Return to Shadow: Shadow Island Crowe Files

by Mary Stone

Carmen Crowe came to Shadow Island to rest. The island had other plans.

After a difficult year, Carmen, her husband, and their two daughters are spending time on a quiet barrier island off the Virginia coast. The plan is simple. Rest. Recharge. Figure out what comes next.

Then a broken wall reveals a journal someone went to great lengths to hide.

Inside its pages is a warning that spans decades. Every five years, young women disappear from Shadow Island. The dates repeat. The circumstances repeat. And one woman appears at the center of it all.

At first, the entries read like paranoia. Until a college student vanishes.

As Carmen joins forces with Shadow Island Sheriff Rebecca West, she uncovers evidence of a ritual tied to the island’s oldest legend. A ritual that returns every five years. A ritual someone believes can restore what was stolen from her.

But the cycle has already begun.

And if Carmen and Rebecca can’t stop it, another young woman will disappear before the tide turns.

Return to Shadow is the prequel to the next era of the bestselling Shadow Island series from Mary Stone. Join Carmen Crowe as she discovers that some evil learns how to wait...and some places refuse to let you go.

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 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

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETURN TO SHADOW: Shadow Island Crowe Files is the 21st book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. You'll have a hard time putting this suspenseful book down. I don't know if AI was involved or if it was just introducing a new character, but I felt this book lacked some of the suspense and action of the other books in the series. I'm still going to read the next book in the Shadow Island Crowe Files.

It's been five years since Rebecca West came to Shadow Island for some R&R and ended up as Sheriff, getting rid of the Yacht Club and its destructive control of the Island and its citizens. Things have changed, staff changed and less crime. The Island has been quieter and pleasant, like a small tourist island community should be.

That is until a vacationer finds a journal describing a potential murderer. Like Rebecca, Carmen Crowe came to Shadow Island for a family vacation and some R&R after eight years of working Philadelphia homicides. Things get dark when a hidden journal is found. The journal is disturbing because it describes a series of murders. Taking the journal to the Sheriff, Carmen finds herself a temporary deputy working to find the truth and maybe more murders. Rebecca and Carmen work to confirm the decades-old murders and a potential serial killer who may still be killing.

You'll be glued to your seat in the first chapter, then immediately swept into a decades-old mystery of murder and missing women. The Sheriff and her temporary deputy are chasing chilling clues, missing women, and possible new murders.

I did get an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my freely given and honest review. I recommend this book and the entire series.

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.

It's been five years since we've heard from Sheriff Rebecca West. During those five years, she has kept things going smoothly, albeit with less staff. Now, a girl has gone missing and her department is really slim with a stomach virus hitting hard. Then in comes Carmen Crowe, who is on vacation with her family. Apparently she is a detective but is taking a break (not really explained but I feel that will come in future books). She discovers a book in their rental that describes a murder ritual that takes place every five years. She brings it to Sheriff West just as they learn of the missing girl. Carmen temporarily helps Rebecca search for who is responsible for this abduction and learn it is all a part of this five-year ritual. This story is really great, and I love the rapport between Rebecca and Carmen. Can't wait for the next installment in this old, and now new rebooted series!! Thanks Mary Stone.

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five quiet years when a young girl goes missing. A mother finds an old journal in a wall. A coincidence or an omen? Carmen and her family are staying on Shadow Island for a bit. The girls have decided to do a game of hide and seek indoors when things get a little rowdy causing a hole to be put in a wall. Inside that wall is an old journal that leads Carmen to seek out the sheriff, Rebecca West. Looks like the missing girl and the journal are tied together. Since the flu has decimated the sparse department Rebecca deputizes Carmen to help with the case when another girl goes missing. Now it’s a race against time to stop whatever is going to happen.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen and her family are enjoying a restful vacation on Shadow Island….her daughters are busy horsing around and playing games when they suddenly knock a wall panel loose in the house. Being good folks the think they can fix it, but discover a diary hidden in there. Of course Carmen looks to see if it will give her a clue as to the owner. It gives her some startling news that changes the direction of their vacation. If the information in this diary is true, she feels the local sheriff needs to see, and possibly act on it. Rebecca decides to look into it and Carmen offers her help….a bond is created. This book is a true page turner and the beginning of a great new friendship.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen Crowe has come to Shadow Island for a vacation with her husband and two daughters. In an accident, there's a hole knocked in a closet and find an old diary. It gives clues to missing girls every five years on a specific date and this is the date. Carmen takes the diary to the Sheriff's office just as a woman reports her daughter missing. Sheriff Rebecca West recognizes that Carmen is law enforcement. She asks for her help to find the missing girl. This forges a new working relationship and a new career for Carmen. I'm looking forward to this new part of the series since Carmen and Rebecca work so well together.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC


The “magic” of Shadow Island is still strong.

As some well loved characters leave the island, newcomers are welcomed with open arms and hearts.

The flu has Rebecca’s staff at bare minimum. And just when she really needs a really good detective. A young woman has gone missing and an island visitor has found a diary that brings to light that two women always seem to disappear on the same two days, every five years. You guessed it; the two days and the year are upon them. Will they be able to save this second young woman? Settle in for a great read.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to return to Shadow Island which was one of my favorite series. This book does not disappoint like the rest of the others. We learn what has happened to some of the characters, and we are introduced to a new person, Carmen Crowe who helps Sheriff Rebecca West search for a young woman. A page turner which you will not want to put down until it is finished. Looking forward to getting to know Carmen better and see what happens next on Shadow Island. Thank you, Mary Stone, for bringing this series back.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Carmen Crowe, Philadelphia Homicide, on vacation with her family on Shadow Island. Just as Sheriff Rebecca West was introduced to the department because of a crime so too is Carmen. She finds herself deputized and immediately on the hunt for a killer. Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have written these two as methodical investigators who work really well with each other. The story evolves with intensity as the clues come together, this book cannot be put down! This is a fast paced and captivating tale. I loved it and am sure you will too. Great job Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes!

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca came to Shadow Island years ago to rest and suddenly she is wrapped up in investigating with the former Sheriff and later becomes the Sheriff if Shadow Island. During her time many crimes, investigations, finding new people and losing a few it's been a busy 5 years.

Thinking Shadow Island was in for a rest a chance to take a break...it wasn't. A new crime comes up, young girls go missing every year at this time, now it's time to find out if Shadow Island really has a Witch or if someone sick is harming or taking young women.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an old diary and the hide and seek game come to? The new position for Carmen and the partnership with The sheriff Rebecca West. After five years of peace the new case arrives like a storm to Rebecca’s office. What an exceptional fast paced thriller with the unexpected twists just landed in our laps. I had to finish without a stop.
I cannot wait for the tandem to solve the next cases. Very interesting new character. Yay, series are back. Thank you Mary and Lori.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca is back and so is the lore of the island. Tales of a witch and a connection to missing girls are the latest case to solve. Enter, Carman, who like Rebecca, "came to the island to rest". The only difference is Carmen has her family in tow. She is quickly deputized and put to work. A fun case and return of a fabulous character and island! What will this dynamic duo do going forward? I can't wait to find out.

[MsRoman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Shadow: Shadow Island Crowe Files (Shadow Island Series) By Mary Stone. Carmen Crowe and Sheriff Rebecca West what a powerful team . Another page turner which I enjoyed. I love this series ..

[Gracie Bustillos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Shadow: Shadow Island (Shadow Island Series Book 21). A great book. A page turner. A series of murders over years. A true friendship is being formed. Can’t wait to see what happens next. A must read

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the twenty first book in the Shadow Island series. Carmen and Rebecca are working together to solve a crime. Someone is killing young girls. There’s non-stop drama, action, suspense and twists. A great plot. I am voluntarily leaving this review

[TAMMIE L HOTALING · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Shadow Island

So very glad Shadow Island is back. Really missed Sheriff West and her crew. I do like the addition of the Crowe family and am very much looking forward to the mysteries that lie ahead for Sheriff West and Shadow Island.

[Fred Adickes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the next era on the island

Some of the same residents from the original series makes it fun to see the continuing saga. Anyone that is,a fan of Mary Stone will enjoy this nouvella.

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and I am posting my own unbiased review.

Carmen Crowe and her family are vacationing on Shadow Island and she finds a diary hidden behind a wall. She takes the diary to Sheriff Rebecca West and they end up trying to solve the mystery of missing girls on the island

[Nelda Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

more on Shadows Island

I am so happy that Mary Stone decided to continue Shadow Island series.!! Although I have read a lot of her books but Winter and Shadow are my favorites. Return to Shadow is very good and will be eagerly waiting for i highly recommend her books.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't the same Shadow Island of the first 20 books of the series. This book is supposed to be the start of the series continuation 5 years after book 20 but it's a rather dull book. Even Rebecca seemed unrecognizable. This is in no way a 5 star book.

[Patricia Sherman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new book

Shadow Island has been a favorite since the first book. Rebecca West is a great character and now to have her come back. The new character and this story line were a great and much needed. Can't wait to see what's in store for Shadow Island.

[Angie Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to be back on Shadow Island! Mary Stone never disappoints when it comes to her series and I’m excited to see what she has thought up next for the island!

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite series. I love the new character. Can't wait for the next one. So glad Mary Stone brought it back.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent story about a ex detective Carmen and Rebecca working together to solve who is killing young girls and finding who with suspense and action. Thank you for this great story.

[DEBORAH FREED · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yipee! the story continues

I was so disappointed when the Shadow Island with Sheriff West ended. But, here we go again by adding Carman!

[Yvonne Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another Page Turner

Mary Stone has dome it again with this book! Easy, interesting read that keeps you in your seat! Cannot wait to read more about the newest Detective!

[Sherry Jackson Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Island Series

This book is attention getting as is all the books in this series. You never know what will happen next or what the outcome will be.

[Jacque Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good follow

I enjoyed the original series and this looks to follow along nicely. I will continue on with this series. It felt nice being back on Shadow Island.

[Monika Dew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Once you start it is very hard to stop. Rebecca is so calm in everything and had most thing under control.I love all the story Mary Stone writes. No
Book is ever boring.