The Night She Ran

by A.J. Rivers

507 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2026

Reviews

[Lauren Talley]

This book was too long for the story it was telling. Also I must be missing something here nothing made sense at the end?

[Cynthia]

I liked the story of Aurora Gray returning as a special agent to a town that she grew up in. The story was a little long with backstory information that could have been tightened up. The ending felt rushed and didn’t seem to fit the rest of the book or like it was being set up for the next book but the epilogue attached didn’t fit the rest of the story. I would read another story in this series just to see if this storyline comes back around in the next book to answer questions that I was left with at the end.

[robin pollack]

Whew!

I almost stopped reading this book several times. I have really liked other books by this author so I thought I’d enjoy this new series. All in all it’s a good story with some interesting characters and I think the main character, Aurora, has a lot of potential to make this series great. After reading for a while I realized that the book was over 500 pages and while that is not usually a bad thing it is when this book could have been so much better with about half of the repetitive storylines that just teased all the character’s background and how it would tie together the story. Unfortunately, that never happened. It is in the last few pages that you get a glimpse of Aurora’s backstory and then a cliffhanger. But I did read through to the end so something kept me interested and now I’m thinking about the next one in the series. I’m not sure about recommending it so if you do choose to read it, know that you might have to skim through a lot.

[Deborah Hensley]

If you love the "Emma Griffin" series you have to read this book!

I haven't read a series of books by A.J. Rivers that I didn't immediately love. That's what made me decide to give this book a read. I already can't wait to read the next book in the "Aurora Gray" series. It keeps you guessing from the beginning until the end. Just when you think you know who the killer is, it throws you a curve ball. I also love the fact that Emma shows up in this book. You'll have to read it to find out why.

[Emilia Clark]

I really enjoyed *The Night She Ran*. The combination of Aurora’s painful past, the disappearance of the young girl, and the murder of the original investigator created a mystery that kept me curious from the start. I liked how the present case gradually connected with the secrets Aurora had been running from, adding an emotional layer to the suspense. The twists kept me guessing, and the ending left me wanting to see where Aurora’s story goes next.

[Barbara Kaake]

This a great story about Aurora Gray and her strange past and becoming a FBI agent and looking into missing mother and daughter and other strange thing going on and who is responsible for taking them and why. There is lots of suspense and action and hopefully more to come. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Kelly Smelcer]

Meet Aurora Gray. She's the newest FBI agent from best-selling author, AJ Rivers, and her story is gritty. She's just moved back home, and she's off and running on the first day. When a mother and daughter are kidnapped from a lake, and the detective investigating turns up dead, Aurora and her colleagues work to find out what happened.

[KerryO]

Fascinating start to a new FBI series featuring Aurora Gray who is returning to her hometown as a Special Agent. On the hunt for a possible serial killer, Aurora must battle the “good old boys club” and an obnoxious and uncouth partner determined to "keep her in her place." Looking forward to book #2 in the series.

[Penny Anne]

Buckle up! new adventures ahead!

Introducing Aurora Gray, FBI. A.J. Rivers does not disappoint with another strong woman character that uncovers the truth. Aurora has a different start from most of A. J.’s characters, and now Aurora is returning to her hometown. Can’t wait to see where the stories take us! Great start on this new adventure!

[Elizabeth Kitchen]

Riveting

I enjoyed reading this new character and the story did keep me guessing. I only hope it doesn’t take very long for book 2 to come out because my curiosity at the ending needs to be satisfied. Excellent book though I think you enjoy it I like the character of Aurora. Her soon to be best friend Fallon. At least that’s my thought.

[Sonja Light]

Intriguing Character and Story

Following Aurora to her new job and discovering her personality as she meets daily challenges keeps the reader intrigued. Her wit and even tempered manner in managing difficult people and situations makes her your hero. I can't wait for the next book.

[Terri Voth(TV)]

Aurora Gray to the rescue

For the first book in a series, this story was worthy of a 5 rating. It grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me reading to the last page. Aurora keeps digging on her case and discovers more than she bargained for. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Laurie R. Bailey]

I really liked the book one of this new series! I enjoyed getting more in-depth character information (although there are still some mysteries concerning Aurora’s background to be learned!) I liked how her character stood up for herself with facts and logic, not emotion and wish I were more like her. Looking forward to the next book!

[Ellen Wood]

Wow what a beginning of a new series

Excellent writing, story plots and character development. I loved every word. It was so well written and was shocked at some of the twists and turns. Unexpected drama all the way through. Can't wait for the second book

[Patricia Sherman]

Good book

I liked this book but it was kind of drawn out. I kept having to stop and start. I like am Rivers books, hope further into series it will make more sense about her childhood.

[Barbara]

Wotdy

A.J. does a great job with all her books but she is very wordy. Explains more than necessary that doesn't contibute to the story. This book was well written and kept you intrigued right to the end

[Reader]

dragged out

Good book and plot, but so much information could’ve been left out that wasn’t pertinent to the storyline. I felt that the book just dragged on and on, and there was no real hook or twist.

[Donna Patterson]

Great book!

I really liked this book and the story line! The only think that disappointed me is it kinda left me hanging at the end. It’s worth reading though. I’m thinking since it’s a series the next book may pick up where this one left off. I guess we will see.

[Paula B]

New series!

A new series by a favorite author? Yes, please! Aurora Gray has a unique and interesting backstory in the town where she has been reassigned as an FBI agent. I look forward to getting to know her and her history as this new series plays out.

[Kathy lofgren]

WHAT!!!???

Book much too long, much could have been eliminated, and the end, WHAT ABOUT Shelby, and who did He stab, whoever he is! VERY disguised to read for 5 to 6 hrs with no ending or even a reason to continue series! Would recommend to noone!!!

[Terrie Colcord Branam]

Most awesome

AJ Rivers has done it again. Once more introducing us to a character who is complex,but who's going to be another good friend of mine

[Karen]

Great new character.

[Janice Stansell]

Twisted, love the new series so far!

Wow! Never saw either of those ends coming! What a twisted tale this is, and loving Aurora and the way she puts Jeff in his place.

[Karen Hobson]

Multiple twists and turns kept me riveted until the last pages.

[Judy Manpel]

great new character

This was terrific! Aurora is a wonderful addition to the main characters of A.J.’s stories. Can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Gail A Schwandt]

Scattered

The story is all over the place. Too much detailing on unimportant things. Would not recommend and hope other books in this series are better.

[Ardella M Bradford]

too much detail

Overall the story line ok but it drug along too much. I enjoy fast paced page turners and this was just not it

[Gale Kirkman]

Great first book

Love this author and I'm so glad for another series by her to read. This first book was a good read

[Jarilynn C. Francis]

Ridiculous! How in the world did it get the overall rating? Way too much dialogue and not enough storytelling. It rambled on in some spots and actually made no sense. Ugh!

[Sheryl Bollmeier]

Drawn out and boring.

Ended up skimming thru slot of it just to get through it..didn't miss anything. The thriller wasn't thriling for me