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Dean Steele #1
The Woman in the Woods
I thought the worst part of a blackout was waking up in a strange place.
Turns out waking up next to a dead woman is far worse…
Memory lapses have plagued PI Dean Steele since childhood.
This time when he opens his eyes, there's a woman lying nearby.
A woman he doesn't recognize.
As Dean tries to determine how he ended up in the woods next to a dead body, he attempts to piece together the things he remembers.
But the situation takes a bewildering turn when the dead woman’s body disappears from the scene.
Someone doesn't want Dean uncovering secrets, and things get even more heated when one of the people he's been hired to track down winds up brutally murdered.
With no memory of what could have transpired. Dean races to find out the truth behind the case he was hired to solve, and the answers behind the case that could put him behind bars.
Blackouts can take minutes or weeks from your memories.
But what happens when they take your life?
Turns out waking up next to a dead woman is far worse…
Memory lapses have plagued PI Dean Steele since childhood.
This time when he opens his eyes, there's a woman lying nearby.
A woman he doesn't recognize.
As Dean tries to determine how he ended up in the woods next to a dead body, he attempts to piece together the things he remembers.
But the situation takes a bewildering turn when the dead woman’s body disappears from the scene.
Someone doesn't want Dean uncovering secrets, and things get even more heated when one of the people he's been hired to track down winds up brutally murdered.
With no memory of what could have transpired. Dean races to find out the truth behind the case he was hired to solve, and the answers behind the case that could put him behind bars.
Blackouts can take minutes or weeks from your memories.
But what happens when they take your life?
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2022
2119 people are currently reading
1071 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 4, 2022
The beginning of this book had me reading faster. Liked the characters and their quirkiness. My interest waned when the detective part evolved but that’s just me. You might love this. Not my thing.
February 17, 2024
I don’t understand all the 5 star ratings!! This annoyed me because although it is supposed to be no 1 in a series, it turns out it actually carries on from book 21 of a different series. A lot of the story felt like padding, it probably could have been a 50 page novella IMO.
March 26, 2024
The Women in the Woods
Loved this book. Can't wait till the next book comes out. This book is not as exciting as EMMA"S books are hut I did enjoy it. I recommend this book
Loved this book. Can't wait till the next book comes out. This book is not as exciting as EMMA"S books are hut I did enjoy it. I recommend this book
December 18, 2024
on the edge of my chair.
This book was complex and very well written. It keeps you going right until the very end. It is a very intense detailed read. I loved it !!
This book was complex and very well written. It keeps you going right until the very end. It is a very intense detailed read. I loved it !!
Read
July 15, 2025DNF!!
I tried with this one. I attempted the paperback 3 years ago, and DNF. This time I tried the audiobook and couldn't connect with anything about this.
I tried with this one. I attempted the paperback 3 years ago, and DNF. This time I tried the audiobook and couldn't connect with anything about this.
November 21, 2022
read all her books but this one was horrible
It’s almost as if this book was not edited at all. What any reader can probably do is read the first chapter maybe the fourth chapter and then skip to 70% into the book because the rest of it is all way too much detail that is completely unnecessary. We were given detail about what the character was thinking what he thinks he was thinking what he thinks he was thinking he was thinking etc. There was even a full page describing a French press for coffee.While the last 30% of the book should have been more or less the entire book, it makes me believe the author was getting paid by the word. If the remainder of her books are this thoughtless and drone on with clan of the cave bear type details I will stop reading them.
It’s almost as if this book was not edited at all. What any reader can probably do is read the first chapter maybe the fourth chapter and then skip to 70% into the book because the rest of it is all way too much detail that is completely unnecessary. We were given detail about what the character was thinking what he thinks he was thinking what he thinks he was thinking he was thinking etc. There was even a full page describing a French press for coffee.While the last 30% of the book should have been more or less the entire book, it makes me believe the author was getting paid by the word. If the remainder of her books are this thoughtless and drone on with clan of the cave bear type details I will stop reading them.
July 1, 2025
The writing is fairly mediocre, but there is promise in the story itself. The problem is the main characters themselves feel flat (I realized that this is like an offshoot of another series, so I do understand that although this is the first of this series, yes some of these people might have been featured before in other books but that is neither here nor there), and I'd hope that by the end they'd feel more well rounded. Additionally, some of the characters felt like cartoonish caricatures, particularly some of the scenes with the police.
There's definitely promise but A LOT of room for development. I do think the fast pace of the story also hurts it and I think the book could benefit from being a bit more meandering and slow to lay out the pieces of the puzzle in a way that's more natural.
There's definitely promise but A LOT of room for development. I do think the fast pace of the story also hurts it and I think the book could benefit from being a bit more meandering and slow to lay out the pieces of the puzzle in a way that's more natural.
January 18, 2023
Excellent Dean Steels-AJ Rivers Murders
Well, if you’ve read about Emma Stone, let me encourage you to read on about her cousin, ex-Special Forces, turned PI, cousin, Dean Steele. His life, if you can believe it is EVEN more complicated in some aspects that Emma Stone’s (cousin, PI and FBI)…read on and I dare you to want to CAMP IN THE WOODS, ever again! Whatever happened in AJ Rivers childhood and/or imagination the WOODS and camping are a scary, mysterious and DEADLY combination….See what Dean discovers after he finds himself bleeding, a corpse next to him and no memory of anything for over 12 hours….
Well, if you’ve read about Emma Stone, let me encourage you to read on about her cousin, ex-Special Forces, turned PI, cousin, Dean Steele. His life, if you can believe it is EVEN more complicated in some aspects that Emma Stone’s (cousin, PI and FBI)…read on and I dare you to want to CAMP IN THE WOODS, ever again! Whatever happened in AJ Rivers childhood and/or imagination the WOODS and camping are a scary, mysterious and DEADLY combination….See what Dean discovers after he finds himself bleeding, a corpse next to him and no memory of anything for over 12 hours….
October 29, 2024
Dean....
Another good mystery by A.J. Rivers.
Dan Steele has a tough time with this one. Seriously injured and with his memory lost again, he has to somehow sort things out and put the pieces together.
The characters in these books are so well written, they become like old friends. But I'm not sure it's really want to be Dean's friend, although I probably would somehow be. Dean isn't very friendly. He'd probably get along with people better, especially the police he should be working with, if he was a better communicator and talked to people with a little more respect. In this area, maybe he'll learn something from Xavier!
Another good mystery by A.J. Rivers.
Dan Steele has a tough time with this one. Seriously injured and with his memory lost again, he has to somehow sort things out and put the pieces together.
The characters in these books are so well written, they become like old friends. But I'm not sure it's really want to be Dean's friend, although I probably would somehow be. Dean isn't very friendly. He'd probably get along with people better, especially the police he should be working with, if he was a better communicator and talked to people with a little more respect. In this area, maybe he'll learn something from Xavier!
November 10, 2022
Great reading.
A.J. Rivers has never let me down, withher mysteries. Dean Steele has memory problems, since he was a teenager. This time he wakes up next to a dead woman. Did he kill her? With the police disbelieving his story and nothing to back him up, he wonders what went on? Where is the dead body? Can Dean remember things in time, not to be charged? Along with Dean, we get Xavier and his quirky ways, that seem to help Dean with his blackouts. A must read for anyone loving A.J. Rivers books about, Emma, Dean, and Xavier 's adventures.
A.J. Rivers has never let me down, withher mysteries. Dean Steele has memory problems, since he was a teenager. This time he wakes up next to a dead woman. Did he kill her? With the police disbelieving his story and nothing to back him up, he wonders what went on? Where is the dead body? Can Dean remember things in time, not to be charged? Along with Dean, we get Xavier and his quirky ways, that seem to help Dean with his blackouts. A must read for anyone loving A.J. Rivers books about, Emma, Dean, and Xavier 's adventures.
September 21, 2025
Everything is not as it seems.
What a convoluted plot! It's not who is guilty but maybe everyone is. Private investigator Dean Steele is on the case. This is a PI that has blackouts. And a very inconvenient one occurs while investigating a missing couple. Then the couple is not really missing;but one of them is dead. And Dean wakes up in the middle of a forest and doesn't know where he is. And to make it worse he's not alone. A woman's body is next to him! You have to love the plot twists and the methodical way every clue is discovered. Fun read.
What a convoluted plot! It's not who is guilty but maybe everyone is. Private investigator Dean Steele is on the case. This is a PI that has blackouts. And a very inconvenient one occurs while investigating a missing couple. Then the couple is not really missing;but one of them is dead. And Dean wakes up in the middle of a forest and doesn't know where he is. And to make it worse he's not alone. A woman's body is next to him! You have to love the plot twists and the methodical way every clue is discovered. Fun read.
October 20, 2022
Good story, but confusing
I love all of the books from this author. This was really good plot. Dean losing his memory and a body that disappears, it was interesting. The only problem I had was the ending. I don't understand why Dean was fighting with a person (I won't say who to spoil anything) in the woods. That part was confusing to me, the whole wrap up part. But a good read as always.
I love all of the books from this author. This was really good plot. Dean losing his memory and a body that disappears, it was interesting. The only problem I had was the ending. I don't understand why Dean was fighting with a person (I won't say who to spoil anything) in the woods. That part was confusing to me, the whole wrap up part. But a good read as always.
February 17, 2025
“The Woman in the Woods” delivers solid twists and turns, keeping the suspense engaging throughout. The mystery unfolds well, but some characters felt randomly introduced without contributing much to the plot—likely setting up for future books, but it made parts of the story feel a bit cluttered. Still, the intrigue and pacing were enough to keep me invested. A decent read for fans of the series, though not the strongest standalone installment.
March 28, 2025
Do y’all ever have to sit and think on a book before you know how you feel about it? That’s how I feel about this book. Were there pieces I liked? Yep. Were there pieces that felt forced? Absolutely. It ended on a cliffhanger and that wasn’t enough to make me want to dive into the next in the series, for what that’s worth. Solid 3 stars, and I don’t regret finishing it. But it was also predictable. I knew exactly who the bad guy was like halfway through … it’s just eh.
September 9, 2022
Another great read by A.J. Rivers. I really enjoyed getting involved in this case with Dean, Emma's cousin and Xavier. So many twists and turns it was impossible to predict what would happen next. I enjoy having Xavier in the story because with all of his oddities, he is an asset to the investigation.
September 26, 2022
Surprising ending
I had a hard time getting into this book, probably the whole first half. After that it started to get more interesting, with so many twists and turns it made it extremely difficult to figure out who the murderer was. What a surprising twist the ending was! Now I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next Dean Steele investigation!
I had a hard time getting into this book, probably the whole first half. After that it started to get more interesting, with so many twists and turns it made it extremely difficult to figure out who the murderer was. What a surprising twist the ending was! Now I’m hooked and can’t wait for the next Dean Steele investigation!
October 17, 2022
This is AJ Rivers’ best book yet! I’ve given 4 Stars to all her previous series, but her writing shows SO much improvement: strong characters, intricate plot, edge of your seat suspense. I literally stayed up all night reading!
Jane Nixon White, Author of The Colonel’s Lady: A World War II Memoir, Book I
Jane Nixon White, Author of The Colonel’s Lady: A World War II Memoir, Book I
November 23, 2022
Loved it!!
Its really great to finally get to know Dean Steele a little better and also Xavier as well. That was quite the adventure you wrote and I really enjoyed it. Lots of twists and turns and who done its in there. 🙂 I am anxious to see the next book. Love your writing. I've read all of your books and love them all. Thank you. Steve
Its really great to finally get to know Dean Steele a little better and also Xavier as well. That was quite the adventure you wrote and I really enjoyed it. Lots of twists and turns and who done its in there. 🙂 I am anxious to see the next book. Love your writing. I've read all of your books and love them all. Thank you. Steve
November 29, 2022
Excellent Book
This book is one of A J Rivers best. At first I thought it had too much explaining of things I didn’t find revenant to the book but the more I read the better it got. The twist and turns. Oh my this is a page turner it is one you don’t want to put down. The ending was one you didn’t see coming. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends
This book is one of A J Rivers best. At first I thought it had too much explaining of things I didn’t find revenant to the book but the more I read the better it got. The twist and turns. Oh my this is a page turner it is one you don’t want to put down. The ending was one you didn’t see coming. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends
December 9, 2022
Will keep you guessing...
Love A I'd writtings, this new series is a wonderful read! Kept me up to finish. Love Xavier character, really compliments Dean and is endearing in his outlook on life. Enjoy the way he thinks and explains his view on live life. Look forward to more Dean Steele books. Keep on writing A J, please!!
Love A I'd writtings, this new series is a wonderful read! Kept me up to finish. Love Xavier character, really compliments Dean and is endearing in his outlook on life. Enjoy the way he thinks and explains his view on live life. Look forward to more Dean Steele books. Keep on writing A J, please!!
February 14, 2023
Great Read
I enjoyed reading about Dean Steele,since u have read all of Emma Griffin FBI series. Dean Steele series are a continuation of Emma Griffin and I enjoyed her books. I can honestly say that the Dean Steele series have really kept me engrossed in the way A.J. Rivers keeps the reader wanting to read more. I can't wait until Book 2 of the Dean Steele , series comes out.
I enjoyed reading about Dean Steele,since u have read all of Emma Griffin FBI series. Dean Steele series are a continuation of Emma Griffin and I enjoyed her books. I can honestly say that the Dean Steele series have really kept me engrossed in the way A.J. Rivers keeps the reader wanting to read more. I can't wait until Book 2 of the Dean Steele , series comes out.
July 31, 2023
A woman ?
A PI is hired to find an employee and some money that have gone missing! The PI upon arrival at an area he got a lead on where they might be finds himself unconscious alone except for a body in a wooded area ! After finding help he ends up in a ER with the police!!
This case that which involved finding someone and the money has now become much more difficult!
A PI is hired to find an employee and some money that have gone missing! The PI upon arrival at an area he got a lead on where they might be finds himself unconscious alone except for a body in a wooded area ! After finding help he ends up in a ER with the police!!
This case that which involved finding someone and the money has now become much more difficult!
August 11, 2023
Wow! Great Beginning
A great start to the Dean Steele series. I love that characters from Emma’s series show up as well keeping it all connected. I’m so glad Xavier had more of a role too. I thought I’d figured it out near the end but certainly was not expecting that ending! Can’t wait to read the next one. Who is this Brielle?
A great start to the Dean Steele series. I love that characters from Emma’s series show up as well keeping it all connected. I’m so glad Xavier had more of a role too. I thought I’d figured it out near the end but certainly was not expecting that ending! Can’t wait to read the next one. Who is this Brielle?
August 19, 2023
Finally
I have finally read an A. J. Rivers book that didn't alternate between two, at first, unconnected people. I do love both Emma's and Ava's cases but the constantly alternating perspectives does slow things down. I'm glad Xavier and Emma are still connected in his stories as well.
I have finally read an A. J. Rivers book that didn't alternate between two, at first, unconnected people. I do love both Emma's and Ava's cases but the constantly alternating perspectives does slow things down. I'm glad Xavier and Emma are still connected in his stories as well.
November 13, 2023
Never guessed the ending
Good read. Not my favorite series but well written and entertaining. Recurring characters throughout the series which gives you a chance to feel you know them. Each book introduces some new players which gives you a chance to learn them too. Good series for lighter reading in between more intense reads.
Good read. Not my favorite series but well written and entertaining. Recurring characters throughout the series which gives you a chance to feel you know them. Each book introduces some new players which gives you a chance to learn them too. Good series for lighter reading in between more intense reads.
November 20, 2023
When You Don’t Remember….
What does a park, a campground, a
Kidnapping, a sleazy motel, a resort,
And a regular motel have in common? Why murder of course! And it just so happens the PI hired on for another matter falls into the investigation with a loss of memory!
It’s a giant puzzle he must solve on his own.
What does a park, a campground, a
Kidnapping, a sleazy motel, a resort,
And a regular motel have in common? Why murder of course! And it just so happens the PI hired on for another matter falls into the investigation with a loss of memory!
It’s a giant puzzle he must solve on his own.
February 8, 2024
I was determined to get through the book but it was
All over the place and poorly written making
It a difficult task. Task is the key word here and not
Enjoyable! Completely underwhelmed! My passion is reading and I love a good mystery but in my humble opinion you could choose a much better read!
All over the place and poorly written making
It a difficult task. Task is the key word here and not
Enjoyable! Completely underwhelmed! My passion is reading and I love a good mystery but in my humble opinion you could choose a much better read!
March 6, 2024
When I fall asleep too early every night - that tells me the book is not good enough to hold my attention.
I’ve read 2 other books by this author and enjoyed them both. There was a wackiness to this book - too much writing contributed nothing to
The storyline (my opinion). I was so happy when I finished it and could move on!
I’ve read 2 other books by this author and enjoyed them both. There was a wackiness to this book - too much writing contributed nothing to
The storyline (my opinion). I was so happy when I finished it and could move on!
July 31, 2024
Great Book, New Series!
I have read most of the books about this main character’s cousin, Emma. I was excited to see a new series involving Dean Steele. This story line did not disappoint! Several unique plot twists finally revealed “whodunnit” & why they did it- I wasn’t able to guess the ending, which is always fun! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I have read most of the books about this main character’s cousin, Emma. I was excited to see a new series involving Dean Steele. This story line did not disappoint! Several unique plot twists finally revealed “whodunnit” & why they did it- I wasn’t able to guess the ending, which is always fun! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
January 27, 2025
Premise 5⭐️
Writing 2⭐️
I was SO excited to read this one after so many 5 ⭐️ reviews but it was definitely lacking for me. The concept and story was fantastic, but the writing went down so many random thought processes and diatribes that were paragraphs long and had NOTHING to do with the storyline. I did a lot of skimming and this really could have been a novella.
Writing 2⭐️
I was SO excited to read this one after so many 5 ⭐️ reviews but it was definitely lacking for me. The concept and story was fantastic, but the writing went down so many random thought processes and diatribes that were paragraphs long and had NOTHING to do with the storyline. I did a lot of skimming and this really could have been a novella.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews