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Shadow Island #2

Shadow's Captive

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Former FBI agent Rebecca West came to Shadow Island to relax and clear her head, not step into a dead sheriff’s long worn shoes. Here she is, though, Interim Sheriff over a small department grieving for their boss and friend.

But not for long.

Before she can resign from the unwanted position, a little girl goes missing. On vacation with her parents, the eight-year-old was last seen outside her family’s vacation rental drawing on the sidewalk with a box of chalk.

Now she’s gone.

Did the girl wander off and get lost or maybe pulled out by the tide? Was she lured away? Or has she become the victim of something more sinister on Shadow Island, where a darkness simmers just below the paradisiacal surface?

When Rebecca discovers two similar abductions nearby within the week, she fears the worst. With a lot of ground to cover, few deputies to help, and the events surrounding Sheriff Wallace’s death haunting them all, can Rebecca and her team find the young girls before it’s too late?

From the gripping beginning to the startling conclusion, Shadow’s Captive—the second book in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes—will ensure you always know where your children are.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2022

2917 people are currently reading
696 people want to read

About the author

Mary Stone

227 books2,163 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
6,150 (67%)
4 stars
2,441 (26%)
3 stars
496 (5%)
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19 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa.
316 reviews50 followers
March 6, 2024
This is my second book in the SHADOW ISLAND series, and was just as compelling as the first. Rebecca West is a complex and wonderfully written protagonist whose sense of justice propels a vehemence that no criminal wants to be on the receiving end of! SHADOW’S CAPTIVE follows the investigation into the disappearance of three young girls, and the unyielding determination of a small Sheriff’s Department to bring them home to their families.

Once you begin reading this series, it’s difficult to pull yourself away! And ending in a bit of a cliffhanger compels you to pick up Book 3 immediately! Shadow Island is full of an endearing cast of characters, making reading the books all the more enjoyable. And being a dog lover, I find the ever-present importance of fur babies so heartening. I can’t wait to see where Rebecca and her team’s next investigation leads!!
Profile Image for Stephanie Linsenman.
69 reviews
January 31, 2024
2 in two days

I'm really enjoying these books and characters. I have a feeling by next week I'll be waiting on the author. On to book 3. Can't wait
Profile Image for Michelle Davis.
608 reviews4 followers
October 22, 2022
Loved this book. I could not put it down. It grabs you from the very first chapter. I love the character of Rebecca West. I hope she stays as Sherrif and in that town. I want many more books like this one with the all of characters, except Trent Locke. I am glad they are actually seeing how horrible he actually is. I highly recommend reading this book. Thank you for letting us know what happened with the puppy.
Profile Image for Gina.
129 reviews7 followers
December 10, 2024
This book held me Captivated

This is the second book in the Shadow Islands series. Following the death of Shadow Islands beloved sheriff there is no time to grieve or rest because a little girl waa taken from her vacation home and time was not on their side.
This book was just as good as the first book. Well written and a good mystery. Some trigger warnings with sex trafficking, animal abuse and child abduction.
Profile Image for Megan Brooks.
129 reviews
September 25, 2024
It was very on par with the series. The story was a bit more compelling but I think they could have done a lot more with it. Again, a nice easy read with an investigative tv show vibe. Decent enough!
Profile Image for Judy Churchill.
2,567 reviews32 followers
March 16, 2023
A Sherrif’s department and a community working together brought down some pretty serious sex traffickers.
Profile Image for Gracie Bustillos.
319 reviews6 followers
October 25, 2022
It’s another great book that is full of twists and turns. A page turner until the end. Mary Stone pulls you into her stories immediately and keeps you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next one
Profile Image for Twobchelm.
1,009 reviews19 followers
March 25, 2023
Parents worst nightmare… your child kidnapped . Racing against the clock before the girls are sold.
Profile Image for Andre Sharp.
Author 1 book
July 10, 2023
Really good story

I have read many such books and this is one of the better ones. Can't wait to read more stories about Rebecca West
Profile Image for Carl.
636 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2023
Parents worst nightmare… your child kidnapped. Sometimes I do not like reading this like child abduction. So, I was not sure if I wanted to read the book or stick it in the freezer. Well, I read on and I am glad I did. “SHADOW'S CAPTIVE” is the second installment in Stone’s Shadow Island Series. This story continues the first one with our protagonist Rebecca West now becoming Shadow Island’s “acting” Sheriff for now. But not is all well on this sleepy little island.

Former FBI agent Rebecca West came to Shadow Island to relax and clear her head, not step into a dead sheriff’s long worn shoes. Here she is, though, Interim Sheriff over a small department grieving for their boss and friend. However, a child is missing. What happened? Did she walk to the beach on her own? Did the girl get lost or pulled out by the tide? Was she abducted? As we discover, on Shadow Island a sinister darkness lives just below the surface. Will Rebecca and the deputies find the girls before it’s too late?

This book had better character development and read a little faster than the first in the series. In “Shadow's Captive,” I enjoyed the greater depth of the characters as revealed in their personalities. Although I enjoyed the first book, the plot of “Shadow's Captive” was more carefully thought out which led to a satisfying conclusion. This is a quick read and enjoyable mystery series that I would recommend to any mystery.
Profile Image for DianaRaven.
1,323 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2022
Author Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have created a new series that is proving to be another winner. 
SHADOW'S CAPTIVE is the second installment in the Shadow Island Series by Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes. Not as intense nor spine chilling as some of Ms Stone's other series, but just as good in capturing your attention in the first few pages and keeping you engrossed to the end with with intrigue and suspense.

Former FBI Special Agent Rebecca West came to Shadow Island for a life refreshig vacation after her career ended early. When the Sheriff of Shadow Island is killed in the line of duty, she is asked to be the interim Sheriff, but before her short term duty can end, she's in the middle of a lost child case that quickly turns into a kidnapping or something worse.

I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time setting the book down for even a few minutes. The mysterious Yacht Club gets mentioned again as some town people wonder if the new Sheriff will have what it takes to find out what it is really about and put an end to it.

If you haven't read any of Mary Stone's books and enjoy thrillers, start now. This series is a little less dark than the others, but still chilling. 

I do recommend this newest series. I did received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for D.L..
182 reviews2 followers
October 27, 2022
Don’t Look Away

Due to the death of Sheriff Wallace, Rebecca West is now acting Sheriff. She doesn’t really want to be Sheriff and there are some who want her gone. Sheriff Wallace’s funeral is postponed due to the kidnapping of a young girl. Rebecca and her deputies have their work cut out for them, especially after she finds that two other young girls from neighboring areas have gone missing. It now looks like this could be a case of child trafficking. Do they find the girls in time?

Deputy Trent Locke spread false rumors about how Sheriff Wallace was shot and laid the blame on Rebecca. How will the other deputies act when they finally learn the truth?

It will be interesting to see if anything develops between Rebecca and Ryker.

Shadow’s Captive is well written and keeps you on edge hoping the girls will be found in time. The ending will leave you waiting for the next book.
Profile Image for Meghan.
3,427 reviews8 followers
October 30, 2022
West is the interim sheriff as this story picks up immediately from the first books ending. The island is still peaceful, but definitely what it seems as a kidnapping takes place which leads to a trafficking ring. The department is going through a lot with the death of their sheriff and finding out the events of that night were not what they thought. Friendships are strengthened and roles are debated. West is a fascinating character and I love how she is such a strong law enforcement agent regardless of what she wants or how she is treated. Vivianne and Meg are great and caring characters so it is fitting they are mother and daughter. Several scenes are tense and full of angst of the unknown and other scenes had me chuckling. The ending has me excited for more books and wondering what the big secret at the Yacht club is, how things will work out with the one deputy, and if Ryker is a good guy or not!
379 reviews
October 26, 2022
How easy is it for a child to disappear in a second?

Former FBI agent Rebecca West came back to Shadow Island to rest and regroup. Little did she know the Sheriff would ask her to help out with a case of a missing teen. When the case was solved the killer arrested and Rebecca is getting ready to step back and go back to resting and relaxing. Then a call comes in, a little girl has gone missing. Her parents are frantic, she was last seen outside drawing with chalk on the sidewalk.
Did she walk to the beach on her own?
Did the girl get lost or pulled out by the tide? Was she abducted? On Shadow Island a sinister darkness lives just just below the surface. Will Rebecca and the deputies find the girls before it’s too late?
Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have written a winner. You won't be able to put it down, and I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Tee loves Kyle Jacobson.
2,535 reviews179 followers
December 29, 2025
This series is off the hook! I love it. In this book Rebecca West must find missing children. It starts off as a missing girl when West finds out that two other girls have been kidnapped and the cases may be connected.

As West and her Deputies scramble to find the little girls they unfold a sex trafficking ring. The search is on and every minute counts. They have three different counties working together to find the missing girls. All of this while preparing for Sherriff Wallace funeral. Will West be able to find the girls or will they be trafficked?

This one kept me on the edge of my seat reading faster to find out what was going to happen. This is one of those series where you read the first book and you are hooked and need to keep reading to find out what is happening in this small sea side town.
Profile Image for Bev.
3,275 reviews98 followers
October 22, 2022
The town was still feeling the grief of losing their sheriff and then this happened, a girl is kidnapped. The whole town is out looking for Sylvie. Then interim sheriff Rebecca found a lead of two other girls from surrounding areas missing. The same way. This is no coincidence. Meanwhile, Deputy Trent Locke is making things as hard as possible for her to do her job. Not just within their little town but neighboring ones also by starting false rumors about her. She will deal with that later, right now there are little girls that need saving. I really enjoy the characters in this series. I even cried when the picture of Sheriff Wallace was placed in the Department Station. I would give this more than 5 stars if I could. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
133 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2022
Strange situation of Rebecca’s position on Shadow island continues. A Missing girl keeps the gossipy deputies on their toes and the town is pulling together to help with the very intense search and investigation. In this well paced police thriller story, authors created many high tense moments, that will bring you to the point, that you will not be able to stop reading. The main characters will tag at your heart and you will like Rebecca even more. I liked the funny moments and quips put in the middle of the tense scenes too. Like “She was loyal like a dandelion seed” lol.
I enjoyed the book very much and believe , that this series will join the rest in popularity and success.
I highly recommend this book
Profile Image for Dawn.
380 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2022
Mary Stone has a way of pulling you into a story immediately and keeping you there throughout. In the second installment of the Shadow Island series you find a young girl, Sylvie, on a beach vacation with her parents. Moments after going outside to draw on the sidewalk she is gone. Where is she? Did someone take her? Did she wander off? The hunt is on to not only find Sylvie but also a few other young girls who are missing under similar circumstances. I love how Rebecca West character as sheriff is being developed and how the staff is reacting to her. I also love to hate Trent's character and can't wait to see how they continue to develop. An enjoyable novel and series. I received an ARC of this book and all thoughts are my own. I recommend this novel!
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,191 reviews
March 14, 2025
Despite my initial hesitation after reading the first book, I felt I had to continue the series. I felt it would be unfair to form an opinion on the series based on a single book.

I had to know what was happening with the people on Shadows Island. I thought that this book was better in terms of pacing, suspense, and even closure after the mystery was solved. The sensitive subject matter gave me pause, but the way the author handled the topic appreciated.

I did like the characters that work in the Sheriff's office. I had the sense there was some underlying mystery in which most of the deputies were unaware.

The unresolved yacht club investigation was manageable because its ongoing activity was transparent. The first book did not clearly communicate this. Rating: 3.5 Stars
Profile Image for Joy Lyn.
168 reviews
February 5, 2026
another good mystery

This second book in the series pulled me in even more than the first. After Sheriff Alden’s death, Rebecca West steps in as interim sheriff, just as a young girl goes missing. It isn’t long before Rebecca uncovers a chilling pattern: two other girls have disappeared from nearby towns in recent weeks. Drawing on her FBI background, Rebecca pieces together the truth—the children have been taken by a sex‑trafficking ring. With the clock ticking, she and her team launch a desperate search to bring the girls home before the unthinkable happens.

Content Notes
▪️ Language – Some, but not excessive
▪️ Sexual content – None
▪️ Violence – Child abduction, animal cruelty, deadly shootout
157 reviews
October 24, 2022
WooHoo what a great read!
Rebecca West is Interim Sheriff in Shadow Island following the death of Sheriff Alden Wallace. She and her deputies are on the hunt for a missing little girl. As the story plays out they realize 2 other girls are missing as well.
Mary Stone and Lori Rhodes have created a suspense filled novel. One that had me terrified and turning pages as fast as I could. The writing was very fast paced and intense.
As with all Mary Stone books I cannot wait for the next in this series with co-author Lori Rhodes.
Thank you for a great read and I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great thriller.
Profile Image for Barbara Cosenza.
70 reviews
October 29, 2022
little girls lost

Rebecca West finds herself still playing Sheriff as an 8 yo old girl goes missing almost before her father’s eyes. Clues left with chalk by Sylvia help lead the police to the criminal kidnappers. Rebecca is in a dilemma. This little police station is in need of support by someone who k owns how to handle the escalation in crime in the area by organized crime. But she so desperately needs a vacation. What will this former FBI agent do as another dead body has turned up and 2 deputies are still not back to full capacity. This is one of the best mysteries you have written. The Shadow series is enjoyable and intriguing.
Profile Image for Angela.
8,744 reviews122 followers
December 31, 2025
4 - 4.5 Stars

Shadow's Captive is the second book in the Shadow Island series by Mary Stone. This collection of twenty books (so far) is a gripping ride through mystery, suspense, and human darkness.
With former FBI agent Rebecca West at the helm, the books masterfully weave high-stakes investigations, layered characters, and island secrets that kept me on edge.
Each installment balances chilling crimes with deeply personal stakes, rendering Shadow Island both a paradise as well as a nightmare.
This is a fast-paced, twist-filled, and psychologically compelling series - a page-turning must for fans of thrillers and atmospheric mysteries.
Happy Reading…
40 reviews
October 24, 2022
Former FBI agent Rebecca West just wanted to get away for a while and evaluate her life. Now she is sheriff of Shadow Island. Her deputies are divided following the death of the former sheriff and the rumors circulated by a bad seed on the force. Now Rebecca has to find three little girls who have been kidnapped and are about to be trafficked.
Rebecca is a strong character and able to win over the deputies on her force as her dedication to the job and professionalism as an officer of the law are above reproach. This was well written and kept my attention. I look forward to book three.
3,818 reviews8 followers
December 21, 2022
This book grabbed me from the first chapter and never let go.

Even though the reader finds out pretty early on who the kidnappers are and what their plan is, it is still nerve racking to see if Rebecca and the rest of the team will figure it out before it's too late.

I have enjoyed every book I have read from this author so far. This is the second series I have read and I will be reading the rest of her library as they are all in Kindle Unlimited.

They are fast paced, quick easy reads that kept me engaged throughout. Well done.
Profile Image for The Humble Jess.
388 reviews29 followers
February 20, 2023
Great second book to this series

I'm so glad that sex trafficking is being brought to the light. Everyone or most people are so consumed with our president or cvid that sex trafficking has gone under noticed. It's messed up. I don't know the current numbers but I do know there is a uptick in sex trafficking since 2020 as well as illegal drugs. Mainstream media isn't covering it so most aren't aware. I'm so glad Mary Stone brought it up. It needs to be heard and trafficking needs to stop.
Profile Image for C.
22 reviews
January 27, 2025
Captivating

I have read many books written by Mary Stone. The Winter and August series, for example. Those books gave repetitive character information and there is a limited amount of the same type of trauma happening to a character that a reader can endure.

So far IMO, this is one of her better series. Her attention to details about law enforcement procedures give her books a more authoritative voice. The characters are fleshed out making the story more interesting. I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Toby.
2,052 reviews72 followers
August 3, 2025
This book picked up right where book 1 left off (and true to form, it also ended on a semi-cliffhanger! Auughhh). It was a solid story and continued to develop our main characters. I appreciate the interplay between characters and also just the importance that Stone places on the relationships the characters build. A lot of authors in the thriller genre will focus on action and drama to drive the story but I have a special place in my heart for stories where relationships and relationship ups and downs figure heavily, even when it’s not super traditional for that genre.
Profile Image for Carla Black.
349 reviews87 followers
October 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book very much. Acting Sheriff Rebecca West, formerly an FBI agent caught a case where 3 young girls have been abducted. Time is of the essence in this case. With a Skelton crew of deputies that don't trust their interim Sheriff very much she's hoping she won't be to late to find the girls. This one is always an on the edge of your seat read and a page turner to see if she gets to the young girls in time. Very Well written with several emotional areas. I highly recommend this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews

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