What do you think?
Rate this book
Ava James FBI #19
The Hidden Vendetta
Affairs of the heart can lead to a deadly demise.
FBI Agent Ava James has had to investigate countless tough cases throughout her career.
When a local diner is shot up with multiple casualties,
two patrons dead, and the employees tied up and locked in the freezer...
Ava is called to investigate the brutal aftermath.
At first, it seems like a robbery gone wrong, with vigilante patrons paying the price.
But the deeper she unravels the mystery,
the harder it is to ignore the glaring conspiracies behind this seemingly simple case.
Could it have been a professional hit job, and why target this local Diner?
The intertwined lives of many are about to unravel a massive web.
Hidden affairs, secrets leading to mass graves, and a ticking time bomb in the making.
To take down the culprit, Ava James will have to do something radical.
FBI Agent Ava James has had to investigate countless tough cases throughout her career.
When a local diner is shot up with multiple casualties,
two patrons dead, and the employees tied up and locked in the freezer...
Ava is called to investigate the brutal aftermath.
At first, it seems like a robbery gone wrong, with vigilante patrons paying the price.
But the deeper she unravels the mystery,
the harder it is to ignore the glaring conspiracies behind this seemingly simple case.
Could it have been a professional hit job, and why target this local Diner?
The intertwined lives of many are about to unravel a massive web.
Hidden affairs, secrets leading to mass graves, and a ticking time bomb in the making.
To take down the culprit, Ava James will have to do something radical.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 25, 2025
The Hidden Vendetta(Ava James FBI Mystery Book 19)
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and terrifying but I loved every minute of it. Ava and her team have their hands full on this one. She starts by getting a case that was not only a double murder, but these murderers, go into an internet Cafe, in a small town, and shoot up the place. It just get crazier from there. There is an international family, that run guns, drugs and people, throughout the US and other countries and this family has a hidden vendetta against one person. But he keeps getting away, so they go on a murder spree. Ava gets into trouble, trying to protect the person that is being hunted. The case is still going,because the head of this family got away. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book was amazing and terrifying but I loved every minute of it. Ava and her team have their hands full on this one. She starts by getting a case that was not only a double murder, but these murderers, go into an internet Cafe, in a small town, and shoot up the place. It just get crazier from there. There is an international family, that run guns, drugs and people, throughout the US and other countries and this family has a hidden vendetta against one person. But he keeps getting away, so they go on a murder spree. Ava gets into trouble, trying to protect the person that is being hunted. The case is still going,because the head of this family got away. I can't wait to read the next book.
April 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
The Hidden Vendetta is the nineteenth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
The Hidden Vendetta is the nineteenth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
February 22, 2026
intriguing reading
When I finally start reading back in 2007 after not reading my whole life, I thought well this isn’t a pretty good time to explore what ratings all about. Hell if I’m smart enough to know this instead of just pushing it aside, all my ears have grown up. I would’ve started out when I was still in grade school. Reading is fun. These bucks by some of these authors and this one by AJ Rivers is one of those that I want to be reading. Now. I find a new family that’s not real but it sure feels real when I’m reading about them and what they’re doing. I feel like I’m part of the family. I like the ones that are the good people. I know some people like the bad people, but that’s not my kind of thing. In a way this is put together and very interesting. It’s kind of tough not to continue reading to keep finding out. Where am I headed it?
When I finally start reading back in 2007 after not reading my whole life, I thought well this isn’t a pretty good time to explore what ratings all about. Hell if I’m smart enough to know this instead of just pushing it aside, all my ears have grown up. I would’ve started out when I was still in grade school. Reading is fun. These bucks by some of these authors and this one by AJ Rivers is one of those that I want to be reading. Now. I find a new family that’s not real but it sure feels real when I’m reading about them and what they’re doing. I feel like I’m part of the family. I like the ones that are the good people. I know some people like the bad people, but that’s not my kind of thing. In a way this is put together and very interesting. It’s kind of tough not to continue reading to keep finding out. Where am I headed it?
September 19, 2025
Special Agent Aviva (Ava) James is back. There is never a shortage of cases and Ava is still trying to get back to normal after being the target of a serial killer. Ava and her team are sent to investigate a shooting at a diner. The team soon realizes that they are after vicious Croatian gangsters. The action is non stop as the story takes many twists and turns. Ava is desperately trying to save their latest victim as everything goes crazy when one member in the gang tuns on his siblings. There is a lot in this story and I had a hard time putting it down. As always. Rivers is a very talented writer and still leaves readers wanting more. I'm guessing that this story is not done though as the FBI and CIA and trying to pick up the last night.
September 10, 2025
FBI Agent Ava James and the gang are back in this thriller as they try to track down Croatian mobsters hell-bent on silencing one of their own. Don't miss this fast-paced thrill ride up and down the eastern seaboard and into America's Playground!
September 14, 2025
Good to see Ava again
It's good to see another Ava James book. I love this series. And this was one of the more exciting stories. I finished the book in a day because I didn't want to stop reading one I started. Now I can't wait for the next one!
It's good to see another Ava James book. I love this series. And this was one of the more exciting stories. I finished the book in a day because I didn't want to stop reading one I started. Now I can't wait for the next one!
September 15, 2025
A J Rivers never disappoints.
Poor Ava, I was worn out right there with her! What a terrible case she had, with all the twists and turns. As always, her cases are riveting. Never disappointed to read the next case.
Poor Ava, I was worn out right there with her! What a terrible case she had, with all the twists and turns. As always, her cases are riveting. Never disappointed to read the next case.
September 20, 2025
Another great read!
Another great piece in the Ava James series. Great story line and kept me intrigued the entire time. As per usual, I couldn't put it down. Ready for the next one!
Another great piece in the Ava James series. Great story line and kept me intrigued the entire time. As per usual, I couldn't put it down. Ready for the next one!
October 9, 2025
The Ending
I was very surprised when I turned the page and the book was done. I’m not sure what to think about the ending or if there will be more to come???? Guess we will see in the future
I was very surprised when I turned the page and the book was done. I’m not sure what to think about the ending or if there will be more to come???? Guess we will see in the future
January 8, 2026
study in frustration
Death and destruction ensue after a man and woman are killed and others wounded in an unprovoked attack at a diner.
More brutality and death follow as it becomes clear that the diner victims weren’t the actual targets.
Death and destruction ensue after a man and woman are killed and others wounded in an unprovoked attack at a diner.
More brutality and death follow as it becomes clear that the diner victims weren’t the actual targets.
September 5, 2025
I loved it! It was intense, gripping, and thrilling. It was a quick read because it sucked me in and wouldn't let go.
September 15, 2025
Another excellent high stakes mystery!
September 18, 2025
The Hidden Vendetta
Great book. Interesting plot, with surprising twists and turns. The characters come to life and you feel like you know them.
Great book. Interesting plot, with surprising twists and turns. The characters come to life and you feel like you know them.
September 19, 2025
This was a fantastic story about Ava and team trying to find out why people were killed and finding out with lots of suspense and action. Thank you for this awesome story..
March 7, 2026
Sometimes you have to make people angry to get results.
April 22, 2026
No happy ending for Ava
This case was tough on Ava and her team. The Hidden Vendetta has lots of moving pieces and parts. Ava is pushed to her limits. Again.
This case was tough on Ava and her team. The Hidden Vendetta has lots of moving pieces and parts. Ava is pushed to her limits. Again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews