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Winter's Divide: Winter Black CROSS Files
In the first full-length CROSS novel, Winter Black and the newly formed CROSS task force take on their first major national threat: a coordinated poisoning campaign targeting the American food supply.
What begins as a suspicious cluster of deaths at a Tennessee fall festival quickly escalates into evidence of a far larger conspiracy. Someone has deliberately contaminated portions of the food distribution chain, weaponizing vulnerabilities in the nation’s agricultural and supply infrastructure.
As more incidents surface and the body count climbs, CROSS uncovers a highly intelligent adversary orchestrating attacks designed to expose systemic failures and punish those she believes allowed the public to be poisoned for profit.
The investigation pulls the team into the dark underbelly of food manufacturing, regulatory corruption, and nationwide distribution networks, revealing just how easily a single compromised ingredient can become a mass-casualty event.
Winter and her team race against time to identify the next target before the killer escalates to a catastrophic public attack, with mounting evidence suggesting children and families may be the intended victims of her final strike.
This story marks the beginning of a new era for Winter Black, shifting from serial killer investigations into high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional national threat response. The tone is larger in scope, more tactical and institutional, with themes of systemic corruption, public trust, fractured bureaucracy, and the hidden vulnerabilities beneath everyday life.
What begins as a suspicious cluster of deaths at a Tennessee fall festival quickly escalates into evidence of a far larger conspiracy. Someone has deliberately contaminated portions of the food distribution chain, weaponizing vulnerabilities in the nation’s agricultural and supply infrastructure.
As more incidents surface and the body count climbs, CROSS uncovers a highly intelligent adversary orchestrating attacks designed to expose systemic failures and punish those she believes allowed the public to be poisoned for profit.
The investigation pulls the team into the dark underbelly of food manufacturing, regulatory corruption, and nationwide distribution networks, revealing just how easily a single compromised ingredient can become a mass-casualty event.
Winter and her team race against time to identify the next target before the killer escalates to a catastrophic public attack, with mounting evidence suggesting children and families may be the intended victims of her final strike.
This story marks the beginning of a new era for Winter Black, shifting from serial killer investigations into high-stakes, multi-jurisdictional national threat response. The tone is larger in scope, more tactical and institutional, with themes of systemic corruption, public trust, fractured bureaucracy, and the hidden vulnerabilities beneath everyday life.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
About the author
Mary Stone
266 books2,242 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 41 reviews
June 30, 2026
Love, love, love this new series. The combination of favorite characters with exciting new cases is terrific. Can't wait for the next one
June 25, 2026
"WINTER'S DIVIDE" is the second book in the new "WINTER BLACK CROSS FILES" series, and it's also the 29th book in the original Winter Black series. SAC Hollingsworth and SSA Parrish have put together a new secret unit called "CROSS." This special unit is designed to go where no other agency can. They'll chase these threats across borders, agencies, and jurisdictions, all without getting tangled in red tape.
It all kicks off with what looks like a case of food poisoning. But is it really? Have you ever stopped to think about how many people handle your food before it gets to your plate? This story is definitely going to make you sit up and think – before your next bite.
Food supply chains have always had security and safety issues. It's often cheaper to pay off potential victims than to actually fix the problem. But now, someone has had enough. They're bringing this issue to the forefront, but at what cost? Will our new team figure out who and where to stop the person or people responsible before they cause a large number of casualties at a big event?
Mary's thorough research gives you a really professional look into the food industry and makes you think about food recalls and what you're actually eating.
So get ready; this is a super fast-paced thriller you won't want to miss one.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and what I wrote above is my honest and voluntary review.
It all kicks off with what looks like a case of food poisoning. But is it really? Have you ever stopped to think about how many people handle your food before it gets to your plate? This story is definitely going to make you sit up and think – before your next bite.
Food supply chains have always had security and safety issues. It's often cheaper to pay off potential victims than to actually fix the problem. But now, someone has had enough. They're bringing this issue to the forefront, but at what cost? Will our new team figure out who and where to stop the person or people responsible before they cause a large number of casualties at a big event?
Mary's thorough research gives you a really professional look into the food industry and makes you think about food recalls and what you're actually eating.
So get ready; this is a super fast-paced thriller you won't want to miss one.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and what I wrote above is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How well ca. you trust the food source? A question that seems to pop up every now and then when we hear the word “recall”. But, what if someone has decided that they’re tired of reports of problems being shuffled under the rug, ignored and everything stays the same? What if someone decides to do something about it that will make the whole world sit up and listen? That’s the first case of CROSS - someone has poisoned the food supply numerous times at small event and the latest has added along three deaths. Now they need to find the unsub before they do anything else but where to start? A compelling look at the food industry and all its flaws. Makes you question the whole industry and whether it’s really safe.
June 19, 2026
I loved to see Winter and Noah with CROSS team, join into the close case collaboration with the Nashville FBI team, (Stella and Mac, yay) while crossing the states lines. The investigation is packed with action and thrill, that makes you question, if the team will succeed or end before the solving the heinous crimes. Mary’s detailed research brings you a very professional insight into the food industry and makes you think about the recalls and what food you eat. I enjoyed this fast paced thriller and I’m glad , Winter and our favorite characters are back with force. This is an excellent start to the exciting and unique series. Bravo!
June 22, 2026
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest opinion.
The first actual case the CROSS team takes on delves into contaminated food at a small town festival where three individuals die. It is a scary premise that our food, which is supposed to be safe to eat, may be mishandled by someone who has tried, to no avail, to make a point that there are holes in the safety of food production. So happy to have Winter and Noah back along with the other CROSS team members, but especially glad that this case brought them to Nashville where we got to have Stella and Mac involved in solving this case. A must read, just be prepared to look at the snack next to you!
The first actual case the CROSS team takes on delves into contaminated food at a small town festival where three individuals die. It is a scary premise that our food, which is supposed to be safe to eat, may be mishandled by someone who has tried, to no avail, to make a point that there are holes in the safety of food production. So happy to have Winter and Noah back along with the other CROSS team members, but especially glad that this case brought them to Nashville where we got to have Stella and Mac involved in solving this case. A must read, just be prepared to look at the snack next to you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Received ARC
CROSS team, first official case. And it’s a doozy! The team may not be at full capacity yet but the Louisville/Nashville agents are there to assist.
Have you ever really thought about what checks & balances & inspections our food goes through before it hits our plates? After a few years working with my State’s Agriculture & Commerce Department I knew some of the protocols but I learned a whole lot more reading Winter’s Divide. Don’t be squeamish, it’s not THAT in depth. But it will open your eyes.
Sit back, get comfy, because you’re not going to want to put this down!
CROSS team, first official case. And it’s a doozy! The team may not be at full capacity yet but the Louisville/Nashville agents are there to assist.
Have you ever really thought about what checks & balances & inspections our food goes through before it hits our plates? After a few years working with my State’s Agriculture & Commerce Department I knew some of the protocols but I learned a whole lot more reading Winter’s Divide. Don’t be squeamish, it’s not THAT in depth. But it will open your eyes.
Sit back, get comfy, because you’re not going to want to put this down!
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Winter Black Cross Files series book 29 Winters Divide continues to be another great read. Gripping from start to finish. Winter, Noah, and the Cross team have to stop unsub or subs from poisoning food supplies at venues. The team gets to work with the Nashville office which gave us a chance to visit with past characters. Can they be stopped before more casualties. A page turner that makes you think about the food we eat. Another awesome book from Mary Stone.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest opinion.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest opinion.
June 26, 2026
Fantastic!
I call this new series a success! The agents of CROSS work so well together! In this case, they head out to Nashville's FBI Headquarters and work with their team. It's great to have agents from other series working with CROSS agents. They all bring their talents and work well with each other. Nice to read about Stella, Mac and their team as they figure out how to stop this threat. Thanks for putting CROSS Files together for us to enjoy. Please keep up the great work!
I call this new series a success! The agents of CROSS work so well together! In this case, they head out to Nashville's FBI Headquarters and work with their team. It's great to have agents from other series working with CROSS agents. They all bring their talents and work well with each other. Nice to read about Stella, Mac and their team as they figure out how to stop this threat. Thanks for putting CROSS Files together for us to enjoy. Please keep up the great work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Winter Black and the CROSS team take on a nightmarish case! In this thriller Mary Stone explores what can happen if the food safety system is compromised. Mary’s ingenious writing takes the reader into a terrifying and complex mystery. The scientific knowledge that the author shares with us is mind blowing and kept my interest piqued throughout the entire story! Well done Mary Stone! Another amazing adventure by an amazing author!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has Winter and Noah going into CROSS for their first day of work. They immediately have a case of what appears to be food poisoning. Several folks have become violently ill while others have died. Research leads them to several similar cases. The team joins with the Nashville FBI, to try to find the person or persons behind this horrific crime and why. It’s great to see the different Mary Stone characters interacting . This is going to be a great series.
June 26, 2026
excellent but scary
This is one of the scariest books I’ve read. I read horror, thrillers, and science fiction all the time, but this subject matter is horrifying in its possibilities. The knowledge I learned in this book was new to me and I kinda wished I didn’t know it. All that being said, the story was great. I love being back with these characters. Hope the next one isn’t too far off.
This is one of the scariest books I’ve read. I read horror, thrillers, and science fiction all the time, but this subject matter is horrifying in its possibilities. The knowledge I learned in this book was new to me and I kinda wished I didn’t know it. All that being said, the story was great. I love being back with these characters. Hope the next one isn’t too far off.
June 26, 2026
Important worthwhile read
This book didn't have "holy crap" factor that many of Mary's books do. But the info, the process of the Cross team and the drama is still there. This is a finely crafted piece of writing that ebbs and flows as you hang on for what is coming next. I love the people who are in this story. They are decent, smart, hard working and will go the extra mile. What more could you want? Another winner
This book didn't have "holy crap" factor that many of Mary's books do. But the info, the process of the Cross team and the drama is still there. This is a finely crafted piece of writing that ebbs and flows as you hang on for what is coming next. I love the people who are in this story. They are decent, smart, hard working and will go the extra mile. What more could you want? Another winner
July 5, 2026
I’m not sure I can ever eat cheese nachos at a concession stand ever again. They used to be my staple at the baseball game along with a large Coca Cola. This book opened my eyes to so much about the food industry. Well written with so much detail that overpowered me frequently. All the team fit right into the issues like a well oiled machine. CROSS will be the team to watch. Now on to their next challenge.
July 8, 2026
Another great series from Mary with all the wonderful characters we all know & love. A new team called Cross committed to solve cases from all over the country working together. Winter, Noah, Autumn, Stella,
Emma, Halo, Aiden, Jacinda & others work as a committed team to tract down someone who is sabotaging our food system at fairs & other venues. Can the team find the culprit before there are other deaths? A page turner you don’t want to miss!
Emma, Halo, Aiden, Jacinda & others work as a committed team to tract down someone who is sabotaging our food system at fairs & other venues. Can the team find the culprit before there are other deaths? A page turner you don’t want to miss!
June 22, 2026
Winters new Cross Team members brings the FBI members together as a team and spreads them out. Working together in ways you could not imagine. From deaths of food ingested to why would anyone do something like this.
Do they catch the person responsible? Does the team work as well as they thought it would? Will they beat the deadline to get this stopped?
Get the book and read it now. I loved it.
Do they catch the person responsible? Does the team work as well as they thought it would? Will they beat the deadline to get this stopped?
Get the book and read it now. I loved it.
June 24, 2026
I am an ARC reader and I am posting my honest review. In this book Winter and the newly formed CROSS team takes on its first national case.
The team is assigned to solve a case of what seems to be suspicious deaths and illnesses from food poisoning. The book is full of twists and turns and I can hardly wait for the next book.
The team is assigned to solve a case of what seems to be suspicious deaths and illnesses from food poisoning. The book is full of twists and turns and I can hardly wait for the next book.
July 3, 2026
Every time I read a book where the storyline has series and special characters, which is what I’ve been reading I never fail that I enjoy it. I think her writing is wonderful and I’m engulfed every time I read one. This one is one of those cases as well because it falls out in line with bringing me in and I want more. I always want more.
June 20, 2026
This is book twenty nine in the Winter Black series. Winter and Noah begin their new job by investigating an apparent case of food poisoning. Or is it? There’s non-stop action, suspense and drama in this story. Very gripping and interesting! I am voluntarily leaving this review.
June 24, 2026
This was a a awesome story about Winter and the rest of her team going all out about somebody poisoning our food and finding answers who is doing it. Thank you for this great story with lots of suspense and action.
June 25, 2026
Dieting is now in progress
I love the dynamics of the CROSS team. Each character has their own special gifts, and they work together like a well-oiled machine.
This book absolutely makes you think about where and what you eat.
I love the dynamics of the CROSS team. Each character has their own special gifts, and they work together like a well-oiled machine.
This book absolutely makes you think about where and what you eat.
June 26, 2026
I just finished the series and I have to say that I truly enjoyed it. You get invested in the characters and the story and you want to know more and what’s next.
You don’t have to read all the books in sequence to understand or enjoy them but honestly why would you not???
You don’t have to read all the books in sequence to understand or enjoy them but honestly why would you not???
June 27, 2026
CROSS Team
The CROSS team has a new case. They all work well together. This was an interesting case but one that makes you think about how much we trust. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
The CROSS team has a new case. They all work well together. This was an interesting case but one that makes you think about how much we trust. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 1, 2026
How Can You Not Love All Your Favorites In One Book?
This awesome group of our favorite people from Mary Stone are jelled together, off to work and don’t slow down or sleep until the case is solved!
Great first case with the CROSS team.
This awesome group of our favorite people from Mary Stone are jelled together, off to work and don’t slow down or sleep until the case is solved!
Great first case with the CROSS team.
July 1, 2026
Enjoyed the book overall, and the familiar characters. That said, not nearly enough Stella and Hagen. Hagen especially. Slade and Mac got more time....hoping for a Stella and Hagen where they are the headliners like Rebecca and Amelia
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
Winter and the gang are back
I love the new cross team. She brought back all my favorite characters. It was so fun to read and to bring the Nashville crew into the group. That was great. I can't wait for the next book.
I love the new cross team. She brought back all my favorite characters. It was so fun to read and to bring the Nashville crew into the group. That was great. I can't wait for the next book.
July 3, 2026
I've read tons of Mary Stone books and pretty much loved all of them. But this one was WAAAAAY too complicated. And stilted. And unbearably sanctimonious. I didn't enjoy "Winter's Divide" as much as I'd hoped to. I gave it three stars because it's Mary...
July 3, 2026
Oh so good!
A story that shows the potential for harm is so real, that big business in the US is primarily concerned about the almighty dollar, at whatever cost. Fabulous story showing very real possibilities.
A story that shows the potential for harm is so real, that big business in the US is primarily concerned about the almighty dollar, at whatever cost. Fabulous story showing very real possibilities.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An interesting story, action from start to finish. Makes me never want to eat outside my own home ever again lol.
June 21, 2026
Crosses first case
I liked the new team ,the way they work together. But it was too much information about the food industry
I liked the new team ,the way they work together. But it was too much information about the food industry
June 22, 2026
Great book but it makes you really think about the food you’re eating that’s for sure. Scary!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews