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Autumn Trent #8

Autumn's Prize

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Not all prizes are gifts...

Special Agent Dr. Autumn Trent is relishing the moments after waking up next to Aiden Parrish when their romantic Sunday morning is cut short by a call from a friend. His niece has disappeared...along with two other teens in a picture-perfect Connecticut community in a case that's as perplexing as it is concerning. The teens are all strong students with privileged upbringings on the verge of graduating high school. Who would want to hurt them? And why?

More importantly...who’s next?

As the investigation expands, it soon becomes clear that there’s more going on in the seemingly idyllic town than anyone realizes—something loathsome and depraved—and the kids of those involved are paying the price for a prize none of them wanted.

When the puppeteer behind the scenes ups the ante, the situation grows deadly. How many will die before Autumn and the team take him down?

Autumn’s Prize, the eighth book in Mary Stone’s Autumn Trent Series, is a gripping and suspenseful peek into depravity that will make you think twice about accepting gifts.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

1859 people are currently reading
475 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

224 books2,146 followers
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.

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5 stars
4,632 (65%)
4 stars
1,872 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
605 reviews4 followers
November 20, 2021
Wow, this was a great book. I could not put it down. So much going on. Loved it.
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2021
Kidnapping, Murder, Depravity and Deception

Autumn and Aiden finally get together; however, their time is cut short by a call from Dr. Philip Baldwin. Dr. Baldwin asks Autumn to help look for his missing niece. Along with his niece, her boyfriend and three more teenagers are missing.

Aiden isn’t happy about Dr. Baldwin’s call because he can’t forget the kiss he saw between Autumn and Baldwin. Aiden is having a hard time dealing with his jealousy. Aiden and Autumn go to Dearborn to help find out what happened to the missing teens. As the case progresses, the rest of the team is called in to help. Mia, Chris, Winter, Autumn, Aiden along with Emma Last and Neil from the D.C. office will have their work cut out for them.

Winter is still dealing with her brother, Justin, and it appears he is gearing up to return to the states. Noah is also having problems with Justin. It is time for Justin to get the justice he deserves.

Chris is still playing nice and appears to be regretting getting involved in the revenge of Autumn. Mia and Chris definitely a surprise.

Autumn and Winter both use their special abilities to help solve the case. It appears that Emma Last has a special ability too. I would love to see Emma in her own series.

Are the teenagers found in time? Can Aiden and Autumn clear up their miscommunication? Does Noah finally pop the question to Winter? What happens to Chris and Mia? Read the book to find out. Autumn’s Prize is a standalone; however, I recommend that you read the other books so you will know the characters and their backgrounds.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,576 reviews122 followers
December 31, 2025
4.5 Stars

“This is a spinoff of the Winter Black series and is a riveting psychological murder mystery that continues where Winter’s End left off, and will make you watch what you say behind your closed doors.”

Autumn's Prize is Book Eight in the Autumn Trent Series by Mary Stone. This series is a gripping blend of psychological suspense, crime & investigation, and deeply human storytelling. We follow FBI Special Agent and forensic psychologist Autumn Trent, a woman whose own traumatic past fuels her relentless pursuit of justice.
Ms. Stone cleverly weaves high-stakes criminal cases with plenty of emotional depth. Autumn isn’t just a crime solver; she’s a survivor who is navigating grief, moral dilemmas, and the complexities of human behavior. Each book layers intense investigations with more personal stakes, making us (readers) feel both the adrenaline of the chase as well as the weight of the consequences.
Ms. Stone’s villains are chillingly believable, and the psychological profiling elements also added a fascinating dimension for us readers who enjoy the ‘why’ behind the crime as much as the ‘who’.
Fans of character-driven thrillers will appreciate how Autumn’s relationships - with colleagues, friends, and even antagonists - evolve across the series, giving it a strong emotional core.
Perfect for readers who enjoy crime thrillers with a smart, resilient heroine and a mix of heart-pounding action and psychological intrigue.
Happy Reading…
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,316 reviews8 followers
November 16, 2021
AUTUMN'S PRIZE is the eighth installment in the Autumn Trent Series by Mary Stone.You will never be dissapointed in receiving a fast-paced, page turning, chilling thriller from this author. I don't just recommend Autumn’s Prize, but all of Mary Stone's books.

Get ready for another dive into the troubled mind of a killer. Guilt and anger need to be resolved or the rational subconscious mind can turn you into a nightmare.

Finally, just as Aiden and Autumn have resolved their feelings and future together the phone rings. What timing!  Dr. Baldwin is calling - his niece is missing. Then the D.C. office calls for help, two other teens have vanished in the same small town.  Aiden puts the entire team on standby as he and Autumn drive to Dearborn, CT.

It's not long before the entire team is called to find the teens before time runs out for them. There is a lot happening in this story, so get ready for a chilling ride.  Emma is confronted by a ghost and Winter is having trouble concentrating on the case as Justin just sent a video outlining his future plans.  The ending leaves you guessing what will happen in the coming future.

You can read each book in this series as a stand-alone, but so much better read as a series.

I did receive this book from the author and am leaving my voluntary review.
482 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
Another good book

Mary Stone can knock them out of the park. Autumn 's Prize is chilling when you think it could happen. Someone is taking the elite's children. Five seventeen year old kids are kidnapped. Who? What? Where? When? and Why? The town of Dearborn Connecticut has the cover of successful businessman who send their children to the best private schools, vying for scholarships which could send the winner to Ivy League colleges. So now these scholarship wanna bes are being abducted. The kidnapper has an agenda to show the length of prestige the parents are willing to take. Autumn, Aiden, Winter and Noah go to help the local police to find the seventeen year old children who will all be seniors in high school one fall. The story follows the madman, the parents sins and the town who would stay quiet until the kidnapper forces the main puppeteer and the web the parents have been sucked into. The story is more focused on Lorna Mercer and her parents, mom is the sister of Phillip Baldwin. Twists and turns and shame g the parents all for naught. Someone is going go die. Good book.
Profile Image for Barbara Cosenza.
70 reviews
November 22, 2021
Autumn’s Prize

Paradise or Hell?

The lifestyle of the rich and famous have nothing on Dearborn, Connecticut, a quiet orderly town with underlying chaos. When Phillip Baldwin’s niece, Lorna, goes missing he calls his FBI friend, Autumn Trent to help locate her. As the journey for Lorna unfolds, 4 more teens are found to be missing, all members of the scholarship club at their prestigious High School. As these teens compete to win, they are unaware of what their parents have been doing to secure their chance to be the final winner. But should the teens be punished for the sins of their parents ? A former town resident thinks they should. He lost his son, a member of the class, to a drug overdose several years before when the son found out about what his parents had done to maintain their place in this Stepford-like community. One man controls the money and many of their purse strings. What must they do to survive in this sleepy town?
A can’t put down and intriguing mystery. A definite “gotta” read. Mary did it again.
Profile Image for Sunsy.
1,909 reviews28 followers
October 1, 2025
Und wieder konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen. Die Figuren sind uns inzwischen mehr als bekannt, manche sind uns ans Herz gewachsen, und wir verfolgen gespannt, wie das Team um Aiden Parrish zusammen mit anderen FBI-Agenten und der Polizeistation der Kleinstadt ermitteln und einen Verbrecher dingfest macht, bevor ein weiterer Jugendlicher sterben muss...

Unerhörtes hat sich in der Kleinstadt zugetragen. Ich bin richtig geschockt, wozu Menschen sich getrieben sehen, um ihren Ruf, Geld oder was auch immer zu bewahren. Gut, dieses Buch ist fiktiv, aber es gibt so viel Grausamkeit in der Welt, dass es durchaus sein kann, dass Ähnliches tatsächlich geschehen ist.

Meine Bewertung: 94/100 bzw. 09/10 Punkte.

https://sunsys-blog.blogspot.com/2025...
154 reviews
November 15, 2021
Absolutely thrilling! What a joy to open this book and find all the characters I love. As Autumn, Aiden, Winter and Noah come into the picture I found myself smiling. I felt I was being reunited with best friends. My first Mary Stone series was Winter Black and after reading those I was hooked on this author.
Now Autumn Trent has her own story to tell and it is equally thrilling.
This story revolves around the agents being called in to help find missing teenagers. As they investigate you start to get hints that these abductions are revenge against their parents. Oh the suspense!
When the reveal came out I was stunned…so many details made up this engrossing plot. This definitely puts this book in the “cannot put down” category.
I loved this book and wait…the cliffhanger!! OH MY!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,405 reviews30 followers
November 17, 2021
Autumn’s story just keeps getting more thrilling. This fast paced psychological thriller kept me on my toes all the way through to the exciting end. There’s so much action and suspense. The protagonist is a particularly vicious killer. There are multiple storylines happening with the various members of the FBI unit: Aiden and Autumn, Noah and Winter, and are Chris and Mia going to get together? Emma is a very interesting and intriguing character. What’s up with her? Then there’s still Justin Black’s story to finish. Is Chris regretting his vendetta against Autumn? OMG….so much to look forward to in the coming series additions. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2021
A group of teens in a small town are missing. Dr. Philip Baldwin’s niece is among the group, so he calls on his good friend Autumn for help find her. After checking out this disappearance, Autumn feel that she needs to call in the whole team to help in the investigation. When they get to the town, they find nothing is as it seems. This story has many twists and turns, lots of suspense, a town with many secrets, a touch of jealousy from a love interest, and an explosive ending. What more could you as for? This is another winner from a fabulous author. You won’t be disappointed. Can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I was given an ARC of the book In Exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Dawn.
377 reviews2 followers
November 21, 2021
Autumn's Prize, is another phenomenal book in my favorite series by Stone! Evil is personified in this books' serial killer and also in Winter's brother and arch enemy, Justin Black. The usual dynamic FBI team is joined again by the Virginia team they worked with in their previous case. They all work to solve what is happening to teen's disappearing in a small town and trying to figure out why. Furthermore, the sexual tension between Autumn and Aiden is finally acknowledged and things are beginning to heat up. In this suspense there is a turn at every corner and another one lies just beyond the bend. The story is exhilarating and keeps you completely involved throughout. A must read series!!! Don't miss out.
1,382 reviews
August 1, 2022
Autumn's relationship with her boss seems to be moving forward. She receives a call from Dr. Philip Baldwin. Dr. Baldwin wants to be more than friends but Autumn only wants friendship. Dr. Baldwin's niece is missing and he asks for her team's help. They head to a small wealthy town in Connecticut where four teenagers are missing. Not long after their arrival another teen goes missing. Autumn is working hard on the case and also trying to comfort Dr. Baldwin. SSA Parrish is jealous and acts accordingly. This case was very interesting and a little graphic. The case is solved an Winter and Autumn are in on the takedown. Winter is doing better. Autumn and Aiden are in a good place. I really enjoyed this entry in the series and am anxious for the next book.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,272 reviews98 followers
November 16, 2021
Dr. Philip Baldwin asks Autumn to help find his niece, Lorna and her boyfriend Kevin. At first, she wasn't sure she would do it, but when she and Aiden found out that these two are not the only missing teenagers from Dearborn they head out. Meanwhile, Noah Dalton keeps having issues with Justin Black, his girlfriend Winter, her brother. Noah gets an update that Justin is wanted in five murders and he didn't even try to hide his identity. Then there is Autumn's sister, Sarah...that Autumn is still looking for. Seems she has been sited and wanted in connection with some murders. A very busy story indeed. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
1,161 reviews26 followers
November 18, 2021
This is an ARC read and another great book in this series. This book is full of twists and turns with the usual surprise ending. Autumn and Aiden have finally connected when Autumn gets a call about missing kids from a friend. Autumn and Aiden head to this town to meet up with another FBI team to investigate the missing teens. As they interview the parents, the agents realize the parents are telling them the whole truth and they are having a hard time finding any leads. When the local paper prints an expose suggesting a connection to the missing teens, things heat up. Can the agents solve the mystery and reach the teens before the die
Profile Image for Mollie Hildreth.
20 reviews9 followers
January 20, 2022
Autumn saves the kidnapped

I have enjoyed all the Autumn books and the Winter books by Mary Stone. The team of the BAU run by Adien are off to solve a series of teenagers who have been kidnapped from their 'perfect' town. I like following along trying to figure out the identity and reasons for the crimes they are working on. I like crime mysteries, with a touch of romance, underscored anger toward another team member, conflicts. Mary hives me a meaty story to follow and become a part of.
I think anyone who loves a good mystery with action and human nature would love these series as I have. .
19 reviews
July 23, 2023
Excellent book!

I love this series of books. From the start of the series in Winter's Mourn to this amazing story, it's always a suspenseful, well-told adventure with great characters.

In this installment, Autumn's friend reaches out about a missing teen, his niece, along with three other teenagers. There certainly is a dark side to the cozy town that will blow you away. Autumn and the other amazing agents working can't seem to figure out what exactly is going on, only knowing that there is something incredibly wrong.

If you like this series of books, I encourage you to check out the other series Mary Stone has. They are all excellent.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,391 reviews7 followers
December 10, 2021
So good. Autumn’s story, her new relationship, the new development in Winter’s relationship and family, the action, the use of their special “skills”…all were on point. The book also showed some new movement with the overarching plan to get Autumn and how her missing sister might be involved. A new story thread, that I hope to see more of, is Emma and her secret with “sight” and a storm coming. This is a great series and all the characters continue to grow and capture my attention. One thought I had throughout is I do wonder when or if Autumn will share her ability with Emma and Aiden.
82 reviews1 follower
April 18, 2022
Autumn’s Prize Book 8

The story continues as Dr Trent unknowingly becomes
more than just an FBI special agent .
Mary Stony absolutely amazes me with her ability to continue the different areas that each of these agents lies take and how she keeps them interesting going and learning as I go along. This is another whether to keep your interest and her series definitely worth reading do yourself a favor and keep on reading because Mary Stone has a wonderful series here in 15 stories but all linked together
179 reviews
November 15, 2021
Don't know how Mary Stone does it but she has written another winner. All the main characters return & we gain more insight into their lives. They go to Dearborn, CT. to help find missing teenagers. It is an edge of your seat, nail biting, thriller that you cannot put down until the end & I 100% recommend this book. Mary Stone is an excellent author & vivd story teller. I cannot wait until the next book in this series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
101 reviews
November 16, 2021
Wow!!! Autumn starts a love affair finally !!! Of course right at the start Autumn receives a phone call from Dr. Balwin whom Aiden is very jealous of . Dr. Balwin wants help from the FBI to find 4 kidnapped teenagers. The FBI arrives and find the whole town is acting "Off" meaning the interviews turn weird. It is a real page turner. I love this series and recommend not just this book, but the whole series.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
November 18, 2021
Autumn's Prize (Autumn Trent FBI Mystery Series Book 8) by Mary Stone is a fantastically amazing story that I have loved reading. This is book number eight in this fantastically amazing series that I have been hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading thriller stories.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,139 reviews4 followers
December 4, 2021
Autumn's Prize (Autumn Trent FBI Mystery Series Book 8) By Mary Stone Unbelievable! This story was Sad , Disturbing, Deceiving, Malice, Full of Vengeance on innocent teenager and some innocent parents force to do the unthinkable due to blackmail. The Gang is back on another case that will have you reading till the end… Aiden and Autumn finally figured things out… Mary I applaud you , I love this book and recommend it…
118 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2021
Yet another brilliant page turner from Mary Stone. At last Autumn and Aiden get together, but have to solve another page turner of a case. What I really enjoy is not only the brilliant story line with its twists and turns, but the fact we keep up with Winter and Noah, and the hints of Mia and Chris. For anyone who has not read Winter's books, please do, you will not be disappointed. In fact I can highly recommend all Mary Stone books.
Well done keep coming with more of Autumn and Winter.
289 reviews2 followers
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December 23, 2021
Suspenseful & riveting

Wow!!! The tension mounts in this book as more hints are dropped about Justin's return & plans. The plot of this story was full of suspense & emotion. Characters were realistically portrayed and their emotional stress seemed so real that I could empathize. The character of Emma Last is a great addition to the mix & really rounds out the cast of characters.
16 reviews
January 25, 2022
Speed read

I just can’t put these books down. They have me completely hooked! I don’t know when I have ever read so many books so quickly! Autumn and Aiden! They get together, now can they stay together? Noah is trying to keep a secret from Winter. She is an FBI standout, can he do it? Chris and Mia! Can she make him better? Who is Chris texting? Justin? Adam? Can’t wait to read the next one. All of this and one seriously twisted town.
Profile Image for Gray.
202 reviews
November 15, 2021
In the best night of her life, work steps up. Yes, Autumn starts a new love affair and works goes in the middle but not only that, a budding relationship that could turn bad cause...yes, jealousy.

Good characters and story, just follow Autum and the rest of the FBI Behavioral coworkers is the only way to go. And don't forget that J. Black wants a spotlight, well see.
224 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2021
Another great book in the Autumn Trent series! I didn’t expect the content or reason for the murders so this was quite a spellbinding adventure. The characters are so great & their interactions superb. I couldn’t read fast enough to find what hsppens next, so compelling. Murder, romance, friendships, this book had it all. Great job!!
179 reviews
November 17, 2021
Stone Never Disappoints

Autumn is thrown into her next adventure when a friend of Aiden’s asks for help with some missing teens in her city. While Dearborn CT looks like an idyllic small town, the secrets that led to the teens disappearing are brutal. This is not for the faint of heart.
Profile Image for MommaT_Book_Phoenix.
130 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2021
Wicked²

Justin is back with a buddy, Autumn finally ships, TWISTS, terrifying scenarios for any parental-type, and more to come...ahhh, can't get enough!

My thanks to Mary Stone for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No review expected and no compensation was received.
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