Descent into Madness

A Villain’s Story #6

by Mary Stone

The devil has come to take his dues.

Deputy Justice Hall, still riding high in the aftermath of bringing down the infamous machine gun killer, faces a jarring return to reality. A homeless man, brutally murdered with his tongue savagely cut out, is just the beginning. And this isn't just any victim...he's a young man who once sought Justice's help.

Yet another person he’s failed.

Plagued by guilt, Justice hates himself for dismissing the drug-addled man’s panicked story. After all, his frantic claims of a devil wielding a dart gun, haunting their makeshift community, seemed far-fetched at the time.

But when the body of another homeless man surfaces, this time gruesomely deprived of both hands, the truth becomes undeniable. A cruel predator is at large, paralyzing and torturing the homeless, collecting their body parts as twisted trophies.

As the death toll rises, Justice must catch this devil...even at the risk of his own life. And soul.

Descent into Madness is book six of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a grisly thriller that will leave you pondering your own sins...and wondering when the devil might come to collect his due.

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2023

About the author

To 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.

Reviews

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not stop reading. to find out what was going to. In this novel I experienced hair raising moments, and some anxiety discomfort that only Mary Stone can create. What is next? I can’t wait.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

DESCENT INTO MADNESS is the sixth 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 as you read her stories. If you haven't read any of her thrillers yet, I encourage you to start.

All Justice Hall wants is a normal life. He has been trying to blend in and be a normal person, but haunted by the horrors of his past and the ghostly visits from those he has killed is starting to unravel his facade of normalcy. If he doesn't get himself under control his secret life will be  exposed. 

The last case closed with the creator of the frankenguns and major gun supply destroyed. Unfortunately, his boss is starting to get suspicious and losing trust in her newest deputy. 

A new case opens when a homeless man that asked Justice for help is found dead.  It's not long before another homeless person is found with missing body parts. Justice is determined to follow all the rules on this case, regaining his bosses favor and trust.

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.

[Jeannine Wickliffe]

This is another great ARC read in the Villian series. Justice is hoping for some quite time after his latest case, but this is not to happen. A young homeless man comes to Justice with the story of a devil hunting him. Justice doesn't take the man seriously and is shocked when the young man is found brutally murdered several days later. Feeling guilt for not acting, Justice starts his hunt. Then another homeless man is found with his hands cut off. As Justice and others in the department hunt for the killer, small clues start coming out. Can Justice find the killer before they kill again? Will Justice be able to bring them in or will he kill yet another evil person? Will he continue his slide?

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justice is burning the candle at both ends. He a Detective by day and a serial killer by night. His decent into madness began a long time ago. He has some warped sense of responsibility to those who need him. He is judge, jury, and executioner to those who cross the line. This is a riveting story and holds your attention. These people are helpless and homeless and are at the mercy of a killer. A killer that has no mercy. Justice will find the killer and exact his punishment; but he faces some new complications in the form of a new District Attorney. This attraction may be the final straw that brings an end to Justice.

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice doesn’t have time to celebrate his last solved case, when he is called to the gruesome murder. Before he knows, there are more chilling murders of homeless people, who are missing the body parts. Justice is shaken, but promises himself , that he will act lawfully no vigilante style, especially when Eliza shows her disappointment and suspicion . Will Justice finally save his soul or will he fall again under Justin’s past influence and teachings? This thriller is so terrifying, I could not stop reading, to find out what will happen. Justice is so special, I love him and I’m glad he found the new lady’ company. Excellent plot and devious villain.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start with how much I have loved this Villain Series. Justice Hall a Detective is also a Vigilante killer. Will he eventually get caught? I keep wondering if Justin Black will show up again or if Winter Black will suddenly be involved.
The new book Descent into Madness is even more so involved in the steps that show Justice as spiralling into deeper mud or madness. Will he find the murderer of the homeless people? Will it be found out who, how and why he killed some of the people he has buried?
If you love Murder Mysteries read this series. I think you will enjoy it as much as I have.

[D.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice Hero or Killer

Deputy Justice Hall managed to bring down the machine gun killer and has now been given the case of a murdered homeless man. It appears the murdered man had come to Justice for help. The murders are gruesome and Justice wants to catch the killer. He is trying to follow the rules and bring them in; however, Justice is losing the battle with himself.

Descent into Madness definitely has everything a book needs and more to keep you reading until the end. There is suspense, drama, gruesome murders and Justice’s battle with himself.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madness At Its Best

Another mysterious, haunting, page turning addition to A Villains Story Series. Stone's writings fascinate my curiosity of the possibility that her characters might truly be amongst us. Book 6, Descent into Madness, brought a challenging scenario, is Justice falling in love/will the final episode leave me hanging with uncertainty of Justice's future. Do I admire this mysterious man or do I loathe Justice and his madness as much as I loathe the vermin he hunts to stop their evil desecration.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A homeless man has come to Justice for help, but won’t give up information on who he is afraid of. As a result Justice sorta put the man’s request on the back burner. When Justice finds the homeless man dead with his tongue cut out he knows it’s his fault for not following thru on his request for help.
This is only the beginning of the rabbit hole that Justice is headed for. You won’t want to put this thriller down.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter of Descent into Madness found me holding my breath, gasping and shivering with fear! Detective Justice Hall is a very complex individual. Mary Stone has given life to a character that is both brilliant and daunting. Love Justice or hate him. No getting around the face that he is a homicide detective and also a murderous vigilante. In this novel the reader experiences spine chilling, hair raising moments that only Mary Stone can create.
What is next for Justice?

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Justice is playing the lone ranger once again in this novel. Even though he is putting his job at risk, he just can't help it. As a masked devil converges on the homeless community the race is on to find the perp. before more body parts go missing and dead bodies pile up. Who will be caught in the web? Justice has lost favor with his boss. Will he be found out? Read this novel and see. I completely enjoyed this story.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not sure if I liked Justice Fuller or not but he grows on you until he does the unthinkable. His heart is in the right place but a vigilante cop takes a toll. How long can Justice get away with it. We learn more about some of the characters. Will Justice ever get caught and if so what happens to him. This is an action packed thriller that keeps you reading until the end. Little too much violence for my taste.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.

[Linae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entrancing

I've read all of the Villain series. All the books are good. I'm surprised that Justice is continuing how he is but I guess that is why I keep coming back. There is a lot going on in the story with varied characters. Each one with their own story intertwined with Justice's. I wonder.what Justice is going to do next and how his sheriff is going to tolerate his antics. I have a love hate Opinion of Justice on the other hand he.wasn't given a good start.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

alas, Justice abides

Justice’s descent into madness continues as a differently motivated serial killer targets the homeless, based on the perpetrator’s sense of personal outrage.

Justice’s internal dialogue becomes more strident and contradictory as he attempts to appease his boss and his righteous avenger compulsion.

[James Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someone is killing the homeless in Justin's town, so he sets forth to find the murderer. Will he do it by the book or in his own vigilante style? This is a page turner that will not leave you disappointed.

[Judi Cramton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Justin What Have You Done?

A lot of who has been causing the many deaths and partial dismemberment and especially aimed at the homeless? Good luck figuring out this Who did it!

[Lenora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I knew I would. Wouldn’t it be great if a victims family member hired Winter to find who killed their family member and it turns out to be Justice and Winter and Justice come face to face again!

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Descent into Madness (A Villain’s Story FBI Mystery Series Book 6) By: Mary Stone. Justice one hell of a monster with a big heart. He will do Justice for all innocent victims. However, eventually he will be discovered and then what ? Love this series.

[Scherrie Manes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one!!!

Mary Stone has out, did herself with this series. Thrilling, sends shivers down your spine, electrifying with non-stop sizzling. Whatever you do, just don't call the cops because you might open your door and find Justice Hall standing there.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The homeless are being mutilated & murdered. Can Justice catch the murderer & bring him in, or will his own demons beat him to it?

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling book by Mary Stone. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is a definite must read.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Mary Stone. Justice has done it again, but how long can he go on for?

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story about Justice finding out who is killing homeless people and saving part of their body. Justice finds out and takes I’m out. This story had lots of violence and suspense. Thank you Mary.

[Mary Goodreau · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to like Justice but he really is going down a deep dark road. Wish he would do things right once and awhile.

[thelma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't hide your trash

Five stars fast moving thriller and justice will find the truth no matter what on the edge of chair experience

[Ann Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

Justus Hall has been through so much! He is trying to be a good guy, a good cop but something, the horror that Justin put him through or just trying to rid the world of evil?

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action packed thriller with twists and turns... Justice Hall is edging ever closer to the abyss... Can't wait to read the next book!

[Adam Mahler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeing madness first hand

I like seeing justice arguing with himself about which version of himself he's going to let control the case. I think it may catch up to him someday though

[Nana Cazza · Rating 1 out of 5]

Horrible

I could not finish this book. It was too dark for me, and I can do a great deal of dark. Hated it. Sorry I ever started it