In Venice, the masks never come off.Bear Logan wanted nothing more than to give his daughter a breather from the chaos of their lives. But when a desperate woman approaches them, claiming her husband vanished after uncovering a hidden mural, their quiet trip turns into a hunt through the shadows of Italy’s most treacherous city.
The mural is no ordinary artwork. Beneath its fading layers lies a code—one tied to La Velata Rossa, the masked enforcers of the Order of the Iron Serpent, a secret society that has shaped Venice from the shadows for centuries.
As Mandy’s eye for detail uncovers truths no one else can see, Bear realizes they’ve stumbled into a deadly game. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous their search becomes. Because the Order doesn’t just guard its secrets. It eliminates threats.
Now, Bear must navigate a labyrinth of lies, betrayals, and ruthless power plays to protect Mandy from an enemy they barely understand—an enemy who’s been watching far longer than they know.
In a city built on illusion, the truth can kill you.
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)
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.
This installment drops Mandy and Bear into Venice, but even an ocean away from home, danger still manages to find them. When an elderly woman begs for help locating her missing husband, the search pulls them into hidden corners of the city, the kind most Venetian citizens never see. The Order of the Iron Serpent has left a trail of clues, and with the help of Agent Isabella Fabrizio from L’Agenzia Informazioni e Sicurezza Esterna, Mandy and Bear are drawn into a mystery that feels tense, unsettling, and at times genuinely frightening.
The pacing is quick, and the story keeps its grip from the first chapter to the last. What really struck me, though, is the emotional undercurrent running between Mandy and Bear. His protectiveness is starting to close in on her, and she’s clearly ready to test her own abilities. Watching that tension build adds a layer of realism that makes the stakes feel even higher.
I’m curious to see how the series handles this shift. Their relationship has always been central to the story, and the next books will show whether they can find a balance that lets Mandy grow without pushing Bear away.
Bear and Mandy are in Venus. They just want to have some down time. But alas that we not to be. Following clues from the puzzle box an older woman stops them and asks for their assistance in finding her husband. She invites them over to view a portrait that should help them with the puzzle box and finding her husband. Clue after clue leads them on a dangerous journey. This is a very good story because it also shows Mandy coming into her own and Bear's fatherly instinct having trouble with it. A must read. Great job. Thank you.
Continuation of previous book. They’re still in Italy supposedly on vacation. Mostly fantasy, not at all like the previous books. Could be a little tedious, a lot of Superteen exploits. Bear is faded into second place…but not as much as in the previous book to this one. A lot of medieval-based intrigue, far fetched. I finished it and will read the next one if I remember to look for it next year. I prefer reading a series start to finish rather than one book at a time, to stay in the mindset. Obviously not always possible.
This one carried on in Italy. Orders and robes and masks. Danger, puzzle boxes and mysteries revealed at every turn. I always love a Bear and Mandy saga! Father and daughter getting answers. Always the hard way! Can't wait for more. Next one already pre-ordered!
This is book number seven about Bear and Mandy. Great story and lots of mysteries and close calls. Makes for a surprising ending. Great author. Be sure to check it out. I recommend this book and author.
This story doesn't disappoint. I knew it wouldn't cuz most stories by L.T Ryan are great. Its a.good mix of unusual characters as the drama unfolds on each page. From the first to last page it held my attention and read it all in one.sitting.
Excellent plot and great story. Mandy was put through the ringer with the puzzle box . She followed the clues and solved them. But in the end they succeeded and and brought the order out of shadows. 10 stars 🌟 plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
Thank you to the authors, great read, love this group of characters and feel like I know them.
Thank you to the authors, great read, love this group of characters and feel like I know them. And so I will add on a few more words to complete the review, great book.
As usual the father/daughter team becomes ensnared in someone's troubles. Ryan weaves another impossible tale that sucks one into into it, even as you think "how improbable!"
So very nice to come upon a series that pulls you in and keeps you entranced with the story and characters! Enjoy every chapter and rejoice that I can download the next in the series in seconds. Please keep them comming!!!!!
The Marked Daughter is an excellent read. Ryan and Rought have continued their usual outstanding job of producing excellent books. Bear and Mindy's exploites continue to be very enjoyable reading.
Set in Venice, Italy. This crime thriller is full of intrigue. Mandy is the primary focus of attention in this story. Even, Bear Logan seems to be at a loss in handling criminal gangs.
The story moved fast. Clues kept Dropping. Leading into the next adventure kept one wondering when the clues would lead one to a pre conclusion. I am waiting for their next adventure
I love Mandy Logan books but this story was WAY to many details that we couldn’t see for ourselves! Long long long story. Not recommended for regular readers!
Time, that is to reread the entire series! I just love how captivating all LT’s books are. Now I ell have to see if i can figure out the correct order.
Loved it. More turns than a Country Road. Lots of mysterious clues to follow, while working along a number of individuals who Bear and Mandy had no assurances whether their stories were lies or truths. The location descriptions were excellent and accurate from the green doored Basilica to major museums. Venice was a great setting. The retention of Isabella was a good choice and kept Maddy on her toes trying to determine friend or foe. Looking forward to the next trip to Alaska (although it was -7°F this morning and a forecast of a windchill later this week to -35°F). The stories of the Alaska Triangle the last couple years may make this story even more interesting. VR, Mags