What do you think?
Rate this book
Arrington Mystery #0.5
Deadly Pursuit
Tick. Tock… The clock is ticking.
Time is running out for Paxton Arrington.
The choice he must make could be the difference between life and death.
Paxton Arrington had an upbringing of wealth and privilege.
Rather than live the life of a corporate CEO, Paxton chose to become one of Seattle’s finest.
He’s a man with a rigid and unyielding personality and a belief of always doing the right thing.
When he stumbles onto corruption in his own precinct, Paxton finds himself in a precarious position with no simple way out of it.
Going head to head with Detective Sergeant Radley and his
highly decorated Strike Team is career suicide. More than that, he fears that taking them on could have a ripple effect of unintended consequences.
Drawn into a web of deceit and danger.
Paxton enlists his good friend, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder to help him get the evidence he needs to bring the Strike Team down once and for all.
With forces aligning against him, Paxton must make a decision that could cost him everything.
One that will forever change his life.
Deadly Pursuit is the prequel to Arrington Mystery Series by Elle Gray.
Time is running out for Paxton Arrington.
The choice he must make could be the difference between life and death.
Paxton Arrington had an upbringing of wealth and privilege.
Rather than live the life of a corporate CEO, Paxton chose to become one of Seattle’s finest.
He’s a man with a rigid and unyielding personality and a belief of always doing the right thing.
When he stumbles onto corruption in his own precinct, Paxton finds himself in a precarious position with no simple way out of it.
Going head to head with Detective Sergeant Radley and his
highly decorated Strike Team is career suicide. More than that, he fears that taking them on could have a ripple effect of unintended consequences.
Drawn into a web of deceit and danger.
Paxton enlists his good friend, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder to help him get the evidence he needs to bring the Strike Team down once and for all.
With forces aligning against him, Paxton must make a decision that could cost him everything.
One that will forever change his life.
Deadly Pursuit is the prequel to Arrington Mystery Series by Elle Gray.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
1075 people are currently reading
892 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gray
130 books672 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
August 21, 2023
Deadly Pursuit by Elle Gray is the novella prologue to the Arrington Mystery series. I knew where this was going from the beginning. Every person has moments of epiphany during the course of their lives. This novella documents one such moment of foresight when clarity breaks in on consciousness.
The narrative is a lean, quick read that starts in the midst of a police sting operation and takes the reader rapidly to a climax that leads to other books. In some ways it was not a completely satisfying read because there are unresolved plot points that left me flat.
The narrative is a lean, quick read that starts in the midst of a police sting operation and takes the reader rapidly to a climax that leads to other books. In some ways it was not a completely satisfying read because there are unresolved plot points that left me flat.
January 13, 2021
3 stars (only because of the length, not the content)
Paxton Arrington is one of Seattle's finest, who finds himself in a precarious position. He is a man of principals, morals, and ethics. When he sees members of the Strike Team helping themselves to thousands of dollars following drug bust, he has a hard decision to make.
His direct superior has made it clear that Arrington will forever be in uniform. So taking the information Arrington has is probably not the wisest choice to make .. especially as he has no proof. It becomes a matter of he said .. they said .. and the Strike Team is of the highest order.
Paxton enlists the help of a friend, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder to get the evidence he needs.
His decision could cost him everything ....
This is a well written short story ... the prequel to the Arrington Mystery Series by this author. No fluff .. just a solid plot with intriguing characters ... riveting introduction to the series. Not so much a cliffhanger, but an ending guaranteed to make you want 'more'.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Paxton Arrington is one of Seattle's finest, who finds himself in a precarious position. He is a man of principals, morals, and ethics. When he sees members of the Strike Team helping themselves to thousands of dollars following drug bust, he has a hard decision to make.
His direct superior has made it clear that Arrington will forever be in uniform. So taking the information Arrington has is probably not the wisest choice to make .. especially as he has no proof. It becomes a matter of he said .. they said .. and the Strike Team is of the highest order.
Paxton enlists the help of a friend, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder to get the evidence he needs.
His decision could cost him everything ....
This is a well written short story ... the prequel to the Arrington Mystery Series by this author. No fluff .. just a solid plot with intriguing characters ... riveting introduction to the series. Not so much a cliffhanger, but an ending guaranteed to make you want 'more'.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 26, 2022
A definite must read
This was an intense prequel to the Pax Arrington series, which ends with a horrible and heartbreaking tragedy. I would highly suggest reading this prior to beginning the series. It will certainly give you an insight to the man Pax was, and why his life dramatically changed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
For some reason this book is not listed with the original series, but it is the prequel for A Pax Arrington Mystery.
This was an intense prequel to the Pax Arrington series, which ends with a horrible and heartbreaking tragedy. I would highly suggest reading this prior to beginning the series. It will certainly give you an insight to the man Pax was, and why his life dramatically changed.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
For some reason this book is not listed with the original series, but it is the prequel for A Pax Arrington Mystery.
January 11, 2025
DNF for me
January 10, 2022
I've read the entire Blake Wilder series, Pax is mentioned several times, so I got the prequel. Barely into the book I knew his wife wasn't going to survive it. So, even though I know that's part of the set up for the rest of the series, I didn't like that. Finally got to meet the Chief of Police in Seattle, Gray, who for some reason I will never understand tolerates, here, Captain Torres, a despicable man running interference for a criminal element in the SPD - he comes to a bad end in the Wilder series though it takes far too long to get there, still it was a little interesting to see him at the lower rank and just as ridiculous. I don't care how well he plays the political game, no chief of police should, or would, tolerate a fool like that on command staff.
The book is a novella that establishes who Pax is, how he got there, introduces Brody his tech wizard. He's got an idyllic marriage to a beautiful driven woman who gets, surprise, murdered. He gets promoted though I know from the Wilder series that doesn't last long (I'm reading the latest in that series now) so it will be interesting to see what he gets up to when he goes private and how that comes about because at the end of this book he is promoted to detective after seven years of harassment by Torres. I have higher hopes than three stars for the remaining books in this series.
The book is a novella that establishes who Pax is, how he got there, introduces Brody his tech wizard. He's got an idyllic marriage to a beautiful driven woman who gets, surprise, murdered. He gets promoted though I know from the Wilder series that doesn't last long (I'm reading the latest in that series now) so it will be interesting to see what he gets up to when he goes private and how that comes about because at the end of this book he is promoted to detective after seven years of harassment by Torres. I have higher hopes than three stars for the remaining books in this series.
March 12, 2022
This is the prequel to the series so it was pretty short. Loved the story and especially the main character, Paxton Arrington. Paxton is a Seattle police officer, he comes from a wealthy family and was next in line to take over the family business but decided he wasted to be a police officer and actually make a difference in the world. He suspects corruption in the ranks and wants to uncover it but how will it effect others? Is it the right thing to do? Will he then be a target? All important questions. The only negative thing I have to say about the book, is it's a bit wordy. It takes almost a page and a half to tell how much he loves his wife and what a difference she made in his life. Although it was a nice tribute, it could have been shorter. There are a few other times where it happened too. It didn't really take away from the reading experience, but in a full length novel it might. I will probably read the next book and find out. This one is worth the read.
March 3, 2024
Too short
It was a good read. Good cop vs. corruption in the force. Born privileged... found love, lived life how he wanted and became a cop. Then things take a turn. This book ends quite abruptly. I found myself making sure I didn't miss any pages. But... come to find out this is a prequel to the Arrington Mystery series. So there was a lot of setting up to do. The 5 W's were touched on: who, what, where, when and why. If I didn't get this for free, I would have been a bit irked. This could've been a full book, not just a teaser. In order to answer any and/or of the questions, you'll have to get the next book.
It was a good read. Good cop vs. corruption in the force. Born privileged... found love, lived life how he wanted and became a cop. Then things take a turn. This book ends quite abruptly. I found myself making sure I didn't miss any pages. But... come to find out this is a prequel to the Arrington Mystery series. So there was a lot of setting up to do. The 5 W's were touched on: who, what, where, when and why. If I didn't get this for free, I would have been a bit irked. This could've been a full book, not just a teaser. In order to answer any and/or of the questions, you'll have to get the next book.
October 25, 2020
An unfortunate way to become a detective
A cop has a pretty good life. A lovely wife, a decent job that's not showing signs of upward movement and enough family money to be comfortable forever are in his hands. His discovery of corruption in the police force leads him down a path that changes his life in an unexpected way.
This prequel leads to a series of books about his life as a detective but I am so bummed about the conclusion of this book that I don't believe I can read the others.
A cop has a pretty good life. A lovely wife, a decent job that's not showing signs of upward movement and enough family money to be comfortable forever are in his hands. His discovery of corruption in the police force leads him down a path that changes his life in an unexpected way.
This prequel leads to a series of books about his life as a detective but I am so bummed about the conclusion of this book that I don't believe I can read the others.
October 5, 2022
Paxton Arrington is an honest cop working to keep Seattle safe; "Boo" Radley is the head of an elite task force and on the take. When the lower-ranking officer takes on corruption, he knows he's going to rattle the table. Will the fall-out be worth stamping out the rot in the department?
I had a fairly good idea where the story was headed right from the beginning and was hoping for a surprise. No such luck. The story was too short for me to develop a relationship with the main character leading to an itchy "let's get this over" feeling.
I had a fairly good idea where the story was headed right from the beginning and was hoping for a surprise. No such luck. The story was too short for me to develop a relationship with the main character leading to an itchy "let's get this over" feeling.
January 24, 2023
Gone Too Soon
Paxton, super rich guy, who prefers the simple life, is a cop. His idea of a police officer is an honest, hard working, caring cop. Not a crook.
Since he decided to live a”normal” life and not the rich life he lives in town, not the ritzy part of Seattle, with the love of his life, Veronica.
Seattle’s police force has some shady cops, so Pax tries to keep to himself and just do his job. But on one of the drug raids he spots shady cops stealing drugs and money, It doesn’t sit well with him and he can’t let it go…. And we’re OFF!,,
Paxton, super rich guy, who prefers the simple life, is a cop. His idea of a police officer is an honest, hard working, caring cop. Not a crook.
Since he decided to live a”normal” life and not the rich life he lives in town, not the ritzy part of Seattle, with the love of his life, Veronica.
Seattle’s police force has some shady cops, so Pax tries to keep to himself and just do his job. But on one of the drug raids he spots shady cops stealing drugs and money, It doesn’t sit well with him and he can’t let it go…. And we’re OFF!,,
March 12, 2025
distasteful much? oh, yeah...
corrupt cops. makes you feel like you haven't brushed your teeth in six months. what chance is there that one honest cop can tackle and expose the precinct's dirty secrets and prevail? obviously, this is the pilot to a series, but it's well written, so it dares you to believe that maybe life can imitate art and coax real whistle blowers facing lawless law enforcers to plant their feet firmly forward and endure a lonely journey. if only we were all so resolved to uphold even small measures of the dignity of mankind like this story let us watch.
corrupt cops. makes you feel like you haven't brushed your teeth in six months. what chance is there that one honest cop can tackle and expose the precinct's dirty secrets and prevail? obviously, this is the pilot to a series, but it's well written, so it dares you to believe that maybe life can imitate art and coax real whistle blowers facing lawless law enforcers to plant their feet firmly forward and endure a lonely journey. if only we were all so resolved to uphold even small measures of the dignity of mankind like this story let us watch.
April 7, 2025
"Deadly Pursuit" by Elle Gray offers an intriguing setup with Paxton Arrington navigating corruption in his precinct. While the novella provides essential background for the Arrington Mystery series, it feels a little rushed and relies heavily on exposition rather than immersive storytelling. A clean read with mild tension, it serves as a decent prequel but lacks a little depth. Perfect for fans wanting a quick dive into Paxton's world. I would have loved more character building, but it was a short read leading to book one. The cliffhanger was a great finish.
December 21, 2025
This is the prequel to a new series by Elle Gray. Pax Arrington is a street cop. He is good at his job and a straight shooter. When he overhears something he shouldn't during a drug raid he is left with the dilemma of turning in his fellow officers of ignoring the problem. He can't let it go and asks his friend FBI agent Blake Wilder for help. If he turns them in his career as a cop is probably over but if he doesn't he feels he is just as bad as them. Although he comes from wealth he loves his job and now has a decision to make.
January 15, 2021
OK read
This was a short novel about police corruption. The main character, Pax Arrington, was born wealthy but became a cop in Seattle. An honest cop. His honesty was not to his benefit. He was stuck in patrol, well beneath his capabilities. His wife is his saving grace. He goes after the bad cops. Well, I can’t say more without spoiling it. However, the novel ended abruptly and could have used fleshing out, particularly at the end.
This was a short novel about police corruption. The main character, Pax Arrington, was born wealthy but became a cop in Seattle. An honest cop. His honesty was not to his benefit. He was stuck in patrol, well beneath his capabilities. His wife is his saving grace. He goes after the bad cops. Well, I can’t say more without spoiling it. However, the novel ended abruptly and could have used fleshing out, particularly at the end.
February 17, 2021
Backwards reading
I say backwards read for the simple reason I read all 3 installments (to date) first then I realized there was a beginning to the series. Even though I didn't read the prequel first doesn't mean I missed anything. Each book is self standing and any reference made was easily understood. Just waiting for the next in the series as well as the overlapping series of FBI Agent Blake.
I say backwards read for the simple reason I read all 3 installments (to date) first then I realized there was a beginning to the series. Even though I didn't read the prequel first doesn't mean I missed anything. Each book is self standing and any reference made was easily understood. Just waiting for the next in the series as well as the overlapping series of FBI Agent Blake.
August 10, 2021
Too short
I liked the writing of this book. It flowed. Nothing to make me stop and question. Although paxs relationship with Veronica was too perfect. Not even a spat now and then. But I wanted the story to go on and it was cut short. And why should I have to buy a 2nd book just to find out who killed his wife. Isn't that part of this story. Thats why I gave 4 and not even sure ill get that next book.
I liked the writing of this book. It flowed. Nothing to make me stop and question. Although paxs relationship with Veronica was too perfect. Not even a spat now and then. But I wanted the story to go on and it was cut short. And why should I have to buy a 2nd book just to find out who killed his wife. Isn't that part of this story. Thats why I gave 4 and not even sure ill get that next book.
Read
May 14, 2022What!
The story was great. Easy to keep reading, then it just throws you into a complete cliffhanger. I don't feel it needed to because the book was too short to end like that. I am glad I got it for free because I would have been upset to have spent money on a book so short & then just leave you hanging. I don't know that I will search out the next book.... I shouldn't have to, I like reading books, not short stories.
The story was great. Easy to keep reading, then it just throws you into a complete cliffhanger. I don't feel it needed to because the book was too short to end like that. I am glad I got it for free because I would have been upset to have spent money on a book so short & then just leave you hanging. I don't know that I will search out the next book.... I shouldn't have to, I like reading books, not short stories.
October 6, 2022
I’ve read all the other books about Pax and Blake Wilder each one was awesome. Kept me interested every chapter to the next.
Reading this book about Veronica and Pax story was nice. Wasn’t much written about their relationship tho. Wished there was more to it. But, it still was a great read.
I gave 4 stars only because in my opinion I would have liked more of their story. Otherwise, if it had more of their story it would have been a 5.
I still suggest to read it for sure.
Reading this book about Veronica and Pax story was nice. Wasn’t much written about their relationship tho. Wished there was more to it. But, it still was a great read.
I gave 4 stars only because in my opinion I would have liked more of their story. Otherwise, if it had more of their story it would have been a 5.
I still suggest to read it for sure.
July 28, 2025
This book was a quick read and a novella to Arrington mystery series. Paxton Arrington is a cop that finds himself in a precarious T. He is a man of principles with morals and ethics. When he finds out members of a strike team is taking money from a recent drug bust he has a hard decision to make of either keeping quiet or turning them in. This book takes us to the climax that leads to the other books in the series. The book ends in a horrible heartbreaking tragedy.
March 9, 2021
Great Start To A New Series
Great story line. I am reading my way through all her books. Love her characters and the development of them. Most of all I like the fact they are a clean read, the characters are not angels but the story isn’t filled with steamy details of their private lives.
Great story line. I am reading my way through all her books. Love her characters and the development of them. Most of all I like the fact they are a clean read, the characters are not angels but the story isn’t filled with steamy details of their private lives.
October 23, 2022
Ok book
Didn't realize it was a short story. Was very surprised it ended so soon. The story was pretty good, although you knew what was going to happen since he said a million times that he wouldn't be able to live without his wife. Interesting that her name changed after her death (hello, editor!)
Didn't realize it was a short story. Was very surprised it ended so soon. The story was pretty good, although you knew what was going to happen since he said a million times that he wouldn't be able to live without his wife. Interesting that her name changed after her death (hello, editor!)
December 21, 2022
Paxton Arrington is a patrol officer at the Seattle Police Department. He doesn't get along with his commanding officer and has been in a patrol car longer than most. But when he observes the leader of The Strike Team crossing the line, he decides it is time to clean house. But at what cost? Will he be successful?
June 14, 2024
Pax Arrington is a Seattle policeman stuck in a dead-end job because he won't play office politics with his boss. When he uncovers corrupt officers in his unit, does he report it or stay quiet. His decision may become dangerous for himself and his family. Fast read, strong characters. I rate this a 4.9
January 24, 2025
As a general rule, I try not to DNF books, but I just couldn’t with this one.
The tone was too relaxed for a thriller IMO. There was some… let’s say out of touch commentary; especially for a book that was supposed to be about a cop trying to root out corruption in the precinct. I’d give it zero stars if I could.
The tone was too relaxed for a thriller IMO. There was some… let’s say out of touch commentary; especially for a book that was supposed to be about a cop trying to root out corruption in the precinct. I’d give it zero stars if I could.
February 9, 2025
It was a good, quick read. I felt that some things were left unresolved but from what I read this is just the beginning of the series so maybe the other books answer some of the questions. The characters and situations seem real. It’s a to the point kind of story and not a whole lot of fluff which makes me happy.
July 19, 2025
I guess this is a prequel to a series I was not aware of, but what ever happened to just starting with book 1? I dislike sitting down thinking I'm going to read an entire book, and it's only 100 pages. I feel like the bad cop trying to turn a good cop bad idea is overused. The writing was okay, but that's all I liked about it.
September 22, 2025
This prequel novella did not disappoint! I love a good police suspense criminal-procedural read, and this read fell right in line with that. The main character, Pax, uncovers corruption at his precinct and sets to expose it. He succeeds, but tragedy strikes, leaving him with a new criminal to expose. I already added the Pax Arrington series to my TBR!
October 13, 2020
Good story but one of main story lines left open
This was a good quick read. However, one of the main story lines (was an accident really an accident or murder?) Was left unresolved.
This was a good quick read. However, one of the main story lines (was an accident really an accident or murder?) Was left unresolved.
January 22, 2021
"When I put on this uniform, I always uphold the law".
At around 100 pages, this book is a quick read. A determined cop and his FBI friend are determined to bring down a group of corrupt cops, even with their personal careers at risk.
Overall the book was well written. The suspense was built up for the first 10 chapters and then it quickly ended. I usually don’t say this, but the ending could have been better developed. The last chapter was short, sweet, and too the point.
Still a good read.
At around 100 pages, this book is a quick read. A determined cop and his FBI friend are determined to bring down a group of corrupt cops, even with their personal careers at risk.
Overall the book was well written. The suspense was built up for the first 10 chapters and then it quickly ended. I usually don’t say this, but the ending could have been better developed. The last chapter was short, sweet, and too the point.
Still a good read.
January 25, 2021
Excellent Clean Tense Read
Good detective/cop read. The only thing that kept this from 5 stars is the need for editing - grammar, tenses and typos were quite irritating. Try LR Editing - good freelance professional and reasonably priced work.
Good detective/cop read. The only thing that kept this from 5 stars is the need for editing - grammar, tenses and typos were quite irritating. Try LR Editing - good freelance professional and reasonably priced work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews