Trouble in the Falls

by Elle Gray

After securing a major victory, Spenser feels she can finally catch her breath.
But when an unexpected case lands on her doorstep, her life takes on a dramatic turn.

Now firmly established as the town Sheriff, Spenser and Ryker are in full celebration.
But all is not well on the Muckleshoot Reservation.
Chief Adaki of the Tribal Police believes the wrong man is sitting in prison.
And he wants Spenser’s help to catch the real culprit.

After agreeing to assist, she uncovers irregularities buried deep in the case files.
As new evidence comes to light, the pieces begin to line up, pointing to the most unlikely Evan Makawi.

Caught between duty and her love for Ryker, she treads carefully as she begins investigating his father for a rape and murder committed three decades ago.
The verdict of this cold case hangs by a thread—and with it, the lives built on decades of lies.

Meanwhile, more trouble lands in Sweetwater when a new case, linked to multiple murders, lands on Spenser’s desk.

With taunting messages, intertwining trails, and two high-stakes cases converging at once, Spenser faces the greatest test of her career.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 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

[Angie Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Say it louder for the ones in back - a 16 year old is a child!!!!

[Larry Warden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

I enjoyed reading the Sweetwater Falls Mystery series and am anxious for the next book. Great characters and interesting stories.

[Ricki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Newly elected (instead of appointed) Sheriff Spenser Song is asked by the Sheriff Adaki of the Tribal Police to look into the 30yr old murder of a 16yr old. The problem, there was a conviction & the "killer" has been in jail all that time and his most recent parole denied. He has been looking into this for all that time and now feels he needs Spenser's help.

There is very little in the case file, and the "so called" evidence minimal. Seems her predecessor Hinton did "the minimum". She agrees to take a look but there is no social media, barely any tech info and asking questions leads them to boyfriend Ryan's father.

At the same time, there are multiple home break-ins for small thefts with lots of damage to the homes. Working both cases, there is resolution to both.

A 3.75 for me rounded up!

[Teresa Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble in the Falls(A Sweetwater Falls Mystery Book 16)

OMG!!!!!!! This was an amazing story, that to more the 30 years to solve, but it was totally worth the wait. You will never guess who raped and murdered a 16 year old girl. Then there is also breaking and entering into 3 separate homes, and the destruction gets worse each time. So Spencer and her team have their hands full, but they win in the end. I can't wait to read the next book.

[Carol Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

Spencer and her team have their hands full with really intriguing cases. The banter between them especially between brother and sister always lightens the stressful times. Spencer and the team has also proven themselves with the people on the Res. I’m so looking forward to what looks like a very interesting case. Please don’t let us wait too long 🫶🇦🇺

[Leah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cold case

I have read all this series and will be back for her next one that is set up at the end of this one. It seems it will be a brutal one.

I appreciate that this author pulls you in with her stories, and not with dirty language and sex scenes.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic story with Spencer going all out to find the person responsible for a crime that happened long ago and solving it with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Tina S Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Series !

Elle Gray is one of my favorite authors, I enjoy all of her books so much. The characters and they are simply un put down. I’m so excited for the next book in this series. If you have not tried her books, please go check them out as well worth your time.

[Patti Tobacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great story

How she does it time and time again is beyond me! Her writing, the way her stories are depicted are fantastic. I am so happy to have happened upon her so many books ago! Love her and all the stories in my head!

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer and Amanda nothing is gonna stop those two stubborn women.