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Mortal Magic
When a romantic weekend getaway turns into a magical malfunction, Maddy Madrigal knows trouble is on the way. Her powers are flickering, gnomes are rioting in Beverly Hills, and, in the exclusive community she was hired to protect, a bloodthirsty menace is running amok.
It’s something ancient and deadly, and it’s taken roost just outside the gates of Chavez Ravine. As attacks escalate and everyday life turns into full-blown chaos, Maddy and her team scramble to defend the neighborhood with weapons, magic, and an extremely agitated cat. But all of that may not be enough.
With spells failing and the invading creatures refusing to die, Maddy must dig into a forgotten legacy of street fighters, brujería, and buried secrets. To save the community, she’ll need to draw from its history, learn more about her magical lineage, and figure out who summoned this new wave of monsters.
Packed with psychic awakenings, family tensions, and HOA drama, this fourth installment of Maddy Madrigal Mysteries delivers high-stakes urban fantasy with heart, bite, and a serious gnome problem.
It’s something ancient and deadly, and it’s taken roost just outside the gates of Chavez Ravine. As attacks escalate and everyday life turns into full-blown chaos, Maddy and her team scramble to defend the neighborhood with weapons, magic, and an extremely agitated cat. But all of that may not be enough.
With spells failing and the invading creatures refusing to die, Maddy must dig into a forgotten legacy of street fighters, brujería, and buried secrets. To save the community, she’ll need to draw from its history, learn more about her magical lineage, and figure out who summoned this new wave of monsters.
Packed with psychic awakenings, family tensions, and HOA drama, this fourth installment of Maddy Madrigal Mysteries delivers high-stakes urban fantasy with heart, bite, and a serious gnome problem.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2025
73 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Debra Castaneda
26 books297 followersDebra 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 .
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 .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 31, 2025
Another exciting adventure for Maddy, so glad that she has found more of her powers! I hope we see Ripper, Junie, Pete, Ruben, Chito, Lalo, Cowboy, and Richard again.
I also think pan dulce should end up being one of her curandera ingredients.
But seriously, these books should come with recipes at the end. I’m craving a watermelon raspado.
I also think pan dulce should end up being one of her curandera ingredients.
But seriously, these books should come with recipes at the end. I’m craving a watermelon raspado.
July 24, 2025
Oh my goodness, I don’t know why but I always forget what a great series this is until I read another book. And, I think there will be more! *cue happy dancing* Anyway, in this latest, there’s new entity in town, except it’s not an entity, but something else that Maddy has to discover. It doesn’t take long, and things go from bad to worse. However, along the way, she learns more about her history, learns new tricks, and rests some ghosts of different kinds. I just loved this and am so stoked there will be more. Fans of the previous books will definitely love this latest. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 22, 2025
Mortal Magic is the fourth book in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries, and it maintains the same suspenseful, supernatural, and character-driven mix that readers have grown to enjoy. Debra Castaneda again demonstrates her ability to spin a tale with mystery placed against the temptation of the magical.
The series centers around Maddy Madrigal, and here she is once more caught up in a case that plays on the boundaries between the human and the supernatural. This installment is especially gripping because Castaneda roots the magical aspect in very human feelings—fear, courage, love, and betrayal. As the mystery plays out, readers are swept into a reality where secrets refuse to be kept hidden and where stakes have never been higher.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its mood. The author is good at evoking vivid environments that are alive and near-cinematic. Whether it's the eerie stillness of a dark alley or the tension of an argument, the imagery draws you fully into the scene. Maddy herself becomes increasingly well-developed as a character—she is tough but not perfect, stubborn but sensitive, and therefore relatable and interesting.
The pace is quick, and every chapter draws you to the next. Castaneda skillfully mixes suspense and emotional complexity so that the mystery is not only about cracking a case but also about grasping the characters' conflicts and decisions. Old fans of the series will enjoy the continuity, and new readers can still find the book readable as a standalone, although beginning from the first book would be an enriched experience.
Overall, Mortal Magic is a pleasing read for fans of paranormal mysteries with heart and depth. It's a book that will have you guessing to the end, while at the same time keeping you invested in the journey of Maddy.
The series centers around Maddy Madrigal, and here she is once more caught up in a case that plays on the boundaries between the human and the supernatural. This installment is especially gripping because Castaneda roots the magical aspect in very human feelings—fear, courage, love, and betrayal. As the mystery plays out, readers are swept into a reality where secrets refuse to be kept hidden and where stakes have never been higher.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its mood. The author is good at evoking vivid environments that are alive and near-cinematic. Whether it's the eerie stillness of a dark alley or the tension of an argument, the imagery draws you fully into the scene. Maddy herself becomes increasingly well-developed as a character—she is tough but not perfect, stubborn but sensitive, and therefore relatable and interesting.
The pace is quick, and every chapter draws you to the next. Castaneda skillfully mixes suspense and emotional complexity so that the mystery is not only about cracking a case but also about grasping the characters' conflicts and decisions. Old fans of the series will enjoy the continuity, and new readers can still find the book readable as a standalone, although beginning from the first book would be an enriched experience.
Overall, Mortal Magic is a pleasing read for fans of paranormal mysteries with heart and depth. It's a book that will have you guessing to the end, while at the same time keeping you invested in the journey of Maddy.
September 7, 2025
Amazing!!
Okay every time I think this series can’t get any better the author takes it as a challenge says here hold my cheesecake (sorry I don’t drink beer and this is funnier) and levels up! Newer scarier more dangerous monsters check, new magic and powers for Maddie check, a special crew of fighters to save the community check check. This book is such fun to read. It has all the things, magic, mystery, romance and a little crazy thrown in to make things extra interesting lol. Loved every word and I can’t wait for the next one!!
Okay every time I think this series can’t get any better the author takes it as a challenge says here hold my cheesecake (sorry I don’t drink beer and this is funnier) and levels up! Newer scarier more dangerous monsters check, new magic and powers for Maddie check, a special crew of fighters to save the community check check. This book is such fun to read. It has all the things, magic, mystery, romance and a little crazy thrown in to make things extra interesting lol. Loved every word and I can’t wait for the next one!!
August 11, 2025
Another day, another threat. Madeline "Maddy" Madrigal has the rhythm of her security team running smoothly, but the appearance of undead entities leads to a new conundrum. How do you kill something that isn't alive? With her bosses on the HOA board breathing down her neck, Maddy needs a hero or two to join her in the latest battle at Chavez Ridge.
I adore this series, and it isn't even in my favourite reading genre! The storytelling is top-notch with a cohesive plot and characters who could easily step off the page. Maddy's snark and her self-deprecation have won my heart, but (for me) the hero of the series is Sam the cat. I also admire the character growth as the series expands and adds detail to each persona.
Mortal Magic is book four in the Maddy Madrigal Mystery series. It could be read as a standalone since the story neatly wraps up within the pages, but there is a wealth of backstory that deserves to be heard first. And, while there is a touch of blue language, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book and this series to anyone who loves a grand adventure set in a paranormal universe.
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.
I adore this series, and it isn't even in my favourite reading genre! The storytelling is top-notch with a cohesive plot and characters who could easily step off the page. Maddy's snark and her self-deprecation have won my heart, but (for me) the hero of the series is Sam the cat. I also admire the character growth as the series expands and adds detail to each persona.
Mortal Magic is book four in the Maddy Madrigal Mystery series. It could be read as a standalone since the story neatly wraps up within the pages, but there is a wealth of backstory that deserves to be heard first. And, while there is a touch of blue language, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book and this series to anyone who loves a grand adventure set in a paranormal universe.
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.
August 10, 2025
If you thought the 3 previous books were awesome, this one is even better!
In the midst of chaos and Maddy’s mother on a Mexican holiday with her newfound lover, Maddy needs to step up in ways far beyond her comfort zone! Luckily Sam will come to rescue, raising an army one wouldn’t expect. Talking about raising an army, will Maddy find out how to battle the danger that is coming for them all? Or will everything she and her team worked for, mean nothing amidst this unknown threat that could destroy the peace for everyone in the community for who knows how long? With Maddy’s magic that doesn’t seem to help as much as she would like it to be, this epic battle will help Maddy show her what she is truly made of!
This story was epic and you’re in for a treat! I just laughed my socks off reading Mortal Magic with Sam! So glad he got to shine like the true big brave kitty he is! This story even made me cry near the end of it. But it was awesome and it was the best! And the only thing left is that we can all agree and hope that many more books will come in this fantastic series featuring Maddy and Sam!
This series is pact with Mexican awesomeness, the culture, the cuisine, the sense of family and community. You don’t need to have any link to it, to be able to appreciate it. The characters are so enjoyable and feel so real, and the entire setting is built upon some true Mexican American stories from the past. It’s all a great mix of magic, comedy, action, mystery and urban legends that come to life!
I was provided with an advance review copy for free, and as always I am leaving voluntarily my honest review here.
In the midst of chaos and Maddy’s mother on a Mexican holiday with her newfound lover, Maddy needs to step up in ways far beyond her comfort zone! Luckily Sam will come to rescue, raising an army one wouldn’t expect. Talking about raising an army, will Maddy find out how to battle the danger that is coming for them all? Or will everything she and her team worked for, mean nothing amidst this unknown threat that could destroy the peace for everyone in the community for who knows how long? With Maddy’s magic that doesn’t seem to help as much as she would like it to be, this epic battle will help Maddy show her what she is truly made of!
This story was epic and you’re in for a treat! I just laughed my socks off reading Mortal Magic with Sam! So glad he got to shine like the true big brave kitty he is! This story even made me cry near the end of it. But it was awesome and it was the best! And the only thing left is that we can all agree and hope that many more books will come in this fantastic series featuring Maddy and Sam!
This series is pact with Mexican awesomeness, the culture, the cuisine, the sense of family and community. You don’t need to have any link to it, to be able to appreciate it. The characters are so enjoyable and feel so real, and the entire setting is built upon some true Mexican American stories from the past. It’s all a great mix of magic, comedy, action, mystery and urban legends that come to life!
I was provided with an advance review copy for free, and as always I am leaving voluntarily my honest review here.
August 18, 2025
Mortal Magic by Debra Castenda is the 4th in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries. I really enjoy this series based on a real place with a difficult political history in Chavez Ravine. Castenada takes it a step further with paranormal threats, and Maddy’s growing confidence in her witchcraft.
In this adventure, there are strange vampire birds out of Mayan folklore that are causing trouble in the neighborhood. I’ve never realized how creepy some of the creatures out of folklore are, even the cute ones, until they have been presented swooping around in the night sky or doing excessive gardening. Maddy is growing more confident in her skills, and we get quite a bit of development in her brujeria, along with a deepening relationship with Stu and his family. Often in cozy mysteries, there is only a one-note love interest, so the slightly different focus is welcome. We also get to learn more about Lencha, Maddy’s main inspiration and potential spiritual mentor. Beyond the mystery and thriller aspects of the story, this is just plain funny. I can’t say the number of times I chuckled out loud reading this. And the food—someone is always whipping up some sort of delicious sounding meal. These cultural references are welcome and really make this series stand out.
I’m looking forward to the next one! Thank you to BookSirens for the free review copy of this book.
4.5 stars
In this adventure, there are strange vampire birds out of Mayan folklore that are causing trouble in the neighborhood. I’ve never realized how creepy some of the creatures out of folklore are, even the cute ones, until they have been presented swooping around in the night sky or doing excessive gardening. Maddy is growing more confident in her skills, and we get quite a bit of development in her brujeria, along with a deepening relationship with Stu and his family. Often in cozy mysteries, there is only a one-note love interest, so the slightly different focus is welcome. We also get to learn more about Lencha, Maddy’s main inspiration and potential spiritual mentor. Beyond the mystery and thriller aspects of the story, this is just plain funny. I can’t say the number of times I chuckled out loud reading this. And the food—someone is always whipping up some sort of delicious sounding meal. These cultural references are welcome and really make this series stand out.
I’m looking forward to the next one! Thank you to BookSirens for the free review copy of this book.
4.5 stars
August 6, 2025
Each of the Maddy series books just gets better as each new story is released into the reading world. This time around Maddy has to dig deep within herself to defeat a dangerous entity (or are they?). As Maddy tries to find a way to rid Chez Ravine of this newly discovered bloodthirsty creature. These ‘vampire’ birds did not arrive the way many other entities had arrived so Maddy and her team were soon at their wits end trying to stop the creatures before moving from killing goats to killing people. Maddy is such an amazing bruja! She takes the time to research ways to help her community as well as making sure her personal relationships do not suffer. I was really surprised at who and why the person sent the ‘vampire’ birds to Chez Ravine. I felt that Maddy would have been an easy person to discuss ways to rectify the situation that did not involve bringing in such dangerous creatures. Per the other books, Maddy makes the reader feel as though they are living in this magical place and she is ready to help those in need. If you have not started this series…….what are you waiting for? Get on it!
August 26, 2025
I have enjoyed watching Maddy Madrigal blossom, both as a Bruja and a top-notch Head of Security. I liked the woman she was, I adore the woman she has become: Confident, Kind, Smart, and Resourceful…
As she leans further into her craft, you see how she combines her intuition with her keen observations to solve the issues that seem to plague the community that has been entrusted to her. I love how she walks us through her process; it makes her magic simultaneously accessible and incredible.
I have also enjoyed how her relationship with her boyfriend Stu and his daughter Chloe has grown over the past couple of books. It is doubly impressive, as Maddy does not have kids of her own and has a barely functional relationship with her own mom.
Speaking of Mom's, I loved how Maddy and her Mom have started to de-escalate their war and work together. It shows two different ways of working with the entities that are plaguing the area.
All told, this is a fantastic series, with the perfect blend of heart-stopping action, crazy monsters, and mythology. I love how the author sprinkles in her Spanish culture throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As she leans further into her craft, you see how she combines her intuition with her keen observations to solve the issues that seem to plague the community that has been entrusted to her. I love how she walks us through her process; it makes her magic simultaneously accessible and incredible.
I have also enjoyed how her relationship with her boyfriend Stu and his daughter Chloe has grown over the past couple of books. It is doubly impressive, as Maddy does not have kids of her own and has a barely functional relationship with her own mom.
Speaking of Mom's, I loved how Maddy and her Mom have started to de-escalate their war and work together. It shows two different ways of working with the entities that are plaguing the area.
All told, this is a fantastic series, with the perfect blend of heart-stopping action, crazy monsters, and mythology. I love how the author sprinkles in her Spanish culture throughout the book. I can't wait to read the next installment!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2025
I am utterly addicted to this series. Each book builds on the previous while offering something new. I don't think I've ever been so invested in learning another language or culture. The way Casteneda writes, draws me in and pins me down until the book is done. I especially love the way she writes about food and family.
In this fourth book, Maddy's cat, Sam takes a leading role in the fight against entities to hilarious results. Complicating things is Maddy's mother, the famous Malena B and her new romantic relationship with Maddy's ex-nemesis. Amidst her relationship dramas, Maddy is also faced with a new set of monsters threatening her home - immortal flying vampire-like creatures that are sucking the blood out of goats. To defeat them, she has to level up her abilities and look back to her family's history for inspiration.
I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait for the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this fourth book, Maddy's cat, Sam takes a leading role in the fight against entities to hilarious results. Complicating things is Maddy's mother, the famous Malena B and her new romantic relationship with Maddy's ex-nemesis. Amidst her relationship dramas, Maddy is also faced with a new set of monsters threatening her home - immortal flying vampire-like creatures that are sucking the blood out of goats. To defeat them, she has to level up her abilities and look back to her family's history for inspiration.
I couldn't put this book down and I can't wait for the next one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2025
So, to start - I love this series. I've enjoyed watching Maddy's character develop from book one as she discovers her history and the history of Chavez Ravine. I think that so far, "Mortal Magic" stands out more than the others because you see more of Sam, Maddy's companion cat. Without any spoilers, Maddy further develops her skills as a bruja and encounters a new type of entity. I did enjoy the ending with a new take on how to solve a new type of problem. It was creative - unorthodox, which is just part of the appeal!
While this can be read as a standalone, I'd suggest reading the first three in the series - not just because it's an amazing series, but also because it gives you more of an in-depth feeling of how the characters develop.
"Mortal Magic" is packed with action, drama, and an underlying mystery that will have you eagerly anticipating more!
While this can be read as a standalone, I'd suggest reading the first three in the series - not just because it's an amazing series, but also because it gives you more of an in-depth feeling of how the characters develop.
"Mortal Magic" is packed with action, drama, and an underlying mystery that will have you eagerly anticipating more!
September 7, 2025
I loved reading Mortal Magic. The whole Maddy Madrigal series has been phenomenal so far, with each book better than the last. Maddy is such a great character, and it's been a treat to step into her world as she discovers her magic. The rest of the characters are equally well written. I love Maddy and Stu's relationship in this book. It's refreshing to read about a couple acting like mature adults who are able to communicate. As always with this series, the delicious Mexican food and culture is highlighted throughout the book. It's one of the things that makes this such a stand-out series for me. I highly recommend Mortal Magic to readers who enjoy witches, magic and supernatural creatures. Be sure to start at the beginning of the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 31, 2025
Book 4 in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series and it doesn't show signs of slowing down.
I loved the creatures and their history, it added yet another layer to the supernatural elements. The descriptions were great and I could picture those golden eyes peering at me.
Looking at my cat asleep in a heap makes me wish he could inherit a little of Sam's usefulness - I think he has the brains, just not the inclination.
I did want more detail about the motive, it seemed to rush past that quite quickly.
I'm enjoying watching Maddy learn more about herself, her family history, and her craft - with the latest addition I can't see anything standing in her way.
Overall, another addictive addition, and I'm excited there's more to come.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the creatures and their history, it added yet another layer to the supernatural elements. The descriptions were great and I could picture those golden eyes peering at me.
Looking at my cat asleep in a heap makes me wish he could inherit a little of Sam's usefulness - I think he has the brains, just not the inclination.
I did want more detail about the motive, it seemed to rush past that quite quickly.
I'm enjoying watching Maddy learn more about herself, her family history, and her craft - with the latest addition I can't see anything standing in her way.
Overall, another addictive addition, and I'm excited there's more to come.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 15, 2025
Oh, Maddy... what have you gotten yourself into now? Rioting gnomes? Who would have thought? But then, something wicked shows up... something that's not an entity, but even more dangerous... something her magic can't stop. She and her security staff even tried new weapons, but to no avail. She resorts to calling up the ghosts of street fighters past that had stopped evil before. With their help, she is able to get things under control. She also makes a new discovery regarding her magic. As if this isn't enough to keep her on her toes, she gets some news from her mother that is disturbing, to say the least. Make sure to have snacks at the ready, because you won't want to put this book down until you've devoured it in it's entirety.
September 6, 2025
I don't know what it is about this series but each book just gets better and better. Debra Castaneda is a writer who draws you in with great storytelling and likeable characters. I really enjoy the relationship development between the lead and her boyfriend and friends. Yes it's an urban fantasy but it feels like you're hanging out with your people.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with nyth and magic thrown in this series is for you! I also recommend other works by this author specifically the Dark Earth Rising books.
I received an advanced copy for review. It doesn't matter I would have bought it anyway!
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with nyth and magic thrown in this series is for you! I also recommend other works by this author specifically the Dark Earth Rising books.
I received an advanced copy for review. It doesn't matter I would have bought it anyway!
August 21, 2025
Book number 4 of the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series, this book is even more epic, and that's saying a lot! The characters are getting more and more detailed as each story is released, and I'm loving the town and culture that Debra has reimagined. The dangers are somehow both fantastical and completely believable, and I just could not put this down. If Debra writes another 100 books in this series it still wouldn't be enough! If I had one complaint- reading these books ALWAYS makes me hungry for Mexican!
August 22, 2025
Mortal Magic is an Excellent story of Maddy who is learning to use her magical powers as a Brujo and is Head of Security. She has a Supernatural Guard Kitty and Personal Assistant Sam. Maddy has a boyfriend Stu and they go away for a weekend but she still ends up helping to fight an Entity. Maddy is always working hard to come up with solutions in the fight against many different types of Entities for her team.
I enjoyed this book very much and recommend that you read this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed this book very much and recommend that you read this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 27, 2025
This was another winner from the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series, it had that elmeent that I enjoyed from the previous three books. The characters were everything that I had grown to care about and were used perfectly in the urban fantasy world. I enjoyed how good everything flowed together and was engaged with the characters and how the characters continued to work in this world. Debra Castaneda was able to weave this book and enjoyed the overall feel of this and hope it continues the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2025
This was my absolute favorite of the Maddy Madrigal books so far!! Magic, necromancy, action, mystery & Mexican food! The scariest monsters so far, from the time of the Ancient Aztecs. Maddy really gained her confidence in her magic, and has become so powerful! I LOVED how amazing Sam was in this one, and how much more a part of the story he was. I love the dynamic of Maddy and Stu's relationship, his support and trust in her. The characters are likeable and well-written. I do wish the final battle would have lasted a bit longer, but it was a satisfying ending.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2025
The fourth installment of the Maddy Madrigals Mysteries, "Mortal Magic" delivers another thrilling adventure. Maddy faces her most chilling foes yet, immortal vampiric birds with human faces, forcing her to grapple with her untapped magical lineage to save Chavez Ravine.
Castaneda masterfully balances breakneck action and vivid imagery with the heartfelt development of Maddy's relationship with Stu, while her cat, Sam, steals increasing scenes.
With the ending promising more, this series continues to be an utterly delightful read.
Castaneda masterfully balances breakneck action and vivid imagery with the heartfelt development of Maddy's relationship with Stu, while her cat, Sam, steals increasing scenes.
With the ending promising more, this series continues to be an utterly delightful read.
August 9, 2025
I enjoyed this new book in the series. The writing is good, the story is fast paced and there are some intriguing theories of what makes magic work and makes people witches.
I also liked the characters and the occasional humor, which lightens the atmosphere, even if the solution to the problem seemed a bit far-fetched.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I also liked the characters and the occasional humor, which lightens the atmosphere, even if the solution to the problem seemed a bit far-fetched.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 9, 2025
A riveting story from start to finish. Something is killing the grazing goats and putting them on certain offucials' properties. Maddy with Stu's help investigates and finds vampire birds are the cause!! Who did they come from, and who controls them??? How to defeat them before they start on the people? Many truths come to light, and Clare's mom "goes to church " with Maddy!!!! A must read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
August 11, 2025
With every single book, I love this series more and more! 🥰
This is the fourth installment in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series! Maddy further develops her magical abilities and takes on some seriously creepy monsters in this one and it was so fun to read! Highly recommend to cozy mystery fans who enjoy a bit of paranormal mixed in! 👏
Thank you to Debra Castaneda for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review!! ❤️
This is the fourth installment in the Maddy Madrigal Mysteries series! Maddy further develops her magical abilities and takes on some seriously creepy monsters in this one and it was so fun to read! Highly recommend to cozy mystery fans who enjoy a bit of paranormal mixed in! 👏
Thank you to Debra Castaneda for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review!! ❤️
August 17, 2025
Book 4 in the Maddy Madrigal series
This series is unstoppable, it's thrilling, unpredictable, and downright magical. In book 4 Maddy has reached deeper into magic and deeper into her relationship with Stu. Speaking of magic... the revenants, holy guacamole that was unexpected but I loved it. Might have shed a tear when they left 😢.
With her supernatural guard cat Sam.. they will take on the world. I can't wait for more adventures.
This series is unstoppable, it's thrilling, unpredictable, and downright magical. In book 4 Maddy has reached deeper into magic and deeper into her relationship with Stu. Speaking of magic... the revenants, holy guacamole that was unexpected but I loved it. Might have shed a tear when they left 😢.
With her supernatural guard cat Sam.. they will take on the world. I can't wait for more adventures.
August 9, 2025
I cannot adequately put into words how much I love this series! Magic, Monsters and Mexican! What could possibly better!? Each book is exciting and something new to cheer Maddy on while conquering. I love how Debra brings her heritage into her tales and weaves around things she grew up with! She is *always* teaching me something new and I think that's what I love most of all!
August 26, 2025
Maddy's a chingona!
Love this series! This book was the perfect next story.....love the romance, the supernatural intrigue and I absolutely love all the incredible characters! What further has me hooked is Sam, he's an amazing familiar for Maddy plus the descriptions of all the Mexican dishes I love has made the Maddy series my favorite,so far!
Love this series! This book was the perfect next story.....love the romance, the supernatural intrigue and I absolutely love all the incredible characters! What further has me hooked is Sam, he's an amazing familiar for Maddy plus the descriptions of all the Mexican dishes I love has made the Maddy series my favorite,so far!
September 4, 2025
Wonderful escapism for anyone who loves mosters and ghoulies and things that go bump in the night.
I really love the Chavez Ravine security team and their fantastic adventures.
I can't wait for the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really love the Chavez Ravine security team and their fantastic adventures.
I can't wait for the next installment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2025
Another great read in this series, the ideas she comes up with astound me every time. Lots happening in this read, we learn more about the characters, the residents, the history of the area and we are introduced to knew supernaturals. Their is also romance and a cliffhanger ending. Bring on the next book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2025
Excellent Series!
I grabbed the first book because I needed something new to read. Three days later, I sadly finished the fourth. I was totally enthralled with Maddy's bruja journey and the characters and "entities" history. I am now definitely a fan of the author, and am
anxiously awaiting further books in this series!
I grabbed the first book because I needed something new to read. Three days later, I sadly finished the fourth. I was totally enthralled with Maddy's bruja journey and the characters and "entities" history. I am now definitely a fan of the author, and am
anxiously awaiting further books in this series!
September 18, 2025
Mortal Magic Book 4 in Maddy Madrigal Mysteries by Debra Castaneda keeps getting better and better! I love the humor, the action, the magic and the rich Mexican culture. The worldbuilding is astounding, the characters and storyline are very well-written. I have been enjoying this series so much!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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