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Deep in the pines, someone or something is watching every move.
Teenage girls vanish after a game of hide-and-seek,
with only one returning to the campfire after being blindfolded and taken.

Detective Riley Quinn has spent much of her life ridding the world of evil.
After being found unconscious by firefighters, she finds herself in a new battle - her home set ablaze.
Soon, flashes of her memory return, placing a shadowy figure at the center of that tragic night,
revealing a truth more sinister than anyone could imagine.

With arson cases piling up and a chilling cold case intersecting with the ongoing investigations,
the multitude of mysteries take many unprecedented twists, unraveling a monstrous reality.

Disappearances, death, and fiery bombs in the making…
To bring down the wicked, the righteous must set an all consuming fire pit trap,
a final inferno of justice from which there is no escape, sentencing evil to hell on Earth.

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

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A.J. Rivers

183 books1,695 followers

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5 stars
1,937 (69%)
4 stars
660 (23%)
3 stars
153 (5%)
2 stars
23 (<1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
611 reviews5 followers
October 1, 2025
Wow! This book was fantastic! I'm breathless from the ending. Just when you think things have finally started to settle down for Logan, think again.

Logan is trying to get back to normal, or as close as he can, from Dani's kidnapping and all of the other chaos. Riley is also slowly getting back to work after being injured when her house burns to the ground.

Despite being a small town, Riley finds her 'light duty" case kind of wild. It was non stop and full of excitement. Surprises at every turn.

Logan tries hard to introduce his mother into Dani's life after all the turmoil and chaos from his wife's death to his sister-in-laws complete destruction. They start getting comfortable with new adjustments when the dust starts to settle only to be catapulted into a new disaster that we are to find out about when the story continues in the next book.

I cannot believe how deeply I have become invested in these characters and stories. Rivers is so talented at story telling, I am obsessed. The characters are wonderful. The cliffhanger endings are causing me anxiety to find out more. I am relieved though that Rivers says there is a lot more to come. This is one of the best book series that I have ever read!
Profile Image for Ami.
1 review1 follower
July 29, 2026
If I have to read “bile coated the back of her throat” one more time (spoiler: I’m on page 2 of the 7th book and it’s already been said) lol

Why am I still reading these? Honestly, I really enjoy the characters. Logan and Dani specifically, but I do have a soft spot for Riley and Zelina as well. It’s true that these books are poorly edited, which does often get in the way of the flow of a scene. They’re not super creative but the storylines are engaging enough that you want to see the stories through. That’s what’s kept me going with this series thus far, at least.

It’s not fair that she ends the books on cliffhangers because I am nosey and need to see a story through, but hey, that’s also why I’m still here, starting book 7, so I mean, touché.
Profile Image for Colleen N.
382 reviews
April 13, 2026
Another hit

I have really enjoyed the series. I enjoy all the twists and turns and the surprises that you don’t always see coming. Well I did figure out who the stalker was pretty early on, there were still some surprises, and I found myself with quite a few moments that left my mouth open. I think this author has also done a better job as the series has gone on of making the characters even more relatable and I laughed out loud quite a few times. I did not see the ending coming, and now I have to rush and read the next one in the series to see what happens.
Profile Image for Maggie Noll.
75 reviews
October 8, 2025
This series just really does keep getting better! This book sort of confused me from time to time. There were a lot of names and I sometimes got lost and where they were or who someone was that she brought back up later in the book. I love the ending, even though it makes my heart sad AND I have to wait till December to read the last one!! Cruel :( I know for a fact that this will be a series that I will re-read again!
Profile Image for Deborah Hensley.
10 reviews
December 4, 2025
OMG!!

I'm in love with this series of books. The way A.J. Rivers tells a story has me captivated. I've gotten really invested in these characters. I can't wait to see what's in store for Riley, Logan, Dani, and Isaac. These books are very well written and will keep you guessing from beginning to end. The ending of this one, through me for a loop. I'm anxiously waiting to find out what happens next.
283 reviews6 followers
September 29, 2025
I need the next book!

This is the 6th book in the Pine Brooke series which, if you're familiar with AJ Rivers, means a "season" will end in the 7th book and the recurring story thread will be unraveled. This book has a great main plot, with twisty turns. But it ends with a season cliff hanger. So now I really need the next book!
1,560 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2025
What a twister! These books keep you hooked

Whoa! Two things I did not see coming! There were lots of things going on here, and I can’t wait to find out what happens. I have an inkling and really want to know if I’m on the right track. Love how the end of one is the beginning of the next.
1 review
October 2, 2025
This is ridiculous. Each book in this series ended with a cliff hanger that made me rush to the next book. Unfortunately I had to wait 2 days for book 6 to be released and it ended in an even bigger cliff hanger that I now have to wait until December to finish. I don’t know if I can wait that long. Once you start this series you can’t stop and won’t want to.
5 reviews
October 8, 2025
Another cliffhanger leaving you wanting more

Love this series, the story lines never let you down, always page turners leaving you desperately waiting for the next book. Just when you think Logan and Riley are finally going to acknowledge their feelings for each other, life puts up another road block.
18 reviews
August 3, 2026
Stacking up bodies, everywhere!

Riley continues to look for the serial killer stacking up bodies in Pine Brook! So many murders, brutal, personal. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. A. J.Rivers continues to amaze and shock us at the same time. She will keep you on the edge of your seats!
Profile Image for Cindi Bean.
50 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2025
What a SURPRISE ending

I thought Watched in the Pines started a little slow but boy did it pick up fast!! I kinda guessed who it might be but then it twisted once murders started I was thrown off— the end I never say coming. Well worth the read!
247 reviews1 follower
September 29, 2025
Watched in the Pines

This book grabs you and doesn't let go. It has everything it needs to make you not want to put it down. The characters are believable and you quickly become invested in each one.
56 reviews
October 3, 2025
suspenseful

I was very confused and had no clue whatsoever although I did have some ideas that kind of did come true. But I was able to continue and move along then it ended. So the final ending was a shock to me as well, so that put me back into confusion.
17 reviews
October 6, 2025
Powerful Ending

Story was a little slow in getting my attention. Somewhat tiring trying to keep up with all the cast in the storyline, but the story had a powerful ending on all accounts and the book was a good read after all. I’m looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Cecilia U. Smith.
19 reviews1 follower
October 14, 2025
a very entertaining book.

At the beginning took me a while to get in but I kept reading. Suddenly I couldn't stop reading.
The meeting with the parents could have been more dramatic. It was to short and smooth for the enormous damage that they caused
Profile Image for Joni D O'Connor.
34 reviews
October 26, 2025
So very unexpected and mind blowing

This one was a wild ride! Twists and turns galore that keep you on the edge. Who did it and why? The end makes me very nervous for the next book! Hope it comes out soon.
Profile Image for Kelly Smelcer.
459 reviews
November 2, 2025
Riley Quinn is back, and this one will keep you guessing until the very end! When a young woman reports being stalked, Riley and Zelina investigate the few clues they have. As they dig deeper, the truth is more twisted than they ever imagined
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,708 reviews7 followers
December 4, 2025
horrible people doing horrible things

A young woman receives creepy letters, and a brick through her apart window, sending her back to her parents’ home.

On a different investigation, the coroner and forensics pinpoint a suspect in an open homicide investigation.
1,133 reviews11 followers
December 12, 2025
story with a twist

Seems that some one is scaring a young woman and Riley is trying to find out who is tormenting her. There are still some things which are not answered as of yet as we slowly follow the clues
Profile Image for Penny Anne.
57 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2026
Watched….more like you need to Watch out for the ending!

A.J. Rivers is still the mastermind of twists and turns. This story is great on its own - but the underlying plots keep you coming back for more!

On to the next story!! You won’t be disappointed!
331 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2026
It doesn't make sense

Riley is on light duty, but dead bodies keep showing up. A stalker case keeps getting stranger and it's hard to understand what's happening. This story kept my interest and me reading. I highly recommend this book and series for all mystery lovers.
7 reviews
March 3, 2026
Pines Series

I don't like that this a series and I don't get closure at the end. I enjoy the story but not being held hostage to get the next book. You should have a warning saying it is an ongoing series not a free standing book.
Profile Image for Carol.
259 reviews
July 22, 2026
Mystery and intriguing

Multiple storylines that eventually all weave together. Great familiar lead characters and introduction to new characters that make the story more interesting. Plot twist at the end!
369 reviews
September 16, 2025
Another great Riley Quinn novel! Long awaited, much anticipated, and it definitely delivered. You will never guess the ending. That was a plot twist no one saw coming.
860 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2025
This was an excellent story about Riley and team looking who is stalking and also killing people with an ending you didn’t see coming. Thank you for this story with lots of suspense and action.
Profile Image for Kathy.
314 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2025
All of the Riley Quinn books are great. Can hardly wait for the next one.
159 reviews
October 4, 2025
wow what an ending

I’m in shock at the ending but can’t wait until the next book in the story comes out see what is going on
12 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2025
Good

This was a good read. You need to read the series in order to follow the story line. Good read
2 reviews
October 13, 2025
I love this series of Detective Riley Quinn but very upset with the turn of events around Issac. I can't wait for the next release which hopefully clears him of these false accusations.
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 43 books53 followers
October 23, 2025
interesting end

Good book and characters. Slow and fast but kept my attention. The ending sure threw a wrench into it. Will have to read next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews