Broken Reign

Indie Reign FBI Mystery #2

by Mary Stone, Karen Guyler

His patients are dying to get better.
Fresh off a case of murders staged as suicides, K-9 trainee detective Indie Reign faces another nightmare...the Sherwood County mayor lies broken at the base of a cliff. On the surface the story looks a married official, a secret affair, a new cancer diagnosis, a jump.

Except he didn’t.

The coroner’s report says he was cancer-free, and his wife and his mistress both swear he wouldn’t jump. So what happened on that cliff?

When a second "terminal" cancer patient dies of an apparent overdose, Indie recognizes a chilling pattern. The rot isn’t inside their bodies. It’s inside the local treatment center.

When her boss disagrees and orders her to stand down, Indie goes rogue to drag the truth into the light, even if the price is her career. Or her life.

Broken Reign is the gripping second novel in the Indie Reign series by Mary Stone and Karen Guyler, where power protects the guilty, loyalty is tested, and justice refuses to look away.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 20, 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

[Carla Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Great writing. Full of action. Love Indie Reign's affinity for animals. It's a great must read series. only problem is being patient enough for the third volume to be published. This time Dectective Reign has stumbled into a string of suspicious death, the one thing in common they were all being treated for cancer at the same cancer clinic. Indie and Broc have been lead there after Sherwood Counties Mayor has been murdered after a false cancer diagnosis. They've gotten into something both bigger than herself and her K-9 Broc could have fathomed. A definite must read. Give it a try!

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fresh off solving a case involving "apparent" suicides, Indie is called to investigate the city's mayor's death, which is believed to be either suicide or accidental falling off a cliff. From the start, Indie felt there was more to this death, especially after speaking with the wife and mistress. Then a second "apparent" suicide of a beloved kindergarten teacher approaching retirement age and who was looking forward to going on a cruise. The only connection between the two was that both had just been given a diagnosis of cancer from the same medical clinic in town. When a third victim is found of an apparent heart attack and who had also just been given the cancer diagnosis, Indie knew there was something going on at the clinic, but the sheriff and her training officer kept putting up road blocks to her investigation. So, Indie, Deputy Hen, and K-9 Broc went undercover to find the truth. This story had several hard scenes involving the deaths and the emotions of those close to the victims. But, to make it easier on the reader, Ms. Stone included Indie and her pets communicating. I wish we could all communicate with our pets! Definitely encourage reading this series and can't wait for the next installment.

[DianaRaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

BROKEN REIGN is the second book in the Indie Reign Series by Mary Stone and Karen Guyler. While it's a different style from Mary Stone's usual stories, her collaboration with Karen Guyler has created an entertaining K-9 police procedural series. This murder thriller is a suspenseful, fast-paced page-turner that will grab you from the start. You'll be kept guessing who to trust and who to rely on from beginning to end.

Indie Reign is now the intern K-9 detective in the Sherwood County, SC police department. People are dying by accidents and committing suicide, not from their cancer. With little to no help from her supervisors, Indie and Broc go rogue to solve these deaths. Before Indie can prove what is happening, there may be one more body: hers.

Readers who appreciate animal-themed humor will undoubtedly find Broc's fear  towards the skateboarding turtle, coupled with his astute observations, to be highly amusing.

If you've always wanted to communicate with animals, don't pass up this new series. I'm waiting for what looks like more exciting and dangerous events in the third installment.

I received a copy of this book from the author, and the preceding statements represent my independent and candid assessment.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie has no time to relax after her first case, when she is pulled in the investigation of the mayor’s suicide. She digs in and soon finds out she is the only one who questions the case. With another suicide within a day, indie decides to go rogue and with Hen’s and Broc’s (her K9) help dives in the shady business as an undercover patient. The story is very tense with unexpected twists. The cancer subject and the betrayal is heartbreaking. I appreciated the breaks in drama, when Indie enjoys her pets’ company. The dialogues and relationship with Broc are a delight and amazing.
Mary loves to shock us and of course this time she did it again and again. I finished this fast paced book in two sittings and crave for more. Bravo

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why would the mayor “jump” to Jin’s death at his thinking spot? And, a beloved kindergarten teacher commit suicide with pills as she plans a cruise for her retirement? Was it the recent medical diagnosis of cancer have driven them to kill themselves? After the coroner tells her that their bloodwork came back negative for cancer, she decides to investigate the Sherwood Clinic. Are they on the up and up or a part of a wicked scheme to fleece insurance companies? Interesting development throughout. With her K9 Broc and her cousin Hen they plan to get to the bottom of it.

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

I read this book as part of an ARC team. Indie is at it again. She's on the trail of a mystery where people diagnosed with blood cancers are dying...but not from the cancer! While it may look like suicide or an accident, Indie believes it's murder and she is out to prove it. To her horror, one of their own may be involved. So, as they say, the plot thickens. This is a good read with lots of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Pay attention to the clues and you can figure this out before the big reveal.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was good! Indie is now tasked with solving why the town mayor jumped to his death. He was very wellliked by all the towns people. He had recently been given a diagnosis of an incurable cancer. Something seems fishy about his suicide and Indie wants to investigate further. She continues to hit roadblocks with her training officer. When a second citizen ends up dead after also getting a diagnosis of cancer the hunt is on for what’s really going on, and by who. Fast paced!

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling Mary Stone novel! Along with coauthor Karen Guyler this second book in the Indie Reign series establishes their ability to create a very intriguing mystery with lots of drama. Indie and her K9 partner, Broc, are totally endearing. This case is particularly brutal and the authors have not held back in describing these heinous acts. I highly recommend this series and believe you will be charmed as I am by Indie’s astonishing pets!

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new book in the Officer Indie Reign series and her dog and her agree something doesn't smell right! Something stinks and it is something rotten.This case involves lots of mysterious suicides after a cancer diagnosis. Problem is, the diagnosis's are all from the same clinic and a large amount of the suicides are from people who considered getting a second opinion. Who is making the most from these supposedly suicides and why?
Read Broken Reign and you will find out

[margaret waniska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep up the good work!

This is my favorite of the new group of series you are writing! Love the characters, action packed writing, twists and turns. But the connection Indie has with Broc is the best you could want. Glad that Indie and Hen are getting closer at work and home. Love the humor with Broc's comments too. Like Hen stated "Indie's Zoo" is very entertaining. Can't wait to see who she adopts next!

[Audra Barreras · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Broken Reign by Mary Stone was as there was a lot of action, suspense, and mystery. The best part.of the book was how in sinc Indie was with her animals, especially her K-9 officer dog. The romance in the book was nice and mild, which made more time for the suspense and action of the story. I look forward to the next Indie story and can't wait to read anything and everything that Mary Stone has to offer. Keep up the great writing.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC

Absolutely engaging! I couldn’t put it down. I must have fallen asleep at least 3 times trying to keep going! Indie grabs you at page one & doesn’t let you go, not even at the end, because the last few paragraphs lead to the next case. I can’t wait to see where that one goes!!! Love, love, love Indie, her menagerie, Hen, & the possibilities of Indie’s love life.

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asa dog lover I love Officer Broc. Indie and Broc are assigned to investigate the apparent suicide of the mayor. However, there are some questions about whether it is a suicide or not. Several other apparent suicide deaths occur and they all seem to have one thing in common.

The book is full of suspense and I am really looking forward to reading more books about Indie and Officer Broc.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

indie and broc are growing on me

A spate outbreak of questionable deaths - possible suicides - of people who seemed to be healthy and happy - piques Indie’s curiosity and instincts.

Medical examiner’s findings are illuminating and frustrating at the same time.

The conspiracy runs deep.

[Ka-AR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reign on their terror

Indie, Broc, and Hen, with minimal support from the Sheriffs department, stormed in and brought some needed reign on the terror parade of Amon, "Dr." Haggerty, Mindy, and Otises(?) medical fraud, malfeasance, malpractice, and murder through the offices of Sherwood County Specialist Clinic. Good riddance to the four of them and SCSC. NEXT!!!

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Indie looking into the deaths of people whether they are natural or caused by outside sources to make money and Indie solving the case with lots of suspense and action. Thank you Mary and Karen for this story which could happen in real life.

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detective Indie Reign & her K-9 partner Broc are called to investigate the mayor’s suicide but Indie believes it’s a homicide. As she investigates, there’s another suspicious suicide & both victims had just been diagnosed with cancer. Is more going on? A fast paced read that will not disappoint

[Katym521 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series!

I love reading about Indie and BROC. Can't wait to read more about their adventures. I think I have read most of Mary Stone's books. This is the second time reading this book.

[Rebecca Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continue to like the Indira Reign two book series and am looking forward to the future books. Broc, Satch, Salem and Moriarty are fun and interesting companions. Nice to observe Hen's character further revealed and her and Indie's relationship develop.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great twisty page turner read. This has become one of my favorite series. Love the plots, characters, and especially the animals. Thank you, Mary and Karen, for an awesome new series. Can't wait to read the next book.

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

Solved A Case

It's interesting to read how Broc and Indie communicate with each other. Well, another case got solved even with slot of problems at the police station. I was surprised that one of the describes was involved.

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Reign (Indie Reign FBI Mystery Series Book 2) By: Mary Stone and Karen Guyler. Omg people are dying and so much of it is a mystery. I just could not believe who was involved. How could you be good and yet evil.. A must read

[L K Stow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books

I love these books, I love the interaction between indie and her animals, great storylines, great characters that you can get behind and enough drama to keep you interested

[Joseph Bernal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Broken reign

This was a fun story to read,I liked the connection between the dog and his trainer,then the other girl with her cyrtals was a good combination, glad to see that justice gets it right.really enjoyed reading it

[Elizabeth S. Pease · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit boring

Not that good. Slow moving and story line seems to disappear. Not a page turner with a good mystery and characters.

[Judith Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and could not put the book down. I can't wait to read the next in the series.

[karen a. vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend, can't wait for the 3rd installment, after the teaser.

[Stacey West-feather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A but long to get to the end

I love this series and this book is so good and the ending is perfect but he way we get there is l-o-n-g.

[Wynette Durbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken Reign

Interesting read. Different from my normal genres, but I want to read the next one. Sheriff detective series. I've often wondered what my dog was thinking.

[sherry holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series

I really love this new character Indie and all the others in this series. Can't wait for the next book to come out.