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Emma Griffin Retro #3
The Girl and the Christmas Past
‘Twas the night before Christmas, while all of Sherwood were asleep, something sinister and unexpected came out to play...
The most wonderful time of the year is here!
And at Trinity Pointe Amusement Park all are welcomed.
From Santa’s Village to the dazzling lights, and the smell of the delicious holiday treats emanating through the air.
The merry and festive spirit could be felt at every turn.
But all isn’t merry as the darkness of the park’s past looms over the laughter and joy.
The park’s unsolved mystery from 6 years ago has left eternal scars for three families.
To this day no one could make sense of the senseless violence.
Some believe that after such horror the park should never have been reopened.
And when a string of park break ins and cryptic messages turn into another nightmare scenario.
It seems as though the critics may be right as history is bent on repeating itself, and FBI agent Emma Griffin comes face to face with the horror of Trinity's Holiday Past.
Come one and come all for the Christmas surprise you'll never forget!
The most wonderful time of the year is here!
And at Trinity Pointe Amusement Park all are welcomed.
From Santa’s Village to the dazzling lights, and the smell of the delicious holiday treats emanating through the air.
The merry and festive spirit could be felt at every turn.
But all isn’t merry as the darkness of the park’s past looms over the laughter and joy.
The park’s unsolved mystery from 6 years ago has left eternal scars for three families.
To this day no one could make sense of the senseless violence.
Some believe that after such horror the park should never have been reopened.
And when a string of park break ins and cryptic messages turn into another nightmare scenario.
It seems as though the critics may be right as history is bent on repeating itself, and FBI agent Emma Griffin comes face to face with the horror of Trinity's Holiday Past.
Come one and come all for the Christmas surprise you'll never forget!
199 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2022
412 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 25, 2022
This book was boring. It's on my DNF. I tried and after 75 pages and not even dealing with the crime, but going into great detail about christmas shopping and decorating I just couldn't continue. I tried to stay with it, but the author is taking way too long to deal with what happened at the amusement park and the three teenagers. I don't plan to read another book by this author. Just horrible.
December 29, 2022
Again, A. J. Has produced a stupendous read. Her books get better and better all the time. When a closed amusement park had a special holiday opening, some people are thrilled and others are skeptical. Many can’t forget the horror that occurred there years ago. When history repeats itself, Emma can’t help but get involved in the investigation. A Christmas themed book not like most, so get ready for mystery and horror!
December 23, 2022
Ugh. Why do I keep letting myself forget what I really dislike about this series?? And what I really dislike is Xavier. I don't think he's clever, funny or endearing. I simply find him irritating as h*ll. I end up skimming through all the dialog where he's included, as well as all the lengthy ruminations by Emma on his qualities. The only thing that accomplishes is to overshadow the actual storyline to the point where the book - sooner rather than later - joins my "DNF" pile. As did this one. No more Emma books for me.
December 25, 2022
The Girl and the Christmas Past (Emma Griffin FBI Mystery Retro- Limited Series Book 3)
OMG!!!!!!!!! I loved this book. It is kind of sad that the murders had to happen in Xavier's most happy place. I did finally get some answers about what happened in the amusement park 6 years before. I really didn't know who the murderer was until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book.
OMG!!!!!!!!! I loved this book. It is kind of sad that the murders had to happen in Xavier's most happy place. I did finally get some answers about what happened in the amusement park 6 years before. I really didn't know who the murderer was until the very end. I can't wait to read the next book.
December 27, 2022
home sweet home
I feel happiest back in Emma, Xavier, Sam, and Dean’s world than in any other book series I’ve read - no matter what timeframe they’re set in or what they’re doing, as long as this motley crew is involved I’m guaranteed to read it in under 24 hours. I’m just waiting for the time when I’ve forgotten enough of the original series to reread it all again :) Thank you A.J. Rivers!
I feel happiest back in Emma, Xavier, Sam, and Dean’s world than in any other book series I’ve read - no matter what timeframe they’re set in or what they’re doing, as long as this motley crew is involved I’m guaranteed to read it in under 24 hours. I’m just waiting for the time when I’ve forgotten enough of the original series to reread it all again :) Thank you A.J. Rivers!
December 23, 2022
This is the latest book in the special Emma Griffin series. It's wonderful, and I can't help but think how much like the previous book at the mall it was, and the mall is even mentioned in it. Despite Emma's enormous talent as an agent, this truly is a group effort. Sam, Dean, and Xavier all play parts in the events, both the case as well as their personal lives. I really enjoy the mix of a new case and the ongoing story showing us more of each character. The story is always unique and interesting. AJ Rivers is a talented writer that tells a good story with both well written characters and descriptive settings. The amusement park setting was perfect for this series.
January 14, 2023
this was the most different of the retro stories
The mystery seemed at a remove from Emma and Sam, and more an exploration of Emma’s inner life and ponderings.
After the stark horror of the prior installment, this on was muted, and somehow the characters were all in soft focus. Not a bad thing, just different. Interesting.
The mystery seemed at a remove from Emma and Sam, and more an exploration of Emma’s inner life and ponderings.
After the stark horror of the prior installment, this on was muted, and somehow the characters were all in soft focus. Not a bad thing, just different. Interesting.
February 20, 2023
Another that I couldn't put down
I absolutely love this series. I was definitely a little let down, at first, when I realized it was going to be another "it happened again!" story BUT the twists were ones that I didn't see coming. Now, I'm onto the final book of the series and I'm so sad its ending but I can't wait to see what this story holds.
I absolutely love this series. I was definitely a little let down, at first, when I realized it was going to be another "it happened again!" story BUT the twists were ones that I didn't see coming. Now, I'm onto the final book of the series and I'm so sad its ending but I can't wait to see what this story holds.
March 2, 2023
As with all the books in all the emma griffin series this one was wonderful. However I’m extremely confused by the dates.
I was under the impression the entire series took place in modern day however with this book the original murders took place in 1978 and then present day in the book was 1984. It doesn’t make sense.
I was under the impression the entire series took place in modern day however with this book the original murders took place in 1978 and then present day in the book was 1984. It doesn’t make sense.
March 4, 2023
Another great book
As always, I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoy getting together with the characters and seeing what is happening in their lives. Once again I had to force myself to quit reading and getting some sleep! I am ready to go to the next book. I hope A.J. Rivers never quits writing.
As always, I really enjoyed this book. I really enjoy getting together with the characters and seeing what is happening in their lives. Once again I had to force myself to quit reading and getting some sleep! I am ready to go to the next book. I hope A.J. Rivers never quits writing.
January 13, 2024
Another great read
This one was a bit harder to get into at first, but once the pieces started fitting together it was just as good as the others. Absolutely adored the ending. I love the family dynamics and how they all blend so well together. It's truly heartwarming and I'm living vicariously through Emma Griffin.
This one was a bit harder to get into at first, but once the pieces started fitting together it was just as good as the others. Absolutely adored the ending. I love the family dynamics and how they all blend so well together. It's truly heartwarming and I'm living vicariously through Emma Griffin.
September 25, 2024
BEAUTIFUL!!!
This story was one of the best so far! The plot was well written and portrayed beautifully. The ending, however, was absolutely priceless! I will be remembering this entire story for a long time to come. It has many similarities to my own life--maybe why it resonates so strongly for me. Anyway..... Am looking forward to the next installment to Emma, et al!!
This story was one of the best so far! The plot was well written and portrayed beautifully. The ending, however, was absolutely priceless! I will be remembering this entire story for a long time to come. It has many similarities to my own life--maybe why it resonates so strongly for me. Anyway..... Am looking forward to the next installment to Emma, et al!!
June 16, 2025
Good read but..
I love the Emma Griffin series however I don’t understand the retro series, it is like she was in a time travel machine and went back to the eighties when none of her other stories take place in the eighties. Very weird.. Also they forgot the ending, did Jeremy get arrested for all the murders? And what happened to Michaels brother? Missing pieces…
I love the Emma Griffin series however I don’t understand the retro series, it is like she was in a time travel machine and went back to the eighties when none of her other stories take place in the eighties. Very weird.. Also they forgot the ending, did Jeremy get arrested for all the murders? And what happened to Michaels brother? Missing pieces…
July 7, 2025
Unbelievable
I wasn’t completely sure where this was going to go, I just know each time I came to read the story revealed more and more. Once things came together and the big reveal happened Emma took me on an emotional journey, but in a really sweet way I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did.
I wasn’t completely sure where this was going to go, I just know each time I came to read the story revealed more and more. Once things came together and the big reveal happened Emma took me on an emotional journey, but in a really sweet way I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did.
December 20, 2022
Great series!
There's Emma Griffin books and retro Emma Griffin books, and I love them all. And this holiday themed book is one of the best. Can't wait for the next one, or the next regular EG, or Ava, or Dean book. I'm hooked!
There's Emma Griffin books and retro Emma Griffin books, and I love them all. And this holiday themed book is one of the best. Can't wait for the next one, or the next regular EG, or Ava, or Dean book. I'm hooked!
December 28, 2022
Great story! I love how Christmas is sprinkled in
I was looking forward to reading this book during the Christmas holidays and it t didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed learning more about the central characters in this series. I’m excited to read more books by A. J. Rivers 🎄
I was looking forward to reading this book during the Christmas holidays and it t didn’t disappoint. I enjoyed learning more about the central characters in this series. I’m excited to read more books by A. J. Rivers 🎄
February 6, 2023
Love Emma’s stories
I am blown away by how well Ms Rivers writes Emma’s thought process to solve a case, all while being present to those she loves. Emma and Sam can solve cases better than anything and it’s amazing to read through how they get there.
I am blown away by how well Ms Rivers writes Emma’s thought process to solve a case, all while being present to those she loves. Emma and Sam can solve cases better than anything and it’s amazing to read through how they get there.
February 26, 2023
LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!
This was a great book!! I really enjoy this “Retro” stories. I started with these Emma Griffin books first and will start reading the other ones after this series. FANTASTIC AUTHOR!!
This was a great book!! I really enjoy this “Retro” stories. I started with these Emma Griffin books first and will start reading the other ones after this series. FANTASTIC AUTHOR!!
March 6, 2023
It was slow in the beginning.
While the opening was eventful, the story took awhile to come together. In the end, the author brought some deep thoughts about living and embracing ones life.
While the opening was eventful, the story took awhile to come together. In the end, the author brought some deep thoughts about living and embracing ones life.
April 23, 2023
Great Read
I found this author on Kindle Unlimited and immediately fell in love with the writing and characters. As soon as I finish one book, I start the next one. They are a quick one day read and she has back stories that pull you in.
I found this author on Kindle Unlimited and immediately fell in love with the writing and characters. As soon as I finish one book, I start the next one. They are a quick one day read and she has back stories that pull you in.
May 2, 2023
Meh
The ending. This is a retro book and the ending should be in the current books.
The rest of the book was good but the ending is HIGHLY disappointing. Hopefully it can transition from 1984 to current.
The ending. This is a retro book and the ending should be in the current books.
The rest of the book was good but the ending is HIGHLY disappointing. Hopefully it can transition from 1984 to current.
June 6, 2023
I love reading books from this author
This author is very good at describing the characters and keep you guessing who could be the killer. I highly recommend if you like crime books
This author is very good at describing the characters and keep you guessing who could be the killer. I highly recommend if you like crime books
June 10, 2023
The Girl and the Christmas Past
Another great read in this series!!! I love the story & really get into trying to solve the crime s…. Looking forward to the next book in this series…
Another great read in this series!!! I love the story & really get into trying to solve the crime s…. Looking forward to the next book in this series…
July 24, 2023
weird ending!
For the first time after I have read all of your Emma Griffin books, the ending left me wondering. Was Jeremy arrested? Did Michael actually die and was that why Garrison did these things?
For the first time after I have read all of your Emma Griffin books, the ending left me wondering. Was Jeremy arrested? Did Michael actually die and was that why Garrison did these things?
October 20, 2023
Excellent!
Six years ago, a tragedy occurred at an amusement park in a neighboring town, which caused it to shut down. The new owners have decided to reopen the park at Christmas time, but no one expected evil to return.
Six years ago, a tragedy occurred at an amusement park in a neighboring town, which caused it to shut down. The new owners have decided to reopen the park at Christmas time, but no one expected evil to return.
November 30, 2023
Great story
Great story with twists, turns, love and.Family. Try to.figure out the maze, go forward and get stuck only to realize you need to turn around and head in another direction.
Great story with twists, turns, love and.Family. Try to.figure out the maze, go forward and get stuck only to realize you need to turn around and head in another direction.
December 21, 2022
This was a fantastic story with Emma and her family finding out what happen. I love your stories, they are outstanding. Thank you.
December 22, 2022
Great story!
What an interesting and intriguing story! I was able to predict the end, but still enjoyed reading the journey to get there!
What an interesting and intriguing story! I was able to predict the end, but still enjoyed reading the journey to get there!
December 27, 2022
Awesome
Great story!! Quite the mystery and definitely a story from the past. Another great Emma Griffin mystery. Loved it. 🙂
Great story!! Quite the mystery and definitely a story from the past. Another great Emma Griffin mystery. Loved it. 🙂
December 30, 2022
Great read
I have to admit that the first book was hard for me with the retro theme, but this book was really good. I hope this isn't the end of the Emma Griffin series.
I have to admit that the first book was hard for me with the retro theme, but this book was really good. I hope this isn't the end of the Emma Griffin series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews