What a great start to a new series. I am so glad Irene is getting her own series. I loved her character & this story makes me love her more. The plot was interesting & fast-paced. The villain is fabulous and very unlikeable. I cannot wait for the next installment. Well done.

Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap
Irene Rivers #1

~ Excellent introduction to new series ~ Up till 2:30 this morning ~ Couldn’t put it down ~

What I liked:
* Irene Rivers: Ex-FBI Director, brought down corrupt US President and cronies, mother of two daughters and guardian of her nephew, private investigator & Lawyer, intelligent, quick, problem solver, loves her children, networks, intriguing
* Ashley Rivers: Irene’s daughter, 21, paralegal, independent, will she show up later?
* Kelly Rivers: Irene’s youngest daughter, 17, unhappy with the move, big part of the story
* Wyatt Gordon: Irene’s nephew, 12, orphan, a bit of a loner, wise, big part of the story
* Ruger: Wyatt’s black labrador, birthday gift from Irene, protective, active, wonderful
* The stories of Colin Franc & Mark Hamilton and how their stories were related to the crimes in the story.
*Venice: comuter wizard, works with Jonathan Graves, talented person to be able to call on
* Maryanne-pathologist and Marci-works in lab: friends, working together to save evidence, honest
* Billy-college graduate who works with Maryann on autopsies and wants to get into a job using his computer skills – hope to see him again
* Hank: wealthy, pilot, interesting, possible love-interest for Irene
* Amos Greencastle: Polie Chief, an upright man, helpful
* Judge Tuttle: makes a surprise visit at the end of the book that sets up what may take place next
* The intricate plot, impeccable pacing, setting in West Virginia, and excellent story telling
* That I was drawn in, cared about the characters, and felt part of the story
* That I could hate the bad guys and wish Karma’s wrath on all of them
* That I know there is another book on the way

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The degree of darkness, corruption, and evil in more than one character in the book and knowing that there are people as evil as those I this story

Did I Like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I've long been a fan of John Gilstrap. I especially enjoyed the Victoria Emerson series. Well, Burned Bridges is the follow up series with another strong female lead and it did not disappoint. The action was thrilling and the pace was fast and it was a quick and fun read. Also, I really liked the strong, well-drawn characters.

If you like lots of action, drama, and just a lot to think about, this one's for you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Burned Bridges is a master piece, so cool to see the author John Gilstrap take the one character from the Jonathan Graves series, who so needed her own series and then makes her so badass tough. Yup, I'm talking about Irene Rivers, such a great debut for a series, can't wait to see the author grow Sheriff Rivers, and see where this one goes.

The setting in West Virginia, oh so works, got a powerful corrupt family, owning politicians, law enforcement, even business's to look legit and sadly they under estimate Irene Rivers. Mix in her Kids, Ruger, a few characters just add to the story, strap yourself into your favorite reading chair and enjoy this hellacious read.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing, the author and netgalley for the review copy.

Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap is a fantastic new series featuring former FBI director Irene Rivers. Irene has moved to West Virginia with her daughter and nephew trying to stay under the radar. Irene is no longer the director of the FBI after taking down the former President of the United States. Some are happy with what she uncovered and some are so angry they might seek retribution. They're living on a farm and hoping no one notices them. One day Irene's nephew, Wyatt, finds the remains of a dead body when out four wheeling on the property. The evidence shows that the body has been there a long time and someone didn't want it found. Irene's family is in the spotlight and now begins receiving all kinds of threats.

A family has reached out to Irene as their teenage son is in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The evidence looks overwhelming, but they assure Irene their son didn't kill the young woman. Irene agrees to look into it and finds a lot of things that don't add up. There are many in this town with the same last name and a lot of them are in prominent positions. One phone call here and there and voila we have evidence against someone. Irene has taken down bad guys before, but is she up to a town full of them? Everything gets a bit too real when her family is attacked and an incident occurs in their home. Will Irene be able to find out who's behind the murdered body found on her property? Why are so many people being killed that are linked to the case? Why is Irene's family in danger when that's the last thing she wanted?

How will Irene be able to find the truth with so many wanting it hidden? Will Irene be able to lean on her old contacts at the FBI after burning so many bridges? Will Irene be able to get the innocent teenager out of prison? As Irene uncovers new evidence that is irrefutable, who can she trust with it? Will Irene be able to keep her family safe when this new evidence comes out? Burned Bridges is an explosive, edge of your seat thriller that I rate 5 stars. I think this is my first John Gilstrap book, but I can't wait to read the next in this series! The book is out now and should not be missed! Irene is a fantastic lead character and I can't wait to see what life brings her in the next book! I'd like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for an advanced copy of Burned Bridges in exchange for a fair review. #BurnedBridges

Their new start implodes when they become targets

Until recently Irene Rivers was the Director of the FBI, a hard-as-nails leader whose codename was Wolverine. When she uncovered corruption at the highest levels of government she didn't shy away from her duty and she ended up toppling the president himself, ending her own career in the process. Her actions remain highly controversial, she is either a hero or a traitor (people feel strongly one way or the other), and high levels of vitriol have been directed at her and the two children she is raising. She hoped that their move to a farm in West Virginia she inherited from her grandparents would help them all escape the fury in Washington DC and have a new start. Her teenaged daughter Kelly is not at all happy about the move (she isn't shy about showing her displeasure on a daily basis), and is not settling into her new school; her nephew Wyatt is a brilliant but unconventional 12 year old who is having his own shares of problems in school. Being connected with Irene Rivers is not earning them any points in their new town. Irene thought they could gain a measure of anonymity; instead, the skeletal remains of an unknown teenager are found stuck in a cave on her property which sets of a firestorm of public interest. She has also been approached by a local couple to act in her new capacity as a private investigator, to find proof that their son, recently arrested for the brutal murder of a teenage girl, didn't commit the crime of which he is accused. Local law enforcement has an overwhelming amount of evidence against the boy, but the parents insist that he is innocent and is being railroaded by the police. Irene reluctantly takes the case, and is troubled by what she finds. She doesn't have much support from her former colleagues, and the locals are downright hostile....and soon it is clear that she, Kelly and Wyatt's lives are in jeopardy. Can she keep her family safe and find justice for the wrongly imprisoned boy when the opposition seemingly holds all the cards?
Readers of author John Gilstrap's Jonathan Graves series know Irene Rivers well as a secondary character, one who believed in following the rules. Now that the system she led has turned on her, her attitude is changing. She's still tough as nails, but is juggling motherhood to two teenagers, starting up a new career and dealing with the continuing fallout from her final actions as FBI Director...add in a skeleton that appears to be a victim of foul play, a powerful local family that are corrupt and psychopaths (one of whom has decided that Kelly should be his girlfriend) and a compromised law enforcement community, and Irene more than has her hands full. As the plot unfolds, she has multiple balls in the air and knows that if she drops any of them her whole family will suffer. Its a page-turner that grips the reader from page one and doesn't let go, introducing some new characters (with a brief cameo by Venice from the Jonathan Graves books) while letting Irene evolve in her new roles. Fans of the original series will enjoy this spin-off, the first in what promises to be a new series, as will readers of Karin Slaughter, Lisa Gardner and Meg Gardiner. If you like your female protagonists strong, resilient and determined, you'll like Irene Rivers. My thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for allowing me access to this intriguing novel in exchange for my honest review...I eagerly anticipate the next in the series.

Burned Bridges is the first book in a new series from John Gilstrap.

"Former FBI Director Irene Rivers has left the Agency after the fallout from exposing corruption at the highest levels of government. She takes her kids to the farm that belonged to her grandparents in the panhandle of WV. The trouble starts when her 12-year-old nephew finds a body on the property. The problem is that there are people that don't want this body identified. And they're willing to do whatever it takes to keep this secret."

Gilstrap fans will recognize Irene from the Jonathan Grave series (code name - Wolverine) According to the author notes, she first appeared in At All Costs - Gilstrap's second book - as a young FBI agent. This book has the feel of a Reacher book - small town, a corrupt family in charge, no one willing to stand up to them. When they poke the bear that is Irene Rivers they get more than they bargained for. Irene has resources they can't imagine and she will do everything to protect her family. There are many wild moments and lots of story tension. There's an explosive ending. And one big twist at the end that lets you know we'll see more of Irene Rivers.

Great action-thriller from Gilstrap. Great book for an escape to the beach.

This is the first book in a new series for John Gilstrap. He is a great thriller author and I always reach for his books when I get the chance.

Description:
She thought she and her loved ones would be safe here. The lovely farm nestled in the heart of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle looks like the perfect refuge from the backstabbing maelstrom of DC politics. But this seemingly peaceful new home is anything but safe for former FBI director Rivers and her children.

Troubles begin when Irene’s 12-year-old nephew finds a dead body in a cave on the property. Grim evidence points to a long-ago murder and cover-up. Powerful forces will do anything—including kill again—to protect their interests. Soon Irene’s family is the target of the kinds of threats and intimidation she’s seen before from major crime syndicates . . . but this time, the enemy determined to tear them down is homegrown.

Then comes the attack she most fears. With everything she cares about at risk and an impossible deadline looming, Irene knows she won’t get any help from the local police force. And she’s burned too many bridges in Washington to get help from the FBI. This time, Irene Rivers is on her own.

Packed with nail-biting suspense, gripping drama, and searing intrigue, Burned Bridges takes readers into a compelling world of unseen dangers and unexpected heroes.

My Thoughts:
This series is definitely going to be a big hit for Joh Gilstrap. Former FBI Director Irene Rivers is a great character with her no-nonsense personality and distinct style. She's just formidable. After taking down a president and a bunch of leaders, her plan for a peaceful existence in West Virginia was blown up with a series of events that began with finding a body on her property. This led to a much wider problem that was full of action and violence. There is definitely lots of action and lots of tension in this book. It is a complex mystery with many facets to piece together. Irene and her family are great characters. The Rutledge family is just evil to the core. Thriller lovers are going to love this book!

Thanks to Kensington Publishing through Netgalley for an advance copy.

This new series features Irene Rivers, former FBI director, who has been through the wringer and has moved to West Virginia to put her family first. She's hoping for a quiet life and plans to work as a private investigator. Unfortunately, what she finds is anything but peace and quiet. And it all starts when a dead body is found on her property.

This is a new-to-me author and I was totally hooked on this story. Irene is a strong female character who has years of experience that serve her well as she navigates the corruption she finds not only in the small community where she lives but also in an unexpected place. At times it's hard to tell whether a character is good or bad as there are so many involved in covering up the corruption. Then there's the challenges her kids face in the modern day of the internet. I loved the multiple layers to the story, the fast-paced action, the danger, and various characters. I can't wait for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Burned Bridges is the first in a new series by John Gilstrap, featuring former FBI director Irene Rivers, featured in the Jonathan Grave series.

Rivers has left the FBI and people are split on whether she is a hero or a traitor. She and her family move to inherited family land in West Virginia, where she hopes for a quieter life. That is bit to be as her nephew finds a long-dead body on their land. Soon she also finds herself pulled into an investigation as a private investigator. But corruption in this West Virginia county runs deep, and powerful people want the truths to stay hidden.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced, action packed mystery! Irene is a strong character, and I look forward to reading more books in this series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to the authors in a, the publisher, and Netgalley.

If you enjoy an action-packed and suspenseful crime thriller with a strong main female protagonist, then look no further than Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap. It’s the first novel in a new series featuring former FBI director Irene Rivers. She has moved to West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle in Jenkins County with her daughter Kelly and nephew Wyatt. She thought they would be safe on her grandparents’ farm she had inherited. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Troubles start when Wyatt finds a dead body on the property and evidence points to a long-ago murder and cover-up. Powerful individuals will do anything to protect their interests. Soon Irene and her family are targeted by threats and intimidation followed by attacks. Irene’s plans to care for and protect her family becomes harder than anything she’s experienced before now.

Irene had prioritized her career in the past, but she now worries that in saving the country she loves, she may have hurt the family she loved at least as much. She’s courageous, versatile, and trying to do the right thing for Kelly and Wyatt. She always seeks justice versus grandstanding and casting blame. Kelly didn’t want to leave their old house and her friends and is taking a lot of criticism for what Irene did in her role as FBI director. Wyatt likes to read, but isn’t into looking for the symbolism in classics. While he enjoys reading, he is struggling with mathematics. He loves to explore the family property with this dog Ruger. He likes being around other people and listening to what they have to say, but he prefers to not share his opinions.

As in other Gilstrap novels, the first chapter grabbed my attention. It’s chilling, with a scene from 35 years ago. And after shifting to the present day, it is still intense, emotional, and suspenseful. Gilstrap is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action. This kept me engaged throughout the book. As usual, his expertise in weaponry is shown during the action scenes. There are a couple of subplots that add complexity, twists, and depth to the story. The author has weaved another page-turning installment involving corrupt officials, lawbreakers, greed, power, murder, intimidation, blackmail, family, cover-ups, and violence. I thought it was profound how the author depicted both bravery and loyalty throughout the story. The ending was spectacular and provides a thread for the next book in the series.

Overall, this is a powerful, emotional, intense, and riveting novel with great characterization, a solid mystery, and it’s a strong start to the series. Readers familiar with the author’s Jonathan Grave series will remember that Irene is a recurring and supporting character in those novels. Those who like Gilstrap’s novels, crime thrillers, and novels with strong female lead characters will likely enjoy this series.

Kensington Publishing and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.

Irene Rivers is a bad-ass. She was when she first appeared and that hasn’t changed. She can’t do everything Jonathan Grave can backwards and in heels, but that’s because she doesn’t wear heels. I thoroughly enjoyed this start to a series of her own and look forward to seeing how she handles the fallout from this story as it progresses!

Start this book early in the day or be prepared to read until dawn, Burned Bridges is just that good.

Irene Rivers, a character from the Jonathan Grave series, is the former head of the FBI who took down the President of the US for corruption. After being fired from her job, she retreats to her grandparents property in West Virginia to build a new life outside the D.C. area. As they settle into the community, things are not what they seem.

A young boy framed for the murder of a female classmate, a body that is found on Irene's property, a murdered pathologist, and the possibility of a love interest for Ms. Rivers. So much going on!

There are twists and turns around every corner and you can't be sure who the good guys or the bad guys are. The writing is fabulous and the story keeps you on the edge of your seat as the book progresses. A very satisfying mystery/thriller. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait for the next!

I really wanted to like this but without Jonathan Graves as the protagonist, I was skeptical. I became more skeptical as the beginning of the story was SLOOOW and I could not get into the plot. At 33% I was about to make this a DNF but out of respect for the author ( I’ve loved all of his books thus far) I kept on for a bit more… then BOOM! The two seemingly unrelated storyline’s ( and a 3rd subplot) gelled and the unique plot picked up speed , intensity, and excitement. It was an electrifying read! Better yet, former FBI Director Irene Rivers (finally);found her footing and nailed her spot as a bad ass, even though she wanted to lead a quiet, reclusive, private life in retirement, I am thrilled how her character transformed. The climax was absolutely riveting and the denouement set the stage for a sequel! The dialogue, character development and plot were pitch perfect ( after I got past the beginning lull). Bravo, Mr, Gilstrap! I’m so glad Irene Rivers is alive and well… and definitely NOT retired! I look forward to the next installment!

As a long time fan of John Gilstrap's Jonathan Graves series, I was thrilled find a key character from that book get her own series. Like the Jonathan Graves series, the characters are well developed, the action is non stop and the pacing is impeccable. I couldn't put it down and read it straight through in one day. As an added bonus one of my favorite characters from the Jonathan Graves series makes a cameo appearance. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an advanced reader copy.

This was my first John Gilstrap and it won't be my last - I can't wait for the next in the Irene Rivers series!

From the blurb I feared this would be a stereotypical "small place tyrant" plot, but this is rather a book about a strong female who fights all the way. As should be, she also gets help from normal, good people. Very entertaining, great characters, easy to read, and a good start for a new series.

Another electrifying book by John Gilstrap.
Irene Rivers is trying to live her life with her family. She thought they were safe until a decomposed body is found on her property. Now she’s up to her eyeballs in an old kidnapping case and about to run head long into the areas most corrupt family. No one is safe, not her not her family. The end explosive
This is going to be another must read series.

Thank you #netgalley #kensington for this ARC

Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap is on fire with tons of action, bad guys who are supposed to be good guys, trained gunfighters, family protectors, and tech-savvy saboteurs. The story starts with finding a long-buried body and races non-stop through crime to crime from there.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

This is my first John Gilstrap novel and I'm already adding his previous books to my TBR pile. I really enjoyed this suspense/mystery starring former FBI director Irene Rivers. She is a force to be reckoned with!. After joining forces with some strong supporting characters, she unravels multiple mysteries involving local townspeople and her own daughter. The pace was appropriate and the writing was great. I sped through this book and did not want to put it down. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.