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Charli Cross #4
Dark Malice
In the face of malice, evil is spawned.
Savannah Police Detective Charli Cross thought she’d seen it all. But when Charli and her partner, Matthew Church, are called in on a missing persons report from a local funeral home, she realizes this may be the most bizarre and perplexing case yet. Not only are three funeral home employees missing, but one left her car in the funeral home parking lot overnight. Stranger still, the cremator was filled with the ashes of two people, even though all the funeral home’s "guests" are accounted for.
Where are the missing employees? Who was burned to ash? And why?
As Charli and Matthew investigate, the questions continue to stack up. With no DNA evidence to identify the cremains, their only clue is a diary filled with cryptic descriptions and video footage that’s as mysterious as the case itself.
When the puzzle pieces begin to fit together, one thing becomes clear. The closer Charli gets to the killer, the more certain she is that she or her partner might be the next one to burn.
By turns riveting and disconcerting, Dark Malice is the fourth book in the Charli Cross Series from bestselling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you think twice before you make a deal with the devil.
Scroll up to grab your copy today!
Savannah Police Detective Charli Cross thought she’d seen it all. But when Charli and her partner, Matthew Church, are called in on a missing persons report from a local funeral home, she realizes this may be the most bizarre and perplexing case yet. Not only are three funeral home employees missing, but one left her car in the funeral home parking lot overnight. Stranger still, the cremator was filled with the ashes of two people, even though all the funeral home’s "guests" are accounted for.
Where are the missing employees? Who was burned to ash? And why?
As Charli and Matthew investigate, the questions continue to stack up. With no DNA evidence to identify the cremains, their only clue is a diary filled with cryptic descriptions and video footage that’s as mysterious as the case itself.
When the puzzle pieces begin to fit together, one thing becomes clear. The closer Charli gets to the killer, the more certain she is that she or her partner might be the next one to burn.
By turns riveting and disconcerting, Dark Malice is the fourth book in the Charli Cross Series from bestselling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to make you think twice before you make a deal with the devil.
Scroll up to grab your copy today!
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2022
1032 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,151 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 81 reviews
February 21, 2022
3.8 star
This book was JUST published and it had issues. It needs work.
1) Madeline. Madeline. Madeline. At first I understood why a dead friend of Charli is mentioned. I didn't have an issue until now. My main issue was after Charli met up with Rebecca. Charli's attitude changed about the way she's been living life. She made the choice to relive again. Go on dates. Meet up with friends. Go for drinks. Hangout. She acted like she was going to get out of the slump of her dead friend. BUT THEN TOWARDS THE END OF BOOK, it went backwards to "I can't live without Madeline" and "I'm going to avenge her death" "blah blah blah. Seriously 😒
2) My biggest pet peeve was when Charli was like "we're being followed by the mafia" "we're targets of the mafia" ummm since when??? Charli and Matthew only saw the "mafia" or aka "the black escalade" ONCE. Just once. The book never mentions the escalade following Charli or Matthew. Ever.. So why are they saying they were being followed by the mafia when clearly the book never mentions another instance of the escalade more than once. 😒🙄
Didn't make sense.
3. My other big issue is when Charli opened her mail and saw another one of those letters by supposedly Maddies Killer. She opened the letter, just about passes out of shock and then she checks her house? 🤣 🤣 🤣 ummm whaaaat? Let me get this straight. You come home, you settle down, you open the mail and see a shocking letter and you check the house to see if maddies killer is in your house? Uhhhhhh. Yea... no. 🤣 Doesn't make sense and is absolutely laughable. If Charli heard a noise or saw a broken window or if she saw something out of place and then checked the house, THAT makes more sense. And why didn't she call it in to the station if she was that scared? Lol. Did not make sense.
4. My next issue was Maddies case. Charli was like "I need to revisit her case, Sergeant said No" "I'm going to get this case done first then I'm going to ask again" and then towards the end of the book without actually finishing her case first she takes a look at Maddies case. WHAT HAPPENED to waiting for the mafia case to be done first? And I guess she asked Ruth? Even though Ruth had said no. Book wasn't clear on that. And she never told anyone about her second letter which is stupid. This whole thing about Madeline's case was just confusing 🥴. It went back and forth. Ugh. Made no sense.
As you can see, this book was all over the place 🥴🥴🙈. How did a publisher or an editor not see the issues??? I'm confused 😕 how is this almost 5 star? Y'all are crazy.
This book was JUST published and it had issues. It needs work.
1) Madeline. Madeline. Madeline. At first I understood why a dead friend of Charli is mentioned. I didn't have an issue until now. My main issue was after Charli met up with Rebecca. Charli's attitude changed about the way she's been living life. She made the choice to relive again. Go on dates. Meet up with friends. Go for drinks. Hangout. She acted like she was going to get out of the slump of her dead friend. BUT THEN TOWARDS THE END OF BOOK, it went backwards to "I can't live without Madeline" and "I'm going to avenge her death" "blah blah blah. Seriously 😒
2) My biggest pet peeve was when Charli was like "we're being followed by the mafia" "we're targets of the mafia" ummm since when??? Charli and Matthew only saw the "mafia" or aka "the black escalade" ONCE. Just once. The book never mentions the escalade following Charli or Matthew. Ever.. So why are they saying they were being followed by the mafia when clearly the book never mentions another instance of the escalade more than once. 😒🙄
Didn't make sense.
3. My other big issue is when Charli opened her mail and saw another one of those letters by supposedly Maddies Killer. She opened the letter, just about passes out of shock and then she checks her house? 🤣 🤣 🤣 ummm whaaaat? Let me get this straight. You come home, you settle down, you open the mail and see a shocking letter and you check the house to see if maddies killer is in your house? Uhhhhhh. Yea... no. 🤣 Doesn't make sense and is absolutely laughable. If Charli heard a noise or saw a broken window or if she saw something out of place and then checked the house, THAT makes more sense. And why didn't she call it in to the station if she was that scared? Lol. Did not make sense.
4. My next issue was Maddies case. Charli was like "I need to revisit her case, Sergeant said No" "I'm going to get this case done first then I'm going to ask again" and then towards the end of the book without actually finishing her case first she takes a look at Maddies case. WHAT HAPPENED to waiting for the mafia case to be done first? And I guess she asked Ruth? Even though Ruth had said no. Book wasn't clear on that. And she never told anyone about her second letter which is stupid. This whole thing about Madeline's case was just confusing 🥴. It went back and forth. Ugh. Made no sense.
As you can see, this book was all over the place 🥴🥴🙈. How did a publisher or an editor not see the issues??? I'm confused 😕 how is this almost 5 star? Y'all are crazy.
February 19, 2022
To be honest I didn't think that the Charlie Cross books could get any better after the last one with the voodoo. This one went into a completely different direction but was brilliant. So engrossed and I read it in one setting it was that good.
Just loved it and the ending was perfect.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Just loved it and the ending was perfect.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
February 21, 2022
Charli and Church were hoping for a break...like a vacation type break, but not to be. They are given a case that involves three missing people that work at a funeral home, and the cremator has ashes in it even though it wasn't scheduled to be used. Odd! So, whose ashes are those? This is a case of greed and murder. Can Charli and Church figure it out and find the people responsible? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 20, 2022
DARK MALICE is the fourth installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This series is more of a suspenseful murder mystery than a chiller thriller, not as intense and spine chilling. So, faint of heart you can enjoy without fear. 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 involving three missing persons at a mortuary. During interviews, it appears none of the employees really knew each other outside of their work responsibilities. When Charli and Mathew are tailed by a suspicious vehicle, they grab the license number that implicates a Mob Boss. Just to add more stress for Charli she gets a couple of messages claiming to be from her friends murderer.
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 involving three missing persons at a mortuary. During interviews, it appears none of the employees really knew each other outside of their work responsibilities. When Charli and Mathew are tailed by a suspicious vehicle, they grab the license number that implicates a Mob Boss. Just to add more stress for Charli she gets a couple of messages claiming to be from her friends murderer.
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 20, 2022
Dark Malice is another good book by Mary Stone. I love how she shows the distinct characteristics of her characters. Charli continues to scrutinize those around her in a very clinical way. Matthew, her partner, still leads with his gut instincts. The interplay between the two continues to grow and they make a magnificent team. The case this time revolves around a crematorium where some bodies are missing and extra ones are found. What is going on and who is involved is what they are trying to figure out. Several workers who somehow have more money then they should are missing or dead. Did someone say, "maybe a mob hit"? The race is on to solve the mystery before anyone else gets hurt. I was given this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
February 22, 2022
Burned to Ashes 🔥🔥🔥
Detective Charli Cross and her partner, Matthew Church, are assigned a baffling case dealing with missing funeral home employees. Along with the missing employees there appears to be enough ashes in the crematory for two bodies.
Charli and Matthew find disturbing information as they investigate the funeral home employees. As the investigation progresses, it appears it all may be Mafia related.
Charli receives new information on her childhood friend, Madeline who was murdered as a teen. Is the information valid or is someone playing with her?
Charli also meets with Preston but is unsure about seeing him again. Is Preston legit?
Dark Malice takes you into the realm of where are the bodies buried or really where are the ashes dumped. It makes you wonder about what really goes on while you sleep.
Detective Charli Cross and her partner, Matthew Church, are assigned a baffling case dealing with missing funeral home employees. Along with the missing employees there appears to be enough ashes in the crematory for two bodies.
Charli and Matthew find disturbing information as they investigate the funeral home employees. As the investigation progresses, it appears it all may be Mafia related.
Charli receives new information on her childhood friend, Madeline who was murdered as a teen. Is the information valid or is someone playing with her?
Charli also meets with Preston but is unsure about seeing him again. Is Preston legit?
Dark Malice takes you into the realm of where are the bodies buried or really where are the ashes dumped. It makes you wonder about what really goes on while you sleep.
February 20, 2022
I would call this entry in the Charlie Cross series an “in-betweener”. Charlie and her partner Matthew have just come off an important case in which Matthew was seriously injured. In Dark Malice, they investigate a crime that took place in a funeral home and by doing so land on the radar of the mafia. As this is happening, Charlie struggles with her relationship with Preston and with the upcoming 10 year anniversary of her best friend Madeline’s unsolved kidnapping and murder. Events with the mafia and letters sent to Charlie taunting her about Madeline’s case seem to be leading bigger events in books to come.
February 21, 2022
This is an ARC read and another great story by Mary Stone. This book leaves you wanting the next book right now. Charli and Matt are called to a funeral home because one it their employees is missing, her car is in the parking lot, and there are human ashes in the cremator. As they investigate this incident , Charli and Matt find connections to the Mafia. Add to this, Charli gets a couple of letters referencing the death of her friend Madeline. Can all of this be connected, or is it a ruse to muddy the investigation? Can Charli and Matt get all the information needed before the feds step in?
February 23, 2022
A hold your breath until the book is finished...I can't imagine my own death. Just reading this book Dark Malice, made me put myself in the place of wondering...
The coroner said there were enough ash to positively show it was two people in the cremator. Detectives Charli and Matt have to figure out who's cremains were discovered. After questioning the few employees of the funeral home they could find their questions of who did this and why? Pursuing the employees they had not questioned yet, some are missing and one now dead.
I enjoyed this new book of the series, I'm sure you will too.
I received this book as an ARC from the Authors.
The coroner said there were enough ash to positively show it was two people in the cremator. Detectives Charli and Matt have to figure out who's cremains were discovered. After questioning the few employees of the funeral home they could find their questions of who did this and why? Pursuing the employees they had not questioned yet, some are missing and one now dead.
I enjoyed this new book of the series, I'm sure you will too.
I received this book as an ARC from the Authors.
February 19, 2022
Would you work in the funeral home?
Charli and Matt are at it again trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of the secretary at a local funeral home, Candace Redding. Discarded ashes in the cremator lead them to look for 2 missing persons. Why is a mysterious black SUV following Charli and Matt? Who is behind the dark tinted windows? The 10 year anniversary of Madeline’s disappearance is coming up. Who is sending Charli mysterious letters referencing Madeline’s kidnapping?
Lots of twists and turns. Lots of surprises. You have to read to discover new he answers.
Charli and Matt are at it again trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of the secretary at a local funeral home, Candace Redding. Discarded ashes in the cremator lead them to look for 2 missing persons. Why is a mysterious black SUV following Charli and Matt? Who is behind the dark tinted windows? The 10 year anniversary of Madeline’s disappearance is coming up. Who is sending Charli mysterious letters referencing Madeline’s kidnapping?
Lots of twists and turns. Lots of surprises. You have to read to discover new he answers.
March 7, 2022
Charli Cross and Mathew are SPD Detectives hunting for a multi murderer
Charli and Mathew have been handed another murder case. This one has so many twists it has knots and secrets everywhere. Plus an old case keeps interfering. As usual I wish I could give this author more stars because she deserves them. The story keeps me awake when I need to sleep and I need to go eat. When you start the book make sure you have quick food available and the bathroom has a good light for you to read by. Hope you love it as much as I do. Now I have to find the next one, by!
Charli and Mathew have been handed another murder case. This one has so many twists it has knots and secrets everywhere. Plus an old case keeps interfering. As usual I wish I could give this author more stars because she deserves them. The story keeps me awake when I need to sleep and I need to go eat. When you start the book make sure you have quick food available and the bathroom has a good light for you to read by. Hope you love it as much as I do. Now I have to find the next one, by!
February 16, 2022
I didn't think Mary and Donna could get anymore gruesome or weirder than the voodoo story, but this topped that one! Murder at a crematorium, a gruesome Mafia style murder that is. Charli and Matthew have several promising leads, or do they?
This was slightly gory but very interesting. Faint of heart, it's okay, not as bad as I make it sound. A little morbidity makes a book more interesting, right?!
This was slightly gory but very interesting. Faint of heart, it's okay, not as bad as I make it sound. A little morbidity makes a book more interesting, right?!
February 19, 2022
Dark Malice (Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 4) By Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. This book was a bit slow in the beginning. However, once it pick up I could not put it down Charli and Mathew have their hands full with these sicko using the facility to cremate their victims. In addition, someone is toying with Charli ! Could it really be Madeline Killer? I definitely recommend this Series can’t wait till the next book…
February 19, 2022
I am enjoying this series very much. Number 4 is a fast paced mystery set in a funeral home, with murders that look like a Mafia shootings, but are they really? People are missing without a trace, evidence is non existent and hidden clues. Charli Cross and her partner Matthew Church must unravel these cryptic clues and find the killer. Another page Turner from this author. I can hardly wait for the next book.
February 20, 2022
Charli and Matthew are great partners and detectives. This story picks up right after the voodoo case and takes another chilling turn with cremated bodies and the mafia. Also, the return of a significant 10 year old cold case? This is a great series and I enjoy the details, pacing and world building that occurs in each story. There is a intricate case, but we also learn more about the characters and their personal lives. A great read and with that ending I can’t wait for more!
February 20, 2022
Another superb collaboration between authors Mary Stone and Donna Berdel…
The first chapter is heart stopping action. Pretty sure I held my breath through it all. Same with the last chapters. Could not put this book down!
Who can resist reading this book with characters named Jacob and Elwood involved.
Detective Charli Cross and partner Matthew Church have been given another tough case to solve in Dark Malice. Really enjoying this series and any book that has Mary Stone as the author!
The first chapter is heart stopping action. Pretty sure I held my breath through it all. Same with the last chapters. Could not put this book down!
Who can resist reading this book with characters named Jacob and Elwood involved.
Detective Charli Cross and partner Matthew Church have been given another tough case to solve in Dark Malice. Really enjoying this series and any book that has Mary Stone as the author!
February 20, 2022
In Dark Malice Mary Stone and Donna Berdel follow Savannah PD detective Charli and her partner Matthew as they take on another case involving murder, money, greed and possibly the mafia. Nothing is as it seems! Just because someone looks innocent does not mean they are. Is the death of Charlie's friend Madeline 10 years earlier connected to the mafia? An excellent read. Waiting for the next one. Highly recommend.
February 27, 2022
Great read. Very gruesome to start, lol, but Charli and Matthew weather the storm to get to the bottom of why enough ashes for 2 bodies are found in a crematorium. Already cooked.
Mary Stone has created an awesome duo in these two detectives who feed off each other’s like best friends should. They have their personal ups and downs as we all do in life. Makes them more real, the events more believable.
Read it and enjoy.
Mary Stone has created an awesome duo in these two detectives who feed off each other’s like best friends should. They have their personal ups and downs as we all do in life. Makes them more real, the events more believable.
Read it and enjoy.
March 1, 2022
Hot death
Charli and Matthew are busy working on a strange case of more than 1 person being cremated at one time. Also it was done in the middle of the night. Things seem to go around in circles until.Charli remembers the cloud storing stuff from phones and I pads. Mafia involvement also messes with the case Charli is still feeling responsible for her best friends death 10 years before and someone is messing with her over the case.
Charli and Matthew are busy working on a strange case of more than 1 person being cremated at one time. Also it was done in the middle of the night. Things seem to go around in circles until.Charli remembers the cloud storing stuff from phones and I pads. Mafia involvement also messes with the case Charli is still feeling responsible for her best friends death 10 years before and someone is messing with her over the case.
July 5, 2023
ONE OF THE BEST
This is one of the best of charli cross books I’ve read so far. I know I say it every time I finish one, but they are absolutely incredible reading if you love detective mysteries. It keeps you turning page after page. I think I’m getting addicted to Mary Stones writings. I recommend to anyone, even if you don’t like these kind you will before you get one forth done.
This is one of the best of charli cross books I’ve read so far. I know I say it every time I finish one, but they are absolutely incredible reading if you love detective mysteries. It keeps you turning page after page. I think I’m getting addicted to Mary Stones writings. I recommend to anyone, even if you don’t like these kind you will before you get one forth done.
February 19, 2022
Another great book in the Charlie Cross series, each book seems to be better than the last! Needless to say, the horrific murders added to the mystery of the adventure, being burned alive in a crematorium is just unthinkable. Charlie also is brought back to her best friends murder from 10 years ago by anonymous notes, has the murderer returned for her? Can't wait for the next book.
February 19, 2022
Another page turning thriller from Mary Stone & Donna Berdel. Charli and Matthew are back trying to solve a crime in a funeral home of all places. Has you hooked from the beginning, could not put down. Cannot wait until the next book in the series. I am an arc member and this is my honest review.
February 19, 2022
Let's start with the cover, A-Mazing, love it.
The return of Set Charlie and Det. Church...this time investigating a "murder" that can or can't be?
Good characters and story, at some moment the story goes a little slow but pick it up again. The new threats from the Mafia, we will see more.
Recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The return of Set Charlie and Det. Church...this time investigating a "murder" that can or can't be?
Good characters and story, at some moment the story goes a little slow but pick it up again. The new threats from the Mafia, we will see more.
Recommended. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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February 23, 2022Dark Malice (Charlie Cross Book 4)
I was so disappointed in this book. You are completely left hanging at the end. Who else is responsible for the Murders? Why are Charli & Matthew called out to another case when this one isn't resolved? And what does this really have to do with Madeleine? It seems really far fetched.
I was so disappointed in this book. You are completely left hanging at the end. Who else is responsible for the Murders? Why are Charli & Matthew called out to another case when this one isn't resolved? And what does this really have to do with Madeleine? It seems really far fetched.
February 24, 2022
Fantastic Series
Wow! I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. In catching this Killer Charli and Matthew are on to something more, something bigger and I fear have placed Target's on their backs. Are these Killers the same that took Madeline or are they just trying to rattle Charli? I can hardly wait for Book 5. Mary Stone books just keep getting better and better.
Wow! I couldn't put this book down from start to finish. In catching this Killer Charli and Matthew are on to something more, something bigger and I fear have placed Target's on their backs. Are these Killers the same that took Madeline or are they just trying to rattle Charli? I can hardly wait for Book 5. Mary Stone books just keep getting better and better.
February 16, 2022
Another thriller in the Charli Cross mystery series. It’s a fast paced mystery and page turner that leaves you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book. It’s a must read you won’t be disappointed.
February 19, 2022
Book #4 in the Charli Cross series is a bit gruesome! Being burned alive?! This is a fast paced thriller with lots of drama. It kept me entertained from the beginning to end. *this honest review is based on a complimentary copy from the authors*
February 19, 2022
ANOTHER GREAT BOOK IN THE SERIES. THE PLOT AND STORYLINE WILL GRAB YOU AND WON'T LET GO. PLENTY OF TWISTS AND TURNS TO THE STORY AND THE CHARACTERS ARE WELL WRITTEN AND LIKABLE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOOK AND THE OTHERS IN THE SERIES
February 20, 2022
I loved this book, it started out fast and continued until the very end and I can hardly wait for the next book in this series.
I feel like I was right there with them and like they were friend's and family.
I feel like I was right there with them and like they were friend's and family.
February 20, 2022
Dark Malice
OMG. This book is absolutely thrilling. I could not put this book down. This book is full of intrigue and mystery. I hope the next book in this series will be out soon. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This book is absolutely thrilling. I could not put this book down. This book is full of intrigue and mystery. I hope the next book in this series will be out soon. I can't wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book and series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews