What do you think?
Rate this book
Maddie Graves Mystery #5
Grave Concerns
Maddie Graves and Nick Winters are officially living together. Life couldn’t look much brighter. They have a week off to spend together, and Nick’s idea of a relaxing vacation involves staying home and doing absolutely nothing. That all changes when Nick’s mother reminds him of a longstanding family camping trip, and before Maddie and Nick can comprehend what a change in their plans really means, they find themselves mired in a Winters family reunion that goes wonky. It was supposed to be campfires, ghost stories and kayaking. Instead, trouble is stalking the family, and it’s coming from multiple directions. Between Nick’s sister Kelly, who doesn’t believe Maddie is back to stay and holds a bitter grudge, and the cries Maddie keeps hearing in her dreams, the couple’s vacation is starting to feel a lot like work. Maddie is determined to win Kelly over, but when a shadowy figure sets his sights on Nick’s niece Hayley, all bets are off. Maddie, Nick, and Kelly are going to have to work together to save Hayley, and when the truth is finally revealed, everyone will see a side of evil they never knew existed.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2015
741 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 25, 2018
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the last instalment. In many ways it seemed like essentially the same story and storyline threads but just different characters. You had the character that doesn't like Maddie, convincing one of Nick's ex girl friends that they could get him him back from Maddie and trying to split the two up, Maddie being insecure and Nick telling her how much he has loved her and always loved her and all the boys/men staring at Maddie's boobs and legs and saying how beautiful she is. Oh and there was a little, tiny bit of a mystery in there too, kind of blink and you will miss it until the last couple of chapters. The main difference being that this time they are camping with Nick's family.
While i don't mind these stories, I think my main problem is that it seems to be 3/4 romance to 1/4 mystery which wouldn't seem so if there was a little more development from the main couple and they didn't constantly seem to be going over old ground.
That being said, I quite like the main characters and there were some fun moments. I just hope the next instalment will have a little more on the mystery side.
While i don't mind these stories, I think my main problem is that it seems to be 3/4 romance to 1/4 mystery which wouldn't seem so if there was a little more development from the main couple and they didn't constantly seem to be going over old ground.
That being said, I quite like the main characters and there were some fun moments. I just hope the next instalment will have a little more on the mystery side.
February 7, 2024
Okay I have really liked this series but it is getting a little too sappy for me. I adore a good love story but please I am a little tired of the over the top love declarations and everyone talking about their love. They both had sex with other people so excuse me if I am not buying their eternal love. Just stop. More Mystery less feelings please
February 2, 2017
Whine whine whine
Ok, so the first couple of books in the series were interesting. Girl returns home to find her True Love. The twist is, she can see ghosts. Oh, that is different. But Maddie is insecure and frets through all the books so far, "is he going to leave me?" Whine whine whine! Shoot, it's to the point that *I* want to leave her!
In the first few books, the drama is the mean girl from high school and Nick's crazy ex girlfriend. Just when it looks like we have that sorted out, this book comes along with - wait for it- Nick's mean older sister and a different crazy ex girlfriend. Yes folks, he is so hot that all the ex girlfriends cannot imagine life without him. And, he has a bad habit of dating stalkers.
Maddie is so insecure that Nick must tell her he loves her (and not her) at least twice per page. If the author cut back on the sappy sweetness of their romance, the crazy ex girlfriends, and Mattie's ever present insecurity, we could condense the five books of the series so far into maybe two and a half. Stop the madness!
Ok, so the first couple of books in the series were interesting. Girl returns home to find her True Love. The twist is, she can see ghosts. Oh, that is different. But Maddie is insecure and frets through all the books so far, "is he going to leave me?" Whine whine whine! Shoot, it's to the point that *I* want to leave her!
In the first few books, the drama is the mean girl from high school and Nick's crazy ex girlfriend. Just when it looks like we have that sorted out, this book comes along with - wait for it- Nick's mean older sister and a different crazy ex girlfriend. Yes folks, he is so hot that all the ex girlfriends cannot imagine life without him. And, he has a bad habit of dating stalkers.
Maddie is so insecure that Nick must tell her he loves her (and not her) at least twice per page. If the author cut back on the sappy sweetness of their romance, the crazy ex girlfriends, and Mattie's ever present insecurity, we could condense the five books of the series so far into maybe two and a half. Stop the madness!
April 26, 2022
Grave Concerns would have been much better if Lily Harper Hart had concentrated on the family predators in the story instead of bringing in Nick's ex-girlfriend who is clearly short a few brain cells and the need for Maddie and Nick's constant need for sex and never being more than five-feet from each other! While Hart supplies over-sexed characters, I've never found a sex scene in any of her books. I tend to think Hart has never been in a relationship for any length of time and doesn't know how a real-life relationship works. I wish Hart would write more about the mystery/death/predator/whatever the story is really about. I could care less about how Nick obsesses with the need to always be near Maddie and their constant need for sex. They went camping and could only think about sex! I mean seriously, who goes camping for the sex? Also, this supposedly small-town has an awful lot of crime and murder. I can truly say most authors who state that their book is based in a small town have no idea what a small town is all about; most of these towns are more like mid-size cities!
February 16, 2021
The concept was good - send Maddie and Nick on a camping trip with his family, and let the hijinks commence! There was a bit too much retread over her issues and yet another ex-girlfriend of Nick's who can't let go, but it was fun to finally meet Nick's father (just barely), sister, and niece. What I just couldn't get past is that with a predator lurking in the woods, and Nick's niece and young cousins camping with them, why didn't they leave right away when they realized the situation? Predator lurking and can't be found? I'm out of there! This family kicks back and makes s'mores.
April 28, 2020
Same poo different day
Hmm the way I see it this series is sticking to a format. Maddie considering supposedly is a nurse is so codependent with severe abandonment issues.
In this book change Marla and Cassidy for Sydney and Kelly and you have the same set up as in town,
And her mother told her to trust no one with her "secret" her she told Nick's mum who told his dad..... I hate to say it as i enjoyed this series start but it's getting old!!
Hmm the way I see it this series is sticking to a format. Maddie considering supposedly is a nurse is so codependent with severe abandonment issues.
In this book change Marla and Cassidy for Sydney and Kelly and you have the same set up as in town,
And her mother told her to trust no one with her "secret" her she told Nick's mum who told his dad..... I hate to say it as i enjoyed this series start but it's getting old!!
February 3, 2018
Repeat?
I had a hard time with this book. It felt too similar with books in her other series. also Maddie 's insecurities and damsel in distress ways are getting to me. If you haven't read her other series you will find it enjoyable. I'd like to see some new things for book six.
I had a hard time with this book. It felt too similar with books in her other series. also Maddie 's insecurities and damsel in distress ways are getting to me. If you haven't read her other series you will find it enjoyable. I'd like to see some new things for book six.
January 24, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie grieves is a young woman who has the ability to see and speak to ghosts as well as has psychic feelings and dreams on occasion. Her best friend since kindergarten is Nick winters a local police officer in their small town where they live. Maddie left when she graduated high school because she wasn’t sure what was going on and was afraid to chill Nick her abilities and thought he would dislike her and showing her because of it. It took her 10 years to come back to town and rekindle their relationship. Now that she’s returned and their soulmate status is set them on a path for life. Maddie and Nick are moving only lives once again. Redone and follow the adventure and see what Maddie discovers this time and watch her while she can get into and Nick can help her get out of it.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie grieves is a young woman who has the ability to see and speak to ghosts as well as has psychic feelings and dreams on occasion. Her best friend since kindergarten is Nick winters a local police officer in their small town where they live. Maddie left when she graduated high school because she wasn’t sure what was going on and was afraid to chill Nick her abilities and thought he would dislike her and showing her because of it. It took her 10 years to come back to town and rekindle their relationship. Now that she’s returned and their soulmate status is set them on a path for life. Maddie and Nick are moving only lives once again. Redone and follow the adventure and see what Maddie discovers this time and watch her while she can get into and Nick can help her get out of it.
February 5, 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.
February 17, 2016
Annoying but readable
This series could be really good but the author apparently thinks people in love must be the most annoying humans on earth. I read the first book in the series then skipped to the 4th and 5th books because I liked the series OK but was sick of Noah's in love talk and how apparently Maddie was so weak she needs protecting from everything and I mean everything. I found myself liking the supposed bad characters more than Maddie and Noah. I ended up skipping sections of dialogue because I didn't want to read the mushy stuff that's unrelatable. Ms. Hart, no one in real life could actually be THAT annoying as adults. I would also be mad if someone told my daughter how to change her hair color so yes Maddie and Noah were being jerks not his sister. If you are going to write characters as adults then don't have them acting 15.
This series could be really good but the author apparently thinks people in love must be the most annoying humans on earth. I read the first book in the series then skipped to the 4th and 5th books because I liked the series OK but was sick of Noah's in love talk and how apparently Maddie was so weak she needs protecting from everything and I mean everything. I found myself liking the supposed bad characters more than Maddie and Noah. I ended up skipping sections of dialogue because I didn't want to read the mushy stuff that's unrelatable. Ms. Hart, no one in real life could actually be THAT annoying as adults. I would also be mad if someone told my daughter how to change her hair color so yes Maddie and Noah were being jerks not his sister. If you are going to write characters as adults then don't have them acting 15.
February 13, 2020
I like these stories. Too much dialogue and not enough story though. The dialogue isn't part of the story. It's boring. The stories are cute. The characters are good. Needs more of the story and what the characters are doing. This one was one of her better books. It had more story to it than the first 4.
January 28, 2020
Fun story
Although this is a fun story and I loved the format and characters, 3 stars was given for multiple typos and odd verbiage (e.g. Using the pronoun her for a male character). Just needs more thorough editing. Otherwise, really fun characters and storyline.
Although this is a fun story and I loved the format and characters, 3 stars was given for multiple typos and odd verbiage (e.g. Using the pronoun her for a male character). Just needs more thorough editing. Otherwise, really fun characters and storyline.
February 1, 2020
Grave Family
It's the Winter family annual camping trip and Nick's mother, Sharon, makes sure that Nick knows that his and Maddie's attendance is mandatory.
It's a big deal for Maddie, she's not seen anyone other than John since she left 10 years ago and she's uneasy about their feelings after she broke Nick's heart.
Everyone except Kelly, Nick's older sister, makes her welcome; Kelly has a whole other agenda though and invites Sydney along. Sydney dated Nick 5 years ago and she's just as determined as Kelly to break up Nick's relationship. They cause chaos, hiding Maddie's kayak while on a break and telling Nick that she's already left so Maddie's left alone in the wild. She's luckily rescued but the tension rises between Nick and Kelly.
When Maddie finds a missing girl and saves Kelly's teenage daughter from a stalker things start to change but Hayley is encouraged to take a risk by Sydney, that risk will put both her and Maddie in imminent danger. Can Nick and John find them before they experience a life destroying event?
It's the Winter family annual camping trip and Nick's mother, Sharon, makes sure that Nick knows that his and Maddie's attendance is mandatory.
It's a big deal for Maddie, she's not seen anyone other than John since she left 10 years ago and she's uneasy about their feelings after she broke Nick's heart.
Everyone except Kelly, Nick's older sister, makes her welcome; Kelly has a whole other agenda though and invites Sydney along. Sydney dated Nick 5 years ago and she's just as determined as Kelly to break up Nick's relationship. They cause chaos, hiding Maddie's kayak while on a break and telling Nick that she's already left so Maddie's left alone in the wild. She's luckily rescued but the tension rises between Nick and Kelly.
When Maddie finds a missing girl and saves Kelly's teenage daughter from a stalker things start to change but Hayley is encouraged to take a risk by Sydney, that risk will put both her and Maddie in imminent danger. Can Nick and John find them before they experience a life destroying event?
June 23, 2020
Another smile producer!
I'm still loving Maddie and Nick! She's charming and self-effacing but no pushover; he's charming and protective but not smothering. Granny and Christy are sadly absent for the majority of the story, but the chance to meet more of Nick's family is welcome. Nick's mom strongarms him into bringing Maddie to a week-long family reunion camping trip and things get interesting! Bitter, childish siblings and exes are minor compared to a menace that necessitates two separate rescues by Maddie before this excellently paced plot leads to a final showdown with the vilest kind of evil hunting in the woods. As always, the darker aspects of this series are counterbalanced by the giddy love match and the humorous ribbing it provokes. The only mild criticism targets the overuse/misuse of "nonplussed." Kelly's excuse for her nastiness before the breakup is not addressed, and I definitely look forward to discovering why Olivia reaches Nick!
I'm still loving Maddie and Nick! She's charming and self-effacing but no pushover; he's charming and protective but not smothering. Granny and Christy are sadly absent for the majority of the story, but the chance to meet more of Nick's family is welcome. Nick's mom strongarms him into bringing Maddie to a week-long family reunion camping trip and things get interesting! Bitter, childish siblings and exes are minor compared to a menace that necessitates two separate rescues by Maddie before this excellently paced plot leads to a final showdown with the vilest kind of evil hunting in the woods. As always, the darker aspects of this series are counterbalanced by the giddy love match and the humorous ribbing it provokes. The only mild criticism targets the overuse/misuse of "nonplussed." Kelly's excuse for her nastiness before the breakup is not addressed, and I definitely look forward to discovering why Olivia reaches Nick!
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, and the ex finally realizes that Nick was never hers and seems to move on.
Nick and Maddie join Nick's family for the annual camping trip, only to find out that Nick's sister Kelly hates Maddie, and holds a grudge against her for leaving Nick 10 years ago. To cause trouble, she invites another ex-girlfriend of Nick's to the camping trip. On top of that drama, there may be a child molester in the campgrounds....
June 3, 2020
While this still a good story it wasn't my favorite. Nick and Maddie are finally living together and he has forgotten all about his annual family camping trip. So they go and immidiatly Nicks sister starts being a giant ahole to Maddie. She ends up calling an ex of Nicks and invites her to the camp site. She wants to make Maddie and Nick start to fight and just make them both really uncomfortable.
While this is going on Maddie ends up finding a lost kid in the woods, and finding out that a weird guy was stalking the little girl. Nicks neice ends up being stalked as well as maddie.
I did not see the full outcome of this story coming. I thought is was going to be a certain person, and I was partially right but their was a lot more going on then I had first thought.
While this is going on Maddie ends up finding a lost kid in the woods, and finding out that a weird guy was stalking the little girl. Nicks neice ends up being stalked as well as maddie.
I did not see the full outcome of this story coming. I thought is was going to be a certain person, and I was partially right but their was a lot more going on then I had first thought.
May 6, 2017
Lovely read!!!
Another fan book. This follows nick and Maddie as they spend a week camping with all of his family. Maddie deals with Nick's sister, Kelly who hates her. Will they ever become friends?
Loved nicks mom Sharon. She was lovely and so sweet.
Maddie discovers something creepy and uncomfortable in the woods near the campsite. It follows Haley, nicks niece. Maddie and Kelly are in danger. Will they get saved from this situation?
Read to find out more.
Next book ready to be read.
Another fan book. This follows nick and Maddie as they spend a week camping with all of his family. Maddie deals with Nick's sister, Kelly who hates her. Will they ever become friends?
Loved nicks mom Sharon. She was lovely and so sweet.
Maddie discovers something creepy and uncomfortable in the woods near the campsite. It follows Haley, nicks niece. Maddie and Kelly are in danger. Will they get saved from this situation?
Read to find out more.
Next book ready to be read.
August 12, 2017
Can Maddie and Nicky go on a family camping trip with out????
With out a ghost showing up? Of course not, even if only Olivia popping in to visit Maddie. What about a murder? An excellent ghost story! The writing is superb, the characters grow more familiar to us as we start to see them mature. The mystery is fantastic , with twists and turns that takes you by the throat and stops your breath from making to your lungs. This is for you if you like your ghosts to look like lumber jacks this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
With out a ghost showing up? Of course not, even if only Olivia popping in to visit Maddie. What about a murder? An excellent ghost story! The writing is superb, the characters grow more familiar to us as we start to see them mature. The mystery is fantastic , with twists and turns that takes you by the throat and stops your breath from making to your lungs. This is for you if you like your ghosts to look like lumber jacks this is the book for you. Highly recommended.
September 19, 2017
So good
I so love Nick and Maddie they are sweet together. I love how Maddie has grown she is learning to stand up for herself and fight back. I know that there has to be recaps as to how they got back together but I think its brought up enough in the conversations between them that it doesn't need to be explained as much. I am hoping Nick will soon be a little less protective of Maddie and let her live a little. I like how the danger is getting more and more physical and Maddie is not running. This is a must read series for the young at heart.
I so love Nick and Maddie they are sweet together. I love how Maddie has grown she is learning to stand up for herself and fight back. I know that there has to be recaps as to how they got back together but I think its brought up enough in the conversations between them that it doesn't need to be explained as much. I am hoping Nick will soon be a little less protective of Maddie and let her live a little. I like how the danger is getting more and more physical and Maddie is not running. This is a must read series for the young at heart.
December 12, 2019
GRAVE CONCERNS (Read in GRAVE FRIGHT Books 4-6)
Maddie goes with Nick for the annual camping trip with his family (that includes Aunt's, Uncles, Cousins.) Maddie is nervous of course, especially about seeing his sister who hates her. She causes some trouble but you do find out why the dislike. There is a truce in the right direction.
There is something/someone menacing in the woods and the day must be saved. I enjoyed this book but some dark family undertones eventually at the last.
Maddie goes with Nick for the annual camping trip with his family (that includes Aunt's, Uncles, Cousins.) Maddie is nervous of course, especially about seeing his sister who hates her. She causes some trouble but you do find out why the dislike. There is a truce in the right direction.
There is something/someone menacing in the woods and the day must be saved. I enjoyed this book but some dark family undertones eventually at the last.
April 21, 2023
Maddie and Nick are officially living together. They took a week off to settle in and enjoy each other and their new life living together. Of course, the universe has other plans. Nick's mom reminds him that he took the week off to go on the annual family reunion camping trip. Unfortunately, there's a predator on the loose, and he's after young girls and young women. The ending will surprise you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2019
Camping will never be the same again.
Nick and Maddie are forced by his mother- sometimes us Mom's get such a bad rap, lol-to go on the family's annual camping trip. Filled with an angry sister, an even angrier ex girlfriend, and watchers in the woods it's enough to give a saint a bad week, and Nick is far from a saint.
Nick and Maddie are forced by his mother- sometimes us Mom's get such a bad rap, lol-to go on the family's annual camping trip. Filled with an angry sister, an even angrier ex girlfriend, and watchers in the woods it's enough to give a saint a bad week, and Nick is far from a saint.
March 13, 2022
Grave Concerns (A Maddie Graves Mystery book 5
This was another winner. I love this Author as she writes wonderful books, wonderful characters and great mysteries. I highly recommend all of her books and different series. I have read over 55 books and read this book in one day it was so good. Diana Romano
This was another winner. I love this Author as she writes wonderful books, wonderful characters and great mysteries. I highly recommend all of her books and different series. I have read over 55 books and read this book in one day it was so good. Diana Romano
Read
May 16, 2022Camping CAN be Fun
This isn't my first time reading this book....nor my second or even third. It's one I go back to as an old friend and enjoy as much as I did the first time.
Nick and Maddie are now officially living together and instead of settling Nick's stuff in, they're camping with Nick's entire family...and maybe a monster (of the human variety).
This isn't my first time reading this book....nor my second or even third. It's one I go back to as an old friend and enjoy as much as I did the first time.
Nick and Maddie are now officially living together and instead of settling Nick's stuff in, they're camping with Nick's entire family...and maybe a monster (of the human variety).
May 28, 2024
Loved this Maddie mystery!
I enjoyed the storyline in this mystery very much! The characters were interesting, also. I sorta had the suspect figured out then there was a twist, so I thought "ok". Then another twist and there it was! I had it halfway figured out. This is a great series and I'm enjoying it very much!
I enjoyed the storyline in this mystery very much! The characters were interesting, also. I sorta had the suspect figured out then there was a twist, so I thought "ok". Then another twist and there it was! I had it halfway figured out. This is a great series and I'm enjoying it very much!
September 2, 2017
Maddie and Nick go on a family vacation and trouble finds them again. Maddie's biggest fear is Nicks older sister and, of course, another former 6 month cycle girlfriend. That is definitely not the greatest danger. I really liked the twist at the end. Didn't see that coming.
February 29, 2020
Xtra great twist
This book was an original format in storytelling. I always know whodunit , this is the exception. I'm not amazed as her other books are just as awesome, truly fun entertainment !
This book was an original format in storytelling. I always know whodunit , this is the exception. I'm not amazed as her other books are just as awesome, truly fun entertainment !
June 15, 2022
This series, along with Harper Harlow and Ivy Morgan, is getting repititious. All three series are nearly identical---just the names changed.
It appears Lily Harper Hart is a book mill, thrashing out books around a common plot and characters. It's getting tiresome.
It appears Lily Harper Hart is a book mill, thrashing out books around a common plot and characters. It's getting tiresome.
August 26, 2023
Good read
Book 5 has humor, foreplay, a lost child, another ex-girlfriend, camping, a possible predator, and Nick's whole family for a week. And don't forget mom the ghost. Highly entertaining.
Book 5 has humor, foreplay, a lost child, another ex-girlfriend, camping, a possible predator, and Nick's whole family for a week. And don't forget mom the ghost. Highly entertaining.
June 20, 2025
The last one was very good , but she topped it with this one!
I love the new characters in each book but, these I think I could have done without. This one gave me the creeps. Read it and you will understand.I cannot wait to start the next book.
I love the new characters in each book but, these I think I could have done without. This one gave me the creeps. Read it and you will understand.I cannot wait to start the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews