T’was the night before Christmas when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring inside Agent Emma Griffin's house. But then out of nowhere a dark shadow appeared. And all of a sudden this holiday season is no longer filled with cheer.
After facing many misfortunes throughout her life. FBI Agent Emma Griffin has opted to make work her main priority. And although much time has passed, there are still certain cases that continue to haunt her. Such as the case of Lakyn Monroe. Emma has grown semi-accustomed to some of the fanfare that occurs during an investigation. But it’s a new situation for her when she is asked to be a consultant on set for a TV series based on a case from her past. A case regarding the strange death of Lakyn Monroe. With this case back on the forefront and the lead actress an eerie reminder of the torment she witnessed from afar. Emma looks into the past in order to somehow avoid future mishaps. While balancing Sam’s search for his missing cousin and the crimes of the Emperor lurking in the shadows. Emma finds that some things are simply inescapable...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, not everyone may survive the silent night.
We have a new book about Emma, and this time there is more going on than usual. We are kind of reliving one of her old cases, while at the same time getting involved in a new one. Unlike most books where we get glimpses of the past, now we also get glimpses of the future, so we know something is going to happen, we just don't know when or how. Because of that knowledge I feel like we focus more on that one character and her actions and everything around her, but there is also a lot going on in Dean's and Sam's lives, and the cases they are involved are also getting interesting developments. I wanted to know even more about some things and there were others I didn't care that much. I like it more when the focus is on one thing, but I understand that part of what makes the series what it is it's how everything is interconnected. The only thing I hated is how suddenly it ends, it feels so incomplete and even a little confussing, like, did my copy was wrong? Where is the rest?
I would have given this book five stars if it weren't for the ending. The ending was getting really great but just like that it ended. That was disappointing. It was like what happened.
I'm new to Emma, I really enjoy AJ's writing, and I have the next in this series, but learned too late that there is a large volume of prior works in the series. I don't think I will invest in those, not because the stories won't be interesting or well written but because there is such a HUGE backstory and far too many characters in which I feel no investment at all.
We met many of them in this book and I have to say, apart from Emma, maybe Sam, and the two young women who were murdered (the ending was disappointing), I just didn't feel any connection to the supporting cast. I didn't even like most of them. I understand she was a loner, for most of the prior books, or so it seems from the history I learned through this one, but I am too, and I don't like the cast she's gathered around her now. I am not interested in quirky characters with ridiculous habits no matter how or why he acquired them, Xavier of course, who had been dealt a seriously flawed hand in life, no doubt, but he'd drive my crazy, nearly did in this book.
I liked the story of Lakon and Marlowe, I think that's pretty much what happens with a lot of young women who long for fame and fortune, whether as "influencers", or acting. I think that horribly unfair but I also don't see a book like this offering alternatives or hope to them. Stage mothers, unscrupulous "manager/agents", yeah, the world is full of those and they're just as despicable as depicted here. I'd like to see that change, this isn't the way to do that. The book was far too busy with past, present, future, too many subplots going on, though I read it quickly I couldn't find myself getting invested in any of them really apart from Lakon's desire to help and Marlowe's slow awakening to how she was being used which came to an abrupt end with her death. So, a good story, but not one advancing the cause of women's maltreatment in any hopeful way. Just terrible people doing terrible things. I need more than that in my reading. This wasn't enough and too much all at the same time. Sorry, because AJ really does have talent. But 2.5 stars is it.
I really love this brilliant storyteller, and am also always excited to read the next one. I'm an avid reader of many authors, but AJ is definitely on my top ten list! Just have to say, though I really liked the plot line and backstory, this book didn't seem to be as well developed as previous books, in my mind. And, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading it; just seemed like it might have been quickly put together and some of the scenes (ie Christmas at her home with her many loved ones) were lacking of substance. Also, a few typos, not a big deal in my mind, but also mis-naming of characters in a couple of instances. However, in the end all that matters is that it was a fun read, by a most gifted storyteller, I enjoyed it despite the above mentioned things, and I would recommend this book and this author to anyone. Thanks, AJ!
It’s amazing how I’m 17 books in and I still love reading about Emma and her cases. I could do without the random rants about things that happened in previous books. I understand it’s because they can be read separately and it gives you backstory, but when you’re reading them in sequence it gets redundant. I spent much of this book wondering what the case was going to be but once I figured it out, it started to steam roll until the end. I had to reread the last chapter but I liked the way it went back and forth and then came together.
Emma is on the set of the documentary being filmed about Lakyn Monroe, whose decomposed body was found in a deserted cornfield by Emma. Lakyn’s body was only one of the many bodies buried there by the infamous Order. The star is Marlowe Gray who appears to down a lot of anxiety pills. Emma tries to help her but Marlowe is holding something back. Marlowe’s body is found on the patio of her apartment and it appears that she fell off the balcony. She had a habit of balancing on it but did she fall or was she pushed? The suspects are her mother, her manager, her biological father, and her supposedly best friend. All had used her and the money she brought in but who had killed her?
No one seemed to notice how Marlowe was popping those pills? Or how erratic she was acting? She told Emma she couldn't do it anymore meaning she was tired of having to comply with the lies her mother was spinning. She also found that her manager was stealing from her and her mother and father were receiving money from her. Everyone was using her, even her best friend.
Emma called the suspects to Marlowe's apartment. The book ended with her best friend Brittany complaining how Marlowe got all the attention and parts. She stole the script that Marlowe had and was interested in and Emma couldn't find it. I am assuming that Brittany helped push Marlowe off and the blood left on the balcony was from Marlowe's fingers trying to grip it???
Ending was kind of confusing as it seems most of Rivers' books are. I have read all but she still hasn't said where Emma's father Ian was for the 20 years he was out of her life. If undercover, surely he could have checked in from time to time. With each book, I find I have questions that are never answered.
Well I have now finished all 17 books of this series and I am not sure why. I keep hoping for something to tie this all up, but this book leaves me shaking my head and saying I’m done.
I have so much enjoyed this series with FBI Agent Emma Griffin. I have grown to love all of the characters and always looked forward to what is going to happen with them next.
I was super excited when I saw there was another book in the series, but I must say that I was rather disappointed with this book. I feel like it didn’t have the same suspense as the books before it, and the ending was really disappointing.
All though this book was not my favorite, I will definitely continue to read books by this author and I am keeping my fingers crossed for more Emma Griffin in the future.
While it wasn't the worst book I've read, it certainly wasn't my favorite. This book is a different style than the previous books in the series. It tracks an old case while presenting a new one.
Its not as interesting as the others in my opinion and it's easy to get confused with the way the storyline jumps around. And then it abruptly ends. Almost as if Rivers got tired of writing by that point.
I have enjoyed this series but this book felt like a 1/2 novel. It told a ton of repeat from a previous book, I find that boring and felt like a good 60% was repeated storyline. This book was also told in a very weird timeline that didn’t make sense to me and I didn’t feel like I progressed the storyline.
So sad this book was okay, a quick read, but did not hold up to her earlier works. PLEASE,stop dragging out the mysteries, give us some kind of solution already.
Book Review: The Girl and the Silent Night by A.J. Rivers
Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾 Genre: Thriller Published: 12/25/21
Review: This was a pretty great book! It was the 17th book in the Emma Griffin series and followed the filming of the death of Lakyn Monroe, the actress who was there for Xavier to help get him out of prison for a murder he did not create. If you saw my previous reviews for this series, you know that I LOVE Xavier. He is my favorite character by far and I was so upset that he was framed for murder of his best friend just because his brain works differently and they thought they could get away with it. This goes over Emma's investigation of this murder from a few books ago and we watched as actors and actresses tried to relive this scene to create a movie, but really just wanting to get the audience's attention instead of really working on getting the details right. They were adding in a lot of extras and I am so happy that Emma stood up for it. Emma was also dealing with her new husband being out of town while he was looking for his cousin. She ends up flying to Michigan to help him out. Meanwhile, one of the actresses "fell" to her death and the cops were saying that it was a suicide, but Emma was seeing it differently. I have to admit that I did not guess who did it, but I was a little upset about the ending of this book. It just ended...where the others at least gave off some information about what the next book was going to be. If there is not going to be another book, I wish it would have ended a little better by going back to Emma and her life and not just ending with one of the characters thoughts...other than that, it was a really good book and I recommend if you have enjoyed this series so far!
Summary: After facing many misfortunes throughout her life, FBO Agent Emma Griffin has opted to make work her main priority. And although much time has passed, there are still certain cases that continue to haunt her, such as the case of Lakyn Monroe. Emma has grown semi-accustomed to some of the fanfare that occurs during an investigation. But it's a new situation for her when she is asked to be a consultant on set for a TV series based on a case from her past. A case regarding the strange death of Lakyn Monroe. With this case back on the forefront and the lead actress an eerie reminder of the torment she witnessed from afar. Emma looks into the past in order to avoid future mishaps. While balancing Sam's search for his missing cousin and the crimes of the Emperor lurking in the shadows, Emma finds some things are simply inescapable
The Girl and the Silent Night is the 17th book in the Emma Griffin FBI Series. I have to saw it's not my favorite one. There is a lot going on this time. As always there is a look at a past case Emma has been involved in, but also there is a look into the future with one of the characters in the book. That took away from the book, to me, because there wasn't a surprise. I knew something was going to happen to the person already. I just didn't care for that aspect of the book.
Sam is still looking for his cousin, Marie. Dean is still trying to remember what happened to him, when he was dumped on the side of the road. Both cases have some movement in them.
Though this wasn't my favorite of the series, I still enjoy them. Of course, by the title you know that this book is set during the Christmas holidays.
Rounding up. Again. Because overall I like the series. But the editing mistakes are driving me crazy. Words that don't belong in sentences. Missing quotation marks. Getting a person's - who turns out to be a big character at the end - name wrong. All things a good editor would see. Maybe there isn't one for these books because they are getting worse with each one I read.
Oh and the ending. Dumb. Hopefully it continues on in the next book. But I need a break from this series before I finish it. And reading reviews of the last 3 books makes me realize that the author doesn't wrap up any of the open details with Jonah and all that's going on.
For the most part this is a great story. Emma is embroiled in multiple cases, multiple storylines, and pulled so many directions that she misses too many signals from Marlowe Grey, and of course this leads to disaster. This plot could have been excellent, and on TV likely would be. On TV the reader wouldn't note the sentences that needed proofreaders. On TV the jumping back and forth to past, present and future might be easier to follow. In written form, the reader is left to follow a plot that jumps around and feels kind of disjointed. Then, abruptly, it ends....
I've read the whole series in like a week and a half. Every book was amazing and the proofreading was done so well, most books I find like 10+ errors but I think I found maybe 10 over the entire series.
This book did end pretty badly though, maybe it's just me but I didn't really understand it. I won't say anything more though as I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone else who hasn't read it yet.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in the series!
I’m sure this is a constant quandary for those whom are rich and famous. You never know anyone’s full motivation. This is a sad story of a young girl’s demise and the greed of people surrounding her. Reminds me of Brittany Spears. I could see how it might drive you crazy to fulfill your dream but at such a high cost. Brittany has fortunately survived, albeit somewhat damaged. Marlowe rides that tenuous ledge. Does she fall or stay balanced. Read it and find out!
I received this novel from ARC in exchange of an honest review. FBI Agent Emma Griffin is asked to consult on a movie on an old case of hers, that still bothers her to this day. The case of Lakyn Monroe was murdered being filmed and can she finally find the answers she seeks? One of the best in this series by A.J. Rivers, she always writes with an interesting style and well developed characters and plotline.
I’ve read every book of every series AJ has written and loved each one. But had this been the first one to read I would not have become the fan I am. The book felt rushed and unorganized. It jumped around so much I felt discombobulated. Nothing seemed complete and there were many typos and series in the book.
I’ll give AJ the benefit of the doubt though and come back for more, fully expecting better next time.
I love the Emma Griffin series. I enjoy the quirky character of Xavier and the interaction of the characters. This particular story just didn't do it for me. I did not like the jumping back and forth between the past, the present, and even the future. There was less story development and more difficult to find a natural flow to the storyline. I will continue to follow Emma but disappointed in this particular book.
I love the Emma Griffin books but this one was way too confusing to read. The jumping back and forth between time frames and which story was being told , it took me weeks to read where usually it only takes me a day or two. Too many extra characters, and I knew who was going to be guilty berths crime even happened. It felt as if the story was going in too many directions.
Getting better. Tight plot. Interesting time staging.
Now, this is what I call a good job. Admittedly because of how the books are written in serial series there is a certain amount of re-hash necessary. This time Rivers has mixed it into the new encounters, so she explains certain things to certain others without pages and pages of rehash. It is a plausible method of flashbacking. AND, the way she stages the time forward/now/backward/then etc. is an excellent device.
This is one of the BEST stories to date! The writing was superb and the story was incredible. Ms. Rivers, you just keep getting better and better and BETTER!! I can't wait for the next installment!!💖 (Just one small thing: you should get better proof readers. Some errors that should have been caught. Just an FYI.) Anyway, well done!! Next one is qued up and ready to rock (read!) !!!!! THANKS!!
I was gripped to this book. I do enjoy your writing. The flip back and forth was a little hard to follow at times. Will need to reread to have a better understand. I wasn't thrilled with the ending. But I'm not the writer. Can't wait for the next installment of Emma Griffin.
I loved this particular Emma series novel. The way the story went back and forth. The way, other than Marlowe's death, the stories were told without our old friends not being near death or injured and the love of each other coming through and especially Xavier's real tale being unraveled.
Another riviting story of Emma Griffin. She is now married. In this story, she has been asked to participate as a consultant to a mini series production about a Murder that she was involved in. She wants to make sure the story is told correctly and not just another fantasy of Hollywood producers. There are new twist and turns that she needs to resolve.
I loved that this book told more about Lakyn's story as Emma is consulting on a mini-seried about Lakyn and her untimely murder. Emma became attached to the lead actress playing Lakyn which leads to another mystery for her to solve. I also love love love how Emma stood up for Xavier and advocated for him. She made the story real for them.