Last Stand

Emma Last FBI Mystery #15

by Mary Stone

The line between love and vengeance was never thin. It was a fuse.

After a deadly shootout between impostor agents and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Unit, Special Agent Emma Last thought nothing could shock her again. But when her friend is found hacked to pieces, her severed hand left on Emma’s doorstep like a calling card, the violence veers into something darker—intimate, targeted, and cruel.

And the horror is just beginning.

An FBI bomb specialist is next—his mutilated body scattered like shrapnel in his own home. Emma suspects her long-lost sister may be behind the attacks, but the truth is tangled in blood, betrayal, and lies. Whoever the killer is, she’s escalating. Armed with a weapon that defies science and fueled by a personal vendetta, her target isn’t just Emma.

It’s everything—and everyone—Emma loves.

With guilt mounting and chaos closing in, Emma must outmaneuver a killer who’s always one step ahead. Before the next ignition. Before her team suffocates. Before everything—and everyone—is consumed.

Last Stand, the explosive fifteenth and final installment in the Emma Last FBI series by bestselling author Mary Stone, delivers a heart-stopping finale full of devastating twists, hard-won healing, and one unforgettable goodbye. A story that proves family can break you…or save you. And sometimes, it’s hard to tell which is which.

266 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2025

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

[Cherie Passno · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Another series complete. Emma is another resilient character who has so much strength and growth. What a great ending. Thank you, Mary Stone.

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and Leo are on the track of a newly found half-sister of Emma's. She is waging war against the FBI and has developed a bizarre plot to tunnel into the FBI building. She's a ghost in some ways. But she is dangerous and has no regard for life, especially those of FBI agents and police. Emma never even knew she existed until a battle in Salem that left the town devastated. Now she must come face-to-face with her nemesis and end her killing spree. What a plot! This book will keep you on your toes and keep you wondering if this woman can be caught. She is always a step ahead and she has help from the inside! Great read and a great ending to the series.

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma and her fellow agents are being attacked by her half-sister Lydia. Lydia is sending messages to Emma through the death of her close friend and then an FBI agent in another department. Emma is battling her emotions with the tragedies she has had, and then Leo is taken by Lydia. It is a race against time not knowing what Lydia has planned for a deadly substance she has developed, and whether Leo is alive. A very emotional, traumatic, page-turning book. I will miss Emma and her team, but I do love how Ms. Stone ended this worthwhile-reading series.

[Anne Davis-Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

stunned

I am without words. I wish I could give an incredible, coherent review. I read the Emma Last series back to back & just now finished the last ‘Last’. It’s 4:10am. I’m just stunned. I’ve never been so wrapped up in a series that seemed to gruesome for me. I have a ride or die author that I’ve read everything she ever wrote- Mary stone will become another one. Not many books bring tears on - in book 15 there were tears of loss, proud tears & happy/relieved tears. Thank you Mary Stone.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly thrilling and chilling! Time and time again Mary Stone books have enthralled me! Last Stand continues that tradition. Emma Last has been such an intriguing character and a favorite of mine. This is a masterly crafted and complex case with a very complex deadly weapon. This Emma book is quite the page turner as the agents furiously try to find Emma’s crazed sister. Absolutely a must read! Such a beautiful ending of a fantastic series!

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story starts off quickly, Emma is feeling responsible for the deaths of co-workers. Her recently discovered half sister Lydia is wreaking havoc thru the FBI and local law enforcement. Lydia seems to always be one step ahead of Emma and her team.. When Emma gets to finally question the agent that has been sharing all kinds of information with Lydia, they discover what might be a clue to finally stop her, or will it?

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

SA Emma Last and her team are on a new case, sadly it involves her good friend Marigold. Then same day, notice of an FBI SA Bennington a bomb expert has problems of his own. Everyone on the team are out in full force and it may all boil down to Sibling's and a Vendetta. Sibling rivalry or pure old hate?
Is this the last of Emma Last?
I have enjoyed reading this series and can't wait for the next book in any series Mary Stone is writing.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

I have read this series from the beginning, and during the first book I thought I had everyone paired up, how wrong could I be. Emma special talent not only for seeing ghosts, but for finding and getting on trouble was what kept the story lines together. I'm so pleased that every thing turned out well, particularly that Emma got to see her mom. I can truly recommend this series. Well done Mary Stone. Looking forward to all the new series of books.

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia, Emma’s half-sister, is hell bent of extracting revenge on Emma. Not only does she blame her for her mother’s death but the fact she has no “special talent” like Emma does. In needless acts of vengeance she begins her takedown of Emma and all the VCU even going so far as taking out the whole of the FBI at the same time.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster of a ride this series has been. The last book does not disappoint. It is a nail-biting page turner. Can Emma finally stop her sister Lydia from all the harm she created? A must read. Thank you, Mary Stone, for another great character. Emma Last will definitely be missed.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.

[margaret waniska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite the page turner!

I'm so sorry that this is the finale of the Emma Last books, but what a ride it's been. Emma deserves her happiness and it looks like she'll get it. Very pleased that all of her work friends/ family made it through alive. Now they all can find some happiness and peace and continue working together to help others in need. Enjoy yourself Emma!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long journey has finally ended with FBI agent Erma Last. The cases she investigated & solved with her team were dangerous & thrilling at the same time. Emma’s “Other” realm helped her with the cases & her life. This final story found Emma’s lost sister who only wanted revenge. Heroic Emma saved her new family, finally ready to find happiness. A great series!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Loved this whole series. The characters were interesting and well developed with very realistic lives. The paranormal side of Emma added just the right amount of unusual and was handled perfectly. Each book was fast paced and had many twists and tuns. A wonderful ending to a great series!

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

And I think this is the last book in the series. What a great ending. The message that although we all have blood family, we can have people in our lives that we choose to be our family. Those relationships can be full of love and fulfilling. I like the last words from Emma, to go find our light. As she did....

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a awesome story about Emma Last and coming to come to grips about her sister and how evil she is and finally stopping her with lots of suspense and action. I’m sorry to see this story about Emma coming to a end but was excellent while it lasted. Thank you.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifteenth, and final, book in the Emma Last series. It’s a thrilling page turner full of action, suspense and vengeance. A roller coaster ride of drama. An amazing finale for this amazing series

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful ending to an absolutely amazing series. The book in the series will not disappoint. It’s one rollercoaster and a page turner. Emma and her crew will be missed. Thank you Mary for a great series.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This series has been interesting and very surprising. The ups and downs the loses and finding new people. I have enjoyed each and every book. If you believe in a great mystery and the super natural, read these.

[L.V. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Loved!

This final installment made me teary eyed big time! This ended on a high note although I was worried for the team with every page turned. I'm so glad lost love was found and new love was birthed! Kudos to Mary Stone!

[Emily Siler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so sad that this is the last book in the series. I enjoyed every bit of her story but am pleased to see her find a little happiness in the end. Emma Last is strong character and I enjoyed watching her learn more about herself.

[Jeniffer Estrada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma’s Last Stand.

Her best book yet. I am just sad that’s is over. Reading it , it gave me hope that’s maybe , just maybe there’s a light waiting for us at the of this tunnel we call “ Life”.

[marcia potts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful of the sister that you don't know about!

An FBI agent hears through the grapevine that she may have a sister. This FBI agent can see and hear ghosts. Two of the FBI agents friends are found dismembered and spread across their houses. Then, the real killing starts.

[Janelle Heideman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful finale

Emma Last has always been one of my favorite of Mary Stone’s characters. This story is compelling and the ending is a fitting way to end the series. If you’ve followed Emma this far, you’re going to want to read this.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad to see it ending

This was a better ending to this series. I still hate to see it go....I would have loved to see Emma and Winter and the first group back together maybe for one last ending?

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time has come to say goodbye to Emma Last. Her life is in order and the future is looking bright.

I really hate to end this series. I hope that Emma will at least make cameo appearances in some of the other series.

[Colleen Nagl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!!!

One more awesome series Emma Last by Mary Stone! Sorry the series is done but understand,the ending was good !Now I will move on to a new series
I'm sure I will enjoy!!!

[TAMMIE L HOTALING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last is best

Really enjoyed this series and especially this team of FBI agents. It was quite the journey, sad, scary, exciting, but always a hard to put down series of books. Thanks for allowing me to tag along.

[Christine Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

15 books later and Emma’s Story is complete 🥲 really fell in love with her character and growth through the stories. I love the combination of the thriller / mystery and supernatural elements. Will miss these characters!

[Joseph Bernal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last stand

I r.really like the family that forms when you have people that depend on you.the comarie that they form is so precious. This group of cops are so down to earth makes you wish all cops are good cops .

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best one yet

It’s amazing to me how this woman writes such captivating tales and you feel like you are there with the characters. This was an amazing ending to a lot of things in Emma’s life that needed to end and hopefully a new beginning!