What do you think?
A Villain's Story: The Starter Collection (Books 1-3): A Winter Black Spinoff Series
The first three cases in Mary Stone's A Villain's Story Series — a dark new chapter born from the #1 bestselling Winter Black series. Now in one collection.
You know the name Justin Black.
The Disciple. The monster Winter Black's readers will never forget.
But Justin left more behind than victims.
Meet Detective Justice Hall. Born Timothy Stewart — until The Disciple slaughtered his family and groomed him as a child. Out of the wreckage, little Tim built a new name. One that eerily echoes his monster's.
A coincidence? Or an imprint that never faded?
Even Justice doesn't know.
What he does know: his newest case needs to go cold. Fast. A senator's son has vanished, and all of East Texas is searching.
Justice knows exactly where he is.
Buried beneath his own apple tree.
And that's just the beginning.
Three relentless cases. Three secrets that refuse to stay buried. One detective who might be the villain of his own story.
Perfect for fans of dark psychological thrillers and antiheroes you can't stop rooting for.
You know the name Justin Black.
The Disciple. The monster Winter Black's readers will never forget.
But Justin left more behind than victims.
Meet Detective Justice Hall. Born Timothy Stewart — until The Disciple slaughtered his family and groomed him as a child. Out of the wreckage, little Tim built a new name. One that eerily echoes his monster's.
A coincidence? Or an imprint that never faded?
Even Justice doesn't know.
What he does know: his newest case needs to go cold. Fast. A senator's son has vanished, and all of East Texas is searching.
Justice knows exactly where he is.
Buried beneath his own apple tree.
And that's just the beginning.
Three relentless cases. Three secrets that refuse to stay buried. One detective who might be the villain of his own story.
Perfect for fans of dark psychological thrillers and antiheroes you can't stop rooting for.
816 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 29, 2026
About the author
Mary Stone
287 books2,290 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 2, 2026
"A VILLAIN'S STORY": The Starter Collection is the first three books in this Winter Black Spinoff Series by Mary Stone. Get ready for chilling, page-turning stories that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. Mary Stone will totally mesmerize you, just like she does with all her stories. If you haven't read any of her thrillers yet, I say you should start.
A young Timmy Stewart was abducted by Justin Black and for years taught how to be a cold-blooded killer. Finally rescued and after years of counseling and therapy, Tim Stewart became Justice Hall a rookie detective. With each new murder case he's reminded of those dark times, fearing he may be too broken by the horrors of his past to do the right thing. Will they take over his life?
This is definitely a must-read and a great look into Timothy Stewart's attempt to put his past behind him and, as Justice Hall, do some good in this dark world.
A young Timmy Stewart was abducted by Justin Black and for years taught how to be a cold-blooded killer. Finally rescued and after years of counseling and therapy, Tim Stewart became Justice Hall a rookie detective. With each new murder case he's reminded of those dark times, fearing he may be too broken by the horrors of his past to do the right thing. Will they take over his life?
This is definitely a must-read and a great look into Timothy Stewart's attempt to put his past behind him and, as Justice Hall, do some good in this dark world.
July 29, 2026
A Villain's Story: The Starter Collection (Books 1-3): A Winter Black Spinoff Series By: Mary Stone.Blood on the Badge (A Villain’s Story FBI Mystery Series Book) By Mary Stone. I did not know what to expect since all of Mary Stone books are phenomenal. This was so twisted I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book in This series.
The Hunting Grounds (A Villain’s Story: A Winter Black Spinoff Series Book 2) By: Mary Stone
Another great book in this series .
Crossing the Line (A Villain’s Story FBI Mystery Series Book 3) By Mary Stone. Deputy Justice Hall the Prosecutor he is smooth, sharp, trained by a killer. It’s a great story and the end was what I expected. He will hopefully not feel so conflicted….
The Hunting Grounds (A Villain’s Story: A Winter Black Spinoff Series Book 2) By: Mary Stone
Another great book in this series .
Crossing the Line (A Villain’s Story FBI Mystery Series Book 3) By Mary Stone. Deputy Justice Hall the Prosecutor he is smooth, sharp, trained by a killer. It’s a great story and the end was what I expected. He will hopefully not feel so conflicted….
July 30, 2026
Little Timmy, raised and groomed by Justin, the notorious killer and Winter’s brother, appears in this series as Justice Hall. He changed his name and became a successful detective. There is just a little problem. He cannot let the crime go unpunished. The blood on the shield makes you think, how do you approve of the vigilante? The twisted game will keep you on the toes for sure. Get ready.
Absolute thriller with horrific crimes.
Absolute thriller with horrific crimes.
August 1, 2026
Justice Hall…love him or hate him! He is one of Mary Stone’s most intriguing characters. She has given life to a figure that is both brilliant and daunting. These fast paced stories check off everything a murder mystery should be… suspense, gasping out loud and a page turning dream of a tale.
Mary Stone’s ability to create with precision the tortured mind of Justice will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Mary Stone’s ability to create with precision the tortured mind of Justice will keep you on the edge of your seat!
July 29, 2026
This was a really good set to read…Justice Hall appears to be an excellent Sheriff on the surface, but he has deep dark secrets. He was raised by Justin Black, Winters evil brother. This series gives you lots of surprises, and keeps you wanting more….i highly recommend this set.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews