Trails in the Falls

by Elle Gray

“I think someone is following us.”

Sheriff Spenser Song has faced many tragedies in life.
After her husband’s death, she answered a job ad.
And moved to the small town of Sweetwater Falls.
But starting over has been far from easy for her.

When the terrified parents of a young girl call the sheriff's department.
Their daughter and her boyfriend have gone missing after a hiking trip.
Sheriff Spenser Song launches an investigation.

Traces of the couple lead to one dead end after another.
Rumors of town legends and whispers of strange hauntings begin to circulate.
With many dark new theories emerging regarding the missing hikers.
The case takes a wilder turn.
And Spenser faces a major hurdle during the search.

From family tragedies and coverups to town legends.
It’s only a matter of time before the buried past resurfaces.
With Ryker by her side, Spenser is about to face an unexpected new enemy.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2026

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

[pam slocum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetwater falls twists and turns.

Love Elle grays books. It's hard to put a book down to get anything else done until the book is finished. Always interesting plots and twists. Fun.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sheriff Song. Undersheriff Amanda are talking over evidence in two killings from the end of the last installment (Blue Card Killer), there's little evidence and one victim is still unidentified when they receive a call about a missing woman.

The Dixon's (parents of the missing 19 yr old) are adamant she always checks in and never disappears. Although it's too soon to declare her missing, Spenser decides to take a look. Turns out the girl's boyfriend is also missing-both without a trace.

Seems the duo went hiking and multiple days are spent by volunteers looking for them deep in the forest while Spenser investigates one lead after another that ends nowhere. Finally, a reinterview of a friend leads them in the right direction. However, it's not without Spenser taking off on her own, endangering her life and being rescued- seems like she courts danger in every book even though she knows better.

An ok fast read.

[Susie O'Connell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ive been reading this series as i've been recovering from health issues. It's easy to read and I've enjoyed getting to know sheriff Spencer and Ryan. Some of the books I enjoyed better than others, on 2 of them, I didnt enjoy the story line much. I would rate them mostly 3's, that I enjoyed them. A couple would be 4's as the excitement was greater with the story line.
Most kept me intrigued with small town life of a former FBI, as the new sheriff there. My favorite was finding out if she'd win the election and the competition of a sleazy guy trying to get the job.
So I've now finished # 18 and looking forward to 19 coming out this fall so I can finish this story and move on!

[Ron D. Dupree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep'em Coming

As always Spencer's life and policing skills just keep getting better and more complex. Every addition to the Sweetwater Falls collection just seems to get more suspenseful and exciting. Ryker needs to get increasingly more serious about upping his game. Read this book and you will discover what I mean. I only see one more planned addition. Let's hope that isn't true because there are multiple things that still have to be sorted out, and Spenser has a lot left to give.

[Anne Ogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Mystery Solved

Sheriff Song has her hands full trying to find a young couple missing after going on a hike in the mountains. She gathered her deputies and other volunteers to search the mountains. They cross paths with illegal.growers deep in the forest. The sheriff wonders if the young couple stumbled upon an illegal grow farm. The sheriff ends up going in search on her own only bro get her self in harms way.

[Ann Kingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now we wait!

I can't believe that I have to wait until Halloween for the next book!!!!🙄
This book was much better, but you did that same thing of assuming I would remember the words from the blue card!!!
Please just repeat the important things!!!!! I had to hunt back in two books to find the words!!!! Which takes away my reading time!!!!
Just repeat the words for those of us who read 5 or 6 other books in between!!!

[Martina I Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book I've read in awhile. Story of two young people who have gone missing while on a hike through forest. While the entire book continues with that theme there are other mysteries to be solved. Sheriff Spencer Song is still making herself vulnerable in certain situations and has to be rescued. I enjoy how the author brings the characters to life and each book adds something new.

[Tina S Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this one down

When I started this series. I was absolutely hooked on it , all the characters are so engaging you get to feel like you know them all.
I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone that loves the genre ! The ending was so intriguing , I cannot wait for the next book release !! absolutely 5+ stars . Elle Gray has so many amazing books. !

[L A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really was enjoying this series, but honestly getting frustrated with Spenser. She shows poor decision making and poor leadership on repeat. Debating if I continue the series to see where it goes with the new ME or just call it after this book.


I have theories, debating if it's worth it to see if I'm correct.

[Mickey Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner 🏆

As usual, Elle has put forth a well written story that continues to raise the bar in this genre. The ongoing suspense and the camaraderie between the characters, as well as the humor, make this one of the best series I've ever read. Well done!

[linda t short]

Never disappointed

I have enjoyed every one of the books by Elle Gray. I read everyday and her series are some I enjoy the most. I have recommend her books to both my sisters, as well as, many friends. Can't wait to see what is up with the new ME!

[Dawn Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series.

I just live all the trouble Spencer and her crew are always getting into. This series is truly one of my favorites. I am eagerly awaiting the next book.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS



Always enjoy Sheriff Spenser, and Ryker. Just a little thrown off by the beginning of the novel with a totally “out-there” case. Sure hope you the new Dr. doesn’t come between Spencer and Ryker!

[alice sorrells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why

Why do you have to use God's name in vain and also Jesus it adds nothing to the story Your stories are good without doing that. Think about all your readers!

[Michael Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer gets it done!

Every adventure continues to grow the characters to a new level. Such a great mix of personalities working together to create a great team.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Spenser going all out to find missing people and able to solve what happen to them with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Julie Ehrman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but a bit slow to get to the end of the mystery.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Read as Expected

This series that Ms Gray has written is exceptional. I finished this book in 2 days. It keeps your interest and you just want to put it down!

[Stacey West-feather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run

Just when you think you know what’s going on in Sweetwater a dismembered body shows up. This book will keep you up at night!

[Patti Finelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you guessing

I was totally hooked - the story kept me on my toes the whole time! I was glued too this book.

[Lisa Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent read

I enjoyed the search in this one. Hoping for more policing and less personal drama now that the elections for sheriff are over.

[Christine Van Luyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

I think the overlap with solving one case and the other still unsolved made for a great story especially with new character and information at the end.

[Cilicia Steidl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spencer is always fun to follow a case with.

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great to see Jacob ģet into the action. not really sure about the new medical doctor. it's gonna have people watching.