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Maddie Castle #5
Smoldering Lies
In the ashes of the past, a mystery burns.In the gripping world of Maddie Castle, every fire ignites a deeper mystery. When community developer Brandon Adams faces a series of arson attacks, he enlists Maddie's help, unaware that the flames are just the beginning of a much larger intrigue.
As Maddie delves into the case, she uncovers a web of environmental activism, strained family ties, and hidden agendas. But the closer Maddie gets to the truth, the more dangerous her path becomes.
Caught in a maze of betrayal and corruption, Maddie must navigate through this perilous journey, where every clue leads to more questions.
Will she uncover the arsonist's identity, or will the flames of truth consume everything she holds dear? Join Maddie and Tempest in this thrilling tale of mystery, family secrets, and a quest for justice that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
As Maddie delves into the case, she uncovers a web of environmental activism, strained family ties, and hidden agendas. But the closer Maddie gets to the truth, the more dangerous her path becomes.
Caught in a maze of betrayal and corruption, Maddie must navigate through this perilous journey, where every clue leads to more questions.
Will she uncover the arsonist's identity, or will the flames of truth consume everything she holds dear? Join Maddie and Tempest in this thrilling tale of mystery, family secrets, and a quest for justice that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2024
About the author
L.T. Ryan
234 books1,558 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 12, 2026
I cracked this book open and immediately felt like Maddie Castle was standing in the ashes of someone’s very bad decisions, staring at the flames like, “Of course. Of COURSE this is my problem today.”
Brandon Adams comes running to Maddie because someone is setting fires like they’re trying to win a gold medal in arson. But sweetheart… the moment Maddie steps into this case, it becomes painfully clear that the fires are just the opening act. Behind the smoke?
Environmental activism.
Family drama.
Corruption thick enough to spread on toast.
A web of secrets so tangled even Tempest would struggle to track it.
And Maddie?
She’s brittle, brilliant, traumatised, stubborn, and absolutely incapable of walking away from a mystery — even when the universe is screaming at her to take a nap and maybe a sabbatical.
Every clue she uncovers leads to something worse.
Every suspect is hiding something rancid.
Every conversation feels like someone is tightening a bolt on a trap she hasn’t noticed yet.
The environmental activists?
Sweetheart, they’re giving “morally righteous but also deeply unhinged.”
The family ties?
Frayed.
Snapping.
Holding secrets like live grenades.
The agendas?
Hidden under layers of lies so thick you’d need a shovel and a therapist to get through them.
And Maddie’s path?
Dangerous.
Increasingly so.
The kind of dangerous where you start mentally preparing Tempest’s emotional support snacks.
She’s navigating betrayal, corruption, and a maze of people who absolutely do NOT want her finding the truth. And the deeper she goes, the more it feels like someone is watching her — waiting — hoping she slips.
This case isn’t just about arson.
It’s about power.
Control.
Revenge.
Secrets that burn hotter than the fires themselves.
And sweetheart… the tension?
Immaculate.
The stakes?
Sharp enough to cut.
The danger?
Escalating like the villain is trying to outdo every previous Maddie Castle book.
Tempest is a star, obviously — loyal, clever, and the only creature in this series with a functioning sense of self‑preservation.
Maddie is fighting shadows, lies, and her own trauma while trying to keep innocent people alive. She’s exhausted, furious, determined, and absolutely refusing to break — even when the truth threatens to swallow her whole.
A 4‑star read — atmospheric, dangerous, tangled, and dripping with that signature Maddie Castle flavour where every clue hurts, every suspect lies, and every fire reveals something worse. Arson, activism, corruption, family secrets, and Maddie running headfirst into danger?
A whole chaotic meal.
Brandon Adams comes running to Maddie because someone is setting fires like they’re trying to win a gold medal in arson. But sweetheart… the moment Maddie steps into this case, it becomes painfully clear that the fires are just the opening act. Behind the smoke?
Environmental activism.
Family drama.
Corruption thick enough to spread on toast.
A web of secrets so tangled even Tempest would struggle to track it.
And Maddie?
She’s brittle, brilliant, traumatised, stubborn, and absolutely incapable of walking away from a mystery — even when the universe is screaming at her to take a nap and maybe a sabbatical.
Every clue she uncovers leads to something worse.
Every suspect is hiding something rancid.
Every conversation feels like someone is tightening a bolt on a trap she hasn’t noticed yet.
The environmental activists?
Sweetheart, they’re giving “morally righteous but also deeply unhinged.”
The family ties?
Frayed.
Snapping.
Holding secrets like live grenades.
The agendas?
Hidden under layers of lies so thick you’d need a shovel and a therapist to get through them.
And Maddie’s path?
Dangerous.
Increasingly so.
The kind of dangerous where you start mentally preparing Tempest’s emotional support snacks.
She’s navigating betrayal, corruption, and a maze of people who absolutely do NOT want her finding the truth. And the deeper she goes, the more it feels like someone is watching her — waiting — hoping she slips.
This case isn’t just about arson.
It’s about power.
Control.
Revenge.
Secrets that burn hotter than the fires themselves.
And sweetheart… the tension?
Immaculate.
The stakes?
Sharp enough to cut.
The danger?
Escalating like the villain is trying to outdo every previous Maddie Castle book.
Tempest is a star, obviously — loyal, clever, and the only creature in this series with a functioning sense of self‑preservation.
Maddie is fighting shadows, lies, and her own trauma while trying to keep innocent people alive. She’s exhausted, furious, determined, and absolutely refusing to break — even when the truth threatens to swallow her whole.
A 4‑star read — atmospheric, dangerous, tangled, and dripping with that signature Maddie Castle flavour where every clue hurts, every suspect lies, and every fire reveals something worse. Arson, activism, corruption, family secrets, and Maddie running headfirst into danger?
A whole chaotic meal.
July 29, 2025
It's day 3 of reading through this series and I just finished Book 5. Unfortunately, I am done for a while.
I was really looking forward to the resolution of the Daisy storyline, but after another cliffhanger, I'm getting the feeling that the author is going to string this along indefinitely while throwing in a mystery in each book to run parallel. After 3 books of Daisy-teasing, I really don't care anymore about what happened/happens to her, and that's sad.
Grace has become a real brat. I'm not sure if she's supposed to make me feel like she's empowered by her "wisdom beyond her years" and bad experiences, but at this point I don't like her at all. Bentley feels like someone who is just there to drag around when we need another character in the scene. Now that Sam is a regular, Bentley feels superfluous. Thankfully Ox is finally becoming a distant memory. I enjoyed the brief reappearance of Simeon Gunn. He's always an entertaining, multi-dimensional criminal fellow.
Tempest? Oh yeah, she's in this. Barely. The "mystery" of who is setting some rich man's properties on fire is probably the most boring mystery yet. Who cares? And when the rich guy fires Maddie, she still is digging into it like someone actually DOES care, but we're only forced to marginally care because Maddie and Tempest, while being reckless, almost die in a building fire. Snore.
When this ended with yet ANOTHER Daisy cliffhanger, I decided to call it quits. I just don't enjoy any of these characters anymore and don't care what happens to them. Sam, and the new "ethical hacker" character, are the most interesting. I'd love to see them team up with Simeon Gunn in a spinoff and leave the rest of these other dull, repetitive characters behind.
I was really looking forward to the resolution of the Daisy storyline, but after another cliffhanger, I'm getting the feeling that the author is going to string this along indefinitely while throwing in a mystery in each book to run parallel. After 3 books of Daisy-teasing, I really don't care anymore about what happened/happens to her, and that's sad.
Grace has become a real brat. I'm not sure if she's supposed to make me feel like she's empowered by her "wisdom beyond her years" and bad experiences, but at this point I don't like her at all. Bentley feels like someone who is just there to drag around when we need another character in the scene. Now that Sam is a regular, Bentley feels superfluous. Thankfully Ox is finally becoming a distant memory. I enjoyed the brief reappearance of Simeon Gunn. He's always an entertaining, multi-dimensional criminal fellow.
Tempest? Oh yeah, she's in this. Barely. The "mystery" of who is setting some rich man's properties on fire is probably the most boring mystery yet. Who cares? And when the rich guy fires Maddie, she still is digging into it like someone actually DOES care, but we're only forced to marginally care because Maddie and Tempest, while being reckless, almost die in a building fire. Snore.
When this ended with yet ANOTHER Daisy cliffhanger, I decided to call it quits. I just don't enjoy any of these characters anymore and don't care what happens to them. Sam, and the new "ethical hacker" character, are the most interesting. I'd love to see them team up with Simeon Gunn in a spinoff and leave the rest of these other dull, repetitive characters behind.
April 27, 2025
This Maddie Castle Series gets Better with each new Book
The first 2 books were about theese druggies who lived in a trailer park. It was hard to get past the main character being a drug addict and, like most of the main characters in L.T. Ryan's books, Maddie, is her own worst enemy. But the books started getting a bit more interesting by book 3, and she started making some progress towards being a character most American readers can sympathize with. By book 3, she faces Not onlly torture and aall that death and finally catches the narcissistic serial killer, who she had shot and kept out of killing for several years, who shot her and ruined her knee so that she is in chronic pain. Her old best friend, from grade school through high school, returns and helps her learn to better deal with the constant pain qnd by loving her helps her feel better about herself and by the time of this story is much more connected and has a more normal life than ever before in her life. As the daughter of a mean and cruel drug addict who was so self focused that she was cruel to Maddie or Mad Dog, as the locals have called her sense she was atoddler, because she was so intense and naturally a bit crazed by her desire for real justice.
By book 5, her dad has come back into her life, and she is in a love relationship with her old pal and is g9od friends with his 14-year-old daughter Grace. Additionally, thanks to her ex leaving her half a million dollars, she is in therapy and more able to function fairly well. She is becoming more well known as a successful private eye and is getting bigger paychecks as well. This book has two seprrste plot lines, one that brought in the big bucks but turned her against the greedy evil rich man who hired her and seees him in jail by 3/4 of the way through. At the end she is helping Grace and helping her new beau and his daughter Grace locate her mom's younger sister who is closer to her age than to her mom, who died a few years before they had moved back here with her dad. Now, at the end, we are left hanging and waiting for the next book to find out I they can finally follow all the clues and find their sister, and rescue her from a truly evil man, who kidnapped her and is isb3ing held gir his pleasure for at least 5 years now. I hate series of books that can't stand alone. It is the 2020's most used format of writing for those who pump out a book a year or less. It's much less satisfying and requiring the constant return to get the next book to find out how the one you just finished ends. The characters here are fascinating, if odd, and the mystery is interesting, but never finding out the ending gets old fast.
The first 2 books were about theese druggies who lived in a trailer park. It was hard to get past the main character being a drug addict and, like most of the main characters in L.T. Ryan's books, Maddie, is her own worst enemy. But the books started getting a bit more interesting by book 3, and she started making some progress towards being a character most American readers can sympathize with. By book 3, she faces Not onlly torture and aall that death and finally catches the narcissistic serial killer, who she had shot and kept out of killing for several years, who shot her and ruined her knee so that she is in chronic pain. Her old best friend, from grade school through high school, returns and helps her learn to better deal with the constant pain qnd by loving her helps her feel better about herself and by the time of this story is much more connected and has a more normal life than ever before in her life. As the daughter of a mean and cruel drug addict who was so self focused that she was cruel to Maddie or Mad Dog, as the locals have called her sense she was atoddler, because she was so intense and naturally a bit crazed by her desire for real justice.
By book 5, her dad has come back into her life, and she is in a love relationship with her old pal and is g9od friends with his 14-year-old daughter Grace. Additionally, thanks to her ex leaving her half a million dollars, she is in therapy and more able to function fairly well. She is becoming more well known as a successful private eye and is getting bigger paychecks as well. This book has two seprrste plot lines, one that brought in the big bucks but turned her against the greedy evil rich man who hired her and seees him in jail by 3/4 of the way through. At the end she is helping Grace and helping her new beau and his daughter Grace locate her mom's younger sister who is closer to her age than to her mom, who died a few years before they had moved back here with her dad. Now, at the end, we are left hanging and waiting for the next book to find out I they can finally follow all the clues and find their sister, and rescue her from a truly evil man, who kidnapped her and is isb3ing held gir his pleasure for at least 5 years now. I hate series of books that can't stand alone. It is the 2020's most used format of writing for those who pump out a book a year or less. It's much less satisfying and requiring the constant return to get the next book to find out how the one you just finished ends. The characters here are fascinating, if odd, and the mystery is interesting, but never finding out the ending gets old fast.
August 19, 2024
Maddie Castle's story could go on for eternity, and I still wouldn't tire of this series!
Smoldering Lies is the fifth book in L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray's Maddie Castle series. These mystery thrillers feature some intriguing characters, especially the heroine, Maddie Castle. I love that Maddie is not your typical female protagonist. Maddie is strong, independent, and definitely can kick butts but she doesn't always play by the book. In fact, I don't even think there is a book with Maddie! Maddie is far from perfect, and her friends definitely have their flaws. Yet, I think this is what makes these characters so real and believable.
Smoldering Lies is a gritty, hard-boiled detective story, much like the detective stories of old but dealing with modern issues that plague us today. The authors don't shy away from controversial topics and are not afraid to show the reader some of the grey areas of these issues. Smoldering Lies, like many of the other books in the series, has two storylines, personal and business, that intersect on many levels. This makes for some exciting reading as the reader tries to keep up with the many twists and turns. I am almost always surprised in who is the true culprit!
My only complaint is that after introducing us to an amazing new adventure, mystery, or thrill, the book ends! Ugh! Another cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers! Now I am waiting, on pins and needles, for book six of the Maddie Castle series. Until then-- pick up book 1-5 and begin a journey into the world of Maddie Castle!
Smoldering Lies is the fifth book in L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray's Maddie Castle series. These mystery thrillers feature some intriguing characters, especially the heroine, Maddie Castle. I love that Maddie is not your typical female protagonist. Maddie is strong, independent, and definitely can kick butts but she doesn't always play by the book. In fact, I don't even think there is a book with Maddie! Maddie is far from perfect, and her friends definitely have their flaws. Yet, I think this is what makes these characters so real and believable.
Smoldering Lies is a gritty, hard-boiled detective story, much like the detective stories of old but dealing with modern issues that plague us today. The authors don't shy away from controversial topics and are not afraid to show the reader some of the grey areas of these issues. Smoldering Lies, like many of the other books in the series, has two storylines, personal and business, that intersect on many levels. This makes for some exciting reading as the reader tries to keep up with the many twists and turns. I am almost always surprised in who is the true culprit!
My only complaint is that after introducing us to an amazing new adventure, mystery, or thrill, the book ends! Ugh! Another cliffhanger! I hate cliffhangers! Now I am waiting, on pins and needles, for book six of the Maddie Castle series. Until then-- pick up book 1-5 and begin a journey into the world of Maddie Castle!
September 18, 2025
Another Cliff Hanger Ending
This book is the fifth in a series that needs to be read in order, as the episodes tend to build on each other. Each book has a complete mystery as well as working on an overarching story. This book and book four have ended in cliffhangers. The main mystery is complete, but the author starts the next mystery and leaves the reader hanging. I don't know if this is a ploy to get you to buy the next book or something else. I do know that I do not like to wait for months between reading chapter 1 and chapter 2 of a book. These are not simple lead-ins to the next story. It is a lead-in, but it stops at a place that makes the reader hold their breath. I hate that! I will either keep reading the series because I love it, or I won't because it is boring. I am enjoying this series and have planned on continuing to read it. However, I may stop because I hate this cliff-hanger business.
This book is the fifth in a series that needs to be read in order, as the episodes tend to build on each other. Each book has a complete mystery as well as working on an overarching story. This book and book four have ended in cliffhangers. The main mystery is complete, but the author starts the next mystery and leaves the reader hanging. I don't know if this is a ploy to get you to buy the next book or something else. I do know that I do not like to wait for months between reading chapter 1 and chapter 2 of a book. These are not simple lead-ins to the next story. It is a lead-in, but it stops at a place that makes the reader hold their breath. I hate that! I will either keep reading the series because I love it, or I won't because it is boring. I am enjoying this series and have planned on continuing to read it. However, I may stop because I hate this cliff-hanger business.
August 21, 2026
This 5th book in the series has Bentley and Grace still dealing with the trauma after effects of her kidnapping by a serial killer plus lingering resentment over the search for Daisy. Maddie is caught in the middle and tries to talk to and comfort each of them. She’s hired for a new case but is still trying to pursue leads on Daisy. The new case, rich obnoxious developer hires her to find out who’s burning down his properties, takes a near fatal turn and sets Maddie on a new path. Bentley and Sam as well as Simeon provide some back up and help on both cases. Plus Maddie gets help from a new source…a brother she never knew she had.
Maddie gets much further in the arsonist case than either the cops or the FBI have been able to get and they find new clues on Daisy thanks to her brother’s computer skills.
As usual the case ends on a cliffhanger in the ongoing Daisy story arc but the arsonist case comes to a satisfying conclusion.
It was a good read though a bit drawn out in spots. Some intriguing twists. I’ll keep reading the series.
Maddie gets much further in the arsonist case than either the cops or the FBI have been able to get and they find new clues on Daisy thanks to her brother’s computer skills.
As usual the case ends on a cliffhanger in the ongoing Daisy story arc but the arsonist case comes to a satisfying conclusion.
It was a good read though a bit drawn out in spots. Some intriguing twists. I’ll keep reading the series.
November 20, 2024
For me, this was the best book in the series - so far. I liked that Maddie seems to be settling into some acceptance of life. She is recognizing her issues - and there are a few - and battling to correct them more and more. She is trying to step out of her comfort zone and help Bentley when he is feeling down. There were multiple references to therapists for Maddie, Bentley, and Grace, they seem to be making a difference! Bringing in Dylan was a bit of a surprise, but a nice one. Two mysteries with one still ongoing. The primary for this book ended a little abruptly but very well. The search for Daisy continues but things are looking up.
July 19, 2025
I love books with a recurring protagonist. Maddie Castle is high on my list (No Pun intended). Maddy is an incredibly dynamic character, brimming with personality and depth! The authors truly hit the mark by weaving together their expertise in law enforcement with rich character exploration. If you're a fan of thrilling narratives where justice prevails and heroes triumph, the Maddy Castle series is right up your alley. While it doesn't shy away from the darker sides of life, you'll encounter authentic characters alongside new and intriguing faces that add layers to the story. I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment and can’t wait to meet Daisy!
July 29, 2025
This felt like a bridge book, one getting the reader to a place where the next book can start. Maddie discovers she had a relative she didn't know about...the hunt for Daisy is ongoing... and that really seems like the major focus of the story with new clues and revelations... then the book ends... yes, Maddie and crew caught the bad guy that the secondary story revolved around, and yes many of the same characters we have come to know and love were in the story, and growth was evident in each... but come on, it was all a set up for the next book about finding Daisy and that is a bit frustrating.
July 21, 2024
Every Maddie Castle book gets better and better. She is such a badass. flawed but working so hard to overcome all the early phycological scars. Two cases intertwined. She's starts hunting to uncover the identity of a serial arsonist for her client when the client becomes the hunted. Still trying to discover the whereabouts of Daisy, Grace's step-sister and just when Maddie gets the best clue, we're left with a major cliffhanger. Not fair L.T.!!! I thought Rachel Hatch was my favorite character but now it's a tie between her and Maddie. I can't wait for the next installment.
August 5, 2024
RE: Two stories
I enjoy this series, and the way Maddie’s stories are told. This installment includes two separate, unique journeys to resolution, but does so in a way that is simple and completely rather than overwhelming and even confusing. While not likely practical, I like that Maddie stays in the gray area, a modern-day, female Robin Hood in a way. I am also enjoying how the characters are evolving, working to sort out different ways of communicating and relating to one another.
I enjoy this series, and the way Maddie’s stories are told. This installment includes two separate, unique journeys to resolution, but does so in a way that is simple and completely rather than overwhelming and even confusing. While not likely practical, I like that Maddie stays in the gray area, a modern-day, female Robin Hood in a way. I am also enjoying how the characters are evolving, working to sort out different ways of communicating and relating to one another.
August 7, 2024
Intriguing, suspenseful!
Maddie is hired to look for an arsonist who is setting fires to buildings owned by Brandon Adam’s, a real estate investor. Mattie is also still looking for Daisy, and Grace thinks she has a clue from something written by Daisy. l.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray take the reader on a journey with Mattie trying to find the arsonist when she discovers Brandon Adam’s has done many bad deeds. There are many twists and turns along with surprises along the way. This is an exciting book. Do not miss reading. Happy reading! ☺️
Maddie is hired to look for an arsonist who is setting fires to buildings owned by Brandon Adam’s, a real estate investor. Mattie is also still looking for Daisy, and Grace thinks she has a clue from something written by Daisy. l.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray take the reader on a journey with Mattie trying to find the arsonist when she discovers Brandon Adam’s has done many bad deeds. There are many twists and turns along with surprises along the way. This is an exciting book. Do not miss reading. Happy reading! ☺️
August 20, 2026
I love the Maddie Castle Series. With every book the character of Maddie has grown and her life is positively changed. The cases she takes on are very interesting. I have to admit I identify with her chronic pain issues because I too have an artificial knee that I have had replaced twice, but still causes me daily pain and discomfort. That is one of the reasons why I get her and enjoy this series so much. Each time I finish one book I can’t wait to start the next one. I am so excited to continue on in-the series and learn what the next case is.
July 24, 2024
Disappointing
I did not enjoy reading this book. The focus on Maddie has been lost.
I didn’t like how the killer was taken down. The story about him was short lived and not developed well. It was a disappointing ending. As for the search for the girl just didn’t play out. I felt the authors had two stories going and couldn’t develop them.
The book was a disappointing and will not be following Maddie any longer.
I did not enjoy reading this book. The focus on Maddie has been lost.
I didn’t like how the killer was taken down. The story about him was short lived and not developed well. It was a disappointing ending. As for the search for the girl just didn’t play out. I felt the authors had two stories going and couldn’t develop them.
The book was a disappointing and will not be following Maddie any longer.
July 30, 2024
Mystery at its best
I always love reading bout Maddie. She's not perfect, in fact she's a bit of a mess. She gets herself into situations that make me apprehensive! I do love the way she has grown and moved on from from her drug problem, continuing health issues and lost love. Anyone who is a romantic and loves mystery and suspense, Maddie is your girl. Can't wait for the next one.
I always love reading bout Maddie. She's not perfect, in fact she's a bit of a mess. She gets herself into situations that make me apprehensive! I do love the way she has grown and moved on from from her drug problem, continuing health issues and lost love. Anyone who is a romantic and loves mystery and suspense, Maddie is your girl. Can't wait for the next one.
August 2, 2024
Maddie is hired to find an arsonist but the dirt bag that hired her is lying about something
Maddie’s newest client is hinging his story. Lying when not hinging and as soon as she gets on the trail of something fires her with a bonus. He is terrified she might get the right answers and turn him in.
Meanwhile the old case she is working on for her boyfriend has a new clue.
Both can get her killed
Maddie’s newest client is hinging his story. Lying when not hinging and as soon as she gets on the trail of something fires her with a bonus. He is terrified she might get the right answers and turn him in.
Meanwhile the old case she is working on for her boyfriend has a new clue.
Both can get her killed
August 13, 2024
Oh! Good stuff!
I hate when I get left hanging. I pre-ordered number 6....of course!
This book was another great Maddie Castle adventure! She is one of my favorites. I like her because she is flawed. She gets things wrong now and again. The relationship with Sam is growing. I didn't see that coming. And that sweet kid is a handful, but she's got some investigative brains. Always looking forward to the next one!
I hate when I get left hanging. I pre-ordered number 6....of course!
This book was another great Maddie Castle adventure! She is one of my favorites. I like her because she is flawed. She gets things wrong now and again. The relationship with Sam is growing. I didn't see that coming. And that sweet kid is a handful, but she's got some investigative brains. Always looking forward to the next one!
January 13, 2025
good read
Maddie Castle is a strong female lead, compassionate, tough and persistent. She’s no angel, but she’s a good person. I like that the info she gives about dogs is accurate, and of course Tempest is the best of all, expressive and smart. I had a hard time putting the book down. It kept me guessing and involved. Can’t wait until the next book, though I hate it when a book Leaves you guessing.
Maddie Castle is a strong female lead, compassionate, tough and persistent. She’s no angel, but she’s a good person. I like that the info she gives about dogs is accurate, and of course Tempest is the best of all, expressive and smart. I had a hard time putting the book down. It kept me guessing and involved. Can’t wait until the next book, though I hate it when a book Leaves you guessing.
February 26, 2026
Grabs you and pulls you in
Maddie is hired by a bigwig to figure out who is burning down his properties. But something is off with this guy. He doesn't want to give her details she needs. So she goes rogue and starts her own investigation into the man himself! Also getting closer to possibly finding Daisy!! Lots of Drama with family and teenage angst. Really like these characters. Ready for the next one. Highly recommend
Maddie is hired by a bigwig to figure out who is burning down his properties. But something is off with this guy. He doesn't want to give her details she needs. So she goes rogue and starts her own investigation into the man himself! Also getting closer to possibly finding Daisy!! Lots of Drama with family and teenage angst. Really like these characters. Ready for the next one. Highly recommend
July 20, 2024
Well, I won't do that again! I mean that I felt very out of it, by not knowing all of the previous characters and story events of books one through four!! And to make matters worse the current story just leaves the reader hanging at a crucial point and book #6 won't even be released until 1/14/2025!
Disappointed and surprised!
Disappointed and surprised!
July 21, 2024
Keeps you engaged
Couldn’t put it down. Read it in one sitting. Love this series and can’t wait for the next book. The authors are geniuses in the way they tell the story. I have read everyone to this point and mostly in one sitting. You don’t want to put it down as it is so intriguing and suspenseful. Looking forward to the next one in this series!
Couldn’t put it down. Read it in one sitting. Love this series and can’t wait for the next book. The authors are geniuses in the way they tell the story. I have read everyone to this point and mostly in one sitting. You don’t want to put it down as it is so intriguing and suspenseful. Looking forward to the next one in this series!
July 22, 2024
Smoldering Lies: Book 5
When the book starts, Maddie finds herself with a new case that is not what it turns out to be in the end. Well this is going on her commitment to finding Daisy continues. I think what I enjoy about these books is they are like a family type book with a G rating. I’m looking forward to the next book.
When the book starts, Maddie finds herself with a new case that is not what it turns out to be in the end. Well this is going on her commitment to finding Daisy continues. I think what I enjoy about these books is they are like a family type book with a G rating. I’m looking forward to the next book.
July 26, 2024
Not the best
I love this series and they’re all well written. This one seemed hurried and unfinished, so it wasn’t as spellbinding as the others. I’m left with the “what happened to” problem. All in all, worth a read, especially if you’ve read the others. If you haven’t, you’ll be a little lost because the backstory isn’t adequately explained.
I love this series and they’re all well written. This one seemed hurried and unfinished, so it wasn’t as spellbinding as the others. I’m left with the “what happened to” problem. All in all, worth a read, especially if you’ve read the others. If you haven’t, you’ll be a little lost because the backstory isn’t adequately explained.
August 10, 2024
Low stress good reading until the end then bummer!
I enjoyed the story, it was a mystery with plenty of things going on in the background. That being said, I just can't begin to tell you how I hate getting to the end of a book that has no ending until you read the next book!!!! Boo hiss!!
I enjoyed the story, it was a mystery with plenty of things going on in the background. That being said, I just can't begin to tell you how I hate getting to the end of a book that has no ending until you read the next book!!!! Boo hiss!!
August 18, 2024
Mysterious Clues
Smoldering lies is a book filled with mystery and intrigue. The search for clues does not end with this book but continues on to the next book coming out shortly. However this book does contain some crime solving too. It is why this book had a satisfactory end and an exciting thread to the next book.
Smoldering lies is a book filled with mystery and intrigue. The search for clues does not end with this book but continues on to the next book coming out shortly. However this book does contain some crime solving too. It is why this book had a satisfactory end and an exciting thread to the next book.
August 22, 2024
a waste of time
I love Maddie Castle stories, BUT this one is a waste of my time! Not only does it stop at the most exciting part and leaves you hanging for the next book that isn’t even written yet, but it boring on the way to get to the end. I guess I’ll never know what’s next because I’m not wasting any more of my valuable time on JUNK!!!
I love Maddie Castle stories, BUT this one is a waste of my time! Not only does it stop at the most exciting part and leaves you hanging for the next book that isn’t even written yet, but it boring on the way to get to the end. I guess I’ll never know what’s next because I’m not wasting any more of my valuable time on JUNK!!!
September 2, 2024
Arson - murder - kidnapping
More than one storyline here. Multitasking detective work. A former cop turned PI, absentee dad formerly in prison, a drug dealer, and a dad with a daughter and one who's been missing. Lots going on. Did not care for how book ended with needing to get the next book to find out what happens!
More than one storyline here. Multitasking detective work. A former cop turned PI, absentee dad formerly in prison, a drug dealer, and a dad with a daughter and one who's been missing. Lots going on. Did not care for how book ended with needing to get the next book to find out what happens!
September 26, 2024
Smoldering Lies
Maddie is hired by a wealthy man to find who is burning down his properties but when she's injured he ends the contract. Suspicious of her ex employer she collects the evidence needed to have him arrested. She, Bently, Grace and Sam are following up clue of the missing Daisy.
Maddie is hired by a wealthy man to find who is burning down his properties but when she's injured he ends the contract. Suspicious of her ex employer she collects the evidence needed to have him arrested. She, Bently, Grace and Sam are following up clue of the missing Daisy.
October 10, 2024
I don't like waiting!
Good story! Grabbed my attention and didn't let me go. I love how Maddie's mind works. She has come a long way. The twists in this story were epic! But, Daisy!?! *sigh* I have to wait for yet another book. Not my favorite thing. Hope I don't have to wait too long. The suspense is getting to me.
Good story! Grabbed my attention and didn't let me go. I love how Maddie's mind works. She has come a long way. The twists in this story were epic! But, Daisy!?! *sigh* I have to wait for yet another book. Not my favorite thing. Hope I don't have to wait too long. The suspense is getting to me.
January 15, 2025
Every story in this series
Pulls you into the next. There's no way to stop reading! Love the characters and all the great story lines. Missing girls, murder, drugs and a little bit of love and romance. Can't wait for the next story. Hopefully Mattie, Grace and Gently are getting close to saving Daisy.
Pulls you into the next. There's no way to stop reading! Love the characters and all the great story lines. Missing girls, murder, drugs and a little bit of love and romance. Can't wait for the next story. Hopefully Mattie, Grace and Gently are getting close to saving Daisy.
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