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Bones in the Hills
In a quaint office, atop a charming bakery.
Something sinister is afoot.
FBI agent Sarah Cross has had a distinguished career in the agency.
Until one day, everything fell apart.
Now left to her own devices in the small town of Silver Hill.
Sarah finds herself hopelessly lost in the tight-knit community.
When skeletal remains are found in a large ceramic kiln.
At a remote artist retreat on the outskirts of town.
Sarah and Sheriff Tobias Kessel are called in to investigate.
But the charred remains are just the beginning.
The retreat is teeming with strange characters and veiled secrets.
And the suspect list is ever-growing.
But digging for answers paints a target on their backs.
Everywhere they turn, they are met with resistance.
Threats, brute violence, and a criminal underworld that pushes back.
Now, Sarah and Tobias must fight their way to the truth.
Unearthing a secret darker than either of them is ready for…
Something sinister is afoot.
FBI agent Sarah Cross has had a distinguished career in the agency.
Until one day, everything fell apart.
Now left to her own devices in the small town of Silver Hill.
Sarah finds herself hopelessly lost in the tight-knit community.
When skeletal remains are found in a large ceramic kiln.
At a remote artist retreat on the outskirts of town.
Sarah and Sheriff Tobias Kessel are called in to investigate.
But the charred remains are just the beginning.
The retreat is teeming with strange characters and veiled secrets.
And the suspect list is ever-growing.
But digging for answers paints a target on their backs.
Everywhere they turn, they are met with resistance.
Threats, brute violence, and a criminal underworld that pushes back.
Now, Sarah and Tobias must fight their way to the truth.
Unearthing a secret darker than either of them is ready for…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 31, 2026
Wow! Great read with surprise set up for the next book!
A J Rivers delivers another wild ride! The story keeps you reading well into the night. I wanted to finish it in one setting, but I did have some responsibilities to take care of! This book introduced a new group of characters. The way they are described allows you to picture them in your head as you are reading. The Artists Compound is not a "normal" house. It's fun to try and imagine this as well. Twists and turns in her writing keeps your attention. While some things I thought I had figured out, there was a bit more too it. A fun read with interesting characters. Just waiting now for the next.
A J Rivers delivers another wild ride! The story keeps you reading well into the night. I wanted to finish it in one setting, but I did have some responsibilities to take care of! This book introduced a new group of characters. The way they are described allows you to picture them in your head as you are reading. The Artists Compound is not a "normal" house. It's fun to try and imagine this as well. Twists and turns in her writing keeps your attention. While some things I thought I had figured out, there was a bit more too it. A fun read with interesting characters. Just waiting now for the next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah is back in the next installment working with TK. this series is growing on me but there is just something holding me back from loving it. I like Sarah as a character, she's smart and creative. Tk though, I'm not a fan of. I kind of feel her skills are being wasted here and I wished her relationship was more professional with TK. I enjoy the story though and, of course, the writing is excellent. The cliffhanger ending really has me hooked now so I'll be back for the next book.
March 30, 2026
OMG!
OK I'm addicted to this series. I'm thoroughly invested in Sarah Cross and the success of her new position. She has already solved 3 murders in her short time in town. And just when she's getting comfortable, BOOM, her world get flipped again in the final pages. Lucky for me, AJ Rivers doesn't wait long between books. So I'll hang over this cliff for a little while, waiting for the next installment.
OK I'm addicted to this series. I'm thoroughly invested in Sarah Cross and the success of her new position. She has already solved 3 murders in her short time in town. And just when she's getting comfortable, BOOM, her world get flipped again in the final pages. Lucky for me, AJ Rivers doesn't wait long between books. So I'll hang over this cliff for a little while, waiting for the next installment.
April 1, 2026
Great twist at the end!!!!
Enjoy this series very much. You can sense the sparks brewing between Sarah and TK all through the series from start to finish. Another great murder solving test is born. But wait for the big twist at the end of the book, Please don’t be true. Hopefully it’s all a set up. Fingers crossed
Enjoy this series very much. You can sense the sparks brewing between Sarah and TK all through the series from start to finish. Another great murder solving test is born. But wait for the big twist at the end of the book, Please don’t be true. Hopefully it’s all a set up. Fingers crossed
April 2, 2026
Disappointed with the entire story line
Read all 3 books in this series before the release of #4. From the first to now it's filled with standard story lines more like juvenile forbidden romance novel with every possible crime thrown in. Love this author but this series is just not enjoyable or even close to believable. Hard pass for any more of this series
Read all 3 books in this series before the release of #4. From the first to now it's filled with standard story lines more like juvenile forbidden romance novel with every possible crime thrown in. Love this author but this series is just not enjoyable or even close to believable. Hard pass for any more of this series
April 8, 2026
I'm very much enjoying this new series. If you haven't read the previous books of this particular series, I highly suggest you start with book 1 so you know about inside statements and characters' previous history.
This story is a good one with some twists that the reader doesn't expect. And the ending?! We have to wait until the next book to find out what happens??
This story is a good one with some twists that the reader doesn't expect. And the ending?! We have to wait until the next book to find out what happens??
April 13, 2026
Thank you AJ Rivers for finally writing a book that does not have a lot of old news about the characters. It was an extremely rewarding experience to read a book that was current and did not keep referring to the past history of the main character.
Now about the 3 Sarah Cross books I just finished. They were awesome. I couldn’t believe the depth you put into each character, GREAT JOB!!!!
I just wish i didn’t have to wait for October to read #4.
Now about the 3 Sarah Cross books I just finished. They were awesome. I couldn’t believe the depth you put into each character, GREAT JOB!!!!
I just wish i didn’t have to wait for October to read #4.
April 28, 2026
Engrossing story
This book grabs you as soon as you start reading and doesn't let go until you finish. The characters are sharp and feel as if you know them. They become friends you're rooting for. Start this series with the first book. It very worth your while and life you love and good murder mystery you've come to the right place
This book grabs you as soon as you start reading and doesn't let go until you finish. The characters are sharp and feel as if you know them. They become friends you're rooting for. Start this series with the first book. It very worth your while and life you love and good murder mystery you've come to the right place
August 30, 2026
Oh, no!!!
This can't be happening! We are left with the biggest cliffhanger of all time. I did want to see some romance between Sarah and TK but It did not happen, so I was a little disappointed in that. But all in all, I enjoyed this edition and really look forward to the next one with bated breath!
This can't be happening! We are left with the biggest cliffhanger of all time. I did want to see some romance between Sarah and TK but It did not happen, so I was a little disappointed in that. But all in all, I enjoyed this edition and really look forward to the next one with bated breath!
October 2, 2026
Love it love it love it!!!
I am so totally hooked. I cannot get enough of these. Grateful I discovered A.J. Rivers. I can’t wait to continue this journey with this amazing author.. definitely an exciting read. If you’re looking for intrigue and excitement, you definitely need to read this series. I literally cannot put these down.
I am so totally hooked. I cannot get enough of these. Grateful I discovered A.J. Rivers. I can’t wait to continue this journey with this amazing author.. definitely an exciting read. If you’re looking for intrigue and excitement, you definitely need to read this series. I literally cannot put these down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh this one is good, y'all! When a body is found in a kiln at the Artist Retreat Ranch, Sarah and TK are called in to investigate. This is a fast-paced whodunit that will keep you guessing with every turn of the page. I love this new series!
March 28, 2026
Always finish reading these stories wanting more!
Good gosh, what a whopper ending! There are a lot of things going on here, lots of stumbling blocks to solve this case. While I was on the edge of my seat, I knew Sarah and TK would figure it out!
Good gosh, what a whopper ending! There are a lot of things going on here, lots of stumbling blocks to solve this case. While I was on the edge of my seat, I knew Sarah and TK would figure it out!
April 2, 2026
What a surprise...
I cannot believe the ending of this book. Throughout the whole story I was happy the case had been solved but this ending caught me by surprise. I can hardly wait to read the next book.
I cannot believe the ending of this book. Throughout the whole story I was happy the case had been solved but this ending caught me by surprise. I can hardly wait to read the next book.
April 22, 2026
good story - but what an ending!
Good storyline, excellent character development. But the last chapter threw a curve that, if you say you saw it coming, I know you are lying. Can’t wait to read #3!
Good storyline, excellent character development. But the last chapter threw a curve that, if you say you saw it coming, I know you are lying. Can’t wait to read #3!
May 12, 2026
It’s a cliff hanger! I’m hooked on this series and can’t wait for the next book to be available. The tension between Sara and TK!!! Plus the plot twists. You can’t put it down….AJ Rivers is on my list of favorites
May 20, 2026
Good book
This new book has had it twist and turns. Mystery of a dead man burned ons kiln. The suspects were all over the place and finally a murderer. Its the ending that is just unreal. Read these books and see for yourself.
This new book has had it twist and turns. Mystery of a dead man burned ons kiln. The suspects were all over the place and finally a murderer. Its the ending that is just unreal. Read these books and see for yourself.
May 27, 2026
Moved along with good speed.
The ending was a punch in the gut. How long do we have to wait to know what really happened with the sheriff?? That's not fair letting us hang out to dry. 😭
The ending was a punch in the gut. How long do we have to wait to know what really happened with the sheriff?? That's not fair letting us hang out to dry. 😭
June 10, 2026
Nope—just Nope
I hate cliffhangers, and I really don’t like when things are thrown in such a direction that really ticks off the reader. I understand the use of red herrings, but the heavy handed use of red herrings is irritating.
I hate cliffhangers, and I really don’t like when things are thrown in such a direction that really ticks off the reader. I understand the use of red herrings, but the heavy handed use of red herrings is irritating.
June 21, 2026
Um say what?!?!
Still not in love with the constant bickering between the two. But at the end of the day, what the what? Was not expecting that ending at all! And can't wait to find out what happens next.
Still not in love with the constant bickering between the two. But at the end of the day, what the what? Was not expecting that ending at all! And can't wait to find out what happens next.
July 12, 2026
Bones in the hills review
I loved this book! I totally drew me in. I stayed up way too late reading last night and finished it this morning only to be left with a cliff hanger, ugh! I don't know how I will be able to wait for the next one.
I loved this book! I totally drew me in. I stayed up way too late reading last night and finished it this morning only to be left with a cliff hanger, ugh! I don't know how I will be able to wait for the next one.
October 3, 2026
I thought i had it
By book three, a reader might believe they've the author figured out: similar scenes, obvious hints at the criminal, etc. I'll not make that assumption again. What a read. Highly recommend.
By book three, a reader might believe they've the author figured out: similar scenes, obvious hints at the criminal, etc. I'll not make that assumption again. What a read. Highly recommend.
October 8, 2026
Hills
Oh my gosh!!!! This ended not right!!!!
This adventure with Sarah and TJ should have ended with a truth rather than such a shock!!!! TJ could not be a murderer?
Each step of the story leads to another conclusion surely?
Oh my gosh!!!! This ended not right!!!!
This adventure with Sarah and TJ should have ended with a truth rather than such a shock!!!! TJ could not be a murderer?
Each step of the story leads to another conclusion surely?
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an excellent story about Sarah finding out who killed a man and why with lots of suspense and action and with an ending I didn’t see coming. Thank you for this great story.
March 28, 2026
Wow - what an ending! Total and absolute suspense until October!!!!! Write faster!!!
March 31, 2026
What a thriller! This is a fantastic new series! Watch out for that cliffhanger ending, though! You won't believe it!
March 31, 2026
great book!I had trouble putting it down!
This series is awesome and it’s been a great ride. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
This series is awesome and it’s been a great ride. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 31, 2026
Cliff hanger
Enjoy reading books from this author. Well written and kept me guessing. Did not expect the ending. Can the next book come out soon please.
Enjoy reading books from this author. Well written and kept me guessing. Did not expect the ending. Can the next book come out soon please.
April 6, 2026
Ready for the next book--suspense.
April 9, 2026
Awesome read with exciting cliffhanger for next book. Can’t wait.
May 3, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this! Very well written and kept me on my toes! I didn’t realize these was a series! Definitely reading the others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews