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Sweetwater Falls Mystery #3
The Girls in the Falls
After answering the job posting for Sweetwater Falls, former FBI agent Spenser Song thought that she had finally escaped her painful past. Unfortunately, she quickly learned some things you just can’t ever run away from…
When a local girl goes missing and another one turns up dead, Spenser finds clues that connect to a grim reminder of another fatal mistake in her past.
Years ago, Spenser was kicked off a task force dedicated to bringing down a notorious human trafficking network. She made a mistake that cost a woman her life.
Unexpectedly she finds evidence linking to the network in her area, and she’s forced to confront her past when she calls the woman who’d been her superior on the task force—the woman who’d fired her.
Blake Wilder.
After so many years had passed and so much unresolved animosity had developed between them, Spenser and Blake find themselves thrown together once again.
New town, new job, new grumpy neighbor but the same inescapable past.
Every new beginning has a price, each time more unforgiving than the last.
When a local girl goes missing and another one turns up dead, Spenser finds clues that connect to a grim reminder of another fatal mistake in her past.
Years ago, Spenser was kicked off a task force dedicated to bringing down a notorious human trafficking network. She made a mistake that cost a woman her life.
Unexpectedly she finds evidence linking to the network in her area, and she’s forced to confront her past when she calls the woman who’d been her superior on the task force—the woman who’d fired her.
Blake Wilder.
After so many years had passed and so much unresolved animosity had developed between them, Spenser and Blake find themselves thrown together once again.
New town, new job, new grumpy neighbor but the same inescapable past.
Every new beginning has a price, each time more unforgiving than the last.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 24, 2023
2009 people are currently reading
373 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 122 reviews
May 27, 2023
I liked this book!
I could not put it down. More strong female characters. Spencer, Amanda, and BLAKE. I have read all 17 Blake Wilder books. Reading about Spencer and Blake's past and present relationship brought a new level of interest to this book. I can imagine that Amanda Young will become the new generation of tough women crime fighters.
I'm looking forward to more of Elle Gray's mystery books. Love the twist and turns, the great character development. Always an easy, quick and entertaining read.
I could not put it down. More strong female characters. Spencer, Amanda, and BLAKE. I have read all 17 Blake Wilder books. Reading about Spencer and Blake's past and present relationship brought a new level of interest to this book. I can imagine that Amanda Young will become the new generation of tough women crime fighters.
I'm looking forward to more of Elle Gray's mystery books. Love the twist and turns, the great character development. Always an easy, quick and entertaining read.
May 27, 2023
Blake Wilder joins Spencer Song
If you're a fan of Elle Gray and the Sweetwater Falls mystery series you will love this 3rd in the series. It's great even as a stand alone. I couldn't put it down. Spencer calls her old co-worker Blake Wilder to assist her. It's fast moving and kept my interest. I was disappointed not to hear more about Annabelle or Sheriff Song's potential love interest but I guess that's for another story in the series. Highly recommend!
If you're a fan of Elle Gray and the Sweetwater Falls mystery series you will love this 3rd in the series. It's great even as a stand alone. I couldn't put it down. Spencer calls her old co-worker Blake Wilder to assist her. It's fast moving and kept my interest. I was disappointed not to hear more about Annabelle or Sheriff Song's potential love interest but I guess that's for another story in the series. Highly recommend!
April 14, 2025
This one was a bit too gory for a cozy mystery. But still a good read. Hope it doesn;t go down this path for the rest of the series though.
December 6, 2023
Not my favorite
I read a lot of FBI/cop type novels. I’m liking this series pretty well. I found in this book, too much of the emotional sparing with the women characters and too much explaining of the emotional turmoil between characters and themselves. Also, there was too much of the plot that just wasn’t realistic or believable. Hopefully, the next book in the series will be better.
I read a lot of FBI/cop type novels. I’m liking this series pretty well. I found in this book, too much of the emotional sparing with the women characters and too much explaining of the emotional turmoil between characters and themselves. Also, there was too much of the plot that just wasn’t realistic or believable. Hopefully, the next book in the series will be better.
December 15, 2024
This one was not as good as 1&2
September 15, 2025
I used to be a very faithful reader of many different authors in my life time, which I am 71 soon to be 72 years old. My mother used to give us options of doing chores that I really didn’t want to do or sit down and read a book for a couple of hours each day. She then would ask us about the books storyline and if we enjoy reading the book and did the author present the story to keep on interest in learning and imagining ourselves in the book. I think it was her way of expanding our world around us with different things that happened in our world. Elle Gray does this, she shows us both sides of law enforcement and evils of the world around us in a great Christian book. I have only read three of her books and have had a hard time putting them down. Out of five children in our family, only three of us loved to be active readers of different book styles. She is a great writer and keeps you guessing who is the criminal in each one. She does leaves hints but in the end it always seems to surprise who they are and why someone is evil but not always. She leaves it open for maybe another book to pickup later I suppose. Thank you Ms Gray for being a great Author of your story lines.
Debra F
Debra F
September 20, 2025
3 out of 16...I'm done
So three stars on this series. I got through 3 out of 16...16!!!? I was truly engaged in the first book and pretty much in the second book, even though too much over-describing of unimportant stuff from decor to clothing to whatever. But, by the third book, I was bored to tears. Again there were way too many and unnecessary descriptions. On the extreme opposite of that, there was a total lack of descriptions as to the motivation of the main character. I was at a total loss for her behavior; Sheriff Song was getting totally irritating. Finally about 70% of my way through the book I was just done. I went to the last chapter to catch up on what happened. I'm not going to read anymore of this series because it's just boring and from the direction I see it going this poor town is doomed. Also, I take issue with the use of Jesus as an expletive. This is totally unacceptable. Insulting to Jesus and to me and all who love and follow Him.
So three stars on this series. I got through 3 out of 16...16!!!? I was truly engaged in the first book and pretty much in the second book, even though too much over-describing of unimportant stuff from decor to clothing to whatever. But, by the third book, I was bored to tears. Again there were way too many and unnecessary descriptions. On the extreme opposite of that, there was a total lack of descriptions as to the motivation of the main character. I was at a total loss for her behavior; Sheriff Song was getting totally irritating. Finally about 70% of my way through the book I was just done. I went to the last chapter to catch up on what happened. I'm not going to read anymore of this series because it's just boring and from the direction I see it going this poor town is doomed. Also, I take issue with the use of Jesus as an expletive. This is totally unacceptable. Insulting to Jesus and to me and all who love and follow Him.
October 9, 2025
Love This Series
Elle Gray has done a top notch job of writing this A Sweetwater Falls Mystery series. Her characters are bold and colorful with personalities to match. Sheriff Spencer Song, a former FBI agent came to Sweetwater Falls to take over the Sheriff's department after her husband was murdered as a hit man tried to kill Spencer back in New York. Spencer, trained by the FBI to be the best, struggles to reshape the Sweetwater Falls Sheriff's office and deputies who resent the changes, into a competent department ready to take on the challenges the growing town will soon be facing. One of the challenges Spencer faces is lack of training the deputies have received in procedural practices. As this novel reveals a group who are trafficking teenage girls the deputies begin to recognize the value of the skills Spencer is attempting to teach them. Join Sheriff Spencer Song and her team to solve this mystery.
Elle Gray has done a top notch job of writing this A Sweetwater Falls Mystery series. Her characters are bold and colorful with personalities to match. Sheriff Spencer Song, a former FBI agent came to Sweetwater Falls to take over the Sheriff's department after her husband was murdered as a hit man tried to kill Spencer back in New York. Spencer, trained by the FBI to be the best, struggles to reshape the Sweetwater Falls Sheriff's office and deputies who resent the changes, into a competent department ready to take on the challenges the growing town will soon be facing. One of the challenges Spencer faces is lack of training the deputies have received in procedural practices. As this novel reveals a group who are trafficking teenage girls the deputies begin to recognize the value of the skills Spencer is attempting to teach them. Join Sheriff Spencer Song and her team to solve this mystery.
May 27, 2023
This wasn't a total Spenser novel but more 50/50 with Blake Wilder from another series of Elle Gray books. There was no great dane Annabelle nor was there any neighbor Rick.
More of a three girl book Sheriff Spenser/FBI Blake/Undersheriff Amanda who are investigating the kidnapping of 16yr old Talia. Then a plastic wrapped dead body is found in the nearby falls, also a young girl with a brand on her wrist from a case Spenser & Blake worked in NY. That case ended badly and was never resolved.
Now it has reared it's ugly head again- kidnapping of girls, groomed for prostitution. The hunt for Talia is on and the time is short. They get their local connection but the head of the snake remains out there. So a bit unresolved for my taste and I prefer just the Spenser story.
More of a three girl book Sheriff Spenser/FBI Blake/Undersheriff Amanda who are investigating the kidnapping of 16yr old Talia. Then a plastic wrapped dead body is found in the nearby falls, also a young girl with a brand on her wrist from a case Spenser & Blake worked in NY. That case ended badly and was never resolved.
Now it has reared it's ugly head again- kidnapping of girls, groomed for prostitution. The hunt for Talia is on and the time is short. They get their local connection but the head of the snake remains out there. So a bit unresolved for my taste and I prefer just the Spenser story.
August 8, 2023
Spenser and Blake Saved Talia! 4.75***** Spoiler Alert
Former FBI Agents Spenser Song and Blake Wilder reunited to hash out their disagreements while bringing down Aoki, Sweetwater Falls richest councilman and arm of the Yokai sex trafficking syndicate. They rescued Talia from Damien, and with Amanda Young as decoy, and her techie brother they linked Damien to Aoki's illicit dealings. Unfortunately Aoki was Killed by Li to silence him, but his hidden ledgers should yield several clues to the syndicate's head. Political power and wealthy, once again were the root of this global sex trafficking evil. Aoki's possessions should be auctioned off to fund Sherriff S.Song's department!
A Gravity defying novel!! Must-Read!!
08/06/23- 08/06/23 COVID-19 Summer '23
Former FBI Agents Spenser Song and Blake Wilder reunited to hash out their disagreements while bringing down Aoki, Sweetwater Falls richest councilman and arm of the Yokai sex trafficking syndicate. They rescued Talia from Damien, and with Amanda Young as decoy, and her techie brother they linked Damien to Aoki's illicit dealings. Unfortunately Aoki was Killed by Li to silence him, but his hidden ledgers should yield several clues to the syndicate's head. Political power and wealthy, once again were the root of this global sex trafficking evil. Aoki's possessions should be auctioned off to fund Sherriff S.Song's department!
A Gravity defying novel!! Must-Read!!
08/06/23- 08/06/23 COVID-19 Summer '23
June 2, 2025
I hate leaving a poor rating, but I just could not get myself to enjoy this. I liked the plot line, but I feel like the writing style just took way too much time explaining things that have been said time and time before and pointing out the obvious. Ryker was almost entirely absent which I don’t understand when he was such a big part of the first books. The foreshadowing went as far as to give away the plot twists making the whole book predictable. While I love Spenser, she seems to be the same old character without any growth happening. Plus I don’t know what happened to the major unanswered questions from the first books but it seems they were completely forgot about in this. I feel committed at this point, so I’ll keep reading, but I really hope the next book is better.
November 24, 2024
the girls in the fall
I am so glad that I have the kindle unlimited app . I am exploring new authors and new books This series I am reading now is extremely interesting and exciting . It is eye opening about what is happening to young people trafficking in sex trade we get so comfortable in our own world that we don’t think it’s happening in our world but it is and this author has made it clear that it is happening now thank you for all your hard work I love reading and I love reading new books. Thank
I am so glad that I have the kindle unlimited app . I am exploring new authors and new books This series I am reading now is extremely interesting and exciting . It is eye opening about what is happening to young people trafficking in sex trade we get so comfortable in our own world that we don’t think it’s happening in our world but it is and this author has made it clear that it is happening now thank you for all your hard work I love reading and I love reading new books. Thank
March 11, 2025
Wow Spencer and Blake make a great team to take down traffickers in Spencer’s territory.
Spencer no longer worked for the FBI but she knew who to call when she found the fish tattooed on the dead girls body. Blake had headed the investigation that hit a dead end and they had to put the investigation to the side. Now she desperately needed all the help she could get so she called Blake. Now they needed to work fast to get her missing teen home before she was sent on to the next one in the chain.
Spencer no longer worked for the FBI but she knew who to call when she found the fish tattooed on the dead girls body. Blake had headed the investigation that hit a dead end and they had to put the investigation to the side. Now she desperately needed all the help she could get so she called Blake. Now they needed to work fast to get her missing teen home before she was sent on to the next one in the chain.
March 17, 2025
Found this book a bit tedious with a dull storyline. An all female cast is boring to me, especially this particular cast. No energy, no chemistry. And what??? No Ryker? Why? He’s a big part of Song’s story, and he adds a different dimension to the storyline. And no Annabelle nor Mocha??
I have not read the Blake Wilder series, and after reading this book, I won’t be reading it. I did not care for her at all.
I’ve read a lot of Elle Gray’s books, and I do enjoy her writing. So I haven’t given up on this series and hope book 4 is an improvement over this book.
I have not read the Blake Wilder series, and after reading this book, I won’t be reading it. I did not care for her at all.
I’ve read a lot of Elle Gray’s books, and I do enjoy her writing. So I haven’t given up on this series and hope book 4 is an improvement over this book.
March 31, 2024
Another great addition to this series!
But wait…what just happened?! Although I loved this episode, the story and twists and turns. I am having withdrawals from No Ryker! No Annabelle, No Mocha! But on another note…this novel has me wanting to start reading the Blake Wilder series. I must know more about her and the mention of Lucas has me curious. Oh well! On to the next and my first Blake book.
But wait…what just happened?! Although I loved this episode, the story and twists and turns. I am having withdrawals from No Ryker! No Annabelle, No Mocha! But on another note…this novel has me wanting to start reading the Blake Wilder series. I must know more about her and the mention of Lucas has me curious. Oh well! On to the next and my first Blake book.
May 12, 2024
I picked this book up at a used book store 100% because of the cover. I went in blind. Of COURSE this was book #3 in the series, but thankfully I lucked out - this book functions as a good stand alone. I generally like to listen to mysteries/thrillers versus read them, but this one was pleasantly surprising. Will I go back and read the first 2 books? No. But, I'm definitely keeping the remaining books on my list.
June 6, 2024
Another rabbit hole to crawl through
Yes book 3 is complete and I've enjoyed another thrilling, emotional, superbly written book in this series. I refuse to give anything away, because this is a "must read" series. On to book 4. Thank you for being the writer you are, and I'm so happy I found you (by mistake.....but what a great mistake I made).
Sincerely, Chris Lindsey, Quincy, MA
Yes book 3 is complete and I've enjoyed another thrilling, emotional, superbly written book in this series. I refuse to give anything away, because this is a "must read" series. On to book 4. Thank you for being the writer you are, and I'm so happy I found you (by mistake.....but what a great mistake I made).
Sincerely, Chris Lindsey, Quincy, MA
August 9, 2024
I gave up on the Sweetwater Falls series halfway through book 3. The series has too many over-the-top emotional characters, the lead character, a former FBI agent, is so inept it's doubtful she would have made it through their training, and the supposedly strong women heroines bicker and take immature potshots at each other one would think they were sophomores in high school. Ms. Gray's reader numbers are decreasing with each book and I can't find any of her books carried by any of my area's libraries. I give up on this author.
Read
September 30, 2025Disappointed . This book introduced several new characters who failed to reappear. I can only believe that they will show up in other books.
I must admit that the bumbling Navy Seal and the constant mentioning of the Sheriff's hat were annoying. This book barely mentioned Ryker or the dog Annabelle.
I will try book 4, but it may be my last in this series. A small town with hit men and Chinese Triad, incompetent policemen, and lacking character progression may not be for me.
I must admit that the bumbling Navy Seal and the constant mentioning of the Sheriff's hat were annoying. This book barely mentioned Ryker or the dog Annabelle.
I will try book 4, but it may be my last in this series. A small town with hit men and Chinese Triad, incompetent policemen, and lacking character progression may not be for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2023
Missing or Dead?
Spenser is still feeling her way through her department trying to discern who she can trust. A girl is missing and she needs help finding her and Spenser has to reach out to her old nemesis for that help. But this is more than a missing girl. A fast paced mystery to find the missing girl and who is at the head of the abductions.
Spenser is still feeling her way through her department trying to discern who she can trust. A girl is missing and she needs help finding her and Spenser has to reach out to her old nemesis for that help. But this is more than a missing girl. A fast paced mystery to find the missing girl and who is at the head of the abductions.
July 8, 2023
The Girls in the Falls ( A Sweetwater Falls Mystery Book 3)
OMG!!!!!!!!! This was an amazing book, I only put it down when I had to. When I couldn't read I continued to think about the story, trying to figure out who took the teenage girl and if they were going to get her back alive. I can't wait for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!! This was an amazing book, I only put it down when I had to. When I couldn't read I continued to think about the story, trying to figure out who took the teenage girl and if they were going to get her back alive. I can't wait for the next book.
September 15, 2023
Catch me if you can
Great read. Again couldn't put it down. Characters are evolving. The Spenser seems to be getting things done the right way. With the mayor's help the added finances and staffing will assist in future endeavors to help the sheriff's department in keeping the city safe. You will, with out doubt enjoy this book.
Great read. Again couldn't put it down. Characters are evolving. The Spenser seems to be getting things done the right way. With the mayor's help the added finances and staffing will assist in future endeavors to help the sheriff's department in keeping the city safe. You will, with out doubt enjoy this book.
February 14, 2024
Gripping
This is pulse pounding, gripping, and much much more. This series just gets better. New character in this story is an old partner from sheriff Spencer's FBI days is brought in to consult on a string of murdered young girls. Things don't always go as planned and there's some deputies that get a good old fashioned scolding. I hope this helps you. As always happy reading
This is pulse pounding, gripping, and much much more. This series just gets better. New character in this story is an old partner from sheriff Spencer's FBI days is brought in to consult on a string of murdered young girls. Things don't always go as planned and there's some deputies that get a good old fashioned scolding. I hope this helps you. As always happy reading
February 29, 2024
Looking forward to reading book 4.
Intriguing. Elle has a way of reeling me in. No doubt she knows how to write a mystery. Spenser is getting her deputies slowly into shape. She is a power house. Her instincts are on point. The characters are interwoven in the series. I enjoy learning more about them.
Intriguing. Elle has a way of reeling me in. No doubt she knows how to write a mystery. Spenser is getting her deputies slowly into shape. She is a power house. Her instincts are on point. The characters are interwoven in the series. I enjoy learning more about them.
March 27, 2024
This is #3 in the Sweetwater Falls Mystery series. The first two were great. This one was written well with a good story line. I just didn't like the subject which is trafficked girls. Just not my thing. Already started #4 though and it is great so far! I urge you to read this series if you like light mysteries. Elle Gray is a really good author!
May 25, 2024
Involved, Fast Moving
On her way home from school Tally disappears. It takes her mom 2 days to report the disappearance. Then a body is discovered by a couple of hikers. Not Tally but this girl has a mark on her left wrist that Spencer knows all too well. Now the hunt is on. Calling a FBI agent from her past to help truth comes out. A must read. Great job. Thank you.
On her way home from school Tally disappears. It takes her mom 2 days to report the disappearance. Then a body is discovered by a couple of hikers. Not Tally but this girl has a mark on her left wrist that Spencer knows all too well. Now the hunt is on. Calling a FBI agent from her past to help truth comes out. A must read. Great job. Thank you.
July 10, 2024
Read this in one sitting.
This is the third book of the series that I’ve binge read, and my eyeballs are so sore and tired that I’m done. Enjoyed the story, and I liked the investigation. Fast paced and action packed as always. Will pick up another book when my little grey cells don’t feel like mush 🫠
This is the third book of the series that I’ve binge read, and my eyeballs are so sore and tired that I’m done. Enjoyed the story, and I liked the investigation. Fast paced and action packed as always. Will pick up another book when my little grey cells don’t feel like mush 🫠
July 14, 2024
I'd read Sweetwater Falls Books 1 and 2 which were great, and #3 The Girls in the Falls also was awesome. The story was engaging. The characters come across totally believable and invoke the whole spectrum of like, hate, pity, etc! I'm going to start other series by Elle Gray. Love the stories, the writing is very engaging and so believable. And yay for female LEOs!
December 16, 2024
Good read
The book was well written although in several places the wrong character was referred to. And I know that I am a critical reader, but sometimes tenses seemed to be mixed. Overall, a good plot that any whodunit reader would enjoy. I did miss Ryker and Annabelle from the previous Sheriff Spencer books.
The book was well written although in several places the wrong character was referred to. And I know that I am a critical reader, but sometimes tenses seemed to be mixed. Overall, a good plot that any whodunit reader would enjoy. I did miss Ryker and Annabelle from the previous Sheriff Spencer books.
February 9, 2025
Another great book
This series is very good and gets more interesting with each book. I love the new series and Elle Gray writes wonderful mysteries. Sheriff Moon is off to a great start in running her office, if she can weed out the bad deputies. With the help this time with her FBI friend Blake they make great progress. Looking forward to book 4.
This series is very good and gets more interesting with each book. I love the new series and Elle Gray writes wonderful mysteries. Sheriff Moon is off to a great start in running her office, if she can weed out the bad deputies. With the help this time with her FBI friend Blake they make great progress. Looking forward to book 4.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews