How They Were Taken

Jenna Wyatt #1

by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson

In Atlanta's shadows, where secrets fester and the missing stay buried, one woman's quest for truth threatens to unearth her own haunted past…

Jenna Wyatt thought she'd left her demons behind when she traded her GBI badge for a private detective's license. But when a desperate mother's plea echoes the unsolved mystery of Jenna's own missing sister, she's pulled into a labyrinth of deceit spanning decades.

Reluctantly partnering with Jack Parks, a magnetic ex-NCIS investigator, Jenna probes into Atlanta's underbelly, uncovering a chilling pattern of abductions and murders. As they peel back layers of lies, Jenna and Jack find themselves trapped in a deadly game where every revelation brings them closer to danger—and to the ghosts Jenna has spent a lifetime trying to outrun.

With lives hanging in the balance, Jenna must confront her darkest fears and how much is she willing to sacrifice for the truth?

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers a heart-pounding thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni and Allison Brennan.

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Praise for Carolyn Ridder

“Intelligent, clever and snarky, PI Jenna Wyatt is a woman you don’t want to cross.” —Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw

"Utterly compelling and taut with tension, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers another must-read series." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend

“With more twists and turns, bumps and crashes than an Atlanta highway at rush hour, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's latest series will take your breath away.” —Shannon Baker, award-winning author of Stripped Bare

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

246 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 8, 2025

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson writes cozy mysteries, thrillers, and paranormal women's fiction featuring strong female leads. Her stories shine through her dialogue, which readers have praised for being realistic and compelling.
A multiple number one bestseller on Amazon, her first novel, Unfinished Business, was a five-star Reader's Favorite, a Rone Award finalist, as well as a number one bestseller on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. In 2021, she introduced readers to detective Rachel Ryder in Damaging Secrets, also a number one bestseller on Amazon. Overkill, the third book in the Rachel Ryder series, was one of Thrillerfix’s best thrillers of 2021.Reviews have praised her work as ‘compelling, and intense,’ and ‘read through the night, edge of your seat thrillers. Carolyn’s most recent Rachel Ryder novel, Deadly Means, has been submitted for an Edgar Award by her publisher, Severn River Publishing.
Prior to publishing, she worked as a journalist in the suburbs of Atlanta where her work appeared in multiple newspapers and magazines. She wrote a monthly featured column in Northside Woman magazine.
Writing is only one of Carolyn's passions. She is an avid dog lover and currently spoils an American Staffordshire terrier boxer mix. She lives in the mountains of North Georgia as an empty nester (who misses her kids terribly but loves having a lower grocery bill) with her husband, a cantankerous cat, and her very spoiled pup.

Connect with Carolyn via carolyn@carolynridderaspenson.com

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has written mystery series that span multiple genres - cozy, psychic, paranormal and traditional thrillers. I personally love them all! “How They Were Taken” is the first installment to her newest thriller series and it’s a fantastic introduction! The storyline grabs you from the beginning and keeps up a heart pounding pace until the end! Jenna Wyatt is a flawed, complex and compelling new female lead in the thriller genre! This book ticked all the boxes thriller readers could want - intricate, interesting storyline, great characters, plenty of drama, suspense, emotion and action!

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

How they were taken.
carolyn riddler aspenson.

Releases july 8th-2025

Simply, a phenomenal story that has a twist at the end that I didn't see coming.
this is the first book in a new series, and i'm looking forward to the next book.

Jenna watts.
EX GBI now private investigator, this investigation, it's one she won't give up on Looking for the killer who took her sister when they were kids.

now other girls with the same similarities. have gone missing.

Sometimes, you never know who you can trust coming into your home. What they'll do or when they'll come back what they'll might take.

How they were taken, creepy.
What a fabulous read.

This author writes a wide variety of books.
I've read several. I have three different favorite.Series, this happens to be one of them.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna has a troubled personal life, she's lost the custody of her daughter, her husband wants a divorce and everything is messy. On the professional side she's making money as a PI going after cheating spouses until she's asked to investigate a cold case of a missing 5 year old girl and the killing of her father. The case is the best paying one she ever had and, most important, will give her a chance to find what happened to her sister Molly who also disappeared when she was 5. Jenna will have to answer to a demanding client, one of the richest persons in the state, and will be joined by the Jack Parks the previous PI investigating the case. The story is fast-paced, with relatable characters and situations, full of mystery and suspense. I loved it, and hope the next book in the series will be soon available to readers. Highly recommended!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I must say that I absolutely loved this story.

The characters felt so real and I enjoyed reading and getting to know them.

The storyline was incredible. It was fast passed and very addicting. I just had to keep reading so that I could solve the crimes with the detectives themselves. I have followed this author's work for a few years now and she can always surprise me with her storytelling and I hope she continues with these characters. It's mixed with suspense, mystery and murder. My kind of read and I highly recommend this book.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a great new mystery thriller series; we’re introduced to Jenna, a former GBI agent turned private investigator. The reason Jenna joined the GBI was to have an advantage when it came to chasing down the person who kidnapped her own sister many years ago. She’s hired by a rich woman whose husband was killed and her daughter kidnapped a year ago. Jenna joins forces with Jack, who is a former NCIS agent. Someone is after Jenna and Jack, though, and they can’t figure out why. As they get closer to figuring out the most recent case’s connection to past cases, the danger increases. It’s a well-paced and well-written book and I enjoyed it so much. I look forward to the next book in this series; I was provided an ARC, which I really appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[layan ليان · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

So… I devoured this book. Let’s get into this.

In How They Were Taken we follow up with Jenna, a former GBI agent, that has been living with the trauma of her sister Molly’s abduction since she was a teenager. That kind of loss never really leaves you, and it’s clear from the start that it’s shaped every part of her life. Fast forward to now, and she’s hired to find Emma Steadmen, the missing daughter of a wealthy woman named Jessica Steadman. But what starts as a single missing persons case quickly spirals into something much bigger—other girls have gone missing, and somehow, all the pieces connect. Jenna’s past and present collide, and what she uncovers is more than just a case. It’s a nightmare.

But here’s what really made this book stand out for me—it’s not just about the investigation. We don’t just see Detective Jenna chasing leads; we see Mom Jenna struggling with her messy divorce, trying to be a good parent for her little girl Alyssa, while dealing with all the emotional weight that comes with it. And let me just say, the drama with her soon-to-be ex husband? Whew. It made everything feel so much realer. She’s not some untouchable, fearless investigator—she’s exhausted, juggling a million things, making tough choices, and just trying to do her best. That balance between her personal struggles and the intense mystery made me care about her in a way that I don’t always feel with thriller protagonists. Like I truthfully love Jenna.

"How many zeros does it take to buy a blind-fold these days?" GET IT GIRL!!

The tension in this book? Absolutely unreal. Just when I thought I had things figured out—plot twist. Another one. And another (in a totally convincing way BTW, not just random plot twists for the sake of suspense and thriller).

Now, if there’s one thing that kept this from being an easy five-star read for me, it’s the descriptions—or rather, the lack of them. I found myself wanting more when it came to character details—facial expressions, body language, even just a clearer picture of how they looked. In a thriller, those little things can make all the difference, and I feel like they would have made the story even more immersive.

That said, the book is still fantastic. If you love thrillers with strong, complex female leads, a mystery that actually surprises you, and a story that balances both high-stakes drama and raw emotion, pick this one up. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Thank you, Edelweiss, for giving me the opportunity to read How They Were Taken ahead of its release.

[Britt King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I'm now invested with the characters and their stories, and look forward to more in the series.

[Jennifer Wertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It is engaging and full of suspense and mystery. I love the characters and their witty banter. This is a fantastic new series.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous start to a new series! Could not put it down and read it straight through. This author always delivers a fine read and I believe this is one of her best. Compelling characters, a brilliant plot, and edge-of-your-seat action. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to seeing where he author takes these new characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How They Were Taken is the first book in a planned series featuring ex-GBI Jenna Wyatt. The reasons she left the force and turned to private investigation were interesting and definitely kept me intrigued throughout the book. And while I found the plot to be fascinating, it was really Jenna's trauma that was the highlight of the book as the author wrote about it so well and how it affected her throughout her life. But not only throughout the years, but how it was also shaping her thoughts and decisions today, including her relationships and how she formed bonds with people.

Jenna was a complicated person who definitely had a lot of character development throughout the book. She could be annoying at times as she often made decisions based on emotions rather than on hard core facts, but the author didn't excuse her behaviour nor her poor choices and blame them on the trauma, she just highlighted how the trauma could make a person make choices that are not always solid ones. Jenna definitely had to suck it up a few times and apologize which is something I liked. What I also really liked about this book was how the author didn't make Jenna out to be a superhero, running all over town looking up leads on only 3 hours of sleep in 72 hours. Okay, I am exaggerating, but not by much. Jenna was often exhausted, dealing with the emotional complications of the case, and I really liked that about her. It made her feel approachable and I could empathize with her situation.

The plot itself was also rather good. Dealing with the kidnapping of her younger sister all those years ago, investigating the kidnapping of another young girl was bringing back all of those emotions and feelings all over again. The plot did move along quickly and the twists and turns kept you guessing as to who was the culprit.

How They Were Taken was quite good, and if you are a fan of main characters who are suffering from traumatic events, then this one is for you. The plot moved along quickly and the author was rather adept at intertwining the story and the character development. While this book focused more on Jenna's story, I am looking forward to learning more about the other characters in future books. I did feel that the ending was rushed however, something that left me feeling a bit disappointed considering the high level of tension in the rest of the book. I am looking forward to reading the following books in this series when they is released in November 2025 and April 2026.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Lisa Ahlstedt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jenna Wyatt is no longer working with the GBI, but she uses her investigative skills in her new job as a private detective. She is in the middle of a divorce, since her husband has moved another woman into the house they used to share. Jenna's daughter, Alyssa, lives mainly with her soon-to-be ex, but Jenna is devoted to her daughter. Unfortunately, Jenna is haunted by the abduction of her little sister Molly, who was never found. This drive to find out what happened to her sister lead Jenna to spend long hours at work and to rely on alcohol to "decompress" when she wasn't working. Now Jenna has been called in to investigate the disappearance of another young girl. This girl, who bears a striking resemblance to Jenna's missing sister, was abducted from one of the wealthiest families in town. Her father was murdered at the same time. The grieving mother wants to hire Jenna to find out what happened to her missing daughter, as the police are at a standstill. She has hired previous investigators who also got stuck but were able to make the connection between the current missing girl and several others that were abducted over the years. Jenna joins forces with Jack Parks, the man who had most recently been investigating the cases. Jenna's determination to find out what happened to her missing sister, and the other girls, puts her own life in danger, but she's determined to find out the truth.

The story was very fast-paced and had lots of twists and turns. I was interested to see how Jenna and Jack were going to be able to succeed where the police had failed. The writing was a bit hard to follow at times, so I frequently had to read sentences several times to figure out what was going on. Then there were some odd illogical things that didn't make sense (a woman trying to hire Jenna to "get evidence" of her husband's affair by handing her a thick file -- of evidence of her husband's affair). The story would make a tension-filled TV series!

I received a copy of this book from a GoodReads giveaway.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This story is a new series which introduces Jenna Wyatt former GBI agent who is now a PI. Her cases are primarily Spouse surveillance and car scams. She has just finished a surveillance case and is now meeting with a client for the same type. For this case it is already cut and dried and she did not take it. Jenna, on her way to see her daughter, receives a call from a perspective client who wants her to try and find her abducted daughter in addition to who killed her husband. Jessica, the new client, wanted her to only handle this case and was paying her a high daily fee. Jenna, after learning about what the case was about, brought her back to her childhood days. It was similar to what happened then.

This case involved the abduction of a 5 year old and as it turned out was like 4 others. Since Jessica had previously had a PI, there was plenty of documentation already. Jenna took the files home to start looking into it. The next day she meets Jack Parks who was the previous PI who wanted to assist. Jessica was hesitant at first but in the end agreed. It turns out he was helpful since most of the dog work had already been done.

Read along and discover how it turned out all of the cases were connected, what factor was the clincher and finally who was the responsible party. The ending sums it all up. Don't miss out!

[Sharon Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling start to this new series with characters who will immediately capture your interest. Jenna Wyatt, former agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, has never stopped looking for her missing younger sister, Molly. Years ago, a man broke into their home and took her little sister. The years have passed and though she believes that Molly is no longer alive, she needs to find justice for her. The delight of her life is her young daughter Alyssa, but there is a contentious relationship between Jenna and her almost ex-husband. She has refused to sign divorce papers until she agrees with the custody arrangement. He believes that her job is a danger to Alyssa, but needs the papers signed in order to marry his pregnant girlfriend. She is hired to locate the missing daughter of a very wealthy woman, a woman whose husband was killed the night their daughter was abducted. She had no idea of the twists that would soon lead her back to her sister’s long-ago case. With the assistance of Jack Parks, the previous investigator, will they be able turn up missed clues? Will they discover how and why, over the years, that other young girls were abducted? Who can they trust and does the mother of the current missing girl have her own agenda? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)

[David Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Jenna Wyatt.

How They Were Taken is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year. To think it’s the first book in the new Jenna Wyatt series leaves me wishing the second book were coming sooner than November.

I was familiar with Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s work from reading the entire Rachael Ryder series, so my expectations of well-developed characters with individual personal flaws were met. However, Jenna not only brought along more personal baggage, but she also brought along an interesting past.

The action and suspense in this whodunit thriller kept me firmly in its grasp until the very end, and what an ending that was. Like I said earlier, I’m anxiously looking forward to reading more Jenna Wyatt stories that hopefully will also feature Jack and Tiffany as well.

I received and Advance Reader Copy of How They Were Taken from Severn River Publishing and chose to provide my review

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle unlimited ebook. The end saves this book from a lower rating for me. First problem is that this story really dragged for well over half of the book. I saw reviews talking about it being fast moving but it wasn’t for me. I know they needed to build background but it took forever.

Second problem was the way Jenna treated her estranged husband, sounds like he was right about her, though cheating wasn’t an acceptable option for me

Third, these main characters were just pretty sloppy, I mean how did a few amateurs outsmart them so many times and allow them to ambush in the warehouse for example.

Related is the fourth problem of the bad guys being killers but not criminal geniuses seemed to have a huge enterprise and the ability to escape capture so many times.

In the end I did enjoy the story and did like the end and last quarter of the book. I’m thinking I might try the next installment in this series

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It had a damaged heroine (my favorite kind of heroine), a good mystery and chemistry between the leads. The only thing that kind of bothered me was the use of the term "f-bomb" instead of just saying the word. Its a minor complaint and I'll for sure read the others in this series. I just can't take anyone using the term f-bomb seriously as a full grown adult. But hey, that's just me (and the fact that I like to say the whole word. A lot).

I do recommend this book to anyone who likes a troubled detective and reluctant allies who somehow become friends even though they both have a lot of baggage. I am looking forward to further adventures with Jenna Wyatt.

Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways, the publisher and the author for giving me the chance to read this book early.

[Mandy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. I always enjoy a strong FMC with a little sass! Jenna Wyatt is that character! An ex-GBI agent turned PI, who has been looking for her missing sister for many years. When she's hired by the rich Jessica Steadman to search for her missing daughter and figure out who killed her husband, she starts to see similarities between other missing child cases. She embarks on solving this case with Jack Parks, an ex NCIS agent turned PI.

The character development was spot on, and Aspenson's descriptions made me feel like I was watching an action adventure film. Especially the rooftop chase scene. This book is part crime drama and part thriller. I can't wait to read the other books in the Jenna Wyatt series!

This was a Goodreads Giveaway win for me and I am so glad!

[A Belle & A Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

My new favorite FMC is Jenna Wyatt. She's a strong, no nonsense PI. I am looking forward to peeling back her layers in future books in this new series from Carolyn Ridder Aspenson.

While Aspenson is one of my favorite authors, this particular book fell a little short for me. I loved the complicated history of the MC, Jenna Wyatt, and the layers of danger and suspense she faced during the investigation. However, solving the actual crime seemed too easy. (Sorry Carolyn) However, there was a twist in the end that I definitely did not see coming. Bet you don't either!

For ease of crime solving, my rating is 3.5 stars. Will this stop me from reading future installments? Absolutely not.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna Wyatt is a new character. She’s a former GBI detective, a mom in a custody battle with her soon-to-be ex, and a wounded person who watched her younger sister being abducted. She does have a lot of positive attributes which are key to being a great investigator. This is a fantastic book. I literally didn’t want to put down which is awkward when you have guests. I stayed up until I finished. It’s been awhile since I’ve not fallen asleep during my night reading. I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the sequel. One of my favorites this year!!

[J Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent crime thriller!

Carolyn Ridder Aspenson does it again with this well-written, solid crime thriller. The drama, suspense, and danger will satisfy any crime thriller lover. The characters are relatable and the plot is real-world believable. I cannot wait to read the next book in this new series. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 5 out of 5]

PI and former GBI Jenna Wyatt is hired to find out what happened to Emma Steadmen who went missing. Jenna's sister Molly also went missing. 5 years old with red hair and freckles is who the perpetrator looks for. This novel had me memorized from the beginning. A conclusion that was exciting and unexpected. A great story line that is highly recommended.

[Tam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting, pulse-pounding plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling start to a new series. Jenna Wyatt is a scarred P.I. who takes on a cold case that is eerily similar to her sister's disappearance. The suspense is excellent, the plot line is tense and the twists are exciting. I would recommend it. I received a free copy of this book via the author and this is my honest review.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna thought when she changed jobs, things would be different. She got a surprise instead. A mother needing help and lots of danger that became a part of it. Impossible to not love every book by this talented author.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

💯💯💯💯💯

[Mona Wing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

A little slow to start , but you have to get all the characters. Can't wait to read Book 2!

[Diane Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I have read and enjoyed her Rachel Ryder series and also thoroughly enjoyed this new one. I have preordered the next one. Excellent author! I highly recommend!

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Really good. I had a hard time in the beginning but not too far in this book caught my attention & it was very hard to put down. I look forward to reading about Jenna’s next case.

[Carole Craddock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic start to a new series! Just the right amount of suspense. I'm looking forward to reading more!

[Jeanne Mallory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just an okay read for me. I like the story but there wasn’t even explanation of how and why for me. Not sure if I’ll read any more but this is first in a series.