Twisted Reign

Indie Reign FBI Mystery #1

by Mary Stone, Karen Guyler

You can twist the truth, but you can’t escape it.

Following her recent move back to the small Appalachian town where she grew up, memories shrouded in mystery haunt Indie Reign at every turn. Her family brutally taken. Her grandmother’s unexplainable disappearance. And her unique gift with animals that no one can know about. Especially now that she’s the Sherwood County Sheriff Department’s new probationary K-9 detective.

Day one on the job, and death is already waiting.

A teenage girl is discovered hanging from a swing in her backyard. At first glance, it looks like suicide. But Indie’s instincts say otherwise. Over the past eight months, the small town has mourned four suicides and six accidental deaths—all under eighteen. And three of the dead teens left behind a single, chilling word.

Ascension.

Indie doesn’t believe in coincidences. Only patterns. And with the help of her new partner, Officer Broc—a sharp-minded Belgian Malinois with a nose for danger—she starts to unravel a disturbing truth. A hidden online community is targeting vulnerable kids, promising transformation through death.

Someone doesn’t think they’re killing teens.

They think they’re saving them.

Twisted Reign is the gripping first book in the Indie Reign series by bestselling authors Mary Stone and Karen Guyler, where redemption, delusion, and justice collide—and survival demands sacrifice.

336 pages, Paperback

Published July 19, 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

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Reign is book one in Indie Reign Series. Awesome start for this series. Loved the fact that she could Communicate with animals. This psychological thriller is a suspenseful, fast-paced page-turner love the characters. Can’t wait for next book

[Carla Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first installment of this series. It was great. K-9 Dectective Indie Reign has an affinity with animals that makes her a superb K-9 officer. Her dog officer Broc is a good companion for her as well. Her first week on her job she stumbles into a lot of teenage suicides, the problem is it looks more like someone is coercing this kids to their deaths through a mysterious online app. Can she get to the bottom of this before too many more children have to die? This book is very well written and full of action. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

TWISTED REIGN is the first installment in the Indie Reign Series by Mary Stone and Karen Guyler. This psychological thriller is a suspenseful, fast-paced page-turner that will grip you from the start. You'll be kept guessing who's doing what right from the first page to the end. 

If you have always wanted to communicate with animals, don't pass up this new series by Mary Stone and her new co-author, Karen Guyler.

Indie Reign has just returned to her hometown as a temporary K-9 detective in the Sherwood County, SC police department. Her first day on the job has her reporting to the scene of a dead teenager. Did the victim take their own life, or is it something more sinister. Before Indie and Broc close this case, there will be more bodies than you could imagine.

While this story is a different style from the typical Mary Stone tale, her  partnership with Karen Guyler is sure to produce an entertaining K-9 police procedural series. 

If you love animals, you will be laughing out loud at Broc's reaction to that green stuff (broccoli) in his food and his fear of the little turtle.

I received a free copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Reign returns to her hometown to begin a job as a Detective with her K9 partner, Broc. On her first day, she is sent to a scene where a teenage girl is found hanging in her backyard. In her investigation, she finds there have been several recent teenage suicides. She is determined to find if there is any connection between them, despite the reluctance of her training supervisor and the sheriff. I loved how Indie can "talk" and "listen" to animals, and this did put some light humor in the book in between the trauma of the suicides. The reader is kept guessing until the end on who is "The Guide" directing these teens to "ascend" to be free of their problems. Great first book and can't wait for the next one!

[P J Van Benthusen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an advanced reading team. It's actually pretty fun to read even though the subject matter is deadly serious. I think some of the points this book makes are extremely valid. We all should pay attention to what is happening on social media. Indie Reign is a young canine officer who has some uniques abilities. The has an incredible bond with her canines. In fact, she can actually understand them and they seem to understand her. Not just commands but thoughts and actions. It's fun to read how she interacts with her dogs. But, her ability to detect is also hyper focuced. It should be interesting to see how her character evolves.

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Reign has returned to her small hometown in the Appalachian mountains to take over the position of K9 officer in the local sheriff’s office along with her partner Broc. No sooner have they reported for duty than they re called away to the suicide of a local teen. Something doesn’t seem right about this death and as Indie looks more into the matter she realizes that it’s not the first teen suicide in the county and definitely not the last. Will she be able to get to the bottom of these tragedies before anymore needless deaths?

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with coauthor Karen Guyler Twisted Reign is quite clever however it is not as thrilling as previous Mary Stone books! This new character,Indie Reign, is a most unusual woman. Gifted with the ability to hear and talk to animals adds a new twist to Mary Stone novels. The mystery itself is very good and intriguing. I felt there were to many “animal breaks” and not enough of the mystery. As the story starts to conclude the pace picks up and leads the reader through to a satisfying finale.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Reign is definitely twisted. Someone calling himself 'The Guide' has a sick obsession in getting young teens to Ascend. Telling them to leave a note, painting whatever their talent or love is with the word Ascension on or in it.
Indira Reign is new to the Sheriff's Office with her dog Broc as a canine unit. Indie has an exceptional gift of being able to communicate through thoughts and able to hear them also. Hopefully between Indie and Broc they can solve this Mystery.
Who is The Guide and what is Ascension?

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome start to a new series featuring Indie and her canine companion, Broc. This team is hot on the trail of someone who is encouraging teens to "ascend" which often results in their deaths. There are a lot of strange circumstances that occur but they all have a common thread. Several suspects emerge but the actual killer is a bit of a surprise. Although Indie is new to the police department she and Broc soon prove their worth. She also has a special skill which, to be honest, put me off a little about the story, but it finally grew on me by the end. Overall, a solid start to a new series!

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Indie arrives back in her hometown to start a new job as K-9 Detective, she is assigned a task of checking out a “suicide” of a local teen. Something seems off about this death and her and her K-9 are going to figure it out. Thru lots of questions and research she soon thinks there’s a trend here with teenage deaths. She buts heads with her boss but keeps looking. Fast paced and keeps you guessing on who or what is really going on. Anxious for book 2 now.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie Reign moves back home to her Appalachian hometown to be a detective K-9 handler. Although still in training, she is thrown into a case of mysterious teenage suicides. With her K-9 partner, Broc, they narrow down the suspects & try to prevent more deaths. This is a start of a terrific new series. Indie has the ability to understand & talk to animals, which is a big help with her investigation. This is a series you don’t want to miss, it will not disappoint!

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series from Mary Stone and Karen Guyler that grasps you from the beginning. Although the subject matter is dark with teenagers committing suicide the story also has some humor in between. Reign and Hen are interesting characters, and I look forward to learning more about their special gifts. Can't wait until the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Reign is the first book in a new series and Indie Reign and her K-9 dog Broc and what a great start to a new series.

Indie and Broc are trying to solve a series of teenage deaths that at first appear to be suicide. On further investigation Indie has her doubts about the deaths being suicide.

The book is full od mystery and intrigue and I can hardly wait for the ne4xt book in the series.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an odd book in many ways. I almost didn't make it past the climate hysteria at the beginning. Once past that, it improved. Still there wasn't enough of the main character's background to allow me to settle in and get to know her. There's a woo-woo element here, but it's often murky. The author has a tendency to insinuate too vaguely in places while using a sledgehammer in others. That said, there is potential here. We'll see how the next book goes.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC

WOW! Just when I think that Mary & her co-writers must be running out of ideas, she starts a new series with a 4th of July worthy bang.

Indie, Broc & the rest of her menagerie are very entertaining. Indie is a great cop in a small burg where she is just starting this new position.

I can’t wait for more!

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening

Great characters vulnerable teens, scared parents, worried townspeople, small town sheriff department, and K-9 unit Indie Reign and her dogs Broc and retired Satch. Indie’s amazing ability to converse telepathically with animals. Startling plot about bullying , teenagers, computer apps, gaming and cyber predators. Couldn’t put it down. Next please!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with Indie and Broc. What a wonderful series just Started. I love the pause with dogie talks between tense full of crime pages. You picked up my favorite breed.
The story is unique and flows fast. This is my new favorite series. Wow
BROC

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Indie and her K9 dog Broc who sets ou why young people are dieing and finding out who is responsible with lots of suspense and drama. Thank you Mary and Karen for this awesome story.

[Donna Coffey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beginning to a new series...

I absolutely loved this book... Of course any book with animals included already has a head start with me but a great story line too...can't be beat.....when's the next book come out? I'll be waiting 😁

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Reign

I like it! I wasn't sure at first, but by the end I was hooked. The plot was engaging, with lots of surprises. The characters are new and different, I love the different gifts they have. I look forward to the next book.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable suspense, but seemed to drag in parts. Great heroine and her K-9 Broc, plus Satch and of course Moriarty and the turtle. No romance to speak of, but hints of it coming in her next book.
A good read, but hard to push through at times, but I’m glad I did.

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another...

Mary Stone, this time with Karen Guyler, has another hit series in the making. Hopefully we will
be with Indie, Brock and Hen for many episodes. Keep up the good stories ladies. NEXT!!!

[therese sawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning!

I loved the characters and most especially the wonderful rapport between Indie and her beautiful animals. As an animal lover, this was so my kind of book and a terrific crime thriller as well. I can't wait to read book 2.

[Anna Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series to start. Dr. Doolittle meets True Crime.

Small town, K9 unit, likable characters, including all the animals as a part of the characters alongside Indie, the detective. Love the team. Refreshing take on true crime. I can't wait to read the whole series.

[Rebecca Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Reign with cops and dogs

Twisted Reign with cops and dogs was an entertaining read. I really like Indie Reign character. The animals were fun to "hear". Hen will be an interesting character to develop.

[Dawn Rambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting but hard to read

This was a very good book! The storyline is one that is important, however, reading about teen suicide is difficult especially when it’s caused by someone they’re supposed to be able to trust.
It is also plausible to see it happen IRL!

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

wish I had Indie’s ability to hear four-leggers…

Whimsy and homicide blended together….Indira Reign and her trusty K-9, Broc is a newly minted probationary detective, thrust into a mystery spate of teens’ death styled as suicides, as well as more usual wandering elder citizens.

[Patricia A. Biba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Problems Of Internet

Good story about how the internet can affect children. I only wondered why the kids felt they would not die just ascend. Loved the talking between the dogs and Indie.

[marcia potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A kind of cool story about a detective trainee w/dog

This story is about a detective trainee and her
dog. The trainee detectives dog can communicate with her verbally. Teenagers are dying of suicide, or is it murder?

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, and really adored Broc, Satch and Salem, wondering if the cat will stay around. Looking forward to see if Hen and Indie share there gifts with other and maybe work together.