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Dean Steele #4
The Garden of Secrets
When a hunter approaches an unattended fire, he sees a hand sticking out of the ground.
There's a bracelet around her wrist, adorned with a rose charm.
A decade has since passed, and to this day, her identity remains unknown.
Dean Steele has spent most of his life in the service of something greater.
From serving his country in the military to bringing justice to the evildoers in this world.
When a plot is found containing multiple graves, each holding the body of a young woman wearing a bracelet adorned with a unique flower.
The case bears resemblance to a Rose Doe case from a decade ago.
With no leads in sight, the famous PI is called in to assist on the case.
There's a killer with an insatiable appetite on the loose, and Dean will do whatever it takes to bring down the culprit.
A garden is a place to grow and cultivate life.
Unfortunately, this garden harbors only death and secrets...
There's a bracelet around her wrist, adorned with a rose charm.
A decade has since passed, and to this day, her identity remains unknown.
Dean Steele has spent most of his life in the service of something greater.
From serving his country in the military to bringing justice to the evildoers in this world.
When a plot is found containing multiple graves, each holding the body of a young woman wearing a bracelet adorned with a unique flower.
The case bears resemblance to a Rose Doe case from a decade ago.
With no leads in sight, the famous PI is called in to assist on the case.
There's a killer with an insatiable appetite on the loose, and Dean will do whatever it takes to bring down the culprit.
A garden is a place to grow and cultivate life.
Unfortunately, this garden harbors only death and secrets...
- GenresMystery
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 5, 2023
414 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 30, 2023
Wow! I think A.J. Rivers is on a roll! This is the second book in a row that I couldn't put down°! Dean is kind of brought into investigating a serial killer by accident. It turns into so much more than he bargained for. I really think I'm enjoying his series more than the Emma Griffin series! I love Dean and Xavier together. I also am enjoying Brielle's case carrying on simultaneously. The developments in that are exciting. One of my favorite things about this book was feeling satisfied but wanting more at the same time. Dean is stubborn and doesn't give up, and he has proven to be just as talented as Emma at solving cases. What a wonderful book, well written and interested.
November 6, 2023
Rivers breakthrough
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was focused and well supported by the characters' actions. I will confess that I have found some of Rivers books to have too much narrative and to be too ambitious in solving many cases from the past. This time, rather than use so much narrative, the characters were more active in bringing the plot to its conclusion. Though Brielle and Owen continued as part of this book, their story was not so intertwined that it felt as though a few pages of another novel had been accidentally stuck in with this one. One plot and maybe one secondary plot, is enough!
I really enjoyed this book. The plot was focused and well supported by the characters' actions. I will confess that I have found some of Rivers books to have too much narrative and to be too ambitious in solving many cases from the past. This time, rather than use so much narrative, the characters were more active in bringing the plot to its conclusion. Though Brielle and Owen continued as part of this book, their story was not so intertwined that it felt as though a few pages of another novel had been accidentally stuck in with this one. One plot and maybe one secondary plot, is enough!
October 15, 2023
The Garden of Secrets (Dean Steele Mystery Thriller Book 4)
OMG!!!!!!! This book was way beyond amazing. I love how it ended, but there were so many twists and turns. I love when someone brings down a cult and this cult was scary, it made people believe they were making themselves better, but at the same time brainwashing them. It all starts when Dean is hired to investigate a cold murder case and ends with very happy news for Dean. I can't wait for the next one.
OMG!!!!!!! This book was way beyond amazing. I love how it ended, but there were so many twists and turns. I love when someone brings down a cult and this cult was scary, it made people believe they were making themselves better, but at the same time brainwashing them. It all starts when Dean is hired to investigate a cold murder case and ends with very happy news for Dean. I can't wait for the next one.
October 28, 2023
Incredible!
A decade ago, a woman was found burning in a shadow grave with a bracelet that had a rose pendant on it. With no identification on her and no way to positively identify her because of the extensive damage, she was given the name Rose Doe. Now, more bodies are found two states away, each with bracelets of different flowers. PI Dean Steele has been called in to try to find answers to this strange case. What he finds is even more twisted than he ever imagined.
A decade ago, a woman was found burning in a shadow grave with a bracelet that had a rose pendant on it. With no identification on her and no way to positively identify her because of the extensive damage, she was given the name Rose Doe. Now, more bodies are found two states away, each with bracelets of different flowers. PI Dean Steele has been called in to try to find answers to this strange case. What he finds is even more twisted than he ever imagined.
June 15, 2024
This book had me binge reading from cover to cover. A fantastic plot puts Dean in the center of not only still working on Brielle’s murder but also in the thick of a serial killer investigation. As usual he can rely on Xavier, Emma and others for help as he tries to solve some cold cases that tie into recent murders. Well worth the read and I’m already gearing up to read the next novel in this series.
October 18, 2023
Fantastic
This book is what I would expect from A.J. Rivers. There are so many twists and turns that has you wanting to know what's next and you can't put this book down. Every time I thought I had it figured out the next thing I knew is I didn't. I can't wait for additional books that are coming out soon. I highly recommend this series as well as her other series.
This book is what I would expect from A.J. Rivers. There are so many twists and turns that has you wanting to know what's next and you can't put this book down. Every time I thought I had it figured out the next thing I knew is I didn't. I can't wait for additional books that are coming out soon. I highly recommend this series as well as her other series.
December 8, 2023
Can't put any of AJ rivers books down!
I say she writes too fast and she writes too slow. When I come back and there's more than 1 book that I haven't read I can't put them down so I don't get anything else done. Then when I'm done and there is nothing else left to read and there's nothing to do of course. Once again dean keeps you on keep you on your toes.
I say she writes too fast and she writes too slow. When I come back and there's more than 1 book that I haven't read I can't put them down so I don't get anything else done. Then when I'm done and there is nothing else left to read and there's nothing to do of course. Once again dean keeps you on keep you on your toes.
December 14, 2023
Wow!!!
I've read all of the current Emma Griffin books. Just began this series two days ago. Even though I had begun to suspect the ending twist it still came as a surprise.
AJ is a gifted wordsmith with the ability brb you from the prologue and hold you captive to the final sentence.
I've read all of the current Emma Griffin books. Just began this series two days ago. Even though I had begun to suspect the ending twist it still came as a surprise.
AJ is a gifted wordsmith with the ability brb you from the prologue and hold you captive to the final sentence.
April 21, 2024
Good story BUT...
I read all of the Emma Griffith books. The Dean Steele books have a good story. This one was kept me guessing to the end. But, it was distracting to find so many grammatical errors, missed words, wrong gender like "he" instead of "she" they were referring to. Please get your editors to do a better job. No point in messing your good books up.
I read all of the Emma Griffith books. The Dean Steele books have a good story. This one was kept me guessing to the end. But, it was distracting to find so many grammatical errors, missed words, wrong gender like "he" instead of "she" they were referring to. Please get your editors to do a better job. No point in messing your good books up.
May 5, 2024
Wowza!
We all need more Dean and Xaviors in our lives. Garden of Secrets was a fantastic read. Characters are real and the story captures you and pulls you in. I could feel the emotions and it all flows so naturally. And the end, oh my! I thought it but it was awesome for it to come to fruition.
We all need more Dean and Xaviors in our lives. Garden of Secrets was a fantastic read. Characters are real and the story captures you and pulls you in. I could feel the emotions and it all flows so naturally. And the end, oh my! I thought it but it was awesome for it to come to fruition.
June 10, 2024
wow!
Dean & Xavier are still trying to figure out who killed Brielle and where her son Owen disappeared, when he gets a call from an old friend about a cold case murder. When several graves are discovered she thinks they are related to the one her group has been trying to figure out who she was.
Dean & Xavier are still trying to figure out who killed Brielle and where her son Owen disappeared, when he gets a call from an old friend about a cold case murder. When several graves are discovered she thinks they are related to the one her group has been trying to figure out who she was.
October 15, 2023
The Garden of Secrets
OMG. This thriller is great. I could not put my book down. This is one thriller you will want to read. This book is full of suspense. I loved this book. Can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
OMG. This thriller is great. I could not put my book down. This is one thriller you will want to read. This book is full of suspense. I loved this book. Can't wait till the next book comes out. I highly recommend this book and series.
October 15, 2023
The Garden
Fabulous twisty, story line. I like how the book flows with previous books in the series and continues a story that BOOM, leaves you with a conclusion and then an astounding revelation. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
Fabulous twisty, story line. I like how the book flows with previous books in the series and continues a story that BOOM, leaves you with a conclusion and then an astounding revelation. Can’t wait for the next in this series.
October 18, 2023
My favorite AJ Rivers characters are Xavier and Dean. This book is, so far, one of my favorite. It continues to fill out Dean's backstory. Loving it
Of course the cliffhanger makes me nuts, but it definitely keeps me coming back, and this one ended with an extra tantalizing bit of info🤫
Of course the cliffhanger makes me nuts, but it definitely keeps me coming back, and this one ended with an extra tantalizing bit of info🤫
October 21, 2023
Great read
A.J. Rivers never disappoints and this 4th book in the Dean Steele series is no exception. Dean and Xavier are trying to find a serial killer. You will need to read the book to find out all the twists and turns this investigation takes to see if they are successful.
A.J. Rivers never disappoints and this 4th book in the Dean Steele series is no exception. Dean and Xavier are trying to find a serial killer. You will need to read the book to find out all the twists and turns this investigation takes to see if they are successful.
October 22, 2023
Riveting
I love Dean and Xavier and Ms Rivers never disappoints! Many more exploits with Dean Steele and Xavier are ahead, I hope. Oh by the way, I have joined the sourdough fun, thanks to Xavier and Sarah Hardy at My Montana Kitchen!
I love Dean and Xavier and Ms Rivers never disappoints! Many more exploits with Dean Steele and Xavier are ahead, I hope. Oh by the way, I have joined the sourdough fun, thanks to Xavier and Sarah Hardy at My Montana Kitchen!
October 22, 2023
garden of secrets
Wow. Big Surprise ! Hope Owen goes to Dean. The plot was easy to follow! A lot of sick minded
People in the story . I loved the group caring about murders. I would enjoy something
like this. As always love your stories.
Wow. Big Surprise ! Hope Owen goes to Dean. The plot was easy to follow! A lot of sick minded
People in the story . I loved the group caring about murders. I would enjoy something
like this. As always love your stories.
November 14, 2023
whoa!
This installment packs a real emotional punch
The discovery of a partially burned body, an unidentified Doe, captures the imagination of Dean’s friend, Sheridan, sending Dean on a mission to discover her identity, as well as her killer.
The situation mushrooms from there!
This installment packs a real emotional punch
The discovery of a partially burned body, an unidentified Doe, captures the imagination of Dean’s friend, Sheridan, sending Dean on a mission to discover her identity, as well as her killer.
The situation mushrooms from there!
November 14, 2023
Wow! Never saw that coming!
I was enmeshed in this story, and it did not disappoint. It has a few surprises and twists, and a shocker. Love all the Dean Steele stories, and this was was definitely one of his toughest cases.
I was enmeshed in this story, and it did not disappoint. It has a few surprises and twists, and a shocker. Love all the Dean Steele stories, and this was was definitely one of his toughest cases.
November 27, 2023
Fantastic!
This book was my absolute favorite in the Dean Steele series of books by A. J. Rivers. I loved all of the Emma books too, but in the Dean series, I just couldn't put this one down. If you don't read this series of books, you'll really be missing out.
This book was my absolute favorite in the Dean Steele series of books by A. J. Rivers. I loved all of the Emma books too, but in the Dean series, I just couldn't put this one down. If you don't read this series of books, you'll really be missing out.
November 30, 2023
A Garden With More Than Flowers..
A dangerous game, a religious fanatic, and the people he controls come together when Dean looks into the disappearance of a young woman. One young woman turns into many more and this puzzle will be solved eventually.
A dangerous game, a religious fanatic, and the people he controls come together when Dean looks into the disappearance of a young woman. One young woman turns into many more and this puzzle will be solved eventually.
January 1, 2024
Awesome Story
This is a great storyline. Dean and all other the characters were great. The book was hard to put down until I finished it. I know you will enjoy it too. The ending was awesome.
This is a great storyline. Dean and all other the characters were great. The book was hard to put down until I finished it. I know you will enjoy it too. The ending was awesome.
March 8, 2024
Dean solves another one!
Even though this book is filled with lots of deaths and a cult to boot some good things come out of it. Love Dean and Xavier together!! They are the dynamic duo for the cozy mysteries. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Even though this book is filled with lots of deaths and a cult to boot some good things come out of it. Love Dean and Xavier together!! They are the dynamic duo for the cozy mysteries. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
April 14, 2024
Flower Bracelets
Dean Steele tracks down a serial killer that puts bracelets with flowers on his victims and plants that type of flower around the gravesite.
This book jumped around from a lot of different people's perspectives...
Dean Steele tracks down a serial killer that puts bracelets with flowers on his victims and plants that type of flower around the gravesite.
This book jumped around from a lot of different people's perspectives...
February 7, 2025
Flowers
If you're a Rivers' fan, you will see how Xavier is evolving and receive information that rocks Dean's world. Flowers are intertwined into an evil person's crazed decisions.
If you're a Rivers' fan, you will see how Xavier is evolving and receive information that rocks Dean's world. Flowers are intertwined into an evil person's crazed decisions.
March 14, 2025
The Series that keeps giving
AJ mf-ing Rivers has done it AGAIN! I love this series so much. It is a much needed slow burn that keeps giving to readers! I love Xavier, Dean, and how everything unfolds! I cannot believe the end of the book!!! Ahhhhhhh let’s goooo Dean!
AJ mf-ing Rivers has done it AGAIN! I love this series so much. It is a much needed slow burn that keeps giving to readers! I love Xavier, Dean, and how everything unfolds! I cannot believe the end of the book!!! Ahhhhhhh let’s goooo Dean!
October 3, 2023
Excellent read! Suspenseful and full of interesting characters.
October 8, 2023
This was a awesome story about Dean finding out who is killing women and with his skills finds out. This story had lots of suspense and action. Thank you for being a great writer.
October 10, 2023
Dean series
Love the Dean series of stories. They seem more like they could actually happen and I do love Xavier and how special he is made to be.
Love the Dean series of stories. They seem more like they could actually happen and I do love Xavier and how special he is made to be.
October 15, 2023
Amazing story.
Loved this book. Could not put it down. A great story, a great ending. Can't wait for book 5. Loved it.
Loved this book. Could not put it down. A great story, a great ending. Can't wait for book 5. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews