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Sweetwater Falls Mystery #5
Shadows of the Falls
Spenser Song could have never imagined that her career in the FBI would lead to her husband’s death.
She moved to Sweetwater Falls and accepted the job as the town’s Sheriff to escape from the pain of her dark past.
But a fresh start in the once idyllic town came with many unexpected twists...
Fortunately, with her new friends, a new sense of family and community, and a blossoming relationship with Ryker, Spenser felt a sense of peace and contentment. A feeling she thought would be lost to her since the night of her husband’s murder and her near death.
Unfortunately for Spenser, good things never seemed to last.
Unbeknownst to her, the past was rising like a dark shadow, intent on destroying the people she loved and the community she vowed to serve.
When Spenser is called out to a brutal sexual assault, she uncovers a pattern of similar assaults in the surrounding towns. More disturbingly, Spenser finds that the women in this string of assaults all bear a striking physical resemblance to her.
Each attack is more vicious and brutal than the last, and it isn’t long before Spenser’s worst fears are realized.
How do you fight a monster that seems to know you better than you know yourself?
There’s a dark shadow covering the Falls and Spenser will need the help and comfort of Ryker and his Lab, Mocha more than ever before.
She moved to Sweetwater Falls and accepted the job as the town’s Sheriff to escape from the pain of her dark past.
But a fresh start in the once idyllic town came with many unexpected twists...
Fortunately, with her new friends, a new sense of family and community, and a blossoming relationship with Ryker, Spenser felt a sense of peace and contentment. A feeling she thought would be lost to her since the night of her husband’s murder and her near death.
Unfortunately for Spenser, good things never seemed to last.
Unbeknownst to her, the past was rising like a dark shadow, intent on destroying the people she loved and the community she vowed to serve.
When Spenser is called out to a brutal sexual assault, she uncovers a pattern of similar assaults in the surrounding towns. More disturbingly, Spenser finds that the women in this string of assaults all bear a striking physical resemblance to her.
Each attack is more vicious and brutal than the last, and it isn’t long before Spenser’s worst fears are realized.
How do you fight a monster that seems to know you better than you know yourself?
There’s a dark shadow covering the Falls and Spenser will need the help and comfort of Ryker and his Lab, Mocha more than ever before.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2023
1605 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gray
125 books665 followersElle Gray lives in a small town with her 2 cats, and her handsome husky.
As a girl, she was obsessed with crime novels and thrillers.
Today, she loves writing and creating thrilling novels with courageous, strong heroes/heroines and dangerous psychopaths. She invites you to join her exciting world of detectives and FBI agents that take down killers and kick butt.
As a girl, she was obsessed with crime novels and thrillers.
Today, she loves writing and creating thrilling novels with courageous, strong heroes/heroines and dangerous psychopaths. She invites you to join her exciting world of detectives and FBI agents that take down killers and kick butt.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 20, 2025
4.5🌟 These are really good thriller/ mysteries with a slow Burn romance going on. Sweetwater Falls is becoming one of my favorite small towns.
December 31, 2023
Ok, could you have made me more nervous reading this one 😬
Didn't see that coming, I can't wait for the next book...Spencer will not back down.
Just remember Mocha and Annabella are family for everyone, they might have paws,but they know how to calm Spencer down.
Didn't see that coming, I can't wait for the next book...Spencer will not back down.
Just remember Mocha and Annabella are family for everyone, they might have paws,but they know how to calm Spencer down.
January 18, 2024
Realistic medical care
No doctor, unless it was black market or some other devious activity, would have access to blood to be transfused in a home. Your books had only been about 2 stars anyway, but that particular scenario concluded the series for me. To receive a blood transfusion, the recipients blood and the donated blood must be matched through multiple lab tests, against each other, to ensure compatibility, failure to do so would likely mean death. Fiction is good, an outlandish scenario throws it into sci-fi.
No doctor, unless it was black market or some other devious activity, would have access to blood to be transfused in a home. Your books had only been about 2 stars anyway, but that particular scenario concluded the series for me. To receive a blood transfusion, the recipients blood and the donated blood must be matched through multiple lab tests, against each other, to ensure compatibility, failure to do so would likely mean death. Fiction is good, an outlandish scenario throws it into sci-fi.
January 17, 2024
chill the long descriptions
I am glad to see Ryker back. I will finish this series but doughy I will read more from Gray. This is book 5 and I have read about 40 times a comparison of height between Spenser and everyone else. Then there is height, color of hair, complexion, build, etc of every character. This hose has green shutters, that on is a racy, half dozen steps and double door, COME ON already.
I am glad to see Ryker back. I will finish this series but doughy I will read more from Gray. This is book 5 and I have read about 40 times a comparison of height between Spenser and everyone else. Then there is height, color of hair, complexion, build, etc of every character. This hose has green shutters, that on is a racy, half dozen steps and double door, COME ON already.
February 1, 2024
As much as I like the series I can’t take any more too stupid to live moments from Sheriff Song. Once again she goes off on her own to confront the offender. She has a staff of officers but they never assist her in the final confrontation. A well trained female officer is not always going to defeat huge male offenders. Just asking the writer to be a little more realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2025
5 books down, and still...meh!
Maybe it's the descriptions of every single person, and every single minute detail about them ad nauseam, or maybe its the repetitive use of words and phrases, or maybe it's the FMC I don't like, but its the same thing over and over again. This series had so much potential but continually falls flat for me.
I started this series because I was in a reading slump, and most reviews were good, but she could have cut this series in half, added a bit more plot and intrigue, and maybe it would have been good. So much is just filler and just gets progressively more annoying as the series goes on. I really wanted to like it, but just can't go on.
The only slightly redeeming quality is the MMC, but that's only because he doesn't really feature in any of the books to any extent he can be annoying.
I think I'm just tired of authors writing female leads that are strong and independent and so "badass", instead of showing that women can be soft, and vulnerable without being a door mat.
Maybe it's the descriptions of every single person, and every single minute detail about them ad nauseam, or maybe its the repetitive use of words and phrases, or maybe it's the FMC I don't like, but its the same thing over and over again. This series had so much potential but continually falls flat for me.
I started this series because I was in a reading slump, and most reviews were good, but she could have cut this series in half, added a bit more plot and intrigue, and maybe it would have been good. So much is just filler and just gets progressively more annoying as the series goes on. I really wanted to like it, but just can't go on.
The only slightly redeeming quality is the MMC, but that's only because he doesn't really feature in any of the books to any extent he can be annoying.
I think I'm just tired of authors writing female leads that are strong and independent and so "badass", instead of showing that women can be soft, and vulnerable without being a door mat.
November 10, 2025
Awesome
The Sweetwater Falls Mystery series by Elle Gray is top of the line! Sheriff Spencer Song and her deputies are turning out to be a close knit, well oiled machine. Along with her neighbor and landlord, Ryker Mckawi, Spencer is making such a difference in Sweetwater Falls. A former Sheriff had allowed the office to become a good old boy network filled with scornful practices and bullies within the ranks. Spencer, a well trained former FBI agent, has weeded out the chaff from the department and along with her undersheriff, Amanda Young is bringing to department and the deputies to a higher standard and protecting the community she has come to love. Every one of the books in this series so far (5) has had a great storyline, mystery, danger and a great cast of characters. I look forward to seeing what's next as Spencer learns to trust others within her department and loosen the reins of control into the hands of more and more of her deputies. Good clean entertainment.
The Sweetwater Falls Mystery series by Elle Gray is top of the line! Sheriff Spencer Song and her deputies are turning out to be a close knit, well oiled machine. Along with her neighbor and landlord, Ryker Mckawi, Spencer is making such a difference in Sweetwater Falls. A former Sheriff had allowed the office to become a good old boy network filled with scornful practices and bullies within the ranks. Spencer, a well trained former FBI agent, has weeded out the chaff from the department and along with her undersheriff, Amanda Young is bringing to department and the deputies to a higher standard and protecting the community she has come to love. Every one of the books in this series so far (5) has had a great storyline, mystery, danger and a great cast of characters. I look forward to seeing what's next as Spencer learns to trust others within her department and loosen the reins of control into the hands of more and more of her deputies. Good clean entertainment.
January 7, 2024
It's an ok, fast read series that fills in while I'm waiting for other new releases but clearly a 2.5 or at most a 2.75 rated book.
Sheriff Spenser Song is hunting a violent serial rapist and all the hints as to the doer was pretty easy to figure out. Suprisingly, Spenser is clueless until near the end. How she and "little Amanda" are able to "fend off/fight" a massive suspect is a bit hard to swallow.
Also, Undersheriff Amanda and brother Jacob are really the only other fully fleshed characters from her "department" and they squabble like children- they need to grow up and be more serious characters -right now they feel like "fillers" to Spenser.
Lastly, we are in book 5 and still talking about the death of Spenser's husband and Rykers PTSD. Nothing more is hinted or resolved. As relentless as Spenser is portrayed, it seems odd she has yet to fully delve into her husband's death.
Sheriff Spenser Song is hunting a violent serial rapist and all the hints as to the doer was pretty easy to figure out. Suprisingly, Spenser is clueless until near the end. How she and "little Amanda" are able to "fend off/fight" a massive suspect is a bit hard to swallow.
Also, Undersheriff Amanda and brother Jacob are really the only other fully fleshed characters from her "department" and they squabble like children- they need to grow up and be more serious characters -right now they feel like "fillers" to Spenser.
Lastly, we are in book 5 and still talking about the death of Spenser's husband and Rykers PTSD. Nothing more is hinted or resolved. As relentless as Spenser is portrayed, it seems odd she has yet to fully delve into her husband's death.
June 1, 2024
Shadows of the Falls by Elle Gray 5/28/2024 Kindle
Spenser song’s past keeps creeping into this chapter in the series, but just as quickly floats away, as if awaiting the next book. In this episode were chasing not a killer, but a serial rapist who brutally beats his victims, nearly to death, before later doing just that. Once again, I have complaints aplenty. Homes are entered absent any sign of break-in, yet no one questions how. Nor is there any serious interest for a long time in what the multiple victims have in common. Additionally, there are absurd decisions made relative to safety.
While the story continued to hold enough attention for me to finish, I found this installment over the top with far too many vicious attacks. It seemed the plot had nowhere to go so the author tossed in a couple more beatings to fill the pages. I have a couple more in this series, so I’ll finish them, but not recommend them to others.
Spenser song’s past keeps creeping into this chapter in the series, but just as quickly floats away, as if awaiting the next book. In this episode were chasing not a killer, but a serial rapist who brutally beats his victims, nearly to death, before later doing just that. Once again, I have complaints aplenty. Homes are entered absent any sign of break-in, yet no one questions how. Nor is there any serious interest for a long time in what the multiple victims have in common. Additionally, there are absurd decisions made relative to safety.
While the story continued to hold enough attention for me to finish, I found this installment over the top with far too many vicious attacks. It seemed the plot had nowhere to go so the author tossed in a couple more beatings to fill the pages. I have a couple more in this series, so I’ll finish them, but not recommend them to others.
June 16, 2025
This book started off strong - I was enjoying it in the beginning and had high hopes. After the first communication from the suspect, I had a prediction of who it was (which turned out correct) and there was no unpredicted plot twisted from that point on so it seemed super anticlimactic. The lack of research from the author, specifically regarding the medical aspects, got really frustrating as parts were ridiculously unrealistic (ex. A character needing a blood transfusion that was somehow performed in a living room without proper testing, storage of the blood, any further medical care, etc). Also for such a supposedly smart main character, Spenser makes some really dumb decisions that I think were added for suspense and action but really just doesn’t mesh well with her character’s personality and background experience.
October 15, 2024
Disappointed
While Ms Gray writes a good whodunit, her books are frustrating to read. The main character is written as if she's a one woman band. Please develop more of the characters in the novel. There is ample opportunity to do so. While her two co-workers are interesting, the dialog is repetitive. In addition, the author needs to touch base with reality as far as the love interest is concerned. No two full blooded adults would act the way they do. I know my comments make a moot point since the books have already been published. Just some thoughts for the future---
While Ms Gray writes a good whodunit, her books are frustrating to read. The main character is written as if she's a one woman band. Please develop more of the characters in the novel. There is ample opportunity to do so. While her two co-workers are interesting, the dialog is repetitive. In addition, the author needs to touch base with reality as far as the love interest is concerned. No two full blooded adults would act the way they do. I know my comments make a moot point since the books have already been published. Just some thoughts for the future---
August 3, 2025
I was a little fed up that Spenser Song never considered the deputies she fired. From almost the beginning, I suspected the deputy she first let go. All the clues led to someone she had contact with and knew her as sheriff. She spent most of the book trying to figure it out. Almost suspecting cable and utility personnel is given. Another thing is only approximately 9% of the US population has green eyes, but over 50% characters. Including suspects and one-time mentioned ones, have green eyes. In my almost 68 yrs, I have met very few green-eyed people, including hazel green. Probably less than 30 and I was a nurse and salesclerk in school.
January 16, 2024
Spenser 1:BC Nil! 4.75*****/5 Spoiler Alert
After a sadistic series of assaults, rapes, and two no four murders of women, Carpenter, fired Sweetwater Falls deputy who was replaced by Spenser Song, was deduced to be the UnSub, as a failed to kill Spenser in hand to hand battle and shoot out. Only proving to himself, that she was and is the correct person for the sheriff's job. Her ongoing battle with the FBI in their pursuit of her husband's murder and her attempted murder, in their false prosecution of DRicci. So many questions. A Gravity defying Read!
01/14/24- 01/14/24
After a sadistic series of assaults, rapes, and two no four murders of women, Carpenter, fired Sweetwater Falls deputy who was replaced by Spenser Song, was deduced to be the UnSub, as a failed to kill Spenser in hand to hand battle and shoot out. Only proving to himself, that she was and is the correct person for the sheriff's job. Her ongoing battle with the FBI in their pursuit of her husband's murder and her attempted murder, in their false prosecution of DRicci. So many questions. A Gravity defying Read!
01/14/24- 01/14/24
February 25, 2024
yes!!!
Elle Gray knows what readers want and delivers an excellent thriller that you can't put down. The characters are very real , raw and loyal. What I like most about Elle Gray's books is, how the characters have a great rapport with each other while working on a case that loosen the tension in the room. I'm always interested and excited to see how the relationship between Riker and Spencer is evolving. I hope you get a copy of these amazing mystery series. As always happy reading.
Elle Gray knows what readers want and delivers an excellent thriller that you can't put down. The characters are very real , raw and loyal. What I like most about Elle Gray's books is, how the characters have a great rapport with each other while working on a case that loosen the tension in the room. I'm always interested and excited to see how the relationship between Riker and Spencer is evolving. I hope you get a copy of these amazing mystery series. As always happy reading.
August 20, 2024
Gruesome and gory story
This story in the series was much more gruesome and gory than the first four. Yes, they've all dealt with murders but the protagonist in this 5th book is a prolific serial rapist, who escalates in the beatings he inflicts. Each attack is described in detail which I felt was unnecessary and almost stopped reading the book. I eventually skimmed over the gory parts and finished the story. Hopefully the author return to more suspense with less gruesome descriptions in the next book or I won't be finishing the series.
This story in the series was much more gruesome and gory than the first four. Yes, they've all dealt with murders but the protagonist in this 5th book is a prolific serial rapist, who escalates in the beatings he inflicts. Each attack is described in detail which I felt was unnecessary and almost stopped reading the book. I eventually skimmed over the gory parts and finished the story. Hopefully the author return to more suspense with less gruesome descriptions in the next book or I won't be finishing the series.
July 19, 2025
shadows of the Falls (Sweetwater )
I like how the characters develop, Spencer, Amanda and her brother. The bit of bickering they do,is very sibling like, Spencer knows when to step in and shut it down. But she really appreciates both of them because of what they bring to the table as individuals. Rape and eventual murder of the victims is heart of the story, how to not make them feel more victimized by the system that is supposed to help them. Enjoy the book.. As far as Spencer and makawi, how about they just stay friends.
I like how the characters develop, Spencer, Amanda and her brother. The bit of bickering they do,is very sibling like, Spencer knows when to step in and shut it down. But she really appreciates both of them because of what they bring to the table as individuals. Rape and eventual murder of the victims is heart of the story, how to not make them feel more victimized by the system that is supposed to help them. Enjoy the book.. As far as Spencer and makawi, how about they just stay friends.
January 8, 2024
Someone is beating and raping women that look like Spencer. She must be the main target.
Spencer and her great new crew are trying to pen down the monster that has been systematically beating and raping the women that look like her. But she can’t pin down who it is. What he is doing to those women is horrific. The he escalates it and murders two women. That is after he has beaten them to pieces and rapes them. Why can’t she figure this one out?
Spencer and her great new crew are trying to pen down the monster that has been systematically beating and raping the women that look like her. But she can’t pin down who it is. What he is doing to those women is horrific. The he escalates it and murders two women. That is after he has beaten them to pieces and rapes them. Why can’t she figure this one out?
January 11, 2024
Shadows of the Falls(A Sweetwater Falls Mystery Book 5)
Oh this book was amazing and sad. What one human being can do to another human being, is truly scary. . What this UNSUB did to his victims was horrible and terrifying. He almost killed under-Sheriff Young and almost Killed Sheriff Song twice. But these 2 strong women not only survived but took him down as well. I can't wait to read the next book.
Oh this book was amazing and sad. What one human being can do to another human being, is truly scary. . What this UNSUB did to his victims was horrible and terrifying. He almost killed under-Sheriff Young and almost Killed Sheriff Song twice. But these 2 strong women not only survived but took him down as well. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 22, 2024
An amazing mystery about a twisted serial killer on the loose!
Elle Gray will keep you on the edge of your seat through this entire book!
A sheriff (and former FBI agent) Spenser cannot get a break chasing down this twisted serial killer. He is always one step ahead of her. He also knows how to avoid leaving any evidence for her to track him down. You will definitely not want to put this book down.
Elle Gray will keep you on the edge of your seat through this entire book!
A sheriff (and former FBI agent) Spenser cannot get a break chasing down this twisted serial killer. He is always one step ahead of her. He also knows how to avoid leaving any evidence for her to track him down. You will definitely not want to put this book down.
July 24, 2024
Another fine mystery
I really liked the book in the beginning however after getting to middle of the book
I was beginning to think that Spenser was going to get killed off. I really had my reservations. But as I read farther, I thought why would you kill off your main character. The ending was great. The villain got what he deserved. ( personally I think Spenser should have blown his head off ) (but that's just me).
I really liked the book in the beginning however after getting to middle of the book
I was beginning to think that Spenser was going to get killed off. I really had my reservations. But as I read farther, I thought why would you kill off your main character. The ending was great. The villain got what he deserved. ( personally I think Spenser should have blown his head off ) (but that's just me).
November 1, 2024
…
I have been reading thriller & crime novels for YEARS. I’ve really enjoyed this series up until this book. I don’t know if it’s because s*xual crimes are so horrendous in nature or what, but the way these were described made my stomach literally turn. I skipped entire paragraphs as the crime scenes got more intense as the book went on. I would skip this one and just go to book 6. It was just way too much graphic detail.
I have been reading thriller & crime novels for YEARS. I’ve really enjoyed this series up until this book. I don’t know if it’s because s*xual crimes are so horrendous in nature or what, but the way these were described made my stomach literally turn. I skipped entire paragraphs as the crime scenes got more intense as the book went on. I would skip this one and just go to book 6. It was just way too much graphic detail.
March 28, 2025
a good story but
As the fifth in a series, it’s getting a bit trite. The heroine continues to act as a lone wolf in ways that no real police officer would - keeping a tight little group around her while claiming to grow her department’s skills. Keeping her boy friend at arms length way past any believable scenario. And continuing to doubt herself while acting from a very large ego. I’m pretty much done.
As the fifth in a series, it’s getting a bit trite. The heroine continues to act as a lone wolf in ways that no real police officer would - keeping a tight little group around her while claiming to grow her department’s skills. Keeping her boy friend at arms length way past any believable scenario. And continuing to doubt herself while acting from a very large ego. I’m pretty much done.
April 26, 2025
Violence against women
I originally enjoyed the Sweetwater Falls novels. But every one has been more and more heavily drenched in blood, graffic violence and sexual assault against women. It makes up the vast majority of every novel. Gone is any creativity or expanding situations. I find this way too negative, mean spirited and sad. I suppose there are people who enjoy that sickness. Not I. I choose not to buy another of these books.
I originally enjoyed the Sweetwater Falls novels. But every one has been more and more heavily drenched in blood, graffic violence and sexual assault against women. It makes up the vast majority of every novel. Gone is any creativity or expanding situations. I find this way too negative, mean spirited and sad. I suppose there are people who enjoy that sickness. Not I. I choose not to buy another of these books.
December 29, 2023
Spencer may have waited too late!
Finally, Spencer reaches out for the help, but with threats building, did she wait too long?
Not only does Spencer face threats regarding her re-election, but her biggest threat is against her life. If you haven't read the Sweetwater Falls Series, do yourself a favor and start reading!
Finally, Spencer reaches out for the help, but with threats building, did she wait too long?
Not only does Spencer face threats regarding her re-election, but her biggest threat is against her life. If you haven't read the Sweetwater Falls Series, do yourself a favor and start reading!
January 9, 2024
a serial offender is wreaking havoc
Young women are undergoing brutal beatings and assaults - escalating to homicide - while Sheriff Song and her cohorts work with very little forensic evidence. The perpetrator is familiar with forensic countermeasures….Who could it be, targeting both Undersheriff Young and Sheriff Song?
Young women are undergoing brutal beatings and assaults - escalating to homicide - while Sheriff Song and her cohorts work with very little forensic evidence. The perpetrator is familiar with forensic countermeasures….Who could it be, targeting both Undersheriff Young and Sheriff Song?
January 11, 2024
Spellbinding
This book kept me on pins and needles. I had no idea who could be the killer and tried to think.of people from Spencer's previous cases but drew a blank. I love that Ryker plays an important role. I would recommend this book. It will keep you guessing and you will not want to put it down until the end!!!
This book kept me on pins and needles. I had no idea who could be the killer and tried to think.of people from Spencer's previous cases but drew a blank. I love that Ryker plays an important role. I would recommend this book. It will keep you guessing and you will not want to put it down until the end!!!
January 19, 2024
good fast read
This book was a great cold winter day read! It moved along quickly but was intriguing throughout! Never figured out the ending till the very end! Even though the subject was horrific murders the details were just enough to give the reader the picture but never got to grahic
This book was a great cold winter day read! It moved along quickly but was intriguing throughout! Never figured out the ending till the very end! Even though the subject was horrific murders the details were just enough to give the reader the picture but never got to grahic
February 5, 2024
A good reaf
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to hookup with old characters. There was never a quiet, no action moment. It was hard to put the book down because you did not know what happened yet. This whole series is well worth reading. I am now waiting for the next one!
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to hookup with old characters. There was never a quiet, no action moment. It was hard to put the book down because you did not know what happened yet. This whole series is well worth reading. I am now waiting for the next one!
March 29, 2024
Who is beating and raping women that look like Spencer? I figured it had to be of two people about 3/4 of the way in, and I was right! What this man did to these women was scary and it honestly made me think about myself being a woman living alone. The unsub goes after these women, getting more violent with each one until he reaches his main one- Spenser. Love this series!
May 7, 2024
Enjoying the series but...
Since I'm starting book 6 of the series, I obviously am enjoying the books. One minor reason for my rating is that Ms. Gray seems to believe that the majority of the population has green eyes. I roll my eyes so much while reading about another character who happens to have green eyes that I give myself a headache.
Since I'm starting book 6 of the series, I obviously am enjoying the books. One minor reason for my rating is that Ms. Gray seems to believe that the majority of the population has green eyes. I roll my eyes so much while reading about another character who happens to have green eyes that I give myself a headache.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews