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Genevieve Steel FBI Mystery #1
The Daughter's Curse
She understands monsters... because she was raised by one.
Special Agent Genevieve Steel is new to the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, but she’s no stranger to hunting monsters. Her testimony put her own father behind bars after he abducted, tortured, and scalped at least eighteen victims. She was just a child—and the only one who could stop him.
Now, she profiles the killers who echo the nightmare she once called Dad.
Her new assignment hasn’t even started when a blood-soaked woman crashes into her on a remote hiking trail. Of all the forests in all the world...why that one? Why her?
Genevieve doesn’t believe in coincidences. She knows fate when she sees it.
Everything the woman describes—down to the eerie silence and the scalps taken from her captor’s latest kill—matches the Head Hunter’s signature. And no one on earth knows that signature better than her.
But Genevieve’s father is still locked away. Has someone taken up his twisted mantle...determined to finish the work he started?
She’s faced one Head Hunter before. She can do it again. Unless this one finishes what the first one couldn’t.
The Daughter’s Curse is the chilling first book in the Genevieve Steel series, where past sins and present nightmares collide in a cat-and-mouse thriller that will make you very, very grateful your family tree isn’t lined with scalps.
Special Agent Genevieve Steel is new to the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit, but she’s no stranger to hunting monsters. Her testimony put her own father behind bars after he abducted, tortured, and scalped at least eighteen victims. She was just a child—and the only one who could stop him.
Now, she profiles the killers who echo the nightmare she once called Dad.
Her new assignment hasn’t even started when a blood-soaked woman crashes into her on a remote hiking trail. Of all the forests in all the world...why that one? Why her?
Genevieve doesn’t believe in coincidences. She knows fate when she sees it.
Everything the woman describes—down to the eerie silence and the scalps taken from her captor’s latest kill—matches the Head Hunter’s signature. And no one on earth knows that signature better than her.
But Genevieve’s father is still locked away. Has someone taken up his twisted mantle...determined to finish the work he started?
She’s faced one Head Hunter before. She can do it again. Unless this one finishes what the first one couldn’t.
The Daughter’s Curse is the chilling first book in the Genevieve Steel series, where past sins and present nightmares collide in a cat-and-mouse thriller that will make you very, very grateful your family tree isn’t lined with scalps.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2025
1077 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
218 books2,136 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 67 reviews
July 31, 2025
The Daughter’s curse is a new series. A great start to a new series and as always never disappoints. Keeps you interested from the beginning. This is one book you don’t want to miss. I can’t wait for next book.
July 1, 2025
On My Playlist
Evelyn Blackburn's father, Daniel Blackburn, is a monster. As an innocent child, she absorbed the lessons he taught her; he was her everything. Until the night before her twelfth birthday when he became known as "The Headhunter."
She then became Genevieve Steel, her name change necessary due to the notoriety of her father's crimes. Her life was shaped by his actions. Ultimately, the only thing she shares with him is heterochromia, a trait that marks her as her father's daughter more than keeping his surname would have.
Genevieve became a special agent with the FBI, working her way to the Behavioral Analysis Unit to prove she is formidable where her father was weak. When she transferred to Beckley, West Virginia, it was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, returning so close to where she once thrived under her father's tutelage became a new form of horror.
Her father has a copycat. It is now up to Genevieve, living under "The Daughter's Curse," to bring this copycat to justice just as she brought her father to justice many years ago.
This new series by Mary Stone, writing with Angela Kay, promises all the thrills and chills of her other series, only more intense. Because "The Daughter's Curse" doesn't belong to her other protagonists.
The promise that this is Book 1 delighted me and kept me from sleeping as I turned page after page, watching the horror mount as Genevieve hunts the copycat. Because this copycat doesn't understand: Genevieve is nothing like her father.
Book 2 cannot come quickly enough!
Evelyn Blackburn's father, Daniel Blackburn, is a monster. As an innocent child, she absorbed the lessons he taught her; he was her everything. Until the night before her twelfth birthday when he became known as "The Headhunter."
She then became Genevieve Steel, her name change necessary due to the notoriety of her father's crimes. Her life was shaped by his actions. Ultimately, the only thing she shares with him is heterochromia, a trait that marks her as her father's daughter more than keeping his surname would have.
Genevieve became a special agent with the FBI, working her way to the Behavioral Analysis Unit to prove she is formidable where her father was weak. When she transferred to Beckley, West Virginia, it was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, returning so close to where she once thrived under her father's tutelage became a new form of horror.
Her father has a copycat. It is now up to Genevieve, living under "The Daughter's Curse," to bring this copycat to justice just as she brought her father to justice many years ago.
This new series by Mary Stone, writing with Angela Kay, promises all the thrills and chills of her other series, only more intense. Because "The Daughter's Curse" doesn't belong to her other protagonists.
The promise that this is Book 1 delighted me and kept me from sleeping as I turned page after page, watching the horror mount as Genevieve hunts the copycat. Because this copycat doesn't understand: Genevieve is nothing like her father.
Book 2 cannot come quickly enough!
June 21, 2025
THE DAUGHTER'S CURSE is a psychological thriller by Mary Stone and Angela Kay and the first installment in their new 'Genevieve Steel Series'. This is a suspenseful page turner with lots of twists and turns that will keep you guessing what's what - right from the first page to the very last page. This is definitely a hit, and you should not miss this new series by Mary Stone and her new co-author Angela Kay.
The big question? Are you what your environment made you? Or, are you what you do with what your environment taught you?
Special Agent Genevieve Steel changed her name years ago in an effort to divorce herself from her father's reputation. Now she's back where she started on a case, looking for missing women. This case starts to feel like déjà vu, awakening every memory she thought was long behind her. Will this case destroy her or tease her into believing she's her daddy's daughter after all?
At times, the character interaction felt stiff. Then, I remembered they are basically strangers to each other. It will take time for them to get to know each other and to be comfortable as a team.
This book definitely will not disappoint. I can hardly believe it. Mary Stone and Angela Kay - Thank you for a great new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
The big question? Are you what your environment made you? Or, are you what you do with what your environment taught you?
Special Agent Genevieve Steel changed her name years ago in an effort to divorce herself from her father's reputation. Now she's back where she started on a case, looking for missing women. This case starts to feel like déjà vu, awakening every memory she thought was long behind her. Will this case destroy her or tease her into believing she's her daddy's daughter after all?
At times, the character interaction felt stiff. Then, I remembered they are basically strangers to each other. It will take time for them to get to know each other and to be comfortable as a team.
This book definitely will not disappoint. I can hardly believe it. Mary Stone and Angela Kay - Thank you for a great new series.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
July 10, 2025
Unputdownable and deeply unsettling, in the best way.
The Daughter’s Curse is the kind of thriller that crawls under your skin and stays there. From the very first chapter, Angela Kay and Mary Stone pull you into Genevieve Steel’s world, a place where trauma, justice, and darkness collide in the most gripping way.
Genevieve isn’t just another FBI agent, she’s a survivor, and the emotional weight she carries from her past adds layers to the already intense plot. The psychological detail is razor sharp, the pacing flawless, and the stakes feel incredibly real.
What stood out to me the most was how personal this story felt. It’s more than a crime thriller, it’s about confronting the monsters that shaped you, and the fear that maybe those monsters never truly go away. The writing is tense, atmospheric, and emotionally honest. And the twist? Chilling.
If you love FBI thrillers that go deep, not just in mystery, but into the minds and hearts of their characters, this one’s for you.
Highly recommended. This series is off to a powerful start.
The Daughter’s Curse is the kind of thriller that crawls under your skin and stays there. From the very first chapter, Angela Kay and Mary Stone pull you into Genevieve Steel’s world, a place where trauma, justice, and darkness collide in the most gripping way.
Genevieve isn’t just another FBI agent, she’s a survivor, and the emotional weight she carries from her past adds layers to the already intense plot. The psychological detail is razor sharp, the pacing flawless, and the stakes feel incredibly real.
What stood out to me the most was how personal this story felt. It’s more than a crime thriller, it’s about confronting the monsters that shaped you, and the fear that maybe those monsters never truly go away. The writing is tense, atmospheric, and emotionally honest. And the twist? Chilling.
If you love FBI thrillers that go deep, not just in mystery, but into the minds and hearts of their characters, this one’s for you.
Highly recommended. This series is off to a powerful start.
November 19, 2025
I love a good FBI profiler series. Unfortunately this one fell flat for me. The main focus of the book was spent on the profiler rethinking about her serial killer father and how it affected her. Then the new killer we were tracking also just had thoughts of how he idolized the original killer; her father. There was no time spent on the “team” profiling or strategizing on who the killer may be. I love it when the team works together with their personalities to catch a killer. It’s helps you bond and want to be a part of all their cases. Well, that didn’t happen in this book. There was too much time spent in the profiler Genevieve’s head thinking about her dad and how she turned him in. I found I started skimming through pages just to end it. I actually found I was drawn more to her partner Hudson than the main character since he had more personality. This had potential so maybe book two will be better? However, the way this first book was written it wasn’t drawing me in to read book two.
June 23, 2025
Special Agent Genevieve Steel is just beginning her job in a new FBIs Behavior Analysis Unit. First case involves her literally having a traumatized bloody woman run into her in the woods she was hiking. When trying to help the woman, the woman says her attacker was the Head Hunter! Genevieve is startled because she knows for a fact that the Head Hunter is locked away because she was the one who put him there, her father, when she was just 12. As her team begins investigating this, everything points to a copycat, down to how the victims are taken, to where there are taken for their horrific torture. This was a great start to a new series. I was wondering if this new character would have a psychic ability, and boy does she ever!! You have to read the book to understand, and you definitely won't be sorry you did. Another hit series for Mary Stones, and I can't wait for the next one in this series!!
December 12, 2025
Agent Steel is starting her first day at the FBI as a BAU profiler. Fate as decided to make her first case not only complicated but personal. A copycat serial killer is mimicking the kills of a Serial Killer called the Head Hunter. He used to hunt his victims, torture them for a few days, then scalp them and keep the scalps as a trophy. The problem is Agent Steel is now going to have to tell her new team members of her dark past before she wanted too. The serial killer the Head Hunter was her father Carter Blackburn. She changed her name to help try to escape the nightmare her father left her in. Apparently the universe won't let her escape it. Will she be able to close this case before it does her in with all the memories of the past with her father? This book is very good and very well written. A great mystery novel for the ages. I highly recommend it. On a side note, my second husband's last name was Blackburn, kinda gave another extra creepy factor for me.
June 21, 2025
This new character, Genevieve Steel, is a cross between Winter, Autumn, and Justice! She is the daughter of a serial killer. And, she is the one who found him out when she was only 12 years old. He had been a loving father but was known for his temper. He taught her everything about the forest, tracking, and hunting. But was he a loving father or was he grooming her to be his partner? This story deals with a copycat who is reviving the Headhunter serial killer. It's 22 years later and the FBI agent assigned the case is none other than Agent Steel. She caught the first one and she is determined to catch this one. What a story. I would have given 5 stars but I'm not sure I like her character.
June 21, 2025
Genevieve Steel is getting ready to start her new job in the BAU, Beckley Office, and meet her new partner Hudson. To relax she goes for a hike and runs into a woman who appears to have been thru some terrible ordeal. Genevieve calls 911 to get help and medical attention. When she relays her ordeal, Genevieve starts having memories of her Dad and the horrible murders he committed. Those memories are eerily similar to the story the escapee has told. The hunt is on to find the copy cat before he kills again. This book has lots of surprises and was a read straight thru book. Can’t wait for book 2.
July 16, 2025
This is the first of Mary Stone's 1st book in this new series and it's off to a great start. She introduces a new heroine, FBI agent, Genevieve Steel. She was raise by a psychopath so she's learned how they think and is now she is hunting them. After putting her father, The Headhunter, in prison she seeks a career in law enforcement. Enter, a copycat killer, who is trying to emulate and surpass his idol, the headhunter. A coincidence or fate that Genevieve's first case takes her back to the trauma of her past and her old stomping ground? Read the book to see how the case of "hunted girls" unfolds.
September 1, 2025
The Daughter's Curse( Genevieve Steel FBI Mystery Series Book 1)
I wasn't sure about starting a new series, but I truly loved this book. I can't wait to see if Genevieve works out her own problems, being the daughter of a serial killer, has to leave all k8 ds of mental problems. Her first case brought it all home, this copycat was trying to surpass her father's crimes and at the same time he was stalking Genevieve, thinking she was her father's daughter and he could make her his partner in his killing spree. She caught him, the same way she brought her father down. I can't wait to read the next book
I wasn't sure about starting a new series, but I truly loved this book. I can't wait to see if Genevieve works out her own problems, being the daughter of a serial killer, has to leave all k8 ds of mental problems. Her first case brought it all home, this copycat was trying to surpass her father's crimes and at the same time he was stalking Genevieve, thinking she was her father's daughter and he could make her his partner in his killing spree. She caught him, the same way she brought her father down. I can't wait to read the next book
June 20, 2025
Guinevere Steel decided to go on a hike before she started at the FBI in Beckley. An avid outdoors person she was enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of nature when a badly hurt young woman literally stumbled into her arms mumbling “the head hunter”. Now she and her team are on the hunt for a copycat killer who targets outdoorsy young women in order to torture them, taking their scalp as a trophy. This is hitting too close to home for Guinevere and bringing back memories she has tried hard to suppress.
June 22, 2025
A terrific start to a new series with an intriguing character. Genevieve Steele, an FBI BAU agent, transfers to a new unit which happens to be closer to the town she grew up in & turned her serial killer father into the police. Haunted by her past, she has changed her name & is trying not to relive her past. However, a copycat killer has emerged following in her father’s footsteps. Can she get through all her feelings & catch this killer? An exciting 1st book in a series that will be a success.
June 23, 2025
Perfect start of the new thrilling series. Mary and Angela created a very interesting character in Genevieve, daughter of the serial killer. I loved the deep dive into her tortured mind. The story is very fast and tense. To intensify the thrill , the authors use the different points of view at crimes from the killer, victims and Evie herself . It suffocated me with fear at some points. Excellent writing and already deeply developed characters. I’m looking forward to these series. I know they will help me to miss Winter and others less. Bravo. Thank you
June 25, 2025
A Psychological Thriller about a Daughter Curse. FBI SA Genevieve Steel is back in West Virginia in the FBI's BAU unit. Little did she know the first case she would encounter would be a rescue of a young woman who had been abducted by a Serial Killer. Looking back at her past makes the hair on her neck rise thinking the possibility this killer may have escaped prison and is back to his old tricks.
A new FBI Agent, new story line by Mary Stone and an amazing story. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Is the Head Hunter back at it again?
A new FBI Agent, new story line by Mary Stone and an amazing story. I think you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Is the Head Hunter back at it again?
June 21, 2025
The creativity of Mary Stone and Angela Kay in this new Genevieve Steele series blows my mind! This thrilling novel is exceptional and downright chilling. The authors have crafted a very twisted killer. This story is filled with nail biting tension and heart stopping action. It is impossible to put down! I was hooked from the first page. Loving the characters in this new series and cannot wait to learn more about Genevieve and her colleagues!!
June 24, 2025
What an awesome start to the new Genevieve Steel series. It has you hooked from the first page to the last page. Lots of twists and turns. Geneviene is a great character with some surprises about her. Anxious to learn more about Genevieve and her fellow agents. Mary Stone and Angela Kay have created an amazing new book, and I cannot wait to read future ones.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
September 21, 2025
On edge, Hair up on the back of your neck story
Agent Steele transfers to a new unit near her hometown, BAU doesn't have many openings. She left this town years ago because of her father, a serial killer known as the headhunter. While hiking in the mountains a woman literally runs into her. The only thing the woman said to her before she past out was "headhunter."
This is how her new job and first case begins. Great job. Thank you.
Agent Steele transfers to a new unit near her hometown, BAU doesn't have many openings. She left this town years ago because of her father, a serial killer known as the headhunter. While hiking in the mountains a woman literally runs into her. The only thing the woman said to her before she past out was "headhunter."
This is how her new job and first case begins. Great job. Thank you.
July 1, 2025
The Daughter's Curse is the first book in a new series by Mary Stone. Genevieve Steel is new to the FBI and is the daughter of a serial killer. Her first case involves the disappearance and murders of young women and the crimes seem to mimic the crimes of merfather.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 14, 2025
New series
Genevieve Steel is an FBI agent assigned to her cchildhood home area. She's also the daughter of a serial killer who was caught because of her. Now there's a killer who is imitating her father. Can she stop him before more women are killed? This is an interesting book in the new series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Genevieve Steel is an FBI agent assigned to her cchildhood home area. She's also the daughter of a serial killer who was caught because of her. Now there's a killer who is imitating her father. Can she stop him before more women are killed? This is an interesting book in the new series. I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 9, 2025
Great book!
This was a great start to the Steel series! I wasn't sure what to expect after Emma Last, Autumn and Winter Black series, but this was action packed, diabolical and gratifying all at once. A bit of overkill on using the word 'legacy' but great story. Looking forward to book 2.
This was a great start to the Steel series! I wasn't sure what to expect after Emma Last, Autumn and Winter Black series, but this was action packed, diabolical and gratifying all at once. A bit of overkill on using the word 'legacy' but great story. Looking forward to book 2.
August 21, 2025
The book started out great. I was very engaged. Eventually, it slowed WAY down with lots of filler thoughts and descriptions. I found them too tedious leading to boredom which lead to skimming. The paranormal stuff where she could "see" things was weird! I think all of Genevieve's thoughts about her father, her life, and her fear of being like the killers. It was too boring. I'll stop here.
August 24, 2025
Great concept but Very Wordy…
I know the scene must be set with words that evoke the feeling of being “there” but it’s like this team is paid by the word. Every chapter they reiterate the same things, sometimes with the exact sentences. I like the main character and her dedication but…Words
I know the scene must be set with words that evoke the feeling of being “there” but it’s like this team is paid by the word. Every chapter they reiterate the same things, sometimes with the exact sentences. I like the main character and her dedication but…Words
September 1, 2025
Pretty good start
I've read a lot of Ms. Stone's books. Probabky too many. My question is WHY she insists on giving the protagonist some special supernatural power? The character is fine without it. Secrets, I understand, every hero needs one, and a weakness. Just starts to get old. Otherwise a higher rating would have been given.
I've read a lot of Ms. Stone's books. Probabky too many. My question is WHY she insists on giving the protagonist some special supernatural power? The character is fine without it. Secrets, I understand, every hero needs one, and a weakness. Just starts to get old. Otherwise a higher rating would have been given.
June 18, 2025
Received ARC
Another winner from Mary Stone. Genevieve Steel is going to be an awesome read.
There are plenty of twists & turns in The Daughter’s Curse. You won’t want to put it down!
I am anticipating the next in the series.
Another winner from Mary Stone. Genevieve Steel is going to be an awesome read.
There are plenty of twists & turns in The Daughter’s Curse. You won’t want to put it down!
I am anticipating the next in the series.
June 21, 2025
This was a awesome story about Genevieve looking for a killer that takes girls like her father use to do and finding him and the torture place with lots of suspense and action. Thank you Mary and Angela.
June 24, 2025
Great new series
Loved this book it keeps you on your toes with suspense. Mary Stone never lets you down with her series. You want more stories more adventures, Genevieve Steel is great. A series killer for a father can she fight the pull between good and bad.
Loved this book it keeps you on your toes with suspense. Mary Stone never lets you down with her series. You want more stories more adventures, Genevieve Steel is great. A series killer for a father can she fight the pull between good and bad.
June 27, 2025
The Daughter's Curse
Her father is a serial killer brought down by his twelve year old daughter. Years later with a different name, a degree in forensic psychology and a new FBI posting in BAU back where it all began, she brings down her dad's copycat killer.
Her father is a serial killer brought down by his twelve year old daughter. Years later with a different name, a degree in forensic psychology and a new FBI posting in BAU back where it all began, she brings down her dad's copycat killer.
June 28, 2025
Riviting
A fast paced thriller you can’t put down. Her father is a serial killer. She put him in jail at age 12, now their is look alike killings. Has he escaped is it a copy cat. She is now an FBI agent and it’s her job to find out. A real page turner.
A fast paced thriller you can’t put down. Her father is a serial killer. She put him in jail at age 12, now their is look alike killings. Has he escaped is it a copy cat. She is now an FBI agent and it’s her job to find out. A real page turner.
June 29, 2025
This is the first book in the Genevieve Steel series. She is a profiler in the FBI’s BAU. This a a well written, fast paced, psychological thriller with plenty of interesting twists and turns. This is going to be a must-read series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews