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Chesapeake Valley Mystery #1
The Girl in Town
After the murder of her mother, Eve left Chesapeake Valley behind, hoping for a fresh start.
But home has a way of calling you back...
Former NSA agent Eve Wicker has faced many hardships and tragedies in life.
Needing to be closer to her ailing father, Eve takes a position as her hometown Sheriff.
A position she never imagined would open many old wounds from her past.
When she receives a phone call about a body in the woods,
She drives up to the crime scene.
There, she grabs the attention of the town’s mountain recluse.
Roman Pike, a big burly ex-marine who’s as abrasive as he is brash.
Eve is no stranger to ego-driven men. What she didn’t foresee, though, is that they would go from butting heads to finding common ground.
Unfortunately, the friendship is short-lived when a case from Roman’s past and another murder converge — the murder of his ex-girlfriend.
It seems Chesapeake Valley is no longer the sleepy Colorado town of yesteryears.
It turns out, in these mountains, the most dangerous creature is an enigma that’s easy on the eyes and has murder on his mind...
From the local bakery to the Sheriff’s office, there’s never a dull moment in the Valley.
But home has a way of calling you back...
Former NSA agent Eve Wicker has faced many hardships and tragedies in life.
Needing to be closer to her ailing father, Eve takes a position as her hometown Sheriff.
A position she never imagined would open many old wounds from her past.
When she receives a phone call about a body in the woods,
She drives up to the crime scene.
There, she grabs the attention of the town’s mountain recluse.
Roman Pike, a big burly ex-marine who’s as abrasive as he is brash.
Eve is no stranger to ego-driven men. What she didn’t foresee, though, is that they would go from butting heads to finding common ground.
Unfortunately, the friendship is short-lived when a case from Roman’s past and another murder converge — the murder of his ex-girlfriend.
It seems Chesapeake Valley is no longer the sleepy Colorado town of yesteryears.
It turns out, in these mountains, the most dangerous creature is an enigma that’s easy on the eyes and has murder on his mind...
From the local bakery to the Sheriff’s office, there’s never a dull moment in the Valley.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2024
2894 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gray
124 books661 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 77 reviews
October 24, 2024
I just….didn’t like anyone? Except maybe the Dad who bakes croissants. He was okay. But everyone else was so one dimensional! & the mystery was weird? The people who could’ve been suspects were all disproved pretty quickly & the actual bad guy just appears out of nowhere? & don’t even get me started on the “abrasive ex-Marine”….that man is a big old marshmallow who barely says a gruff word to anyone. Ugh.
December 10, 2025
DNF 82%
Just bad
Just bad
March 11, 2025
I would have given this book a zero if I could have. The locale was weird. The book said it took place in Colorado, but the name Chesapeake Valley was confusing. With the name Chesapeake, the locale should have been in Maryland or Virginia.
I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story. I looked to see if there were other books before this one, but no. The book was written as if I should know everyone's background. In most books, this information comes from previous books.
Also, the blurb for the book was confusing. It identified the mountain recluse as Roman Pike. In the book, that was not his last name. I forget what it was in the book. But I remember looking at the blurb and what I was reading in the book and being confused. Of course, his name might have changed to Pike later in the book as I skipped a lot of it.
Eve's former job was with the NSA. They are a security agency. That does not give her experience to be an investigator.
I made it through about 4 chapters then skipped to the last 3 chapters. I was already confused, I figured things could not get much worse. The chapter I skipped to gave information about a continuing story that would not be ended in this book. No! No! I am not reading anymore of this. I have no desire to read anymore books by this author.
I felt like I was dropped into the middle of a story. I looked to see if there were other books before this one, but no. The book was written as if I should know everyone's background. In most books, this information comes from previous books.
Also, the blurb for the book was confusing. It identified the mountain recluse as Roman Pike. In the book, that was not his last name. I forget what it was in the book. But I remember looking at the blurb and what I was reading in the book and being confused. Of course, his name might have changed to Pike later in the book as I skipped a lot of it.
Eve's former job was with the NSA. They are a security agency. That does not give her experience to be an investigator.
I made it through about 4 chapters then skipped to the last 3 chapters. I was already confused, I figured things could not get much worse. The chapter I skipped to gave information about a continuing story that would not be ended in this book. No! No! I am not reading anymore of this. I have no desire to read anymore books by this author.
December 16, 2024
Disappointing
I don’t think I’ve ever given any author a 2 star rating. I had high hopes for this story but it was a bit unbelievable. There were only two people running law enforcement in this town. A sheriff and a deputy. The “sheriff” was given the job supposedly because she had worked at NSA of all places. Anyone that has worked in an NSA career field knows it has zero to do with a law enforcement career and the author kept referring to that. There were several different stories in this book that really didn’t weave together well and honestly it was 32 chapters too long.
I don’t think I’ve ever given any author a 2 star rating. I had high hopes for this story but it was a bit unbelievable. There were only two people running law enforcement in this town. A sheriff and a deputy. The “sheriff” was given the job supposedly because she had worked at NSA of all places. Anyone that has worked in an NSA career field knows it has zero to do with a law enforcement career and the author kept referring to that. There were several different stories in this book that really didn’t weave together well and honestly it was 32 chapters too long.
March 7, 2025
DNF 44%
I can't do it. I hate to DNF a book but I just don't like anyone. I grew up in a tiny town and the way every character speaks and reacts towards Eve is so one dimensional and just bananas. The mystery had so many side stories that didn't make sense and I just didn't care honestly.
Eve was so unlikable to me. She is a sheriff with a lot to prove and that's her ENTIRE personality. Like someone says "don't take on so much" and her response is to stomp her foot and say "you don't think I can handle it??" Then someone told her to stay warm and she gets offended and says "you don't think I can take the cold??" And honestly no I don't think she can. A guy from the town that doesn't like her glared at her and she gets so childish and says "don't you have something better to do??" and assumes they think she's a bad sheriff. But like you are a bad sheriff because a sheriff wants to unite the town, be the protection and give them assistance when needed. Not to be a jerk when there was a murder that you are suppose to solve?? And the whole "romance" was unbelievably instant and forced, even for an insta-love book. I'm sure someone likes this but I just can't relate 🤷🏽♀️
I can't do it. I hate to DNF a book but I just don't like anyone. I grew up in a tiny town and the way every character speaks and reacts towards Eve is so one dimensional and just bananas. The mystery had so many side stories that didn't make sense and I just didn't care honestly.
Eve was so unlikable to me. She is a sheriff with a lot to prove and that's her ENTIRE personality. Like someone says "don't take on so much" and her response is to stomp her foot and say "you don't think I can handle it??" Then someone told her to stay warm and she gets offended and says "you don't think I can take the cold??" And honestly no I don't think she can. A guy from the town that doesn't like her glared at her and she gets so childish and says "don't you have something better to do??" and assumes they think she's a bad sheriff. But like you are a bad sheriff because a sheriff wants to unite the town, be the protection and give them assistance when needed. Not to be a jerk when there was a murder that you are suppose to solve?? And the whole "romance" was unbelievably instant and forced, even for an insta-love book. I'm sure someone likes this but I just can't relate 🤷🏽♀️
September 18, 2025
Eve Wicker former NSA is now home as the new Sheriff. Seems like it's a dept of two Eve and her deputy who isn't very likeable.
A frozen body is found "up the mountain" near a ranger station by a tourist, not the ranger- odd.
It's also close to the home of mountain man/hermit Roman Pike. As the leads develop, all signs point to Roman but Eve is not totally on board with that.
The identity of the killer comes out of left field, had nothing to do with the entire investigation until the end.
Similar characters as in Sweetwater Falls series (female sheriff, hermit/boyfriend to be,bad guys in a small town etc). The difference in the SF series, the deputies are very likeable but Eve's deputy isn't for me. Just ok.
A frozen body is found "up the mountain" near a ranger station by a tourist, not the ranger- odd.
It's also close to the home of mountain man/hermit Roman Pike. As the leads develop, all signs point to Roman but Eve is not totally on board with that.
The identity of the killer comes out of left field, had nothing to do with the entire investigation until the end.
Similar characters as in Sweetwater Falls series (female sheriff, hermit/boyfriend to be,bad guys in a small town etc). The difference in the SF series, the deputies are very likeable but Eve's deputy isn't for me. Just ok.
October 13, 2025
Not outstanding literature, however, the story is a fun popcorn thriller. It was enjoyable, the characters are all over the place and sometimes contradict themselves, but I still enjoyed the story. I do tend to have an issue with law enforcement who suddenly are attracted to a suspect because thats super unprofessional and no way would you be a Sheriff if that happened, but if I suspended belief it was better.
Would I recommend this? No probably not. Will i remember this at the end of the year? Also no, but it was fun while it lasted.
Would I recommend this? No probably not. Will i remember this at the end of the year? Also no, but it was fun while it lasted.
October 25, 2024
Start of great series
I really enjoyed this book; the characters were well developed and the plot was well thought out. Not too much extraneous stuff to get you confused but there was enough background and past history to keep the characters interesting. I'm definitely going to read the next book. Possibly the start of a series romance AND for the animal lovers, there are two really cool dogs that add some nice color to the story.
Read it in one day. Enjoy!
I really enjoyed this book; the characters were well developed and the plot was well thought out. Not too much extraneous stuff to get you confused but there was enough background and past history to keep the characters interesting. I'm definitely going to read the next book. Possibly the start of a series romance AND for the animal lovers, there are two really cool dogs that add some nice color to the story.
Read it in one day. Enjoy!
December 30, 2024
Writing is sooo childish and unbelievable. My #1 complaint in a book and this has it all throughout. But my favorite part at the end is when she tells the mountain guy (don’t even know his name) that she can’t try to shoot a bow and arrow bc she just got over a broken wrist… and 5 min later she CLIMBS A TREE and even remarks it takes all of her upper body strength to get to the top 🤣 I can’t. Goodbye
October 2, 2024
A not so sleepy town
Eve leaves the NSA to go back home to take care of her father. It's a beautiful country and a body is found in the snow near the ranger station. Then a few days later another. Who? Why? Is any reason good enough to Commit murder? Join Eve and her guardian angel find the murderer before its too late. Great job. Thank you.
Eve leaves the NSA to go back home to take care of her father. It's a beautiful country and a body is found in the snow near the ranger station. Then a few days later another. Who? Why? Is any reason good enough to Commit murder? Join Eve and her guardian angel find the murderer before its too late. Great job. Thank you.
October 10, 2024
Unsure on this story
I liked it, but the way it was written was odd where at the end of the book of they gave you eves background where normally the beginning of the book they tell you those things and it just kind of jumped around a lot and was hard to keep up who is who. hope the second better book is better
I liked it, but the way it was written was odd where at the end of the book of they gave you eves background where normally the beginning of the book they tell you those things and it just kind of jumped around a lot and was hard to keep up who is who. hope the second better book is better
October 13, 2024
lots of family baggage
New top cop has her first homicide.
After almost a year of tenure, the quiet of the small Colorado valley enclave begins to fray as first, the murder victim, then a young woman reported missing more than a year prior reappears with a take of modern evils afoot.
Little does the heroine realize just how much of a target she has on her forehead.
New top cop has her first homicide.
After almost a year of tenure, the quiet of the small Colorado valley enclave begins to fray as first, the murder victim, then a young woman reported missing more than a year prior reappears with a take of modern evils afoot.
Little does the heroine realize just how much of a target she has on her forehead.
November 11, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but there was no chemistry between the FMC and MMC even though it’s written that they find each other attractive and they both save each other’s lives. I feel like each character was missing depth and weren’t very likable. It felt like a chore to actually finish the story.
November 20, 2024
Good plot, interesting characters
This the first Elle Gray book that I have read. The story held my attention and the characters were strong and believable. I will definitely finish the series. My only criticism is the grammar and a few punctuation errors. Her descriptions put you in this small town in Colorado.
This the first Elle Gray book that I have read. The story held my attention and the characters were strong and believable. I will definitely finish the series. My only criticism is the grammar and a few punctuation errors. Her descriptions put you in this small town in Colorado.
December 19, 2024
💖💖💖
I enjoyed this book very book very much especially Eve & Roman characters. However I'm disappointed it ended in a cliffhanger. I'm sure that the "bad guys" probably will get caught in a different book in this series. However I'm not understanding why it couldn't be wrapped up in this book.
I enjoyed this book very book very much especially Eve & Roman characters. However I'm disappointed it ended in a cliffhanger. I'm sure that the "bad guys" probably will get caught in a different book in this series. However I'm not understanding why it couldn't be wrapped up in this book.
February 25, 2025
Terribly written... 12th graders should be able to do better. Refers to prior events, although none of the many titles she has written reference this "series". Romance deferring to rippling muscles and bulging veins.
I would not have finished it if it were not a gift.
And Chesapeake Valley in Colorado?
Just... I've said enough.
I would not have finished it if it were not a gift.
And Chesapeake Valley in Colorado?
Just... I've said enough.
June 18, 2025
New series for me
Liked this first book about the little mountain valley town. Good character development for the 2 main characters! Was a little slow to grab me but didn't take many pages when I saw that romance was brewing along with the danger! I have read many of this author's other books too. She's a keeper!!
Liked this first book about the little mountain valley town. Good character development for the 2 main characters! Was a little slow to grab me but didn't take many pages when I saw that romance was brewing along with the danger! I have read many of this author's other books too. She's a keeper!!
December 16, 2025
I've read many Elle Gray series and was excited for another one. I've actually looked twice now to see if this is a ghost writer with no editor? The story isn't bad but the actual writing is terrible. The conversations don't make sense and there are a bunch of grammar issues which distracted me from the actual plot. Pretty disappointed because some of my other favorite series are by this author and I eagerly await the next book in each series. This one, not so much.
September 23, 2024
Enjoying the new characters, Eve's gonna be a tough cookie to deal with. Like all the new people and it's gonna be challenging for everyone. So many secrets never gonna know what creep is coming next. Ready for the next book.
September 24, 2024
Girl in Town
I was excited about a new series. Elle Gray did not disappoint me with this one! The plot is gripping, the characters become real the more you read about them. I am even more excited after the first book to start Book 2.
I was excited about a new series. Elle Gray did not disappoint me with this one! The plot is gripping, the characters become real the more you read about them. I am even more excited after the first book to start Book 2.
September 30, 2024
New Sheriff in town
New sheriff for small town thought it would be slow going for crime! However, within 2 weeks she had 2 murders and a missing person to solve. She also had a loan shark taking control of all the people in town.
New sheriff for small town thought it would be slow going for crime! However, within 2 weeks she had 2 murders and a missing person to solve. She also had a loan shark taking control of all the people in town.
November 5, 2024
another unputdownable book
This story grabs you immediately with the kind of people you really want to know in a riveting mystery that compels you to read faster so you can see how the story ends
This story grabs you immediately with the kind of people you really want to know in a riveting mystery that compels you to read faster so you can see how the story ends
November 21, 2024
There is a new Sheriff in town!
A new sheriff, a murdered man in the mountains next to a forest Rangers cabin. A suspicious, unfriendly, giant mountain man, a kidnapped girl, a drug dealer, another murder, and soon another kidnapping, all in a sleepy little town!
A new sheriff, a murdered man in the mountains next to a forest Rangers cabin. A suspicious, unfriendly, giant mountain man, a kidnapped girl, a drug dealer, another murder, and soon another kidnapping, all in a sleepy little town!
January 14, 2025
Small town intrigue.
The twists and turns of keeping a small community safe when outsiders drift into town to disrupt it. The new sheriff has her job cut out for her. Then thing are twisted when her past catches up to her. Add the intrigue of a new man in her life.
The twists and turns of keeping a small community safe when outsiders drift into town to disrupt it. The new sheriff has her job cut out for her. Then thing are twisted when her past catches up to her. Add the intrigue of a new man in her life.
February 1, 2025
A good bedtime mystery
This was a fun small town crime story that kept me entertained. If the author were to make it into a series, I would consider reading more volumes. I liked the characters and writing style!
This was a fun small town crime story that kept me entertained. If the author were to make it into a series, I would consider reading more volumes. I liked the characters and writing style!
March 1, 2025
I have ti say the Sweetwater series was fantastic; I couldn't stop reading those. Then started on this series and was disappointed. Hard to believe it's from the same writer. This seemed childish, much more immature writing. Not very realistic, hope book 2 is better.
May 4, 2025
Eve was the new sheriff and two murders and a missing women are taking all her time.
Eve has two murders on her mind. Then the thought of Roman the guy being set up for the murders interfered with her mind. He is a hot cowboy and ex military and well worth watching.
Eve has two murders on her mind. Then the thought of Roman the guy being set up for the murders interfered with her mind. He is a hot cowboy and ex military and well worth watching.
June 24, 2025
Roman and Eve
A new story which was interesting because of reading about what happened and why. The new characters were easy to like and interesting. People who like reading about people and the reason they are and about why would like reading this book.
A new story which was interesting because of reading about what happened and why. The new characters were easy to like and interesting. People who like reading about people and the reason they are and about why would like reading this book.
September 25, 2025
Hard to get into
Had a difficult time getting into the story and getting all the way through it. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or what, just wasn't easy for me to get hooked.
I did like the mystery and story but probably won't read the next one.
Had a difficult time getting into the story and getting all the way through it. I'm not sure if it was the writing style or what, just wasn't easy for me to get hooked.
I did like the mystery and story but probably won't read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews