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Sweetwater Falls Mystery #2
Missing in the Falls
Who killed Lexi Wise?
Former FBI agent Spenser Song thought she was leaving the chaos behind her after taking the job as Sheriff of Sweetwater Falls.
But when a monster from her past catches up with her, she finds herself fighting for her life once again.
Despite the danger, Spenser begins to settle in, making new friends and earning the respect of the local townspeople.
Just as she starts to feel at home, a new mystery rocks the community.
The body of Lexi Wise, a local girl who vanished fifteen years ago, has suddenly turned up.
As tensions rise and old wounds reopen, Spenser is thrust into the middle of a web of secrets and lies.
Everyone wants to know who killed Lexi Wise, and they're all looking to Spenser for answers.
As Spenser's investigation deepens, she realizes that nothing is as it seems in Sweetwater Falls. With every clue she uncovers, the town's foundations start to crumble, leading her down a path that will change everything she thought she knew about the people she's come to call her new friends. Leading to a shocking conclusion that no one saw coming...
Former FBI agent Spenser Song thought she was leaving the chaos behind her after taking the job as Sheriff of Sweetwater Falls.
But when a monster from her past catches up with her, she finds herself fighting for her life once again.
Despite the danger, Spenser begins to settle in, making new friends and earning the respect of the local townspeople.
Just as she starts to feel at home, a new mystery rocks the community.
The body of Lexi Wise, a local girl who vanished fifteen years ago, has suddenly turned up.
As tensions rise and old wounds reopen, Spenser is thrust into the middle of a web of secrets and lies.
Everyone wants to know who killed Lexi Wise, and they're all looking to Spenser for answers.
As Spenser's investigation deepens, she realizes that nothing is as it seems in Sweetwater Falls. With every clue she uncovers, the town's foundations start to crumble, leading her down a path that will change everything she thought she knew about the people she's come to call her new friends. Leading to a shocking conclusion that no one saw coming...
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
2221 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gray
117 books628 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 153 reviews
March 15, 2025
I'm really enjoying this series. Great female detective lead, and interesting stories that keep me engaged.
May 4, 2024
Interesting Read
I love it when I can pick up a book and not be assaulted by curse words and explicit sex scenes. This is a quick read with believable characters and a situation that is all too familiar in the current world. I liked the sheriff, but she seemed a little too scattered at times to be an ex-agent. I also love the camaraderie provided by Young; the office seemed so cold, so Young is like a warm fuzzy, hungry to please her boss more so than feeding her ego. One thing I would have liked to read was more about what made Mitch tick - a deeper glimpse into his head - maybe a trip down memory lane as he thinks about Lexi’s remains being found. As a reader I needed to know more about why he did it. Overall, it’s a great story.
I love it when I can pick up a book and not be assaulted by curse words and explicit sex scenes. This is a quick read with believable characters and a situation that is all too familiar in the current world. I liked the sheriff, but she seemed a little too scattered at times to be an ex-agent. I also love the camaraderie provided by Young; the office seemed so cold, so Young is like a warm fuzzy, hungry to please her boss more so than feeding her ego. One thing I would have liked to read was more about what made Mitch tick - a deeper glimpse into his head - maybe a trip down memory lane as he thinks about Lexi’s remains being found. As a reader I needed to know more about why he did it. Overall, it’s a great story.
March 26, 2024
Who killed Lexi? The new female Sherriff in town, Spenser, is investigating a bag of bones found in the woods. They determine it is the body of a girl missing 15 years ago. One of the three suspects is the man she loves, Ryker. This is book 2 in the Sweetwater Falls mysteries series. I personally am loving the series.
September 19, 2024
Another fun, fast mystery. Enjoying the progression.
April 15, 2023
Spenser Song, new Sheriff in Stillwater is trying to organize her force many of whom resent a women as their boss and show it. Her best deputy Allison tells her there's a hunter waiting in her office. He brings them to a bag of bones he found in the woods and it leads to a cold disappearance case.
Seems the case was never really investigated properly and the outgoing Sheriff kind of phoned it in.
There is little in the way of suspects after all this time and most of the book is about the interaction of Spenser and Ryder (her landlord) and his possible connection to the case.
It's kind of mystery lite and there is also very little about finding her husband's killer from the first book in the series which is why I am reading in the first place.
Seems the case was never really investigated properly and the outgoing Sheriff kind of phoned it in.
There is little in the way of suspects after all this time and most of the book is about the interaction of Spenser and Ryder (her landlord) and his possible connection to the case.
It's kind of mystery lite and there is also very little about finding her husband's killer from the first book in the series which is why I am reading in the first place.
July 14, 2024
Justice a long time coming.
A young girl disappeared 15 years ago. Now a bag of bones has been found in some tree roots after a storm. Sheriff Song vows to find the person who murdered her, no matter who gets upset with her investigation. Even if it's the man she's started to care about. And especially if it's a bully politician who thinks she should be shaking in her boots because he's "someone important". He soon learns that she doesn't back down. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I read it in one sitting, only putting it down for a few minutes when absolutely necessary. I will be reading the next one, too.
A young girl disappeared 15 years ago. Now a bag of bones has been found in some tree roots after a storm. Sheriff Song vows to find the person who murdered her, no matter who gets upset with her investigation. Even if it's the man she's started to care about. And especially if it's a bully politician who thinks she should be shaking in her boots because he's "someone important". He soon learns that she doesn't back down. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I read it in one sitting, only putting it down for a few minutes when absolutely necessary. I will be reading the next one, too.
June 1, 2024
Missing in the Falls by Elle Gray 5/23/2024 Kindle
Sheriff Spenser is called to the scene of the discovery of partially buried bones, quickly identified as the remains of Lexi Wise, age sixteen, when she vanished fifteen years ago. The sheriff at the time conducted a minimum investigation which leaves nearly no clues for Spencer to follow. She learns her close friend and landlord Ryker is less than forthcoming about his relationship with Lexi back in the day. She reluctantly lists him as a suspect.
Conflicting accounts of the teenager’s reputation spurs Spencer to dig deeper in her search for the truth. Following clues from Lexi’s computer diary she learns there was an older man in the young girl’s life.
While I was far from fascinated with this series, most of them were available and I was otherwise out of reading material. I continue to find faults, but pick up another by this author. As an example, the prior sheriff supplies notes that remain unread while Spenser spends the night pondering the case. She then remembers them, reads them and solves the case. Give me a break!
I have a few more I’ll read, but will beg off recommending the series to others.
Sheriff Spenser is called to the scene of the discovery of partially buried bones, quickly identified as the remains of Lexi Wise, age sixteen, when she vanished fifteen years ago. The sheriff at the time conducted a minimum investigation which leaves nearly no clues for Spencer to follow. She learns her close friend and landlord Ryker is less than forthcoming about his relationship with Lexi back in the day. She reluctantly lists him as a suspect.
Conflicting accounts of the teenager’s reputation spurs Spencer to dig deeper in her search for the truth. Following clues from Lexi’s computer diary she learns there was an older man in the young girl’s life.
While I was far from fascinated with this series, most of them were available and I was otherwise out of reading material. I continue to find faults, but pick up another by this author. As an example, the prior sheriff supplies notes that remain unread while Spenser spends the night pondering the case. She then remembers them, reads them and solves the case. Give me a break!
I have a few more I’ll read, but will beg off recommending the series to others.
September 8, 2024
Lexi’s Murder Finally Solved! 4.25*****/5 Spolier Alert!
With bones, wallet, and murder weapon found in duffle bag 15 years later after Lexi Wise’s sudden disappearance, Spenser Song, Sweetwater Falls new Sherriff/ former FBI Agent went by the procedural steps to confirm the identity of the bones, chastise the former Sherriff Hinton for dereliction of duty, and nip the info leakers on her police force, and discovered Mitch Howell as Lexi’s abusive, lazy murderer. She should report the Lit. teacher, Hunt for sexual abuse /statutory rape of his minor student or at least investigate him as I’m certain his actions are continuing into the present, and the two ‘friends’ Dominique and Rachel, for impeding the investigation in the past and now, except for Rachel now. I would let the parents know of Hi t’s inappropriate conduct with their deceased daughter as the reason for her death. Small town rumors and bad policing!! Great plot but not gravity defying!!
07/19/24 - 09/06/24 COVID-19 Labor Day 2024
With bones, wallet, and murder weapon found in duffle bag 15 years later after Lexi Wise’s sudden disappearance, Spenser Song, Sweetwater Falls new Sherriff/ former FBI Agent went by the procedural steps to confirm the identity of the bones, chastise the former Sherriff Hinton for dereliction of duty, and nip the info leakers on her police force, and discovered Mitch Howell as Lexi’s abusive, lazy murderer. She should report the Lit. teacher, Hunt for sexual abuse /statutory rape of his minor student or at least investigate him as I’m certain his actions are continuing into the present, and the two ‘friends’ Dominique and Rachel, for impeding the investigation in the past and now, except for Rachel now. I would let the parents know of Hi t’s inappropriate conduct with their deceased daughter as the reason for her death. Small town rumors and bad policing!! Great plot but not gravity defying!!
07/19/24 - 09/06/24 COVID-19 Labor Day 2024
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2024
Wow. This one throws you for a loop as it's a race against time for Spenser to find a missing teenager. The twistedness of the town is bleeding out and the wickedness is revealed a bit more. The stakes are high and Spenser must count on someone she is angry with, in order to figure this mystery out.
I was a tad bit disappointed that Ryker wasn't in this book. But there are hints he is still there. I hope the next book has a bit more on that relationship front. I really think Ryker and Spenser need each other.
This book is pretty twisted and has some triggers in it that may be bothersome to the sensitive. So be warned. It has abuse, kidnapping, hints of rape and other things. All these things are slowly showing the evil that is leaking out of the quaint, little, town of Sweetwater falls and I wonder how much more Spenser can deal with.
I was a tad bit disappointed that Ryker wasn't in this book. But there are hints he is still there. I hope the next book has a bit more on that relationship front. I really think Ryker and Spenser need each other.
This book is pretty twisted and has some triggers in it that may be bothersome to the sensitive. So be warned. It has abuse, kidnapping, hints of rape and other things. All these things are slowly showing the evil that is leaking out of the quaint, little, town of Sweetwater falls and I wonder how much more Spenser can deal with.
August 10, 2025
The second book in the series lives up to the first, with vibrant characters that jump off the page. When an old murder case resurfaces, Spenser and her deputy, Amanda, leave no stone unturned, despite tension with Ryker, who has ties to the prime suspect. Though Spenser feels Ryker is innocent, she follows the evidence, keeping readers hooked. As Ryker and Spenser’s bond deepens, old bones are discovered in a duffle bag, leading to the revelation that they belong to a missing girl from 15 years ago. Spenser must restart the investigation, correcting past mistakes, while Ryker’s father seeks reconciliation. Ryker and Spenser’s friendship grows, and Deputy Young shows improvement in her skills. Spenser’s thorough investigation uncovers the killer.
August 17, 2024
Teen angst leads to murder
The second book in the series was as good as the first book. The author continues to offer character descriptions that come alive. When the latest unsolved murder case is uncovered in town, Spenser and her deputy sidekick Amanda, leave no stone unturned. Unfortunately it causes a bit of discord with Ryker as he makes the murder suspect board. He had a relationship with the suspect when they were in high school together. Spenser has to follow the evidence, even though her gut tells her Ryker is innocent. Another story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoy the attraction unfolding between Ryker and Spenser. Now on to book 3!
The second book in the series was as good as the first book. The author continues to offer character descriptions that come alive. When the latest unsolved murder case is uncovered in town, Spenser and her deputy sidekick Amanda, leave no stone unturned. Unfortunately it causes a bit of discord with Ryker as he makes the murder suspect board. He had a relationship with the suspect when they were in high school together. Spenser has to follow the evidence, even though her gut tells her Ryker is innocent. Another story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I enjoy the attraction unfolding between Ryker and Spenser. Now on to book 3!
September 30, 2025
Very Enjoyable
Elle Gray did an outstanding job of writing about Sweetwater Falls and their sheriff, Spenser Song. Spenser is a strong female presence throughout the novel, but can be sensitive and compassionate to those around her. I admired her determination to better the department she now runs. Being a mentor to those in the Sheriff's office comes naturally and the town will be better for it. Her relationship/friendship with Ryker leaves me interested in where the next book in the series will take them, as they seem to be helping each other heal feelings over past events through their interactions.
Elle Gray did an outstanding job of writing about Sweetwater Falls and their sheriff, Spenser Song. Spenser is a strong female presence throughout the novel, but can be sensitive and compassionate to those around her. I admired her determination to better the department she now runs. Being a mentor to those in the Sheriff's office comes naturally and the town will be better for it. Her relationship/friendship with Ryker leaves me interested in where the next book in the series will take them, as they seem to be helping each other heal feelings over past events through their interactions.
July 10, 2024
A gripping mystery.
Living in a small town, I’m familiar with how fast gossip spreads, and how perception of oneself can be more important than the truth to some folks. This story taps into that, and how the perception of one’s character can lead to a whole lot of trouble. Loved how Sheriff Song dealt with this botched investigation of Sheriff’s past blowing up in her face, and how uncovering the truth was not on everyone’s agenda as it was often preferable to keep the status quo and not make waves.
Living in a small town, I’m familiar with how fast gossip spreads, and how perception of oneself can be more important than the truth to some folks. This story taps into that, and how the perception of one’s character can lead to a whole lot of trouble. Loved how Sheriff Song dealt with this botched investigation of Sheriff’s past blowing up in her face, and how uncovering the truth was not on everyone’s agenda as it was often preferable to keep the status quo and not make waves.
October 8, 2025
Closure for a murdered teen!,
Spenser the Sheriff, determined to find Lexi's killer and get her justice! Has to rule out Eli, her teacher-lover, and the Sheriff's neighbor as suspects! Lexi had been killed 10-15 years, before her body was found.Justice was served when Mitch, a angry young man, had history of beating women,jealous of Lexi relationship with Eli, a teacher. Eli had a relationship with underage Lexi,16 yrs old. Lexi got the funeral, parents a closure of what happened to her.
Spenser the Sheriff, determined to find Lexi's killer and get her justice! Has to rule out Eli, her teacher-lover, and the Sheriff's neighbor as suspects! Lexi had been killed 10-15 years, before her body was found.Justice was served when Mitch, a angry young man, had history of beating women,jealous of Lexi relationship with Eli, a teacher. Eli had a relationship with underage Lexi,16 yrs old. Lexi got the funeral, parents a closure of what happened to her.
May 19, 2023
Good enjoyable read
I've enjoyed the first two books. I didn't review the first one as I was waiting to see how this would go. They've been a good story line in both and I can't wait to read the next one. I feel the book is well written with good characters. I can't wait to see where the next book takes them. I do a lot of reading so it helps when I got something good to read that I don't want to put down. Keep up the good story line.
I've enjoyed the first two books. I didn't review the first one as I was waiting to see how this would go. They've been a good story line in both and I can't wait to read the next one. I feel the book is well written with good characters. I can't wait to see where the next book takes them. I do a lot of reading so it helps when I got something good to read that I don't want to put down. Keep up the good story line.
February 9, 2024
The Best
I am really enjoying Elle Gray series. It has everything you want in a good cop/ thriller, secrets that's been kept quiet , murders that's never been handled properly and or thoroughly, negative and positive feedback from the community and best of all a sweet romance is unfolding. The characters are raw, loyal and friendly. I hope you check out the Sweetwater Falls mystery. As always happy reading
I am really enjoying Elle Gray series. It has everything you want in a good cop/ thriller, secrets that's been kept quiet , murders that's never been handled properly and or thoroughly, negative and positive feedback from the community and best of all a sweet romance is unfolding. The characters are raw, loyal and friendly. I hope you check out the Sweetwater Falls mystery. As always happy reading
February 27, 2024
Great second book for this series.
The reality of the story is so sad what happened to a young girl. Spencer took charge and left no stone unturned. It took time and with the he!p of her deputies justice was served. There was more to this story than a murder. It's good seeing Spencer finding the deputies who are good for the city and weeding out the bad seeds. Elle writes a great story. So many details that helped to tell the story.
The reality of the story is so sad what happened to a young girl. Spencer took charge and left no stone unturned. It took time and with the he!p of her deputies justice was served. There was more to this story than a murder. It's good seeing Spencer finding the deputies who are good for the city and weeding out the bad seeds. Elle writes a great story. So many details that helped to tell the story.
March 17, 2024
Good story, proofing issues
I enjoyed the story line, but I am OCD about proofreading. I noticed several errors in tenses and especially where there was a complete miss of a contradiction. When Song & Young are discussing teachers, Young states that only 3 of 5 are still teaching. But that doesn't match the names they were interviewing.
If you can invest in the characters and story, the occasional errors can be ignored.
I enjoyed the story line, but I am OCD about proofreading. I noticed several errors in tenses and especially where there was a complete miss of a contradiction. When Song & Young are discussing teachers, Young states that only 3 of 5 are still teaching. But that doesn't match the names they were interviewing.
If you can invest in the characters and story, the occasional errors can be ignored.
April 18, 2024
Determined
Spencer is determined to close a cold case she didn't know existed until an old duffle bag was found. Inside were the bones and murder weapon of a 16 year old who went missing 20 years ago. Three suspects one being Ryker. Not much to go on from the original case file Spencer went to see the retired Chief asking him to check if he had any information on the case at his house. He did and then it was game on. Great job, Thank you. On to Book 3.
Spencer is determined to close a cold case she didn't know existed until an old duffle bag was found. Inside were the bones and murder weapon of a 16 year old who went missing 20 years ago. Three suspects one being Ryker. Not much to go on from the original case file Spencer went to see the retired Chief asking him to check if he had any information on the case at his house. He did and then it was game on. Great job, Thank you. On to Book 3.
August 28, 2024
Great story
Another amazing story about the small town of Sweetwater falls. The town might be quaint but there are more secrets to learn about this town lying just under the surface. I love the story, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great character in Spenser and she is restoring order to her new town and winning the hearts of the townsfolk along the way. The story flows well and I can't wait to read the next adventure. Lead the way Annabelle.
Another amazing story about the small town of Sweetwater falls. The town might be quaint but there are more secrets to learn about this town lying just under the surface. I love the story, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great character in Spenser and she is restoring order to her new town and winning the hearts of the townsfolk along the way. The story flows well and I can't wait to read the next adventure. Lead the way Annabelle.
September 1, 2025
Great code case story
I love how the person or persons always makes a mistake and think they won't ever get caught. The littlest little details can solve a crime, and how sometimes the police with another set of eyes can catch it with hard work and dedication to their job to bring justice to those that can't tell us the answer who did it to them. Thank you for a good book to read. I am ready for the next one.
I love how the person or persons always makes a mistake and think they won't ever get caught. The littlest little details can solve a crime, and how sometimes the police with another set of eyes can catch it with hard work and dedication to their job to bring justice to those that can't tell us the answer who did it to them. Thank you for a good book to read. I am ready for the next one.
April 16, 2023
Ach! What a heartbreaking case
Looking back from half a century ago, the age gap between teacher and student sometimes is not as defining as it should be. Yet again, propriety is something else.
And in small towns, the suspect pool is decidedly limited, not taking into consideration the random stranger - which was not a viable theory in this case.
Looking back from half a century ago, the age gap between teacher and student sometimes is not as defining as it should be. Yet again, propriety is something else.
And in small towns, the suspect pool is decidedly limited, not taking into consideration the random stranger - which was not a viable theory in this case.
April 17, 2023
Intriguing
Elle Gray keeps you interested right to the end. I've read all of her books and they keep wanting to read it all in one sitting to know who did it, while also leaving room for other parts of the stories to captivate the reader. I hope others enjoy her stories like I have.
Elle Gray keeps you interested right to the end. I've read all of her books and they keep wanting to read it all in one sitting to know who did it, while also leaving room for other parts of the stories to captivate the reader. I hope others enjoy her stories like I have.
April 24, 2023
great read
So far both books in this series have been great. Ms Gray did an excellent job with portraying Sheriff Spencer Swan in a “good ole boys” town. She will whip all those good ole boys into shape and solve crimes and earn the towns respect in no time. Riveting. Love this series
So far both books in this series have been great. Ms Gray did an excellent job with portraying Sheriff Spencer Swan in a “good ole boys” town. She will whip all those good ole boys into shape and solve crimes and earn the towns respect in no time. Riveting. Love this series
May 8, 2023
Fabulous Series So Far!
I truly love the characters in this series! I also really enjoy the fact that there are dogs!! Many parts of these 2 books have made me smile and have also brought feelings of sadness. They are both an enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book in the series! Elle Gray never disappoints!
I truly love the characters in this series! I also really enjoy the fact that there are dogs!! Many parts of these 2 books have made me smile and have also brought feelings of sadness. They are both an enjoyable read. I can't wait for the next book in the series! Elle Gray never disappoints!
June 30, 2023
Missing in the Falls(A Sweetwater Falls Mystery Book 2)
OMG!!!!!!!!! I loved this story. At least Sheriff Song didn't have anyone stalking her this time, it is truly sad that a 16 year old girl was murdered. But Sheriff Song got to the bottom of who killed her. I am ready for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!! I loved this story. At least Sheriff Song didn't have anyone stalking her this time, it is truly sad that a 16 year old girl was murdered. But Sheriff Song got to the bottom of who killed her. I am ready for the next book.
December 27, 2023
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story for the most part. The mystery behind the murder of her husband felt abruptly dropped and a lot of the story was focused on Spenser's relationship with Ryder. The addition of the sheriff wearing a worn cowboy hat previously worn by an older man seemed odd. But I enjoyed Spenser as a character and was fully invested in the mystery behind the bag of bones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2024
I waited until I read book two before I gave a review. Book two was better than book one so I hope this develops into a good series. I don’t like that Sheriff Song talked over with and told the details of an ongoing investigation to a man she just met. I look for realism in books that I read and I suppose that it happens all the time but it struck me as inappropriate.
June 4, 2024
Yahoooooo
Book 2 complete, less than 15 hours. Way too good to put down. As I said with book 1, great characters and the description of them enabled me to visualize both character and setting.
Another great job! On to book 3, then you'll hear more from me (I'm not a writer, but am a poet).
Chris Lindsey, Quincy, MA
Book 2 complete, less than 15 hours. Way too good to put down. As I said with book 1, great characters and the description of them enabled me to visualize both character and setting.
Another great job! On to book 3, then you'll hear more from me (I'm not a writer, but am a poet).
Chris Lindsey, Quincy, MA
June 14, 2024
Good story continuing the transformation of Spenser Song from FBI agent to small town sheriff. An age old murder is uncovered and Spenser and her staff of one are on the job. It’s disappointing that the author doesn’t take this opportunity to start introducing more of her staff and how Spenser is going to change them into an efficient group. Hope it happens in next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews