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Sweetwater Falls Mystery #13
Shades of the Falls
Sweetwater Falls is a town full of beauty and unexpected surprises.
When a high school student is found dead in her car,
Sheriff Spenser Song is called to investigate.
It seems the life of a popular teen girl is full of hidden mysteries.
With an empty pill bottle discovered in the car, it was initially ruled a suicide.
But something strange is afoot.
Her seemingly perfect life clashes with the possibility of her taking her own life.
While searching through the teen's belongings, Spenser stumbles upon her diary.
The young girl's diary contained hints about a secret boyfriend.
Hoping to fill in the blanks from the diary, Spenser attempts to track down the girl's phone.
Unable to find it, she sends her deputy to shadow potential suspects connected to the teen.
Envy, exploitation, betrayal, and hearts that are deceptive above all things.
It seems the shades of the Falls are full of treacheries in disguise.
With every new clue unraveling in a dramatic twist, the very fabric of this once idyllic town might be changed forever.
When a high school student is found dead in her car,
Sheriff Spenser Song is called to investigate.
It seems the life of a popular teen girl is full of hidden mysteries.
With an empty pill bottle discovered in the car, it was initially ruled a suicide.
But something strange is afoot.
Her seemingly perfect life clashes with the possibility of her taking her own life.
While searching through the teen's belongings, Spenser stumbles upon her diary.
The young girl's diary contained hints about a secret boyfriend.
Hoping to fill in the blanks from the diary, Spenser attempts to track down the girl's phone.
Unable to find it, she sends her deputy to shadow potential suspects connected to the teen.
Envy, exploitation, betrayal, and hearts that are deceptive above all things.
It seems the shades of the Falls are full of treacheries in disguise.
With every new clue unraveling in a dramatic twist, the very fabric of this once idyllic town might be changed forever.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2025
About the author
Elle Gray
161 books761 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 44 reviews
March 29, 2025
Great read
I've read all of the books in this series so far and have loved each of the books! Can't wait for the next one!
I've read all of the books in this series so far and have loved each of the books! Can't wait for the next one!
January 25, 2026
Great series
Enjoying this series . Love the characters and the story lines. Looking forward to next one. Highly recommend these books
Enjoying this series . Love the characters and the story lines. Looking forward to next one. Highly recommend these books
April 3, 2025
OK. But not great
This story left a few unanswered questions and some details out. I thought from the beginning it was going to be the step dad that abused her than covered it up with murder. I would have loved to hear them to the mom and have her answer some questions about why she didn't notice her daughter being abused or how she felt from a mother's perspective. A decent book but definitely unanswered questions and predictable from the beginning.
This story left a few unanswered questions and some details out. I thought from the beginning it was going to be the step dad that abused her than covered it up with murder. I would have loved to hear them to the mom and have her answer some questions about why she didn't notice her daughter being abused or how she felt from a mother's perspective. A decent book but definitely unanswered questions and predictable from the beginning.
April 8, 2025
Great series
Although I wasn't a big fan of the self-talk of an insecure woman, I loved the tough sheriff that Spencer Song was. That self-talk led to some important dialogue that I was a big fan of.
The story lines of each book were unique except for the consistent maturing of two adults deeply hurt by life and loss. I loved the police mysteries and the struggle to solve them. The clues were not always obvious but sometimes I got ahead of the sheriff. I guess that is what a good mystery is supposed to do.
The language is clean. No sex details. But still very much adult. I even thanked the author by email for this.
I highly recommend the series. Binge read it. Even the price is reasonable.
Although I wasn't a big fan of the self-talk of an insecure woman, I loved the tough sheriff that Spencer Song was. That self-talk led to some important dialogue that I was a big fan of.
The story lines of each book were unique except for the consistent maturing of two adults deeply hurt by life and loss. I loved the police mysteries and the struggle to solve them. The clues were not always obvious but sometimes I got ahead of the sheriff. I guess that is what a good mystery is supposed to do.
The language is clean. No sex details. But still very much adult. I even thanked the author by email for this.
I highly recommend the series. Binge read it. Even the price is reasonable.
February 2, 2026
A close repeat to previous books - read on KU
This book wasn't bad with the exception this is the 3rd book where a student had an affair with a teacher. 3 out of 13 books have had that happen. Two with male teachers and one with a female teacher. This was the first one where the student was still in high school when the teacher was caught.
I'm still annoyed with the author flip-flopping on the relationship between Ryker and his dad and how that relates to Spenser. Originally, she encouraged him to mend those fences but he didn't want to. And the dad got along fine with Spenser. Now, it's like Ryker is trying hard with his dad and it's that Spenser is the problem because of the dad's viewpoints.
This book wasn't bad with the exception this is the 3rd book where a student had an affair with a teacher. 3 out of 13 books have had that happen. Two with male teachers and one with a female teacher. This was the first one where the student was still in high school when the teacher was caught.
I'm still annoyed with the author flip-flopping on the relationship between Ryker and his dad and how that relates to Spenser. Originally, she encouraged him to mend those fences but he didn't want to. And the dad got along fine with Spenser. Now, it's like Ryker is trying hard with his dad and it's that Spenser is the problem because of the dad's viewpoints.
March 31, 2025
Great Story As Always
The underlying theme of the gory of sexual abuse of vulnerable underage females is certainly evident throughout this book. As Sheriff Song and her team work to solve the events surrounding the death of a young lady who had a promising future in life despite her dark secrets, the readers learn much more about the dominance forced over our youth, due to the selfish desires of the adults in their life. This is a powerful and engaging novel as we watch Sheriff determine, first, if the death is a suicide or a murder, and confirm who motivated a suicide or committed a heinous murder. Readers won’t be able to put this book down until they read the ending.
The underlying theme of the gory of sexual abuse of vulnerable underage females is certainly evident throughout this book. As Sheriff Song and her team work to solve the events surrounding the death of a young lady who had a promising future in life despite her dark secrets, the readers learn much more about the dominance forced over our youth, due to the selfish desires of the adults in their life. This is a powerful and engaging novel as we watch Sheriff determine, first, if the death is a suicide or a murder, and confirm who motivated a suicide or committed a heinous murder. Readers won’t be able to put this book down until they read the ending.
April 2, 2025
As a fan of Sheriff Spenser Song, it is surprising to see she won't stand up to boyfriend Ryker's father who is vile to her. She has also been up for election for quite a few books now and it's time that part of the story is over as well.
This storyline of a teen girl found dead in her car at first seems like suicide but quickly is classified as murder. The main culprit, her secret older boyfriend. It is however not that straight forward and a few surprises in the autopsy report and tox screen point at someone totally different. The doer was evident to me from the start but I don't want to give out any spoilers.
A good filler read.
This storyline of a teen girl found dead in her car at first seems like suicide but quickly is classified as murder. The main culprit, her secret older boyfriend. It is however not that straight forward and a few surprises in the autopsy report and tox screen point at someone totally different. The doer was evident to me from the start but I don't want to give out any spoilers.
A good filler read.
February 15, 2026
Shades of the falls
I truly enjoyed this book by Elle Gray. Her mystery book keeps you wondering if Sheriff Song will get the person responsible for the murder in this book. I had a feeling it wasn't who she was hoping it was, that would be too easy. A very enjoyable relaxing reading time keeping you guessing if it is the first person she sets her sights on or is their twist right before the ending. Please read and enjoy getting to know the Sheriff and the people of Sweetwater Falls.
I truly enjoyed this book by Elle Gray. Her mystery book keeps you wondering if Sheriff Song will get the person responsible for the murder in this book. I had a feeling it wasn't who she was hoping it was, that would be too easy. A very enjoyable relaxing reading time keeping you guessing if it is the first person she sets her sights on or is their twist right before the ending. Please read and enjoy getting to know the Sheriff and the people of Sweetwater Falls.
April 4, 2025
Shades of the Falls(A Sweetwater Falls Mystery Book 13)
OMG!!!!!!!! This book was super worth the wait. It was sad because a seventeen year old girl lost her life, but there were so many twists and turns, at first it appears to be suicide, then murder, and then back to suicide. They finally figured out it was murder. There were 2 grown men involved and it just shows how sick our world has become. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
OMG!!!!!!!! This book was super worth the wait. It was sad because a seventeen year old girl lost her life, but there were so many twists and turns, at first it appears to be suicide, then murder, and then back to suicide. They finally figured out it was murder. There were 2 grown men involved and it just shows how sick our world has become. I can't wait for the next book to come out.
April 29, 2025
A sad one that should have a warning with it.
I do not like to give details of the story when I review a book because it ruins the plot. This was a good mystery. It bogged a little with talk of near time for her run for sheriff. In line with this series it added to Song's story.
This author writes a good mystery and this series is a top one. I look forward to the next. I really appreciate the fact that she does not need fowl language or sex scenes to carry her stories.
I do not like to give details of the story when I review a book because it ruins the plot. This was a good mystery. It bogged a little with talk of near time for her run for sheriff. In line with this series it added to Song's story.
This author writes a good mystery and this series is a top one. I look forward to the next. I really appreciate the fact that she does not need fowl language or sex scenes to carry her stories.
May 10, 2025
The best one yet!
I've read all the Sweetwater Falls books in order and this one is by far the best because it had just the right amount of interaction between Ryker and Sheriff Smart to keep my romantic heart interested. The mystery of the crime she had to solve kept my curiosity engaged as well. Her involvement in running for another term as sheriff was a nice addition to the plot also.
I've read all the Sweetwater Falls books in order and this one is by far the best because it had just the right amount of interaction between Ryker and Sheriff Smart to keep my romantic heart interested. The mystery of the crime she had to solve kept my curiosity engaged as well. Her involvement in running for another term as sheriff was a nice addition to the plot also.
May 12, 2025
Sheriff Spencer Song is up for election but gets side tracked by the murder of a teenager.
Spencer is being tortured by the campaign manager for her election . Her boyfriend’s and the tension is terrib father is trying to undermine herRelation with Ryder. She is brought to her duties by the murder of a seventeen year old high school student. Spencers life is over flowing right now and the tension is really high.
Spencer is being tortured by the campaign manager for her election . Her boyfriend’s and the tension is terrib father is trying to undermine herRelation with Ryder. She is brought to her duties by the murder of a seventeen year old high school student. Spencers life is over flowing right now and the tension is really high.
June 10, 2026
A terrific story and series
This was another intense, heartbreaking, tragic, and extremely complex story that kept the Sheriff and her team on their heels with the many unexpected twists throughout the case. That's definitely not a place that any of them like to be! Lol! It's certainly not a story or series to be missed!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was another intense, heartbreaking, tragic, and extremely complex story that kept the Sheriff and her team on their heels with the many unexpected twists throughout the case. That's definitely not a place that any of them like to be! Lol! It's certainly not a story or series to be missed!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
August 29, 2026
Shades of the Falls Review
This is a review for book number 12 of the Sweetwater Falls series, Shades of the Falls. This book had all its twist and turns. I had my suspicion of what was going on. I was right putting together it started when Piper was around 12. Albeit it turned out to be a good read. I thoroughly enjoy this series and all writing by Elle Gray. Please keep them coming. On to the next one.
This is a review for book number 12 of the Sweetwater Falls series, Shades of the Falls. This book had all its twist and turns. I had my suspicion of what was going on. I was right putting together it started when Piper was around 12. Albeit it turned out to be a good read. I thoroughly enjoy this series and all writing by Elle Gray. Please keep them coming. On to the next one.
March 29, 2025
heartbreaking
It is always sad when a young life is lost, but it is more heart wrenching when that beautiful young life has been abused by people she trusted. This case has a lot of twists but with Spencer and her team’s determination they got there in the end. Can’t wait for her next case.
It is always sad when a young life is lost, but it is more heart wrenching when that beautiful young life has been abused by people she trusted. This case has a lot of twists but with Spencer and her team’s determination they got there in the end. Can’t wait for her next case.
April 7, 2025
NAILED IT!!!
WOW!! This story was INCREDIBLE!! I think it is the best one yet. Your writing style has gotten better with each story in this series and I LOVE IT!! Up until the last few pages, you kept me guessing and, again, I LOVE IT!! I can't wait for the finale: I'm sure it's going to be dynamite!!! Thank you, Ms. Gray!!
WOW!! This story was INCREDIBLE!! I think it is the best one yet. Your writing style has gotten better with each story in this series and I LOVE IT!! Up until the last few pages, you kept me guessing and, again, I LOVE IT!! I can't wait for the finale: I'm sure it's going to be dynamite!!! Thank you, Ms. Gray!!
April 13, 2025
Big Show
This is a good police procedural. I read too many mysteries and listed the possible suspects early. For the sake of the story, there has to be a few blips and red herrings. I do not know the regulations in Falls area but I can't imagine it being legal for the election team to set up shop in the conference room of the Sheriff station.
This is a good police procedural. I read too many mysteries and listed the possible suspects early. For the sake of the story, there has to be a few blips and red herrings. I do not know the regulations in Falls area but I can't imagine it being legal for the election team to set up shop in the conference room of the Sheriff station.
April 1, 2025
Shades of the Falla
Loved this book. This was a book. I could not put down. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
Loved this book. This was a book. I could not put down. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
April 4, 2025
Shades of the Falls
I enjoyed Spades of the Falls very much. I find myself already looking forward to the next book of the series. Elle Gray never disappoints me, her characters are amazingly life like and her plots are intriguing.
I enjoyed Spades of the Falls very much. I find myself already looking forward to the next book of the series. Elle Gray never disappoints me, her characters are amazingly life like and her plots are intriguing.
April 6, 2025
evildoers rooted out
A lovely young high schooler is found in a park.
Was her death a suicide? A homicide? And why?
Indeterminate findings on autopsy do little to assist the investigation.
Much digging uncovers the facts, and the tragedy.
A lovely young high schooler is found in a park.
Was her death a suicide? A homicide? And why?
Indeterminate findings on autopsy do little to assist the investigation.
Much digging uncovers the facts, and the tragedy.
April 7, 2025
an intriguing murder mystery!
I have to say this was one of the best books I’ve read by Elle Gray!! I’m always amazed at how Ms Gray puts her thoughts together to make such interesting reads!! This book seemed so real and I couldn’t put it down!!
I have to say this was one of the best books I’ve read by Elle Gray!! I’m always amazed at how Ms Gray puts her thoughts together to make such interesting reads!! This book seemed so real and I couldn’t put it down!!
April 10, 2025
Incredible story a must read
Once again you get to go on a wild ride through the crime and love stories all mixed by a master wordsmith. This book was hard to put down but I loved It and hope you will too. Bravo Elle Gray Bravo!
Once again you get to go on a wild ride through the crime and love stories all mixed by a master wordsmith. This book was hard to put down but I loved It and hope you will too. Bravo Elle Gray Bravo!
April 17, 2025
Spencer had so many things going on at once. It's a shame that we have people like this can treat youth girls like this. It's even more disturbing when family, and adults that youth are supposed to look trust.
April 23, 2025
Great read !
Lots of grammatical errors and repetitive words , but still a fantastic mystery story . I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good book to enjoy . Really great 👍 !
Lots of grammatical errors and repetitive words , but still a fantastic mystery story . I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good book to enjoy . Really great 👍 !
November 23, 2025
Another good entry
I really enjoy this series. Enough red herrings thrown in to make me second guess my initial guess at whodunnit. Still don't trust Evan and wonder how long this tiny victory of a truce will actually last before he tries splitting Spenser & Ryker again.
I really enjoy this series. Enough red herrings thrown in to make me second guess my initial guess at whodunnit. Still don't trust Evan and wonder how long this tiny victory of a truce will actually last before he tries splitting Spenser & Ryker again.
April 14, 2026
by now you must like this series if your reading book 13 like me. I'm glad Rykers dad is finally going to try. Maybe?
Guess we will find out more in the next book. So far this series has kept me interested.
Guess we will find out more in the next book. So far this series has kept me interested.
March 31, 2025
Mic drop
Another wonderfully amazing book. I will be anxiously awaiting the next one. Thank you for all the great stories thus far!
Another wonderfully amazing book. I will be anxiously awaiting the next one. Thank you for all the great stories thus far!
March 31, 2025
Ahhhh
Elle Gray is one of my favorite authors. As usual, she grabbed my attention and kept it again wit!h this story. What a wonderful storyline. Don't miss one!
Elle Gray is one of my favorite authors. As usual, she grabbed my attention and kept it again wit!h this story. What a wonderful storyline. Don't miss one!
April 6, 2025
The sweetewster falls series is my all time favorite
Love Ryker n Spencer relationship, storylines r terrific, I hope #14 is not the last
Love Ryker n Spencer relationship, storylines r terrific, I hope #14 is not the last
April 7, 2025
This was a great story about Spenser and team going all out who killed a young girl and finding who it is with lots of suspense and action. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews