Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Charli Cross #9

Dark Suspicion

Rate this book
Safety is an illusion. Danger is real.

Detective Charli Cross can't escape the haunting image of her partner’s truck exploding right before her eyes. Was the bomb meant for him? Or for her? The cryptic messages from the man who kidnapped and murdered her best friend ten years ago suggest a more chilling answer.

Charli knows the clock is ticking. And she’s got a target on her back.

With her partner in the hospital, Charli doubles down on solving the most important—and personal—case of her career. But when she's diverted to investigate another brutal crime, she's partnered with the last woman she wants to work with. Together, they must track down a perp who savagely murdered a newly engaged man. Who wanted him dead, and why?

As Charli grapples with this gruesome case, another dark question looms: Who is terrorizing her with increasingly chilling and elusive threats?

One thing is clear. Charli won’t be safe until her friend’s killer is behind bars. Or dead. But caught in a web of deceit and danger, danger is closer to Charli than she ever imagined.

By turns compelling and shocking, Dark Suspicion is the ninth book in the Charli Cross series from best-selling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you question how safe it is to start your car.

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2024

488 people are currently reading
107 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

232 books2,179 followers
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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,259 (71%)
4 stars
391 (22%)
3 stars
80 (4%)
2 stars
18 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,338 reviews8 followers
July 14, 2024
DARK SUSPICION is the ninth installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. These two authors do an amazing job capturing and keeping your attention in the first few pages of their books. This one is action packed with several different plots going on at the same time. 

Charli's partner, Matthew Church, barely survived the bombing of his truck and is still in ICU. Charli's sister and family are still in town when Matthew's sister and daughter arrive, not to mention Charli's been assigned a temporary partner - Detective Janice Piper, her department nemesis. Charli and Janice start investigating Matthew's case but are immediately pulled off it and assigned a new case involving the rich and entitled. Surprise, Janice seems to know everyone involved.

Charli's even received a request for an interview regarding Madeline's abduction and murder, her answer was an emphatic "NO".  Later, realizing there is a second stalker she wonders if an expose' could shine more light on Madeline's murder and bring the killer out of the shadows.

It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. I did receive an advance copy  of this book from the author and this is my voluntary and honest review. I definitely recommend all their books.
388 reviews
July 14, 2024
Charli Cross and her partner Matthew have been together long enough to be comfortable with each other. They had been through so much and knew they were good for each other. With Matthew out of commission and not able to give any answers, Charli was almost at a loss. Ruth their boss assigned Charli a new partner, Janice whom Charli did not care for.
Surprisingly on a new case together they seem to have hit a good spot and are doing well together. A murder investigation into families Janice had grown up with, gave Charli plenty of surprise peeks into Janice's life.
Biggest question was who had killed Thatcher and why? Who gained from his death? It couldn't have been his fiancee Claire, was it someone who objected Claire and Thatchers relationship? Why?
I really enjoyed reading this book, not only to catch up on how Matthew was but also what Charli could be up to.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
470 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
I like this series and am really happy that you didn't kill off Matthew. He's one of the most solid characters in the books. Charli is under attack again and things are really getting complicated. She's trying to figure out who blew up her partner and keep her family safe at the same time. In the meantime, a new case is dropped into her lap, and she is getting a temporary new partner. The worst possible news is Janice is her new partner. They have never gotten along, and Charli is dreading this new partnership, temporary or not. However, there are some surprised in store for Charli. And she has a convoluted web of people to consider for both the new case and her partner's case and her own case. Whew! Good read.
157 reviews
July 11, 2024
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have produced a winner in the Charli Cross series! These co-authors just get better and better. They have given their detectives three mysteries to solve; the explosion of Matthew Church’s truck, the murder of Thatcher Garner and the killer stalking Charli. I love the pairing of Detectives Charli Cross and Janice Piper. Having them overlook their differences and work together well was genius on the authors part. I totally flew through the pages as this story developed. There are so many twists and turns. And wait…the surprises the reader does not see coming! Awesome read! Kudos to Mary Stone and Donna Berdel!
133 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2024
I loved this book as it was action packed and several mysteries to be solved. While Charli tries to find out why and who blew Matthew in the air, another crime is committed and its mind boggling. She is partnered with Janice lol, the abrasive woman, she cannot stand. It’s interesting how it evolves and I’d like to see more of it. The entertaining amidst the tense investigation of several crimes including her stalker and Madeleine’s killer. The plots are genuine, relationships evolve and all result in a fabulous read. And of course the cliff hanger. Bravo
276 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
i was so happy to find that Matthew Church had survived the explosion of his truck. After all, what is a cross without a church.
now that Charlie is with another partner she is getting a new perspective on the events of he past. she also found out the truth about a few things that have been happening to her.
she and her new partner work hard to solve a murder that takes place on a golf course. all in a days work?
to be continued.......
228 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2024
An exciting book in the Charlie Cross series. This was a page turner with so many plots in one. Matthew survived the explosion on his truck , but is in the hospital. As Charli starts to investigate with, of all people, Janice, they are pulled away on another murder case. Charli is still receiving threats from the serial killer that murdered her best friend & is forced to move out of her house. This is a roller coaster ride that will not disappoint.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,662 reviews9 followers
July 28, 2024
despite detours, red herrings and unrelated homicide, progress prevails

As the tenth anniversary of Madeleine’s death approaches, as Charli’s partner lies in the hospital, being treated for his injuries after his truck exploded, as Ruth assigns an odd homicide investigation to Charli and her antagonist, Janet, investigational lines of inquiry come together revealing long-buried, deadly secrets.
237 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2025
A bombed police man's truck, a serial killer and proteges.

A policeman truck is bombed, while he is in the hospital, his partner is getting stalked, her house broken into, all while trying to find a serial killer who goes to different states to find to help him kidnap and murder. One of his first victims was the female detectives best friend, and he almost got the detective too!
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
142 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2024
This book was really good. Lots of things to think about.. Matt’s pick up is blown up and he is in the hospital in bad shape. Meanwhile his daughter and sister come to town to give moral support. Charli and Janice start the search into if Matt or Charli was thei tended victim. ….Charli is still working to solve her best friends murder several years ago. She is a very busy girl.
428 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2024
Dark Supicion(Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 9)

OMG!!!!!!!! This book was amazing. I am happy that Matthew lived. He has a long road to recovery and Charli finally caught one of her stalkers,and you would not believe who it was. Now she is going after the person who killed her best friend. I can't wait to read the next book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
386 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2024
OMG! Injuries here, injuries there, injuries everywhere! Charlie is being targeted at work and at home. Who is after her? Is it a team or individual? Is it only her friend, Maddies, killer? She doesn't feel safe and worries about the safety of those she cares about. In true Charlie fashion, more and more answers are materializing. Does she finally find Maddies killer? Read the novel and find out.
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
611 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2024
Loved this book. I was hooked in the first chapter. I love how there are several stories being told in one book. The who killed Thatcher story line was really good. I did not guess who it was. Getting closer to finding who killed Madeline. This book and series are a must read.
137 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2024
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 FRIENDS DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?

170 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2024
What tangled webs we weave…

What happens when two people who shouldn’t, fall in love? Well, in a Mary Stone book it usually leads to murder. The questions are why, & whodunnit? Find a good, comfy reading nook & find out!
Profile Image for Katym521.
446 reviews6 followers
July 13, 2024
Awesome as always!

I read the book in one sitting! It was impossible to put down! I love these characters in this series! Now i have to wait to see if there is going to be another one!
Profile Image for Rose.
25 reviews1 follower
July 13, 2024
Great read!

The story of Charlie Cross and the search for Madelyn's killer continues. This was a good read with lots of surprises. I hope Matthew's troubles are over. It was hard to stop once I started!
45 reviews
July 14, 2024
suspicion

Wow! So many different stories in one story. Was nice to get to know Janice better. My heart beat faster and faster as the crimes escalated. Great book. Sadness and happiness with being afraid all rolled into one great story.
179 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2024
This is the ninth book in the Charli Cross series and it is a great read.,

One of the mysteries of who has been harassing Charli is solved, but another one still remains. The book is full of mystery and suspense and I would highly recommend this series.
247 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2024
Dark Suspicion

As with all Mary's books I really got lost in this book, it was like I was right there. The characters quickly started feeling like I had just read about them. I am already excited about the next in the series.
1,507 reviews7 followers
July 18, 2024
Dark Suspicion

This is a great mystery book. I could not put it down. Although I was hoping for an ending to Madelyn's murderer. I hope the next book will end that part. I can't wait for the next book to come out. I highly recommend this book and series
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
July 24, 2024
Dark Suspicion is the ninth book in the Charli Cross series another page turner. I was so happy that Mathew wasn’t killed. Teaming Charli with a new partner was a great idea. Charlie is now ready to go searching for her BFF’s killer. I can’t wait for the next book.
292 reviews
September 10, 2024
Compelling Read

Savannah detectives are really busy trying to solve 3 cases. Matthew’s truck bomb, a cold case and a murder. Are any of these cases related? You will have to read all of book 9 to discover what is going on in this great series.
672 reviews6 followers
September 13, 2024
Better

Much better story. Less psycho analysis. Charli works with Janice and gets to know her better. Danger still lurks with a surprising development. Also a clue to who the kidnapper might be
680 reviews3 followers
November 19, 2024
Finding a Killer

Her home had been broken into, letters had come from Madeline's killer and her father had died. Charli's and her sister's family were staying at the family home when Matthew's truck exploded. The book continues with more excitement and twisting of fates.
Profile Image for Mary Ott.
83 reviews
January 29, 2025
Awesome

I have been so absorbed in this series that I hate to finish it. Mary Stone has outdone herself. The intrigue mixed with the emotional intertwining of the characters is perfect. I feel like I'm the lead character. Awesome read.
254 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2025
Conclusion coming

It appears a conclusion is coming in the search for Madeline's killer. Book 9 has a twist I didn't expect. Marcia Ferguson as one of the people terrorizing Charli. Twists and turns are everywhere. NEXT!!!
181 reviews
July 11, 2024
Another winner from Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. Had me hooked at the beginning and did not want to put it down until the end, a great read. This was a fast-paced page turner with great characters and a surprise ending. Cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
702 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2024
WOW what a story, action from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down, an edge of the seat page turner.
13 reviews
July 11, 2024
WOW!!! Loved this Book From start to finish Can't wait for the next one You did it again!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.