Desperate Magic

Maddy Madrigal Mysteries #3

by Debra Castaneda

For Maddy Madrigal, preserving the peace in her exclusive neighborhood feels like walking a razor’s edge. Her grasp on her newfound magic is tenuous at best. And now, there are disturbing signs the spell she cast to keep supernatural entities at bay may be beginning to falter.

But when an actress is found brutally murdered in her home—her body covered in bite marks—Maddy’s detective and magic skills will be pushed to the limit. She not only faces a crime that defies explanation, she’s also up against an abrasive police detective determined to undermine and humiliate her.

As victims mount and tensions boil over, Maddy must unravel a web of conflicting clues and seek help from unlikely sources. Are the murders the work of a serial killer? A rogue supernatural creature? Or, worse, something new and unknown?

With dark forces rising in the nearby woodland called Phantom’s Pass, Maddy must harness her bruja magic, rally her allies, and confront her own demons for a showdown that will blur the lines between hunter and hunted.

Desperate Magic is the third book in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series of urban fantasy books by award-winning author Debra Castaneda.

Genres: Urban Fantasy

265 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

Debra Castaneda is an award-winning author of urban fantasy and dark fiction based on the central coast of California.

Her works include Barely Magic, the first book in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series of urban fantasy novels; The Spore Queen, The Devil’s Shallows, The Root Witch, The Copper Man, Circus at Devil’s Landing, and A Dark and Rising Tide, which comprise the Dark Earth Rising series of standalone novels, and The Monsters of Chavez Ravine, an International Latino Book Awards gold medal winner.

Debra loves writing character-driven stories about people who experience scary or magical things, and how they react when confronted with the unexpected. She’s committed to representing Latinas and Latinos in her books.

For inspiration, she draws from her experience as a TV and radio journalist, and as a third-generation Mexican American

Debra now lives on the central coast of California with her husband. She enjoys rediscovering the Mexican dishes of her childhood and texting her two daughters about her latest binge-watch.

~Subscribe to her newsletter for the occasional giveaway and the latest news at www.debracastaneda.com;
~Stay in touch with her at: @castanedawrites on Facebook & @castanedawrites on Instagram .

Reviews

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This surely was desperate magic with Maddie taking on entities from the past!!! This was suspenseful and exhilarating close to the end. The ending leaves us with more entities to battle on the horizon. The local sheriff has a grudge against Maddie, because she wanted Maddie's job ,but she's not qualified!! Maddie brings her own star power and special form of magic. Stu fit in perfectly. He was easy going and a go with the flow type. A chill dude. Some surprise romance that shocked my sox off. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion. A fun and entertaining read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stuff of nightmares

Wow. Wow, wow, wow and can I add wow! With every book this series just keeps getting better and better! I feel as if I get immersed into a new world and sadly tossed out when this story ends. It’s such a wonderful blend of magic and mystery. There’s Maddy who went her whole life thinking she was just a norm then she gets her new job and discovers she got more than her looks from her ancestors. There’s power in her bloodline and it’s been passed to her. There’s also I think a lovely celebration of the Mexican culture and folklore, I mean yes obviously this is fiction and thus the stories are fictionalized but they’re based on real lore and I always come away feeling happy not only because I just finished a great book but also because I learned something new. Love the character and world building development. Each installment gives us more and more insight and new peaks at what life is like in Chavez Ravine. Very much a fan of Maddy and Stu and hope that continues! Oh boy sorry Maddy your mom and Señor Frias oh my! If you’re looking for a great paranormal mystery look no further and start this series today!!

[Marie A · Rating 5 out of 5]

TL/DR: Have you read the synopsis? Great! The first two books in this series? No? Well, this can be read as a standalone BUT it reads even better as the third book in the series. Yes? Then what are you waiting for? If you liked the first two books I feel confident that you will definitely enjoy this one. Personally, I loved it and recommend it, wholeheartedly.

So our FMC, Maddy Madrigal, loves living and working in her new neighborhood and living in her family home. What she doesn’t love is explaining and proving herself and her team to the HOA board anytime they disagree on something. Thankfully the HOA President has her back, until something so unexpected happens, she falls into old patterns and doesn’t listen to Maddy’s suggestions. That something? Murder. In a closed community.

Most things are handled “in house” with Maddy, her team and the HOA. Murder is strictly LAPD jurisdiction and they can’t wait to get inside to figure out why this is the one are that appears to be entity free. (Readers of the previous books know why, sorry, no spoilers).

What Maddy can’t understand is why the lead detective is so rude and unwilling to use Maddy and her team’s knowledge of the area. We find out why later. There is a scene towards the end of the book that involves Cora and is extremely satisfying.

Like all the other books in this series there is a paranormal element, and in this one, multiple murders (for the LAPD to solve, don’t get me started on how that character was unprofessional), but it was also about Maddy growing into herself, into her curandería and brujería. Learning to trust herself, her instincts and not lean so hard on others.

There is so much more going on in this book but that would include spoilers. Sorry, but not really. Isn’t it more fun to just have an idea of what to expect and then have so much more happen? One of which I was completely unprepared for.

I have enjoyed all three books in this series, but this is probably my favorite one so far. I really hope we get to visit Maddy’s world again. I would like to thank the author, Debra Castaneda; Shadow Canyon Press and BookSirens for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and my review is voluntarily given. As always, I wish you happy reading!

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The entities just keep getting worse in the Chez Ravine neighborhood. Whenever Maddy begins to believe she is getting some experience with learning her skills, she gets hit with more seemingly impossible situations. I have heard of Cucuy when I worked with Latin families. If there was a hint of a scary monster or pictures the children in my class would become really scared. I remember this one little boy refused to come into my classroom because a poster in the classroom looked like Cucuy. I knew that word very well. Parents did like to use this entity to keep their children in line. The one Maddy has to deal with though, is a 2.0 version. The entity was not detected by the heat maps and committed brutal acts before the security force could get to the place of attack. I was glad that Maddy is starting to have more confidence in her skills. She was beginning to realize that she needed to put in the work to enhance her skills to the level required to face off not only the stronger entities but nasty people in her life. This book had her finding new allies and new enemies. She was getting pressure from two sides…her Latin culture pressuring her to use her new witchy skills and the opposing side that viewed her skills as ridiculous or dangerous. The food served at various times sounded so delicious that I had thoughts of having some of the many dishes discussed. I was glad to see that things are moving along nicely with Stu but I feel trouble brewing with Clare’s mother. part of this was the fear of the unknown by Clare’s mother as well as the jealousy Clare’s mother felt toward Maddy. I can see future trouble for Maddy and Stu. Overall this book was worth reading and I cannot wait for more of Maddy’s adventures with more dangerous entities.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Madeline "Maddy" Madrigal has settled into her new position as head of security for the Chavez Ravine HOA, her work dispatching rogue entities has become routine. Routine, that is, until a woman is found murdered and the culprit is a creature like nothing Maddy has faced before.

Debra Castaneda has created an incredibly well-rounded main character in Maddy Madrigal, thrusting her into the most mesmerising tales imaginable. Maddy, who is equal parts audacious and uncertain, has become - to my mind, at least - the ideal heroine. This third adventure in the series is a worthy addition and evokes all of the charm, excitement, and thrills of the previous books.

I have just finished reading this series back-to-back. Each book was breathtaking, especially this last story, which included an evocative scene between Maddy and one of her former opponents. This caused me to close the book for a moment to wipe away unshed tears. So powerful.

Thank you to Debra Castaneda and BookSirens for the opportunity to read this digital ARC. As always, my opinions are my own, honest and true.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid 3.5 star read

I am having a great time breezing through these novels. The character growth for Maddy is really something! I love her journey into learning about her witchy powers, and how she consistently works hard for those around her, but not in a boring way. She feels like a real person, who can be snippy and petty and irritated, who has baggage and insecurities, and it's great to see her grow.

This particular novel has amped up the stakes with actual murders. Is it a human killing people, or an entity? As Maddy grapples with this central mystery, the reader also gets to learn more about historical ghosts from the Latino culture, which I find really interesting! Her relationship with Stu, and Stu's daughter, also slowly progresses, and I'm invested. I also love getting glimpses of her mother and learning about their dysfunctional relationship. Despite the difficulties, it's clear there is still a lot of love between mother and daughter, and navigating these generational divides is a compelling bit of tension. Overall, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to future ones!

[Jaafar Charafeddine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Magic delivers an engaging mix of cozy mystery, paranormal suspense, and HOA drama. Debra Castaneda grounds her supernatural elements in a vividly drawn Southern California setting, where luxury homes meet hidden trails and magical boundaries. The narrator’s voice is sharp, witty, and seasoned, bringing a no-nonsense realism to bizarre situations.

Readers who enjoy paranormal mysteries with strong female leads, a touch of humor, and an undercurrent of neighborhood intrigue will find this book satisfying. Fans of Juliet Blackwell’s Witchcraft Mystery series or Victoria Laurie’s Psychic Eye novels will likely feel at home here.

It’s a well-paced, entertaining paranormal mystery with a strong, witty lead and a good balance of suspense and humor. The world-building around Shaver Ravine and its HOA politics feels fresh, and the supernatural mystery is engaging. I’d take off one star mainly because the pacing can occasionally lean more on neighborhood politics than on pushing the central mystery forward, which might not appeal to all readers.

[Carrol Chap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award winning author Debra Castaneda does it again and Omg this is the best one yet!! Maddy Madrigal is back with the fabulous gated neighborhood of Chavez Ravine and I’m sure excited to have another visit! When an actress in the exclusive neighborhood ends up dead and then more bodies pile up, Maddy has to fight against the clock to figure out if the bite marks on the body are human or a new advanced entity. Add in a jealous, hateful police detective with a grudge against Maddy, and the adventure unfolds in a race against time. Maddy has to harness her bruja magic and rally everyone together to solve this mystery before another victim is found. It’s so nice to be back to Maddy’s beautiful and colorfully decorated house and get to spend time with her, eat amazing Mexican dishes, pet her Bengal cat Sam, and visit with all of the people I’ve grown to love in these stories! I’ll be anxiously awaiting your next adventure Maddy!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of Debra Castaneda’s new supernatural mystery series, Desperate Magic, may be my favorite one so far. While still shaky with her magical abilities, Maddy is beginning to come into her own as a bruja. And it seems like it’s needed now more than ever, as a series of violent and strange murders are plaguing the gated community of Chavez Ravine. As if this isn’t enough to deal with, Maddy also has to deal with the abrasive detective assigned to investigate the murders, who seems to have a personal vendetta against her. In order to solve the latest crime spree, Maddy will have to rely not only on others, but on herself, as well.

Desperate Magic has all the traditional lore I loved so much about the first two books, along with mouthwatering Mexican cuisine, twists and turns, and terrifying supernatural creatures. The only bad thing is now I have to wait for book four!

[Kcaroth1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Magic by Debra Castaneda is the third in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series. In this adventure, Maddy and her team are after something or someone who is murdering Chavez Ravine residents.
This installment focuses a lot on Maddy as she develops her unknown magical talents, and we learn a little more about the entity crisis. This is a welcome relief that we are starting to get a better understanding of how magic works in this world and why certain events are occurring. As always, the plot moves quickly, and there is some further development of key relationships. Food, humor, and an awesome cat break up some of the slightly darker content (not scary, but a bit creepy). It definitely builds on prior content so I would recommend reading the others in the series before starting this one, although I think it would be okay as a stand-alone.
This is a fun, well-written, very enjoyable addition to this series. Thank you to BookSirens and Shadow Canyon Press for the eARC.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love the Maddy Madrigal series! The third is just as wonderful as the first two. The difference is after reading the firat two, youre able to see how Maddy develops not just in her personal life but also her professional life. 

The storyline is fascinating taking you from what you know and have adapted to  and mutating into a completely new development. The entities start pretty mild - more annoying than anything else and steadily get worse. I love how you can get a sense for the Mexican culture in the series. 

I feel like Maddy is someone we can relate to. She started out struggling and had to develop her confidence and her skills but theough it all she takes things with determination. Watching Maddy develop as a character has been amazing! 

What's not to love with a good book featuring a kick ass main character and a great storyline?

I admit that I'm hooked on the series and I really cant wait to see where Maddy goes in her personal life and with the entities!

[Vix · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded to 5 for Goodreads.

Book 3 in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series and I love the fact it incorporated other stories.

Maddy has a new force to contend with, and I'm not talking about supernatural beings! She now has a disgruntled detective to work around whilst trying to keep the community safe.

I enjoyed discovering what the new threat could be - I loved what it was, but wish there was a tad more information (maybe it's left open for another novella). It's nice to see Maddy relaxing more into the bruja role and sharing that talent with more people.

I'm seriously creeped out by her mother's choices, but I can see the benefits it would have for all - as long as nothing goes wrong!

Overall, her powers are getting strong and I'm looking forward to seeing what she may unleash in the next book.

*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Belle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. Just brilliant! I loved this book and how it builds on the earlier two works. Maddy Madrigal is back and gaining confidence in all aspects of her life. As the head of security, she is backed by her team who are starting to suspect their boss is more than what she seems. Her relationship with Stu is gaining speed (and steam!). Even her nemesis, Hernan seems to be warming up to her.

Of course, that's just the perfect cue for Chavez Ravine to be the target for a serial killer. Enter Detective Leesa Bevlov, who is instantly sceptical, dismissive, and determined to throw Maddy under the bus at every step.

Everything about this book is bigger than its predecessors. A definite read....especially if you like food!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Paula Sahraoui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Magic is the third book in the Maddy Madrigal Mystery series. It's been my favorite so far! Maddy is starting to come into her own and test the boundaries of her magic. She's going to need all the help she can get dealing with this new murderous nightmare. Straight out of folklore and into the beautiful tree lines streets of Chavez Ravine something is stalking and killings it's residents. It's up to Maddy to figure out what it is and how to stop it!

This is such a great series, it's page turning suspenseful yet warm and cozy all at the same time. The characters are great and relationships are developing throughout each book. You'll feel like you're right there with them!

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this which I am grateful. Truthfully It didn't matter, I would have bought it anyway. Debra Castaneda can write. I'm a fan!

[Heather Dugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book number three in a series, which I knew that going in. However have not read the first two. Did that keep it from being enjoyable? No. Will I read the other two? Purchased and on their way along with this one.
In the Chez Ravine gated community there is an entity or something much sinister offing residents. With our main character Maddy being viewed as a witch or a scam. The baddie is pretty powerful so it makes it to where Maddi gets to hone in to her abilities with the entities and humans. Mostly the sheriff who has a grudge against her and HOA who are pretty much hindering her job that they hired her for. Has strong connectioned to Hispanic roots and folklore.

Anything else would be spoiled. So buckle in and enjoy the ride!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[shelly north · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things that go bump in the night

It’s very hard to do a good review of this book without spoilers. So I will focus on the excellent world building, character development and storylines. Ms Castaneda has opened me up to a whole new world of things that go bump in the night. I read a lot of fantasy/horror/urban fantasy and somehow other than the chupacabra had managed to miss the richness of the Hispanic culture and legends. I have a wealth of knowledge on European mythology and cultural boogiemen and did not know how much I was missing from my own backyard. I encourage you to skip the boring and overdone vampires and werewolves and embrace the world of chupacabras, brujera’s, curandero’s and other things that go bump in the night.

[Maggie Fornaciari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Maddy is in for it now. First, it was Golems, and then entities in Chavez Ravine. Now murder? And while she's trying to solve it, she has to dodge the LAPD Detective. She turns to who was at one time, a very outspoken critic of hers, who now actually becomes a helpful partner in helping solve things. Oh, and her mother shows up, too. what's a girl to do?


Find out how Maddy handles all this by reading Desperate Magic. I was hooked from the very first, and pulled almost an all-nighter because. I couldn't put this down until I found out what happened. Debra outdid herself with this one. You're gonna love it!!!

[Mrs K.Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Magic is an Excellent story about Maddy who works as Chief of Security at Chavez Ravine a gated estate. She works very hard and is learning to be a Bruja which is Mexican Healing Witch. These skills she inherited from her Great Aunt . Maddy is using her Bruja skills to help people and to assist her team in fighting the entities. Sam her large , beautiful clever cat who helps Maddy with her ingredients for spells. But will Maddy and her team find the answers to the mystery before the Police solve it?
Great book and series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Fraxinus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddy Madrigal has battled all the craziness that Chavez Ravine has to throw at her, from board politics to entities that don't act quite right. However, that does not prepare her when a killer starts stalking her quiet little town.

I have really enjoyed the series and how it embraces the Mexican culture and mythology, from the food to the mythology. The character-building has been incredible and I have enjoyed watching Maddy embrace her heritage and her talents. I have enjoyed watching her relationship with the board grow as she has matured and embraced her heritage.

I can't wait to see where the author takes us next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this third book in the series, and I am so stoked for the next one. Anyway, this latest has Maddy dealing with a murderer on the loose, but she doesn’t know what is doing the killing. Not only that, but she must also deal with an LAPD detective with a grudge, keep the HOA board happy, and deal with an old…enemy as an ally. This latest was so much fun, I loved every page and pretty much finished it all in one setting. If you loved the previous two, you’ll definitely love this latest. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Kate | Date With A Thriller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this one might be my favorite of the Maddy Madrigal series yet!! 🙌

I found myself chuckling at times at the Hernan and Malena B characters - two characters I initially did not care for but am starting to become fond of! I was sucked into this one from the get-go and loved seeing Maddy more fully embrace her magic! Highly recommend this one as well as the entire series!! 👏

Thank you to Debra Castaneda for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! Anything you put out, I will read!! ❤️

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series is better than the last! Desperate Magic continues all of my favorite things from the previous books (like the culture and that delicious sounding food) with a deeply engrossing storyline. I love watching Maddy continue to develop her powers and her confidence. If you've read the previous two Maddy Madrigal mysteries, you should enjoy this latest book. If you're new to the series, be sure to start at the beginning. Highly recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series. Lots more background given which fills in some of Maddy's issues. This time she's surrounded, all kinds of issues going on which she has to figure out all the while trying to figure out a murder, fix a spell that's failing and dealing with a jerk of a detective. I would love to have the recipes of the dishes Maddy makes, this would only make the book better in my opinion. Great imagination with a very well written story and amazing characters.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ali W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Desperate Magic is the third book in the Maddy Madrigal series by Debra Castaneda. The story starts as we left it in the second book, a call to Maddy to notify her a body has been found. Maddy is quick to respond and arrives at the home of Misty Denner to find her body. Another enjoyable fun read which kept me entertained from start to finish. I’ve read each book all within a couple of days of finishing the previous book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lili · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good ending to the trilogy, even though it left me a bit in doubt regarding Maddy's coming into her magic, and it was also a bit darker than I would have liked.
I liked her character and her wry humor, and I found the description of the community and the characters imaginative. Also, her dynamic with her mother, her personal and her work relationships is believable.

I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[LizJ. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate Magic Book 3 of Maddy Madrigal Mysteries by Debra Castaneda is a really good story in this series. I found myself enthralled in the mystery and following Maddy and company investigating the murders piling up in Chavez Ravine. It's part dark with wonderful bits of humor to make it lighter. I highly recommend this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rhonda Bobbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murder in Chavez Ravine forces Maddy to dig deeper into her magic. I love all the historical lore in this series. The character growth throughout the series is outstanding. A new entity, a new enemy, and a new relationship (one I wasn't expecting lol). This series is one of my favorites, I can't wait to see where it goes.
Ps.. I love Sam 🐈

[Jen Ramsden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third of the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series, and by far the darkest of the stories. The entities are getting stronger, and Maddys new found abilities are put to the test against the inexplicable. With an awesome cast, fascinating monsters, and incredible tales, I can't wait to see where Debra will take us next!

[Lisa Keys]

This book was so much fun to read! It's the third in this series I have read and the only disappointment is when I'm at the end! More please! I enjoy all the elements she incorporates with the community, family, relationships and culture. The adventures are ongoing and leads the reader to wonder what's next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another excellent paranormal creatures mystery.
I love the protagonist Maddie Madrigal and her entourage. I am enjoying the development of Maddie's not inconsiderable powers. The entities that they face are intriguing.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.