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It should be the season of joy, but one inmate has a secret he's taking to the grave…

FBI agent Blake Wilder is basking in the holiday spirit.
When she receives a phone call from an old high school friend regarding a murder case.
She reluctantly agrees to visit him in prison. There he begs her to investigate his case to prove his innocence.
He is currently serving a life sentence for a murder he claims he did not commit.
While glossing over his case, Blake notices that there are potential discrepancies in the original investigation.
It seems her friend, the inmate, has been keeping secrets from her.
And as Blake dives deeper into the case, she finds a trail of illicit affairs, abuse, incompetence, and a shocking twist that no one saw coming.

Lust, pride, envy, deception, and murder. Some have secrets they’d kill for.
This inmate has a secret worth taking to the grave.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2024

1023 people are currently reading
514 people want to read

About the author

Elle Gray

114 books627 followers
Elle 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.

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5 stars
2,716 (70%)
4 stars
900 (23%)
3 stars
197 (5%)
2 stars
30 (<1%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Meeks.
185 reviews
December 25, 2024
great story

A change of events that kept me guessing until the end. Very thought out, well- written novel as Christmas is approaching and the team is supposed to be on some well-deserved time off. But not for Blake!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,325 reviews33 followers
March 2, 2024
An amazing series

If I could give this series 10++ stars, I certainly would! It is an absolutely amazing series with awesome characters, lots of humor, drama, angst, mystery, suspense, and crazy unexpected twists. It will hook you from the start, so be prepared for a lot of binge reading!! Lol! Seriously though, it is a series that I have loved since the first book, and even though there are so many stories, they're all completely unique and intriguing. Elle Gray has really outdone herself with this one, as well as all of her other series (which are fabulous as well!!)! It's definitely a must read series for those who love thrillers.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.

I hope that there will be many, many more stories in this series, and the others too!
Profile Image for Connie B.
291 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2025
It should be the season of joy, but one inmate has a secret he's taking to the grave…

FBI agent Blake Wilder is basking in the holiday spirit.
When she receives a phone call from an old high school friend regarding a murder case.
She reluctantly agrees to visit him in prison. There he begs her to investigate his case to prove his innocence.
He is currently serving a life sentence for a murder he claims he did not commit.
While glossing over his case, Blake notices that there are potential discrepancies in the original investigation.
It seems her friend, the inmate, has been keeping secrets from her.
And as Blake dives deeper into the case, she finds a trail of illicit affairs, abuse, incompetence, and a shocking twist that no one saw coming.

Lust, pride, envy, deception, and murder. Some have secrets they’d kill for.
This inmate has a secret worth taking to the grave.
Profile Image for Helen Tawney.
30 reviews
February 26, 2024
always like Blake Wilder stories

This Blake Wilder story was a bit different. I really enjoyed it because it had a little less of the typical serial murders she and her team usually investigate.
In this story she was asked by a man in prison who she knew from her past asked her to prove his innocence. She took the case to prove to him she knew he was guilty. She was joined by three other FBI women agents on her team. They work so well together and enjoy working as a team. Great story.
399 reviews4 followers
April 14, 2024
The Inmate's Secret(Blake Wilder FBI Mystery Thriller Book 21)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This book was so worth the wait. You get to see a part of Blake's past, her best friend from college was murdered and her friend's husband has been in jail for more the 10 years for the crime. Blake gets a call from him, swearing he is innocent and sets Blake on a quest to prove that he is guilty, she learns more then she ever wants to and solves the case.
111 reviews
February 25, 2024
absolutely great !!

I've been following the Blake Wilder series since I picked up the first book and was totally engrossed by it ! I absolutely love all the characters in all the books I have never been disappointed would highly recommend this to anyone to read ! Lots of twist, and turns and guessing to the end.I loved it !
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,594 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2024
this one tugged the heartstrings

Straightforward (more or less) “I’m innocent of the murder somebody else did it” dig through an old case, as the convicted killer of Blake’s best college buddy ends up persuading her to take a second look at the investigation into his wife’s murder.

Nicely coherent storyline.
713 reviews4 followers
February 29, 2024
Excellent story!

Blake, and her crew, are my favorite characters! Her series is fantastic and I think most of Elle's readers would agree. The stories are full of suspense and intrigue with riveting plots. Aside from some brutal subject matter, the language is mostly clean, and some subtle innuendo, makes for a wide audience. Well done!
161 reviews
March 1, 2024
Another good one!

I may have said this in previous reviews, but I love the Blake Wilder series! The banter, sarcasm and humor with her team is very uplifting. This book was a little more personal for Blake then the usual on edge caught in the crossfire, but it was still a great read. Looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Patricia A. Biba.
380 reviews1 follower
April 9, 2024
Guilty or Not Guilty?the reading

Very interesting story. Blake friend was murdered and she had a number of unsolved issues. She thought her friends husband was guilty as charged. However when he asked her to examine the murder she did with the help of her staff. What a surprise was in store upon the investigation.
1,131 reviews3 followers
August 12, 2025
When Blake Wilder receives a calk from a prison she knows exactly who it is. Cooper MacMillan was married to her best friend. He is in prison for life for her murder. He claims he is innocent and wants Blake to investigate to help get his sentence overturned.

This is a fast paced page turner. One of the best in the Blake wilder FBI series.
Profile Image for Vicki Gilbertson.
415 reviews11 followers
February 24, 2024
Blake and crew really pulled it off this time. Stepping on all those who did her friends wrong. The payback was perfect, walking away from those that did her wrong. Finally family closure for herself and lost friends, and she had a really nice Christmas miracle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
138 reviews
February 26, 2024
I liked the story of solving an old case giving so many closure where maybe the wrong person was accused. A different look and feel from the other Blake Wilder stories. I have read them all and look forward to the next one.
1,507 reviews7 followers
February 26, 2024
The Inmate"s Secret

This is an an amazing thriller. I could not put this book down. This book keeps you in suspense till the very end. I highly recommend this book and series. Can't wait for the next book in this series
21 reviews
March 3, 2024
Elle Gray keeps doing it

Elle Gray manages to keep winning with her Blake Wilder series. Yet another great story that keeps the reader interested and intrigued. Elle Gray, I’m ready for the next one!
9 reviews
March 5, 2024
Another great I stall ment of chief wilder!

Great story. Kept a grip. Sorry I have to wait for the next one. Typical character depths expected. Easy to follow. Elle keeps the interest
45 reviews
March 15, 2024
inmate’s secret

Of all the suspects , why did you wait till the last few pages To identify anything about the killer??? I wish Blake had more positive support from her bosses. Fun read !!

Profile Image for Linda Weaver.
5 reviews
July 16, 2024
Another wonderful book from Elle Grey.

This is an interesting book from beginning to the end. I had a really hard time putting it down. I think Elle Gray's books are some of the best.
92 reviews2 followers
September 18, 2024
It keeps you guessing

A story that keeps you on edge the whole time like a who done it novel. I recommend it for all mystery readers and especially roles fan. Keep up the good work.
15 reviews
October 12, 2024
love it as always

The entire series is well written. A true page turner.im an avid reader of crime and detective novels I must say these have been my best. Please keep writing them !!!!
1 review
January 5, 2025
Elle Gray, fantastic as ever

A gripping story that keep you on the edge of your seat wondering who the real perpetrator is. As always justice is delivered. Thanks Elle for another great story.
12 reviews
Read
April 22, 2025
Fantastic......

fantastic. Can't wait to read next book. Suspense with twist and turns. Makes it hard to put the book down but at the same time reluctant to finish it, because you want to read more.😎
21 reviews
May 22, 2025
Everyone that enjoyed this book as much as I did should read both books titled "Parables and Perils from the Pen" by Ray Baer. Ray captures the spirit of the inmates as they share their stories (perils) with the prison Chaplains.
88 reviews
February 28, 2024
good read

Oh, how I love these books. They just get better and better. The twists and turns always leave me wondering, “who done it”? Can’t wait for the next one.
60 reviews
March 4, 2024
One of else's better plots

I enjoyed this book because I think it has one of the better wilder plots, and I have read all the series so far.
700 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
This was a great story about Blake and finding answers. There was lots of suspense and action. Thank you for a excellent story.
Profile Image for Deb.
817 reviews27 followers
March 6, 2024
3.5. This book was pretty good. It had some suspense, twists, and the story flowed nicely.

Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.
1 review
March 14, 2024
I love Blake Wilder

I can’t get enough of Blake and her team. And even Ayad! It’s going to be hard waiting on the next book to come out
Profile Image for Susie Suther.
37 reviews
March 23, 2024
Blake Wilder is one of my favorite series. This particular book deals with a cold case without the serial killer aspect. It has less adrenaline fueled excitement than her normal cases so I gave it less stars.
Profile Image for L E.
818 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2024
You'd think after 20 books in this series, we've had enough but even with some frustrating moments, I still enjoy these stories. And the ending of this one could not have been better, it made me cry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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