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Journey Russo FBI Mystery #4
Journey's Prey
Dive in. The water’s great…for murder.
FBI Agent Journey Russo excels at keeping the shadows of her traumatic past at bay. So when she’s called to investigate a murder on a Sunday morning, she views it as a welcome distraction.
Until she arrives at the horrific crime scene.
The teenager wasn’t just murdered—she was nightmarishly mutilated, and her body discarded on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. The same forest where Journey recently learned the leader of the cult from her childhood may own a cabin, and where her previous case led her on a wild chase for a hunter who favors a hunting bow as a weapon.
As Journey investigates the young woman’s death, she uncovers a different kind of predator. The smarmy head lifeguard at the local pool the victim frequented clearly preys on young teenage girls. But is he capable of murder?
Then the body of another young woman is discovered. With both murders eerily similar to another unsolved murder the previous summer, it seems a serial killer is on the loose. And he’s going off the deep end.
Get ready for the ride of your life. Journey’s Prey, book four of the Journey Russo FBI series by best-selling author Mary Stone, will make you wonder who’s lurking under the surface.
FBI Agent Journey Russo excels at keeping the shadows of her traumatic past at bay. So when she’s called to investigate a murder on a Sunday morning, she views it as a welcome distraction.
Until she arrives at the horrific crime scene.
The teenager wasn’t just murdered—she was nightmarishly mutilated, and her body discarded on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. The same forest where Journey recently learned the leader of the cult from her childhood may own a cabin, and where her previous case led her on a wild chase for a hunter who favors a hunting bow as a weapon.
As Journey investigates the young woman’s death, she uncovers a different kind of predator. The smarmy head lifeguard at the local pool the victim frequented clearly preys on young teenage girls. But is he capable of murder?
Then the body of another young woman is discovered. With both murders eerily similar to another unsolved murder the previous summer, it seems a serial killer is on the loose. And he’s going off the deep end.
Get ready for the ride of your life. Journey’s Prey, book four of the Journey Russo FBI series by best-selling author Mary Stone, will make you wonder who’s lurking under the surface.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2024
About the author
Mary Stone
250 books2,211 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 47 reviews
July 25, 2025
Young Girls
Who was killing the young girls? The story was good and you didn't find out who was guilty until the end with help from leaving a small piece of rubber glove which helped Journey and Lucas solved the case.
Who was killing the young girls? The story was good and you didn't find out who was guilty until the end with help from leaving a small piece of rubber glove which helped Journey and Lucas solved the case.
May 5, 2026
4.5 Stars
***This is an ‘Amelia Storm’ spin-off series…
‘Journey Russo and her sister, Michelle Timmer, return to their Pennsylvania hometown, where Journey, still haunted by her undercover work dismantling a local cult, must confront old and new evils rising from the darkness.’
Journey's Prey is the fourth book in the Journey Russo FBI Mystery Series by Mary Stone - the series blends gripping psychological suspense, with procedural intrigue, and deeply human storytelling. We follow FBI Agent Journey Russo, who is a woman shaped by personal tragedy, and haunted by her past undercover work dismantling a dangerous cult, and driven by an unyielding pursuit of justice.
The series opens with Journey returning to her Pennsylvania hometown, a place steeped in both nostalgia as well as deep trauma. Each installment holds a self-contained mystery while also contributing to a larger, overarching storyline involving her family, her past, and the lingering shadows of the cult she once infiltrated.
Balancing high-stakes action with quieter, emotionally charged moments, the mysteries are well-constructed, with enough red herrings and twists that kept me guessing.
Beneath the crime-solving surface, the series explores themes of trauma, trust, family bonds, and the long shadows cast by past choices. As expected, Ms. Stone doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll of law enforcement work, but cleverly balances the darkness with moments of hope, loyalty, and even humor. (But be aware, as the ‘heavier’ themes involving cult trauma and violence etc , might be too much for readers who have triggers/issues.)
Happy Reading…
***This is an ‘Amelia Storm’ spin-off series…
‘Journey Russo and her sister, Michelle Timmer, return to their Pennsylvania hometown, where Journey, still haunted by her undercover work dismantling a local cult, must confront old and new evils rising from the darkness.’
Journey's Prey is the fourth book in the Journey Russo FBI Mystery Series by Mary Stone - the series blends gripping psychological suspense, with procedural intrigue, and deeply human storytelling. We follow FBI Agent Journey Russo, who is a woman shaped by personal tragedy, and haunted by her past undercover work dismantling a dangerous cult, and driven by an unyielding pursuit of justice.
The series opens with Journey returning to her Pennsylvania hometown, a place steeped in both nostalgia as well as deep trauma. Each installment holds a self-contained mystery while also contributing to a larger, overarching storyline involving her family, her past, and the lingering shadows of the cult she once infiltrated.
Balancing high-stakes action with quieter, emotionally charged moments, the mysteries are well-constructed, with enough red herrings and twists that kept me guessing.
Beneath the crime-solving surface, the series explores themes of trauma, trust, family bonds, and the long shadows cast by past choices. As expected, Ms. Stone doesn’t shy away from the psychological toll of law enforcement work, but cleverly balances the darkness with moments of hope, loyalty, and even humor. (But be aware, as the ‘heavier’ themes involving cult trauma and violence etc , might be too much for readers who have triggers/issues.)
Happy Reading…
June 13, 2024
JOURNEY’S PREY is the fourth installment to Mary Stone's and Amy Wilson's newest series, Journey Russo FBI Mystery Series. This is another thrilling and chilling page turner that you have come to expect from a Mary Stone book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There is an involved, twisty plot and if you like thrillers, you'll like this book. You will be kept guessing to the end.
Journey and her partner Lucas are Special Agents in the FBI Pittsburg field office. The two are on administrative leave pending their officer-involved shooting during their previous case when SSA Keller calls them back early for a new case. A body of a young girl has been found on National Forest land. They soon find a link to another body from a year ago with the same M.O. Will they be able to find the killer before another teenage girl is killed and mutilated?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my freely given and honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
Journey and her partner Lucas are Special Agents in the FBI Pittsburg field office. The two are on administrative leave pending their officer-involved shooting during their previous case when SSA Keller calls them back early for a new case. A body of a young girl has been found on National Forest land. They soon find a link to another body from a year ago with the same M.O. Will they be able to find the killer before another teenage girl is killed and mutilated?
I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my freely given and honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
June 13, 2024
Journey Russo FBI Special Agent Amanda her partner Lucas are still under administrative leave after the shooting in the last case. But a new case needs their attention when SSA Keller calls them in to help. They find a horrific murder mutilation of a young girl in the woods near her home where her father found her while walking the dog.
Journeys Prey is the fourth in the "Journey" Series by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson. This series has brought new people to learn about and new stories involved in the Murder Mysteries Books that Mary Stone is known for. I have loved all of the books and different series Mary has written and I have enjoyed receiving the ARC's from the Authors for an honest review.
Journeys Prey is the fourth in the "Journey" Series by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson. This series has brought new people to learn about and new stories involved in the Murder Mysteries Books that Mary Stone is known for. I have loved all of the books and different series Mary has written and I have enjoyed receiving the ARC's from the Authors for an honest review.
June 11, 2024
Summertime in a small town is pool time for the young people. However, someone is taking the enjoyment out of that activity. Three young girls have being found on the edge of the Allegheny Forest brutally murdered. Enter Journey & Lucas to try to find and stop the killer. The only thing these kids had in common is the local pool. Will our agents be able to find the killer before he strikes again?
June 13, 2024
When Rachel and Kate decide to go out drinking and dancing for the night with their fake ID’s they have no idea of what lies ahead. The bar scene was not what they expected,so, they decide to head back home.
Journey and her FBI partner Lucas are assigned to help with with the discovery of a dead young woman.
This is a twist and turn story that takes the team thru some difficult Deja vu. It’s fast paced and really good !
Journey and her FBI partner Lucas are assigned to help with with the discovery of a dead young woman.
This is a twist and turn story that takes the team thru some difficult Deja vu. It’s fast paced and really good !
June 13, 2024
I fell in love with Mary Stone’s and her co authors books and I know it will never stop. These series are great and easy to follow. There is so much reality and moments to think about. This time the darkness is almost too much. The young girls, summer pool and killer don’t go together well. I was turning pages and didi’t want to stop reading, but felt a relief at the end. Poor Lucas. The book is excellent. I’m looking forward for the next one. Wow about Chosen…..
June 13, 2024
imagine a small town with nothing to do during summer vacation. the pool is fun but all the girls are ready to grow up too fast.
young girls are being murdered and journey and her team must look for answers when there are few clues. journeys sister michelle, the medical examiner, finds a vital clue which sends them on the right track but will they be in time to save the next victim? read on.....
great job mary
young girls are being murdered and journey and her team must look for answers when there are few clues. journeys sister michelle, the medical examiner, finds a vital clue which sends them on the right track but will they be in time to save the next victim? read on.....
great job mary
June 17, 2024
This is the fourth book in the Journey Russo series by Mary Stone. Journey and her partner, Lucas, are called to investigate the gruesome murder of a teenage girl. Soon another young girl is found murdered and these two murders are linked toa previous murder about a year ago. Journey and Lucas must try to solve these murders before another girl is murdered.
The book is full of suspense and mystery and I would highly recommend it.
The book is full of suspense and mystery and I would highly recommend it.
August 1, 2024
Journey’s Prey
Journey’s Prey is excellent. It keeps you glued to your seat from the first page. When a young, innocent girl is killed and mutilated in the woods behind her house Journey and Lucus are called in the solve the murder. This is a tough case for Lucus especially since his daughter is about the same age. Then another girl is murdered and her body mutilated. Can they find this killer before he strikes again. Mary Stone you do not disappoint. Thank you.
Journey’s Prey is excellent. It keeps you glued to your seat from the first page. When a young, innocent girl is killed and mutilated in the woods behind her house Journey and Lucus are called in the solve the murder. This is a tough case for Lucus especially since his daughter is about the same age. Then another girl is murdered and her body mutilated. Can they find this killer before he strikes again. Mary Stone you do not disappoint. Thank you.
June 13, 2024
Mary Stone and Amy Wilson have done it again with this awesome read. A fast-paced edge of your seat page turner that keeps you guessing until the end. Wonderful characters that we learn a little more about. Cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
June 15, 2024
slightly off-putting storyline
Homicides of teen girls by a demented killer, removed from reality.
While the writing was fine, the sheer volume of tales by several different Kindle authors, where perpetrators target females (sometimes underage, sometimes not) to be brutalized and mutilated, leaves me feeling slightly ill.
Homicides of teen girls by a demented killer, removed from reality.
While the writing was fine, the sheer volume of tales by several different Kindle authors, where perpetrators target females (sometimes underage, sometimes not) to be brutalized and mutilated, leaves me feeling slightly ill.
June 16, 2024
What is the author's obsession with people talking with their mouth full of food? It is totally off putting. I can see in every day life that parents no longer teach manners to their children but, in my opinion, we shouldn't glorify their poor manners. If I didn't enjoy her books so much, it would be more than enough reason to never pick one up again.
June 23, 2024
Pretty good mystery
The story is about teenage girls being murdered in a small with nothing else to do but hang at the local pool day after day. When one girl is found mutilated and murdered the FBI steps in to solve the mystery. It is well written however, I think the characters could have been fleshed out more. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light mystery.
The story is about teenage girls being murdered in a small with nothing else to do but hang at the local pool day after day. When one girl is found mutilated and murdered the FBI steps in to solve the mystery. It is well written however, I think the characters could have been fleshed out more. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a light mystery.
June 24, 2024
Unfortunately
It is so saddening to think there are men like Jeff and Derek in the real world and not just in Mary's and Amy's imaginations. I'm looking forward to Book 5 & 6 coming up in the Journey Russo series. Thank you, Mary and Amy for creating and sharing another series with us
It is so saddening to think there are men like Jeff and Derek in the real world and not just in Mary's and Amy's imaginations. I'm looking forward to Book 5 & 6 coming up in the Journey Russo series. Thank you, Mary and Amy for creating and sharing another series with us
June 25, 2024
Journey and Lucas are a great team!
Loved this story, fast paced and exciting. I felt like I was right there fighting alongside Journey, Lucas, and Michelle. They are so relatable. And the ending with Cassidy had me high fiving her! Great read, finished it in an afternoon, because I couldn't put it down. Thank you!
Loved this story, fast paced and exciting. I felt like I was right there fighting alongside Journey, Lucas, and Michelle. They are so relatable. And the ending with Cassidy had me high fiving her! Great read, finished it in an afternoon, because I couldn't put it down. Thank you!
August 16, 2024
Edge of seat reading...AGAIN!
This was a real nail biter. You are as confused as the detectives and crossing your fingers for a break in the case. Real life comes to play in each story and this had me "caffeined" up with each page turn. As usual I am in anticipation of the next adventure.
This was a real nail biter. You are as confused as the detectives and crossing your fingers for a break in the case. Real life comes to play in each story and this had me "caffeined" up with each page turn. As usual I am in anticipation of the next adventure.
March 1, 2025
The TEAM is why things work out!
Great read. The group going after this serial killer could not have done this as a single agent. It took 2 special agents, 1 CSI, 1 ME for this killer. They also put away a pedophile and a rapist. Truly there is no I in team for a good reason. The team worked hard for 3 days to identify the serial killer and get him arrested.
Great read. The group going after this serial killer could not have done this as a single agent. It took 2 special agents, 1 CSI, 1 ME for this killer. They also put away a pedophile and a rapist. Truly there is no I in team for a good reason. The team worked hard for 3 days to identify the serial killer and get him arrested.
April 17, 2025
I have read 5 of the 6 in this series, not always in order, #6 is waiting, this one was particularly a good read for me. It actually did not give away until ver close to the end. While Journey has her problems, she is coping, not always well, I’m hoping in book 6 I see she gets another step closer to healing.
April 13, 2026
A definite must read book and series
This was another brutal case for the Agents, but even more so due to the personal reminder for one of them. It's certainly not a story or series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was another brutal case for the Agents, but even more so due to the personal reminder for one of them. It's certainly not a story or series that you'll want to miss!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
June 15, 2024
As FBI agent Journey Russo & her partner Lucas are l leave from their last case, they are called back to work by SSA Keller to investigate a teen murdered & mutilated at the edge if the Allegheny Forest. This book is a chilling thriller that you can't put down til the end.
June 18, 2024
Journeys Prey
This book is great . I loved. I just finished book 3and started this book. I could not put this book down. I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book but also the series.
This book is great . I loved. I just finished book 3and started this book. I could not put this book down. I can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend this book but also the series.
June 20, 2024
Journey's series
I enjoy this series, it never fails to capture my interest and keep it from beginning to end. I am already looking forward to the next. Mary Stone never disappoints me.
I enjoy this series, it never fails to capture my interest and keep it from beginning to end. I am already looking forward to the next. Mary Stone never disappoints me.
June 20, 2024
Spine Tingling
A quiet town on summer vacation turns into every parents nightmare. A crowded public pool where everyone hangs out in hot steamy summers is a great meeting place for the local teens to hang out. Can it also be a place to meet a killer?
A quiet town on summer vacation turns into every parents nightmare. A crowded public pool where everyone hangs out in hot steamy summers is a great meeting place for the local teens to hang out. Can it also be a place to meet a killer?
September 22, 2024
Journey's Prey
Journey, Michelle and Lucas are instrumental in bringing down a murderer of teenage girls and his mentor a rapist and pedophile in a small Pennsylvania town on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. Great story.
Journey, Michelle and Lucas are instrumental in bringing down a murderer of teenage girls and his mentor a rapist and pedophile in a small Pennsylvania town on the edge of the Allegheny National Forest. Great story.
February 8, 2026
Her writing style!
I would love to have a hundred books of hers to read. Her writing style is amazing. She doesn’t repeat herself just to put words on the page and the action is perfectly flowing. Her character development is intriguing and not boring at all.
I would love to have a hundred books of hers to read. Her writing style is amazing. She doesn’t repeat herself just to put words on the page and the action is perfectly flowing. Her character development is intriguing and not boring at all.
June 11, 2024
This was a awesome about Journey and team finding out who is killing young girls and why and finding out who is doing it. This had lots of suspense and action. Thank you for a excellent story.
June 13, 2024
A GREAT BOOK THAT YOU CAN'T PUT DOWN. GRABS YOU FROM THE START. THE STORY LINE IS GREAT AND SO ARE THE CHARACTERS. A GREAT ADDITION TO THE SERIES. HOPE THE NEXT ONE COMES SOON.
June 14, 2024
Another Amazing book by Mary Stone. I like how the story line played out. I did not want to put the book down. I needed to know what happened next. I Definately recommend reading this book.
June 14, 2024
An extremely well written story which kept me engrossed from start to finish, an edge of the seat page turner
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews