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Deadly Current
A flash flood. A body in the river. A murder no storm could hide.
Sheriff Ray Duke barely survives rescuing a family from the raging waters—but when the flood recedes, it leaves behind coffins ripped from an old mining cemetery… and a corpse that didn’t drown.
The small town of Blue Sky erupts with a crooked caretaker, a feud between prospectors, and a fortune in gold rich enough to kill for. Every clue points to Charlie Flowers—violent, desperate, and caught red-handed with stolen flakes. But his rival, Lyle Martin, has more secrets than alibis.
As Duke fights to untangle the lies, a smooth-talking stranger arrives with deep pockets and dangerous promises. And buried beneath the greed is a thread leading back to the one case Duke has never solved—his sister’s disappearance, twenty-five years ago.
Some secrets stay buried. Others claw their way out.
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. Be sure to begin this series with book 1, Cold As The Grave to maximize your reading experience.
Sheriff Ray Duke barely survives rescuing a family from the raging waters—but when the flood recedes, it leaves behind coffins ripped from an old mining cemetery… and a corpse that didn’t drown.
The small town of Blue Sky erupts with a crooked caretaker, a feud between prospectors, and a fortune in gold rich enough to kill for. Every clue points to Charlie Flowers—violent, desperate, and caught red-handed with stolen flakes. But his rival, Lyle Martin, has more secrets than alibis.
As Duke fights to untangle the lies, a smooth-talking stranger arrives with deep pockets and dangerous promises. And buried beneath the greed is a thread leading back to the one case Duke has never solved—his sister’s disappearance, twenty-five years ago.
Some secrets stay buried. Others claw their way out.
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. Be sure to begin this series with book 1, Cold As The Grave to maximize your reading experience.
- GenresMystery
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 6, 2026
I like this series a lot but it sometimes seems longer than it should.. not giving up on this series though because I have to know what is next!
February 10, 2026
Clean, suspenseful mysteries
Very well-written without needing the profanity on every page that many authors today use to a nauseating degree. If you like good,clean writing and very suspenseful stories, this author is for you.
Very well-written without needing the profanity on every page that many authors today use to a nauseating degree. If you like good,clean writing and very suspenseful stories, this author is for you.
January 22, 2026
This would have been an easy 5 star but I felt like there was too much redundancy in the book.
July 10, 2026
This second-in-series lets us get to know the characters a little better. It also takes us deeper into Sheriff Ray Duke’s twenty-five year nightmare—the unsolved disappearance of his sister. When tragedy pours salt into his old wound, he’s torn between working a current case or the cold one.
There are more overlaps in the two than there should be. One in particular vexes him at every turn.
The current mystery explores social dynamics, greed, and (of all things) gold mining. We learn more about the officers on the force, particularly McCoy, and more about Duke’s family. Scout continues to shine.
The current mystery eventually wraps in an authentic way. The cold case sees little progress, leaving readers to anticipate more down the road.
I grew to appreciate the slower pace of this novel, as it’s steeped in visceral atmosphere and detailed world-building. The author has a few overused phrases that standout as you read, but it’s only a hiccup in an otherwise engaging story and series.
Fans of fast-paced, plot-driven mysteries might not list this among their favorites, but fans who enjoy immersing themselves in the people and places of a story while unraveling clues will surely enjoy the work.
There are more overlaps in the two than there should be. One in particular vexes him at every turn.
The current mystery explores social dynamics, greed, and (of all things) gold mining. We learn more about the officers on the force, particularly McCoy, and more about Duke’s family. Scout continues to shine.
The current mystery eventually wraps in an authentic way. The cold case sees little progress, leaving readers to anticipate more down the road.
I grew to appreciate the slower pace of this novel, as it’s steeped in visceral atmosphere and detailed world-building. The author has a few overused phrases that standout as you read, but it’s only a hiccup in an otherwise engaging story and series.
Fans of fast-paced, plot-driven mysteries might not list this among their favorites, but fans who enjoy immersing themselves in the people and places of a story while unraveling clues will surely enjoy the work.
July 21, 2026
weighted words
Kelly Cross has developed interesting characters and stories but…
I recognize that her sheriff is a serious man and he has a serious job but I feel that I was hit over the head with all the reminders. Are we readers not aware of this man’s character from the beginning? Does it have to be repeated on every page? The “weight of the badge”, “the weight of history “, “ the weight of responsibility “, of command, of evidence, of unanswered questions, of protecting others, of the search, of old grief, of dismissal, of anticipation, of the murders, of parenthood, of authority…and more, and many repeated.
Sorry, after two installments I’m done. This style has weighted me down.
Kelly Cross has developed interesting characters and stories but…
I recognize that her sheriff is a serious man and he has a serious job but I feel that I was hit over the head with all the reminders. Are we readers not aware of this man’s character from the beginning? Does it have to be repeated on every page? The “weight of the badge”, “the weight of history “, “ the weight of responsibility “, of command, of evidence, of unanswered questions, of protecting others, of the search, of old grief, of dismissal, of anticipation, of the murders, of parenthood, of authority…and more, and many repeated.
Sorry, after two installments I’m done. This style has weighted me down.
March 13, 2026
Deadly Current
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very well developed and realistic. It is a well written book about a sheriff, his deputies and crimes that happen even in small towns. It also weaves Christian values and beliefs into the storyline. It’s a book that is hard to put down when it’s time for bed. I’m enjoying the whole series.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very well developed and realistic. It is a well written book about a sheriff, his deputies and crimes that happen even in small towns. It also weaves Christian values and beliefs into the storyline. It’s a book that is hard to put down when it’s time for bed. I’m enjoying the whole series.
April 17, 2026
Deadly Current is a great read!
Riveting plot and well written. Enough twists to keep you intrigued and thinking without becoming frustrating. This 2nd book in Kelly Cross' series will not disappoint. I am excitedly anticipating starting the 3rd book of the Ray Duke series later today. I highly recommend this series and this author.
Riveting plot and well written. Enough twists to keep you intrigued and thinking without becoming frustrating. This 2nd book in Kelly Cross' series will not disappoint. I am excitedly anticipating starting the 3rd book of the Ray Duke series later today. I highly recommend this series and this author.
August 14, 2026
I am still a happy reader
Have looked forward to reading every Afternoon and evening And have enjoyed in staying engaged Will not being offended by terrible language Or graphic sexual violence. Appreciate the author and all that they It is a good literary work that can be a joy and appreciated
Have looked forward to reading every Afternoon and evening And have enjoyed in staying engaged Will not being offended by terrible language Or graphic sexual violence. Appreciate the author and all that they It is a good literary work that can be a joy and appreciated
January 31, 2026
I have to be honest and say I didn't finish this book. It lost steam and the author seem to be ticking all the boxes to fit the genre instead of being creative ( while staying within the genre.) The characters seemed flat and unrealistic. I am glad this was on Kindle and not an actual paper book.
March 12, 2026
This one was as good as the first ♡ however there is slight repetition of verbiage when it comes to the descriptive details of a scene that got slightly annoying lol found myself speed skimming past quite a bit of it - good story though!
March 24, 2026
The lead Character Sheriff Duke is very melancholy! The overall style of this author is also melancholy! Though I sure appreciate the faith element & the excellent mystery, I’m going to take a break from this series.
Did Not Finish
April 28, 2026I enjoyed the first book in the series. Started the second book and the author used the word “d—n” twice in early chapters. I will not be finishing or reading any others. I read Christian novels to stay away from spice and language.
June 17, 2026
Book #2 of such an enjoyable series. Sheriff Duke perserves trying to see that justice is served in his small Colorado community supported by a wonderful wife and a great team of duputies. It is always nice to read books in which the "good guys" do succeed
July 8, 2026
Another great mystery.
Mr. Cross has delivered another great mystery with a web of twists and turns that keep you reading. Sheriff Ray Duke, a man of faith and justice. Such a great character. On to the next myst.
Mr. Cross has delivered another great mystery with a web of twists and turns that keep you reading. Sheriff Ray Duke, a man of faith and justice. Such a great character. On to the next myst.
August 15, 2026
DNF. Yes we get it!! THEY'VE BEEN MARRIED FOR 20 YEARS !!! That was said over and over again in the first few chapters alone. I honestly I started second-guessing myself thinking I was accidentally reading over the same parts. I just couldn't take the repetition anymore
February 2, 2026
Great book!
March 7, 2026
Exceptional story telling !
Enjoying the series great characters, clean with Christian values
Will read rest of series and more if there are more!
Enjoying the series great characters, clean with Christian values
Will read rest of series and more if there are more!
April 19, 2026
Another good book!
This is another good clean story with plenty of mystery and action. All about what is important in our country
This is another good clean story with plenty of mystery and action. All about what is important in our country
April 21, 2026
Marvelous as usual.
It's easy to get hooked on such a good story. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
It's easy to get hooked on such a good story. I'm looking forward to the next one in this series.
July 9, 2026
Storyline good. Too much repetition. Clean that up and it’s a 5 star.
August 6, 2026
Deadly Current
I love reading Kelly's books. Lots and lots of twists and turns. Love the books because there no Cursing, Religious story.
I love reading Kelly's books. Lots and lots of twists and turns. Love the books because there no Cursing, Religious story.
August 24, 2026
Not the best series, but interesting and worth the time reading. While some of the characters are interesting, others are kind of lame and detract from the story.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews