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Maddie Graves Mystery #13
Grave Missteps
Maddie Graves and Nick Winters are feeling the pull of spring. The only thing hanging over them is wedding plans … until they see smoke in the sky and race to a house to offer rescue.
Instead of the elderly woman they were expecting, Maddie pulls a young teenager from a basement window and stumbles across a mystery that is decades in the making.
The girl has no name, no identity and either can't or won't communicate. She's terrified of every person she comes into contact with … except for Maddie. State social workers are called in, but the young girl seems lost in her own little world.
The owner of the house is found dead inside, but she wasn't killed by the fire. It seems someone wanted her dead for different reasons … and Nick has to figure out exactly who targeted his neighbor and the young girl living in the basement.
The hows and whys are difficult to unravel and when Nick starts uncovering the truth, a dark secret threatens to tear apart multiple families.
The race is on to communicate with the victim, find out who is hunting her, and put together a happily ever after for everyone involved. All Maddie has to do to make sure that happens is to hold it together long enough to fight off a killer and protect her young charge.
That might be harder than she thought. Much, much harder.
Instead of the elderly woman they were expecting, Maddie pulls a young teenager from a basement window and stumbles across a mystery that is decades in the making.
The girl has no name, no identity and either can't or won't communicate. She's terrified of every person she comes into contact with … except for Maddie. State social workers are called in, but the young girl seems lost in her own little world.
The owner of the house is found dead inside, but she wasn't killed by the fire. It seems someone wanted her dead for different reasons … and Nick has to figure out exactly who targeted his neighbor and the young girl living in the basement.
The hows and whys are difficult to unravel and when Nick starts uncovering the truth, a dark secret threatens to tear apart multiple families.
The race is on to communicate with the victim, find out who is hunting her, and put together a happily ever after for everyone involved. All Maddie has to do to make sure that happens is to hold it together long enough to fight off a killer and protect her young charge.
That might be harder than she thought. Much, much harder.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2018
510 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
March 27, 2023
Entertaining Paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Gray’s is a young woman who went to college to become a nurse. She grew up with a unique ability though. She has the ability to see and speak to ghosts and she also has psychic tendencies. When she was 18 she decided to go off to college and left her high school sweetheart behind because she was afraid to tell him about her abilities. For 10 years she stayed away until her mother passed away. She moved back home to take over her mothers magic store and take care of her grandmother Who is still living with her mom. After a short time she rekindled her romance with her high school sweetheart and her life is now on track. Many things have happened in the time since she’s got back. The father she never knew has showed up. Her mothers ghost is hanging around until it’s time for her grandmother to pass on. Maddie is living her life and helping solve mysteries crimes and other issues when she runs across a ghost. Readon and see what adventure she gets into with her family and friends this time.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Gray’s is a young woman who went to college to become a nurse. She grew up with a unique ability though. She has the ability to see and speak to ghosts and she also has psychic tendencies. When she was 18 she decided to go off to college and left her high school sweetheart behind because she was afraid to tell him about her abilities. For 10 years she stayed away until her mother passed away. She moved back home to take over her mothers magic store and take care of her grandmother Who is still living with her mom. After a short time she rekindled her romance with her high school sweetheart and her life is now on track. Many things have happened in the time since she’s got back. The father she never knew has showed up. Her mothers ghost is hanging around until it’s time for her grandmother to pass on. Maddie is living her life and helping solve mysteries crimes and other issues when she runs across a ghost. Readon and see what adventure she gets into with her family and friends this time.
June 8, 2018
Series is back on track
I got fed up reading this series, although I enjoyed the first few books I gradually got annoyed with all the mutual appreciation (to put it nicely). Nick and Maddie could not have a conversation without telling each other how perfect they were and how much they loved each other then you also.had the repeated references to Maddies leaving for ten years needless to say I found it very annoying and it totally took away from my enjoyment in the series. So am pleased to announce that most of those issues have been resolved in this book, they still say I love you a lot but that's it so you can go back to enjoying some good mystery writing. In this book Maddie and Nick come across a house on fire while Nick is unable to rescue the householder Maddie finds and reaches a young girl from the houses basement. Then the work begins as it will take both of them to find out who the girl is and who set the fire along the way the things they discover leave them both very disturbed as it seems a killer is loose who for some reason is fixated on the girl.
I got fed up reading this series, although I enjoyed the first few books I gradually got annoyed with all the mutual appreciation (to put it nicely). Nick and Maddie could not have a conversation without telling each other how perfect they were and how much they loved each other then you also.had the repeated references to Maddies leaving for ten years needless to say I found it very annoying and it totally took away from my enjoyment in the series. So am pleased to announce that most of those issues have been resolved in this book, they still say I love you a lot but that's it so you can go back to enjoying some good mystery writing. In this book Maddie and Nick come across a house on fire while Nick is unable to rescue the householder Maddie finds and reaches a young girl from the houses basement. Then the work begins as it will take both of them to find out who the girl is and who set the fire along the way the things they discover leave them both very disturbed as it seems a killer is loose who for some reason is fixated on the girl.
June 10, 2020
Another great story
This is definitely one of my favorites in this series so far.
Maddie and Nick are having a picnic when they notice that a house down the street is on fire. Nick runs inside seeing if the elderly owner Mildred needs help getting out. While she wasn't found Maddie with the help of a ghost realizes someone is in the basement, and ends up rescuing a young girl. She ends up bonding with Maddie, and after she gets taken by CPS Maddie visits her while nick and Dale investigate the fire and the murder of mildred.. when the young girl angel starts to communicate using sign language, they find out that her name is Angel and realize that she might be related to Mildred.. which is made more difficult by the fact that as far as anyone knew she didn't have any kids, and was not close to her extended family..
I was suspicious of the guy who ended up being the murderer early on, but the whole story was written so well that it didn't bother me at all.. also the ending was really good, and I joke we get to see more of Angel in future books.
This is definitely one of my favorites in this series so far.
Maddie and Nick are having a picnic when they notice that a house down the street is on fire. Nick runs inside seeing if the elderly owner Mildred needs help getting out. While she wasn't found Maddie with the help of a ghost realizes someone is in the basement, and ends up rescuing a young girl. She ends up bonding with Maddie, and after she gets taken by CPS Maddie visits her while nick and Dale investigate the fire and the murder of mildred.. when the young girl angel starts to communicate using sign language, they find out that her name is Angel and realize that she might be related to Mildred.. which is made more difficult by the fact that as far as anyone knew she didn't have any kids, and was not close to her extended family..
I was suspicious of the guy who ended up being the murderer early on, but the whole story was written so well that it didn't bother me at all.. also the ending was really good, and I joke we get to see more of Angel in future books.
May 2, 2025
A darker mystery, Maddie and Nick find an older neighbor dead in her home doe to the apparent fire, and a young child locked in the basement. Maddie is able to save the young teenager, who appears starved and terrified. Maddie visits child protective services later to assist determining the hidden identity of the teenager, but then realizes the child either can’t or won’t speak and may have hearing issues as well. The real oddity, their neighbor did not have children, so who is the child and what is her connection?
Even worse, their elderly neighbor was strangled, and didn’t die due to the fire. Who is the murderer? And who is the abused teenager? As Maddie, Nick and the locals attempt to put together the macabre puzzle and a surprising villain. The end was surprising and yet left me feeling complete. Maddie is of course the shining star in the novel and gives me hope for society in the future that hope, and true love isn’t lost yet. This is a wonderful series and an absolutely worthwhile read
Even worse, their elderly neighbor was strangled, and didn’t die due to the fire. Who is the murderer? And who is the abused teenager? As Maddie, Nick and the locals attempt to put together the macabre puzzle and a surprising villain. The end was surprising and yet left me feeling complete. Maddie is of course the shining star in the novel and gives me hope for society in the future that hope, and true love isn’t lost yet. This is a wonderful series and an absolutely worthwhile read
June 8, 2018
Wow!!
This story follows Maddie and Nick as they discover a young girl in a fire where a body is discovered. Who is this little girl and what was she doing in the basement of that house?
A lot of questions arise during this investigation. Maddie develops a bond with the little girl that is amazing to see. Nick worries about Maddie's emotional wellbeing.
Maddie explores more of what she can do and also she is more carry in this book with regard to Marla which I loved.
A bombshell hits Christy and John's relationship. It was so funny to see them deal with what happens. Would have loved to have more of Christy and John in the book.
When everything is revealed it shocks everyone.
Loved reading this book. Was tickled with the mention of the books about the Winchester witches. It made me wonder what would happen if Maude and Aunt Tillie ever met. It would be hilarious. Maybe a crossover is needed?!
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
This story follows Maddie and Nick as they discover a young girl in a fire where a body is discovered. Who is this little girl and what was she doing in the basement of that house?
A lot of questions arise during this investigation. Maddie develops a bond with the little girl that is amazing to see. Nick worries about Maddie's emotional wellbeing.
Maddie explores more of what she can do and also she is more carry in this book with regard to Marla which I loved.
A bombshell hits Christy and John's relationship. It was so funny to see them deal with what happens. Would have loved to have more of Christy and John in the book.
When everything is revealed it shocks everyone.
Loved reading this book. Was tickled with the mention of the books about the Winchester witches. It made me wonder what would happen if Maude and Aunt Tillie ever met. It would be hilarious. Maybe a crossover is needed?!
Can't wait for the next book in the series.
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, and are now engaged.
Enjoying a spring picnic, they see smoke and rush over to find a neighbor's house on fire. Maddie pulls a young girl out of the basement, but they don't see the old lady who lives there. After the fire is put out, they find her body, and she didn't die from the fire. And the girl was locked in the basement. And doesn't speak. And who was the ghost that led Maddie to the girl?
February 5, 2020
Grave Baby
As Maddie and Nick enjoy a picnic a strong smell of smoke wafts across the field, their elderly neighbours house is on fire and it's a race to save her.
They're too late for Mildred but when Maddie is led to a basement window by a ghost she sees a terrified face. Maddie rescues the young girl but who is she and where's she come from? The girl won't speak, is terrified of men and just clings to Maddie.. she needs help and support and while dragging her off of Maddie is the worst thing the girl has to go to the CPS.
Maddie is determined to do right by the girl she rescued and visits daily getting information piece by piece... Until the pieces suddenly fit and it's almost too late again.
John and Christy have their own special news that will knock them both off their game!!
As Maddie and Nick enjoy a picnic a strong smell of smoke wafts across the field, their elderly neighbours house is on fire and it's a race to save her.
They're too late for Mildred but when Maddie is led to a basement window by a ghost she sees a terrified face. Maddie rescues the young girl but who is she and where's she come from? The girl won't speak, is terrified of men and just clings to Maddie.. she needs help and support and while dragging her off of Maddie is the worst thing the girl has to go to the CPS.
Maddie is determined to do right by the girl she rescued and visits daily getting information piece by piece... Until the pieces suddenly fit and it's almost too late again.
John and Christy have their own special news that will knock them both off their game!!
June 7, 2018
Maddie and Nick are back with more mystery and lovey dove times and also always the fun adventure to read. This time they have to solve the identity of a teenager girl that Maddie saves from a criminal fire in her elderly neighbor house. They have got quite a pickle in their hands because the girl doesn’t speak...and so begins this new saga. We get to see Maddie getting more confident in her gift with Nick support and also she starts to use it in a different way this time so we don’t have a lot of ghost and have more of mind reading and feeling reading. Also we get quite a surprising news in they family and friends circle.
June 15, 2018
Oh I really enjoyed Grave Missteps, what an amazing story, I love Maddie and Nick and I will always love Maddie and Nick, not only are they perfect together they are both wonderful at their jobs and even though Maddie doesn't really have a job right now I love how she is truly becoming herself and helping people where she can, the future is going to be very interesting.
Even though there was a very serious mystery to solve with many layers to unravel and twists to turn there was still some light hearted hilarity, it's good to be able to have a laugh in between the serious time.
I can't wait to read more about everyone in Blackstone Bay.
Even though there was a very serious mystery to solve with many layers to unravel and twists to turn there was still some light hearted hilarity, it's good to be able to have a laugh in between the serious time.
I can't wait to read more about everyone in Blackstone Bay.
January 15, 2019
This one was great! The mystery was engaging and took a twist I didn't quite expect. Maddie also developed a new ability, which is fascinating and I can't wait to see how that plays out. I also love the Christy and John developments! I hope we get to see a lot of this in future books!
I love Maddie and Nick, and I will say that the schmaltz was toned down a bit in this book, which was a welcome change. Their relationship is still as adorable as ever, but there was less of the "no, I love YOU more" type of thing that was getting a bit old in previous installments. Can't wait for the next one!
I love Maddie and Nick, and I will say that the schmaltz was toned down a bit in this book, which was a welcome change. Their relationship is still as adorable as ever, but there was less of the "no, I love YOU more" type of thing that was getting a bit old in previous installments. Can't wait for the next one!
September 12, 2020
Lily Harper Hart has mad skills!
Maddie and Nick, Christy and John, even the rambunctious handful known as Granny...I just can't get enough of these characters! The individual growth as well as the steadily evolving relationships are a treat for the reader. This is such a stellar series; it's always surprising to find such gritty realism and depth in a cozy mystery. Delving into this well-written and -researched mystery produces so many twists and red herrings, the reader just needs to take a deep breath and hold on for the ride! I'm just glad I could count on the author to provide Angel with the ending she deserves!!
Maddie and Nick, Christy and John, even the rambunctious handful known as Granny...I just can't get enough of these characters! The individual growth as well as the steadily evolving relationships are a treat for the reader. This is such a stellar series; it's always surprising to find such gritty realism and depth in a cozy mystery. Delving into this well-written and -researched mystery produces so many twists and red herrings, the reader just needs to take a deep breath and hold on for the ride! I'm just glad I could count on the author to provide Angel with the ending she deserves!!
June 13, 2018
This series is about murder mysteries but also about a couple who love each other so much you want to gag sometimes lol And of course the paranormal. Love the characters, love the storylines and always.....a happy ending... well mostly... One of my fav series to read. Lily Harper Hart is in my top 3 authors to read.
If you like Mystery, Murder, Mayhem, Ghosts and of course Love... I highly recommend this series!
If you like Mystery, Murder, Mayhem, Ghosts and of course Love... I highly recommend this series!
June 6, 2019
Has anyone else tried to figure out where Blackstone Lake is, or is it just me?
Whenever someone in a story says "40 minutes to the outskirts of Traverse City" or "I can go to Gaylord or Traverse City if I want to shop", I go over to Google Maps and try to figure out where it is. My best guess at this point is in the vicinity of Kalkaska- lots of lakes and woods there, but it seems too big- Rapid City maybe.
Whenever someone in a story says "40 minutes to the outskirts of Traverse City" or "I can go to Gaylord or Traverse City if I want to shop", I go over to Google Maps and try to figure out where it is. My best guess at this point is in the vicinity of Kalkaska- lots of lakes and woods there, but it seems too big- Rapid City maybe.
August 1, 2020
Really enjoyable.
When I read the summary of this book I was excited to read it and I wasn't disappointed. I liked the mystery even though I figured out the bad guy. I dislike mysteries where it turns out to be someone not even mentioned in the book til the ending anyway.
Some interesting side stories. George and Maude have small parts, Olivia is mentioned and felt but still "sulking."
Violence off page, no language, mild sexual situations. Recommended series.
When I read the summary of this book I was excited to read it and I wasn't disappointed. I liked the mystery even though I figured out the bad guy. I dislike mysteries where it turns out to be someone not even mentioned in the book til the ending anyway.
Some interesting side stories. George and Maude have small parts, Olivia is mentioned and felt but still "sulking."
Violence off page, no language, mild sexual situations. Recommended series.
June 8, 2018
Another Great Story!
While there were some difficult topics brought up in this story, such as domestic abuse, the plot was interesting. There were twists and turns that kept me interested right up until the end. As always, I enjoy this author's work and look forward to the next installment in the series!
While there were some difficult topics brought up in this story, such as domestic abuse, the plot was interesting. There were twists and turns that kept me interested right up until the end. As always, I enjoy this author's work and look forward to the next installment in the series!
February 26, 2019
GREAT STORY!
Ms. Hart keeps on creating intricate stories that dovetail neatly when the connections are given in the final pages.
What a writer! Her imagination is amazing and astounding in its ability to make up these fascinating stories a d keep the details on point and organized.
Great reads, all of them!!
Ms. Hart keeps on creating intricate stories that dovetail neatly when the connections are given in the final pages.
What a writer! Her imagination is amazing and astounding in its ability to make up these fascinating stories a d keep the details on point and organized.
Great reads, all of them!!
August 4, 2020
A fire and a girl in a basement
Nick and Maddie see a neighbor's house on fire. They can't save the elderly woman who lives there - she was already dead - but a ghost draws Maddie to a basement window, where she sees, and saves, a girl, who won't or can't tell who she is.
Christy gets a surprise.
Nick and Maddie see a neighbor's house on fire. They can't save the elderly woman who lives there - she was already dead - but a ghost draws Maddie to a basement window, where she sees, and saves, a girl, who won't or can't tell who she is.
Christy gets a surprise.
January 1, 2023
Twist and turns mystery
After reading, I could not predict the ending. I like that this book kept me guessing throughout. I loved the Christy and John relationship progress. And we find out Maddie has a new power. It's lovely to see Maddie and Nick's relationship become more in tune with each other.
After reading, I could not predict the ending. I like that this book kept me guessing throughout. I loved the Christy and John relationship progress. And we find out Maddie has a new power. It's lovely to see Maddie and Nick's relationship become more in tune with each other.
June 1, 2023
Lily/Amanda does it again
The sense of intrigue and mystery never stops. Though I have read so many of her books the basic theme is similar, I keep reading them. It’s becoming easy to know who done it, but the background stories that provide the catalyst are well thought out and interesting.
The sense of intrigue and mystery never stops. Though I have read so many of her books the basic theme is similar, I keep reading them. It’s becoming easy to know who done it, but the background stories that provide the catalyst are well thought out and interesting.
June 6, 2018
Grave Missteps
Baddie and Nick are challenged to find the name and history of a girl pulled gr8 the basement of a burning home, one she was locked in. Baddie developers a new ability and big news on the horizon for those close to Maddie.
Baddie and Nick are challenged to find the name and history of a girl pulled gr8 the basement of a burning home, one she was locked in. Baddie developers a new ability and big news on the horizon for those close to Maddie.
June 9, 2018
All these book are good.
Lily Harper Hart / Amanda M. Lee is a very good author. All her books have happy endings. Her Amanda M. Lee books have more snark, where this have more sweet romance (mushy not sexy). All in all an easy, fun read.
Lily Harper Hart / Amanda M. Lee is a very good author. All her books have happy endings. Her Amanda M. Lee books have more snark, where this have more sweet romance (mushy not sexy). All in all an easy, fun read.
April 4, 2019
New talents
Maddie is getting more in touch with her gifts, and learning about new ones. In this book Maddie, Nick, and Dale get arson, kidnapping, murder, and lies up to their eyeballs.
Maddie is getting more in touch with her gifts, and learning about new ones. In this book Maddie, Nick, and Dale get arson, kidnapping, murder, and lies up to their eyeballs.
June 5, 2019
Well this one tugged at the heartstrings ...
This one got a little intense. It was interesting to watch how situations repeat and how the hidden never stays that way.
As always, an enjoyable read.
This one got a little intense. It was interesting to watch how situations repeat and how the hidden never stays that way.
As always, an enjoyable read.
June 28, 2019
Real life matters
In this episode Maddie saves a young girl from a burning building, learns a new skill with her peculiarity and reads the mind of an abused child. While LHH doesn't go into specifics she is more than able to express the horror.
In this episode Maddie saves a young girl from a burning building, learns a new skill with her peculiarity and reads the mind of an abused child. While LHH doesn't go into specifics she is more than able to express the horror.
September 12, 2019
Stark Tale
This book in the series had me baffled about a child’s identity and how she came to be in a burning home. My only criticism is that i wish there had been one or two more paragraphs at the end. Scary tale
This book in the series had me baffled about a child’s identity and how she came to be in a burning home. My only criticism is that i wish there had been one or two more paragraphs at the end. Scary tale
April 22, 2021
Although I don't care for the new cover art, I do believe it more accurately reflects the grittier storylines than the previous "cozy" mystery cover did. I do enjoy this series and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to readers that want a bit more "real life" in their mystery reading.
March 31, 2022
Grave Mistseps(A Maddie Graves Mystery book 13)
This was another hard storyline. I love Maddie and Nicks love . she writes great mysteries. I highly recommend all her books and different series. She has a great cast of characters and great love stories. Diana
This was another hard storyline. I love Maddie and Nicks love . she writes great mysteries. I highly recommend all her books and different series. She has a great cast of characters and great love stories. Diana
April 7, 2024
Continue to enjoy the series. Maddie saves a girl from the basement of a house on fire. Things become complicated when she doesn't talk and seems to be deaf. The villain was easy to identify once the character entered the story. Still an enjoyable read and as always ends well.
June 6, 2018
Fantastic
I have read all the baddies graves series. This book just keeps the story going. Can't wait for the next and their marriage. Also Christy happy ending.
I have read all the baddies graves series. This book just keeps the story going. Can't wait for the next and their marriage. Also Christy happy ending.
July 4, 2018
Loved it
I do love this series and this book was not disappointing. Can't get enough of these books and can't wait for the next one.
I do love this series and this book was not disappointing. Can't get enough of these books and can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews