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Jenna Wyatt #3
Before the Next One Falls
A killer's revenge plot unfolds in the shadows of Atlanta's landmarks, leaving a trail of bodies and cryptic clues—each one more personal than the last.
A chef floating in Lake Lanier. A man pushed from Stone Mountain. Two deaths connected by a single Jack Parks.
Private investigator Jenna Wyatt ignored the first unsettling message. Now bodies are dropping. And both victims are tied to her partner—a former NCIS agent with secrets he won't share.
As they decode the killer's taunts, Jenna questions everything about Jack. Who's targeting his inner circle? What past sins have returned to haunt him? The closer they get to answers, the more dangerous the game becomes.
With each new victim, the killer draws them deeper into Jack's buried history. Old enemies. Powerful secrets. Betrayals worth killing for.
When the hunter becomes the hunted, Jenna faces an impossible trust the partner she barely knows, or become the next target on a murderer's list.
USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers a pulse-pounding thriller packed with shocking twists and relentless suspense. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni and Allison Brennan.
___________________
Praise for Carolyn Ridder
“Intelligent, clever and snarky, PI Jenna Wyatt is a woman you don’t want to cross.” —Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw
"Utterly compelling and taut with tension, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers another must-read series." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
“With more twists and turns, bumps and crashes than an Atlanta highway at rush hour, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's latest series will take your breath away.” —Shannon Baker, award-winning author of Stripped Bare
___________________
What readers are
★★★★★ “...full of tension!”
★★★★★ “...a real nail-biter!”
★★★★★ “...hooked from the start.”
★★★★★ “The ending was perfect...”
★★★★★ “A runaway train of a thriller...”
A chef floating in Lake Lanier. A man pushed from Stone Mountain. Two deaths connected by a single Jack Parks.
Private investigator Jenna Wyatt ignored the first unsettling message. Now bodies are dropping. And both victims are tied to her partner—a former NCIS agent with secrets he won't share.
As they decode the killer's taunts, Jenna questions everything about Jack. Who's targeting his inner circle? What past sins have returned to haunt him? The closer they get to answers, the more dangerous the game becomes.
With each new victim, the killer draws them deeper into Jack's buried history. Old enemies. Powerful secrets. Betrayals worth killing for.
When the hunter becomes the hunted, Jenna faces an impossible trust the partner she barely knows, or become the next target on a murderer's list.
USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers a pulse-pounding thriller packed with shocking twists and relentless suspense. Perfect for fans of Robert Dugoni and Allison Brennan.
___________________
Praise for Carolyn Ridder
“Intelligent, clever and snarky, PI Jenna Wyatt is a woman you don’t want to cross.” —Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw
"Utterly compelling and taut with tension, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson delivers another must-read series." —Ava Roberts, author of The Perfect Boyfriend
“With more twists and turns, bumps and crashes than an Atlanta highway at rush hour, Carolyn Ridder Aspenson's latest series will take your breath away.” —Shannon Baker, award-winning author of Stripped Bare
___________________
What readers are
★★★★★ “...full of tension!”
★★★★★ “...a real nail-biter!”
★★★★★ “...hooked from the start.”
★★★★★ “The ending was perfect...”
★★★★★ “A runaway train of a thriller...”
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
182 books571 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 30, 2026
This series blends suspense, action and well developed characterization and storytelling. Each installment can be read as a standalone, but why miss out on the developing character arcs? Genna and Parks make a great team and in this installment that partnership communication has to get creative. They need to find a ghost from Parks’ NCIS days who’s killing former teammates, without compromising Parks’ oath to protect classified mission information. A thoroughly entertaining read!
April 30, 2026
Former GBI Detective Jenna Wyatt, has found her niche as a private investigator. Her partner, former NCIS Jack Parks, has secrets he can never reveal. He was part of a mission that went terribly wrong and they were forced to leave the country or be killed. He has never gotten over the choice that was made for them by the government. He and Jenna, who remains in touch with her former boss SAC Leland Seymour, are called to the scene of a man’s death. Jenna notices that Jack seems to know the man just as he knew a man who was killed at a marina. He said that he had once worked security for him. When someone starts leaving notes on her car, they are drawing her attention as to who Jack really is or was. With assistance from her friend, Tiffani Bateman, who has contacts in unlimited areas, can they find the person who is leaving her notes. Jack is worried that she has delved too closely into what happened years ago, in another country, and it has now made her a target. When one of his former teammates decides it is time to take back his identity, that he was forced to give up, danger and death ensue. An exciting race to the finish as they fight against a man bent on revenge. He seems to be everywhere at once…who is helping him and why? Fascinating and thrilling to the very last page! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
May 15, 2026
I received an ARC through "Severn River" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The story begins with Jenna and Parks working at trying a shoplifter. After quite a chase, they nab the suspect before he could get away. They then return to their office where Jenna receives a call from Leland, GBI Agent in Charge, asking them for help in a suspected drowning. After the body is pulled from the lake, Jenna discovers that Parks knew the victim. Later the are called once more to a scene where someone had fallen from a cliff. Once more this person is an individual that Parks knew. Eventually Jenna discovers what sort of connection Parks had with these people. She later learns that these two victims were part of WITSEC and discovers later that it pertained to a mission that blew up. After finding this out it was discovered that there were others that were part of the mission. Soon Jenna put together a team to try and prevent the others being killed.
Read along and discover what the mission was, how it got blown apart, and how Parks was involved. Discover who was in charge, the dangers that Jenna and Parks faced, plus who the killer was and why the killings were happening. The ending is well done and answers most of the remaining questions.
This book will definitely keep your interest and well worth the read. Don't miss out!
The story begins with Jenna and Parks working at trying a shoplifter. After quite a chase, they nab the suspect before he could get away. They then return to their office where Jenna receives a call from Leland, GBI Agent in Charge, asking them for help in a suspected drowning. After the body is pulled from the lake, Jenna discovers that Parks knew the victim. Later the are called once more to a scene where someone had fallen from a cliff. Once more this person is an individual that Parks knew. Eventually Jenna discovers what sort of connection Parks had with these people. She later learns that these two victims were part of WITSEC and discovers later that it pertained to a mission that blew up. After finding this out it was discovered that there were others that were part of the mission. Soon Jenna put together a team to try and prevent the others being killed.
Read along and discover what the mission was, how it got blown apart, and how Parks was involved. Discover who was in charge, the dangers that Jenna and Parks faced, plus who the killer was and why the killings were happening. The ending is well done and answers most of the remaining questions.
This book will definitely keep your interest and well worth the read. Don't miss out!
April 28, 2026
BEFORE THE NEXT ONE FALLS (Jenna Wyatt #3) - Interesting story lines and good characters. Relaxing read with investigations and action. 4*
NEVER SPEAK OF IT (Jenna Wyatt #2) - 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*
TRUSTED LIES (Rachel Ryder #11) - 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*
GRAVE PURSUIT ( (Rachel Ryder #12) - Another interesting and well written story. See book 11 for more. 4*
Source: Severn River Publishing.
NEVER SPEAK OF IT (Jenna Wyatt #2) - 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*
TRUSTED LIES (Rachel Ryder #11) - 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*
GRAVE PURSUIT ( (Rachel Ryder #12) - Another interesting and well written story. See book 11 for more. 4*
Source: Severn River Publishing.
April 5, 2026
A Suspenseful, Heartfelt Page-Turner That Stays With You
Before the Next One Falls by is a gripping, emotionally layered read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story blends suspense with heartfelt moments, making it more than just a typical thriller—it really explores relationships, loss, and resilience in a meaningful way.
The pacing is strong, with plenty of twists to keep you engaged, and the characters feel authentic and relatable. I especially appreciated how the tension builds steadily without feeling rushed. My only slight critique is that a few moments felt a bit predictable—but not enough to take away from the overall experience.
Overall, a compelling and satisfying read—definitely a book I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys suspense with emotional depth.
Before the Next One Falls by is a gripping, emotionally layered read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story blends suspense with heartfelt moments, making it more than just a typical thriller—it really explores relationships, loss, and resilience in a meaningful way.
The pacing is strong, with plenty of twists to keep you engaged, and the characters feel authentic and relatable. I especially appreciated how the tension builds steadily without feeling rushed. My only slight critique is that a few moments felt a bit predictable—but not enough to take away from the overall experience.
Overall, a compelling and satisfying read—definitely a book I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys suspense with emotional depth.
April 29, 2026
This is the 3rd book in this exciting series; I’ve read and loved the first two books, but this book would stand alone well. Jenna is a great main character, a former Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent who is now a private investigator. She is sharing offices and investigations with Jack, a former NCIS agent, whose past is largely classified, and they also share some chemistry in a Moonlighting sort of way. When they are called in on a murder investigation by the GBI, and then another, Jack begins to realize that he’s being framed. It has to do with a past NCIS case that was FUBARed and Jenna and Jack need to solve the case quickly before more people die. The mystery is excellent and I highly recommend this book and series. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
May 5, 2026
Sit back and enjoy the roller-coaster of the ride of this third installment Jenna Wyatt series that you will love.
A famous chef is found floating in Lake Lanier. Another man is pushed from Stone Mountain. Both victims, seemingly unrelated, share a hidden link—Jack Parks, whose past with NCIS holds the key to unraveling the mystery.
Jack is deliberately withholding important information from his private investigator partner, Jenna. As a result, Jenna begins to question not only the strength of their professional partnership but also the foundation of their personal relationship. The lack of transparency between them leads Jenna to experience doubts and uncertainty, which threaten both their collaborative efforts and their trust in one another.
A famous chef is found floating in Lake Lanier. Another man is pushed from Stone Mountain. Both victims, seemingly unrelated, share a hidden link—Jack Parks, whose past with NCIS holds the key to unraveling the mystery.
Jack is deliberately withholding important information from his private investigator partner, Jenna. As a result, Jenna begins to question not only the strength of their professional partnership but also the foundation of their personal relationship. The lack of transparency between them leads Jenna to experience doubts and uncertainty, which threaten both their collaborative efforts and their trust in one another.
April 15, 2026
This is a great addition to the Jenna Wyatt series, and captured and held my attention the whole book. What appeared to be the murder of a local chef turns to be an intense chase of a murderer, and it all seems to be tied to Jack Parks. We learn a lot about Jack's past, and Jenna makes the decision to trust him despite all the secrets he will not reveal to help find a murderer before he strikes again. The book can be intense at times, full of action, and very intriguing as the secrets are slowly revealed, strengthening Jenna and Jack's relationship as well. Pay close attention, things move quickly at times!
April 28, 2026
Jenna Wyatt and her partner Jack Parks are called into a boating incident on Lake Lanier. As the body is found Jack recognizes him just a little too fast. And the body that fell at Stone Mountain, once again Jack recognizes. But he won’t talk about any of it. No question goes answered, and Jenna realizes this ties to the military and changes her questioning to give her partial answers. As the body ties escalate, Jack is obviously being targeted. Jenna builds a team to fight back and protect others involved.
Once again another great Jenna Wyatt book.
Once again another great Jenna Wyatt book.
May 1, 2026
Before The Next One Falls is the best book in the series so far. The story is fast-paced, engaging, and deals with Jack's past, the past that he's not allowed to talk about because of the NDA with the Army. But he is being set up for the murders of his past teammates and Jenna will not stop investigating, searching for clues and trying to understand the motives that are leading to the present crimes. It's one of those books that when you start reading you just cannot stop. Great entertainment!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Before the Next One Falls” is an intense twist and turns story full of secrets and emotions throughout! Jack’s past comes to haunt him and the team must apprehend the murderer before the next one on his former assignment is murdered. When her ex and his family is targeted, how will she handle keeping them protected? As they push the buttons on lawful and unlawful strategies, will all survive to live another day! Highly recommend this compelling, edge of your seat story!
June 5, 2026
One can always count on Ms. Aspenson to deliver a great read. With Jenna Wyatt and Jack Parks there is never a dull moment. This tale is brilliantly crafted with interesting characters and as many twists as a Georgia backroad. Highly recommended! I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
June 27, 2026
lots of editing errors.
The story line is good but honestly, it’s not very well written. There are constant inconsistencies, dialogue is often unclear, and transitions are weak. For example, one minute the main characters are in one place, and the next minute they are somewhere else. I stuck with the series thinking the writing would get better but all the books have these problems.
The story line is good but honestly, it’s not very well written. There are constant inconsistencies, dialogue is often unclear, and transitions are weak. For example, one minute the main characters are in one place, and the next minute they are somewhere else. I stuck with the series thinking the writing would get better but all the books have these problems.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A very well-written book with wonderfully-interesting characters. Interesting, pulse-pounding plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for the ARC of this book. I did not read the first 2 installments of this series, but they were not essential for reading this one. Unfortunately, although the writing is fine, I just did not care for the characters or the storyline and was anxious to finish the book so I could move on to a new one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Buried secrets!
Bodies are falling, and Jack’s not talking. Jenna knows his tells. He is keeping secrets. Old enemies? He doesn’t talk about his past, but she can see the pattern. Someone is setting him up to take the fall.
This is a real nail-biter! I was hooked from the start. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Bodies are falling, and Jack’s not talking. Jenna knows his tells. He is keeping secrets. Old enemies? He doesn’t talk about his past, but she can see the pattern. Someone is setting him up to take the fall.
This is a real nail-biter! I was hooked from the start. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 1, 2026
Great Characters, Story and Location!
The third book in this series continues the great dialog between Jenna and Jack as they realize this case goes back into Jacks past which he doesn’t want to share. The plot is twisty, surprising and deadly. Love the new characters that appear. Definitely a book you will find hard to stop reading! But if you haven’t read books one and two read them first!
The third book in this series continues the great dialog between Jenna and Jack as they realize this case goes back into Jacks past which he doesn’t want to share. The plot is twisty, surprising and deadly. Love the new characters that appear. Definitely a book you will find hard to stop reading! But if you haven’t read books one and two read them first!
May 3, 2026
Fabulous.
Every book in the series is absolutely fabulous.
I love this author's work.
Simply the best.
If you haven't checked out this author she writes many different types of books. They're all the best.
I highly recommend them all.
Every book in the series is absolutely fabulous.
I love this author's work.
Simply the best.
If you haven't checked out this author she writes many different types of books. They're all the best.
I highly recommend them all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Another excellent Jenna Wyatt and Jack Parks storyfrom Ms. Ridder Aspenson!
May 16, 2026
a real thrill ride, looking forward to the next...
May 23, 2026
not her best
Definitely not her best; usually enjoy all of her series Hoping next will be better ; too much military detail road descriptions etc
Definitely not her best; usually enjoy all of her series Hoping next will be better ; too much military detail road descriptions etc
July 28, 2026
3.5 stars. The ending was stretched unnecessarily.
September 4, 2026
This one had a lot of back and forth, I liked it!
May 2, 2026
This is my favourite of the series - so far. It was an interesting one, the case linked to Jack's past, a mission he's not allowed to speak about. It made getting information difficult, but I liked that he stuck to it and refused to answer. I liked the plot of this story, and the way it all unfolded. A great addition to the series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What another amazing adventure!!
The characters are still just as awesome and I love Jenna. She's a fantastic character.
The storyline is very well written and it kept me guessing to the end. Highly recommend.
The characters are still just as awesome and I love Jenna. She's a fantastic character.
The storyline is very well written and it kept me guessing to the end. Highly recommend.
May 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It’s a quick, easy read at just over 250 pages, and once it gets going, it flies by.
At first, I’ll be honest… Jack and Jenna felt a little cringey. Jenna’s sarcasm toward Jack seemed over the top, but other times he seemed to deserve it. Surprisingly, this dynamic really grew on me. What started as a mild annoyance turned into something I genuinely enjoyed, and I even caught myself laughing at their banter. By the end, I was fully Team Jenna and Jack! I loved their partnership and was rooting for them the whole way through.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how realistic the action felt. These aren’t perfect investigators who never miss. Even with Jenna’s photographic memory and Jack’s NCIS background, they do miss shots. A lot. It added tension and made the fight scenes feel more intense and drawn out, in a good way.
The pacing at the end was especially strong. I didn’t want to put the book down. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
That said, the beginning was a bit slower for me. While the premise of the book kicks in early, it takes some time to build into the nonstop action. I also found parts of the final fight scene a little hard to follow. All of the constant movement and shouted directions got a bit jumbled up in my head.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that I’d recommend to fans of thrillers, mysteries, and crime stories.
At first, I’ll be honest… Jack and Jenna felt a little cringey. Jenna’s sarcasm toward Jack seemed over the top, but other times he seemed to deserve it. Surprisingly, this dynamic really grew on me. What started as a mild annoyance turned into something I genuinely enjoyed, and I even caught myself laughing at their banter. By the end, I was fully Team Jenna and Jack! I loved their partnership and was rooting for them the whole way through.
One thing I really appreciated about this book was how realistic the action felt. These aren’t perfect investigators who never miss. Even with Jenna’s photographic memory and Jack’s NCIS background, they do miss shots. A lot. It added tension and made the fight scenes feel more intense and drawn out, in a good way.
The pacing at the end was especially strong. I didn’t want to put the book down. I needed to know what was going to happen next.
That said, the beginning was a bit slower for me. While the premise of the book kicks in early, it takes some time to build into the nonstop action. I also found parts of the final fight scene a little hard to follow. All of the constant movement and shouted directions got a bit jumbled up in my head.
Overall, this was an entertaining read that I’d recommend to fans of thrillers, mysteries, and crime stories.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Two murders, at first seemingly unrelated until they discover the connection, Jack Parks.
Past traumas revealed take on a deadly chase. I was truly impressed with Jack's commitment to his military oath, but at some point shouldn't what's right win out?! Lots of twists and turns in this one and "No comment" took center stage. Gotta love a man who can communicate even when he's not communicating...hahaha!
I found the climax a bit hard to follow at times, but we got a surprising first kiss!
I'm a little sad I didn't discover this series until book 3, I really love the characters and I'll definitely be going back to the beginning.
Past traumas revealed take on a deadly chase. I was truly impressed with Jack's commitment to his military oath, but at some point shouldn't what's right win out?! Lots of twists and turns in this one and "No comment" took center stage. Gotta love a man who can communicate even when he's not communicating...hahaha!
I found the climax a bit hard to follow at times, but we got a surprising first kiss!
I'm a little sad I didn't discover this series until book 3, I really love the characters and I'll definitely be going back to the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews