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Rachel Ryder #12
Grave Pursuit
A gruesome countdown relentlessly advances toward a killer’s final Rachel Ryder.
“The tension ramps up till the last pages…” —First Clue
Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop have seen their fair share of brutal crimes in Hamby, Georgia—but nothing like this. Chilling photos of the dead arrive at the police department, the victims eerily preserved in white robes from an exclusive Atlanta hotel. Their faces are obscured. Their a mystery. With no clear jurisdiction and no obvious connection between the victims, the case is already a challenge.
Desperate for leads, the department goes public, casting Rachel as the face of their plea for information. As the inevitable media firestorm erupts, it draws attention from all sides—including the one they fear the most. And when a suitcase appears on Bishop’s doorstep, a corpse inside, it’s clear the killer has made their reply. This time, there’s no mystery about the message.
Pinned to the victim’s robe is a chilling Rachel’s next.
Then the bodies begin appearing—one after another, packed into suitcases and left in plain sight. Each one is a warning. Each one is part of a countdown. And if Rachel wants to catch the killer… she’ll have to lure them out herself.
Dive into the next electrifying chapter of USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Rachel Ryder series, where the search for justice turns into a terrifying game of survival.
_______________________
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
★★★★★ "...BRAVO..."
★★★★★ "...best in series so far!"
★★★★★ "...intensely suspenseful..."
★★★★★ "...excellent procedural thriller."
★★★★★ "...plenty of tension and momentum..."
“The tension ramps up till the last pages…” —First Clue
Detective Rachel Ryder and her partner Rob Bishop have seen their fair share of brutal crimes in Hamby, Georgia—but nothing like this. Chilling photos of the dead arrive at the police department, the victims eerily preserved in white robes from an exclusive Atlanta hotel. Their faces are obscured. Their a mystery. With no clear jurisdiction and no obvious connection between the victims, the case is already a challenge.
Desperate for leads, the department goes public, casting Rachel as the face of their plea for information. As the inevitable media firestorm erupts, it draws attention from all sides—including the one they fear the most. And when a suitcase appears on Bishop’s doorstep, a corpse inside, it’s clear the killer has made their reply. This time, there’s no mystery about the message.
Pinned to the victim’s robe is a chilling Rachel’s next.
Then the bodies begin appearing—one after another, packed into suitcases and left in plain sight. Each one is a warning. Each one is part of a countdown. And if Rachel wants to catch the killer… she’ll have to lure them out herself.
Dive into the next electrifying chapter of USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Ridder Aspenson’s Rachel Ryder series, where the search for justice turns into a terrifying game of survival.
_______________________
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
★★★★★ "...BRAVO..."
★★★★★ "...best in series so far!"
★★★★★ "...intensely suspenseful..."
★★★★★ "...excellent procedural thriller."
★★★★★ "...plenty of tension and momentum..."
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 17, 2026
142 people are currently reading
1000 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
154 books546 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 19, 2026
All of the books in the Rachel Ryder series have been intense, but Carolyn Ridder Aspenson ratchets up the tension in this twelfth installment when Rachel goes head to head with a killer who has targeted her as his opponent in his twisted game of chess! Will her team be able to unravel all the clues in time and will she be strong enough to withstand the psychological warfare to bring this killer to justice? This story was riveting!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Detective Rachel Ryder might be facing her most evil and dangerous case since the loss of her husband Tommy, years ago, A horrific picture is sent to the station addressed to her. The woman in the picture is obviously dead, but her face has been blurred to make identification difficult. Rachel continues to deal with the murder of her husband, also a police officer, who was shot dead in front of her. Knowing her department would like her to stand down and not be involved in the case, this is personal and she insists on taking lead along with her partner Rob Bishop. As further victims are discovered, including one who has been murdered, folded into a suitcase and placed on Rob’s porch. As her entire department is on high alert, the stress increases when a note has been attached stating that “Rachel’s Next”. As more bodies appear, in suitcases, the killer had included a pawn with one of the bodies. Is this sick individual playing a chess game using people’s lives? Is she the “queen” in this sick individual’s fantasy? If he is the “king” he has no idea who he is dealing with, but he will when she finds him and takes him down! I have read the entire series and the storylines and continuing characters make this a must-read series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Review of advance copy
I received an ARC through "Severn Rivers" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Rachel being called to the police department on her day off. An envelope had been left for her with a picture of someone that was killed. Right then the remainder of the department was called in and an investigation was started to try and identify the person in the picture. Shortly a missing person report was made and the missing person bore a similarity to the body in the picture. Rachel and the others soon learned that the missing person was not the person in the picture. A few days later, someone left a suitcase on Bishop's steps and there was a body which wound up being the missing person and a note attached to the suitcase which said "Rachel, your next". A few days later another suitcase with a body was discovered and had the same M.O. In both suitcases a similar item was found which played a role in their search.
Follow Rachel and the team and learn what steps they followed in their investigations, learn what sort of impact a parade had and how Rachel was involved at that time.
The ending is well done and will explain everything. This is a great story and well worth the read. Don't miss out!
This story begins with Rachel being called to the police department on her day off. An envelope had been left for her with a picture of someone that was killed. Right then the remainder of the department was called in and an investigation was started to try and identify the person in the picture. Shortly a missing person report was made and the missing person bore a similarity to the body in the picture. Rachel and the others soon learned that the missing person was not the person in the picture. A few days later, someone left a suitcase on Bishop's steps and there was a body which wound up being the missing person and a note attached to the suitcase which said "Rachel, your next". A few days later another suitcase with a body was discovered and had the same M.O. In both suitcases a similar item was found which played a role in their search.
Follow Rachel and the team and learn what steps they followed in their investigations, learn what sort of impact a parade had and how Rachel was involved at that time.
The ending is well done and will explain everything. This is a great story and well worth the read. Don't miss out!
February 20, 2026
Wow, all of the Rachel Ryder books have been fantastic, but this one is exceptional and I think the best so far. It's like all previous books in the series were meant to lead up to this one where detective Rachel Ryder proves just how tough and resilient she really is while exploring her own humanity and understanding her weaknesses. A serial killer has his sights on Rachel, and is playing a deadly, sick game to test her every move. The Hamby Police Department is working hard to catch this gruesome killer, but Rachel knows being the main target is personal. Somehow the killer KNOWS her, her secrets, her fears, her desires, and uses all of it in his sick game. This book is terrifying, gripping, emotional, everything that makes a brilliant storyline and holds your attention completely. The best way to sum it all up is BRAVO to Ms. Aspenson for totally capturing me from the beginning to the end!
April 2, 2026
Best of her best!
This is Book 12 in the Rachel Ryder Murder / Detective Series. In my mind,it is Ms. Ridder Aspenson's best book to date! Of all her Ryder series, of all her various series and I will tell you why I feel or think that. The story opens with mail addressed directly to Det. Ryder c/o the Precinct. No one else, just Rachel. She's naturally in charge of the case. It's difficult, hard to solve, then the murders turn up. I won't describe them without giving up plot lines for her fan base. Let's just leave it as Rachel is Detective in Charge only, one comes with a note that turns the Department on its ear.
By far this has the most psychological mystery, murder intrigue and the most unsuspecting of suspects. Its always the husband, right? Detective 101.
Read this with the lights on. Rachel will have nightmares for a longtime. I suspect you will too right as you read along to the very end.
This is Book 12 in the Rachel Ryder Murder / Detective Series. In my mind,it is Ms. Ridder Aspenson's best book to date! Of all her Ryder series, of all her various series and I will tell you why I feel or think that. The story opens with mail addressed directly to Det. Ryder c/o the Precinct. No one else, just Rachel. She's naturally in charge of the case. It's difficult, hard to solve, then the murders turn up. I won't describe them without giving up plot lines for her fan base. Let's just leave it as Rachel is Detective in Charge only, one comes with a note that turns the Department on its ear.
By far this has the most psychological mystery, murder intrigue and the most unsuspecting of suspects. Its always the husband, right? Detective 101.
Read this with the lights on. Rachel will have nightmares for a longtime. I suspect you will too right as you read along to the very end.
April 2, 2026
Grave Pursuit is a gripping and clever crime novel that keeps readers hooked from the start. The mix of police work, forensic detail, and psychological tension creates a strong and believable story. Rachel Rider is a determined and engaging lead, and her partnership with Bishop adds depth to the investigation.
The chess theme is a standout feature. It gives the story a unique edge and makes the crimes feel carefully planned and meaningful. The explanation of chess strategy is simple enough to follow and adds to the suspense.
The pacing is steady, with each twist building curiosity. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing, and the tension never drops. Overall, this is an absorbing read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction who enjoy smart and layered storytelling.
Thank you, EdelWeiss, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
The chess theme is a standout feature. It gives the story a unique edge and makes the crimes feel carefully planned and meaningful. The explanation of chess strategy is simple enough to follow and adds to the suspense.
The pacing is steady, with each twist building curiosity. The mystery unfolds in a way that keeps you guessing, and the tension never drops. Overall, this is an absorbing read that will appeal to fans of crime fiction who enjoy smart and layered storytelling.
Thank you, EdelWeiss, for sharing an advanced review copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What an intense book! The author has a way of expressing each character’s feelings, thoughts, and reaction to this thriller. This time the villain is specifically targeting Rachel and she will have to be on her game to figure out the clues. Trying to get one step ahead of the villain, will Rachel be able to solve this case with her wits and determination or will this be the one case she cannot solve? When Rob gets pulled into the game to get control of Rachel’s mind, will she be able to distinguish what is or is not real? Will she be able to escape the mind games he is playing? Highly recommend this great suspense thriller.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy
4.5 Stars
Having read several previous books in this series, I was eager to read Grave Pursuit, book #12. The author delivered with a challenging plot with many harrowing twists and turns. My one suggestion would be that a better introduction be made to the characters early in the first or second chapters. That would have made this book a better standalone novel and would have allowed for a better flowing story. Detective Rachel Ryder, her partner Rob Bishop, and the supporting team members all are well-developed characters which make each situation they face interesting and an engrossing read.
Having read several previous books in this series, I was eager to read Grave Pursuit, book #12. The author delivered with a challenging plot with many harrowing twists and turns. My one suggestion would be that a better introduction be made to the characters early in the first or second chapters. That would have made this book a better standalone novel and would have allowed for a better flowing story. Detective Rachel Ryder, her partner Rob Bishop, and the supporting team members all are well-developed characters which make each situation they face interesting and an engrossing read.
March 22, 2026
The book begins with Det Ryder receiving a pic of a dead woman with the face blurred out. Clad in a robe from a hotel in Atlanta, is the photo real or fake? Is the person real or fake. There is little to go on and the killer leads Rachel and partner Bishop in a chess game with Rachel the "Queen" and other characters pawns/rooks/bishops, but is Rachel the real target?
As I am not well versed in chess, all the strategies about the game didn't hold my interest and what happens to Rachel was depraved ,nightmarish and hard to get through. Plus we are led on a chase for the killer but abruptly given the answer and his confession.
Not one of my favorites.
As I am not well versed in chess, all the strategies about the game didn't hold my interest and what happens to Rachel was depraved ,nightmarish and hard to get through. Plus we are led on a chase for the killer but abruptly given the answer and his confession.
Not one of my favorites.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rachel has been living with the trauma of her husband's death and although now leading a happy life with a new partner, in a new place, and in a new job, she seldom lets people know about how she feels, she tends to control everything about and around her. In Grave Pursuit that need to control will be challenged as if she were part of a chess game. Engaging and full of action, the story will keep you reading till the culprit and what moved him to the crime spell is revealed.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.
March 18, 2026
When photos of dead women are sent to Rachel Ryder and Rob Bishop, at the police department, they have no clue whether the murders have been committed or whether they will be. Then exsanguinated bodies keep showing up Rob gets one in a suitcase with a note that Rachel is next. Rachel's, boss Jimmy and the full team support her but can they nab the murderer before he nabs Rachel? A chilling and suspense filled thriller which highlights the twisted mind of an obsessed narcissist who thinks he is above the law.
Review of advance copy
Brilliantly macabre!
The villain is twisted beyond belief! It's a bizarre game of strategy where Ryder and her team scramble to decipher the killer's next move before another piece is forfeited, and Ryder is the endgame.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has an amazing talent for writing crime thrillers that curdle my blood, yet won't let me stop reading. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
The villain is twisted beyond belief! It's a bizarre game of strategy where Ryder and her team scramble to decipher the killer's next move before another piece is forfeited, and Ryder is the endgame.
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson has an amazing talent for writing crime thrillers that curdle my blood, yet won't let me stop reading. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This book goes further than all the other ones in the series. Rachel is hit with a private message challenging her to what is essentially a chess game where Rachel is the queen. As the team gathers behind her with support, she tries to figure who would do this to her. Who knows her so well? When we find out it is indeed a shocker. This book is intense and her final escape is hard fought. Excellent read.
March 23, 2026
Grave Pursuit.
phenomenal story
this has been my favorite book in this series.
Back in hamby georgia,
we're its always a great place to be.
this time around theres tension suspense
and a killer on the loose that's playing a game with lives. working on getting his queen. some killers will stop at nothing.
I absolutely enjoyed this killer thriller.
I loved how this book mentioned chuck Norris.
how cool is that.
and im a Norris fan.
this book was fabulous.
phenomenal story
this has been my favorite book in this series.
Back in hamby georgia,
we're its always a great place to be.
this time around theres tension suspense
and a killer on the loose that's playing a game with lives. working on getting his queen. some killers will stop at nothing.
I absolutely enjoyed this killer thriller.
I loved how this book mentioned chuck Norris.
how cool is that.
and im a Norris fan.
this book was fabulous.
March 24, 2026
I think not reading the other books before this one in the series has left me kinda lost. Though I found this book rather interesting on it's own. A seeiel killer taunting the police with mailed in photos of his victims. I think this guy thought he could never be caught. I preferred the interrogation of the Seriel killer and the police. How he thought he was more clever and smarter. Reason for 4 stars. Thanks Goodreads, Author and Publisher for the read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This tale is so suspenseful it is almost paralyzing, and I could not go to bed until I reached the end. This series started strong and has become even better with each book. Highly recommended! I’m eagerly awaiting the next book. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
February 4, 2026
This is the latest book in the Detective Rachel Ryder series. The detective finds herself caught up in the crosshairs of a serial killer and must use her instincts and tenacity to solve the case before she becomes the victim. Quick read. This book fits in well with the Ryder series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Grave Pursuit is fantastic police thriller. It is full of action and suspense. The case is complex and has many surprises. I like the character development and the depth of the characters. I really enjoyed this book.
March 17, 2026
This story was so suspenseful—it kept me on the edge until the very end. The series improves with each book, and you really get emotionally involved in the storyline. Highly recommend, and I can’t wait for the next one! I received a complimentary copy and chose to leave an honest, voluntary review.
Review of advance copy
A serial killer with a game of chess he plays to get to Detective Rachel Ryder. He uses chess pieces to leave clues at each murder. This novel is a page turning thriller that is hard to stop reading.
March 20, 2026
Excellent
One of the best. Very personnal for Rachel. I just hope she’ ll be able to be herself again after this terrible ordeal.
One of the best. Very personnal for Rachel. I just hope she’ ll be able to be herself again after this terrible ordeal.
March 22, 2026
Another excellent story from Ms. Ridder Aspenson! The Ryder series grabs you on page one until the end!
March 30, 2026
this one will have you on the edge of your seat...you just have to finish it to put yourself out of your misery...loved it
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What another amazing murder mystery.
The characters were awesome. Getting to know more about Rachel and her past was climatic and addicting to find out more.
The storyline was very well written and kept me haging on every page. I must add that this is my favorite read in this series and I highly recommend it.
The characters were awesome. Getting to know more about Rachel and her past was climatic and addicting to find out more.
The storyline was very well written and kept me haging on every page. I must add that this is my favorite read in this series and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews