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A Villain’s Story #9
Beneath the Surface
Every detective has his demons. Every demon has its day.
After fighting old demons and apprehending his nemesis’s copycat killer, all Detective Justice Hall wants to do is sleep in the arms of his new love. But that’s not an option when he learns that his girlfriend’s best friend is missing.
Or is she?
As he investigates the mysterious disappearance of the young woman, a woman whose hefty bank account is at odds with her barely solvent business, he’s not sure if she’s a victim or a con artist. Besides, he has bigger things to worry about.
Like the mob of Justin’s groupies that shows up at the Elmaeder Police Station, looking for blood. His.
Or being forced to confess the truth about his past to the whole world before somebody else does it for him.
Not to mention his sheriff’s increasing concern that Justice is hiding something. And her determination to find out what.
Justice knows one thing for sure. He has to stop administering his own form of justice. For good.
But he’s unleashed a monster. Can he shove the beast back in its cage? Or will it feed again?
Beneath the Surface is book nine of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a riveting thriller that blurs the line between victim and criminal, truth and lies...and justice and vengeance.
After fighting old demons and apprehending his nemesis’s copycat killer, all Detective Justice Hall wants to do is sleep in the arms of his new love. But that’s not an option when he learns that his girlfriend’s best friend is missing.
Or is she?
As he investigates the mysterious disappearance of the young woman, a woman whose hefty bank account is at odds with her barely solvent business, he’s not sure if she’s a victim or a con artist. Besides, he has bigger things to worry about.
Like the mob of Justin’s groupies that shows up at the Elmaeder Police Station, looking for blood. His.
Or being forced to confess the truth about his past to the whole world before somebody else does it for him.
Not to mention his sheriff’s increasing concern that Justice is hiding something. And her determination to find out what.
Justice knows one thing for sure. He has to stop administering his own form of justice. For good.
But he’s unleashed a monster. Can he shove the beast back in its cage? Or will it feed again?
Beneath the Surface is book nine of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a riveting thriller that blurs the line between victim and criminal, truth and lies...and justice and vengeance.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 3, 2024
417 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
227 books2,164 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 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 29, 2024
Just when you think you’ve got it figured out. Mary does it again and throws in those twists and turns I can’t get enough of this series. I highly recommend this book
May 9, 2024
This is another great ARC read from The Villain's series. In this book Justice Hall just wants to take some time to be with the woman he loves and try to put his past behind him. Both are hard since he has allowed Justin Black's son to live and this person knows all about Justice. As for Heather, she has come to Justice asking for help in finding her friend who has gone missing. As he starts hunting for Heather's friend, Lily, the group from the dark web who worship Black show up in town. Everything is so mixed up and Justice feels himself unraveling. Then Heather throws another surprise his way and now Eliza, the Sheriff, is looking at him differently. Everything is coming undone but Justice has one last hope of redeeming himself and that is to stop killing, find Heathers friend, and convince the Sheriff that he is someone she can trust again. Can he do it, or will the urge to kill again defeat him? Will the Sheriff regain her trust in him or will she find out more about what he has been doing?
May 2, 2024
Justice can't catch a break. When he decided to spare the life of Winter Black and his nemesis The Pupil, he opened his life and all his secrets. Now he is being hounded by Justin Black's very crazy fan club! They have gone so far as to attack the Sheriff's Office. But Justice has some true friends who are standing by him and fighting back. But is it for nothing? Justice can't seem to control his murderous streak. The very thing he has fought against is plaguing him constantly. And as The Pupil continues to wreak havoc and doubt about Justin, Sheriff Galvez is still searching for the truth about her star detective. And now a new wrinkle, Heather is pregnant! What a tangled web. This one will keep you on your toes. I read it straight through.
May 12, 2024
Loved this novel! Justice thought he had escaped his past but it has come back to haunt him in such a real way that he announces to the world who he "use to be"-a victim of the notorious Justine Black. Black's nasty and vengeful supporters are after Justice. They call him a traitor and want him dead. They wreak havoc with his life when they show up at the police station and his fellow officers have to defend him. On top of all this, his girlfriends best friend is missing and he is looking for her. Not to tell too much, I will stop there. There are surprises around every corner and the ending is awesome. Can't wait for the next instalment.
May 2, 2024
Justices life is about to take some crucial turns. The fans of Justin Black are ready to “out” him as a traitor. They storm the sheriffs office but his fellow officers face the crowd and stop them, meanwhile the news has an announcement that tells the whole audience who Justice used to be. His world is falling apart. Later he gets a call from Heather saying they have to meet and talk….hes confident his relationship with her is over, and he understands, sorta. Heathers news was not at all what he expected.
This story is fast paced, and truly great !
This story is fast paced, and truly great !
May 9, 2024
As always, this its a great story
Justice is still pushing his luck and it is luck that's prevented him from getting caught. This story kept me wondering if he was going to turn out a decent guy or a closet killer. I think he isn't even sure. Now, I am wondering, how will a new family member affect his.decisions. His boss has got great intuition but has a lot of work ahead of her to figure out Justin. I guess ill have to keep reading and pray that Mary is already working on the next book in the series.
Justice is still pushing his luck and it is luck that's prevented him from getting caught. This story kept me wondering if he was going to turn out a decent guy or a closet killer. I think he isn't even sure. Now, I am wondering, how will a new family member affect his.decisions. His boss has got great intuition but has a lot of work ahead of her to figure out Justin. I guess ill have to keep reading and pray that Mary is already working on the next book in the series.
May 7, 2024
awww
From heights to lows, Justice can’t find a middle ground.
Investigating the unexplained absence of Heather’s friend uncovers the depredations of a homicidal con man who has Heather’s friend held captive.
In the meantime, fallout from the capture of The Pupil, Xavier Poole, mushrooms into civil unrest and disclosure of video during Winter’s confrontation and throttling at Xavier’s hands.
Could things get any worse for Justice? Stay tuned.
From heights to lows, Justice can’t find a middle ground.
Investigating the unexplained absence of Heather’s friend uncovers the depredations of a homicidal con man who has Heather’s friend held captive.
In the meantime, fallout from the capture of The Pupil, Xavier Poole, mushrooms into civil unrest and disclosure of video during Winter’s confrontation and throttling at Xavier’s hands.
Could things get any worse for Justice? Stay tuned.
May 9, 2024
Another winner.
How does she do it. Write so many series and still stay fresh and new? This is based on the poor unfortunate that was trapped by Justin Black as a young boy and groomed in his likeness. But he rebelled and now is the glorified detective Justice Hall. But what most people don't know is that Justice still has some of his killer tendencies in grained. Sometimes he can't seem to keep them in check!!
How does she do it. Write so many series and still stay fresh and new? This is based on the poor unfortunate that was trapped by Justin Black as a young boy and groomed in his likeness. But he rebelled and now is the glorified detective Justice Hall. But what most people don't know is that Justice still has some of his killer tendencies in grained. Sometimes he can't seem to keep them in check!!
May 3, 2024
Wasn’t this just the best Justice Hall novel yet! This Mary Stone character is so complex. He is both hero and vigilante. Surprise after surprise will keep you reading and not wanting to stop…
a page turning sensation!!
a page turning sensation!!
May 4, 2024
Loved this book. I believe this is the first book I have read by Mary Stone where someone did not die in the first chapter. I was suprised but happy. I liked the story line of a con man stealing from people. I loved the ending even more. It is a must read story.
May 4, 2024
This was the best book of the series. A fast-paced page turner. Lots of revelations about Justice Hall. You won't want to stop reading until you reach the end. Looking forward to next book in series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
May 6, 2024
Just as Justice is coming to terms with the sheriff & public finding out who he really is, a friend comes to him for help tracking down a missing person. As Justice starts his search, his past keeps rearing its ugly head, causing the sheriff to question further her misgivings on Justice. Who will prevail?
May 8, 2024
Thrilling
This is one of the best stories in this series. So well written with all the twists and turns. These authors really hit it out of the park. Can't wait for book 10 and really hope for some good news for Justice.
This is one of the best stories in this series. So well written with all the twists and turns. These authors really hit it out of the park. Can't wait for book 10 and really hope for some good news for Justice.
March 31, 2025
Been good reading
Took a bit to get into the series, but can't stop reading now. I know Justice is a serious messed up young man, but who wouldn't be after what he has been through. I am hoping for a happy ending, but really don't see it happening. Can't wait to see what is next.
Took a bit to get into the series, but can't stop reading now. I know Justice is a serious messed up young man, but who wouldn't be after what he has been through. I am hoping for a happy ending, but really don't see it happening. Can't wait to see what is next.
May 3, 2024
exciting story. How much longer can he get away with everything? I couldn’t put it down, thrilling from start to finish.BookBub
May 5, 2024
Excellent
I get completely caught up in each book. Can't get enough, but don't want it to end. I highly recommend this author and this series.
I get completely caught up in each book. Can't get enough, but don't want it to end. I highly recommend this author and this series.
May 11, 2024
Justice wow
Just when you think you know someone the plot thickens. Justice is running out time and lies. Walls closing in
Just when you think you know someone the plot thickens. Justice is running out time and lies. Walls closing in
May 16, 2024
Another great book in the Justice Hall series by Mary Stone. The book is full of mystery and suspense as Justice tries to find the friend of his new girlfriend.
May 26, 2024
This was a excellent book about Justice with lots of suspense and action and always out to get the bad guy and killing him with no remorse. Thank you Mary.
June 3, 2024
Good book
I liked the confrontation in front of the police station. Everything is coming together to be an exciting culmination of storylines.
I liked the confrontation in front of the police station. Everything is coming together to be an exciting culmination of storylines.
June 16, 2024
Cliffhanger
Will she say yes? Will Justice finally be served Justice, Will the sheriff get answers? Those answers in the next book?
Will she say yes? Will Justice finally be served Justice, Will the sheriff get answers? Those answers in the next book?
July 8, 2024
Addicting Series
This series is a nonstop roller coaster. You can’t stop reading. The characters are amazingly real in a very scary way. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
This series is a nonstop roller coaster. You can’t stop reading. The characters are amazingly real in a very scary way. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
August 25, 2024
Never take chances
Five stars fantastic thriller keep you on the.edge of the seat each page brings more twists and.turns of the characters
Five stars fantastic thriller keep you on the.edge of the seat each page brings more twists and.turns of the characters
October 21, 2024
justice
I like seeing that hopefully Justice’s life can be better. Ready for the last book in the series! I’ve enjoyed every single one!!
I like seeing that hopefully Justice’s life can be better. Ready for the last book in the series! I’ve enjoyed every single one!!
March 10, 2025
Good read
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
November 30, 2025
Mary Stone is so good at describing her characters! Anyone who can make me root for a serial killer is a great author in my opinion!!
October 5, 2024
I really thought Justice was going to change his ways in this book after finding out he's going to be a father and knowing that everyone is watching his every move. Another good book in the series, they next one is the last one and I'm curious to see how everything will turn out for him.
June 26, 2024
BENEATH THE SURFACE is the ninth installment in Mary Stone's series, A Villain's Story. This is another chilling, page turner keeping you on the edge of your seat. If you aren't reading any of Mary Stone's thrillers yet, what's stopping you?
Justice Hall has been trying to blend in as a normal person, and it's been working, until now. His secret past has been exposed for all to know. Now he's a hero to some and a traitor to others.
Justice"s girlfriend has asked for his help to find her friend Lily who has vanished. His boss thinks he's too close to the case and wants to assign it to someone else. It's not helping that the station is basically under siege by angry protesters that would like to see Justice the traitor dead.
The stress of his past revealed, hoping the Pupil keeps his current dark activities their secret, growing his love for Heather, finding Lily and "arresting' her abductor if he exists -- could it get any worse for Justice?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I have really enjoyed this entire series and look forward to the next book the End of Justice. I'm hoping he gets a new happy life and not killed or imprisoned. Please Mary.
Justice Hall has been trying to blend in as a normal person, and it's been working, until now. His secret past has been exposed for all to know. Now he's a hero to some and a traitor to others.
Justice"s girlfriend has asked for his help to find her friend Lily who has vanished. His boss thinks he's too close to the case and wants to assign it to someone else. It's not helping that the station is basically under siege by angry protesters that would like to see Justice the traitor dead.
The stress of his past revealed, hoping the Pupil keeps his current dark activities their secret, growing his love for Heather, finding Lily and "arresting' her abductor if he exists -- could it get any worse for Justice?
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I have really enjoyed this entire series and look forward to the next book the End of Justice. I'm hoping he gets a new happy life and not killed or imprisoned. Please Mary.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews