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Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries #32
The Girl and the Garden of Bones
Behind the allure of this garden hides a killer’s secrets.
After her mother’s murder Emma joined the FBI to get answers.
The search for the truth has led her down some terrifying paths.
When Emma is sent to investigate an old mansion and its connection to a criminal entity.
She stumbles upon a clue that leads her down a rabbit hole full of despair, mystique, and grave sites.
It seems, the Garden of Bones is where nightmares are born.
Sticks and stones can’t break your bones, but this case will be a heartbreaker.
This is the most gut-wrenching, twist-filled case of Emma’s career.
These bones were buried with a terrifying secret, one so deadly that Emma may never escape.
After her mother’s murder Emma joined the FBI to get answers.
The search for the truth has led her down some terrifying paths.
When Emma is sent to investigate an old mansion and its connection to a criminal entity.
She stumbles upon a clue that leads her down a rabbit hole full of despair, mystique, and grave sites.
It seems, the Garden of Bones is where nightmares are born.
Sticks and stones can’t break your bones, but this case will be a heartbreaker.
This is the most gut-wrenching, twist-filled case of Emma’s career.
These bones were buried with a terrifying secret, one so deadly that Emma may never escape.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2024
547 people are currently reading
293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 3, 2024
you only hear about her cinnamon rolls once!
It’s a good, fast-paced story. And if you’ve read any of the others in this series, you know Emma’s damn cinnamon rolls are mentioned about once every other page. (We get it, she’s a badass FBI agent WHO BAKES.) But the cinnamon rolls are only mentioned once in this book, and that’s kind of a big deal.
It’s a good, fast-paced story. And if you’ve read any of the others in this series, you know Emma’s damn cinnamon rolls are mentioned about once every other page. (We get it, she’s a badass FBI agent WHO BAKES.) But the cinnamon rolls are only mentioned once in this book, and that’s kind of a big deal.
June 6, 2025
Read 2025 - not a bad book in the story of the Game Master but it just seems to be dragging on.
In this book, a famous baseball player, Richard Fine, goes missing. Reported by his wife, Cynthia. Emma Griffin is called in because Cynthia thinks her husband is tied to the Game Master which is confirmed when Cynthia finds a picture in Richard's iCloud with the Game Master's symbol.
Richard is found at a motel almost a week later slowly dying from his injuries. He's rushed to the hospital and is put in a medical induced coma so Emma isn't able to get any information from him. But she does find out that Richard owns a property, the Wisteria House, that his wife knew nothing about. The Wisteria House has a very dark history. It started out great though, this wealthy couple bought this house and turned it into a home for expecting mothers, taking wonderful care of them while pregnant and after they've given birth. When Tuberculosis became bad, they turned their home into a hospital and took care as many people as they could but eventually, they both died of TB.
Their house was left to a daughter they raised but since she was still underage when they died, the house and all of their wealth went to the daughter's biological mother who turned it into a baby farm. Taking woman in, treating them horribly while pregnant, then selling their babies. Eventually it was closed down but Emma unearthed many undocumented women and children that were buried on the grounds. Richard Fine bought this house because he was one of the babies that were sold after his mother gave birth. The Game Master found out his secret and made him a player.
Emma soon found another baby farm because a woman was rescued from it and brought to the hospital. Turns out, a librarian named Solomon who Emma work while doing research on the Wisteria House, had a pregnant girlfriend who was in this newer baby farm ran by a woman named Majorie Thomas. Solomon's girlfriend, Alexandra, was pregnant and her parents did not approve of Solomon so her father brought her to Majorie knowing what that place was really like. Sadly, Alexandra died but Solomon was able to save another woman there which eventually led Emma there and she was able to the save the rest. However, Solomon killed both Majorie and Alexandra's father. After he attacked him, she subdued him.
The Wisteria House had a nice beginning but sadly, a tragic ending which was tied to Richard and made him a player. Solomon was another player and I believe he might have been the one who attacked Richard but I'm unsure why. But both Solomon and Richard's adopted father, Robert, are both arrested after they both attacked Emma separately. Robert didn't want the world to find out that they bought Richard from a baby farm. But the book ends with a woman stopping at a gas station where it seems that no one is around but there is apparently another person crouched under the office desk, covered in blood.
I'm interested to see where that leads in the next book and if it's connected to the Game Master. I hope Emma is close to catching them because this story is really dragging on.
In this book, a famous baseball player, Richard Fine, goes missing. Reported by his wife, Cynthia. Emma Griffin is called in because Cynthia thinks her husband is tied to the Game Master which is confirmed when Cynthia finds a picture in Richard's iCloud with the Game Master's symbol.
Richard is found at a motel almost a week later slowly dying from his injuries. He's rushed to the hospital and is put in a medical induced coma so Emma isn't able to get any information from him. But she does find out that Richard owns a property, the Wisteria House, that his wife knew nothing about. The Wisteria House has a very dark history. It started out great though, this wealthy couple bought this house and turned it into a home for expecting mothers, taking wonderful care of them while pregnant and after they've given birth. When Tuberculosis became bad, they turned their home into a hospital and took care as many people as they could but eventually, they both died of TB.
Their house was left to a daughter they raised but since she was still underage when they died, the house and all of their wealth went to the daughter's biological mother who turned it into a baby farm. Taking woman in, treating them horribly while pregnant, then selling their babies. Eventually it was closed down but Emma unearthed many undocumented women and children that were buried on the grounds. Richard Fine bought this house because he was one of the babies that were sold after his mother gave birth. The Game Master found out his secret and made him a player.
Emma soon found another baby farm because a woman was rescued from it and brought to the hospital. Turns out, a librarian named Solomon who Emma work while doing research on the Wisteria House, had a pregnant girlfriend who was in this newer baby farm ran by a woman named Majorie Thomas. Solomon's girlfriend, Alexandra, was pregnant and her parents did not approve of Solomon so her father brought her to Majorie knowing what that place was really like. Sadly, Alexandra died but Solomon was able to save another woman there which eventually led Emma there and she was able to the save the rest. However, Solomon killed both Majorie and Alexandra's father. After he attacked him, she subdued him.
The Wisteria House had a nice beginning but sadly, a tragic ending which was tied to Richard and made him a player. Solomon was another player and I believe he might have been the one who attacked Richard but I'm unsure why. But both Solomon and Richard's adopted father, Robert, are both arrested after they both attacked Emma separately. Robert didn't want the world to find out that they bought Richard from a baby farm. But the book ends with a woman stopping at a gas station where it seems that no one is around but there is apparently another person crouched under the office desk, covered in blood.
I'm interested to see where that leads in the next book and if it's connected to the Game Master. I hope Emma is close to catching them because this story is really dragging on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
The Girl and the Garden of Bones
OMG!!!!!!! This book was amazing, I loved every minute of it. Emma is still working the case of the Game Master, and might be getting close, but had to find another victim, well she finds him, but that just leads her to another part of the case. It is very complicated and there are many twists and turns, but hopefully she figures it out in the next book. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!! This book was amazing, I loved every minute of it. Emma is still working the case of the Game Master, and might be getting close, but had to find another victim, well she finds him, but that just leads her to another part of the case. It is very complicated and there are many twists and turns, but hopefully she figures it out in the next book. I can't wait to read the next book.
February 7, 2025
A revolting story of a game master, two baby mills, and adoption gone wrong
This book started out with someone called game master, responsible for various murders, and forcing others to hurt or kill people. Somehow that turns into people forcing women to get pregnant, or already pregnant women to give up their babies to be sold. This is a very convoluted story and to be honest, I'm confused, too many people, too much happening.
This book started out with someone called game master, responsible for various murders, and forcing others to hurt or kill people. Somehow that turns into people forcing women to get pregnant, or already pregnant women to give up their babies to be sold. This is a very convoluted story and to be honest, I'm confused, too many people, too much happening.
April 26, 2025
Your Books
When the Morton’s ran Maternity Home it was a wonderful place for women. When they both died Amelia Hicks took control. She was charging obscene amounts of money to couples who otherwise couldn’t be approved for adoption. Babies were born. Some mothers were incorrectly told there baby had died. Their baby was sold. I had bad feelings about that. It’s so wrong.
I liked the tree outside and the twenty foot snowman.
When the Morton’s ran Maternity Home it was a wonderful place for women. When they both died Amelia Hicks took control. She was charging obscene amounts of money to couples who otherwise couldn’t be approved for adoption. Babies were born. Some mothers were incorrectly told there baby had died. Their baby was sold. I had bad feelings about that. It’s so wrong.
I liked the tree outside and the twenty foot snowman.
December 2, 2024
Wow! Again!
Every book in this series is a whirlwind of action and intrigue. And this one artfully tied the ongoing story about the Game Master in with a whole other mystery about the source of the bones in the garden and the sinister dealings they reveal. I'm thoroughly hooked on this series.
Every book in this series is a whirlwind of action and intrigue. And this one artfully tied the ongoing story about the Game Master in with a whole other mystery about the source of the bones in the garden and the sinister dealings they reveal. I'm thoroughly hooked on this series.
December 16, 2024
Emma’s thought process is fascinating
Emma had a stumbler this time, clues coming right and left. And what a nail biter! She sees things in a way no one else does and it’s fascinating to read as she works through all the clues. I’m on pins and needles waiting to see who the Game Master turns out to be!
Emma had a stumbler this time, clues coming right and left. And what a nail biter! She sees things in a way no one else does and it’s fascinating to read as she works through all the clues. I’m on pins and needles waiting to see who the Game Master turns out to be!
April 11, 2025
FBI Agent Emma Griffin is on the hunt for the Game Master. After finding a body in a ravine that turns out not to be the victim she was expecting, a famous baseball player goes missing. Clues come together that expose a wild and crazy backdrop nobody saw coming. The twists and turns in this one are so exciting, so don't miss it! AJ Rivers is an incredible storyteller!
December 2, 2024
the horror!
Emma’s pursuit of the Game Master continues apace, with some designated “players” gone missing, and a body found - but not the missing player.
How the Game Master uncovers these secrets, and why….awaiting answers!
Emma’s pursuit of the Game Master continues apace, with some designated “players” gone missing, and a body found - but not the missing player.
How the Game Master uncovers these secrets, and why….awaiting answers!
December 3, 2024
Didn't see that coming
This was a good FBI / police procedural. It was a good mix of drama, cops, victims, and beloved characters from other books and storylines. The end really was a surprise .
This was a good FBI / police procedural. It was a good mix of drama, cops, victims, and beloved characters from other books and storylines. The end really was a surprise .
December 3, 2024
This was a awesome story about Emma trying to find answers about this house with women and babies being buried and why and finding who is doing it with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this excellent story.
December 5, 2024
A.J Rivers is sure on a kick of describing secret passage ways… but at least cinnamon rolls were only mentioned once. That is a record low. Overall, book was an easy read and the plot-line was okay. The ending wrapped up too fast.
December 5, 2024
The Girl in the Garden of Bones
Exact reading, A.J. Ri ers has become my favorite author. She never disappoints me. Gripping plot that holds you captivated from beginning to end, and leaves me wanting more. Real-like characters that feel like old friends. I highly recommend it.
Exact reading, A.J. Ri ers has become my favorite author. She never disappoints me. Gripping plot that holds you captivated from beginning to end, and leaves me wanting more. Real-like characters that feel like old friends. I highly recommend it.
December 13, 2024
Love your books!
I have really enjoyed getting into all the characters that are in your books So So delightfully in the stories I can almost feature savior and cupcake and Defeater All the other people
I have really enjoyed getting into all the characters that are in your books So So delightfully in the stories I can almost feature savior and cupcake and Defeater All the other people
December 16, 2024
Rivers at her best
Emma is still being led by the Games Master. This takes her to a place of deceit. A home that's history started positively was horrifically changed to pain and greed.
Emma is still being led by the Games Master. This takes her to a place of deceit. A home that's history started positively was horrifically changed to pain and greed.
January 6, 2025
Great Reading
This is a great storyline. I enjoyed every minute. The characters are wonderful and lead the reader on a wild chase with murder and secrets. I recommend it to everyone.
This is a great storyline. I enjoyed every minute. The characters are wonderful and lead the reader on a wild chase with murder and secrets. I recommend it to everyone.
January 13, 2025
Hunt for the game Master
Great read. Emma hunting for the game master plus the eventful back story. Missed more of the friends and family in this one but Emma for the win and still hunting!
Great read. Emma hunting for the game master plus the eventful back story. Missed more of the friends and family in this one but Emma for the win and still hunting!
January 19, 2025
I have absolutely loved all of AJ Rivers’ series (Emma Griffin, Ava James, Dean Steele, and even the new one with Riley Quinn). However I do hope we are going to be done with this Game Master story line soon, it is really dragging out and not one of the best story lines so far.
March 17, 2025
Good book and story.
I'm not reading the series in order but I know some of the characters , so when they reference them I know who they are talking about. Each book stands on it's own.
I'm not reading the series in order but I know some of the characters , so when they reference them I know who they are talking about. Each book stands on it's own.
March 19, 2025
Unwed Pregnancy
Interesting story. Going back into history regarding unwed pregnancy how it was dealt with makes one realize that some places the same thing happens now. Wondering how Emma is going to solve the murder cases not knowing how the people are picked.
Interesting story. Going back into history regarding unwed pregnancy how it was dealt with makes one realize that some places the same thing happens now. Wondering how Emma is going to solve the murder cases not knowing how the people are picked.
May 8, 2025
Good reading
I feel like there is more to the Girl and the Garden of bones. I truly will be looking into the next book. I have read most of the series so e by .J.Rivers and enjoyed all of his booms. So can't wait to start book 33.
I feel like there is more to the Girl and the Garden of bones. I truly will be looking into the next book. I have read most of the series so e by .J.Rivers and enjoyed all of his booms. So can't wait to start book 33.
May 14, 2025
Another fantastic read
I absolutely love how seamlessly these books flow together. They keep me invested and keep coming back. It's like binge watching a series on TV, just in book form. I can see everything playing out and I don't want any of them to end.
I absolutely love how seamlessly these books flow together. They keep me invested and keep coming back. It's like binge watching a series on TV, just in book form. I can see everything playing out and I don't want any of them to end.
July 11, 2025
Human life is precious
A complicated story you g back decades of women having babies, only to have them sold to the highest bidder. Sad times back then. It is still happening in this small little town.
A complicated story you g back decades of women having babies, only to have them sold to the highest bidder. Sad times back then. It is still happening in this small little town.
November 24, 2024
Awesome read! Totally didn't expect this!
December 7, 2024
cliffhanger
Again another awesome mystery. Emma is almost there in solving a huge case she is working on. Hopefully she will solve it by the next book
Again another awesome mystery. Emma is almost there in solving a huge case she is working on. Hopefully she will solve it by the next book
December 30, 2024
Read pre ordered
I have been reading this series for a long time. I look forward to the next one. I also read Dean her cousin
I have been reading this series for a long time. I look forward to the next one. I also read Dean her cousin
January 3, 2025
I wasn’t expecting this Emma Griffin mystery to go this dark, but here we are.
January 10, 2025
Too much, too little
Too many words in the beginning, start drifting away from story..and I hate not continuing on of the first book..what happened?
Too many words in the beginning, start drifting away from story..and I hate not continuing on of the first book..what happened?
January 23, 2025
strange but good
I am a little lost as far as the ending goes. What happens to Richard? His parents? I guess I am missing a few things. Not my favorite Emma Griffin storyline.
I am a little lost as far as the ending goes. What happens to Richard? His parents? I guess I am missing a few things. Not my favorite Emma Griffin storyline.
January 23, 2025
Intense and complex
Intense, always keeps you guessing, and leaves you ready to read more! AJ Rivers has done it again! Can’t wait for the next book!
Intense, always keeps you guessing, and leaves you ready to read more! AJ Rivers has done it again! Can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews