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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.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2025
About the author
L.T. Ryan
282 books1,585 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 - 30 of 46 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.
October 21, 2026
I’ve been flying through this series and took a quick break this week to jump over to a couple of other genre’s between books. We are now on the 8th book in this series and dropping back into this world was as easy and as comfortable as putting on a favorite sweater that gave you the feeling of warmth.
This book has Maddie Castle finding herself in the middle of a very unusual case involving domestic violence as well as the disappearance of two young kids. The book starts off at a fast pace and the pace continues to accelerate as the book unfolds, eventually reaching an almost frantic pace as we get to the conclusion.
As usual, I enjoyed the heck out of this storyline and before I knew it, we had reached the end.
Looks like I am moving on to the next book :)
This book has Maddie Castle finding herself in the middle of a very unusual case involving domestic violence as well as the disappearance of two young kids. The book starts off at a fast pace and the pace continues to accelerate as the book unfolds, eventually reaching an almost frantic pace as we get to the conclusion.
As usual, I enjoyed the heck out of this storyline and before I knew it, we had reached the end.
Looks like I am moving on to the next book :)
April 21, 2026
Another great read in the Maddie Castle series. Entertaining and great characters and storyline.
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.
March 22, 2026
Loved it!! One thing I didnt quite understand was randomly throwing a part about Willow Grove in there and then stop mentioning it again until the end of the book. Where that was placed had nothing to do with the story that was being told. I get putting it at the end to lead it into the next book, but randomly in the middle? I guess that was to try and make you think this story could have been what happened to the missing kids in this one. But it didnt so just didn't make sense to me. But I still LOVED this book! I cant wait for the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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.
February 12, 2026
Page turner
Maddie Castle is a private investigator with a big heart, sharp eyes and quick mind. She received a call from the sheriff to join him because two across the street friends that disappeared during the night. Worse yet is one of the children's older sister had disappeared 3 months earlier. Both families have their problems which doesn't make it. No more from me, don't want to ruin the surprises. Great job. Thank you.
Maddie Castle is a private investigator with a big heart, sharp eyes and quick mind. She received a call from the sheriff to join him because two across the street friends that disappeared during the night. Worse yet is one of the children's older sister had disappeared 3 months earlier. Both families have their problems which doesn't make it. No more from me, don't want to ruin the surprises. Great job. Thank you.
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.
February 8, 2026
Great Addition to the Series
Excellent as always. If you are a fan of the series, you will love this one too. Really hard to put down once you start. I go to find the next one now. Enjoy!
Excellent as always. If you are a fan of the series, you will love this one too. Really hard to put down once you start. I go to find the next one now. Enjoy!
March 1, 2026
Lost and Found
Another great book starring Maddie Castle. Always a pleasure to read another Castle series. This is the fastest book I ever read. I was sitting at the edge of my seat through the whole book. I hope you like it as much as I did. ENJOY!!!
Another great book starring Maddie Castle. Always a pleasure to read another Castle series. This is the fastest book I ever read. I was sitting at the edge of my seat through the whole book. I hope you like it as much as I did. ENJOY!!!
March 3, 2026
Maddie
The saga continues and this time there are three children missing. Maddie and Derek are working hard to find them and boy, what a convoluted mess they are uncovering in their search.
The saga continues and this time there are three children missing. Maddie and Derek are working hard to find them and boy, what a convoluted mess they are uncovering in their search.
March 4, 2026
This book is the best of the Maddie books so far.
I loved that this book is actually true police procedural story. No crazy, pained, Maddie. A working investigator who follow the leads to find a solution to a crime of missing children. Excellent!
I loved that this book is actually true police procedural story. No crazy, pained, Maddie. A working investigator who follow the leads to find a solution to a crime of missing children. Excellent!
March 4, 2026
Three missing children from the same neighborhood!
Things do not appear what they seem to be. Maddie Castle was called in to help find some missing children. Maddie is determined to find the children. I highly recommend this book! Happy reading! ☺️
Things do not appear what they seem to be. Maddie Castle was called in to help find some missing children. Maddie is determined to find the children. I highly recommend this book! Happy reading! ☺️
March 14, 2026
Disappearing Act
I'm hoping this series never ends as I'm enjoying the story lines so much and the fact that some of Maddie's cases continue on from book to book, eventually bringing c!osure.
Always a page turner for me & this one had a lot of layers.
I'm hoping this series never ends as I'm enjoying the story lines so much and the fact that some of Maddie's cases continue on from book to book, eventually bringing c!osure.
Always a page turner for me & this one had a lot of layers.
April 13, 2026
I have read all 8 Maddie Castle books and have pre-ordered book 9. I have loved every one of them. Fabulous writing, interesting stories, plot twists and varied investigations! I love the blooming relationship with Bentley! I can’t wait for the next book!
April 20, 2026
A great mystery that holds your attention
This story wss a great page turner. You were filled
with rage , sho ked at how people are, and glad to know people are still looking out for others.
Was glad for Maddie that it ended well.
This story wss a great page turner. You were filled
with rage , sho ked at how people are, and glad to know people are still looking out for others.
Was glad for Maddie that it ended well.
May 30, 2026
Love this series
Love this series. The story is well written, well told, and reads quickly as a big adventure. The mystery is complex with so much. I love the characters, and the story details. Onward to the next book….
Love this series. The story is well written, well told, and reads quickly as a big adventure. The mystery is complex with so much. I love the characters, and the story details. Onward to the next book….
June 13, 2026
I do enjoy Maddie and Tempie. An awesome team. Interesting story with a lot of twists and turns. Gripping story. I am a bit upset with how it ended, though I was expecting it. Hope the next book comes out soon!
August 2, 2026
amazing series
This is the eighth novel in the series that I’ve read I’ve read a ton of books over the years. This is the first series since Jack reacher that I’ve read through the whole way that’s how I feel about these.
This is the eighth novel in the series that I’ve read I’ve read a ton of books over the years. This is the first series since Jack reacher that I’ve read through the whole way that’s how I feel about these.
December 28, 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
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews