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Ava James FBI #4
The Cabin on Willow Lake
How did everything go so wrong...?
A much-needed getaway for agent Ava James takes an unexpected and gruesome turn, as a friendly encounter leads to a fatal end.
A week at a cabin on willow lake. A relaxing and picturesque getaway to escape from all the stressors of work.
But like most things in life, not everything will go according to plan.
After a nice dinner at the Willow Lake Resort, Ava decided that a nice evening stroll by the lake to the waterfalls would be exactly what she needed. As she relished in the feeling of peace and tranquility, she sees someone at the bottom of the steep little trail. Making her way down, she realizes that the woman looks to be passed out, and her face slightly familiar. Even more unsettling is when she gets there, Ava realizes that the woman’s head is bashed in, and she’s not alive. As Ava struggles back up the slippery dirt and rock trail, she rushes to alert the authorities and the staff at the resort.
Only to come back to the waterfalls and find that the body and crime scene she found has vanished.
As the puzzled FBI agent Ava James composes herself, she realizes that the familiar face was of a woman she just met.
As the search for a missing body using a possible alias grows to a dead-end.
Ava realizes that even on a getaway, there is no escaping one’s reality.
There are lies, deception, and a not so simple affairs of the hearts.
At the Willow Lake Resort, tranquil escape may come with more than you bargained for.
A much-needed getaway for agent Ava James takes an unexpected and gruesome turn, as a friendly encounter leads to a fatal end.
A week at a cabin on willow lake. A relaxing and picturesque getaway to escape from all the stressors of work.
But like most things in life, not everything will go according to plan.
After a nice dinner at the Willow Lake Resort, Ava decided that a nice evening stroll by the lake to the waterfalls would be exactly what she needed. As she relished in the feeling of peace and tranquility, she sees someone at the bottom of the steep little trail. Making her way down, she realizes that the woman looks to be passed out, and her face slightly familiar. Even more unsettling is when she gets there, Ava realizes that the woman’s head is bashed in, and she’s not alive. As Ava struggles back up the slippery dirt and rock trail, she rushes to alert the authorities and the staff at the resort.
Only to come back to the waterfalls and find that the body and crime scene she found has vanished.
As the puzzled FBI agent Ava James composes herself, she realizes that the familiar face was of a woman she just met.
As the search for a missing body using a possible alias grows to a dead-end.
Ava realizes that even on a getaway, there is no escaping one’s reality.
There are lies, deception, and a not so simple affairs of the hearts.
At the Willow Lake Resort, tranquil escape may come with more than you bargained for.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 29, 2022
I loved her determination.
Ava was a dedicated investigator. She didn't give up even when she was supposed to be on vacation! I like this authors writing.
Ava was a dedicated investigator. She didn't give up even when she was supposed to be on vacation! I like this authors writing.
February 9, 2026
I was intrigued from beginning to end. Fast read for a day.
September 22, 2022
Bewildered and Perplexed (CONTAINS SPOILERS!!!)
I have read all of A.J. Rivers books, & this is the first one I haven't liked.
SPOILERS BELOW!
After wrapping up a huge case, Ava James is ordered by SSA Sal Rossi to take a vacation; so she books a cabin at the exclusive and secluded Willow Lake Resort. Ava is bored out of her mind until she finds a body at the base of a waterfall. She immediately examines the body and calculates the angles and believes the COD to be homicide. Ava doesn't want to leave the body, but she has no cell service, so she arduously climbs back up the trail and runs to the hotel to call 911. When the Sheriff arrives and goes with her to the waterfall, the body has disappeared.
From this point on, I became distracted and increasingly annoyed by a ridiculously constructed plot device.
I found it utterly inexplicable that a trained FBI Agent DID NOT TAKE PICTURES OF THE SCENE. There's "suspending disbelief", and then there's asking readers to shut off critical thinking & common sense.
I'm still befuddled.
I have read all of A.J. Rivers books, & this is the first one I haven't liked.
SPOILERS BELOW!
After wrapping up a huge case, Ava James is ordered by SSA Sal Rossi to take a vacation; so she books a cabin at the exclusive and secluded Willow Lake Resort. Ava is bored out of her mind until she finds a body at the base of a waterfall. She immediately examines the body and calculates the angles and believes the COD to be homicide. Ava doesn't want to leave the body, but she has no cell service, so she arduously climbs back up the trail and runs to the hotel to call 911. When the Sheriff arrives and goes with her to the waterfall, the body has disappeared.
From this point on, I became distracted and increasingly annoyed by a ridiculously constructed plot device.
I found it utterly inexplicable that a trained FBI Agent DID NOT TAKE PICTURES OF THE SCENE. There's "suspending disbelief", and then there's asking readers to shut off critical thinking & common sense.
I'm still befuddled.
April 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
The Cabin on Willow Lake is the fourth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
The Cabin on Willow Lake is the fourth book in the Ava James FBI Series by A.J. Rivers - this series perfectly blends suspense, crime & investigation, and emotional depth.
The series follows Special Agent Ava James, an FBI investigator whose cases often blur the line between professional duty and personal stakes. Each book contains a standalone mystery - ranging from chilling murders to long-buried secrets - while also weaving in an overarching storyline about Ava’s past, her relationships, and her evolving sense of justice.
Ms. Rivers crafts stories that are both plot-driven and character-focused. The pacing is quite brisk, with short, punchy chapters that kept me turning pages late into the night. The twists are frequent but didn't feel contrived or forced, and the author exceled at planting subtle clues that make the reveals oh so satisfying.
Balancing dark, suspenseful crime scenes with moments of warmth and humanity, the author shows she has a knack for creating atmospheric settings - whether it’s a small town hiding sinister secrets or a bustling city with shadows in every alley. The tension is sustained without becoming overwhelming or excessive graphic.
I would recommend this to readers who enjoy FBI thrillers with a dose of heart, as this series is well worth diving into – but be prepared to clear your schedule, because once you start, you won’t want to stop.
Happy Reading…
August 14, 2022
I really love the Ava series and this book was one of my favorites. Ava’s boss insists she needs to take a vacation. She is so dedicated to working that she is very restless on her trip .,.until she discovers a murder victim. Now she’s in a good place! I love her dedication to her job. My husband used to laugh at me on vacation because I wanted to visit homes of authors that I taught in middle school. We saw Green Gables, Carrie Woodlawn’s home, and of course Little House sights. I just couldn’t resist taking things home that I could use in school!
Of course Ava gets herself involved in solving the case even though the boss tells her to leave it to the local police. If you have enjoyed the other “Ava” books you will love this one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is my honest feelings.
Of course Ava gets herself involved in solving the case even though the boss tells her to leave it to the local police. If you have enjoyed the other “Ava” books you will love this one.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. My review is my honest feelings.
June 2, 2025
Great story, Quick ending
Ava is very busy, and not very good at vacationing. While she's a great, young FBI agent, solving the tough cases, she's burning herself out. Sal insists that she take a vacation... and that's where she finds her next case, even if it's not hers.
Rivers does her usual expert job of introducing and building characters. The plot evolved smoothly and there is just enough intrigue. There are a couple of chapters that the timelines overlap awkwardly, but still the story stays interesting to keep a reader invested.
Then, suddenly, about 90% done, it's clear there is going to be an abrupt ending. Kind of like having a really nice dinner, looking forward to some tasty dessert, and getting a piece of chocolate. It's very good, but I wanted more.
Ava is very busy, and not very good at vacationing. While she's a great, young FBI agent, solving the tough cases, she's burning herself out. Sal insists that she take a vacation... and that's where she finds her next case, even if it's not hers.
Rivers does her usual expert job of introducing and building characters. The plot evolved smoothly and there is just enough intrigue. There are a couple of chapters that the timelines overlap awkwardly, but still the story stays interesting to keep a reader invested.
Then, suddenly, about 90% done, it's clear there is going to be an abrupt ending. Kind of like having a really nice dinner, looking forward to some tasty dessert, and getting a piece of chocolate. It's very good, but I wanted more.
September 15, 2022
good read until the end
Good and fairly enjoyable read. Until the end. As I got near the end I wondered how the author was going to bring things together. I had pretty much figured out the ending, but wanted a nice finish. Seems the author got to the end and didn’t know where to go. So an ending was assembled in a few pages and just tossed out there. Very disappointed. Then the author spent time setting up the next book. Baiting the fishing hook as it were. Many authors do this, but in this case after a disappointing ending to the main story line, it was even more disappointment.
Good and fairly enjoyable read. Until the end. As I got near the end I wondered how the author was going to bring things together. I had pretty much figured out the ending, but wanted a nice finish. Seems the author got to the end and didn’t know where to go. So an ending was assembled in a few pages and just tossed out there. Very disappointed. Then the author spent time setting up the next book. Baiting the fishing hook as it were. Many authors do this, but in this case after a disappointing ending to the main story line, it was even more disappointment.
March 14, 2025
FBI murder mystery
Agent Ava James finishes up a case and is ordered to take a long overdue vacation. She is not sure how she is going to make it through a week of relaxation. However, she does not have to worry too long as she discovers a body at the resort she is staying at. The body disappears before the local law enforcement arrives and the police do not seem to be doing enough according to Agent Ava’s expectations. Of course even after her boss reminds her that she is on vacation and to leave it up to the local authorities, she still gets involved. It definitely has everyone guessing first of all where is the body, who is the dead person and who killed her.
Agent Ava James finishes up a case and is ordered to take a long overdue vacation. She is not sure how she is going to make it through a week of relaxation. However, she does not have to worry too long as she discovers a body at the resort she is staying at. The body disappears before the local law enforcement arrives and the police do not seem to be doing enough according to Agent Ava’s expectations. Of course even after her boss reminds her that she is on vacation and to leave it up to the local authorities, she still gets involved. It definitely has everyone guessing first of all where is the body, who is the dead person and who killed her.
January 19, 2023
Privileged, spoiled, arrogant meet the Daring
A spoiled and privileged arrogant family marry a struggling young gal, Helen, and between years of not caring (since they are privileged), verbal and some physical abuse and cheating mostly by the rich husband they take the abuse to the highest level. Can money really be the answer to life? How about daring, but unaware Eddie, high middle class money prone to find problems not the least of which is falling in love with Helen. Read on to find out how they all mesh together…
A spoiled and privileged arrogant family marry a struggling young gal, Helen, and between years of not caring (since they are privileged), verbal and some physical abuse and cheating mostly by the rich husband they take the abuse to the highest level. Can money really be the answer to life? How about daring, but unaware Eddie, high middle class money prone to find problems not the least of which is falling in love with Helen. Read on to find out how they all mesh together…
March 17, 2023
Vacation?
Ava is in a new group of agents and taking a step upward. They finished solving a murder and caught the responsible individual. At the suggestion of her superior she is headed to a much needed vacation. While on vacation she became involved in another murder. It was an interesting number of events leading up to the murder and solving and getting the individual responsible. Good reading.
Ava is in a new group of agents and taking a step upward. They finished solving a murder and caught the responsible individual. At the suggestion of her superior she is headed to a much needed vacation. While on vacation she became involved in another murder. It was an interesting number of events leading up to the murder and solving and getting the individual responsible. Good reading.
May 9, 2024
I liked this novel and Ava however it was predictable and the wrap up to solving the actual case takes hardly any effort and lasts only a few pages. The back information (setup) takes up more of the book and a lot of the story details are repetitive.
I’m also still losing interest in what is going on with Elizabeth and I’m not interested in Molly’s case either I’m suspecting that down the road she’s gone bad but I could be wrong.
I’m also still losing interest in what is going on with Elizabeth and I’m not interested in Molly’s case either I’m suspecting that down the road she’s gone bad but I could be wrong.
September 7, 2023
Never let go of that “gut” feeling!! In Murder.
Ava works for the FBI but has other “family connections” on the side while looking into the disappearance of her best friend & also her mother who is investigating the case. But now she’s helping to solve questions about a murdered guest while she’s on vacation. So is it the boyfriend, the hubby, or her only friend?
Ava works for the FBI but has other “family connections” on the side while looking into the disappearance of her best friend & also her mother who is investigating the case. But now she’s helping to solve questions about a murdered guest while she’s on vacation. So is it the boyfriend, the hubby, or her only friend?
September 19, 2023
Disappointing
I don’t know what happened to A.J. Rivers with her Ava
James series. I have read many of her books and enjoyed them, but this series just drags on. Lots of repeats like she is trying to add more volume to the book. Every thing is too easy. No real drama. Sorry AJ.
I don’t know what happened to A.J. Rivers with her Ava
James series. I have read many of her books and enjoyed them, but this series just drags on. Lots of repeats like she is trying to add more volume to the book. Every thing is too easy. No real drama. Sorry AJ.
November 26, 2023
Thrilling!
FBI Agent Ava James is in need of a relaxing vacation, but that's not what she gets when she rents a cabin for a week at Willow Lake. Suddenly she's thrust into the middle of a homicide investigation. Will she be able to help find the killer and get back to her vacation?
FBI Agent Ava James is in need of a relaxing vacation, but that's not what she gets when she rents a cabin for a week at Willow Lake. Suddenly she's thrust into the middle of a homicide investigation. Will she be able to help find the killer and get back to her vacation?
August 16, 2022
The Cabin on Willow Lake
I really really liked this book, along with all the other books in this series of Eva. I just hope the next month comes out soon. I hate waiting. But I of course will. Keep up the good work, love your writing.
I really really liked this book, along with all the other books in this series of Eva. I just hope the next month comes out soon. I hate waiting. But I of course will. Keep up the good work, love your writing.
September 12, 2022
such a good series
Ava and her stories are very engrossing, makes you want to keep turning the pages until the case is solved. Always leaves me wanting more and love how she sticks to a case like a god with a bone until it’s resolved.
Ava and her stories are very engrossing, makes you want to keep turning the pages until the case is solved. Always leaves me wanting more and love how she sticks to a case like a god with a bone until it’s resolved.
September 15, 2022
Another great Ava James mystery
This was another great thriller, it's what we have come to expect from A.J. Rivers. The Ava James series is a wonderful read, I enjoyed the ongoing plot twists and turns. Keep up the great work!
This was another great thriller, it's what we have come to expect from A.J. Rivers. The Ava James series is a wonderful read, I enjoyed the ongoing plot twists and turns. Keep up the great work!
October 12, 2022
The Cabin on Willow Lake
Great mystery. I could not put this book down. It is a very good thriller that keeps you in suspense until the very end. I highly recommend this book and series.
Great mystery. I could not put this book down. It is a very good thriller that keeps you in suspense until the very end. I highly recommend this book and series.
November 14, 2022
ava is more restrained and thoughtful
Yet - conveniently full of plot-convenient “gut feelings” that lead to dramatic breakthroughs in all sorts of investigations.
Adequately entertaining.
Yet - conveniently full of plot-convenient “gut feelings” that lead to dramatic breakthroughs in all sorts of investigations.
Adequately entertaining.
February 7, 2023
Great Book
I really enjoyed this storyline. It was interesting and exciting. The characters were great, real and most of them were. Iikeable. I recommend this one to everyone. You'll enjoy it .
I really enjoyed this storyline. It was interesting and exciting. The characters were great, real and most of them were. Iikeable. I recommend this one to everyone. You'll enjoy it .
February 17, 2023
The Cabin on Willow Lake
Very exciting stories, three interesting stories with Ava. Two were solved quickly. One is very intriguing, many characters involved. A chance meeting in a pub, dead woman and a twisted case. Enjoy
Very exciting stories, three interesting stories with Ava. Two were solved quickly. One is very intriguing, many characters involved. A chance meeting in a pub, dead woman and a twisted case. Enjoy
October 30, 2023
Predictable
This book was entirely too predictable. I've read over 20 of this authors books and this one was a little bit boring. I really like the Emma Griffin books a lot better than the Ava James series. The more of the Ava books that I read, the more this character annoys me.
This book was entirely too predictable. I've read over 20 of this authors books and this one was a little bit boring. I really like the Emma Griffin books a lot better than the Ava James series. The more of the Ava books that I read, the more this character annoys me.
January 25, 2024
Great read!
Another great Ava James novel. FBI Agent James is supposed to be on vacation, but she finds a dead body, and can't relax.
Great characters, great plot, best of all...an indie publication that's well edited. I've enjoyed the entire series.
Another great Ava James novel. FBI Agent James is supposed to be on vacation, but she finds a dead body, and can't relax.
Great characters, great plot, best of all...an indie publication that's well edited. I've enjoyed the entire series.
December 29, 2024
Love AJ Rivers!
AJ Rivers is excellent at character development and always provides more than on probable bad guy. This book didn’t jump around as much as Book 3 and was a much more pleasant read.
AJ Rivers is excellent at character development and always provides more than on probable bad guy. This book didn’t jump around as much as Book 3 and was a much more pleasant read.
June 8, 2025
Ava Does it Again
Really enjoy this series but felt this wrapped too easily, without a lot of details. Would have liked more exposition relating to the solution. Felt unfinished to me.
Really enjoy this series but felt this wrapped too easily, without a lot of details. Would have liked more exposition relating to the solution. Felt unfinished to me.
February 16, 2026
Vacation Smacation
Ava goes on a well deserved vacation - and no surprise she can’t relax! Ava isn’t wired to relax. She does what she does best - work. On her vacation. Does Ava finally get to go fishing? Read to find out!
Another amazing installment in the Ava James series.
Ava goes on a well deserved vacation - and no surprise she can’t relax! Ava isn’t wired to relax. She does what she does best - work. On her vacation. Does Ava finally get to go fishing? Read to find out!
Another amazing installment in the Ava James series.
August 6, 2022
Super intriguing! Ava just can't seem to take a vacation from being an FBI agent and when she tries, the murder case comes to her. It isn't even in her jurisdiction but she manages to get involved.
August 8, 2022
This book was over the top for suspense and drama and excellent story. Thank you
August 15, 2022
Intriguing Read
I loved this book. It is one of the better premises by A J Rivers who rarely disappoints her readers.
I loved this book. It is one of the better premises by A J Rivers who rarely disappoints her readers.
August 16, 2022
Love this series!
The Ava James series is just as good as the Emma Griffin series. I love them both. Whenever I finish one I start looking forward to the next.
The Ava James series is just as good as the Emma Griffin series. I love them both. Whenever I finish one I start looking forward to the next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews