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Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries #15

The Girl in the Woods

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I’m all alone now… But I just have to make it there.
I need to keep going… Keep…

A beautiful woman's body is found frozen on the ground.
And many questions that no one can answer arises.

When Emma Griffin joined the FBI, she had hopes that she could find out the truth about her own past. But over time she realized that it was more than just herself. She wanted to be a voice for the victims. To bring justice for those that are no longer with us. To rid this world of evil doers, hunt down those who destroyed lives, and be the voice for the voiceless.
But what happens when she's asked to help someone who not only inflicted unbearable pain to her life, but to the lives of many?

After Emma's wedding is disrupted by a phone call from a voice from the past that starts her on a new chase, she's forced to face one of the most difficult decisions of her career.

Would you exonerate a killer in the search for truth and justice?

Only Emma can put the clues together.
Could she clear the name of the man she loathes, or will all clues lead back to him?

Truth has consequences.
And the big bad is back and this honeymoon is coming to an end…

270 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2021

877 people are currently reading
1374 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Rivers

147 books1,532 followers

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5 stars
2,784 (59%)
4 stars
1,336 (28%)
3 stars
445 (9%)
2 stars
59 (1%)
1 star
20 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Kayla Mathews.
218 reviews18 followers
September 25, 2022
The twists and turns of this series never disappoints. Will always recommend it. Can’t wait to start the next.
5 reviews
Read
June 21, 2022
Needs better editing but excellent!

I love this series of books. You never know what's going to happen next. Excellent character development. I feel as though I've known these people all of my life. That said, all of the books need better editing. There are several few typos, though not enough to be irritating. There are a few sentences that either don't make sense or that are not correctly formatted. A good editor would find these mistakes easily.
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,336 reviews39 followers
October 4, 2021
Jonah is framed for murder...or is he? Read and wonder.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for carol price.
10 reviews
October 14, 2023
Confused at the end.

This book just keeps you needing to read more as soon as possible. From the time of Jonah's escape Emma's thought that he caused all the deaths and then Marini comes to play and everything points to him. The ending makes you wonder was it Jonah the whole time????
Profile Image for Sally Atlas.
162 reviews
October 8, 2021
Have to keep reading

If you are going to read this series you have to start from the beginning. There are loose ends in every book that may or may not get resolved in the next one, but these books are very readable. I do anxiously await each one and they are priced just right.
3 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
Too much of a good thing

Think I am done now. Too much of the same thing over and over. Author is good so I am ready for something new from her. One can only watch “Jonah escape so many times. Very long read. Much to do about nothing
31 reviews
October 22, 2021
Very slow first third

After a solid prologue, the first third of the book seems to drag on interminably. Fortunately, the second half of the book picks up and becomes the good mystery thriller that we have come to expect from A.J. Rivers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lanaghan.
1,135 reviews4 followers
October 7, 2021
Book Review: The Girl in the Woods by A.J. Rivers

Rating: 🐾🐾🐾
Genre: Thriller
Published: 9/29/21

Summary: A beautiful woman’s body is found frozen in the ground. And many questions that no one can answer arises. When Emma Griffin joined the FBI, she had hopes that she could find out the truth about her own past. But over time she realized that it was more than just herself. She wanted to be a voice for her victims. To bring justice for those that are no longer with us. To rid this world of evil doers, hunt down those who destroyed lives, and be the voice to the voiceless. But what happens when she’s asked to help someone who not only inflicted unbearable pain to her life, but to the lives of many? After Emma’s wedding is disrupted by a phone call from a voice from the past that starts her on a new chase, she’s forced to face one of the most difficult decisions of her career. Would you exonerate a killer for the truth and justice? Only Emma can put the clues together. Could she clear the name of the man she loathes, or will all flies lead back to him?

Review: So this was my least favorite book out of the series. But I still enjoyed the story. I love Emma and Sam’s relationship as they remind me of my husband and I. I also LOVE Xavier. And I am so glad that he came back in this story. He thinks of everything so differently and I love hearing his thoughts. There is definitely going to be another book in the series from how the book ended!

#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #thegirlinthewoods #ajrivers #thriller #thrillerbooks #thrillerbookaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #kindlereads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @a.j._rivers
3,515 reviews
January 3, 2022
Emma Griffin is trying to figure out how Jonah escaped from the maximum security prison. He had to have help but who and how did they get him out. The frozen body of a woman is found in the woods. She is not dressed for the cold, snowy weather and has an elaborate tattoo of a mermaid on her back. Local detectives notify Emma about the body thought to be Miley Stanford. They later learn it is not Miley, but a woman known as Serena who is close to Jonah. He calls Emma and states he did not kill her but knows who did. He won’t tell Emma the name but gives her hints about a man known as The Emperor, the newest serial killer.

Not as many unanswered questions as other books in the series but how did Serena get Jonah out of the prison? Detectives talk to Miley's parents but don't think it strange that they appear unconcerned about the disappearance of their daughter? They are supposedly out of the country but where?

Salvador Marini gets his kicks out of watching the men kill each other in the gladiator ring. With the women recruited by Serena, he repeatedly rapes and abuses them until he tires of them and kills them with various drugs. He thinks Serena is Miley. Did he find out Serena's true identity when he saw the tattoo? He and Jonah are enemies after he took Dean, Jonah's biological son. Jonah got back at him by waterboarding torture. Marini was found dead in his house and thought to have suffered a heart attack. Was this due to the torture or did Jonah kill him another way? Autopsy done?

Jonah may be a monster but he appears to care for Emma. Maybe this is just how he wants it to seem.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,075 reviews
June 23, 2023
"I'm back." Those two words send Emma spiraling backwards. This is her wedding reception and she never thought she would hear those words. Jonah has escaped, and now she's on the hunt again. How safe is her 'family'? Where could he be and what does he have in store? Another good one in the Emma Griffin FBI Series. This is the 15th book and I still haven't lost my interest in them. Rivers keeps coming up with new cases and twists from old ones. She keeps developing and growing the characters throughout this series. I would recommend reading the books in order, even though they can be read as stand-alones. I'm ready to see what happens in the next installment.

🙂 Happy Reading 🙃

#Carlislepubliclibrary
#lonokecountylibrarysystem
#SeriesLove2023
Profile Image for K.C..
129 reviews1 follower
November 24, 2025
So.... it would have made more sense if I started at One I know this. But it says it can be read as a standalone. Which honestly i dont think so now that I finished it. First, this book has made 4 chapters about the girl in the woods. It mostly about the FBI agent and an escapee criminal uncle. Dont know how he is there or why she acts the way she does. I was looking forward to read about the missing girl at what happened to her. But i got to play catch up with the FBI agent. Not for me. And once again I know that it mihht make more sense if I start at the beginning. I got this book at a book sale no first in sight. Will look into it as I did enjoy the writing as a whole. After more of TBR is gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nadine Younger.
124 reviews4 followers
February 6, 2023
And on it goes...

Again we end with more questions, and more answers that lead to more riddles.
Thus installment is written somewhat differently from previous episodes, and at times I had to search my memory for where certain characters had intertwined before, and the pace was a little awkward. There are a number of sentences that need a good proofreading.
All of that said, Emma remains intriguing; Jonah keeps the reader guessing; Sam is still the supportive sidekick; and Eric plays a bigger role. I think it would have been more enjoyable with a bit more interplay with Dad, Dean, and especially Xavier.
59 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2024
Another cliff hanger!

Emma is struggling to come to grips with her Uncle Jonas; his escape from prison, his plea for help, and the death of a woman who may not be whom she appears. Jonas garners Emma's help, despite her reluctance, and attempts to put the pieces together, with little clues from him. So many random deaths, A possible serial killer, or a ploy. A woman with a mermaid tattoo found dead in the snow is the start of a wild hunt for Roman Gods and the truth. Who will fall prey, and who will survive?
20 reviews10 followers
October 1, 2021
I'm invested

There are not many books or series that I'll drop whatever I'm reading and immediately download and read, but A.J. Rivers' Emma Griffin series is one of them. I'm intrigued by the storylines, and emotionally invested in the characters, particularly Xavier, more Xavier, please!
I knew all along Jonah would be more complex than the average nemesis, but Jonah surprised me with his depth of character, his own particular code of honor. Can't wait for the next book.
303 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2021
Not every day I start a book and finish it the same day,. But it seems with this Emma Griffin series it happens with every book. And I have loved them all. Fast paced, easy to read, interesting characters. And fantastic plots. I love series because it gives you a chance to become invested in the characters, and really care about who and what you're reading about! Thank you A.J. Rivers for a wonderful series!
Profile Image for Briana Stone.
48 reviews2 followers
October 7, 2021
I love this series, and was really excited to see the next one was out! Unfortunately, I was super disappointed. I’m slowly starting to hate Emma and her constant condescending attitude - she’s evolving into a real unlikable narcissist. I found my attention drifting in this book as there several times it just felt like fluff to fill up pages. Hoping this was a just a bad book in the series and it goes back to being enjoyable soon.
921 reviews11 followers
October 10, 2021
A definite thriller!

Anyone who has read books in this series knows it’s rarely ever boring, and if by chance you do get a bit bored here and there, the story will pick up quickly. Jonah has escaped prison, an unknown woman is dead, and Emma is struggling to find the killer. Dean is kidnapped, but returned with no memory. What is happening? Is Jonah behind it all? Will Emma accept his help? A roller coaster for real!
Profile Image for Colleen Langlands.
11 reviews
February 4, 2022
I've been loving the Emma Griffin books - I've basically binged them since I found the first one on Kindle Unlimited over the summer. However, I just wasn't really feeling this one. It took me much longer to finish this one, simply because it felt like it moved so much slower, and while normally I love Emma pulling it all together in the last second, this one just didn't feel realistic. But, I'm sure the next one will be great.
282 reviews3 followers
July 9, 2022
oof:spoilers

I’ve read all prior Emma griffin mysteries and I think the series should have ended once she got engaged. This book felt super predictable and Emma’s repeated shock at the things Jonah does is so unbelievable and foolish I wanted to shake her. If I hadn’t grabbed the audio version for a long car trip I would have bailed on this. Tired of Emma. She needs to smarten up and treat people right.
42 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2023
Best story of the series

I have read all the books in the Emma Griffin series, and I think this was the best so far. The interaction between Emma and Jonah was so intense that I couldn't stop reading. I finished the book in one day. I loved having Emma, Dean, and Xavier so involved in the plot and having Jonah thrown in there in a major way added to the intrigue. Loved the ending but not giving any spoilers. An all around good read.
48 reviews1 follower
October 20, 2024
Heavy Duty solid terror and drama

In this episode, Emma faces her longtime nemesis. Her own uncle, Jonah. It's like he is the evil twin; he is, in fact, the evil twin as anyone who has been following Emma knows. The way they work cooperatively recognizing the powers, one of the other, is really mastery and the plot involves .... well, if I tell you any more you won't read it, and that would be a shame!!
Profile Image for karin whitehead.
1,013 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2021
An excellent series. Each story has its own plot, well thought out, with great characters, the main character, Emma, stars in each. You can read as a standalone or any way you want. Emma and Sam finally marry leading into the next plot, at its a doozy! You won't be disappointed!
I received this novel as an ARC, in exchange of an honest review.
4 reviews
October 15, 2021
Spellbinding!!

I absolutely found this book to be one of the best of Emma. There were so many twists and turns. I thought I solved the mystery only to find another layer. I love Xavier and ability to dig deep into each situation. What a great group of friends. I can' wait to see what Emma has to deal with next. Will Jonah ever go back to prison?
1,387 reviews4 followers
October 26, 2021
Hooked by Emma

Every single one of Emma’s stories hooks you in at the very beginning and doesn’t let go! It seems like every time Emma reaches the end of the case, there is some hook that starts it up all over again with more twists and turns! I thoroughly love and enjoy these stories. Hope they keep coming!
19 reviews
October 28, 2021
My review

This is another good book in this series!!! I really enjoy the characters in these books,especially Emma!! They all feel like old friends! A.j. rivers is a very good writer and I have read all of his books and have totally enjoyed them all!!! Keep writing and am awaiting the next one!!!💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
59 reviews
November 26, 2021
Great new book about Emma Griffin

It was very good to once again delve into the exciting exploits of Agent Griffin and her circle of family friends and enemies. This was a great book to read and delve into the exciting twists d turns of the plot. I'm looking forward the the next book in this series.
25 reviews
December 22, 2021
took a bit to get going but then it took a turn I didn’t expect

This book took longer to pick up steam for me than most of the series but it did take a turn I wasn’t expecting. By the end of the book I was hangin* on every page to see how it would unfold. My only criticism would be that I wish that had started earlier.
Profile Image for Melonie Kingsbury.
41 reviews9 followers
March 28, 2022
Too many flaws in the story, like who was Serena? She danced around it and never gave a history, so many times she used Serena and Miley’s names interchangeably that I couldn’t follow the story.
I usually like AJ Rivers stories but I feel like she is now just kicking them out instead of developing a plot line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
87 reviews
July 2, 2022
Compelling read of Emma Griffin

Emma gets involved, finally, to solve a murder that once again is MORE than it seems unpin first glance. Half way through you will be compelled to finish and find out if the killer is who you though. Jonah complicates things and will slightly confuse you. How much more pain can Emma’s friends and family endure?…. Read on….
Profile Image for Jeannette.
327 reviews
September 9, 2022
Another great read by A.J. Rivers. I really enjoyed getting involved in this case with Dean, Emma's cousin and Xavier. So many twists and turns it was impossible to predict what would happen next. I enjoy having Xavier in the story because with all of his oddities, he is an asset to the investigation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews

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