What do you think?
Rate this book
Eva Rae Thomas #18
The Girl in the Closet
One Family. Two Victims. A Deadly Secret That Refuses to Die.
A quiet evening in Cocoa Beach turns into a nightmare when FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas’s peaceful family night is shattered by a bloodcurdling cry from the garage.
Thirteen-year-old Elijah—Matt’s estranged son—emerges from the shadows, his grandmother has been missing for days, her phone abandoned, and blood staining the closet floor.
Unwilling to trouble them, Elijah hid…until now.
Determined to find the truth, Eva Rae and Matt set out to uncover what really happened to the woman they thought they knew. Was she losing her grip on reality, or was someone hunting her?
Their questions explode into terror when Eva Rae discovers a second victim—a woman savagely murdered in her own home—and senses an impossible link between the two crimes.
When a woman collapses on Eva Rae’s doorstep, battered and silent, the profiler realizes the stakes are deadlier than she ever imagined—and the answers lie buried in a decades-old secret.
As Eva Rae pieces together clues from the past, the killer closes in once more.
In a pulse-pounding showdown, long-buried traumas and twisted vengeance clash with a mother’s fierce love and a family’s fragile bonds.
Revenge is a shadow that reaches across generations. Justice, however, may demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Can Eva Rae save a grandmother, stop a killer, and keep her fractured family from falling apart? Or will the darkness claim them all?
Thirteen-year-old Elijah—Matt’s estranged son—emerges from the shadows, his grandmother has been missing for days, her phone abandoned, and blood staining the closet floor.
Unwilling to trouble them, Elijah hid…until now.
Determined to find the truth, Eva Rae and Matt set out to uncover what really happened to the woman they thought they knew. Was she losing her grip on reality, or was someone hunting her?
Their questions explode into terror when Eva Rae discovers a second victim—a woman savagely murdered in her own home—and senses an impossible link between the two crimes.
When a woman collapses on Eva Rae’s doorstep, battered and silent, the profiler realizes the stakes are deadlier than she ever imagined—and the answers lie buried in a decades-old secret.
As Eva Rae pieces together clues from the past, the killer closes in once more.
In a pulse-pounding showdown, long-buried traumas and twisted vengeance clash with a mother’s fierce love and a family’s fragile bonds.
Revenge is a shadow that reaches across generations. Justice, however, may demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Can Eva Rae save a grandmother, stop a killer, and keep her fractured family from falling apart? Or will the darkness claim them all?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2025
340 people are currently reading
87 people want to read
About the author
Willow Rose
236 books2,724 followersWillow Rose is a multi-million-copy best-selling Author and an Amazon ALL-star Author of more than 100 novels.
Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books all over the world.
She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.
Willow's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming. That's why her fans call her The Queen of Scream.
Willow lives on Florida's Space Coast. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Connect with Willow online:
http://www.facebook.com/willowredrose
https://twitter.com/madamwillowrose
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/willo...
Sign up for Willow's VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released: www.willow-rose.net
Inbox already stuffed? Send the word: “ebooks” to 31996 to get a text alert with news about new releases, giveaways, and bargains from Willow.
Several of her books have reached the top 10 of ALL books on Amazon in the US, UK, and Canada. She has sold more than three million books all over the world.
She writes Mystery, Thriller, Paranormal, Romance, Suspense, Horror, Supernatural thrillers, and Fantasy.
Willow's books are fast-paced, nail-biting pageturners with twists you won't see coming. That's why her fans call her The Queen of Scream.
Willow lives on Florida's Space Coast. When she is not writing or reading, you will find her surfing and watch the dolphins play in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
Connect with Willow online:
http://www.facebook.com/willowredrose
https://twitter.com/madamwillowrose
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/willo...
Sign up for Willow's VIP email list, and you'll automatically be notified as soon as her next book is released: www.willow-rose.net
Inbox already stuffed? Send the word: “ebooks” to 31996 to get a text alert with news about new releases, giveaways, and bargains from Willow.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 16, 2025
I really loved this book. Willow Rose is awesome. This series is outstanding. Matt and Eva Rae hear a noise in the garage. It’s Matt’s son Elijah, and he’s very upset. He lives with Matt’s mom and she’s missing. Then another woman disappeared. So Eva Rae and Matt need to find out what’s going on. Secrets and coverup’s come out. The twists and turns. With a surprise ending. Once again Willow Rose knocks it out of the park. I received an ARC and totally enjoyed it.
July 28, 2025
This is the 18th book in a fantastic series that keeps you hooked in each book from the beginning! Once I began the book from the very beginning, it grabbed me. This book hits home for Eva Rae and Matt. It begins where Eva Rae and the family are having a game night when they here a commotion in the garage. It is Matt's estranged young son, Elijah who is extremely upset. He's been living with his grandmother, Matt's mother, Crystal but she's been missing for days and her house looks tossed with blood there but no Crystal. And when Eva is called to another crime scene, it seems very similar to the one in Crystal on the women there is dead and Crystal is missing. When you think you know everything about family, you don't! At least Matt and Eva don't. And the more she dives into the investigation, the more things are uncovered that is totally not what anyone expected. This book is a page turner that keeps you totally engaged until the surprise ending. The author of this series, Willow Rose is amazing and each new book in this series is well written . Not only do I recommend this incredible, edge of your seat thriller, but I highly recommend the entire series. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
July 22, 2025
FBI profiler, Eva Rae Thomas, was having rare family time, games, popcorn, laughter when a loud bang from the garage had Eva Rae in combat mode but what she found was a dishevelled, traumatised Elijah, Matt's thirteen year old son. Elijah, lived with his grandmother, Matt's mother Crystal, but Crystal had disappeared, her house was wrecked and blood stained.
The dynamics of Eva Rae's house changed immediately, Elijah was angry with Matt, Matt was hurt and worried, the frightened children went upstairs and Eva Rae went into FBI mode.
When Eva Rae was called to a homicide where the MO in the house looked very similar to that of Matt's mother she was even more worried, a body was in this house but where was Crystal, was she still alive or was she also dead ?
This story follows a very traumatized family as they each face their own demons whist searching for Crystal.
Like all Willow Rose stories this one twists and turns, the family unit is very strong but is it strong enough to face what life is about to throw at them?
A great story for anyone who likes a unique, complicated mystery.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
The dynamics of Eva Rae's house changed immediately, Elijah was angry with Matt, Matt was hurt and worried, the frightened children went upstairs and Eva Rae went into FBI mode.
When Eva Rae was called to a homicide where the MO in the house looked very similar to that of Matt's mother she was even more worried, a body was in this house but where was Crystal, was she still alive or was she also dead ?
This story follows a very traumatized family as they each face their own demons whist searching for Crystal.
Like all Willow Rose stories this one twists and turns, the family unit is very strong but is it strong enough to face what life is about to throw at them?
A great story for anyone who likes a unique, complicated mystery.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
July 27, 2025
One surprise after another.
When Matt’s son, Elijah, unexpectedly makes and appearance during family game night, Eva soon realizes that his grandmother, a woman she thought she knew, and who was abducted from her own home has been hiding a secret for decades. Unfortunately, old secrets no matter how deeply buried, tend to find their way into the light at the most unexpected moments. I absolutely adore this series and these characters. Eva is such a strong and unapologetically determined to find answers to whatever case she is working on at any time. But she also understands that no matter how difficult, when it is her own family, she needs to look at the situation not as an FBI profiler and agent, but as Eva Rae, partner to Matt and a mother. This book grabbed my interest from the very first page and kept me engrossed to the end. The twists and turns in the plot had me on the edge of my seat and left me reeling. I could not put this book down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
When Matt’s son, Elijah, unexpectedly makes and appearance during family game night, Eva soon realizes that his grandmother, a woman she thought she knew, and who was abducted from her own home has been hiding a secret for decades. Unfortunately, old secrets no matter how deeply buried, tend to find their way into the light at the most unexpected moments. I absolutely adore this series and these characters. Eva is such a strong and unapologetically determined to find answers to whatever case she is working on at any time. But she also understands that no matter how difficult, when it is her own family, she needs to look at the situation not as an FBI profiler and agent, but as Eva Rae, partner to Matt and a mother. This book grabbed my interest from the very first page and kept me engrossed to the end. The twists and turns in the plot had me on the edge of my seat and left me reeling. I could not put this book down!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.
July 27, 2025
This story, as most Willow Rose books do, has two time lines. The first is about a little girl who is so excited about her just completed dance recital. And then she becomes an orphan. Instead of her loving parents, she's forced into a series of miserable foster homes.
The second timeline is current. With Eva Rae and Matt working hard on their relationship, their blended family, their jobs... life isn't easy. And then Elijah, Matt's son, who has been living with his grandmother, comes to their house to say that his grandmother has been missing for days. Her house is a crime scene with blood and signs of a serious fight for life.
Although a new reader to this series can absolutely read this book and enjoy it as a stand alone, the history of Eva Ray and Matt, along with their kids, is missing. While not essential, it adds depth to the story. The story telling is always masterful and the reader is kept trying to determine who the bad guy is until nearly the end. I always look forward to having a new Willow Rose book in my hands.
The second timeline is current. With Eva Rae and Matt working hard on their relationship, their blended family, their jobs... life isn't easy. And then Elijah, Matt's son, who has been living with his grandmother, comes to their house to say that his grandmother has been missing for days. Her house is a crime scene with blood and signs of a serious fight for life.
Although a new reader to this series can absolutely read this book and enjoy it as a stand alone, the history of Eva Ray and Matt, along with their kids, is missing. While not essential, it adds depth to the story. The story telling is always masterful and the reader is kept trying to determine who the bad guy is until nearly the end. I always look forward to having a new Willow Rose book in my hands.
July 28, 2025
Family bonds to bloodstains
This doesn't just hit too close to home for Eva Rae, it comes right into their home and shatters any family peace they previously had.
Fear, pain, frustration and secrets all mix into a case that has Eva Rae questioning everything she knows. The usually calm and supportive Matt is rattled and falling apart as Eva Rae tries desperately to investigate and also hold the crumbling foundations of family together.
Secrets never stay buried forever but twice in this book we are shocked by secrets from family members, both of which could devastate and tear apart or could bring them closer. We see the cracks begin.....
Not my favourite of the series but still well written, this is a dark and twisted tale that makes you wonder just how many people you know have secrets buried. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
This doesn't just hit too close to home for Eva Rae, it comes right into their home and shatters any family peace they previously had.
Fear, pain, frustration and secrets all mix into a case that has Eva Rae questioning everything she knows. The usually calm and supportive Matt is rattled and falling apart as Eva Rae tries desperately to investigate and also hold the crumbling foundations of family together.
Secrets never stay buried forever but twice in this book we are shocked by secrets from family members, both of which could devastate and tear apart or could bring them closer. We see the cracks begin.....
Not my favourite of the series but still well written, this is a dark and twisted tale that makes you wonder just how many people you know have secrets buried. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
July 25, 2025
The Girl In The Closet - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
What do you do when someone close to you turns out not to be who you thought they were?
That's the central theme of Willow Rose's new Eva Rae Thomas FBI psychological crime-thriller Book 18, The Girl In The Closet.
The tension continues to mount and emotions run very high, as the past comes back to haunt one character.
Can Eva Rae bring lasting reconnection to her dysfunctional blended family, after many secrets and lies are exposed?
Read The Girl In The Closet to learn all the answers...
you'll be gripped firmly by the imagination throughout!
What do you do when someone close to you turns out not to be who you thought they were?
That's the central theme of Willow Rose's new Eva Rae Thomas FBI psychological crime-thriller Book 18, The Girl In The Closet.
The tension continues to mount and emotions run very high, as the past comes back to haunt one character.
Can Eva Rae bring lasting reconnection to her dysfunctional blended family, after many secrets and lies are exposed?
Read The Girl In The Closet to learn all the answers...
you'll be gripped firmly by the imagination throughout!
July 14, 2025
A great thriller from Author Willow Rose. We learn more about Matt’s mother who has been caring for Elisha, Matt’s son, but when she disappears FBI Agent Eva Rae has to get involved.The Thomas family is a blended family, but they do not blend well. In this book they learn to do better while investigating the disappearance and with a big surprise at the end to help them along. Willow Rose indicates that this book had been long in her head. So glad she finally put this wonderful book down in the written word. I received an eARC from the author and this review is my honest opinion.
July 29, 2025
In the story, The Girl In The Closet, by Willow Rose, the action starts in the very first few pages. Matt's son, Elijah, comes to their house, telling his father that his grandmother is missing. Eva Rae starts to investigate and finds another very similar case.
As she is looking into the case and the mysteries start to pile up, she finds that there is tension between Matt and his son...much more than there normally is. Will Eva Rae be able to quell the tension and solve the case? This is one Eva Rae mystery you won't want to miss.
As she is looking into the case and the mysteries start to pile up, she finds that there is tension between Matt and his son...much more than there normally is. Will Eva Rae be able to quell the tension and solve the case? This is one Eva Rae mystery you won't want to miss.
July 23, 2025
Fast-paced! Riveting! Emotional! Suspenseful! Compelling! Complex! This book brings it ALL! It was an artful melding of twisted psychological thrills and nail-biting suspense. THIS is how you successfully keep a series interesting and keep your readers wanting more!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
July 26, 2025
Eva Rae Thomas FBI Mystery Book 18, “The Girl in the Closet” is a must read!!!
You never know what secrets your mother or grandmother has hidden from their past, until you do! This book does hit close to home for Eva Rae’s family as she finds out Matt’s mother had a past life prior to Matt being born. It is a fast-paced read, as all the Eva Rae Thomas books are. I highly recommend it; you will thoroughly enjoy it!
I read and Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
You never know what secrets your mother or grandmother has hidden from their past, until you do! This book does hit close to home for Eva Rae’s family as she finds out Matt’s mother had a past life prior to Matt being born. It is a fast-paced read, as all the Eva Rae Thomas books are. I highly recommend it; you will thoroughly enjoy it!
I read and Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2025
I look forward to reading every new book Willow Rose writes. The mystery, the suspense of who did it keeps you turning the pages, and just when you think you know what's going on, you get thrown for a loop and the bad guy is the person you didn't see. If you've never read Willow Rose books, do yourself a favor & grab one & a drink, snack, & a comfortable seat and enjoy !! I have for years!! ❤️🐧💐🐈⬛
July 29, 2025
This - in my opinion- might have been Willow Rose’s best Eva Rae book in the series. The plot, the familial angles, the pace - I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished it in about 3 sittings. I felt for Ellie and Will. The moment of discovery - the description of both characters - brilliant. Wished that the realization and the story could have been longer in that.
Disclosure - I received the ARC copy.
Disclosure - I received the ARC copy.
August 26, 2025
Who is Crystal
Two women in their seventies are attacked. One is killed, the other missing. How are they connected and what is their connection to Eva Rae's family? While trying to find these answers Eva Rae has to work on her own family dynamics.
This book puts Eva Rae in a different position from her usual FBI investigation by showing her as a wife and mother, not just a tough, smart agent.
Two women in their seventies are attacked. One is killed, the other missing. How are they connected and what is their connection to Eva Rae's family? While trying to find these answers Eva Rae has to work on her own family dynamics.
This book puts Eva Rae in a different position from her usual FBI investigation by showing her as a wife and mother, not just a tough, smart agent.
September 5, 2025
Eva Rae and her family's game night is interrupted by a scream coming from the garage. It is Matt's estranged son Elijah. He is worried about his grandmother, Crystal, who has been missing for several days. As Eva Rae delves into the mystery of her disappearance, she wonders if they really know Crystal at all. The secrets start to be revealed and the past comes back with a vengeance. I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via the author and this is my honest review.
July 29, 2025
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
July 29, 2025
Willow…
Every book gets shorter and every plot gets thinner. The pregnancy was unnecessary and frankly not every book needs a new tragedy to hit the family. There weren’t even any suspects for the case??? It just immediately got solved? The first 8 books in the series are very very strong and I think we should go back to that please and thankyou x
Every book gets shorter and every plot gets thinner. The pregnancy was unnecessary and frankly not every book needs a new tragedy to hit the family. There weren’t even any suspects for the case??? It just immediately got solved? The first 8 books in the series are very very strong and I think we should go back to that please and thankyou x
July 31, 2025
This is the eighteenth book in the fantastic Eva Rae Thomas series. Every one of these books have been very exciting reads. I love following the ups and downs in her life! It’s always entertaining! This one is a story of past experiences, secrets, vengeance, suspense and drama. Another awesome series addition.
August 1, 2025
Ms. Rose presents another well-written, twisting, turning mystery with multiple plot lines that pulled me in from the start and kept me engaged into the wee hours, feeling the impacts to Eva Rae’s fragmented family and hoping they can hold things together. I’ve read and enjoyed over 30 of Ms. Rose’s book – she doesn’t disappoint!!
August 5, 2025
This is not your usual Eva story. I was not prepared for the way the story unfolded. I thought for sure Matt's mother was a goner. Then Matt's son, Elijah shows up at their home and things go from upset to real problems. I was glad to see Matt more involved in this story and less feeling sorry for himself. I was not ready for the ending!! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 19, 2025
The series started good, unfortunately has progressed downhill from its auspicious beginnings. By the end of the book, you find that what you thought all along was correct, very little left to imagination. Contradictions abound, reality requires more placing on hold in this latest installment. You find little sympathy for anyone in this installment. Maybe, it's time for Eva Rae to retire.
December 13, 2025
great read
Willow Rose keeps you wanting to read “just one more chapter”. It has you at the edge of your seat with surprises at every turn! At the same time, you get a glimpse into Eva Rae’s challenging family life that never ceases to have its twists and turns. Highly recommend
Willow Rose keeps you wanting to read “just one more chapter”. It has you at the edge of your seat with surprises at every turn! At the same time, you get a glimpse into Eva Rae’s challenging family life that never ceases to have its twists and turns. Highly recommend
July 11, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I love the whole series but I liked reading about Matt’s mom and the mystery behind her childhood. I especially liked the twist with Christine at the end. Definitely would recommend.
July 13, 2025
Another thriller from Willow Rose that I had to keep reading. Matt's mother goes missing after being attacked in her home. Secrets from her past came back to haunt her. Lies and coverup that comes out.
The novel has a surprise conclusion.
The novel has a surprise conclusion.
July 25, 2025
The latest book in the Eva Rae Thomas series did not disappoint! From the very beginning, the pace was moving, and I was hooked for the entire ride. If you're a Willow Rose fan, this should be on your list to read next!
August 1, 2025
Terrific!
This was more like it! The last few entries in this series have been less than stellar. This book was like the originals, fast paced and cleverly written. Hopefully it will stay that way with future Eva Rae books.
This was more like it! The last few entries in this series have been less than stellar. This book was like the originals, fast paced and cleverly written. Hopefully it will stay that way with future Eva Rae books.
August 3, 2025
the girl in the closet
Another brilliant story, with twists and surprises along the way. Family history unfolding changing what was to what is real. More challenges for Eva to overcome as an agent and a mum.
Great story
Another brilliant story, with twists and surprises along the way. Family history unfolding changing what was to what is real. More challenges for Eva to overcome as an agent and a mum.
Great story
August 6, 2025
Excellent writing!
Okay I have to be honest, I missed work, I couldn't put this book down. Between Ellie's story and Eva Dad's family drama and the plot twists, it was fantastic storytelling!
Okay I have to be honest, I missed work, I couldn't put this book down. Between Ellie's story and Eva Dad's family drama and the plot twists, it was fantastic storytelling!
August 23, 2025
Who’s In There?
Trouble begins when a girl runs away from here foster home. She must learn to live on her own. Eva Rae ends up having to protect her own family from an unknown attacker. Are the two issues related? Read on and find out in this very gripping story.
Trouble begins when a girl runs away from here foster home. She must learn to live on her own. Eva Rae ends up having to protect her own family from an unknown attacker. Are the two issues related? Read on and find out in this very gripping story.
July 12, 2025
Once again this author has delivered a fast-paced thriller that left me unable to put it down. The characters are complicated, the story is intense, the conclusion is satisfying. I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews