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Cold As The Grave
A missing girl. A dead hunter. One sheriff caught in the storm.
When a seasoned hunter is found murdered in the Colorado high country and a teenage girl vanishes hours later, Sheriff Ray Duke doesn’t believe in coincidences. Not in Blue Sky County. Not with the snowstorm rolling in. And not with fresh boot tracks pointing to a tangled trail of lies.
As Duke digs deeper, what he finds isn’t just a missing girl—it’s a web of secrets that stretches across families, friendships, and the frozen wilderness they all call home.
With tensions boiling over and time running out, Duke must risk everything to bring a killer to justice and a girl safely home. But the closer he gets, the more personal it becomes—and the harder it is to tell who’s protecting the innocent… and who’s just hiding the truth.
Perfect for fans of clean, redemptive mysteries, this novel delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense without the grit—just courage, conviction, and hope in the face of darkness.
When a seasoned hunter is found murdered in the Colorado high country and a teenage girl vanishes hours later, Sheriff Ray Duke doesn’t believe in coincidences. Not in Blue Sky County. Not with the snowstorm rolling in. And not with fresh boot tracks pointing to a tangled trail of lies.
As Duke digs deeper, what he finds isn’t just a missing girl—it’s a web of secrets that stretches across families, friendships, and the frozen wilderness they all call home.
With tensions boiling over and time running out, Duke must risk everything to bring a killer to justice and a girl safely home. But the closer he gets, the more personal it becomes—and the harder it is to tell who’s protecting the innocent… and who’s just hiding the truth.
Perfect for fans of clean, redemptive mysteries, this novel delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense without the grit—just courage, conviction, and hope in the face of darkness.
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
May 16, 2026
Mixed feelings
It took me a long time to finish this story. It dragged out so slowly. Too many side stories and repetitions. I did not count how many times I was told how smart and observant Duke was. Or how his wife always made him feel better. The man could read faces and gestures like Sherlock but let his 17 year old daughter drive off angry in a snow storm he was nervous to drive slowly in. With no clue why she was angry. I still don’t know why she was angry. He left the house to go break up a bar fight and didn’t know his daughter made it home till the next morning. But he was fiercely protective of his family. There were so many things that didn’t line up. For being a super smart observant sheriff he didn’t seem to understand what gathering evidence was. His character just didn’t feel right. I don’t know. I’m not in law enforcement. I have never written a book. My only experience is crime novels and cop shows. But it seemed like he did more walking in circles than actual detective work. I just was not impressed with the story. I almost gave 2 stars but I was invested enough to finish, even if I had to make myself push through the middle of it. I kind of want to know if he finds his sister but I might just read reviews instead of trying to read another book like this one.
It took me a long time to finish this story. It dragged out so slowly. Too many side stories and repetitions. I did not count how many times I was told how smart and observant Duke was. Or how his wife always made him feel better. The man could read faces and gestures like Sherlock but let his 17 year old daughter drive off angry in a snow storm he was nervous to drive slowly in. With no clue why she was angry. I still don’t know why she was angry. He left the house to go break up a bar fight and didn’t know his daughter made it home till the next morning. But he was fiercely protective of his family. There were so many things that didn’t line up. For being a super smart observant sheriff he didn’t seem to understand what gathering evidence was. His character just didn’t feel right. I don’t know. I’m not in law enforcement. I have never written a book. My only experience is crime novels and cop shows. But it seemed like he did more walking in circles than actual detective work. I just was not impressed with the story. I almost gave 2 stars but I was invested enough to finish, even if I had to make myself push through the middle of it. I kind of want to know if he finds his sister but I might just read reviews instead of trying to read another book like this one.
October 16, 2026
A new to me author!! My husband and I listened to the book and I found it to be a really good nail biter. Well developed characters and a great plot. I will be reading more and find out what happened to Emily.
October 19, 2026
One of the best mystery books I’ve read in a long time!! My only criticism is using the Lord’s name in vain 3 times. The book didn’t need that as it was great without it.
Excellent book overall!!
Excellent book overall!!
June 3, 2026
it’s ok
Interesting mystery to solve but, as others have said, too much repetition. How many mentions of the snow do you need? It’s Colorado. Also several places with obvious typos that should have been edited. And ( spoiler alert) wasn’t there an extra 16yo when Lacey & Peter show up? What happened to her?
Interesting mystery to solve but, as others have said, too much repetition. How many mentions of the snow do you need? It’s Colorado. Also several places with obvious typos that should have been edited. And ( spoiler alert) wasn’t there an extra 16yo when Lacey & Peter show up? What happened to her?
February 27, 2026
This was a hard one for me. I almost quit half way through. So many cliches, clues that were reality-stretchers, ie; footprints and tire marks still "crisp" in the middle of a snowstorm. But I actually finished because I really wanted to know how this tangled web would unwind.
October 14, 2026
3.5 stars for a long read that for all intents and purposes kept my interest. The novel centers on 2 cases that may or may not be connected. A hunter of elk is found shot with his own rifle in a blind. Running parallel a teenage girl is missing. It is the duty of Ray Duke and his deputies to untangle….oh what a tangled web this story wove. Trail cameras, blood evidence and sketchy time lines lead the police on what is seemingly a shaky road to nowhere. Perhaps I watch too much Law And Order but it seemed the good sheriff who had twenty years under his belt needed a review in Police Investigation 101. Giving witnesses a break when they should have been questioned immediately and deciding not to follow someone when this action could potentially lead to a big break. I had to take notes as I played along. It wasn’t tedious or a bore hence the decision to proceed with book 2.
I enjoyed the inclusion of a sweet and very alert dog in the story and also the family and faith aspect.
Kelly Cross has created an atmospheric mystery and he has metaphors that are imaginative. The book is problematic at times because it’s repetitive. He drives a point home when it’s enough that he’s already demonstrated it, such as the supportive, loving wife or the fact that the investigation often affects Ray physically. As with all crafts like fine wine, they get better with time.
I would recommend with patience.
I enjoyed the inclusion of a sweet and very alert dog in the story and also the family and faith aspect.
Kelly Cross has created an atmospheric mystery and he has metaphors that are imaginative. The book is problematic at times because it’s repetitive. He drives a point home when it’s enough that he’s already demonstrated it, such as the supportive, loving wife or the fact that the investigation often affects Ray physically. As with all crafts like fine wine, they get better with time.
I would recommend with patience.
October 28, 2026
This had good parts, but is not a series I will continue.
What I liked:
1. The voice: Ray Duke is a man of faith and family. His sister disappeared 25 years ago and now another girl has disappeared from the same trail. He loves the Lord, knows scripture, knows his job, and loves his community. He is married to Grace and has 4 kids.
2. The plot: It's a classic mystery with a murder and a girl who has disappeared at the same time.
3. The setting: small town in the dead of winter. The author did a great job of making me feel cold.
4. Short chapters
5. The ending
What I didn't like:
1. The constant repetition. Every couple chapters throughout the entire book it is mentioned that Duke has been married for 20 years. Every time he hugs his wife it mentions how he loves the smell of his wife's shampoo.
2. Duke's sister Emily disappeared 25 years before and somehow it is Duke's fault that they never found her or her killer even though at one point it says he wasn't a cop at the time?
3. The pacing: I think this is part of the repetition. Without all the repetition it would have been a much shorter book and that would have been good.
What I liked:
1. The voice: Ray Duke is a man of faith and family. His sister disappeared 25 years ago and now another girl has disappeared from the same trail. He loves the Lord, knows scripture, knows his job, and loves his community. He is married to Grace and has 4 kids.
2. The plot: It's a classic mystery with a murder and a girl who has disappeared at the same time.
3. The setting: small town in the dead of winter. The author did a great job of making me feel cold.
4. Short chapters
5. The ending
What I didn't like:
1. The constant repetition. Every couple chapters throughout the entire book it is mentioned that Duke has been married for 20 years. Every time he hugs his wife it mentions how he loves the smell of his wife's shampoo.
2. Duke's sister Emily disappeared 25 years before and somehow it is Duke's fault that they never found her or her killer even though at one point it says he wasn't a cop at the time?
3. The pacing: I think this is part of the repetition. Without all the repetition it would have been a much shorter book and that would have been good.
September 25, 2026
Book: Cold As The Grave
Author: Kelly Cross
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Genre: western mystery 🤠🐴🔫
Series?: Yes (Sheriff Ray Duke)
Story Pacing: 🚶♂️
Language: 🤬 none
Spice: 0️⃣ none
Content Warnings: ⚠️ violence, murder, abuse, missing children
Will I continue with this author or series: Yes ✅
Comments: This is Kelly Cross’s first Ray Duke novel…and I liked it. I don’t know anything about this author and can’t find a public profile. While this book is far from perfect, I’m excited about what Cross is creating. This novel has Longmire and Joe Pickett vibes, which I appreciate, but It’s also a clean novel without profanity and sex, and it features Christian characters with faith based struggles. The family life is a plus (similar to Joe Pickett) and the mystery in Cold As The Grave was complex with lots of twists…and Cross managed to do it all without being cheesy. Well done! My only complaint is that it felt a little long winded. Audiobook narrator did a fine job, but I might like this better in print. I am eager to continue with the series.
Author: Kelly Cross
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 🎧
Genre: western mystery 🤠🐴🔫
Series?: Yes (Sheriff Ray Duke)
Story Pacing: 🚶♂️
Language: 🤬 none
Spice: 0️⃣ none
Content Warnings: ⚠️ violence, murder, abuse, missing children
Will I continue with this author or series: Yes ✅
Comments: This is Kelly Cross’s first Ray Duke novel…and I liked it. I don’t know anything about this author and can’t find a public profile. While this book is far from perfect, I’m excited about what Cross is creating. This novel has Longmire and Joe Pickett vibes, which I appreciate, but It’s also a clean novel without profanity and sex, and it features Christian characters with faith based struggles. The family life is a plus (similar to Joe Pickett) and the mystery in Cold As The Grave was complex with lots of twists…and Cross managed to do it all without being cheesy. Well done! My only complaint is that it felt a little long winded. Audiobook narrator did a fine job, but I might like this better in print. I am eager to continue with the series.
September 1, 2026
I cannot fathom why this book has such high ratings. While the overall storyline is very good, the execution of the writing is awful. I don't see how there could have been an editor involved in the publication - any editor worth their salt should have seen the glaring problems within this book.
There were four typos of sorts which is not that big a deal, but at every turn, something stated would be contradicted a few pages or chapters later. I couldn't even keep count of how many times this happened - maybe a dozen? A lot anyway. I went back to double check to make sure I hadn't misread something earlier in the book so many times.
There was a lot of repetitiveness in phrasing, which got a bit old. Even worse, things would be mentioned by people when the sheriff was questioning them - important things - and would not be followed up on by him or his deputies. A mystery novel with poor detective work kind of takes the fun out of it.
I kept reading because the concept of the story was quite good, and I did like the Christian faith aspect within it. Sadly, I doubt I'll read any further books in this series. Just far too frustrating for this reader.
There were four typos of sorts which is not that big a deal, but at every turn, something stated would be contradicted a few pages or chapters later. I couldn't even keep count of how many times this happened - maybe a dozen? A lot anyway. I went back to double check to make sure I hadn't misread something earlier in the book so many times.
There was a lot of repetitiveness in phrasing, which got a bit old. Even worse, things would be mentioned by people when the sheriff was questioning them - important things - and would not be followed up on by him or his deputies. A mystery novel with poor detective work kind of takes the fun out of it.
I kept reading because the concept of the story was quite good, and I did like the Christian faith aspect within it. Sadly, I doubt I'll read any further books in this series. Just far too frustrating for this reader.
October 17, 2026
unnecessarily long
I really like the story and the aspect of characters being Christian while the story is not a Christian story. I don’t mind long books, but this one in particular had so much content that really was unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the story. I would’ve given it 3 1/2 stars if that was an option just because it’s written more like a miniseries where you can delve into all kinds of levels of people’s thinking, but it’s so often loses the thread of the story and the mystery starts taking a backseat to just the minutia of Daily life. I do want to go onto book 2, but after a lengthy read that didn’t require this kind of detailed depth I’m not sure if I will.
I really like the story and the aspect of characters being Christian while the story is not a Christian story. I don’t mind long books, but this one in particular had so much content that really was unnecessary and didn’t add anything to the story. I would’ve given it 3 1/2 stars if that was an option just because it’s written more like a miniseries where you can delve into all kinds of levels of people’s thinking, but it’s so often loses the thread of the story and the mystery starts taking a backseat to just the minutia of Daily life. I do want to go onto book 2, but after a lengthy read that didn’t require this kind of detailed depth I’m not sure if I will.
June 21, 2026
Cold As The Grave
The book has a good background. The male protagonist is an interesting character. It is a Faith written book containing quotes from the Bible. Some people are offended by this. I think there was too much emphasis put on trail cameras and moving them. It took over the book. Also, we never even learned the identity of a character in the book. She was in diner scene at beginning and at the end with the unwed kids during the shootout. Like how her in the corner for extra casting. The book could have been written with a lot less trips to the trails repeating same action over and over again.
The book has a good background. The male protagonist is an interesting character. It is a Faith written book containing quotes from the Bible. Some people are offended by this. I think there was too much emphasis put on trail cameras and moving them. It took over the book. Also, we never even learned the identity of a character in the book. She was in diner scene at beginning and at the end with the unwed kids during the shootout. Like how her in the corner for extra casting. The book could have been written with a lot less trips to the trails repeating same action over and over again.
July 19, 2026
Too Long of a Good Story
I was able to read the whole book because I wanted to know what happened. But the plot is not consistent. The author contradicts himself in several instances. He adds way too much filler. It's way too wordy. And it makes a stab at being a Christian based novel, though the stab often misses its mark, like the author must insert Biblical references or prayers in order to be deemed a "Christian" novel. By the time the plot winds up, it is anti-climatic. It could be a really good book if it had a really good editor who wouldn't mind slashing it down to a reasonable length, and doing something to pull the disjointed plot together.
I was able to read the whole book because I wanted to know what happened. But the plot is not consistent. The author contradicts himself in several instances. He adds way too much filler. It's way too wordy. And it makes a stab at being a Christian based novel, though the stab often misses its mark, like the author must insert Biblical references or prayers in order to be deemed a "Christian" novel. By the time the plot winds up, it is anti-climatic. It could be a really good book if it had a really good editor who wouldn't mind slashing it down to a reasonable length, and doing something to pull the disjointed plot together.
October 8, 2026
I never write reviews because I’m usually at the very least somewhat satisfied with the story. However, I was extremely disappointed in this book. It starts out with the same beginning as another book by a different author. Somebody’s copying somebody. The sea was angry that day, my friend. Way too wordy, too much repetition. I felt like some parts just dragged on and on and on. Quite a few inconsistencies. I thought the climax chapter was not a very compelling reason for everything that happened previously. In the last chapter just seemed so wishy-washy and idealistic as seen through rose colored glasses. I’m done with this series. One book was enough.
October 22, 2026
The first book in a Sheriff Ray Duke series. I consider this book a standalone story with no need to continue the series. Ray Duke is a good, diligent sheriff and a good family man with a very loyal, lovely hard-working wife Grace. There are a number of children you meet as well. This is a Christian family, which is nice to see. The mystery in the book concerns a missing teenage girl and a murdered mountain man, along with a wild mountain man and other characters who are not fully cooperative. And -- there is a blizzard that blows through much of the book. I felt like there was more repetition that I like and some less than likely actions that were taken.
July 25, 2026
Long story
Great story. Very long, but interesting read. I would have given it a five star but I had some concerns about the characters. The characters were great but not too deeply developed. I'm still curious about McCoy'S past. She seemed well trained and professional for a small town law enforcement job.
I also was left mystified about Scout. He too was to good to be true. I also had some problems with all the fresh snow and the mention of the dust in the air from the vehicles. Oh well, the story was entertaining and suspenseful.
Great story. Very long, but interesting read. I would have given it a five star but I had some concerns about the characters. The characters were great but not too deeply developed. I'm still curious about McCoy'S past. She seemed well trained and professional for a small town law enforcement job.
I also was left mystified about Scout. He too was to good to be true. I also had some problems with all the fresh snow and the mention of the dust in the air from the vehicles. Oh well, the story was entertaining and suspenseful.
August 24, 2026
Well written kinda cozy mystery with Christian undertones. The book is pretty clean and I enjoyed the biblical quotes. The book is FAR TOO LONG. This is a common problem with authors today. They take a good story or premise and drag it out into a slog through quicksand. Overly descriptive language and repetitive writing hurts so many books. It’s being careless with the reader’s time which is a big negative. Readers will read more books if they have time to read more books. This could have been a 4 star story, but the author couldn’t land the plane after 300 pages.
August 26, 2026
All in all, I loved this book. The best proof of that is that I have already begun Deadly Current, the second book in the series. The only thing that kept me from giving it a five was this: the "secrets" being hid by the sheriff's family were so obvious that way too many words were spent on them. They got really annoying a few chapters in. That's not to say that the family values in the book were not welcome. I loved the emphasis on family, just didn't like running a couple of things into the ground. After having said all that (Man, I'm long-winded) I do highly recommend the book.
August 20, 2026
way too much Christian undertones for my liking
The story was engaging, and the characters were well developed. There was a bit more repetition than I like in my books, and there was way more Christian undertones and jargon than I am comfortable with. This should be categorized as a Christian book and sold in Christian bookstores. I would not have picked it up had I have known that, but was engaged enough to finish it.
The story was engaging, and the characters were well developed. There was a bit more repetition than I like in my books, and there was way more Christian undertones and jargon than I am comfortable with. This should be categorized as a Christian book and sold in Christian bookstores. I would not have picked it up had I have known that, but was engaged enough to finish it.
September 2, 2026
Complex mystery
The story line was complex. Lots of interplay with 2 crimes,?interaction among the staff, and lots of different people. The practice of switching from first and last names caused me some confusion. The book was far too religious for me. All of the bible verses and prayer. Is away to ruin a good way mystery. I won't be reading anymore of this series or this author.
The story line was complex. Lots of interplay with 2 crimes,?interaction among the staff, and lots of different people. The practice of switching from first and last names caused me some confusion. The book was far too religious for me. All of the bible verses and prayer. Is away to ruin a good way mystery. I won't be reading anymore of this series or this author.
February 6, 2026
This author was recommended thru another author's newsletter. This was so good. Kept me bouncing between culprits, suspenseful. Great interplay in the characters. The family dynamic and the faith that was built in. Looking forward to the next book - already have it in my library. Looking forward to more from this author!
February 20, 2026
Cold as the Grave
This is a great read. The story was well put together and kept you turning the pages. It brought out the characters faith and how their actions followed the faith. It is definitely a book I recommend to anyone wanting a good suspenseful book that you don’t want to put down.
This is a great read. The story was well put together and kept you turning the pages. It brought out the characters faith and how their actions followed the faith. It is definitely a book I recommend to anyone wanting a good suspenseful book that you don’t want to put down.
March 8, 2026
I LOVED this book! I love the scriptures & how they were placed, the realness of the situations, the characters. I love how there's no smut! I definitely love a good mystery & this one had me guessing about the entire time! The ending of this had the first few chapters of Book 2 & after previewing it, can't wait to sink in ♡
March 18, 2026
Good Read
The story line was excellent. Kept you in the story due to the twist in the past and present emotions. However, characters were mixed in certain scenes you knew who was being spoken of but it was distracting. Also did love the mix of Christian values. Did fell book was stretched out and could have been brought together better.
The story line was excellent. Kept you in the story due to the twist in the past and present emotions. However, characters were mixed in certain scenes you knew who was being spoken of but it was distracting. Also did love the mix of Christian values. Did fell book was stretched out and could have been brought together better.
March 31, 2026
Best Mystery I've Read For Awhile!
This book grabbed my interest within the first couple of paragraphs and never let go. The multiple twists in the plot made ot a joy to read. It is very well written. I highly recommend this book, and I personally will be purchasing more by this author.
This book grabbed my interest within the first couple of paragraphs and never let go. The multiple twists in the plot made ot a joy to read. It is very well written. I highly recommend this book, and I personally will be purchasing more by this author.
April 1, 2026
A truly blessed read.
It would take more than a thousand words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into it. Mystery wrapped up with love so grand it could only come from Our Lord, Jesus Christ. So do yourself a huge favor. Find a quiet corner somewhere and immerse yourself with.
It would take more than a thousand words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into it. Mystery wrapped up with love so grand it could only come from Our Lord, Jesus Christ. So do yourself a huge favor. Find a quiet corner somewhere and immerse yourself with.
May 9, 2026
Great story with lots of twists but...
Love the writing style and wonderful character development. Story is captivating but too much repetition and OVERUSE of some phrases. Ex: jaw tightened or chest tightened. Finally wanted to scream but just slapped my face a d rolled my eyes a hundred times!! LOL other than that you will enjoy the book
Love the writing style and wonderful character development. Story is captivating but too much repetition and OVERUSE of some phrases. Ex: jaw tightened or chest tightened. Finally wanted to scream but just slapped my face a d rolled my eyes a hundred times!! LOL other than that you will enjoy the book
June 1, 2026
Refreshing and down to earth
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot was very good, though sometimes frustrating. The people are true to character and come shining through as the book goes on. Excellent writing and keeping us on our toes until the end!! Thank you!
This book is one of the best I have read in a long time. The plot was very good, though sometimes frustrating. The people are true to character and come shining through as the book goes on. Excellent writing and keeping us on our toes until the end!! Thank you!
August 13, 2026
This book started out slow and uninteresting and I almost put it down but decided to keep reading on and was glad I did. It took a while for the story to develop and the characters to develop, but it was worth reading through to the end. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
August 16, 2026
Gripping mystery with good, clean storytelling. I was a little confused in parts of the story, but it all came together in the end.
Sheriff Duke finds himself in the middle of a crime investigation that sounds very similar to his sister’s cold case from 25 years ago. It’s difficult for his emotions not to interfere with his work, but will they sabotage the whole investigation?
Sheriff Duke finds himself in the middle of a crime investigation that sounds very similar to his sister’s cold case from 25 years ago. It’s difficult for his emotions not to interfere with his work, but will they sabotage the whole investigation?
August 16, 2026
2.5 stars for me
I was excited to find a new, clean, mystery series to listen to, and I liked the story, but this book was much longer than it needed to be. Much of the middle was repetitive and could have been omitted. While listening, I ended up skipping ahead an hour or so. With some good editing, this could be a great book.
I was excited to find a new, clean, mystery series to listen to, and I liked the story, but this book was much longer than it needed to be. Much of the middle was repetitive and could have been omitted. While listening, I ended up skipping ahead an hour or so. With some good editing, this could be a great book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews