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Sinister Legacy
The seven sins aren’t warnings. They’re a hit list.
Maybe it’s the scar of her father’s unsolved murder. Maybe it’s the bloodline of a cop pulsing through her veins. Either way, FBI Special Agent Claire Legacy lives for the hunt. And in New Orleans—where revelry hides rot and masks conceal monsters—there’s no shortage of criminals to chase.
Especially during Carnival season.
When the captain of the Krewe de Lumière is electrocuted on his parade float in front of thousands, it looks like a freak accident...until Claire finds a note taped to his throne and his obituary publishes the exact second electricity stopped his heart.
This isn’t bad luck. It’s an execution.
And it’s just the beginning.
One by one, New Orleans’s elite begin to fall—each death a grotesque sermon on the seven deadly sins. Behind the gore and spectacle lurks a vigilante force calling themselves the Purifiers. To them, corruption is crime enough to kill for, and slaughter masquerades as salvation.
With Mardi Gras barreling toward its climax, Claire has only days to unmask the killers before the streets drown in more blood. But when her own mother is marked as the next target, the investigation turns person. Because in a city built on secrets, justice isn’t just blind.
It demands sacrifice.
Sinister Legacy, the pulse-pounding second book in the Claire Legacy FBI series by bestselling authors Mary Stone and Alex Gates, blurs the line between sin and salvation—because sometimes the wicked believe they’re the only righteous ones.
Maybe it’s the scar of her father’s unsolved murder. Maybe it’s the bloodline of a cop pulsing through her veins. Either way, FBI Special Agent Claire Legacy lives for the hunt. And in New Orleans—where revelry hides rot and masks conceal monsters—there’s no shortage of criminals to chase.
Especially during Carnival season.
When the captain of the Krewe de Lumière is electrocuted on his parade float in front of thousands, it looks like a freak accident...until Claire finds a note taped to his throne and his obituary publishes the exact second electricity stopped his heart.
This isn’t bad luck. It’s an execution.
And it’s just the beginning.
One by one, New Orleans’s elite begin to fall—each death a grotesque sermon on the seven deadly sins. Behind the gore and spectacle lurks a vigilante force calling themselves the Purifiers. To them, corruption is crime enough to kill for, and slaughter masquerades as salvation.
With Mardi Gras barreling toward its climax, Claire has only days to unmask the killers before the streets drown in more blood. But when her own mother is marked as the next target, the investigation turns person. Because in a city built on secrets, justice isn’t just blind.
It demands sacrifice.
Sinister Legacy, the pulse-pounding second book in the Claire Legacy FBI series by bestselling authors Mary Stone and Alex Gates, blurs the line between sin and salvation—because sometimes the wicked believe they’re the only righteous ones.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2025
502 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
228 books2,169 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
October 4, 2025
This one was really good. Edge of your seat reading. Very well written, detailed with the action you need in a book. In this one the Agents have to stop a group of terrorist vigilantes trying to kill the elite high society members of New Orleans. Even Agent Claire Legacys federal judge mother is a target. It's a race against time as the elite are being picked off one by one. This is must read. You need to give it a try.
February 14, 2026
Sinister Legacy by Mary Stone and Alex Gates delivers another compelling installment in the Agent Claire Legacy series — this time diving into the unsettling world of domestic terrorism and moral ambiguity.
When corruption and scandal are ignored, who decides to step in? And more importantly… at what cost? The story thoughtfully explores the dangerous line between justice and vigilantism, asking whether taking matters into one’s own hands is ever truly a solution.
Agent Claire Legacy is once again tasked with stopping a calculated and escalating threat before another life is lost. The tension builds steadily as she races to uncover the truth, navigating complex motives and layered suspects. The plot is creative, timely, and unsettling in all the right ways.
The characters remain engaging and well-developed, adding depth and emotional weight to the investigation. Mary Stone and Alex Gates continue to craft a gripping, intelligent thriller that keeps the pages turning.
An excellent addition to the series and a must-read for fans of thoughtful, high-stakes suspense.
When corruption and scandal are ignored, who decides to step in? And more importantly… at what cost? The story thoughtfully explores the dangerous line between justice and vigilantism, asking whether taking matters into one’s own hands is ever truly a solution.
Agent Claire Legacy is once again tasked with stopping a calculated and escalating threat before another life is lost. The tension builds steadily as she races to uncover the truth, navigating complex motives and layered suspects. The plot is creative, timely, and unsettling in all the right ways.
The characters remain engaging and well-developed, adding depth and emotional weight to the investigation. Mary Stone and Alex Gates continue to craft a gripping, intelligent thriller that keeps the pages turning.
An excellent addition to the series and a must-read for fans of thoughtful, high-stakes suspense.
October 5, 2025
FBI Special Agent Claire Legacy is enjoying a Mardi Gras parade with her sister Bea when the King of the parade is electrocuted in front of the parade goers. The investigation is just beginning when another murder is committed, again a prominent citizen in New Orleans. Obituaries from the murdered are submitted immediately at the time of the murders. The investigation leads the team to suspect the the victims are being chosen using the seven deadly sins. The investigation takes a personal turn when it is suspected that Claire's mother, a judge, might be one of the upcoming victims. It's a race against time to try to figure out who the members are of the "Purifiers" and who the rest of the victims might be and where their demise will take place. This is a fast-paced story and hard to put down. I really enjoy this character and the fact that it is taking place near where I live! Keep up the great storytelling Ms. Stone!!
September 30, 2025
I reviewed this book as part of an ARC team.
Mardi Gras is in full swing, and the action is far beyond what anyone expected. First the king of Mardi Gras is electrocuted on his float. Then one after another the elite of New Orleans are falling to gruesome murders. Claire Legacy has been tasked with finding the murderer and preventing more loss of life. However, the murderer seems elusive and very organized. And is there only one person involved in these murders? Why is it only the elite of the community being targeted? There is so much more as this plot winds its way to a conclusion. The FBI is playing catch up but they bring in some heavy hitters to make this story even more fun.
Mardi Gras is in full swing, and the action is far beyond what anyone expected. First the king of Mardi Gras is electrocuted on his float. Then one after another the elite of New Orleans are falling to gruesome murders. Claire Legacy has been tasked with finding the murderer and preventing more loss of life. However, the murderer seems elusive and very organized. And is there only one person involved in these murders? Why is it only the elite of the community being targeted? There is so much more as this plot winds its way to a conclusion. The FBI is playing catch up but they bring in some heavy hitters to make this story even more fun.
October 5, 2025
Keeps you interested the entire book!
Although I miss do miss the characters of previous series, this one kept my attention from beginning to end. Claire's relationships with both family and co-workers are thoughtfully created and work well for this series. It was a nice touch having Autumn come in to advise and work with this office's crew. That was handled nicely. There to help, but not to run the show.
One thing I'm not seeing as a necessity for this book? The sexual content with Oracle. Granted, it's not as explicit as other books get, but I don't see that it necessary in the telling of the story. I've read Mary's other series, all of them. They were great without detailing the sexual acts.
Although I miss do miss the characters of previous series, this one kept my attention from beginning to end. Claire's relationships with both family and co-workers are thoughtfully created and work well for this series. It was a nice touch having Autumn come in to advise and work with this office's crew. That was handled nicely. There to help, but not to run the show.
One thing I'm not seeing as a necessity for this book? The sexual content with Oracle. Granted, it's not as explicit as other books get, but I don't see that it necessary in the telling of the story. I've read Mary's other series, all of them. They were great without detailing the sexual acts.
October 4, 2025
Love this new book by Mary Stone, Sinister Legacy. FBI SA Claire Legacy is on the case before being excused by a Detective with the local police after a unexpected death on a float during a celebration in New Orleans. Claire and her sister Bea were in the crowd watching the Parade when the King of the festivities seemed to catch on fire when his crown was placed on his head. Claire jumped into motion, stopping the Parade and ordering security around, she began CPR until the Ambulance arrived.
Will the local Police find out who did this? Will they find out how he posted his own Obituary at the moment he died?
You need to read this book to find out why. The book is one you can't put down.
Will the local Police find out who did this? Will they find out how he posted his own Obituary at the moment he died?
You need to read this book to find out why. The book is one you can't put down.
September 30, 2025
Love New Orleans and Mardi Gras! Mary Stone and Alex Gates have crafted a very fascinating mystery. When a terrifying cell threatens NO public figures FBI Special Agent Claire Legacy and her partners are called on to solve this case. How nice to have an old friend pop in to share her expertise with the NO Agents. Claire’s sister, Bea, is instrumental in helping the agents by giving them the clue, Seven Deadly Sins. What a climactic ending…WOW, was holding my breath! Looking forward to the next in this series!
September 29, 2025
Wow! Claire has returned to New Orleans and living with her sister and Gran. It’s MardiGras time and downtown is wild. Lucky is fixing to become the official King during this big party season…..but his plans don’t end up the way he expected. Claire and her team are tasked with unraveling mysterious obits, notes, and a group calling themselves the purifiers. This is truly a book you won’t put down till you finish. It’s a real wild ride.
October 2, 2025
As Claire, a New Orleans FBI agent, is visiting the Mardi Gras with her sister Bea, a prominent citizen is electrocuted in front of them on a float. Just a start of turmoil that brings Claire & her team to investigate. An obituary is posted at the time of death giving clues there will be more deaths. Can the team find the murderers in time? A fast paced, page turning read that will not disappoint.
October 20, 2025
Claire and Nina work together
Claire and Nina are partners in the FBI. They work off each other and come to great discoveries. Claire has a good reputation in the FBI and she definitely shows it as they unravel the Purifiers and their objectives. Claire is the strong personality and she falls right into the heat of the moment. Nina is a compliment to Claire and they get the job done. Strong build up to the climax.
Claire and Nina are partners in the FBI. They work off each other and come to great discoveries. Claire has a good reputation in the FBI and she definitely shows it as they unravel the Purifiers and their objectives. Claire is the strong personality and she falls right into the heat of the moment. Nina is a compliment to Claire and they get the job done. Strong build up to the climax.
November 13, 2025
Interesting case
Claire and her partner, Nina, have an interesting case in New Orleans right before Mardi Gras. A group have a mission to rid the city of perceived wrongs and the people who committed them. It becomes personal when Claire's mother, a federal judge becomes one of their targets. Will Claire and the rest of the FBI figure out where the next target will be before it's too late? I'm looking forward to the next book.
Claire and her partner, Nina, have an interesting case in New Orleans right before Mardi Gras. A group have a mission to rid the city of perceived wrongs and the people who committed them. It becomes personal when Claire's mother, a federal judge becomes one of their targets. Will Claire and the rest of the FBI figure out where the next target will be before it's too late? I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 18, 2026
Taking shape
The main characters in Claire Legacy FBI Mystery are taking shape. They are very likable. IMHO (H=Honest) I think the following sums the undercurrent of "Sinister Legacy": "the country and world—was bloated with corruption, a playground where the wealthy broke laws with impunity while the poor got buried for crumbs." Thank you Alex and Mary. I am looking forward to the continuation of the series. NEXT!!!
The main characters in Claire Legacy FBI Mystery are taking shape. They are very likable. IMHO (H=Honest) I think the following sums the undercurrent of "Sinister Legacy": "the country and world—was bloated with corruption, a playground where the wealthy broke laws with impunity while the poor got buried for crumbs." Thank you Alex and Mary. I am looking forward to the continuation of the series. NEXT!!!
September 29, 2025
Received ARC
Thoroughly engaging, with enough twists & turns to keep me up when I should have been in bed. The ending … now that’s how to keep readers on tenterhooks until the next Legacy book!!! Not only are there two Purifiers still out there but, now there is A new grave with multiple bodies. Can’t wait!!!
September 29, 2025
Someone is targeting the corrupt of New Orleans in an effort to end their evil and out them to the public. Now Clair, Nina and team are on a race to expose the Purifiers before they cause more havoc and harm. But at what cost and will they be able to stop them? Another wonderful book by Mary Stone. Can’t wait till the next one in the series comes out
October 1, 2025
Another great book by Mary Stone. Agent Claire Legacy and her partner, Nina, are sent to investigate a gruesome murder at a Mardi Gras parade. More murders occur and they seem to have a theme, the seven deadly sins.
The book is full of suspense and mystery and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
The book is full of suspense and mystery and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
October 4, 2025
Sinister Legacy
Mary Stone never disappoints me. I am already in love with this new series and its colorful characters. I did notice less of the mystical in this one. I enjoy it the way Mary writes it, so I hope she isn't caving to those who don't. Still a great book and I can't wait for the next book.
Mary Stone never disappoints me. I am already in love with this new series and its colorful characters. I did notice less of the mystical in this one. I enjoy it the way Mary writes it, so I hope she isn't caving to those who don't. Still a great book and I can't wait for the next book.
January 17, 2026
very good, complicated mystery
A different kind of mystery series. I love a little magical flare to a good mystery. NOLA is the place to set those crimes that aren’t quite run of the mill. Add some good old magical roots.
The cast of characters have their own personal issues and charm.
Loved the first book, this was fun to unravel. Looks to be a really good series.
A different kind of mystery series. I love a little magical flare to a good mystery. NOLA is the place to set those crimes that aren’t quite run of the mill. Add some good old magical roots.
The cast of characters have their own personal issues and charm.
Loved the first book, this was fun to unravel. Looks to be a really good series.
September 29, 2025
Another awesome read. Get to learn more about the characters while they are trying to solve the murders of the elite. An edge of your seat page turner. Looking forward to the next book in the series. I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
October 3, 2025
This is the second book in the Claire Legacy FBI Mystery series. Claire has to find out why citizens of New Orleans are being murdered. It’s an edge of your seat mystery. The suspense kept me interested in this gripping plot. A very good story.
October 8, 2025
You figure out who did it
This story takes you into the beautifully decatant city of New Orleans. Simple loving people are dragged into the elitist world of deceit, money laundering, & murder.
This story takes you into the beautifully decatant city of New Orleans. Simple loving people are dragged into the elitist world of deceit, money laundering, & murder.
October 24, 2025
Finished a few days ago, loved this book and love Claire. It was good to see Autumn show up, was hoping she would connect with Claire on the abilities, but maybe in a future book. Hard to put down kept you wondering who the bad guys were. Looking forward to the continuing story.
October 31, 2025
Great book
This series is very good. Someone trying to get rid of the people that work for the poor but fatten their wallet. The elite are being taken down one by one, who's next. Claire has her work cut out for her.
This series is very good. Someone trying to get rid of the people that work for the poor but fatten their wallet. The elite are being taken down one by one, who's next. Claire has her work cut out for her.
November 6, 2025
Brilliant series
Really loving this series, the characters are well written, to the fact that you'd know them if the past you in the street. The storyline is strong and well written, can't wait for the next one, brilliant series
Really loving this series, the characters are well written, to the fact that you'd know them if the past you in the street. The storyline is strong and well written, can't wait for the next one, brilliant series
December 25, 2025
Sinister Legacy( Book 2 of 3: Claire Legacy FBI Mystery Series )By: Mary Stone and Alex Gates. FBI Special Agent Claire is one special character, she is again investigating another murder mystery. Great story
January 13, 2026
great start to what should be continued!
I’m enjoying a new writer to me. One that has a way to build the characters slowly; leaving you to want to hurry on. Please keep building your Legacy. Can’t wait for the rest. Bravo
I’m enjoying a new writer to me. One that has a way to build the characters slowly; leaving you to want to hurry on. Please keep building your Legacy. Can’t wait for the rest. Bravo
October 5, 2025
Coruption
Amazing Mardi Gras New Orleans setting. Wonderful diverse characters that are a little too real for comfort. Another page turner.
Amazing Mardi Gras New Orleans setting. Wonderful diverse characters that are a little too real for comfort. Another page turner.
October 5, 2025
This was an excellent story about Claire Legacy finding people responsible for killing people relatedcto the seven deadly sins and finding who is responsible. Thank you for this awesome story.
October 8, 2025
A finger nail bitter!
Riveting! Had to remind my self to breath. Filled with adventure. Impossible to figure out the ending until the ending!
Riveting! Had to remind my self to breath. Filled with adventure. Impossible to figure out the ending until the ending!
October 18, 2025
Great book
Kept my interest! Good character development. Makes me look forward to the next Legacy mystery. Liked this book a lot.
Kept my interest! Good character development. Makes me look forward to the next Legacy mystery. Liked this book a lot.
October 23, 2025
Very Entertaining
Mary Stone did it again, another spellbinding book with plenty of twists and turns. The ending never fails to be a total surprise!
Mary Stone did it again, another spellbinding book with plenty of twists and turns. The ending never fails to be a total surprise!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews