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Maddie Graves Mystery #1
Grave Homecoming
Maddie Graves is returning home, and it’s under unfortunate circumstances. Following her mother Olivia’s death, someone has to take care of Maddie’s cantankerous grandmother Maude, and the family tree is almost limbless now.
It’s not easy for Maddie to return to small-town life in Blackstone Bay, mostly because the boy she left behind is still there – and she’s drawn to him the second she sees him again.
Nick Winters has always been in love with Maddie. At a certain point, he decided there was nothing he could do but let her go. When she returns to town after a ten-year absence, his world is upended.
Maddie’s reintegration isn’t smooth, and when she discovers a dead body, all eyes are on her. Since Nick is a local police detective, he finds their lives intersecting with alarming frequency. He knows she’s hiding something, and he’s determined to find out what it is.
Maddie and Nick are drawn together, but they have a few obstacles in their way – including a lifelong secret she’s kept buried: She can see and talk to ghosts. When Maddie’s life is in danger, though, Nick can’t turn away.
This duo is on a collision course with the truth, and death is stalking them every step of the way. Will they get a chance to embrace destiny, or were they doomed before they ever got a chance to begin?
It’s not easy for Maddie to return to small-town life in Blackstone Bay, mostly because the boy she left behind is still there – and she’s drawn to him the second she sees him again.
Nick Winters has always been in love with Maddie. At a certain point, he decided there was nothing he could do but let her go. When she returns to town after a ten-year absence, his world is upended.
Maddie’s reintegration isn’t smooth, and when she discovers a dead body, all eyes are on her. Since Nick is a local police detective, he finds their lives intersecting with alarming frequency. He knows she’s hiding something, and he’s determined to find out what it is.
Maddie and Nick are drawn together, but they have a few obstacles in their way – including a lifelong secret she’s kept buried: She can see and talk to ghosts. When Maddie’s life is in danger, though, Nick can’t turn away.
This duo is on a collision course with the truth, and death is stalking them every step of the way. Will they get a chance to embrace destiny, or were they doomed before they ever got a chance to begin?
266 pages, ebook
First published February 19, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
January 30, 2024
Conflicted - FYI spoilers may be below.
This is a mystery with a psychic but it is mainly a second chance friends to wanna be lovers romance between Maddie and Nick. She left 10 years ago because she didn't want to tell him she was a psychic. But they were best friends and did everything together. Their chemistry is smoking hot. I love me a possessive hero. There is a lot going on. But he has a current girlfriend. While she is pretty lame, they have been dating six months. He's been trying to get her to break up with him even before Maddie came back but now he really wants her gone but is afraid the town will blame Maddie. There is total chemistry between them still and I really liked that. But I hate cheating, emotional or physical, so why am I wanting this Cassidy chick to disappear? Lol. Lets face it. Nick and Maddie are soul mates. So its bound to happen but not yet. And I totally love Maude, her Granny, and Christy her sidekick. They are a hoot. I really loved this story. The mystery wasn't much of one but it did have a twist. Looking forward to reading more.
This is a mystery with a psychic but it is mainly a second chance friends to wanna be lovers romance between Maddie and Nick. She left 10 years ago because she didn't want to tell him she was a psychic. But they were best friends and did everything together. Their chemistry is smoking hot. I love me a possessive hero. There is a lot going on. But he has a current girlfriend. While she is pretty lame, they have been dating six months. He's been trying to get her to break up with him even before Maddie came back but now he really wants her gone but is afraid the town will blame Maddie. There is total chemistry between them still and I really liked that. But I hate cheating, emotional or physical, so why am I wanting this Cassidy chick to disappear? Lol. Lets face it. Nick and Maddie are soul mates. So its bound to happen but not yet. And I totally love Maude, her Granny, and Christy her sidekick. They are a hoot. I really loved this story. The mystery wasn't much of one but it did have a twist. Looking forward to reading more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2015
If you like cheesy books, this may be for you!
I barely finished this book. I understand that the writer is a romantic at heart but this was a little too much. The whole book was the main characters, who are almost thirty, acting like high schoolers. I take that back, junior high would be more like it. Maddie is just so unbelievably gorgeous that everyone in town wants her but for some reason she just has no idea. The authors favorite character quotes are;"I'm not pretty", "He doesn't like me", "We're just friends"...it's obnoxious! If you can finish this book, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
I barely finished this book. I understand that the writer is a romantic at heart but this was a little too much. The whole book was the main characters, who are almost thirty, acting like high schoolers. I take that back, junior high would be more like it. Maddie is just so unbelievably gorgeous that everyone in town wants her but for some reason she just has no idea. The authors favorite character quotes are;"I'm not pretty", "He doesn't like me", "We're just friends"...it's obnoxious! If you can finish this book, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
October 9, 2021
Another great series! Review to come!
July 1, 2021
I’ve been on a paranormal reading binge lately, so naturally found myself making my way through Lily Harper Hart’s (LHH) and Amand M. Lee’s (AML) bibliographies. Maddie’s first mystery started out as a quick sample check, but I couldn’t stop reading.
Summary:
Maddie Graves never thought she’d come home to Blackstone Bay after leaving ten years earlier. At the time of her departure, she only thought she was chasing after a life of normalcy. What she’s learned, though, is that she was running away. Running away from who she is. But she can’t run anymore. She doesn’t want to. With the recent death of her mother, Maddie has committed herself to settling back into the small town, running her late mother’s store, and taking care of her grandmother. Although her loss makes her heart ache with longing, Maddie’s primary concern is facing the boy she left behind all those years ago. Nick Winters was her best friend, and Maddie’s loved him as more than that for more than half her life. What she failed to realize, is that Nick loved her as more than a friend, too. As for Nick, coming face-to-face with the girl who got away has thrown him for a loop. And not a pleasant one. He’s not sure what he’s thinking or feeling anymore and it doesn’t look like he’ll have time to think it over because Maddie’s reappearance in town is anything but smooth. When she stumbles over a dead body, Nick’s job as a local detective ensures they are often in close proximity over the course of the case. Maddie’s more worried than ever that her lifelong secret will be revealed. Will Nick be able to find what she’s hiding while still protecting her from the danger lurking near?
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed Grave Homecoming so much. It wasn’t exactly what I expected after reading the blurb, but in all good ways. Maddie was fascinating. I was a little surprised that she was so innocent after learning of her gifts and her past using them, but it did make sense to her personality and low self-esteem. Maddie was kind, loving, compassionate, and uber shy. I loved all of that, even her shyness since it was endearing. My only issue with Maddie was her complete and total lack of awareness in how people saw her. Is it okay to not be aware that you’re super model gorgeous? Yes. But after everyone and their mother has told you how pretty and sweet you are? No. Maddie’s stubborn refusal to truly see herself grated after a while. I’m really hoping her confidence gets a major boost as the series continues, because then she’ll go from great to excellent as a heroine. I loved Nick. His protection and caring for Maddie throughout childhood was incredibly sweet. He was obviously smart, strong, and capable as both a man and detective. He seemed to have no problem expressing his ire to Maddie when she came home, so that’s why I was so disappointed in his failure to tell her how he truly felt long before. I also feel like he should’ve handled the situation with Cassidy differently and a lot more swiftly. Maddie and Nick’s relationship is one built on a solid foundation of friendship and I loved every minute of it. The glimpse of them we saw at the end of high school was too sweet for words, and the reminiscing they did after a decade apart, made my heart melt. The chemistry between them is also obvious. I can’t wait to see what will happen between them in the future. In the end, Grave Homecoming was an engaging and great read. The mystery was so, so, but seeing Maddie work it was great. I love her gifts and hope we continue to see her so involved. Supporting cast was fun and engaging, too. I love Maude and Olivia. They are amazing and I love the relationships they have with Maddie. Christy was a fiery, fun addition, too. I love her brutal honesty and unwavering support of Maddie. I also like that she connected with Maddie immediately even after all the years between them. I have some concerns for a character or two more that we met, but I want to see what happens next before taking a firm stance. It seems after years of Maddie floating through life, she’ll finally start living it now that she’s home. I’m anxious to read along on her journey. ♡
Summary:
Maddie Graves never thought she’d come home to Blackstone Bay after leaving ten years earlier. At the time of her departure, she only thought she was chasing after a life of normalcy. What she’s learned, though, is that she was running away. Running away from who she is. But she can’t run anymore. She doesn’t want to. With the recent death of her mother, Maddie has committed herself to settling back into the small town, running her late mother’s store, and taking care of her grandmother. Although her loss makes her heart ache with longing, Maddie’s primary concern is facing the boy she left behind all those years ago. Nick Winters was her best friend, and Maddie’s loved him as more than that for more than half her life. What she failed to realize, is that Nick loved her as more than a friend, too. As for Nick, coming face-to-face with the girl who got away has thrown him for a loop. And not a pleasant one. He’s not sure what he’s thinking or feeling anymore and it doesn’t look like he’ll have time to think it over because Maddie’s reappearance in town is anything but smooth. When she stumbles over a dead body, Nick’s job as a local detective ensures they are often in close proximity over the course of the case. Maddie’s more worried than ever that her lifelong secret will be revealed. Will Nick be able to find what she’s hiding while still protecting her from the danger lurking near?
I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed Grave Homecoming so much. It wasn’t exactly what I expected after reading the blurb, but in all good ways. Maddie was fascinating. I was a little surprised that she was so innocent after learning of her gifts and her past using them, but it did make sense to her personality and low self-esteem. Maddie was kind, loving, compassionate, and uber shy. I loved all of that, even her shyness since it was endearing. My only issue with Maddie was her complete and total lack of awareness in how people saw her. Is it okay to not be aware that you’re super model gorgeous? Yes. But after everyone and their mother has told you how pretty and sweet you are? No. Maddie’s stubborn refusal to truly see herself grated after a while. I’m really hoping her confidence gets a major boost as the series continues, because then she’ll go from great to excellent as a heroine. I loved Nick. His protection and caring for Maddie throughout childhood was incredibly sweet. He was obviously smart, strong, and capable as both a man and detective. He seemed to have no problem expressing his ire to Maddie when she came home, so that’s why I was so disappointed in his failure to tell her how he truly felt long before. I also feel like he should’ve handled the situation with Cassidy differently and a lot more swiftly. Maddie and Nick’s relationship is one built on a solid foundation of friendship and I loved every minute of it. The glimpse of them we saw at the end of high school was too sweet for words, and the reminiscing they did after a decade apart, made my heart melt. The chemistry between them is also obvious. I can’t wait to see what will happen between them in the future. In the end, Grave Homecoming was an engaging and great read. The mystery was so, so, but seeing Maddie work it was great. I love her gifts and hope we continue to see her so involved. Supporting cast was fun and engaging, too. I love Maude and Olivia. They are amazing and I love the relationships they have with Maddie. Christy was a fiery, fun addition, too. I love her brutal honesty and unwavering support of Maddie. I also like that she connected with Maddie immediately even after all the years between them. I have some concerns for a character or two more that we met, but I want to see what happens next before taking a firm stance. It seems after years of Maddie floating through life, she’ll finally start living it now that she’s home. I’m anxious to read along on her journey. ♡
January 5, 2016
I hated this book from about five pages in. i tried to ignore the feeling and give the book a fair chance but only made it chapter three. I did not like Maddie, the main character. She was stuck-up and kind of bitchy about her ex-love interest having a girlfriend. And the ex-love interest? I hated him too. He "forget" he had a girlfriend as soon as "little-miss thing" came back in town. My favorite character in the first three chapters was his girlfriend. The writing wasn't good, the plot is already been done a million times, I just really really hated this book.
August 29, 2017
I really enjoyed this story. Much lik many of the books I've read lately, but the relationship she has with her grandmother and Nick is great. I wish the author wouldn't cut out on important conversations, though. During 2 to 3 conversations with Maddie and Nick the chapter just ended.
December 9, 2023
Good grief
The only mystery here is how the FMC and the MMC haven't matured past their 17yo mental states in 10 years of secondary school and careers. Why on earth are they stuck in high school rivalries? It's too unbelievable.
The only mystery here is how the FMC and the MMC haven't matured past their 17yo mental states in 10 years of secondary school and careers. Why on earth are they stuck in high school rivalries? It's too unbelievable.
June 13, 2019
Great mystery with engaging characters. Plenty of surprises in this book. Happy reading/listening!
March 26, 2017
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
September 4, 2017
Oh my! This was a barrel of laughs from the very first page and even though I shun romance novels like the plague I genuinely enjoyed this book to the max. I think it was because it wasn't mushy or ridiculous, and the romantic tension was simply a part of the plot rather than the whole thing. And let's not forget the solving of a murder using Maddie's psychic capabilities with the help of the murdered girl's ghost!
It was one of those stories that was extremely well written and paced, the flow smooth and the characters delightfully entertaining so that before you knew it you were at the end. And don't forget Granny Maude! She was pee-your-pants funny. Can I adopt her??? I can't recommend this enough for a light, enjoyable, entertaining read.
It was one of those stories that was extremely well written and paced, the flow smooth and the characters delightfully entertaining so that before you knew it you were at the end. And don't forget Granny Maude! She was pee-your-pants funny. Can I adopt her??? I can't recommend this enough for a light, enjoyable, entertaining read.
May 25, 2016
Fantastic Story
I was truly amazed by how good this book was. I stayed up late to read it (late for me anyway) I didn't want to stop.
Anyone that is looking for a good cozy mystery should try this one.
I was truly amazed by how good this book was. I stayed up late to read it (late for me anyway) I didn't want to stop.
Anyone that is looking for a good cozy mystery should try this one.
July 5, 2022
Rating: 3.25 Stars
POV(s): Third Person Omnipresent
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Cozy Mystery, Paranormal Romance
This wasn’t exactly what I expected, which is neither good nor bad, but just is.
➸ Maddie wasn’t an easy character due to her incredibly low self-esteem. I know that I can’t expect her to react rationally when it comes to her insecurities, but by golly was it frustrating how she refused to accept what other people were telling her as the truth even when faced with undeniable evidence. She didn’t think she was pretty, so everybody had to be lying and just being polite when they complimented her. She was a freak because she could talk to ghosts, so there’s no way that Nick would ever want to be with her. **bangs head against wall**
➸ I grew tired of reading different versions of the “we’re just friends” conversation. It got worse when Maddie’s response became “he has a girlfriend” whenever anyone pointed out that she and Nick obviously still had feelings for each other.
➸ Speaking of Nick’s girlfriend, what was her purpose? Cassidy was completely unnecessary and didn’t add anything productive to the storyline, unless the author was trying to paint Nick as an asshole, in which case she succeeded.
➸ I don’t care that Nick dated other girls whilst Maddie was gone (she ghosted him after all). I don’t care that he was still in love with Maddie whilst he was dating other girls. And I don’t care that he went into these relationships with other girls knowing he didn’t want anything permanent with them. But he’s an asshole for the way he ends his relationships with them, ��The truth was, he always tried to antagonize the women he dated into dumping him. That way he didn’t feel like an ass when he was ready for the relationship to end.” How does he not feel like an ass for that?! Just be a decent human being and break up with them. Some of his exes will probably struggle in future relationship’s, fearful that their boyfriends will eventually turn into jerks.
➸ Maude and Christy carried this story. Their call-it-like-it-is personalities brought some sanity to the party of denial Maddie and Nick were throwing. They were also both hysterical.
I think it’s necessary for me to read the next book in order to find out if the plot and characters develop enough for me to stay interested.
Title: Grave Homecoming
(A Maddie Graves Mystery #1)
by Lily Harper Hart
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: No
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: TBD
Triggers:
Tags/Tropes:
➢ Childhood-Best-Friends
➢ FMC-Ghosted-MMC
➢ Ghosts
➢ Insecure-FMC
➢ MMC-Has-Girlfriend
➢ Murder-Mystery
➢ Police-Officer-MMC
➢ Psychic-FMC
➢ Return-to-Hometown
➢ Seperation (10 years)
➢ Shy-MMC
➢ Small-Town
➢ Sweet-Gentle-FMC
October 30, 2020
Audible Escape had these either separately or as a 3 book anthology. I was going to review all in the 3 book but don’t think I’ll get to the 3rd and the 2nd reads like a high school angsts, clicky, insecure teenage book. This first had a bit of that but at least had a mystery front and center and much less of the angst as the relationship didn’t move as fast.
So this was good, not great. It reads very easily and for those that like the young adult emotions, insecurity, popular girls picked on you, personality, Maddie would be a great character. She is a doormat that cannot even say no to a guy for going out on a date. To me this is just the frustrating part of the book that I have to trudge through.
Maddie is a psychic and while Nick works through why she left and what she is keeping from him, we know this pretty quickly and are saying, “come on tell him!”. Maddie sees ghosts and someone has killed a young girl. How can Maddie help without ‘coming out’.
I really liked Maddie’s friendship with Christie. That high school is still playing out in her hair salon is a bit far fetched but possible. Christie has a standup attitude and is refreshing counter to Maddie’s, not able to say no personality. Maddie’s grandmother is a hoot to give a nice humor to the book also.
So overall just good, 3 star. Easy read, kept my interest but annoyed at points with the teen angst you would have thought was outgrown.
So this was good, not great. It reads very easily and for those that like the young adult emotions, insecurity, popular girls picked on you, personality, Maddie would be a great character. She is a doormat that cannot even say no to a guy for going out on a date. To me this is just the frustrating part of the book that I have to trudge through.
Maddie is a psychic and while Nick works through why she left and what she is keeping from him, we know this pretty quickly and are saying, “come on tell him!”. Maddie sees ghosts and someone has killed a young girl. How can Maddie help without ‘coming out’.
I really liked Maddie’s friendship with Christie. That high school is still playing out in her hair salon is a bit far fetched but possible. Christie has a standup attitude and is refreshing counter to Maddie’s, not able to say no personality. Maddie’s grandmother is a hoot to give a nice humor to the book also.
So overall just good, 3 star. Easy read, kept my interest but annoyed at points with the teen angst you would have thought was outgrown.
May 28, 2020
I have been steadly making my way through all of this authors books, I have loved them all so far and this series is no different..
This one is a little different thant the previous 2 series I have read so far in that both the main character and the love interest grew up together in the same town.. In the other ones the main character still lives in their hometown, but the love interest moves in from somewhere else..
So Maddie Graves has come home after 10 years of being away.. She has wanted to come home for along time, but when her mother dies she comes home to take care of her grandma and take over her moms little magick shop.
Maddie and Nick have loved each other forever, and when Maddie comes home sparks immediately fly between them. But Nick is upset that Maddie left town, and basically ghosted him, and he also has a girlfriend..
When Maddie finds a dead body in an alley, we also learn that she can see ghosts. No one but her mom, and grandma know what she can do. Nick is a police officer, and knows that something is going on with her. As they work together to solve a murder, and Maddie get caught in the cross hairs of the murderer they grow closer and realize that they belong together..
This author has quickly become a new favorite of mine, and I can't wait to read everything she has out.
This one is a little different thant the previous 2 series I have read so far in that both the main character and the love interest grew up together in the same town.. In the other ones the main character still lives in their hometown, but the love interest moves in from somewhere else..
So Maddie Graves has come home after 10 years of being away.. She has wanted to come home for along time, but when her mother dies she comes home to take care of her grandma and take over her moms little magick shop.
Maddie and Nick have loved each other forever, and when Maddie comes home sparks immediately fly between them. But Nick is upset that Maddie left town, and basically ghosted him, and he also has a girlfriend..
When Maddie finds a dead body in an alley, we also learn that she can see ghosts. No one but her mom, and grandma know what she can do. Nick is a police officer, and knows that something is going on with her. As they work together to solve a murder, and Maddie get caught in the cross hairs of the murderer they grow closer and realize that they belong together..
This author has quickly become a new favorite of mine, and I can't wait to read everything she has out.
June 4, 2019
Good read but just too obvious.
A great start but just wish that it hadn't been so obvious as to what the solution was as to the killer's identity. Great characters and the ghosts were downplayed enough to make them even more vivid and believable.
She has come home after 10 years, not expecting that one of the first people she would see was the man that she had loved ever since she knew him as a young boy. However she had always kept a part of her hidden away from him. The part that could see and talk to ghosts. Now he has a girlfriend who is determined to be her BFF and a lunch date that she is forced into turns into a foursome which she leaves hurriedly after painful remarks are made. Only to come across a murdered woman's body and her ghost. A handsome man who won't take no for an answer, a young high school girl in danger, her mother's ghost, her soulmate (a police officer), his sickly sweet girlfriend, her feisty grandmother and her old BFF. Mix well with romance and a cold blooded killer. Can she stop the killer before another victim is found? Or is she the next victim?
A great start but just wish that it hadn't been so obvious as to what the solution was as to the killer's identity. Great characters and the ghosts were downplayed enough to make them even more vivid and believable.
She has come home after 10 years, not expecting that one of the first people she would see was the man that she had loved ever since she knew him as a young boy. However she had always kept a part of her hidden away from him. The part that could see and talk to ghosts. Now he has a girlfriend who is determined to be her BFF and a lunch date that she is forced into turns into a foursome which she leaves hurriedly after painful remarks are made. Only to come across a murdered woman's body and her ghost. A handsome man who won't take no for an answer, a young high school girl in danger, her mother's ghost, her soulmate (a police officer), his sickly sweet girlfriend, her feisty grandmother and her old BFF. Mix well with romance and a cold blooded killer. Can she stop the killer before another victim is found? Or is she the next victim?
January 31, 2020
Maddie Graves..
.. returns to her hometown after a decade away. When she left she cut ties with everyone except her mum and granny. Nick now a local cop, was her best friend, he always loved her and had hoped that when she finished her nurses training at college she'd return and they'd marry.
Maddie had a secret though, she can see ghosts, it's one she's never shared with Nick too fearful he'd think she was a freak and leave her.
The nursing career just didn't last, there are too many ghosts in hospitals and Maddie couldn't cope with the clamour especially after she helped one get vengeance and ended up working as a psychic expert on his cases. Something went wrong and Maddie fled back to run her mother's shop.
Within minutes of her return she bumps into Nick and the sparks fly.. can they admit it to themselves, let alone each other? Can Nick be honest with Cassidy his girlfriend?
When Maddie finds a body and ghost in an alley it's a only a matter of time before the truth is out..
.. returns to her hometown after a decade away. When she left she cut ties with everyone except her mum and granny. Nick now a local cop, was her best friend, he always loved her and had hoped that when she finished her nurses training at college she'd return and they'd marry.
Maddie had a secret though, she can see ghosts, it's one she's never shared with Nick too fearful he'd think she was a freak and leave her.
The nursing career just didn't last, there are too many ghosts in hospitals and Maddie couldn't cope with the clamour especially after she helped one get vengeance and ended up working as a psychic expert on his cases. Something went wrong and Maddie fled back to run her mother's shop.
Within minutes of her return she bumps into Nick and the sparks fly.. can they admit it to themselves, let alone each other? Can Nick be honest with Cassidy his girlfriend?
When Maddie finds a body and ghost in an alley it's a only a matter of time before the truth is out..
September 21, 2022
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves was a young woman who could see ghosts and it was a secret except to her mother and grandmother who knew about it. Her mother could also see ghosts although her grandmother could not. Her grandmothers sister and mother could. so the gift ran in the family. Your best friend Nick who she met in kindergarten and grew up with all the way to high school did everything together. Then after high school Maddie went off to college to become a nurse. Nick went to the police Academy and became a police officer. Maddie had her reasons for leaving but after a decade her mother passes away unexpectedly and Maddie returns to take care of her grandmother and and take over her mothers magic’s store where she did Terrell readings and sold other trinkets and gifts. Read on and find out how this reunion and adventure works out. A very entertaining series.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves was a young woman who could see ghosts and it was a secret except to her mother and grandmother who knew about it. Her mother could also see ghosts although her grandmother could not. Her grandmothers sister and mother could. so the gift ran in the family. Your best friend Nick who she met in kindergarten and grew up with all the way to high school did everything together. Then after high school Maddie went off to college to become a nurse. Nick went to the police Academy and became a police officer. Maddie had her reasons for leaving but after a decade her mother passes away unexpectedly and Maddie returns to take care of her grandmother and and take over her mothers magic’s store where she did Terrell readings and sold other trinkets and gifts. Read on and find out how this reunion and adventure works out. A very entertaining series.
July 17, 2024
Maddie Graves left for college ten years ago and didn't return. Now that her mom has died, she's decided to return. Nick Winters, a police detective, has been her best friend since kindergarten. He's never gotten over his love for her. Unfortunately, there are obstacles to overcome before they can begin an appropriate adult relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend. On top of everything, Maddie found a murdered woman.
This Ghost Mystery is admirable. This is a solid introduction to the main characters and several townsfolk. One of the obstacles created large amounts of difficulty in reading the story. Most of the others are barely speed bumps. Even after the murder is solved, some obstacles are not fully resolved. Perhaps they will disappear between stories. Maybe they'll be dealt with in the future. The ending is comfortable.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
This Ghost Mystery is admirable. This is a solid introduction to the main characters and several townsfolk. One of the obstacles created large amounts of difficulty in reading the story. Most of the others are barely speed bumps. Even after the murder is solved, some obstacles are not fully resolved. Perhaps they will disappear between stories. Maybe they'll be dealt with in the future. The ending is comfortable.
Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
April 18, 2024
Good
After the death of her mother, Maddie Graves heads back to the town where she grew up, and the man she had to leave behind.
Nick Winters was hurt when Maddie never came home, but she was always his best friend, even though she now seems to have a lot of secrets.
When Maddie discovers the body of a murdered woman on her first night back, she’ll have to work with Nick, and let go of some of her secrets…
This is an enjoyable tale, with a heroine who is shy and insecure, and a hero who has always protected her. Star crossed soulmates, they have a ways to go before things will work out, but it’s fun along the way.
There is a little OW drama with Nick in this one, but mostly it’s a paranormal mystery with two characters reconnecting after a long time apart. I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads!
After the death of her mother, Maddie Graves heads back to the town where she grew up, and the man she had to leave behind.
Nick Winters was hurt when Maddie never came home, but she was always his best friend, even though she now seems to have a lot of secrets.
When Maddie discovers the body of a murdered woman on her first night back, she’ll have to work with Nick, and let go of some of her secrets…
This is an enjoyable tale, with a heroine who is shy and insecure, and a hero who has always protected her. Star crossed soulmates, they have a ways to go before things will work out, but it’s fun along the way.
There is a little OW drama with Nick in this one, but mostly it’s a paranormal mystery with two characters reconnecting after a long time apart. I’m looking forward to seeing where it leads!
November 12, 2024
I pretty much love all of Lily Harper Hart's books. I think this is the 4th series I've read of hers, and they are all fabulous fun. The characters are just outstanding - well developed with real personalities and both strengths and flaws.
Maddie is a sweet person. She's sensitive to what others think of her and her friends, and just wants to live her life in peace and happiness with Nick, her best friend since they were 5. Nick is a police officer, and has loved Maddie his whole life.
They were seperated for a decade, due to Maddie's fears and insecurities, but when she returns, they both realize that they had never stopped loving the other. Unfortunately, there's a few obstactles to them getting together, like Nick's girlfriend, Maddie's whopper of a secret (which is what drove her away in the first place), and a murderer after Maddie.
August 28, 2025
Perfect for Halloween reading...
Wait, that's it? I need more of them!
This was so much better than I expected. I finished this book in one sitting. Sure, this was only around 200 pages but I didn't even feel the strain of reading. Time flew by quickly, I was feeling so many emotions in this (all good ones I promise) and before I knew it was over. I want to get into the next one immediately. Also, this was one of the very few books where I liked the FMC being such soft nature and innocent. She was such a sad soul that I felt bad for her, so I liked her friend Cristy who kept helping her in boosting her confidence.
Wait, that's it? I need more of them!
This was so much better than I expected. I finished this book in one sitting. Sure, this was only around 200 pages but I didn't even feel the strain of reading. Time flew by quickly, I was feeling so many emotions in this (all good ones I promise) and before I knew it was over. I want to get into the next one immediately. Also, this was one of the very few books where I liked the FMC being such soft nature and innocent. She was such a sad soul that I felt bad for her, so I liked her friend Cristy who kept helping her in boosting her confidence.
October 29, 2021
Grave Homecoming lacked violence, sex and foul language. If you want something hardcore this is not the story for you. It wasn't what I was anticipating still, it was a cute story and an easy read. It had the typical girl is a bit clueless and guy doesn't know what to do. It was also difficult to believe 2 characters that were on the verge of 30 years old were still so juvenial in their behaviors. There was so much more character development that is needed as well as story. This may be done in the rest in the series. I wouldn't say it was bad. Just was just lacking.
August 11, 2023
I adore this couple.
I've found the next series to binge read.
I adore Nick and Maddie as a couple. My husband was my HS sweetheart, like the characters we spent a decade apart.
I enjoyed them rekindling their friendship while fighting the love that had developed since childhood.
Maddie hid her ability to see ghosts and find the lost.
Spoiler, there are TWO villains in this murder mystery.
I've found the next series to binge read.
I adore Nick and Maddie as a couple. My husband was my HS sweetheart, like the characters we spent a decade apart.
I enjoyed them rekindling their friendship while fighting the love that had developed since childhood.
Maddie hid her ability to see ghosts and find the lost.
Spoiler, there are TWO villains in this murder mystery.
July 26, 2019
Sweet. Story but...
I nearly didn't finish the book because Maddie irritated me so much. She has to be the most vapid, airhead on the planet. Honestly if she'd really existed she would never have survived to adulthood as she appears to have 'naive victim' tattooed across her forhead.
I nearly didn't finish the book because Maddie irritated me so much. She has to be the most vapid, airhead on the planet. Honestly if she'd really existed she would never have survived to adulthood as she appears to have 'naive victim' tattooed across her forhead.
May 17, 2020
What a pleasure!
Omg, I loved this! Maddie and Nick are just too adorable, Granny is a hoot, and Christy is a solid gold friend. The mystery is sprinkled with clever misdirection with a surprising reveal of the guilty, and the paranormal element is thoughtfully balanced. I am IMMEDIATELY getting Book Two!
Omg, I loved this! Maddie and Nick are just too adorable, Granny is a hoot, and Christy is a solid gold friend. The mystery is sprinkled with clever misdirection with a surprising reveal of the guilty, and the paranormal element is thoughtfully balanced. I am IMMEDIATELY getting Book Two!
September 9, 2020
This "heroine" isn't the typical strong, wild, snarky out-of-control female we usually get in these series. She's softer; less sure of herself. Hopefully, we'll find her growing up some in later books. I actually think that the sidekick, Christy, might be the stronger, more likable, character. There is a lot of room for growth. Since there are so many books in this series, I have high hopes.
August 5, 2021
This book caught me off guard cause I've tried two read it 2 other times before and just couldn't get into it. Then this last time I used audible and listen to it while I read it and got hooked now I'm looking for books 5-7 so i can continue my journey with with Maddie, Nick, and all the crazy characters in the book.
Try it you want be disappointed.
Christonya hudgins
Try it you want be disappointed.
Christonya hudgins
March 8, 2022
Grave Homecoming (A Maddie Graves Mystery book 1
This is my all-time favourite Author. I have read over 50 of her books and loved every one of them. I highly recommend all her books and different series. They are al! Great with wonderful characters and great storylines Diana Romano.
This is my all-time favourite Author. I have read over 50 of her books and loved every one of them. I highly recommend all her books and different series. They are al! Great with wonderful characters and great storylines Diana Romano.
July 28, 2022
I reallllly like this one!!!
For some reason this 1st book hit all the right notes for me. I like Maddie for not trying to be someone she is not. The character just down to earth and other than seeing ghost, she is dealing with some emotional and mental challenges. The mystery was not convoluted. Looking forward to reading the next book.
For some reason this 1st book hit all the right notes for me. I like Maddie for not trying to be someone she is not. The character just down to earth and other than seeing ghost, she is dealing with some emotional and mental challenges. The mystery was not convoluted. Looking forward to reading the next book.
December 7, 2022
SUPER CUTE
Absolutely loved this book and am jumping right into the second. There’s the quirky, almost too honest best girl friend; the HILARIOUS grandma (reminds me of Sofia from Golden Girls); and then our best friends and romance interest hero and heroine. I definitely am looking forward to seeing what sort of trouble this crew gets into!
Absolutely loved this book and am jumping right into the second. There’s the quirky, almost too honest best girl friend; the HILARIOUS grandma (reminds me of Sofia from Golden Girls); and then our best friends and romance interest hero and heroine. I definitely am looking forward to seeing what sort of trouble this crew gets into!
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