What do you think?
Rate this book
Charli Cross #7
Dark Bet
Murder holds the winning hand.
After obtaining a signed confession from the murderer on her last case, Detective Charli Cross was looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Instead, she returns to a ransacked home, and later discovers a chilling threat—secured to her door with a butcher knife.
Will she ever get a moment of peace?
The investigation of these personal threats is put on hold when the body of an elderly woman is discovered in Bonaventure Cemetery— the very place where Charli's best friend was kidnapped from years before. Why would anyone kill a sweet, seventy-year-old lady whose only vice appears to be her love of gambling?
A brick of heroin Charli finds on the woman’s front porch offers a clue. But nothing adds up. Was the murder a deal gone bad, a botched robbery, or something far worse?
When a second victim is killed in the same cemetery days later, it points toward a chilling pattern. Charli needs to decipher the rules of this lethal game before the stakes reach unprecedented heights. The gamble? Life itself.
Adrenaline-charged and mind-bending, Dark Bet is the seventh book in the Charli Cross Series from best-selling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to keep you awake at night. You can bet on it.
After obtaining a signed confession from the murderer on her last case, Detective Charli Cross was looking forward to a good night’s sleep. Instead, she returns to a ransacked home, and later discovers a chilling threat—secured to her door with a butcher knife.
Will she ever get a moment of peace?
The investigation of these personal threats is put on hold when the body of an elderly woman is discovered in Bonaventure Cemetery— the very place where Charli's best friend was kidnapped from years before. Why would anyone kill a sweet, seventy-year-old lady whose only vice appears to be her love of gambling?
A brick of heroin Charli finds on the woman’s front porch offers a clue. But nothing adds up. Was the murder a deal gone bad, a botched robbery, or something far worse?
When a second victim is killed in the same cemetery days later, it points toward a chilling pattern. Charli needs to decipher the rules of this lethal game before the stakes reach unprecedented heights. The gamble? Life itself.
Adrenaline-charged and mind-bending, Dark Bet is the seventh book in the Charli Cross Series from best-selling author Mary Stone—guaranteed to keep you awake at night. You can bet on it.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2024
557 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
232 books2,179 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 10, 2023
A great mystery thriller book that you will not be able to put down. Lots of twist and turns. I can not wait to see what’s next on this island.
April 27, 2024
3.5, but I rounded up...the plot was fairly good and characters likable and fairly well developed, but there was just something that I can't explain that fell flat. I like knowing the protagonist's backstory but maybe there was a bit too much...and perhaps, even saying that, I would have liked a bit more about the Madeleine historical episode that kept being brought up with minimal explanation...might have helped if this #7 wasn't the first book I've read in the series?
July 5, 2023
No Break for Charli
After getting a signed confession from her last case’s murderer, Detective Charli Cross arrives home to find it ransacked. Who was able to get in her home and ransack it? She also finds a threatening note on her door. Who is threatening Charli? Will she find the person or persons who want to hurt her?
Charli has to put aside the threats to her, to work on a new murder case. She and her partner, Matthew Church have been assigned a new murder case involving an elderly woman. They are headed to the crime scene when Matthew tells Charli the location is the Bonaventure Cemetery. This one is hard on Charli because the cemetery is where her childhood friend, Madeline, had been kidnapped. While there Charli sees someone in the shadows and chases after him. She ends up at Madeline’s grave. Who was watching Charli? Why was an elderly woman brutally murdered? Who else will die?
Charli and Special Agent Preston Powell’s relationship seems to be evolving. Will she be able to trust Preston enough to let him into her life? Charli also has breakfast with her dad, Jason Cross. She is getting along better with him and they have a good time discussing her sister and mother. What part of the discussion has Charli worried?
During the investigation, Charli suffers a personal loss yet she continues to help Matthew and Preston with the case. It is hard to believe the reason for the murders.
Dark Bet is a winner in my book. It has action, suspense, drama, grief, relationship issues, happiness and a hint of romance. The ending left you wondering what is going to happen next. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel keep up the great writing.
After getting a signed confession from her last case’s murderer, Detective Charli Cross arrives home to find it ransacked. Who was able to get in her home and ransack it? She also finds a threatening note on her door. Who is threatening Charli? Will she find the person or persons who want to hurt her?
Charli has to put aside the threats to her, to work on a new murder case. She and her partner, Matthew Church have been assigned a new murder case involving an elderly woman. They are headed to the crime scene when Matthew tells Charli the location is the Bonaventure Cemetery. This one is hard on Charli because the cemetery is where her childhood friend, Madeline, had been kidnapped. While there Charli sees someone in the shadows and chases after him. She ends up at Madeline’s grave. Who was watching Charli? Why was an elderly woman brutally murdered? Who else will die?
Charli and Special Agent Preston Powell’s relationship seems to be evolving. Will she be able to trust Preston enough to let him into her life? Charli also has breakfast with her dad, Jason Cross. She is getting along better with him and they have a good time discussing her sister and mother. What part of the discussion has Charli worried?
During the investigation, Charli suffers a personal loss yet she continues to help Matthew and Preston with the case. It is hard to believe the reason for the murders.
Dark Bet is a winner in my book. It has action, suspense, drama, grief, relationship issues, happiness and a hint of romance. The ending left you wondering what is going to happen next. Mary Stone and Donna Berdel keep up the great writing.
July 9, 2023
DARK BET is the seventh installment in the Charli Cross series by Mary Stone and Donna Berdel. These two authors make a great team and do an amazing job capturing your attention in the first few pages of their books.
This page turner will bring out lots of emotions and may just bring you to tears. Its filled with action, suspense, drama, grief, relationship issues, happiness and a budding romance. I was hooked from the beginning to end.
Detectives Charli Cross and Matthew Church are called to a murder scene of an elderly lady found murdered at the same cemetery where Charli’s best friend was kidnapped from ten years ago. Is it coincidence that this is the second murder in the same Cemetery? Could it be connected to the threats Charli has been getting? In the middle of this case, Charli experiences a devastating personal loss that sidelines her from the investigation.
It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. Whoever has been stalking Charli is still at it and they are stepping up their messages "The madness is about to begin." This cliffhanger has me on pins and needles waiting for the next book. Keep them coming Mary and Donna!
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 definitely recommend all their books.
This page turner will bring out lots of emotions and may just bring you to tears. Its filled with action, suspense, drama, grief, relationship issues, happiness and a budding romance. I was hooked from the beginning to end.
Detectives Charli Cross and Matthew Church are called to a murder scene of an elderly lady found murdered at the same cemetery where Charli’s best friend was kidnapped from ten years ago. Is it coincidence that this is the second murder in the same Cemetery? Could it be connected to the threats Charli has been getting? In the middle of this case, Charli experiences a devastating personal loss that sidelines her from the investigation.
It's going to be difficult waiting until the next book. Whoever has been stalking Charli is still at it and they are stepping up their messages "The madness is about to begin." This cliffhanger has me on pins and needles waiting for the next book. Keep them coming Mary and Donna!
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 definitely recommend all their books.
August 25, 2023
The stakes of murder are high.
Detective Charli Cross had expected a peaceful night after securing a murderer's confession in her previous case. Instead, she returns home to chaos and a horrifying threat, leaving her with little respite. The task of investigating these ominous messages takes a backseat when an elderly woman's lifeless body is uncovered in Bonaventure Cemetery—the very site from which Charli's closest friend was abducted years ago. But what could be the motive behind killing a gentle septuagenarian whose lone indulgence is gambling?
A significant clue emerges in the form of a brick of heroin discovered on the woman's doorstep, yet the pieces don't quite fit. Was the murder a drug deal gone awry, a bungled robbery, or something far more sinister?
When a second individual meets their demise in the same cemetery shortly after, it becomes apparent that a disturbing pattern is emerging. Charli must decipher the rules of this lethal game before the stakes escalate to an unprecedented level. The bet being played for? Life itself.
Pulsating with adrenaline and twisted intrigue, "Dark Bet" stands as the seventh installment in the Charli Cross Series by bestselling author Mary Stone. Prepare to be kept awake by this gripping narrative that's guaranteed to leave you guessing. You can place your bet on that.
Detective Charli Cross had expected a peaceful night after securing a murderer's confession in her previous case. Instead, she returns home to chaos and a horrifying threat, leaving her with little respite. The task of investigating these ominous messages takes a backseat when an elderly woman's lifeless body is uncovered in Bonaventure Cemetery—the very site from which Charli's closest friend was abducted years ago. But what could be the motive behind killing a gentle septuagenarian whose lone indulgence is gambling?
A significant clue emerges in the form of a brick of heroin discovered on the woman's doorstep, yet the pieces don't quite fit. Was the murder a drug deal gone awry, a bungled robbery, or something far more sinister?
When a second individual meets their demise in the same cemetery shortly after, it becomes apparent that a disturbing pattern is emerging. Charli must decipher the rules of this lethal game before the stakes escalate to an unprecedented level. The bet being played for? Life itself.
Pulsating with adrenaline and twisted intrigue, "Dark Bet" stands as the seventh installment in the Charli Cross Series by bestselling author Mary Stone. Prepare to be kept awake by this gripping narrative that's guaranteed to leave you guessing. You can place your bet on that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
This another great ARC read from Mary Stone. Charli Cross returns home after closing a case to find her house has been ransacked, and instead of resting, now she has to clean up a mess. Before she can really get started she gets a call to the murder of an elderly lady in a cemetary. The Cemetary is none other then Bonaventure, which brings back the kidnapping and murder of her childhood friend. As she works on the murder of the elderly lady, a second murder occurs at the cemetary. This time its the elderly caretaker of the cemetary Are the two cases related and what does the 911 call from the caretaker mean. As Charli and her partner Matthew delve into the murders, it leads them to a drug ring using elderly people as moles. Can they solve this case before someone else dies. Can Charli find out who trashed her home and is it related to the death of her childhood friend?
July 5, 2023
Double trouble for Charli. Can elderly get murdered, I thought no, they don’t , at least not by Mary. Mistake, big mistake. Charli gets again involved in the investigation of murders, while still trying to find Madeline’s killer and who sends her threats . It gets hot and emotional. I read it in one sitting well lying lol, appreciating the well paced story and the emotional drama on the top of the tension and well written plot. I liked to get to know Matt and Preston more. Isn’t Matt a big teddy bear behind his act?! I loved this book. Don’t miss out on the great story. Thank you Mary and Donna. Lida
July 5, 2023
I liked this book! What an interesting plot to "employ" seniors. I think Matthew and Charli are the best team ever. Preston is also finally making a bit of a move; or is that Charli finally making a commitment? At any rate, Charli has a couple of people who have her back and are there for her always. The back plot on this story is really heating up. And the loss of Charli's father brought me to tears. But there is more to that story, and I can't wait to hear it. Who was the mysterious guest from the evening before? Love these characters and this plot line. Keep it up! Can't wait for the next book.
January 6, 2024
I know I read quickly, and likely miss things but don't recall much in the previous books about a sister? Another missing clue to Charli's strangled personality. Only sorry we didn't get to know Miriam - she sounded like a colorful character. Always feels like the ending comes quickly, wraps up too easily,nicely. And even as emotionally warped as Charli is, would someone really leave their father's funeral to go to find the suspect, knowing that SWAT and many others will be there. Best part was the men deciding to start a fictional country band and then quickly breaking it up - good dialogue and pretty funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2024
Poor Charli! She had a lot hitting her in this book, family, personal relationships, work/crimes, you name it. Her friends really showed up and out for her. Her skillset also shone with finding the murderer and helping solve a drug crime ring. Her supervisor, Ruth, had a bit more time and really was standup. The background of her killed friend seems to be ramping up which is not surprising since the last book ended with her home being broken into, but the seriousness the police squad is treating it with hopefully means Charli will solve the case soon! Also, love that Rebecca and Matthew finally met❤️
April 2, 2025
I feel sort of bad giving it only 3 stars but this was a little bit less believable. I did like the involvement of “old people” making money by illegal means to keep gambling debts from overwhelming them or as a means for future retirement.
Charli continues to grow up even though she still puts herself in danger, and Matthew is starting to have a relationship with his daughter thanks to Rebecca.
Confession: I just finished number 8 so am committed to finishing the series. I am weak of flesh for sure…..Oh, by the by, Matthew got blew up in his pick up truck at Charli’s house. I hope he is okay..
Charli continues to grow up even though she still puts herself in danger, and Matthew is starting to have a relationship with his daughter thanks to Rebecca.
Confession: I just finished number 8 so am committed to finishing the series. I am weak of flesh for sure…..Oh, by the by, Matthew got blew up in his pick up truck at Charli’s house. I hope he is okay..
July 8, 2023
Charli Cross has gotten into it so far it's hard for her to let go. With new murders to pursue, loss in her family and needing to stay busy Charlie feels lost. Her partner Matthew, the man she dated once Preston and her boss Ruth are all trying to keep her home where she is needed and not helping with this case. A threat hanging over her head she is afraid of what will happen to her next. I think you will enjoy the Charli Cross series as much as I have and I'm waiting for the next book in the series.
Mary Stone is an amazing writer and I have loved every book of hers I have read.
Mary Stone is an amazing writer and I have loved every book of hers I have read.
July 10, 2023
Dark Bet(Charli Cross Mystery Series Book 7)
OMG!!!!!!! I could not put this book down, I just had to know what happened. Who would kill to elderly people and why? When Charli's father died, I cried. I am glad that Charli and her sister had a heart to heart talk and are finally starting to get along. I just feel bad that their father's death is what brought it about. I am truly invested in the people in these stories. I can't wait for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!! I could not put this book down, I just had to know what happened. Who would kill to elderly people and why? When Charli's father died, I cried. I am glad that Charli and her sister had a heart to heart talk and are finally starting to get along. I just feel bad that their father's death is what brought it about. I am truly invested in the people in these stories. I can't wait for the next book.
July 4, 2023
Can Charli catch a break anytime soon? Someone is stalking her sending ominous messages. While she & her partner Matthew are on a new case tracking down the murderer of an elderly woman in a cemetery another one pops up, this time the elderly caretaker of same cemetery. Is there a coincidence? And, to make matters worse Charli loses someone very dear to her.
July 12, 2023
Wow !!!
So much is going on with Charli, people after her, Get dad passing away, crime to solve. She is so stubborn. But she has Matthew and Preston to lean on should she want to. Once I started reading I could not put the book away. Yet another brilliant read. Now we wait for the next one.
So much is going on with Charli, people after her, Get dad passing away, crime to solve. She is so stubborn. But she has Matthew and Preston to lean on should she want to. Once I started reading I could not put the book away. Yet another brilliant read. Now we wait for the next one.
July 13, 2023
Dark Bet
This was a fairly good read. Without giving away important plot moments, Charli faces personal and professional challenges. I think Charli needs some help in drawing a line between her personal life and work life. She just can't seem to do that to her detriment. Just my opinion.
This was a fairly good read. Without giving away important plot moments, Charli faces personal and professional challenges. I think Charli needs some help in drawing a line between her personal life and work life. She just can't seem to do that to her detriment. Just my opinion.
July 25, 2023
Some red herring elements, making this installment slightly different.
Charli’s emotional issues continue to bedevil and confuse her, and everyone who cares for her.
In the meantime, the threats continue by letter and by telephone.
Matthew trundles along as he and Preston team up to do some out of town legwork.
Lots of loose ends.
Charli’s emotional issues continue to bedevil and confuse her, and everyone who cares for her.
In the meantime, the threats continue by letter and by telephone.
Matthew trundles along as he and Preston team up to do some out of town legwork.
Lots of loose ends.
August 21, 2024
Okay
A few books ago emotions seemed to become the topics of the books. Calm, focused, rational Cassie was focusing on her dead friend Madeline. Matthew was focused on his daughter. Every other page became rambling. I didn't finish that book. This was a bit better. I'll see what happens next.
I have read many books from Mary Stone and most are good.
A few books ago emotions seemed to become the topics of the books. Calm, focused, rational Cassie was focusing on her dead friend Madeline. Matthew was focused on his daughter. Every other page became rambling. I didn't finish that book. This was a bit better. I'll see what happens next.
I have read many books from Mary Stone and most are good.
July 3, 2023
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel have done it again with the new Charli Cross series #7. It is a page turner which brings out lots of emotions and brought me to tears. Had me hooked from the beginning to end. Cannot wait until the next book. I am an ARC member and this is my honest review.
July 4, 2023
I like the Charli Cross series by Stone and Berdel. Like all the other books by these two, there's intrigue, excitement, danger, and always some mystery to solve, and this is no exception. Great characters and crazy situations to keep you entertained. I definitely recommend this.
July 5, 2023
Very sad for reasons I cannot mention, I have a theory on it but will have to wait to see if I am right. I loved the part with The cocktail girls. Very good story as always. I love Mary Stone's books. I highly recommend reading this book.
July 5, 2023
Mary Stone and Donna Berdel certainly know how to create chaos for Det. Charli Cross. These authors when collaborating together alway create masterful stories…Dark Bet is exactly that.
I highly recommend this book and all of the Charli Cross series!
I highly recommend this book and all of the Charli Cross series!
July 8, 2023
Murders in a graveyard? Who knew the elderly can be involved in so much trouble? Charli and Matthew are putting their sleuthing skills to the test again. Love the development of Matthew and the relationship between Charli and Preston. Enjoying seeing the internal conflict and growth of Charli's character. As they all work case after case, Charli continues to receive threats from the psycho who killed her best friend, Madeline. The killer seems to be ramping up and Charli's life is more and more at risk. Great novel and plot!
July 7, 2023
Thrilling
What is a church without a cross? A murder in a cemetery brings church and cross together again. Charlie is getting threatened again and her home is broken into so she moves to a hotel.
Due to tragedy she must deal with family angst while solving the murders.
What is a church without a cross? A murder in a cemetery brings church and cross together again. Charlie is getting threatened again and her home is broken into so she moves to a hotel.
Due to tragedy she must deal with family angst while solving the murders.
July 8, 2023
This was so good! You will not be able to put this page turner down. Charlie's character really came into depth. Although she's in the middle of a case, she is still being haunted by a unknown assailant. This brought tears to my eyes & you will not be disappointed wanting more, of course!
July 8, 2023
This was a excellent book about Charli and partner Matthew finding out who is behind the killings. This book had lots of suspense and action and your books are awesome to read. Thank you Mary and Donna.
July 16, 2023
Dark Bet
Great book as always. Loved the thrills and the intrigue that keeps you from putting this book down. I can't wait to get the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
Great book as always. Loved the thrills and the intrigue that keeps you from putting this book down. I can't wait to get the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2023
oh my goodness
This is another amazing page turning, fast paced, action packed thriller! The characters are great, the storyline is awesome! Charli is still being threatened, Mathew is finally getting close to his daughter and murder hits again!
This is another amazing page turning, fast paced, action packed thriller! The characters are great, the storyline is awesome! Charli is still being threatened, Mathew is finally getting close to his daughter and murder hits again!
October 1, 2023
Another mystery solved
Even though her success rate in solving mysteries is excellent, Charlie's personal life is full of stress and guilt which drives her deeper into work mode. Will she ever see the end to this destructive pattern?
Even though her success rate in solving mysteries is excellent, Charlie's personal life is full of stress and guilt which drives her deeper into work mode. Will she ever see the end to this destructive pattern?
July 20, 2024
Gambling
An elderly woman was killed in the cemetery. While checking her house for information they found a brick of heroin. A few days later the cemetery custodian was killed. What did these two elderly people have in common?
An elderly woman was killed in the cemetery. While checking her house for information they found a brick of heroin. A few days later the cemetery custodian was killed. What did these two elderly people have in common?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews