The Girl from Nowhere

by Michele Domínguez Greene

Emily dropped the coffee cup she was holding, watching it shatter on the kitchen floor. On television, a woman nervously introduced herself as Danica Hansen—the girl Emily used to be.

When Special Agent Emily Ray is assigned to verify the identity of Kaveri Miller Browne, a missing heiress who’s reappeared after eighteen years, it should be routine. DNA proves identity. Case closed. But then Emily discovers another found woman claiming to be Danica Hansen—a name buried in Emily’s past.

As Emily investigates the retired detective who miraculously found both missing women, a former Browne family servant dies mysteriously in her care facility and a young woman who knew Kaveri vanishes from a desert town. With each death, Emily realizes she’s not just investigating fraud—she’s uncovered a web of corruption that reaches the highest levels of power.

Emily Ray knows exactly what happened to the real Danica Hansen. She knows because she’s been living that girl’s secret every day since she was fifteen. But now someone has plucked a forgotten girl from obscurity and given her Emily's discarded identity, and Emily faces an impossible Expose the conspiracy and risk revealing the secret that could destroy everything she's built. Or stay silent while innocent lives hang in the balance.

The explosive third installment in the addictive Special Agent Emily Ray series delivers shocking twists that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and Melinda Leigh.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2025

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl from Nowhere by Michele Dominguez Greene

Synopsis /

When Special Agent Emily Ray is assigned to verify the identity of Kaveri Miller Browne, a missing heiress who’s reappeared after eighteen years, it should be routine. DNA proves identity. Case closed. But then Emily discovers another found woman claiming to be Danica Hansen—a name buried in Emily’s past.

As Emily investigates the retired detective who miraculously found both missing women, a former Browne family servant dies mysteriously in her care facility and a young woman who knew Kaveri vanishes from a desert town. With each death, Emily realizes she’s not just investigating fraud—she’s uncovered a web of corruption that reaches the highest levels of power.

Emily Ray knows exactly what happened to the real Danica Hansen. She knows because she’s been living that girl’s secret every day since she was fifteen. But now someone has plucked a forgotten girl from obscurity and given her Emily's discarded identity, and Emily faces an impossible Expose the conspiracy and risk revealing the secret that could destroy everything she's built. Or stay silent while innocent lives hang in the balance.


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Michele Dominguez Greene for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

The Girl from Nowhere is the third book in the Special Agent Emily Ray series and I would recommend that you read this series in order.

When I saw this book was up on NetGalley I quickly put in my request. When I received notification that I was lucky enough to get an e-arc I downloaded it onto my kindle, noting the publication date of 12 December. Thinking I would get to it some time in November as I already had my reading list compiled for the next couple of weeks. But, just like a kid with a penny burning a hole in my pocket, just knowing I had this one queued to read was enough to make me put everything else aside and begin reading.

At the beginning of the story we learn that Emily Ray has just returned from a period of extended leave. She's finished up with the FBI's CARD UNIT (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) and is now deciding which Division she'd like to cross over to. Her daughters are now seven-years-old and seem to be thriving, but her marriage is not as lucky. She's still reeling from the news that her husband, Antonio was caught out having an affair with another woman.

Receiving a call from her boss at the FBI, SAC John Powers, to verify the identity of a missing person; Emily's latest case involves the return of Kaveri Miller Browne. Kaveri has been missing for the past 18 years – thought kidnapped but has been found and returned alive and well to her grandmother Mackenzie Miller Browne, the matriarch of the prominent Browne family. Kaveri, heir to the vast fortune of the Doucette-Browne family was found by retired LAPD detective, Rawley Jaynes. This was the second high profile missing person Jaynes had successfully located. Jaynes is currently working the promotional circuit promoting his new book Home at Last which details his work on the Kaveri Miller Browne case and the case of another missing child – Danica Hansen.

It was fortunate that I started reading this on the weekend – as once I started I couldn't stop. No jobs were undertaken this day, other than to make myself another cup of coffee, get snacks, and, more coffee! This is what happens whenever I read a Dominguez Greene novel – I become totally hooked.

This is another eerie small-town setting with a slow burning suspense-filled plot; but the author controls the pace by building the tension and character development a little with every chapter. Emily Ray is a victim's champion. The stakes are high and sometimes the outcomes are not what was expected. At the book's conclusion, I feel almost bereft and my other thought is: when is the next instalment coming?!

Once you start you'll want to finish this in one sitting – be warned!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for December 12, 2025.

[Adrian Dooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in the Emily Ray series, I really enjoyed the first but somehow missed the second (soon to be rectified) so was really looking forward to this one and hoping I didn’t miss too much in the meantime.

Here Emily’s past comes back to haunt her as secrets will be revealed in this thoroughly entertaining and well written novel.

Great characters, an excellently plotted and paced story that is a mixture of mystery/police work and domestic/character study.

This really is a fantastic series. I’m just sorry I somehow missed the second before reading this but it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this one.

Many thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Special Agent Emily Ray series and feel so fortunate to have the chance to read #3 in the series prior to release on December 12th.

When a name from Emily's past comes roaring back into her life, she knows secrets buried are about to be uncovered.
This is suspenseful, and paced SO SO well. It's a slow burn of suspense and moments are eerie and will have your skin crawling with thrills.

I highly recommend reading in order so none of the suspense is ruined, plus the 1st two are fantasic!

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our character, Emily Ray, is just the best out there!
The level of spoilers in the book is just fabulous ~
I could not put the book down…I cannot wait for
the next installment and sure do hope/expect
SA Ryan to be all ready for action.
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the download
of the book for review purposes.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Girl From Nowhere
Series: Agent Emily Ray Book #3
Author: Michelle Dominguez Greene
Publisher: Storm Publishers
Genre: Mystery Thriller,
Pub Date: December 12, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 242


At the beginning of the story we learn that Emily Ray has just returned from a period of extended leave. She's finished up with the FBI's CARD UNIT (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) and is now deciding which Division she'd like to cross over to.
Her twin daughters Juliana and Eliza now seven-years-old and are so excited about Christmas and a school project of making your own ‘Gingerbread House’ not a ‘kit’ from a store.
Emily and Antonio’s marriage is still on rocky ground. They are living in the same house but separate bedrooms. They told the girls it was due to his snoring. Actually it is due to his infidelity several months ago.

At the request of her boss at the FBI, SAC John Powers, Emily has been put on the case to verify the identity of a missing person- Kaveri Miller Browne. Kaveri has been missing for the past 18 years – thought kidnapped but has been found and returned to her grandmother Mackenzie Miller Browne, the matriarch of the prominent Browne family. Kaveri is the heir to the vast fortune of the Doucette-Browne family. She was found by retired LAPD detective, Rawley Jaynes.
This was the second high profile missing person Jaynes had successfully in finding. Jaynes is currently working the circuit promoting his new book Home at Last which details his work on the Kaveri Miller Browne case as well as the case of another missing child – Danica Hansen.

I know from My Name is Emily Ray Book #1 that Emily Ray knows exactly what happened to the real Danica Hansen. She also sure Jaynes has fabricated this. However she, of course, does not want this secret to be revealed!

Things get very involved professionally, as well as personally. This was my third read in this series - I gave the other two 5 Stars!
I wasn’t sure how to rate this as I so DID NOT want it to end.

Yes! There is no doubt I am hooked on this series. Cannot wait for Book #4

Want to thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this great yet very emotional eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 12, 2025,

Hated the ending. Ew

[kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look, I’m obsessed with the sheer, exigent melodrama of a perfectly composed Special Agent completely ruining her life because a TV screen showed her own discarded past. Emily Ray drops a coffee cup because some rando is feigning an identity she thought was safely buried? That is a power move, dramatically speaking. I live for that kind of hyperbole where mundane life meets existential dread, shattering everything into a million pieces (like that poor ceramic cup).

This book isn't just a thriller; it’s a masterclass in controlled implosion. Greene doesn't waste a single syllable on otiose backstory; she just slams you onto the runaway train of Emily’s life. The pacing is absolutely ferocious, we go from an FBI agent doing routine identity verification to realizing she's dancing on the precipice of a massive, multi-layered conspiracy faster than you can say "DNA testing."

My only real criticism and this is a big one for thriller addicts is the exquisite irony that the more ridiculously convenient the converging plot lines become, the more unbelievable our protagonist has to be. Emily Ray, the cool, collected agent, is the person whose entire past identity is being weaponized? It feels wonderfully, ridiculously contrived. But honestly, if you can suspend your disbelief long enough to embrace the ubiquitous convenience, the payoff is genuinely thrilling. The book doesn't just want you breathless; it wants you gasping for air while simultaneously trying to mentally map out a global network of identity fraud and corruption, often involving people you thought were totally immutable. It's a fantastic, high-stakes, stressful disaster, and I couldn't put it down.

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“THE GIRL FROM NOWHERE” by Michele Domínguez Greene

The Girl from Nowhere grabbed my attention right away. I thought I was starting a standalone, but it turns out I’d jumped into book three of a series. Honestly, it didn’t matter. I still felt comfortable, and now I’m genuinely curious about what wild things Emily Ray went through in the first two books.

Thanks to the author and Storm Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Emily always seems ahead of everyone. She’s smart, complex, and you can tell she’s hiding secrets. She’s the kind of heroine that’s fun to read about.

The story becomes instantly juicy. A missing heiress suddenly reappears after years, and another woman claiming to be the girl Emily used to be is found, also after years of being missing. And a retired detective with a suspiciously magical ability to stumble onto lost women. He’s one amazing detective!

It’s a short book, but it packs plenty of intrigue without feeling rushed. And Greene’s writing clicked with me immediately. Clean, confident, just edgy enough to keep things interesting.

If you’re looking for a thriller with real character depth, wild identity twists, and a heroine who could probably stare down a government agency, “The Girl from Nowhere” is a great pick. I’m giving it 4.5 stars and adding the rest of the series to my reading list, because Emily Ray definitely has my attention.

#TheGirlFromNowhere #MicheleDomínguezGreene #StormPublishing #NetGalley #CapCut

[Amber Brennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

another great one!

This is my third book by this author and I have come to love Special Agent Emily Ray! This one was so good and I love the cases she gets to work which typically seem to be missing kids. This one had more drama and turmoil in Emily’s life all while she was trying to work a case. I will definitely continue to read this series!

[Priscilla · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Special Agent Emily Ray is assigned to verify the identity of Kaveri Miller Browne, a missing heiress who’s reappeared after eighteen years, it should be routine. DNA proves identity. Case closed. But then Emily discovers another found woman claiming to be Danica Hansen—a name buried in Emily’s past.

I have read the first two books in this series so I was thrilled to get the third book, and it did not disappoint! I love Emily Ray and finding out what happens next in her life – both with the FBI, and with her marriage to Antonio! Her colleague, Andy, is also a wonderful character to get to know. I love seeing how Emily tries to expose the “bad guys” and solve the crimes! Can’t wait to see if there is another installment to this series!

[Aisha Faisal · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY Perspective: -

Thank you 🙏 to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC copy of The Girl from Nowhere in exchange for an honest review.😊

The Girl from Nowhere is a beautifully written and quietly haunting thriller that explores identity, buried secrets, and the price of truth. From the very first pages, I was drawn into the eerie stillness of the desert setting and the emotional depth of the story.

Story & Writing
Michele Dominguez Greene writes with a calm intensity; her pacing is deliberate, her scenes cinematic, and her emotions raw. The story unfolds like a puzzle where every memory and silence carries meaning. It’s not a fast, twist-every-chapter thriller, but rather a deeply emotional mystery about self-discovery and the shadows of the past.

Characters:
The protagonist, Ava, is one of those rare characters who feel completely real. She’s flawed, searching, and strong in ways she doesn’t even realize. Her journey to uncover who she really is and what was taken from her kept me turning the pages. The supporting characters add nuance and texture, and even when I didn’t trust them, I understood them.

1. Emily Ray: A special agent tasked with verifying the identity of a reappeared heiress. Emily carries a secret tied to her past; she knows one of the names involved because she’s lived under it.

2. Kaveri Miller Browne: The missing heiress who resurfaces after eighteen years, triggering the investigation that Emily leads.

3. Danica Hansen: A name from Emily’s past that resurfaces when another woman claims to be Danica Hansen, forcing Emily to confront buried secrets and identity issues.

What Worked Well For Me:-

The setting: the remote desert town almost becomes a living, breathing character.

The tone: reflective, tense, and filled with quiet dread.

The emotional depth: the story lingers on loss, forgiveness, and finding your place in the world.

My Overall Impression:

This is a thoughtful, atmospheric thriller, more about the people than the crime, more about truth than shock. The Girl from Nowhere reminds us that sometimes, knowing where we come from changes everything we thought we knew about ourselves. Perfect for readers who love emotional suspense in the style of Lisa Jewell, Heather Gudenkauf, or Diane Chamberlain. The Girl from Nowhere is not just a thriller; it’s a story about belonging, identity, and what it means to face the truth when it hurts the most. Michele Dominguez Greene blends psychological tension with genuine heart, creating a novel that stays with you long after the last page..

Take your time with this one, it’s more layered than it first appears. Every secret matters, and every silence has a story behind it.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Emily Ray is really in a predicament with her newest assignment. She’s verifying claims of kidnapped victims who have recently been returned to their families. As two victims reappeared in a short amount of time and were discovered by the same private detective, it looks more than a little suspicious. But then why would their families say that the DNA tests showed matches? And the second case really gives Emily pause, because the girl who has been reunited with her family is Danica Hansen! If you’ve read the previous two books, you know how impossible that is.

The FBI was asked to look into the other case, an heiress to a filthy rich family, recently returned. Apparently, a state senator has doubts, so he called in a favor, and that’s why they are investigating. The PI (great visual comparison to Guy Fieri, but he's such a better person than this character!) and his assistant are indeed shady, as the reader sees when the narrative is from their point of view. But how will the FBI uncover their scam when he’s in deep with that same wealthy family that makes all problems disappear with money? And will Emily become the next ‘problem’ that needs to disappear?

I like how the reader was kept on their toes for so long about how the kidnap victims were ‘found’ and what their families were told. It wasn’t easy figuring out the motives of all the relatives involved. Especially the wealthy family - you can tell some are truly evil, but maybe not all of them.

Emily’s marriage also plays a significant part in the story, and it’s so heartbreaking at times. Other times, well, let me just say that I’m glad she could find some relief! I like where that is headed, and I hope it continues. I really connect with this series, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Emily Ray.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

book 3 in this amazing series and the pressure doesnt stop

emily ray has been asked to watch a chat show where a guest is appearing.... this guest has recently returned after being abducted for many years but whilst watching it another abductee is introduced as danica hansen a name emily ray is very familiar with... as it was her birth name

so with two people to investigate and the supposedly retired detective who somehow found them emily ray starts her investigation

but as the investigation begins people end up dying..... whatever is going on

and emily home life was just about to get very complicated...

what a third book.... i was hooked and couldnt put this book down at all... i really enjoyed meeting up with the characters again and seeing how they were progressing and i am looking forward to the next book in this exciting series

[Kiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the FBI series following Emily Ray. Two women who disappeared when they were toddlers have miraculously been “found” by a retired detective. With lots of twists the truth comes out. But does it? A fascinating and engrossing book of secrets and heartbreak. Emily Rae is intensive in her search for the truth, but also cautious as there is a secret in her own past that if discovered would be the end of everything. This book is a thrilling read. It caught my attention from the very beginning and kept it until the very end. Readers will find themselves wanting to turn the page faster to find out what happens next.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Elizabeth Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third instalment in the Special Agent Emily Ray series truly delivers!
It's easily read as a standalone and this was my first, but I'm off to get the first two!
When Emily takes on an off-the-record investigation, her closely guarded, hidden past roars into the present.
Will her secrets finally come to the fore, compromising not only her mission, but the carefully crafted life she presents to the world?
While grappling with her fractured marriage, Emily plunges into a relentlessly fast-paced case filled with delicious tension, lies, and shifting identities. Her determination shines as she unravels a knot of deception where no one is who they claim to be.
The story is an excellent read with an ending tied up as neatly as a boxed DNA kit wrapped in a bow.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my own opinion.

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

6, 5/10
Thanks for the arc.
1 cześć podobała mi się bardziej. Szokowała I wciągnęła a tu było słabiej. Trochę chaos dla mnie za dużo osób za dużo wątków. Chujowo że mąż ją zdradził a ona lgnęła do geja który gejem nie jest. To mi się nie podobalo. Te morally gray rzeczy są ciekawe prowadzą do takiego konfliktu wewnętrznego I to chyba najlepsza część tej serii. Nie zgadzam się z tym co robią ale rozumiem dlaczego. Liczę że to się bardziej rozkręci a zagadki będą ciekawsze Bo tu jednak był focus na postacie

[Lori L (She Treads Softly) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Girl from Nowhere by Michele Dominguez Greene is a recommended investigative mystery and the third book in the series featuring FBI Special Agent Emily Ray. Although this can be read as a standalone, readers would benefit from reading the books in order.

Special Agent Emily Ray is assigned to verify the identity of Kaveri Miller Browne, who went missing as a very young child and has been found eighteen years later by a former LAPD detective turned PI, Rawley Jaynes. Kaveri is the heiress to the Doucette-Browne family fortune so this is big news featured on a TV show. On the same show Rawley also claimed to find missing girl Danica Hansen, which shocks Emily because she is the real Danica Hansen. She's been living under a pseudonym to protect her identity. It is claimed that DNA proved their identity but Emily knows this can't be true. She and agent Andy Ryan are on the case.

This is a short book and the plot moves quickly. It is clear from the start that some shenanigans are underway by Rawley Jaynes and Kaveri's grandmother, Mackenzie Miller Browne. Emily's job is to uncover proof of this, but there is also more going than initially apparent. It also places Emily in an awkward position, does she reveal her true identity or keep it hidden. This dilemma does require a huge amount of disbelief to be suspended as I would imagine an FBI agent would be thoroughly vetted and and pseudonym would be outed.

There is also another plot point involving Emily's failing marriage. This was a whole lot less compelling than the main investigation and I could have done without it. However, I haven't read the other books in the series and that most certainly could influence my disinterest in Emily's personal drama. For those following the series there is character development in this outing.

The Girl from Nowhere is recommended for those who enjoy investigative mysteries and are following the series. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2025/1...

[TrishAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly hooked on this series, the author has put so much emotion and feeling into her characters that it is palpable.
FBI Special Agent Emily Ray's life had been complex, she had been abducted as a child and was now working for CARD, a team of specialists who rapidly deploy when a child is abducted.
Ex detective, Rawley Jaynes, was now running an expensive agency that traces abducted children, amidst a shed load of publicity, he had recently discovered two women who had been abducted as children, children whose disappearance had been thoroughly investigated by the FBI with no success, how had the ex detective managed to find them both without the means available to the FBI, somethings didn't add up.
When Emily was asked to investigate the authenticity of these claims she was shell shocked, one was the heir to a multi billion dollar fortune, the other was Danica Henson........Emily had been Danica Henson until she was abducted, she had left that life behind, only her husband knew her true identity, and now someone had stolen it.
Emily had her therapist on speed dial, not only did she risk her identity being uncovered, her marriage was also on the rocks, how could her loving, stable husband, the father to their beautiful twin girls, risk everything they had by cheating.
It soon becomes clear to Emily and her partner, Agent Andy Ryan, that this case was more complex than anyone could have imagined, Andy was ten years younger than Emily and gay, but she felt comfortable with him. The story twists and turns, the body count starts to escalates, powerful people are involved as well as billions of dollars, can Emily and Andy solve it before any more deaths occur ? will her identity be uncovered?
This story will have you on the edge of your seat, the characters are well thought out and likeable, you can feel the tension and heartache of Emily, the devastation and shame of Antonio, I really look forward to the next book in this series.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better!!!!!

Five beautiful ⭐!!

Emily Ray is dealing with the separation from her husband, and deciding what unit she wants to work with after leaving the CARD unit, when she gets a call from her boss telling her to watch the Morning Show. She is being asked to verify that the kidnapped heiress to the Browne fortune that has just been found is real. As Emily is watching, the retired detective, Rawley, is on the show explaining how he found the heiress. Then announces he has also found another lost girl, Danica Hansen. There is DNA to prove the identities of each victim. However, Emily knows that this is not the real Danica. I will not spoil why for those that have not read the previous books, but if you have- then you know this is impossible.

As Emily finds out, there are secrets galore with the wealthy Brown family. Lying, deceit, corruption, and other notorious things have been hinted at with this wealthy family. As Emily and Alex delve deeper into this, they also need to look into Danica Hansen to figure out how they are connected.

This is an emotional ride. Emily must examine her past and try not to let the investigation derail what she has built for herself. There are twists and surprises, and I was completely engaged. I love Emily. She is a strong character, that has overcome and survived a lot. Yet she is empathetic and intelligent, and has a strong moral compass. I love how we continue to see her grow and become confident in what she believes, and who she is. The decisions she must make are heartbreaking, but they are true to who this character is becoming.

This series just keeps getting better and better! I really like how it is developing, and cannot wait for the next book!!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl from Nowhere by Michele Domínguez Greene is the third book in the Special Agent Emily Ray series and was just as gripping and a fast-paced read as the previous two books in the series.

Emily no longer leads the FBI CARD (Child Abduction Rapid Deployment) unit but is still a valued member of the FBI. Her boss requested that she investigate the return of Kaveri Miller Browne, heiress of the Douchette-Browne family. Rawley Jaynes, a retired detective, located her eighteen years after she went missing from her home. Shocking Emily, Jaynes announces he has found Danica Hansen, who has been missing for more than twenty years, and immediately Emily knows things are not as they seem because she used to be Danica Hansen.

As part of Emily’s investigation into the reappearance of Kaveri, her boss tasked her with finding out why Senator Harry Hubbard requested this investigation. Emily chose Agent Andy Ryan to investigate with her, and it seemed that almost everyone they questioned ended up dead or missing. Emily and Andy work well together and have chemistry, which came to a head when they were out of town looking into Kaveri’s past.

Emily has been deciding what to do about her husband Antonio’s infidelity. While she was out of town on the case, Angelica, the other woman, showed up at Emily’s house searching for Antonio to inform him that she was pregnant. This would be a deal breaker for me.

This book had me engrossed from beginning to end because it was such a thrilling read. Readers will find themselves immersed in Emily’s life and how she deals with the reappearance of Danica. The tangled web between each of the major players in Kaveri’s life and the corruption of these people is mind blowing. Each new detail discovered made me think “wow.”

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Maureen Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

FBI Special Agent Emily Ray has been assigned to verify the identity of a young heiress who has reappeared after being officially missing for eighteen years. Emily has a closer connection to this case than anyone knows, and has long buried secrets in her past.

Emily investigates the facts around the re-appearance of the heiress, including the bona fide’s of the retired detective who miraculously found both this missing woman and another cold case missing person in a lower profile case. As sordid facts surrounding various characters are unearthed, people involved in the case disappear or suddenly expire. With each event, Emily realizes she’s not just investigating fraud—she’s uncovered an entire web of corruption that reaches high levels of power.

This is the third installment of a series featuring Special Agent Emily Ray, however it can be read as a stand alone novel. Michele Dominguez Greene has written a well-constructed and intriguing story. The book is promoted as a “gripping thriller”, and it certainly lives up to that description. The characters in the book have strongly described personalities; the background narrative is tight. The side stories that contribute to the story are well introduced - the author has delved into topics that include adultery, drug addiction and misuse of power.

In summary, this is an enjoyable and riveting story that kept my interest to the last page. The book will appeal to a wide range of readers who enjoy whodunits, contemporary fiction, thrillers, crime and mystery genres.

[Danielle Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Ray is a very intriguing character, and the fast-paced nature of this series, with all its twists and turns, makes it hard to put down until you've gotten to the very end.
Going into this, I had thought there was what felt like a gap in the relationship between Emily and her husband; it was quickly explained, but when we last left off, their relationship was pretty solid. Turns out I somehow missed book 2. So while everything was perfectly explained, and I don't think you need to read these all to understand what's going on, you might miss out on some of the details, especially if you're jumping from book 1 to 3, which aren't a big deal, but had me feeling a bit lost for the first few pages.

I really enjoy Emily as our MC, and I love her partnered with Agent Ryan. I think they not only work well together, but have a good rapport in the off moments as well. The plot of this one was really good, with a kidnapped girl coming back after many years of being gone, slightly mirroring what happened to Emily as a child. This brings up some issues and not pleasant memories for her, and causes her to make some questionable decisions. I think the only issue I have with this series is when it's all over, when the case has been solved, I still feel like there are things left unsaid, or unsolved. Just left to open for me personally to feel completely satisfied with how everything has played out.
However, I am still enjoying this series, and will go back to read book 2, as well as any future books.

[Meg Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Girl from Nowhere by Michele Dominguez Greene is a gripping, fast paced third installment in the Emily Ray series that kept me completely hooked from start to finish.

This series has been solid from the very beginning, and this book is no exception. I highly recommend reading the books in order, as the character development and emotional weight really build from one book to the next and you’ll get the most out of Emily’s journey that way. That said, this installment wastes no time jumping straight into the action. It’s short, sharp, and pulse pounding, managing to be both a slow burn and an edge of your seat thriller at the same time. The pacing is spot on and there is never a dull moment.

What really stands out in this series is the strength of the characters. Emily Ray continues to be a compelling, complex lead, and it’s a pleasure returning to her world. The plot is intricately constructed, revealing information piece by piece at just the right moments, keeping the tension high throughout. The atmosphere is eerie and unsettling, with a sense of unease that lingers from beginning to end. The twists hit perfectly, and the story builds toward a conclusion that feels both satisfying and earned.

Overall, this is another fantastic addition to a truly solid mystery, police, and thriller series that deserves far more attention. I’m so glad I discovered the Emily Ray books and I sincerely hope there are many more to come.

✨️ Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Michele Dominguez Greene for the gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Hard to know what to say about this one - to the point that it might be quite difficult to summarise it without massive spoilers! It's almost like a cozy thriller if such a thing exists.

Special Agent Emily Ray is asked to run an off-the-books investigation into the miraculous return of two entirely unrelated women who had been abducted as children, one of whom just happens to be the sole heir to an unimaginable fortune. The investigation and the potential consequences stir up a lot of memories and emotions for Emily, who has a special interest in the outcome of the case...

I really enjoyed it but wish it had been about 100 pages longer. I gather that this is part of a series which I didn't realise until the very end of the book - and that is a good thing. I didn't feel at any point like there was information I was missing or like I was having to fill in gaps. The main characters were introduced well, and I did find myself rooting for the good guys. I just felt like in a book of such a short length, things ended up feeling a bit too convoluted with too many elements to keep track of in the time allotted. Great idea for a book, very meta, but I think it could have been better explored and more gripping with a little bit more time.

- Thanks to NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review -

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK: THE GIRL FROM NOWHERE
AUTHOR: MICHELE DOMINGUEZ GREENE
PUB DATE: 12TH DECEMBER 2025
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Another amazing addition to the Emily Ray series! A perfect blend of mystery, thriller and the FMC's personal life. There was no confusion and it was balanced. I loved reading this book. It was really good and I can't wait for the next one, especially with the drama around Emily.
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The case in this book was close to home as it's a kidnapping. Emily and her partner, Andy were asked to look into a case where a missing heiress emerged after being lost for 10+ years. As I started the book, I kept wondering the 'whats', and the 'whys'. I just couldn't imagine why a rich family would want to pull a fraud like this. As usual, Emily and Andy were diligent and turned over all the stones to find out the secrets. It felt like an Occam's razor.
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While she was solving this case, she was dealing with a difficult situation at home after her husband's infidelity. I don't want to give spoilers, but I hope she chose the right decision for herself and one she deserves. I can't wait to read the next book so I can see what she did!
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This is a series to look out for and you should be reading it!

[Paloma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special Agent Emily Ray is back and she has two similar cases that are bringing up old secrets and opening old wounds.

Kaveri, an Heiress who was once though lost, is found and reunited with the Doucette-Browne family. Danica Hansen, another lost girl is also found, but Emily knows that is a lie because she know where the real Danica is. The man who claims to have found them, RawleyJaynes, has his own alterior motives for finding these long lost girls who may not be who he claims they are. Senator Harry Hubbard, a close friend of the Doucette-Browne family, wants to make sure that the Heiress is not a fraud. So Emily and Agent Andy Ryan set out to confirm Rawley Jaynes' claims. When the bodies start to pile up it is becomes obvious to Emily that someone is hiding something and these girls are caught in the crossfires.

Emily Ray is a favorite character of mine. This story picked up where the previous books ended. I was glad to see her family again, her struggles with her husband and how she uses her past to help solve these two cases. I was very happy that she was able to make sure that both girl got their redemption in the end. Emily has a huge heart and knows how to bring justice to all who deserve it.
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this eArc. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My immediate thought when I finish an Emily Ray instalment is ‘OMG when's the next one coming'?

This was another solid, slow-burn thriller that packed a punch even when I could predict some developments. I was glued to the page and devoured it in one setting. I just love Emily. She's a complex and interesting character who carries the trauma of her childhood, while tenaciously fighting injustices. I also enjoy supporting characters, like the steady and supportive Dolores who keeps the family running (and hell yes I agree with you) and Andy Ryan, fresh out of Quantico and the perfect working partner who shares the same drive as Emily.

In this outing, Emily's also dealing with the rupture in her personal life from the end of book two. I really felt her pain (though I could've done without that soap opera reveal, especially reading from that character's point of view) and I was glad she could find the answers on how to proceed. It was also pleasing to see another development (which I totally predicted because the chemistry with Andy is pretty smoking and they work so well together). To paraphrase a certain character, its good to read about grown-ups.

I am hooked on this series and cannot wait for more.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* Good for Emily, but ugh, I really hoped Antonio would redeem himself.

This book starts 6 months down the line from where book 2 left off. I was surprised to see that Antonio was still in Emily's life, but loved that she'd held firm and was running the show. And bless, Dolores was still there for her, allowing her to work and not let anyone know what was up in her personal life. I did think that towards the end of the book they might have, with much grovelling on Antonio's part, gotten past his infidelity, but nah. Big whammy, not entirely unexpected and entirely deserved, and absolutely the end of them.

The Ryan thing, I didn't see coming. But, I was OK with it. Will it go anywhere? Not sure, but I'm pretty sure that Antonio won't be in book 4 in the same way.

Back to the storyline. A good one. Plausibly done, but with Emily making her lies bigger, more serious and her job at the FBI untenable if anyone opens their mouth. But, who's going to out her? Antonio's still got a shred of decency and they share the twins... I hope.

Emily still protects innocents, but will the cost end up too high? I'm bummed there's a wait for the next book, but grateful to Storm Publishing and NetGalley fof the ARC.

[Whispers From · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special Agent Emily Ray used to be Danica Hansen. She was kidnapped and I think she took the name of Emily. Her and her husband are living in the same house but not sleeping together. They have two little girls. Emily is trying to figure out what to do because her husband cheated on her. Then Emily is tasked with investigating Kaveri Miller Browne, a heiress who went missing years ago and was found. She appears on the same tv show as Danica because an ex LAPD detective has started a new business of finding missing children. First a former housekeeper for the Browne family dies and then a girl who grew up with Kaveri goes missing. Emily believes all of these are related and they must find out the truth before someone else goes missing or dies.
Now to be honest, I almost quit reading this book. Even after finishing it, I’m still confused. There are way too many point of views. At first the characters dialogue was separated so you knew who was talking but half way through it all started running together. This was my first time reading Michele Dominguez Greene. I will admit that I was intrigued and wanted to know what was going to happen. I couldn’t stop reading this story. There is cheating.

* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY *

[Beth Von Voigt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily is a Special Agent with the FBI and has carefully constructed her adult life until she is asked to look into someone claiming to be an heiress who has been found after being missing for almost two decades. In the process of investigating the identity of Kaveri Miller Browne, another woman is thrust into the spotlight, Danica Hansen. Danica has deeper ties to Emily than one could ever imagine. With every layer that Emily uncovers in her investigation, more questions and corruption are revealed.

This is the third book in this series. While you can get away with reading it as a standalone, reading the prior books would be ideal. This story had some wicked twists and turns. It really is quite disturbing how far some of the characters go to preserve their wellbeing and wealth. The details of corruption only add to the suspense and intrigue of the story. At times, I both loved and disliked Emily. Her investigation was every bit as thorough for herself as much as the other women. This book definitely keeps you guessing, flows well, is exciting, and suspenseful. You don’t want to put it down! *Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review!

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Girl From Nowhere is book 3 in the Special Agent Emily Ray series. I read it as a standalone. The story is thrilling and enjoyable.
When two girls who were missing are both found in a short period of time by the same private detective, the FBI is called in as a special request to verify the identity of the victims. The families claim that the DNA matches, FBI agent Emily Ray knows this can't be possible. Because one of the missing girls is claiming to be Danica Hansen. And Emily knows this is impossible because Emily IS the missing girl Danica Hanson. As Emily investigates without giving away her identity, she's learning that there is way more to what is going on here. Bodies are turning up and this is investigation is turning from identity fraud to corruption by some very powerful people. Now Emily fears that exposing the truth will also expose her secret!
I loved the concept of the story. It was intriguing and kept me hooked to the story line. Especially the little drama happening within her home between her and her husband. The story always had something going on to keep you fully glued to the pages. I will for sure be going back and checking out the rest of the series now.