The Bonekeeper's Bride

Briar Calloway FBI #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.

[Stacey Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire book- if I didn’t actually need to sleep I would have stayed up and continued to read the whole book in one setting. Now I need to know how the story continues…on to the next!

[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.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the book when I started reading it, a total page turner, however, after I had read 3/4 of the book, I was so disappointed how the book was becoming way too unbelievable, just so bizarre! And frankly, I’m disappointed that I purchased book 2 and 3!! A waste of money.

[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

[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.

[Syren · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Possible slight spoiler ahead*
In a race against the stay of execution, Briar must figure out who has become her husband Adrian's copycat murderer. And what do two kids aged out of the system have to do with it?

It wasn't bad, but it could have been better. I think what bothered me most is the repetitiveness of Briar talking about how damaged she is or how she remembers so much. It's like every other page is steeped in how messed up she or her life is.
Towards the middle things felt like they got a little slow for me. And all the constant reminders made it hard to focus.
The characters felt a little flat to me. And while the twist was decent, I feel like it is a little unbelievable to spin given what would be needed to be a proxy for something that is claimed to be so precise.
I do like that it makes you question whether Adrian is truly innocent or not. And minus the proxy, I thought the twist was interesting.
And of course it ends on a cliffhanger. So...I guess I will be reading the next one because I want to know!
It wasn't horrible, just felt a bit repetitive, and I think I went in thinking the mystery would be a bit different.

[Jeanenne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I really enjoyed the potential of this plot, BUT, there are areas that drive me crazy. So, 3.5 rounded down to a 3.

I can't buy the proxy angle. Briar mentions several times in this book "to achieve this level of anatomical perfection, you didn't just need a manual; you needed the hands of a neurosurgeon who had spent ten years in the theatre." The are just too many flaws in that portion of the story for it to be anywhere near believable.

However, if you can get past the unbelievable, it's a good story. I kept thinking that I knew where it was going (and who knows, by book three it may go there), but as of now, my guess was wrong.

The book ends with a few loose ends, but for the most part you could read as a stand alone. Unfortuntely, I'm not sure if I'm vested enough to read the other two books.

[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.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads I've had in a long time

For once ig marketing hit the mark! This book kept me guessing even to the end. The epilogue leave the story as a cliffhanger however the next books blub makes it seem like it will be a whole different story line. Excited to see where it goes from here.

[Paula Leblanc · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was a decent book. I enjoyed the story line. I can't imagine being a FBI agent and then finding out my husband is a serial killer. That got me hooked to find out about that. I want to read the second book because of the cliffhanger. If It wasn't for that I might not bother wanting to know what happen. I will read the next book to see what happens next.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on Kindle. Definitely a page turner/thriller that I couldn’t stop reading! Briar’s poor life has been messed up by so many people including the man she married who is a serial killer! This book was recommended by Sandy to me and I loved it. Had to put it down a few times because it was too scary and too much darkness. But very good.

[AJ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid writing, solid prose, good plot...thrown off by 1 massive mistake that would have taken 10 seconds of research to not make.

Towards the end of the book the FMC "thumbs back the hammer" on her sidearm for dramatic effect.... The problem? It's a Glock, a striker fired sidearm WITHOUT A HAMMER.

[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.

[Shannon Jennette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot Twist

This was one of the better mystery thrillers I have read in a long time. It had the biggest plot twist I didn’t see coming. It had me believing I knew who the villain was and I was right only to an extent.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw and gritty, long live the Bride.

Horrific accuracy and detailed models in deathly perfect poses. Such is the work of the Artist.

A horrifying look into the mind, motivation and legacy of a serial killer.

Check your trigger warnings.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Psychological thriller at its best

Truly beautifully written thriller. The author definitely took me on an amazing journey in psychopaths journey of mayhem. I found myself staying up late and ignoring the drier buzzer. Highly recommend this book.

[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