What do you think?
Rate this book
The Forgotten Girl
An FBI Special Agent's violent past collides with the present in LJ Bourne's new blood-chilling thriller of murder, rage and dark secrets.
A dead girl in the woods. A well-known suspect. Twenty-year-old secrets coming to light.
Special Agent Lynn Rivers is sent to investigate a nightmare of a case. The mutilated body of her closest friend’s daughter has been found at a campsite. Lynn has known the victim all her life. From the outset it’s clear this will be one of the hardest cases she’s ever worked on. But she is determined to see it through, no matter what she finds.
That promise gets harder and harder to keep as suspects are thin on the ground and the main one is a man Lynn once knew well. A man who was the prime suspect in the death of another of Lynn’s friends twenty years ago—a cold case that still haunts her.
The two murders are different, yet eerily similar. To find the killer, Lynn will have to face all the dark ghosts of her past.
And this time, she might not survive it.
The Forgotten Girl is the first book in a brand-new mystery series by LJ Bourne – Lynn Rivers Mysteries. If you enjoy psychological thrillers full of dark twists and turns this book is for you!
A must read for fans of AJ Rivers, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.
A dead girl in the woods. A well-known suspect. Twenty-year-old secrets coming to light.
Special Agent Lynn Rivers is sent to investigate a nightmare of a case. The mutilated body of her closest friend’s daughter has been found at a campsite. Lynn has known the victim all her life. From the outset it’s clear this will be one of the hardest cases she’s ever worked on. But she is determined to see it through, no matter what she finds.
That promise gets harder and harder to keep as suspects are thin on the ground and the main one is a man Lynn once knew well. A man who was the prime suspect in the death of another of Lynn’s friends twenty years ago—a cold case that still haunts her.
The two murders are different, yet eerily similar. To find the killer, Lynn will have to face all the dark ghosts of her past.
And this time, she might not survive it.
The Forgotten Girl is the first book in a brand-new mystery series by LJ Bourne – Lynn Rivers Mysteries. If you enjoy psychological thrillers full of dark twists and turns this book is for you!
A must read for fans of AJ Rivers, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2024
8 people want to read
About the author
LJ Bourne
9 books3 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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 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.
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 6, 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.
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.
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.
April 16, 2024
This case of Lynn Rivers, an agent with the FBI, it has a lot of mystery and a connection to something that happened to Lynn when she was younger. Is this the same killer or a copycat? I thought this was a great start to a new series. I bought my book from a kickstarter and was able to read it early. I'm certainly looking forward to more about Lynn Rivers and her cases with the FBI.
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.
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.
September 6, 2024
A well laid out mystery with multiple suspects. It will keep you engaged and entertained as you try to work out the identity of the murderer. A good opening novel for a series.
September 16, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the start and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. I recommend this book if you enjoy a good thriller.
July 24, 2025
Lynn, T.J., and Rob. all brilliantly portrayed in a gut-wrenching story sure to keep your adrenaline pumping and your nights sleepless. This is the start of a fabulous series and unforgettable characters.
Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
Highly Recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
September 9, 2024
WOW Action from start to finish. I couldn’t put this book down, an edge of the seat page turner.I love LJ Bourne books.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews