Savage Reign

by Mary Stone, Karen Guyler

They taught the kids: Run. Hide. Fight. None of it was enough.

As Detective Indie Reign is about to give a K-9 demonstration to the freshman class of Sherwood County High School West, gunfire rings out from the hall outside the gym.

It's every police officer, parent, teacher, and student's worst nightmare.

An active shooter.

The students have trained for it. Run. Hide. Fight. But nothing could have prepared them for the scene unfolding inside the labyrinthine halls of the school.

Chaos.
Terror.

Two masked gunmen in custodian coveralls, their faces hidden behind grotesque, crying baby masks, unleashing carnage.

And the only thing standing between the students and massacre is Indie and her K-9, Broc.

But as a tactical team assembles and the body count climbs, an already harrowing situation twists into something far more calculated.

The shooter has hostages.
A specific target.
And a grudge to settle.

This is more than a random act of violence. At the center of it all is a grief so painful it mutated into something monstrous. The killer is unraveling and his endgame is already in motion.

The students trained for the worst day of their life. They didn’t know it would be today.

Savage Reign is the high-octane third novel in the Indie Reign series by Mary Stone and Karen Guyler, where personal choices have worldly — and deadly —consequences.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2026

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Reign is a terrifyingly timely thriller that throws readers straight into every parent and student’s worst nightmare. From the first shots fired inside Sherwood County High School West, the tension never lets up as Detective Indie Reign and her K-9 partner, Broc, fight to protect students during a rapidly escalating active shooter situation.

What begins as chaos soon reveals a deeper and far more personal motive, adding emotional weight beneath the adrenaline-fueled pacing. The imagery is haunting, the stakes feel painfully real, and the story balances action with the emotional fallout of violence and grief.

This isn’t an easy read because the subject matter hits close to home, but it’s gripping, intense, and nearly impossible to put down. Fans of fast-paced procedural thrillers with emotional depth will absolutely want to pick this one up.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick was waiting by the lockers for his friend Logan, Logan and he had a plan to ditch school that day with  Oriana, Logan really liked her. It was Oriana's birthday and Logan knew he could get her to ditch and maybe her friend Rose too. Right as Logan with a big smile, squeezed around students checking in with their student ID. Suddenly firecrackers went off, smoke filled the hall as students screamed and ran in panic. Then the gunshots began....students, teachers and others  down with gunshot wounds, blood spreading in pools around them. Patrick was one of those on the floor...

The Mass Shooting at the highschool had just begun, shooters with masks of Grumpy Baby and a vendetta.


Reading this book I felt the fear that I know all parents have, a Mass Shooting where your children are. I love Mary Stones books about Indria Reign, this is the newest book of the Indie series.

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an ARC team. Just as Indie and Broc are about to begin a demonstration at their local high school, shots ring out! The students in the gym, where the demo was to be, are led out safely, but what about the rest of the high school. Indie, Broc, local police, and the FBI begin the task of trying to find the shooter(s) and save those still in the school. Six students are taken hostage by a masked gunman while another is still firing shots and killing. As we read about true incidents of school shootings, this story is scary to read as it takes one actually into the shootings. It is well written and keeps the reader reading endlessly until the end. I love this series and the relationship between Indie, Broc, and Hen. Definitely recommend any and all of Mary Stone's books!

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

I read this book as part of an ARC team. Wow, talk about edge of your seat. This book is every parent's worst nightmare, a school active shooter. Lost in a world of hatred for birth mothers who supposedly abandoned their children, two young men decide to settle the score. They are prepared and they are ruthless. As everyone runs for their lives the pair seem to focus on a few particular students. While their teachers and classmates fall around them six students wind up grouped together and taken hostage. And the terror has just begun. This book is sad and terrifying at the same time. How warped can someone become? I read it in one sitting. Fast paced and full of some interesting characters, especially Indie Reign and Officer Broc.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indie is setting up a demonstration of the use of a K9 for investigation. She has her trusty K9 partner Broc with her. Before they can start the demonstration loud noises are heard in the hallways of the high school. The students have trained for safety protocols should any terror happen, but never expected to have to use what’s learned. The emergency aid team arrives and everyone is put to tbe test of saving themselves and their schoolmates. Indie and Broc are tested as they are on the inside trying to keep authorities informed. Very fast paced it’s definitely a must read

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A typical start to a school day except it wasn’t. As students are rushing to get to class, two maniacs walk in and start shooting whoever stands in their way. The school knows the drill and everyone heads to a safe area to barricade themselves in, all except six students. Now the shooters have hostages. What is their goal and why do these six students stand out. Indie and Broc are in house when it starts. Will they be able to get to the hostages without any more lives being lost? Another fast paced book from Mary Stone.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing and thrilling ride…
The talented authors Mary Stone and Karen Guyler have created a pulse pounding, chilling story! The characters of Detective Indira Reign and her partner K9 Officer Broc are endearing and ingenious. Nothing more terrifying than a school shooting. The authors have done an amazing job describing the terror experienced by all the characters in this book! The antagonist is particularly cruel and evil. As the story line evolves it becomes riveting!
Highly Recommend!!

[Shari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A parents worse nightmare comes true as detective Indie Reign & her K-9 partner Broc are about to give a demonstration at the local high school. Shots ring out & a lockdown is in process. Many students are in the gym for the presentation but what about the others? Indie takes charge while waiting for the rest of the police team & others to arrive to help evacuate the school & subdue the shooters. Can they save the other students, will they all get out alive? A page turner at the start that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Don’t miss this one!

[DEBORAH FREED · Rating 3 out of 5]

good stories but too much unnecessary dialogue

These are good stories. But, it gets so tiresome to see a situation that could be described, handled and moved on and instead there’s a bunch of nonsense talk, off subject chatter and loop back around and get to the point. Unnecessary details. Oh well.
Not sure I’ll read any more of these. I did skip a lot of irrelevant conversation that seemed like filler. It’s a shame. They are good characters and stories but all the extra dialogue is exhausting.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC


Indie & Broc are to demonstrate Broc’s abilities at the local high school. They never get the chance as are interrupted by an active shooter incident.

It’s chaos, maddening & unbelievably cruel & bloody. They help with search & rescue, then they snuff out the shooter. It makes for a really long day but a great book.

The most chilling part? It’s happening too damned much in the real world these days!

[Reader]

Regular HS day changed into something so terrible, You never want to experience. Instead of presentation, indie and Broc face two monstrous killers with the grudge and specific goal. The chaos, panic and growing carnage speaks of horrible evil act, that you never wish to face. The story takes of fast and turns into a page turner in no time. Great 3rd story with the upsetting subject. Stellar writing and pace. Evil villain will stay with you for some time.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has become one of my favorite new series. Love K-9 Detective Reign and Officer Broc. Can they help stop the masked gunmen that have started a reign of terror at Sherwood County High School West? This is a page turning intense drama that you just can't and won't put down. Thank you Mary Stone and Karen Guyler for a great read. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.

[johanna kolb]

this is a very intense book with a lot of trauma.
two people start shooting at students and teachers in a school hallway. Indie reign is waiting to start a K-9 class to show what Broc can do in an emergency situation so they are automatically called upon for help. during a long day of negotiating with the miscreants they work to rescue hostages and end the terror.
another great book

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC reader and what a great book. Indie and Broc are at Sterling High School about to give a demonstration when a shooting and hostage situation takes place.

Unfortunately, this book is similar to things that are happening in our world today. However, it is a great book and I would highly recommend it.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Indie Reign FBI Mystery series. It’s entertaining and action packed. Another great roller coaster! I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Joyce Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

I have enjoyed each of books with Indie and Broc,they make a great team and the fact they can communicate really adds to the store,hope I don't have to wait too long for the next adventure.

[Maryann (Mae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. From the first book right through to this, the authors have a talent for writing about the events that occur in this world we live in and, in doing so, bring you along due to very well-laid-out storylines. I will look forward to the next installment.

[Rebecca S. Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad But True.!!! It Goes On In This Country To Often.!!!

I am so happy that I read this book.!!! I really was unsure if I wanted to.!! It's a good book, just extremely heart wrenching.!!
It happens in the United States way to often.
R.Bennett

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down. Action from start to finish, an edge of the seat page turner.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This was a exciting book but sad too. The end was good but it was a mystery to why the blood shed. I like these new books think anyone liking Mary's books will.

[Diane D. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe this was a one day event. Mary has always got my attention in her books.

[Mary Goodreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was riveting. I read it so quickly. It was also very sad because of the content. Definitely a must read.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense Thriller

A page turner from start to finish. Interesting characters that keep you totally involved throughout the book. Unusual setting with a unique history..

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story with Indie was unbelieveable about killing students and kidnapping for revenge against people in his past life and finally getting him. Thank you for this story with suspense and drama.

[Lisalou818 · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while.

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written book. It’s intense fast paced. Hard to put down. Keeps you interested until the end. Love this series. Definitely a must read.

[Sparty · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow

So intense. Sucked in from begging to end without a break. Like I needed to know what would happen next!

[Cherie]

No. Just no.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very intriguing

Love Broc, he is such a good boy. Very captivating story. He tried to show where the bad guy was early on

[Barbara Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

I read it all in one go. I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to see where you take this story next.