What do you think?
Rate this book
Ava James FBI #14
The Housewife Killer
FBI agent Ava James has taken down many murderers.
This time she might have met her match.
While working on the Margot Carter case, Ava decides to follow a hunch.
One to help narrow down the Housewife Killer suspect list.
It’s been years, no one has been able to capture the elusive predator.
A maniac that is killing young women and dressing them up as a 50’s housewife.
In the background of this case, Ava tries to sort out her feelings for Ellis.
She can’t help but feel that he’s hiding something from her.
Is it simply her fear of commitment manifesting or something else?
Between the cases and her love life, nothing is going the way anyone would ever expect.
This is a face-off that may mean the end for agent Ava James…
This time she might have met her match.
While working on the Margot Carter case, Ava decides to follow a hunch.
One to help narrow down the Housewife Killer suspect list.
It’s been years, no one has been able to capture the elusive predator.
A maniac that is killing young women and dressing them up as a 50’s housewife.
In the background of this case, Ava tries to sort out her feelings for Ellis.
She can’t help but feel that he’s hiding something from her.
Is it simply her fear of commitment manifesting or something else?
Between the cases and her love life, nothing is going the way anyone would ever expect.
This is a face-off that may mean the end for agent Ava James…
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2024
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
The Housewife Killer is the fourteenth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
The Housewife Killer is the fourteenth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
July 22, 2024
The Housewife Killer(Ava James FBI Mystery Book 14)
This book was so undescibeablely scary and sad, but ultimately satisfying in the end. Ave finally caught the "Housewife Killer" but you would not believe who it was. She was attacked twice and barely made it out alive, now she has to live with the nightmares and flashbacks, but she finally discovered her self worth and confidence. I can't wait to see how she is doing in the next book.
This book was so undescibeablely scary and sad, but ultimately satisfying in the end. Ave finally caught the "Housewife Killer" but you would not believe who it was. She was attacked twice and barely made it out alive, now she has to live with the nightmares and flashbacks, but she finally discovered her self worth and confidence. I can't wait to see how she is doing in the next book.
August 22, 2024
Holy Moly!
This book is for sure a page turner! Even though I could totally tell where it was going, I held out hope for Ava. I didn't start the series out much liking her, but man did her and her team grow on me, and I've been rooting for that extra something. All in good time, I'm sure. A.J. is hands down my go to for reading enjoyment. Since reading the first few, I've been reading nothing but. Thank you for keeping them coming.
This book is for sure a page turner! Even though I could totally tell where it was going, I held out hope for Ava. I didn't start the series out much liking her, but man did her and her team grow on me, and I've been rooting for that extra something. All in good time, I'm sure. A.J. is hands down my go to for reading enjoyment. Since reading the first few, I've been reading nothing but. Thank you for keeping them coming.
September 4, 2024
I knew he was the killer
I knew he was the killer two stories ago but couldn’t tear my eyes away….Couldn’t Squelch my enthusiasm to READ ON, to each suspect, each murder, each event….It will stop your heart more than once but you simply MUST READ ON! Who is “HE” and “why”…Special Agent Ava James once again is at the helm of a dangerous, mind blowing, edge of your seat Serial Killer, will she catch him, or DIE TRYING?
I knew he was the killer two stories ago but couldn’t tear my eyes away….Couldn’t Squelch my enthusiasm to READ ON, to each suspect, each murder, each event….It will stop your heart more than once but you simply MUST READ ON! Who is “HE” and “why”…Special Agent Ava James once again is at the helm of a dangerous, mind blowing, edge of your seat Serial Killer, will she catch him, or DIE TRYING?
July 8, 2024
Great ending!
This book is the perfect ending to the second "season" of 7 books in the Ava James series. There are finally answers and closure in the Housewife Killer case. And Ava has come out of the ordeal a somewhat changed person. I can't wait to see where life takes her next.
This book is the perfect ending to the second "season" of 7 books in the Ava James series. There are finally answers and closure in the Housewife Killer case. And Ava has come out of the ordeal a somewhat changed person. I can't wait to see where life takes her next.
July 15, 2024
This might be Ava’s toughest case so far
Poor Ava, what a twist! I was on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as I could. Absolutely enthralled with this case, all the way through. Got a little scared for Ava a time or two, but she prevailed. Looking forward to the next story.
Poor Ava, what a twist! I was on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as I could. Absolutely enthralled with this case, all the way through. Got a little scared for Ava a time or two, but she prevailed. Looking forward to the next story.
August 16, 2024
WOW!
In this stunning book, Agent Ava James is still on the hunt for the Housewife Killer. As more women are murdered, Ava sees a stark pattern emerging and discovers a suspect she didn't see (or didn't want to see) coming. This one will have you turning pages well into the night and maybe even after your alarm goes off in the morning.
In this stunning book, Agent Ava James is still on the hunt for the Housewife Killer. As more women are murdered, Ava sees a stark pattern emerging and discovers a suspect she didn't see (or didn't want to see) coming. This one will have you turning pages well into the night and maybe even after your alarm goes off in the morning.
June 25, 2025
Disappointed in the ending
I was absolutely riveted by this book. I couldn't put it down So imagine my disappointment with how it turned out. I wanted Ava to have her happiness. She's already distrustful of people and keeps them at a distance. Now it's going to be worse.
Oh well , there's always Dean.
I was absolutely riveted by this book. I couldn't put it down So imagine my disappointment with how it turned out. I wanted Ava to have her happiness. She's already distrustful of people and keeps them at a distance. Now it's going to be worse.
Oh well , there's always Dean.
July 2, 2024
This was a great story about Ava and her great mind finally out who the housewife killer and somebody she knows. This story had lots of suspense and action and a great ending. Thank you for this marvelous story.
July 7, 2024
Didn't see that ending
I have read all of the Ava James books. The Housewife Killer had a depraved mind and manipulated those closest to him. A.J. Rivers is an excellent writer. His other books Emma Griffith and Dean Steele are also good reads.
I have read all of the Ava James books. The Housewife Killer had a depraved mind and manipulated those closest to him. A.J. Rivers is an excellent writer. His other books Emma Griffith and Dean Steele are also good reads.
July 7, 2024
absolutely phenomenal!
Such a satisfying close to a case! I have been waiting and eagerly anticipating this book for many, many months since the case was introduced and WOW! It did not disappoint. So glad its resolution was fitting of the build up!!!
Such a satisfying close to a case! I have been waiting and eagerly anticipating this book for many, many months since the case was introduced and WOW! It did not disappoint. So glad its resolution was fitting of the build up!!!
July 9, 2024
The Housewife Killer
Loved this book. I could not put this book down. This is my kind of thriller. Full of excitement and intrige. I highly n recommend this book and series. Can't wait till the next book comes out. This is a great book.
Loved this book. I could not put this book down. This is my kind of thriller. Full of excitement and intrige. I highly n recommend this book and series. Can't wait till the next book comes out. This is a great book.
August 23, 2024
Housewife Killer
I enjoyed every word of this book. The twists and turns held me captivated. Every time I thought I had it figured out it would prove me wrong. Already looking forward to the next one.
I enjoyed every word of this book. The twists and turns held me captivated. Every time I thought I had it figured out it would prove me wrong. Already looking forward to the next one.
August 24, 2024
Awesome Book
I really enjoyed this storyline. It is exciting and scary at the same time. The characters were great as always. I recommend it for everyone. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
I really enjoyed this storyline. It is exciting and scary at the same time. The characters were great as always. I recommend it for everyone. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
December 23, 2024
House Wife Murders
The House Wife Murder case finally came to an end for Ava. Her thoughts and feelings were confirmed. While in San Francisco she almost became a victim. I had to keep reading to find out who the guilty individual was. Good story.
The House Wife Murder case finally came to an end for Ava. Her thoughts and feelings were confirmed. While in San Francisco she almost became a victim. I had to keep reading to find out who the guilty individual was. Good story.
July 7, 2024
Exiting!
I was on edge! Is he? Isn't he? Good stuff! It kept me guessing the whole time. I was sad by the end, but wow! What a story!
I was on edge! Is he? Isn't he? Good stuff! It kept me guessing the whole time. I was sad by the end, but wow! What a story!
July 21, 2024
Loved it. One of the best in this series so far. Was glad for the ending — I didn’t care for that guy very much and am glad he’s out of the way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2024
Ava gets her man….
Ava had a man. Hut was he the one? She’s a good person and a tough bird. Don’t mess with Ava James.
Ava had a man. Hut was he the one? She’s a good person and a tough bird. Don’t mess with Ava James.
February 15, 2025
Trust your gut
Ava knew Jason was the killer, but then doubted herself, and it almost cost her life. I have to admit I really hoped it wasn't Jason though.
Ava knew Jason was the killer, but then doubted herself, and it almost cost her life. I have to admit I really hoped it wasn't Jason though.
April 5, 2025
Wow.. I could not put this book down.
Started with a gun ho & it kept getting better. Ava thought she might have a future with a co worker. How wrong she was.
Started with a gun ho & it kept getting better. Ava thought she might have a future with a co worker. How wrong she was.
August 5, 2025
Kept me guessing
This was such a good book. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was second guessing myself 2 pages later.
This was such a good book. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was second guessing myself 2 pages later.
August 29, 2025
Incredible! A showstopper
This was an incredible story. Thought out, believable, entertaining, and hard to put down. AJ Rivers tells an unbelievable story. Excellent!
This was an incredible story. Thought out, believable, entertaining, and hard to put down. AJ Rivers tells an unbelievable story. Excellent!
January 5, 2026
Surprise!
I thought I had this one figured out. I was so wrong. Twists, turns and teasers galore. Great read altogether.
I thought I had this one figured out. I was so wrong. Twists, turns and teasers galore. Great read altogether.
February 21, 2026
Really scary but good
I am old but it just seems to be too many characters in her books I can t keep up too well.
I am old but it just seems to be too many characters in her books I can t keep up too well.
April 1, 2026
Ava survives
Without letting the plot out of the bag, just know - Ava survives. She won’t be the same, but she survives.
Off to read the next installment in Ava’s story!
Without letting the plot out of the bag, just know - Ava survives. She won’t be the same, but she survives.
Off to read the next installment in Ava’s story!
July 11, 2024
Her books just keep getting worse. This was CRINGY! I wish she would stop pushing books out so fast and focus on quality.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews