Gray Rose

Gray Rose: The Return of the Mad Batter is a murder mystery novella by R.L. Akers and the fifth book in the Files of Gray Gaynes series. The novella was published on April 5, 2018–which, coincidentally, was the fourth anniversary of main character Gray Gaynes' wedding to Rose Moynihan... and also the third anniversary of her death.

Beginning with this story, the investigation into Rose's death takes center stage for the first time, after a new body turns up with similar cause of death. The author has stated that Gray novellas #2, #3, and #4 are largely standalone and can be read in any order (or skipped entirely) without spoiling other stories in the series. The main plot of Gray's first story arc is related in books #1, #5 (this book), and #6, in that order.

Artwork

As with each Gray Gaynes installment, the chapter numbering within Gray Rose is unique. In this case, each number is displayed as stylized rose stems, complete with thorns.

Back Cover Blurb

SOME MURDERS ARE MORE PERSONAL THAN OTHERS

When a young woman is found bludgeoned to death in Central Park, police immediately link the crime to a string of unsolved homicides one year prior. But they must tread carefully, for the prime suspect -- then and now -- is the son of a powerful mobster, heir to a criminal empire. There is far too much at stake to let the man walk free.

The lead detective on the case failed to make charges stick last time, and he will not let himself fail again. But more than that, this one is personal to him. His own wife was murdered in similar manner, and while her death seems unrelated to these others, he cannot help but wonder if a connection exists somewhere. Especially considering the manner in which this new victim's body was staged, a clear and obvious message intended for him specifically...

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.