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Sky Stryker #1

Fatal Secrets

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In Hell's Kitchen, secrets are as deadly as the shadows.

The gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen are a far cry from the rural farm where Sky Stryker grew up. But here she is, eager to take the writing world by storm, diving deep into the treacherous waters of true crime to uncover the city's hidden evils.

If she isn’t chewed up and spit out first.

Only five days after moving to the city, Sky attends her cousin’s prestigious, by-invitation-only fashion show during New York City’s Fashion Week. Though she’s more country bumpkin than fashionista, she’s excited to attend. Not for the clothes, but to discover what happens behind the scenes.

She has it all planned out. Step stop apologizing so much. Step continue her research on the fashion world by talking to the seductive yet sinister COO of the clothing designer her cousin models for. Step write a best-selling tell-all exposing the dark underbelly of the fashion industry and the disturbing trend of New York City’s top models disappearing.

What she hadn’t planned on? Tracking down her cousin’s killer.

Had her cousin been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Or had she been the target of someone’s evil game? Determined not to let the trail go cold, Sky takes matters into her own hands. But if she’s not careful, her story may have the same abrupt ending.

Welcome to Fatal Secrets, the first installment of Mary Stone’s new Sky Stryker series. Dive into a world where the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple hide a monstrous darkness ready to consume anyone who dares uncover its secrets.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2024

2322 people are currently reading
379 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

216 books2,111 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.

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5 stars
1,567 (57%)
4 stars
787 (28%)
3 stars
314 (11%)
2 stars
60 (2%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
July 7, 2024
Fatal Secrets is a new series by Mary Stone and Bella Cross. A murder mystery series. A page turner. It’s one book you can’t stop reading. I can not wait for the next book.
67 reviews
June 23, 2024
Starts slow.....

I'm a huge fan of all Mary Stone's books but this one was hard to get through. For some reason the characters weren't fully developed and I wasn't drawn to them or the storyline. I will read the second book when it comes out to see if the story gets better.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,297 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2024
FATAL SECRETS is the first installment in the Sky Stryker series by Mary Stone's and Bella Cross' newest series. This is a murder mystery and page turner that have all the great elements you have come to expect from a book that has Mary Stone's name attached to it.

This story is more of a chilling murder mystery than a true thriller. Still, it's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. There is an involved, twisty plot and if you like mild thrillers, you'll like this book. You will be kept guessing to the end.

Sky, an investigative journalist, has just moved to New York City where her cousin Megan is a runway model. Sky is so looking forward to exploring her new city and seeing the best places with Megan. Everything's going great until Megan vanishes then is  found dead.

All the drama, mystery and suspense which you have learned to expect from Mary Stone and her co-authors.

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.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,306 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2024
The first book in a new series and it was captivating! Sky is a writer and in NYC for the first time ever. She faces a major loss at the beginning and then quickly finds herself in danger and making friends unexpectedly. The story is full of colorful characters and I hope we see Javier, Callie, Dahlia, and Sami in the future books. The POV of the villain gave away who it was somewhat easily, but it still was well done and made for a sharp ah ha moment at the end. There is a solid and intriguing introduction to the Mill and I wonder if that is going to be the overarching storyline behind the series. There is no romance in this book, but there is hints of a potential romance which I hope happens as I like Sky and Javier! I couldn’t put the book down and am excited to read more of this series.

There is also a prequel to the book (Fatal Beginnings) and it is fantastic. It provides more background information on Sky and a little on Megan. There is not a Goodreads for that book, but if you go to MS site you should see it!
1 review
November 10, 2024
Hard to believe it's the same author.

Is this the same Mary Stone whose name I'm seeing everywhere? The author who wrote the Winter series? This book did not read nearly as well as other books I've read by her. Sophomoric at best. Blatant errors in the details, such as the van used in the attempted kidnapping of Sky came right to her at the curb. Couple of paragraphs later she sees the van getting closer and closer. When Nadine was arrested how did Javier know it stemmed from 1 hair on the scarf? He didn't even know about the scarf. Sky was described as fiesty yet at every turn her heart was racing, her stomach was rolling, her hands were shaking and of course, she feared elevators with no hint that there was a reason why. She constantly apologized and lacked urgency in following up on potential leads. Not fiesty, mousey. She finds her cousin's journal in Megan's apartment, does that sound like something the detectives would leave behind? Just surprised by how much better Ms. Stone's other books were written.
372 reviews
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the beginning book of the Fatal Secrets Series and I cannot wait for the next book. Any book with Mary Stone as and Author/Co-Author is a great book and you know it will be a great book.
The suspense, mystery and intrigue are a formula for the reader not being able to put the book down and being kept on the edge of your seat. It's always, one more page then I will put the book down.
Sky has moved closer to her cousin Megan who is a top model. To lose her cousin so soon after moving to be closer is such a blow. She is hoping to write a book about the models that go missing. She may have a personal connection to the book now.
You will enjoy the book and the new series, I hope you get to read it soon.
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
461 reviews1 follower
June 24, 2024
Sky Stryker is the newest series launched by Mary Stone, and it's a good book. When her look-a-like cousin is brutally murdered Sky steps into the role as detective. She's a young writer and the loss of her dearest cousin has hit her hard. She is determined to find out who, what, and why. But now someone is after Sky. Luckily, she has made a few good friends in her new home, and they are standing by her. This is still an unsolved case as the person behind the scenes who orchestrated the attack on Sky and killed her cousin hasn't been found. Nor has the second attacker who attempted to kidnap Sky. The plot is thick with false clues and a few nice twists. It has me speculating about the next book in the series. This is a good start and I can't wait for the next one.
1,252 reviews
May 28, 2025
Three and 1/2 stars. A much better premise than I expected. Some good characters and plotting. My biggest negative about this book is that the way some of the characters perceptions of each other changed in an awkward fashion. For example, Javier later in the book indicates that he had thought Sky was always angry. But we read for ourselves that that wasn't true. Every time that sort of thing happened, it shot the reader out of the story and broke the reader's trust in the author's work. "Don't believe what you read earlier!"
The series has real potential, so I'm hoping Bella Cross does better. That said, Mary Stone should have caught it.
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
231 reviews
June 19, 2024
Sky Striker has moved to New York to further her writing career and be closer to her cousin Megan, who is a model for an esteemed fashion house GDL. Megan has warned Sky about the underbelly of the fashion world but it doesn’t seem possible until tragedy strikes. Megan disappears and turns up in the river, murdered. Sky is on a mission to find the culprits along with Javier (the COO of the fashion house), a PI Sami and her neighbor Callie, a retired FBI agent. Oh the webs that are unraveled, but is it the end?
1,160 reviews26 followers
August 3, 2024
This is the start of a new series and an ARC read by Mary Stone. Sky Stryker has moved to New York City to be close to her cousin Meaghan and to write a book on the fashion industry. What she doesn't expect is for her cousin to disappear just days after her arrival or later that her cousin would be found dead. Now Sky with the help of some new friends are on the hunt for Meaghan's killer and what connection does this all have to do with the mysterious group known as the Mill. The big question now is can they find the killer before he strikes again?
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
135 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
The main character Sky Stryker has come to New York to be near her cousin, the up and coming model. When her cousin Megan is murdered shortly after her arrival, Sky turns to a wide group of friends to find the person responsible for Megan’s death. She proves to be very good at finding clues…her and her new friends prove to be a force to reckoned with.
This exciting new series catches you right from the beginning,
274 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
what a wonderful new series. Sky Strker is a character we can love from the outset.
try to solve the death of hher cousin Meagan sky feels she must fight aslone. she doesn't know many people and the few she knows she fears depending on them.
the police do not seem able to solve the crime so she goes to social media. then an unexpected ally appears and helps her. she learns to trust a few others.
when the perp is caught we know there is another criminal in the background and it is.....TBC
178 reviews
June 20, 2024
Thank you, Mary Stone and Bella Cross, for an amazing new series. Once I started the book, I could not put it down. Lots of action, suspense, twists and turns, and a surprise cliffhanger. I really enjoyed learning about Sky and the fashion world in New York. Loved all the new characters. Looking forward to future books in this awesome new series.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Dawn.
370 reviews2 followers
June 27, 2024
Sky moves to the big city to be near her cousin Megan. Megan is a model and introduces Sky to the industry. As Megan gets a big break, due to another model's disappearance, the industry is looked at with a microscope. Then Megan disappears and Sky's life also seems in danger. With the help of a few friends, an investigator and the FBI, Sky sets out to find Megan and uncover what's been going on. A good mystery with new characters in this 1st book of the series.
165 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2024
Fatal Secrets is the first installment in a new series by Mary Stone. Sky moves to New York City where her cousin, Megan, is a very good model.

Sky hopes to write a book on the modeling industry and is soon involved in a mystery trying to find out what happened to Megan who has disappeared and is found murdered.

I would recommend this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series
152 reviews
June 19, 2024
Mary Stone and Bella Cross have created endearing characters to grace the pages of this brand new series! Fatal Secrets is a sure fire winner. The story is filled with drama, mystery and suspense which keeps the reader thoroughly engrossed! And the ending is WOW! Highly recommend, you will not be disappointed!!
133 reviews2 followers
June 19, 2024
This first book in the new series is absolutely delightful and tense. I enjoyed the inventive sleuth/writer Sky Stryker so much. The characters are refreshing and the pace is fast. Fashion world is fascinating and I’m glad to be able to peek inside, while mystery evolves. I believe this is another winner for Mary and Bella.
215 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2024
An exciting new series by the most popular author of thrillers. Sky Stryker moves from her quiet country life to the glitz & glamour of the Big Apple. Her cousin is a model & Sky is excited to be a part of this new life....until her cousin is murdered & Sky starts an investigation. This new series won't disappoint & you'll be waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,597 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2024
scary, scary, scary

Life in the big city, for pretty girls, is not all it’s cracked up to be.

Sky moves to New York, following her cousin’s footsteps, to immerse herself in the literary world instead of high-fashion modeling.

Instead of glitz and glamour, something stinks in the world of haute couture.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,104 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2024
Fatal Secrets (Sky Stryker Series Book 1) By: Mary Stone and Bella Cross. Sky Stryker is one brave character she endures so much in such a short period of time . I loved this new series Mary Stone and Bella Cross wow and Thank You Phenomenal Start to this New Series. Can’t wait to read the next book…..
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
595 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2024
Loved this book. I had a really hard time putting it down. I loved the people who helped Sky. Such interesting characters. I did not guess the ending. It was a suprise. Definitely recommend this book
137 reviews1 follower
June 19, 2024
GET THIS ONE QUICK. A NEW SERIES THAT GRABS YOU FROM THE FIRST AND DOESN'T LET GO TILL THE END AND LEAVES YOU LOOKING FOR THE NEXT ONE. WELL WRITTEN AND ORIGINAL WITH GREAT CHARACTERS YOU WILL LIKE. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE OR THE OTHERS BY THIS AUTHOR. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM ALL
706 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2024
This was great story about Sky and her new life and and what happen to her cousin and delving in who did it and why . This had lots of suspense and action and mystery of who is behind it. Thank you Mary and Bella.
45 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2024
This book was definitely not one of the better Mary Stone books. Like Emma Last, I won't be reading the next book. Sky comes across as a 24 year old child, the storyline was not interesting. I did like Callie, she and the PI were the best characters.
275 reviews
June 25, 2024
Great

Fantastic start to a new series. Wonderful setting in New York City. The modeling and fashion business is intriguing to most everyone. Who knew it was so dangerous. Great interesting characters. I am anxiously awaiting the nest Sky Stryker book.
117 reviews
July 5, 2024
Outstanding

Just finished ready this 1st book of this new series and it was such a great story. The storyline keeps your attention and keeps you guessing and trying to figure out what's next and who done it. As with Mary Stone's other series this one is a winner. On to book 2.
34 reviews
July 15, 2024
New and Exciting

Different "world", characters and storylines. I think I'm going to really enjoy Mary Stone's new series. As of next si believe I've read all the rest. She's one of my favorites.
89 reviews1 follower
July 30, 2024
Great series opener

I enjoyed reading this multiple Point of View mystery. The story is well-written. This was my first book by these authors, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. No kissing and no sex in this book.
6 reviews
August 18, 2024
Captivating

Easy reading keeps you glue to the story, The authors writes Like if your mind was viewing a movie, Even wakes up emotions of sadness, nervousness, and teaches you how to protect yourself from possible dangerous situations.
RS Arkansas
Profile Image for Susan Clair Holt.
1,354 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2024
Fatal Secrets

What a great story, the mastermind obscured until the end. Sections about Megan's death became emotional for me. Got to wonder what will become of her attraction to Javier.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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