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Shadow Island #18

Shadow's Sacrifice

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Hush little baby, don’t say a word.

On the heels of receiving evidence hinting at the motive behind her father’s murder, Sheriff Rebecca West confronts a horrific crime scene. A pregnant woman has been brutally attacked in her home, her unborn baby ripped from her womb. But this is more than assault. It’s an abduction of the worst kind.

Now, a newborn is in the hands of a monster.

Determined to follow every lead, Rebecca locks down the island, launching an all-out search for the missing infant. But as the mother fights for her life, Rebecca uncovers chilling evidence of a man obsessed with the young mother.

He didn’t want just any baby. He wanted her baby.

As Rebecca races to close in on the baby’s abductor, it seems she’s chasing a ghost. Twenty-four hours later, all she has is more victims and motives she can’t decipher. But the infant’s chance of survival drops with every passing minute. The clock is ticking, and time is running out.

Shadow’s Sacrifice, the eighteenth installment of the Shadow Island Series, is a chilling special delivery from Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 28, 2025

838 people are currently reading
142 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

225 books2,152 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
2,080 (73%)
4 stars
583 (20%)
3 stars
135 (4%)
2 stars
25 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2025
Shadow's Sacrifice is the eighteenth book in the Shadow Island Series. Amazing writers. I always enjoy her books and this series. Always lots of twist for the next book. I’m ready for the next book.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,318 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2025
SHADOW’S SACRIFICE is 5+stars and the eighteenth installment in the Shadow Island Series by the team of Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for another well-written and exciting murder mystery that will have you hooked from the opening pages with its gruesome start. You'll have a hard time setting this spine-chilling book down for even a few minutes.  

Vivianne's friend is found bleeding out after her baby was cruelly ripped from her womb, and there's no sign of the newborn. Without any post-natal care, time is of the essence, especially as they have no idea of the care the newborn may or may not be receiving. The entire Sheriff’s department is searching for the monster that cruelly took the baby. Three lives are lost and two families are devastated by the time this  monster is found. You will be surprised when the heartless monster is revealed.

This one had me in tears thinking of what the families are experiencing and the monsters in this world.

I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my freely given and honest review. I recommend this book and the entire series.

If you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy mystery thrillers, you should start. Now I'm waiting for "Shadow's Collision". It starts with a call for help, followed by a thunderous boom that shakes the windowpanes of the sheriff's station.
378 reviews
February 2, 2025
Shadows Sacrifice by Mary Stone and co-written by Lori Rhodes is a great book in the Shadow Island Series. If you haven't been reading these, you will find you will enjoy them.
Shadows Sacrifice is about Sheriff Rebecca West and her Deputies following a lead on a bloody injury and murder. As the murders begin piling up around town Las Enforcement is searching for the man they fear as an unknown. Chasing shadows that began as one man now has narrowed down to a 'Who'. Who could have caused the damage and loss of life and Why. Why would an unknown inflict the damage he has and yet remain invisible. Will the Sheriff find out who and why before more blood is spilled? You need to read the book and find out.
Profile Image for Sue Sandifer.
139 reviews2 followers
January 29, 2025
A local woman is only days away from giving birth to a first child for her and her husband when a horrific crime is committed. Her child is cut out of her and taken away, she was left for dead. Meanwhile her hubby had gone to the store fora few minutes, she would be fine for a few minutes home alone. Her husband returns home and sees the front door ajar. Something’s not right! He finds her and tries to stop the bleeding and calls the police. It’s a twisted trail to find the baby and the person who is responsible. Mom’s life hangs in the balance and a missing baby isn’t helping. Very exciting read!
Profile Image for Becky Russo.
36 reviews
February 17, 2025
Sheriff Rebecca West and her detectives have been called to a horrific crime scene. A baby has been literally cut out of the mother. The island is completely closed off to try to catch the criminal from leaving the island with the newborn. This book takes place in a little over 24 hours of time, and is totally captivating. The search is on, another murder takes place, and the reader is able to see into the criminal's mind which is slowly unraveling. Will Sheriff West find the newborn before he loses it? Will the mother survive? It is really a great book and one you will not stop reading until the end!
1,161 reviews27 followers
March 21, 2025
This is my favorite Mary Stone series and her books never fail to lure you in and keep you guessing. Rebecca West and her team are once again faced with a crisis. This time it is the grisly kidnapping of a new born baby, who was cut out of its mothers womb. As the team start their search for the baby on the island, the mother is fighting for her life. Rebecca and her team will not rest until they return the baby to its parents. As they follow the clues, things seem to add up but not all the pieces fit. Then they find their primary suspect knifed and close to death. Who really has the baby and will the find them in time? The team are running against the clock
Profile Image for Angela.
8,598 reviews121 followers
January 1, 2026
4 - 4.5 Stars

Shadow's Sacrifice is the eighteenth book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
26 reviews
January 31, 2025
Wow I had to finish this Mary and Lori’s latest book in one sitting. The horrific crime of stubbing a pregnant mother, ripping out her unborn child and snatching it away brought me down to my knees. I cried and needed to know what will happen next. So I did not stop reading. I tried so hard to figure out who is the monster and failed with every new twist. Of course, what did I expect?! This story, though horrific, is masterfully written and engaging. Rebecca and her crew are unbelievable and are my favorites. What a ride!
Fasten your seatbelts!
421 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2025
Shadow's Sacrifice (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 18)

OMG!!!!!!!! This book was amazing, I read late into the night, but still didn't finish. I was excited, sad, and very happy at the end. I couldn't believe who hurt Hannah and took her baby. I was relieved when they found the baby and sad that 3 people lost their lives, 2 were murdered, and one was the murderer, it was very sad. I can't wait for the next installment to happen. This series is a must read, it takes you away from reality and puts you dead center into the lives of these fictional people.
Profile Image for Naisinkoi.
377 reviews
December 30, 2025
*3.5 Stars

In this installment, the team is faced with a case that demands difficult choices and highlights the cost of doing the right thing. I appreciated how the story leaned into the emotional stakes alongside the investigation, giving the plot a bit more weight. The pacing was steady, the tension built well, and the theme of sacrifice added depth without overwhelming the mystery. While it’s not the most dramatic entry in the series, it was a thoughtful and engaging read that fits well into the overall arc and stands as a solid addition for longtime fans.
179 reviews
January 30, 2025
Wow… This was such a great book. It drew me in from the very beginning and makes you wonder what is going to happen next so you're unable to put it down. It is definitely a page turning edge of your seat kind of read. The Shadow Island series is one of my favorites and never disappoints. Thank you, Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes, for another awesome book. Really looking forward to the next one in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
156 reviews
January 30, 2025
Another terrific installment in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. The authors have outdone themselves with this thriller. The horrific nature of this crime kept me gasping.
The authors did a phenomenal job at keeping “the angst” going throughout the entire story. Concern for the Mother and missing baby kept me from putting this book down…twists and turns abound! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for P J Van Benthusen.
465 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2025
What a horrific crime! Sheriff West and her crew are taxed with finding a newborn that was cut from his mother's womb. They are up against a clock as the newborn needs immediate care. As the mother clings to life the Sheriff and her deputies have to unravel a tale that no one could have believed. There is a clue early on but if you miss it you have to wait to find out who the perpetrator is. This was a good book with lots of twists, good characters, and a good plot. Good read!
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2025
He cut her open and stole her baby,Hannah has to fight to stay alive.

Sheriff Rebecca West locks down her island because someone had stolen the newborn and left her mother to bleed out. But despite the odds Hanna was still alive and everyone was willing her to stay alive so she could tell them what monster had done this. Right now they are focusing on her ex because he was stalking her. The kidnapper wasn’t through killing yet so stay aware
11 reviews
January 29, 2025
I have always loved the Shadow Island stories and this one is probably one of the best! Rebecca and her team pull out all the stops to find a baby and stop a killer. Parts of the story are heartbreaking and you really feel compassions for the characters. I was pleased with the pace of the book, the plot and the ending. Another excellent story by Mary Stone.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,273 reviews98 followers
February 1, 2025
Sheriff West and her team has no time to spare when it comes to looking for a newborn that was literally cut out of the mother. Not only do they have to find the baby, but the mother was left to bleed out. Did they find her in time to save her? What about the baby? You will be surprised as to who the heartless monster is. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
172 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2025
Shadow's Sacrifice is the 18th book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. Sheriff Rebecca West and her deputies are called to investigate a crime where a pregnant woman has had her baby cut from her and left to die. Several other murders are committed and they must find the and rescue the baby.
The book is full of mystery and twists and turns and I can highly recommend it.




Profile Image for Dawn.
379 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2025
Love this series. Stella and crew are on the case when a pregnant woman has her baby stollen before they are born. As the case progresses other's are killed, suspects are mounting and losses are mounting up. Read the novel to see who's the murderer. Stella also might have a new relationship on the horizon. Stay tuned.
275 reviews3 followers
February 6, 2025
Great book

This book was good but disturbing, A woman's baby cut from her. The fight is on to save the woman and find her baby. Who would do this terrible thing? Then another death who has the baby and will they find it in time. Rebecca West has her job cut out for her again. Great book.
276 reviews
February 8, 2025
awesome!

One of the Sheriff’s deputies friends is pregnant and expecting any day. Someone comes in & ties her up & cuts the baby out while her husband ran to the store! The race is on to save her life & for Sheriff Rebecca and her deputies to find the baby and the crazy person responsible!!
61 reviews
May 31, 2025
wow wow wow

This is one of the best books. The way a baby was “cut” out of a woman’s wound is the worst thing a psycho person can do. Now the hunt is on looking for the newborn n hoping she’s
Alright n safe. But Sheriff West and her team are all over looking for the baby n won’t stop till they find out
Profile Image for C.
22 reviews
June 3, 2025
Nice change of pace!

It took the authors several books to wrap up the Aqua Mafia storyline and this book provided a much welcomed transition into something different. I enjoy the supporting characters. However, the main character, Sheriff West, has many layers to keep the series interesting.
Profile Image for Carla Black.
345 reviews86 followers
November 22, 2025
In this installment of the Shdow Island series, an expecting mother is attacked, tied up and has her child cut right out of her. Sheriff Rebecca West knows that time is of the essence, she has to find the newborn baby and fast. An all out search of the Island begins, also while two people are murdered during the process. Let's hope she finds the baby in time. A must read.
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
607 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2025
Wow!!!! This book grabbed me from the first chapter. Totally horrifying. I could not put this book down. I had to know what happened next. You think you know what is going on, and a wicked twist happens. Loved this book. This is my favorite of the series. It is an absolute must read.
Profile Image for Sue Palmer Crosby.
235 reviews
January 29, 2025
A mother getting ready for the newest little member is brutally attacked when an assailant enters the house and rips the little one from her leaving her bleeding out. Who would do such a thing? And why? Can Rebecca and crew find the baby and attacker in time? Spellbinding.
137 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2025
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.
224 reviews1 follower
January 30, 2025
A page turner for sure! Sheriff Rebecca West is again trying to keep Shadow Island safe catching the person who cut a baby out of its Mother’s womb & kidnapped it. Will the Mother live, will the baby be found? An exciting read that you won’t be able to put down.
117 reviews
February 1, 2025
awesome series !

Every single one of these books keeps you waiting for the next exciting turn ! I really enjoyed this book, especially out of the series and I am very excited to read the next book ! I highly recommend Mary Stone. She is an amazing author. !
743 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2025
This was a great story about Rebecca and team trying to find a baby and a killer who is responsible and figuring it out with lots of suspense and action. Thank you Mary and Lori for this awesome story.
Profile Image for Patricia A. Biba.
399 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2025
Taken Baby

I couldn't put down the book until I knew the baby was alive. The original suspect wasn't the one who took the baby. It was a surprise who was guilty. The families certainly had a lot to accept and work through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews

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