Journey's Menace

Journey Russo FBI Mystery #7

by Mary Stone, Amy Wilson

Death is streaming, and you're the star.

Special Agent Journey Russo can’t seem to escape the devastation of fire. First, it claimed her parents. Then, she faced the chilling case of mental health patients burned to death. Now, her apartment has gone up in flames—intentionally set. But before the blaze consumed everything, she discovered a cryptic message that leads to a disturbing

Her parents’ deaths weren’t accidental. It was arson.

But there’s no time to process this new trauma. A man’s mutilated corpse has been discovered in a dumpster, his body brutally stretched in some medieval act of punishment. Soon after, a second victim emerges—also tortured to death. This killer is sadistic. Cruel. Deliberate. And guaranteed to strike again unless Journey can stop him.

When Journey and her partner find a lens cap at one of the crime scenes, the case turns even more sinister. The murderer isn’t just executing his victims in the most horrific ways imaginable—he’s live streaming it. And he’s hungry for fame.

Prepare for a thriller you’ll never forget. Because Journey’s Menace, book seven of the Journey Russo series by bestselling author Mary Stone, gives pain and suffering a whole new meaning.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 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

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 Menace is the seventh 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…

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

JOURNEY’S MENACE is the seventh installment to Mary Stone's and Amy Wilson's "Journey Russo FBI Mystery Series". These two authors know how to write fast-paced, page turning thrillers with superb world and character development. These stories draw the reader right into  the frightening story that will keep you reading right to the end.

With their last case closed, Lucas decides to spend some time with his daughter. Journey is doing some research into the fire that killed her family. She's sure the fire of her home was caused by the same people that burned down her childhood home with her family inside - The Chosen.

But both agents must put their plans on hold for now. They have another case to solve first. This case will be one out of the macabre. Someone is torturing people to death in a most medieval way. The murders are enough to make the strongest toss their cookies. 

When this case is closed, Journey  returns to her therapist. They no more than get started than Journey gets a call from her SSA. There's another homicide and this time, it's  someone Journey knows. 

Don't miss this and other amazing stories by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson. They are all fast-paced with twists and turns that will not disappoint.

I received a copy of this book from the authors, and this is my freely given and honest review. I look forward to more in this series.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where there is smoke there is fire. Journey's Menace written by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson is a big step to finding out why she is still being targeted and why fires point in that direction.
The Journey Russo FBI series has been great to read. Each book taking you one more step towards solving an old crime and many steps solving this new one.
SA Journey and her partner SA Lucas are in the middle of a horrifying crime committed by a very twisted person for a group of paying customers. Their suspension leads them one way but you wonder if they should look in a new direction. Each discovery of a new body leads them to look at new a harrowing why's.
You will enjoy reading this series and you will not waste money on books this great. I loved every bit of it.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journeys apartment has been set on fire while she was out dining with sister Michelle and Journeys work partner Special Agent Lucas Sullivan. This mess brings back horrible memories of when her family home was set on fire while she was out. That fire cost her both parents and a sister. This fire is arson and she believes her family home fire was also arson.
Stress is really getting to her understandably, but she is determined to keep working and hunt for the arsonists as time permits.
This story goes deep into her ability to juggle work and the demons she faces on a personal level. Wow!

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chased by her past Journey is faced with the new trauma of the fire. As strong as she is, it really affects her and she has a hard time at first to concentrate on the new case. The investigation is very intense and the horrific acts by sadistic killer kept me up during the nights. Journey’s menace is again a very unique story, with an excellent written language and characters. I enjoyed it very much and ent Pisku waiting for the next one, especially after the cliff hanger. Mary knows how to make us loose the sleep lol. Don’t miss it! Bravo again.

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Journey is recovering from someone burning her apartment, she and Lucas are sent to a crime scene that is unnatural. Someone has stretched the victim out, dislocating all his bones and then thrown away like garbage. Who is sadistic enough to do this and why? Even before they can get any more info another body is found in even worse shape. Now they are on mad rush yo discover their unsub before he strikes again

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book should come with a warning label for extreme graphic violence. It is not my favorite book in the series and at times I found it hard to read. The graphic violence was a bit over the top for me. I think there should have been more time spent developing the character than developing the acts of violence. I just could not connect with this book. When you choose to read it, be prepared.

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey's Menace is the seventh book in the Journey Russo series by Mary Storm. While Journey is trying to recover from the fire that destroyed her apartment, Journey and Lucas are called to investigate a crime that looks like it was committed in a medieval torture device.

Once again, the book is filled with a turn of events and suspense and I can hardly wait
for the next book in the series after the cliff hanger at the end of the book.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey’s Menace has been meticulously crafted by Mary Stone and Amy Wilson. The authors have created an incredibly sadistic and horrifying killer! This book is not for the faint of heart! It is fast paced, filled with thrills and chills that left me gasping! It is downright scary and I loved it!
In the words of Lucas Sullivan, Journey’s FBI partner, “very…creative”!!!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced horrific page turner that leaves you on edge of your seat. Journey and Lucas have one of the worst cases yet that involves torture. Mary Stone and Amy Wilson have written another great Russo mystery. Cannot wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey's Menace

Mary Stone never disappoints!! I feel like I have always known each character. They are almost like family or old friends. Your heart breaks as you follow each one through the challenges they face. The plots are always gripping, holding me hostage from beginning to end. I am already excited about the next book of this series.

[Peggy · Rating 1 out of 5]

i couldn’t finish it..

This is a very graphic book. I love mystery books but this was all about torture and the graphic way it way it was done. I really did not enjoy it and finally gave up reading it. If you are into sadism you will enjoy this book. I was very disappointed and could not finish it.

[Susan Brown]

I like this series, but this one was pretty gruesome, Journey has some serious issues, and she seems unable to solve any of them even a little bit, and they constantly seem to show up in her life. This one was a fire in her apartment, with some threats on the wall, and her cat was all she saved. I hope in the next 2 (which I have already downloaded) will get her to a better place.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A definite must read series

This was an intense, unique, and intriguing case for the Agents. However, the murders were beyond diabolical, absolutely horrendous, and truly evil, even though the unsub believed they were something else entirely. It's a story that will keep you on edge until the very end.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.

[James Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT READ IN THIS SERIES. THE STORYLINE IS ORIGINAL AND GRABS YOU AND WON'T LET GO TILL THE END. PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES TILL THE END. WELL WRITTEN WITH GREAT CHARACTERS. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THE SERIES.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

As FBI special agent Journey Russo is trying to cope with the fire at her apartment, a new case involving tortured victims calls her away. A fast paced read that will haunt you with the capabilities of sick murderers. This will not disappoint.

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the seventh book in the Journey Russo FBI Mystery series. The plot is well written and interesting. Lots of drama and suspense. Will Journey ever figure out who set fire o her home? The mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. Another awesome series addition.

[Linae · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as the others

I'm an avid reader of Mary and Amy's books. They never disappoint. This one has the drama from being an FBI agent plus personal drama from their lives outside of work. What a life that must be. Never a dull moment and we get to read all about it.

[Susan Clair Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey's Menace

Lucas is trying to balance work with a relationship with his daughter and Journey is trying to prove the Chosen killed her family. At the same time they catch a weird case which they solve. Great storyteller.

[Patricia A. Biba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Way To Kill

If you tried to image the people were in while being killed it would make one glad it wasn't themselves that was in the situation. Interesting story and the killer didn't appear until the end of the story.

[Janice White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my 20th Mary Stone review

Just trust me and read the book. Mary Stone never, EVER disappoints. I've been happily reading her books and collaborations for years. Please join me.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent story which I couldn’t put down. Action from start to finish, an edge of the seat page turner.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story. Horrifying but I could not put it down. It was an interesting story line of torture.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Journey with things happening that reflects back to her past and trying to solve sadistic murders and finding who is doing it with lots of suspense and action. Thank you.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Loved the book, love this series. Mary Stone always keeps you guessing. I've enjoyed all her books can't wait to start the next one.

[RayAnn McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting!!

Mary really pulled out the stops with this one and delved into a very dark place to create Journey’s Menace.

[Diane Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will see evil at its finest

Mary is such an amazing writer, you will think you actually see these historic killing machines and the people when he is done with them.

[Lili · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredible percentage of British English for a book with two American listed authors.

[Deborah Holden · Rating 3 out of 5]

just too much gore

I could only read half of this book cuz I had to skip the gore. I do enjoy her books but this was just too much for me.

[Barbara Shank · Rating 1 out of 5]

torn apart

Hated this book. Was not used this type of read from this author. Grossed me out. The idea that people could this is eye opening