The Silent Enemy

Chesapeake Valley Mystery #5

by Elle Gray

When a silent enemy holds a small town hostage, Sheriff Eve Wicker is called to lead the case.

After a string of break-ins, Eve is at her wits' end trying to track down the perpetrator.
When FBI agent Henry Beech shows up at the station, it feels as though all hell has broken loose in the once peaceful town.

The case takes a drastic turn when these break ins are tied to a highly viral and contagious illness, one that has swept through the town like a sickening storm.
With quarantine looming and panic and paranoia hitting the street, it’s evident no one is safe.

The lives of the entire town now depend on catching the culprit behind this silent enemy, one with massive consequences.

Amid the growing chaos, Roman's feelings for Sheriff Eve blossom, causing even more turmoil in her already complicated life.

Break ins, thefts, and calamity.
No one could have prepared for what’s to come…

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Marjorie Cavalier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but limited Roman time. Still can't understand how Eve isn't twice the size with her love of baked goods. Glad Gray is incorporating more residents to Chesapeake Valley.

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and awesome

This.author really has a way to get.the story told. There are characters that are part of this town that start to feel like family. There are situations that no one should make it thro. There is drama that make it really hard to put the book down until the end. Elle Gray is a very descriptive writer that makes it easy to envision the scenario. This is another of her books that you just have to read.

[Donna]

Editing is horrible

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the entire series. Hands down one of my favorite authors, too. But the book is filled with errors of one kind or the other. There were places where the sentences were not put together well and words used that didn't make sense. I really would like to be an editor for this kind of book though, my dream job. Read books you like and get paid too.

[Kathleen Ebner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery in Chesapeake Valley

The author Elle Gray does not disappoint, with another great mystery. People in the town of Chesapeake Valley are dropping like flies. It seems to be a viral sickness that is spreading quickly. The doctor is having a tough time keeping up with all the victims. The sheriff Eve Wicker is trying to help find out how this rare virus is spreading so fast. You will not want to put this book down.

[Mickey Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best writers in this genre!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story! Probably the creepiest in the series. Because of the "what if" factor. Lots of suspense, drama, and a bit of romance fill the pages. I can't imagine how the next book will top this, but I'm sure it will. Well done!

[Becki Masorti · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always another great mystery from my favorite author...I love the peaceful, small town setting that she has create and the very likeable characters... I feel like I want to jump in my car an go visiting the town and the people!!

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Enemy

Great book, intriguing plot with surprising twists. Characters that become old friends, you want to know better. I highly recommend the book, the series, and the author.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many loose ends and balls in the air

The most horrible nightmare for a small town - a raging outbreak of an undefined virus - combined with the miasma of Elias Stern still poisoning the air around Chesapeake Valley complicating life.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable, fake people everywhere messing with Eve, not a smart idea. Truly didn't see the illnesses that effected everyone was so devastating. Can't wait for Ken to be found.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great story about Eve coming to grips with what is going on and finding who is doing it with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Michael Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve fights a strange battle

Interesting story about how a crazed old man comes back into town and tries to claim his life back. Eve and her small team got it done.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

could not put it down

I have fallen with the characters in this series can’t wait for the next one
Thankyou Elle for great books

[Donald W Cartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. The suspense holds through out the book. I love reading Elle Gray mysteries.

[Sherry Howes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending

I liked the two part ending. The story left me wondering about Ken. Will that be addressed in the next book?

[Margaret Nicholson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line was good but didn’t like the language!

[Kathy lofgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unclear and no end

Took half the book to
even have remote idea what was going on, too many references to other books if hadn't read them, and no closure to this story, just doom