What do you think?
Rate this book
Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries #9
The Girl and the Secret Society
Evil has many faces. This one you will never see coming.
This is the bizarre and shocking case of Lakyn Monroe.
In the midst of filming her show, Lakyn vanished without a trace.
Four months have passed, and the unusual disappearance of the internet celebrity has garnered nationwide attention. With no clues to the reasoning behind her disappearance, the beautiful girl with the world at her feet would soon become just another missing face.
It has been months since the horror of Windsor Island. FBI agent Emma Griffin has fully settled back in Sherwood.
Balancing her time between the Bureau, the local police, and making sense of her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious death.
When her cousin Dean shows up for an impromptu visit and brings along a strange missing person's case.
The case of Lakyn Monroe that he still can't untangle, she's willing to help him puzzle it out.
They get drawn into a string of murders and disappearances. Cases that seem unrelated, but as more clues are uncovered, more questions arise.
When the cases start to intertwine leading back to one man.
A “disturbed and unstable” man that is fighting for his life against the executioner’s time.
They start to discover the sinister secret behind Lakyn’s disappearance.
Faced with an insurmountable opponent, they must fight against the clock to rescue the missing and save innocent lives.
Emma must not only uncover but expose the monsters lurking in the shadows.
This is the bizarre and shocking case of Lakyn Monroe.
In the midst of filming her show, Lakyn vanished without a trace.
Four months have passed, and the unusual disappearance of the internet celebrity has garnered nationwide attention. With no clues to the reasoning behind her disappearance, the beautiful girl with the world at her feet would soon become just another missing face.
It has been months since the horror of Windsor Island. FBI agent Emma Griffin has fully settled back in Sherwood.
Balancing her time between the Bureau, the local police, and making sense of her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious death.
When her cousin Dean shows up for an impromptu visit and brings along a strange missing person's case.
The case of Lakyn Monroe that he still can't untangle, she's willing to help him puzzle it out.
They get drawn into a string of murders and disappearances. Cases that seem unrelated, but as more clues are uncovered, more questions arise.
When the cases start to intertwine leading back to one man.
A “disturbed and unstable” man that is fighting for his life against the executioner’s time.
They start to discover the sinister secret behind Lakyn’s disappearance.
Faced with an insurmountable opponent, they must fight against the clock to rescue the missing and save innocent lives.
Emma must not only uncover but expose the monsters lurking in the shadows.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2020
2634 people are currently reading
2040 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
October 10, 2020
If you’re avoiding spoilers, you may want to skip this review. If you’re into negative reviews, buckle up babe and let’s talk. Oh, and if you’re AJ Rivers, I’m especially open to a discussion with you.
Normally, AJ’s mysteries are unique and interesting. They aren’t overtly predictable, and while clues are left, it’s not too easy to pick out. This time around, you don’t care about the mystery. You can’t really pick up the clues because AJ isn’t writing it, she’s wasting our time with detours about Emma’s personal life. When we do get to the mystery, Emma is laughing about how smart she is, the killers are commenting about how smart and loved she is. It’s enough to root for them and hope they kill her.
The first thing I want to go over is a lack of research. I don’t know everything about law enforcement or FBI, but how come Emma, who isn’t really the working agent she was in the beginning of this series, can walk into even a police station with her cousin and get what she wants? Why do officers have the clearance to say “you’re a consultant now because I, just a regular officer, said so” and they are willing to turn over all their information without so much as an identity check. She then uses that to get her PI cousin, who is essentially just a civilian, the same access. There has to be procedures and red tape and the need to do her actual job that would prevent her from going to some small town and questioning people and getting them to comply with just a withering stare. People treat her like a celebrity, but how many FBI agents do you know? Yet this niche fame she has is fine for her, but not other women, leading me to my next point.
Second, Emma has become such an unlikeable character and it’s because of AJ Rivers. We are supposed to believe that Emma is a strong, confident, independent woman, but she spends the majority of this book putting down other women for their choices based on the fact that they are pretty and are internet celebrities. There’s an eating disorder jab and a dig at Kim Kardashian for the one good thing she does, which is using her voice and her money to fight for prison reform and helping the cases of the wrongfully convicted. There’s a misplaced dig at Marilyn Monroe and the reduction of her mental illness and substance abuse to just “oh she was famous.” Emma didn’t always behave like this, which leads me to infer that what we are reading is AJ’s point of view. Misogyny as a character device is not interesting. You cannot write a strong female character that puts down other women. Emma is a conventionally attractive and well-off woman, she has financial security and two houses and a steady job (that never requires her to work). She is in no way disabled, she wears makeup (even though AJ makes sure to let you know she doesn’t need it or wear it often), she bakes and likes movies. She is privileged and an average woman and the “oh well she’s just famous because she’s pretty” misogyny is tiring. Grow up, AJ. I have a few notes on instances of misogyny, and one I would like to bring up is that this writing makes me feel as though AJ/Emma has some jealousy concerning internet famous women. Well fun fact, a woman can be many things, you can be an author and post on Instagram so if that’s what it is, have at it.
Xavier and Lilith are the most interesting parts of the book and they don’t get enough time. They’re proof that AJ can write something compelling and interesting, but she moves on to focus on more of Emma’s bullshit. An interaction with Xavier is punctuated by Emma thinking she’s some special unique person, but she’s just like everyone else and the real interest here is Xavier.
I do want to bring up Lydia, a pretty blonde with an interest in solving crimes and fighting for justice... like Emma. Emma is outraged by her existence, which is incredibly confusing. Earlier Emma makes a point about not being able to rest unless she’s fighting for justice, and her cousin isn’t law enforcement, but does the same thing as Lydia. Emma isn’t even active FBI until much later in the book, so essentially, she’s Lydia with better resources, and despite being in a relationship, is outraged that Lydia was ever close to Greg. Jealous, much? Emma cannot handle being faced with another woman who is just like her because she thinks she’s so unique.
The villain, Dragon, is another uninteresting elitist white guy. We know these entitled men exist, most of us have met many of them. Like Emma, it’s plain, it’s vanilla, it’s over done and I don’t care about it. I don’t empathize with them. They don’t make compelling villains anymore when our government is being run by them. You should care about a well written villain, Dragon seems like another “The League” jackass.
Interactions and actions are past tense. We have to sit there countless conversations with Sam about what she apparently did and who she spoke to. The reader is given the brief rundown of what happened, but in detail we get to hear about their eating habits, movie night preferences, breakfast routine, how he slaps her ass and kisses her and makes her feel better. There’s no action, just recaps. Emma solves the mystery and tells us how she did it, but it wasn’t written, we didn’t see her go through those steps and come to those conclusion. Conversations with Dean about his perspective are mentioned and skipped. AJ continues to do so much telling and lecturing, and in short, choppy sentences.
Once again I ask myself: do I read the next Emma Griffin, or am I finally getting off this train? I like train wrecks, I like talking shit, but I’m so thoroughly disappointed. I really liked AJ’s writing and was genuinely entertained by these books. Now, I am frustrated and annoyed, the writing has gone to shit, and I hate Emma. I spend more time making comments about why I’m displeased with the book than I do reading. Maybe I’ll read another AJ Rivers novel someday, if she decides to stop writing a book every 3 weeks and gets a better editor and unpacks her need to put down other women constantly. All in all, I’m so glad I never spent a cent on these books. I had planned to buy hard copies of them all because I enjoyed them and having been reading on Kindle Unlimited, but fortunately I never did. In my last review, I was worried Emma was going to jump the shark. It seems we’re there. I really think I’m going to pass on the next installment but if I don’t, I’ll see you all in the review section.
EDIT: I re-read my review of Dangerous Waters, and in that review, I make a comment about how we are on the same path as season 1. There's some personal mystery for Emma emerging that will not be revealed in the next book, but will be dragged out over a 7-book series. Someone will be obsessing over Emma, she'll use luck and instinct to solve cases along the way and she'll uncover something huge, dark, and sinister (like a security society) that no one else thought of. Dragon is obsessed with Emma (notably for her beauty, which again, AJ makes clear that it is fine and wonderful for Emma to be beautiful, but other beautiful women are self-obsessed bimbos) and is part of some huge secret thing (Order of Prometheus) that Emma will be uncovering while trying to figure out what happened to Greg and how Dragon (supposedly something Emma dealt with long ago) is back. QUICK did you see that? That was a shark back there, we just jumped over it.
Normally, AJ’s mysteries are unique and interesting. They aren’t overtly predictable, and while clues are left, it’s not too easy to pick out. This time around, you don’t care about the mystery. You can’t really pick up the clues because AJ isn’t writing it, she’s wasting our time with detours about Emma’s personal life. When we do get to the mystery, Emma is laughing about how smart she is, the killers are commenting about how smart and loved she is. It’s enough to root for them and hope they kill her.
The first thing I want to go over is a lack of research. I don’t know everything about law enforcement or FBI, but how come Emma, who isn’t really the working agent she was in the beginning of this series, can walk into even a police station with her cousin and get what she wants? Why do officers have the clearance to say “you’re a consultant now because I, just a regular officer, said so” and they are willing to turn over all their information without so much as an identity check. She then uses that to get her PI cousin, who is essentially just a civilian, the same access. There has to be procedures and red tape and the need to do her actual job that would prevent her from going to some small town and questioning people and getting them to comply with just a withering stare. People treat her like a celebrity, but how many FBI agents do you know? Yet this niche fame she has is fine for her, but not other women, leading me to my next point.
Second, Emma has become such an unlikeable character and it’s because of AJ Rivers. We are supposed to believe that Emma is a strong, confident, independent woman, but she spends the majority of this book putting down other women for their choices based on the fact that they are pretty and are internet celebrities. There’s an eating disorder jab and a dig at Kim Kardashian for the one good thing she does, which is using her voice and her money to fight for prison reform and helping the cases of the wrongfully convicted. There’s a misplaced dig at Marilyn Monroe and the reduction of her mental illness and substance abuse to just “oh she was famous.” Emma didn’t always behave like this, which leads me to infer that what we are reading is AJ’s point of view. Misogyny as a character device is not interesting. You cannot write a strong female character that puts down other women. Emma is a conventionally attractive and well-off woman, she has financial security and two houses and a steady job (that never requires her to work). She is in no way disabled, she wears makeup (even though AJ makes sure to let you know she doesn’t need it or wear it often), she bakes and likes movies. She is privileged and an average woman and the “oh well she’s just famous because she’s pretty” misogyny is tiring. Grow up, AJ. I have a few notes on instances of misogyny, and one I would like to bring up is that this writing makes me feel as though AJ/Emma has some jealousy concerning internet famous women. Well fun fact, a woman can be many things, you can be an author and post on Instagram so if that’s what it is, have at it.
Xavier and Lilith are the most interesting parts of the book and they don’t get enough time. They’re proof that AJ can write something compelling and interesting, but she moves on to focus on more of Emma’s bullshit. An interaction with Xavier is punctuated by Emma thinking she’s some special unique person, but she’s just like everyone else and the real interest here is Xavier.
I do want to bring up Lydia, a pretty blonde with an interest in solving crimes and fighting for justice... like Emma. Emma is outraged by her existence, which is incredibly confusing. Earlier Emma makes a point about not being able to rest unless she’s fighting for justice, and her cousin isn’t law enforcement, but does the same thing as Lydia. Emma isn’t even active FBI until much later in the book, so essentially, she’s Lydia with better resources, and despite being in a relationship, is outraged that Lydia was ever close to Greg. Jealous, much? Emma cannot handle being faced with another woman who is just like her because she thinks she’s so unique.
The villain, Dragon, is another uninteresting elitist white guy. We know these entitled men exist, most of us have met many of them. Like Emma, it’s plain, it’s vanilla, it’s over done and I don’t care about it. I don’t empathize with them. They don’t make compelling villains anymore when our government is being run by them. You should care about a well written villain, Dragon seems like another “The League” jackass.
Interactions and actions are past tense. We have to sit there countless conversations with Sam about what she apparently did and who she spoke to. The reader is given the brief rundown of what happened, but in detail we get to hear about their eating habits, movie night preferences, breakfast routine, how he slaps her ass and kisses her and makes her feel better. There’s no action, just recaps. Emma solves the mystery and tells us how she did it, but it wasn’t written, we didn’t see her go through those steps and come to those conclusion. Conversations with Dean about his perspective are mentioned and skipped. AJ continues to do so much telling and lecturing, and in short, choppy sentences.
Once again I ask myself: do I read the next Emma Griffin, or am I finally getting off this train? I like train wrecks, I like talking shit, but I’m so thoroughly disappointed. I really liked AJ’s writing and was genuinely entertained by these books. Now, I am frustrated and annoyed, the writing has gone to shit, and I hate Emma. I spend more time making comments about why I’m displeased with the book than I do reading. Maybe I’ll read another AJ Rivers novel someday, if she decides to stop writing a book every 3 weeks and gets a better editor and unpacks her need to put down other women constantly. All in all, I’m so glad I never spent a cent on these books. I had planned to buy hard copies of them all because I enjoyed them and having been reading on Kindle Unlimited, but fortunately I never did. In my last review, I was worried Emma was going to jump the shark. It seems we’re there. I really think I’m going to pass on the next installment but if I don’t, I’ll see you all in the review section.
EDIT: I re-read my review of Dangerous Waters, and in that review, I make a comment about how we are on the same path as season 1. There's some personal mystery for Emma emerging that will not be revealed in the next book, but will be dragged out over a 7-book series. Someone will be obsessing over Emma, she'll use luck and instinct to solve cases along the way and she'll uncover something huge, dark, and sinister (like a security society) that no one else thought of. Dragon is obsessed with Emma (notably for her beauty, which again, AJ makes clear that it is fine and wonderful for Emma to be beautiful, but other beautiful women are self-obsessed bimbos) and is part of some huge secret thing (Order of Prometheus) that Emma will be uncovering while trying to figure out what happened to Greg and how Dragon (supposedly something Emma dealt with long ago) is back. QUICK did you see that? That was a shark back there, we just jumped over it.
September 30, 2020
I received this book as an ARC in exchange of an honest review. Wow! You like twists?, convoluted storyline? Great characters? Thrillers? Hold on to your seats, allot plenty of time to read because once you start, you rush to find out what's going on. Very scary, and loved every word! A.J. Rivers another great read!
December 11, 2023
Well Goodreads Family, first of all with the finish of this book 📚 I completed my Goodreads 2023 Reading Challenge!! I am so happy about that because I put a realistic goal for myself and I made it!! Nonetheless, I gave this book 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ It was pretty good. I feel like there should have been more excitement especially dealing with a secret society. Emma, saved the day as always but there were risked involved. I totally love all the characters although my favorite is Emma Griffin (of course) and her boyfriend Sam who is the Sheriff of Sherwood. He is always there for her No Matter What!!! Congratulations To Me on my reading 2023!!!
September 30, 2020
Another great FBI Agent Emma Griffin murder mystery. A J Rivers is a master of suspense and action. I've read all of the series and loved every one.
August 9, 2022
Read in 2022 - the death of Lakyn is sad but being introduced to Xavier is a blessing. I have loved him in every book he has been in since this one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2023
This is getting super interesting.
October 1, 2020
Must Read
One of my favorite series. Emma figures it out again with help from Dean this time.
Look forward to the next in the series.
One of my favorite series. Emma figures it out again with help from Dean this time.
Look forward to the next in the series.
August 27, 2024
Really enjoy seeing what agent Emma Griffin gets up to!
January 16, 2021
I feel like I must start this review with a small but desperate plea to A.J. Rivers: Please never never NEVER take Sam away from me…. errr I mean never take Sam away from Emma. Ok, now that that is out of the way…..
Emma Griffin continues to be the badass special agent we know her to be, fighting the good fight, using her gut instincts to bring together some of the most challenging cases. We continue to see Emma stretch and grow as time heals more and more of her childhood wounds. Centering an entire series around one character can be tricky but Rivers does a phenomenal job with Emma, so much so that we can’t help but be personally invested in her success.
The Girl and the Secret Society brings Emma and her PI cousin Dean back together. When Dean unexpectedly comes to Sherwood for a visit it doesn’t take long for Emma to jump head first into the missing persons case he’s working on. As with most mysteries Emma gets involved with, dead bodies and dead ends start to pile up. No worries… it’s just a matter of time before the dynamic duo, with the help of Sam and a local Detective, start to put the pieces of this crazy puzzle together.
This story was full of so many interesting characters. I was especially taken with Xavier so be sure to take your time when he pops up.
And don’t forget… Rivers is the master of psychological thrillers so keep your mind wide open. I can just feel something insane is coming our way.
Emma Griffin continues to be the badass special agent we know her to be, fighting the good fight, using her gut instincts to bring together some of the most challenging cases. We continue to see Emma stretch and grow as time heals more and more of her childhood wounds. Centering an entire series around one character can be tricky but Rivers does a phenomenal job with Emma, so much so that we can’t help but be personally invested in her success.
The Girl and the Secret Society brings Emma and her PI cousin Dean back together. When Dean unexpectedly comes to Sherwood for a visit it doesn’t take long for Emma to jump head first into the missing persons case he’s working on. As with most mysteries Emma gets involved with, dead bodies and dead ends start to pile up. No worries… it’s just a matter of time before the dynamic duo, with the help of Sam and a local Detective, start to put the pieces of this crazy puzzle together.
This story was full of so many interesting characters. I was especially taken with Xavier so be sure to take your time when he pops up.
And don’t forget… Rivers is the master of psychological thrillers so keep your mind wide open. I can just feel something insane is coming our way.
September 24, 2021
3.5 stars
The Girl and the Secret Society is book nine of the Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries.
This one starts off several months after the last one ended up and we see Emma working more as a consultant still but she does seem to have her FBI privileges back, I find it all a bit confusing honestly when it comes to her job. I agree with Dean that she should just become a PI like him so that she can have more freedom, but I also get how she doesn't want to lose all the access she has with the FBI and how helpful all of that has been when dealing with the stalkers she always manages to get.
Her access to the FBI also lets her join in on cases in other areas fairly easily like we see her do in this book.
Emma and her cousin Dean end up going on the search for two different missing people who seem to possibly be involved or have discovered the same type of group/cult. It's a little questionable until the end what it was.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a little judgy at times when it came to the missing woman and how she was good-looking and became famous. Emma didn't really seem to care for that and it does show a more old-school type of thinking when it comes to dealing with social media and influencers and how people don't care for them. This did make it so Emma took a while longer to not only want to investigate Lakyn missing, but also made it so she didn't take her as seriously at first as Lakyn was changing her image and wanting to help other people with the influence she had.
Having said all that I did end up start putting things together before Emma did when it came to both Emma's and Dean's cases connecting and how they were involved together. I think this also had something to do with Emma started to get more focused on her relationship and less on the cases she was working on in a way. It was just a little bit more of a distraction than it had been before I noticed.
I'm interested to see what happens next and what Emma chooses and who exactly her new stalker is.
The Girl and the Secret Society is book nine of the Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries.
This one starts off several months after the last one ended up and we see Emma working more as a consultant still but she does seem to have her FBI privileges back, I find it all a bit confusing honestly when it comes to her job. I agree with Dean that she should just become a PI like him so that she can have more freedom, but I also get how she doesn't want to lose all the access she has with the FBI and how helpful all of that has been when dealing with the stalkers she always manages to get.
Her access to the FBI also lets her join in on cases in other areas fairly easily like we see her do in this book.
Emma and her cousin Dean end up going on the search for two different missing people who seem to possibly be involved or have discovered the same type of group/cult. It's a little questionable until the end what it was.
Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a little judgy at times when it came to the missing woman and how she was good-looking and became famous. Emma didn't really seem to care for that and it does show a more old-school type of thinking when it comes to dealing with social media and influencers and how people don't care for them. This did make it so Emma took a while longer to not only want to investigate Lakyn missing, but also made it so she didn't take her as seriously at first as Lakyn was changing her image and wanting to help other people with the influence she had.
Having said all that I did end up start putting things together before Emma did when it came to both Emma's and Dean's cases connecting and how they were involved together. I think this also had something to do with Emma started to get more focused on her relationship and less on the cases she was working on in a way. It was just a little bit more of a distraction than it had been before I noticed.
I'm interested to see what happens next and what Emma chooses and who exactly her new stalker is.
October 1, 2020
The Girl and the Secret Society continues the fantastic story of Emma Griffin, FBI. It is very helpful to read all of the books in the series because each new novel has references to characters and events in past works. Definitely worth the time.
While it looks like Emma is finally coming to terms with her life and job and finding a new balance, her cousin, Dean, PI, arrives for a visit while working on a missing person's case. It doesn't take long before Emma becomes involved helping Dean.
Things are never simple, however, and the novel is comprised of three sections: Emma and Dean's missing person, Lillith and Dragon. The three sections do not seem to be connected in any way but Emma and Dean's investigation proves differently. The twists and turns are confusing and fun to follow to the conclusion of this entertaining novel. As usual, not everything is resolved and readers must wait impatiently for the next installment in this series. Don't miss any of these books.
While it looks like Emma is finally coming to terms with her life and job and finding a new balance, her cousin, Dean, PI, arrives for a visit while working on a missing person's case. It doesn't take long before Emma becomes involved helping Dean.
Things are never simple, however, and the novel is comprised of three sections: Emma and Dean's missing person, Lillith and Dragon. The three sections do not seem to be connected in any way but Emma and Dean's investigation proves differently. The twists and turns are confusing and fun to follow to the conclusion of this entertaining novel. As usual, not everything is resolved and readers must wait impatiently for the next installment in this series. Don't miss any of these books.
October 2, 2020
A. J. Rivers’ The Girl and the Secret Society is the next adventure in the entertaining Emma Griffin series. In this novel, we learn a bit more about Emma’s mysterious past, and we see how the echoes affect her present, as she decides which path she will take going forward. At the same time, Rivers deftly reveals more than a glimpse into the shadowy character who appeared at the end of book 8, The Girl in Dangerous Waters.
Secret Society is a complex story with a gratifying number of moving parts. It keeps readers on their toes and guessing until the closing pages, showing a side of Emma never portrayed before. The cards are falling and the pieces of Emma’s life are becoming more visible in this action-packed rollercoaster ride that adds vital new elements to the ongoing tale of The Girl.
Secret Society is a complex story with a gratifying number of moving parts. It keeps readers on their toes and guessing until the closing pages, showing a side of Emma never portrayed before. The cards are falling and the pieces of Emma’s life are becoming more visible in this action-packed rollercoaster ride that adds vital new elements to the ongoing tale of The Girl.
November 23, 2020
It has been months since the horror of Windsor Island. FBI agent Emma Griffin has fully settled back in Sherwood.
Balancing her time between the Bureau, the local police, and making sense of her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious death.
When her cousin Dean shows up for an impromptu visit and brings along a strange missing person's case.
The case of Lakyn Monroe that he still can't untangle, she's willing to help him puzzle it out.
They get drawn into a string of murders and disappearances. Cases that seem unrelated, but as more clues are uncovered, more questions arise.
When the cases start to intertwine leading back to one man.
A “disturbed and unstable” man that is fighting for his life against the executioner’s time.
They start to discover the sinister secret behind Lakyn’s disappearance.
Balancing her time between the Bureau, the local police, and making sense of her ex-boyfriend’s mysterious death.
When her cousin Dean shows up for an impromptu visit and brings along a strange missing person's case.
The case of Lakyn Monroe that he still can't untangle, she's willing to help him puzzle it out.
They get drawn into a string of murders and disappearances. Cases that seem unrelated, but as more clues are uncovered, more questions arise.
When the cases start to intertwine leading back to one man.
A “disturbed and unstable” man that is fighting for his life against the executioner’s time.
They start to discover the sinister secret behind Lakyn’s disappearance.
March 6, 2021
Until I started reading on my daughters Kindle my favorite author has been (and still is) Stephen King. Since reading on the Kindle I have discovered some very good female authors who don't only write about how wonderful their love life is and can actually grap my attention with compelling mysteries.
I have been reading your books and find you are a very good author. There is absolutely no problems with your grammer and you are able to follow a storyline very well. Even when it switches gears. At first in this book I was put off about jumping back in time and having the character be dead. However, it blended with the story perfectly.
I am looking forward to the next book to find out the answers to several loose ends.
Thank you for entertaining me so well.
I have been reading your books and find you are a very good author. There is absolutely no problems with your grammer and you are able to follow a storyline very well. Even when it switches gears. At first in this book I was put off about jumping back in time and having the character be dead. However, it blended with the story perfectly.
I am looking forward to the next book to find out the answers to several loose ends.
Thank you for entertaining me so well.
September 9, 2023
Tough one to review
This is the point in the series that we're introduced to Xavier, who is one of the best characters in crime fiction. The way that Rivers describes him and has Emma interact with a (likely) neurodivergent man is great, and it only gets better. That part is five stars.
The editing at this point in the series also improves, a small detail but it helps the reader.
However, the storyline feels similar to what has come before. I understand it connects the previous installment and sets up those to come, but it resembles the situation that drove the first seven books a bit too much, and it is often too convoluted.
Really, 3.5 stars, but this one is necessary for what's to come.
This is the point in the series that we're introduced to Xavier, who is one of the best characters in crime fiction. The way that Rivers describes him and has Emma interact with a (likely) neurodivergent man is great, and it only gets better. That part is five stars.
The editing at this point in the series also improves, a small detail but it helps the reader.
However, the storyline feels similar to what has come before. I understand it connects the previous installment and sets up those to come, but it resembles the situation that drove the first seven books a bit too much, and it is often too convoluted.
Really, 3.5 stars, but this one is necessary for what's to come.
September 30, 2020
Book 9 in the Emma Griffin series is, without question, the best in the series for me! And that's saying a lot, because I have loved the previous eight books. I'd give it a nine out of five stars if I could. No spoilers here. The storyline, actually several storylines, are intriguing and a new level of suspense that fills the entire book. Emma, Sam and Dean carefully and methodically unwrap the many divergent clues they find. They discover how the pieces intertwine and give them the answers needed to unearth the identities of those who are responsible for the uncovered crimes. The author brilliantly creates an intricate plot and delivers it masterfully. I eagerly await Book Ten
April 26, 2021
I am amazed!
I had no idea when I read the first book in the Emma stories that I would be riveted to the series. Probably the best review synopsis I can give is that I am thrilled that there is an extensive list of books already written ready for me to read. When I find a new author I love, I dislike discovering there is only one or two more books to read. I loved finding there were currently fifteen. They are well written, fantastic plots and enthralling to read. I love the characters and not knowing how Emma puts things together even half way through. Truly impossible to put down. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I had no idea when I read the first book in the Emma stories that I would be riveted to the series. Probably the best review synopsis I can give is that I am thrilled that there is an extensive list of books already written ready for me to read. When I find a new author I love, I dislike discovering there is only one or two more books to read. I loved finding there were currently fifteen. They are well written, fantastic plots and enthralling to read. I love the characters and not knowing how Emma puts things together even half way through. Truly impossible to put down. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
April 27, 2021
The Girl and the Secret Society by A.J Rivers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another great mystery with Agent Emma Griffin! I am really enjoying this! This book continues into the next one that I am reading now and there is so much that I want to know!! I think I’m halfway through the new one and hoping all my questions get answered!!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bookishbounds #thegirlandthesecretsociety #ajrivers #thriller #crime #murder #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @a.j._rivers
Another great mystery with Agent Emma Griffin! I am really enjoying this! This book continues into the next one that I am reading now and there is so much that I want to know!! I think I’m halfway through the new one and hoping all my questions get answered!!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bookishbounds #thegirlandthesecretsociety #ajrivers #thriller #crime #murder #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @a.j._rivers
May 29, 2023
Just like monopoly
Emma consults on a case with Dean about a missing man. Emma has been working on a case involving the disappearance of a you celebrity influencer.
There is also an introduction to two new players in the series, Dragon and Lilith. Dragon has ties to Emma's past.
Emma meets a young man named Xavier who is in jail for murdering his best friend. He also has a connection to the missing influencer named Lakyn as she was in the process of helping Xavier get a new trial. Lakyn is an advocate for those wrongfully convicted of a crime.
I enjoy the depth of this series and how things from the past come back.
Emma consults on a case with Dean about a missing man. Emma has been working on a case involving the disappearance of a you celebrity influencer.
There is also an introduction to two new players in the series, Dragon and Lilith. Dragon has ties to Emma's past.
Emma meets a young man named Xavier who is in jail for murdering his best friend. He also has a connection to the missing influencer named Lakyn as she was in the process of helping Xavier get a new trial. Lakyn is an advocate for those wrongfully convicted of a crime.
I enjoy the depth of this series and how things from the past come back.
June 17, 2023
Riveting
I love being able to get the clues and piece them together to determine the connections. Its great to be an active participant even though I really wasn't sure of the pieces fitting together. It was still fun and then have it all come together. I think there is some truth to some conspiracy theories and unfortunately involve people in high ranking positions. There are some that I find pretty far fetched but you never know. What a shame to be falsely accused, arrested and incarcerated. It happens everyday unfortunately. Definitely recommend and looking forward to the next one.
I love being able to get the clues and piece them together to determine the connections. Its great to be an active participant even though I really wasn't sure of the pieces fitting together. It was still fun and then have it all come together. I think there is some truth to some conspiracy theories and unfortunately involve people in high ranking positions. There are some that I find pretty far fetched but you never know. What a shame to be falsely accused, arrested and incarcerated. It happens everyday unfortunately. Definitely recommend and looking forward to the next one.
October 4, 2020
Emma Griffin at her best solving more mysterious crimes. Love this series and wait impatiently for the next book, because it is always hinted at in the book you are reading. Emma. Sam, and Dean investigate missing persons in this episode . They discover a mysterious cult, whose symbol is a black sphere and Emma starts seeing it used as a paperweight by several local businessmen. She must unlock the mystery of the vanishing people. A read that keeps you up at night to finish!
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
November 1, 2020
Couldn't put it down
This was a crazy ride from start to finish. Ive read every book within a matter of weeks and i'm hooked. I'm a sucker for a strong female character and Emma is all that and more. Each book is better than the next and this one was no different.
I thought I knew where this was going, but I was wrong on so many counts. Every time I think I understand, something else gets thrown in to the mix.
I look forward to reading the next book and definitely recommend this series.
This was a crazy ride from start to finish. Ive read every book within a matter of weeks and i'm hooked. I'm a sucker for a strong female character and Emma is all that and more. Each book is better than the next and this one was no different.
I thought I knew where this was going, but I was wrong on so many counts. Every time I think I understand, something else gets thrown in to the mix.
I look forward to reading the next book and definitely recommend this series.
November 24, 2020
"First moments are humbling because of the creation of newness and potential. The last humble because of what they leave behind".
I do not believe that any books in this series could truly be read as a stand-alone (except maybe the first in the series) without being somewhat confused, but this one truly bleeds into book #10. This book was good, a little slow at first, but good. Emma has her work cut out for her in this one. I mean, how easy could it be to take down one of the most powerful, influential people? How about multiple? What about a society full of them?
Worth the read?: Yes
I do not believe that any books in this series could truly be read as a stand-alone (except maybe the first in the series) without being somewhat confused, but this one truly bleeds into book #10. This book was good, a little slow at first, but good. Emma has her work cut out for her in this one. I mean, how easy could it be to take down one of the most powerful, influential people? How about multiple? What about a society full of them?
Worth the read?: Yes
October 21, 2020
Oh. My. Goodness!
What an incredible plot. The back story really sucks you in while you are trying to figure out what is going on in front of you. This woman has honed instincts and she never missed a clue, a hair, a fiber, or a video. It's hard to put down once you start reading. Exactly how far does this secret society extend? And when will Dragon appear back in her life. What role has he played in all her cases? Who is Dragon? I can't wait for the next book.
What an incredible plot. The back story really sucks you in while you are trying to figure out what is going on in front of you. This woman has honed instincts and she never missed a clue, a hair, a fiber, or a video. It's hard to put down once you start reading. Exactly how far does this secret society extend? And when will Dragon appear back in her life. What role has he played in all her cases? Who is Dragon? I can't wait for the next book.
January 4, 2021
Tried too hard!
I have read most of the Emma Griffin mysteries. This one was just a !little on the preposterous side. It was like the author took a bunch of unrelated things and worked really hard to relate them. It was like be was showing off taking things from years ago and ma!ing them relevant now. Very complicated story. But I like Emma so waded through. Not my favorite book in series.
I have read most of the Emma Griffin mysteries. This one was just a !little on the preposterous side. It was like the author took a bunch of unrelated things and worked really hard to relate them. It was like be was showing off taking things from years ago and ma!ing them relevant now. Very complicated story. But I like Emma so waded through. Not my favorite book in series.
April 27, 2021
Another Page Turner
I am loving each and every book in this series. I like the style A.J. Rivers uses in writing her books. It has been fun getting to know the characters strengths and vulnerabilities. There are threads that connect each book to the previous ones, but in ways that are interesting, never boring. Each book has been a page turner that keeps you in suspense to the end.
I am loving each and every book in this series. I like the style A.J. Rivers uses in writing her books. It has been fun getting to know the characters strengths and vulnerabilities. There are threads that connect each book to the previous ones, but in ways that are interesting, never boring. Each book has been a page turner that keeps you in suspense to the end.
September 9, 2022
Kept me on the edge!
I am absolutely enthralled with the series and it's star, Emma Griffin. She's strong, opinionated and refuses to give up til she has all the answers! A.J. Rivers, you have realized these charters beautifully and I look forward to the next book, that I will start after I post this. I walk around with my phone and my eyes glued to the screen, Reading excitedly!
I am absolutely enthralled with the series and it's star, Emma Griffin. She's strong, opinionated and refuses to give up til she has all the answers! A.J. Rivers, you have realized these charters beautifully and I look forward to the next book, that I will start after I post this. I walk around with my phone and my eyes glued to the screen, Reading excitedly!
February 6, 2023
Always editing
The Emma Griffin character is very well developed, starting in book one we learn to appreciate her tenacity and courage as we learn what makes her the person she is. However, details of her background are never just given to us, they are given to us in a piecemeal fashion as they pertain to what she is doing in a case. The writing keeps me reading to learn more about her and each case.
The Emma Griffin character is very well developed, starting in book one we learn to appreciate her tenacity and courage as we learn what makes her the person she is. However, details of her background are never just given to us, they are given to us in a piecemeal fashion as they pertain to what she is doing in a case. The writing keeps me reading to learn more about her and each case.
May 3, 2023
9th book in the Emma Griffin FBI Series. This time her cousin Dean shows up for an impromptu visit and brings along a strange missing person's case. The case of Lakyn Monroe that he still can't untangle, she's willing to help him puzzle it out. They get drawn into a string of murders and disappearances. Cases that seem unrelated, but as more clues are uncovered, more questions arise.
Rivers keeps me turning the pages. I really enjoy this series. I recommend it.
😊 Happy Reading 🙃
Rivers keeps me turning the pages. I really enjoy this series. I recommend it.
😊 Happy Reading 🙃
September 5, 2023
Fast paced thriller!
When her cousin, Dean, needs help with a missing persons case, Emma happily obliges and heads to Harlan, VA, with him. As they investigate, they find pieces that appear to fit in different puzzles. But the bigger picture shows all the pieces in one huge picture that finally comes into focus for them. An incredibly written, fast-paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat!
When her cousin, Dean, needs help with a missing persons case, Emma happily obliges and heads to Harlan, VA, with him. As they investigate, they find pieces that appear to fit in different puzzles. But the bigger picture shows all the pieces in one huge picture that finally comes into focus for them. An incredibly written, fast-paced thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews