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Shadow Island #7
Shadow's Ritual: Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series, Book 7
In a world of shadows, a sinister ritual awakens...
Just as Sheriff Rebecca West starts to relax after a harrowing hostage situation, she’s thrown into another demanding case. This one is even more ominous.
Maybe the curse is real.
Shadow Island lore insists that anyone who steps in the shadow cast onto the old witch’s cottage is cursed. But when two bodies are discovered inside the cottage, their heads arranged in a ghastly tableau, Rebecca is more concerned about the real monsters—the human ones who’d commit such an atrocious murder.
The bizarre staging, the mutilation of the corpses, and the desecration of the cottage point to a ritualistic killing. And the horrific murders occurring upon the arrival of the traveling Lovecraft symposium—an assembly of fervent enthusiasts of the macabre—transcend mere coincidence. However, the city refuses to close the convention and lose revenue.
Murder can draw quite the crowd, after all.
But when a third gory murder occurs twenty-four hours later, one thing is clear. A vicious killer lurks in the shadow. And he’ll find a new victim every night unless Rebecca finds a way to close the book on this horror story.
From its grisly beginning to the chilling conclusion, Shadow’s Ritual—the seventh book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is not for the faint-hearted. Because when fiction and reality converge, the line between waking horror and the darkest nightmare disappears.
Just as Sheriff Rebecca West starts to relax after a harrowing hostage situation, she’s thrown into another demanding case. This one is even more ominous.
Maybe the curse is real.
Shadow Island lore insists that anyone who steps in the shadow cast onto the old witch’s cottage is cursed. But when two bodies are discovered inside the cottage, their heads arranged in a ghastly tableau, Rebecca is more concerned about the real monsters—the human ones who’d commit such an atrocious murder.
The bizarre staging, the mutilation of the corpses, and the desecration of the cottage point to a ritualistic killing. And the horrific murders occurring upon the arrival of the traveling Lovecraft symposium—an assembly of fervent enthusiasts of the macabre—transcend mere coincidence. However, the city refuses to close the convention and lose revenue.
Murder can draw quite the crowd, after all.
But when a third gory murder occurs twenty-four hours later, one thing is clear. A vicious killer lurks in the shadow. And he’ll find a new victim every night unless Rebecca finds a way to close the book on this horror story.
From its grisly beginning to the chilling conclusion, Shadow’s Ritual—the seventh book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is not for the faint-hearted. Because when fiction and reality converge, the line between waking horror and the darkest nightmare disappears.
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First published September 8, 2023
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About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,130 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 142 reviews
June 27, 2023
I loved the first six books of this series. This installment was just too stomach turning, over-the-top bizarre for me. I am not giving up on the series because the characters. I am hopeful the next one won't be like this!
June 26, 2023
Not my favorite
I have read the whole shadow series. This one was way too weird for me. The storyline was gruesome and hard to read at times because of the descriptions. The whole gang was back and that part of the story is always fun to read. But I would skip this one if you are reading the series.
I have read the whole shadow series. This one was way too weird for me. The storyline was gruesome and hard to read at times because of the descriptions. The whole gang was back and that part of the story is always fun to read. But I would skip this one if you are reading the series.
June 24, 2023
This was top notch thriller with horror scenes. Mary really soaked Rebecca and her deputies deep in the troubles with crimes of the intelligent , but psychotic killer. I did not know the gruesome scenes could be presented in the bearable not offending style. Mary and Lori succeeded. You will not gag as some wormed you, it is as it is with this kind of ritual killings. The plot is unique again and story will hold you from the page 1. At some point I laughed , but then been horrified by the way and source of killer’s “material” to cover himself and his weapons. It was something to imagine (going back to toddlers’ age lol). This is great mystery thriller with the gruesome scenes you will survive. The team is getting better, even Locke will have some part of the Rebecca’s adventurous investigation. Story of David and Goliath. Bravo Lida
May 20, 2025
Not worth the time
The first few books in this series were ok not great but something to pass the time. The author uses the word depraved a lot in this book but that word doesn’t begin to describe the mind of writer.
The first few books in this series were ok not great but something to pass the time. The author uses the word depraved a lot in this book but that word doesn’t begin to describe the mind of writer.
November 22, 2024
I didn’t like this book. Very bizarre, almost sci-fi. Gory, and a bit hard to understand, just not a good story line. I’ve liked the rest of this series, so will try the next book. I hope it’s better than this one.
November 25, 2024
Shadow Island
I tried to like these books and probably didn't need to read so many. The plot is too drawn out and unbelievable. I am new to reading Mary Stone, not sure if this is her norm.
I tried to like these books and probably didn't need to read so many. The plot is too drawn out and unbelievable. I am new to reading Mary Stone, not sure if this is her norm.
August 8, 2024
terrible
This must be a different writer. Also the 4th through 7 th books
The stories are SO predictable
and poorly written
This must be a different writer. Also the 4th through 7 th books
The stories are SO predictable
and poorly written
June 21, 2023
Folklore - Old Witches’ Cottage - Bizarre Killings
Warning: If you are squeamish, this book may not be for you. For the first time, I found my gag reflex coming into play. You will have to read the book, if you dare.
Sheriff Rebecca West can’t seem to catch a break. She and her team of deputies are investigating the murder of two people who were found in the Old Witches’s Cottage. Is the cursed cottage to blame? The way the two were killed is horrific. Rebecca, Hoyt and Darian are having a hard time dealing with the scene of the crime. As it turns out, the two are members of the Lovecraft symposium. Members of the Lovecraft symposium believe in the macabre and strange gods.
The third murder was just as horrific as the first two. Rebecca and the others are trying their best to locate the killer before he kills for a fourth time. Who is doing this crazy killing? What or who is driving the killer to kill? Will Rebecca find the killer before he kills again? Who gets hurt?
Rebecca and Ryker’s relationship seems to be moving along. They were able to spend some time together. While relaxing with Ryker, Rebecca gets a call about a shooting victim that washed ashore. What nightmare case will she be dealing with next?
Shadow’s Ritual has all the weirdness, horror, gore, drama, twists and turns you could hope to find in a book.
Warning: If you are squeamish, this book may not be for you. For the first time, I found my gag reflex coming into play. You will have to read the book, if you dare.
Sheriff Rebecca West can’t seem to catch a break. She and her team of deputies are investigating the murder of two people who were found in the Old Witches’s Cottage. Is the cursed cottage to blame? The way the two were killed is horrific. Rebecca, Hoyt and Darian are having a hard time dealing with the scene of the crime. As it turns out, the two are members of the Lovecraft symposium. Members of the Lovecraft symposium believe in the macabre and strange gods.
The third murder was just as horrific as the first two. Rebecca and the others are trying their best to locate the killer before he kills for a fourth time. Who is doing this crazy killing? What or who is driving the killer to kill? Will Rebecca find the killer before he kills again? Who gets hurt?
Rebecca and Ryker’s relationship seems to be moving along. They were able to spend some time together. While relaxing with Ryker, Rebecca gets a call about a shooting victim that washed ashore. What nightmare case will she be dealing with next?
Shadow’s Ritual has all the weirdness, horror, gore, drama, twists and turns you could hope to find in a book.
December 17, 2025
Not for late night reading
I usually read late at night when everyone is sleeping. Thank goodness for my cat keeping me company or I would have had to wake my snoring husband. A cat's purring will even keep away the depraved sea gods.
Mary Stone does it again, crafting a story so real that you check over your shoulder to make sure there are no bad guys out there.
I love the characters in this series, they are all flaw in their own way, yet solid and strong and mostly standing together. As for Richmond Vale, I am sure there must be a secret place on the island that has a healthy growth of poison ivy and a large population of chiggers. I think both the island population and medical community will fail to tell him that a quick dip in the ocean will cure both of those problems.
Do read the book and see what antics are happening in the Witch's cottage. It seems to attract trouble.
I usually read late at night when everyone is sleeping. Thank goodness for my cat keeping me company or I would have had to wake my snoring husband. A cat's purring will even keep away the depraved sea gods.
Mary Stone does it again, crafting a story so real that you check over your shoulder to make sure there are no bad guys out there.
I love the characters in this series, they are all flaw in their own way, yet solid and strong and mostly standing together. As for Richmond Vale, I am sure there must be a secret place on the island that has a healthy growth of poison ivy and a large population of chiggers. I think both the island population and medical community will fail to tell him that a quick dip in the ocean will cure both of those problems.
Do read the book and see what antics are happening in the Witch's cottage. It seems to attract trouble.
November 6, 2025
3.75/5 stars
Here’s my take on Shadow’s Ritual by Mary Stone (with Lori Rhodes): The story plunges you straight into the creepy heart of Shadow Island’s darkest legend—when two grotesquely staged corpses turn up in a “witch’s cottage” and a Lovecraft-style symposium full of macabre fanatics descends on town, we’re no longer in ordinary crime-thriller territory anymore. Sheriff Rebecca West must chase not just a murderer but the swirling myth and fear that grip the island—a blend of ritual horror and procedural investigation that, for me, works well but occasionally leans too hard into shock for its own sake. The twisty plot keeps you flipping pages, and the atmosphere of “maybe the curse is real” gives a nice haunted edge, but if you prefer grounded mysteries it might feel a bit over-the-top.
Here’s my take on Shadow’s Ritual by Mary Stone (with Lori Rhodes): The story plunges you straight into the creepy heart of Shadow Island’s darkest legend—when two grotesquely staged corpses turn up in a “witch’s cottage” and a Lovecraft-style symposium full of macabre fanatics descends on town, we’re no longer in ordinary crime-thriller territory anymore. Sheriff Rebecca West must chase not just a murderer but the swirling myth and fear that grip the island—a blend of ritual horror and procedural investigation that, for me, works well but occasionally leans too hard into shock for its own sake. The twisty plot keeps you flipping pages, and the atmosphere of “maybe the curse is real” gives a nice haunted edge, but if you prefer grounded mysteries it might feel a bit over-the-top.
June 21, 2023
SHADOW'S RITUAL is the seventh installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Get ready for a darker murder mystery than previous installments. I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time setting this book down for even a few minutes.
Sheriff Rebecca West answered a call to the witche's cottage and walked into what looked like a scene from a horror movie. So starts the next case for our Shadow Island PD. Before it's solved everyone will wish they never heard of H.P Lovecraft.
If you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Sheriff Rebecca West answered a call to the witche's cottage and walked into what looked like a scene from a horror movie. So starts the next case for our Shadow Island PD. Before it's solved everyone will wish they never heard of H.P Lovecraft.
If you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. Mary and her co-authors definitely know how to get their lead character in trouble.
I do recommend this series. I did receive an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 25, 2023
This is an ARC read and one of the better book series that Mary Stone has. Sheriff Rebecca West was hoping for a little down time after the stand off inside the lighthouse but her down time doesn't last long. She is called to the grisly double murder inside the witches house. Add to that is a convention of people who love Lovecroft books, which is being held in the field next to the Witches cottage. The two murder victims are members of the convention and at first their are way to many suspects. When the third murder occurs, things start coming to a head and Sheriff West and her Deputies race to find the killer before another death occurs. This is fast paced and full of twists and turns. You will not want to put it down
December 26, 2023
The killer in this one was disgusting and psychotic. Mary Stone's imagination is superb. I just have a problem with the timelines of the books. Each book happens directly after the last one. This is supposed to be a small island with only four full-time police officers. Yet there is one or more murders every week. It's that that is beginning to make me lose interest. If this were a huge island with an appropriately sized police force, it would be believable to have murders this often. I live in a small town, and even we have a couple full-time officers. However, there have been no murders. I understand this is supposed to be a tourist destination, but still...
February 16, 2024
When horror and crime meet. The story starts off with a graphic and disturbing crime scene that includes a local myth and a convention that follows creepy places. The sheriffs department is working great with the still exception of Locke. As the case evolves we see the humor and friendship developing with the main characters and teammates. Rebecca also has some development with Ryker on the personal side! The case has a few more disturbing scenes that enter into the literary macabre, but also show how things can be entertainment or taken way too far. The ending is out of nightmares but brilliantly and vividly described. This is a great series and entertaining book.
June 20, 2023
Shadow’s Ritual is book seven of the Shadow Island series. It can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. In it Stella Knox and her able team are on the hunt again. On the island you will find a witches’ cottage, a curse, two dead headless bodies and a group of Lovecraft lovers who have gathered on the Island. What could possibly go wrong? Who is the killer? Is it a member of the Lovecraft group or someone sinister who lives on the island? This book is full of action but is a little gorier than most Mary Stones books. An enjoyable read and interesting series.
June 20, 2023
I enjoy all of Stone's series but out of all of them, I think I like this the best. I really enjoy the comraderie that Sheriff Rebecca West has with her staff of deputies and receptionist, Vivienne. Of course there's always a bad seed and Trent Locke is quite detestable.
Hot on the heels of the lighthouse todo, there are horrendous murders in the old witch house. With a convention of Lovecraftians on the island, the department has a whole lot of possible suspects.
The Shadow Island series is an excellent way to enjoy your day, or night.
Hot on the heels of the lighthouse todo, there are horrendous murders in the old witch house. With a convention of Lovecraftians on the island, the department has a whole lot of possible suspects.
The Shadow Island series is an excellent way to enjoy your day, or night.
June 21, 2023
This tiny island has had more murders than most urban cities! I think this place is cursed! This guy was a bit over the top for me. The descriptions were almost sickening to read. The plot was one thing, but the killer was in a universe all his own. I didn't enjoy this book as much as the others because of the creep factor and the utterly disgusting description of the killer. Normally this series has been right on target, and I really like Rebecca as the new Sheriff is quite interesting. This one just didn't hit the mark for me. Looking forward to the next one.
June 23, 2023
Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have out done themselves in this book. I read a lot of murder mysteries and I'm always drawn to reading them. A little bloody and scary, but again the Authors outdid themselves.
Sheriff Rebecca West has just started to relax in her job after solving the last murders. Suddenly she is pulled into the mystery of the murders at the Witches Cottage and it's curse is brought into question.
If you enjoy murder mysteries you will enjoy this book. I for one have enjoyed every one of Mary Stones books and have bought them as gifts for family.
Sheriff Rebecca West has just started to relax in her job after solving the last murders. Suddenly she is pulled into the mystery of the murders at the Witches Cottage and it's curse is brought into question.
If you enjoy murder mysteries you will enjoy this book. I for one have enjoyed every one of Mary Stones books and have bought them as gifts for family.
January 28, 2024
I enjoy the series and the characters. However, it's a real push on reality that a small island town has so many murders and serial killers back-to-back for months. Also, the main character loses her gun routinely during life threatening fights. I think she's been beaten up just about every "take down" so far. This book is much darker and twisted than previous ones. The series seems to be getting more and more that way. At least her relationship with Ryker is going in the right direction.
June 21, 2023
The Shadows Island series just keeps getting better and better and is becoming one of my favorites.
Rest assured that any book with Mary Stone as author or co-author the killer is going to be utterly ghastly. Along with Lori Rhodes that is exactly what the authors have created…a totally crazy dude!
Shadow’s Ritual takes the word “squeamish” to a whole new level. I enjoyed every moment of this book!!
Rest assured that any book with Mary Stone as author or co-author the killer is going to be utterly ghastly. Along with Lori Rhodes that is exactly what the authors have created…a totally crazy dude!
Shadow’s Ritual takes the word “squeamish” to a whole new level. I enjoyed every moment of this book!!
June 22, 2023
Shadow's Ritual(Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 7)
OMG!!!!!!! This book was worth the wait. The murderer was an insane and deranged human being, who killed because of his delusional and strange ideas. He believes that he can become supernatural and can call the gods from a book he worshipped, and these gods would destroy the world. Now Sheriff West has a new case. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!! This book was worth the wait. The murderer was an insane and deranged human being, who killed because of his delusional and strange ideas. He believes that he can become supernatural and can call the gods from a book he worshipped, and these gods would destroy the world. Now Sheriff West has a new case. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 24, 2023
Shadow's Ritual is the seventh book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone. Just as sheriff Rebecca West closes her last case and thinks she has a little free time, a group called Lovecraft comes t0 the island.
Two members the group are found dead in a really gory manner and it appears to0 be possibly be connected to the group.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and had me hooked from the beginning. I would also note that this book might not be for the faint of heart.
Two members the group are found dead in a really gory manner and it appears to0 be possibly be connected to the group.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and had me hooked from the beginning. I would also note that this book might not be for the faint of heart.
July 12, 2023
I gritted my way through this book. I did not enjoy it but was determined to finish it as I enjoy the characters in this series. This storyline and perpetrator were just over the top gore and disgusting. Give me your classic, interesting murder mystery not some fantastical plot and the musings/ramblings of a raving lunatic….I’m a simple person, this was not my “cup of tea”. I do look forward to another installment of this series, just not like this……
October 9, 2023
gruesome murders inspired by a demented Lovecraft devotee
Shadow Island plays host to a convention/festival of fans dedicated to H. P. Lovecraft, including a treasure hunt and contest. The location was selected because of folklore surrounding the lighthouse and a so-called Witch’s Cabin.
Unfortunately, two mutilated corpses are found in the cabin….and Rebecca’s days go downhill from there.
Shadow Island plays host to a convention/festival of fans dedicated to H. P. Lovecraft, including a treasure hunt and contest. The location was selected because of folklore surrounding the lighthouse and a so-called Witch’s Cabin.
Unfortunately, two mutilated corpses are found in the cabin….and Rebecca’s days go downhill from there.
December 9, 2023
Ok, yes this was a crime drama but the ending whoa had me in tears! This was so good, so this was the 8th book 📕 in the series, all have been good. I like that there is a bit of a connection with each book, but you don’t have to read the whole series to follow along. I like to. That’s how I get to truly know and understand the characters and their roles.
On to book number 9, let’s see how it picks up from book 8! I’ve wiped my tears 😭, let’s go!!!
On to book number 9, let’s see how it picks up from book 8! I’ve wiped my tears 😭, let’s go!!!
January 14, 2024
If you don't like gross, fictitious horror stories, don't read!
I did NOT enjoy reading this book as I did the other 6 books in the series. So far, this book ranks at the bottom, maybe even out of ALL the books I've ever read. I had to make myself read the chapters about Xul'thara. It's just not the type of story that interests me. Other than the "horrible creepy monster covered in feces and blood" chapters, the book was good. Still love the main characters and the Island.
I did NOT enjoy reading this book as I did the other 6 books in the series. So far, this book ranks at the bottom, maybe even out of ALL the books I've ever read. I had to make myself read the chapters about Xul'thara. It's just not the type of story that interests me. Other than the "horrible creepy monster covered in feces and blood" chapters, the book was good. Still love the main characters and the Island.
June 20, 2024
Wow!
I have read all of this author's previous Shadow Island books & each one was better than the one before. But This One!!! I could not put it down-OMG! The psycho killer was so creepy...Ms. Stone seems to have let go & written with abandon, letting her imagination run free & she absolutely took off like a rocket with this creepy, horrific, un-put-downable tale!!! Yikes! Highly recommend this book, but not for the feint of stomach LOL!
I have read all of this author's previous Shadow Island books & each one was better than the one before. But This One!!! I could not put it down-OMG! The psycho killer was so creepy...Ms. Stone seems to have let go & written with abandon, letting her imagination run free & she absolutely took off like a rocket with this creepy, horrific, un-put-downable tale!!! Yikes! Highly recommend this book, but not for the feint of stomach LOL!
October 13, 2024
Inspired by Lovecraft
A monstrous man, covered in leaches and feces coming out from the swamp to serve his master and behead the sacrifices. He will become the vessel for his master once enough sacrifices are obtained. His reason? To release a defiler onto the world and create chaos. Already three murders in less than twenty-four hours. Can Sheriff Rebecca West and her team stop this delusional madman before he kills again?
A monstrous man, covered in leaches and feces coming out from the swamp to serve his master and behead the sacrifices. He will become the vessel for his master once enough sacrifices are obtained. His reason? To release a defiler onto the world and create chaos. Already three murders in less than twenty-four hours. Can Sheriff Rebecca West and her team stop this delusional madman before he kills again?
January 25, 2025
Too gory
I've really enjoyed this series until I started reading this book. The crime scene descriptions are absolutely disgusting. It was like the authors were just out for shock value. I usually complete a book about every two days. I had to force myself to continue this book. Some sittings I'd only get through two or three pages before putting it down again. I'm going to start the next in the series but if it is anything like this one, I'm not continuing.
I've really enjoyed this series until I started reading this book. The crime scene descriptions are absolutely disgusting. It was like the authors were just out for shock value. I usually complete a book about every two days. I had to force myself to continue this book. Some sittings I'd only get through two or three pages before putting it down again. I'm going to start the next in the series but if it is anything like this one, I'm not continuing.
June 19, 2023
When 2 bodies are discovered at the Lighthouse cottage, it’s all hands on deck. These bodies have been horribly mutilated. At this same time there is a Lovecraft symposium being held nearby, and the 2 bodies are part of their group. Before the team can solve the murders, another body is discovered….
This is action packed and full of surprises
This is action packed and full of surprises
Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews