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A Lethal Bargain
Still reeling from the ill-fated raid at the port, FBI agent Blake Wilder is at a loss.
Not only did the operation allow chemical weapons to enter the country, it also ended with the disappearance of her kid sister, Kit.
Having lost her once already, Blake is determined not to let it happen again.
But politics in DC are keeping her on the sidelines, and every hour without answers pushes her closer to the edge.
Then longtime nemesis Senator Kathryn Hedlund comes to her with a desperate plea.
Her godson, a journalism student and the son of a US Congressman, was found dead of an apparent drug overdose on his college campus.
Hedlund is certain it was murder.
And in exchange for Blake’s help, she offers to help uncover what really happened at the port.
And what really happened to Kit.
Blake and her team head to Virginia, where privilege, legacy, and secret societies rule from the shadows.
What begins as one suspicious death quickly spirals into a world of sex, drugs, hidden motives, and powerful men determined to keep their secrets buried.
With Kit still missing and danger closing in from every side, Blake must navigate a deadly maze of lies and corruption before someone else pays the ultimate price.
Secrets, deception, and monsters hiding behind polished doors.
To get to the truth, Blake will have to risk everything.
Not only did the operation allow chemical weapons to enter the country, it also ended with the disappearance of her kid sister, Kit.
Having lost her once already, Blake is determined not to let it happen again.
But politics in DC are keeping her on the sidelines, and every hour without answers pushes her closer to the edge.
Then longtime nemesis Senator Kathryn Hedlund comes to her with a desperate plea.
Her godson, a journalism student and the son of a US Congressman, was found dead of an apparent drug overdose on his college campus.
Hedlund is certain it was murder.
And in exchange for Blake’s help, she offers to help uncover what really happened at the port.
And what really happened to Kit.
Blake and her team head to Virginia, where privilege, legacy, and secret societies rule from the shadows.
What begins as one suspicious death quickly spirals into a world of sex, drugs, hidden motives, and powerful men determined to keep their secrets buried.
With Kit still missing and danger closing in from every side, Blake must navigate a deadly maze of lies and corruption before someone else pays the ultimate price.
Secrets, deception, and monsters hiding behind polished doors.
To get to the truth, Blake will have to risk everything.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2026
About the author
Elle Gray
173 books778 followersElle 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 22, 2026
Unbelievable, how many more ways do the Rich and Privileged get away with things.
Still not completely on board with Senator Hedlund, but she did keep her promise with Blake. Glad that Kit,seems to be alive and kicking.
Blake is gonna have to reach out to Sonny soon. The crew sure did have fun with the Frat Boys.
Can't remember Peter Ioannidis? Now gonna have to research what book he was in.
Still not completely on board with Senator Hedlund, but she did keep her promise with Blake. Glad that Kit,seems to be alive and kicking.
Blake is gonna have to reach out to Sonny soon. The crew sure did have fun with the Frat Boys.
Can't remember Peter Ioannidis? Now gonna have to research what book he was in.
October 24, 2026
An absolutely amazing series
I really wish that I could give this story/series 10+ stars, as it definitely deserves it! Agent Blake Wilder and her awesome team have investigated numerous cases, some more challenging than others, but none of them have ever been easy, especially since that's not what their team is about. However, this current case is certainly cause for concern, as the person who brings it to Blake's attention is the absolute last person in the world that she'd ever do a "favor" for. Lol! Unfortunately for Blake, her investigative instincts have begun their curious tingles, and she and her team are determined to figure out what happened, and if the previous conclusion was correct or if there was in fact a cover up.
One of the many things that I truly love about this series is the uncompromising moral compass of the entire team, along with how none of them are willing to back down, no matter who or what attempts to stand in their way. (Which I'm sure that you'll see what I mean when reading this book! Lol!) One could only wish that there were many more law enforcement individuals who were the same.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
I really wish that I could give this story/series 10+ stars, as it definitely deserves it! Agent Blake Wilder and her awesome team have investigated numerous cases, some more challenging than others, but none of them have ever been easy, especially since that's not what their team is about. However, this current case is certainly cause for concern, as the person who brings it to Blake's attention is the absolute last person in the world that she'd ever do a "favor" for. Lol! Unfortunately for Blake, her investigative instincts have begun their curious tingles, and she and her team are determined to figure out what happened, and if the previous conclusion was correct or if there was in fact a cover up.
One of the many things that I truly love about this series is the uncompromising moral compass of the entire team, along with how none of them are willing to back down, no matter who or what attempts to stand in their way. (Which I'm sure that you'll see what I mean when reading this book! Lol!) One could only wish that there were many more law enforcement individuals who were the same.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
November 1, 2026
Always a great ride on a case with Blake!
Wow, 35 books and I still look forward to every new one. Blake and her team have morphed into an amazing unit. So many agents have come and gone. The current team is tight, totally all on the same page and lethal to the criminals they pursue!
I still miss Rick but he really shouldn’t have hacked the senator.
The next one with the Harrowers daughter should be a doozy!
Wow, 35 books and I still look forward to every new one. Blake and her team have morphed into an amazing unit. So many agents have come and gone. The current team is tight, totally all on the same page and lethal to the criminals they pursue!
I still miss Rick but he really shouldn’t have hacked the senator.
The next one with the Harrowers daughter should be a doozy!
October 20, 2026
Another exceptional book!
Elle Gray keeps telling Blake's stories, and they keep being mind-boggling entertaining!
This one had me on edge from start to finish. From the beginning of a "was it even a murder?" to so much more.
Congratulations Elle! You've done it again!
15 out of 10 stars!
Elle Gray keeps telling Blake's stories, and they keep being mind-boggling entertaining!
This one had me on edge from start to finish. From the beginning of a "was it even a murder?" to so much more.
Congratulations Elle! You've done it again!
15 out of 10 stars!
October 22, 2026
As usual, captures your attention and you hate to put the book down. Ms Gray is a really good story teller. Her storyline is logical and her characters are "real". She is one of the very few authors I pre-order the books and am willing to pay full price. Definitely on my top list of authors I must READ RIGHT NOW!.
October 20, 2026
This series is fantastic.
The plot in each book keeps you on the edge of your seat.You will not be able to put any of the books in this series down. You will not be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
The plot in each book keeps you on the edge of your seat.You will not be able to put any of the books in this series down. You will not be disappointed. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 21, 2026
Excellent reading
Several ways this story could go. In the end all came together for an exciting end. I can't wait to read the next adventures of Blake Wilder. This book was one of the best
Several ways this story could go. In the end all came together for an exciting end. I can't wait to read the next adventures of Blake Wilder. This book was one of the best
October 25, 2026
A Lethal Bargain
This story truly was lethal! It was fast moving and exciting how Blake & her team connect the dots to find justice for the victims. I hope the bargain she made to get info about Kit will be successful. I look forward to the next book!!
This story truly was lethal! It was fast moving and exciting how Blake & her team connect the dots to find justice for the victims. I hope the bargain she made to get info about Kit will be successful. I look forward to the next book!!
October 25, 2026
I love Blake Wilder !
Blake Wilder is one of my favorite characters by Elle Gray, she’s an amazing author, and she never disappoints ! This installment in the series was so good, it was very hard to put down. Five stars and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Blake Wilder is one of my favorite characters by Elle Gray, she’s an amazing author, and she never disappoints ! This installment in the series was so good, it was very hard to put down. Five stars and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a great story about Blake and team members looking who killed a young man and why and finding answers with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story.
October 18, 2026
I think this was one of the best in the series, can't wait to see what happens next!
October 20, 2026
Money causes power
Definitely, people who believe money gives exemptions are the main 5. You may be sickened by the actions of some. Blake and team look and find truth.
Definitely, people who believe money gives exemptions are the main 5. You may be sickened by the actions of some. Blake and team look and find truth.
October 20, 2026
Thriller
Such a fast read, suspenseful, and leaves you waiting for the next book in the series. The characters are funny and not afraid to get to the grit. Loved it.
Such a fast read, suspenseful, and leaves you waiting for the next book in the series. The characters are funny and not afraid to get to the grit. Loved it.
October 21, 2026
Edge of my seat
First of all I love this series! I feel like I am right along with Astra and Blake. I could not put this book down.
First of all I love this series! I feel like I am right along with Astra and Blake. I could not put this book down.
October 21, 2026
Can we get Blake’s team on the Cornell (5)7 and maybe all other college campus SAs? Timing of this book is crazy.
October 23, 2026
Blake is fearless
They all wish they were as good as Blake Wilder. She is fearless and smart, making her so damn good at her job.
They all wish they were as good as Blake Wilder. She is fearless and smart, making her so damn good at her job.
October 23, 2026
Great read as always. Waiting for next installment.
November 2, 2026
nonstop ride!
This book in the series has you guessing and shocked until the very end. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for?!
This book in the series has you guessing and shocked until the very end. If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you waiting for?!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews