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Maddie Graves Mystery #3
Grave Delight
When you find the light, you finally get to embrace delight.
Nick Winters and Maddie Graves are officially a couple – and more importantly, they’re officially happy. They’re finally on the road to forever.
When a body washes up on the Lake Michigan shoreline, though, the couple finds themselves embroiled in another mystery – and the stakes are high.
Local teenager Hayley Walker was missing two weeks before her body was discovered, although her autopsy indicates she’s only been dead for twenty-four hours. Because of the age of the victim – and the way her body was discarded – the death rocks the community.
Between a suspicious boyfriend, legends of a local “pervert” running around the docks and a mysterious older fisherman, the couple have their pick of suspects. That’s on top of the teen’s parents, who are hiding a few secrets of their own.
Nick and Maddie have love on their side, even if they’re still struggling with Marla’s machinations and Cassidy’s anger at every turn.
When the pieces finally fit together, it might be too late for Maddie. Can Nick get to her in time, and can this couple give peace to a restless soul before it’s too late?
Nick Winters and Maddie Graves are officially a couple – and more importantly, they’re officially happy. They’re finally on the road to forever.
When a body washes up on the Lake Michigan shoreline, though, the couple finds themselves embroiled in another mystery – and the stakes are high.
Local teenager Hayley Walker was missing two weeks before her body was discovered, although her autopsy indicates she’s only been dead for twenty-four hours. Because of the age of the victim – and the way her body was discarded – the death rocks the community.
Between a suspicious boyfriend, legends of a local “pervert” running around the docks and a mysterious older fisherman, the couple have their pick of suspects. That’s on top of the teen’s parents, who are hiding a few secrets of their own.
Nick and Maddie have love on their side, even if they’re still struggling with Marla’s machinations and Cassidy’s anger at every turn.
When the pieces finally fit together, it might be too late for Maddie. Can Nick get to her in time, and can this couple give peace to a restless soul before it’s too late?
255 pages, ebook
First published May 4, 2015
892 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 10, 2015
It would probably be a good series if you didn't have to suffer thru all the I Love Yous!!!!!
May 15, 2018
Too much of a chic lit
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this was a disappointment and put me off wanting to read more. Too many sickeningly sweet "I love yous" and phrases repeatedly used , unnecessarily.
I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this was a disappointment and put me off wanting to read more. Too many sickeningly sweet "I love yous" and phrases repeatedly used , unnecessarily.
August 30, 2017
I was very shocked by the outcome of this story. The murderer was a complete shock. I wish more would have happened to Marla in this one. I hope she doesn't drag through with her ugliness throughout the rest of the series.
February 4, 2022
Great book
Why amazon insist on a 20 word minimum for reviews via kindle, I will never understand. I just want to say how much I enjoyed this book.
Why amazon insist on a 20 word minimum for reviews via kindle, I will never understand. I just want to say how much I enjoyed this book.
June 3, 2020
Nick and Maddie are out for a walk on the beach, when they discover the body of teenager Hayley Walker. So they begin to investigate her death. They find out that she was on the outs with her best friend, just started to date one of the more popular boys in school, and had a pretty terrible home life. She also like to hang out down by the pier where an old man would hit on the young girls that hung out down there. SO there are a ton of suspects, and at first the evidence is pointing all over the place.
Turns out she was fighting with her friend because of the boy she was dating, but they both loved her. turns out Hayley told her boyfriend that her father sexuallyand physically abused her. so for the two weeks she was missing she was hiding out in her boyfriends cabin.. So nick, kreskin and maddie zero in on the father as the most likely suspect.. But that isn't the end to the family secrets and turns out her mom is just as much as a horrible person as her father.
Maddie never sees Hayleys ghost out in the town, just a couple times when she is dreaming. turns out she just moved on despite her being murdered..
This mystery was heavier that previous mysteries, but was still really good. It had me guessing about the outcome until it was finally revealed..
Turns out she was fighting with her friend because of the boy she was dating, but they both loved her. turns out Hayley told her boyfriend that her father sexuallyand physically abused her. so for the two weeks she was missing she was hiding out in her boyfriends cabin.. So nick, kreskin and maddie zero in on the father as the most likely suspect.. But that isn't the end to the family secrets and turns out her mom is just as much as a horrible person as her father.
Maddie never sees Hayleys ghost out in the town, just a couple times when she is dreaming. turns out she just moved on despite her being murdered..
This mystery was heavier that previous mysteries, but was still really good. It had me guessing about the outcome until it was finally revealed..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2020
Grave friends
Maddie and Nick are faced with a new case after she stumbles upon the body of a 16 year old girl, Hayley.
Washed up by the pier and with no clear place of death the state police share the case. Aware it might make things difficult for Maddie's talent's they're relieved when the officer sent is Nick's brother John.
The case isn't straightforward, Hayley hasn't been seen for a fortnight but the autopsy report shows she only died a couple of days earlier. Has she been kept captive and treated terribly by her killer? Her parents didn't seem aware that she was even missing!
As John works out Maddie's secret, Marla and Cassidy continue their campaign against her, Christy gets to know John, and Maddie and Nick make plans for their future. The story of Hayley comes to light, there's a few wrong turns along the way though and just when they think they have the killer things suddenly fall into place.. there's more than one crime and more than one criminal.. Maddie's in a life or death situation and it's a desperate race for Nick and John to save her.
Maddie and Nick are faced with a new case after she stumbles upon the body of a 16 year old girl, Hayley.
Washed up by the pier and with no clear place of death the state police share the case. Aware it might make things difficult for Maddie's talent's they're relieved when the officer sent is Nick's brother John.
The case isn't straightforward, Hayley hasn't been seen for a fortnight but the autopsy report shows she only died a couple of days earlier. Has she been kept captive and treated terribly by her killer? Her parents didn't seem aware that she was even missing!
As John works out Maddie's secret, Marla and Cassidy continue their campaign against her, Christy gets to know John, and Maddie and Nick make plans for their future. The story of Hayley comes to light, there's a few wrong turns along the way though and just when they think they have the killer things suddenly fall into place.. there's more than one crime and more than one criminal.. Maddie's in a life or death situation and it's a desperate race for Nick and John to save her.
July 21, 2015
maddie finds the body of a murdered teen. she goes looking for the killer. sad story.
February 11, 2026
This one had me crying in a couple spots. One spot was when Hayley gave Maddie a couple of messages to give to important people in her circle. It was so sweet and heartfelt that it had my heart aching. Totally killed my buzz! Lol. Another part was near the end that I started to get teary eyed again. Egad!
This was a hard read because it involved a young teenager’s murder and there wasn’t a lack of details as to everything that happened to the teen. It broke my heart because it’s stuff that happens in real life. People suffer right under our noses and we don’t always know the details. It’s quite sad.
Maddie’s paranormal gifts are getting stronger all the time and so is the love between she and Nick. Two new characters entered into this story and although I’m pretty sure John will be in future books, I don’t know if Crowder will. I really hope Crowder will be there because I very much like him. I also feel that maybe he’s got intuitive powers of his own. 😊
Nick and Maddie are moving full steam ahead in their relationship and blue is the color chosen. Maddie finally stood up for herself rather than Nick doing it all for her. Thank goodness, because Maddie seems to be a pretty strong person and yet Nick is the one always fighting for her.
Oh! One more thing - Harper Hart made a mention of Gillian’s Island. It was when Nick said he was the skipper and Maddie was his first mate. Then Maddie asked Nick if he was going to call her Little Buddy. 😊
Next is Book 4 of 15 “Grave Misgivings.”
See you in my next book thoughts review.
Be kind. Be humble. And mostly, Be Magical!
Deuces to your cabooses!
This was a hard read because it involved a young teenager’s murder and there wasn’t a lack of details as to everything that happened to the teen. It broke my heart because it’s stuff that happens in real life. People suffer right under our noses and we don’t always know the details. It’s quite sad.
Maddie’s paranormal gifts are getting stronger all the time and so is the love between she and Nick. Two new characters entered into this story and although I’m pretty sure John will be in future books, I don’t know if Crowder will. I really hope Crowder will be there because I very much like him. I also feel that maybe he’s got intuitive powers of his own. 😊
Nick and Maddie are moving full steam ahead in their relationship and blue is the color chosen. Maddie finally stood up for herself rather than Nick doing it all for her. Thank goodness, because Maddie seems to be a pretty strong person and yet Nick is the one always fighting for her.
Oh! One more thing - Harper Hart made a mention of Gillian’s Island. It was when Nick said he was the skipper and Maddie was his first mate. Then Maddie asked Nick if he was going to call her Little Buddy. 😊
Next is Book 4 of 15 “Grave Misgivings.”
See you in my next book thoughts review.
Be kind. Be humble. And mostly, Be Magical!
Deuces to your cabooses!
August 10, 2017
Maddie helps find an angry killer!!
Maddie figures out the killer is someone no one suspected and it makes sick in her soul. A teenage girl is dead, who killed her and why? The ghost of the girl can't remember, either. Was it the boy who was helping her hide and why did she need to hide? The identity of the killer will shake your soul. The writing is excellent,. The characters, we are learning mode about are real and you can't keep yourself from caring about them. The storyline could have been pulled off the desk of a police blotter in any large city. But this is a small town we're talking about, these things are not supposed to happen in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. This is the third book in the Maddie Graves series and they just keep getting better. Highly recommended.
Maddie figures out the killer is someone no one suspected and it makes sick in her soul. A teenage girl is dead, who killed her and why? The ghost of the girl can't remember, either. Was it the boy who was helping her hide and why did she need to hide? The identity of the killer will shake your soul. The writing is excellent,. The characters, we are learning mode about are real and you can't keep yourself from caring about them. The storyline could have been pulled off the desk of a police blotter in any large city. But this is a small town we're talking about, these things are not supposed to happen in a small town where everyone knows everyone else. This is the third book in the Maddie Graves series and they just keep getting better. Highly recommended.
November 5, 2020
2 1/2
A little better than the last but still unresolved ex and high school bully pulls it down. Then the heavy theme of a girl murdered that had been sexually assaulted, with the parent complacent when she disappears. Killer is.. So we have all these suspects and Maddie and Nick continue their relationship, which was the best part but a little sappy. When we find the killer, Maddie is being a TSTL character. And then, I just really didn't like who she decided to make the killer as it isn't very likely except it seem in books. So I liked it better than the first two but not my type of series and would not have listened except that it was KU. Quick enough and many will like it, not for me.
A little better than the last but still unresolved ex and high school bully pulls it down. Then the heavy theme of a girl murdered that had been sexually assaulted, with the parent complacent when she disappears. Killer is.. So we have all these suspects and Maddie and Nick continue their relationship, which was the best part but a little sappy. When we find the killer, Maddie is being a TSTL character. And then, I just really didn't like who she decided to make the killer as it isn't very likely except it seem in books. So I liked it better than the first two but not my type of series and would not have listened except that it was KU. Quick enough and many will like it, not for me.
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 reconciled when she returned to town, but things aren't that simple.
Nick's ex-girlfriend is still causing problems, and the local PITA is helping her stir up trouble. Then, Nick & Maddie find a dead body on the beach, with loads of suspects but no real leads. And Maddie may be next...
June 6, 2020
These characters make me smile!
It's amusing that Maddie's big secret can be more accurately described as an "open" secret, with more and more in the know. While the constant "I love yous" could become irritating, Maddie and Nick ARE in the honeymoon phase and so adorable they get a pass for now. It's good to see Maddie becoming more assertive without losing that likable factor. She needs backbone to survive this town of madcap busybodies as well as the sometimes harsh truth of her gift. All the frothy elements of this story are nicely balanced with the somber and heartbreaking truth of the crimes. I love how this series is written; it provides a charming, light diversion from reality.
It's amusing that Maddie's big secret can be more accurately described as an "open" secret, with more and more in the know. While the constant "I love yous" could become irritating, Maddie and Nick ARE in the honeymoon phase and so adorable they get a pass for now. It's good to see Maddie becoming more assertive without losing that likable factor. She needs backbone to survive this town of madcap busybodies as well as the sometimes harsh truth of her gift. All the frothy elements of this story are nicely balanced with the somber and heartbreaking truth of the crimes. I love how this series is written; it provides a charming, light diversion from reality.
January 20, 2022
This book was as frothy and sweet as the others by the author (under either name). Her books tend to be quick reads with very romantic, protective heroes. Her heroines are always gorgeous and inquisitive. This heroine is different because she is sweet and insecure - usually the heroines are confident and sarcastic.
Her series frequently have continuity errors, and this book is no different. It's not a major problem. The reason I gave it 2 stars is that she reinforces a false narrative about virginity that has been used to subjugate women. Namely that you can tell from a woman's body whether she's a virgin. That is such b.s., and I'm appalled that she professes this. On the other hand, at least she doesn't seem to shame women for having and enjoying sex.
Her series frequently have continuity errors, and this book is no different. It's not a major problem. The reason I gave it 2 stars is that she reinforces a false narrative about virginity that has been used to subjugate women. Namely that you can tell from a woman's body whether she's a virgin. That is such b.s., and I'm appalled that she professes this. On the other hand, at least she doesn't seem to shame women for having and enjoying sex.
September 28, 2022
entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If uncast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves is a young woman who has psychic visions and can see and speak to ghosts. And 18 she left her small town where she grew up to go off to college. She also happened to leave the love of her life there because she was afraid to tell him that she was psychic and could see and speak to ghosts. 10 years later her mother suddenly dies and Maddie moves back to the small town and long story short reclaims the love of her life and is now restarting her life in the small town. Read on and follow the adventures of Maddie And her lifelong best friend Nick and see what they get up to.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. If uncast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves is a young woman who has psychic visions and can see and speak to ghosts. And 18 she left her small town where she grew up to go off to college. She also happened to leave the love of her life there because she was afraid to tell him that she was psychic and could see and speak to ghosts. 10 years later her mother suddenly dies and Maddie moves back to the small town and long story short reclaims the love of her life and is now restarting her life in the small town. Read on and follow the adventures of Maddie And her lifelong best friend Nick and see what they get up to.
April 28, 2023
I absolutely love the way this author writes!
Lily Harper Hart is extremely gifted and talented! She definitely knows how to build a story line and keep the reader glued to the pages from beginning to the end. I've completed all the Harper Harlow series and it was my favorite. Was so sorry it ended but so happy it developed into a new series with several of her heroines as the main characters. I'm also reading her Speak easy series that takes place in New Orleans. Its extremely awesome, also! I'll eventually get to the others she writes. Anyway, I found this mystery very interesting, entertaining and enjoyable!!!
Lily Harper Hart is extremely gifted and talented! She definitely knows how to build a story line and keep the reader glued to the pages from beginning to the end. I've completed all the Harper Harlow series and it was my favorite. Was so sorry it ended but so happy it developed into a new series with several of her heroines as the main characters. I'm also reading her Speak easy series that takes place in New Orleans. Its extremely awesome, also! I'll eventually get to the others she writes. Anyway, I found this mystery very interesting, entertaining and enjoyable!!!
May 4, 2017
Another fab read!!
The body of a dead teenaged girl washes ashore. During the investigation, nick and Maddie uncovers several secrets.
John, Nick's older brother comes to help with this investigation. I loved nick and john's interaction. They were funny and hilarious.
John takes a liking to Christy, Maddie' best friend. It was so cute and funny to read about their interaction.
Ready for the next book in the series.
Love Maddie and nick!!!!!
The body of a dead teenaged girl washes ashore. During the investigation, nick and Maddie uncovers several secrets.
John, Nick's older brother comes to help with this investigation. I loved nick and john's interaction. They were funny and hilarious.
John takes a liking to Christy, Maddie' best friend. It was so cute and funny to read about their interaction.
Ready for the next book in the series.
Love Maddie and nick!!!!!
May 22, 2025
This wasn’t an enjoyable third book in the series. This was very sappy and “I love you” was multiple times per page. This felt less like a cozy mystery and more like a 13yr olds first boyfriend. Maude and her antics were barely present, christy wasn’t very present in this book either, an though Olivia was briefly mentioned, was also not present. No ghost interactions in this book either. Everything that helped make the first 2 books enjoyable were missing.
October 13, 2018
I likes this one but Nick just got on my nerves with the overprotective 's and wasn't as funny as the last two, I realize that this one Nick and Maddie are trying to finally get to a integral part of their relationship but just seemed rammed in there ,not much to the ghost /murder part of the read .
March 11, 2022
Grave Delight (A Maddie Graves Mystery book 3
This was another. This Author writes wonderful books I have loved everyone of them. I love all her different series and her wonderful characters. I highly recommend all her books and all her different series. She writes a great paranormal mystery. I have read over 50 of her books. Loved everyone of them. Diana Romano
This was another. This Author writes wonderful books I have loved everyone of them. I love all her different series and her wonderful characters. I highly recommend all her books and all her different series. She writes a great paranormal mystery. I have read over 50 of her books. Loved everyone of them. Diana Romano
April 20, 2023
Great book. Maddie is gaining her self-confidence. She is standing up to her bully, Marla Proctor. She's getting braver in a lot of ways. Her and Nick are settling into a relationship for the ages. Maddie is becoming more comfortable with her psychic abilities and more comfortable admitting she has them. I had to get through the book today. It was that good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2023
Good read
Book 3 was pretty sappy. There was almost more of our hero and heroine being schmaltzy then mystery. Maddie sort of finds her backbone to verbally fight back at Marla and Cassidy, but too nice for the venom that they both deserve. I'm waiting for the day she really lays into them. There is also some humor, murder, ghosts, and love. Entertaining.
Book 3 was pretty sappy. There was almost more of our hero and heroine being schmaltzy then mystery. Maddie sort of finds her backbone to verbally fight back at Marla and Cassidy, but too nice for the venom that they both deserve. I'm waiting for the day she really lays into them. There is also some humor, murder, ghosts, and love. Entertaining.
July 29, 2018
These books keep getting better
Lily Harper Hart you are amazing! I love all your books and this series is no different. Maddie and Nick, his brother John and Maude are wonderful characters. I have to read them all!
Lily Harper Hart you are amazing! I love all your books and this series is no different. Maddie and Nick, his brother John and Maude are wonderful characters. I have to read them all!
January 1, 2019
Parents
We all wish we had the perfect parents, and when we don't really bad things can happen. Maddie has found the body of a young teenage girl, and she and Nick are working together to find out where and who killed her.
We all wish we had the perfect parents, and when we don't really bad things can happen. Maddie has found the body of a young teenage girl, and she and Nick are working together to find out where and who killed her.
February 2, 2019
Love this series!
This author is fearless! She not only writes about a psychic heroine who sees ghosts, she doesn't shy away from more serious worldly issues. Can hardly wait for the next installment!!
This author is fearless! She not only writes about a psychic heroine who sees ghosts, she doesn't shy away from more serious worldly issues. Can hardly wait for the next installment!!
July 18, 2020
This book was a real disappointment. It was more like a mushy romance than a mystery. I got tired of all the “I love you” in the book. Every time one said it the other said it. It was like a broken record.
July 21, 2020
Death at the marina, and a brother makes an appearance
Maddie finds the body of a teenage girls. This time, she doesn't find a ghost but does use psychic abilities.
Nick's brother, with the State Police, comes to town to help investigate.
Maddie finds the body of a teenage girls. This time, she doesn't find a ghost but does use psychic abilities.
Nick's brother, with the State Police, comes to town to help investigate.
September 11, 2020
A little too mushy. Co-dependent we expect, but this level of (to use the author's favorite description) "schmaltz" gets old. On the plus side, there is a solid set of supporting characters developing, and the background Granny plot line gets hilarious.
January 8, 2023
Great Series!
I’d already met Maddie and Nick, having read another series. It’s interesting to learn how they were reunited and to watch them grow together. Looking forward to reading more of their story.
I’d already met Maddie and Nick, having read another series. It’s interesting to learn how they were reunited and to watch them grow together. Looking forward to reading more of their story.
April 21, 2023
I have to admire this author for handling the sensitive issues in this book with grace. These types of things happen to often and sometimes nobody will step up to be a hero. I like the couple in this book and truly enjoyed meeting new characters in this book.
August 6, 2017
Cute, almost too sweet
About the time the cuteness and sweet nothing being whispered make you feel the urge to drink soon pickle juice? Murder and mayhem start up..
About the time the cuteness and sweet nothing being whispered make you feel the urge to drink soon pickle juice? Murder and mayhem start up..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews