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Silent Witness

Some secrets survive in silence. Maddie escaped Willow Grove once. Now she’s being dragged back.

A young woman has been abducted—returned to the cult that once claimed her. The only thread Maddie can follow comes from a silent a survivor who can’t speak, but refuses to stay quiet.

As Maddie closes in, Willow Grove tightens its grip. Someone inside is burying the truth. Someone outside is whispering it in pieces.

And if Maddie pushes too far, she won’t just lose the girl she came to save.

She’ll lose her way out.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

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About the author

L.T. Ryan

277 books1,580 followers
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.

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

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5 stars
1,674 (66%)
4 stars
647 (25%)
3 stars
151 (6%)
2 stars
22 (<1%)
1 star
13 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for DJ.
864 reviews
July 4, 2026
When the Storm Won't Break, Neither Will Maddie Castle!

“She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.”
— Elizabeth Edwards

Sometimes there are books that haunt you.

If you're a prolific reader like me, you know exactly what I mean. Long after you've turned the final page, something lingers.

A theme sparks a flame.

A setting awakens a hidden wanderlust.

Or a character—flawed, wounded, and battling impossible odds—reminds you that giving up is not an option.

Maddie Castle is that character.

By the time I reached Silent Witness, book nine in L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray's Maddie Castle mystery-thriller series, Maddie had become one of my literary heroes. She has endured some of the worst humanity has to offer. Betrayal. Violence. Loss. Chronic pain. Yet somehow she continues to get back up.

She is resilience personified.

Like the quote from Elizabeth Edwards, Maddie doesn't wait for the storm to pass. She adjusts her sails and keeps moving forward.

And the longer she beats the odds, the more hope I find for myself and the world around me.

Ryan and Gray continue to raise the stakes with every installment. The mystery surrounding a silent witness, a seemingly unstoppable villain, and a growing body count kept me guessing from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had pieced everything together, another clue, twist, or red herring sent me back to the drawing board.

The suspense is relentless.

Maddie finds herself drawn back into a dangerous world she barely escaped before. Unsure whom she can trust, she must rely on her instincts, her training, and her loyal K-9 partner, Tempy. Along the way, familiar faces—including her half-brother Dixon—remind readers why this series is best enjoyed in order.

As if deadly enemies weren't enough, Maddie is also battling her own body. Her chronic pain is flaring at precisely the moment she needs every ounce of strength she possesses.

Ha! When it rains, it pours.

Ryan and Gray prefer a flood.

What makes this series special, however, is not just the mystery. It is Maddie's evolution. Across nine books, readers have watched her struggle, heal, stumble, and grow. At long last, she has discovered what truly matters: love, family, and the people worth fighting for.

And fight she does.

Will Maddie save her witness and stop the people determined to silence them forever?

Nice try.

You'll have to read Silent Witness to find out.

Silent Witness may be about catching a killer, but for me, it was a reminder that courage isn't the absence of pain—it's refusing to surrender to it.

Catch you on the next installment of the Maddie Castle series. Be prepared to be dazzled!
Profile Image for Pickle Girl.
84 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
Drawn Back Into the Shadows

Maddie just can’t seem to break free from Willow Grove, no matter how hard she tries. People leave, but they never seem to stay gone, and the past has a way of tugging her right back into the heart of the commune’s old wounds.

When Maddie reaches out to survivors from earlier upheavals, she hopes for answers, maybe even closure. Instead, two of the three she contacts are found dead, and the shock sends her racing against time. Her desperation to find the last survivor feels raw and real, pulling you straight into her fear that she might already be too late.

It’s a tense, emotional ride, and Maddie’s determination keeps you turning the pages, hoping she can finally break the cycle that Willow Grove refuses to let her escape.

Profile Image for Pansy.
2,287 reviews25 followers
August 13, 2026
I like Maddie and Tempi. They find themselves in some intense situations. Sometimes they get a bit too intense for me. But, I keep coming back to them because I just have to find out what happens. The case with this book. I was tired of Willow Grove and wasn't excited to be revisiting it. Especially for this harrowing reason. I have to say, I did kind of like how she did resolve the situation. Interesting twist. However, I was not happy with way the book ended. Now I have to read the next book to see how that will be solved. Also a revisit to a previous case. Not a fan of the cliffhanger, especially when I have to wait for the release.
1 review
June 20, 2026
Absolutely a waste of $8, terrible read. I have read numerous books by this author with satisfaction, however this was a disaster!!
A male lead character with a name of “Bronwyn”, really!!
It was all over the place and hard to follow, gave up on it after 28%, first time ever I’ve done that.
Looking at the reviews I see exceptional low ratings for this book by other, we can’t all be wrong.
Cliff Dawson
Profile Image for Lisa Moody.
83 reviews
June 18, 2026
WOW!!!!!

I can't WAIT for the next installment!! OMG, this one kept me up half the night!! Go, Maddie, GO!!! I love this series and they're all good, but this one was a nail-biter! I couldn't put it down! Thank you, L.T. and C.R., for all the GREAT reads. Your series are excellent and your on my favorites list. KEEP 'EM COMING!!💥
478 reviews8 followers
June 22, 2026
CC1

This was exceptional chapter in Castle series . Finally got rid of Rowayn of Willows Grove. Although it took 2 murders of Maddie's Witnesses. Then Simeon cleaned up the mess in end getting rid of Rowayn and 2 of Simeon rouge enforcers who betrayed him. 10 stars 🌟 plus!!! Thanks Carl Clause
326 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2026
Darn good

Always know I'm in for a ride when i.pick up a book by Ryan and Gray. Maddie Castle gets herself in the middle of drama and trauma in every book. It takes my breath away the situations she and Tempest get themselves in. Glad Simeon is on the right side of morality but he certainly skirts the line at times. Another story that causes rapid heart beats. Love it!
10 reviews
July 18, 2026
Not their best ...

I had such a hard time getting through this book. And I have loved all the other books that I've read in this series and in the Cassie Quinn series. I thought it was slow and there was too much talk about her knee and the bile rising in her throat all the time. Just my opinion I had a hard time getting through it.
27 reviews
September 7, 2026
Leaves me hanging every time

Another phenomenal book! This is the first time in a series where I've read every book one after the other. I usually read three or four then a book from another person and go back eventually. This time read all nine books consecutively and am wishing hoping and praying that there is a tenth and perhaps a few more after that!! AMAZING SERIES!!!
Profile Image for Gail.
658 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2026
Suspenseful and intriguing!

What is really happening at Willow Grove? Maddie Castle has been trying to get in contact with some girls who have left Willow Grove to get more information, but some of them are being tortured and killed before Maddie talks to them. Why? Are drugs involved? Read this exciting book for the answers! Happy reading! 😊
1,902 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2026
Great addition to this series. Can't wait for the next book to be released. The character makes this book interesting, and the plot complex enough to keep your interest. This book ended with a cliff hanger.
131 reviews
June 20, 2026
Just perfect!

I always love Maddy's stories. They have a lot of intrigue and action. She is a good investigator, and her instincts are always right on. I can hardly wait for the next one.
8 reviews
June 29, 2026
There were others in this series I enjoyed much more than this one. Not enough variety with a healthy mix of all the characters plus nail biting action. I’m looking forward to the next one hoping it gets back on track with a better plot and more of Bentley!
Profile Image for Rick Kessell.
10 reviews
July 4, 2026
Maddie Castle Is The Best:

Have read every novel in the Maddie Castle series. The stories are interesting, and suspenseful. The characters interesting, and compelling. I would recommend these novels to anyone.
Profile Image for Bekki.
71 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2026
As always, I have enjoyed reading Maddle Castle for a few years now, and this one didn't disappoint either! The cliffhanger makes me feel the next one is going to be just as great. Can't wait for book 10!
331 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2026
great read!

Maddie Castle, Bentley, and Tempy!! Great characters! I wish Maddie’s knee could be made right! It seems Maddie and all her connections accomplish so much good! The cult at Willow Grove is on her radar again. Hopefully this time the evil can be weeded out!
69 reviews
July 17, 2026
Silent Witness by LTRyan

Another thriller for Maddie. It lives up to your expectation and keep you wondering if she is going to solve it in time.She had help from a few unexpected assistants. Good read!!!
Profile Image for Karla Thompson.
396 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2026
Excellent story!

Maddie is amazing. I am glad this Willow Grove saga continued. Bronwyn is just the creepiest cult leader ever. His reign of terror needed to be over.
Phoenix, stronger than he thought he was. Simeon, a problem solver! Who'd have ever thought him a hero?
59 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2026
Love Maddie Castle

One of the best series
ive and follow.
Maddie with Tempest at her side are a pair of private eyes. Maddie is believable, a strong but warm character. Looking for to book 10.
25 reviews
August 25, 2026
Whoa!

Hey! I love this series. And this particular story tuned out exactly liked I hoped it would...swift justice for the bad guys that didn't involve the legal system. They didn't deserve the benefits of the legal system!

10 reviews
August 31, 2026
Maddie Castle

I absolutely love these books .
If you love good detective type books then this whole series is the best. It has everyone you would want to read , cop detective , love story , mystery, solve the case and family oriented. These books are a must read.
Profile Image for taffykathiegmail.com.
634 reviews
September 28, 2026
You cannot hid

A story that grabs you into the mystery of all the deaths of young women who found meaning in their lives. Life goes on to find what your purpose is in it. To no avail they find you.
Profile Image for Joan.
278 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2026
The books in this series keeps getting better.
252 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2026
It can’t get much better.

This is a really good book to read. Probably the best one of this series. Don’t blame me if you can’t stop tuning the pages. ENJOY!!!
6 reviews
June 25, 2026
An awesome read

This author is brilliant and realistic in the story line, it's smooth flowing and captures and holds your interest. A hard read to put aside. Love the series.
13 reviews1 follower
July 2, 2026
Great read!

great read. Maddie Castle does it again, but this was the best castle book yet. Why must we leave a long review (this last sentence was because I was 5 words short).
6 reviews
July 2, 2026
gr8 series

I have read every one of these and each on is wonderful. Of course i am not crazy about the endings leaving u hanging, but oh well
Profile Image for landyn.
32 reviews
July 7, 2026
willow grove

Maddie is still fixated on the people at willow grove, especially Bronwyn. Can she save those at the commune? Lots of twists and turns, action and adventure.
1 review
July 12, 2026
awesome

Loved it as much as I love all the Maddie Castle books. Cant wait for new ones to come out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews