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Ava James FBI #1

Ava James and the Ivy Grove

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At a masked gala on Ivy island, “The price of betrayal is death.”.

FBI Agent Ava James had a difficult entrance into the FBI.
After shadowing famed agent Emma Griffin inside the disturbing underbelly of Windsor Island. Ava James is now ready to carve out her own path in the agency.
But before she dives into the case awaiting her in Harlan, she receives an invitation to attend a special gala weekend.
A gala honoring her aunt who has devoted her life to charity.

Although still recovering from the shocking aftermath of the last island she attended.
Ava does her best to put her best foot forward for the sake of her aunt.
When a strange suicide mars the special event, it’s Ava that starts questioning what she sees. As the secrets of the Foundation start to bubble to the surface, Ava faces the realization that she may be more than just an invited guest.

Truth, lies, and consequences.
The only way off this island may be death...

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2021

2523 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read

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A.J. Rivers

147 books1,532 followers

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5 stars
2,002 (52%)
4 stars
1,107 (29%)
3 stars
494 (13%)
2 stars
139 (3%)
1 star
58 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
Profile Image for Elizabeth Lanaghan.
1,135 reviews4 followers
February 2, 2022
Book Review: Ava James and the Ivy Grove by A.J. Rivers

Rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
Genre: Thriller
Published: 12/10/21

Review: This book was a spinoff from the Emma Griffin series and follows the new Agent Ava James. This book was better than I could imagine! I really enjoyed learning more about Ava and her dark past. It was interesting to find out what made her want to join the force. Ava was invited to an event to honor her aunt and her charity. While there, there have been some murders taking place and with no way on or off the island until the storm passes, that means that the killer is among them. We then go through all the evidence and follow Ava as she dissects everything to figure out who the murderer is. As I mentioned, I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to continue the series!

Summary: At a masked gala on Ivy Island, "The price of betrayal is death." FBI Agent Ava James had a difficult entrance into the FBI. After shadowing famed agent Emma Griffin inside the disturbing underbelly of Windsor Island, Ava James is now ready to carve out her own path in the agency. But before she dives into the case awaiting her in Harlan, she receives an invitation to attend a special gala weekend. A gala honoring her aunt who has devoted her life to charity. Although still recovering from the shocking aftermath of the last island she attended, Ava does her best to put her best foot forward for the sake of her aunt. When a strange suicide mars the special event, it's Ava that starts questioning what she sees. As the secrets of the Foundation starts to bubble to the surface, Ava faces the realization that she may be more than just an invited guest. Truth, lies, and consequences. The only way off this island may be death...

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4 reviews
April 25, 2022
2 stars is adequate for a fast read of a boring story. It’s my first read of an AJ Rivers novel. Probably my last as well. There are just too many books to read in so little time.
Profile Image for Allison.
533 reviews
August 31, 2022
The start of this book was a little confusing, and the author does not at any point in the story clarify the past. I can only hope that will come in a future book. The first part of Ava and the FBI on the first island is also not as clear as it could have been. It should be noted that Ava James is a spin off character within another series by this author. The character connections and roles seemed to not be clearly defined, possibly due to lack of information about Ava’s past. I understand that she is a spin off character but having a clear picture in a new series is always helpful. Once past her shadow assignment is complete, the plot develops, and becomes clearer and more specific.
As the reader you are unable to discover who the guilty party is through direct information from the author. I felt as though two characters were slimy and could have been the culprit. The author did a good job of tying up the ending of the story and only leaves the reader with questions about the past. Besides the first few bumps in the road, the story moved well and has good character development. As the reader you want to find out more about what Ava will do with her career and more details about her past.
Profile Image for Robin Reviewer.
1,004 reviews12 followers
May 23, 2024
Couldn't finish - read on KU

This is a spinoff from another series, which is somewhat noted in the blurb. I still expected to be able to read it without being lost because it should be a crime thriller that wouldn't need a back story. At 27%, we still haven't gotten to the beginning of the crime she is to investigate.

She goes back to an island she must have visited in the past. That bit was kind of confusing and didn't go anywhere. Then she has Thanksgiving with family that takes up way too many pages. She constantly stops to mentally ruminate on different topics that don't move the story along.

Thrillers should be fast paced and not the snoozefest this is.

I won't be reading more by this author.
4 reviews
January 8, 2023
Plot holes and mixed pacing, but good mystery

I'll read more in the series. I overall enjoyed it. It's a good mystery. The detective and the suspects are trapped on an island, so she has to take charge. I did narrow down the suspects but couldn't decide. I had to smile at the reason. The beginning is strong, introducing us to Ava, ex victim of human trafficking turned FBI agent. Ava is a strong, capable character who never needs rescuing by a male partner. The first half of the book is slow paced, although well written. I drummed my fingers, waiting for the murder. When they occurred, the pace picked up. I have to say the clues were embedded in the tedious first half, so the author may have done this deliberately, knowing the reader might end up skimming over them uncomprehendingly. There are plot holes. There is a locked room, no code. Ava has the power turned off to enter it. (What? No backup battery?) Later, she doesn't do this. She picks up a vital clue without gloves. (Yeah, you don't bring nitrile gloves to a galaxy on your days off, but you can pick up gloves from the kitchen. ) all in all, though, worth reading.
Profile Image for Gene.
799 reviews8 followers
March 10, 2022
The book was well written, and it's a bit amusing that Agatha Christie was mentioned a couple times as she was my introduction into the mystery genre as a kid, this plot was cribbed from her. Poorly. I simply could not believe most of it, a brand new FBI agent (who was or wasn't trafficked as an 18 year old, never completely clear on that) all alone on an island where three murders take place overnight and she cracks the case. Police can't get there because of weather, apparently no one has ever heard of Coast Guard rescue helicopters who can actually fly in bad weather and could have delivered actual police to the scene virtually immediately.

The characters were one dimensional, even in the thick of the murders Ava is wrapped in her own head, refuses to rest, though 24 plus hours of no sleep do not an astute investigator make. I've only read the last three of the Emma Griffin series but didn't care much for her either, so I thought I'd try the fresh series, but Emma was Ava's mentor. The book ends poorly, even when the police get there, Ms. Marple, um, Ava, has it all figured out. Just not believably constructed in any way, the prelude about the trafficking raid prior was poorly done, never really explained as to what was going on there or why, or what the "menu" was except that the woman who created it popped up in the latter part of the book as a villainess who was robbing the foundation blind which apparently no one ever noticed including people who'd spent forty years working with the foundation, including Ava's mother - who then in an epilogue turns out to be a UN ambassador who goes missing - to set up the next one, I guess. All in all this was more mess than book, though clearly A.J. is a very good writer, this was not her best effort.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,366 reviews70 followers
March 9, 2022
I don't know why I felt so disconnected to this one.
1,989 reviews23 followers
January 11, 2022
Murder She Wrote

This book read just like an episode of "Murder She Wrote". It almost read like a script. The characters felt flat, one sided. It certainly wasn't of my favorites from this author.
2 reviews
February 13, 2022
Boring

Sorry, this book was boring. I love mystery/thriller books but this one was boring. I kept skipping pages so I can get to the end and the ending wasn't good either.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Walker.
60 reviews1 follower
December 12, 2021
I have been a huge Emma Griffin fan from the beginning. I eagerly anticipate each new adventure. When Ava was first introduced, I wasn't too sure if I liked her. She grew on me and I found myself wanting to see more of her. Then I find out there is a spin-off series all about Ava! To say I was excited would be an understatement.

The first few chapters were on Dragon Island, recapping those 24 hours from Ava's perspective. Then Ava's story continued on its own. It was a little slow at first. I knew it was only a matter of time before the action picked up. I was not disappointed!

I can't wait to read more about Ava. I need to know all about Prague. I need to know whatever happened to Molly. I need to know what other cases Ava gets involved in. I hope her stories include Dean and Xavier.

On a related note, is Xavier autistic? I feel like he shares a lot of traits with my own autistic son. I've always wondered if Ms. Rivers intended for him to specifically be autistic, or a more general neurodivergent.
Profile Image for Cindy McBride.
112 reviews10 followers
February 26, 2022
Give me Emma back! This book was SO boring. All Ava does is whine and reminisce. And feel sorry for herself. And describe gowns and masks ad nauseum. And describe hors d'oeuvres. And condescend everyone else. I tried and tried to stay focused (and to care about what's happening) but I finally just gave up. The PC/woke factor was a tad irritating, as well...we have enough issues here at home that need attention without going abroad to find them. Much as I USED to like Rivers' literary contributions, I think she'll be relegated to my "done" file.
Profile Image for Mary Rowe.
2,621 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2022
intense storyline and mysteries to unravel

The story starts out with a rollercoaster drop, then hits a smooth patch before odd deeds and murder touch the lives of her aunt and the charitable institution with which she is associated.
96 reviews
December 4, 2022
what just happened?

This was not a well orchestrated story. It left more questions than it answered. Negative reviews are not my norm but this book will not lead me to try another in this series.
63 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2022
Can’t recommend

Almost didn’t finish. Boring with characters that didn’t appeal or resonate with me. Plot or story seems disjointed. Looked at authors other books & found none were appealing.
Profile Image for L. Kennedy.
204 reviews
July 28, 2024
This book was so boring. I finished it simply because I just kept hoping it would get better or that the ending would make up for it but even the ending sucked. I love a good mystery book but I was truly disappointed.
Profile Image for Patt.
466 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2021
I was pleased when I saw that Ava was getting her own series, I love the “Emma”books , but learning more about a different character always makes me happy. Now that I know Emma’s background, her character is even more interesting. This book gives her a chance to use all her skills while trapped on an island with a murderer. Nothing is easy, and the number of victims keeps increasing. Lots of twists and turns occur before the crime is solved. And just like the Emma books, A.J. Leaves us with a question that will no doubt be solved in the next Ava book. I can’t wait! If you love mysteries that keep you guessing, the A. J. Rivers series are definitely a great choice.
Profile Image for My Love of Books.
90 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2022
I love the Emma Griffin series so I was excited to see that Ava was getting her own books.

Ava James joins the FBI after a chilling event that happens to her at the age of 18. One of her first assignments is to go to an island with Emma to hunt for someone called “The Dragon” after that, she goes to Ivy Grove with her family for a gala to honor her Aunt, but little does she know her first assignment will follow her there. Left on an island with a few people and no way off because of a brewing storm, she must solve 3 murders on her own. Will you cave or figure them out?
You must read this amazing book to find out.
1 review
July 14, 2023
A good start to another series

I have already read all 21 Emma Griffin books by A J. Rivers which I enjoyed as a fun mystery read so after a three month break I have started the Ava James series. These ones time in to the first series but could stand alone - you don't have to read Emma Griffin first.

I rate this 3.5 out of 5 stars. Not a full five stars because towards the end it kind of jumped to the conclusion and has to have the main character explain it instead of the story doing the explaining. Also I haven't quite come to love Ava James yet but as it's the first book in the new series, I'm sure I will soon as I am continuing in.
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews8 followers
February 5, 2024
Ava home from a case is caught in some murders at an affair for her aunt.

Ava’s Aunt Kay is being lauded at a special affair on an island. The affair is a high dollar masquerade with all the high rollers that donate to the charity that her aunt helps. This is a special occasion so Ava went even if she doesn’t like to mix much. She is much more into being the new special agent at the FBI. She takes her training very serious but her aunt is special, so she came. That leaves her the only official when someone is killed. Now she has to put her training to use. She does a great job.
Profile Image for George Stenger.
707 reviews58 followers
September 23, 2024
This was an Amazon prime free book. 2.5 rounded up.

The book mentions Agatha Christie several times but falls well short of Agatha Christie books for me.
Ava is a new FBI agent that was kidnapped and possibly trafficked when she was 18. The backstory is murky in that aspect.

Multiple murders are happening on a remote island in a bad storm, so they are completely isolated. No one can leave the island nor can they receive police assistance. The setting was ideal for these types of murders, but it just fell short for me.

Perhaps being a huge Agatha Christie fan and being reminded me of her in the book made me see how this book fell short.
11 reviews
January 13, 2022
Another great mystery by AJ Rivers

As a huge fan of the Emma Griffin series, I was not disappointed by the spinoff of the first Ava James, FBI mystery. Ava finds herself in a predicament as she attends a charity event with her family when people start disappearing and bodies start popping up. We also catch a glimpse into a more dangerous time in Ava's life through flashbacks . AJ Rivers has created another strong, clever female character of multiple dimensions I look forward to the next Ava James mystery. I just wish AJ Rivers could write as fast as I read her books.
18 reviews
December 21, 2021
Island, storm, murder, doesn't get any better.

I'll definitely rethink attending functions on an island. Very well written with interesting plot twists. How the humanitarian efforts of the foundation could actually be used for crime. Anyone who enjoys reading about thrillers will find a nice change of pace with the LEO. Ava is a newly trained FBI agent just trying to logically piece together the crime.
Profile Image for Bobbi Stoffers.
262 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2022
Beginnings of another great series

Ava was first introduced in the Emma Griffin series, not to much information was given about her, but that she was a brand new FBI Agent. Ivy Grove brings Ava to life. A.J. Rivers how’s how to develop characters and intertwines the past with the present. Everything melts together well, the suspense and mystery is nonstop and always ends with a question, leaving the readers wanting more. Great job!
87 reviews
October 24, 2022
Fast moving murder mystery

This is Ava James first solo case while she is on vacation with family. What is it about islands and Danger? Read on to find out how this case links with another one. Money, wealth, power and certain proclivities all least to a fast read (you want to solve it quickly)…Read on like other FBI Special Agents Ava doesn’t disappoint nor does Feen Michaels.
2 reviews
December 19, 2021
I'm addicted!

I have loved every book so far! I really got hooked on the first Ava James Book as well! I especially like how the complex thought processes and emotions and the reasoning for them are broken down and explained so well in the writing. Please continue to feed my addiction to your captivating characters and their exciting stories!
9 reviews
January 30, 2022
Awesome

I found the book very exciting and hard to put down. It was suspenseful and had you thinking throughout. There were a few typos but I didn't take stock of the typos at all it didn't make much of a difference. All in all I loved the book and look forward to reading what comes next.
1,387 reviews4 followers
March 29, 2022
wow! Emma taught her well

Emma really taught Ava well, and it shows in how dogged she is when she is solving a case. Lots of twists and a couple of surprises made this a page turner from the beginning. Love how Xavier and Dean make appearances in Ava’s book. Look forward to many more stories of Ava.
Profile Image for Lela Preston.
256 reviews21 followers
October 25, 2022
Down time is not found when you are an FBI Agent..

Parents are meeting with their FBI Daughter..who is along for the Gala..Duty finds her even when she is on a Island..Finding the reason behind a murder is what Ava does,,find the problem,,access the problem,,and then solve the problem..
58 reviews
May 14, 2023
Good Beginning

Nice read. Good way to bring Ava into her own. Glad to have references to Dean and Xavier as well. I know the gaps are still being closed in this case but I was hoping for a few more details on how the characters were killed. But boy did she leave us with a cliffhanger! Definitely on to reading the next installment and Dean’s book as well.
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