The Trail

by A.J. Rivers

Park Ranger Logan Stanley loves his job in Juniper Springs and the life of solitude it offers.
But when he finds the body of a young woman near the trail he patrols.
He begins to question just how much of a haven the camping grounds really are…

After a failed relationship, Charlotte Pierce is trying to pick herself back up.
Putting her feelings aside as she travels with other bridesmaids to a camping spot in Juniper Springs for Destiny’s bachelorette party.
But when Destiny disappears one morning without a trace, Charlotte calls for help.

Answering the emergency call, Logan rushes to their cabin.
Charlotte insists on finding her friend, and Logan refuses to let her go alone.
He teams up with her to make sure she is safe along the way.

But the more they search, the clearer it becomes that Destiny isn’t the only one affected.
Other women are being stalked and killed on the trails.

With the help of Detective Avery Hart, the trio risk everything to uncover the truth.
Finding themselves in a web of deadly traps and deception.
While Charlotte and Logan's affections for one another grow.
Their attraction may prove fatal as the case takes another unprecedented turn.

Everything in Logan and Charlotte's lives is about to come crashing down.

To protect the woman he cares for and the place he cherishes.
Logan will put it all on the line to find Destiny and take down the killer before he strikes again.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 8, 2026

Reviews

[Karen Wright]

This is the latest in the Juniper Springs series. Everything is not always what it seems. As for women come to town for a batchelorette party, things quickly turn serious. The bride suddenly disappears but could it be tied into a recent murder? The brides friend can't just let it go and cannot return to her life without knowing what happened to her friend despite the other 2 bridesmaids and her boss pressuring her. It's full of twists and turns. Very good addition to the series.

[Kelly Smelcer]

Buckle up! We're going back to Juniper Springs, and this one is my favorite so far! Logan Stanley is a park ranger. Charlotte Pierce is a dental receptionist visiting for the week with a bridal party. When the bride, Destiny, goes missing, Charlotte stops at nothing to find her. She enlists Logan's help and the sparks fly. I absolutely loved this one!!!

[Paula B]

Best yet in the series

I think this is my favorite book in the Juniper Springs series. Charlotte reminded me so much of how Avery was in the first book. I'm looking forward to future adventures with the two of them.

[Janice Stansell]

Juniper Springs sure is busy for a small town!

Yet another “I did not see that coming”! So many twists and turns, kept the pages turning! Charlotte is a bulldog with a mystery to solve with Logan’s help. Great to see how all the other couples are doing.

[Barbara Kaake]

This was a great story about who is killing peoples and Logan and Charlotte are looking for her missing friend and eventually find her safe with help from Avery. Thank you for this awesome story with lots of suspense and action.

[Louise Mickel]

I so enjoy keeping up with the Juniper Springs family and all those who become family through their friendships and experiences. Thank you for a great book that kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through.

[Carol]

Captivating

Exciting mystery that pulls the reader into the story immediately. Introduction of new characters entwined with familiar previous characters makes the storyline exciting.

[Brenda]

No spoilers

What can I say? Another win from A J Rivers! Keeps me up too late every night but not complaining! Keep the books coming!

[Tracy]

Love Juniper Springs!

I absolutely love the Juniper Springs series, it gives me Hallmark movie vibes mixed with all things true crime!! The Trail was fantastic!!

[Marianne Potter]

Characters

The characters draw you in. I found myself saying, "Why am I reading this?" Then I wanted to see the underdog win.

[Judith]

Great series. Have enjoyed all the books.

[Elyse]

Enjoyed this too

[Penny Anne]

Juniper Springs captures another!

This venture to Juniper Springs is intriguing and promising a new love story! The story is full of twists, turns, selfish people, scary people and someone dedicated to finding her friend! Well done!