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Ava James FBI #8
Murder in the Moonlight
Every little girl dreams of being a princess. A life surrounded by beauty and full of fulfilled wishes, a life with her prince charming.
But reality is no fairy tale. Especially not for Ivana Baruch, the last Croatian Princess...
When the body of the young and beautiful Princess is found in a wine barrel at her fiancé’s winery,
the news of Ivana’s murder sends shockwaves throughout the globe.
FBI agent Ava James is sent to Napa Valley, California to solve the case.
Who would kill such a beloved and altruistic Princess?
And what could possibly be the motive?
With a multi-millionaire wine magnate fiancé from Italy, a father with drinking and gambling problems, and a narcissistic playboy for an ex-boyfriend. Everyone is a suspect and no one is ruled out. It won’t be easy to figure out who killed the last Croatian princess or why.
Each clue leads the investigation to more unexpected twists and turns.
With no motive to be found and the princess' background as pristine as her reputation,
the only thing that is certain is that she must have had far more secrets than anyone could have ever imagined.
But reality is no fairy tale. Especially not for Ivana Baruch, the last Croatian Princess...
When the body of the young and beautiful Princess is found in a wine barrel at her fiancé’s winery,
the news of Ivana’s murder sends shockwaves throughout the globe.
FBI agent Ava James is sent to Napa Valley, California to solve the case.
Who would kill such a beloved and altruistic Princess?
And what could possibly be the motive?
With a multi-millionaire wine magnate fiancé from Italy, a father with drinking and gambling problems, and a narcissistic playboy for an ex-boyfriend. Everyone is a suspect and no one is ruled out. It won’t be easy to figure out who killed the last Croatian princess or why.
Each clue leads the investigation to more unexpected twists and turns.
With no motive to be found and the princess' background as pristine as her reputation,
the only thing that is certain is that she must have had far more secrets than anyone could have ever imagined.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 22, 2026
4 - 4.5 Stars
Murder in the Moonlight is the eighth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
Murder in the Moonlight is the eighth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
June 7, 2023
Murder in the Moonlight(Ava James FBI Mystery Book 8)
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was an amazing story, when I couldn't be reading the book, I was thinking about the book, trying to figure out if the multimillionaire was the killer or not. Then two more people die, so now you are left with more questions, did the father commit suicide, was he murdered, and why was Ana murdered? Is Ava and her team going to have to go back to California because of the new murder and more drug smuggling charges? I can't wait for the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was an amazing story, when I couldn't be reading the book, I was thinking about the book, trying to figure out if the multimillionaire was the killer or not. Then two more people die, so now you are left with more questions, did the father commit suicide, was he murdered, and why was Ana murdered? Is Ava and her team going to have to go back to California because of the new murder and more drug smuggling charges? I can't wait for the next book.
June 14, 2023
Sunny California.
Discriptions of areas and characters were clear. Have been to
Napa Valley and it is as you described and did i miss the book where Molly was found. Please tell me the title . I have read !any of your books and enjoy them all can't wait for next Emma Griffin arrives.
Discriptions of areas and characters were clear. Have been to
Napa Valley and it is as you described and did i miss the book where Molly was found. Please tell me the title . I have read !any of your books and enjoy them all can't wait for next Emma Griffin arrives.
September 14, 2023
Another great A.J. Rivers read!
Another book in the Ava James series. This time Ava and her team traveled to San Francisco to help one of their teams settle a series of murders.
Always enjoy reading A.j.'s books and look forward to the next one, which just happens to be being released tomorrow.
Another book in the Ava James series. This time Ava and her team traveled to San Francisco to help one of their teams settle a series of murders.
Always enjoy reading A.j.'s books and look forward to the next one, which just happens to be being released tomorrow.
June 3, 2023
I enjoyed this story about Ava and west coast agent going all our to find out who killed the princess. There was much suspense and action and you have excellent writing skills to tell this story. Thank you and also her own team was a great help too.
June 3, 2023
Nice to have Ava back
This is the continuing saga of Special Agent Ava James, and it's just as good as all seven books before it. This is such a good series that I start looking forward to the next one each time I finish one. So glad AJ Rivers writes so prolifically and quickly.
This is the continuing saga of Special Agent Ava James, and it's just as good as all seven books before it. This is such a good series that I start looking forward to the next one each time I finish one. So glad AJ Rivers writes so prolifically and quickly.
June 12, 2023
more murder mystery, less international intrigue
But still, tinges of international wrongdoing although hard to tell which player is the guilty party or parties.
Ava is coming into her own skin as opposed to being buffeted by guilt, anxiety and fear.
But still, tinges of international wrongdoing although hard to tell which player is the guilty party or parties.
Ava is coming into her own skin as opposed to being buffeted by guilt, anxiety and fear.
June 12, 2023
Ava does it again
Really enjoy reading Ava and her cases. This was chock full of twists and turns and kept me turning pages. Despite unfamiliar territory, Ava managed to solve all the parts of this one. Can’t wait for more!
Really enjoy reading Ava and her cases. This was chock full of twists and turns and kept me turning pages. Despite unfamiliar territory, Ava managed to solve all the parts of this one. Can’t wait for more!
June 22, 2023
Great series
As usual, I enjoyed reading this book of the many series A.J. Rivers writes. I liked the way there were a few viable suspects, not just an easy no brainer on who did it.
As usual, I enjoyed reading this book of the many series A.J. Rivers writes. I liked the way there were a few viable suspects, not just an easy no brainer on who did it.
July 3, 2023
Sometimes it does take two to solve something
It was the setting taking the whole crew across the country to hey another crew that runs a different way the twist at the end makes me excited for the next story
It was the setting taking the whole crew across the country to hey another crew that runs a different way the twist at the end makes me excited for the next story
July 13, 2023
Ava James for the Win
Great storyline using Ave James and her team and introducing a new team in sunny California. Storyline flowed and i felt like I was in San Fran and the Napa Valley.
Great storyline using Ave James and her team and introducing a new team in sunny California. Storyline flowed and i felt like I was in San Fran and the Napa Valley.
December 17, 2023
Great book!
When a Croatian Princess is murdered and put into a wine barrel at her fiance's vineyard, the San Francisco FBI calls Ava James and her team to assist. Who would've killed a beautiful social media influencer who strove to do good things for humanity?
When a Croatian Princess is murdered and put into a wine barrel at her fiance's vineyard, the San Francisco FBI calls Ava James and her team to assist. Who would've killed a beautiful social media influencer who strove to do good things for humanity?
June 7, 2023
I loved this book. It was my favorite of the Ava James series, so far. I liked the interaction between the two groups of FBI agents and enjoyed the parts describing some of the California area. There was plenty of suspense and plenty of action which made it hard to put the book down!
June 9, 2023
Wow!
Well what a ride that was... It was very hard to try and pin that one down. Lots of twists and turns and trying to figure out who the guilty party's were.
Well what a ride that was... It was very hard to try and pin that one down. Lots of twists and turns and trying to figure out who the guilty party's were.
June 9, 2023
Who killed Ivana Baruch and why??? AND Ana Burich??? Drug smuggling??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 12, 2023
Riviting
Loved their book - going to read the whole series now. The characters were interesting and loved that it was set in San Francisco.
Loved their book - going to read the whole series now. The characters were interesting and loved that it was set in San Francisco.
June 16, 2023
Wow!
Another great read. There's not much else to be said that I haven't already said. This is a great series. You would be doing yourself a favor by reading these books.
Another great read. There's not much else to be said that I haven't already said. This is a great series. You would be doing yourself a favor by reading these books.
June 21, 2023
Murder in the Moonlight
Great book as always. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I recommend this book.
Great book as always. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I recommend this book.
June 24, 2023
great read
I really enjoy how the story makes me feel like Ava is relatable. The story was interesting and made me want to finish in one go at it.
I really enjoy how the story makes me feel like Ava is relatable. The story was interesting and made me want to finish in one go at it.
June 30, 2023
Awesome Book
I really enjoyed this story. Well done. Lots of intrigue. Lots of excitement. The characters were great. I know you will enjoy it too.
I really enjoyed this story. Well done. Lots of intrigue. Lots of excitement. The characters were great. I know you will enjoy it too.
July 6, 2023
Ava
This story was one of the best. I love Ava and her adventures. I hope a lot more of books will come in these series. Very bell paced and tense.
This story was one of the best. I love Ava and her adventures. I hope a lot more of books will come in these series. Very bell paced and tense.
July 9, 2023
Couldn't put it down
Yet another great novel by AJ Rivers. Well defined and detailed characters along with a great twisting storyline always make her novels a great read!
Yet another great novel by AJ Rivers. Well defined and detailed characters along with a great twisting storyline always make her novels a great read!
August 16, 2023
Fine
There was a lot of unimportant stuff on the book that made it boring I kept skipping the boring parts
There was a lot of unimportant stuff on the book that made it boring I kept skipping the boring parts
August 20, 2023
Excellent book
This book was fast paced and kept you on your toes to figure out the murderer! Keeps your interest as you look for clues.
This book was fast paced and kept you on your toes to figure out the murderer! Keeps your interest as you look for clues.
October 29, 2023
loved it!
I never thought Ava James would interest me as much as Emma Griffin but I was wrong. Great investigation details and going back and forth about the perpetrator.
I never thought Ava James would interest me as much as Emma Griffin but I was wrong. Great investigation details and going back and forth about the perpetrator.
November 12, 2023
great read
Love all the books. Can’t keep up but keep them coming. Always look forward to the next one in the series
Love all the books. Can’t keep up but keep them coming. Always look forward to the next one in the series
March 29, 2024
Keep a fast pace and keeps it interesting
I love the series keeps you involved and on the edge of your seat. plenty of action to the end.
I love the series keeps you involved and on the edge of your seat. plenty of action to the end.
January 4, 2025
Your books
Your mystery books are phenomenal. I like following the characters in each book. I am looking forward to another one of your books.
Your mystery books are phenomenal. I like following the characters in each book. I am looking forward to another one of your books.
March 7, 2026
Wine it is!
Ava and her team get a trip to Cali and it does not disappoint! More twists and turns….and maybe someone Ava can relate to? Only time will tell.
Ava and her team get a trip to Cali and it does not disappoint! More twists and turns….and maybe someone Ava can relate to? Only time will tell.
August 2, 2026
As usual great read!!
Loved this book, this is my 8th book in the series. Easy to read, hard to put down. Can’t wait to start 9th book!
Loved this book, this is my 8th book in the series. Easy to read, hard to put down. Can’t wait to start 9th book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews