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Arrington Mystery #3
Woman in the Water
Charlotte's body lays lifeless floating in a pool. Ruby red water surrounds her.
Her daughter’s desperate screams fill the air…
“Mom?!!!!”.
Charlotte MacMillan, the mother of three, found dead. Murdered in broad daylight.
Only two know the twisted truth. The victim and her killer.
To solve this case, Paxton must bring light to the unrelenting darkness.
Unmask the truth behind the devastating lies.
And unearth the shocking secret behind Charlotte's deadly double life...
All while trying to save an innocent man from taking a fall for a crime he did not commit.
But what happens when no one is who they appear to be?
Some secrets can destroy everything.
This secret will destroy the lives of those left behind.
The truth is a minefield that one must survive. Not everybody will.
Her daughter’s desperate screams fill the air…
“Mom?!!!!”.
Charlotte MacMillan, the mother of three, found dead. Murdered in broad daylight.
Only two know the twisted truth. The victim and her killer.
To solve this case, Paxton must bring light to the unrelenting darkness.
Unmask the truth behind the devastating lies.
And unearth the shocking secret behind Charlotte's deadly double life...
All while trying to save an innocent man from taking a fall for a crime he did not commit.
But what happens when no one is who they appear to be?
Some secrets can destroy everything.
This secret will destroy the lives of those left behind.
The truth is a minefield that one must survive. Not everybody will.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2020
864 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
Elle Gray
124 books659 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 - 30 of 145 reviews
May 25, 2025
This is another great book in an excellent series!
July 14, 2021
This is the 3rd in the series about Paxton Arrington. Gosh, this just keep getting better and better!
In this one he is hired to find out about the murder of Charlotte MacMillan. Her husband is a well known lawyer and also daughter, Sarah. The daughter has hired Paxton to find out what happened to her mother as the local police department is not doing anything and they just state it is a robbery gone bad.
I just enjoy all the characters in these books and their interaction between each of them.
This one doesn't invovle a serial killer, but you will have fun trying to figure out where
this one is going and who the murderer really is.
Hope that there is another one coming out soon, because this author always leaves you waiting for the next one!!
In this one he is hired to find out about the murder of Charlotte MacMillan. Her husband is a well known lawyer and also daughter, Sarah. The daughter has hired Paxton to find out what happened to her mother as the local police department is not doing anything and they just state it is a robbery gone bad.
I just enjoy all the characters in these books and their interaction between each of them.
This one doesn't invovle a serial killer, but you will have fun trying to figure out where
this one is going and who the murderer really is.
Hope that there is another one coming out soon, because this author always leaves you waiting for the next one!!
February 17, 2022
I love Elle's books, she writes a great, creative thriller. I do wish she'd find a good editor though, I know she's indie and self-published, but she needs help with proofing and character arcs. For example, page 100 of this book has Sarah MacMillan say "...but he's become violent" to Pax about her brother, Pax then goes on to investigate and on page 118 he says to himself "...but she never said anything about him being violent." A good editor would catch things like that and would improve the quality of her writing so much.
I really do enjoy the books, I like the continuing characters, I wish they weren't quite so introspective because so much of their internal dialog is repetitive, far too repetitive, enough so that I find myself thinking, yes, you have told us that, about a thousand times already in this book alone. They have a much higher opinion of themselves than I think is warranted. None of which detracts from the meat of the story but is just a minor annoyance.
This particular book was a bit less than it could have been. Sarah knew how good Pax was at what he does, she's supposed to be a very good defense attorney and she knew all along what had happened. Why hire someone who will almost certainly uncover that which you didn't want uncovered? That just doesn't follow for me. I knew who did it almost immediately, the only surprise was that Sarah did too. People like that should not be practicing law and as it turns out she won't be. So three stars on this one and I'm on to the fourth in the series and have Blake's 10th on its way. She has the same problem as all the protagonists do, a much too high opinion of herself and an inner dialog that is not consonant with the story, detracts from it actually, though the stories themselves are well worth reading.
I really do enjoy the books, I like the continuing characters, I wish they weren't quite so introspective because so much of their internal dialog is repetitive, far too repetitive, enough so that I find myself thinking, yes, you have told us that, about a thousand times already in this book alone. They have a much higher opinion of themselves than I think is warranted. None of which detracts from the meat of the story but is just a minor annoyance.
This particular book was a bit less than it could have been. Sarah knew how good Pax was at what he does, she's supposed to be a very good defense attorney and she knew all along what had happened. Why hire someone who will almost certainly uncover that which you didn't want uncovered? That just doesn't follow for me. I knew who did it almost immediately, the only surprise was that Sarah did too. People like that should not be practicing law and as it turns out she won't be. So three stars on this one and I'm on to the fourth in the series and have Blake's 10th on its way. She has the same problem as all the protagonists do, a much too high opinion of herself and an inner dialog that is not consonant with the story, detracts from it actually, though the stories themselves are well worth reading.
September 27, 2021
I wish I could say it was better
The first two books were very similar in that they both pulled from other literary works (Sherlock, Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde) and they were both focused on finding serial killers. Starting out with this book, I wondered if she was going to try to continue with the serial killer theme, and I was looking forward to seeing what other characters she'd use.
I think that doing 2 books on serial killers then on just one murder was a mistake because she set kind of a precedence with the other two books that this book did not follow. She didn't end up using any other literary characters which was disappointing, and she did not have Pax communicating with the murderer at all in this book. The cat and mouse dynamic that she had in the other two books were really enjoyable. This isn't to say that this book was terrible, at all, but it was very dissimilar to the other books, to the point of it may have been more successful as a standalone novel.
Also, his FBI friend, Blake, was not in this book which changed this as well. It seemed as if he was less confident and questioned himself more without her around, as if Blake acting as a sounding board increased his confidence in his instincts. Therefore it wasn't totally believable when he did question himself.
Lastly, I did find myself getting more frustrated with the series with this book because the author has been dragging out the mystery of Veronica since the end of book 1, and each time I expected to start to see things moving in the next book, and still have yet to really have any progress with her case, which was annoying and frustrating.
The first two books were very similar in that they both pulled from other literary works (Sherlock, Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde) and they were both focused on finding serial killers. Starting out with this book, I wondered if she was going to try to continue with the serial killer theme, and I was looking forward to seeing what other characters she'd use.
I think that doing 2 books on serial killers then on just one murder was a mistake because she set kind of a precedence with the other two books that this book did not follow. She didn't end up using any other literary characters which was disappointing, and she did not have Pax communicating with the murderer at all in this book. The cat and mouse dynamic that she had in the other two books were really enjoyable. This isn't to say that this book was terrible, at all, but it was very dissimilar to the other books, to the point of it may have been more successful as a standalone novel.
Also, his FBI friend, Blake, was not in this book which changed this as well. It seemed as if he was less confident and questioned himself more without her around, as if Blake acting as a sounding board increased his confidence in his instincts. Therefore it wasn't totally believable when he did question himself.
Lastly, I did find myself getting more frustrated with the series with this book because the author has been dragging out the mystery of Veronica since the end of book 1, and each time I expected to start to see things moving in the next book, and still have yet to really have any progress with her case, which was annoying and frustrating.
January 5, 2021
Great continuation of the series
This was a great continuation of the Harrington Mystery Series, and it was just as good as the first two. While not chasing a serial killer this time around, Paxton and his squad worked through yet another mystery to solve the case. Also included were a couple more clues about his wife's death (hopefully a book will be coming about that soon). Missing was his bff, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder, though it looks as if the writer is giving that character her own series. From an editing perspective, there were a few mistakes that made me have to read something twice to make sure I understood it (some hims instead of hers, has instead of had that sort of thing) but overall nothing too terrible. Definitely looking forward to reading more of the series, as well as more from the author.
This was a great continuation of the Harrington Mystery Series, and it was just as good as the first two. While not chasing a serial killer this time around, Paxton and his squad worked through yet another mystery to solve the case. Also included were a couple more clues about his wife's death (hopefully a book will be coming about that soon). Missing was his bff, FBI Special Agent Blake Wilder, though it looks as if the writer is giving that character her own series. From an editing perspective, there were a few mistakes that made me have to read something twice to make sure I understood it (some hims instead of hers, has instead of had that sort of thing) but overall nothing too terrible. Definitely looking forward to reading more of the series, as well as more from the author.
July 8, 2021
Elle gray books are a wonderful read. They are as good as a early James Patterson. They could easily be turned into detective series for Netflix. I can't read enough, one after another. I hope Elle keeps writing these stories with the same characters they are like family. The mystery is good to the end!
5stars. Kathy Larsen ELLE GRAYS books read like an early James Patterson. The mystery hold you til the end. The characters are so fleshed out that they begin to feel like family. I would read her books if I had to pay full price for them..please keep writing and lovers of your books will keep reading.
5stars. Kathy Larsen ELLE GRAYS books read like an early James Patterson. The mystery hold you til the end. The characters are so fleshed out that they begin to feel like family. I would read her books if I had to pay full price for them..please keep writing and lovers of your books will keep reading.
May 2, 2024
Moving story, but...
I found this to be a very moving story, and a terrific and essential piece of the 4-book story arc of the Pax Arrington series. However, it is riddled with typos and other errors that I found very distracting. I feel it needs a thorough sweep of copy and line editing. Eliminating the errors would allow the story and the characters to shine the way they deserve.
Strangely, the other books in the series have far fewer errors. Perhaps Ms. Gray can find someone who would be willing to proofread this one and bring it up to the standard of the other novels in the series, particularly the fourth one.
I found this to be a very moving story, and a terrific and essential piece of the 4-book story arc of the Pax Arrington series. However, it is riddled with typos and other errors that I found very distracting. I feel it needs a thorough sweep of copy and line editing. Eliminating the errors would allow the story and the characters to shine the way they deserve.
Strangely, the other books in the series have far fewer errors. Perhaps Ms. Gray can find someone who would be willing to proofread this one and bring it up to the standard of the other novels in the series, particularly the fourth one.
March 15, 2025
Enjoyed the actual investigation. I dont find Brody and Macy's constant pushing Pax to date, They make embarrassing, childish comments at inappropriate times. Brody is Pax's best friend they have had private conversations about Pax not being ready. Brody is being disrespectful and not being a friend by his constant public harassing. They must be in their fortys, not in their teens. Takes away from the story.
Maes' obsession Paxton makes her seem like a gold digger.
I thought Macy got a new big deal job. Why is she always in the office goofing around. Punching Pax.
You can bring humor without teenage actics.
Maes' obsession Paxton makes her seem like a gold digger.
I thought Macy got a new big deal job. Why is she always in the office goofing around. Punching Pax.
You can bring humor without teenage actics.
September 12, 2021
The third book in the series is a good read. The writing is top notch and the storyline is rather interesting. I have rated the previous 2 books at 5 stars, but this one just fell a bit short for me. It really didn’t make sense in the end. They hired him to find the killer, but when he is close they fired him?! Read the book, you will see my big question…why did they hire him in the first place since the police had already “solved” the case. It could have just been left closed with nobody the wiser as to the murderers identity. Just didn’t make any sense really.
November 27, 2020
Awesome
I am enjoying the series tremendously however I think it's time to put the Veronica thread to rest. I hate books that make you think there has to be this pursuit of an idea to keep you coming back. In fact, I hate not finishing it enough to make me not want to read on for that reason. Ths books are page turners in and of themselves. Please finish that story and then keep the Arrington stories going just on their own merit.
I am enjoying the series tremendously however I think it's time to put the Veronica thread to rest. I hate books that make you think there has to be this pursuit of an idea to keep you coming back. In fact, I hate not finishing it enough to make me not want to read on for that reason. Ths books are page turners in and of themselves. Please finish that story and then keep the Arrington stories going just on their own merit.
December 10, 2020
Not as suspenseful as the others but still worth the read
This book seems to be a bridge to further additional story lines in the series versus a story unto itself. Ms Grey does an excellent job of building that bridge and casting those lines however this particular main story was super predictable with the “villains” being obvious from the start. Although kudos to her for not having ANOTHER serial killer because what are the chances of that?! Lol
This book seems to be a bridge to further additional story lines in the series versus a story unto itself. Ms Grey does an excellent job of building that bridge and casting those lines however this particular main story was super predictable with the “villains” being obvious from the start. Although kudos to her for not having ANOTHER serial killer because what are the chances of that?! Lol
February 15, 2021
Still going great!
Book 3 into this series and is still on par for one of the most interesting series I have come across in a long time. The group dynamics is put together like a perfectly fitting puzzle and that puzzle is held together by a strong willed, straightforward, above reproach kind of guy. Hopefully the path will continue and Veronica's mystery will be solved. If you are into P. I. novels this series will grab you.
Book 3 into this series and is still on par for one of the most interesting series I have come across in a long time. The group dynamics is put together like a perfectly fitting puzzle and that puzzle is held together by a strong willed, straightforward, above reproach kind of guy. Hopefully the path will continue and Veronica's mystery will be solved. If you are into P. I. novels this series will grab you.
April 17, 2021
More please!!!
After a variety of possible people who might have murdered Charlotte, the actual murderer is a shock!!! We go through various venues: drug dealers , wild sexual relations, Victorian costumes, and even drug rehab. In the end, Pax works wonders with the help of his staff/friends!!! The case is solved!!!! But suddenly his wife's murder has been brought up with a possible lead, and the book is over!!!!!!! What a cliffhanger!!!!! More, please!!!!
After a variety of possible people who might have murdered Charlotte, the actual murderer is a shock!!! We go through various venues: drug dealers , wild sexual relations, Victorian costumes, and even drug rehab. In the end, Pax works wonders with the help of his staff/friends!!! The case is solved!!!! But suddenly his wife's murder has been brought up with a possible lead, and the book is over!!!!!!! What a cliffhanger!!!!! More, please!!!!
September 12, 2021
Outstanding reading and hyper suspenseful!
Great read-Pax Arrington is an amazing sleuth who like a dog on a bone- never gives up no matter what!
James Patterson was my go to winter however since being introduce to this writer I’ll never look back
So looking forward to the next book- keep up the outstanding writing and I hope you to continue to flourish in your writing endeavor!!
Great read-Pax Arrington is an amazing sleuth who like a dog on a bone- never gives up no matter what!
James Patterson was my go to winter however since being introduce to this writer I’ll never look back
So looking forward to the next book- keep up the outstanding writing and I hope you to continue to flourish in your writing endeavor!!
October 17, 2021
The synopsis of this book makes it out to have an explosive secret and although there a secret, it's kind of a let down. Pax is supposed to "bring light to an unrelenting darkness" but the a few of the original suspects are not really that dark and the the "saving of the innocent man" is only a short few chapters.
A couple of more hints are given regarding Veronica but still nothing concrete.
A couple of more hints are given regarding Veronica but still nothing concrete.
November 10, 2021
Woman in the Water:
I loved the book.... Very early on I was trying to decide who the murderer was but wasn't sure... It has suspense to it & colorful characters all entwined.... It was a surprise to me with the ending.... I throughly enjoyed the PI himself.... He was savvy & smart & cocky & even funny at times.... It was a most enjoyable read.... I. So looking forward to other books by this author..... This was definitely a book I couldn't put down.... Thank - you.. M.L. 😊
I loved the book.... Very early on I was trying to decide who the murderer was but wasn't sure... It has suspense to it & colorful characters all entwined.... It was a surprise to me with the ending.... I throughly enjoyed the PI himself.... He was savvy & smart & cocky & even funny at times.... It was a most enjoyable read.... I. So looking forward to other books by this author..... This was definitely a book I couldn't put down.... Thank - you.. M.L. 😊
June 1, 2022
A terrific story
This was an intriguing story that had many unique and unexpected twists that will certainly keep you guessing. I really enjoy the characters in this series, and hope to see more books soon. I'm definitely curious about what happened with Pax's wife Veronica, and especially what led to her death.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intriguing story that had many unique and unexpected twists that will certainly keep you guessing. I really enjoy the characters in this series, and hope to see more books soon. I'm definitely curious about what happened with Pax's wife Veronica, and especially what led to her death.
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
November 3, 2025
Woman in the Water book 3
This was another great book of Elle Gray! I love how she continues to use some characters of previous stories in a new story. I also like how she’ll have have a story that encapsulates all of the heart pounding stories. After having finished book 3, I kind of sense what she is going to lead with in the next book. Whatever the story, I know I won’t be disappointed. I have Kindle Unlimited so I’m reading all of her books.
This was another great book of Elle Gray! I love how she continues to use some characters of previous stories in a new story. I also like how she’ll have have a story that encapsulates all of the heart pounding stories. After having finished book 3, I kind of sense what she is going to lead with in the next book. Whatever the story, I know I won’t be disappointed. I have Kindle Unlimited so I’m reading all of her books.
November 28, 2020
Great mystery....
This makes the fourth book in this series that I have read and enjoyed. I like the stories of Paxton finding and stopping serial killers but this book takes a different route as it winds through the investigation of a single murder with many twists and turns. I don't want to give any spoilers but hopefully Pax will find out someday why his wife died.
This makes the fourth book in this series that I have read and enjoyed. I like the stories of Paxton finding and stopping serial killers but this book takes a different route as it winds through the investigation of a single murder with many twists and turns. I don't want to give any spoilers but hopefully Pax will find out someday why his wife died.
December 29, 2020
The mystery continues
I have fallen in love with Pax Arrington and his PI firm. The characters are relatable and the cases they investigate are believable while still being interesting. I love watching the struggle to do what is right and good win out over doing it the easy way.....and Pax manages to do it without coming off as in relatable. I look forward to the next book in the series
I have fallen in love with Pax Arrington and his PI firm. The characters are relatable and the cases they investigate are believable while still being interesting. I love watching the struggle to do what is right and good win out over doing it the easy way.....and Pax manages to do it without coming off as in relatable. I look forward to the next book in the series
January 28, 2021
Suspenseful
The Woman in the Water was a very good read. I love the characters, Pax as the team leader keeps you on your toes as to what he is going to do next. Brody is the typical computer hacker.
I can usually figure out what is happening but this one was a total surprise.
Suspence , romance, Detective work, they are all there to keep you flipping pages!!!
The Woman in the Water was a very good read. I love the characters, Pax as the team leader keeps you on your toes as to what he is going to do next. Brody is the typical computer hacker.
I can usually figure out what is happening but this one was a total surprise.
Suspence , romance, Detective work, they are all there to keep you flipping pages!!!
March 19, 2021
Better and better!
As with both of the series that I have read by this author, the series just continues to get better and better with each book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, not can I wait for the next book in the Blake Wilder series!! If you haven’t read those books yet, you need to!
As with both of the series that I have read by this author, the series just continues to get better and better with each book. I cannot wait for the next book in this series, not can I wait for the next book in the Blake Wilder series!! If you haven’t read those books yet, you need to!
March 22, 2021
A Terrific Series!
The Paxton Arrington book series follows a quirky group of characters through some twisted crimes committed by demented, evil human beings. There is smooth crossover to Elle Gray's Blake Wilder FBI series, which is just as riveting. I look forward to her next book!
The Paxton Arrington book series follows a quirky group of characters through some twisted crimes committed by demented, evil human beings. There is smooth crossover to Elle Gray's Blake Wilder FBI series, which is just as riveting. I look forward to her next book!
April 1, 2021
Plots and twists!!!
I love it! I like having to go back and reread sometimes just to try to stay on track. I have read about five of her books and I’m hooked. She makes it relatable even when the characters are well above my pay grade, you see more of the inside instead of the outside and I like that.
I love it! I like having to go back and reread sometimes just to try to stay on track. I have read about five of her books and I’m hooked. She makes it relatable even when the characters are well above my pay grade, you see more of the inside instead of the outside and I like that.
August 5, 2021
An Exciting and Great Read!
I loved book one and book 2 in the Paz Arrington series! The characters are so real,I can picture them in my mind. The stories are so exciting, I'm turning the pages as fast as I can to get to the next page!
Thanks so very much Elle Gray for keeping me entertained for hours!!
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. 😊
I loved book one and book 2 in the Paz Arrington series! The characters are so real,I can picture them in my mind. The stories are so exciting, I'm turning the pages as fast as I can to get to the next page!
Thanks so very much Elle Gray for keeping me entertained for hours!!
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. 😊
September 10, 2021
Great read!
If you like thiller/detective style reading, this author is a great choice. The series draws you in with the personal background of the characters. You have to skim through some of the back stories if you have read the previous books, but each book leaves you wanting more...
If you like thiller/detective style reading, this author is a great choice. The series draws you in with the personal background of the characters. You have to skim through some of the back stories if you have read the previous books, but each book leaves you wanting more...
December 1, 2021
Overall Enjoyable
An enjoyable mystery and continued development of the characters. There have been some editing mistakes throughout the series and I don't know if it's in print as well or just the digital version. Overall the series is enjoyable and intriguing enough to keep bringing me back!
An enjoyable mystery and continued development of the characters. There have been some editing mistakes throughout the series and I don't know if it's in print as well or just the digital version. Overall the series is enjoyable and intriguing enough to keep bringing me back!
April 12, 2022
it works
Not the most engrossing so far (the main client is unlikeable, smart but not the smartest person in the room) and the vicious and vindictive nature of Chief Torres is off-putting to me.
More engaging is the questions about Veronica’s death and the sparse yet tantalizing glimpses that Pax is receiving. Sticking around to see what happens with that thread.
Not the most engrossing so far (the main client is unlikeable, smart but not the smartest person in the room) and the vicious and vindictive nature of Chief Torres is off-putting to me.
More engaging is the questions about Veronica’s death and the sparse yet tantalizing glimpses that Pax is receiving. Sticking around to see what happens with that thread.
May 2, 2022
Great read!
Very good mystery. Definitely had me guessing till near the end. Well - written, few minor typos, but nothing that distracted from the story. I also like that there were understated descriptions about violence and sex. I find, personally, that so much time spent on these, can distract from the story for me. I will definitely keep following this writer.
Very good mystery. Definitely had me guessing till near the end. Well - written, few minor typos, but nothing that distracted from the story. I also like that there were understated descriptions about violence and sex. I find, personally, that so much time spent on these, can distract from the story for me. I will definitely keep following this writer.
July 31, 2022
For Better or Worse
Pax and his crew are hired to look into the murder of Charlotte Macmillan by her daughter Sarah. Looking at the family history revealed two sons who were drug addicts and estranged from the rest of the family. Following leads takes Pax to some pretty unlikely areas but the murder is solved.
Pax and his crew are hired to look into the murder of Charlotte Macmillan by her daughter Sarah. Looking at the family history revealed two sons who were drug addicts and estranged from the rest of the family. Following leads takes Pax to some pretty unlikely areas but the murder is solved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews