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Hidden Chance
A new home. A new start. A deadly welcome.
Transferring to the Key West Violent Crimes Unit was supposed to be a fresh start for FBI Special Agent Ivy Chance and her four-year-old daughter after her husband was murdered in cold blood.
A tropical refuge.
A place to heal.
Turns out, paradise is lethal.
The seemingly peaceful waters of the Florida Keys harbor a macabre underwater graveyard. Men and women wearing flowing white garments float like ghosts in the currents above a coral reef.
The killer is precise.
Methodical.
Reverent toward the ocean, yet utterly indifferent to human life.
When the Coral Killer strikes again, it’s time for Ivy Chance to sink or swim. Balancing single motherhood, buried grief, and a new partner, Ivy must stop a murderer whose rituals grow bolder with every victim.
The tide is rising, the bodies are multiplying, and the water is closing in.
Hidden Chance is the gripping first novel in the Ivy Chance series from bestselling authors Mary Stone and Amber Mays. Perfect for fans of page-turning FBI procedurals, complex serial killers, and twist-filled mysteries, this addictive new series proves that the ocean is good at keeping its secrets...until it doesn't.
Transferring to the Key West Violent Crimes Unit was supposed to be a fresh start for FBI Special Agent Ivy Chance and her four-year-old daughter after her husband was murdered in cold blood.
A tropical refuge.
A place to heal.
Turns out, paradise is lethal.
The seemingly peaceful waters of the Florida Keys harbor a macabre underwater graveyard. Men and women wearing flowing white garments float like ghosts in the currents above a coral reef.
The killer is precise.
Methodical.
Reverent toward the ocean, yet utterly indifferent to human life.
When the Coral Killer strikes again, it’s time for Ivy Chance to sink or swim. Balancing single motherhood, buried grief, and a new partner, Ivy must stop a murderer whose rituals grow bolder with every victim.
The tide is rising, the bodies are multiplying, and the water is closing in.
Hidden Chance is the gripping first novel in the Ivy Chance series from bestselling authors Mary Stone and Amber Mays. Perfect for fans of page-turning FBI procedurals, complex serial killers, and twist-filled mysteries, this addictive new series proves that the ocean is good at keeping its secrets...until it doesn't.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2026
About the author
Mary Stone
423 books2,317 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 42 reviews
September 14, 2026
Actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is the beginning of a series and it is your typical crime investigator genre novel. In this one Ivy and her young daughter has moved to Key West. Ivy has just transferred to the FBI unit located there. Little did she or her colleagues know that a serial killer has been operating in their jurisdiction for a bit.
This was a really good beginning of a series. We all know that there are many types of this kind of series so the author needs something to hook a reader. For the most part I believe the author accomplished this. The biggest way to accomplish this would be thru the main character and I liked the main character. Ivy has a past with tragedy while trying to raise a precocious daughter so Ivy has depth. There was also hints throughout the book that she might be ready to move forward so there is an opportunity for a character arc. Even with a strong lead I needed a strong mystery. I was totally intrigued with it. It wasn't perfect but it felt real. This type of book would not be complete if we did not have the cliffhanger that enticed me to read the next book. It did. The only flaw I had with this book and why I could not give it a full four stars is the dialogue. I didn't think it was the tightest and felt unnatural at times. You could tell the dialogue was used for exposition which happens in every book. At times though it felt like the character talking was actually talking to me to explain what it meant.
Even with this minor flaw I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a heroine that I can get behind and a side character with her daughter that steals scenes. The mystery was definitely nothing I have seen before and kept me reading to find out the reveal. If you enjoy crime procedure novels I recommend giving Ivy Chance and her investigation a read.
This is the beginning of a series and it is your typical crime investigator genre novel. In this one Ivy and her young daughter has moved to Key West. Ivy has just transferred to the FBI unit located there. Little did she or her colleagues know that a serial killer has been operating in their jurisdiction for a bit.
This was a really good beginning of a series. We all know that there are many types of this kind of series so the author needs something to hook a reader. For the most part I believe the author accomplished this. The biggest way to accomplish this would be thru the main character and I liked the main character. Ivy has a past with tragedy while trying to raise a precocious daughter so Ivy has depth. There was also hints throughout the book that she might be ready to move forward so there is an opportunity for a character arc. Even with a strong lead I needed a strong mystery. I was totally intrigued with it. It wasn't perfect but it felt real. This type of book would not be complete if we did not have the cliffhanger that enticed me to read the next book. It did. The only flaw I had with this book and why I could not give it a full four stars is the dialogue. I didn't think it was the tightest and felt unnatural at times. You could tell the dialogue was used for exposition which happens in every book. At times though it felt like the character talking was actually talking to me to explain what it meant.
Even with this minor flaw I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a heroine that I can get behind and a side character with her daughter that steals scenes. The mystery was definitely nothing I have seen before and kept me reading to find out the reveal. If you enjoy crime procedure novels I recommend giving Ivy Chance and her investigation a read.
August 23, 2026
This book was captivating from the very beginning. It flowed so easily and the story was told with such detail I could picture everything. I got to know Ivy and her daughter Olive, it was so endearing. I can’t wait for their story to continue in the next book! It needs to be made into a movie!!!
August 7, 2026
I’ve been a fan of Mary Stone for a long time, so I was excited to meet a new heroine. Ivy Chance did not disappoint. She feels like a real person, not only a brilliant and courageous FBI agent, but she’s also a devoted, vulnerable mother who constantly worries about how her career affects her daughter. Her strength and compassionate heart makes her stand out. The mystery and unique Florida Keys grabbed my attention right away. The twisty investigation became dangerous and emotionally draining, that I could not stop reading. When I finished the book, I wasn’t just satisfied that the case had been solved, I wanted to spend more time with Ivy. That’s the sign of a great series beginning. Mary Stone has introduced another memorable character, and I’ll definitely be following Ivy Chance wherever the next investigation takes her.
August 6, 2026
Great start for Ivy and Olive
You will not be disappointed with this new character and her stories. Love the closeness that Ivy has with her daughter Olive. Starting out new gives them a challenge that they both met head-on. Olive is a strong little girl, like her momma. So cute to have a main character this young. She's entertaining when learning new things, like "doppelganger"! The story is written so well, we can see and feel the connection between all of the new characters. Can't wait for the next book! Great job guys! Keep up the good work!
You will not be disappointed with this new character and her stories. Love the closeness that Ivy has with her daughter Olive. Starting out new gives them a challenge that they both met head-on. Olive is a strong little girl, like her momma. So cute to have a main character this young. She's entertaining when learning new things, like "doppelganger"! The story is written so well, we can see and feel the connection between all of the new characters. Can't wait for the next book! Great job guys! Keep up the good work!
August 18, 2026
"Hidden Chance" is the first book in Mary Stone and Amber Mays' "Ivy Chance Series." You'll have a hard time putting this suspenseful book down. It's not as dark and chilling as some of Mary Stone's stories, but it's a great start to this new series.
FBI Special Agent Ivy Chance, with her four-year-old daughter, transferred from the Miami field office to the Key West Violent Crime Unit hoping for a new start. She no sooner reported to work and met her new partner, Special Agent Zeke Turner, than they had a case—multiple bodies floating among the coral, all dressed in white togas.
This compelling mystery looks at the emotional demands of law enforcement, especially for a single parent.
This is an absorbing and stimulating read. The plot is easy to understand, and the characters are well-developed and easily relatable
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
FBI Special Agent Ivy Chance, with her four-year-old daughter, transferred from the Miami field office to the Key West Violent Crime Unit hoping for a new start. She no sooner reported to work and met her new partner, Special Agent Zeke Turner, than they had a case—multiple bodies floating among the coral, all dressed in white togas.
This compelling mystery looks at the emotional demands of law enforcement, especially for a single parent.
This is an absorbing and stimulating read. The plot is easy to understand, and the characters are well-developed and easily relatable
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, and the above is my voluntary and honest review.
August 11, 2026
When it comes to reading I usually stick to what I know and love and that’s fantasy. This is my first book for years that hasn’t been within the fantasy genre, as well as being my first mystery/crime book! Let me just say, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book. I haven’t had a quick, can’t put down, book at all this year and was able to finally have that with this book!
When reading other reviews I saw people who finished within a day and I completely understand how they were able to and why. This book was so fast paced and I did not want to put it down at all and wanted to continue to search for the “coral killer” with Ivy and Zeke. It was so easy to keep up with the plot and the characters were easy to get to know! The reveal was also amazing and something I did not expect at all!
I cannot wait to get to know and spend more time with these characters and see where they are lead next!
When reading other reviews I saw people who finished within a day and I completely understand how they were able to and why. This book was so fast paced and I did not want to put it down at all and wanted to continue to search for the “coral killer” with Ivy and Zeke. It was so easy to keep up with the plot and the characters were easy to get to know! The reveal was also amazing and something I did not expect at all!
I cannot wait to get to know and spend more time with these characters and see where they are lead next!
August 5, 2026
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.
SA Ivy Chance and her daughter, Olive, have moved to Key West, Florida, where she is beginning a new job with the FBI VCU. First day on the job and she and her partner, SA Zeke, are tasked in investigating a body submerged in coral reef. As they investigate, three more bodies are found in same area. This story was well told and kept this reader engaged until the end. I love how Ms. Stone shows the human side of Ivy as a mother trying to maintain a stable home life with her daughter while doing her job with the FBI. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
SA Ivy Chance and her daughter, Olive, have moved to Key West, Florida, where she is beginning a new job with the FBI VCU. First day on the job and she and her partner, SA Zeke, are tasked in investigating a body submerged in coral reef. As they investigate, three more bodies are found in same area. This story was well told and kept this reader engaged until the end. I love how Ms. Stone shows the human side of Ivy as a mother trying to maintain a stable home life with her daughter while doing her job with the FBI. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ivy Chance and her little daughter Olive, have moved to Key West for ivy’s job with the local FBI. No sooner hav she reported to her new job then a grisly scene is discovered out on a coral reef. She and her new partner Zeke, are now in charge of tracking down the sadist who is burying bodies under the ocean. These murders seem to be ritualistic in nature, between everyone is dressed in a simple white toga and wearing or wore a seaweed necklace. Will they catch him in time before he escalates?
August 4, 2026
Ivy is starting her first day since her transfer to FBI violent crimes in Key West, she has relocated from family and friends for a fresh start with her young daughter, Olive ( Olly). Things start off with an immediate case, divers have found a body out near the reef.. The hunt is on to find out who this woman is and why she is tied to the reef. When the team gets to investigating, they discover several more bodies connected to the reef. This is fast paced as clues begin to show a pattern, but there are several surprises they have to deal with along the way. Very good story!
August 4, 2026
a new series, new characters to love,
Ivy and her daughter move to key west to start over at another FBI office. they leave behind the only family her daughter Olive knows. Ivy husband was murdered when Olive was a baby so she only knows what mom has told her.
Ivy's first day on the job has a new case opening and she is thrust onto the front line. an underwater graveyard has been discovered so she and her new partner are sent to investigate. along the way she is continusly mistaken for 'toni'. when the perp realizes his site has been found he escalates so the race is on. will Ivy win?
Ivy and her daughter move to key west to start over at another FBI office. they leave behind the only family her daughter Olive knows. Ivy husband was murdered when Olive was a baby so she only knows what mom has told her.
Ivy's first day on the job has a new case opening and she is thrust onto the front line. an underwater graveyard has been discovered so she and her new partner are sent to investigate. along the way she is continusly mistaken for 'toni'. when the perp realizes his site has been found he escalates so the race is on. will Ivy win?
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received ARC
A new Special Agent’s storyline from Mary Stone will NEVER be a bomb!
Ivy Chance, widowed mother, former public defender, has made a move from Miami to Key West. On her first day in the new office she is partnered with a very extroverted Zeke Turner and handed a gruesome serial killer case.
Follow along as Ivy and Zeke, along with the rest of their colleagues, the Key West police and the county sheriff’s office run down this sadistic perpetrator in their island paradise.
A new Special Agent’s storyline from Mary Stone will NEVER be a bomb!
Ivy Chance, widowed mother, former public defender, has made a move from Miami to Key West. On her first day in the new office she is partnered with a very extroverted Zeke Turner and handed a gruesome serial killer case.
Follow along as Ivy and Zeke, along with the rest of their colleagues, the Key West police and the county sheriff’s office run down this sadistic perpetrator in their island paradise.
August 4, 2026
This story by Mary Stone and Amber Mays grabbed me at the get go. I found it original and impossible to put down! FBI SA Ivy Chance and her partner Zeke Turner have been handed a particularly harrowing case. The intensity of this mystery and the drama that unfolds is typical Mary Stone genius. Along with her coauthor, Amber Mays, they have crafted a very dark and twisty tale. Without a doubt Ivy Chance will be among my favorite Mary Stone series.
Kudos Mary and Amber!!
Kudos Mary and Amber!!
August 9, 2026
Ivy Chance and her daughter, Olive, have moved to Key West to continue FBI career. Ivy and her partner are assigned to investigate 4 bodies, found by some divers, that are tied to a coral reef. Several more people disappear and the mystery deepens.
This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the next book.
This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait for the next book.
August 11, 2026
Good story
This is a nice beginning to this series. Its not as butt-kicking as some of the Mary Stone stories, but I have a feeling the coming stories will be. I like the characters that are evolving in this series and look forward to what kind of situations and drama that will follow along with them.
This is a nice beginning to this series. Its not as butt-kicking as some of the Mary Stone stories, but I have a feeling the coming stories will be. I like the characters that are evolving in this series and look forward to what kind of situations and drama that will follow along with them.
August 14, 2026
Loved Ivy and The story.
Another intriguing book by Mary Stone.
I am so glad we have a new series to read.
Reading her books is like coming home to a comfy couch. The story line was vibrant with detail about Key West. Fast paced read and a great ending. I can’t wait to read more of Ivy’s stories.
Another intriguing book by Mary Stone.
I am so glad we have a new series to read.
Reading her books is like coming home to a comfy couch. The story line was vibrant with detail about Key West. Fast paced read and a great ending. I can’t wait to read more of Ivy’s stories.
August 14, 2026
I really like this new character, Ivy Chance, mother and FBI agent in one. She's a great mom and fantastic agent. I love how she interacts with compassion but still clear boundaries. She assimilates quickly to situations and to her new team. I enjoyed the unique story set in the seaside town in the Keys and look forward to more of her adventures!
August 25, 2026
Another interesting series by Mary Stone and Amber Mays. Ivy Chance is a great new character who is starting fresh with a new partner in Key West. Lots of twists and turns which makes you want to continue reading until the end. Looking forward to learning more about Ivy and her future endeavors.
Can't wait until the next book in the series especially after reading the ending.
Can't wait until the next book in the series especially after reading the ending.
September 13, 2026
Ivy Chance, FBI agent, new series is going to be another great read that will keep you turning pages just like all Mary Stone's great series. Ivy moves to Key West as a transfer agent with her young daughter & is immediately adjusting to a new partner & a serial killer. Don't miss thus new series, its going to be a great one
September 19, 2026
A really great new series!
I really like these new characters. They seem to be getting along well, compliment each other’s strengths and are learning about each other and working well after being thrown into a big case together.
Really good storyline, characters and I look forward to more.
I really like these new characters. They seem to be getting along well, compliment each other’s strengths and are learning about each other and working well after being thrown into a big case together.
Really good storyline, characters and I look forward to more.
September 30, 2026
Great new character
Ivy has already grown on me and I can't wait to see her "twists" continue in the future. Her daughter Olive is a cute little firecracker and brings a warmth to Ivy's character that shows a mother's love, even while she's being a badassed FBI agent. I'm excited to see what she learns about Toni too!
Ivy has already grown on me and I can't wait to see her "twists" continue in the future. Her daughter Olive is a cute little firecracker and brings a warmth to Ivy's character that shows a mother's love, even while she's being a badassed FBI agent. I'm excited to see what she learns about Toni too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great start for Ivy Chance and team and who is responsible for killing people and their grave site is the ocean and finally finding out who done it with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this excellent story..
August 4, 2026
I have a fear of water so reading this was a challenge for me. I was blown away by the ending. I’m going to Maui next week. I’m sure it will be on my mind while I visit there. I am anxious to read book 2 as soon as possible.
August 6, 2026
Exciting Book
This book was very interesting. It moved at breakneck speed from one murder to the next and never gave me a chance to process one thing before switching to another! Excellent read!
This book was very interesting. It moved at breakneck speed from one murder to the next and never gave me a chance to process one thing before switching to another! Excellent read!
August 8, 2026
Great new book
This first book in the series gets off to a great start. Women found in a reef bound together and murdered. Why in the world would someone do this? I by Chance the FBI s new agent is working the case with her new partner. If you want suspense read the new book.
This first book in the series gets off to a great start. Women found in a reef bound together and murdered. Why in the world would someone do this? I by Chance the FBI s new agent is working the case with her new partner. If you want suspense read the new book.
August 8, 2026
So, having already become familiar with Mary Stone and now Amber Mays, I pretty much expected to enjoy this new series. It shall be interesting to learn so much more about the doppelganger that is Toni.
August 10, 2026
New setting for FBI investigation was a pleasant surprise
Excellent writing and characteristics
development. Thrilling ending and throughout.
Another new series to follow. Mary Stone knows how to write a story.
Excellent writing and characteristics
development. Thrilling ending and throughout.
Another new series to follow. Mary Stone knows how to write a story.
August 14, 2026
Fantastic new series
Ivy Chance has an interesting and heartbreaking story that has lead her to the FBI and the Florida Keys with her four year old daughter. This first book was really interesting. I'm looking forward to the next book.
Ivy Chance has an interesting and heartbreaking story that has lead her to the FBI and the Florida Keys with her four year old daughter. This first book was really interesting. I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 27, 2026
Well Written and believable
Well written! Well rounded characters, good guys you could actually be friends with and bad guys you want taken down. No implausible twists and turns to just add volume to the pages. Great storytelling.
Well written! Well rounded characters, good guys you could actually be friends with and bad guys you want taken down. No implausible twists and turns to just add volume to the pages. Great storytelling.
September 11, 2026
A very good start
This book was good. I enjoyed the characters. The location is a good choice. The Keys are a strange place and so many opportunities for Mary Stone to spin a mystery. I can't wait until the next book comes out.
This book was good. I enjoyed the characters. The location is a good choice. The Keys are a strange place and so many opportunities for Mary Stone to spin a mystery. I can't wait until the next book comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, I love this new character. Read this book in one day, obviously didn't do anything else, but I just couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews