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The Girl and the Hidden Place
One cruel summer day.
Mark and Jill Pearson were taken from their home.
After that tragic day, their sister Penny dedicated her life to finding them.
FBI agent Emma Griffin has solved many grim cases.
When she’s called to investigate skeletal remains of an adult man,
Forensics soon link the remains to a missing-person case from over a decade Mark Pearson.
Where is Jill Pearson?
Working the case, Emma finds a community full of whispers and conspiracies.
They have kept those connected to the case frozen in time.
Soon she unravels a web of deception that links to a secret society.
A society built on cruelty, malice, and abuse.
Facing them head-on could spell death.
But to bring justice to the world, Emma will have to do something unimaginable.
Mark and Jill Pearson were taken from their home.
After that tragic day, their sister Penny dedicated her life to finding them.
FBI agent Emma Griffin has solved many grim cases.
When she’s called to investigate skeletal remains of an adult man,
Forensics soon link the remains to a missing-person case from over a decade Mark Pearson.
Where is Jill Pearson?
Working the case, Emma finds a community full of whispers and conspiracies.
They have kept those connected to the case frozen in time.
Soon she unravels a web of deception that links to a secret society.
A society built on cruelty, malice, and abuse.
Facing them head-on could spell death.
But to bring justice to the world, Emma will have to do something unimaginable.
- GenresFiction
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 2, 2026
I love how this story line was started in the last book as a kind of "oddity" and became the entire story. It was nice to be able to follow a story from beginning to end (well obviously their lives still continue). The writing in sections was really fast paced, and the part about Emma physically fighting with people in the temple seemed extremely detailed, much more so than previous books. Overall a good story as long as the reader has been following the past books.
February 10, 2026
Thrilling Storyline
I'm glad to know the outcome of this story but was a little disappointed not to find the ending of Doe. Hopefully, won't have to wait too long for the next book. This was a thrilling story with many twists and turns. Waiting, not so patiently, for the next Emma Griffin book.
I'm glad to know the outcome of this story but was a little disappointed not to find the ending of Doe. Hopefully, won't have to wait too long for the next book. This was a thrilling story with many twists and turns. Waiting, not so patiently, for the next Emma Griffin book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Part 2 is here, and you won't believe the twisted case Emma unravels! While helping investigate two kids that went missing 15 years ago, Emma discovered a compound hidden in plain sight with secrets so dark that an abyss is glowing. This one is so good
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a awesome story about Emma trying to find out who kidnapped kids years ago and Penny the sister together they find answers to what happened. There was lots of suspense and drama and I enjoyed this book and the ending was excellent. Thank you.
February 1, 2026
Another unexpected ending!
This whole series has been a roller coaster full of surprises. And the cliff-hanger endings just keep me craving the next book. This time Emma even traveled a bit into get past go unravel the there of this mystery.
This whole series has been a roller coaster full of surprises. And the cliff-hanger endings just keep me craving the next book. This time Emma even traveled a bit into get past go unravel the there of this mystery.
February 3, 2026
the discovery of human bones is never a good sign
An unsolved disappearance of two young children - from Emma’s early days as an agent - confronts her in the current day.
Misdirection and multiple homicides complicate the investigation into human remains at a construction site.
An unsolved disappearance of two young children - from Emma’s early days as an agent - confronts her in the current day.
Misdirection and multiple homicides complicate the investigation into human remains at a construction site.
February 3, 2026
Pooe Emma never gets a break!
Poor Emma, no case is ever simple! They are always complicated and always edge of your seat! All the twists and turns for Penny are not so simple either. Glad to have resolution for this case,and can’t wait to find out what happens with Doe!
Poor Emma, no case is ever simple! They are always complicated and always edge of your seat! All the twists and turns for Penny are not so simple either. Glad to have resolution for this case,and can’t wait to find out what happens with Doe!
February 7, 2026
Disappointing
This whole story was a confusing mess! I found myself having to reread parts to try to figure out how they came to some of their conclusions. The whole ending at the compound was so unbelievable. It was a frustrating read!
This whole story was a confusing mess! I found myself having to reread parts to try to figure out how they came to some of their conclusions. The whole ending at the compound was so unbelievable. It was a frustrating read!
February 8, 2026
Closing a case
Emma doesn't disappoint. This case was just a puzzle to me, Emma was able to fit all the pieces together. I just don't know how she does it, but I always like the end results. A J Rivers is great thank you for bringing Emma to life.
Emma doesn't disappoint. This case was just a puzzle to me, Emma was able to fit all the pieces together. I just don't know how she does it, but I always like the end results. A J Rivers is great thank you for bringing Emma to life.
February 12, 2026
Another great story
I'm so into these stories with Emma. Been reading them from the beginning and each 1 is better than the last. The characters supporting Emma are great and there are numerous places that I underline and save.
I'm so into these stories with Emma. Been reading them from the beginning and each 1 is better than the last. The characters supporting Emma are great and there are numerous places that I underline and save.
February 28, 2026
Emma Griffin always exciting to follow
Always look forward to the next Emma Griffin book. This one as usual grabs you from the first page and takes you along on her journey. Don’t know how I missed the prequel to this book but will be going back to read
Always look forward to the next Emma Griffin book. This one as usual grabs you from the first page and takes you along on her journey. Don’t know how I missed the prequel to this book but will be going back to read
March 5, 2026
Great storyline
This segment picked up where the last book left off, but stayed with one storyline instead of skipping around. The mystery and suspense keeps the reader on their toes.
This segment picked up where the last book left off, but stayed with one storyline instead of skipping around. The mystery and suspense keeps the reader on their toes.
April 25, 2026
The Girl and the Hidden Place
The book was written in a way I've never experienced before. I struggled a bit in the beginning because of it, but I figured out the style, it was easy reading. The story went in more directions than I could have imagined.
The book was written in a way I've never experienced before. I struggled a bit in the beginning because of it, but I figured out the style, it was easy reading. The story went in more directions than I could have imagined.
May 17, 2026
Another great Emma story!
Emma meets he match in determination in this story - Penny is a force to be reckoned with! After Penny’s siblings are taken, she begins a lifelong search for them and manages to get herself in trouble. Emma to the rescue!
Well written and captivating!
Emma meets he match in determination in this story - Penny is a force to be reckoned with! After Penny’s siblings are taken, she begins a lifelong search for them and manages to get herself in trouble. Emma to the rescue!
Well written and captivating!
May 24, 2026
Loving the new cases
I am 1000% engrossed in the complexities of Emma's cases. I love how they all flow together so seamlessly and she handles it all so effortlessly. Forever and always an Emma fan!
I am 1000% engrossed in the complexities of Emma's cases. I love how they all flow together so seamlessly and she handles it all so effortlessly. Forever and always an Emma fan!
February 1, 2026
It was good but skipped around a bit. Suspenseful at time.
February 2, 2026
OMG!!!! 😱😱😱
This series is getting so amazing!!! I can't wait for the next one.... That ending was very unexpecting!!! Amazing work!!!
This series is getting so amazing!!! I can't wait for the next one.... That ending was very unexpecting!!! Amazing work!!!
February 3, 2026
Ahhhh A.J Rivers definitely knows what they are doing. This story was so good and I’m glad it was wrapped up, but now back to Doe’s story and this damn cliffhanger 😩
February 6, 2026
Emma
Never ceases to amaze me. She always figures out what happens to people in the past. Then is able to bring them back to the current to make their lives better.
Never ceases to amaze me. She always figures out what happens to people in the past. Then is able to bring them back to the current to make their lives better.
February 6, 2026
Another great book
A great book. It is hard to put down AJ’s books. Once you start you keep reading and then you move on to the next book.
A great book. It is hard to put down AJ’s books. Once you start you keep reading and then you move on to the next book.
February 15, 2026
Great read! Emma always delivers. This gripping thriller made me revise my conclusions so many times! The plot twists and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book!
March 21, 2026
Too many typos! C'mon. Find someone better to proofread these books before you prioritize cranking them out at record speed.
March 26, 2026
gripping
absolutely fascinating story. did not want to put it down Great job! Can't wait to read the next one
Congratulations
absolutely fascinating story. did not want to put it down Great job! Can't wait to read the next one
Congratulations
May 25, 2026
great book
I couldn’t put this book down- Penny counted stop till she found her brother and sister. Enjoyed it! I’ve read other books she’s written
I couldn’t put this book down- Penny counted stop till she found her brother and sister. Enjoyed it! I’ve read other books she’s written
February 21, 2026
The Girl and the Hidden Place
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book left my mind blown, there was some much going on that it was hard to keep up. Emma is working on one case, then she gets assigned a different case. This new case is attached to an old case, that her ex-boyfriend was obsessed with before he died. So it also brings back memories that Emma prefers to stay in the past. So it gets complicated right away. Now she has to deal with the past and present. When she solves this case, she gets a call that "Doe" is now missing. So now I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!!!! This book left my mind blown, there was some much going on that it was hard to keep up. Emma is working on one case, then she gets assigned a different case. This new case is attached to an old case, that her ex-boyfriend was obsessed with before he died. So it also brings back memories that Emma prefers to stay in the past. So it gets complicated right away. Now she has to deal with the past and present. When she solves this case, she gets a call that "Doe" is now missing. So now I can't wait to read the next book.
March 28, 2026
another great book
loving Emma in her adventures can't wait for the next one in September! Nice wrap up this will keep you on the edge of your seat
loving Emma in her adventures can't wait for the next one in September! Nice wrap up this will keep you on the edge of your seat
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews