After years of digging into his wife’s death, Paxton has had enough. He left the force and opened his own PI firm. His first case is to help a family navigate their way through a kidnapping. As Paxton launched into this case, he finds himself in the sights of a serial killer. But there is more than meets the eye about the kidnapper though.
Armed with only three names. He dives headfirst into investigation, and uncovers horrors he never expected to encounter. With the help of FBI agent Blake Wilder, his female friend that specializes in hunting down serial killers. They are determined to stop the man before he kills again. But what is he going to do when he realizes the killer is taunting him, not for the thrill of being chased, but with the intention of recruiting him?
The game has just begun. The danger has never been higher. To save his friend as well as possibly learn the answers to questions about his wife’s death. Paxton will have to do the unimaginable to outlast, outwit, and win.
Winning and losing will mean the difference between life and death.
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.
For my first book I chose this series because I am a huge Burton fan and Leigh fan. This sounded similar to what I'm a sucker for. I cannot for the life of me say this was terrific. It needed work. It lacked the action, the heart pounding, the omg factor. The mystery was good though. The characters were good. There were also grammar mistakes and sentences that didn't make sense. It NEEDS to be proof read again. I could have helped do that and helped fixed the obvious mistakes. Because I feel generous today, I'm rating it a 3.5. It needs work and needs more thrill.
I gave this series a try after reading the Blake Wilder series. This one has the same issues. I also read the prequel first so had an idea about what would be happening. The story line is first rate, Elle has a real gift for plotting and creating readable stories. What she needs is more proof reading, much, much less of her protagonists inner dialogue which becomes not only tedious but repetitive, through the whole book. I understand loss, both of my sons have preceded me, but the choice is to move forward, NONE of her main characters can do that, or even really try, they just obsess about the person they've lost and get locked into a circle they never break - which disrupts the story line so badly that I can't give more than three stars to what otherwise would be a four or better book.
Pax Arrington gets fired by the Seattle Police Department for, essentially, insubordination. It doesn't matter that he's right, it's HOW he goes about it that would get him fired anywhere. It's nice he has a trust fund because no one else would be able to act the way he does and not end up homeless. He's got Blake Wilder with him in this first book, which isn't a good thing as she is as snarky and rude here, worse really, as she is in her own series. I do NOT like people whose way of showing affection is insulting banter. I find that incredibly wrong. I always have, so that's my own bias, it's just NO way to treat people you ostensibly care a lot about. But it's the way all of her characters interact and she's going to lose a reader over it eventually, me. Once I finish the ones I've already purchased. I've quit other authors over less and through my lifetime I've read over 12,000 novels in many genres.
I am so distracted by the incessant moping that I can't even get into the meat of the story. This is the last review on her series I'll write. I'll just note that I've read the book. I know she's an indie writer, but she certainly has sold enough books now, and has enough talent to get an agent and publishing house interested and she badly needs a good editorial team to help her make these books so much better than they are, typos notwithstanding, it is the character development that needs the most work. It's too bad because I really do enjoy her stories if the detritus could be cleaned up and cleared out.
3.5 maybe? I’m not sure what I think about this book. I ordered it because of the great reviews …and it being a series which I enjoy. But….I just finished a title in David Baldacci’s Amos Decker series. Hard coming off his then reading this. A lot of repetition about Arrington’s lack of emotion and how his wife Veronica changed his life. Felt like filler material. The overall storyline was good. Paxton questioning the truth behind his wife’s death ( which is a mystery from the opening pages) continues in future books. But as of now, I’m not interested in reading them.
First thought: great start. Smart, tough, renegade, trust fund detective. After arresting a serial murderer gets fired for punching his supervisor opens a private ingestion agency. Final thought: really enjoyable, really fast paced, easy to grasp. Great for a free prime book!! Might continue with the series
I am not a big fan of male leads in my mysteries and thrillers, but I decided to give this author a try. The first book lead me to the second book so that's a review in itself. I will review the second book as well, but I felt a little more "fleshing" was needed in the first book. I did get a little lost on the history as this is the first book and there seemed to be quite a bit of background story not told. I did enjoy the read and may have to change my mind about male leads.
This is the 1st in the series about Private Investigator Paxton Arrington. I loved the series on Blake Wilder by this author and wanted to read more. In this one, Blake does play a part as a friend to Paxton.
This one starts out that Paxton is fired from his job as Detective. You will also meet up with Deputy Chief Torres, who is after both Blake and Paxton. In this one, even though Paxton grew up with his wealthy family, when he met his wife Veronica, his whole life and attitude changed. He no longer wanted the wealth or to follow in his father's footsteps and take over the business, he want to help people. So now, that he lost his job, his father wants him to run the company, but Paxton still wants to help others, so he starts his own PI agency.
Blake is there to help, along with a savvy tech expert and friend, Brody. When a case that Paxton is on, ties into a serial killer, he enlists help from Blake to try to catch him. This serial killer is very cunning and in trying to hunt him down and with Blake's help, they both are risking their lives. Loved this one!!
Small spoilers: Pax Arrington is an ex-cop who is now a private investigator. He stumbles on what turns out to be a huge case. His partner in his PI business asks for help for a friend who’s daughter was kidnapped. While in the house of the parents, a handyman no one has ever seen before is in the house. I knew right away he was the kidnapper and he was putting in listening devices or videos. The ex cop and now PI couldn’t figure that out. Then the kidnapper, who turns out to take a weird liking to Pax, is also able to bug the PIs office under the guise of another worker. Everything about the storyline is far fetched. At one point, Pax throws marbles on the ground when someone is chasing him to slow them down. I’m not kidding, that was written in this book. It almost felt like it could be be a scooby doo type mystery. There’s an underlying mystery of how Pax’s wife died. Was her car accident really an accident? It’s not told why he thinks it might not be an accident and I did not have any interest in the plot line. It’s left as a cliffhanger at the end, which again doesn’t make me want to read the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I found this author from her other series (Darcy Hunt FBI). Those books kept referring to information/events in which she was involved with Packs character. I found that frustrating because I couldn't find a reading order. I believe this book takes place between Daddy's first two because she's being sent to NY and she's returning to Seattle in the second book.
I only gave it three stars because this story jumps around too much and I was sincerely irritated by some of the author's assumptions that we didn't need some background that would have been helpful. This is, however, a much better book than Darcy's first two so I'm wondering if Pax's story was written after those.
In interlocking series the author has to write enough background in each book so the reader can figure out the world created in all of the stories but not so much that the reader is annoyed by repetitive information. I feel like the author did an excellent job of doing that even if the story jumps around too much in some places. That bit of writing is why this book is a high three for me.
Paxton Arrington is alone since his wife died in a tragic accident. He's been trying to find out exactly what happened in Veronica's accident, but gets stonewalled.
His hacker best friend and an FBI agent, are his closest and only friends. He's wealthy and has never been accepted by his coworkers in the police force. Pax doesn't abide shoddy investigations and pushes the limits when he's involved in a case. Combine that with his background, and he's not accepted. He's a police detective and is about to give that up to become a PI, opening his own agency with his best friend and partner.
Unfortunately for Paxton, he catches the eye of a serial killer while working on a child kidnapping case, not knowing they are connected. The killer admires Pax, thinks they're alike and wants to prove it. He gets pulled into this maniac's life, when investigations prove this guy has been killing for decades.
This brings Pax's FBI friend, Blake into the picture and she also catches the killer's eye. Things heat up and Blake is not answering her phone. Pax has an offer on the table from the killer..it will be what he needs to find peace, but it will cost him dearly.
I first learned about Paxton Arrington in the Blake Wilder FBI series, and his character, as well as his own story, intrigued me. After completing the available stories in the Wilder series, I decided to begin reading this one, and it has certainly not disappointed. I will recommend that you read the prequel for this series, as it has information about who Pax was, as well as who he is now. It's not necessary, but I would also highly suggest that you read this series and the Wilder series together. There is quite a bit of character crossover between them, and I believe that it would give you a better reading experience. If you want the correct reading order, I would suggest reading both series in the order that the books were released. You certainly won't be disappointed! I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
Paxton doesn’t find it easy to obey commands and play with the other kids so he leaves the force and starts his own detective business. His first case is to drop off the ransom from a kidnapping. Thus begins his search for a serial killer who we learn only abducts for ransom to finance his true side line, killing people. In this endeavor he is assisted by Blake Wilder who is affiliated with the FBI.
The story flips to the point of view of the killer, which I found a tad confusing. We also learn Paxton is seeking facts about the death of his wife. Soon he and the killer form a connection as personality matches come to light. Much occurs that I found illogical, but overall I stuck with the book. There simply wasn’t enough here for me to recommend it to others. This was just a so-so read.
For some reason, this book (or maybe it's just the character Paxton) reminds me of Cormoran Strike from the Robert Galbraith series (J.K. Rowling pseudonym). He has that kind of harsh demeanor, but it's not as aloof as Strike. The story itself is good, it pulled me in pretty quickly and kept up the momentum. I liked the use of Sherlock Holmes in the story (however minimal), but of course the ending was somewhat disappointing because it leaves you with questions, and being that this is the first book in a series, I am sure was the authors intent. I didn't give it 5 stars only because I'm extremely stingy for how often I give any book 5 stars, but it was a good book.
My husband and I had a PI business and we enjoyed every aspect of it. When I saw where this book was going I got very excited and read the first half of it in one sitting. I love the way she developed her characters so you could see them in your mind which made following the story much more fun. I am waiting in anticipation for the next chapter of Pax Aaringtons life adventures takes him. A very good easy read with a little of everything in it for everybody.
This was my first book by Elle Gray and I'm beyond thrilled by this new author. The storyline was amazing. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Gray is able to grab your attention from the first chapter and keep you wanting more until the end. This book will keep you up all night trying to see what happens next. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting mystery and intrigue.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I enjoy the fact that it includes one of my favorite characters from a previous series, Blake Wilder. I look forward to the next book and the whole series. So if you've read the Blake Wilder series, and you should, it would give you an insight into the relationship. Is there romance in the air, hmmmm, we will see.
After reading the Blake Wilder series, Paxton actually becomes the feature character, it brought him to life. He lost his wife a few years back with no conclusion of exactly what happened. He puts all his energy into is work, Blake brings his services into play in solving a case. Little did he know the killer wants more from Paxton in exchange for the life of Blake.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I found the plot twist exciting. I have read many crime stories and I was intrigued by the direction the story. My only criticism would be repeating how a character is feeling emotionally. Too much repition can be distracting. This story was not as bad as some of the stories that I have read . that is why I gave this book a 4 out of 5 rating.
Liked it right from the beginning. Characters are great friends but few. Lends a different approach. The story took a quick advance that was a bit unbelievable. I am glad there was an ending even though a last minute quirk leads to another book. I prefer stand alone.
I hate books that don't finish the story. I don't care if the same characters continue but the story should end in the book. This author has done this now with two books, and the third book coming out in the future. I will never read anther book of his.
I enjoyed this story very much and look forward to the continuation of this series. I’m hoping for additional background on the relationships in future books. This one introduced characters and tension but didn’t resolve out add to the story (ie brother’s feelings of being the second son. The father’s reasons).
It really deserved a 3*** rating but I feel generous. The story was a decent one with a game of research, analyze, question, deduce and seek. The main downfall; the ending or should I say the lack of. Most readers dislike a no ending end and I fall into that category. Hopefully book 2 will not follow suit.
Very well written flows the story so well. The plot us amazing and keeps your attention right on course. The story is unique and never lets you rest as you just have finish and see what happens in the end. This author is very talented and keeps the suspense ongoing. Really enjoyed thus book.
I like the way a man chose his own life’s path to serve and protect but his police department didn’t work the way he felt it should. Several officers didn’t car for his personality. He became a PI and along with a friend solved a cold case that was exceptionally difficult to solve. I wasn’t fond of the very end, it leaves one hanging.
An interesting story about a "trust fund" baby who doesn't fit the mold. He disappoints his father and becomes a detective for the Seattle Police Department. The job doesn't suit him, so he hangs out a shingle and opens his own Private Investigation firm. As he struggles w the loss of his wife, he crosses paths w a serial killer, who him w taunts
The storyline was not as exciting to me as it was portrayed to be. Yes, there is a serial killer, no there aren't full answers to his wife's death and yes, Pax figures out who the serial killer is with the help of his FBI friend and hacker partner.
It's a keep reading series in order to find out what happened to Veronica
I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book! Great characters, wonderful adventure, murder mystery and interesting relationships. I read a lot so I am not often surprised so this book was refreshing. It was so well written, I was able to immerse myself completely and couldn't put it down. Looking forward to the next in the series!
I enjoyed this read. I'm new to reading Ellie Gray books and so far have enjoyed the 2 books I have read. Suspenseful action I just love. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Paxton, I know his biggest case will be solving his wife's death. I kinda feel a little spark between him and Blair, looking forward to seeing what happens there!
Pax is a great character. Who hasn't felt that people in general are useless . Broady and Blake fit in this team perfectly. Reuben/Alvin is perfectly creepy and believable! I really enjoyed Blake's series and am looking forward to getting to delve into the Pax character!
This kept my attention longer than the Olivia knight series where I was first introduced to Pax Arrington's character and was much less predictable. I liked the first person point of view of both the protagonist and the antagonist. A quick read and looking forward to reading the rest of the series