when Rhonda flipped the script for the second time, I do not honestly understand how Rebecca could trust her "friend" again.
I was also having suspicions about Ryker. I can't put my finger on it, but something about him seems off. Something deeper than any issues with his TBI diagnosis. In addition, I had questions about Jake. I felt like there was much more to Jake than meets the eye.
Events regarding the yacht club were very slowly starting to become more apparent, and it was obvious Rebecca had a bullseye on her back. I did think the way Serenity's character was portrayed was pretty clever.
I think there is only one more audiobook left before I have to switch over to the e-books. I am way too invested at this point to stop reading the series.
I was also having suspicions about Ryker. I can't put my finger on it, but something about him seems off. Something deeper than any issues with his TBI diagnosis. In addition, I had questions about Jake. I felt like there was much more to Jake than meets the eye.
Events regarding the yacht club were very slowly starting to become more apparent, and it was obvious Rebecca had a bullseye on her back. I did think the way Serenity's character was portrayed was pretty clever.
I think there is only one more audiobook left before I have to switch over to the e-books. I am way too invested at this point to stop reading the series.
June 6, 2025
I had to take a break from these books, because it just got to be too much. But I'm back! I have enjoyed this series. This book was much the same. As you can imagine in a "cop" mystery book series there is a lot of violence and human depravity. Either I am getting used to Mary's writing style, or this book was easier to decipher. I had no problem figuring out who the "bad guy" was. Which I have struggled somewhat in the other books. I felt like she has always done a good job of having quite a few people who could be the antagonist.
I still enjoyed this book. I didn't like seeing Ryker like he was in this book. It was so disheartening. But still a real situation that could happen in real life, which is something the author likes to put in these books. They are very real and gritty.
Personal Rating: Adult - language (all the words) Sexual situations many described, many violent. Drugs, alcohol, murder, blood, guts, serious life situations which I feel like you need an adult brain to work through emotionally.
I still enjoyed this book. I didn't like seeing Ryker like he was in this book. It was so disheartening. But still a real situation that could happen in real life, which is something the author likes to put in these books. They are very real and gritty.
Personal Rating: Adult - language (all the words) Sexual situations many described, many violent. Drugs, alcohol, murder, blood, guts, serious life situations which I feel like you need an adult brain to work through emotionally.
November 16, 2023
Shadow Island boats on fire..
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are out in force when a fire on a yacht killed a man and burned the dock and some boats. No one knew who had been on board and who had died in the fire. First people on scene saw nothing but the fire and it was a lot of Shadow Island's residents who started the bucket brigade before the fire boat got there. Many were burned in their attempts to put the fire out. The yacht didn't belong there,but was a working boat dock, but who's was it and why had it caught in fire. The Fire Marshall had the boats towed for further investigation while the Sheriff's department questioned anyone and everyone that were there.
Did the Yacht Club have anything to do with this? Are they still looking to fire Sheriff West?
I think you will enjoy the Shadow Island Series as much as I have.
Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are out in force when a fire on a yacht killed a man and burned the dock and some boats. No one knew who had been on board and who had died in the fire. First people on scene saw nothing but the fire and it was a lot of Shadow Island's residents who started the bucket brigade before the fire boat got there. Many were burned in their attempts to put the fire out. The yacht didn't belong there,but was a working boat dock, but who's was it and why had it caught in fire. The Fire Marshall had the boats towed for further investigation while the Sheriff's department questioned anyone and everyone that were there.
Did the Yacht Club have anything to do with this? Are they still looking to fire Sheriff West?
I think you will enjoy the Shadow Island Series as much as I have.
November 16, 2023
This was a good read and it kept you hanging on. I think Sheriff West van tell her team is behind her 100%. But what about her good friend. She was becoming close with the state investigator and now she shows up to investigate Rebecca. What a twist and who can you trust. The best part is getting a big case against the Yacht Club. And the state and the FBI are all interested in this case. Is this the one that finally chips away at this society of rich and nefarious people. I like the turns and I like the characters. This is a great series.
November 14, 2023
Three boats go up in flame at a dock and a man’s body is found on the one where the fire started. As Rebecca and crew start the task of finding the answers, and the culprit, GIS Lettinger arrives on scene to do her own investigation and it’s not about the fire.it’s come to their attention that an awful lot of l crimes have been going down since Rebecca showed up, so she’s been sent to investigate. Page turner
November 14, 2023
Fire breaks out on a local boat just as Rebecca and her team are beginning to relax. Fire investigators discover a burned in the hull of one of the burned boats. Meanwhile Rebecca’s friend from the Staties shows up and causes friction with her interference in the processing of this case. Proof of who is to blame for this fire is difficult to find and harder to prove. A true page turner that leaves you anxious for the next book
November 14, 2023
Sheriff Rebecca West is a winning character. She and her Shadow Island deputies, created by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes, are so good together. In this series the team has had so many obstacles thrown at them as they try to solve crimes. The writing talent of these co-authors is splendid. They pull you in from page one and keep you glued to the book. I sincerely and highly recommend this novel and all in the series!
November 14, 2023
No good deed goes unpunished.
This is true for Rebecca in her hard work to keep peace on her little island. Next to the fire and murder investigation , she has to proof herself and her department to staties. What the ….. I feel for her and admire her attitude. I was absolutely surprised with the revealing of the killer. Good play Mary. Very fast paced with the great plot. Would you be still willing to help , after reading first chapter? Be honest!
This is true for Rebecca in her hard work to keep peace on her little island. Next to the fire and murder investigation , she has to proof herself and her department to staties. What the ….. I feel for her and admire her attitude. I was absolutely surprised with the revealing of the killer. Good play Mary. Very fast paced with the great plot. Would you be still willing to help , after reading first chapter? Be honest!
November 14, 2023
Another hit in the Shadow Island series.
Rebecca and her team are trying to find who started a fire at the docks, and if they were the killer of the man found in one of the boats. Meanwhile, good old, ignorant, Select man Vale is causing trouble for them, trying to blame the rash of trouble that seems to be plaguing Shadow Island.
I enjoy the way Rebecca is able to put him in his place.
An awesome book that I recommend.
Rebecca and her team are trying to find who started a fire at the docks, and if they were the killer of the man found in one of the boats. Meanwhile, good old, ignorant, Select man Vale is causing trouble for them, trying to blame the rash of trouble that seems to be plaguing Shadow Island.
I enjoy the way Rebecca is able to put him in his place.
An awesome book that I recommend.
November 17, 2023
Rebecca West sheriff is now being investigated for having to many crimes solved.
Rebecca can’t believe it the state has put an investigator in her office to help find out why the office is solving so many crimes when past history of the island doesn’t show that history. This on top of the ships that were just put on fire and the body no-one can account for that was found in one of the boats. Can’t her department get a break?
Rebecca can’t believe it the state has put an investigator in her office to help find out why the office is solving so many crimes when past history of the island doesn’t show that history. This on top of the ships that were just put on fire and the body no-one can account for that was found in one of the boats. Can’t her department get a break?
November 20, 2023
Another great book in the Shadow Island series. Rebecca West and her team just can't seem to get a break. One tragedy after another. This time its arson on a boat while finding a body inside. On top of that she is being investigated by the state. This is a page turning thriller. One of my favorite series. I cannot wait until the next book comes out.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
January 19, 2024
Not my favorite
It's probably just me, but I struggled to read this book. Maybe I should read something other than the first 10 books of this series back to back. The characters in this book would come and go making no particular sense other than "look here, not here." The whole boyfriend and his injuries seem to just sit on a shelf rather than being part of the purpose of the story.
It's probably just me, but I struggled to read this book. Maybe I should read something other than the first 10 books of this series back to back. The characters in this book would come and go making no particular sense other than "look here, not here." The whole boyfriend and his injuries seem to just sit on a shelf rather than being part of the purpose of the story.
April 29, 2024
Great series! This plot wasn't as dark as the previous few. A few loose ends with characters were tied up. A tiny step closer to some resolution with the Yacht Club gang. Rhonda comes in to shadow the team and see why there have been more murders since Rebecca took over as sheriff. Quite a few moving pieces on the board to keep up with. And, as usual, another big case hits just as this one ends.
November 14, 2023
Rebecca has to deal with a fire, a body and someone watching everything she does. Could the city counsel really think SHE is the reason for the increase of crimes? She is sure the Yacht Club has something to do with a lot of it, and so does the people she works with. But can she solve crimes with a shadow following her? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
November 17, 2023
Shadow's Flame (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 11)
I truly hope this is not the final book from Shadow Island, because I have truly loved the entire series, and I need more. I am very happy that Serenity was not involved in the murder and arson. I hope that Sheriff West gets to be there when they bring down the Yacht Club, and the Island can finally find some peace.
I truly hope this is not the final book from Shadow Island, because I have truly loved the entire series, and I need more. I am very happy that Serenity was not involved in the murder and arson. I hope that Sheriff West gets to be there when they bring down the Yacht Club, and the Island can finally find some peace.
November 19, 2023
Shadow Island
I love this series. I hope the series continues for a long time. As with all the other series Mary Stone writes, she keeps you on the edge of your seat with expectations. I finally figured who the guilty party was almost at the same time as Rebecca West but I think I was a little quicker.
I love this series. I hope the series continues for a long time. As with all the other series Mary Stone writes, she keeps you on the edge of your seat with expectations. I finally figured who the guilty party was almost at the same time as Rebecca West but I think I was a little quicker.
November 21, 2023
another tangle peripherally involving the Aqua Mafia
A fire at a private dock, three vessels damaged (one yacht belonging to a Yacht Club member), and a body, burned beyond recognition, found aboard one of them.
With the State Police conducting a probe into the “explosion” of crime since Rebecca’s appointment as Sheriff, the situation could bot be more complicated.
A fire at a private dock, three vessels damaged (one yacht belonging to a Yacht Club member), and a body, burned beyond recognition, found aboard one of them.
With the State Police conducting a probe into the “explosion” of crime since Rebecca’s appointment as Sheriff, the situation could bot be more complicated.
November 23, 2023
All 11 were great!
I decided to read all eleven books before I wrote a review. Each book was wonderful. The storyline was unique yet kept a single thread woven through them. The characters were full bodied and each a masterpiece. There are no cons to these books...all pros! Thanks Ms. Stone for a mesmerizing series.
I decided to read all eleven books before I wrote a review. Each book was wonderful. The storyline was unique yet kept a single thread woven through them. The characters were full bodied and each a masterpiece. There are no cons to these books...all pros! Thanks Ms. Stone for a mesmerizing series.
December 26, 2023
Got a boat you need warmed up
They just keep getting better. The sheriff doing het diligence gets her a troublesome mess. Her friend Rhonda to look into her professional tactics. After chasing down a fire aboard a yacht. Trying to solve the murder of a worker aboard the boat the Yacht Club gets unfortunately involved. Got to get into this.
They just keep getting better. The sheriff doing het diligence gets her a troublesome mess. Her friend Rhonda to look into her professional tactics. After chasing down a fire aboard a yacht. Trying to solve the murder of a worker aboard the boat the Yacht Club gets unfortunately involved. Got to get into this.
June 20, 2024
This book was difficult to finish. The most interesting bit was the last 30 pages and even that felt obvious and anticlimactic. So many characters come in-and-out for no reason at all. Relationships feel random and interactions described seem to have no relation to the plot. This book was given to me, but I will be donating it and certainly won’t be looking for others in this series.
October 4, 2024
Boats burning, murders, loan sharks getting shot
A burning yacht sets two boats and a dock on fire, a man is murdered, a loan shark gets shot, and in comes the State Police and the FBI. Shadow Island's Police force is under investigation, because of the increase in crime on the island.
A burning yacht sets two boats and a dock on fire, a man is murdered, a loan shark gets shot, and in comes the State Police and the FBI. Shadow Island's Police force is under investigation, because of the increase in crime on the island.
October 16, 2024
Fire and murder
A yacht anchored just outside a marina that caters to commercial ships. A fire in the same marina burns not only the yacht, but two of the commercial ships as well. The fire Marshall proves it was arson. Sheriff Rebecca West must ascertain which ship was the target, why, and who is the burned body found on the yacht. Most importantly, is the Yacht Club involved?
A yacht anchored just outside a marina that caters to commercial ships. A fire in the same marina burns not only the yacht, but two of the commercial ships as well. The fire Marshall proves it was arson. Sheriff Rebecca West must ascertain which ship was the target, why, and who is the burned body found on the yacht. Most importantly, is the Yacht Club involved?
November 14, 2023
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?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews