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Charli Cross #2

Dark Greed

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Jealousy is evil. Greed is deadly.

When a young man is found hanging inside a barn, it seems like an open-and-shut suicide. But the boy in question is none other than Bryce Mowery, son and only heir of the richest family in Savannah, and Bryce’s father is claiming foul play. Much to her chagrin, Detective Charli Cross is sent to investigate and appease the farm and real estate magnate.

But soon, it’s no longer a question of if Bryce was killed, but by who. The Mowerys have made plenty of enemies in town, but why would anyone want to kill the happy-go-lucky playboy? As Charli and her partner Matthew delve deeper into the cutthroat world of land development, the killer is waiting. Not only does he like to play games, but he’s covering his tracks . . . and he’s developed a taste for murder.

Fast-paced and gripping, Dark Greed is the second book in the Charli Cross series from bestselling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you reconsider keeping your friends close and your enemies closer.

250 pages, Paperback

First published November 8, 2021

1934 people are currently reading
416 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

216 books2,131 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
3,102 (58%)
4 stars
1,661 (31%)
3 stars
469 (8%)
2 stars
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1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
681 reviews9 followers
November 7, 2021
Another well written mystery from this Author. I couldn't put it down. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was fast and furious with a great casts of characteres.
Profile Image for Margaret Yelton.
2,138 reviews44 followers
September 25, 2022
Overall, I found Dark Greed book 2 in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone to be well written, and an enjoyable read. It kept me guessing about who the guilty person was in the book. I would recommned this book to others.
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2021
Suicide or Murder

Charli Cross is handed another high profile case while her partner, Matthew is on vacation visiting his daughter. It appears Bryce Mowery, son of a wealthy businessman, has committed suicide. His father, Montgomery Bowery, doesn’t believe that his son would commit suicide and request the police investigate his death.

As Charli investigates Bryce’s death, she begins to question whether or not he committed suicide. It appears everyone she questions states that Bryce was narcissistic and a happy go lucky person and they have a hard time believing he killed himself. Charli decides to call Matthew with some information so that he can help her with the case. Matthew ends up coming back earlier than expected so he and Charli get busy with the case. They will find out that land development and construction deals can be very cut throat.

Along with Charli dealing with the case, we are given more information on her relationship with her childhood friend who was murdered.

Is there romance in the air for Charli? GBI agent, Preston Powell, is in town for a few weeks on a case and asks Charli to dinner.

Dark Greed is well written and keeps you interested until the end. It is a standalone book; however, I suggest you read the first one, Dark Purpose to get a good feel for Charli Cross and her partner Matthew.
225 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2021
For Love if Money.

When Bryce Mowery, the playboy son of a Savannah land developer, is found hanging in the stables, his father will not believe he would choose to end his entitled life. Having recently solved a serial killer case, Charli Cross is sent to appease him. With her partner out of town, the detective quickly finds herself sympathetic to the man's grief. In her initial investigation, Chris finds that no one sees Bryce as depressed or suicidal. In actuality, it appears the young Nan may have recently found himself and was attempting to join the land development game on his own -if only to prove himself worthy if his father's love.

As the investigation begins, rumors and innuendos abound. The question is no longer, ' was he killed', but 'who killed Bryce'. Charlie and Matthew find themselves delving into the cutthroat business if land development along with a side if jealous rage toward the wealthy.

As Bryce's father reminds the detectives, we should keep our friends close and our enemies closer.
251 reviews3 followers
August 21, 2025
Strong willed to the end

Charli Cross is a homicide detective for the Savannah's police department. Matthew is her partner and they both have their own approach to cases. Here Bryce Montgomery, son of the most wealthy land developer in Savannah, is found dead. He was hanging from his barn.. Everyone assumes he committed suicide. It was soon discovered that it was murder. Bryce was a playboy and didn't appear to work. However, he had a plan for an open air mall on a priceless piece of land along the river. Chester Crabtree was the highest bidder on the property but he ends up murdered. Aaron Eldridge was the person who sold the property Chester Crabtree. Now Eldridge was wealthiest man which was his plan. Tanya Greenwood was Bryce, Eldridge, and Chester's girlfriend.. Everyone was avoiding the police. You will be surprised at who was the killer. Keep up the good work Detective Cross.
40 reviews
November 10, 2021
Greed, indeed, with a little narcissism and psychopathy thrown in for good measure. I really enjoyed this entry in the Charli Cross series. The culprits were truly awful people with no sympathy or remorse for anyone but themselves. Stone and Berdel did a great job writing those parts so that the reader could feel the fury and disgust that Charli and Mathew were feeling as they interacted with them.
I love the characters in this series. Charli and Mathew are such a good pairing. Their investigating styles are complementary and they lend strength to each other’s weaknesses. That said, I am excited to see Preston Powell again in this book and am cautiously optimistic that something will come of this development.
154 reviews
November 10, 2021
Another win for Mary Stone and Donna Berdel!
I could sit and read all day and into the night especially if it is a Mary Stone book!
Corporate greed is the basis for this book. The land developers in Savannah are cut throat and even willing to murder.
This case falls to Detective Charli Cross and her partner, Matthew, the best detective team in all of Savannah. Lots of twists and turns in this book and such fun to ride with the detectives as they track down their suspects.
I did figure out who was the murderer thanks to Charli’s amazing sleuthing skills.
Thank you Mary and Donna for another thrilling book!
Profile Image for Sammye.
4,376 reviews29 followers
November 12, 2021
The second book in the Charli Cross series kept me guessing till the end. Charli’s current case envolves the murder of a wealthy businessman’s son, Bryce Mowrey. When the case begins, her partner is out of town dealing with family matters. He does return to help her out. Why do I get the niggling feeling that romance may evolve in the future for them? Or, is romance in store for her with Preston? Hmmm….I guess time will tell. I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful drama. The plot was well done and entertaining. It’s a great “who-done-it”. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the author*
Profile Image for Bev.
3,271 reviews98 followers
December 28, 2021
Matthew is visiting his daughter, so Charli is working a case without him. This one is an apparent suicide of Bryce Mowery the son of Montgonery Mowery- a well-known resident with friends in high places and lots of money. He doesn't believe his son committed suicide, and Charli needs to prove it for him. Just what Charli doesn't need...another high-profile case! The more Charli digs into Bryce's past, the more it seems unlikely he would kill himself. What really happened? There are secrets that some people would rather remain silent, but we all know Charli...THAT isn't gonna happen! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Dawn.
376 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2021
Dark Greed, the 2nd in the Charlie Cross detective series perks your interest and keeps it to the end. Previously, I wasn't too sure about Charlie's character, but her strong deductive skills, direct approach and work ethic make me like her more and more. Charlie and her partner, Matthew, find themselves at several crime scenes with dead bodies leading the way. Prominent men of wealth and power are dying. Is the first a murder or suicide? This dynamic duo is on the case to find out. Stone's rich characters and devilish plots keep you interested and involved. I recommend this novel!
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2022
A very good addition to the series!!!!

How far will some people go for money? Kill for it apparently! But who is doing the killing? There are too many suspects and not enough evidence! Who killed the son of Charlrston's richest real estate developer? Or did he commit suicide? When another developer is killed it becomes a twisted case indeed. How will Charli and Matthew figure out who is the killer? Will more people have to die to solve the case? Find the answers in this excellent book. Highly recommended,
1,161 reviews26 followers
November 10, 2021
Love all of Mary Stones books and this one does not disappoint. Charli and Matthew are great characters and you enjoy their bickering. They work to solve the murder of Bryce Mowery, who's father is part of the cur throat construction industry. As Charli and Matthew work to solve the case another murder occurs and sends their investigation into other areas. There are plenty of twists and turns and plenty of suspects. Can the duo solve the murders before someone else dies?
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
November 12, 2021
Dark Greed (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 2) by Mary Stone is an awesome story to read. This is book number two in this awesome series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read more from this author. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about mysteries.

I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for VICTORIA RILEY.
27 reviews
November 14, 2021
Just keeps getting better

Just when you think it can't get any better, Mary and her team do it again! I am completely enjoying this Charli Cross series. I love how humble she is but yet stops at nothing to get the job done and the case solved! I do wish she had a better relationship with her Dad...it's only book 2 so perhaps she will!! I couldn't put this book down and can hardly wait for the next!!
Profile Image for Barbara Cosenza.
70 reviews
November 15, 2021
Dark Greed

Detectives Charli Cross and Matthew Church again prove to be Savannah’s finest. They get involved in the triple murder of rich land developers who are thwarted by one of their own. The twists and turns of who done it progress through the rich and famous of Savannah, making the investigation a walk on egg shells. It all coms down to greed vs saving the salamanders.
Another knock out for Mary. Great job.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,372 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2021
Family and money. The base of all joy and evil it seems. Charli is fresh off her list case and a new one hits that gets special attention bc of money. Everything is not as it seems and Charli is questioning everything. Add in her family dynamics, her partners family dynamics and a who’s who if secrets, this story is a fast paced who done it. I read the story in one setting and I loved how the ending played. I am excited for the next book and to see how the date works out as well!
Profile Image for Samantha Tessier.
2 reviews
Read
May 12, 2022
Awesome page-turner

If you're looking for a good chrime series to read, I'd highly suggest this one. Mary Stone is incredibly descriptive and paints a vivid picture without boring you to death with too many details. I love that she's prompt with coming out with additional books to the series so you never have to wait to long to know what comes next for Charli and her partner, Mathew.
101 reviews
November 9, 2021
Another GREAT book from this author !!! Detective Charli Cross is called in to find out what is going on in a "HIGH PROFILE" suicide! The ME said it was suicide, but the father and friends all say no way. It is left up to Charli to find out. Charli's partner is trying to see his daughter. There are so many twist in finding the truth. I recommend the book and the series.
Profile Image for Becky .
593 reviews15 followers
November 9, 2021
I am loving Charli and Matthew. These new characters from Mary Stone and Donna Berdel are pretty awesome.  Strict, by the book Charli plays well with by his gut Matthew and they know how to rock an investigation.  Not quite as grisly as the first in this series, it was still a thrill ride to the end. I quite like this series!
35 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2021
In Dark Greed Mary Stone and Donna Berdel follow Savannah PD detective Charli and her partner Matthew as they take on another case involving murder, money and greed. Nothing is as it seems! Many dead ends! Who is lurking in the background? An excellent read. Waiting for the next one. Highly recommend.
179 reviews
November 9, 2021
Mary Stone & Donna Berdel do it again. Book 2 of the Charli Cross Mystery Series was so much better then the first one. I could not put it down. Kept you guessing until the end. Can't wait until the next installment in the series. Thank you Mary & Donna for all the great books. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Paula.
217 reviews3 followers
November 11, 2021
Is it a suicide or a murder? The police labeled it as one, but the family is convinced it is the other. Charli Cross is called in to discover the truth. The storyline has lots of mystery, suspense, twists and turns and puzzles to solve. Interesting characters. This book keeps you guessing until the end. Highly recommend.

I received an ARC of the book for an honest review.
179 reviews
November 12, 2021
Surprise ending

Charli barely has time to catch a breath before she is dropped into another case. Matthew is still out of town but an apparent suicide shouldn’t take much time. But it isn’t suicide and it turns into one baffling case with more murder coming. This series is developing nicely. More to come.
Profile Image for MsRoman.
1,130 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2021
Dark Greed (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 2) By Mary Stone and Donna Berdel Another fantastic book!! Charli is assigned to another case this time Greed is the cause … Mathew joins Charli to solve this case . Although Mathew theory is not the same as Charli , in the end her hunch is right on . It’s a great book with twist and turns . I recommend this book….
227 reviews
December 14, 2021
Excellent book

I truly enjoy all of the books I have read by Mary stone. She is a great author. Her series of charli cross is great. Charli is showing she has spunk, and being teamed up with Mathew, who also gives her a father figure just makes them a good team. Looking forward to reading more.
238 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2022
Great series

This is and interesting story. I enjoy the main characters, Charli Cross and Matthew Church. They make a great detective team. They are on a case to find out if it was suicide or really a murder. It will keep you guessing right up to the end. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Patricia A. Biba.
394 reviews1 follower
April 13, 2022
Where Money and Power Can Lead .

It was interesting to read how facts collected from the body could help decide suicide vs murder of what was considered suicide at the beginning. Money and power sure can make individuals do strange things. Wondering what will happen next to Detective Cross.
Profile Image for Sally Trabulsi.
276 reviews
July 28, 2022
Okay murder mystery centering on wealthy developers who acquired land for a shopping mall, then sold it when it was found not to be available to develop because of some endangered species act. I was not so impressed with the Charli Cross as a detective that I am anxious to read more, although I may do so at some point. Read on Kindle.
1,909 reviews18 followers
September 10, 2022
Terrific!

Another exciting case immediately follows that of their serial killer investigation. This one involves many of the wealthy land developers in Savannah! The son of one is dead, apparently a suicide. Autopsy confirms murder , however. Charlie and Matt have plenty of suspects and more murders! Fast paced and exciting!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews

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