The Bonekeeper's Bride: A Briar Calloway FBI Mystery Thriller Book 1

by Georgia Wagner

Genres: Thriller, Mystery Thriller

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2026

About the author

Having worked on projects with New York Times Bestsellers and USA Today bestsellers, Georgia Wagner recently hit #1 bestseller with her newest series. Location and character are two big factors for Georgia, and getting those right allows the story to flow seamlessly onto the page. And flow it does, because Georgia is so prolific a new term is required to describe the rate at which nerve-tingling stories find their way into print.

When not found attached to a laptop, Georgia likes spending time in local arboretums, among the trees and ponds. An avid cultivator of orchids, begonias, and all things floral, Georgia also has a strong penchant for art, paintings, and sculptures. A many-decades-long passion for mystery novels and years of chess tournament experience makes Georgia the perfect person to pen the Artemis Blythe series. That's where it all started, but the drive to craft thrilling mystery tales soon demanded new characters in new locations.

Where will she take us next?

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and entertaining read, binged the 3 book series in a few days. Loved the premise. There are a few things in the series that do get under my skin. For example, in one book she and her partner go to a crime scene and touch things. Why in the world would you touch things at a crime scene if you’re supposed to be an FBI agent. You would know better, right? So that sort of stuff kind of irritated me. But literally that’s my only complaint. And in a few of the books, she lets out breaths that she didn’t know she was holding. IYKYK! 😂😂. Anyway, if you’re not a purist and a total realist and just want fun FBI dark and twisty book, I highly recommend this series.

[SM Loft · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bonekeeper’s Bride is a compelling story that pulled me in from the start. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, which made the book flow effortlessly. I found myself invested in the characters and the unfolding plot, eager to see where it would lead.
That said, there were moments of repetition in the descriptions, for example, the recurring line “She smelled their breath like stale coffee” stood out as overused. While the imagery was strong, the repetition slightly disrupted the otherwise fluid narrative.
The story itself remained engaging throughout, though by the end it veered into territory that felt a bit far-fetched. Still, that’s the nature of fiction, stretching reality to keep us hooked. And in that sense, it succeeded.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that balanced intrigue with accessibility. Despite a few stylistic hiccups, it kept me turning the pages and left me satisfied.

[Cindi Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What intriguing, memorable opponents. I am addicted to this series. Very thought provoking, to say the least. You are drawn into the damaged Briar, who seems posed for complete collapse, yet somehow still struggles on. And Adrian, oh my god Adrian. Brilliant, complex,a serial killer, yet completely devoted to Briar. A fascinating character who I have to understand more of. I definitely recommend this series.

[Casey Drieling · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like there was a lot of history missing, especially with this being the first book of its series/trilogy. The relationship between the serial killer and his FBI Agent wife is left in disarray and unresolved. I understand that’s intentional to set the scene for the second book, but I’m just not feeling it. Unfortunately, I’m not invested enough in the characters or storyline to continue the series.

[Janet David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Unforgettable Heroine

The Bonekeeper's Bride, by Georgia Wagner, is another terrific mystery thriller that keeps you turning the pages to see what happens. Full of twists and turns, this book gets you hooked on a new heroine, Briar Calloway. Wagner draws you in with her riveting plot and her intriguing characters. I can't wait to read the entire series.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was basically like an episode of criminal minds which I loved! Briar sometimes came off as hard to relate to and the ending wasn’t quite as unexpected and mind blowing as I was wanting but it was still such a good book. It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and it was a really fun psychological game trying to figure out if Adrian was innocent or not.

[Candy Galindo · Rating 4 out of 5]

fantastic beginning to a series. it starts with an FBI agent awaiting the execution of her husband who she arrested when she discovered he was a serial killer. even though she arrested him, some of her colleagues at the bureau think she knew or was complicit in his crimes. I already downloaded the rest of the series and can't wait to finish these books!

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Sheep Dip Batman, that was dark twisty ride!
From page you need to buckle in and hang on.
Good main characters with dark backgrounds, those come out slowly and add to the story.
You will want more until you don't and that is the best kind of thriller.
Briar has ghosts and they chase her and vise versa.
This is a good fast read.

[Sherry Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

The author does an excellent job of putting the reader in the character's world. Actions, thoughts, fears, motivation, etc, the reader goes through the emotions. An immersive experience.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super interesting premise...the wife of a serial killer...but, I felt like I was missing far too much back story to care about the characters...this was mostly the pilot in what could be a fantastic TV police procedural...all action, no emotion in a mad rush to Crazytown.

[Sheila Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

a tough read

This was an intense story of an FBI agent and her elite renowned surgeon husband. It’s about choices she has to make and how those affect her life. It was a weird feeling of oh I can’t wait to finish and noooo I don’t want it to end.

[Tiffany McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agent Briar Calloway’s ex-husband is a serial killer on death row. His crimes were preserving people using wire and posing them as a form of art. Many believe that Briar was aware of her husband’s Art even though she was the one to turn him in. Now there is a copycat killer but who can it be?

[Vicki Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Briar is an amazing FBI agent who caught her murdering husband and locked up. I love this type of books plots, crazier the better...I'm getting ready to start The Skinning Game.
Bring it on with the crazier I'm ready.

[Ken Templeton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thriller

Action packed with lots of twists and turns, it’s a fascinating read. Already got the next one in this series

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. No waiting until book 10 for the resolution!

[Jacque Snellenberger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

Ends in a cliffhanger, but good enough to keep you occupied.
A twist that was Entertaining. It's a solid mystery!

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating

A book you dont want to stop reading. It pulls you in. The ending tho. You want to know what happens to a few of the people

[Karen Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

great characters a good read

I did not enjoy the last twist in the story. Up until then I was wrapped up tho. I would read a part 2

[Laura Beauchamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆

[Paige Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting at first but was so far fetched towards the end that I did not finish.

[Kayleigh Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

[taffykathiegmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one best friend

A story that leads you one way, only to turn you in a different direction. You aren't sure who to trusting what they're trying to accomplish!

[Chanda Shae Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

what the actual F did I just read?

Talk about hook, line and sinker..Reeled me in and wouldn't let go.. So many curve balls not even Jeter could hit them.. and that ending though..

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, good depth of plot. Likeable characters.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one. Quick read. typical thriller/mystery book. 3.5 stars

[Allison Minowa · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

[Nicole Goad · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read keeps you guessing

Great read! The book keeps you guessing the whole time. You think you know who did it but you don’t.

[Mary Stepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

different

It’s a great book makes you not want to stop reading until you’re done it’s unnerving in parts, it makes you wonder about the person that wrote it.