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Journey Russo FBI Mystery #9
Journey's War
He was sent to save the world. Or burn it down.
Special Agent Journey Russo thought putting away the man who murdered her family in a blazing inferno would be the end of The Chosen—the criminal network masquerading as faith. But while its past leaders were driven by greed, the son they left behind is something far worse.
A fanatic wrapped in prophecy.
He calls himself an angel. His followers worship him as a prophet. And he’s preparing for war.
The first battlefield? The city library—set ablaze, its shelves lined with hundreds of copies of The Grimoire, The Chosen’s sacred text. Three librarians burned alive in the flames, their deaths a message to the world. The statement is accompanied by a much more personal one for Journey…
Journey Russo, you’re next.
As her best lead goes up in literal flame, Journey grapples with the scorched memories of her past while hunting a man who sees himself as divine justice. He believes he's right, and he’s determined to cleanse the world in fire to prove it. Starting with her.
Pray for mercy. Because Journey’s War, book nine of the Journey Russo series by bestselling author Mary Stone, will leave you questioning the line between truth and madness.
Special Agent Journey Russo thought putting away the man who murdered her family in a blazing inferno would be the end of The Chosen—the criminal network masquerading as faith. But while its past leaders were driven by greed, the son they left behind is something far worse.
A fanatic wrapped in prophecy.
He calls himself an angel. His followers worship him as a prophet. And he’s preparing for war.
The first battlefield? The city library—set ablaze, its shelves lined with hundreds of copies of The Grimoire, The Chosen’s sacred text. Three librarians burned alive in the flames, their deaths a message to the world. The statement is accompanied by a much more personal one for Journey…
Journey Russo, you’re next.
As her best lead goes up in literal flame, Journey grapples with the scorched memories of her past while hunting a man who sees himself as divine justice. He believes he's right, and he’s determined to cleanse the world in fire to prove it. Starting with her.
Pray for mercy. Because Journey’s War, book nine of the Journey Russo series by bestselling author Mary Stone, will leave you questioning the line between truth and madness.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2025
About the author
Mary Stone
261 books2,233 followersTo 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 5, 2026
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 War is the ninth 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…
***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 War is the ninth 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…
March 17, 2025
What a thrill ride. There is more action in this book than you can imagine. Lucas and Journey are closing in on their foe and the path is filled with death and fire. Talk about going around the bend this Leopold character is so far off the bubble that he will never find his way back. He is so crazy and so persuasive that he has built a legion of followers. And they are all focused on Journey. This book is filled with lots of action and will keep you interested right to the last line. It's a good read and well worth the time.
March 20, 2025
A Man, A Match and a bottle ..
Journey Russo FBI and her partner Lucas are still chasing The Chosen's leader, Angel. 'Angel' gathering, training and brain washing his Chosen. Journey and Lucus catch glimpses, dropped clues, camera images but never quite the actual man who thinks he is an angel.
The trap, the fire and fear of loss helps Lucas, SWAT and Journey a way out to freedom from fire, death and horror. But wait... There is more...
You have got to read Journey's Series, you won't be able to put any of the books down.
Journey Russo FBI and her partner Lucas are still chasing The Chosen's leader, Angel. 'Angel' gathering, training and brain washing his Chosen. Journey and Lucus catch glimpses, dropped clues, camera images but never quite the actual man who thinks he is an angel.
The trap, the fire and fear of loss helps Lucas, SWAT and Journey a way out to freedom from fire, death and horror. But wait... There is more...
You have got to read Journey's Series, you won't be able to put any of the books down.
April 1, 2025
FBI agent Journey Russo and her partner Lucas, along with her sister Michelle, are on the hunt still for the leader of The Chosen and the followers. The Chosen has burnt down a library along with 3 librarians. The leader, Conner, is determined to rid the world of "demons" but especially the demon "Journey." This book was very explicit in the descriptions of burning of victims, very realistic and scary! I am sad to see this series end; really liked Journey and her crew, but at least she can finally recover from her "fire dreams" and move on.
March 15, 2025
The Chosen have reared their ugly heads again. They’ve struck down a public library, killing three librarians and setting fire to it. Journey and Lucas are on the search for them before they can strike again but they’re moving too fast. They seem to be hell bent on taking out all the “demons” and using bombs to do it. Where will they end up and can Journey & Lucas stop them before they blow up the city?
March 16, 2025
Mary Stone books always open with some dastardly deed. With Amy Wilson on board this chapter 1 is exceptional. The story is made up of brutal burnings and a lot of close calls for Journey and her partner, Lucas Sullivan. The authors have written a stellar story to bring the Journey Russo series to its conclusion! Edge of seat tension, a page turner and incredible action make this a very exciting read!
March 17, 2025
FBI agent Journey Russo is called to the town library that has been burned & the librarians killed. The Chosen has
claimed accountability & left the Gremoir books behind to prove it. Journey is close to to finding Conner Leopold, leader of the Chosen & finally getting justice for her parents & sister's murders.A page turner with lots of twists & turns that you won't want to miss. A good ending for Journey!
claimed accountability & left the Gremoir books behind to prove it. Journey is close to to finding Conner Leopold, leader of the Chosen & finally getting justice for her parents & sister's murders.A page turner with lots of twists & turns that you won't want to miss. A good ending for Journey!
March 15, 2025
Journey, her partner Lucas and her sister Michelle are working hard to locate and capture the Leopolds. They are responsible for too many deaths,including Journeys folks and sister. These folks keep staying one step ahead of the team, but they can’t do it forever, can they.
Journey won’t stop the hunt, she will locate them even if it kills her. They will pay!
Journey won’t stop the hunt, she will locate them even if it kills her. They will pay!
March 21, 2025
Hallelujah
I'm so glad the Chosen is gone. Seriously tired of them so cudos to Journey, Lucas and the team. This was a story of ongoing action and drama. Its so well written that I just plowed thro the book. The writers offer scenarios that are descriptive, easily envisioned. Looking forward to what's next.
I'm so glad the Chosen is gone. Seriously tired of them so cudos to Journey, Lucas and the team. This was a story of ongoing action and drama. Its so well written that I just plowed thro the book. The writers offer scenarios that are descriptive, easily envisioned. Looking forward to what's next.
August 14, 2025
The Chosen
After all the destruction being done by The Chosen it felt like they accomplish starting their war. Journey and Lucas were certainly busy trying to find clues and stop the destruction. When the conference was a target that involved a lot of destruction and killing but the ending was that The Chosen did not win.
After all the destruction being done by The Chosen it felt like they accomplish starting their war. Journey and Lucas were certainly busy trying to find clues and stop the destruction. When the conference was a target that involved a lot of destruction and killing but the ending was that The Chosen did not win.
April 16, 2026
A fantastic series
This has been a fantastic series with terrific characters, humor, drama, mystery, suspense, and intriguing twists that will keep you on edge until the end. Although I do wish that there were more stories in this series, I really enjoyed it.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This has been a fantastic series with terrific characters, humor, drama, mystery, suspense, and intriguing twists that will keep you on edge until the end. Although I do wish that there were more stories in this series, I really enjoyed it.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
March 22, 2025
Journey's War is the 9th and last book in the Journey Russo series by Mary Stone and what a great book it is! Journey and Lucas are closing in on the leader of the fanatical religious group, The Chosen. The book is thrilling and filled with suspense.
March 22, 2025
grinding, grueling path to end the madness
The Chosen’s orchestrated rampages continue against their designated demons, spreading fire, destruction and death in their wake.
Journey remains the focus of Connor Leopold’s plans as the scale of destruction exponentially expands.
The Chosen’s orchestrated rampages continue against their designated demons, spreading fire, destruction and death in their wake.
Journey remains the focus of Connor Leopold’s plans as the scale of destruction exponentially expands.
April 4, 2025
the future
Even when Michelle is great I always thought she will be Lucas couple.
This book kind of change my story .
I love your books ss much as Blake ones!
I am looking forward for reading the next!!!!
Even when Michelle is great I always thought she will be Lucas couple.
This book kind of change my story .
I love your books ss much as Blake ones!
I am looking forward for reading the next!!!!
April 9, 2025
Bombings, murders a religious cult led by an angel!
The book starts out with a library bombing with three librarians meeting a horrible, brutal death. The hits keep coming, is anyone safe? The horrible, brutal deaths are just starting, with no end in sight.
The book starts out with a library bombing with three librarians meeting a horrible, brutal death. The hits keep coming, is anyone safe? The horrible, brutal deaths are just starting, with no end in sight.
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April 25, 2025Journey Russo series
loved the entire series. Not ready for it to be complete. Journey needs more adventures.
The suspense is just enough without the overly discusting gore.
Well written and difficult to put down.
loved the entire series. Not ready for it to be complete. Journey needs more adventures.
The suspense is just enough without the overly discusting gore.
Well written and difficult to put down.
May 13, 2025
Great mystery
This book keeps Journey and Lucas busy finding the next place the chosen will strike. He's killing people burning buildings and luring Journey into traps. Will she finally get her man?
This book keeps Journey and Lucas busy finding the next place the chosen will strike. He's killing people burning buildings and luring Journey into traps. Will she finally get her man?
March 17, 2025
Wow what an exciting story. It kept me engrossed all the time, couldn't put it down. An edge of the seat page turner with a great cast of characters and a great ending.
March 19, 2025
Action packed thriller that left you on the edge of your seat. Thank you, Mary Stone and Amy Stone, for a great series.
March 22, 2025
What an ending!
Don't want to spoil anything... With so much happening, hard to put it down. If this is the end of Journey's book series, I am sad.
Don't want to spoil anything... With so much happening, hard to put it down. If this is the end of Journey's book series, I am sad.
March 22, 2025
Thrilling Final
So sad this is the final book in the Journey series but couldn't ask for a better ending. It ended in the right way and closed the book on Journey Russo.
So sad this is the final book in the Journey series but couldn't ask for a better ending. It ended in the right way and closed the book on Journey Russo.
March 24, 2025
Keep the matches out of sight.
Another one for your prize trophy wall shelves. Thank you again. I will be looking forward to read what is coming my way.
Another one for your prize trophy wall shelves. Thank you again. I will be looking forward to read what is coming my way.
March 25, 2025
A satisfying end to the journey of Journey Russo. Hoping for more in the series as she has conquered her greatest goal!
March 25, 2025
Journey's War
This is a great book, the twisted plot and life like characters catch ahold of you and refuse to let go. You spellbound from beginning to the end.
This is a great book, the twisted plot and life like characters catch ahold of you and refuse to let go. You spellbound from beginning to the end.
March 28, 2025
Mary Sone is the best!!!
Kept me guessing through out the entire book. I love the way Mary stone writes. I hope I have enough time left to read them all!!!
Kept me guessing through out the entire book. I love the way Mary stone writes. I hope I have enough time left to read them all!!!
March 28, 2025
Thank you Mary and AMy
April 2, 2025
Awesome Author
This book waz One I really had a hard time putting down. I have been reading every book by this author that I can get my hands on for almost two years now.
This book waz One I really had a hard time putting down. I have been reading every book by this author that I can get my hands on for almost two years now.
April 2, 2025
WOW!
Nail biting. So much action. The Chosen is a scary group. Characters are realistic, with good o sites into FBI agents lives. Great writing and plot. A real page turner.
Nail biting. So much action. The Chosen is a scary group. Characters are realistic, with good o sites into FBI agents lives. Great writing and plot. A real page turner.
April 15, 2025
Wow! Just Wow:
I couldn't read fast enough. Needless to say my chores remained undone until I finished this book. Very good series!
I couldn't read fast enough. Needless to say my chores remained undone until I finished this book. Very good series!
May 3, 2025
Journeys War
I didn't give this book 5 stars because for me half of the book was boring. Once I got to the middle the book got more exciting. Would recommend this book.
I didn't give this book 5 stars because for me half of the book was boring. Once I got to the middle the book got more exciting. Would recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews