What do you think?
Rate this book
Bella Walker FBI Mystery Series #1
The Girl in Paradise
Welcome to the Aloha state.
On this island paradise, may your stay be full of fun and adventures.
And may your head be always with you.
They say the past is what makes you, but in some circumstances, it could kill you. For FBI forensics specialist Bella Walker, the one case that made her career, The Harbinger case, still continues to haunt her. In need of a much-needed vacation Bella boards a plane to visit a good friend in Honolulu. Unfortunately, her arrival is met with a request to assist on a new murder investigation.
Within the palm jungle, the bodies of six rich elites are found beheaded in a bizarre ritualistic style murder on sacred Maoli land. The scene baffles the police and Hawaiian FBI field office. The case is dubbed 'The War Gods Case' due to the war god Ku being left with the victims.
As Bella investigates, she faces police corruption, departmental politics, and the deadly crime syndicate the Yakuza. To add to the mystery, leaks from within the Bureau keep frustrating the case, and every team member harbors dangerous secrets.
There's a price for paradise, but the question is, how much are you willing to pay for it?
On this island paradise, may your stay be full of fun and adventures.
And may your head be always with you.
They say the past is what makes you, but in some circumstances, it could kill you. For FBI forensics specialist Bella Walker, the one case that made her career, The Harbinger case, still continues to haunt her. In need of a much-needed vacation Bella boards a plane to visit a good friend in Honolulu. Unfortunately, her arrival is met with a request to assist on a new murder investigation.
Within the palm jungle, the bodies of six rich elites are found beheaded in a bizarre ritualistic style murder on sacred Maoli land. The scene baffles the police and Hawaiian FBI field office. The case is dubbed 'The War Gods Case' due to the war god Ku being left with the victims.
As Bella investigates, she faces police corruption, departmental politics, and the deadly crime syndicate the Yakuza. To add to the mystery, leaks from within the Bureau keep frustrating the case, and every team member harbors dangerous secrets.
There's a price for paradise, but the question is, how much are you willing to pay for it?
266 pages, Paperback
First published April 21, 2023
764 people are currently reading
310 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 65 reviews
May 5, 2023
Jumbled and hard to read
I've read all of AJ Rivers' books and was excited for a new series. But, there were SO many mistakes in this storyline that it was hard to read. I kept having to go back and try to figure out what was happening. In addition to the straight up mistakes, the story and thoughts jumped around waayyy too much. I felt like I was reading about a band of bipolar teenagers, vs a group of trained FBI agents.
I've read all of AJ Rivers' books and was excited for a new series. But, there were SO many mistakes in this storyline that it was hard to read. I kept having to go back and try to figure out what was happening. In addition to the straight up mistakes, the story and thoughts jumped around waayyy too much. I felt like I was reading about a band of bipolar teenagers, vs a group of trained FBI agents.
June 4, 2023
Parts of it were very technical and a bit boring
The story, action and plot, I enjoyed. The characters were interesting for the most part, but the characters of Rachel and Bella were not that believe able as FBI agents. They seemed to get angry and fly off the handle quite a bit. I think that FBI agents would have more self-control than that. Justin was my favorite character! The descriptions of the caves, tubes and battle plans were quite technical and sometimes boring. There were so many typos and grammar errors in the book that it distracted from the story. The author needs better proof readers! Somewhat disappointing compared to her earlier books.
The story, action and plot, I enjoyed. The characters were interesting for the most part, but the characters of Rachel and Bella were not that believe able as FBI agents. They seemed to get angry and fly off the handle quite a bit. I think that FBI agents would have more self-control than that. Justin was my favorite character! The descriptions of the caves, tubes and battle plans were quite technical and sometimes boring. There were so many typos and grammar errors in the book that it distracted from the story. The author needs better proof readers! Somewhat disappointing compared to her earlier books.
July 6, 2023
Difficult read
I found it a difficult read. Lots of comments didn't seem to have an explanation as to what they meant. I kept going back to reread sections to see if I missed the back story somewhere. The main character was either laughing hilariously or livid and based on the situation I couldn't really grasp why.
I found it a difficult read. Lots of comments didn't seem to have an explanation as to what they meant. I kept going back to reread sections to see if I missed the back story somewhere. The main character was either laughing hilariously or livid and based on the situation I couldn't really grasp why.
July 17, 2023
Jumbled Writing
This book felt all over the place, too many characters things that didn’t make sense, cheesy one liners, I did not enjoy this book and I love AJ Rivers books this felt like it was written by someone else completely, even at the end it didn’t make much sense and a lot of loose ends were not wrapped up- it was disappointing
This book felt all over the place, too many characters things that didn’t make sense, cheesy one liners, I did not enjoy this book and I love AJ Rivers books this felt like it was written by someone else completely, even at the end it didn’t make much sense and a lot of loose ends were not wrapped up- it was disappointing
March 22, 2024
This is an interesting and well paced book set in the Hawaiian islands. I purchased the book because my family is going to visit Oahu next week. It is an interesting story where the two main characters are women that have a like/dislike relationship. This is a little confusing. They are both working together to solve a crime, but they bump heads a lot. I loved the descriptions of the scenery in Hawaii and the story moves along pretty well. It is a little convoluted and there are, in my opinion, too many characters involved in the pursuit of bringing the "bad guys" to justice. There is a Yakuza influence to the bad actors. I believe that the author has only a cursory understanding of this group. She should have done some deeper research into this complex organization that is involved in organized crime and politics world-wide. In summary, I enjoyed the flavor of Hawaii presented in the book. But the plot is a somewhat like a rerun of Hawaii 5-0. A 4/5 may be a generous rating. But, I will probably read the other 2 books in the series to prepare me for our upcoming trip.
July 7, 2025
FBI special investigative teams and Hawaii
Two women grew up knowing they always wanted to be FBI special investigators. After attending the FBI Academy at the same time, they were assigned to different locations (Colorado and Hawaii) but are reunited by an up tick in Hawaiian crime effecting both Oahu and The Big Island. In the book, the authors create a special investigative team similar to the FBI, demonstrating a great deal of research, interviews, stamina, and careful planning and execution for a final conclusion of the serious crime wave.
It was hard to put the book down especially since I had just visited so many of the mentioned sites. I was impressed how the authors integrated historical and present day Hawaii into this book and still come up with a positive modern ending. It's obvious that the authors put a great deal of research and background information into this book and were still able to work it into a smooth, fascinating plot. Hawaiian history is as complicated as modern day Hawaiian crime and the ability to control it on all the islands. Looking forward to a promised sequel.
Two women grew up knowing they always wanted to be FBI special investigators. After attending the FBI Academy at the same time, they were assigned to different locations (Colorado and Hawaii) but are reunited by an up tick in Hawaiian crime effecting both Oahu and The Big Island. In the book, the authors create a special investigative team similar to the FBI, demonstrating a great deal of research, interviews, stamina, and careful planning and execution for a final conclusion of the serious crime wave.
It was hard to put the book down especially since I had just visited so many of the mentioned sites. I was impressed how the authors integrated historical and present day Hawaii into this book and still come up with a positive modern ending. It's obvious that the authors put a great deal of research and background information into this book and were still able to work it into a smooth, fascinating plot. Hawaiian history is as complicated as modern day Hawaiian crime and the ability to control it on all the islands. Looking forward to a promised sequel.
April 30, 2023
I didn't care for this as much as I have other books by A.J. Rivers, but being that it's the start of a new series, I'd still like to try the successive stories. Bella is a forensic specialist for the FBI, and I was confused for awhile, but it kept talking about her solving a previous case, The Harbinger Case. I looked to see if there was a book that came before this; that's when I realized this was the first in the series.
Finally, the story took us back several times to that former case, so things made a lot more sense to me. I do wonder if others were confused, as well. So after it's done, and Bella really needs a rest and a change of pace, her girlfriend invites her to spend some time relaxing in Hawaii. However, relaxing wasn't something she got to do.
Finally, the story took us back several times to that former case, so things made a lot more sense to me. I do wonder if others were confused, as well. So after it's done, and Bella really needs a rest and a change of pace, her girlfriend invites her to spend some time relaxing in Hawaii. However, relaxing wasn't something she got to do.
May 5, 2023
This is a wonderful new series which only adds to the Emma Griffin story. I love how characters have branched off into their own stories like Ava and now Bella. The new setting is lovely! I love hearing about Hawaii and Emma's own mysteries besides the case of which she was assigned to. I can't wait to learn more about her and the Conjure Man not to mention the locals. I felt like it took me a long time to read this because of the unfamiliar names but it was fun to learn about Hawaii. This book was very enjoyable.
May 24, 2023
I am hooked on another of your ladies!
I have been a Emma Griffin fan for a long time. When I found Ava James I was really jazzed. Bella Walker lives up to her name.
I come from a time and family back ground that told girls and what they could and couldn't do overtly or subtly. I love books that have main characters who are capable. Both capable and smart and sometimes a little lost. A handsome counterpart doesn't hurt either. A.J.'s story lines are intriguing and complex. They ate for mystery lovers and those that believe the future is female!
I have been a Emma Griffin fan for a long time. When I found Ava James I was really jazzed. Bella Walker lives up to her name.
I come from a time and family back ground that told girls and what they could and couldn't do overtly or subtly. I love books that have main characters who are capable. Both capable and smart and sometimes a little lost. A handsome counterpart doesn't hurt either. A.J.'s story lines are intriguing and complex. They ate for mystery lovers and those that believe the future is female!
August 18, 2023
A Good Read
After having experienced A. J. Rivers' writing in her Emma Griffin and Ava James novels, I was delighted to be introduced to FBI agent Bella Walker in A Girl in Paradise. Like Bella, I was born and raised in Louisiana, currently live in Colorado, and have enjoyed visiting Hawai'i. Bella's ventures into the jungles and caves of the Hawai'ian islands, however, are far beyond anything I've ever imagined! The stories about the culture and religion of the original peoples there were among my favorite parts of the book.
After having experienced A. J. Rivers' writing in her Emma Griffin and Ava James novels, I was delighted to be introduced to FBI agent Bella Walker in A Girl in Paradise. Like Bella, I was born and raised in Louisiana, currently live in Colorado, and have enjoyed visiting Hawai'i. Bella's ventures into the jungles and caves of the Hawai'ian islands, however, are far beyond anything I've ever imagined! The stories about the culture and religion of the original peoples there were among my favorite parts of the book.
January 16, 2026
Good storyline but the overall writing is rough. Character development is seriously lacking, and plot development is convoluted. Shark riding? Really? Give me a break.
At the beginning of the novel, the two main characters are constantly winking, but the jokes are unclear. The whole lava tube thing could have been interesting, but the descriptions and resulting danger are superficial at best.
Because of the grammatical errors,m and the holes in the plot, the story reads like an early draft was published by mistake. A good editor would have made a big difference.
At the beginning of the novel, the two main characters are constantly winking, but the jokes are unclear. The whole lava tube thing could have been interesting, but the descriptions and resulting danger are superficial at best.
Because of the grammatical errors,m and the holes in the plot, the story reads like an early draft was published by mistake. A good editor would have made a big difference.
May 3, 2023
Convoluted start to a series
To start, I really enjoy A.J. Rivers books. This is missing the character development and chemistry between the characters that are typical and enjoyable. I can see the potential but felt dropped into a story where I didn’t understand the players or plot jumps. Hoping the next one brings some clarity and allows its characters a chance to develop and flesh out into people I want to cheer on and laugh with…
To start, I really enjoy A.J. Rivers books. This is missing the character development and chemistry between the characters that are typical and enjoyable. I can see the potential but felt dropped into a story where I didn’t understand the players or plot jumps. Hoping the next one brings some clarity and allows its characters a chance to develop and flesh out into people I want to cheer on and laugh with…
June 5, 2023
Attractions and Distractions
Hawaii was an intriguing location for The Girl in Paradise murder mystery.
It made me want to learn more about the caves and lava tubes of the islands.
I liked the variety of characters and the way their personalities sometimes clashed. I was distracted by the number of errors that slipped by the editing process. A human would have eliminated them, but automatic spell checking wouldn't.
Hawaii was an intriguing location for The Girl in Paradise murder mystery.
It made me want to learn more about the caves and lava tubes of the islands.
I liked the variety of characters and the way their personalities sometimes clashed. I was distracted by the number of errors that slipped by the editing process. A human would have eliminated them, but automatic spell checking wouldn't.
April 23, 2023
Love this new series!
AJ Rivers has done it again, started a new series and got me hooked. I don't know if it was the colorful descriptions of the Hawaiian islands or the fast-paced story that drew me in. But I know for sure that chapters 31-34 kept me up past my bedtime. I look forward to the next Bella book.
AJ Rivers has done it again, started a new series and got me hooked. I don't know if it was the colorful descriptions of the Hawaiian islands or the fast-paced story that drew me in. But I know for sure that chapters 31-34 kept me up past my bedtime. I look forward to the next Bella book.
April 26, 2023
A. J. Is amazing!
Bella Walker Series is going to be a favorite series. At first I was not sure I liked her or her fellow agent Rachel. But thru the mystery and excitement I found myself liking them more and more. Justin, I absolutely love! If you don't read A.J. Rivers you are missing out on one of the best authors EVER!
Bella Walker Series is going to be a favorite series. At first I was not sure I liked her or her fellow agent Rachel. But thru the mystery and excitement I found myself liking them more and more. Justin, I absolutely love! If you don't read A.J. Rivers you are missing out on one of the best authors EVER!
May 2, 2023
Loved It!
Enjoyed the new lead FBI Agent Bella Walker. It was an exciting read and the details to the Hawaiian Islands made you feel that you were there. Can’t wait for the next book to get more info on Justin who i already am hooked on. Thanks for another great read and series to follow.
Enjoyed the new lead FBI Agent Bella Walker. It was an exciting read and the details to the Hawaiian Islands made you feel that you were there. Can’t wait for the next book to get more info on Justin who i already am hooked on. Thanks for another great read and series to follow.
May 19, 2023
grisly and maddening, with the enticing writing
Suspension of belief helps enjoy (if that’s the right word) this very twisted tale of antiquities, goddess Pele, family and and international criminal organization(s) intertwined with local law enforcement and even the FBI itself.
Sometimes, people suck.
Suspension of belief helps enjoy (if that’s the right word) this very twisted tale of antiquities, goddess Pele, family and and international criminal organization(s) intertwined with local law enforcement and even the FBI itself.
Sometimes, people suck.
May 22, 2023
Cliche ridden "mystery" lacking suspense
I could find little to like in this "mystery" starting with a main character whose moods flipped like a tossed coin. This novel is filled with cliches, over use of adjectives, too much telling and not enough showing of action. Maybe AJ Rivers needs a better editor.
I could find little to like in this "mystery" starting with a main character whose moods flipped like a tossed coin. This novel is filled with cliches, over use of adjectives, too much telling and not enough showing of action. Maybe AJ Rivers needs a better editor.
June 29, 2023
Not up to par
Writing wasn't as good as other books by this author. Seems like a lot of unknowns about the main character were expected to be already known by the reader. If there is prequel to this book then I must have missed it. One can hope that the writing will get better when the second book comes out.
Writing wasn't as good as other books by this author. Seems like a lot of unknowns about the main character were expected to be already known by the reader. If there is prequel to this book then I must have missed it. One can hope that the writing will get better when the second book comes out.
August 16, 2023
A roller coaster ride on the Hawaiian islands
FBI Agent Bella Walker is called to the Hawaiian Islands to help catch a killer with ritualistic tendencies. Her colleague, Rachel Gentry and her go way back to the Academy at Quantico. As more clues are uncovered, it seems they are looking at a deeper picture than they ever could've imagined.
FBI Agent Bella Walker is called to the Hawaiian Islands to help catch a killer with ritualistic tendencies. Her colleague, Rachel Gentry and her go way back to the Academy at Quantico. As more clues are uncovered, it seems they are looking at a deeper picture than they ever could've imagined.
September 4, 2023
First disappointment
Normally, I love all of A. J. Rivers series ( especially Emma's series) but this one felt like I entered the story in book 3, not book 1. The frequent mentioning of Bella's previous 2 cases didn't help this feeling. I may give a book 2 a try (if there is one) but please drop mentioning important previous cases.
Normally, I love all of A. J. Rivers series ( especially Emma's series) but this one felt like I entered the story in book 3, not book 1. The frequent mentioning of Bella's previous 2 cases didn't help this feeling. I may give a book 2 a try (if there is one) but please drop mentioning important previous cases.
November 10, 2023
Very disappointed in this book I have read all but two of AJ rivers books
This one was a struggle to get through was almost childish in the writing and comments between Rachel and Belle
This was not anything like Rivers writings
I am going to start reading Murder at sea the second in the Belle series hoping it is written better
This one was a struggle to get through was almost childish in the writing and comments between Rachel and Belle
This was not anything like Rivers writings
I am going to start reading Murder at sea the second in the Belle series hoping it is written better
September 22, 2024
It was good, but not a favorite
It could just be me, as it took me a couple of books to accept and enjoy Ava also. I enjoyed the story and the concept of what was going on. I had a hard time keeping up with the shenanigans amongst the team. I'm quite adept at shenanigans. Some of the back and forth between them, I don't think, came across the way it was intended.
It could just be me, as it took me a couple of books to accept and enjoy Ava also. I enjoyed the story and the concept of what was going on. I had a hard time keeping up with the shenanigans amongst the team. I'm quite adept at shenanigans. Some of the back and forth between them, I don't think, came across the way it was intended.
April 21, 2023
This was a wonderful book about Bella with lots of suspense and action. I learned a lot about the lava tubes and the stairway. I looked on internet to see what they looked like. She will be a added addition to the team in Hawaii. Thank you for this excellent book with great writing skills.
April 25, 2023
Omg. I couldn't put this book down. Even though I have read every book by aj rivers, something about this book kept me wondering who page by page. I think that Bella, Rachel and Justin are going to be my favorites and I didn't think that was possible
April 26, 2023
This book was such a change for A.J. Rivers and it was for the best. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and Bella. I hope for more from her and from Emma, Ava, and Dean.
Keep the stories coming please I have read everything you have written and want more.
Thank you for your talent, it's tremendous.
Keep the stories coming please I have read everything you have written and want more.
Thank you for your talent, it's tremendous.
April 27, 2023
Not her best work
The main character is like a spoiled child.An FBI agent like her would have been fired .Childish hissy fits like a kid would throw.Cant believe this was written by AJ Rivers.I will not be reading the rest of the series.
The main character is like a spoiled child.An FBI agent like her would have been fired .Childish hissy fits like a kid would throw.Cant believe this was written by AJ Rivers.I will not be reading the rest of the series.
April 29, 2023
trouble in paradise
Another great read by AJ Rivers. This one had lots to twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very end. Can’t wait to see what other adventures Bella has and mischief Justin gets into.
Another great read by AJ Rivers. This one had lots to twists and turns to keep you guessing to the very end. Can’t wait to see what other adventures Bella has and mischief Justin gets into.
May 2, 2023
A.J. Rivers always writes a good story.
I really like the new character Bella. A. J. Rivers always writes stories that keep the reader interested. I’m excited to see what else happens to Bella in Hawaii.
I really like the new character Bella. A. J. Rivers always writes stories that keep the reader interested. I’m excited to see what else happens to Bella in Hawaii.
May 12, 2023
Great new FBI addition
What a change-up! It actually made me feel like I was there in Hawaii. It’s nice to have another agent to read about, and what a doozie of a case. So many twists to this one kept me on the edge of my seat.
What a change-up! It actually made me feel like I was there in Hawaii. It’s nice to have another agent to read about, and what a doozie of a case. So many twists to this one kept me on the edge of my seat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews