Dark Conclusion

Charli Cross #10

by Mary Stone

Endings are inevitable. Survival is not.

As the ten-year anniversary of the murder that haunts her dreams looms, Detective Charli Cross faces something even more daunting than serial a high-stakes crime show interview, her last hope to solve her best friend's case. But before the cameras cool, a chilling call pulls her away—a horticulturist has been found murdered in a cryptic and unsettling scene.

Then, the unthinkable happens.

Charli’s world shatters when her partner’s teenage daughter is kidnapped, and it’s no coincidence. The monster who killed Charli’s best friend has returned, and now he’s targeting other people she loves. Taunting her. The clock is ticking, and every second brings them closer to a deadly conclusion.

And this time, failure’s not an option.

As Charli races against time to unravel a sinister web of clues and save the girl’s life, the lines between past and present blur, forcing her to confront her darkest fears. Everything is connected, and the killer has always been one step ahead—because he’s closer than she ever imagined. His real target isn’t just anyone.

It’s her.

Explosive and unputdownable, Dark Conclusion—the tenth and final book in the Charli Cross series from best-selling author Mary Stone—will make you question the people around you. Because the most terrifying monsters don’t hide in the shadows. They walk among us.

Genres: Mystery

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2024

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Conclusion is 10th and final installment of Charli Cross series. It was an excellent ending to an outstanding series. There are so many twist that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. You think you know who it is then the next time you think is someone else.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

DARK CONCLUSION is the tenth and final installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. These two authors have done an amazing job capturing and keeping our attention in each and every installment. There are so many twists & turns you will be turning the pages not wanting to stop reading for even a minute.

Charli's in the middle of Crime Stopper type interview to highlight the tenth anniversary of her friend's abduction and murder, when she gets called to investigate a suspicious death. Then a teen girl is kidnapped and it's Chelsey, her partner's daughter. Could it to be Madeline's kidnapper returned to haunt Charli? Even with the entire Savanah PD on this, will they be in time to save Chelsey from this nightmare?

This was a great series with an ending you won’t forget!  I'm sorry to see this series conclude, but Charli deserves a rest and some happiness. 

I did receive an advance copy of this book from the authors and this is my voluntary and honest review. I definitely recommend ALL of their books.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so into Charli and her life, as a young child she had lost a best friend and live through trauma that wore on her daily. This was something that we all would be lost and not found if we had encountered it as a young girl. Daily she worked towards finding the man who had caused Madeline's death.
When her friend stood her up for dinner the day she had joined in with a team reporting on true crime, telling the story of Madeline, hoping that the man who haunted her would be found. When suddenly her partners daughter was snatched with clues left to point towards the man who took Madeline, it seems the fingers pointed towards the evil this man is.
I enjoyed reading this series. Charli has become a friend, someone to check on to see how they are, and read her story. I think you would enjoy this series as much as I did.
Mary Stone brings the people in her books come to life as someone you could befriend and check on every chance you can.

[Jeannine Wickliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC read and its another great book. Its coming up on the 10th anniversary of Charli's best friend Madeline and things are crazy. Charli's partner, Matthew, is still recovering from his truck exploding. She is still receiving weird things dealing with Madeline's death. To top if off, she is sitting down to film a segment on her friends murder. Then the unthinkable happens, Matthews daughter, Chelsea, is kidnapped and from evidence left, it has do with the murder of Maddie and Charli getting away. Now with all hand on deck, can the Savanah Police Department save Chelsea or will this murderer get Charli? Can the clues they are getting lead to the real killer or are the being led to a patsy? Will they be able to save Matthews daughter before its to late?

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 10th and final book in the Charli Cross series was superb! Mary Stone knows how to capture her readers and not let them go until the end! The 10th anniversary of Madeline, Charli's best friend's kidnapping and murder is coming up and Charli has agreed to do a television interview to hopefully help find the killer. Before the interview could be completed, her partner's daughter, Chelsea, is kidnapped. Hints sent by the kidnapper links this to Madeline's. As usual, Ms. Stone points you in one direction only to make you second guess yourself, until finally the kidnapper/murderer is revealed. But, is it in time to save Chelsea and Charli! I hate to see this series end!! One of her best!

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charli has tried to get past the kidnapping/murder of her best friend Madeline 10 years ago. She keeps getting cryptic notices that the kidnapper is still out there and it’s haunting her. For the anniversary of Madeline’s murder a local investigation show has asked her for an interview with the hope it will lead to the person responsible. After much thought and advice from friends and co-workers she agrees to be interviewed. However before the interview can be finished tragedy strikes and her team must go looking for another kidnap victim….her partners daughter. This is a true race against time.

[Jussara Berlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's great that Charlie finally got her ending. But it was clear from the beginning that Preston wasn't the culprit, since everything magically pointed to him. And she and other characters being easily so suspicious of him was a bit forced. As for the real villain, it was easier to point out, since he was the only "new" character that Charlie suddenly trusted blindly (another fact that I didn't understand, since she doesn't trust anyone so easily and, most importantly, doesn't share such crucial information about a case).

But it was well written, I really liked the series and I sincerely hope it has a continuation, just like other series that had their endings.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, most everybody lived happily ever after but there are going to be some characters that need to either continue with therapy or start it....I think that things got wrapped up in a pretty tidy bow after 10 years. I have to admit that I was going to quit after four of the books but look at me now. Finished with ten so what can I readily admit too.

I found it fascinating to be able to find grammar errors through out the series. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing that caused me any consternation or inability to not understand the context. I think it kept me on my game.

Thank you Mary Stone. The bad guys were caught by the amazing "little package" known as Charli.

[Teresa Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending

Glad to finally see it come to an end. I loved the whole series but didn't want to see it keep dragging out. I kinda figured it was going to be the Jack guy, they was trying to hard to make it seem like it was Preston so it was obvious it was going to be someone else. The Jack guy was the only other logical one. It was well written though and overall a good story. Glad Charli finally got closure and hopefully a fresh start. Looking forward to whatever is next from Mary Stone

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read. On the edge of my seat since chapter 2!

This book is by far the most riveting in the entire series. My anxiety was on a 12 beginning in chapter 2. 10 books in for us to figure out the culprit of the kidnapping and murder of Charli’s childhood friend. There were no downs in this book, the author took us through the worst roller coaster possible. So much so, about a third of the way through, I wanted to hurt the author for all the pain and tragedy included in this novel. What a FANTASTIC read.

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about twists and turns, hold on to your seat. You will be sent down several rabbit holes and trying to figure out who the real killer is will make your head spin. This is a great book with lots of action and a lot of clues to which you need to pay attention. What a great finale to such a good series. You don't want to miss this final book and the whole series is well worth the read! What a sendoff for Charlie Cross.

[Donna Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End

So sorry to see this series end. All the books were real page turners and certainly held your attention and kept you guessing. I was concerned about how this one ended but was extremely happy with the outcome. Mary and Donna tied up the loose ends. So greatfull for the excellent writing. I wish there could be more Charlie Cross but look for to whatever these 2 amazing authors create next.

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the tenth and final book in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone. Matthew, Charli's partner, is still recovering from injuries that he suffered when is car exploded and now his daughter has been kidnapped.

Charli is determined to find Chelsey before anything happens to her and she is concerned that she has been taken by the same person that kidnapped her friend ten years ago.

The book is full of twists and turns and I am really sad to see this series end.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent ending to this amazing series. We finally find out who killed Charlies friend, Madeline. The same person has been tormenting Charlie over the last decade. When Charlie agrees to an interview to mark the anniversary of the kidnapping, things start to unravel fast. There are so many twist and red herrings this story keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing who the bad guy is. Loved this novel and this series!!

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End.

It took me several books appreciate Charli Cross and her personality. But... I did. Dark Conclusion is a fitting end to her need for closure. Finding Madeline's killer was her release to a new future. The twists and turns had me drawing incorrect conclusions. I did suspect Jack before the ending. Well done, Donna and Mary. Keep your collaborations coming. Thank you for giving us the life and times of Charli Cross. NEXT!!!

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Conclusion, the final book in the Charli Cross series has outstanding writing by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. The non-stop action brings the reader surprise after surprise. The ending is extremely satisfying and I offer the authors kudos for this brilliant book! You will not be disappointed. Enjoy!!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great ending to such a riveting series. Charli is nearing the 10 year anniversary of the kidnapping & killing of her best friend, Madeline. Although it seems history is trying to repeat itself. Will Charli find the killer or will she be in his trap? So many twists & turns will keep you turning the pages to find out who survives. This was a great series with an ending you won’t forget!

[Teresa Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Conclusion(Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 10)

OMG!!!!!!!! This book was so worth the wait, I truly hope this is not the last one. Charli finally got what she has been searching for, it's scary because she almost lost her life this time. I just hope that Preston doesn't hurt her, she has been through enough. I hope to see more from Charli.

[Evelyn Launderville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten Years Later

Madeline's killer was taunting Charli's with letters, notes and pictures. All he'll broke loose when he kidnapped Matthew's daughter Chelsea. The whole precinct bonded together to find and rescue her. A message from the killer brought Charli's into his lair too. A thrilling conclusion to a very well told series. I will miss these characters.

[marcia potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kidnapping and murder solved after 10 years

Turns out that there has been a serial killer training other serial killers for years all around the country. Ten years before Charlie Cross was enjoying a day with her best friend, whose body was later found after having been tortured and murdered. For ten years everything Charlie has done has been colored by that loss.

[James Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A GREAT BOOK THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND WILL KEEP YOU ENGROSSED TILL THE LAST PAGE. THE STORY LINE IS ORIGINAL WITH PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING THE PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT AND BECOME YOUR FRIEND DURING THE BOOK. WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR?

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very satisfying ending of wonderful series. I had to finish in one sitting. Very intense and torturous with the actions and mistakes. I loved it and really appreciated the ending. The building of the whole case was amazing. I enjoyed it. The best left for the last. Thank you Mary.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Conclusion was a fast paced read with lots of twists and turns. A fitting conclusion for Charli Cross. Thank you Mary Stone and Donna Berdel for a great series.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest opinion.

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten years. It’s taken ten years for, hopefully, Charli to be able to find madeline’s killer. But at what cost. Who else will become a victim before the truth comes out? And, will she be able to survive?

[bonnie kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Conclusion

I would give this book ten stars if they had them. I loved this book. This is a great myrstery full of suspense . I could not put this book down. This is the best book in the hold whole series. I highly recommend this book.

[Mona Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!

Is it really over? Such an amazing series! Characters are relatable and likeable. Gonna miss them.
Thank you Stone and Berdel. Many hours of sleep-deprived reading done here.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great story about Charli coming to grip about things from her past that have come to the present and finding out who took her partners daughter and getting her back. This story had lots of suspense and action. Thank you Mary.

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending story

I've been following the story from the start. All of the books leading up to this conclusion were good but this one was the best. The characters all came together but the twists, turns and drama brought the story to a great ending.

[Mary Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!

I have read all ten books in this series in a week. It's going to be hard to leave them behind. I love when a storyline grabs me like that. Please don't miss this chance for one of the best reads of your life.

[Z IGLARSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a great series to read

Excellent book and wonderful series. I read each book with a need to complete the series. I was amazed by my experience.
Now I am on to another Mary Stones series!!!
Thank you