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Dana Gray Mystery #3
Girl in the Grave
Gruesome murders. Missing prostitutes. Underground clubs.
When the mob strikes in D.C. no one is safe.
Have Gray and Shepard finally met their match?
Dana Gray never thought she’d find herself knee deep in bodies–literally. But after visiting yet another strange D.C. crime scene at Jake’s behest that’s exactly where the occult specialist finds herself.
To help FBI Agent Jake Shepard crack the string of violent mob crimes, she’ll need to prove what she knows about death can put together the missing pieces of her victims’ lives.
The last thing Dana wants is to be sucked into another dangerous investigation, but the bond she’s forged with Jake begins to crack when she uncovers his plan to stop the killers is to use someone she loves as bait.
With no other choice Dana throws herself into the dark and dangerous underworld of mob crimes. The clock is ticking. Can Dana stop another murder before it’s too late? Or will she be forced to go along with Jake’s plan and risk losing someone she loves?
When the mob strikes in D.C. no one is safe.
Have Gray and Shepard finally met their match?
Dana Gray never thought she’d find herself knee deep in bodies–literally. But after visiting yet another strange D.C. crime scene at Jake’s behest that’s exactly where the occult specialist finds herself.
To help FBI Agent Jake Shepard crack the string of violent mob crimes, she’ll need to prove what she knows about death can put together the missing pieces of her victims’ lives.
The last thing Dana wants is to be sucked into another dangerous investigation, but the bond she’s forged with Jake begins to crack when she uncovers his plan to stop the killers is to use someone she loves as bait.
With no other choice Dana throws herself into the dark and dangerous underworld of mob crimes. The clock is ticking. Can Dana stop another murder before it’s too late? Or will she be forced to go along with Jake’s plan and risk losing someone she loves?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2022
1108 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Cross
6 books40 followersC.J. Cross grew up in a snowy little Northeast town, cutting her teeth on true crime novels to stave her love of all things mysterious. The writing bug bit her early and she found her way into the publishing world, writing 50+ books under various top secret pen names over the years.
Now relocated to a place where she can safely trade in her snowshoes for flip flops, she's found a reason to dust off her old Criminal Justice degree and she's turned an old passion into a new flame, writing compelling thrillers novels.
When she's not writing you can usually find her drinking bourbon with fellow authors or spoiling her rescue pup.
Now relocated to a place where she can safely trade in her snowshoes for flip flops, she's found a reason to dust off her old Criminal Justice degree and she's turned an old passion into a new flame, writing compelling thrillers novels.
When she's not writing you can usually find her drinking bourbon with fellow authors or spoiling her rescue pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 28, 2023
Oh The Angst!
The series is good. The action is great. But the anguish is overwhelming! We’ll she? Won’t he? Page after page of love unrequited! For sure an author all about star crossed lovers. I have to endure these two people who love each other and can’t get out of their own way! Lots of great action bogged down by teenage “” does he like me? What if I like him more than he likes me???” Sheesh!
The series is good. The action is great. But the anguish is overwhelming! We’ll she? Won’t he? Page after page of love unrequited! For sure an author all about star crossed lovers. I have to endure these two people who love each other and can’t get out of their own way! Lots of great action bogged down by teenage “” does he like me? What if I like him more than he likes me???” Sheesh!
July 25, 2023
Fuller and Vega's End! 4.00***** Spoiler Alert
Fuller, former FBI turned CIA and psychopathic, human trafficker/ serial killer, finally met his death via Vega's hand, his partner in crime. The level of corruption in the D.C. Office was so unbelievable that they were allowed to function was daunting. Dana's departure for her book tour left Claire un-anchored, jobless and had her diving into drugs and partying with junkies, like Sadie who was murdered in front of her eyes. The frantic chase for clues and links to the tarot card's murders still did not connect in the end. But Jake and Dana may have a HEA as Claire rehab and Vega and Fuller are no more. Unless Data's cronies help him escape from prison. Poor Meredith was still behind bars...yeah! I don't understand how the FBI psychological testing missed Fuller's psych evaluation and his corruption... scary! A Fair Convoluted Read!
07/17/23 - 07/24/23 COVID-19 Summer 2023 MarMarST.
Fuller, former FBI turned CIA and psychopathic, human trafficker/ serial killer, finally met his death via Vega's hand, his partner in crime. The level of corruption in the D.C. Office was so unbelievable that they were allowed to function was daunting. Dana's departure for her book tour left Claire un-anchored, jobless and had her diving into drugs and partying with junkies, like Sadie who was murdered in front of her eyes. The frantic chase for clues and links to the tarot card's murders still did not connect in the end. But Jake and Dana may have a HEA as Claire rehab and Vega and Fuller are no more. Unless Data's cronies help him escape from prison. Poor Meredith was still behind bars...yeah! I don't understand how the FBI psychological testing missed Fuller's psych evaluation and his corruption... scary! A Fair Convoluted Read!
07/17/23 - 07/24/23 COVID-19 Summer 2023 MarMarST.
1-tbr-dz-month
June 19, 2025
October 30, 2024
Sleep Deprived
I love these books! Simple but true! When I find a series that I love, as much as I do this one, I go from one book to the next because they’re just that addictive. The people in these books always come alive for me because this author can hit the nail on the head every time when creating a new character as well as keeping the continuing people, not only interesting, but growing in their roles, especially with each other. I’ll be lost for a while when I reach the end of this series, until the next great one catches my eye. But, I hope Ms. Cross continues writing for a very long time. I will be keeping a lookout for what she plans to come up with next!
I love these books! Simple but true! When I find a series that I love, as much as I do this one, I go from one book to the next because they’re just that addictive. The people in these books always come alive for me because this author can hit the nail on the head every time when creating a new character as well as keeping the continuing people, not only interesting, but growing in their roles, especially with each other. I’ll be lost for a while when I reach the end of this series, until the next great one catches my eye. But, I hope Ms. Cross continues writing for a very long time. I will be keeping a lookout for what she plans to come up with next!
February 10, 2023
And here the series loses it for me.
It stared positive with Claire actually making some mistakes and not being perfect, and becoming involved in drugs. But the mystery went on and on-it felt like the same thing-Jake brooding and wanting to go against all instructions of superiors and his dead partner-and Dana saving the day with her untrained fighting skills; beating bad guys.
I actually wanted Jake to end up with the girl he dated while Dana was away on her book tour.
It got so predictable and a perfect happy ending. It felt long and repetitive.
The mystery went round and round;-felt like the same scenes replaying and the romance fizzled-I was cheering against both of them.
The book became very cliche.
Too bad.
It stared positive with Claire actually making some mistakes and not being perfect, and becoming involved in drugs. But the mystery went on and on-it felt like the same thing-Jake brooding and wanting to go against all instructions of superiors and his dead partner-and Dana saving the day with her untrained fighting skills; beating bad guys.
I actually wanted Jake to end up with the girl he dated while Dana was away on her book tour.
It got so predictable and a perfect happy ending. It felt long and repetitive.
The mystery went round and round;-felt like the same scenes replaying and the romance fizzled-I was cheering against both of them.
The book became very cliche.
Too bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
4.5/5. I am so glad this picked up after the second one. Right away I found myself kinda annoyed with Dana, she left Jake and Claire without a thought and then comes back upset they have different lives. She got better as the story went on and in the end her and Jake end up together. I like that the story finished up and connected to the second book and it seemed to be a catalyst to helping these characters heal. I can only hope Jake also starts to open up for all his talk about Dana needing to do that he rarely does it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2023
A Daba Gray series
First, love that Dana is a librarian. I'm a librarian, so I'm glad to read about a librarian who breaks all the stereotypical molds. Dana
is super smart knows how to take care of herself and the people she loves. When she's confronted with corrupt police and criminals She uses her wits, knowledge, and strength to defeat them. A great series looking forward to reading more of Dr. Dana Gray.
to read who fights hard and
First, love that Dana is a librarian. I'm a librarian, so I'm glad to read about a librarian who breaks all the stereotypical molds. Dana
is super smart knows how to take care of herself and the people she loves. When she's confronted with corrupt police and criminals She uses her wits, knowledge, and strength to defeat them. A great series looking forward to reading more of Dr. Dana Gray.
to read who fights hard and
October 3, 2024
Book 3 of this series did not let me down. It was exciting and hard to put down at times. I really loved all of these characters and the growth they had throughout the series. The plot was great where at the end it helped explain some things in the other book. I am sad for this series to be over. Almost5 wish there was a part 4. Very happy with this book and series. New author for me and did not let me down.
EDITED: YAY there is a Part 4
EDITED: YAY there is a Part 4
December 20, 2022
fem fatale
The female character needs a reality check. As I was reading the 3 books I was hoping she would come to the realization that she is not super man. Teamwork makes a good read. She has a inflated grandiose idea of her save the world so other can live attitude. She needs to be hung by her own petard
The female character needs a reality check. As I was reading the 3 books I was hoping she would come to the realization that she is not super man. Teamwork makes a good read. She has a inflated grandiose idea of her save the world so other can live attitude. She needs to be hung by her own petard
May 9, 2023
Dumping on Dana
The mystery is good. But the guilt trip on Dana is not. She was on a book tour. Her weird assistant Claire and her love interest Shepherd, take umbrage. Like phones and emails don't go both ways. The plot is messy, the bad guys obvious. Dana's expertise is tenuous. Tarot cards? Look the meanings up on the internet. Silly but entertaining.
The mystery is good. But the guilt trip on Dana is not. She was on a book tour. Her weird assistant Claire and her love interest Shepherd, take umbrage. Like phones and emails don't go both ways. The plot is messy, the bad guys obvious. Dana's expertise is tenuous. Tarot cards? Look the meanings up on the internet. Silly but entertaining.
May 20, 2023
abrasive but lovable
Dana was hard to love because she always thought she was right which caused situations That could of been avoided . But in the end you hoped her and jake would be together P
Dana was hard to love because she always thought she was right which caused situations That could of been avoided . But in the end you hoped her and jake would be together P
July 21, 2023
AMAZING! Hard to put down.
Such a great third part to the Dr. Gray mystery series. I only took four days to read because I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a GREAT read for anyone.
Such a great third part to the Dr. Gray mystery series. I only took four days to read because I couldn’t put it down. Definitely a GREAT read for anyone.
August 3, 2023
Girl in the Grave (3)
This was a truly interesting, amazing and awesome story! I've fallen in love with this series of stories! I can't wait to see and see what this author writes next! She's gonna need to be careful or she is going to make me cry! ❤😂😁
This was a truly interesting, amazing and awesome story! I've fallen in love with this series of stories! I can't wait to see and see what this author writes next! She's gonna need to be careful or she is going to make me cry! ❤😂😁
December 6, 2023
Amazing!
I’ve enjoyed this whole series- but this third installment is the best! The characters continue to develop and the twisty thriller plot is amazing! I am really hoping this series continues.
I’ve enjoyed this whole series- but this third installment is the best! The characters continue to develop and the twisty thriller plot is amazing! I am really hoping this series continues.
January 15, 2024
This book was great I was so happy it was a bit longer and gave more time to let the mystery unfold.
I truly just wish that the main characters got more attention, at least towards the end. I would have loved an epilogue that gave them a proper happy ever after.
I truly just wish that the main characters got more attention, at least towards the end. I would have loved an epilogue that gave them a proper happy ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2025
once again she fools you in a he end
Again C.J. Does it again. I had it figured out. Ops I miss again. I am slipping over the endings. I was once good at working the end out before I got there. Not this time.
Again C.J. Does it again. I had it figured out. Ops I miss again. I am slipping over the endings. I was once good at working the end out before I got there. Not this time.
October 13, 2022
Dana Gray Yes!
Absolutely great books! Grabs you from the beginning and keeps you enthralled to the end! Can’t wait to read her next in this series!
Absolutely great books! Grabs you from the beginning and keeps you enthralled to the end! Can’t wait to read her next in this series!
November 14, 2022
Very enjoyable
I liked the continuing story of Dana and Jake! They work well together. I also enjoy the way the books tie tigether.
I liked the continuing story of Dana and Jake! They work well together. I also enjoy the way the books tie tigether.
November 30, 2022
Loved it!
Amazing story of love, danger, mystery, and finding your way. Jake and Dana are solving more murders involving tarot cards.
Amazing story of love, danger, mystery, and finding your way. Jake and Dana are solving more murders involving tarot cards.
February 11, 2023
Another winnef
Once again we were kept on the edge of our seats as each page turned. I always enjoy all of the unexpected plots twists and turns.
Once again we were kept on the edge of our seats as each page turned. I always enjoy all of the unexpected plots twists and turns.
February 19, 2023
Great mystery
Well the 3 rd book in the series was great as the other two. Bringing more excitement and twist and turn. Going to the next book.
Well the 3 rd book in the series was great as the other two. Bringing more excitement and twist and turn. Going to the next book.
February 20, 2023
Another keep you on your seat thriller!
February 28, 2023
Nan
Great read the heroines of the books are very great easy to look up to really enjoy ed this read
Great read the heroines of the books are very great easy to look up to really enjoy ed this read
April 22, 2023
I tried to read this more slowly than others so I wouldn’t finish it so soon… it was a good book and a great series.
June 21, 2023
Loved the Dana Gray mysteries
Wish there were more with these characters I enjoyed them so much.do you think there might be more in the future?
Wish there were more with these characters I enjoyed them so much.do you think there might be more in the future?
July 11, 2023
About time
I enjoyed the entire series. Dr Gray is one tough lady. I think am in love !!!
Surprised, but I had to follow
I enjoyed the entire series. Dr Gray is one tough lady. I think am in love !!!
Surprised, but I had to follow
Read
August 6, 2023What a great book.
August 7, 2023
Just the best
Great story and great writer, have read all and will continue reading . Draws you in and you won't put it down until you're done
Great story and great writer, have read all and will continue reading . Draws you in and you won't put it down until you're done
August 12, 2023
Exciting, so many dead ends
This is one of the most interesting and exciting stories. It keeps you going from one thing to another. I took me just two day to finish.
This is one of the most interesting and exciting stories. It keeps you going from one thing to another. I took me just two day to finish.
September 9, 2023
I simply find the characters too messed up to be credible in their professions. Finished book 1 and 2 but returning this one
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews