Gray Tones

Gray Tones: The Case of the Elevator Slaying is a murder mystery novella by R.L. Akers and the first book in the Files of Gray Gaynes series. The novella was published on April 19, 2017 and remains the series' shortest major installment to date.

The story introduces the character of Gray Gaynes, who is returning to work as an NYPD detective following a leave of absence. Previously, Gray and his wife Rose had been the victims of an attack that left him hospitalized and her dead. Now, still reeling from that trauma, he is called upon to investigate the murder of two elderly New Yorkers by their neighbor in a small elevator car.

The audiobook production of Gray Tones was performed by narrator Marcus Freeman and published on May 27, 2025.

Artwork

As with each Gray Gaynes installment, the chapter numbering within Gray Tones is unique. In this case, each number is displayed as an elevator button.

Back Cover Blurb

NOT EVERYTHING IS BLACK AND WHITE.

When a grisly double homicide takes place in an old apartment building, no one doubts the guilt of the victims' next-door neighbor. Not only does the man have a history of mental illness, he confessed to the murder within hours. True, he had no apparent motive, but who needs motive when the supposed murderer is crazy?

The NYPD's lead detective would be happy to close the case, but he's facing his own demons, and letting the investigation drag on allows him to protect his own dark secret. Imagine his surprise when he begins uncovering facts that cast the murder in an all-new light.

Meet Gray Gaynes: a brilliant investigator, but also a man deeply wounded by his own personal tragedy... A man willing to go to great lengths to hide the truth of the irrevocable changes he is undergoing.