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Ava James FBI #10
The Invitation
When FBI agent Ava James received a call from an ex,
she could have never predicted the mayhem that would follow...
After receiving an invitation to attend a Christmas themed wedding in the mountains,
Ava had planned out her perfect winter escape.
However, the getaway turns into a nightmare when she stumbles upon the groom’s sister frozen in the snow.
Jumping into action, Ava calls the local sheriff and begins to investigate the scene. With no apparent signs of foul play and many guests to interview, the investigation seems to have hit a dead end. Until screams ring throughout the Chalet and bodies begin to drop. Now, it’s certain that a murderer is on the loose, and Ava soon finds allies and enemies in many unexpected places.
This is the invitation to the most festive and shockingly murderous wedding of the year.
Amidst the glittering snow and holiday cheer, one grim certainty lingers - there’s a bloodthirsty killer or killers among the twenty guests.
she could have never predicted the mayhem that would follow...
After receiving an invitation to attend a Christmas themed wedding in the mountains,
Ava had planned out her perfect winter escape.
However, the getaway turns into a nightmare when she stumbles upon the groom’s sister frozen in the snow.
Jumping into action, Ava calls the local sheriff and begins to investigate the scene. With no apparent signs of foul play and many guests to interview, the investigation seems to have hit a dead end. Until screams ring throughout the Chalet and bodies begin to drop. Now, it’s certain that a murderer is on the loose, and Ava soon finds allies and enemies in many unexpected places.
This is the invitation to the most festive and shockingly murderous wedding of the year.
Amidst the glittering snow and holiday cheer, one grim certainty lingers - there’s a bloodthirsty killer or killers among the twenty guests.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 31, 2024
I chose this for the mystery at Christmas vibes. This had great setting but the mystery was just okay. The MC was just okay. Her "will she love again" drama was just okay. I will not continue with the series but I will give this a nod for that cover. Snowy chalet!
February 16, 2026
This one definitely gets your mind working. Sad to think that these things actually do happen.
January 17, 2024
The Invitation (Ava James FBI Mystery Book 1)
OMG!!!!!! This book had me confused, excited and scared. It was pretty intense, first you have very rich people and a history for Ava. She went to a very fancy wedding weekend, thinking she would get out of her comfort zone and maybe have a relaxing time, but the stumbled into a strange death, which led to 2 more murders, all in the same family. Which led the FBI into the black market world of selling body parts. It was crazy, but also kind of exciting, because you really didn't know, who was murdering these people until really close to the end and then it was a surprise about why these people died. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!! This book had me confused, excited and scared. It was pretty intense, first you have very rich people and a history for Ava. She went to a very fancy wedding weekend, thinking she would get out of her comfort zone and maybe have a relaxing time, but the stumbled into a strange death, which led to 2 more murders, all in the same family. Which led the FBI into the black market world of selling body parts. It was crazy, but also kind of exciting, because you really didn't know, who was murdering these people until really close to the end and then it was a surprise about why these people died. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 22, 2026
3 - 3.5 Stars
The Invitation is the tenth 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…
The Invitation is the tenth 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…
January 19, 2024
In the latest edition, Ava is going to the wedding weekend for her college boyfriend's sister. Despite any excuse she can to not go, she does and nothing turns out the way you would expect. Instead of the happy occasion and awkwardness Ava expects from seeing Mark, she is snowed in with the guests while one family is destroyed by murders. Ava just seems to attract murder. I also don't think she knows how to take time off.
The story is unique and fast paced. There is a lot going on. It's also nice to see a small glimpse into Ava's past. There is definitely a lot more that can be told in Ava's story and I'm looking forward to it.
The story is unique and fast paced. There is a lot going on. It's also nice to see a small glimpse into Ava's past. There is definitely a lot more that can be told in Ava's story and I'm looking forward to it.
January 8, 2024
Bizarre but Good
A possible rekindled romance has Ava attending a wedding weekend. Finally something to look forward to besides work. But this is Ava James FBI Agent and work is never far from her mind. The weekend should be fun, instead its murder, literally. Not everyone is who they seem and Ava must figure out who they really are and who is the murderer. I received an arc from the author of this book. It was a good read and look forward to the next in the series. The author does a good job coming up with good and interesting, if not bizarre plots.
A possible rekindled romance has Ava attending a wedding weekend. Finally something to look forward to besides work. But this is Ava James FBI Agent and work is never far from her mind. The weekend should be fun, instead its murder, literally. Not everyone is who they seem and Ava must figure out who they really are and who is the murderer. I received an arc from the author of this book. It was a good read and look forward to the next in the series. The author does a good job coming up with good and interesting, if not bizarre plots.
January 10, 2024
So good!
Wow this one was incredible! When FBI Agent Ava James is invited to celebrate the upcoming wedding of an old friend (who happens to be her college boyfriend's little sister) she goes because it would be fun to catch up. But things quickly go south when people start dying. The local sheriff comes to investigate but quickly turns it over to Ava. How many people can she save in a quickly dwindling wedding party?
Wow this one was incredible! When FBI Agent Ava James is invited to celebrate the upcoming wedding of an old friend (who happens to be her college boyfriend's little sister) she goes because it would be fun to catch up. But things quickly go south when people start dying. The local sheriff comes to investigate but quickly turns it over to Ava. How many people can she save in a quickly dwindling wedding party?
January 5, 2024
This book was hard for me to get into at first, and I love the Ava series. Then, bam! People started dying and others started acting strangely, and the Ava I love was back in action! Trapped at a pre wedding gathering with guests dying was not the vacation Ava thought she would have. Add to that a crooked police officer and a former boyfriend and we had an exciting story !
January 7, 2024
Ava at her best
I did not want this book to end, that's how good it is. Ava has to work not only against the killers , but also against the local detectives. Of course it takes the best of her and when she finally solves the crime, she is exhausted. Lost Romance, lost friends, crime and no personal life, what's there left for Ava yet be excited about?!
Well done
I did not want this book to end, that's how good it is. Ava has to work not only against the killers , but also against the local detectives. Of course it takes the best of her and when she finally solves the crime, she is exhausted. Lost Romance, lost friends, crime and no personal life, what's there left for Ava yet be excited about?!
Well done
March 15, 2024
Too many characters to keep straight. I don’t understand why the author now has a strong, independent female lead character suddenly start pining after men and thinking she needs to fall in love. And the storyline is getting old, Ava goes out of town and lo and behold there is a murder. I have loved this series but it is getting too repetitive to keep my attention.
December 14, 2024
Solving Three Murders
What an interesting event. A Christmas wedding with an invite to Ava. While at the event three people were murdered. As Ava was an agent of the FBI she instantly began trying to discover who was responsible. One should read the book to find out how it got solved.
What an interesting event. A Christmas wedding with an invite to Ava. While at the event three people were murdered. As Ava was an agent of the FBI she instantly began trying to discover who was responsible. One should read the book to find out how it got solved.
March 15, 2026
Wedding Bliss or Blues?
Ava hopes for romance when she gets invited to an old friend’s wedding. What does she find? Not romance. Far from it. Murder overshadows the beauty of the occasion, and Ava figures out who she can trust, and who she can’t. Is romance ever going to be part of Ava’s life?
Ava hopes for romance when she gets invited to an old friend’s wedding. What does she find? Not romance. Far from it. Murder overshadows the beauty of the occasion, and Ava figures out who she can trust, and who she can’t. Is romance ever going to be part of Ava’s life?
January 2, 2024
Great series!
It seems trouble rears its ugly head wherever Ava James goes. Even a posh weekend wedding. And I always enjoy reading about her challenging situations. This is a great series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
It seems trouble rears its ugly head wherever Ava James goes. Even a posh weekend wedding. And I always enjoy reading about her challenging situations. This is a great series and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
January 7, 2024
First Thought, Wow! Who Would Do That?
Unfortunately it is realistic in the modern world. A real who done it with lots of suspects I' m sure not going to spill the beans, nor will I tell you if I figured out the answer, great read and a for sure I can't put this down now book.
Unfortunately it is realistic in the modern world. A real who done it with lots of suspects I' m sure not going to spill the beans, nor will I tell you if I figured out the answer, great read and a for sure I can't put this down now book.
January 15, 2024
awk! that was an unexpected storyline!
Agent James takes a weekend off for a wedding - and of course - homicide(s) occur.
Somehow, the wedding of a college friend at an exclusive mountain estate quickly runs off the rails.
Agent James takes a weekend off for a wedding - and of course - homicide(s) occur.
Somehow, the wedding of a college friend at an exclusive mountain estate quickly runs off the rails.
January 23, 2024
This is one of Ms. Rivers' better books, IMO, because there's a bit of background on Ava. She's more dimensional in this book, she's a person and not so driven. Also the book gives sort of an update on Molly and how she's doing, and how Ava and Molly's friendship is doing. Greatly appreciated the depth in this book, hence the five stars.
January 30, 2024
great read
I read this straight through! It was such a fun story, couldn’t put it down, the characters were so easy to relate to and too picture, love books that make e feel like I’ve been watching movie instead of reading a book
I read this straight through! It was such a fun story, couldn’t put it down, the characters were so easy to relate to and too picture, love books that make e feel like I’ve been watching movie instead of reading a book
February 18, 2024
The Invitation
I liked this drama.Going for a fun filled vacation at Christmas, sounds great. But so longer than the fun begins there is murder times 3.Trying to solve the case becomes a nightmare, everyone seems guilty. Kept me guessing until the very end. Enjoy!
I liked this drama.Going for a fun filled vacation at Christmas, sounds great. But so longer than the fun begins there is murder times 3.Trying to solve the case becomes a nightmare, everyone seems guilty. Kept me guessing until the very end. Enjoy!
February 19, 2024
fun read good ending
Well written and good story line.still wondering what the use those body parts for? Really like the characters, wanted Kane to get murdered, arrested or the shit kicked out of him..
Well written and good story line.still wondering what the use those body parts for? Really like the characters, wanted Kane to get murdered, arrested or the shit kicked out of him..
December 27, 2023
Another suspenseful FBI agent Ava James read. Seems she can't go anywhere without having to investigate a murder
December 30, 2023
Ava has a lot to contend with people getting killed at a pre wedding celebration and who and why is it happening. This book had lots of suspense and action. Thank you for a super story.
January 5, 2024
Although Ava is not my favorite of AJs characters I still enjoy the series. AJ is a great writer and I hope I don’t get to the end of all her series too soon
January 8, 2024
Excellent
Very good storyline...and the characters were great. There were lots of twists and turns and surprises. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to everyone.
Very good storyline...and the characters were great. There were lots of twists and turns and surprises. I really enjoyed it. I recommend it to everyone.
January 8, 2024
Good read. I'd like to give it a 4.5 rating. Not quite good enough for a 5. Enjoyed the story, was rather surprised by where it turned up at the end. I recommend it.
January 10, 2024
It’s a page turner just like the previous books.
January 17, 2024
excellent
As with all of this author’s books. Good read, keep me thinking till the end hope you enjoy it as well
As with all of this author’s books. Good read, keep me thinking till the end hope you enjoy it as well
February 1, 2024
Ava does this one alone!
I think this was the best Ava James story yet. Couldn’t figure it out until the reveal. Nasty characters and great storyline. Good job, AJ.
I think this was the best Ava James story yet. Couldn’t figure it out until the reveal. Nasty characters and great storyline. Good job, AJ.
February 6, 2024
Absolutely puzzling
Ava had a tough one to solve this time! All kinds of twists and turns abound, and I never saw the resolution coming!
Ava had a tough one to solve this time! All kinds of twists and turns abound, and I never saw the resolution coming!
February 10, 2024
Not the best
Not the best in the series. Way too many characters and spoiled and weird ones at that. Just didn't enjoy this one. Nothing redeeming in this book.
Not the best in the series. Way too many characters and spoiled and weird ones at that. Just didn't enjoy this one. Nothing redeeming in this book.
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March 29, 2024Excellent
Couldn't put it down. Thrilling all the way thru. Ready for the next book. Thank you for all the great reads
Couldn't put it down. Thrilling all the way thru. Ready for the next book. Thank you for all the great reads
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews