What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Riley Quinn Pine Brooke #1
The Girls in Pine Brooke
When the body of a young girl is found in the woods.
Detective Riley Quinn finds herself in a mystery that intertwines with her tragic past…
After her best-friend is murdered in cold blood, to escape her traumas and big city life,
Riley moves back to Pine Brooke.
There she takes a position as the town’s detective.
When she receives a call regarding a young girl in the woods,
she never expected the terror of events that would soon unfold.
It seems the thin and malnourished girl had fallen to her death.
But closer examination of the body reveals new layers to the mystery.
Was she running from something?
While trying to ID the body, she runs into Pine Brooke’s new doctor, Logan Elwood.
A man that may be hiding a clinic full of secrets behind his gruff demeanor.
Suddenly, the case takes on a more gruesome turn when multiple bodies of young girls turn up in odd circumstances.
One thing is for certain, the once idyllic pines are harboring murderous secrets.
Disturbing clues, shocking deaths, and a sleepy NorCal town.
From the pine trees to the quaint brooks, the hidden secrets behind Pine Brooke are a nightmare in the making.
Detective Riley Quinn finds herself in a mystery that intertwines with her tragic past…
After her best-friend is murdered in cold blood, to escape her traumas and big city life,
Riley moves back to Pine Brooke.
There she takes a position as the town’s detective.
When she receives a call regarding a young girl in the woods,
she never expected the terror of events that would soon unfold.
It seems the thin and malnourished girl had fallen to her death.
But closer examination of the body reveals new layers to the mystery.
Was she running from something?
While trying to ID the body, she runs into Pine Brooke’s new doctor, Logan Elwood.
A man that may be hiding a clinic full of secrets behind his gruff demeanor.
Suddenly, the case takes on a more gruesome turn when multiple bodies of young girls turn up in odd circumstances.
One thing is for certain, the once idyllic pines are harboring murderous secrets.
Disturbing clues, shocking deaths, and a sleepy NorCal town.
From the pine trees to the quaint brooks, the hidden secrets behind Pine Brooke are a nightmare in the making.
238 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2024
3944 people are currently reading
1454 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
January 11, 2025
Long slow and repetitive
Too many repeated lines in the story. Got the impression it was filler. Not excited about this author. I think the author needs to get a little more experienced.
Too many repeated lines in the story. Got the impression it was filler. Not excited about this author. I think the author needs to get a little more experienced.
October 5, 2025
I really liked the plot of this but there are some details I can't get over. 1- it is not black coffee if there is cream in it. 2- Sac and Log??? Babes there is no way readers are mentally pronouncing that as Zac and Logue. Uncle Sac??? As in ballsack??? How did these things not get caught by the editor???
I'm updating my review because I want to talk about how this author consistently does not finish off plot lines in this series. I am on BOOK FIVE and the Jamie-Dani plot and Larry plots are both unfinished. The editing in the series are consistently poor. In book 2 or 3, a rapist is referred to as a she and then later as he. I went back to re-read it and they were actually referring to someone who had been murdered but the way they refer to her was as if she was missing even though they had found the body. There is also a point where the author states that Zelina and Riley split up to interview two people but during Riley's interview, Zelina interjects. It's super sloppy writing. I also suspect that the author is using AI to write because she has put out like 18 books in 2025 and it's only June 21, 2025 as I write this.
I'm updating my review because I want to talk about how this author consistently does not finish off plot lines in this series. I am on BOOK FIVE and the Jamie-Dani plot and Larry plots are both unfinished. The editing in the series are consistently poor. In book 2 or 3, a rapist is referred to as a she and then later as he. I went back to re-read it and they were actually referring to someone who had been murdered but the way they refer to her was as if she was missing even though they had found the body. There is also a point where the author states that Zelina and Riley split up to interview two people but during Riley's interview, Zelina interjects. It's super sloppy writing. I also suspect that the author is using AI to write because she has put out like 18 books in 2025 and it's only June 21, 2025 as I write this.
October 16, 2024
This is a wonderful new series! From the write of Emma Griffin and Dean Steele, this new book is centered on a small town detective. Don't let that fool you, though, there is a lot going on and a whole new cast of characters. There is the main investigation of a body found in the woods, a lot of other girls missing that suddenly comes to light, the new doctor in town and his family problems, and the potential for a lot of new books. The characters are well written, and I am looking forward to getting to know more about them and new characters that will enter the series, as well as the ongoing situations. The story was interesting and unique. I enjoy that more goes on besides the investigation. I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!
January 18, 2025
the girls in pine brooks
Leaves you wanting more..cheering the character on in the book and wanting justice for her also.
Looking forward to reading book 2
Leaves you wanting more..cheering the character on in the book and wanting justice for her also.
Looking forward to reading book 2
February 13, 2025
Convoluted, Needs Editing 1.5🌟
Okay read, but there are much better in this genre. I noticed a number of police procedural errors, and there were a number of others that led me to re-read several passages. The most glaring was having both wives named Lydia ( an oops, I'm sure). The storyline was convoluted: I have no idea the purpose of the unrelated inclusion of the whole "Larry" story that happened in a neighboring city with no connection to this case. I could go on, but....
Okay read, but there are much better in this genre. I noticed a number of police procedural errors, and there were a number of others that led me to re-read several passages. The most glaring was having both wives named Lydia ( an oops, I'm sure). The storyline was convoluted: I have no idea the purpose of the unrelated inclusion of the whole "Larry" story that happened in a neighboring city with no connection to this case. I could go on, but....
September 29, 2025
The characters were likable and relatable. I felt for Doctor Logan Elwood being a widower with a 9-year-0ld daughter. His sister-in-law shows up and tries to take custody of his daughter. The book spent a lot of time on Logan and his troubles, and then he suddenly disappeared. I was left wondering what happened to him or why so much time was spent on his character just to have him disappear.
Riley is a detective in Pine Brooke. She is called in to solve the murder of a young girl and find another. The girl who had to be found was found with her boyfriend. Several mysteries were introduced, but after piquing my interest, they were suddenly dropped. The story was confusing with all the extra unnecessary information. The main plot was pretty easy to figure out.
Riley is a detective in Pine Brooke. She is called in to solve the murder of a young girl and find another. The girl who had to be found was found with her boyfriend. Several mysteries were introduced, but after piquing my interest, they were suddenly dropped. The story was confusing with all the extra unnecessary information. The main plot was pretty easy to figure out.
February 26, 2025
just ok
I really had high hopes for this book, but I was left feeling like the first 3/4 was slow, drawn out, and had a lot of filler. Having said that I really enjoyed the main characters, how the story was completed, and that eventually it got to some very nice mystery. I’m hoping that the next book in the series will grow from what this book was. I also felt like there were so many storylines that were not completed or given any satisfaction. Just a lot of open ended things that I’m hoping will be tied up in the next book which would make me feel so much better. I like the author’s writing style as a whole and I am happily giving the next book a shot.
I really had high hopes for this book, but I was left feeling like the first 3/4 was slow, drawn out, and had a lot of filler. Having said that I really enjoyed the main characters, how the story was completed, and that eventually it got to some very nice mystery. I’m hoping that the next book in the series will grow from what this book was. I also felt like there were so many storylines that were not completed or given any satisfaction. Just a lot of open ended things that I’m hoping will be tied up in the next book which would make me feel so much better. I like the author’s writing style as a whole and I am happily giving the next book a shot.
September 16, 2025
3.5 stars, I'll read the book in the series
Enjoyed it overall. There's kind of a quirky love story building underneath the serial killer murder story. It's all done in a tolerable, sort of charming way. You'll figure out the killer but that seems intentional. It doesn't detract from the ending/resolution. It's definitely slow at times, but what's nice is nothing is really over the top crazy, super hero cop stuff. They're not too stupid or too invincible. It is, however, very depressing to think about teen girls missing like this and no one misses them sooner. Probably happens more than we care to think about. I will read the next book in the series.
Enjoyed it overall. There's kind of a quirky love story building underneath the serial killer murder story. It's all done in a tolerable, sort of charming way. You'll figure out the killer but that seems intentional. It doesn't detract from the ending/resolution. It's definitely slow at times, but what's nice is nothing is really over the top crazy, super hero cop stuff. They're not too stupid or too invincible. It is, however, very depressing to think about teen girls missing like this and no one misses them sooner. Probably happens more than we care to think about. I will read the next book in the series.
August 17, 2025
Needed an editor
ugh! I finished the book because I had to confirm who did it. Yes, I was right. But someone needed to edit the manuscript before going to print. There were so many errors in the writing. i.e. it's a small town, but they can afford two detectives?? It's so small there's only one grocery store? Riley couldn't endure dead bodies even as a detective? It takes years of police work to become a detective, you don't just decide to be one. Therefore, I won't be reading the next books in the series.
ugh! I finished the book because I had to confirm who did it. Yes, I was right. But someone needed to edit the manuscript before going to print. There were so many errors in the writing. i.e. it's a small town, but they can afford two detectives?? It's so small there's only one grocery store? Riley couldn't endure dead bodies even as a detective? It takes years of police work to become a detective, you don't just decide to be one. Therefore, I won't be reading the next books in the series.
April 27, 2025
Good, but figured it out
The characters are very likable. The setting is great. It seems like an ideal place to live, but the town has some secrets. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and if the town were real, I’d love to live there, but once one of the characters was introduced, I knew immediately who the killer/kidnapper was. It was good, and I enjoyed the read, just wish I didn’t figure it out so easily.
The characters are very likable. The setting is great. It seems like an ideal place to live, but the town has some secrets. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters, and if the town were real, I’d love to live there, but once one of the characters was introduced, I knew immediately who the killer/kidnapper was. It was good, and I enjoyed the read, just wish I didn’t figure it out so easily.
July 18, 2025
Not feeling it at first, then it got much better.
My point being that I was thinking it was boring and intended to stop reading it. For some reason I started to keep with it and it did end up being a well written book with interesting characters that were more likeable as the story unfolds. Not every book begins with a perfect enticing lead. Give it a chance and it gets better. Hope you enjoy the book.
My point being that I was thinking it was boring and intended to stop reading it. For some reason I started to keep with it and it did end up being a well written book with interesting characters that were more likeable as the story unfolds. Not every book begins with a perfect enticing lead. Give it a chance and it gets better. Hope you enjoy the book.
November 13, 2025
Overall I enjoyed this book. It definitely made me want to keep reading to find out what happened. Logan felt like an unnecessary side character. I thought maybe my two favorite genres were colliding (true crime & romcom) but then it went nowhere. I don't know if maybe it's the first book of many, but nothing happened with his SIL wanting to get custody of his daughter? And what was the point of the relationship with his mom & his brother visiting? He was a very confusing character to throw in.
September 29, 2024
slow going
The story was okay. It just took a long time to get going. I can see she wanted to weave some history about the characters which was good it just took a long time for the murder mystery to unfold. I almost gave up. Good character development though. You start to care about them. I will probably read the next one.
The story was okay. It just took a long time to get going. I can see she wanted to weave some history about the characters which was good it just took a long time for the murder mystery to unfold. I almost gave up. Good character development though. You start to care about them. I will probably read the next one.
March 4, 2025
I think this book did start off a little slow, and the story line sort of stressed me out with the Aunt, but overall it was a really good book! The characters were interesting in their own ways, the story line kept me reading, and I love the small town feel of it all. I can't wait to read the next book in this small series! The doctor's story needs to be continued!!!!
December 26, 2024
If you’re into boring, read this book. Dull and boring! Lackluster characters with absolutely no personalities, dull, stupid conversations, boring storyline that gets lost in all the family drama. Don’t like not finishing a book - a tremendous struggle to finish this one.
November 19, 2024
Good
Good story, small town depicted well. Not one you can't put down though. Some times boring, too much repetition, and a few grammatical errors.
Good story, small town depicted well. Not one you can't put down though. Some times boring, too much repetition, and a few grammatical errors.
January 9, 2025
2.5 stars. This book had likable characters, but very slow pacing. I don’t think I’ll continue the series.
March 16, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ Not a great read for mystery / thriller readers. The plot is mediocre and comes to conclusion at a rapid rate with very little resolution to the various side plots.
January 3, 2026
The writing is so poor, the author keeps repeating the same cliche phrases over and over. The plot is super cliche as well. A serial killer hiding the bodies around his cabin in the woods..
An example of writing is "for better or worse the cops had to tell the parents their missing daughter was found dead". Really, for better or for worse????
Of course, the main character is a single attractive female cop who has been through a personal tragedy, and she meets a handsome and available doctor who has also been through recent dramatic events.
Of course the perpetrator is the most innocent person imaginable.
I could write a better book myself.
I read the beginning and the end. That's how I got through this pile of constantly repeated nonsense.
I have no idea how this book got such a high rating?...
An example of writing is "for better or worse the cops had to tell the parents their missing daughter was found dead". Really, for better or for worse????
Of course, the main character is a single attractive female cop who has been through a personal tragedy, and she meets a handsome and available doctor who has also been through recent dramatic events.
Of course the perpetrator is the most innocent person imaginable.
I could write a better book myself.
I read the beginning and the end. That's how I got through this pile of constantly repeated nonsense.
I have no idea how this book got such a high rating?...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2025
Riley gets her man
Riley Quinn is a detective in the small town of Pine Brooke. Logan Elwood is the new local doctor. He lost his wife and has a seven year old daughter. He moved from the big city to a quiet town to work in and spend more time with his daughter. Riley is on a case of a body found at the bottom of a cliff. Jade was a missing person. As she digs further into the case she finds bodies of a number of missing persons, young girls. After arresting Boston, who's father is a well respected person in town. Boston is known for dealing drugs and is under arrest for statutory rape. Riley ponders if he could be involved. A recluse citizen comes forward with information to blow the case wide open. Keeps you guessing til the end. Interesting story.
Riley Quinn is a detective in the small town of Pine Brooke. Logan Elwood is the new local doctor. He lost his wife and has a seven year old daughter. He moved from the big city to a quiet town to work in and spend more time with his daughter. Riley is on a case of a body found at the bottom of a cliff. Jade was a missing person. As she digs further into the case she finds bodies of a number of missing persons, young girls. After arresting Boston, who's father is a well respected person in town. Boston is known for dealing drugs and is under arrest for statutory rape. Riley ponders if he could be involved. A recluse citizen comes forward with information to blow the case wide open. Keeps you guessing til the end. Interesting story.
September 25, 2024
AJ Rivers has created a new series for us, and it is incredible! Don't miss this one!
In the tiny town of Pine Brooke, CA, Detective Riley Quinn and her coworker/best friend, Zelina, are on the hunt for a killer. A missing teenager is found at the bottom of a hill with various injuries. Her best friend also went missing at the same time. As Riley and Zelina dig into the circumstances surrounding the girls, secrets of the little town begin to come to light, and it isn't pretty. With the help of the new doctor at the clinic, Ripley Elwood, Riley's search for answers is a long, winding road through old small town secrets with frequent detours and misdirection.
In the tiny town of Pine Brooke, CA, Detective Riley Quinn and her coworker/best friend, Zelina, are on the hunt for a killer. A missing teenager is found at the bottom of a hill with various injuries. Her best friend also went missing at the same time. As Riley and Zelina dig into the circumstances surrounding the girls, secrets of the little town begin to come to light, and it isn't pretty. With the help of the new doctor at the clinic, Ripley Elwood, Riley's search for answers is a long, winding road through old small town secrets with frequent detours and misdirection.
January 16, 2025
The Girls in Pine Brooke (Detective Riley Quinn, Book 1)
I almost took a pass on this book. I've read several books lately that were thin on mystery and heavy on romance. After only a few chapters, I realized the character of Detective Riley Quinn was for real. That's not to say her character is all business. In fact, I feel that writer A.J. Rivers provides a nice balance between Det. Quinn's personal and professional life. The introduction of the new doctor in town almost certainly provides an avenue for romance at some point in the series. If subsequent books are as solid as this one, it will be interesting to see how the detective and the doctor work together. - Mr.Bill
I almost took a pass on this book. I've read several books lately that were thin on mystery and heavy on romance. After only a few chapters, I realized the character of Detective Riley Quinn was for real. That's not to say her character is all business. In fact, I feel that writer A.J. Rivers provides a nice balance between Det. Quinn's personal and professional life. The introduction of the new doctor in town almost certainly provides an avenue for romance at some point in the series. If subsequent books are as solid as this one, it will be interesting to see how the detective and the doctor work together. - Mr.Bill
April 28, 2025
Interesting
My dislike about this book was that you really had to pay attention to the title. You'd be reading and the I was someone else. There has to be a better way to connect the story than that.
However, the story was otherwise very well written and kept you reading and thinking what was that teacher trying to pull? When Tory Craster was first brought into the story as such a "good guy", I had him on the suspect list. There were enough characters introduced to keep the reader on their toes.
Very interesting story.
The best part, no bad language, no sex. That ruins books.
My dislike about this book was that you really had to pay attention to the title. You'd be reading and the I was someone else. There has to be a better way to connect the story than that.
However, the story was otherwise very well written and kept you reading and thinking what was that teacher trying to pull? When Tory Craster was first brought into the story as such a "good guy", I had him on the suspect list. There were enough characters introduced to keep the reader on their toes.
Very interesting story.
The best part, no bad language, no sex. That ruins books.
July 11, 2025
This is a fast-paced book with alot going on. A good introduction to both Detective Riley and the new Doctor Logan. I like how the author work the characters in this book. However, I did notice that one of the cases that Detective Riley and her fellow Detective wanted to investigate but could not was kind of left undone. There is alot going on and interesting how the author started us with the crime first and then how the detective goes about gathering clues and figuring out the whys to how this happened. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 11, 2025
How on earth does this have an average of over 4 stars? The writing is horrific and soooo many repeated words / phrases. It could prob be 10 chapters shorter if the author didn’t write sentences like this: “I didn’t like the look on his face. The look on his face annoyed me”. Or one of my favorites “I needed to see more evidence at the scene. There wasn’t enough evidence at the scene because of the rain. There would have been more evidence if we had been able to get to the scene sooner”. SHOOT ME.
January 17, 2025
It is a good story, and the small town is depicted well.
A pair of female detectives stumble into a serial killer.
Great character development, and I read it all, and it was interesting. However, it did drag a little in places. Finding the serial killer was not a big surprise. There was no twist (not that there has to be).
I gave it five stars because the characters were interesting.
A pair of female detectives stumble into a serial killer.
Great character development, and I read it all, and it was interesting. However, it did drag a little in places. Finding the serial killer was not a big surprise. There was no twist (not that there has to be).
I gave it five stars because the characters were interesting.
February 28, 2025
Missing girls
First time to read this author and I expect to read more of her books. Riley has a case of 2 missing girls which evolves into much more than she expected. Her and her partner have trouble finding leads, but a breakthrough gives them a big surprise. The other side of the story is about the new doctor in town who's a surprise of his own. This was a clean book and had no problems keeping my interest. Definitely worth reading.
First time to read this author and I expect to read more of her books. Riley has a case of 2 missing girls which evolves into much more than she expected. Her and her partner have trouble finding leads, but a breakthrough gives them a big surprise. The other side of the story is about the new doctor in town who's a surprise of his own. This was a clean book and had no problems keeping my interest. Definitely worth reading.
July 6, 2025
A Real Who-dunnit.
Riley Quinn and her partner have many mysterious suspects.
Doc Logan, and his little girl Dani are struggling to find their place in a small town, but are followed by unwanted family drama.
The victims have back stories. The main characters as well. There are many undeniable connections weaved into into this book.
There is drama at every turn, from victims, to suspects, to all those around them. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Riley Quinn and her partner have many mysterious suspects.
Doc Logan, and his little girl Dani are struggling to find their place in a small town, but are followed by unwanted family drama.
The victims have back stories. The main characters as well. There are many undeniable connections weaved into into this book.
There is drama at every turn, from victims, to suspects, to all those around them. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
January 2, 2026
Riley Quinn….Stellar Detective
This installment introduces Detective Riley Quinn and Dr. Logan. The story hails in the smallish town of Pine Brookes. Young ladies bodies are turning up and Riley solves the case, much to the chagrin of the town.
Riley’s Character proves to be intense but likable. Looking forward to where this series takes me! A.J. Rivers unravels another masterpiece!
This installment introduces Detective Riley Quinn and Dr. Logan. The story hails in the smallish town of Pine Brookes. Young ladies bodies are turning up and Riley solves the case, much to the chagrin of the town.
Riley’s Character proves to be intense but likable. Looking forward to where this series takes me! A.J. Rivers unravels another masterpiece!
Read
October 7, 2024This book was so interesting. The characters were described so well. I found the book fast moving. I could not put it down. The only thing is one of the characters were not addressed at the end and left me hanging. I hope the next book picks up where it left off. Next book comes out soon which is a plus.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews