Watched in the Pines

Detective Riley Quinn Pine Brooke #6

by A.J. Rivers

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.

Genres: Mystery

305 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2025

Reviews

[Karen Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Maggie Noll · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Deborah Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Paula B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Janice Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer George · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Donna Said · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cindi Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Carol Dickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[David A Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Arlene Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cecilia U. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Joni D O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly Smelcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Penny Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Terri Voth(TV) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the Riley Quinn books are great. Can hardly wait for the next one.

[Michael Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Beth Meyung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

This was a good read. You need to read the series in order to follow the story line. Good read

[DEBRA ALASCIO · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Cliffhanger….

Wow. I didn’t even want to take the time to write a review, I’m just ready to jump right to the next book!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good. That cliff hanger was crazy. I can’t wait till November 21st!!

[Lynn Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

I love this Riley Quinn series! There was quite the twist at the end. I can't wait for the next book.

[Courtney E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love

I am loving these series so much. I love crime shows and listening to A.J's books i can get through work and enjoy a good series at the same time.

[Johanna Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid 4 star read again! Loving this series.