Fatal Turn

Sky Stryker #7

by Mary Stone

Beauty is fleeting. But art—and death—is forever.

Since moving to Manhattan nearly a year ago, Sky Stryker has learned one unsettling the fashion world thrives on beauty—and buries its secrets. Too many models have vanished, their lifeless bodies discovered like discarded props. Sky’s relentless pursuit to expose the industry’s darkest corners earned her a publishing contract, but it also painted a target on her back. Now a new story has landed in her inbox.

A horror story.

The professional video of a masked man tormenting a prominent model is as graphic as it is shocking. Is it staged kinky role-play? Or is it real? Fake or not, it wasn’t sent to Sky by accident. It's a warning.

And it’s about to become personal.

As more disturbing videos flood her inbox, each darker and more grotesque than the last, Sky realizes the masked filmmaker has an agenda—and she’s part of it. If Sky and her friends can’t identify him in time, the next video won’t just be a nightmare. It will be a death sentence.

Fatal Turn is the seventh book in the Sky Stryker series by best-selling author Mary Stone. When someone offers to change your life, beware. The cost may be more than you can imagine.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 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]

Fatal turn is the seventh installment in the Skye Stryker series by Mary Stone and Bella Cross. This like all her books had me at the edge of my seat. It’s a dark story. I’m glad that Skye and her gang are exposing the modeling world. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. A must read

[Angela]

4.5 Stars

‘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.’
Fatal Turn is the seventh book in the Sky Stryker Series by Mary Stone, who weaves gritty crime drama series, with plenty of psychological suspense, and a dash of personal vulnerability – making it hard to put down.
Set against the raw, electric backdrop of New York City – in particular, the shadowy corners of Hell’s Kitchen - the series follows Sky Stryker, the determined and sharp-witted true crime writer who’s unafraid to dig into the city’s darkest secrets.
What makes this series stand out from others in the same genre is Sky herself. She’s not your typical fearless heroine - her rural upbringing, personal scars, and moments of self-doubt make her more relatable. Yet, her tenacity and moral compass keep her pushing forward, even when the truth threatens to destroy her. Ms. Stone cleverly balances Sky’s personal journey with all the high-stakes investigations, weaving in twists that feel quite shocking, and yet somewhat inevitable, in hindsight.
Each book builds on the last, deepening the overarching mystery while delivering satisfying, self-contained cases.
So, if you enjoy crime thrillers with a strong female lead, morally complex villains, and a setting that feels like a living, breathing character, then this series will keep you engrossed.
Happy Reading…

[samantha vogel-Hespos]

Fatal Turn by Mary Stone – A Gripping Thriller with Twists at Every Turn

Mary Stone delivers yet another suspenseful and thrilling ride with Fatal Turn, a novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Known for her masterful storytelling and well-developed characters, Stone once again crafts a tale of mystery, danger, and psychological intrigue.

The story follows a determined protagonist—sharp, resourceful, and relentless—as she navigates a case that takes unexpected and deadly turns. The pacing is fast, keeping the tension high from the very first chapter. Stone’s ability to weave multiple layers of suspense, combined with her knack for compelling character development, makes this book an engaging read for crime thriller enthusiasts.

What stands out in Fatal Turn is the unpredictable nature of the plot. Just when you think you have things figured out, Stone throws in a shocking twist that keeps you guessing until the very end. The writing is crisp, the dialogue is natural, and the atmospheric details make the setting feel vivid and immersive.

Overall, Fatal Turn is a must-read for fans of gripping thrillers and crime fiction. If you enjoy strong female leads, intense investigations, and a storyline filled with suspense, this book will not disappoint. Mary Stone continues to prove why she’s a standout in the genre.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)

[Perrin]

First off, a cliffhanger ending, although the main storyline was...mostly...resolved. It would have been a one star if not for that resolution.

The big thing is, this book couldn't hold my interest for any length of time, taking me over a week to read. It felt scattered, unfocused, with a little bit of this and a little bit of that. I get it, crossing over multiple genres. Crime, women's fiction, romance, BDSM light, set in the world of NYC modeling but not really. But, for example, if you're going to delve into some romance, give us a good lead-in to the bedroom scene, leaving us with will-they-or-won't-they. Not, well, they're really flirting now; next thing you know, they're waking up in bed together. It came out of nowhere and I felt cheated.

And the cliches! I forgot that I was reading an author whom I really admire! A cliche or two, okay. Oh, no. So many the book felt amateurish and I truly forgot whose book I was reading.

To be honest, I haven't read any of the other books in this series. The author(s) did a great job filling in the reader of what's come before in the previous six books. With the way this book was written, though, I have no desire or patience to go back and read any of the others to find out the fully fleshed storyline.

[DianaRaven]

FATAL TURN is the seventh installment in the Sky Stryker series by Mary Stone and Bella Cross. As always, great characters and world development with heroes and monsters. Get ready for deep, dark and visual descriptions of man's cruelty and dominnation of women. This time, it's a BDSM video depicting a woman being abused in a most horrible way. Is this real? Maybe a fake.

Sky and Javier are having a date night  when she receives a video on her phone. Viewing the video was a mistake, a woman is being abused. Javier quickly recognizes the woman as Kelsey Vinn, an up and coming model, and it looks like she is being sexually tortured and filmed. When another woman goes missing and Sky gets a video of her, Sky decides she's the perfect bait to bring this sicko out and into the light, but maybe that's what the sicko wants. 

Don't miss out on this suspense filled story by the amazing Mary Stone and Bella Cross. I received a copy of this book from the author, and this is my freely given and honest review.  Now for the next amazing installment in this page-turning murder thriller. 

[Jacquetta Harvey]

On the edge of hard to read but knowing the crimes are against women and the depravity of people these days the whole book is very realistic. Mary Stone writes some of the most realistic crime terror books and I love them.
Sky and her friends are involved again in trying to solve a crime involving Models but this time it's to the point of being a film striking terror in everyone's mind and they are being sent to Sky with threats.
Each one of the Sky Stryker Series has been a great book. I love all of Mary Stones books and at this point the Sky Stryker Series has stuck out in my mind.
If you love Crime, Mysteries, to the point of terror you will love Mary Stone and Bella Cross's books.
I would recommend anyone who loves this genre to check out these books they are amazing.

[P J Van Benthusen]

The warning label is appreciated. This book deals with the seedy and dark side of life. Being a model is not all it is cracked up to be. These women are used up and as they approach the ripe old age of 30, they are done. The models that are not the high dollar gals fall to the wayside. To survive and keep their dreams alive many take on "side" jobs. Most of these are seedy. And in this sick society many with the funds take advantage of these women. They are virtually turned into slaves and again used up. This book is not a pretty face, it is a raw ugly look at an area of life we all don't want to see. Read and learn.

[Dwayne Taaffe]

Frighteningly Real!

For a fictional story, this one really delves into how depraved and evil some people truly are. I am not one to judge, not my duty or job, but the sexual practices of some people is a bit disturbing. If you are easily offended or readily shocked by what some call perversion, please do not read. He's the warning and statements at the beginning of this book. If you are open to the possibilities that some folks have a different viewpoint, then read on and enjoy. Well researched and very well written, this book, though a bit disturbing, really brings the characters, our "friends" to some semblance of life. Great read, overall.

[Sue Sandifer]

A disturbing video is received of a woman being beaten and traumatized. When the victim is recognized as yet another model in trouble, the gang gathers to find a way to save her. After verifying that this video is indeed real and that the photographer is likely trained, the race is on. Can they save Kelsey is the question. The police don’t appear to be much help due to legal issues. Time for a rescue doesn’t appear to be on their side. This is a fast paced read…

[Ludmila Husek]

Sky and her friends try to find the missing model being tortured. The video sent to Sky on purpose is pure evil and torment. FBIAnd police become involved, but not much happens. When another girl goes missing the case gets really intense and the danger is closer to Sky than ever before. Will the main culprit get away? Will Sky survive? This story won’t let you stop reading or put the book down. Though terrible stuff is going on, the writing is excellent. As always bravo Mary and Bella.

[Marion]

I have enjoyed all the books so far and this one like the others had me hooked from the first page to the last, a real edge of your seat page turner that is fast paced. It is a dark story and the warning was appreciated. I love that Skye and her friends are trying to expose the dark side the modeling world. Thank you, Mary Stone and Bella Cross, for a great series. Can't wait until the next book.

[Bonita Barbick]

Mary Stone and Bella Cross have written a heart stopping story that climbs to new heights of creativity! Sky Stryker and her sleuthing friends investigate the disappearance of a models disappearance and this mystery turns very dark. The heinous villain and his co-conspirator are pure evil. The authors have given us a novel filled with intrigue, “close your eyes” terror and a very different storyline. Sky and Javier have connected on a new level…very interesting!

[Carol Kraft]

Fatal Turn is the 7th book in the Sky Stryker series by Mary Stone. Once again Mary has delivered a great book.
Sky is sent a video of a young woman being beaten and tortured with a message that Sky is next. Sky and her friends need to find where this model is being held to prevent any more young women from being beaten and tortured.
The book is full of suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book.

[David A Paquette]

I’m very proud

Because of the fabulous writing that draws me in with these books.
Always I’m talking into the characters with high hopes of wondering. I am so glad I found the love of reading.
Thank you Mary and your wonderful team. My lonely life is not so much when I have one of your books I’m reading.
I am right there in the story with all the characters.
I feel like we all are friends.

[Sue Palmer Crosby]

Someone has taken an up and coming model captive, torturing her & filming her and sending the videos to Sky. While she and the gang try to track down the sadistic monster, another woman is abducted. This video is worse than before. Now they’re on a race to find him and, hopefully rescue the latest victim. But to what consequences?

[Shari]

Since Skye Stryker’s cousin fashion model Meghan was killed, she has been involved in protecting models. When Skye is sent an email with a video of a model being tortured, she gets her friends to help investigate. Little does she know she puts herself in danger trying to find the culprit. A fast paced read that will leave you wondering what will happen next in Skye’s life.

[Mary Rowe]

perfidy knows no bounds

Sky continues to encounter the creepiest creeps ever in the modeling business.

Call me cynical, but while the intensity of the crimes might be exaggerated, the emotional blackmail and power posturing are not.

[Carol Dickens]

Fatal Turn

It was as exciting as I expected! I enjoyed reading about the characters that Mary Stone has made feel like old friends. The only problem was it was long enough, I wasn't ready for the end.

[Barbara Kaake]

This was a excellent story about Sky and friends trying to find out who is sending death fighting videos and finding who is behind it with suspense and action. Thank you Mary and Bella for a great story.

[Sammye]

This is the seventh book in the Sky Stryker series. It has great suspense filled plot. Women are being filmed while being beaten and abused. It’s a heartbreaking story full of mystery. Another great, well written story.

[Patricia A. Biba]

Victims

Interesting turn of events. Sky receives videos on her phone that show women being hurt by being sexually assaulted by individuals. It's A surprising how easily they get their victims.

[Eleanor Andersen]

A different slant to a story from Mary, but still enjoyable.

[James Caswell]

GREAT BOOK WELL WRITTEN WITH A STORY LINE TO KEEP YOU TURNING PAGES TILL THE END. THE CHARACTERS ARE LIKABLE AND WELL-WRITTEN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEXT BOOK

[Linae]

Good stuff

Plenty of intrigue and yes disgusting trauma. But if edge of your seat reading is what you like, this book is it.

[Susan Clair Holt]

Fatal Turn

They're kidnapping and killing models again in New York City so the gang gets together again to catch the serial killer. They get their man but have some loose ends.

[Mary Goodreau]

Glad Sky and Javier are finally together but that girl needs to commit. Can’t wait for next book. Please don’t kill any of the main characters.

[Alyssa Notbusch]

AHHHHHH!!!!!!! Mary I NEED the next book in the series. It's extremely hard to find a good book but a good book that have others that follow-- even better!! ❤️
This has to be my favorite series I have ever read. I just randomly downloaded it onto my Kindle not expecting very much. WRONG-O!!! Have you ever finished a book and thought what now? The characters in your book become your friends and you think constantly about what is going to happen next? That's this one for me!

Happy reading ✌🏼

[Mrs Linda]

Exciting Stuff

Sky Stryker
Thoroughly enjoying Sky's adventures, looking forward to book no.8. Hopefully it will be released sooner rather than later.

[Terry]

Gripping!

A real page turner. The modeling industry has a lot of devious disturbed people working behind the scenes. I am anxiously awaiting the next book this series.

[Sandra Ferguson]

Good

This really is a good book. However, I didn't appreciate the ending without being able to get book 8. Is book 8 available?