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Trusted Lies
They built an empire from their pain—now it’s under siege.
Welcome to the world of Battle Scars, an exclusive collective of divorced women who've turned their pain into power as successful businesswomen. But when new member Veronica St. James faces a terrifying home invasion and ominous threats, the group's solidarity is put to the ultimate test.
Initially skeptical, Detective Rachel Ryder's instincts kick into high gear when one of the Battle Scars women is found murdered in her own home. As panic spreads through the group, long-held secrets begin to surface, and trust becomes a luxury that no one can afford.
With her veteran partner Rob Bishop by her side, Rachel races to connect the dots before the killer strikes again. But in a world where success breeds envy and empowerment has a price, the list of suspects seems endless. Ex-husbands with grudges, rejected applicants with scores to settle, and rival businesses with everything to gain—everyone's a potential threat.
Rachel must race against time to uncover the truth before the scars they’ve survived split open into deadly wounds.
Trusted Lies, the eleventh pulse-pounding thriller in the Rachel Ryder series by USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, weaves a tense and unforgettable story of betrayal and danger that will leave readers hooked until the final twist.
_______________________
Praise for Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and the Rachel Ryder
"Detective Rachel Ryder is smart, tough, and fearless—readers will gladly follow her through every twist.” —LynDee Walker, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Fear No Truth
"Tight writing, unexpected twists, and the tough but vulnerable lead Detective Rachel Ryder will leave you eager to read the next book..." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Rachel Ryder is a new heroine on the suspense scene that you’ll want to engage with again and again." —Kimberly Charleston, Books Uplift
_______________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "What a story!"
★★★★★ "...a runaway thriller."
★★★★★ "...complete jaw dropper..."
★★★★★ "...well crafted, complex investigation."
★★★★★ "For those who like a good police mystery..."
Welcome to the world of Battle Scars, an exclusive collective of divorced women who've turned their pain into power as successful businesswomen. But when new member Veronica St. James faces a terrifying home invasion and ominous threats, the group's solidarity is put to the ultimate test.
Initially skeptical, Detective Rachel Ryder's instincts kick into high gear when one of the Battle Scars women is found murdered in her own home. As panic spreads through the group, long-held secrets begin to surface, and trust becomes a luxury that no one can afford.
With her veteran partner Rob Bishop by her side, Rachel races to connect the dots before the killer strikes again. But in a world where success breeds envy and empowerment has a price, the list of suspects seems endless. Ex-husbands with grudges, rejected applicants with scores to settle, and rival businesses with everything to gain—everyone's a potential threat.
Rachel must race against time to uncover the truth before the scars they’ve survived split open into deadly wounds.
Trusted Lies, the eleventh pulse-pounding thriller in the Rachel Ryder series by USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson, weaves a tense and unforgettable story of betrayal and danger that will leave readers hooked until the final twist.
_______________________
Praise for Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and the Rachel Ryder
"Detective Rachel Ryder is smart, tough, and fearless—readers will gladly follow her through every twist.” —LynDee Walker, Amazon Charts bestselling author of Fear No Truth
"Tight writing, unexpected twists, and the tough but vulnerable lead Detective Rachel Ryder will leave you eager to read the next book..." —Susan Hunter, author of Dangerous Habits
"Rachel Ryder is a new heroine on the suspense scene that you’ll want to engage with again and again." —Kimberly Charleston, Books Uplift
_______________________
What readers are
★★★★★ "What a story!"
★★★★★ "...a runaway thriller."
★★★★★ "...complete jaw dropper..."
★★★★★ "...well crafted, complex investigation."
★★★★★ "For those who like a good police mystery..."
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
222 people are currently reading
1183 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
150 books545 followersUSA 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 8, 2025
A secret club comprised of wealthy divorced women who are seeking revenge against their ex-husbands. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out - plenty! Houses are broken into and the women in the club are being murdered. Are they turning on one another? Are the ex-husbands retaliating? Or is it someone rejected by the group? Ryder and the rest of the team must sift through a twisted web of lies and clues to discover the truth.
Each installment in this series showcases a well crafted, complex investigation. Not only do readers get a riveting investigation, but they also get to know a group of fantastic characters. The relationships among these characters add just as much to the series as the investigations themselves. A highly recommended series!
Each installment in this series showcases a well crafted, complex investigation. Not only do readers get a riveting investigation, but they also get to know a group of fantastic characters. The relationships among these characters add just as much to the series as the investigations themselves. A highly recommended series!
December 26, 2025
This was a twisted and complicated plot. It was not a bad read, not my favorite but good to see the characters.
December 9, 2025
Battle Scars is an exclusive group of divorced women who've used their pain to become successful businesswomen. When new member Veronica St. James faces a terrifying home invasion and ominous threats, the group's solidarity is put to the test. While investigating the case, Detective Rachel Ryder suspicion is heightened when one of the Battle Scars women is murdered in her own home. Panic spreads, secrets are revealed, and trust within the group begins to crack. With her veteran partner Rob Bishop, Rachel races to solve the case before the killer strikes again. But in this environment of success and empowerment, the list of suspects includes ex-husbands with grudges, rejected applicants with scores to settle, and rival businesses with everything to gain.
An interesting and complex group of wealthy women come together in this well-written, gripping thriller. As the story progresses, you begin to question whether the women's ex-husbands are sick of being victimized and are exacting their revenge, whether the women themselves are trying on each other or if something else is going on. It's an interesting observation of human nature to read about a group of well -connected women who start to unravel when things suddenly no longer go their way. The twists and turns in this plot kept me thoroughly engaged and turning the pages to find out who was responsible in the end! Although it's not the first in the series featuring Detective Ryder, it's easily read as a standalone. I would definitely enjoy reading the back catalogue of books featuring this detective as I found her character honest and gutsy and would be keen to know her backstory. A definite recommended read.
An interesting and complex group of wealthy women come together in this well-written, gripping thriller. As the story progresses, you begin to question whether the women's ex-husbands are sick of being victimized and are exacting their revenge, whether the women themselves are trying on each other or if something else is going on. It's an interesting observation of human nature to read about a group of well -connected women who start to unravel when things suddenly no longer go their way. The twists and turns in this plot kept me thoroughly engaged and turning the pages to find out who was responsible in the end! Although it's not the first in the series featuring Detective Ryder, it's easily read as a standalone. I would definitely enjoy reading the back catalogue of books featuring this detective as I found her character honest and gutsy and would be keen to know her backstory. A definite recommended read.
December 9, 2025
A twisted mystery with continuing characters who will draw you in to not only their work life, but their personal life as well. When Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner, Rob Bishop, are called to the scene of a murder, they find a woman who has been shot. Rachel is familiar with the woman as she was a member of a group known as the Battle Scars. The group was founded by women who, after divorce, have found a new path in life, but are still interested in targeting their former husbands. There had been a prior home invasion at one of the other members, but no fatality. Rachel had once assisted the woman’s son who had turned his life around. The other members of the group are panicking, worried that they might be next, but who would target them and why? Trying to keep their group a secret, Rachel has trouble getting them to reveal all that they know, but the group has evolved from the idea of self-improvement and promise of a new life, to retribution! Will she find out who is involved and why before another life is lost? Just when I thought I had it all figured out; a shocking end which I was not expecting! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
December 6, 2025
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Rachel helping a young man whose father had beat his mother as well as himself and she was at the hospital and needed help. Around a year later she ran into him once more and told her that he thanked her for what she did and now he told her that his home had been broken into. As this investigation began, it blew up into a major case once one of Ethan's mother's friend was killed. It was at this time that Rachel discovered the"Battle Scars". This was a group of 5 women of which Ethan's mother belonged. Later another of the members was killed as well as one being injured when a bomb exploded as she was driving home.
Follow along with Rachel and the rest of her team as they pursued the clues in trying to discover who was behind the attacks on the "Battle Scars" members. The ending is well done and will answer any questions that you might have. This is definitely worth reading, don't miss out!
The story begins with Rachel helping a young man whose father had beat his mother as well as himself and she was at the hospital and needed help. Around a year later she ran into him once more and told her that he thanked her for what she did and now he told her that his home had been broken into. As this investigation began, it blew up into a major case once one of Ethan's mother's friend was killed. It was at this time that Rachel discovered the"Battle Scars". This was a group of 5 women of which Ethan's mother belonged. Later another of the members was killed as well as one being injured when a bomb exploded as she was driving home.
Follow along with Rachel and the rest of her team as they pursued the clues in trying to discover who was behind the attacks on the "Battle Scars" members. The ending is well done and will answer any questions that you might have. This is definitely worth reading, don't miss out!
December 11, 2025
Trusted Lies tells a story about a group of wealthy divorced women who besides helping each other to build a sound business also aim to take revenge against their ex-husbands. It seemed to be a good idea till everything starts to go downhill, one has the house broken into, two turn up dead and another suffers severe burns when her car explodes. Rachel and her team are searching for leads and interviewing everyone they can to turn up information, but then one of their team is almost killed and the truth is awfully hard to understand. As always, besides the crime plot, there's a lot of human life subjects that are raised in the story which also has many laughable situations. Great entertainment!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
December 16, 2025
A newly divorced Victoria St James suffers a home invasion, Rachel & crew are tasked with the investigation. They learn of an under the radar group called Battle Scars -a membership of divorced abused women who help each other rebuild their lives with new businesses etc.
When one of the members is found dead, the investigation determines the group is not all that altruistic. No one is talking, the only credible info comes from Savannah-former debutante and the Chief's wife who seems dialed in to all the local gossip.
The book seems to go round in circles -interviewing & reinterviewing the members, coming up with theories that are eventually rejected. It took a while to come together & there were too many members and applicants to keep straight before it made sense.
When one of the members is found dead, the investigation determines the group is not all that altruistic. No one is talking, the only credible info comes from Savannah-former debutante and the Chief's wife who seems dialed in to all the local gossip.
The book seems to go round in circles -interviewing & reinterviewing the members, coming up with theories that are eventually rejected. It took a while to come together & there were too many members and applicants to keep straight before it made sense.
November 18, 2025
A gripping thriller involving a secret "club" of divorced, very wealthy women, out for revenge. But somehow things got turned around and one by one they become the victims. Rachel and her team are working to figure out if the women are turning on themselves, or if their ex-husbands are tired of being victimized and are seeking revenge, or even other business associates. There are many twists, turns, and big surprises that all come together to make a brilliant thriller that was hard to put down! I just love Rachel, she is one huge force to be reckoned with! Looking forward to the next one, as always.
December 8, 2025
Spine-tingling!
An ex-juvenile offender contacts Detective Rachel Ryder concerning his divorced mother’s safety. A suspicious home invasion and threats could potentially point to her incarcerated ex-husband. The woman is a new member of an exclusive group of divorced women known as the Battle Scars. As other members of the group are targeted and one is murdered, Rachel and her partner, Rob Bishop, uncover clues, grudges, and secrets in a race to find the killer before more people die.
This page-turning thriller kept me up all night! What an ending! I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
An ex-juvenile offender contacts Detective Rachel Ryder concerning his divorced mother’s safety. A suspicious home invasion and threats could potentially point to her incarcerated ex-husband. The woman is a new member of an exclusive group of divorced women known as the Battle Scars. As other members of the group are targeted and one is murdered, Rachel and her partner, Rob Bishop, uncover clues, grudges, and secrets in a race to find the killer before more people die.
This page-turning thriller kept me up all night! What an ending! I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
December 14, 2025
Every trip back to hamby, georgia is an adventure,
In this story we have battle scars. A group of divorced women out for revenge.
But is revenge, really What's happening this time in hamby, georgia. EX wives have something to gain. or is there more going on in this town than anyone really knows.
money is the root of all evil, and people with the money prove evil is what they're out for..
The truth will shock you.
Just when I thought I knew who the killer was.There was a spin put on it.
Another fabulous story by this author and i'm so thankful.There's been so many books in this series.Looking forward to the next one as well.
In this story we have battle scars. A group of divorced women out for revenge.
But is revenge, really What's happening this time in hamby, georgia. EX wives have something to gain. or is there more going on in this town than anyone really knows.
money is the root of all evil, and people with the money prove evil is what they're out for..
The truth will shock you.
Just when I thought I knew who the killer was.There was a spin put on it.
Another fabulous story by this author and i'm so thankful.There's been so many books in this series.Looking forward to the next one as well.
November 26, 2025
This was a fantastic thriller where the truth was twisted and shattered of not knowing who to believe. The mysterious Battle Scars group had Rachel, Rob, and the team figuring out the commonalities and who was involved. Was it the women themselves, their ex-husbands or someone else? As each murder occurred, the members of the Battle Scars started to panic and secrets slowly came to light. Will they solve this case before someone else is murdered? The plot and twists and turns leave you guessing until the end. This is a great suspense thriller. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2025
This is the 11th book in the series; I’ve read and loved all the previous books, but this stands alone well. Rachel and her co-workers are back in a mystery with lots of twists and turns. I enjoy all the characters, but especially Rachel, and dealing with rich women in the Atlanta suburbs brings out all of Rachel’s disdain. There’s humor in the midst of all the police procedures and the book is so well-written and paced, it’s hard to put down. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
December 11, 2025
Imagine getting a divorce with all the mixed feelings, and a woman comes up to make friends. She’s wealthy, prominent in the community and wants to help you make a new start on your own. Your life starts to improve, you have a new business, and suddenly your friends start dying.
Detective Rachel Ryder picks up the case where a house is broken into, then another member is shot. And slowly the body count begins to rise. As member is eliminated the case is solved with a surprise I never expected. Great Book!
Detective Rachel Ryder picks up the case where a house is broken into, then another member is shot. And slowly the body count begins to rise. As member is eliminated the case is solved with a surprise I never expected. Great Book!
December 31, 2025
One of the best Rachel Ryder Murder Mysteries to Date!
A secret 'club' of divorcees in Nanny GA - well to do women who do even better once divorced, succeeded businesses, social standing and all together under one woman's leadership. When a break in occurs at one of their homes, no one is talking. When one is murdered there's less talking. Just what is this club and why are they so tight lipped?
A secret 'club' of divorcees in Nanny GA - well to do women who do even better once divorced, succeeded businesses, social standing and all together under one woman's leadership. When a break in occurs at one of their homes, no one is talking. When one is murdered there's less talking. Just what is this club and why are they so tight lipped?
February 8, 2026
I've enjoyed this series because of the main characters. From book to book the writer adds more depth to them. Excellent job!
However, I think there were too many other characters to keep track of. The storyline shifted from one to another as the possible villain of the story. It was an excellent story of mixed possibilities, but maybe too many for me to keep track of during the story.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next.
However, I think there were too many other characters to keep track of. The storyline shifted from one to another as the possible villain of the story. It was an excellent story of mixed possibilities, but maybe too many for me to keep track of during the story.
I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next.
December 23, 2025
Murder in the group
Rachel is up to her ears and murder. She is a detective and trying to find out who was killing all the women in this special group. There are lots of suspects but no evidence. I found the plot very good and the character is exceptional. I recommend this book For all crime readers.
Rachel is up to her ears and murder. She is a detective and trying to find out who was killing all the women in this special group. There are lots of suspects but no evidence. I found the plot very good and the character is exceptional. I recommend this book For all crime readers.
November 16, 2025
An amazing group of divorced women who have done their best to make a new life for themselves. Someone new in their group has major concerns and they do their best to help. As always well written to keep you wanting more. Don’t miss out.
December 12, 2025
I can never follow the suspects / motivation / steps to solving these mysteries (LOL) but really like the characters, especially Rachel, Kyle and Bishop.
December 18, 2025
Great series
Wow, this book definitely kept me guessing. The mysteries were really interesting. Quite a group of divorced women and this was a really different plot. Well done!
Wow, this book definitely kept me guessing. The mysteries were really interesting. Quite a group of divorced women and this was a really different plot. Well done!
December 20, 2025
great book, twisted story, really enjoy this series, glad I found it...
January 13, 2026
Trusted Lies is a fantastic book. it is full of suspense and mystery. There are many twists and surprises to keep you guessing. I really enjoyed this book.
December 9, 2025
Wow what another amazing ride this story was.
The characters were awesome as always, trying to solve crimes and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The storyline was phenomenal. I enjoyed every twist and turns that happened in this book. It's very well written and so very addicting. I loved this story a lot and I highly recommend it.
The characters were awesome as always, trying to solve crimes and keeping me on the edge of my seat.
The storyline was phenomenal. I enjoyed every twist and turns that happened in this book. It's very well written and so very addicting. I loved this story a lot and I highly recommend it.
December 21, 2025
This new Rachel Ryder story focuses on women who are all part of a wealthy divorced women's club/group. Initially called to a home invasion, a member soon turns up dead, the women all suspects.
This group is very secretive, no one wanting information about the members or applicants getting out.
I always enjoy the books in this series and this was an interesting one. I liked it! The only thing I wish was a little different in this series is the relationship progression of Rachel and Kyle. All her other co-workers have changes/growth within their relationships but Rachel and Kyle are still where they were books ago. My only little complaint! Otherwise I love the series and can't wait for more!
This group is very secretive, no one wanting information about the members or applicants getting out.
I always enjoy the books in this series and this was an interesting one. I liked it! The only thing I wish was a little different in this series is the relationship progression of Rachel and Kyle. All her other co-workers have changes/growth within their relationships but Rachel and Kyle are still where they were books ago. My only little complaint! Otherwise I love the series and can't wait for more!
December 30, 2025
TRUSTED LIES - Interesting and intense story lines combined with good characters and clean dialog made for an entertaining and immersing read. I like the writing style of the author. 4*
NEVER SPEAK OF IT - I have several of this author's older books but haven't gotten around to reading them. This one sounded interesting, so I thought I'd try this newer book. It is interesting with good characters and a steady pace. I figured out two possible killers and was half right, so this may be a easy solve, and relaxing. When I have time, I'll check out what I have in my K. library. 4*
Books Source: Severn River Publishing.
NEVER SPEAK OF IT - I have several of this author's older books but haven't gotten around to reading them. This one sounded interesting, so I thought I'd try this newer book. It is interesting with good characters and a steady pace. I figured out two possible killers and was half right, so this may be a easy solve, and relaxing. When I have time, I'll check out what I have in my K. library. 4*
Books Source: Severn River Publishing.
December 9, 2025
Oh the lives of the rich and entitled...this one was crazy and twisted, but totally enjoyable.
This is the first in the Rachel Ryder series for me, and while it was fine to read as a standalone, it's #11 in the series and I feel like I'm missing out on the deeper connections between Ryder and her partner and colleagues. I feel a little like I married into the family late and I'm on the outside looking on. Guess that means I'll have to go back!
I'm a whodunit junkie, so I confess to having this one figured out before the big reveal, but not everything, good to know some authors can still surprise me!
This is the first in the Rachel Ryder series for me, and while it was fine to read as a standalone, it's #11 in the series and I feel like I'm missing out on the deeper connections between Ryder and her partner and colleagues. I feel a little like I married into the family late and I'm on the outside looking on. Guess that means I'll have to go back!
I'm a whodunit junkie, so I confess to having this one figured out before the big reveal, but not everything, good to know some authors can still surprise me!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews