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A Villain’s Story #3
Crossing the Line
There’s a fine line between justice and murder.
The more lowlifes Deputy Justice Hall kills, the easier it gets. What’s not so easy? Investigating his own crime scene. That’s a challenge he never anticipated, especially since his colleagues at the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Office can never know that he sometimes replaces his badge with a judge’s gavel.
And an executioner’s hood.
They also can’t discover that the last man Justice killed is part of a group called the Syndicate, a gang responsible for selling a deadly drug known as Pinecones. That’s because he’s tracking down the Syndicate’s mastermind so he can deliver his own special brand of justice.
If he can find him first.
But things get even more complicated when a waitress from a local diner mysteriously vanishes, pulling Justice into another investigation. Disturbingly, the two cases begin to intertwine, revealing a connection that threatens to upend his double life. Now, at the intersection of duty and vengeance, Justice must make a harrowing choice: uphold the very law he serves or embrace his darker instincts to protect the innocent.
Crossing the Line is book three of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a heart-pounding reminder that the truth doesn’t always set you free.
The more lowlifes Deputy Justice Hall kills, the easier it gets. What’s not so easy? Investigating his own crime scene. That’s a challenge he never anticipated, especially since his colleagues at the Elmaeder County Sheriff’s Office can never know that he sometimes replaces his badge with a judge’s gavel.
And an executioner’s hood.
They also can’t discover that the last man Justice killed is part of a group called the Syndicate, a gang responsible for selling a deadly drug known as Pinecones. That’s because he’s tracking down the Syndicate’s mastermind so he can deliver his own special brand of justice.
If he can find him first.
But things get even more complicated when a waitress from a local diner mysteriously vanishes, pulling Justice into another investigation. Disturbingly, the two cases begin to intertwine, revealing a connection that threatens to upend his double life. Now, at the intersection of duty and vengeance, Justice must make a harrowing choice: uphold the very law he serves or embrace his darker instincts to protect the innocent.
Crossing the Line is book three of Mary Stone’s A Villain’s Story series, a heart-pounding reminder that the truth doesn’t always set you free.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2023
748 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
216 books2,131 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 48 reviews
December 28, 2023
This is the 3rd book in this series. It is definitely different and I love it. Justice has his own brand of Justice he likes to serve and this series is very well written and fun from start to finish.
May 5, 2024
As always a great read.
July 17, 2025
Great
A must read the whole series is. I can't wait to read more im sure it continue to get better
A must read the whole series is. I can't wait to read more im sure it continue to get better
October 4, 2023
CROSSING THE LINE is the third installment in Mary Stones series, A Villain's Story. Get prepared for a captivating story and page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Mary Stone is a true storyteller sure to drag you into the middle of her thrillers. If you haven't read any of her thrillers yet, I encourage you to start.
The twists and turns are intense and so. You will be kept on the edge of your seat - first to last page. Justice is trying so hard to blend in and be a good person but the he's still haunted by the unmentionable horrors he was forced to live through with Justin Black and now ghostly visits from those he has killed since joining the Elemendor Police Dept. These ghosts keep telling him he's doing the right thing, afterall someone needs to serve out justice.
As he continues the vigilante justice that the legal system releases these criminals. The more kills the more he loves it and hates what he is doing at the same time. Will he cross the line of no return?
He is now on the case of a missing person that will have confronting the local drug Syndicate and right into a Mexican Cartel.
Now about the cliffhanger. Who's following Justice? Waiting for book four to tell us.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
The twists and turns are intense and so. You will be kept on the edge of your seat - first to last page. Justice is trying so hard to blend in and be a good person but the he's still haunted by the unmentionable horrors he was forced to live through with Justin Black and now ghostly visits from those he has killed since joining the Elemendor Police Dept. These ghosts keep telling him he's doing the right thing, afterall someone needs to serve out justice.
As he continues the vigilante justice that the legal system releases these criminals. The more kills the more he loves it and hates what he is doing at the same time. Will he cross the line of no return?
He is now on the case of a missing person that will have confronting the local drug Syndicate and right into a Mexican Cartel.
Now about the cliffhanger. Who's following Justice? Waiting for book four to tell us.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
September 29, 2023
This is an ARC read and a great continuation in the series. Deputy Justice Hall has been working on bringing a group called The Syndicate to justice but so far he still has a way to go. Then a local woman goes missing and he wonders if it has to do with the Syndicate and the drug Pinecones. When the get a chance to raid the shop that the Syndicate runs, it leads to a bigger discovery. They find the lab where the drug is being made. They also find the local woman who had gone missing, She is dead and another woman is there drugged. Justice decides on way or the other, he is going to track down the chemist and make sure he never makes any more drugs. As Justice makes this decision, he realizes that he may have crossed a line he can't come back from. As he finds the chemist, Justice doesn't realize that someone is tracking him. After he returns home and gets some rest, he decides to sit on his porch but when he opens his door he finds a package waiting for him. When he finds pictures of him while he was in Mexico, he realizes someone else knows his secret. What is he going to do?
October 6, 2023
Love this series , but definitely not for the faint of heart.
Justice once again delivers his own unique form of law enforcement. This book is not for those readers who’s own moral compass cannot condone any action by the law that is not strictly ‘by the book’. However it is for those readers that want to challenge their own linear thinking with social mores that are totally ‘outside’ the box ‘ of the norm. Personally I love the ‘Villian’ series and the way it challenges me to examine my own self awareness. It prompts the reader to ask themselves. What would I have done given the life experiences that Justice suffered? Would I have acted differently? Would I have known a total mental collapse or worse, become a serial killer? This author brings a whole new meaning to ‘antihero’ which I find refreshing and the character building of Justice in each book is something I eagerly wait to see. We also get a hint of a possibility of a romance , which I thoroughly enjoy , for Justice however in true villain fashion it will be far from the normal relationship. Author write fast lol.
Justice once again delivers his own unique form of law enforcement. This book is not for those readers who’s own moral compass cannot condone any action by the law that is not strictly ‘by the book’. However it is for those readers that want to challenge their own linear thinking with social mores that are totally ‘outside’ the box ‘ of the norm. Personally I love the ‘Villian’ series and the way it challenges me to examine my own self awareness. It prompts the reader to ask themselves. What would I have done given the life experiences that Justice suffered? Would I have acted differently? Would I have known a total mental collapse or worse, become a serial killer? This author brings a whole new meaning to ‘antihero’ which I find refreshing and the character building of Justice in each book is something I eagerly wait to see. We also get a hint of a possibility of a romance , which I thoroughly enjoy , for Justice however in true villain fashion it will be far from the normal relationship. Author write fast lol.
September 30, 2023
Justice has truly crossed the line and I don't think that Justice is coming back over that line. He has truly obtained a taste for killing. He has jumped ahead, around, and behind his law enforcement career. He has and will take the law into his own hands because he is tired of lame judges, low bail, and releasing hardened criminals back into society. He is taking things into his own hands and is very successful at eliminating the bad guys. You almost agree with what he is doing. But the final lynch pin of society is law and order and there is a line there. This book is fast moving and while there are not many surprises it is a good book. Quick to read because you can't put it down. And, what an ending! Justice may have a new partner whether he wants one or not.
October 2, 2023
Justice vs Evil
Deputy Justice Hall is living a double life. Justice is a good cop trying to stop crime and killers from going free. He is also fighting the evil inside of him that Justin Black encouraged. Justice has become a jury of one, the judge and executioner of those who commit crimes. He is feeding the evil in himself by killing the evil in others.
Justice is working two cases that appear to be related. Will he solve the cases? Is there someone who knows what Justice is doing?
Crossing the Line is full of suspense, action, drama, twists and turns to hold your attention until the end of the book. The ending leaves us in suspense and wanting the next book now.
Deputy Justice Hall is living a double life. Justice is a good cop trying to stop crime and killers from going free. He is also fighting the evil inside of him that Justin Black encouraged. Justice has become a jury of one, the judge and executioner of those who commit crimes. He is feeding the evil in himself by killing the evil in others.
Justice is working two cases that appear to be related. Will he solve the cases? Is there someone who knows what Justice is doing?
Crossing the Line is full of suspense, action, drama, twists and turns to hold your attention until the end of the book. The ending leaves us in suspense and wanting the next book now.
October 3, 2023
Justice is tracking, following and bringing justice or vengance on those he feels should be punished for crimes against people. Following The Syndicate trying to find who is distributing Pinecone a new hybrid drug. Pinecone is killing a lot of young people, with that high they keep trying to reach and it being so deadly.
Is Justice really fighting crime or carrying out his own crimes in the name of the law.
The Series is amazing with a new look at Justin Black and how he groomed Justice (Timmy) to be in his image.
Mary Stone has created a great line of story to bring Winter Black, Justice Hall and Justin Black all together in this new series.
Is Justice really fighting crime or carrying out his own crimes in the name of the law.
The Series is amazing with a new look at Justin Black and how he groomed Justice (Timmy) to be in his image.
Mary Stone has created a great line of story to bring Winter Black, Justice Hall and Justin Black all together in this new series.
December 2, 2023
Review on Crossing the Line
I thought Crossing the Line was a terrific book because it brought to mind the emotional impact that some people have when it comes to others that hurt people or animals. Though most people wouldn't go to the extreme that Justice does out of vengeance, many people feel anger that some who hurt others cause. I also loved the ending as it left so many possibilities open for the next story about Justice and him being a villain that other characters in the story don't know how to respond or understand him. Thanks for a great read,and I look forward to the next book by Mary Stone.
I thought Crossing the Line was a terrific book because it brought to mind the emotional impact that some people have when it comes to others that hurt people or animals. Though most people wouldn't go to the extreme that Justice does out of vengeance, many people feel anger that some who hurt others cause. I also loved the ending as it left so many possibilities open for the next story about Justice and him being a villain that other characters in the story don't know how to respond or understand him. Thanks for a great read,and I look forward to the next book by Mary Stone.
September 29, 2023
Justice Hall is a new detective trying to do his best to solve crimes in his city. Because of his upbringing with Justin Black he has witnessed many guilty persons escape punishment due to technicalities. This doesn’t set well with him. When Maggie, a friendly waitress in a local diner goes missing Justice is assigned to the job of locating her. Her car and keys are found in different parts of the work parking lot. Before they get answers on where Maggie is they find another body. Justice has his hands full. Oh boy this story line is really good.
September 30, 2023
In this book Justice gets involved in two cases. Both eventually cross each other and Syndicate is the prime suspect. Though Justice is still healing from previous case, he puts himself in more danger and follows the case on his own. Hunted by his past, Justin Black’s training and ghost, he is starting to think about consequences of his acts. He is also lonely and seeks advice about his love life. This story goes so fast , you will not be able to put the book down.
And the cliff hanger! Oh my. Thank you Mary for this fantastic series. Cannot wait for the next installment. Lida
And the cliff hanger! Oh my. Thank you Mary for this fantastic series. Cannot wait for the next installment. Lida
September 30, 2023
This is another great story from Stone. I am back to not sure whether I like Justice or not. He seems to find a good reason for every small infraction (and big ones too) that he makes. Now he’s investigating his own crime, although technically he didn’t make the kill (per last book). Detective Marissa Spero doesn’t seem fooled by him though. Hopefully she won’t be the reason he gets caught out.
I saw a few 4 star reviews, but I stick to my 5 because this series is one I will keep reading.
I saw a few 4 star reviews, but I stick to my 5 because this series is one I will keep reading.
October 1, 2023
Justice Hall is quite the tortured soul. Memories of his abduction as a child continue to haunt him. He struggles with who he is and Mary Stone pens these conflicts masterfully. Justice is a brilliant detective with vigilante tendencies. His attraction to a certain detective could be dangerous for him. Only Mary Stone knows the answer to that. Highly recommend this series. Oh yes…the cliffhanger!
October 18, 2023
I still haven't really decided whether I like Deputy Justice Hall or not. He leading a double life as a deputy trying to bring justice to his community. However, his past life with Justi Black keeps interfering with the way he goes about his job.
In this book he is trying to bring down an organization called the Syndicate and his killing ways continue.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
In this book he is trying to bring down an organization called the Syndicate and his killing ways continue.
The book is full of mystery and suspense and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
December 21, 2023
Good vs Bad!
Justice is always on the side of good but does not always have the patience for the judicial system to punish the ones who hurt innocent people so he in acts his own kind of vengeance. It link I know how is sending him the pictures and notes saying "I see you". I can hardly wait to find out if I'm correct! Oh the next book cannot begin soon enough!! Love reading all of Mary Stones books!
Justice is always on the side of good but does not always have the patience for the judicial system to punish the ones who hurt innocent people so he in acts his own kind of vengeance. It link I know how is sending him the pictures and notes saying "I see you". I can hardly wait to find out if I'm correct! Oh the next book cannot begin soon enough!! Love reading all of Mary Stones books!
September 30, 2023
Justice becomes a detective & tries to do right, although he is still haunted by his mentor Justin Black. No one knows he was Justin’s captive, Timmy, who helped with many murders. Justice gets caught up in cases & becomes a one man executor, bringing “justice” to his community. This is an exciting series which won’t disappoint!
April 23, 2024
Wow Mary you really know how to keep us readers glued to your novels. I'm loving how Justice Hall is evolving into the character you've created. He's really living up to his name. I'm not going to give any spoilers or anything away. I want the next person to read the review and drive right into the series. Off to read stalked by Darkness. I know it won't dispoint. Happy reading book lovers.
June 14, 2024
Crossing the line has Justice working a couple of cases involving a new street drug that is causing the deaths of users.
The story definitely keeps the reader invested and on the edge of their seat. So far, this series has been very well done. At the end of this one there is a bit of a shocking surprise for Justice that's a cliffhanger of sorts so I will need to start the next one right away.
The story definitely keeps the reader invested and on the edge of their seat. So far, this series has been very well done. At the end of this one there is a bit of a shocking surprise for Justice that's a cliffhanger of sorts so I will need to start the next one right away.
September 29, 2023
GET THIS ONE QUICK. A NEW SERIES THAT GRABS YOU FROM THE FIRST AND DOESN'T LET GO TILL THE END AND LEAVES YOU LOOKING FOR THE NEXT ONE. WELL WRITTEN AND ORIGINAL WITH GREAT CHARACTERS YOU WILL LIKE. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE OR THE OTHERS BY THIS AUTHOR. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THEM ALL
September 30, 2023
How far will Justice go for Justice? Someone is supplying a deadly mixture of drugs to the area. Is it the Syndicate, and if so, how can he stop them? A fast paced, on the edge of your seat book. Enjoy!
October 1, 2023
Another good read from Mary Stone. Is Justice Hall considered a good guy or bad guy...we really don't know, and I am still not sure. Lots of action in this book with twists and turns. What a cliffhanger. Waiting for 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.
October 2, 2023
Crossing line
Can't wait to see who saw Justice delivering justice! There are so ma y different series by Mary Stone that I can't keep up with all of them!!! I love all the characters Stone has created. Great book.
Can't wait to see who saw Justice delivering justice! There are so ma y different series by Mary Stone that I can't keep up with all of them!!! I love all the characters Stone has created. Great book.
October 2, 2023
It’s another great read from Mary Stone. There is lots of action with lots twists and turns. A quick read only because you can not put it down. Ahh What a cliffhanger. So waiting for the next book in the series.
October 14, 2023
Mary Stone ! Awesome Writer
Every book I have read by Mary Stone was awesome. Looking forward to continually reading all her series.
While reading, you almost bring it to life, you out yourself there.
Hail Mary Stone!!
Every book I have read by Mary Stone was awesome. Looking forward to continually reading all her series.
While reading, you almost bring it to life, you out yourself there.
Hail Mary Stone!!
November 8, 2023
Starting To Dislike
Justice Hall gets the bad guys, for sure. He seems to be secumbing to the Justin Black side of his psyche. I'm not liking that. He is becoming someone I find it more difficult to get behind him at the stage of his biography.
Justice Hall gets the bad guys, for sure. He seems to be secumbing to the Justin Black side of his psyche. I'm not liking that. He is becoming someone I find it more difficult to get behind him at the stage of his biography.
November 24, 2023
still on the fence about this Dexter-ish oeuvre
Vigilantism can have unintended consequences-so how long can Justice continue in his quest to dispense his personal brand of “revenge” and payback!
Vigilantism can have unintended consequences-so how long can Justice continue in his quest to dispense his personal brand of “revenge” and payback!
February 22, 2024
Excellent!!!
Mary Stone has done it again with book #3. If you like series these books are for you. Oh, you should like mind-blowing, psychological twists, and turns, and some blood and guts, too.
Mary Stone has done it again with book #3. If you like series these books are for you. Oh, you should like mind-blowing, psychological twists, and turns, and some blood and guts, too.
April 28, 2024
AA little bizarre
The more I read of this series the stranger it gets. I understand the vigilant part but the dead entering his ever thought is definitely different. Now we add a new mystery to the tale.
The more I read of this series the stranger it gets. I understand the vigilant part but the dead entering his ever thought is definitely different. Now we add a new mystery to the tale.
Read
June 5, 2024A riviting read
The writing keeps you interested. The surprises are frequent and intense. You feel enthralled by the main character but you know you would not want his reality to be yours
The writing keeps you interested. The surprises are frequent and intense. You feel enthralled by the main character but you know you would not want his reality to be yours
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews