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Maddie Castle #6

Field of Bones

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A young woman disappears…
A desperate family searches for answers…
Maddie Castle must uncover the truth before it’s too late.


A NEW Maddie Castle thriller from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author L.T. Ryan with C.R. Gray!

Maddie Castle thought she’d seen it all as a private investigator, but when Bentley Roycroft pleads for help finding his niece, Daisy Miller, Maddie is drawn into one of her most harrowing cases yet. Daisy has been missing for nearly a year, but a recent clue—a mysterious flash drive—could hold the key to her whereabouts.

As Maddie investigates, she unravels a trail of deceit, corruption, and buried secrets that point to a dangerous conspiracy. With each step, the danger grows, and Maddie must rely on her instincts to navigate a deadly game where every move could be her last. Time is running out, and the stakes couldn’t be uncover the truth or lose Daisy forever.

Fans of Karin Slaughter and Lisa Regan will devour Field of Bones, a gripping thriller packed with relentless suspense, shocking twists, and Maddie Castle’s fearless determination to deliver justice. Don’t miss the next pulse-pounding installment of the Maddie Castle series!

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

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About the author

L.T. Ryan

280 books1,583 followers
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.

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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5 stars
3,487 (69%)
4 stars
1,237 (24%)
3 stars
229 (4%)
2 stars
48 (<1%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
Profile Image for Jenni.
7,745 reviews123 followers
August 13, 2026
The tension in this installment snaps into place with the same energy as a curtain rod installed by someone who absolutely overestimated their DIY skills — one tug and everything comes crashing down.

Bentley Roycroft shows up begging for help, and Maddie — who has already been through enough trauma to qualify for a lifetime achievement award — gets dragged straight into a case that feels like it’s been simmering in the dark for far too long. Daisy Miller has been missing for nearly a year, and the only new clue is a mysterious flash drive that practically screams “you’re not going to like what’s on me.”

From the moment Maddie plugs into this mess, the story tightens.
Secrets.
Corruption.
A conspiracy that feels like it’s been waiting for her specifically.
Sweetheart, the danger escalates like someone turned the difficulty setting up without telling her.

The investigation has that classic Maddie energy — sharp instincts, relentless determination, and the emotional stamina of someone who has absolutely run out of patience for people making terrible choices. Every step she takes uncovers another layer of deceit, and every layer feels like it’s been deliberately buried by someone who enjoys being ominous.

The pacing?
Fast.
Focused.
Relentless.
It barrels forward with that “no time to breathe, sweetheart, we’re solving crimes” momentum.

The stakes?
High enough that you feel it in your chest.
Daisy’s family is desperate, the clues are volatile, and Maddie is navigating a minefield where every wrong move could be her last.

And the tone?
Peak Maddie Castle.
Gritty.
Emotional.
A little unhinged in the best way.
She’s exhausted, furious, and absolutely refusing to back down — which is why we love her.

The twists land hard, the conspiracy is juicy, and the final stretch hits with that “oh, we’re doing THIS now” intensity that makes you sit up straighter.

A 4–4.5 star entry — gripping, tense, atmospheric, and packed with Maddie’s trademark ferocity. It’s one of the stronger installments, delivering danger, heart, and enough chaos to keep you glued to the page.

A thriller that digs deep, hits hard, and refuses to let go until Maddie gets her answers.
Profile Image for Megan Sebaaly.
9 reviews
January 20, 2025
Such a good book that I finished it in 24 hours. The storyline that has carried through and build up through multiple books in this series finally came to a close in this book (mostly). I'm so glad that this book was all about wrapping up that storyline because I was honestly getting a little frustrated with it being a cliffhanger in so many books with no real resolution, especially when having to wait for the next book in the series to be published. These authors do an excellent job of giving you that thriller feeling without tons of gory scenes. The emotional roller coaster ride this book takes you on is fantastic. And trying to figure out the missing piece/s is a well-written challenge. The journal entries throughout the book are an excellent way to give background, but also truly suck you into the story so well that you simply cannot put it down. I highly recommend this book, just make sure you have lots of time to read because you won't want to put it down once you start!
51 reviews
January 20, 2025
Back in the Saddle Again!

L.T. And C.R. congratulations! You got the collaboration right!! The core of Maddie was preserved and given the support to seamlessly move through this creative version of an all too often told story of a serial killer and his victims. Solid detective work, an appropriate minimum of psychobabble and realistic support from LEO's and Feebs; all in all, very well done. Overjoyed to see the return to the central character's substantial strengths. And thank the gods, it was almost impossible to see where each author's work ended and the other's began. Only real criticism: Tempest didn't see enough action! (Her agent might be giving you a call. Just saying.)
Profile Image for sara metz.
71 reviews
January 21, 2025
love Maddie castle

couldn’t put it down. love that they completed the story line (for the most part) and don’t leave us hanging.
Profile Image for DJ.
865 reviews
February 25, 2025
An Intense, Exciting , and Emotional Thriller! Well worth the Wait!

I waited with bated breath for Field of Bones, the 6th book in the Maddie Castle series by L.T. Ryan and his co-author, C.R Gray. This story is the most intense, exciting, and emotional of all the books in this series!  Every book in this series I have read thus far has been to prepare both Maddie Castle and the collected readers for this case—finding Bentley’s missing sister-in-law and her baby. Maddie has defeated serial killers before, but nothing is as scary as the possibility of not discovering where Daisy is being held. Maddie knows that failing to solve this case successfully could break apart the family she is beginning to have with Bentley and Grace.

The overwhelming emotions of Maddie, Bentley, and Grace, which are vividly described in this story, add a sense of fear and urgency that I have not felt in previous novels. Look up “Psychological Thriller” in the dictionary, and you will find “Read Field of Bones” as the definition. From the first page to the last, I was on the edge of my seat, holding my breath, hoping against hope that this story would end happily. Yet, given the odds, I was afraid that the most I could hope for was that Maddie would survive. I was unable to put Field of Bones down once I started reading. Yes, I was intrigued and totally invested in discovering the answer to the proverbial "Who did it?" but I was more afraid that if I stopped reading, I would jinx Maddie's chances of success. I know that sounds ridiculous! Maddie and the other characters are not real people! The story is fiction, not a true crime story! That is why L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray are so talented! Their writing style and word craft draw you into their story, and suddenly, you are not just a reader; you become a participant. It is almost like being part of a mystery dinner theater or the supporting cast in a Broadway play! The chills that ran down my spine were genuine, as though I had been captured and caged in a torture chamber.

Maddie's journey of self-awareness is a testament to the emotional depth of the series. As the novels have unfolded, her character evolves into a complex, three-dimensional being, a process many readers can strongly identify with. She is not just relatable and believable, but her determination not to let the bad guys and evil destroy her world and the people she loves is truly inspiring. This emotional journey is a testament to Ryan and Gray’s incredibly talented writing skills, making Maddie one of the most compelling characters I have ever come across.

The same could be said for all the supporting characters that the authors have introduced throughout the previous novels.  By this novel, Maddie, Bentley, and his daughter, Grace, have reached a place and time where we are friends and neighbors!  As I read this book, I often caught myself shouting, 'Watch out!' scaring my dogs and my husband simultaneously!  A book is captivating if you speak aloud to the characters like they can hear you and heed your warnings!  There were other times when the dialog between Bentley, Grace, and Maddie was so poignant that I was surprised to find tears rolling down my cheeks! It was like watching a Hallmark card commercial! Be prepared for this story to have an intense emotional impact. I would keep the tissues handy, for I guarantee there will be tears!

The fact that there is a pre-order for book 7 of the Maddie Castle series is a cause for celebration. It means that Maddie’s story is not over, and we can look forward to more thrilling adventures. Field of Bones is a brilliant work and proves why Ryan and Gray remain one-click authors in my profile. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next!

Profile Image for Kristine.
3,804 reviews58 followers
October 6, 2026
Finally ……we now can submit ratings by 1/4’s. That is going to make reviewing much easier :)

This book was a total 5 star read from me for the entire book, until the very very end.

Why?

Maddie is generally a likable FMC. She is strong, tenacious and empathetic. Unfortunately, I’m not sure what happened to her at the end, but her behavior (especially towards the two men who love her) was unacceptable. It really, really bothered me.

Still, this is a fantastic series and we have finally wrapped up a storyline that has been in play with an overarching plot line for several books.

Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,630 reviews181 followers
July 25, 2026
PI Maddie Castle has finally found a solid lead on the missing Daisy Miller. Bently – Maddie’s boyfriend – asked Maddie to search for the Daisy, the young sister of his dead wife. Maddie knows the older man – Daisy’s captor – is ruthless, smart and determined, but as Maddie uncovers more and more, she realizes that the stakes are higher than she could have imagined, and the death toll is worst than her every nightmare.

This is an intense and well plotted mystery/thriller series I have been enjoying a lot. There are some darker themes here in the book – kidnapping and non-consensual activities in particular – but I wouldn’t describe anything as overtly graphic or titillating. These themes are present and not shied away from, but they also are not dwelled upon or given graphic description – more mentioned numerous times and not shied away from. I also would stress heavily that this book is solidly a mystery/thriller and “rescue the kidnapped woman” storyline – not in any way a romance or “Dark Romance” style of book.

I also for this book would recommend that the previous story (Vanished Trails) would be a sensible book to read prior to picking this book up. Much of the background detecting occurs in this book and then Field of Bones picks up immediately after where Vanished Trails leaves off. This means readers starting here might feel as if a lot of the hard yards in tracking Daisy and the key evidence they find is missing – as this story opens with Maddie having the evidence in hand and actually tracking down Daisy. I do feel readers should be able to pick up where this story begins, but I feel if I hadn’t read the previous book it might feel to myself as if half the story (the mystery/tracking the clues) was missing.

I absolutely enjoyed the fact that the pace is fast in this book. The whole book covers just a few short and intense days – the culmination of the case as a whole – and this book has a very go-go-go sort of feel to me. I was pleased that much of the emotional baggage which the other books in this series often has was a lot more back seat in this story. I enjoyed that the focus was the case and rescuing Daisy and not so much all the complexities of Maddie’s personal and family life. I did really enjoy that.

While I admit this book might not appeal as much to new readers to this series – without the multiple story plotline arc some of the intensity and emotion might not be present, I do nevertheless feel this is a highly emotional and intense read, a strong thriller/serial killer style of story and a fast paced, plot heavy read. It was also very satisfying to finally get some closure and answers on some of the longer running story arc with these still being plenty of story left for future books.

A well plotted, fast paced mystery/thriller book and a series I am really enjoying. Recommended.
Profile Image for Jeff.
43 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2025
I enjoy this series as it takes a person with flaws and continues to show how they rise from them to help others and gives them a moral compass even though their past is not as clean. Maddie has been a great character and the supporting cast has been awesome.

My only issue is that this had a lot of "whining" going on in the book. Maddie in the past has been like Tempest hard-charging and always moving forward. She continued some of that in this book but almost to the point that it was unbelievable. In real life, all of her complaining would have had her removed from any access to the case, and Bentley for being a professional acts like a child. Speaking from experience the first thing you learn to do in EMS is to distance yourself emotionally even if it is personal. (I never said it was a good thing but you learn it.) Bentley came across as not only incompetent but also not supportive of Maddie.

Great story, a great ending, and great characters, you will not be disappointed.

40 reviews
January 22, 2025
Great Book but Frustrating

I loved how the book was written - read it in a day. However, I think Maddie should tone it down with her righteousness. I had no problem with how it ended and hopefully the other person will have the same outcome. Money causes corruption for many wealthy people where they think they should not be held accountable and for the most part they are not. Just look at our so called elected leader and everything he, his family, his friends, and business tycoons have gotten away with. If you have money and connections and you can do whatever you want and rarely held accountable for anything.
16 reviews
February 17, 2026
A girl and her dog...what more do you need?!

Former police officer turned PI, not by choice but by circumstance, Maddie is a real hero but she would never describe herself as such.
She is also a great dog trainer which she will accept because she knows she is.
Wounded in a career ending shoot out, Crime solving, Serial killer ender, and her trusted K 9 Tempest! what could ever possibly go wrong?
This is a great series, I started the series a week ago and just finished book #6. I hope this series goes on forever. I love Maddie Castle & Tempest. I am sure you will too. Give it a read.
360 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2025
Not the same.

I've read the entire series. I enjoyed every book. I didn't enjoy this one as much. Maddie didn't seem like the same Maggie from previous books. Her personality seemed flat. Tempest was barely mentioned other than getting a quick pat on the head occasionally as she hopped in and out of a car. It felt like this book was written by someone who hadn't read the previous books. I was disappointed, but I'll read the next one, and I sure hope the old Maddie and Tempest are back.
21 reviews
January 18, 2025
This is an excellent addition to the Maddie Castle series; couldn’t put it down.

This is an excellent book with a chilling and depraved villain. After finding hidden messages in the writings posted by Daisy, Bentley’s missing niece, Maddie convinces the FBI to look for Deluca, the man who was last with Daisy.
A frantic search begins for Daisy and her infant child, every step revealing a sinister and evil man at the center of her existence. I had a difficult time putting this book down when I started reading it.
Profile Image for Karla Thompson.
397 reviews3 followers
January 25, 2025
Oh, my gawd! Possibly the best Maddie Castle yet!

I am in tears. I want to grab hold of Daisy and Bella and keep them safe for the rest of their lives. And I think Sam deserves a medal!
Great story. I loved that it started where the last one left off. I had fears of what Daisy was going through. Never even thought there might be a Bella. I knew she was in trouble. Maddie latched onto the trail and off she went!
Jeeze, this was good! Now I am anxious for the next one! I pre-ordered it just now.
Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,684 reviews78 followers
May 18, 2025
5 ⭐ 0 🌶️ 5 🎧

I'm absolutely loving LT Ryan's stories. I probably should have started at the beginning of this series, but I'll definitely be going back. Maddie is such a bad a m f and I absolutely love her.

This story was really interesting and quite dark. The suspense and mystery were really well done and kept me entertained from beginning to end. I absolutely devoured this book.

The audio was great. Katie Hagaman did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life and I loved this listen.

A huge thanks to Audio Sorceress for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for William (Mr. Bill) Turner.
498 reviews8 followers
May 23, 2025
Field of Bones (Maddie Castle Book 6)

This is an excellent story and presentation! The premise of this book could be hurtful to those who have encountered abuse. However, this is a story about survival, fortitude, and a never quit attitude. Things do not always end neatly. Evil has no constraint. This story leaves no doubt.
Authors L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray as Maddie Castle have written a book that was difficult for me to put down. Along with the outstanding audible performance by Katie Hagaman, 'Field of Bones' exceeded my expectations. -Mr.Bill
Profile Image for Pansy.
2,289 reviews25 followers
March 24, 2025
Frustration

I just spent the night being held hostage by this story. The story with in the story would probably pay Daisy's hospital bills in spite of the horror of it. After how many books, she has finally been found, but is her story finished? That is where the frustration comes in. So many questions are left unanswered. I am not liking the direction this may be going for Maddie. And how long will I have to wait for the next book? See! Frustration!
5 reviews
May 9, 2025
Absolutely loved this part of the series, I think it’s the best one yet. I missed a little Tempy in action but otherwise, this book had me on the edge of my seat all throughout. I loved how Daisy’s Letters/Book was part of it and that with that there wasn’t a lot of time jumping between the descriptions of what daisy has been through, but still with her pov of it all. I wish I could read it again for the first time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
September 20, 2025
Overarching Mystery Resolved
This book is in a series that needs to be read in order due to the stories building on each other and the changes in interpersonal relationships. This book is all about the overarching mystery. There are more clues, and things are getting more tense. This book does not end with a cliffhanger, but there are some loose ends to resolve. I can't wait to read the next episode.
Profile Image for Chrissann Nickel.
Author 1 book24 followers
September 24, 2025
This is one of my long time favorite series—I’ll read any new novel with P.I. Maddie Castle and her police dog, Tempest.

This one was a little draining at times, as so much of it is told through the journals of the hostage, which wasn’t my favorite and slowed the book down. But it really picked up speed after a little more than halfway, then it was another fun race to unravel the mystery. Like the others, it ends a little abruptly, knowing we have another book in the series coming.
Profile Image for Gena Webb.
Author 9 books56 followers
January 16, 2025
Another good one!

Unputdownable! Glad to see the Daisy story concluded but there will probably be more to come, since there were loose ends. Fast moving without much time to breathe in this one, but I do wish Tempest had a larger role. All in all, another good novel in the series.
Profile Image for Margie Welsh.
Author 9 books31 followers
January 18, 2025
Great book

I've loved the gritty, imperfect Maddie Castle from the beginning. Her background, her less than perfect life, her even less perfect life choices make her very real. But it is her heart, her fierce compassion and her values that make her perhaps L. T. Ryan's most compelling character. More please.
Profile Image for Linda Thomas.
842 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2025
Maddie is on the trail of a serial killer. One that has her friend Daisy and her baby held as hostages

Maddie’s boyfriend Bentley has ask her to find Daisy. She does her normal hunting and comes up with fifty or so bodies. All she can do is pray that Daisy isn’t one of them.
Profile Image for Lisa Moody.
84 reviews
January 19, 2025
I'VE BEEN WAITING......

And it was worth the wait!! Absolutely AWESOME story! Maddie Castle is my hero! She never backs down, never gives up and always stays true to herself and those she loves. I want to be her-bad knee and all! Oh, well, I already have TWO bad knees. I am waiting with bated breath for the next story. HURRY, PLEASE!!! 🙏💖🙏
443 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
I quit reading this book. It delved into the psychology of a serial killer and the grim realities of trafficked sex workers. Even the lure of following the story of the characters created in this series was not enough to keep me from putting this aside and finding something else to read. One star 🌟.
14 reviews
January 26, 2025
Couldn't put this down.

This is probably by far the best book in the series. Aside from work and sleep I could not put this book down and finished it in less than twenty four hours. I can't wait to see where she goes from here in this series. Do yourself a favor and pick up this series.
Profile Image for Gail.
660 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2025
The best yet!

Maddie Castle is looking for Daisy and now has a flash drive to hopefully find her. L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray takes the reader on a journey of steps of reading Daisy's journal and following up leads. This is an unputdownable book. I highly recommend this book and all of Maddie Castle's books. Happy reading! ☺️
112 reviews
February 5, 2025
Field of Bones

I really liked this book it kept you going. I could not put it down. I think it is fast paced once it get started and plenty of results. If I have anything to complain about it would be the ending. Not how it turned out, but something maybe a better ending finding all the evil men.
9 reviews
March 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this Maddie Castle book; however, the reason I continued reading this series was because of Maddie’s work with Tempy. In this story, Tempy’s role was limited to jumping in and out of cars. I was a bit disappointed, not enough to stop reading. Bring on the mysteries, please get Tempy back in the story.
81 reviews
March 18, 2025
What a ride

Never will I look at a field of wildflowers the same way. This books is amazing. Written in a totally different style than the others it gives the narrative of the victim and almost surreal clarity.
I read this in one sitting, okay I also had to walk the dogs but I read then as well, I highly recommend you block out the day. You won’t regret it.
1 review
April 15, 2025
Really good book

I loved everything about this book! It was very intense right to the end. I really enjoyed that this author gets the intensity and horror across without the profanity and explicit sexual content found so many times in this genre. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews