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Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries #12
The Girl and the Cursed Lake
There are nightmares in this world you cannot escape.
For Dean, the haunting of his past is one he cannot leave behind…
How much of the past do you carry with you?
It's a question FBI Agent Emma Griffin has dealt with throughout her career.
This time is different.
Months after a case brought her face to face with her own past and an unresolved disappearance that haunted her, she finds herself delving into the past of one of those closest to her. She learns about the turning moment of Dean's life and the torment that still follows him as they try to find closure for him.
The investigation brings up another question possibly more difficult than the first.
What do you believe?
A mountain campground abandoned after years of deaths and disappearances is said to be cursed. Those who trespass there are said to encounter lingering ghosts. Emma doesn’t believe in either but is drawn into the darkness of the unsolved cases and how they interweave with her life and the life of those she loves the most. When there's another disappearance, she must shift through what is real, and what isn’t, to end the inescapable nightmare of the abandoned campground. And to help bring the truth to its mystifying and horror-filled past.
Nothing is as it seems. But one thing is for certain.
The case of the Cursed Lake is not a dream.
It’s Dean’s worst nightmare.
For Dean, the haunting of his past is one he cannot leave behind…
How much of the past do you carry with you?
It's a question FBI Agent Emma Griffin has dealt with throughout her career.
This time is different.
Months after a case brought her face to face with her own past and an unresolved disappearance that haunted her, she finds herself delving into the past of one of those closest to her. She learns about the turning moment of Dean's life and the torment that still follows him as they try to find closure for him.
The investigation brings up another question possibly more difficult than the first.
What do you believe?
A mountain campground abandoned after years of deaths and disappearances is said to be cursed. Those who trespass there are said to encounter lingering ghosts. Emma doesn’t believe in either but is drawn into the darkness of the unsolved cases and how they interweave with her life and the life of those she loves the most. When there's another disappearance, she must shift through what is real, and what isn’t, to end the inescapable nightmare of the abandoned campground. And to help bring the truth to its mystifying and horror-filled past.
Nothing is as it seems. But one thing is for certain.
The case of the Cursed Lake is not a dream.
It’s Dean’s worst nightmare.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
1603 people are currently reading
1712 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 28, 2021
Another fun and engaging read in the Emma Griffin series! AJ certainly knows how to keep a reader on edge and fully immersed in the story. Really enjoyed learning more about Dean and hope we get more on Greg’s story soon!
Docking one star only because the book follows the same formula as the others leading to fairly predictable twists.
Docking one star only because the book follows the same formula as the others leading to fairly predictable twists.
January 12, 2025
I've enjoyed getting back into the Emma Griffin series. However, this author needs to hire new editors! I'm always amazed how in modern books these days there are so many typos, misspellings and grammatical errors. That should not be happening and I certainly don't blame the author. I've noticed this in other stories/series as well, so I don't mean to pick on this particular author. It's only because I've been reading several of her books in a row lately that I feel like something needs to be said. I still enjoy the stories, and maybe I sound like I'm being petty, but I don't like how we've gotten lazy with our English language and so sloppy with grammatical errors. I feel like no one takes pride in doing a job well anymore. Again, not the author, but the editors who are supposed to catch these errors.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox for now. I may have typed a few errors myself!
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox for now. I may have typed a few errors myself!
Read
September 2, 2024Thriller series that’s free on kindle unlimited with a likable main character! I recommend when you’re between reads and have decision fatigue.
March 8, 2021
Again, a cold case that has been open for years and no one has been able to solve gets Emma's attention, and she goes and manages to solve it. I like that we are getting to see cases that are not just part of the same, it's something different and new, but even in this case the familiar connection is there, and we find once again ties to the past.
This time the case is tied to a paranormal investigation, and we get to see the gang discussing the possibilities of the paranormal, with Emma completely dismissing the possibility and some of the others looking at it with an open mind. During the investigation on the cursed lake and the crimes committed around it, we get to question just how possible this curse is, and how a place can be affected by bad energy.
I found that it was easier with this book to find the guilty ones, or at least the right suspects, even if the whole craziness behind what really happened wasn't fully disclosed until the end. Still, it was a great reading and with each book I'm liking the series more and more.
This time the case is tied to a paranormal investigation, and we get to see the gang discussing the possibilities of the paranormal, with Emma completely dismissing the possibility and some of the others looking at it with an open mind. During the investigation on the cursed lake and the crimes committed around it, we get to question just how possible this curse is, and how a place can be affected by bad energy.
I found that it was easier with this book to find the guilty ones, or at least the right suspects, even if the whole craziness behind what really happened wasn't fully disclosed until the end. Still, it was a great reading and with each book I'm liking the series more and more.
June 23, 2023
“I do know that every culture, every religion, every people in human history have believed in more. It goes by different names and has different traditions, but it really comes down to the same thing. We are just one small part of an incredible tapestry. Nothing more than a stitch. Those stitches don't exist merely for the purpose of existing. Just one stitch can't stand alone. It shouldn't stand alone. It exists because of those around it and for others. It exists so it can be a part of a continuation.”
The Girl and the Cursed Lake — A.J. Rivers, 2021
(Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries book 12)
Camping and ghost stories — why do people always seem to want them to go together? When the idea of mysterious deaths and disappearances turned to ghosts hunting by a group of ghostbusters at a cursed lake... and oh, it only gets wilder from here... but I needed to stick out for the whodunit.
The character development of Dean really fully developed in this book. Who would’ve thought that he would be center stage in this one? Having a tragic event come back to haunt him that leads Emma to unravel and solve the mysteries with the help of Xavier and Sam. I was aghast how the story unfolded and how Dean was connected to it. Definitely showed how he has suffered in silence.
The Girl and the Cursed Lake — A.J. Rivers, 2021
(Emma Griffin FBI Mysteries book 12)
Camping and ghost stories — why do people always seem to want them to go together? When the idea of mysterious deaths and disappearances turned to ghosts hunting by a group of ghostbusters at a cursed lake... and oh, it only gets wilder from here... but I needed to stick out for the whodunit.
The character development of Dean really fully developed in this book. Who would’ve thought that he would be center stage in this one? Having a tragic event come back to haunt him that leads Emma to unravel and solve the mysteries with the help of Xavier and Sam. I was aghast how the story unfolded and how Dean was connected to it. Definitely showed how he has suffered in silence.
June 2, 2023
Ugh! I wish Goodreads did 1/2 stars. This is a 4 1/2 star to me. The adventures, mystery and suspense keep coming with these books. I have read all 12 so far and I am never bored. There were a few grammatical errors in this one that I haven't noticed in the previous. Some words not completed, run-ons and one name change near the end.
I have really liked how the characters have evolved throughout this series. Dean was the main focus this time. He has been haunted by a nightmare from his past. There was a turning point in his life and it still follows him.
If you like mysteries, you ought to give this series a try. Start with 'The Girl in Cabin 13', it's the first and each book builds on the other one.
😊 Happy Reading 🙃
#carlislelibrary
#lonokecountylibrarysystem
#Serieslove2023
I have really liked how the characters have evolved throughout this series. Dean was the main focus this time. He has been haunted by a nightmare from his past. There was a turning point in his life and it still follows him.
If you like mysteries, you ought to give this series a try. Start with 'The Girl in Cabin 13', it's the first and each book builds on the other one.
😊 Happy Reading 🙃
#carlislelibrary
#lonokecountylibrarysystem
#Serieslove2023
March 6, 2021
I have read the entire series and the writing improves with each book. However, what has driven me mad from book 1 is the fact we have not been given any back story or descriptions of the main characters like Eric, Bellamy or Sam. I cannot picture them, their families or how they look. We were thrown straight in and expected to know these people. The newer characters have been more fully rounded because they were included in stories based around them.
Emma’s ability to put together all the clues and quickly solve these mysteries is far fetched, but they are a reasonably entertaining read during lockdown.
Emma’s ability to put together all the clues and quickly solve these mysteries is far fetched, but they are a reasonably entertaining read during lockdown.
March 25, 2021
Loved the character development for Dean here, I can’t wait to get to know the other characters as well as we know Emma! For the last three books I’ve been absolutely loving reading the chatter between Xavier and.. well everyone! I love his character, I love the way he interacts with Dean and Sam, I’m so thankful for his inclusion because it makes the books read easily like a tv show. It’s so easy to imagine it happening it may as well be Castle or Bones to me, I can’t wait for more books, I’ve devoured this series in just three weeks!! Keep going AJ Rivers, I signed up to goodreads just to leave this review and show my support!!
May 6, 2021
Book Review: The Girl and the Cursed Lake by A.J. Rivers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not going to lie, this book creeped me out a little bit. I don’t believe in ghosts, but this one was so realistic that I had to think about it. There were a lot of mysteries going on in this book and we were trying to piece them together. I did not see the ending coming. It just came out of nowhere. Definitely a great mystery/thriller book and great for anyone who likes to read about ghosts and spirits!!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bookishbounds #thegirlandthecursedlake #ajrivers #thriller #crime #murder #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @a.j._rivers
I’m not going to lie, this book creeped me out a little bit. I don’t believe in ghosts, but this one was so realistic that I had to think about it. There were a lot of mysteries going on in this book and we were trying to piece them together. I did not see the ending coming. It just came out of nowhere. Definitely a great mystery/thriller book and great for anyone who likes to read about ghosts and spirits!!
#bookworm #bookaddict #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #bookishbounds #thegirlandthecursedlake #ajrivers #thriller #crime #murder #thrillerbooks #thrillerbooksaddict #bookreader #booklover #booknerd #bookreviewer #currentlyreading #readingtime #readersofinsta #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2021 #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #bibliophile #bookstagramcommunity @a.j._rivers
May 13, 2021
WOW WOW WOW
What a great book! There were so many twists and turns, it kept me guessing throughout the book to the very end. I loved the last words Dean said to Jonah! Serves him right, hope he dies of loneliness in there!! Can’t wait until Bellamy goes into labor…she’s so snarky, hope she keeps that throughout labor & delivery. The four main characters played their parts perfectly. I knew Dean couldn’t be the murderer but couldn’t figure out how he was going to get out of it. Awesome book, can’t wait until the next one.
What a great book! There were so many twists and turns, it kept me guessing throughout the book to the very end. I loved the last words Dean said to Jonah! Serves him right, hope he dies of loneliness in there!! Can’t wait until Bellamy goes into labor…she’s so snarky, hope she keeps that throughout labor & delivery. The four main characters played their parts perfectly. I knew Dean couldn’t be the murderer but couldn’t figure out how he was going to get out of it. Awesome book, can’t wait until the next one.
January 30, 2022
Better
This, in my opinion is the best one so far. Guess I am hard to please. Has more mystery and more realness to story line. Good ending. Would like to see more action between Emma & Sam. Relationship isn't real, no one is together that long and have no sex life. Leaving everything to your imagination. Leaves something lacking in the story. We'll hope for Sam to be luckier in the near future. No marriage, Emma isn't marriage material. Hang in there Sam, the bed may warm up yet, eventually...💋💘
Tweety 🐦🐦and
This, in my opinion is the best one so far. Guess I am hard to please. Has more mystery and more realness to story line. Good ending. Would like to see more action between Emma & Sam. Relationship isn't real, no one is together that long and have no sex life. Leaving everything to your imagination. Leaves something lacking in the story. We'll hope for Sam to be luckier in the near future. No marriage, Emma isn't marriage material. Hang in there Sam, the bed may warm up yet, eventually...💋💘
Tweety 🐦🐦and
March 9, 2021
I love the cast of characters in the Emma Griffin FBI mystery series, and fortunately for me, A.J. Rivers writes quickly. I set aside all other books in my queue as soon as the next one in the series comes out and I know that in a matter of a couple of hours, I'll be hungering for the next murder(s). Yes, they're a bit formulaic, but there's enough quirkiness in with the comfort and predictability to nevertheless keep me coming back for more. An added bonus for Kindle readers - this series is free if you're a Kindle Unlimited subscriber.
April 1, 2021
AJ’s writing is gettin better n better. I wish we had more background for a couple main characters but the storylines she comes up with are amazing. She has improved the flow of her writing through out this series. Emma has this uncanny way of being able to solve mysteries that seem unsolvable. I really like her. Can’t wait to see what comes next.
I received this an an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received this an an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 27, 2021
She's done it again. Another who done it that keeps you guessing until the end.
If you have not read one of A. J. Rivers' books you are missing out. She keeps you interested from beginning to end. Her characterization is spectacular. By the time you have read the second chapter you feel as if you know the characters personally. In her Emma Watson FBI series it is as if you are solving the crimes with her.
If you have not read one of A. J. Rivers' books you are missing out. She keeps you interested from beginning to end. Her characterization is spectacular. By the time you have read the second chapter you feel as if you know the characters personally. In her Emma Watson FBI series it is as if you are solving the crimes with her.
June 25, 2023
Curses…ghosts…lost souls
This is a story with possibly all those things and yet, could be none of those things. Emma sets out to find the truth since she doesn’t believe in paranormal activity. There are moments where you wonder if maybe there is an alternate reality.
I had my suspicions of “who did it” and was right mostly but shocked as to why.
As usual, I highly recommend the series and feel you will thoroughly enjoy every book !
This is a story with possibly all those things and yet, could be none of those things. Emma sets out to find the truth since she doesn’t believe in paranormal activity. There are moments where you wonder if maybe there is an alternate reality.
I had my suspicions of “who did it” and was right mostly but shocked as to why.
As usual, I highly recommend the series and feel you will thoroughly enjoy every book !
September 9, 2023
The Past Always Comes Back
The group finds paranormal activity interesting, except for Emma. Paranormal investigators are filming a special at Arrow Lake on the anniversary of multiple deaths in the park where the lake is. One of the investigators goes missing.
Emma notices something off in Dean's demeanor but can't figure it out. Dean's past is coming back to haunt him. Emma is determined to get to the bottom of it. It's the beginning of a wild journey for the group.
The group finds paranormal activity interesting, except for Emma. Paranormal investigators are filming a special at Arrow Lake on the anniversary of multiple deaths in the park where the lake is. One of the investigators goes missing.
Emma notices something off in Dean's demeanor but can't figure it out. Dean's past is coming back to haunt him. Emma is determined to get to the bottom of it. It's the beginning of a wild journey for the group.
February 20, 2024
Another great read
I have now completed 12 books and of course reading them in order. My brain won’t let me do it any other way. Xavier has evolved into my favorite character. It took a minute to warm up to him because he seemed like he had a loose screw or two, but he’s full of knowledge and wisdom. He sees things on such a different level that we can all learn something from his quirkiness.
I have now completed 12 books and of course reading them in order. My brain won’t let me do it any other way. Xavier has evolved into my favorite character. It took a minute to warm up to him because he seemed like he had a loose screw or two, but he’s full of knowledge and wisdom. He sees things on such a different level that we can all learn something from his quirkiness.
October 11, 2024
One of her better outings for Emma Griffin and the gang
This book is a bit less convoluted, to say the least. It's pretty straightforward sleuthing but with lots of possibilities to dig into. The overall connections don't come clear until the end, of course, and are every bit as shocking as they usually are.
Good character continuation and development of some newer characters, good processing of ongoing plot lines in the background of the immediate happenings.
This book is a bit less convoluted, to say the least. It's pretty straightforward sleuthing but with lots of possibilities to dig into. The overall connections don't come clear until the end, of course, and are every bit as shocking as they usually are.
Good character continuation and development of some newer characters, good processing of ongoing plot lines in the background of the immediate happenings.
February 26, 2021
This was not your regular mystery.
This was an interesting read. There were really difficult scenes and because of these scenes I have to make it a 1 hankie story. Parts of it are sad, parts are sweet but nothing keeps the book from being brilliant and well written. This book will make you think about things and what ifs.
This was an interesting read. There were really difficult scenes and because of these scenes I have to make it a 1 hankie story. Parts of it are sad, parts are sweet but nothing keeps the book from being brilliant and well written. This book will make you think about things and what ifs.
March 1, 2021
Not my favorite, but it picked up at the end
It took me awhile to get into this last book. The ending, as usual, was the best. It was a surprise about the death of little Violet, but until the end, I saw I was correct. I have read the whole series and will definitely continue to read all A.J. Rivers books. She’s an amazing writer.
It took me awhile to get into this last book. The ending, as usual, was the best. It was a surprise about the death of little Violet, but until the end, I saw I was correct. I have read the whole series and will definitely continue to read all A.J. Rivers books. She’s an amazing writer.
March 9, 2021
Another great read
I really enjoyed this book. Once again, I was left guessing to the very end as to who did what. There were so many people who could have been guilty if there was a crime. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next book. I enjoy all the characters; especially Emma.
I really enjoyed this book. Once again, I was left guessing to the very end as to who did what. There were so many people who could have been guilty if there was a crime. I really enjoyed this book and can not wait for the next book. I enjoy all the characters; especially Emma.
March 11, 2021
Just great writing!
The Emma Griffin series keeps my interest not only because of the criminal mystery element, but also because of the characters. They are each written with their own quirks which make them more interesting, but also because they come together as a unit so well. All of the books in this series are really great reads!
The Emma Griffin series keeps my interest not only because of the criminal mystery element, but also because of the characters. They are each written with their own quirks which make them more interesting, but also because they come together as a unit so well. All of the books in this series are really great reads!
June 22, 2021
I wish Goodreads had a half a star option because it is more like a 4.5 star book. The only reason why it isn't a 5 star is because there were a few errors in it like missing letters or the wrong word being used, but it did not take away from the overall greatness of the book. There were so many twists and turns, just like the previous books. I can't wait to continue.
July 13, 2021
My goodness! I love the twists and turn but also the connections that were found at Arrow Lake! Emma must keep up all her physical attributes on top skill level. She always needs them! Who would’ve thought that Dean would be center stage in this one! Definitely showed how he has suffered in silence.
August 11, 2021
Good read
I enjoy Emma and her friends. This is a good mystery that continues to reveal information about the characters involved in Emma's life. More of the mystery reveals itself. It does get a little confusing trying to remember all the facts from former stories. In like this author and this storyline
I enjoy Emma and her friends. This is a good mystery that continues to reveal information about the characters involved in Emma's life. More of the mystery reveals itself. It does get a little confusing trying to remember all the facts from former stories. In like this author and this storyline
October 10, 2021
More of the past come back to haunt, but not Emma, it is for Dean
The character development of Dean really fully developed in this book. Having a tragic event come back to haunt him that leads Emma to unravel and solve the mysteries with the help of Xavier and Sam. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and how Dean was connected to it.
The character development of Dean really fully developed in this book. Having a tragic event come back to haunt him that leads Emma to unravel and solve the mysteries with the help of Xavier and Sam. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and how Dean was connected to it.
October 28, 2021
Delusion
Is there something in our minds that doesn't work all the time? Can something cause that snap? They say it can. People lose their senses everyday. I'm sorry for those it does. Sorry for what happens to the innocent sometimes when it does. Emma finds out how tragic it can be. Read!!!
Is there something in our minds that doesn't work all the time? Can something cause that snap? They say it can. People lose their senses everyday. I'm sorry for those it does. Sorry for what happens to the innocent sometimes when it does. Emma finds out how tragic it can be. Read!!!
January 20, 2022
The Girl and the cursedlake
So, I have been reading this series for a while now...this is #12 and I didn't think it could keep the suspense, mystery and adventure going...I was wrong, it just keeps on going! If you want a good series I would recommend this one!! Emma Griffin FBI Mystery!
So, I have been reading this series for a while now...this is #12 and I didn't think it could keep the suspense, mystery and adventure going...I was wrong, it just keeps on going! If you want a good series I would recommend this one!! Emma Griffin FBI Mystery!
March 6, 2022
great books
The Emma Griffin series is amazing. They do not have to be read in order, but you should. This particular book was a page turner for sure. If you like mysteries, you won’t be able to put it down. I am always a bit surprised by the endings. Never except who did what. A. J. Will keep you guessing!
The Emma Griffin series is amazing. They do not have to be read in order, but you should. This particular book was a page turner for sure. If you like mysteries, you won’t be able to put it down. I am always a bit surprised by the endings. Never except who did what. A. J. Will keep you guessing!
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March 16, 2022Amazing amazing amazing
I know this is book 12 but I loved everything about it. The storyline was great, the plot was full of twists, and once again you are hooked from the very first chapter. I honestly hope this series never ends and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
I know this is book 12 but I loved everything about it. The storyline was great, the plot was full of twists, and once again you are hooked from the very first chapter. I honestly hope this series never ends and I'm definitely looking forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews