The Invitation

Ava James FBI #10

by A.J. Rivers

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.

Genres: Christmas, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 31, 2024

Reviews

[Anissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

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!

[Teresa Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paulette · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Smelcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Patt · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 !

[Ludmila Husek · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Patricia A. Biba · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paula B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Judi Cramton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Debra S Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Judy Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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..

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another suspenseful FBI agent Ava James read. Seems she can't go anywhere without having to investigate a murder

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Dymphna Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a page turner just like the previous books.

[tom wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

As with all of this author’s books. Good read, keep me thinking till the end hope you enjoy it as well

[Michael Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Janice Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Brenda S. Allan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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.

[John Carroll]

Excellent

Couldn't put it down. Thrilling all the way thru. Ready for the next book. Thank you for all the great reads

[Lillian E. Blakesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

invitation.

Great story. So different from the others. I hope you get Elliis and Ava together. She needs a bright spot in her life.

[Ron Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Invitation

Wow. Just wow. This was one story. I try to figure out who and why as I read. This one kept me guessing until the end. Great read

[Darlene Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your books

I have read your tenth mystery book now. And again I love the suspense. I love following the characters book to book. You write great stories. Thank you!