What do you think?
Rate this book
Franke & Stein: The River Saint
A body in the water. A missing organ. A ritual too precise to be random.
Franke & The River Saint launches a gripping new series by JA Armstrong, introducing a disturbing pattern of cold cases—women found posed by rivers and waterfalls, marked by surgical precision and haunting symbolism. For FBI Agent Rebecca Stein, a recent case strikes an unnerving chord. For Detective Amelia Franke, it holds echoes of a murder that has haunted her for years.
A trail of victims that spans decades, each bearing the hallmarks of a killer who treats murder as a form of a structured, terrifying “arrangement." Solving decades-old cases requires more than piecing together clues; it demands a foundation of trust.
As they dive deeper into the past, they begin to lean on each other in unexpected ways. Together, they must navigate not only the complexities of old cases but also the slow, cautious unfolding of a partnership that could evolve into something more. With Frankie’s daughter, Rory, and the mothers who raised them both at their backs, these cold cases stir old grief while also creating space for healing, hope, and a new kind of family.
The River Saint blends psychological suspense with emotional resonance, pairing the darkness of a chilling mystery with the quiet strength of two women building something extraordinary—one truth at a time.
Franke & The River Saint launches a gripping new series by JA Armstrong, introducing a disturbing pattern of cold cases—women found posed by rivers and waterfalls, marked by surgical precision and haunting symbolism. For FBI Agent Rebecca Stein, a recent case strikes an unnerving chord. For Detective Amelia Franke, it holds echoes of a murder that has haunted her for years.
A trail of victims that spans decades, each bearing the hallmarks of a killer who treats murder as a form of a structured, terrifying “arrangement." Solving decades-old cases requires more than piecing together clues; it demands a foundation of trust.
As they dive deeper into the past, they begin to lean on each other in unexpected ways. Together, they must navigate not only the complexities of old cases but also the slow, cautious unfolding of a partnership that could evolve into something more. With Frankie’s daughter, Rory, and the mothers who raised them both at their backs, these cold cases stir old grief while also creating space for healing, hope, and a new kind of family.
The River Saint blends psychological suspense with emotional resonance, pairing the darkness of a chilling mystery with the quiet strength of two women building something extraordinary—one truth at a time.
- GenresMystery
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2025
57 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 5, 2025
A slow but normal start. Though that's how most of JA's books are. I am glad we are getting a new series, though I do believe we have to conclude the Alex and Cassidy and By Design series.
August 15, 2025
Interesting new characters in a new series. Believable murder plot with a twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 10, 2025
Nancy Ann Healy (aka JA Armstrong) is one of those authors who I will automatically read books from as soon as they come out. Franke & Stein: The River Saint is the first book from what looks like being a gripping new series released under her JA Armstrong pen name and, having finished the story, I am absolutely hanging for the next installment.
This author has an uncanny ability to take a deep dive into the best and worst of humanity while also including a good dose of warmth and humour. For any readers who are familiar with her previous series, By Design (written under JA Armstrong) and Alex & Cassidy series (written under Nancy Ann Healy), you will certainly find echoes of these amazing books in Franke & Stein: The River Saint, in particular the humour from By Design and the depth and suspense found in the Alex & Cassidy series.
Franke & Stein: The River Saint tells the story of two very strong women. Detective Amelia Franke (aka Frankie) has built her career on solving cold case murders while also building walls a mile high around herself since the murder of her Aunt when Frankie was a child, the death of her father and the end of her marriage. FBI Agent Rebecca Stein is a former trauma surgeon who left her surgery background behind in search of a path where she could hopefully help to prevent the trauma happening in the first place.
Frankie and Rebecca are brought together when Rebecca finds a link between a 35-year-old cold case she is investigating and another case that was previously investigated by Frankie. What follows is an incredibly journey of psychological suspense touched by moments of levity as the two women dive deeper in a trail of murders that span several decades while also learning that there might be more to their relationship than just the ability to work well together.
With a wonderful side cast of characters including their mothers, Frankie's ex-wife Liza and her delightful 17-year-old daughter, Rory, the strength of Frankie and Rebecca helps them to work to solve a chilling mystery while also developing an incredible bond that enables them to support each other and to start work through past pain.
I cannot wait for the next installment in what appears to be the start of a wonderful new series.
This author has an uncanny ability to take a deep dive into the best and worst of humanity while also including a good dose of warmth and humour. For any readers who are familiar with her previous series, By Design (written under JA Armstrong) and Alex & Cassidy series (written under Nancy Ann Healy), you will certainly find echoes of these amazing books in Franke & Stein: The River Saint, in particular the humour from By Design and the depth and suspense found in the Alex & Cassidy series.
Franke & Stein: The River Saint tells the story of two very strong women. Detective Amelia Franke (aka Frankie) has built her career on solving cold case murders while also building walls a mile high around herself since the murder of her Aunt when Frankie was a child, the death of her father and the end of her marriage. FBI Agent Rebecca Stein is a former trauma surgeon who left her surgery background behind in search of a path where she could hopefully help to prevent the trauma happening in the first place.
Frankie and Rebecca are brought together when Rebecca finds a link between a 35-year-old cold case she is investigating and another case that was previously investigated by Frankie. What follows is an incredibly journey of psychological suspense touched by moments of levity as the two women dive deeper in a trail of murders that span several decades while also learning that there might be more to their relationship than just the ability to work well together.
With a wonderful side cast of characters including their mothers, Frankie's ex-wife Liza and her delightful 17-year-old daughter, Rory, the strength of Frankie and Rebecca helps them to work to solve a chilling mystery while also developing an incredible bond that enables them to support each other and to start work through past pain.
I cannot wait for the next installment in what appears to be the start of a wonderful new series.
August 16, 2025
Something new but familiar
New: Franke a police detective & Stein a FBI agent are searching for the same killer. A cold case that has haunted Franke. They also have experienced grief, the type that changes you and makes believe that you maybe the reason the tragedy happened.
Familiar: JA Armstrong and her ability to pull you into the story. She doesn’t just develop the leading roles, there is always the supporting cast that you can picture in your head. I always find myself laughing or even getting choked up, and I always stay up way past my bedtime to just read a few more pages.
New: Franke a police detective & Stein a FBI agent are searching for the same killer. A cold case that has haunted Franke. They also have experienced grief, the type that changes you and makes believe that you maybe the reason the tragedy happened.
Familiar: JA Armstrong and her ability to pull you into the story. She doesn’t just develop the leading roles, there is always the supporting cast that you can picture in your head. I always find myself laughing or even getting choked up, and I always stay up way past my bedtime to just read a few more pages.
November 13, 2025
For an author who, in her bio, states she has over 50 titles under her belt the book was a surprisingly fresh take. We've all read a murder mystery, but this title paired with the various missing organs can only lead somewhere fun. That said, for an author who has over 50 titles, I wish this was written by AI. The cover certainly feels it, but this book was poorly focused. The family focused characters the author was proud to note were sadly shallow since their growth as people was the main mystery. Becca's random visit to her mother, since she was in the area, at first gave me hope there was going to be a conversation written with at least more than surface level references to past conversations and poorly introduced or handled topics. Instead the reader learned how Rebecca was essentially neglected in her childhood and she had to parent herself. This topic, normally a fairly heavy one, ended with Becca sidestepping this very important fact that she has just learned the full emotional "reason" (if there ever is one for child neglect) for her mother's neglect and basically forgiving all trespasses. This was disappointing on a number of levels for someone who works for the FBI and professes to be trauma aware. For Franke, her internal struggle was a little more fleshed out due to Rory being a nice backdrop, but altogether there wasn't much Franke actually did to grow as a person and as a professional in her field. This book felt more like a poorly worded intro to a fully fleshed series than a first book of one. Hoping future books in this series won't carry that AI flavor and will be a little more focused on the wants, needs, and obstacles of the characters themselves. All that good stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2025
I like it
Had a slow start but once it picked up it got good
Obviously different from her other works that she's done if you're looking for like series deep action pack type of thriller like Lexi Mills that's this is not the book please procedure was decent but if you looking like for a good like police procedure like blood of Innocence or legacy of the blood book series by Catherine Maiorisi.
I don't think it's on that level but it was decent enough that I got sucked into the mystery this is more like a mystery than anything police procedure at least to me but I will continue to follow it's creepy with the serial killer in here very creepy I'm curious to see how Frank and Stein will continue on being not only partners in life but FBI partners and how they will balance that with family and friends and going after these killers so it was a good story it kept my attention the romance was slow enough the only thing I didn't like is that they you know fell in love with each other so quickly I would love for Writer to kind of like stretch that out more realistic that wasn't realistic to me and of course they're moving in so quickly as well but I come to expect that with a lot of books like this in this genre so but other than that it was a good story it was good mystery but there's no gun blazing fight scene shooting everywhere it's not that type of action book which sometimes I prefer that more but no it wasn't like that but it was still good.
Had a slow start but once it picked up it got good
Obviously different from her other works that she's done if you're looking for like series deep action pack type of thriller like Lexi Mills that's this is not the book please procedure was decent but if you looking like for a good like police procedure like blood of Innocence or legacy of the blood book series by Catherine Maiorisi.
I don't think it's on that level but it was decent enough that I got sucked into the mystery this is more like a mystery than anything police procedure at least to me but I will continue to follow it's creepy with the serial killer in here very creepy I'm curious to see how Frank and Stein will continue on being not only partners in life but FBI partners and how they will balance that with family and friends and going after these killers so it was a good story it kept my attention the romance was slow enough the only thing I didn't like is that they you know fell in love with each other so quickly I would love for Writer to kind of like stretch that out more realistic that wasn't realistic to me and of course they're moving in so quickly as well but I come to expect that with a lot of books like this in this genre so but other than that it was a good story it was good mystery but there's no gun blazing fight scene shooting everywhere it's not that type of action book which sometimes I prefer that more but no it wasn't like that but it was still good.
August 27, 2025
Great Detectives
Franke is a detective that has been working cold cases but one just has her stumped. Its costed her marriage with the chief of police Liz and her daughter Rory. That loves both her moms. In comes Agent Stein who feels that some of the case she has been working thirty five year old case have the same similarities. The two are working together but fine that they are entwined together and just have that inter connection. The River Saint keeps you on the edge of your seat but also share a funny home life with great supporting characters. Waiting for the next to see what is waiting to come of Frankie an Stein
Franke is a detective that has been working cold cases but one just has her stumped. Its costed her marriage with the chief of police Liz and her daughter Rory. That loves both her moms. In comes Agent Stein who feels that some of the case she has been working thirty five year old case have the same similarities. The two are working together but fine that they are entwined together and just have that inter connection. The River Saint keeps you on the edge of your seat but also share a funny home life with great supporting characters. Waiting for the next to see what is waiting to come of Frankie an Stein
October 9, 2025
Super new series
I really enjoyed this new crime series, interesting new main characters and crime story.
I like that there are mature themes and deep feelings throughout that we have come to expect from this author and her many guises. Naturally the case they are dealing with is involved and intriguing, cold cases interspersed with new which have you turning the page. Yes a romance develops between the FBI agent and the Detective it's sweet and not graphic but enjoyable, there's lovely interesting families and a fiesty student daughter.
Unfortunately although not unexpected it finishes an a cliff hanger so waiting for the next intriguing chapter.
I really enjoyed this new crime series, interesting new main characters and crime story.
I like that there are mature themes and deep feelings throughout that we have come to expect from this author and her many guises. Naturally the case they are dealing with is involved and intriguing, cold cases interspersed with new which have you turning the page. Yes a romance develops between the FBI agent and the Detective it's sweet and not graphic but enjoyable, there's lovely interesting families and a fiesty student daughter.
Unfortunately although not unexpected it finishes an a cliff hanger so waiting for the next intriguing chapter.
November 12, 2025
Love love love this!
Rory is the greatest kiddo a parent could ask for, and everyone else (mostly) is great too. I refuse to give away spoilers, but JA Armstrong has given us a beautiful gift in this story and everyone should read it themselves! I'm a huge fan from the beginning of JA's works and this one is now one of my faves! I wish that audiobooks didn't cost so much to produce so that I could hear their voices in my ears. However, I immediately heard them in my mind as I was reading this phenomenal book and am happy just having gotten to know them a little bit. I hope there is a lonnnnng series of Frankie and Stein to come! Brava, JA on this amazing book!
Rory is the greatest kiddo a parent could ask for, and everyone else (mostly) is great too. I refuse to give away spoilers, but JA Armstrong has given us a beautiful gift in this story and everyone should read it themselves! I'm a huge fan from the beginning of JA's works and this one is now one of my faves! I wish that audiobooks didn't cost so much to produce so that I could hear their voices in my ears. However, I immediately heard them in my mind as I was reading this phenomenal book and am happy just having gotten to know them a little bit. I hope there is a lonnnnng series of Frankie and Stein to come! Brava, JA on this amazing book!
December 15, 2025
AN INTERESTING NEW SERIES FROM J A ARMSTRONG
Love the pun in this titled series: Franke & Stein. I’ve read dozens of this author’s books, including most of the pseudonyms and in different genres. She’s a great writer with a strong catalog. Ms. Healy is a trained psychologist, and it shows. This book demonstrated the right balance of restraint in “psycho-babble” so as not to undermine the story. The same cannot be said for one series in particular, BY DESIGN. Those books were fascinating at first, but I grew bored with the preachiness and no longer read in that series. All her other books are definitely worth reading.
Love the pun in this titled series: Franke & Stein. I’ve read dozens of this author’s books, including most of the pseudonyms and in different genres. She’s a great writer with a strong catalog. Ms. Healy is a trained psychologist, and it shows. This book demonstrated the right balance of restraint in “psycho-babble” so as not to undermine the story. The same cannot be said for one series in particular, BY DESIGN. Those books were fascinating at first, but I grew bored with the preachiness and no longer read in that series. All her other books are definitely worth reading.
September 7, 2025
So Goood!
“The River Saint” is an exceptionally good book! Besides being a well-written story, with intelligent, interesting characters, JA Armstrong brings us a whodunnit that makes you really work hard to figure out who did it! I came away with a much greater appreciation for the effort and the angst that goes into a really well conducted investigation - especially for the determination and brainpower it would take to solve cold case murders gathering dust for decades. Thank you, Ms. Armstrong, for Frankie and Becca and “The River Saint”.
“The River Saint” is an exceptionally good book! Besides being a well-written story, with intelligent, interesting characters, JA Armstrong brings us a whodunnit that makes you really work hard to figure out who did it! I came away with a much greater appreciation for the effort and the angst that goes into a really well conducted investigation - especially for the determination and brainpower it would take to solve cold case murders gathering dust for decades. Thank you, Ms. Armstrong, for Frankie and Becca and “The River Saint”.
August 19, 2025
so good!
As with all Armstrong books this one pulls you in from the beginning, not letting you go until the very last sentence. Of course, this being the start of a new series the last sentence just leaves you wanting more.
Can’t wait to read more from this duo. Frankie & Stein have captured my attention. Exciting storyline, great side characters and that sprinkle of Armstrong magic.
As with all Armstrong books this one pulls you in from the beginning, not letting you go until the very last sentence. Of course, this being the start of a new series the last sentence just leaves you wanting more.
Can’t wait to read more from this duo. Frankie & Stein have captured my attention. Exciting storyline, great side characters and that sprinkle of Armstrong magic.
September 6, 2025
This series further cements my enjoyment of JA Armstrong's writing. "Franke and Stein" is an intelligent, gripping story that is almost impossible to put down. The MC's are both professional compassionate and passionate women who find they will be better together.
The villain is growing and learning in this first book. Finding their ritual, the method's that will satisfy the innate need to cosummate their relationship with their victims with a brutal ending. Looking forward to the sequel!
The villain is growing and learning in this first book. Finding their ritual, the method's that will satisfy the innate need to cosummate their relationship with their victims with a brutal ending. Looking forward to the sequel!
November 9, 2025
A worthwhile read
Story telling is an art. This is a perfect example of how to tell a story. Like most detective novels we want to know who did it. That is not the only story. The lives of the characters are also a part of the story. Armstrong fluidly blends everything together. Her characters are relatable and interesting. They are as much of the story as the crime. So relax and join Franke and Stein on their journey to catch a killer.
Story telling is an art. This is a perfect example of how to tell a story. Like most detective novels we want to know who did it. That is not the only story. The lives of the characters are also a part of the story. Armstrong fluidly blends everything together. Her characters are relatable and interesting. They are as much of the story as the crime. So relax and join Franke and Stein on their journey to catch a killer.
August 11, 2025
4.5 stars. LOVED! Great mystery, lovable leads in Rebecca and Frankie and a quiet romance between the two while they work on a case together. That ending had me screaming because wtf? I need book two right this very instant! Highly recommend this one if you want a gripping crime read with a side of romance.
August 18, 2025
An intriguing mystery and great characters
An intriguing mystery and strong complex characters. The main characters meet while working cold cases with similar signatures pointing to a single serial killer. The pace and intensity of the story kept me hanging on every word. Can’t wait for the next book!
An intriguing mystery and strong complex characters. The main characters meet while working cold cases with similar signatures pointing to a single serial killer. The pace and intensity of the story kept me hanging on every word. Can’t wait for the next book!
August 19, 2025
Already addicted
This story was another that I couldn’t put down. The connection between Becca and Frankie is inspiring. The connection that these 2 have with the people in their lives as well is so insightful with the 2 main characters.
Thank you so much Nancy (JA) for bringing all the characters in this story to life.
READY FOR BOOK 2- The Arrangement
This story was another that I couldn’t put down. The connection between Becca and Frankie is inspiring. The connection that these 2 have with the people in their lives as well is so insightful with the 2 main characters.
Thank you so much Nancy (JA) for bringing all the characters in this story to life.
READY FOR BOOK 2- The Arrangement
August 26, 2025
I was really excited to see a new J.A.Armstrong series. I loved the By Design books and am anxiously awaiting the the next book in the series.
The main characters Franke, a police detective, and Stein, a former trauma surgeon, turned FBI agent, hunt down a serial killer. The story weaves in family relationships. With just enough undercurrent of spice.
The main characters Franke, a police detective, and Stein, a former trauma surgeon, turned FBI agent, hunt down a serial killer. The story weaves in family relationships. With just enough undercurrent of spice.
August 27, 2025
Captivating
This story is completely captivating...the plot, the characters, the development both of personal and professional growth....and all the while the killer lurks in every chapter. Be prepared to be caught up in a story that won't let go of you. It's worth it.
It does offer up a partial conclusion though, so now I'm off for book 2 in the series.
This story is completely captivating...the plot, the characters, the development both of personal and professional growth....and all the while the killer lurks in every chapter. Be prepared to be caught up in a story that won't let go of you. It's worth it.
It does offer up a partial conclusion though, so now I'm off for book 2 in the series.
September 16, 2025
Amazing
Highly recommend this book. JA Armstrong is back strong with her new book.
All characters are well written and developed throughout book 1. The relationship between Frank, Stein and Rory is well written and funny.
Gripping story and looking forward to the next installment. Hope these two are here for a few books to come.
Highly recommend this book. JA Armstrong is back strong with her new book.
All characters are well written and developed throughout book 1. The relationship between Frank, Stein and Rory is well written and funny.
Gripping story and looking forward to the next installment. Hope these two are here for a few books to come.
August 30, 2025
Fantastic new detectives and engaging mystery!
Love the new detectives... they fit so well. Great start to a new series... I love the depth of the characters-their thoughts laughter and relationships!
Love the new detectives... they fit so well. Great start to a new series... I love the depth of the characters-their thoughts laughter and relationships!
September 5, 2025
Excellent read.
What a great book, I had a very hard time putting it down . This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it. We need the next book please. Hint, Hint.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us
What a great book, I had a very hard time putting it down . This is one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it. We need the next book please. Hint, Hint.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us
September 13, 2025
Omg
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. I loved that the love story wasn’t the main focus but something that gradually happened and uplifted the rest of the book. I can’t wait for book 2.
This book was so good. I couldn’t put it down. I loved that the love story wasn’t the main focus but something that gradually happened and uplifted the rest of the book. I can’t wait for book 2.
August 17, 2025
FBI Agent Rebecca Stein has been sent to talk to Detective "Frankie" Franke, who is a expert on cold cases. Becca hopes to recruit her, but Frankie is unsure there's even a connection to her old case.
There's a lot of minor editing errors. Not awful, but annoying.
There's a lot of drama, but it fits organically in the story. Frankie's ex, her daughter, her mom, Rebecca's family... etc etc.
Good wrap up, set up as a series.
3 out of 5 stars, it'd be a 3.5 but I docked a star for the editing issues.
There's a lot of minor editing errors. Not awful, but annoying.
There's a lot of drama, but it fits organically in the story. Frankie's ex, her daughter, her mom, Rebecca's family... etc etc.
Good wrap up, set up as a series.
3 out of 5 stars, it'd be a 3.5 but I docked a star for the editing issues.
August 15, 2025
Interesting new characters
Interesting new characters in a new series. Believable murder plot with a twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Interesting new characters in a new series. Believable murder plot with a twist at the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 22, 2025
Frankie & Stein
The story is fantastic. Frankie and Stern make a good couple and team work. Both are great. Great read. I love all her books.
The story is fantastic. Frankie and Stern make a good couple and team work. Both are great. Great read. I love all her books.
September 4, 2025
Intriguing
I needed a good read, this was it. The story line is cold case and the characters are determined to get answers
I needed a good read, this was it. The story line is cold case and the characters are determined to get answers
October 7, 2025
great book
Really enjoyed the book looking forward to read the next one. Well written. Ms. Armstrong is really an excellent writer.
Really enjoyed the book looking forward to read the next one. Well written. Ms. Armstrong is really an excellent writer.
October 11, 2025
A great read; plot, characters, story flow, this book has it all!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews