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Maddie Graves is in a good place. She's engaged to her best friend and love of her life Nick Winters, and the doldrums of the cold season are winding toward Valentine's Day. What could go wrong?

A visit from the father who abandoned her before birth hits hard and fast, and Maddie finds herself overwhelmed with emotion. For his part, George Hunter says he only wants to talk but Maddie isn't sure she should believe him.

Nick wants to help, but he has no idea how to do it. Matters only get worse when the owner of a local bed and breakfast is found murdered ... and George just happens to be staying at her establishment.

It's up to Nick and Maddie - working together with friends and family, of course - to untangle a rather large mess. The woman who died had secrets of her own, including a shopping addiction that led to divorce and two adult children who think they're entitled to everything, even though they've never worked for anything.

Maddie's grandmother is spitting mad when she finds out about George - and threats are flying fast and furious - but she's not open for conversation and the ghost of Maddie's dead mother isn't providing answers either.

Maddie is caught between Graves family loyalty and a hard place, one that resides in her heart and takes up the spot reserved for her father.

When everything comes together - and all the battle lines are drawn - Maddie will have to make a choice. Is she willing to forget the past and try for a new future, or will she allow anger and bitterness to haunt her until the bitter end?

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 6, 2017

680 people are currently reading
123 people want to read

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Lily Harper Hart

264 books770 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Rachel .
2,254 reviews1 follower
June 10, 2017
Another great add to the series. Even though I love this series and characters this was not my favorite read personally. It was hard for me to wrap my head around welcoming back a parent who abandon you at birth. Don't get me wrong there were scenes and Maddie struggled with meeting her father but overall just no. I hope there isn't more books with her father going forward. Great book and defiantly can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Amanda.
107 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2017
This installment did not have near as much mayhem as the others have. I am glad Maddie finally met her father and is giving him a chance. Not sure what to think of Olivia and Maude skipping out on this one.
Profile Image for Danielle Bush.
1,961 reviews25 followers
June 6, 2020
Maddies father George Hunter when he walks into her shop one afternoon. When Maddie figures out who he is by seeing into his past, and seeing her mother she goes a bit into shock. Maude runs in and starts threatening to murder him with a hammer...
when the owner of the local bed and breakfast Fran is found murdered it gives maddie something else to focus on, she really has no idea what to do about her father. A part of her wants to tell him how she feels and hear him out, but the other part feels disloyal to her mom for even thinking about it..
Turns out she was a shopaholic and had 3 storage units full of QVC and Home Shopping Network stuff. And thats when Maddie runs in to Frans ghost. Fran get super upset, and accuses Maddie and Nick of wanting to steal her stuff..
While investigating, it turns out she was deeply in debt, and her kids are super dicks. They both thought that with Frans death they could see the B&B and become millionaires. So they were very upset when they realized that Fran didn't have any money to give them.
Maddie ends up running in to George a couple times but doesn't really talk to him, Nick encourages her to, if only to get some answers. Olivia pops up and tell Maddie to stay away from George. Even after Maddie confronts olivia with information that her date tried to get visitation at least 2 times when she was 6 then againg at 13. Olivia turned him away and never told maddie the truth.
After Maddie and her father have a conversation, she follows a woman acting suspicious. And boy was she right. Turns out this woman is the murderer, George comes out of nowhere and puts the woman in what I think sounds like a full nelson until she passes out. She is arrested,
This was a really good one, and I cant wait to continue the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda Jane.
1,337 reviews10 followers
February 5, 2020
Grave Father

Everything is wonderful in Maddie's life, she's home in Blackstone Bay, she's engaged to her soulmate Nick Winters and planning a summer wedding.. she's got everything she ever dreamt of.. or has she?

When her father George Hunter appears out of the blue Maddie is thrown for a loop. Maude tries to see him off, Nick investigates his past, Olivia has something to hide and isn't talking and poor Maddie is just overwhelmed.. should she throw him straight back out of her life as threw away a pregnant Olivia all those years ago? Or will she regret it forever? Uncomfortable and struggling to express her mixed up feelings she needs time but when the owner of the B&B he's staying in is murdered no one is quite sure what to make of it..

Fran had a shopping addiction, she's got two entitled, angry children she's recently cut off, both of whom seem to believe that they're about to inherit millions. Whilst they're busy demanding their inheritance, Frans ghost is trying to protect her 3 storage lockers full of QVC special buys, none of it used, needed or, if Fran's honest, really wanted, from the investigation.

As Maddie persaudes Fran to face up and remember her last minutes, putting herself in danger again, it's not going to be Nick who saves the day. Will she gain a father she can respect without losing her mother and granny?
Profile Image for Mike Lewis.
1,761 reviews8 followers
March 7, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series

This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. He fun cast of characters in an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves is a young woman who comes from a family that has a psychic lineage running through it. Most of the women in her female Line are psychics with a few exceptions. Maddie’s mother was also psychic but her grandmother is not. not long ago Maddie’s mother passed away and Maddie who had moved away 10 years ago moved back to town to take care of her grandmother and run her mothers magic shop store. When Maddie left her best friend since kindergarten Nick was following his own path and falling in love with Maddie. Yet he did not know that Maddie was psychic and Maddie was afraid to tell him so she took off and went to college and lost contact. After 10 years she comes back reunites with Nick and their fairytale relationship begins once again. Maddie has a unique ability to see and speak to ghosts as well and without ability comes occasions where she can help Nick who is a police officer in his investigations into different crimes that have happened around town. Nick’s partner also knows about Maddys abilities and together with Maddie her grandmother and Maddie’s best friend who owns a hair salon they get mixed up in a lot of adventures. Rita and see what adventure happens this time.
725 reviews8 followers
June 19, 2017
Daddy Haunting

Well, here's Maddie again in the first pages, standing around limply, allowing her grandmother to run her life for her. Please, no one is THAT spineless. After that, several other people jump in to protect her. This woman needs to get a spine. And her grandmother is a horror show here, just jumping in and making it all about her and her feelings. Do any of these folks really love Maddie? If this was real life, the answer would be no. They all are self absorbed, getting their jollies being "protective" , read stunting Maddie's personal growth. If all of them stayed out of it, she would have been forced to deal with the situation and her feelings.

But this is a story and not real life, and Maddie is--finally--getting a little tougher by the end of this one. The mystery is almost secondary to Maddie's daddy issues in this one, but the answer to the murder mystery is surprising.
Profile Image for Karyn.
217 reviews
November 19, 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, have officially moved in together, and now are engaged to be married. Life couldn't be better.


Er, until the father who abandoned her before she was born shows up. Then, the owner of the B&B turns up dead. Maddie's mom and grandmother are furious that her dad is in town, dad says he just wants the chance to get to know her. Old secrets are uncovered....


 

Profile Image for Tchipakkan.
521 reviews20 followers
June 2, 2019
Not entirely predictable

I was glad to see Maddie doing a reading. One thing I think could have been done better would have been mentioning the cards. Am I the only one who figures that if she's supposed to be a reader, Hart should have looked up enough about Tarot to include it. (Not so much that it would confuse people who didn't understand it.) When she sees the "disturbing" layout, and it looks awful and she says "big changes", I assume what she'd have seen was Death, and maybe The Tower. The woman who was being read for would clearly have seen the cards and have had to have the interpretation explained. There's no reason not to take advantage of the system she's using. And it rather bugs me also that she doesn't seem to have to work more than two or three half days a week to meet expenses. (and the police seem to have very flexible hours as well.)
Profile Image for Laurie Beemer.
679 reviews28 followers
August 13, 2017
I can honestly say that I have read this entire series several times; usually every couple months I actually reread them they are just that awesome. From the first words of the first book in the series I was hooked and new I found books that I would need to devour repeatedly. Lily Harper Hart does an amazing job with all her books but something about Maddie and Nick makes this book series special. The way that Nick and Maddie constantly fight for each other is what romance should be all about; true love at is finest working together and understanding everything about each other. The fact that there are elements of paranormal in the book adds to the excitement of this series. This series shows that love even can transcend death.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,233 reviews45 followers
June 9, 2017
Oh this Maddy Nick story was a great one finishing old storylines with Cassidy (thank goodness) and new stories to carry on into future books Maddy's Dad for one he seems like a good guy who would love to make up for past mistakes and as always Maddy and Nick's ever evolving realtionship I'm looking forward to wedding planning and the eventual wedding I love they want a short engagement and i love their relationship is as solid as ever.
I enjoyed having more of Dale in this story he is a great partner at work with Nick and an all round good guy.

The murder mystery was a good one a very violent death that shocked everyone, the killer was a surprise.
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,710 reviews5 followers
August 3, 2020
Hmmm...

Maddie and Nick have another murder to unravel, but personal issues are pushing for primary status. The imaginative mystery's resolution is a bit surprising and a bit pathetic. After a lifetime of devotion, Olivia and Maude are so concerned with playing hide-and-seek with the truth that Olivia isn't there to warn Nick of Maddie's impending danger; at least help comes from a most unexpected quarter! The imaginative mystery's resolution is a bit surprising with elements of the pathetic surrounding the victim. Still an enjoyable read, but this time I was left more bemused than charmed in the end.
442 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2017
Always an enjoyable afternoon read

I always enjoy reading a book by Lily Harper Hart and I've yet to be disappointed. Any of her books are always filled with love, a mystery, and lots of snark. This book is the kind of book you curl up with on a rainy afternoon and just enjoy. You will always have a smile on your face at the end and her books always reach a conclusion without a big cliffhanger. If you haven't read any of her books and you want a pick me up, then get one of her books and laugh and smile your way to the end.
836 reviews10 followers
June 8, 2017
Murder & Canoodling!!

This is such a fun series! We get murder, family angst, & romance all in one story. Oh, & we also get ghosts & humor. Maddie & Nick are the perfect couple. We should all have a man like Nick Winters in our lives. He loves Maddie unconditionally & shows it all the time. The lighthearted banter between Nick & Maddie, & Nick & his partner Dale had me laughing out loud. And Grandmother Maude & her Pink Ladies are a hoot!
Profile Image for Sanny.
105 reviews2 followers
July 3, 2017
Endless whining

Oh, for Haven's sake! Whine whine whine. For ten books everyone has either wanted to protect poor insecure Maddie, or kill her for going w Nick. The protect poor Maddie theme is alive and well in yet another book, although the kill Maddie for dating Nick faction seems to have calmed a bit. At some point both will stop, and the author will be completely out of plot.
Profile Image for Kari.
29 reviews
February 2, 2020
Maddie meets her father. The story is so slow, hardly any investigation into the murder compared to the other books. Seriously lost interest for months. Forced myself to finish. Finally after 3/4of the book was done, the pace picked up. It finally gripped me. I hope this isn’t the start of the series going downhill. Very disappointed. Felt as if it was written because she was forced to,not because she wanted to.
2,873 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2017
I love Maddie and Nick, and their romance continues to have all of the feels. I am interested in seeing what is in store now that her father is in the picture. I thought the Cassidy thing had been put to rest in previous books, but it seems that hopefully this should be the end of it. We still have Marla to cause trouble!
Profile Image for Patrea Beard.
448 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2020
Maddie has gotten some answers.

Marie's dad has shown up and she finally got some answers. Cassidy has once again said she was ok with their relationship, maybe it will take this time, or last longer. There isn't a lot of Maude but if course the scenes she has are great.
Recommended, and looking forward to the next book.
667 reviews8 followers
March 24, 2022
Grave Haunting (A Maddie Graves Mystery book 10

This was another winner. II love this Author as she writes wonderful books. She writes great paranormal mysteries and has wonderful cast of characters in each series. I highly recommend all her books and different series. I have read over 50 of her books and loved every one of them. Diana Romano
1,383 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2025
Totally enjoyed this book!

Really nice storyline and characters. Hope Maddie's dad will continue in the series! This is a fantastic series and I've been enjoying it from the beginning. Along with all the other series. Each series is unique and extremely interesting. Usually I try to read them in one sitting!
1,231 reviews4 followers
June 10, 2017
Great series!

I love the entire concept & plots that fill these books with a true love story, as well as, great mysteries. The characters are well thought out and rich with living color. Their imaginative lives are delightful to read.
Enjoy.
1,033 reviews
July 30, 2020
Maddie's father returns. Murder at the B&B

Maddie's father returns to get to know her. Her mother doesn't want to talk about it.
A murder at the B&B keeps Nick busy.
Less snark in this book and more emotional turmoil.
161 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2025
very good story. ready for the next one.

As usual an ending you wasn’t suspecting.,
New character , some good , some not so good. Some more things to find out. Where is grandma and mom?
3 reviews
June 12, 2017
Completely Awesome

After many interruptions from my family and friends I was able to finish the book. I'm glad to see that there are many other books by Lily Harper Hart.
436 reviews2 followers
June 12, 2017
I liked the introduction of George and can't wait to see how things progress with Olivia in future
Profile Image for Brian Davis.
939 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2017
Delightful

A delightful series. The characters having grown throughout the series, while creative plots and solid fast paced writing has been consistent throughout.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
687 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2017
Fun read

Great read as usual . Can't wait for the next installment. Fun, funny , witty dialogue, story of true love .
Profile Image for Lara.
73 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2018
Tired of Cassidy

I know that some people may start in the middle but speaking as someone who started at book 1, the rehashing of the Cassidy drama is getting old.
835 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2019
Nick and Maddie really need to get over themselves. Love the storyline and how they solve murders but this overly sweetness and trying to not argue is starting to wear thin.
Profile Image for Ashybugg.
208 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2020
Grave expansion

Of characters! Love than we get to know more and more people in the town every book. Looking forward to wedding planning!
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
April 1, 2021
not my fav of the series - too long on family drama and too short on murder-mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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