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Shadow Island #1
Shadow's Secret
Hidden secrets lead to deadly lies...
Following the incident that brought justice to her parents’ killers but ended her career, former FBI Special Agent Rebecca West needs a fresh start. Hoping to find peace, she decides to spend a few months in the sleepy beach town of Shadow Island, where she spent idyllic summers as a kid.
However, her vacation is cut short when a seventeen-year-old goes missing with no leads or clues. When the girl’s body is found in a nearby marsh with strangulation marks around her neck, Rebecca can’t say no when the overworked sheriff asks her to help investigate.
Rebecca’s gut tells her that on the small island, the murder hadn’t been a chance encounter. But who would want the likeable teen in a seemingly sweet and innocent relationship with her boyfriend dead? And why?
Rebecca soon discovers something bigger is going on around Shadow Island, something involving an enigmatic Yacht Club that no one will talk about...but that just might hold the keys to solving the girl’s murder. But who are they willing to kill to keep their secrets buried?
From its enigmatic beginning to the twisted ending you won’t see coming, Shadow’s Secret—the first book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is a stark reminder that two people can keep a secret...if one of them dies.
Following the incident that brought justice to her parents’ killers but ended her career, former FBI Special Agent Rebecca West needs a fresh start. Hoping to find peace, she decides to spend a few months in the sleepy beach town of Shadow Island, where she spent idyllic summers as a kid.
However, her vacation is cut short when a seventeen-year-old goes missing with no leads or clues. When the girl’s body is found in a nearby marsh with strangulation marks around her neck, Rebecca can’t say no when the overworked sheriff asks her to help investigate.
Rebecca’s gut tells her that on the small island, the murder hadn’t been a chance encounter. But who would want the likeable teen in a seemingly sweet and innocent relationship with her boyfriend dead? And why?
Rebecca soon discovers something bigger is going on around Shadow Island, something involving an enigmatic Yacht Club that no one will talk about...but that just might hold the keys to solving the girl’s murder. But who are they willing to kill to keep their secrets buried?
From its enigmatic beginning to the twisted ending you won’t see coming, Shadow’s Secret—the first book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—is a stark reminder that two people can keep a secret...if one of them dies.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2022
6280 people are currently reading
4663 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
225 books2,149 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 386 reviews
March 7, 2024
Have you ever read a great book by an author you've only just discovered, asking yourself how you haven't read something from this author before now? Well, this book by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes was that for me. I just finished it and wow! Just wow! Compelling story, fantastic characters, and an edge-of-your-seat mystery are just some of the things I loved about SHADOW’S SECRET. And what's even better--this is the first book in a series about Former FBI Special Agent Rebecca West, a formidable protagonist who you'll love by the end of the novel. But I'm jumping ahead. More about the book itself!
The premise of the SHADOW’S SECRET gives the reader a glimpse into the tragedy that befalls the once idealistic beach town of Shadow Island. Rebecca West finds herself pulled from what should have been a much needed vacation, suddenly thrown into what soon becomes a murder investigation of a young teenaged girl. The prologue was soooooo good and incredibly intense, setting the stage for a small town mystery where dirty secrets make for a multitude of suspects!!
The chapters move at lightning speed as the investigation unfolds. I especially enjoyed the chapters from the killer's point of view, reading them so carefully and hoping to get a small clue of who it might be. And oh my gosh, I love Rebecca's character. She’s just the type of kick ass law enforcement agent you want on your side, fighting for justice!! The book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'll be starting the second in the series as soon as possible! Highly recommend!
The premise of the SHADOW’S SECRET gives the reader a glimpse into the tragedy that befalls the once idealistic beach town of Shadow Island. Rebecca West finds herself pulled from what should have been a much needed vacation, suddenly thrown into what soon becomes a murder investigation of a young teenaged girl. The prologue was soooooo good and incredibly intense, setting the stage for a small town mystery where dirty secrets make for a multitude of suspects!!
The chapters move at lightning speed as the investigation unfolds. I especially enjoyed the chapters from the killer's point of view, reading them so carefully and hoping to get a small clue of who it might be. And oh my gosh, I love Rebecca's character. She’s just the type of kick ass law enforcement agent you want on your side, fighting for justice!! The book ends in a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'll be starting the second in the series as soon as possible! Highly recommend!
February 19, 2023
Whew! Wild
I'm a huge fan of Mary Stone. I could seriously binge all her books in one month or two. Well rounded characters, action and drama, a serial killer or just one killer doesn't matter. A woman who's a beast and independent and likeable. Love it.
The book was about Rebecca who's a former FBI agent who goes back to a small town in VA where her and her family used to vacation when she was just a girl. After leaving the FBi, she comes to this quiant small town to get away but instead a Sheriff comes knocking for assistance on a missing persons case. He's a sheriff of four total deputies and two dispatchers and could use Rebecca's help. What goes from a missing girl to a murder has Rebecca reeling and somewhat determined to find this killer.
Action packed and a real good mystery had me from the get go. Great characters and a strong female lead. I finished this in less than twenty four hours
I'm a huge fan of Mary Stone. I could seriously binge all her books in one month or two. Well rounded characters, action and drama, a serial killer or just one killer doesn't matter. A woman who's a beast and independent and likeable. Love it.
The book was about Rebecca who's a former FBI agent who goes back to a small town in VA where her and her family used to vacation when she was just a girl. After leaving the FBi, she comes to this quiant small town to get away but instead a Sheriff comes knocking for assistance on a missing persons case. He's a sheriff of four total deputies and two dispatchers and could use Rebecca's help. What goes from a missing girl to a murder has Rebecca reeling and somewhat determined to find this killer.
Action packed and a real good mystery had me from the get go. Great characters and a strong female lead. I finished this in less than twenty four hours
May 10, 2022
Shadow's Secret (Shadow Island FBI Mystery Series Book 1) by Mary Stone such a wonderful read. This is book number one in this wonderful start to a brand new series that I am so hooked on and can not wait to read the rest. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading a wonderful thriller.
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.
April 4, 2024
Predictable, boring characters.
Am I reading the same book?
Meh. Just meh. I knew each plot twist at least 100 pages before it was revealed.
And, the plot is extremely repetitive.
For example, you will read a little about the main character's past. It repeats about a dozen times she had an incident with a gun in a parking garage and will do whatever it takes for justice. But that's all it says... 12+ times.
You also never really understand why the murderer did it--just that he was freaking out over not wanting to get caught. I expected more since you literally read some chapters from their perspective.
None of the characters were interesting. The protagonists and antagonist fell short. The sheriff was the most interesting because he was just some charming old dude, but that's his only redeeming quality.
This doesn't make me excited to read the other books in the series, but I might give it another try.
Am I reading the same book?
Meh. Just meh. I knew each plot twist at least 100 pages before it was revealed.
And, the plot is extremely repetitive.
For example, you will read a little about the main character's past. It repeats about a dozen times she had an incident with a gun in a parking garage and will do whatever it takes for justice. But that's all it says... 12+ times.
You also never really understand why the murderer did it--just that he was freaking out over not wanting to get caught. I expected more since you literally read some chapters from their perspective.
None of the characters were interesting. The protagonists and antagonist fell short. The sheriff was the most interesting because he was just some charming old dude, but that's his only redeeming quality.
This doesn't make me excited to read the other books in the series, but I might give it another try.
May 6, 2023
The beginning of the book was good, then it started dragging on, then she played politics and demonized those who she considers " far right". I read to get away from that nonsense. The demonization of those this author considers ingrates was then dragged intermittently through the rest of the book. What was really frustrating was the book wasn't worth finishing, but I did. If Amazon wishes to keep readers, they should really shy away from authors who insist in shoving their ideology down its customer's throats.
September 4, 2023
Really not sure why this book is rated so high? I’ve really been wanting a good, exciting long mystery series and this is the second one I’ve started…and will likely not continue. I was so hopeful, as the premise sounded promising, but this was both boring and cliché all at once. And for a 200 page book, you’d think it would be difficult to bore a reader! This book also ends in a cliffhanger, but even that was underwhelming. There’s got to be better out there!
May 11, 2022
What a fabulous start to a new series. This mystery had so many twists and turns it was a wild ride the whole time. I loved it and can’t wait to see what’s next
October 14, 2023
I hate cliff-hangers!
This story is well written, with lots of character development and twists and turns to make you jump between suspects. But be warned that it ends as a cliff-hanger, urging you to buy the next book to discover all the details. I resent this approach - but maybe you don’t. This is your heads-up.
This story is well written, with lots of character development and twists and turns to make you jump between suspects. But be warned that it ends as a cliff-hanger, urging you to buy the next book to discover all the details. I resent this approach - but maybe you don’t. This is your heads-up.
May 10, 2022
A great new series from Mary Stone & her co-author Lori Rhodes. New and exciting plot, great ending, with an even better teaser to keep you waiting for the next book.
November 13, 2022
I don’t like it when it continues to the next book.
June 7, 2023
I hate books that don’t have an ending. This is an episode not a novel. Had the book been completed it probably would have been a four star.
November 20, 2024
I am a huge Mary Stone fan, and I finally caught up in the Winter Black and Autumn Trent series. I chose the Shadow Island series at random, and I have to say I am not disappointed.
I really enjoy Stone's style of writing, and the way she lets a story unfold flows so smoothly in my opinion. I was a little over all the mentions of what happened to Rebecca West (why she moved to Shadow Island in the first place) to be a little redundant. I still don't fully understand West's past, which I found to be the opposite of when the author introduced Winter Black and Autumn Trent in their respective series.
Overall, I would recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading on in the series. I hope the next book gives a little more detail on who Rebecca West is and what actually happened to her parents and what transpired the night that changed her life.
I really enjoy Stone's style of writing, and the way she lets a story unfold flows so smoothly in my opinion. I was a little over all the mentions of what happened to Rebecca West (why she moved to Shadow Island in the first place) to be a little redundant. I still don't fully understand West's past, which I found to be the opposite of when the author introduced Winter Black and Autumn Trent in their respective series.
Overall, I would recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading on in the series. I hope the next book gives a little more detail on who Rebecca West is and what actually happened to her parents and what transpired the night that changed her life.
December 29, 2025
*3.5 Stars
The first book of the Shadow series did exactly what it was meant to do. It left me curious about Rebecca’s story and what would and has been happening in Shadow Island. The murder of the 17 year old blows your mind when you find out what was happening behind the scenes. The author does know how to keep one engaged. Definitely pick this series up.
The first book of the Shadow series did exactly what it was meant to do. It left me curious about Rebecca’s story and what would and has been happening in Shadow Island. The murder of the 17 year old blows your mind when you find out what was happening behind the scenes. The author does know how to keep one engaged. Definitely pick this series up.
June 9, 2023
First book in a long series for Shadow Island, however it didn’t feel like it should be the first. Felt like there was missing more background, it didn’t make you connect much at all to the FMC, felt like these was just something missing over all and wasn’t crazy with how it ended.
September 23, 2024
3.5: This book read and felt like watching an episode of SVU. It’s a solid, quick read. I didn’t see the twist and enjoyed the intermittent points of view from some of the other characters. Overall, If you are looking for something light-ish, a longstanding series, and enjoy crime shows/books, give this series a try!
May 28, 2023
Fast-paced, good mystery, some twists that'll lead you to an unexpected ending!
May 7, 2025
3.5.
October 30, 2025
1st of series. Mystery detective genre with FMC. Good read; somewhat predictable.
February 25, 2023
Enjoyed the twist and turns of the storyline, kept me guessing until the end. Eager to get the next one in the series.
October 14, 2025
I loved this first installment in the Shadow Island series. Lots of drama, betrayal and action in this one. So far Mary Stone is one of my favorite authors. I haven't been disappointed yet. I highly recommend this and any Mary Stone book. They have everything you want in a great book.
March 25, 2023
Expecting a relaxing vacation, Rebecca gets pulled back in to working a case….
March 25, 2023
Former FBI agent Rebecca West goes to Shadow Island, a childhood vacation destination, for some R&R. Her time off is short-lived as the local sheriff asks her for help in the case of a missing teenage girl. Rebecca says yes and ends up in the middle of a murder investigation when the girl's body is found in the marsh. Suspicion first falls on the boyfriend and later on a sinister gentleman's club known as the yacht club. The sheriff doesn't believe the yacht club is involved but Rebecca believes he is being naive. The relationship between Rebecca and the sheriff grows and develops into one of mutual respect. Other members of the sheriff's department are less receptive to Rebecca's presence. The characters and their relationships are interesting but more grit and depth is needed in this story. Suspense builds and the ending comes rather abruptly.
March 12, 2025
I found the ending of this book to be completely frustrating. After spending hours listening to this book, there were so many questions left open. Yes, the killer was revealed. Yes, the Sheriff's medical issue was resolved. I felt like anything good about the plot was negated by the way thongs ended.
Rebecca gets a two word text and the book ends!!!! The description mentions "the twisted ending you won't see coming", but it says nothing about somewhat of a cliffhanger.
The description says nothing about the unresolved plot points of the book. sounded like the next book would answer some of those questions. The readers should be made aware so they can determine if they even want to start the series.
If you don't mind the sense of incompleteness when reading a book, I would suggest you read this and judge for yourself if it would be a worthwhile endeavor.
Rebecca gets a two word text and the book ends!!!! The description mentions "the twisted ending you won't see coming", but it says nothing about somewhat of a cliffhanger.
The description says nothing about the unresolved plot points of the book. sounded like the next book would answer some of those questions. The readers should be made aware so they can determine if they even want to start the series.
If you don't mind the sense of incompleteness when reading a book, I would suggest you read this and judge for yourself if it would be a worthwhile endeavor.
October 29, 2023
“Rebecca, alone in the station for the first time—the last time?—sank to her haunches and allowed herself to cry. The End/To be continued”
What a cheap ploy! I won’t read any more of the “Shadow Island” series or any of Mary Stone’s numerous other series because she deliberately bates the reader to keep reading. I want to read more of an author’s books based on the quality of writing,
not because I need to know the ending.
The plot was decent, at least in the beginning, but we were not told why she was an EX-FBI AGENT and that irritated me and was distracting. Stone played some other little games with the plot that detracted and made her writing talent questionable. Pass.
What a cheap ploy! I won’t read any more of the “Shadow Island” series or any of Mary Stone’s numerous other series because she deliberately bates the reader to keep reading. I want to read more of an author’s books based on the quality of writing,
not because I need to know the ending.
The plot was decent, at least in the beginning, but we were not told why she was an EX-FBI AGENT and that irritated me and was distracting. Stone played some other little games with the plot that detracted and made her writing talent questionable. Pass.
May 14, 2022
This was a very different book by Mary Stone and the new co-author Lori Rhodes has really added her twist to it. I loved it as it was so different but still really readable. Just devoured it in one evening as wanted to see what happened. Like all Mary Stone books it ends on a cliff hanger so you just really want to know what happens next.
I so want to know the back story to all the characters, it almost felt like I was reading a second book in the series but this will come and I will get what I need.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
I so want to know the back story to all the characters, it almost felt like I was reading a second book in the series but this will come and I will get what I need.
I was given an advance copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
April 27, 2022
This new series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes is amazing! I am so excited to know there will be more to Rebecca West's story and can barely wait to find out what that will be. Will she keep the job, will the others accept her, will she just continue her vacation instead???
Excellent Book ladies! Well done.
Excellent Book ladies! Well done.
October 2, 2022
Definitely NOT my kind of book. I found the writing to be sophomoric - my favorite "huh??" line was "...her stomach twisted low in her gut" - what??? What does that even MEAN? I also found nothing thrilling about it or even a twisted plot. It was straight up teen fiction written on a teen reading level.
May 16, 2022
small disappointment that book 1 isn’t quite the beginning
Mary Stone does this “book 1” with the origin backstory offered at the end of “book 1”, although the reason for this habit escapes me.
Mary Stone does this “book 1” with the origin backstory offered at the end of “book 1”, although the reason for this habit escapes me.
May 13, 2023
Hate cliff-hangers!
Decent read but there was only partial closure at the abrupt ending. Prefer books that are interesting enough to have a resolved ending and still persuade the reader to want to read the entire series.
Decent read but there was only partial closure at the abrupt ending. Prefer books that are interesting enough to have a resolved ending and still persuade the reader to want to read the entire series.
September 13, 2024
OK, I'm the opposite of Lisa's review. Wasn't great, don't wonder why I've never read this author before, cardboard characters, did not sit on the edge of my seat. It read like a bad lifetime B movie. wawawahhhh.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 386 reviews