Scars in the Valley

Sapphire Valley Mystery #2

by Elle Gray

Operation Desert Storm, 1991.
A chaotic, catastrophic scene - and then everything goes black.

Finally feeling a sense of peace and belonging, Zoe goes on a hike with Leo and her dog in Sapphire Valley.
But when she receives news of her feisty grandmother’s unexpected return to town,
it seems Zoe's life is about to get more colorful.

Upon her grandmother’s arrival at the Orchard Grove Nursing Home, things take a drastic turn.
When a resident dies, the quiet life there turns chaotic.
The town sheriff dismisses it as natural causes, until more residents begin dying.

Using Leo’s military contacts, Zoe uncovers a dark past behind the deaths, and a terrible betrayal.
One that could have sparked a murderous desire for revenge.
With her loyal dog by her side, Zoe soon finds herself facing dangers she never anticipated.

Deception, negligence, and the ultimate betrayal.
How far will Zoe have to go to save those she loves and the town she calls home?

Genres: Mystery

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 8, 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

[Kathleen Ebner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great mystery by Elle Gray

Zoe wanted to do a story about small businesses in Sapphire Valley being robbed but there was deaths happening in the senior home her grandma was staying in.
Her grandma told her it was murder not just death by normal circumstances.
So, Zoe not really sure tries to quietly check into this and as usual it’s not quite that easy to do. Another story with twists and turns that will keep you turning the next page to find out what’s happening in this small town.

[Beverly Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars In The Valley is intriguing new book by Elle Gray about the family dynamics of grandmother, mother, and granddaughter when the grandmother is placed in a care facility. It has all the intriguing delights of an Elle Gray book. Complicated relationships, mysterious characters, love entanglement and the prerequisite murders to be solved.
I thoroughly enjoyed this new side of Elle Gray.
#ElleGray

[Mary Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

surprisingly moving, emotional chapter

Zoe’s free-spirited grandmother, confined to a care facility at the behest of Zoe’s mother, causes a commotion and is evicted; Zoe’s mother Arlene commands Zoe to transfer Lyla to a new facility….then at the new place, two sudden deaths….

Of course, this tingles Zoe’s curiosity - and the facility is connected to the entity responsible for Zoe’s injuries and relocation….

[Lori Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe/Lyla/Leo/Max

Frankly, I have no idea how you do this, series after series of amazing characters!! How can one not cheer for Zoe and groan at Arlene and want to slap Philip into tomorrow!! Then, there's Gamma and Leo and Max and the paper and her friends, and her past......hmmmm.....oh my my my!!!

[Terri Voth(TV) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possible new romance

An enjoyable read. Zoe is getting to know her grandmother and she's a character. Gamma is staying at a care center , and she doesn't like it. Mysterious deaths occur and Zoe begins investigating. There are several different investigations happening and plenty of chaos. New romance may occur. A recommended read.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Zoe finding out what s going on at a nursing home with people dying and trying to find who is doing it and finally solving it with lots of suspense and action and drama. Thank you for this excellent story.

[Patti Tobacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love her

I hadn't realized that newspaper writers and police officers did the same sort of investigating until this book! Another hit for Ms. Gray. Love her writing and, again, I would happily recommend her books to anyone!!

[Monique G · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d give this book 3.8 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️. It wasn’t bad, just a little slow in the beginning and somewhat predictable. But overall, I enjoyed it. It’s a wholesome mystery with a touch of romance, but I do wish there was a little more romance with Leo!

[Deanna Myers-Coppock]

Good read?

This is second book I've read by Elle gray and I have enjoyed reading.them. Looking foward to reading next one. I like her characters and she makes them so real you feel like you personally know each one.

[Linda Hillman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exactly what you'd expect

A solid emotionally layered romance with room for stronger pacing and sharper twists. Worth a read if you enjoy small town drama and wounded heart stories. The characters are relatable and pull you in.

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scars in the Valley

Lots of intriguing twists and turns in this plot. Interesting characters that come to life. I am already looking forward to the next book.

[Mary Goodreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this new series. Read the first two books in 2 days. Can’t wait for next one.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zoe is gonna have her hands full. I don't see her or Leo backing down from anything or anyone.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series

I have had a hard time putting these books down. Elle has chosen some great characters to follow with equally exciting backgrounds.

[MARIE-CLAIRE DEBONVILLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you