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Maddie Castle #8
Disappearing Act
Some lies are buried. Others disappear without a trace.
Truth vanishes in the space between panic and manipulation.
When private investigator Maddie Castle finds herself at the scene of a violent domestic dispute, what looks like a straightforward case quickly unravels. A young boy and his neighbor are missing. The father is in handcuffs. And the mother’s story doesn't quite add up.
As Maddie digs deeper, she uncovers a tangle of lies, weaponized trauma, and buried secrets stretching beyond the Porter family. At the heart of it a third missing girl, a trail gone cold, and a mother determined to bend the truth to serve her own justice.
Meanwhile, the dark shadows of the Willow Grove cult continue to stir. With new leads and a fragile witness stepping forward, Maddie must split her focus — or risk losing them all.
In a town built on appearances, disappearing is just the opening act.
Truth vanishes in the space between panic and manipulation.
When private investigator Maddie Castle finds herself at the scene of a violent domestic dispute, what looks like a straightforward case quickly unravels. A young boy and his neighbor are missing. The father is in handcuffs. And the mother’s story doesn't quite add up.
As Maddie digs deeper, she uncovers a tangle of lies, weaponized trauma, and buried secrets stretching beyond the Porter family. At the heart of it a third missing girl, a trail gone cold, and a mother determined to bend the truth to serve her own justice.
Meanwhile, the dark shadows of the Willow Grove cult continue to stir. With new leads and a fragile witness stepping forward, Maddie must split her focus — or risk losing them all.
In a town built on appearances, disappearing is just the opening act.
- GenresMystery
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
1423 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
166 books1,459 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 18, 2025
A good read.
I've read this whole series and I've always looked forward to the next book. There are a couple things that have bothered me, though, in this book and in the previous couple. It seems that Maddie's character has changed. She is as smart as she always has been, but she used to seem softer. Her attitude was more loving and open. Now she mostly seems more hard and cynical. It's made her more like the female characters in other books of the same genre. I liked the Maddie who was a bit more open and less hardened; it set her apart from those other female detectives. The second thing is Tempest. I love a book with a smart dog. Tempest was a featured character in the earlier books. Lately she's been more like a secondary character. She is "there" but she no longer works side by side with Maddie. She seems more like just another pet dog. I miss her. That said, the story in this book was really good. It was interesting and timely. Three children disappeared, one 3 months earlier and now two more have disappeared at the same time in the middle of the night. Maddie is called in to help search for them. The parents are not being as helpful or truthful as Maddie expects and she realizes she will have to really dig to get to the truth. The problem is she doesn't have much time to do it. Ultimately, I still enjoyed reading this book and I will likely read the next one. But I don't look forward to the next one as much as I used to. I hope that changes.
I've read this whole series and I've always looked forward to the next book. There are a couple things that have bothered me, though, in this book and in the previous couple. It seems that Maddie's character has changed. She is as smart as she always has been, but she used to seem softer. Her attitude was more loving and open. Now she mostly seems more hard and cynical. It's made her more like the female characters in other books of the same genre. I liked the Maddie who was a bit more open and less hardened; it set her apart from those other female detectives. The second thing is Tempest. I love a book with a smart dog. Tempest was a featured character in the earlier books. Lately she's been more like a secondary character. She is "there" but she no longer works side by side with Maddie. She seems more like just another pet dog. I miss her. That said, the story in this book was really good. It was interesting and timely. Three children disappeared, one 3 months earlier and now two more have disappeared at the same time in the middle of the night. Maddie is called in to help search for them. The parents are not being as helpful or truthful as Maddie expects and she realizes she will have to really dig to get to the truth. The problem is she doesn't have much time to do it. Ultimately, I still enjoyed reading this book and I will likely read the next one. But I don't look forward to the next one as much as I used to. I hope that changes.
December 24, 2025
what a mess
Two families with abusive men is a lot to keep up with. Too many names to keep straight for the story to be 5 stars. Not one of L T Ryan’s better books.
Two families with abusive men is a lot to keep up with. Too many names to keep straight for the story to be 5 stars. Not one of L T Ryan’s better books.
January 17, 2026
And the suspense continues...
I’m an ardent fan of L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray’s Maddie Castle series, and was therefore excited when Disappearing Act (book eight) appeared in my Kindle feed. I always make sure to pre-order the next novel, if possible, as soon as I finish the previous novel! Luckily, Gray and Ryan are such prolific writers, the wait is not too long.
The suspense and layered mysteries of the series continues with The Disappearing Act,and I was easily pulled right back into Maddie’s world. Once again I found myself reading late into the night, promising, “Just one more chapter.” The lost sleep was absolutely worth it! Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, the plot twisted and proved me wrong. Ryan and Gray keep you guessing until the very end, and their storytelling never fails to impress.
However, after reading all eight books, it’s clear this is a series meant to be savored. Maddie Castle is a richly layered character whose growth unfolds naturally from book to book, rewarding attentive readers. Reading too quickly means you might miss the subtle details and small clues that reveal how much Maddie is changing along the way. Her journey feels authentic, engaging, and I find I can easily relate to her transformation.
The Maddie Castle series by L.T. Ryan and C. R. Gray is easily one of the best mystery/suspense series I’ve read—and one that stayed with me long after the final page. If you like complex, strong, female detectives and multi-layered, suspenseful mysteries, then I highly recommend The Maddie Castle series. Be sure to read the series in order and give yourself plenty of time to savor the rich writing of L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray.
I’m an ardent fan of L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray’s Maddie Castle series, and was therefore excited when Disappearing Act (book eight) appeared in my Kindle feed. I always make sure to pre-order the next novel, if possible, as soon as I finish the previous novel! Luckily, Gray and Ryan are such prolific writers, the wait is not too long.
The suspense and layered mysteries of the series continues with The Disappearing Act,and I was easily pulled right back into Maddie’s world. Once again I found myself reading late into the night, promising, “Just one more chapter.” The lost sleep was absolutely worth it! Every time I thought I had the mystery figured out, the plot twisted and proved me wrong. Ryan and Gray keep you guessing until the very end, and their storytelling never fails to impress.
However, after reading all eight books, it’s clear this is a series meant to be savored. Maddie Castle is a richly layered character whose growth unfolds naturally from book to book, rewarding attentive readers. Reading too quickly means you might miss the subtle details and small clues that reveal how much Maddie is changing along the way. Her journey feels authentic, engaging, and I find I can easily relate to her transformation.
The Maddie Castle series by L.T. Ryan and C. R. Gray is easily one of the best mystery/suspense series I’ve read—and one that stayed with me long after the final page. If you like complex, strong, female detectives and multi-layered, suspenseful mysteries, then I highly recommend The Maddie Castle series. Be sure to read the series in order and give yourself plenty of time to savor the rich writing of L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray.
December 27, 2025
Maddie grows up!
Through helping some young people in dire straits, Maddie seems to heal a lot from her own childhood. I particularly liked the ending and the wonderful surprise she receives from Sam and Bentley.
Maddie’s past helps her understanding and conjecture of the young people she sets out to find. She sees things the detectives don’t see and understands the kids and their motives on a much clearer level.
A mysterious woman who catches Maddie’s eye from the beginning turns out to be a key to everything. Lots of well built action crescendos as the plot twists and builds. This is as close to a “happily ever after as Ryan and his co-authors ever get. Still it seemed the correct timbre for the individuals involved. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. I’d start the beginning of you are new to the Maddie Castle novels.
Through helping some young people in dire straits, Maddie seems to heal a lot from her own childhood. I particularly liked the ending and the wonderful surprise she receives from Sam and Bentley.
Maddie’s past helps her understanding and conjecture of the young people she sets out to find. She sees things the detectives don’t see and understands the kids and their motives on a much clearer level.
A mysterious woman who catches Maddie’s eye from the beginning turns out to be a key to everything. Lots of well built action crescendos as the plot twists and builds. This is as close to a “happily ever after as Ryan and his co-authors ever get. Still it seemed the correct timbre for the individuals involved. I highly recommend this book and the whole series. I’d start the beginning of you are new to the Maddie Castle novels.
December 28, 2025
Of the many series LT Ryan has written, the characters in this series are amazing.
Each book has sometimes multiple storylines going on. Or a continuing storyline yet to be resolved. But this story was a soul touching story.
The characters in this series are so solidly intertwined together that you have to remember it's fiction. Because they seem so real.
Thank you LT for another enjoyable read. I enjoyed it a lot.
Each book has sometimes multiple storylines going on. Or a continuing storyline yet to be resolved. But this story was a soul touching story.
The characters in this series are so solidly intertwined together that you have to remember it's fiction. Because they seem so real.
Thank you LT for another enjoyable read. I enjoyed it a lot.
January 15, 2026
Excellent from beginning to end
As always, our Maddie is just what every missing person needs. She grabs on until she learns every clue and every secret. Then follows her "hunches" through to a solving of the case. She andTempy, her always loyal partner, finding their way to a happy ending. Great book. Looking forward to the next one!
As always, our Maddie is just what every missing person needs. She grabs on until she learns every clue and every secret. Then follows her "hunches" through to a solving of the case. She andTempy, her always loyal partner, finding their way to a happy ending. Great book. Looking forward to the next one!
January 17, 2026
A great series.
This book like all of the other books in this series, keeps your attention. Each book you learn more about the characters. If you like a story that features a dog and her human involved in solving a mystery then this series is for you. Thank you L.T.and C.R. keep writing about Tempy and Maddie.
This book like all of the other books in this series, keeps your attention. Each book you learn more about the characters. If you like a story that features a dog and her human involved in solving a mystery then this series is for you. Thank you L.T.and C.R. keep writing about Tempy and Maddie.
January 6, 2026
Disappearing Act (Maddie Castle Book8)
This book was great, Maddie Castle out did herself. The story was really very incredible and I couldn't put it down. I should have said LT Ryan and CR Gray out did themselves. Smooth writing. Loved this book.
This book was great, Maddie Castle out did herself. The story was really very incredible and I couldn't put it down. I should have said LT Ryan and CR Gray out did themselves. Smooth writing. Loved this book.
January 26, 2026
Great Storyline but….
I thought the storyline was very original keeping the reader in suspense the whole time. However, it just might be me, but I finally reached a point whereby I find Maddie to be to full of herself! I am done with her super hero character.
I thought the storyline was very original keeping the reader in suspense the whole time. However, it just might be me, but I finally reached a point whereby I find Maddie to be to full of herself! I am done with her super hero character.
January 27, 2026
review
I really enjoy reading this book. I have read every book that has been written by the author and looking forward to reading the next in this series. The book keep me guesting from the middle to the end. I love the Maddie has been developed through each case she has taken.
I really enjoy reading this book. I have read every book that has been written by the author and looking forward to reading the next in this series. The book keep me guesting from the middle to the end. I love the Maddie has been developed through each case she has taken.
February 2, 2026
Just Right
I really like the Maddie books, but this one to me seems like the best one so far. The pacing is good, the emotional impact is right on target, and the balance between Maddie's personal and professional lives is more realistic.
I really like the Maddie books, but this one to me seems like the best one so far. The pacing is good, the emotional impact is right on target, and the balance between Maddie's personal and professional lives is more realistic.
December 29, 2025
Another great read
I love a happy ending,was afraid it was it going to happen.
All the twists and turns made for a nonstop read, only o e request, Tempe needs more action.
I love a happy ending,was afraid it was it going to happen.
All the twists and turns made for a nonstop read, only o e request, Tempe needs more action.
December 30, 2025
A good read!
For once I actually worked out the ending right at the beginning! However I thoroughly enjoyed the journey! Looking forward to the next instalment.
For once I actually worked out the ending right at the beginning! However I thoroughly enjoyed the journey! Looking forward to the next instalment.
December 31, 2025
Fantastic Read
True page turner. Amazing group of characters and story line. So well written. You won't want to put it down
True page turner. Amazing group of characters and story line. So well written. You won't want to put it down
January 3, 2026
CC1
This was one of the best Castle chapters ever. Maddie did great job in finding Cassidy and kids . Got both father's taken out of picture. 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
This was one of the best Castle chapters ever. Maddie did great job in finding Cassidy and kids . Got both father's taken out of picture. 10 stars plus!!!! Thanks Carl Clause
January 8, 2026
Always like these books
I always like these books.They really keep my attention.It's almost like a movie playing in my head when i'm reading these
I always like these books.They really keep my attention.It's almost like a movie playing in my head when i'm reading these
January 17, 2026
This is a page turner.
I loved this book. I read it in two days. It is fast paced. Didn't want to put it down.
I loved this book. I read it in two days. It is fast paced. Didn't want to put it down.
January 19, 2026
Enjoyable read
I enjoy this series of Maddie Castle and Tempy. .Addie has an eye for detail and sees what most investigators miss.
I enjoy this series of Maddie Castle and Tempy. .Addie has an eye for detail and sees what most investigators miss.
January 21, 2026
I really enjoyed this this book!
I found this story to be very emotional and true to life. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more. Thanks 🙏
I found this story to be very emotional and true to life. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more. Thanks 🙏
January 22, 2026
Madrid's Surprise
The ending of the story was a surprise. All the problems that appeared were common but usually not dealt with well in life.
The ending of the story was a surprise. All the problems that appeared were common but usually not dealt with well in life.
January 23, 2026
thoroughly enjoyed
I have read all the books in the series and I love the characters and I love the suspense in the stories. It’s very well written.
I have read all the books in the series and I love the characters and I love the suspense in the stories. It’s very well written.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews