Books
Check again for more updates about her upcoming book, All the Hidden Pieces.
Coming August 25, 2026!
When Julia Chandler’s husband dies in a late-night car crash, grief and betrayal drive her to do something impulsive: hike all 2,190 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Joined by three of her oldest friends, each carrying secrets of their own, Julia sets out to rediscover herself. What begins as an escape soon becomes a test of endurance, courage, and trust. As the friends tackle brutal climbs, raging storms, and dangerous wildlife encounters, they begin to shed the layers of guilt, fear, and regret that have long defined them. But when a heart-stopping accident occurs on the trail, their strength and courage are pushed to the next level. From Georgia to Maine, each mile strips away secrets and forces them to face the truths they’ve buried for years. An emotional, heart-pounding story about the unbreakable bonds that carry us through life’s roughest miles and the transformative power of nature. All the Hidden Pieces is a heartfelt story about friendship, resilience, and the power of starting over. A perfect choice for book clubs, it invites readers to reflect on the hidden pieces we all carry and the beauty of finding wholeness again.

All the Hidden Pieces

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About Thriller Author Dana Ridenour

Dana Ridenour is a distinguished retired FBI agent turned novelist based in Beaufort, SC. Drawing on her experience as an undercover operative, she creates tightly plotted, emotionally resonant fiction. Her books, especially the Lexie Montgomery FBI Undercover Series, are must-reads for literary thriller enthusiasts who value both realism and suspense.

Previous Literary Works

As the Lexie Montgomery FBI Undercover author, Dana has captivated thriller enthusiasts with notable series entries such as “Behind the Mask”, “Beyond the Cabin”, and “Below the Radar”. These gripping FBI undercover novels showcase her ability to blend procedural detail with tense, character-driven stakes.

Her Journey to Becoming an FBI Author

Dana’s path from FBI agent to FBI author began with a lifelong love of writing. This passion was encouraged by her mother, whose love for books inspired Dana from a young age. She had a habit of journaling her FBI experiences, which eventually formed the basis of her FBI undercover novels. Her literary influences also include great Southern authors like Pat Conroy and Dorothea Benton Frank.

Personal Life

Thriller Author Dana Ridenour lives in Beaufort, SC, with her husband. There, she continues to work on her newest novel, All the Hidden Pieces.