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Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries #26

The Girl and the Bride

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Here comes the bride, all dressed in…

When the body of a "bride," clutching a bloody invitation is found in a shallow grave with flower petals scattered around, FBI agent Emma Griffin is called to the scene.
Initial reports about the victim’s disappearance were conflicting.
Some believed she had simply gotten cold feet, just a “runaway bride”.
While her family feared something far more sinister occurred.
When another “bride” is found in a similar fashion, it seems as though a serial killer is sending a message.
While the case takes on many bloody twists and turns, unraveling the final moments of these soon-to-be brides and deciphering the killer’s cryptic messages is only just the beginning.
With Bellamy’s wedding date quickly approaching, Emma juggles her duties to Bellamy and solving this mysterious case.
But there's a strange darkness looming over Bellamy's big day.
And Emma’s fears are confirmed when Bellamy is nowhere to be found...

It's the event most women have been waiting all their lives to celebrate.
As the saying goes , “Be careful what you wish for” .

197 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2024

585 people are currently reading
550 people want to read

About the author

A.J. Rivers

147 books1,520 followers

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5 stars
1,657 (67%)
4 stars
613 (25%)
3 stars
151 (6%)
2 stars
22 (<1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Kaytey.
176 reviews
July 15, 2024
Read 2024 - I thought this was a pretty good read in this series.

It's about women who are engaged and planning their weddings that are being kidnapped and killed. First, it's Sharon and then Grace. They are both found murdered but wearing wedding dresses and they have their hair and makeup done. Emma is the lead investigator on this case and discovers that these killings are in relation to the wedding adage - "something old, something new. Something borrowed, something blue". Sharon is something old because of her vintage wedding dress. And Grace is something new because of her fiancé's connection to the killer. Then Bellamy, Emma's best friend, goes missing. She is engaged to Emma's other best friend Eric and unknowingly, had one meeting with the killer's wedding planner so the killer has her planned for something borrowed.

The clock is ticking and Emma and Eric are terrified that Bellamy will end up like Sharon and Grace. But Emma discovers that the killer is Grace's fiancé, Todd's, ex-girlfriend Claire. While Claire and Todd were dating, she became obsessed with marrying Todd. She planned this whole wedding and surprised Todd with it. Todd did not want to get married and dumped Claire in front of everyone at this surprised wedding. But Claire was still delusional and obsessed enough to think they'd get back together. She was killing these brides to be in a ritualistic way, thinking that would get Todd back.

Thankfully, Emma figured it out in time to save the potential fourth victim (something blue) and then found Bellamy alive. The book ends with Eric and Bellamy finally getting married in a small ceremony officiated by Xavier. Then at the celebration after, Eric and Bellamy tell everyone that they are taking everyone on a cruise to celebrate further which will lead into the next book.

I liked reading this story - once I learned about Claire though, it was a little obvious that she was somehow involved. It's sad one deranged woman destroyed so many lives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
February 3, 2024
In the latest installment, Emma and Bellamy just can't seem to connect to get the wedding planned and done. Work pulls each of them away, but, this time it's personal, Bellamy is the victim in Emma's latest case. The clock is ticking as Bellamy's time is running out. As always, the story is engaging and fast paced. I love this group of characters. It is well written and leaves off with a preview of what's to come.
415 reviews4 followers
March 28, 2024
The Girl and the bride(Emma Griffin FBI Mystery Book 26)

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book was so worth the wait. I .can't believe everything that went on, they have 2 women end up dead, dressed in wedding dresses. Bellamy goes missing and Emma has to solve both problems, which she does just in the nick of time, but the process which she had to go through, was truly interesting. I can't wait for the next book.
257 reviews5 followers
February 5, 2024
Another great book!

Of all the AJ Rivers series, this is my favorite, which is saying a lot since I love them all. The characters are like old friends after 26 books. It's great to see their stories moving forward, while Emma deals with a really interesting case in each book. Do yourself a favor and start with The Girl in Cabin 13 and read all the way through to this one.
3 reviews
March 9, 2024
I can't put down any of the Emma Griffin FBI Mystery books. I have read every book in the series. They all keep me on the edge of my seat and they have all kept me interested in the story and not wanting to put the book down. I love these books and the characters in them. Please keep them coming!!
87 reviews
September 5, 2024
Emma & Brides

Emma has once gained fallen into a note worthy serial killer, this time of brides….Small towns have secrets, and brides have unpredictability….Will Emma figure it all out, how extensive does the planning of a wedding extend? Will her friend survive, will a family be without its Momma?
Profile Image for Lisa Moody.
70 reviews
January 3, 2025
EXCELLENT!!

You did good, Ms. Rivers! I was a little disappointed with the last couple of stories, but this one shines brightly! You are back in your groove and I LOVE it! Kudos to you for an EXCELLENT installment to the Emma Griffin saga. Keep up the good work and thank you for keeping me entertained!
207 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2025
Brings back memories

This one, at times, made me remember my own engagement and my do-it-yourself wedding. Although nothing in mine even vaguely resembled a murder, I did everything in my wedding from the cakes to the flowers. I, like Bellamy, was able to share that day with my "family".
235 reviews3 followers
February 18, 2025
Future brides to be keep turning up dead in wedding dresses

First we have a bride in full wedding clothing up dead and buried in an apple orchard. Then we have a bride to be turn up dead in a park pavilion there are no signs of cause of death to either body. Another bride to be is missing who is doing this and why?
Profile Image for Patricia A. Biba.
393 reviews1 follower
March 6, 2025
Weddings

Wedding planning is certainly a lot of work and expensive. I liked what Eric and Belle my decided to have for their wedding. The story held a lot of complex ideas and questions. With two deaths and one kidnapped I'm glad Emma figured out who, why and caught them before another death.
118 reviews
February 7, 2024
Loved it

As with the previous 25 Emma Griffin books this was an excellent book. The storyline kept me glued to this book, I couldn't hardly put it down. I highly recommend this entire Emma Griffin series and the other series written by A.J. Rivers. You will not be disappointed.
1,507 reviews7 followers
February 7, 2024
The Girl and the Bride

This is a great thriller. All of Emma Griffin books are great . You can't put these books down. I can't wait for the next book. This is a great series. I highly recommend this book and series.
398 reviews4 followers
February 11, 2024
Exciting Reading

Excellent storyline..Exciting and hard to put down. The characters, as always with Emma's stories, were wonderful. Some good and some bad. I really enjoyed it and I know you will too.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,617 reviews8 followers
February 12, 2024
eeeek!

The wedding industry takes a hit in this tale of murder and mysterious motivation.

A young woman, previous reported missing days ago, is discovered buried in a shallow grave, dressed to the nines with full wedding male-up, including all the accoutrements, head to toe.
Profile Image for Kelly Smelcer.
393 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2024
Loved it!

When women are left in public areas in wedding dresses, FBI Agent Emma Griffin tries to untangle the web that is a serial killer. Then, when her best friend Bellamy goes missing, all bets are off to find her.
Profile Image for Beth Stromberg.
448 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2024
They're back! Good, quick read. Wish there was more of X and Dean, but waiting for their next book. Missed hearing more from Sam, but , all in all, enjoyed book thoroughly, and impatiently waiting the next book . Oh, those cliffhangers!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
118 reviews
April 7, 2024
Definitely a creepy one.

Just when you’re getting ready for the happiest day of your life it’s ripped away from you. I’m definitely glad Rivers is back to writing about Emma. Now to read about a cruise! Definitely a good transition.
47 reviews
June 15, 2024
Wonderful

I love your work here. I love this character and can’t wait each time to see what is in store. You and my other favorite author keep me well I tuned and wanting more. I thank you.
51 reviews
June 28, 2024
Page turner.

I loved this book. I've read all the Emma Griffin books. In book 26 I was on the edge of my sear. I won't n give anything away but it was exciting and just couldn't stop reading. Everyone should read this series. A.j. rivers is the best.
Profile Image for Katie.
145 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
shocked

Book 26 were do I start because from some killing two women who was going to get married and then take Emma’s friend because she was going to marry her boyfriend just threw me for a lop just shocked me when reading it.
11 reviews
July 20, 2024
Had to keep reading

I couldn't stop reading. I just had to know who dunnit. I really enjoyed the story and Emma's rush to free her best friend. I had to admit that I didn't know who dunnit.
Profile Image for Nadine Younger.
124 reviews4 followers
October 5, 2024
Always enjoyable

Emma has a very personal attachment to this mystery. This missing person is close to her heart, and the clues take a while to add up. Another good one by Ms. Rivers.
52 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2024
I'm not scared... I'm not crying at the end... You are

Wow... This one really hit home... Nerve-wracking... Too real... And if you're married or engaged will bring memories to the forefront. May your nuptials be everything you want them to be!!!
10 reviews
September 4, 2025
wow!!!

This was my favorite in the series so far ❤️ I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Emma’s adventures and look forward to reading more along the way. This one kept me on my toes and I finished in two days
724 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2024
Emma is trying to find Bellamy who is missing by somebody killing future brides. This story had plenty of suspense and action . Thank you for this great story.
59 reviews
February 6, 2024
Compelling

Very compelling. The story was original and I love Emma Griffin books. The only negative is the copy editing!!! Very distracting and doesn’t reflect well on the book.
300 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2024
Nice ending

As usual AJ has created an edge of the seat drama that weaves into an inputdownable tale involving our favorite characters.
83 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2024
Awesome Book

I really enjoyed reading this book. Lots of suspense. Reminds me that people can confuse love with obsession. Obsession can be dangerous.
34 reviews
February 17, 2024
easy reading

Fast and easy reading, perfect for a rainy day! This mystery will hold your interest from page one to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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