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Charli Cross #3
Dark Power
Knowledge is power. But power can be deadly.
Practical and fact-driven, Detective Charli Cross never imagined she’d hear the word voodoo in connection with a police investigation. That was before a body is discovered on top of a grave while a zombie-like man wanders the same cemetery...and they're both holding voodoo dolls.
What do a shady drug dealer and a retired bus driver have in common, and why does someone want them dead? Is voodoo’s dark power at work, or something even more sinister?
Charli and her partner Matthew are determined to uncover the truth. But it’s one step forward and two steps back as they delve deeper into the case and search for the legendary but elusive voodoo priestess who might hold the key to the mystery.
When the dark magic is turned on Charli, though, it’s about to get personal...and deadly.
Practical and fact-driven, Detective Charli Cross never imagined she’d hear the word voodoo in connection with a police investigation. That was before a body is discovered on top of a grave while a zombie-like man wanders the same cemetery...and they're both holding voodoo dolls.
What do a shady drug dealer and a retired bus driver have in common, and why does someone want them dead? Is voodoo’s dark power at work, or something even more sinister?
Charli and her partner Matthew are determined to uncover the truth. But it’s one step forward and two steps back as they delve deeper into the case and search for the legendary but elusive voodoo priestess who might hold the key to the mystery.
When the dark magic is turned on Charli, though, it’s about to get personal...and deadly.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2021
1606 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,150 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 22, 2021
Yet another great read from Mary Stone, always delivers and these are books I can just curl up and read in one session. I was a bit unsure of the premise to start with it but it worked well and I really learnt a lot about voodoo.
I was given an advance copy by the author but this in no way impacted my review.
I was given an advance copy by the author but this in no way impacted my review.
December 22, 2021
DARK POWER is the third installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This series is more of a murder mystery than a chiller thriller, not as intense and spine chilling, but this installment does cross into the dark side of Voodoo. Both authors make a great team and amazing job capturing your attention in the first few pages of their books. I had a hard time setting this story down for even a few minutes.
Charli and her partner, Mathew, have been assigned a murder case that appears to look like Voodoo is involved. Two men found holding Voodoo type dolls. One just walking around, the other dead with no apparent blood or obvious marks on him.
As Charli and Matthew investigate they come face to face with Voodoo believers and practitioners, and people afraid to discuss Voodoo and more dark deaths. Charli is strangely drawn to and repelled by one of the Voodoo practitioners they meet. Just as you decide the case is wrapped up, when word comes that a body vanished from a local mortuary.
If you haven't started yet and you enjoy a great mystery/thriller this series is for you. The collaboration between these authors is superb.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I recommend all their books.
Charli and her partner, Mathew, have been assigned a murder case that appears to look like Voodoo is involved. Two men found holding Voodoo type dolls. One just walking around, the other dead with no apparent blood or obvious marks on him.
As Charli and Matthew investigate they come face to face with Voodoo believers and practitioners, and people afraid to discuss Voodoo and more dark deaths. Charli is strangely drawn to and repelled by one of the Voodoo practitioners they meet. Just as you decide the case is wrapped up, when word comes that a body vanished from a local mortuary.
If you haven't started yet and you enjoy a great mystery/thriller this series is for you. The collaboration between these authors is superb.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I recommend all their books.
February 28, 2022
Power Behind Understanding.
When Charlie and Matthew are called out yo a local Savannah Cemetery, they find a body, seemingly connected to voodoo. The victim is clutching a cloth doll of himself. Before the detectives can process the discovery, another local man us found incoherently wandering the streets near the cemetery with a voodoo doll in hand.
As the investigation begins, Charlie and Matthew are drawn into the world of island ancestry, potions, and death. Delving into the background of a local priestess and the surrounding illegal drug trafficking, brings the pair to the seedy side of Savannah where drugs and revenge rule. When a local shop owner "reads" Charlie's tea leaves and uncovers personal secrets can the detective remain focused and professional?
While the murders become more brutal, and the detectives are targeted, will the facts of this case become clear or will Matthew and Charlie face the demons loose in their city?
When Charlie and Matthew are called out yo a local Savannah Cemetery, they find a body, seemingly connected to voodoo. The victim is clutching a cloth doll of himself. Before the detectives can process the discovery, another local man us found incoherently wandering the streets near the cemetery with a voodoo doll in hand.
As the investigation begins, Charlie and Matthew are drawn into the world of island ancestry, potions, and death. Delving into the background of a local priestess and the surrounding illegal drug trafficking, brings the pair to the seedy side of Savannah where drugs and revenge rule. When a local shop owner "reads" Charlie's tea leaves and uncovers personal secrets can the detective remain focused and professional?
While the murders become more brutal, and the detectives are targeted, will the facts of this case become clear or will Matthew and Charlie face the demons loose in their city?
December 24, 2021
Voodoo Dolls and Zombies
Detective Charli Cross and her partner, Matthew are given an unusual case. It involves Voodoo dolls and a Zombie. They will have to delve into the supernatural world of Voodoo to uncover the killer.
It gets personal for Charli and she begins to question if there is something to it or is there a logical reason for what she was told. There are twists and turns in this case that keeps you reading until the end.
While Charli and Matthew are investigating the case, Charli runs into GBI agent Preston Powell. He asks her out and Charli finally accepts. How does the date go?
Dark Power is book 3 of the Charli Cross Mystery Series. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have a winning series on their hands. I am looking forward to the next book as Charli was just handed a case of a missing body from the morgue.
Detective Charli Cross and her partner, Matthew are given an unusual case. It involves Voodoo dolls and a Zombie. They will have to delve into the supernatural world of Voodoo to uncover the killer.
It gets personal for Charli and she begins to question if there is something to it or is there a logical reason for what she was told. There are twists and turns in this case that keeps you reading until the end.
While Charli and Matthew are investigating the case, Charli runs into GBI agent Preston Powell. He asks her out and Charli finally accepts. How does the date go?
Dark Power is book 3 of the Charli Cross Mystery Series. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have a winning series on their hands. I am looking forward to the next book as Charli was just handed a case of a missing body from the morgue.
February 19, 2022
PSA: The series is DARK. Not for the faint of heart. It's gruesome and gross, even disturbing. I would definitely recommend 20 and up. Personally.
This particular book is NOT THE BOOK you wanna read at 10pm at night
This particular book is NOT THE BOOK you wanna read at 10pm at night
September 6, 2025
Is voodoo responsible?
Charli and Matthew are called out to a bizarre murder in a cemetery. He was posed as if frozen in time. After finding a dead body they spotted a man wondering zombie like around the cemetery. Both men were carrying voodoo dolls. Naturally Charli and Matthew seek out Mami Wadu. She owns a voodoo shop and wants to help the police anyway she can. She leads them to Dawn Rita who lives in the poor area of Savannah. She practices voodoo using drugs . Meanwhile the detectives find out that curare was used on both of the men. Then there is a voodoo worshipper who wants to rid the city of "bad" men. The dead man in the cemetery was drug dealer. Then Dawn Rita is found dead cut up in pieces and nailed to the wall.. Someone very evil could only do something so horrendous. The detectives have a lot on their plate to solve this mystery sparked by voodoo.
Charli and Matthew are called out to a bizarre murder in a cemetery. He was posed as if frozen in time. After finding a dead body they spotted a man wondering zombie like around the cemetery. Both men were carrying voodoo dolls. Naturally Charli and Matthew seek out Mami Wadu. She owns a voodoo shop and wants to help the police anyway she can. She leads them to Dawn Rita who lives in the poor area of Savannah. She practices voodoo using drugs . Meanwhile the detectives find out that curare was used on both of the men. Then there is a voodoo worshipper who wants to rid the city of "bad" men. The dead man in the cemetery was drug dealer. Then Dawn Rita is found dead cut up in pieces and nailed to the wall.. Someone very evil could only do something so horrendous. The detectives have a lot on their plate to solve this mystery sparked by voodoo.
December 22, 2021
Dark Power Review.
Charli and and Matt are off again on another murder mystery. This time it involves voodoo. A man is found dead in the cemetery holding a voodoo doll while a zombie is wandering around outside the cemetery with a similar doll. Who’s practicing voodoo? Clues lead to three practitioners, Mami Watu, Tany Speers and Dawn Rose. How are local drug dealers involved? Is it fentanyl or curare being used to poison these people.? Twists and turns and murders and gore all before Halloween. Why is this happening? Charli begins to think she is under a curse of this mysterious religion and her focus gets confused and Matt gets severely injured. All in all, an interesting plot. You must read to see how it ends. Another good one Mary. More Charli soon please.
Charli and and Matt are off again on another murder mystery. This time it involves voodoo. A man is found dead in the cemetery holding a voodoo doll while a zombie is wandering around outside the cemetery with a similar doll. Who’s practicing voodoo? Clues lead to three practitioners, Mami Watu, Tany Speers and Dawn Rose. How are local drug dealers involved? Is it fentanyl or curare being used to poison these people.? Twists and turns and murders and gore all before Halloween. Why is this happening? Charli begins to think she is under a curse of this mysterious religion and her focus gets confused and Matt gets severely injured. All in all, an interesting plot. You must read to see how it ends. Another good one Mary. More Charli soon please.
December 23, 2021
Who doesn’t love a good Zombie, Voodoo story. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have woven a good one!
Detective Charli Cross and her partner Matthew Church have their hands full with this mystery. A dead body and a living zombie start us off. Both are found in a cemetery each holding a voodoo doll. What killed the dead man and turned the other into a zombie?
The detectives meet with voodoo priestess Mami Watu. She says she only practices good voodoo. According to her there are 2 others that practice a darker voodoo.
Another horrific murder shocks and complicates the investigation.
Here is where the twists and turns kick in as only Mary Stone and Donna Berdel can do.
Can the detectives solve this case and catch the unsub as they confront a terrible evil…a must read!!
Detective Charli Cross and her partner Matthew Church have their hands full with this mystery. A dead body and a living zombie start us off. Both are found in a cemetery each holding a voodoo doll. What killed the dead man and turned the other into a zombie?
The detectives meet with voodoo priestess Mami Watu. She says she only practices good voodoo. According to her there are 2 others that practice a darker voodoo.
Another horrific murder shocks and complicates the investigation.
Here is where the twists and turns kick in as only Mary Stone and Donna Berdel can do.
Can the detectives solve this case and catch the unsub as they confront a terrible evil…a must read!!
December 24, 2021
Dark Power, the 3rd, in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel continues to delve into Charli’s inner workings as she races to solve multiple murders once again. With the help of her partner, Matthew, they are led into the world of voodoo, strange incantations and potions, zombies and murder. The pace is a little slower than the first two novels but it takes you to an end that makes you wish for the next instalment. I enjoy how Mary has her characters relationships evolve and how present is tied in with the past. An interesting and fun novel which you are sure to enjoy! I give it 4 ½ out of 5. I am giving my honest review and received an early novel from the author.
December 29, 2021
Charli Cross and her partner Matthew Church are thrust into another Dark case. One involving, Murder and Voodoo. Not only are Charlie and Matthew dubious of the talk of voodoo, they also can't believe that so many people believe in it and are afraid of it.
Who is Miami Watu and Tanya Speers and Dawn Rita? Why do these names continue to pop up throughout the case? Will they catch the killer before too many people are killed. Soon they learn. . .
Pick this newest in the series, you will not be disappointed.
Who is Miami Watu and Tanya Speers and Dawn Rita? Why do these names continue to pop up throughout the case? Will they catch the killer before too many people are killed. Soon they learn. . .
Pick this newest in the series, you will not be disappointed.
January 4, 2022
This is another great ARC read from Mary Stone. Charli Cross and her partner, Mathew are called to an unusual death in a cemetery. The dead person has a voodoo doll in his hand. Before they can leave, they find a man walking like a zombie by the cemetery gate also with a voodoo doll in his hand. What do these men have to do with voodoo and how are they connected. Charli and Matthew race to find out who the killer is and why these people were targeted. Can they find the answers before more bodies are found. This book, as usual, is full of twists and turns with a surprising ending
February 13, 2023
This not as much to my liking as the first two in this series It was well written and it flew by, easy to read in one sitting. I guess the only reason that I am downgrading this book is the subject matter of voodoo. It just didn't ring true especially after living in Savanah for a number of years. I will be reading on in this series though, The Charli Cross character and her partner Michael are very interesting and well rounded characters with enough character flaws to make them real and interesting.
December 24, 2021
Voodoo, zombies, and murder! Another thriller that will keep you reading. While Charli and Matthew are investigating an already creepy murder in a cemetery they spot something even more strange. There is a man who appears to be some sort of zombie walking around the cemetery! What happens next is following a voodoo priestess and checking their own beliefs. You'll like this book. It is a fast read and very entertaining.
December 24, 2021
Another great book in the Charlie Cross series! Voodoo was a direction I hadn’t anticipated, but was very haunting & spooky. Charlie was taken in by the voodoo madam, almost hypnotized by her reading. The murders seemed random at first; however, as the great detective that Charlie is, she was able to get the culprit in the end. Matthew, her partner, became a tragic consequence making Charlie realize what a special person he was to her
January 1, 2022
A thrilling read with zombies and voodoo. Charli is a great detective and character. Her and her partners relationship is a hoot and features prominently in this story. The voodoo history and usage was interesting and out a good what if spin to the story. The idea of being marked or obsessed was creepy and perfect for the story. Well written and entertaining this is another great read in the series. Can’t wait to see what Charli is up to next!
March 7, 2022
Charli Cross, detective, SPD and partner Mathew are hunting for a Voodoo murderer.
Charli and partner are again pitted against an unusual protagonist. This one practices Voodoo. As usual I would like to leave more stars but can’t. The story is one that catches you and leaves you gasping from the start. The suspects are totally different and not what you expect. Story well worth your time and you won’t want to leave it till done. Can’t wait for next one. Hope you join me!
Charli and partner are again pitted against an unusual protagonist. This one practices Voodoo. As usual I would like to leave more stars but can’t. The story is one that catches you and leaves you gasping from the start. The suspects are totally different and not what you expect. Story well worth your time and you won’t want to leave it till done. Can’t wait for next one. Hope you join me!
December 22, 2021
If I have to use one word to describe this book it will be: INTENSE. Yes, Charly and Church are back with a Vodoo mystery.
The characters are good, the story flows accordingly. Following these two around the city in search of the culprit that could or couldn't... I will leave that to your imagination.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The characters are good, the story flows accordingly. Following these two around the city in search of the culprit that could or couldn't... I will leave that to your imagination.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 22, 2021
Another winner from Mary & Donna. Dark Power had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put it down. Charli & Mathew delve into the world of voodoo. Characters are interesting and there are lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
December 22, 2021
In this third installment of the Charlie Cross series, Charlie and her partner Mathew are on the path of a voodoo killer. Charlie follows hard evidence and does not believe in voodoo, but doubt creeps in when a name from her past is brought up in a reading given by one of the priestesses. When danger gets too close, Charlie must shake off the past to have a future.
December 24, 2021
This book kept me on pins and needles throughout the entire story. Voodoo is scary, if you believe in it, but it isn't real, right? Charli and Matthew catch the best, err I mean worst cases. Haha bad joke, I know, but every one is super interesting and to be honest, I learn something new with every book.
December 25, 2021
Charli’s Voodoo Doll
Voodoo practitioners. Curare. Dismembered bodies. Charli and Matt are really facing weird this time around. Is it an evil priestess or a benevolent one. Are there really zombies? Charli begins to doubt herself as this case gets more and more strange. Eager now for the next one.
Voodoo practitioners. Curare. Dismembered bodies. Charli and Matt are really facing weird this time around. Is it an evil priestess or a benevolent one. Are there really zombies? Charli begins to doubt herself as this case gets more and more strange. Eager now for the next one.
December 26, 2021
Charli and Matthew are up against the 'dark side' of Voo doo. The more questions they ask the less clear the case becomes. It doesn't help that Charli has been thrown off her game by someone mentioning Madline's name. This person should know nothing about her dear dead friend. Can she overcome this feeling and get back on track? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 27, 2021
Who the heck is Lucina?
The book was ok. It was a little anti-climactic since I was able to figure out who the “bad guy” was very early on. What I want to know is who is Lucina and why is she mentioned at least twice in the book? Was Charli actually a Lucina in previous versions of the book and someone forgot to change it? I don’t get it.
The book was ok. It was a little anti-climactic since I was able to figure out who the “bad guy” was very early on. What I want to know is who is Lucina and why is she mentioned at least twice in the book? Was Charli actually a Lucina in previous versions of the book and someone forgot to change it? I don’t get it.
December 30, 2021
Dark Power (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 3) by Mary Stone is an amazing story to read. This is book number three in this amazing series that I have been hooked on since the very beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading mysteries.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
January 2, 2022
Creepy
Voodoo, this was so creepy but I was on the edge of my seat until they found the wicked ...One.... I was shocked!! Once again Mary and her team has done it. I couldn't put it down!! ! Can't wait to see what happens next with Charli! Will she finally take that vacation? Maybe she should take her Dad! Thank You Mary for another great read!!!
Voodoo, this was so creepy but I was on the edge of my seat until they found the wicked ...One.... I was shocked!! Once again Mary and her team has done it. I couldn't put it down!! ! Can't wait to see what happens next with Charli! Will she finally take that vacation? Maybe she should take her Dad! Thank You Mary for another great read!!!
January 8, 2022
grisly who done it/why done it
Charli and her partner are assigned to an i explained death with the victim discovered in a graveyard, a crude voodoo doll with him. A second man is discovered outside the location, also clutching another doll.
Who, what and why? The events become even more shocking as their investigation grinds on.
Charli and her partner are assigned to an i explained death with the victim discovered in a graveyard, a crude voodoo doll with him. A second man is discovered outside the location, also clutching another doll.
Who, what and why? The events become even more shocking as their investigation grinds on.
January 17, 2022
Voodoo and zombies..are they real in Savannah.
Charli and Mathew take on a bizarre case involving what appears to include zombies and voodoo. What is happening and who is responsible. Mary Stone takes you into a dark and terrifying world where unexplained things happen making you want to run and hide. This is a great read.
Charli and Mathew take on a bizarre case involving what appears to include zombies and voodoo. What is happening and who is responsible. Mary Stone takes you into a dark and terrifying world where unexplained things happen making you want to run and hide. This is a great read.
January 30, 2022
OMG!!! Voodoo!!!
Is a voodoo priestess loose in Savannah? Are there zombies roaming the streets? Does the legendary Voodoo Queen Tanya really exist? Can Charli and Matthew figure out who is killing drug dealers and turning innocents into zombies? Will they both survive this case? Find the answers in this excellent book! Highly recommended.
Is a voodoo priestess loose in Savannah? Are there zombies roaming the streets? Does the legendary Voodoo Queen Tanya really exist? Can Charli and Matthew figure out who is killing drug dealers and turning innocents into zombies? Will they both survive this case? Find the answers in this excellent book! Highly recommended.
June 6, 2022
poorly written
The story line was ridiculous and the characters weak. All stone’s books are the same. The addition of the free book just to get an email address is obnoxious and not worth the effort. Just write a complete story the first time. It is a good thing the books are free or no one would read them
The story line was ridiculous and the characters weak. All stone’s books are the same. The addition of the free book just to get an email address is obnoxious and not worth the effort. Just write a complete story the first time. It is a good thing the books are free or no one would read them
January 1, 2024
This series is not the best by Mary Stone. The main character, Charli, is hard to get to know and like. She's obsessed with her murdered best friend from 10 years ago, yet doesn't want to get any help to get over it. She doesn't talk to her father, doesn't confide in her partner. I did not like the voodoo theme - couldn't quite figure out the real motive of the motives, didn't really make sense to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews