A beautiful young woman trapped within a killer’s sick and twisted game. Stella Hughes called for help, but help did not come in time. She could not hide, fight, or escape. Stella was ensnared in the killer’s web. The victim of a twisted serial killer’s mind.
Shortly after detective Paxton takes on the case of Stella Hughes, he realizes this is no ordinary murder. It becomes clear very quickly that Stella, the girl Paxton had known, was the victim of another serial killer - a theory that’s quickly confirmed by a bright, quirky independent journalist named Marcy. As they dig deeper into this killer, they soon learn of his twisted obsession.
With his friend FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder by his side, Paxton engages in a hunt for a killer that will take him on winding, twisting paths he never thought he would tread. The killer will make him do what nobody else has been able to do before... confront himself and confront his past. As the killer rampages through town and proves to be as elusive as anybody Paxton has ever hunted, the stakes for he and everybody around him rise.
And unless Paxton can find and capture him, nobody will be safe.
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.
A very good solid mystery/thriller. I was surprised to understand that the author appeared to be fairly new to writing books. I would put Ms. Gray on the same level as some of the other authors out there writing mysteries and thrillers like the likes of Dean Koontz or others. Although there was very little mystery as to who done it, the process of understanding why and what fueled our villain was a well written journey. I do see a good future in our authors future and look forward to reading more of her books. Certainly recommended to others for a good easy flowing read. It got my attention in the first couple of chapters and held it throughout the entire book.
The second in the series (there is a short prequel), I enjoyed it as I have all of her books so far. She really could use an editor (saw a comment wondering about Blake's going to dinner with her mom - that would be her adoptive mom, her mother's sister, Annie) to help with typos and character arcs because they are, in all her books far too inconsistent, constantly saying one thing internally and doing another externally - which slows the story but does not spoil it.
Her stories are always as grisly as a Karin Slaughter (who would have thought Seattle such a hotbed for serial killers - including the Blake Wilder series, which I enjoy as well) but not as clearly plotted. The one thing that really annoyed me in this book was that Pax continually is saying how much he wants to catch this killer for "justice" for his friend's daughter and the other girls he's murdered, but not ONCE does he, or anyone else, talk about preventing this escalating lunatic from murdering MORE girls which is clearly his plan from his ill thought out contact with Marcy and Pax. Which, to me, would, should be the primary motivation for anyone hunting a brutal serial killer. Prevent more.
We know about Veronica, how Pax has been unable to move on, how sure he is that she was murdered when no one else is and that's finally validated at the end of the book by a mysterious two line email he gets which leads into the third book in the series. I understand how and why Pax is "stuck" in that past, I've been there, done that, still am in many ways. So, I get that, but it takes up far too much of the book, so much that it feels like filler, not story. I did NOT like that he used his family connections to get Blake reassigned from the New York office to Seattle again. That kind of manipulation by the rich and powerful is a huge trigger for me. It doesn't matter that it feeds the Blake series which I like, but which has the same flaws in lack of real editing. The stories are all great, fast moving, good stories but lacking in informed research into actual police procedure and inconsistencies in character development, along with the continual inner dialog about things that have nothing to do with the serial killer any protagonist is currently chasing.
Elle says she is a new indie writer but she's 18 books into three series and I'd hope she'd be picked up by some publishing house by now because she is certainly talented enough and her work would be improved, as well as her income, by the resources a publishing house would offer in editing and professional proof reading. I love her work and will continue reading her - just ordered the tenth in the Blake Wilder series, and recommend her highly to any fan of the genre.
I have REALLY enjoyed reading this series! I've vthe prequel, books 1 & 2 all in 1 wknd. Yes, I enjoy reading that much and nothing else going on. I am about to start Book 3 immediately, lol. I have always wanted to know the history of Blake & Pax.
However, I do think that a little bit of additinal editing should have been done. I have read all of the Blake Wilder stories & it's a known fact that her parents were murdered. It's part of what makes her who she is she is. In this book, Blake mentions that she is going to have dinner with her mom. & her mom really wants her to starts dating, etc. That really thru me off track for a bit knowing Blake's story like I do. Something like that should have been caught by an editor, I would think.
This is the 2nd in the series about Paxton Arrington. He is a P.I. after being fired from the local police department where he was a detective. Wanting to continue to help others, and being a billionaires son, he starts his own P.I. practice.
On this case, he is hired to find out what happened to his friends daughter. She was returning home, when she was being followed, called 911, but it was too late. They found her body later. When the girls father isn't getting any answers from the police, he hires Paxton and his team to find out who killed her.
But, this case really gets involved, when Paxton finds out that not only was this one girl killed, there are 4 others in exactly the same way. Even his friend, Blake Wilder, who is an FBI Agent and taking a vacation, comes to help him on this case.
This is really a great series, along with the series on Blake Wilder, and they all fit together. You just can't quit reading and there is always something in the last chapter, that makes you want to pull up the next one!!!
I love the characters Elle Gray brings to life on these pages. Blake Wilder was the hook for me. Now we get to know one of those characters from her past stories as a lead in his own stories. As a Private Investigator he is doing well, helping rid the world of a serial killer in I See You, his last story brought him a lot of attention and business, he’s finding it hard to go back to the cases of philandering wealthy spouses looking for leverage on their “cheating” spouse. This time he’s asked to look into the death of a close family friend’s daughter. Things get complicated because nothing is as it seems. His past with the SPD comes up again, the corruption hasn’t been completely eradicated. Time to crack open the next in the series, Woman in the Water.
It is very obvious to me that this book is self published… it very much could do with an editor. If I have to read, “A rueful grin touched his lips” one more time I’m gonna scream. Also, I don’t truly believe anyone in the history of ever has called a case file a “murder book”. Despite its challenges, the plot was interesting! Paxton is a bit insufferable, a know it all who is richer than all get out. But the serial killer was interesting, and getting the murderer’s POV was fascinating as well! Overall a decent read. I was gifted this book so I actually have not read book 1- I may read some of the sequels because I’m curious to know what happened to Veronica, but I doubt I’ll spend any money to buy them.
I've read all the novels in this series now, and I really like them all, but this one is my favorite. It's a compelling story, with engaging characters, and very good writing and editing. Highly recommended - but read the series in order, please! There's a story arc that starts with Deadly Pursuit (a free prequel) and goes through all four novels in this series.
I've read several other of Elle Gray's series and I think this is one of the best, along with the Blake Wilder series. Pax Arrington is flawed - and grieving - but nevertheless very interesting and identifiable. And the long-form mystery that spans all of the Pax Arrington books (through book 4 of this series) is emotionally gripping and very moving. Very relatable for me.
I actually like this a bit more than the Blake Wilder series, though that one is great, too. I live in the Seattle area and although places in the story are fictional, I can still picture them. The Butchery Steakhouse looks like the Metropolitan Grill (best steaks ever). I can picture the little bars. Serial killer books are my reading passion. I’ve read a lot of them. Both Pax Arrington books I have read fulfill that need of mine. The more gruesome, the better.
I have now read two of Pax Arrington’s stories and find them entertaining. They move along quickly and with a reasonable amount of information although I am not a fan when Pax has the opportunity to stay within the basic rules of keeping those he is working with included in updates. With book 2 he has been fortunate enough to have an agreement with he commissioner however he never follows through. The lone wolf act bothers me. I like FBI agent Blake and partner Brody.
My third Elle Gray book. Be sure to read Deadly Pursuit first. It is sort of short but introduces the main characters of the series. And what characters they are, lotsa fun. Elle's books are not 1000 page tomes. They are fast paced and entertaining. I read them in a couple hours, maybe because I read fast or you can' t put them down. Time to move on with Woman In The Water. Thanks Elle.
This book by Elle Gray is a page turner. The fast pace of the action will keep you turning the page. Well developed characters add to the making this a great read. The plot line is full of unexpected turns. Paxton is a private investigator who is asked to learn why a friend's daughter was killed. This leads to the discovery that she was a victim of a serial killer. Paxton is out to catch this person before the kill goes much higher.
This book is very similar to the first in the series, which is why gave it 3/5.
Otherwise, it’s still a very good mystery.
At the end of book number 1, the main character, Pax, is given a hint about what could’ve possibly happened to his wife Veronica, who he feels was murdered. Her death was ruled an accident. However he has spent years going over her case file. Again, at the end of this book, another hint is dropped and I’m sure in book 3 more truths will come to light.
Over the last week I've read the 10 Blake FBI stories and have just finished the first Pax book. To say I've been on the edge of my chair is a major understatement. Miss Gray, I'm so glad I stumbled onto your books. Already have recommended them to friends and family. If I didn't desperately need some sleep I'd be starting the second book of the Pax series. Thank you for hours of enjoyment
I just love how Elle writes. Her style amazes me. Although I have read all her books I am not very good at expressing myself. The first book I couldn't put down. And this one even less. It includes facts and fiction, and that is what keeps me spell bound. The ending of the first and second book doesn't leave time for a review. So sorry, I have a third mystery to catch!! Enjoy!
This was a complex, intense, and suspenseful thriller. When Pax is hired by a family friend who's daughter has been murdered, he realizes quickly that there's a lot more at play. The killer is twisted and cruel, seemingly trying to convey his own message to women. It's certainly not a story that you'll want to miss. I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This book did all the right things: kept me up too late reading, had me reading in the morning before work, had my heart racing several times throughout the story, had me thinking I had things figured out when I hadn’t, made me angry, stressed me out, and more. Elle Gray did a great job weaving relationships between characters and creating believable characters. If you want a great crime novel, read Her Last Call.
I want to give this 5 stars. I do. I love Elle Gray's work and have read or listened to every one of her books. Unfortunately, in this book, Blake Wilder mentions that her mother wants her to come for dinner. This didnt sit well. Blake's mom was murdered when she was 16 and she was raised by her aunt...so how is she able to tell Paxton that her mother texted her? Also, this reminds me; we haven't heard how Blake's aunt or cousin are doing in quite a while.
This book was a very suspenseful read. I love reading any of Elle Gray’s books. You won’t be disappointed. She keeps you on the edge of your seat with her suspenseful mysteries. I hated to finish the book but it was okay. I got to start the third book in this series. I’ve barely started it but the mystery has been set. I know there will be other mysteries besides this first one. You won’t be disappointed!!
I pretty much liked everything. I like the fact that you put other characters from your other series into your stories. This is the third of your series that I've read. So I guess you could say that I love your books. The characters in your books are extremely likeable. I would recommend all of your series to any of my friends. I will continue to read your books as long as you continue to write them.
Great story! I enjoyed the characters in this book. Paxton, a private investigator started his own company after leaving the police force. Most people find him brash,unfriendly and difficult to work with. You have to read this to find out how Paxton tracks another serial killer and who helps him. Ready for another story in this series
This was the second book of the series that I have read. I did read the first book even though I am not sold on male protagonists in the story. I found this story a little more difficult to keep ahead of (i.e. guess what was next) and I did enjoy the story. Hmm, with so many dead bodies perhaps "enjoy" is not the right term but I like the book.
I’m enjoying this series more and more. The characters are multidimensional and humorous as well. I especially enjoy the non preachiness of the characters given the setting is Seattle. It truly is an escape in that sense for sure. But the story continues and that is a wonderful thing.
Elle is a very entertaining and talented writer. The characters in her books are cleverly developed and strong in personality. Though there's some violence, it's not unnecessarily brutal. The language is clean and appropriate for most everyone. Great work by a relatively new author.
I was so invested in this book I lost track of an entire afternoon. It is truly a series that will grab you from the beginning until the final page. Even though this is a continuing series each story has an ending and does not rely on reading the previous book to understand the story. Hopefully this series will keep going. Thoroughly enjoying.
Very intriguing and good developing of story and characters keeps the reader engrossed in the story. You get to see the personalities of the characters and at the same time see the plot develop as the murderer is revealed. A good mystery that keeps you involved right to the end.
I really enjoyed the Blake Wilder series so I was excited to see that Paxton got his own series and let me tell you, the author did not disappoint. Everything we got from Blake, we are getting from Pax and Blake even makes an appearance or two and helps Paxton catch the bad guys. I can’t wait dive into book three.
Another great thriller! While I enjoyed the book overall, I did feel like the theme of this book was much the same as book 1 (the killer being on a mission to cleanse out those he found immoral, essentially). I look forward to seeing what mysteries book 3 holds!
It started out very slow with nothing but extensive descriptions of everything (and I mean everything), but in the middle of the story Blake Wilder came into the story and it became an excellent read. I feel when its just Paxton’s story the writer uses too much description but when Blake is on scene there’s more activity.
A friend is murdered and her father asked Pax to look into it and find her killer. Pax agrees because they were close family friends. He is startled to find she was killed by a serial killer. Pax and his friends have quite a challenge as they wrestle to find and stop this serial killer.