What do you think?
Rate this book
A Villain’s Story #5
The Villains' Creed
There’s no rest for the wicked.
When Justice Hall’s sleep is shattered by an early morning call from a fellow Elmaeder County detective, he braces himself for a conversation about their latest unsolved case. He must be careful what he says, though, because he’s hiding a grim truth...the killer
they’re looking for is him.
Again.
Instead, the call is about Katie Green, the girlfriend of an East Side gangster. She’s dead, her body shredded by hundreds of bullets. The motivation behind the brutal murder is no mystery. Katie squealed, informing Justice that the white supremacist gang, the Renegade Militia, has been supplying the East Side Boys with untraceable automatic weapons.
Feeling responsible, Justice vows to dismantle the production of these deadly guns terrorizing his city as well as find and destroy whoever killed Katie. As Justice delves into the gang's underworld, investigating under the guise of lawful duty, Katie’s murder presents him with a chilling opportunity—to indulge his darker urges and kill again.
The Villain’s Creed is book five of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a nail-biting thriller that plunges you into a world where every ally could be an enemy, and your deadliest adversary might just be yourself.
When Justice Hall’s sleep is shattered by an early morning call from a fellow Elmaeder County detective, he braces himself for a conversation about their latest unsolved case. He must be careful what he says, though, because he’s hiding a grim truth...the killer
they’re looking for is him.
Again.
Instead, the call is about Katie Green, the girlfriend of an East Side gangster. She’s dead, her body shredded by hundreds of bullets. The motivation behind the brutal murder is no mystery. Katie squealed, informing Justice that the white supremacist gang, the Renegade Militia, has been supplying the East Side Boys with untraceable automatic weapons.
Feeling responsible, Justice vows to dismantle the production of these deadly guns terrorizing his city as well as find and destroy whoever killed Katie. As Justice delves into the gang's underworld, investigating under the guise of lawful duty, Katie’s murder presents him with a chilling opportunity—to indulge his darker urges and kill again.
The Villain’s Creed is book five of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a nail-biting thriller that plunges you into a world where every ally could be an enemy, and your deadliest adversary might just be yourself.
- GenresMystery
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
527 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,131 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 46 reviews
December 8, 2023
THE VILLAINS' CREED is the fifth installment in Mary Stones series, A Villain's Story. Get ready for another chilling, page turning story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mary Stone will definitely mesmerize you into her stories. If you haven't read any of her thrillers yet, I encourage you to start.
Justice has tried so hard to blend in and be a good person, but between being haunted by the horrors he was forced to live through with Justin Black and the ghostly visits from those he has killed since joining the Police Dept. Justin's careful facade of normalcy is starting to unravel. If he doesn't get control of his emotions and regain his meticulous habits it won't be long before his secret life is fully exposed.
The need to find who is supplying frankenguns to local gangs is at the top of the Elemendor Police Department's to do list. These modified, high powered, automatic weapons could decimate the city and beyond.
Justice hates what he is doing as a vigilante, but someone needs to protect the innocents from a justice system that won't. Its a lonely existence as everyone he befriends ends up injured or dead. Even a homeless man he tried to help now lays at his feet, dead.
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.
Justice has tried so hard to blend in and be a good person, but between being haunted by the horrors he was forced to live through with Justin Black and the ghostly visits from those he has killed since joining the Police Dept. Justin's careful facade of normalcy is starting to unravel. If he doesn't get control of his emotions and regain his meticulous habits it won't be long before his secret life is fully exposed.
The need to find who is supplying frankenguns to local gangs is at the top of the Elemendor Police Department's to do list. These modified, high powered, automatic weapons could decimate the city and beyond.
Justice hates what he is doing as a vigilante, but someone needs to protect the innocents from a justice system that won't. Its a lonely existence as everyone he befriends ends up injured or dead. Even a homeless man he tried to help now lays at his feet, dead.
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.
November 29, 2023
There is nobody better in genuine plots and fast paced suspense than Mary. I have to admit, I loved to read about how Justice deals with the gun dealers and makers of the modified automatic weapons - “justice done by Justice” .We all have trouble to understand why it’s nothing done in our real life so far.
Justice is such a special character . He is not your regular vigilante. He is also very good detective with skills , that help him solve the crimes. The skills , he learned while kidnapped by Justin. He is afraid he likes killings too much.
The crimes committed in this story are horrendous. PD has no clue how and where to find the culprit. Tension grows and it seams like the net around Justice is closing. How can he find the killer and make sure, people he knows or contacts will not keep dying. This brutal suspenseful crime story kept me reading past my bedtime.
This series are just getting better and better. Justice Marissa and Eliza are very intriguing characters. I love how they develop. I’m looking forward to the next book. Thank you Mary
Justice is such a special character . He is not your regular vigilante. He is also very good detective with skills , that help him solve the crimes. The skills , he learned while kidnapped by Justin. He is afraid he likes killings too much.
The crimes committed in this story are horrendous. PD has no clue how and where to find the culprit. Tension grows and it seams like the net around Justice is closing. How can he find the killer and make sure, people he knows or contacts will not keep dying. This brutal suspenseful crime story kept me reading past my bedtime.
This series are just getting better and better. Justice Marissa and Eliza are very intriguing characters. I love how they develop. I’m looking forward to the next book. Thank you Mary
December 1, 2023
Justice - Good and Evil
Justice Hall’s new case involves Katie Green who gave him information on the white supremacist gang, the Renegade Militia. Katie is found dead her body shredded by bullets. Justice vows to find who killed Katie. Will Justice find the killer? What will Justice do once he finds the killer?
Justice is a complex character who wants to do and be good; however, having been held captive and tormented by Justin Black has definitely done something to his character.
The Villain’s Creed will definitely keep you entertained until the end of the book. I recommend starting with the first book which will give you some understanding of Justice. Each book gives more details on Justice.
Justice Hall’s new case involves Katie Green who gave him information on the white supremacist gang, the Renegade Militia. Katie is found dead her body shredded by bullets. Justice vows to find who killed Katie. Will Justice find the killer? What will Justice do once he finds the killer?
Justice is a complex character who wants to do and be good; however, having been held captive and tormented by Justin Black has definitely done something to his character.
The Villain’s Creed will definitely keep you entertained until the end of the book. I recommend starting with the first book which will give you some understanding of Justice. Each book gives more details on Justice.
November 28, 2023
When Katie Greens body is found mutilated by someone’s over zealous actions Justice is tasked with so, I g this crime. T here have been so many bullets fired at her poor body that is is literally in pieces. Justice can’t help but think that his conversation with her was what made her a target. Meanwhile his boss wants him to pair up with Olivia, but she appears to be unreachable. Justice knows exactly where she is and why she won’t be returning any calls. Meanwhile the hunt for Katie’s killer begins to look as if it’s tied to the altered weapons that are flooding the city. Justice is battling with himself to get info on who is responsible for all this carnage in their city.
November 29, 2023
When is killing not a murder?
I have a love/hate relationship with Justice. Knowing he learned so much from Justin Black but knowing that he is not only an officer of the law after being in the Service then knowing he is also dealing out his own justice at times. What will be done? Will Justice find who is selling these horribly destructive weapons?
Will Justice get caught in not only his almost dirty law enforcement? For the murders he feels he cannot stop because of his sense of justice.
If you love murder, mysteries and trying to solve both of those you will love the Justice Hall Series by Mary Stone.
I have a love/hate relationship with Justice. Knowing he learned so much from Justin Black but knowing that he is not only an officer of the law after being in the Service then knowing he is also dealing out his own justice at times. What will be done? Will Justice find who is selling these horribly destructive weapons?
Will Justice get caught in not only his almost dirty law enforcement? For the murders he feels he cannot stop because of his sense of justice.
If you love murder, mysteries and trying to solve both of those you will love the Justice Hall Series by Mary Stone.
December 2, 2023
I'm not actually a fan of this series because of the unbelievable violence that is in every book. I like a good mystery, but these are a bit too gory for me. That being said, Justice has truly lost his way. He has become the killer that Justin Black trained him to be. I guess that kind of trauma affects your psyche more than you can imagine. He talks to ghosts, kills people in unimaginable ways, and seems to enjoy it. You have to be prepared for the killing and the gore to get through this series.
December 7, 2023
Another great ARC from Mary Stone. This book conintues to delve into the horrors that Justice Hall has been thru and how it is effecting his day to day life. This series is unusual in that it looks at life from the viewpoint of an individual who was abducted as a young boy by a serial killer and had years of torture. Now Justice is a homicide investigator who has a very strange way of dealing with criminals. This book is just the latest in the series and this series just keep getting better. But will Justices form of justice get him into serious trouble.
November 29, 2023
As always, Mary Stone writes great characters and keeps your interest through an ever changing series. Justice is struggling with staying on the right side of the law but the lines seem to constantly be blurred. He is also really hard on his body and constantly looks like he's been through a major war. Check out the newest installment, book 5 of the Villain's story, to see what happens with the "gun slingers" and Justice and his team.
December 2, 2023
Asking for help or thinking about doing so can shorten your lifel
How long will Justin survive his ghosts and his dual life of good and bad? Oh those scary guns flooding the area tearing apart the bodies of simple folks. Your past always catches up with everyone, It sure seems he is playing with fire and it is in serious danger of exploding in his face like recent bombs exposing a gun runners cache! Sure looking forward to the next exciting read!!
How long will Justin survive his ghosts and his dual life of good and bad? Oh those scary guns flooding the area tearing apart the bodies of simple folks. Your past always catches up with everyone, It sure seems he is playing with fire and it is in serious danger of exploding in his face like recent bombs exposing a gun runners cache! Sure looking forward to the next exciting read!!
November 25, 2023
Must Read!!!!! I love all of Mary Stones series but This one is top on the list. It had me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I never want to put them down. Make sure you read this. I love how Justice does things. How he handles the different situations. His interactions with all the different people.
November 28, 2023
This Justice Hall series is quite unique. Mary Stone has crafted a character that is a brilliant Detective but also a ferocious vigilante. The author’s writing makes the reader feel the intense pain that troubled Justice is living with. This fast paced novel is a tribute to the amazing creativity and writing talent of Mary Stone!
November 30, 2023
Received ARC
Justice is having a harder & harder time controlling the “Tim” in him.
The Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the “frankenguns” that gave been hitting the streets, which seems to be the cause of death of a young woman found in a valley, and they also seem to be missing a certain blonde, female narcotics officer.
Where will it all lead?
Suspense will keep you reading long after bedtime!
Justice is having a harder & harder time controlling the “Tim” in him.
The Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the “frankenguns” that gave been hitting the streets, which seems to be the cause of death of a young woman found in a valley, and they also seem to be missing a certain blonde, female narcotics officer.
Where will it all lead?
Suspense will keep you reading long after bedtime!
November 30, 2023
What an intriguing series! Justice, who was mentored by the notorious serial killer, Justin Black, has become a detective vigilante. When an informant is brutally killed by a new handmade machine gun, Justice takes it upon himself to find the killer & maker of the frankenguns. This is a page turner that won’t disappoint
December 1, 2023
Is Justice working to destroying evil or is he getting some secret twisted pleasure from “solving” these murders? #5 of this series is as interesting as the others. It has a complicated plot with complicated characters. This story will keep you engaged until the end of the story. Highly recommend!
December 5, 2023
Still not sure how I feel about this series. Mary Stone is a great storyteller and knows how to get you hooked. A little too much violence for my taste. I keep reading to find out what will happen to Justice and how long he can get away with being a vigilante.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
February 7, 2024
Getting bored
This series of books started really well, but I'm starting to get bored with them. I know all the back story to who Justice really is, but the story line is becoming to far fetched. I love Mary Stone books and I am reading all her books, but this series I am disappointed in. Sorry.
This series of books started really well, but I'm starting to get bored with them. I know all the back story to who Justice really is, but the story line is becoming to far fetched. I love Mary Stone books and I am reading all her books, but this series I am disappointed in. Sorry.
May 24, 2024
Getting too close for comfort.
Justice is coming for the wickedly guilty. Not judgement but Justice. It is hard not to cheer for the man, Justice. Sometimes the legal justice does not get it right. Will he be discovered or will he slip by again. Can't wait to read the next book. Read and enjoy.
Justice is coming for the wickedly guilty. Not judgement but Justice. It is hard not to cheer for the man, Justice. Sometimes the legal justice does not get it right. Will he be discovered or will he slip by again. Can't wait to read the next book. Read and enjoy.
November 28, 2023
Justice what can I say. Still having issue with his ghosts of the persons he’s killed. He needs to be careful or he’ll get caught. The authors lets the reader feel Justice’s trouble and pain. Great read. Ready for the next one.
November 28, 2023
ANOTHER GREAT READ IN THIS SERIES. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL AND GRABS YOU AND WON'T LET GO TILL THE END. PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES TILL THE END. WELL WRITTEN WITH GREAT CHARACTERS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THE SERIES.
November 28, 2023
Justice can’t seem to catch a break, let alone have any needed down time. Someone is supplying the local gang with a new gun, the “frankengun”, that tears the victim to shreds. Can Justice find those responsible before they get distributed?
December 4, 2023
The Villains' Creed (A Villain’s Story FBI Mystery Series Book 5) By Mary Stone. Justice was one hell of a killer. He actually meets his match Olivia but there is only room for one psychopath. It is a hell of a book every action has a reaction with Justice.. love it
December 6, 2023
This book about Justice is outstanding with as law enforcement going all out above his job even if it isn’t right to kill people that he thinks should be gotten rid because they are bad. This book had lots of suspense and drama. Thank you Mary.
December 7, 2023
can these stories be Justice’s dream-coma nightmares?
Justice needs serious therapy, and quickly. He is out of control and suffering.
What could possibly be next? Does he take out the entire neo-Nazi cadre of malcontents?
Justice needs serious therapy, and quickly. He is out of control and suffering.
What could possibly be next? Does he take out the entire neo-Nazi cadre of malcontents?
June 4, 2024
Wow just wow!
Stone has delivered another jaw dropping ending! A Villain's Story Book 5 was another 'I don't want to stop reading.' There was a moment it lost momentum; but, then the speed excelled to the end. An unexpected twisted ending. Now...#6!
Stone has delivered another jaw dropping ending! A Villain's Story Book 5 was another 'I don't want to stop reading.' There was a moment it lost momentum; but, then the speed excelled to the end. An unexpected twisted ending. Now...#6!
June 28, 2024
corruption
This series just seems to get more intense. Villain or vigilante? It seems that the Justice system can be corrupt as well as the police. It’s a hard lonely path to follow.
This series just seems to get more intense. Villain or vigilante? It seems that the Justice system can be corrupt as well as the police. It’s a hard lonely path to follow.
October 26, 2024
Although this is the fifth book in the series I am still undecided on the character Justice! Don't like him but still reading the books! Maybe I prefer police characters to be honest and not murderers!
November 27, 2023
An action packed story I couldn’t put down. An edge of the seat page turner.
November 29, 2023
Justice is taking this deeper. He is amazing at juggling his work and his villainy. More action packed and bloody violence. This was a non-stop read with explosive insight.
December 1, 2023
Another crazy good Justice story. He is a mad man. Great characters.
December 4, 2023
Love Justice Hall!! What an intriguing character! Is he a bad guy who is trying to be good or a good guy who, at heart, is bad? Love this series!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews