What do you think?
Rate this book
Maddie Castle #7
Beneath the Grove
She walked away from her life...
But what did she walk into?
Maddie Castle is about to find out.
A NEW Maddie Castle thriller from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author L.T. Ryan with C.R. Gray!
Maddie Castle has taken on plenty of tough cases as a private investigator, but nothing could prepare her for this. When a desperate mother begs Maddie to find her missing daughter, she expects to track down a runaway. Instead, she uncovers the dark heart of Willow Grove—a secluded community tucked deep in rural Pennsylvania.
Jasmine Armstrong had a bright a promising career, a loving family, and everything to live for. Then she vanished, leaving it all behind for Willow Grove, a place known for its self-sufficient lifestyle and promises of enlightenment. But Maddie quickly learns that Willow Grove’s surface charm hides chilling secrets. Beneath its idyllic facade lie whispers of disappearances, mysterious rituals, and a community bound by an unspoken allegiance to something—or someone—powerful.
The deeper Maddie digs, the more dangerous the search becomes. Jasmine isn’t missing, but she’s no longer the woman her family remembers. Something in Willow Grove has its claws in her, and getting her out might come at a deadly cost. With time running out, Maddie must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth—and if she’s prepared to face what she finds.
In the heart-stopping seventh installment of the Maddie Castle series, Maddie faces her most chilling case yet, where the line between salvation and destruction blurs. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Karin Slaughter, Field of Shadows will leave you breathless to the very last page.
But what did she walk into?
Maddie Castle is about to find out.
A NEW Maddie Castle thriller from Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author L.T. Ryan with C.R. Gray!
Maddie Castle has taken on plenty of tough cases as a private investigator, but nothing could prepare her for this. When a desperate mother begs Maddie to find her missing daughter, she expects to track down a runaway. Instead, she uncovers the dark heart of Willow Grove—a secluded community tucked deep in rural Pennsylvania.
Jasmine Armstrong had a bright a promising career, a loving family, and everything to live for. Then she vanished, leaving it all behind for Willow Grove, a place known for its self-sufficient lifestyle and promises of enlightenment. But Maddie quickly learns that Willow Grove’s surface charm hides chilling secrets. Beneath its idyllic facade lie whispers of disappearances, mysterious rituals, and a community bound by an unspoken allegiance to something—or someone—powerful.
The deeper Maddie digs, the more dangerous the search becomes. Jasmine isn’t missing, but she’s no longer the woman her family remembers. Something in Willow Grove has its claws in her, and getting her out might come at a deadly cost. With time running out, Maddie must decide how far she’s willing to go to uncover the truth—and if she’s prepared to face what she finds.
In the heart-stopping seventh installment of the Maddie Castle series, Maddie faces her most chilling case yet, where the line between salvation and destruction blurs. Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Karin Slaughter, Field of Shadows will leave you breathless to the very last page.
234 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2025
2580 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
161 books1,433 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 20, 2025
To be continued....
I love this series, but a. " to be continued" ending was a disappointment. The story was left in a semi cliffhanger, which was annoying.
And the next book doesn't come out until January 2026...not cool. I would prefer to wait longer to have a complete story. This one felt rushed and did not include all the twists like the other books in the series.
I love this series, but a. " to be continued" ending was a disappointment. The story was left in a semi cliffhanger, which was annoying.
And the next book doesn't come out until January 2026...not cool. I would prefer to wait longer to have a complete story. This one felt rushed and did not include all the twists like the other books in the series.
October 2, 2025
Another entertaining installment in a series I always enjoy.
August 27, 2025
An entertaining read as always!
L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray demonstrate their excellent creative partnership again in the seventh installment of the Maddie Castle series, Beneath the Grove. These authors are consummate storytellers, writing captivating, suspenseful mysteries that have you turning the pages well into the night!
Maddie Castle is one of the few characters I have encountered with incredible emotional depth, making her an exceptionally believable heroine. While she continues to struggle with PTSD, she demonstrates a healthy self-awareness. Thus, Maddie is quick to recognize her mistakes and make amends. In Beneath the Grove, she realizes that support people are necessary for her emotional and physical survival. Maddie's character evolution continues to add to the drama of the series. Ryan and Gray's talented character development is why the Maddie Castle series is on my Must-Read shelf.
It is easy to become wholly immersed in Maddie's adventures. Beneath the Grove was a perfect blend of drama, intrigue, and all the feels I have come to expect from L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray. I can hardly wait for what they have in store for us in the next Maddie Castle novel.
L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray demonstrate their excellent creative partnership again in the seventh installment of the Maddie Castle series, Beneath the Grove. These authors are consummate storytellers, writing captivating, suspenseful mysteries that have you turning the pages well into the night!
Maddie Castle is one of the few characters I have encountered with incredible emotional depth, making her an exceptionally believable heroine. While she continues to struggle with PTSD, she demonstrates a healthy self-awareness. Thus, Maddie is quick to recognize her mistakes and make amends. In Beneath the Grove, she realizes that support people are necessary for her emotional and physical survival. Maddie's character evolution continues to add to the drama of the series. Ryan and Gray's talented character development is why the Maddie Castle series is on my Must-Read shelf.
It is easy to become wholly immersed in Maddie's adventures. Beneath the Grove was a perfect blend of drama, intrigue, and all the feels I have come to expect from L.T.Ryan and C.R. Gray. I can hardly wait for what they have in store for us in the next Maddie Castle novel.
July 17, 2025
Excellent as always
This novel captivates from the start, showcasing the authors' exceptional storytelling skills. Maddie finds herself entangled in perilous situations, but her network of support proves crucial to her survival. While the narrative took an unexpected turn, the resolution felt satisfying and authentic. The book's immersive quality allows readers to become completely absorbed, offering a perfect blend of intrigue, drama, and emotional depth. A truly compelling read that keeps you turning pages effortlessly.
This novel captivates from the start, showcasing the authors' exceptional storytelling skills. Maddie finds herself entangled in perilous situations, but her network of support proves crucial to her survival. While the narrative took an unexpected turn, the resolution felt satisfying and authentic. The book's immersive quality allows readers to become completely absorbed, offering a perfect blend of intrigue, drama, and emotional depth. A truly compelling read that keeps you turning pages effortlessly.
September 4, 2025
This was my least favorite of all the Maddie Castle books. In the previous ones, one of my favorite parts was the character growth and development. I felt like she made so many stupid and out of character decisions in this book and that was frustrating.
Also, this was the first book that I felt had an overwhelming political stance. It felt less about the characters and storyline and more about the author making a point. I hope the next book we get to see more of the characters I grew to love in the first six books.
Also, this was the first book that I felt had an overwhelming political stance. It felt less about the characters and storyline and more about the author making a point. I hope the next book we get to see more of the characters I grew to love in the first six books.
July 15, 2025
I enjoyed the book and it was fast paced but I thought the ending lacked a little closure. And, what's with all the "he ran his tongue over his teeth", etc. etc. That line whether about a man or women must have in there at least 4 time. I finished this book late at night and shouldn't have given it 5 stars, I guess I was too sleepy to think straight. I should have given it four stars but I don't know how to change it once it's set.
August 15, 2025
I like the premise of these books, where flawed characters try to help themselves and others... but this one, like the fifth one, is a bridge novel. Why don't the authors just write longer books so they can wrap up the story in one novel? It's really frustrating to feel like you're in the middle of a story and the book just ends... that said, the writing is good and as I said before, the characters are interesting.
September 26, 2025
Commune or Cult?
This book is part of a series that should be read in order, as each episode builds on the prior ones. There are overarching story lines and lots of personal relationships that grow over time. Although each book is a mostly complete story, each book ends with either a cliffhanger or a lead-in to the next story. This book is more about the personal relationships than about the case. There is also less focus on the police dog.
This book is part of a series that should be read in order, as each episode builds on the prior ones. There are overarching story lines and lots of personal relationships that grow over time. Although each book is a mostly complete story, each book ends with either a cliffhanger or a lead-in to the next story. This book is more about the personal relationships than about the case. There is also less focus on the police dog.
October 18, 2025
Nothing is what it seems at Willow Grove.
What kind of ending is thaaaaat? Seriously! The suspense! Anywho, this one was a lot different than the usual Maddie Castle novels. I hardly enjoyed it. Maddie goes undercover to learn the truths/secrets of a hippy, brainwashing cult. Results are disappointing. “Missing” girl is found. Doesn’t wanna be saved. Founders of Willow Grove destroy evidence and vanish. What’s the next step for these main characters? “To be continued.”
What kind of ending is thaaaaat? Seriously! The suspense! Anywho, this one was a lot different than the usual Maddie Castle novels. I hardly enjoyed it. Maddie goes undercover to learn the truths/secrets of a hippy, brainwashing cult. Results are disappointing. “Missing” girl is found. Doesn’t wanna be saved. Founders of Willow Grove destroy evidence and vanish. What’s the next step for these main characters? “To be continued.”
July 20, 2025
This series developed with each book, adding depth to the characters and solidifying their relationships but not without a lot of conflict. This book left a lot of open items that I hope will be resolved in the next future book. I don't want this series to end, need to see what the next chapter is in the lives of these characters.
July 25, 2025
A good read
If you’re looking for a good book to read then this is it. I’ve read every Maddie Castle book in this series and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Can’t wait for the next one. I wasn’t too excited about the ending in this one, but it looks like it leads into the next one. ENJOY!
If you’re looking for a good book to read then this is it. I’ve read every Maddie Castle book in this series and I enjoyed each and every one of them. Can’t wait for the next one. I wasn’t too excited about the ending in this one, but it looks like it leads into the next one. ENJOY!
July 27, 2025
Beneath the Grove
Maddie while on a case works out things with Bentley and later Sam. She and Bentley investigate a commune type place called Willow Grove to find Jasmine Armstrong for her mother. Slot of things are going on including drugs manipulation and abuse. The story is to be continued. Great story.
Maddie while on a case works out things with Bentley and later Sam. She and Bentley investigate a commune type place called Willow Grove to find Jasmine Armstrong for her mother. Slot of things are going on including drugs manipulation and abuse. The story is to be continued. Great story.
October 29, 2025
Fantastic
This series has been one of the best I have ever read. I really enjoy books that have women as heroines. The family helping and ‘not’ helping other
Members is really enlightening. Just like any other family, there’s good times and bad times and the excitement really keeps you wondering
‘ What’s Next’.
This series has been one of the best I have ever read. I really enjoy books that have women as heroines. The family helping and ‘not’ helping other
Members is really enlightening. Just like any other family, there’s good times and bad times and the excitement really keeps you wondering
‘ What’s Next’.
August 6, 2025
Intriguing look into a possible cult!
Another great Maddie Castle book! Maddie is hired to find Jasmine by her mother. Maddie discovers Jasmine at Willow Grove. You must read this book to find out what Maddie discovered there. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading! 😊
Another great Maddie Castle book! Maddie is hired to find Jasmine by her mother. Maddie discovers Jasmine at Willow Grove. You must read this book to find out what Maddie discovered there. I highly recommend this book. Happy reading! 😊
August 11, 2025
Another absorbing read
Such an easy read, easy characters to like.
A real oqge turner.
Maddie makes a great main character but all the other characters bring it to life too.
Looking forward to the next one already
Such an easy read, easy characters to like.
A real oqge turner.
Maddie makes a great main character but all the other characters bring it to life too.
Looking forward to the next one already
August 17, 2025
An evil man disguised as a saint
Maddie gets a job to discover what is happening to a young woman. The young woman has gotten involved with a cult run by an evil man. He has cult members wrapped around his fingers while he exploits them. Things get very complicated.
Maddie gets a job to discover what is happening to a young woman. The young woman has gotten involved with a cult run by an evil man. He has cult members wrapped around his fingers while he exploits them. Things get very complicated.
August 27, 2025
Maddie Castle is becoming one of my all time favorites
An easy comfortable read. The stories match her character and her characters sidekick Tempest. I'm probably hooked because this stories series has a dog.
An easy comfortable read. The stories match her character and her characters sidekick Tempest. I'm probably hooked because this stories series has a dog.
December 21, 2025
Crazy people are not normal
Wow, Maddie sure gets some crazy cases. But at least she doesn't get shot, killed, or injured, just drugged. Cults are awful. It's hard to understand why people think that their lives are better when someone else controls their lives.
Wow, Maddie sure gets some crazy cases. But at least she doesn't get shot, killed, or injured, just drugged. Cults are awful. It's hard to understand why people think that their lives are better when someone else controls their lives.
July 15, 2025
Love it!
I love Maddie! Mad Dog!! Her and Tempy are the best to get lost in! I can't wait for their next adventure because that is what they go on!!!!
I love Maddie! Mad Dog!! Her and Tempy are the best to get lost in! I can't wait for their next adventure because that is what they go on!!!!
July 15, 2025
I love this series!
so much.
This book really felt like the beginning of a new ARC for Maddie.
I'm super excited to see where it goes.
so much.
This book really felt like the beginning of a new ARC for Maddie.
I'm super excited to see where it goes.
July 16, 2025
disappointing
Love this series, but the one dragged on. I hope the next one has a better developed plot. Just a bit contrived
Love this series, but the one dragged on. I hope the next one has a better developed plot. Just a bit contrived
July 17, 2025
Just a great story
The family and characters,around Maddie continue to grow with each book. She I finished book I felt I want so much more. Ordered I next book. Thanks Lee
The family and characters,around Maddie continue to grow with each book. She I finished book I felt I want so much more. Ordered I next book. Thanks Lee
July 20, 2025
Loved the character storyline as much as the investigation. This was an interesting story that seems unfinished in a way. Hopefully more in the next release.
July 24, 2025
CC1
This was an excellent Maddie chapter. The stories only get better. So next we will see if Daisy's plan works. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
This was an excellent Maddie chapter. The stories only get better. So next we will see if Daisy's plan works. 10 stars plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
July 25, 2025
brilliant
Another great book by l t ryan would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read it once you’re hooked you will want to read all his books
Another great book by l t ryan would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to read it once you’re hooked you will want to read all his books
July 25, 2025
Not wild about the setting of this one; however, it was still well-written and I rate it 4.7 stars.
July 29, 2025
Another great addition to this series. Would like to see what happened at Willow Grove so hoping book 8 gives us more closure.
July 29, 2025
opens a new storyline to follow (presumably). easy read
July 30, 2025
Maddie investigates a cult to try and rescue a young woman. All in all a good read.
August 1, 2025
WOW!!
Ok this I found the most intense book of the series. For me seeing what Maddie went through was scary for sure. I love this series. Each book better and better.
Ok this I found the most intense book of the series. For me seeing what Maddie went through was scary for sure. I love this series. Each book better and better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews