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Journey Russo FBI Mystery #1
Journey's Call
When fate calls, death could be dialing.
Journey Russo is no stranger to the harsh shadows cast by secrets. The fire that claimed her family when she was just thirteen years old left her life scorched by mystery and loss. Raised by her grandparents amidst the embers of her past, Journey transformed her trauma into resolve, forging a path as an FBI special agent. But beneath her determined facade lies a lingering fear of fire and the unhealed scars of betrayal.
In a world of hidden flames, truth is her only weapon.
As she steps onto the crime scene at Pittsburg gun store, Journey confronts not just a perplexing case, but the echoes of a past that refuse to be silenced. The victims, from different walks of life, share disturbingly similar fatal wounds—a bullet to the stomach and a brutal head injury. With only a dead body, missing guns, and no clear suspects, Journey is propelled into a mystery that tests her skills.
Though she loves nothing more than solving a good puzzle, the investigation takes a startling twist when she discovers a link between the case and a brutal cult that haunts her dreams. And as more victims emerge, Journey’s past and present collide, forcing her to confront the demons she thought she’d left behind.
Before the body count rises.
Journey’s Calling is book one of the adrenaline-charged new Journey Russo series by bestselling author Mary Stone, where secrets have lethal consequences, and the pursuit of truth is as dangerous as the secrets themselves.
Journey Russo is no stranger to the harsh shadows cast by secrets. The fire that claimed her family when she was just thirteen years old left her life scorched by mystery and loss. Raised by her grandparents amidst the embers of her past, Journey transformed her trauma into resolve, forging a path as an FBI special agent. But beneath her determined facade lies a lingering fear of fire and the unhealed scars of betrayal.
In a world of hidden flames, truth is her only weapon.
As she steps onto the crime scene at Pittsburg gun store, Journey confronts not just a perplexing case, but the echoes of a past that refuse to be silenced. The victims, from different walks of life, share disturbingly similar fatal wounds—a bullet to the stomach and a brutal head injury. With only a dead body, missing guns, and no clear suspects, Journey is propelled into a mystery that tests her skills.
Though she loves nothing more than solving a good puzzle, the investigation takes a startling twist when she discovers a link between the case and a brutal cult that haunts her dreams. And as more victims emerge, Journey’s past and present collide, forcing her to confront the demons she thought she’d left behind.
Before the body count rises.
Journey’s Calling is book one of the adrenaline-charged new Journey Russo series by bestselling author Mary Stone, where secrets have lethal consequences, and the pursuit of truth is as dangerous as the secrets themselves.
242 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2024
3883 people are currently reading
1093 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,122 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 107 reviews
February 19, 2025
Good story
I feel the investigator had Moe information but did not pickup on it quickly enough. Otherwise the overall book was good.
I feel the investigator had Moe information but did not pickup on it quickly enough. Otherwise the overall book was good.
February 9, 2024
What an awesome beginning for a new series. Do you love a strong leading character, then you have that in Journey. Do you love a plot with lots of suspense, twists and turns and the ability to keep you engaged until the end, then you have it in this book. I am looking forward to more stories in this series. Good job ladies!
June 12, 2024
Great Read
I love this author. Everything I've read by her has been great. Journey Russo has captured my attention, I'm looking forward to what's next in the series. Mary Stone is definitely a strong recommendation for anyone who's an avid reader.
I love this author. Everything I've read by her has been great. Journey Russo has captured my attention, I'm looking forward to what's next in the series. Mary Stone is definitely a strong recommendation for anyone who's an avid reader.
August 21, 2024
Predictable
Easy reading. Just took some time to get to know the characters and then they would be gone Not much of a surprise ending
Easy reading. Just took some time to get to know the characters and then they would be gone Not much of a surprise ending
February 20, 2024
Great start of a great series that I could not put it down. The suspense and twists keeps you attention all the way to the end. You do t want to miss out on this series. I can’t wait for the next one. A mystery read.
March 1, 2025
Journey Russo series is a new series created by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson. Our protagonist Journey Russo is no stranger to the harsh shadows of reality. Growing up, a fire claimed her family when she was just thirteen and left her psychologically damaged from this tragic loss. years old left her life scorched by mystery and loss. Raised by her grandparents, Journey transformed her trauma into resolve and forged a life path as an FBI special agent. If you like a strong, female leading character, you have that in Journey. I appreciated this bit of reality as she is not that Laura Croft superhero lead; rather, she has some doubts and certainly some issues with fire. She is human a more believable than some. Interestingly, her new partner Lucas Sullivan also has some major issues. On the other hand is Melissa, journey’s sister and an FBI crime scene expert .
In “Journey's Call,” the first installment of the Journey Russo series, the suspense and twists of the plot keeps the reader’s attention; however, it is a little predictable. Still, the character development was good, as was the plot. It fits the definition of a good FBI murder mystery, but the answer to the obligatory "who done it" came too early.
I do like Mary Stone’s writing, so I can ignore some minor elements. My favorite of Stone’s is her Shadow Island Series whose central character is also a female Rebecca West, who is sharp, witty, dedicated, and credible. Stone is a good story teller, and I am now exploring some of her other mysteries. “Journey's Call” is a good mystery; I am struggling with a 3 or 4 Star. I invite you to pick up the back and take a step into a mad man's brain and see if you can help FBI figure this out before he kills again. So relax, and just enjoy the mystery.
In “Journey's Call,” the first installment of the Journey Russo series, the suspense and twists of the plot keeps the reader’s attention; however, it is a little predictable. Still, the character development was good, as was the plot. It fits the definition of a good FBI murder mystery, but the answer to the obligatory "who done it" came too early.
I do like Mary Stone’s writing, so I can ignore some minor elements. My favorite of Stone’s is her Shadow Island Series whose central character is also a female Rebecca West, who is sharp, witty, dedicated, and credible. Stone is a good story teller, and I am now exploring some of her other mysteries. “Journey's Call” is a good mystery; I am struggling with a 3 or 4 Star. I invite you to pick up the back and take a step into a mad man's brain and see if you can help FBI figure this out before he kills again. So relax, and just enjoy the mystery.
February 9, 2024
Long awaited Revenge
Mary Stone is known for writing female lead characters who have survived and overcome hardships. Journey’s Call is the start of another great series which showcases another strong female lead character.
FBI Special Agent Journey Russo is enjoying a day off with her adopted sister, Michelle Timmer, who is also an FBI Special Agent. Journey works in the Violent Crimes Division and Michelle works in the Crime Scene Investigation division at the Pittsburg field office. Journey is telling Michelle about her new partner, Lucas Sullivan, who transferred from White Collar to the Violent Crimes unit. She tells Michelle she met him on another case years ago. Lucas calls Journey to let her know they have a robbery and homicide case at Faulkner’s Guns and Ammo.
Journey and Lucas find out that the victim had been shot in his belly and had a blow to his head. It appears there was another murder victim who had the same type of wounds but he was a park ranger in West Virginia. Are the two cases related? If so how? How many more people will die before they find the killer?
Journey and Lucas have their work cutout for them. They are looking at all the similar cases and trying to discover what links them together. Will they find the link before the killer strikes again?
Journey’s Call keeps your interest and it has the drama, suspense, action, and those twists and turns to keep you reading until the end. Looking forward to book two.
Mary Stone is known for writing female lead characters who have survived and overcome hardships. Journey’s Call is the start of another great series which showcases another strong female lead character.
FBI Special Agent Journey Russo is enjoying a day off with her adopted sister, Michelle Timmer, who is also an FBI Special Agent. Journey works in the Violent Crimes Division and Michelle works in the Crime Scene Investigation division at the Pittsburg field office. Journey is telling Michelle about her new partner, Lucas Sullivan, who transferred from White Collar to the Violent Crimes unit. She tells Michelle she met him on another case years ago. Lucas calls Journey to let her know they have a robbery and homicide case at Faulkner’s Guns and Ammo.
Journey and Lucas find out that the victim had been shot in his belly and had a blow to his head. It appears there was another murder victim who had the same type of wounds but he was a park ranger in West Virginia. Are the two cases related? If so how? How many more people will die before they find the killer?
Journey and Lucas have their work cutout for them. They are looking at all the similar cases and trying to discover what links them together. Will they find the link before the killer strikes again?
Journey’s Call keeps your interest and it has the drama, suspense, action, and those twists and turns to keep you reading until the end. Looking forward to book two.
February 5, 2024
Great start to a new ARC series with a new FBI Agent. Journey Russo has fought thru a lot to become an FBI Agent and her sort of sister, Michelle, also is an FBI Agent. They have relocated to Pittsburg and are spending a rare day together. Then Journey gets a call about a murder at a gun shop. She is meeting with her new partner and trying to work and learn each others habits. As they work the murder they find some unusual things. One the victim was shot in the stomach then a rock was used to bash in his head. Not sure what to think they work on several angles. Then another man is found murdered in the exact same way. What do these two men have in common and how are they going to connect the pieces. Then they realize that the two men had been on a hunting trip seven years earlier and that the Ranger who handled the accidental death at that time had also been killed by a shot to the belly and brain bashed in. Can they find out who is doing the murders, and can they reach the other men in time. Now it is a race against time and still not sure who the killer is. Can they find the next victim before its to lat.
January 8, 2025
This book gave me like CSI type vibes. Follows FBI agent Russo and her partner Lucas as they solves a series of murders. Eventually they link all the murders to being friends who went on a hunting trip together where something went terribly wrong and one of the died. Secrets begin to unfold as each friend is found dead. Turns out not was the man who died son killing for revenge. Apparently the secret all the men were hiding was that they were drinking while hunting and accidentally shot the man who died and they covered it up as they found him like that. And had been living with the lie for 7 years. So the crazy son came after them and killed them the same way his father died, a gun shot to the stomach and a bashed in head.
I knew it was the dead guys son pretty early on. It just clicked and made sense he’d had a son to revenge his murder. But overall god story and will continue the series.
I knew it was the dead guys son pretty early on. It just clicked and made sense he’d had a son to revenge his murder. But overall god story and will continue the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Call Answered
Ms Stone manages to accomplish a difficult aspect of novel writing, and that is to maintain the reader’s interest in a plot that involves two newly assigned FBI partners involved in an assignment that begins with next too nothing in the way of clues. As the partners get to know each other the reader gets to know them as well while all struggle through the moras of patience required of all police work. Once clues begin to come in Stone moves with purpose which ignites her characters and readers. Mary Stone pays attention to detail in both relationships and the work of her characters. Journey’s Call is the first in a series which seems to be off to a good start.
Ms Stone manages to accomplish a difficult aspect of novel writing, and that is to maintain the reader’s interest in a plot that involves two newly assigned FBI partners involved in an assignment that begins with next too nothing in the way of clues. As the partners get to know each other the reader gets to know them as well while all struggle through the moras of patience required of all police work. Once clues begin to come in Stone moves with purpose which ignites her characters and readers. Mary Stone pays attention to detail in both relationships and the work of her characters. Journey’s Call is the first in a series which seems to be off to a good start.
February 5, 2024
Mary and Amy are taking us on a new journey of the FBI agent Journey Russo and her partner Lucas. They did not disappoint my expectations. The story goes fast and I love dialogs and humor in the middle of the fear. Journey just joined all the other Mary’s heroines, who lift themselves up, find the strength and spirit even when everything around them is in tatters. I feel shock, sadness, anger and satisfaction with every Mary’ book I read. Mary and Amy did not disappoint and they never will. I finished this first Journey’s book in two sittings with my pulse pounding, holding my breath. The heart stopping past of the both agents makes this mystery thriller even more special. Thank you.
April 9, 2024
A great start to the series. We met them briefly in another FBI series and now we get to delve into Journey and her yet Michelle’s life. We have a new town, new partners, new crimes and I enjoyed meeting the characters and seeing the more focus on evidence and behavior. The partner sounds intriguing as a James Dean and clearly has some heavy baggage which makes them a fitting duo. I thought the crime was interesting and laid out in a clever way for sharing hints. The final family scene with victims was strong and I am excited for more of this series!
February 4, 2024
A gripping new series by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson which keeps you hooked from beginning to end.
Excited to learn more about the characters Journey Russo, her sister Michelle Timmer, and new partner Lucas Sullivan. Has everything you want in a thriller...wonderful characters, action, twist & turns, suspense, and is a real page turner. Can't wait to continue the journey by these great authors.
I'm an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Excited to learn more about the characters Journey Russo, her sister Michelle Timmer, and new partner Lucas Sullivan. Has everything you want in a thriller...wonderful characters, action, twist & turns, suspense, and is a real page turner. Can't wait to continue the journey by these great authors.
I'm an ARC member and this is my honest review.
February 4, 2024
journey and luca are new partners in the violent crime unit. her sister clair, who survived being kidnapped while working in the chicago field ofice works in collecting evidence.
lucas is dealing with some major issues while they hunt for a viscious killer.
the problem is the killer started in one state and is now in PA. it takes a while to piece the clues together but they work hard.
a new series but the characters are familiar. a good fit for Mary Stone
lucas is dealing with some major issues while they hunt for a viscious killer.
the problem is the killer started in one state and is now in PA. it takes a while to piece the clues together but they work hard.
a new series but the characters are familiar. a good fit for Mary Stone
February 6, 2024
Journey Russo is a brand new series created by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson and it is very exciting to say the least. Journey and her FBI partner Lucas Sullivan have a very complicated case to solve. I loved the way the story unfolded layer by layer. The authors did such a great job of building this story and bringing it to a dynamic climax! Just writing this review I feel the thrills and chills all over again. Read in one day…HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
February 11, 2024
Journeys Call as a new series and new FBI partners is an exciting start.
New Crimes comes calling and it is a call for murder(s) with one clue standing out in all. Frustrating in the lack of clues they can follow, Journey and Lucas are scratching their heads on how the victims even tye together or why they are all so different.
Take a step into a mad man's brain and see if you can help FBI figure this out before he kills again.
New Crimes comes calling and it is a call for murder(s) with one clue standing out in all. Frustrating in the lack of clues they can follow, Journey and Lucas are scratching their heads on how the victims even tye together or why they are all so different.
Take a step into a mad man's brain and see if you can help FBI figure this out before he kills again.
April 6, 2024
good multiple murder mystery
This was a good story. The commeradity between the two FBI agents was very nice. The fact that they kept at it despite discouraging results was good. I just wasn’t too keen on the dissection off the truly dreadful crime was tough. Unfortunately,being a hunter myself and seeing city guys try to hunt almost kept me from walking my dog during hunting season and it sure kept me from hunting.
This was a good story. The commeradity between the two FBI agents was very nice. The fact that they kept at it despite discouraging results was good. I just wasn’t too keen on the dissection off the truly dreadful crime was tough. Unfortunately,being a hunter myself and seeing city guys try to hunt almost kept me from walking my dog during hunting season and it sure kept me from hunting.
September 18, 2024
Journeys Call
Journey and her new partner, Lucas are on the trail of a killer. They put all the clues together and discover a death during a hunting accident that they were all involved in 7 years ago. Lies were told among 3 of the 4 survivors and the 4th agreed under duress and this lie destroyed his life. The serial killer was the dead man's son and he was caught before he could finish. Great story A++++
Journey and her new partner, Lucas are on the trail of a killer. They put all the clues together and discover a death during a hunting accident that they were all involved in 7 years ago. Lies were told among 3 of the 4 survivors and the 4th agreed under duress and this lie destroyed his life. The serial killer was the dead man's son and he was caught before he could finish. Great story A++++
October 26, 2024
He had murdered two men so far and knew he hadn’t left a clue.
Journey and her new partner seem to hit it off and to each feed off the other’s clues. After all they were FBI as was Melissa journey’s sister and crime scene expert . They pick up two oddities in their case and could have run in either direction but in stink has them following a special lead. All they can do is play it out and hope they are right.
Journey and her new partner seem to hit it off and to each feed off the other’s clues. After all they were FBI as was Melissa journey’s sister and crime scene expert . They pick up two oddities in their case and could have run in either direction but in stink has them following a special lead. All they can do is play it out and hope they are right.
July 14, 2025
Who and why?
After the first killing and no answers to help solver the murder Journey and Lucas had to really work to try to figure out the who and why. In talking to the widow of the first victim they began to discover more clues and why additional killings were linked with the first one. However it was a lot of work and checking up on the death of an individual who died years ago. Very interesting story.
After the first killing and no answers to help solver the murder Journey and Lucas had to really work to try to figure out the who and why. In talking to the widow of the first victim they began to discover more clues and why additional killings were linked with the first one. However it was a lot of work and checking up on the death of an individual who died years ago. Very interesting story.
February 4, 2024
Journey Russo and her new FBI partner are called to a murder that turns out the work of a strange person. As they learn history of the victim they are hard pressed to find a motive. When a second body is discovered little details begin to lead to a connection and the race is on to stop this killer. Looking forward to reading more of these folks.
February 7, 2024
What a great start to a new series by Mary Stone. Journey and her partner, Lucas, are assigned to investigate the murder of a gun store owner and then other murders. At first these murder victims seem to have nothing in common and then a link between them is discovered.
This book is full of mystery and excitement and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
This book is full of mystery and excitement and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
February 8, 2024
What an crazy good book! Journey and Lucas catch the call for a crazy case, an incident from the past causing big issues today. Vicious stomach and horrible head wounds create a path to take. Now, if they can just figure out where it leads before anyone else is killed. It was very intense and a great read.
I am excited about this series.
I am excited about this series.
February 9, 2024
Excellent
Really enjoyed this first book in the Journey Russo series. It is very well written and holds the readers interest. Learning the back stories of each character will only solidify the upcoming books in this series. Highly recommend this series and all the other Mary Stone series.
Really enjoyed this first book in the Journey Russo series. It is very well written and holds the readers interest. Learning the back stories of each character will only solidify the upcoming books in this series. Highly recommend this series and all the other Mary Stone series.
March 1, 2024
Mary Stone is "one" of my favorite authors, Journey Russo series is going to be another great series.
would love to wait till all books in the series is out and Binge read. But as soon as one comes out I have to read it. (all her books) Anyway Journey's Call is a good read, Enjoy #2 will be out March 5th,
would love to wait till all books in the series is out and Binge read. But as soon as one comes out I have to read it. (all her books) Anyway Journey's Call is a good read, Enjoy #2 will be out March 5th,
April 18, 2024
Not a good book.
If you have anything else you can do for 3 or 4 hours, do it. I wish I had the time back. I read a lot in this genre. This book lacks character development, there is nothing believable in the crime solving process, and there is ZERO entertainment value in the storyline. It reads more like a screen play for a B-rated television show.
If you have anything else you can do for 3 or 4 hours, do it. I wish I had the time back. I read a lot in this genre. This book lacks character development, there is nothing believable in the crime solving process, and there is ZERO entertainment value in the storyline. It reads more like a screen play for a B-rated television show.
May 2, 2024
good book
Journey & Luke are new FBI partners, that are investigating a murder of a man that owns a gun store. Some of his guns & ammo are also stolen. Another murder occurs with the man murdered the same way with one of the stolen guns. Then another! They are on the chase to find out who. They finally have a link.
Journey & Luke are new FBI partners, that are investigating a murder of a man that owns a gun store. Some of his guns & ammo are also stolen. Another murder occurs with the man murdered the same way with one of the stolen guns. Then another! They are on the chase to find out who. They finally have a link.
June 17, 2024
A twisted mind
Journey felt a recent murder matched a previous one even when there weren't any seemingly blatant connections. But her tenacity and additional deaths and gun burglary combed out details that twisted and turned and linked five men together. It's strange how an accident can morph into a crime spree.
Journey felt a recent murder matched a previous one even when there weren't any seemingly blatant connections. But her tenacity and additional deaths and gun burglary combed out details that twisted and turned and linked five men together. It's strange how an accident can morph into a crime spree.
June 23, 2024
A screenshot Of how 2 agents Should work well together.
This was a very good read But sometimes the details became slurry. The personalities of each agent came through
clearly. I was very pleased that This did not turn into a romantic relationship. Very well written But it didn't really teach me anything.
This was a very good read But sometimes the details became slurry. The personalities of each agent came through
clearly. I was very pleased that This did not turn into a romantic relationship. Very well written But it didn't really teach me anything.
July 2, 2024
Well written
The character development was good, as was the plot. It fit the definition of a good FBI murder mystery, but the answer to the obligatory "who done it" came too early, too easy. Found myself wondering how I could be smarter than 2 crack FBI agents. I recommend it as a lazy beach read ~ not an edge of your seat thriller.
The character development was good, as was the plot. It fit the definition of a good FBI murder mystery, but the answer to the obligatory "who done it" came too early, too easy. Found myself wondering how I could be smarter than 2 crack FBI agents. I recommend it as a lazy beach read ~ not an edge of your seat thriller.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews