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Dana Gray Mystery #2
Girl on the Hill
A missing legislative aid.
A desperate senator.
A secret that could blow the political world apart.
Dana Gray never expected to see FBI agent Jake Shepard again. Let alone be working with him on another high-profile case in her backyard.
But when a missing person turns out to be her former best friend, she finds herself pulled from the safety of her research library at the Smithsonian into the dark political underbelly of D.C.
Within the sinister world of politics, Dana uncovers a secret society more dangerous than anything she’s discovered in her field of occult studies. The closer she gets to discovering the truth in her friend’s disappearance, the more danger she’s in.
Dana finds herself caught in the crosshairs when she points a finger at a powerful opponent who’s used to making his problems disappear. She’s quickly learning, in this town, money is power, and some people will pay any price to keep their secrets buried.
Will she and Shepard be able to unravel the tangled web of crimes before another person vanishes in the night?
A desperate senator.
A secret that could blow the political world apart.
Dana Gray never expected to see FBI agent Jake Shepard again. Let alone be working with him on another high-profile case in her backyard.
But when a missing person turns out to be her former best friend, she finds herself pulled from the safety of her research library at the Smithsonian into the dark political underbelly of D.C.
Within the sinister world of politics, Dana uncovers a secret society more dangerous than anything she’s discovered in her field of occult studies. The closer she gets to discovering the truth in her friend’s disappearance, the more danger she’s in.
Dana finds herself caught in the crosshairs when she points a finger at a powerful opponent who’s used to making his problems disappear. She’s quickly learning, in this town, money is power, and some people will pay any price to keep their secrets buried.
Will she and Shepard be able to unravel the tangled web of crimes before another person vanishes in the night?
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2021
2254 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Cross
6 books39 followersC.J. Cross grew up in a snowy little Northeast town, cutting her teeth on true crime novels to stave her love of all things mysterious. The writing bug bit her early and she found her way into the publishing world, writing 50+ books under various top secret pen names over the years.
Now relocated to a place where she can safely trade in her snowshoes for flip flops, she's found a reason to dust off her old Criminal Justice degree and she's turned an old passion into a new flame, writing compelling thrillers novels.
When she's not writing you can usually find her drinking bourbon with fellow authors or spoiling her rescue pup.
Now relocated to a place where she can safely trade in her snowshoes for flip flops, she's found a reason to dust off her old Criminal Justice degree and she's turned an old passion into a new flame, writing compelling thrillers novels.
When she's not writing you can usually find her drinking bourbon with fellow authors or spoiling her rescue pup.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 16, 2025
I truly am so hooked to this series!! I can’t wait to read the next book!! MUST read series.
June 23, 2025
Book #2 in the Dana Gray Mystery series. Read book #1 a while back and (as uaual) I didn't remember anything about it anymore.... and unfortunately not much details came back while reading book #2. 😔
When I re-read my review of book #1, I saw I wrote: "Girl Left Behind was too tame for my tastes; both on the romance level and on the mystery/suspense/thriller level. I probably won't read the next books in the series." 😂
No idea why Girl on the Hill was still on my iPad? Anyway, I didn't remember that book #1 was a bit too tame for me, so I just started Girl on the Hill because I felt like reading some suspense/mystery. And guess what?? This time I really enjoyed reading about Dana and Jake.
When I re-read my review of book #1, I saw I wrote: "Girl Left Behind was too tame for my tastes; both on the romance level and on the mystery/suspense/thriller level. I probably won't read the next books in the series." 😂
No idea why Girl on the Hill was still on my iPad? Anyway, I didn't remember that book #1 was a bit too tame for me, so I just started Girl on the Hill because I felt like reading some suspense/mystery. And guess what?? This time I really enjoyed reading about Dana and Jake.
July 14, 2023
Mere's Deceit! 4.6***** Spoiler Alert!
Dana Gray worked alongside Jake( Jacob Shepard FBI Agent) on the abduction of MeredithK, blackmailing of Arthur Kincaid to find Scott's plans, the ritualistic murder of Meredith Kincaid's doppelganger, and the involvement of Senator Scott plus the Priory of Bones and Drug Lord Vega. Together they worked with Jenkins to solve and capture no one, but dead bodies and the initial 100 liberated trafficked women by Vega. Dana finally released her info to shed light on the Priory, while Meredith remained in the FBI Psych ward. Her relationship with Jake took a backburner as he dated Jo Walsh instead of waiting on her. Sadly it seemed Dana and her dead research as alone again. Jenkins rise to head FBI left me weary as a second Cramer especially with the missing data info in Brooklyn incident. The opening kidnapped scene with blindfolded Meredith, and febrile, pregnant Abby are a few unresolved events in this novel. While it is action packed, why didn't the PofB not protect the Senator as he was a founding father heir? Just too many unresolved facts. A Must-Read nonetheless in this series, whose ' Money does not buy one happiness and is the root of all evil' theme flowed rapidly through this novel.
07/11/23 - 07/14/23. COVID-19 Summer '23
Dana Gray worked alongside Jake( Jacob Shepard FBI Agent) on the abduction of MeredithK, blackmailing of Arthur Kincaid to find Scott's plans, the ritualistic murder of Meredith Kincaid's doppelganger, and the involvement of Senator Scott plus the Priory of Bones and Drug Lord Vega. Together they worked with Jenkins to solve and capture no one, but dead bodies and the initial 100 liberated trafficked women by Vega. Dana finally released her info to shed light on the Priory, while Meredith remained in the FBI Psych ward. Her relationship with Jake took a backburner as he dated Jo Walsh instead of waiting on her. Sadly it seemed Dana and her dead research as alone again. Jenkins rise to head FBI left me weary as a second Cramer especially with the missing data info in Brooklyn incident. The opening kidnapped scene with blindfolded Meredith, and febrile, pregnant Abby are a few unresolved events in this novel. While it is action packed, why didn't the PofB not protect the Senator as he was a founding father heir? Just too many unresolved facts. A Must-Read nonetheless in this series, whose ' Money does not buy one happiness and is the root of all evil' theme flowed rapidly through this novel.
07/11/23 - 07/14/23. COVID-19 Summer '23
December 27, 2023
2.5 stars. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve ever read, but definitely not good. Very amateurish and clichéd. The main female character, Dana, was whiny, entitled, and obstinate. I think the author was going for a strong female lead who wasn’t afraid to stand up for her beliefs, but it read as overly stubborn and childish instead. Both her and her not-boyfriend with whom she had an overly complicated non-relationship were almost comical with their drastic swings of emotion. Also I didn’t like the ‘twist’, where you’re led to believe the missing best friend was kidnapped when in fact, she disappeared herself intentionally and was actually one of the main bad guys. Not because of the plot itself, but because it was very clumsily done. Either there should have been more signs that the missing girl, Meredith, was part of the problem, or else the main character, Dana, who is supposed to be this extremely smart, well-educated woman who had this very close relationship with her was just really really stupid not to see that there would have been hints pointing to that answer. Can’t have it both ways. On top of all that, there were more than a couple spelling and grammar errors, which I absolutely cannot stand in a mass-produced book. Almost stopped reading like 3 times. Def don’t need to read any other books by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
February 27, 2023Dana Gray never expected to see FBI agent Jake Shepard again. Let alone be working with him on another high-profile case in her backyard.
But when a missing person turns out to be her former best friend, she finds herself pulled from the safety of her research library at the Smithsonian into the dark political underbelly of D.C.
Within the sinister world of politics, Dana uncovers a secret society more dangerous than anything she’s discovered in her field of occult studies. The closer she gets to discovering the truth in her friend’s disappearance, the more danger she’s in.
Dana finds herself caught in the crosshairs when she points a finger at a powerful opponent who’s used to making his problems disappear. She’s quickly learning, in this town, money is power, and some people will pay any price to keep their secrets buried.
Will she and Shepard be able to unravel the tangled web of crimes before another person vanishes in the night?
Didn't finish.
But when a missing person turns out to be her former best friend, she finds herself pulled from the safety of her research library at the Smithsonian into the dark political underbelly of D.C.
Within the sinister world of politics, Dana uncovers a secret society more dangerous than anything she’s discovered in her field of occult studies. The closer she gets to discovering the truth in her friend’s disappearance, the more danger she’s in.
Dana finds herself caught in the crosshairs when she points a finger at a powerful opponent who’s used to making his problems disappear. She’s quickly learning, in this town, money is power, and some people will pay any price to keep their secrets buried.
Will she and Shepard be able to unravel the tangled web of crimes before another person vanishes in the night?
Didn't finish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2024
On the surface, I should love this book! Occult librarian turned detective and involved in FBI investigations-sounds like a creepy murder mystery that I’d enjoy! Add in Secret societies like Dan Brownish? But alas, there’s too much wackiness to allow me to suspend disbelief. No one needs to follow rules, bosses are inept or evil, and the two main characters are full of teenage angst and toddler type meltdowns. I don’t do promises or apologies-what? Why would you consider getting involved with a jackass with a motto like that?
Slight spoiler: This best friend deal I don’t get. Last book Dana was a total loaner other than slightly mysterious coworker. Now she had a best friend but hasn’t seen her recently? What?
It’s an easy read, has some good action scenes, and has interesting crimes/criminals. I would like to see more realistic characters for where they are in life.
Slight spoiler: This best friend deal I don’t get. Last book Dana was a total loaner other than slightly mysterious coworker. Now she had a best friend but hasn’t seen her recently? What?
It’s an easy read, has some good action scenes, and has interesting crimes/criminals. I would like to see more realistic characters for where they are in life.
May 15, 2025
I thought the book was pretty good. I did want to finish it and see how it ended but it did not keep me awake past my bedtime. Dana is a smart, fearless woman who makes really stupid decisions. I got a little impatient with her "doing it her way" even though she even thought she shouldn't. It also seemed like 2 adults could recognize the sparks between them and act on them. Jake is brave, handsome and honorable and also makes dumb decisions.
February 14, 2022
Can't put this one down
CJ Cross is an amazing writer! Loving these Dana Gray Thiller series! I can not wait for the 3rd book to be released. The suspense is killing me. I want so much for this relationship to work. And the imagination that went into the writing of this particular book is so good!! You won't regret starting these books.
CJ Cross is an amazing writer! Loving these Dana Gray Thiller series! I can not wait for the 3rd book to be released. The suspense is killing me. I want so much for this relationship to work. And the imagination that went into the writing of this particular book is so good!! You won't regret starting these books.
August 1, 2023
Girl on the Hill (2)
This is a sad, sad, sad story! I don't think I can even recall reading any story as sad as this one. These two characters are made for each other! Not only do they work well together but they care a lot about each other, as well! This story brings heartache all around! There's no room to describe the pain in the heart for these two people!
This is a sad, sad, sad story! I don't think I can even recall reading any story as sad as this one. These two characters are made for each other! Not only do they work well together but they care a lot about each other, as well! This story brings heartache all around! There's no room to describe the pain in the heart for these two people!
October 18, 2023
Honestly I loved the first one but this one, Dana seemed naive almost. When it came out that Meredith had willingly disappeared she never once thought that maybe her friend was possibly a criminal. And then when the truth was shoved at her, when it came to light she helped kill a woman, helped women be raped and trafficked still she acted like her friend was a good person. It was just ehh to me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2024
I wasn't going to read #2 but changed my mind. I truly like the story but had a problem with Dr. Gray this time. The nail bitting and the not giving up on an old friend seemed over the top. For a person so intelligent she seems so naive.
But her knowledge in her field of work makes me want more of it.
But her knowledge in her field of work makes me want more of it.
October 3, 2024
This was part 2 of the girl left behind. It picked up where book 1 left off. I am loving th3e chemistry between Dana and Jake. Her brains and knowledge of the cults is amazing. The plot on this one had a lot of twists. It was like 2 separate stories going at once. It really kept me interested. I look forward to reading the final book of this series.
November 24, 2024
No more Dana Gray mysteries for me!
One book is OK dedicated to angst and inability to reconcile and grow up emotionally, but two books stupid stupid stupid. Could be a good series, decent writing, reasonable character development pretty good storyline, but the emotional crap two times around I will not suffer a third.
One book is OK dedicated to angst and inability to reconcile and grow up emotionally, but two books stupid stupid stupid. Could be a good series, decent writing, reasonable character development pretty good storyline, but the emotional crap two times around I will not suffer a third.
July 16, 2025
It was a super quick read, short chapters and easy to pick up…. But it was a bit cheesy… it felt like a wry called down Dan Brown novel. The love story was a bit cringy and Hollywood-esc seen and done a million times….. but the twist was interesting. Came a bit early in the book so the rest was an easy conclusion.
January 3, 2023
excellent
If anything, the second book was better than the first. For me that’s unusual. I wish the author would flesh out the characters more and the supporting characters as well. But all in all it was an easy read but a lot to mull over and enjoy.
If anything, the second book was better than the first. For me that’s unusual. I wish the author would flesh out the characters more and the supporting characters as well. But all in all it was an easy read but a lot to mull over and enjoy.
April 15, 2023
Of course I couldn’t put this damn thing down until I finished it. I am also pumped I bought book three so I can start it asap. This mini series is amazing (found two typos in book 2…of course hahaha) and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!!!
February 16, 2024
Thrilling
I read almost a book a day. This book made me happy I do. A very entertaining and well edited book. A unique female protagonist who I enjoyed learning about. Now I will read the next in the series.
I read almost a book a day. This book made me happy I do. A very entertaining and well edited book. A unique female protagonist who I enjoyed learning about. Now I will read the next in the series.
November 5, 2024
Great writing!
Enjoyed Book 2 but it seems a bit ridiculous that Dana keeps running into harms way without care. Getting a little Boeing that Jake and Dana don't ever kiss. Maybe in the next book!!!
Enjoyed Book 2 but it seems a bit ridiculous that Dana keeps running into harms way without care. Getting a little Boeing that Jake and Dana don't ever kiss. Maybe in the next book!!!
January 17, 2025
Girl on the hill
Book was my second read. I found it interesting and it kept me Intrigued, but relationships don't go like the book paints, it's just a tease to read the next book. I' m out.
Book was my second read. I found it interesting and it kept me Intrigued, but relationships don't go like the book paints, it's just a tease to read the next book. I' m out.
March 8, 2025
Not bad
Not bad ready,just makes Dan a to be to empty headed and emotional. A bit flighty . its like she is a 13 gear old in an adult body? Anyway Jake needs to grow up some to. I will probably read the other books in the series to see what does happen.
Not bad ready,just makes Dan a to be to empty headed and emotional. A bit flighty . its like she is a 13 gear old in an adult body? Anyway Jake needs to grow up some to. I will probably read the other books in the series to see what does happen.
July 12, 2025
Someone predictable but worth the read
After reading the first Dana Gray mystery I had to find out if she and Jake got together. The story was interesting and took a few unexpected turns. As for Dana and Jake, well ……
After reading the first Dana Gray mystery I had to find out if she and Jake got together. The story was interesting and took a few unexpected turns. As for Dana and Jake, well ……
February 10, 2023
Another great book to keep you on the edge of your seat!
February 18, 2023
Good book
The second book in the series was really good taking is into a dark world. The next book sounds like a great mystery too.
The second book in the series was really good taking is into a dark world. The next book sounds like a great mystery too.
April 16, 2023
Better than the first book in the series
September 9, 2023
The characters are just too messed up to be credible in their professions
October 2, 2023
When you read Book 1, Book 2 becomes something that makes you cross your fingers before beginning. Now, I’m trying to decide how soon to read Book 2.
January 3, 2024
Fantastic!
Another great book in the series! I'm really excited to read the next line. Great characters, great plot. Well done!
Another great book in the series! I'm really excited to read the next line. Great characters, great plot. Well done!
January 15, 2024
Amazing story. Loved the case they tackle in this book!!
I wish they wrapped up a little more of the loose ends and clues throughout the case because some things felt unresolved but I am excited to see how the next book unfolds.
I wish they wrapped up a little more of the loose ends and clues throughout the case because some things felt unresolved but I am excited to see how the next book unfolds.
September 5, 2024
On the hill
CJ Cross did not disappoint me. This second book was every bit as good as the first. I am now excited about the third book in the series.
CJ Cross did not disappoint me. This second book was every bit as good as the first. I am now excited about the third book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews