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Dean Steele #5
The Killer Among Us
A festive holiday party turns into a nightmare when a guest is found dead, and a snowstorm causes a blackout.
PI Dean Steele dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his country.
Now, a story from one of his past missions is on the verge of becoming a TV show. He is invited to attend a Christmas party with his military buddies and some entertainment industry professionals.
Soon, a snowstorm hits, and a missing guest from the party is found dead. With the police unable to reach them and another body turning up, Dean does everything in his power to take control of the situation and catch the serial killer before it’s too late.
There’s a killer among us. Their motive is unclear.
The guests are trapped in the mansion and every guest is either a potential victim or the culprit...
PI Dean Steele dedicated a significant portion of his life to serving his country.
Now, a story from one of his past missions is on the verge of becoming a TV show. He is invited to attend a Christmas party with his military buddies and some entertainment industry professionals.
Soon, a snowstorm hits, and a missing guest from the party is found dead. With the police unable to reach them and another body turning up, Dean does everything in his power to take control of the situation and catch the serial killer before it’s too late.
There’s a killer among us. Their motive is unclear.
The guests are trapped in the mansion and every guest is either a potential victim or the culprit...
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
223 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2023
450 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 23, 2025
IDNF. I read 22% and saw no hint of a mystery, killer or otherwise. I’ve read this author’s books before and enjoyed her books, but I just couldn’t get into this one.
March 17, 2025
series that just keeps getting better
I love this series especially Xavier! He’s literally my favorite. Dean will always figure it out before the cops! The cops in this series piss me off being rude to Dean but he always comes through. This book was good one of my fave stories in the series.
I love this series especially Xavier! He’s literally my favorite. Dean will always figure it out before the cops! The cops in this series piss me off being rude to Dean but he always comes through. This book was good one of my fave stories in the series.
January 2, 2024
My Favorite Dean Steele Book So Far
The Killer Among Us by A.J. Rivers is a mystery much reminiscent of the works of the great Agatha Christie. Dean, along with a slew of guests connected to a project he may be involved with, are invited to an extravagant Christmas party located in a beautifully mysterious mansion. A snowstorm ensues keeping everyone in for the future. As bodies start dropping, Dean finds himself in a position to be in charge of the crowd and the investigation. In the way only Dean can, the mystery is solved. The story ends with a traditional Christmas celebration only A.J. Rivers can write! She provides some surprises for her beloved characters including Emma, Sam and Xavier. Along with a few new members of the family, the ending of The Killer Among Us could warm even the Grinchiest Reader’s hearts!
The Killer Among Us by A.J. Rivers is a mystery much reminiscent of the works of the great Agatha Christie. Dean, along with a slew of guests connected to a project he may be involved with, are invited to an extravagant Christmas party located in a beautifully mysterious mansion. A snowstorm ensues keeping everyone in for the future. As bodies start dropping, Dean finds himself in a position to be in charge of the crowd and the investigation. In the way only Dean can, the mystery is solved. The story ends with a traditional Christmas celebration only A.J. Rivers can write! She provides some surprises for her beloved characters including Emma, Sam and Xavier. Along with a few new members of the family, the ending of The Killer Among Us could warm even the Grinchiest Reader’s hearts!
August 9, 2025
As someone who wasn’t aware that this was not only a part of a series, but the fifth book in a series, it was an okay read. I’m sure if I started from the beginning, i would’ve possibly appreciated it more. While I didn’t have to start with book one to understand what happens in this book, it would’ve been helpful for some of the side characters and the understanding the aftermath of the mystery. The mystery itself was okay. Not great not terrible. The ending was a bit lackluster as to why the culprit did what they did. Also the writing is a bit boring and repetitive, specifically in dialogue. Anyways, it was an okay story that didn’t push me into a reading slump so that counts for something.
December 31, 2023
Probably my favorite Dean Steele book yet!
When Private Investigator Dean Steele is invited to an overnight Christmas party at a mansion for people involved in a project based on a book he helped write, it seems like a good idea. Until guests start turning up dead. With no idea who could be responsible, the body count rising, a snowstorm impeding everyone's departure and a power outage, things seem to just keep getting worse. Follow Dean in this wonderfully written thriller. You won't be disappointed!
When Private Investigator Dean Steele is invited to an overnight Christmas party at a mansion for people involved in a project based on a book he helped write, it seems like a good idea. Until guests start turning up dead. With no idea who could be responsible, the body count rising, a snowstorm impeding everyone's departure and a power outage, things seem to just keep getting worse. Follow Dean in this wonderfully written thriller. You won't be disappointed!
January 5, 2024
The Killer Among Us(Dean Steele Mystery Thriller Book 5)
I cannot express how this book made me feel. It was amazing, very exciting and kind of confusing at first. I did not who the murderer was until Dean exposed them, I was truly surprised. I am very happy that Dean found Owen and that they are on very good terms. I am happy that Xavier finally got his Christmas spirit back and I can't wait for the next book
I cannot express how this book made me feel. It was amazing, very exciting and kind of confusing at first. I did not who the murderer was until Dean exposed them, I was truly surprised. I am very happy that Dean found Owen and that they are on very good terms. I am happy that Xavier finally got his Christmas spirit back and I can't wait for the next book
April 16, 2024
A Christmas Party/A Storm/Murder!!
A Christmas party in the middle of nowhere with perhaps a movie in the making goes haywire when a dead body is found. Then the lights blink & the generator comes on to immediately stop. And in the dark a murderer hides with other bodies popping up. And they are snowbound to boot. But don’t worry- Dean Steele is in charge & he is one of the best!!
A Christmas party in the middle of nowhere with perhaps a movie in the making goes haywire when a dead body is found. Then the lights blink & the generator comes on to immediately stop. And in the dark a murderer hides with other bodies popping up. And they are snowbound to boot. But don’t worry- Dean Steele is in charge & he is one of the best!!
December 29, 2023
Oh I love you Dean
This was real joy to read. The tension , the private life and the new case Dean was thrown in just kept me reading to wee hours. I loved the interesting plot, the twists and every moment of the investigation. And yay the end. I hope I read a another Dean's adventure soon. I cannot wait.
This was real joy to read. The tension , the private life and the new case Dean was thrown in just kept me reading to wee hours. I loved the interesting plot, the twists and every moment of the investigation. And yay the end. I hope I read a another Dean's adventure soon. I cannot wait.
January 3, 2024
The Best Yet!
This installment of the Dean Steele series is the best one yet! There is a compelling mystery to solve, but there are also big moments of personal growth for our beloved characters. The underlying plot moves forward in intriguing ways I can’t wait to read more about!
This installment of the Dean Steele series is the best one yet! There is a compelling mystery to solve, but there are also big moments of personal growth for our beloved characters. The underlying plot moves forward in intriguing ways I can’t wait to read more about!
June 18, 2024
This book has definitely become a binge worthy fast favorite of mine. I love Dean Steele and his best friend Xavier as well as the introduction to Cupcake. The plot reminds me of an Agatha Christie style novel. A holiday party at a mansion, a snow storm, isolation and murder. Well worth the read. I highly recommend this series and I’m looking forward to reading more.
December 29, 2023
The Killer Among Us
I loved this book. It had the intrigue and mystery that I love. The Christmas ending was really great .This made the book. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book.
I loved this book. It had the intrigue and mystery that I love. The Christmas ending was really great .This made the book. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next book.
December 31, 2023
My favorite in the series!
I've really liked all of the books in the Dean Steele series, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite. Maybe it's the Christmas theme or the way it meshed with the most recent Emma Griffin book, but I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
I've really liked all of the books in the Dean Steele series, but I'm pretty sure this is my favorite. Maybe it's the Christmas theme or the way it meshed with the most recent Emma Griffin book, but I enjoyed reading every bit of it.
January 5, 2024
So Good!
As always...excellent reading. I really enjoyed the story. It was exciting and took many twists and turns. And added a few surprises. And the characters are mostly family. I know you will enjoy it too.
As always...excellent reading. I really enjoyed the story. It was exciting and took many twists and turns. And added a few surprises. And the characters are mostly family. I know you will enjoy it too.
January 6, 2024
A couple of shockers in this one!
Wow, I did not see that coming! Love the way Dean solves this, especially that he hand writes everything down to help him think. Always ready for another Dean Steele!
Wow, I did not see that coming! Love the way Dean solves this, especially that he hand writes everything down to help him think. Always ready for another Dean Steele!
January 18, 2024
Enthralling
This book keeps you guessing until the end. I love this series. Dean Steele has a way of drawing you in with his investigative ways. I love waiting to see what Xavier will do or say next. A.J. Rivers knocks so it out of the park.
This book keeps you guessing until the end. I love this series. Dean Steele has a way of drawing you in with his investigative ways. I love waiting to see what Xavier will do or say next. A.J. Rivers knocks so it out of the park.
February 25, 2024
just ok
Mystery was decent story but the blabber about Xavier was truly excessive. Excruciating detail regarding useless topics distract from what otherwise would have been a decent who done it.
Mystery was decent story but the blabber about Xavier was truly excessive. Excruciating detail regarding useless topics distract from what otherwise would have been a decent who done it.
March 17, 2024
another great read
AJ Rivers has done it again. Love this series, and now Dean has family. Story keep me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book. Can’t wait for Dean’s next case and how he copes with being a dad!
AJ Rivers has done it again. Love this series, and now Dean has family. Story keep me on the edge of my chair throughout the whole book. Can’t wait for Dean’s next case and how he copes with being a dad!
April 15, 2024
Outstanding
Just finished this book and loved every word and minute. The storyline was every bit a "who done it" and definitely held your attention. I don't know how she does it but every one oh A.J.Rivers' books and stories/plots are the best. Now on to book 6!
Just finished this book and loved every word and minute. The storyline was every bit a "who done it" and definitely held your attention. I don't know how she does it but every one oh A.J.Rivers' books and stories/plots are the best. Now on to book 6!
May 26, 2024
There are not enough words
Such a heartwarming read, and they just keep getting better. I live vicariously through this family. The love and heartache is just so real. It all blends so well together. From the mysteries to the interactions. Love all of it.
Such a heartwarming read, and they just keep getting better. I live vicariously through this family. The love and heartache is just so real. It all blends so well together. From the mysteries to the interactions. Love all of it.
June 12, 2024
wow!!
Dean finished the book that Charlie had started before he died, about their time in the military when their plane crashed. He gets invited to a Christmas party by people trying to get him to give them rights to make a movie. While there people start getting murdered.
Dean finished the book that Charlie had started before he died, about their time in the military when their plane crashed. He gets invited to a Christmas party by people trying to get him to give them rights to make a movie. While there people start getting murdered.
November 6, 2024
Excellent Whodunnit book with a holiday flair
I loved this book and wasn’t able to guess who the “bad guy” was in the plot. The Christmas story woven throughout the main storyline is fun & festive. I think this is my favorite Dean Steele book so far!
I loved this book and wasn’t able to guess who the “bad guy” was in the plot. The Christmas story woven throughout the main storyline is fun & festive. I think this is my favorite Dean Steele book so far!
February 6, 2025
WELL DONE, MY DEAR!!
This is one of my favorite stories to date. Not only was the mystery well written and, well, a mystery, the Christmas ending was PERFECT!!
Thank you again, my Dear, for keeping me entertained and wanting more!! Kudos!!
This is one of my favorite stories to date. Not only was the mystery well written and, well, a mystery, the Christmas ending was PERFECT!!
Thank you again, my Dear, for keeping me entertained and wanting more!! Kudos!!
May 20, 2025
Goodreads
Good series to go with Emma Griffin series. I knew Owen from Emma's series but really enjoyed this with Deans version. They both go well together. Looking forward to more with dean.
Good series to go with Emma Griffin series. I knew Owen from Emma's series but really enjoyed this with Deans version. They both go well together. Looking forward to more with dean.
December 23, 2023
This was a excellent book about Dean taking charge to see who is killing people and why. There was lots of suspense and action to find the killer. Thank you for this awesome story.
January 1, 2024
Dean
I lived this book, it was so good. Looking forward to the next one and even more. I hope you continue Deans story with his family.
I lived this book, it was so good. Looking forward to the next one and even more. I hope you continue Deans story with his family.
January 1, 2024
Christmas
I totally love this series! Each character is developed to the place I have adopted them into my already large family and they just seamlessly belong.
I totally love this series! Each character is developed to the place I have adopted them into my already large family and they just seamlessly belong.
January 5, 2024
plot kept me guessing
I missed something because I couldn’t figure out what actually happened to Melvin by the conclusion of the story.
Xavier is always a bright spot.
I missed something because I couldn’t figure out what actually happened to Melvin by the conclusion of the story.
Xavier is always a bright spot.
January 18, 2024
I really wish Goodreads allowed half stars. I’d give it 4 1/2. This was my favorite Dean Steele book. It was suspenseful and not as repetitive as some of the AJ Rivers books. I also like that the Brielle and Owen characters appear in this book. It makes for nice continuity.
January 30, 2024
This was definitely a good one!
I just love the development of Xavier and the plot twists in this one. The main story ended weird but the ending of the book made it all worth it.
I just love the development of Xavier and the plot twists in this one. The main story ended weird but the ending of the book made it all worth it.
February 17, 2024
exceptional
Another great story. If only I had more time . Love every book that has come out so far. Thank you
Another great story. If only I had more time . Love every book that has come out so far. Thank you
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews