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The Forgotten Girl
Undercover FBI agent Lynn Rivers has spent most of her life chasing killers. But when a young woman she loves like family is found brutally murdered, the case becomes far more than another investigation.
The victim, Shanna Myers, was the daughter of Lynn's closest friends—a bright, promising young woman she'd known her entire life. Devastated by the loss and determined to find answers, Lynn throws herself into the hunt for a killer.
But as Lynn searches for answers, the investigation uncovers links to a murder that has haunted her for over two decades.
The prime suspect is the same man linked to the death of one of Lynn's closest friends decades earlier. A man she once trusted. A man she once loved. A man who has spent years hiding in plain sight.
As buried secrets come to light, Lynn must uncover the truth behind Shanna's murder—even if the answers shatter everything she thought she knew about the people she once loved.
Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Melinda Leigh, and dark, emotionally driven crime thrillers where justice comes at a personal cost.
The victim, Shanna Myers, was the daughter of Lynn's closest friends—a bright, promising young woman she'd known her entire life. Devastated by the loss and determined to find answers, Lynn throws herself into the hunt for a killer.
But as Lynn searches for answers, the investigation uncovers links to a murder that has haunted her for over two decades.
The prime suspect is the same man linked to the death of one of Lynn's closest friends decades earlier. A man she once trusted. A man she once loved. A man who has spent years hiding in plain sight.
As buried secrets come to light, Lynn must uncover the truth behind Shanna's murder—even if the answers shatter everything she thought she knew about the people she once loved.
Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Melinda Leigh, and dark, emotionally driven crime thrillers where justice comes at a personal cost.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2024
About the author
LJ Bourne
9 books7 followersLJ Bourne is the author of several gripping mystery and crime fiction novels. Her books transport you to vivid, life-like settings where you'll experience heart-pumping action and sinister twists with every turn of the page. With strong, fearless heroines and villains that would make even the toughest detective break a sweat, LJ's books are simply unputdownable.
LJ lives a peaceful life surrounded by her family, cats and koi fish near a tranquil pond by a forest. It's in this idyllic setting that she finds the inspiration to craft her next captivating murder mystery. Though the biggest mystery could actually be why the stories she writes take such dark turns.
Sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive previews of new books and stay updated on all new releases!
LJ lives a peaceful life surrounded by her family, cats and koi fish near a tranquil pond by a forest. It's in this idyllic setting that she finds the inspiration to craft her next captivating murder mystery. Though the biggest mystery could actually be why the stories she writes take such dark turns.
Sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive previews of new books and stay updated on all new releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 18, 2024
FBI agent trying to solve murder of her closest friend's daughter is accused of personal bias - 4 stars
One upstate New York community has been the location of murders of young women for two decades. This time a girl adopted by FBI Agent Lynn Rivers' best friend is brutally murdered in a forest camp. Twenty years ago, it was Lynn's best friend. Her grief is personal; the murder was committed in the nearly identical location near the town where Lynn grew up. The psychological drama of the past murders and the uncanny similarity of the same suspect are front and center. Lynn still has feelings for him.
The FBI is considered meddlesome by the local sheriff. And the sheriff is sure that Lynn's high school boyfriend is responsible. Lynn has not completely accepted the terror of the deaths of her best friend followed quickly by her parents' murders. After her best friend died, her high school boyfriend joined the army and hasn't been back for 20 years. Lynn held back several details in explaining her history from her FBI partner (TJ). TJ can read Lynn quite well. It seems suspicious that the boyfriend from long ago reappearance and multiple murders of young women have restarted doubts in the rural community.
I was not even close in figuring out who the murderer of Linn's friend's daughter was. I thought that more of the mysteries would be explained in the wrap up. I was disappointed that there were many unanswered questions in the wrap up. The loss of sleep that multiple police personnel had to endure and the negative effects of wealthy families on police get a lot of attention. One pushy reporter gets a well-deserved thrashing. But in the end, there is a clear explanation about the who, what, why of the murder in a satisfying conclusion. I expect that there will be more to come without calling this a cliffhanger. It is a good read that gets better as it accelerates to the last word.
One upstate New York community has been the location of murders of young women for two decades. This time a girl adopted by FBI Agent Lynn Rivers' best friend is brutally murdered in a forest camp. Twenty years ago, it was Lynn's best friend. Her grief is personal; the murder was committed in the nearly identical location near the town where Lynn grew up. The psychological drama of the past murders and the uncanny similarity of the same suspect are front and center. Lynn still has feelings for him.
The FBI is considered meddlesome by the local sheriff. And the sheriff is sure that Lynn's high school boyfriend is responsible. Lynn has not completely accepted the terror of the deaths of her best friend followed quickly by her parents' murders. After her best friend died, her high school boyfriend joined the army and hasn't been back for 20 years. Lynn held back several details in explaining her history from her FBI partner (TJ). TJ can read Lynn quite well. It seems suspicious that the boyfriend from long ago reappearance and multiple murders of young women have restarted doubts in the rural community.
I was not even close in figuring out who the murderer of Linn's friend's daughter was. I thought that more of the mysteries would be explained in the wrap up. I was disappointed that there were many unanswered questions in the wrap up. The loss of sleep that multiple police personnel had to endure and the negative effects of wealthy families on police get a lot of attention. One pushy reporter gets a well-deserved thrashing. But in the end, there is a clear explanation about the who, what, why of the murder in a satisfying conclusion. I expect that there will be more to come without calling this a cliffhanger. It is a good read that gets better as it accelerates to the last word.
September 9, 2026
THE FORGOTTEN GIRL - I like this author but I had a hard time keeping interest in the story lines and the characters. The book could use editing on the word count, too much filler. Lynn and TJ are likeable and Ryan. Clean. Source: Booksprout. 3*
E&M Investigations Series:
Ms. Bourne writes an interesting, intriguing, and entertaining series. Well written story lines that move at a constant pace with a variety of well developed characters that hold the reader's interest. Enough clues and twists that guide and misdirect enough to include the reader in the investigations. I chain-read the first four books and never once did I get bored with or tired of what I was reading. I like that the romance is not dominant but a part of the story; it is not silly as in sexual thoughts, at any time, or sex scenes. Past events are rarely mentioned and only in passing, not in detail. Sources: My Kindle library and BookFunnel finds.
THE FALL - I enjoyed my first read by this author. I'm not sure if this is a prequel since the book mentions The Fairytale Killer and Eva and Mike's relationship, but it is an interesting introduction to this series. Too easily solved by me but still entertaining. 4*
THE FAIRYTALE KILLER, Prequel - Rather a sad motive behind the Killer's actions but an interesting read. The killer click for me just before the exposure/solution. 5*
PRETTY PLACES, #1 - This takes place about three years after TFK ends. A lot has changed in those years, and then some have not. I figured out the killer from the clues, and gut feeling, but it took a while. Easy to get immersed in the pages and hard to put down. 5*
BAD ROADS, #2 - Two months after PP and Eva and Mike and the gang are at it again. This time I didn't get the killer figured out. 5*
E&M Investigations Series:
Ms. Bourne writes an interesting, intriguing, and entertaining series. Well written story lines that move at a constant pace with a variety of well developed characters that hold the reader's interest. Enough clues and twists that guide and misdirect enough to include the reader in the investigations. I chain-read the first four books and never once did I get bored with or tired of what I was reading. I like that the romance is not dominant but a part of the story; it is not silly as in sexual thoughts, at any time, or sex scenes. Past events are rarely mentioned and only in passing, not in detail. Sources: My Kindle library and BookFunnel finds.
THE FALL - I enjoyed my first read by this author. I'm not sure if this is a prequel since the book mentions The Fairytale Killer and Eva and Mike's relationship, but it is an interesting introduction to this series. Too easily solved by me but still entertaining. 4*
THE FAIRYTALE KILLER, Prequel - Rather a sad motive behind the Killer's actions but an interesting read. The killer click for me just before the exposure/solution. 5*
PRETTY PLACES, #1 - This takes place about three years after TFK ends. A lot has changed in those years, and then some have not. I figured out the killer from the clues, and gut feeling, but it took a while. Easy to get immersed in the pages and hard to put down. 5*
BAD ROADS, #2 - Two months after PP and Eva and Mike and the gang are at it again. This time I didn't get the killer figured out. 5*
December 28, 2024
FBI agent Lynn Rivers and her partner TJ are tasked with investigating the murder of the daughter of a close friend, and difficulties arise, with few worthwhile leads. Her boss has doubts about her continued involvement in the investigation, due to the closeness of the friend, and then the reappearance of a school day boyfriend who twenty years ago was the main suspect in the murder of another school friend in a near by country town. There are overlapping investigations and rivalries between the investigating authorities which adds to the intrigue of the story and Lynn finds so many similarities to the unsolved case from 20 years ago that her feelings and suspicions of her old boyfriend come to the fore again. A pugnacious media character, with whom Lynn and TJ have a history, also interferes along the way.
The investigation proceeds, with potential suspects being eliminated until a final surprise twist brings Lynn and her previous boyfriend Ryan Connor face to face with the perpetrator and into a dangerous position.
There are many characters in this story and a lot of soul searching as the story proceeds, but it is an entertaining if at times convoluted read.
The investigation proceeds, with potential suspects being eliminated until a final surprise twist brings Lynn and her previous boyfriend Ryan Connor face to face with the perpetrator and into a dangerous position.
There are many characters in this story and a lot of soul searching as the story proceeds, but it is an entertaining if at times convoluted read.
July 21, 2025
The Forgotten Girl is Unforgettable.
Forgotten Girl by LJ Bourne is a captivating story about a small-town girl who joined the big-time FBI, then goes back home, using her detective skills to find a serial killer. It brings her past, not just physically but psychologically, into her present, where she must resolve this current issue to resolve her past. It pulled in right away with its emotional stakes and psychology.
An FBI agent investigating the murder of her best friend’s daughter, in the same woods where her friend was killed twenty years ago. The situation hits close to home in more ways than one, especially when her old boyfriend, the prime suspect back in the day, is back in town. The mix of the past, her past, and the story’s mystery had me turning every page.
The book didn’t always come together seamlessly. At times, it got a little messy, and I was left with unanswered questions. But, all in all, LJ Bourne made me feel like I was back in a small town reunion, trying to solve my way back out, while searching within myself.
I enjoyed the ride; it’s set up for future books. Hopefully, some of those unanswered questions will be found there.
Forgotten Girl by LJ Bourne is a captivating story about a small-town girl who joined the big-time FBI, then goes back home, using her detective skills to find a serial killer. It brings her past, not just physically but psychologically, into her present, where she must resolve this current issue to resolve her past. It pulled in right away with its emotional stakes and psychology.
An FBI agent investigating the murder of her best friend’s daughter, in the same woods where her friend was killed twenty years ago. The situation hits close to home in more ways than one, especially when her old boyfriend, the prime suspect back in the day, is back in town. The mix of the past, her past, and the story’s mystery had me turning every page.
The book didn’t always come together seamlessly. At times, it got a little messy, and I was left with unanswered questions. But, all in all, LJ Bourne made me feel like I was back in a small town reunion, trying to solve my way back out, while searching within myself.
I enjoyed the ride; it’s set up for future books. Hopefully, some of those unanswered questions will be found there.
May 5, 2024
this book is a 1.7 star at best. it’s just not good or well thought out.
don’t get me wrong, I love tropey books, but this was too much. we had the typical ‘traumatic experiences as a kid led MC to be a cop’, which is to be expected. then we had the ‘current murder of someone close leads to clues and curiosity of old unsolved murders’ and then ‘MC doesn’t feel like it’s important to tell her partner about clues therefore causing a rift’ and so many more. it was over the top, doing too much, couldn’t pick one and roll with it. Bourne smashed every single existing trope together into this story. even the ‘cop partners who slept together but decided they’re better off ass friends’.
there was also a ridiculous amount of red herrings used in this book. first we think it’s Ryan, then we suspect Ben (who’s last name is Steele?? sounds fake but I guess it’s not), then we suspect Ryan AGAIN, then it’s Alicia, then it’s the entire film crew, and finally we find out it was just Kyle. talk about lackluster and uncreative.
I want to talk about Gerry a little bit. we’re told he’s some horrible despicable person (as is the rest of Ryan’s family I guess), but on-page he’s creepy at best. he’s polite, he does nothing of note that would lead me to believe that he’s a shitbag. but, it’s emphasized heavily that he and his brothers are all disgusting people. sure, he’s creepy and a little odd. sure, the conversation of him wanting Ryan to lie to the police that he wasn’t there the night of the murder (not the one you’re thinking btw). sure, he’s seedy, but all of the shady things he supposedly does is all off page. how am I supposed to believe he’s shady when he’s a regular dude on page?
the author definitely needs to get better at writing characters. we get so many that are emphasized as important but straight up disappear. the sheriffs daughter, the entire film crew, the man cop, Nate, Ryan’s dad, Lynn’s sister??? the list goes on. why bring them up, make them so important, and then just do nothing with them. there was so much potential for Lynn to be the role model/advisor to the sheriffs daughter (because her father was also sheriff), but no. we see her at the crime scene and then she’s gone.
I have to say, the characters were so terrible. nobody had common sense. no one. Ryan was actually so stupid it hurt; why would you be completely oblivious to the fact that, when asked, your mom who is GOING THROUGH CHEMO said she didn’t clean the cabin you’ve been staying in?? why wouldn’t you be slightly concerned that someone broke in, cleaned said cabin, and could potentially be inside? especially when you are being framed for THREE murders, someone is contacting you through an unknown phone number, and your mom admitted to not being up there recently? as much as this book spouts ‘oh he has PTSD he can’t sleep blah blah’ he has zero survival instincts and is as dumb as a rock. Lynn was lacking all common sense whatsoever; why would you keep clues and secrets when you’re working a case that is close to you? why would you hide the fact that you met up with an old friend (who was arrested on suspicion of murder) because he’s been doing some investigation on his own end? for however smart I’m led to believe Lynn is, shes just not. I get that this situation would be hard to cope with, that it would make everything spin out of control, but for the love of god if you can’t handle it then say so. TJ was built up to do a two-timing thing but it just didn’t happen? his anger was implied but not shown. he was as interesting as a brick wall. there was a scene where he was near Shanna’s apartment to meet Kevin where we get told he’s going to her apartment afterward, but when the conversation ends he goes ‘now idk what to do’ and proceeds to not go to the apartment.
the most infuriating thing that this book did, ignoring all the grammar mistakes, is the constant push of Alicia’s murder and of her parents murder. we get multiple scenes that are ‘oh this is odd it connects to this 20 year old murder of my bestie/family’ and that’s it. no progress gets made in the search for their killers. we get it shoved down our throats only for literally nothing to happen. I get that it’s the first book of several following the MC, but building up the main point for 80% of the book only for the end to be ‘oh hey I have this elaborate plan to find who murdered those people but we’re not actually going to do anything in this book which pretty much forces you to read the next’. it’s a bait. I’m not baited, I will be digging for the answer to who killed these people without reading the book because I hated the characters so much.
before writing this and talking about it to a friend, I was like “yeah this book is good! the story is there, the characters are complex, yada yada” but the more I talked about it the more i realized that it wasn’t good. the so called ‘complex’ characters are really shallow and boring. they’re made to seem complex yet there’s not a single instance where I’m convinced they are. there’s too much bullshit happening, none of which gets resolved, and the characters are insanely boring. the author did way too much. nothing was resolved, I left with more questions than answers, and the only reason I kept reading was because I wanted to know if the author would end it in a good way.
an observation I had revolved around Gerry. the conversation with Ryan made me very suspicious, and I genuinely thought the author would give me whiplash with the twist that HE was the killer. what an interesting and different take on this genre. but no. it was Kyle. Gerry had two on page scenes (another reason I think it would’ve been a good twist since we don’t get to know him), clearly not enough to mean that much but just enough to have shocked me if he did it. instead of taking creative liberties and being creative with the plot, the author did the laziest thing possible.
don’t get me wrong, I love tropey books, but this was too much. we had the typical ‘traumatic experiences as a kid led MC to be a cop’, which is to be expected. then we had the ‘current murder of someone close leads to clues and curiosity of old unsolved murders’ and then ‘MC doesn’t feel like it’s important to tell her partner about clues therefore causing a rift’ and so many more. it was over the top, doing too much, couldn’t pick one and roll with it. Bourne smashed every single existing trope together into this story. even the ‘cop partners who slept together but decided they’re better off ass friends’.
there was also a ridiculous amount of red herrings used in this book. first we think it’s Ryan, then we suspect Ben (who’s last name is Steele?? sounds fake but I guess it’s not), then we suspect Ryan AGAIN, then it’s Alicia, then it’s the entire film crew, and finally we find out it was just Kyle. talk about lackluster and uncreative.
I want to talk about Gerry a little bit. we’re told he’s some horrible despicable person (as is the rest of Ryan’s family I guess), but on-page he’s creepy at best. he’s polite, he does nothing of note that would lead me to believe that he’s a shitbag. but, it’s emphasized heavily that he and his brothers are all disgusting people. sure, he’s creepy and a little odd. sure, the conversation of him wanting Ryan to lie to the police that he wasn’t there the night of the murder (not the one you’re thinking btw). sure, he’s seedy, but all of the shady things he supposedly does is all off page. how am I supposed to believe he’s shady when he’s a regular dude on page?
the author definitely needs to get better at writing characters. we get so many that are emphasized as important but straight up disappear. the sheriffs daughter, the entire film crew, the man cop, Nate, Ryan’s dad, Lynn’s sister??? the list goes on. why bring them up, make them so important, and then just do nothing with them. there was so much potential for Lynn to be the role model/advisor to the sheriffs daughter (because her father was also sheriff), but no. we see her at the crime scene and then she’s gone.
I have to say, the characters were so terrible. nobody had common sense. no one. Ryan was actually so stupid it hurt; why would you be completely oblivious to the fact that, when asked, your mom who is GOING THROUGH CHEMO said she didn’t clean the cabin you’ve been staying in?? why wouldn’t you be slightly concerned that someone broke in, cleaned said cabin, and could potentially be inside? especially when you are being framed for THREE murders, someone is contacting you through an unknown phone number, and your mom admitted to not being up there recently? as much as this book spouts ‘oh he has PTSD he can’t sleep blah blah’ he has zero survival instincts and is as dumb as a rock. Lynn was lacking all common sense whatsoever; why would you keep clues and secrets when you’re working a case that is close to you? why would you hide the fact that you met up with an old friend (who was arrested on suspicion of murder) because he’s been doing some investigation on his own end? for however smart I’m led to believe Lynn is, shes just not. I get that this situation would be hard to cope with, that it would make everything spin out of control, but for the love of god if you can’t handle it then say so. TJ was built up to do a two-timing thing but it just didn’t happen? his anger was implied but not shown. he was as interesting as a brick wall. there was a scene where he was near Shanna’s apartment to meet Kevin where we get told he’s going to her apartment afterward, but when the conversation ends he goes ‘now idk what to do’ and proceeds to not go to the apartment.
the most infuriating thing that this book did, ignoring all the grammar mistakes, is the constant push of Alicia’s murder and of her parents murder. we get multiple scenes that are ‘oh this is odd it connects to this 20 year old murder of my bestie/family’ and that’s it. no progress gets made in the search for their killers. we get it shoved down our throats only for literally nothing to happen. I get that it’s the first book of several following the MC, but building up the main point for 80% of the book only for the end to be ‘oh hey I have this elaborate plan to find who murdered those people but we’re not actually going to do anything in this book which pretty much forces you to read the next’. it’s a bait. I’m not baited, I will be digging for the answer to who killed these people without reading the book because I hated the characters so much.
before writing this and talking about it to a friend, I was like “yeah this book is good! the story is there, the characters are complex, yada yada” but the more I talked about it the more i realized that it wasn’t good. the so called ‘complex’ characters are really shallow and boring. they’re made to seem complex yet there’s not a single instance where I’m convinced they are. there’s too much bullshit happening, none of which gets resolved, and the characters are insanely boring. the author did way too much. nothing was resolved, I left with more questions than answers, and the only reason I kept reading was because I wanted to know if the author would end it in a good way.
an observation I had revolved around Gerry. the conversation with Ryan made me very suspicious, and I genuinely thought the author would give me whiplash with the twist that HE was the killer. what an interesting and different take on this genre. but no. it was Kyle. Gerry had two on page scenes (another reason I think it would’ve been a good twist since we don’t get to know him), clearly not enough to mean that much but just enough to have shocked me if he did it. instead of taking creative liberties and being creative with the plot, the author did the laziest thing possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2026
Shanna is filming in the woods with ten other people, and when she took off by herself and didn't come back, the others called the police. The police found Shanna unalived and Shanna's parents wanted their good friend FBI Agent Lynn on Shanna's case to find the unaliver. FBI Agent Lynn and her partner FBI Agent TJ are gonna find out who unalived Shanna. Lynn has history with this years ago when her best friend Alicia was unalived and this case keeps bringing back the past, not just physically but psychologically into her present where she must resolve this current issue to resolve her past. Lynn's ex Ryan was in the Marines and is helping lookin for his friend Nate daughter Tonya that vanished without a trace, but the town is suspicious of him cause of his past. This is a good, fast-paced book, and it does leave on a cliffhanger. I can't wait to read book 2.
Thanks to Booksprout for sendin me an advanced readin copy to read and review.
Thanks to Booksprout for sendin me an advanced readin copy to read and review.
September 11, 2026
This is the first in the Lynn Rivers Mysteries series. Lynn Rivers and her partner are investigating the brutal murder of the daughter of Lynn’s close friends. As the investigation unfolds, links to the unsolved murder of Lynn’s best friend Alicia twenty years ago and other unsolved murders of several more young women seem to be tied to the current murder. On the whole this is a good mystery, but in some ways there’s too much going on to keep things tightly focused on the current investigation. Lynn’s past, even though it adds a lot of context, starts to overwhelm the story. The perpetrator of the current murder investigation is identified and there is closure to that investigation, but to find answers to the twenty year old murders in Lynn’s past, readers need to continue the series. Is that a bad thing? No - just something to be aware of for those readers who like to have all loose threads neatly wrapped up. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
September 7, 2026
Agent Lynn Rivers is called to the site of a murder, but this one is personal. She knows the family. Additionally, the murder has many similarities to the murder of her best friend years earlier. As Lynn and her partner, TJ, work through the case, memories of her friend haunt her. What makes matters worse is that her other friend, and one-time lover, Ryan, was the main suspect, and he has returned. She doesn't believe he had anything to do with the murder, but she can't be 100% sure.
The murdered girl, Shanna, was working on a film with other NYU students. The director's girlfriend was jealous of Shanna, because the director and Shanna had kissed. Kevin, Shanna's friend and self-proclaimed protector, was helping the FBI with people he believed had hurt Shanna.
I really liked this first book in the series and can't wait to read book 2! Lynn is conflicted about her friend, but she is also fiercely loyal. She loves to work undercover and fight for the victims, which I loved. I also like the set-up for the next book!
The murdered girl, Shanna, was working on a film with other NYU students. The director's girlfriend was jealous of Shanna, because the director and Shanna had kissed. Kevin, Shanna's friend and self-proclaimed protector, was helping the FBI with people he believed had hurt Shanna.
I really liked this first book in the series and can't wait to read book 2! Lynn is conflicted about her friend, but she is also fiercely loyal. She loves to work undercover and fight for the victims, which I loved. I also like the set-up for the next book!
September 8, 2026
The Forgotten Girl by LJ Bourne is the first in a new series of really good psychological thrillers that keep you guessing throughout the book, and sets up a great teaser so that you will want to continue to the next book just to see what happens. FBI agents Lynn Rivers has a somewhat questionable past in the small town where she grew up, but her history with the FBI has been excellent. To see her struggle with the decisions and actions she makes in attempting to solve the violent murder of her closest friends daughter adds to the building drama os this story. It’s definitely a page turner and not to be missed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2026
Paths Change ~
Special Agent Lynn Rivers is back to a place just over 30 miles from her hometown to investigate a murdered girl. This starts as a few things pinging from memories of years ago. The camping location... and the girl is one from school back then... it also includes a charm that they both had back then..
This is one FBI story that has the FBI in it, but it is more of a small-town feel to it, with reaches to that big FBI turn-out when needed!
I will be looking for book 2 in this series!
If you love a little nostalgia, a little real time, and a lot of police/FBI, you will love this book!
Thank you, LJ Bourne, for a great book.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Special Agent Lynn Rivers is back to a place just over 30 miles from her hometown to investigate a murdered girl. This starts as a few things pinging from memories of years ago. The camping location... and the girl is one from school back then... it also includes a charm that they both had back then..
This is one FBI story that has the FBI in it, but it is more of a small-town feel to it, with reaches to that big FBI turn-out when needed!
I will be looking for book 2 in this series!
If you love a little nostalgia, a little real time, and a lot of police/FBI, you will love this book!
Thank you, LJ Bourne, for a great book.
I received a complimentary arc copy of this book and this is my honest review.
September 16, 2026
Lynn and her partner are tasked to solve the murder of a friend's daughter. This takes them back to the small town where Lynn grew up. This current murder has an eery resemblance to an unsolved murder from decades ago. A murder which her old boyfriend was suspect. Small towns are not like big cities, things are a little more personal since everyone knows everyone. This can complicate a murder investigation. This is a really good first book of the series. There are a number of unanswered questions which I am hoping will be answered as the series progresses. I can't wait to see what comes next for Lynn and TJ.
September 17, 2026
Lynn is devastated to find the brutalized body of Shanna, the daughter of her best friends. Shanna had gone camping in the woods with friends. Lynn and her partner, TJ find the case becoming more intricate as none of the people they suspect fit the profile. Lynn does not give up the search for the killer. Is the case connected to the murder of her parents and best friend, twenty years ago? An edge of the seat thriller which is riveting and suspenseful. Good world building as the woods and its vicinity are graphically described. The characters are well depicted.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, it had so many twist and turns. FBI Agent Lynn Rivers goes back to her hometown area to solve the murder of her friend’s daughter. Her partner TJ joins her. Here she meets a man from her past who may be the killer. Everything points to him. I did not figure out who did it until the end. The author leaves you a few clues but I got it wrong. A great read and the next one will be even more interesting. Lynn goes back to find out who killed her friend and family. Cannot wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2025
A dark, emotional mystery with real bite.
The Forgotten Girl blends a chilling murder case with raw personal stakes as FBI agent Lynn Rivers confronts a past that won’t stay buried. The dual timelines and psychological tension keep the pages turning, and while some side characters feel a bit thin, Lynn’s emotional depth and the eerie small-town secrets make it a gripping ride. The central mystery is being left unsolved which could leave to frustration by some readers. A strong start to what promises to be a powerful series.
The Forgotten Girl blends a chilling murder case with raw personal stakes as FBI agent Lynn Rivers confronts a past that won’t stay buried. The dual timelines and psychological tension keep the pages turning, and while some side characters feel a bit thin, Lynn’s emotional depth and the eerie small-town secrets make it a gripping ride. The central mystery is being left unsolved which could leave to frustration by some readers. A strong start to what promises to be a powerful series.
August 26, 2026
Not Soon Forgotten
“The Forgotten Girl” is a captivating story, filled with twists and misleading turns. With so much going on, the book is loaded with suspense, as Lynn and TJ find themselves twisting and turning to find the tight path to solve a tragic and gruesome murder. But, what about a murder from twenty years ago, and another now that is so similar, it’s chilling? Are these crimes all connected? Is the answer a serial killer? Lynn Rivers won’t rest until she knows for certain.
“The Forgotten Girl” is a captivating story, filled with twists and misleading turns. With so much going on, the book is loaded with suspense, as Lynn and TJ find themselves twisting and turning to find the tight path to solve a tragic and gruesome murder. But, what about a murder from twenty years ago, and another now that is so similar, it’s chilling? Are these crimes all connected? Is the answer a serial killer? Lynn Rivers won’t rest until she knows for certain.
September 5, 2026
This was a fast paced story of FBI agent, Lynn Rivers, investigating the brutal murder of a dear family friend. As the investigation proceeds, she can’t ignore the similarities to the murder of her best friend years prior, and It quickly becomes personal. The chemistry between Lynn and her partner in the FBI is seamless. They practically read each others thoughts. Unfortunately she also has great chemistry with her first love and possible suspect in these murders. Lynn and her partner work tirelessly to find the killer. I could literally feel her exhaustion. Great read!
November 14, 2025
This is my first time reading this author but I will definitely be looking for more. This is the first book in a new series so I was excited to be able to read this series from the start. Special Agent Lynn Rivers is sent to investigate a wild case. Her best friend's daughter has been found murdered in a hideous way at a campsite. Lynn is struggling to work the case since she's known the victim her entire life but knows she has to see it through. Great suspense and mystery.
September 16, 2026
This book follow a former undercover agent Lynn Rivers and her partner as they work the murder case Lynn's friends daughter. Lynn watched the girl grow up and the case is personal. She sees things that remind her of her best friends death years ago. At that time she was the alibi for the person everyone thought did it. Then she sees him hanging around at the crime scene.
This book has so many twists and turns that you can't stop reading. It is a well written book and a must read.
This book has so many twists and turns that you can't stop reading. It is a well written book and a must read.
September 17, 2026
Shanna Myers is in the woods filming a movie when she takes off walking in the woods. The people she is with call the police to report her disappearance. The family wants FBI Agent Lynn Rivers and her partner, TJ, on the case. The case starts to remind Lynn of the murder of her friend twenty years ago. Has the same person been killing young women for twenty years?
This is an intriguing start to a new series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This is an intriguing start to a new series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
September 30, 2026
This was a suspenseful story that brought the past into the present. Lynn, FBI agent had a friend murdered when they were young. That old unsolved case came back to a present day case that had similarities. This was a wonderful story full of twists and turns you did not see coming. This is a recommended read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2024
This is a great start to a new series with action from start to finish. This is the first of many (I hope) cases of Lynn Rivers and the FBI. And what a nightmare of a case! Could the killer be someone she knows? A definite edge of the seat thriller that I did not want to put down. Love it as much as I do? Book 2 is already available!
September 9, 2024
This is a very good murder/mystery with drama, violence, suspense, and intrigue. The MCs are defined, intelligent, intuitive, determined, and want answers. I liked this entertaining, engaging, and enjoyable book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2026
I found this plot was interesting and I love the main character Undercover Agent
Lynn. She knew the victim and watch her grow up, so it became personal to find the killer.
As she digs in to the case for answers, she noticed there was a connection to the case of 20 years ago that has haunted her.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it,
Lynn. She knew the victim and watch her grow up, so it became personal to find the killer.
As she digs in to the case for answers, she noticed there was a connection to the case of 20 years ago that has haunted her.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it,
September 14, 2026
Wow! This book had me up all night. Great storyline, lots of suspense and great characters. The author has done a lot of research on DNA which is fascinating.
The pace is very fast and it's amazing what some people will do for their own gratification.
I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pace is very fast and it's amazing what some people will do for their own gratification.
I look forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2026
Lynn is called to a crime scene and this one hits close to home in multiple ways. Not only is the victim close to her, but she is also taken back home. She is determined to solve all the murders, but it will take a while and could actually take her life. This was a fabulous read and I need the next one now!!!
August 25, 2024
This was excellent story about Lynn and trying to find who is murdering young girls .she finds out who killed one girl but the others are a question mark. There was lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story.
September 27, 2024
This is the second book I've read written by LJ Bourne; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the first book in the Lynn Rivers Mysteries Series; it is the beginning of a new series. It can be read as a stand-alone book but would be much better if read in order.
This is the first book in the Lynn Rivers Mysteries Series; it is the beginning of a new series. It can be read as a stand-alone book but would be much better if read in order.
July 18, 2025
I love a thriller that keeps me on edge and guessing. This book did a great job of both! Loved the twists and turns as it went.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2025
Absolutely thrilling and addictive from start to finish. Packed with murder, rage, and dark secrets, this book grips you by the throat and doesn’t let go. One of the most riveting reads I’ve come across in a long time.
November 22, 2025
Wow I was pulled in from the start and couldn't stop reading. Great twists and suspense. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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