What do you think?
Rate this book
Sheriff Elven Hallie #2
Murder in the Mountains
A dead man in the woods. A corrupt game warden. A silver-tongued preacher.
And a whole lot of drugs.
When Sheriff Elven Hallie investigates a murder, the evidence seems self-explanatory. But when he digs in, things get more complicated.
Following a lead, he visits a revival in the woods led by smooth-talking preacher Spencer Caldwell. The hunters in the area are already angry, having filed numerous complaints about the operation. But it isn’t until Elven goes to see the man himself that he knows something is off.
If that wasn’t enough, game warden Jesse Parsons arrives in Dupray to assist in the murder investigation. But Elven quickly questions Jesse’s motives when he’s found being friendly with Hollis, the head of the Starcher criminal family.
When a witness is discovered, it leads to more questions. And a lot more bodies.
But when his deputy is put in danger, Elven knows he’s running out of time and must take a more direct approach to solve the crime.
Can he solve the murders before someone he loves is killed, or will his drastic measures cost him more than just his job?
And a whole lot of drugs.
When Sheriff Elven Hallie investigates a murder, the evidence seems self-explanatory. But when he digs in, things get more complicated.
Following a lead, he visits a revival in the woods led by smooth-talking preacher Spencer Caldwell. The hunters in the area are already angry, having filed numerous complaints about the operation. But it isn’t until Elven goes to see the man himself that he knows something is off.
If that wasn’t enough, game warden Jesse Parsons arrives in Dupray to assist in the murder investigation. But Elven quickly questions Jesse’s motives when he’s found being friendly with Hollis, the head of the Starcher criminal family.
When a witness is discovered, it leads to more questions. And a lot more bodies.
But when his deputy is put in danger, Elven knows he’s running out of time and must take a more direct approach to solve the crime.
Can he solve the murders before someone he loves is killed, or will his drastic measures cost him more than just his job?
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2021
2483 people are currently reading
427 people want to read
About the author
Drew Strickland
44 books169 followersDrew Strickland is an Amazon #1 bestselling author of the Sheriff Elven Hallie Mysteries along with other twisted crime and psychological thrillers.
He resides in Arizona with his wife and kids. When he’s not writing, he can be found reading, exploring new cities, spending time with his family, and of course, cuddling with his many cats (for real, cats just love him and he loves them).
Connect with Drew:
➜ WEBSITE: drewstricklandbooks.com
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/drewstricklandbooks
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/drewstricklandbooks
He resides in Arizona with his wife and kids. When he’s not writing, he can be found reading, exploring new cities, spending time with his family, and of course, cuddling with his many cats (for real, cats just love him and he loves them).
Connect with Drew:
➜ WEBSITE: drewstricklandbooks.com
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/drewstricklandbooks
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/drewstricklandbooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 9, 2023
Drew Strickland proved impactful in his series debut, leaving me eager to read this second novel. I found myself drawn to Elven Hallie, a sheriff in a West Virginia county with ample criminal activity that only a small-town mystery brings. After a body is found just outside the perimeter of a revival church in the woods, Sheriff Hallie must put the pieces together, while trying to handle a conservation officer who plays by his own rules. After one body becomes many, the hunt is on for a serial killer.
Picking up soon after the last book ended, Deputy Maddison ‘Madds’ Cook continues being a tad deceptive when it comes to her connections around the county. Around the same time, when news of a body in the woods reaches the ears of Sheriff Elven Hallie, he is disturbed, but also eager to get to the bottom of it all. This is the second time he has trekked into the wooded area around Dupray, West Virginia, where he is the law. The trip into the woods alone is enough to knock the wind out of him, but the body shows that this was no hunting accident and that drugs were surely a part of the problem. The more he digs, the deeper his suspicions grow related to some visitors to the county.
Elven finds himself visiting a revival church in the woods, where the tent flap is always open for those looking to find salvation. Preacher Spencer Caldwell welcomes Elven onto the property, but denies knowing much of anything about what has been going on in the surrounding woods. As hunters become increasingly agitated by the disruptions and lack of game to shoot, Preacher Caldwell promises that he is only doing the Lord’s work and guarantees that he will pass along anything he thinks could be helpful.
When game warden Jesse Parsons arrives to assist with the murder investigation, he is anything but helpful. Making friends with some of the least desirable members of the community, Parsons also does not follow direction well, forcing Elven to instil some of his own law abiding when the time is right.
After a slaughter in the woods, tensions mount, forcing Sheriff Hallie and his deputies take notice. A killer is out there, drugs are running rampant, and an unwanted game warden is in the middle of much commotion. All the while, Madds continues to play a dangerous game that could see her true mission revealed. Strickland keeps the action high in this second novel of the series.
Drew Strickland does well with setting the tone once more in this series, providing a firm narrative on which the story builds. With a great sense of direction and purpose, the novel moves effectively from segment to segment without getting too bogged down.
Strickland’s development of Elven Hallie’s character proves effective, as the reader wants to know more about his past and the future possibilities he has as sheriff. Delving a little deeper into some of the other characters, Strickland keeps things interesting and flavours the book with a truly rural sense. Maddison Cook has grown as a strong secondary character, though her secret remains only partially revealed, adding to her mysterious nature.
There are some wonderful plot developments in the book, adding to some of the story arcs that occurred in the series debut. Strickland adds new ones for the curious reader to follow and piece together throughout the reading experience. The few major twists in the story highlight the sense of control and power that has been evading Sheriff Elven Hallie. I can only hope that Strickland has more of this to offer, as it sets the tone for the novel and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, seeking to better understand what is going on.
Kudos, Mr. Strickland, for leaving me wanting more as I reach for Book 3!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mu...
Picking up soon after the last book ended, Deputy Maddison ‘Madds’ Cook continues being a tad deceptive when it comes to her connections around the county. Around the same time, when news of a body in the woods reaches the ears of Sheriff Elven Hallie, he is disturbed, but also eager to get to the bottom of it all. This is the second time he has trekked into the wooded area around Dupray, West Virginia, where he is the law. The trip into the woods alone is enough to knock the wind out of him, but the body shows that this was no hunting accident and that drugs were surely a part of the problem. The more he digs, the deeper his suspicions grow related to some visitors to the county.
Elven finds himself visiting a revival church in the woods, where the tent flap is always open for those looking to find salvation. Preacher Spencer Caldwell welcomes Elven onto the property, but denies knowing much of anything about what has been going on in the surrounding woods. As hunters become increasingly agitated by the disruptions and lack of game to shoot, Preacher Caldwell promises that he is only doing the Lord’s work and guarantees that he will pass along anything he thinks could be helpful.
When game warden Jesse Parsons arrives to assist with the murder investigation, he is anything but helpful. Making friends with some of the least desirable members of the community, Parsons also does not follow direction well, forcing Elven to instil some of his own law abiding when the time is right.
After a slaughter in the woods, tensions mount, forcing Sheriff Hallie and his deputies take notice. A killer is out there, drugs are running rampant, and an unwanted game warden is in the middle of much commotion. All the while, Madds continues to play a dangerous game that could see her true mission revealed. Strickland keeps the action high in this second novel of the series.
Drew Strickland does well with setting the tone once more in this series, providing a firm narrative on which the story builds. With a great sense of direction and purpose, the novel moves effectively from segment to segment without getting too bogged down.
Strickland’s development of Elven Hallie’s character proves effective, as the reader wants to know more about his past and the future possibilities he has as sheriff. Delving a little deeper into some of the other characters, Strickland keeps things interesting and flavours the book with a truly rural sense. Maddison Cook has grown as a strong secondary character, though her secret remains only partially revealed, adding to her mysterious nature.
There are some wonderful plot developments in the book, adding to some of the story arcs that occurred in the series debut. Strickland adds new ones for the curious reader to follow and piece together throughout the reading experience. The few major twists in the story highlight the sense of control and power that has been evading Sheriff Elven Hallie. I can only hope that Strickland has more of this to offer, as it sets the tone for the novel and keeps the reader on the edge of their seats, seeking to better understand what is going on.
Kudos, Mr. Strickland, for leaving me wanting more as I reach for Book 3!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mu...
July 3, 2024
Another great story in the series. So many shades of grey when it comes to the evil men and women do. I wonder how far things will go for Maddie before she is discovered or draws a line in the sand and winds up dead. Sheriff Elven is not going to be a happy camper!
November 26, 2025
Kindle Unlimited
The second of the Sheriff Elven Hallie Mysteries set in the tiny dying ex-coal mining town of Dupray, West Virginia, and the blurb says it all - A dead man in the woods. A corrupt game warden. A silver-tongued preacher.
Add in Hollis and the Starcher family on the negative side of the list. And, of course, the 'good guys and dolls', Elven and his deputies. Recently hired Maddison, an experienced deputy from Mesa, Arizona; Tank, the big guy, but recently shot-gunned on the job; Meredith who runs the sheriff's office single-handedly and handles the phone and radios; and young Johnny, who is slow and, well, very slow.
When trouble starts to drop, Meredith has her day tied up working in-shop, Tank has still got stitches, and Johnny is still an idiot, so Madds is up for the second seat, and they are off to tackle that list. And boy, is their work cut out for them!. Book #2 in the Eleven Hallie mysteries is also a riot, one that will keep you reading into the night. I am loving this series. This author is now on my must-read list.
REVIEWED on 11-25-2025
The second of the Sheriff Elven Hallie Mysteries set in the tiny dying ex-coal mining town of Dupray, West Virginia, and the blurb says it all - A dead man in the woods. A corrupt game warden. A silver-tongued preacher.
Add in Hollis and the Starcher family on the negative side of the list. And, of course, the 'good guys and dolls', Elven and his deputies. Recently hired Maddison, an experienced deputy from Mesa, Arizona; Tank, the big guy, but recently shot-gunned on the job; Meredith who runs the sheriff's office single-handedly and handles the phone and radios; and young Johnny, who is slow and, well, very slow.
When trouble starts to drop, Meredith has her day tied up working in-shop, Tank has still got stitches, and Johnny is still an idiot, so Madds is up for the second seat, and they are off to tackle that list. And boy, is their work cut out for them!. Book #2 in the Eleven Hallie mysteries is also a riot, one that will keep you reading into the night. I am loving this series. This author is now on my must-read list.
REVIEWED on 11-25-2025
December 15, 2025
It’s been a cold minute since I read the first book in the series but it’s a decent series that I’m enjoying so I’m determined to finish it! Hopefully I won’t have to wait so long between books and forget anything. 😰
May 19, 2023
WELLLLLLL I DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!!!! Cannot wait to see where this goes - that ending has me stressed 😩
January 13, 2025
I enjoyed this installment much better than the first in the series- the pacing of this plot was better. I’ve grown to really like Elven. The secondary characters and setting were really fleshed out. I read the first book a long time ago, so I did not remember Mads’s backstory- was that detailed in the first book? I was pretty shocked by her at the end of this one. Great cliffhanger- you are going to want the next in the series ready when you finish this one.
September 15, 2024
meant for a man to read. Too many crass remarks to and about women, even though from an obviously crass character. I prefer less massacre of culprits.
October 7, 2025
Michala
I enjoyed the book however got a little confused with the characters. Easy read. A book you can put down for the night and pick up the next day without missing a beat
I enjoyed the book however got a little confused with the characters. Easy read. A book you can put down for the night and pick up the next day without missing a beat
September 2, 2024
yeah, I'm done with this series. That ending was BS.
March 22, 2022
Unlikable characters
I hate to say it, as I usually enjoy books by these authors, but this series sucks. The characters are either unlikable or dumb beyond belief. Or corrupt beyond redemption. Definitely not my cup of tea and I'll be ending my reading journey into this series here.
I hate to say it, as I usually enjoy books by these authors, but this series sucks. The characters are either unlikable or dumb beyond belief. Or corrupt beyond redemption. Definitely not my cup of tea and I'll be ending my reading journey into this series here.
October 11, 2025
I have mixed feelings. First, please teach these narrators how to pronounce Appalachia.
App-uh-latch-uh
I was born in McDowell County WV. I actually lived in Jolo, which made me roll my eyes when it was mentioned in this book. I know the author lives in AZ, but has he ever lived in WV? I grew up down the road from the infamous snake handling church that been on the national news. This feels very much like someone writing about a place they’ve never been. Lots is stereotypes. The plot did keep me interested and that is why I will give it 4 stars. At the same time it feels like something dirty. Like hillbilly crime fetish. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s something I see occasionally. People write about Appalachia and use all the backwoods stereotypes for entertainment. Makes me sad.
App-uh-latch-uh
I was born in McDowell County WV. I actually lived in Jolo, which made me roll my eyes when it was mentioned in this book. I know the author lives in AZ, but has he ever lived in WV? I grew up down the road from the infamous snake handling church that been on the national news. This feels very much like someone writing about a place they’ve never been. Lots is stereotypes. The plot did keep me interested and that is why I will give it 4 stars. At the same time it feels like something dirty. Like hillbilly crime fetish. I don’t know how else to describe it. It’s something I see occasionally. People write about Appalachia and use all the backwoods stereotypes for entertainment. Makes me sad.
October 30, 2025
I got to 50% in this book and I had to stop because I almost threw up, literally. It was so foul and disgusting I couldn't continue. The author had been playing on our sense of smell all along, but this was way too much, like a bad bathroom joke that doesn't end. And it isn't even funny.
I read the first book in this series and didn't like it much, for several reasons. I decided to give the second book a try, but the characters are still flat. The sheriff is stuck on himself and rich. We hear that over and over. Occasionally he acts gruff and tough to someone he thinks has been mean to him, but it's not convincing.
The new deputy doesn't do much but complain and use foul language. She does have a conflict, but it isn't interesting enough to make me keep reading.
The town is poor. We hear that over and over.
I read the first book in this series and didn't like it much, for several reasons. I decided to give the second book a try, but the characters are still flat. The sheriff is stuck on himself and rich. We hear that over and over. Occasionally he acts gruff and tough to someone he thinks has been mean to him, but it's not convincing.
The new deputy doesn't do much but complain and use foul language. She does have a conflict, but it isn't interesting enough to make me keep reading.
The town is poor. We hear that over and over.
September 27, 2024
Just finished the audiobook, and as much as I enjoyed the mystery - it drove me nuts that I could not remember why and how Maddie was compromised. I knew it happened at the end of Buried in the Backwater, but I read that a while ago. I read a *lot* of mysteries and thrillers. So instead of enjoying the story I was constantly frustrated by not remembering that. (BTW - NOT a spoiler - it's clear from the beginning that Maddie has mixed allegiance - you just aren't told exactly why, and it's never revealed in this book.) I can't get a hard copy from my library to flip through the end of Buried... So I'm left unsatisfied here. I feel like the end of this one will also be critical to the next. Not sure I like it enough to read the series end to end at one time.
February 1, 2025
Plenty of Twists and Turns
I liked the 2nd book in the series so far. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author took it in another direction. Then I thought ending was wrapped up and yet the author, Drew Strickland went an about face and took yet another life. Minor characters are expendable. I highly recommend not only this book, but the series as well. 5 stars for an amazing storyline and well developed characters.
I liked the 2nd book in the series so far. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author took it in another direction. Then I thought ending was wrapped up and yet the author, Drew Strickland went an about face and took yet another life. Minor characters are expendable. I highly recommend not only this book, but the series as well. 5 stars for an amazing storyline and well developed characters.
April 19, 2025
Murder in the Mountains is book 2 in the Sheriff Elven Hallie series by Drew Strickland and in it Elven finds murder galore at a tent revival meeting, among drug addicts, and in his own jail. Also the appearance of a Game Warden who doesn't come to see him or let him know he will be operating in his town leaves Elven fuming some funny parts mixed in as well makes this a nicely paced read/listen looking forward to reading more in the future.
September 13, 2021
Murder in the Mountains
Old time revival tent meetings are still a thing in the south. However I don't think they sold meth along with the word of God.
If you like who did it's with a twist, check out this Mountain series by Drew Strickland. It's funny, exciting, edgy, and weird and twisted. Love it.
Old time revival tent meetings are still a thing in the south. However I don't think they sold meth along with the word of God.
If you like who did it's with a twist, check out this Mountain series by Drew Strickland. It's funny, exciting, edgy, and weird and twisted. Love it.
March 26, 2024
4.25⭐️ This was a great second book in a gripping series that keeps you guessing, knowing who is pulling the strings, but all the details are slow coming. And the ending … I was really hoping what happened wouldn’t happen, but it did and ugh, so sad and evil!!! There are some twisted things happening in Dupray.
September 28, 2024
Murder in the Mountains
So, far I've read the first two books in this series. The second one kept me up all night. I couldn't put it down. I was so sure of who the bad guys were , until I wasn't. If you need a happy ever after ending, you won't get it here. I'm going to jump right into book 3. Can't wait.
So, far I've read the first two books in this series. The second one kept me up all night. I couldn't put it down. I was so sure of who the bad guys were , until I wasn't. If you need a happy ever after ending, you won't get it here. I'm going to jump right into book 3. Can't wait.
March 16, 2025
Great murder mystery! This small town is full of both simple and complicated characters and they way they intersect makes for a compelling mystery. It starts when a traveling religious revival sets up in the woods outside of town and ends in multiple murders with one surviving witness. Great twist at the end.
June 4, 2025
Very involved story. Listened on tape. Lots of people get killed—more than I like in a mystery.. Was disappointed in the ending. Left wondering if the next in the series will help me with answers that this ending did not give. I guess the author accomplishes what he wants because I will probably try to read the next in the series.
April 11, 2021
Murder in the Mountains
This is a very exciting book. This book is filled with suspense and thrills. The only thing I did not like is that the story line drags on through two book. I hope in the third book there is an ending. I recommend this book
This is a very exciting book. This book is filled with suspense and thrills. The only thing I did not like is that the story line drags on through two book. I hope in the third book there is an ending. I recommend this book
July 17, 2021
Going to church has a new meaning in the mountains
Quite a story of deceit, murder, some innocence somewhere in West Virginia. This story takes you from a town to a city with drugs involved in every way!
Quite a story of deceit, murder, some innocence somewhere in West Virginia. This story takes you from a town to a city with drugs involved in every way!
July 6, 2022
Good book. However, I volunteer to be a proof reader. When is Elvin going to get a clue? And I truly hope at some point that Elvin works with Carolina again. I also hope Carolina is the one who busts Madds!
September 9, 2022
Each ending draws you on to the next.
Each ending draws you on to the next book. This isn't a series I set out to read and I'm not the sheriff's biggest fan. But I need to find out what happens with Madds!
Each ending draws you on to the next book. This isn't a series I set out to read and I'm not the sheriff's biggest fan. But I need to find out what happens with Madds!
January 30, 2024
Read first in series, then got #2 to see what happened between Madds and Elven. Things did not get better. So I skipped to end and it was pretty much the same ending as #1.
I will skip this series and do not recommend.
I will skip this series and do not recommend.
February 15, 2024
Murder in the Mountains Kills!
I absolutely loved this book and the series. Recommend to all mystery lovers. Interesting character development. Unique plots. Intriguing inter- character relationships. Can’t wait to start the next book!
I absolutely loved this book and the series. Recommend to all mystery lovers. Interesting character development. Unique plots. Intriguing inter- character relationships. Can’t wait to start the next book!
March 13, 2024
Another good one!
Who can you trust? Sheriff Elvin encounters some very strange things in this book. A man who comes to town and claims to be a game warden looks & acts pretty darned shady. Deputy Madds is acting out of character… or is she? So many questions! It was a great read!
Who can you trust? Sheriff Elvin encounters some very strange things in this book. A man who comes to town and claims to be a game warden looks & acts pretty darned shady. Deputy Madds is acting out of character… or is she? So many questions! It was a great read!
March 19, 2024
This book varies from a 2-star to a 5-star. Overall, 4-star, maybe a bit less. Somethings don't sit right in the story telling and character development. Especially Madds. A natural born psycho?
However, there is a uniqueness about the story that can't be denied.
However, there is a uniqueness about the story that can't be denied.
March 21, 2024
This book touches on some of my most personal feelings. The murders of two preachers, the slaughter of workers and most of all the ups and down of Michaela. Madds trying to play both sides against each other.
July 5, 2024
language is very disappointing
Started as a good story with interesting characters. I normally read complete series but 2 books of salty language is enough. It adds nothing to the story or to the characters. Insulting to W Virginians..
Started as a good story with interesting characters. I normally read complete series but 2 books of salty language is enough. It adds nothing to the story or to the characters. Insulting to W Virginians..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews