PREY: A Gripping Small Town Female Detective Mystery Crime Thriller

by Christopher Greyson

When a killer targets Charlie, the rules go out the window.

Magnolia, Tennessee was supposed to be her escape—no ocean, no ghosts, just dogwood trees and polite Southern smiles. Fitting in was never going to be easy for a hard-edged Boston cop but after she put the beloved high school football coach behind bars, it became impossible.
Then he turns up dead.
With a town full of secrets whose residents close ranks faster than a Sunday prayer circle, and a department that wants her gone—trust is a luxury she can’t afford. She’s out of allies and out of time, but Charlie’s done running. It’s time to show the predator what happens when the prey hunts back.

From New York Times bestselling author Christopher Greyson comes this spellbinding tale with jaw-dropping secrets, a colorful ensemble of characters, and a protagonist you’ll root for from the first page to the last.

Christopher Greyson's novels have been read by millions of readers. Look for other standalone novels by Christopher Greyson including gritty thrillers, twist-filled mysteries and, heart-pounding adventures featuring fan favorites such as Detective Jack Stratton, Faith Winters, Kiku and, the newest heroine, Detective Charlie Westbrook.

The Detective Jack Stratton Mystery-Thriller Series
And Then She Was Gone (Prequel)
Girl Jacked
Jack Knifed
Jacks Are Wild
Jack and the Giant Killer
Data Jack
Jack of Hearts
Jack Frost
Jack of Diamonds
Captain Jack
Jack of Spades
Jack & Jill and the Blue Light Killer

Also by Christopher
The Girl Who Lived
• Best Mystery-Thriller eBook of the Year — Independent Publisher Book Awards
• Winner Best Thriller — National Indie Excellence Awards
• Winner Best Thriller — Silver Falchion Award
• Finalist eBook Fiction — Indie Book Awards
• Silver Medal Suspense — Reader’s Favorite Book Awards
The Girl Who Lived 2: Ghosts of the Past
One Little Lie
The Woman Beneath the Stairs
The Adventures of Finn & Annie
The Dark – Books 1-4
Pure of Heart

The Case Files of Detective Charlie Westbrook
Murder at Kindle Creek
Prey

KIKU – Rogue Assassin Trilogy
A Beautiful Place to Die
Kindle the Fires of War
Dance of Death

Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com to find out more about your favorite characters, giveaways, and updates on new book releases, and get a FREE copy of the exclusive short stories First Patrol and Fear the Onryō.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 7, 2026

About the author

My name is Christopher Greyson, and I am a storyteller.

Since I was a little boy, I have dreamt of what mystery was around the next corner, or what quest lay over the hill. If I couldn’t find an adventure, one usually found me, and now I weave those tales into my stories. I am blessed to have written over twenty novels.

My love for tales of mystery and adventure began with my grandfather, a decorated World War I hero. I will never forget being introduced to his friend, a WWI pilot who flew across the skies at the same time as the feared, legendary Red Baron. My love of reading and storytelling eventually led me to write and it’s the best job I’ve ever had.

I love to hear from my readers. Please visit ChristopherGreyson.com, where you can become a preferred reader, download an exclusive Jack Stratton mystery, and receive advanced notifications of book releases and more! Please follow Detective Jack Stratton on Twitter @chris_greyson and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherG.... Thank you for reading my novels. I hope my stories have brightened your day.

Sincerely,

Christopher Greyson

Reviews

[Linae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This was a very interesting story. Complicated people in relationships people you thought were the killer, but they weren’t the killer gets away but the whole time you’re at the edge of the seat waiting to see what happens next and now the ending of this book has got me curious I can’t leave it alone because I have to go find out what happens next

[Melissa McBride · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense Thriller

Wow what a series. I’m always up for a badass woman detective and I love her partner Luke. Twists that take you in unexpected directions, suspense that keeps you turning the pages. I hated for it to end. I can’t wait for the next book in series.

[Black Butterfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I READ THIS IN ONE DAY; I LIKED AND DISLIKED IT. IT WAS A REAL CRIME MYSTERY KEPT ME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS GOING ON. I DIDN'T LIKE THE ENDING EVEN THOUGH I SAW IT COMING. I LIKE STORIES TO HAVE AN ENDING, ENDING AND THIS DID NOT. ;D

[Deana Rodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a HEAD for these types of novels

This was such a good book. I could not put it down. I can’t wait for the next one. There’s so many twisted terms for this book that just keeps you on your toes.

[Eva Trowbridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing

The only part I didn't like was too much detail about clothing and describing folks. Otherwise, Charlie is fantastic, especially when the reader has read the rest of the series.

[Augie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Detective Charlie

This book was amazing. Could not put it down. I read it in one day. Wow definitely a 5+. MARY

[great read 12 looking forward to 13 read all in order · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to finish this book