Hunted by the Shadow: Shadow Island Crowe Files

by Mary Stone, Nicole Radlein

The safest place to hide is in plain sight.

Carmen Crowe may be new to the Shadow Island Sheriff’s Department, but she’s no stranger to hunting the nation’s most heinous criminals. Or what it can cost. Now, on the run with a different identity and a new job as a deputy on the small island, she just wants to keep her family safe.

And pray the memory of the team she couldn't save finally stops haunting her.

Yet some ghosts don’t stay buried, especially those born from failure. Called to a homicide on her first solo patrol, she discovers a woman’s brutalized body inside the victim’s car beneath a bridge. But the victim isn’t a defenseless civilian. She’s one of their own: Virginia State Police Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger.

The special agent’s murder matches a pattern that’s all too familiar to Carmen.

Thrown back into the investigation that changed her life, Carmen is determined not to fail another innocent victim. The nightmare she escaped has found her again. And this time, there may not be a second chance.

A thrilling new chapter begins with Hunted by the Shadow, the continuation of the bestselling Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. In this game of hide-and-seek, there’s only one rule: Never let them find you.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 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

[johanna kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmen Crowe is on patrol when a call comes in about a possible homicide with a vehicle parked under Shadow Island bridge. upon investigation the body of Rhonda Lettinger is discovered. she had been visiting Rebecca West the night before. as she is a close friend of the victim she must recuse herself.
Serenity McCreedy is a new patrol officer, who on her first day assists Carmen. they do not know if the perp is still on the island and the clues point to a case where the criminal is still behind bars. the killer is still stalking victims as they soon find out.
Vivienne is a former police officer turned FBI special agent, and another close friend of Rhonda's works with Crowe on something else which causes potential danger and trouble for Crowe. there is another murder but the guys truck is destroyed in the fire he set to destroy evidence.
there is a situation where Serenity is kidnapped by the perp, a high speed chase ensue and Serenity frees herself. she then helps Vivienne and Crowe neutralize the perp.
Crowe talks her way out of trouble.....TBC

[Becky Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

After visiting her good friend, Sheriff Rebecca West, Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger is violently murdered before leaving Shadow Island. Because of her close relationship with Rhonda, Rebecca is asked to recuse herself, and newly appointed Detective Carmen Crowe begins the investigation of finding this murderer. During this story, past characters come into play, which was wonderful. The investigation also veers into another investigation by the FBI of the Dragon Tooth Brotherhood, the same group that was responsible for Carmen and her family entering into the WITSEC program. Carmen's background is explained in this book. It is a real nail biter, page turner, and superb read late into the night. Highly recommend this series.

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shadow Island is back and definitely does not disappoint. With the murder of Rebecca's good friend, Virginia State Police Special Agent Rhonda Lettinger, Carmen Crowe is on a manhunt to find the killer and get justice for her. New and old characters help with the hunt. Lots of twists and turns and surprises. A page turner that keeps you wanting to read until the end. We also learn more about Carmen's back story and why she came to the island. Looking forward to the next books. Thank you, Mary Stone and Nicole Radlein, for bringing back the Shadow Island series, a favorite.
I am an ARC member, and this is my honest review.

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received ARC


Come back to Shadow Island where much has changed in the last five years or so. Some characters have died, some have left, some have retired. But, now some characters are returning and some are just joining the cast.

Of the two newest members of the Shadow Island Sheriff’s Office one is in the Witness Protection Program, but has she been compromised? The other is a returning islander who has really grown up!

And now there is a killer on the loose. What else? Come along for the ride to find out.

[Sue Sandifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca is enjoying a nice evening with her good friend Rhonda. As the evening rolls on, they both decide since they have to work tomorrow it’s best that Rhonda head home. She never makes it home. The new hire Carmen strongly suggest Rebecca recuse herself from the investigation into what happened to Rhonda. Carmen proves to be a great addition to the staff on Shadow Island. During the investigation more murder and mayhem surfaces, it shows the newest officer Serenity is also going to be a great addition to the island staff. Can’t wait to see how things go on Shadow Island now.

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out for me with its combination of crime, psychological tension, danger, and character emotion/ the human side of the investigation. It is simply more than just another serial killer thriller. As a longtime reader of Mary Stone, I loved returning to the Shadow Island world with its new emotionally charged mystery. So many twists. Carmen is a great addition to Rebecca’s crew! I cannot wait for the next book, hoping that Mary will take a break in killing the favorite characters lol. Bravo. Lida

[Sue Palmer Crosby · Rating 5 out of 5]

An escaped serial killer has arrived on Shadow Island for one thing - take out Rhonda Lettinger. Having accomplished that he decides to stay on the island to take advantage of tourist season. If that wasn’t enough, Vivianne Darby, now with the FBI, has showed up requesting help on the Dragon Blood Brotherhood, a group that has special meaning to Carmen Crowe. Gripping new Shadow Island novel from Mary Stone.

[Bonita Barbick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Rebecca West and her team are reeling from the murder of a colleague. Deputy Carmen Crowe leads the investigation assisted by Shadow Island’s own FBI SA Vivian Darby. Authors Mary Stone and Nicole Radlein have done an outstanding job creating this mystery. The look into Carmen’s past really intensifies this story. This is a page turner filled with tension and suspense. Another fine tale by the brilliant Mary Stone along with her coauthor Nicole Radlein. Whoa…cliffhanger alert!

[Deborah Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!

I'm so thrilled that Shadow Island is back. It's like there was never a break. I can't wait for the next book to what adventures the team is headed for next. I love that Vivian and Hoyt were back for this book. I also love how Serenity is all grown up and back in Shadow Island as a deputy. But more importantly I love how her storyline of living in New York as a model tied her story into the Sky Stryker series.

[DEBORAH FREED · Rating 5 out of 5]

New characters, changes on Shadow Island

Detective Crowe is new but she’s got secrets. Secrets that could be harm to her, her family and Shadow Island. Is she careless, too close to her past that was supposed to have been erased?
Time will tell.
New deputies, Vi and her big FBI job, Rebecca trying to loosen her control and let her new people do their jobs.
Lots of changes. And, foremost saying goodbye to a dear friend and all determined to bring their murderer to Justice.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the twenty second book in the Shadow Island series. Carmen is new to the sheriff’s department and the case she’s working takes her back to a former case she would rather forget! This is a fast paced, action packed story filled with twists, murder and danger. It’s a great psychological thriller.

[Yolonda Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

New characters to love!

I love that the author brought in new characters and brought back some that had left! Carmen (and her family) add to the sheriff's department family, and it's great to see a family unit that can be a part of the storyline again.

Welcoming back some older characters was great, although losing one hurt.

Great read!

[Carol Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an Arc reader and I received this book free and am posting my won review.

Rebecca has just had dinner with her friend Rhonda Lettinger and on the way home she is attacked and killed. Carmen Crowe is tasked with investigating the case and trying to find the killer.

The book is full of suspense and Carmen's hidden secrets are threatened to be revealed.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Carmen Crowe is a good detective on the Shadow Island force. She's supposed to keep a low profile but things keep happening that put her in the spotlight. Sheriff Rebecca West is glad she brought Carmen onboard. They work well together. Now they have Serenity joining them. I really like this new part of the series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Diane D. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca was devastated by the loss of her friend and fellow officer by a serial killer. She could not let her friend die in vain even though she had to recuse herself from the investigation. New members of her team jumped in to lead the investigation. As usual Mary Stone does not disappoint her readers.

[Michelle Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series. I like the new character Crowe and her family. This was a really good story line. I am also glad that serenity is back. This should be a good story line. Still my favorite of all the series.

[Anne M. McNulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by a great author

So happy we got another Shadow Island mystery ! Such a good storyline with new characters and old ones to add to the suspense. Hope to see more stories sooner rather than later.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This as a great story about Rebecca , Carman and Serenity going all out to find the killer of Rhonda a law enforcement officer and other women and finding out who is responsible and getting him with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this excellent story

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darn good

Of course, you can expect a book by Mary.Stone to be.kick-ass. This didn't disappoint. The idea to keep Shadow Island series going was brilliant. I love the old characters and the new ones fit right in. Can't wait to see what drama happens next on the island.

[Peg Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

love Shadow Island Mysteries!

Always a thrilling read…entranced by Rebecca many stories ago… now a new detective in town with secrets, and Vivianne growing into her potential… great reads, all.

[Eleanor Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story, love Shadow Island books. This one is sad in parts and happy in others, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Anne Regula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Awesome

Another great read by Mary Stone! She writes the most intriguing books I’ve ever read. They are all action packed until the very last page!

[Pamela Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m addicted to Shadow Island

And all of its characters
The writing makes it effortless to visualize it all, and the action is very riveting

[Florence Gonzagowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luv

I love all of Mary's books, this series is a great fast read. Meaning I have a hard time stopping to go back to work or sleep..lol