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Chesapeake Valley Mystery #6
Hidden Motives
“Don’t trust him.”
When a receptionist is found murdered outside of her ex-husband’s home, clutching a chilling note.
Sheriff Eve Wicker springs into action, interrogating the ex.
But shortly after, the main suspect is found dead from an apparent suicide.
And a baseball bat with his ex-wife’s blood is discovered inside his home.
It looks like an open and shut case of murder-suicide.
Until an odd clue leads Eve down an unimaginable rabbit hole.
A twisting tunnel with deception at every turn.
Forensics tell one story, but the anomalies scream another.
Eve’s instincts refuse to align with the evidence, pushing her to dig deeper.
Then she uncovers one clue that forever changes the lives of many in the small town.
Broken marriages, hidden agendas, and vipers in the grass.
There’s no one to trust, and nowhere to turn.
Now, Sheriff Eve Wicker must follow the trail of lies and face a deadly truth.
Trust no one.
When a receptionist is found murdered outside of her ex-husband’s home, clutching a chilling note.
Sheriff Eve Wicker springs into action, interrogating the ex.
But shortly after, the main suspect is found dead from an apparent suicide.
And a baseball bat with his ex-wife’s blood is discovered inside his home.
It looks like an open and shut case of murder-suicide.
Until an odd clue leads Eve down an unimaginable rabbit hole.
A twisting tunnel with deception at every turn.
Forensics tell one story, but the anomalies scream another.
Eve’s instincts refuse to align with the evidence, pushing her to dig deeper.
Then she uncovers one clue that forever changes the lives of many in the small town.
Broken marriages, hidden agendas, and vipers in the grass.
There’s no one to trust, and nowhere to turn.
Now, Sheriff Eve Wicker must follow the trail of lies and face a deadly truth.
Trust no one.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
About the author
Elle Gray
157 books758 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 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 3, 2026
A mystery with lots of twists and turns.
For a supposedly quiet small town, it definitely keeps the Sheriff Eve very busy. What started out as a single murder, that seemed like it should be an easy solved case, turned into a real who done it. The first suspects were definitely not talking, and when they did, sent Eve and her deputy in several different directions. It also lead into another murder. Even though it turned into a complicated situation Eve and her deputy eventually figured it out. It’s a mystery with so many twists and turns!
For a supposedly quiet small town, it definitely keeps the Sheriff Eve very busy. What started out as a single murder, that seemed like it should be an easy solved case, turned into a real who done it. The first suspects were definitely not talking, and when they did, sent Eve and her deputy in several different directions. It also lead into another murder. Even though it turned into a complicated situation Eve and her deputy eventually figured it out. It’s a mystery with so many twists and turns!
January 8, 2026
Hidden Motives - better bring a good pair of shoes for this one!
Author Elle Gray is the very talented and entertaining writer of the Chesapeake Valley Mystery series. Hidden Motives is Book 6 of the series. As in other books in the series, you find that her characters are very real. The dialog flows as well as the story. There is no doubt that this is a 'mystery series', one that pulls you in until the very end. -Mr.Bill
Author Elle Gray is the very talented and entertaining writer of the Chesapeake Valley Mystery series. Hidden Motives is Book 6 of the series. As in other books in the series, you find that her characters are very real. The dialog flows as well as the story. There is no doubt that this is a 'mystery series', one that pulls you in until the very end. -Mr.Bill
December 28, 2025
complex tale of love, betrayal and revenge
Along with at least a semi-redemption arc for some, and a reflection about love and family.
Stern’s shadow still darkens Chesapeake Valley.
Along with at least a semi-redemption arc for some, and a reflection about love and family.
Stern’s shadow still darkens Chesapeake Valley.
January 13, 2026
Amazing!
How she comes up with these stories is beyond me. Its what separates the readers from the authors!! Definitely one of my favorite authors. Love her and her work! Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
How she comes up with these stories is beyond me. Its what separates the readers from the authors!! Definitely one of my favorite authors. Love her and her work! Keep writing and I'll keep reading!
March 17, 2026
hidden motives
I am a true fan of Eve Wicker but was disappointed with this story. It felt a little long and the separation of Roman and Eve on their own “quests” wasn’t what I expected.
I’m sorry Ms Gray because you are a wonderful story teller with so much talent.
I am a true fan of Eve Wicker but was disappointed with this story. It felt a little long and the separation of Roman and Eve on their own “quests” wasn’t what I expected.
I’m sorry Ms Gray because you are a wonderful story teller with so much talent.
July 8, 2026
A Few Ends Tied Together
A family by birth shows love is not always part of it. Money motivates some; however, the parallel plot lines emphasize that trust and love are more important.
A family by birth shows love is not always part of it. Money motivates some; however, the parallel plot lines emphasize that trust and love are more important.
December 17, 2025
This was a awesome story about Eve and finding out what is going on and solving it with lots of suspense and action. Thank for this great story.
February 25, 2026
I've now read 6 books in this series with Sheriff Eve Wicker. This one was not as good as the others. There was a lot going on, and it seemed to be gaps in the story.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews