The Girl in the Hills

by A.J. Rivers

It wasn’t supposed to be this way...

After a disastrous investigation ends with the death of her FBI partner.
Sarah Cross is banished from her high-profile position in Boston and sent to Tennessee.
Feeling more broken and directionless than ever.
Sarah moves to the sleepy countryside town of Silver Hill.
Where she sets up her quaint new office above a bakery.

Exploring the town, she runs into Sheriff Tobias Kessel.
Making a note to avoid his southern drawl and charming demeanor.
But when the sheriff’s close friend is found dead from an overdose in his garage.
Sarah finds herself drawn to the case.

Now forced to work with the sheriff, she finds there may be more to him than meets the eye.
Soon, the case takes unpredictable and shocking turns.
As the body count rises and a drug kingpin who escaped from New York appears in her office.
Sarah faces a terrifying possibility.

Could this be connected to the very case that landed her here in the first place?

Strange connections, cruel twists of fate, and deadly intentions.
Silver Hill will never be the same.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2026

Reviews

[Kelly Smelcer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series by AJ Rivers is off with a bang! After a miscalculation by FBI Agent Sarah Cross is sent to podunk East Tennessee on assignment. While there, she has to team up with the local sheriff, Tobias Kessler - called TK by locals - and it's a rough go for both of them. She's used to her city ways, he's lived in this town his whole life and knows how to talk to the locals. Can they solve the first case to cross Sarah's desk without being at each other's throats? I could not put this one down!

[Liz Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read at least one book from every series Rivers has written but I haven't stuck with all of them. So I always approach a 1st book with an open mind and hope that I'll enjoy the characters. I have finished the first book of this series and have already downloaded the 2nd book. I liked the characters in this book and enjoyed what felt like a densely packed case (or cases). I enjoyed watching Sarah and TK's transitions through the book and liked that it was shown through each of their perspectives. If you're a fan of AJ Rivers's writing, definitely check this one out.

[KerryO · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engrossing murder mystery set in a small Smoky Mountains Tennessee town where FBI Special Agent Sarah Cross has been banished because of a previous case. Together she and Sheriff Tobias Kessel “TK” are on the hunt for the murderer whose crime might be related to the sudden discovery of designer drugs in their small town.

[Paula B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great new series

If book 1 in this series was so full of action and twisty plots, I can't wait to see what the rest of the books will be like. They will be awesome, I'm sure, like the other AJ Rivers books. FBI agent Sarah Cross and Sheriff Tobias "TK" Kessel make a great pair - professionally and on a personal level. I'm ready for book 2.

[Janice Stansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a tangled web Sarah has stumbled into!

Holy cow! A.J. sure does those cliffhangers very well! This case had my head spinning, with all the players involved or not! Love the dynamics of this new series, and all the tension that goes with it.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome beginning for FBI agent Sarah starting a new life in a small town and finding trouble right away with people dieing and finding who is responsible and why. Thank you for this story with lots of suspense and action.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong, well-developed characters, a gripping storyline and amazing plot twists! this new series has it all. A must read from A.J. Rivers. Run, don't walk, to your nearest retailer or Amazon retailer for this book! You'll be so happy that you did!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to move to this town....

The characters are interesting and grow on you.
Can't wait to see what unfolds next....highly recommend this author. Been following and reading her different series for quite awhile

[Shayna Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just can't stop thinking about the inconvenient dimples of Sherriff Butterscotch. there is something charming and endearing about thr way AJ writes like her characters could be friends of yours. a good read.

[Beverly Calhoun · Rating 5 out of 5]

compelling

Always a good storyline, and enough twists to make you continue reading. It makes you become the person in the story and live as the characters.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series = new location! Loved the small, country town setting. It instantly made me feel at home and i cannot wait for this series to continue!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love A.J.'s books but this one I returned in chapter 1 and bought it. Easy characters to enjoy and want to read from the start!

[mary schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Somewhat complicated plot, intriguing mystery, and a great budding romance. I'll read everything she writes.

[Mary L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Looking forward to Sarah's adventures with TK. I think its going to be a fun ride for the.. And dangerous.

[Carol Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Now going to read the next one

[Mary A Forgach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading #2 in the series. It was hard to put it down!