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Bear & Mandy Logan #1
Close to Home
Riley "Bear" Logan returns with his adopted daughter Mandy as they begin a new life away from the shadows Bear has operated in for the past two decades. But even a small town has secrets its inhabitants don't want to surface. And as Bear and Mandy get to know the locals, they realize things are not as they seem in the sleepy upstate New York hamlet.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2021
5264 people are currently reading
604 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
161 books1,436 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
August 10, 2022
Enjoyed this ebook, but felt it never explained the main characters' background. Always referred to the trauma Mandy had been through and that she and Bear had to lay low, but no other info. And then mystery of their new town is very secretive until they suddenly figure it all out -- needed to be more clues since didn't know if it was their mysterious background or the new town mysteries that were being revealed.
January 19, 2023
I rarely ever say this about books (unless it’s true) but CLOSE TO HOME is practically un-put-down-able. It sunk its hooks in me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the entire mystery unraveled.
The characters felt real and familiar, and as someone who didn’t know the main two before this novel, I thought it did a great job in not only introducing them but fleshing out who they are at their core. Though there aren’t really any discussions of their past traumas, they’re not necessary. Their relationship makes sense from the moment they’re introduced and I’m ride or die with them.
While I loved a couple of the main side characters, I can’t wait to see where Bear and Mandy go next.
The characters felt real and familiar, and as someone who didn’t know the main two before this novel, I thought it did a great job in not only introducing them but fleshing out who they are at their core. Though there aren’t really any discussions of their past traumas, they’re not necessary. Their relationship makes sense from the moment they’re introduced and I’m ride or die with them.
While I loved a couple of the main side characters, I can’t wait to see where Bear and Mandy go next.
January 21, 2022
A waste of time
Very confusing writing style. Unrealistic situations. Way too imaginative. Baer was given too much authority and freedom to act autonomously outside of the law. The author's wild imagination was akin to a runaway train.
Very confusing writing style. Unrealistic situations. Way too imaginative. Baer was given too much authority and freedom to act autonomously outside of the law. The author's wild imagination was akin to a runaway train.
December 28, 2022
I will keep this series in mind for future reads.
July 10, 2024
On the run
A father and daughter laying low but can't because they her involved in the town's business and wind up leaving.
A father and daughter laying low but can't because they her involved in the town's business and wind up leaving.
October 16, 2025
.L T Ryan is always a good read
I really like the characters in the book. There seem to be more good guys always a plus and the Goodwins out in the end. It has intrigue, action, and good family connections. It’s always a pleasure to read anything Ryan writes because he allows us to see characters that have both intelligence and heart.
I really like the characters in the book. There seem to be more good guys always a plus and the Goodwins out in the end. It has intrigue, action, and good family connections. It’s always a pleasure to read anything Ryan writes because he allows us to see characters that have both intelligence and heart.
May 21, 2022
Close to Home (Book#1) was a good read, about father and daughter, Bear and Mandy, making a new home in a small town. They're trying to keep a low profile and we get the feeling they're in witness protection or something similar, however, unless I missed that part of the story, it wasn't elaborated on, so it was a mystery in itself.
Bear is digging in his back yard to make a veggie garden, and Mandy is trying to fit in at her new school. She's 14, and has seen much in her young life, which was alluded to throughout the story. Bear is very protective of Mandy and has taught her well to take care of herself when he's not around. He assumes living in this small town will be quiet and uneventful, but of course, that all changes.
While digging his new vegetable garden, Bear hits an old septic tank that holds the body of a young girl. This discovery, opens a can of worms that multiplies continuously through out the story. The body is that of a young girl who disappeared 15 years ago and it seems this small town is full of deceit, illness, mysteries, deaths and missing people.
Bear's need to keep a low profile is ruined when he and Mandy, along with the Sheriff in the town, get involved with what is happening to the town people and who is behind it. They risk their lives in an effort to save new friends and people who are ill, by some mysterious disease.
I loved the main characters, Marcus the young boy, Mandy, Bear and the Sheriff. What was a downer was the "leaving" this small family felt necessary and fact that the back story wasn't given, at least a short version. I look forward to Book #2 and hope for more answers.
Bear is digging in his back yard to make a veggie garden, and Mandy is trying to fit in at her new school. She's 14, and has seen much in her young life, which was alluded to throughout the story. Bear is very protective of Mandy and has taught her well to take care of herself when he's not around. He assumes living in this small town will be quiet and uneventful, but of course, that all changes.
While digging his new vegetable garden, Bear hits an old septic tank that holds the body of a young girl. This discovery, opens a can of worms that multiplies continuously through out the story. The body is that of a young girl who disappeared 15 years ago and it seems this small town is full of deceit, illness, mysteries, deaths and missing people.
Bear's need to keep a low profile is ruined when he and Mandy, along with the Sheriff in the town, get involved with what is happening to the town people and who is behind it. They risk their lives in an effort to save new friends and people who are ill, by some mysterious disease.
I loved the main characters, Marcus the young boy, Mandy, Bear and the Sheriff. What was a downer was the "leaving" this small family felt necessary and fact that the back story wasn't given, at least a short version. I look forward to Book #2 and hope for more answers.
October 4, 2022
Love These Characters
I am a fan of many of L.T. Ryan's books. But I haven't managed to keep up with all of his works, especially in regard to his notable character Jack Noble. I bring this up because these characters originally came from the Jack Noble series. So, while this book stands on its own, it is easy for the reader to feel like they're missing some vital info regarding the histories of Bear and Mandy. That's because they are-- it's back in the Jack Noble series where Bear and Mandy make their debut and originally and where their history is formed.
So, having admitted that I don't have their backstory, I still found them to be interesting and earnest characters. The plot was convoluted, but evolved well, pulling all the seemingly unrelated strands together for a rich tapestry. While this type of story does involve suspension of disbelief, for those of us who don't have an issue with that, it's a fun, fast-paced, and relentless story.
I am a fan of many of L.T. Ryan's books. But I haven't managed to keep up with all of his works, especially in regard to his notable character Jack Noble. I bring this up because these characters originally came from the Jack Noble series. So, while this book stands on its own, it is easy for the reader to feel like they're missing some vital info regarding the histories of Bear and Mandy. That's because they are-- it's back in the Jack Noble series where Bear and Mandy make their debut and originally and where their history is formed.
So, having admitted that I don't have their backstory, I still found them to be interesting and earnest characters. The plot was convoluted, but evolved well, pulling all the seemingly unrelated strands together for a rich tapestry. While this type of story does involve suspension of disbelief, for those of us who don't have an issue with that, it's a fun, fast-paced, and relentless story.
December 22, 2021
Very interesting characters--Bear a dad escaping from his past with his 14 year old daughter Mandy. They arrive in a small town, hunker down and, yet neither of them can avoid getting involved in the lives of their few friends and the mysterious deaths of teens like Mandy. Living in a company town brings its own mysteries. They face many challenges: danger, ostracism, separation, and ultimately uncover the terrible secret that they find themselves a part of. With courage and skill, the individually and collectively face their challenges and rise up for the benefit of all. A truly enjoyable, suspenseful, and uplifting story of a dad and his daughter.
December 23, 2021
Ryan has another winner!
If you liked Bear Logan in the Middle Jack Noble series, then you will love this new series when Bear takes his adopted daughter and runs to a quiet upstate New York town. He thinks that they can live a normal unassuming life in this town but boy was he wrong. Without telling too much, I will just let you read it and find out that they run into trouble right off. If you like fast paced nail bitting entertainment you will enjoy this new book by L. T. Ryan.
If you liked Bear Logan in the Middle Jack Noble series, then you will love this new series when Bear takes his adopted daughter and runs to a quiet upstate New York town. He thinks that they can live a normal unassuming life in this town but boy was he wrong. Without telling too much, I will just let you read it and find out that they run into trouble right off. If you like fast paced nail bitting entertainment you will enjoy this new book by L. T. Ryan.
October 24, 2025
This was good. Even a straight through read. 4 stars because some of it was really not plausible, i.e. a 14 year old girl able to fight on an adult level. It’s a fun idea, but very much fantasy. So this story sort of alternated between reality and fantasy. There are many referrals to Bear’s previous life but we never learn what that was, special agent or mercenary. Now, reading some other reviews, I learn that Bear/Mandy are characters from another Lt Ryan series. This really could have been explained, even very briefly, for those of us not familiar with that series.
December 15, 2021
Close to Home. L.T. Ryan. K.M. Rought
Bear has left his prior life. Ex military. Ex government employee for a shadow organization very few people are aware exists. Bear and his daughter Mandy have been given a new life and cover in a small town in upstate New York. A town full of dark secrets that they are willing to kill for. Non stop action and suspense from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
Bear has left his prior life. Ex military. Ex government employee for a shadow organization very few people are aware exists. Bear and his daughter Mandy have been given a new life and cover in a small town in upstate New York. A town full of dark secrets that they are willing to kill for. Non stop action and suspense from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!!
December 21, 2021
Bear and Mandy (father and daughter) are trying to lie low and stay out of the public eye. Who would have thought that digging up the ground to put in a vegetable garden would change all that. Bear uncovers a septic tank containing the remains of a girl missing for 15 years. Then the local sheriff shows Bear that this is not the only mysterious death in the community. As much as Bear wants to disappear again, he stays to help find what is really happening. ENJOY!
January 31, 2023
Close to Home
If you have never read a book by L.T. Ryan then you are missing out on an excellent read. It doesn't matter which genre you usually read give this one a try. At the end of the book will be a list so you can just keep jumping to the next one in line. Or you can get on the page where you usually shop for books and download a whole series or as many as are out at this time. That's how I like to do it so I always have one waiting in the wings to entertain me.
If you have never read a book by L.T. Ryan then you are missing out on an excellent read. It doesn't matter which genre you usually read give this one a try. At the end of the book will be a list so you can just keep jumping to the next one in line. Or you can get on the page where you usually shop for books and download a whole series or as many as are out at this time. That's how I like to do it so I always have one waiting in the wings to entertain me.
February 9, 2023
A library patron suggested this author to me. The book had a wonderful flow to the story. There were a few places I found myself wishing that the author had given a few more description details. This is one of the first books I found that give young adults an equal footing for their safety as the adults that are assisting them to grow. Not sure if I will continue this series since there are other writers I enjoy more. Might try this author in audio version.
December 26, 2025
Bear and Mandy Logan are drifting. The author alludes to the reason as being Bear has solved many bad crimes in the past, and possibly former bad guys are looking for him. But they arrive in a small town to hide and discover a dead body on their property. This leads them to an extensive murder investigation. It’s a bit far fetched. Mandy is 13-14 and an active participant working on solving the mystery.
December 17, 2021
Excellent Book!!
Bear and Mandy (father & daughter) are bada$$. I realize this is just a story, but it sucks you in and before you know it the characters are taking you along for the ride. I cannot wait till the next book comes out. Maybe it will shed some light on the mystery surrounding Bear and Mandy. This is one of those books that you wish would never end.
Bear and Mandy (father & daughter) are bada$$. I realize this is just a story, but it sucks you in and before you know it the characters are taking you along for the ride. I cannot wait till the next book comes out. Maybe it will shed some light on the mystery surrounding Bear and Mandy. This is one of those books that you wish would never end.
December 19, 2021
Mystery
This is an excellent introduction to both Bear and Mandy. They tend to find themselves in the midst of a decade old mystery as Bear unknowingly uncovers a body in his backyard. There are a few twists but the storyline flows beautifully and the ending is on point. I cannot wait to see what trouble these two find themselves in next.
This is an excellent introduction to both Bear and Mandy. They tend to find themselves in the midst of a decade old mystery as Bear unknowingly uncovers a body in his backyard. There are a few twists but the storyline flows beautifully and the ending is on point. I cannot wait to see what trouble these two find themselves in next.
December 23, 2021
Bear and Mandy playing house!
Dealing with Jack and his adventures is child's play compared to settling down in upstate N.Y. . Mandy in school and Bear planting garden's and trouble finds them! Stay or run, the town's against them. Five stars given for the fast paced story. I certainly missed you guys.
Dealing with Jack and his adventures is child's play compared to settling down in upstate N.Y. . Mandy in school and Bear planting garden's and trouble finds them! Stay or run, the town's against them. Five stars given for the fast paced story. I certainly missed you guys.
December 31, 2021
CC1
A great first story with Mandy and Bear. It was great that jack was no where to be found. Mandy definitely held up her end. Bear cam up behind to clear up. Surprised he didn't start something with Sheriff Josie? But I guess there's another storyline behind that ! 10 stars plus!!! Thanks. Carl Clause by by
A great first story with Mandy and Bear. It was great that jack was no where to be found. Mandy definitely held up her end. Bear cam up behind to clear up. Surprised he didn't start something with Sheriff Josie? But I guess there's another storyline behind that ! 10 stars plus!!! Thanks. Carl Clause by by
January 2, 2022
Good fun reading
I liked the characters, I could easily visualize them, I liked Bear and mandy's easy relationship and that he taught her how to defend herself (I have daughters). I also like a story that moves along fast and doesn't repeat a lot of the same info and this story definitely moved fast and smoothly. I totally enjoyed it.
I liked the characters, I could easily visualize them, I liked Bear and mandy's easy relationship and that he taught her how to defend herself (I have daughters). I also like a story that moves along fast and doesn't repeat a lot of the same info and this story definitely moved fast and smoothly. I totally enjoyed it.
January 3, 2022
Very Good Read
I like the way L T Ryan writes. His books always flow smoothly through the story he is telling. In this book about Mandy and Bear he weaves a full bodied story of mystery and intrigue. There are nail biting moments and heart warming scenarios. There is not a need for gratuitous violence and no sex. It is a very nicely written thriller.
I like the way L T Ryan writes. His books always flow smoothly through the story he is telling. In this book about Mandy and Bear he weaves a full bodied story of mystery and intrigue. There are nail biting moments and heart warming scenarios. There is not a need for gratuitous violence and no sex. It is a very nicely written thriller.
January 3, 2022
Fun to read
This was full of emotions: concern, love, pride, anger, bewilderment, shock, fear. It was wonderful to see the love, concern, trust and respect between a father and daughter. And how they were able to help turn a town around in order to defend themselves. Great job. Thank you.
This was full of emotions: concern, love, pride, anger, bewilderment, shock, fear. It was wonderful to see the love, concern, trust and respect between a father and daughter. And how they were able to help turn a town around in order to defend themselves. Great job. Thank you.
January 3, 2022
A good start to a series
I enjoyed this little book about a father and daughter team. Bear and Mandy are interesting characters. There is just enough of their backstory teased to make the reader wish for that book to be written. There is a good plot that keeps unfolding in a realistic manner.
I enjoyed this little book about a father and daughter team. Bear and Mandy are interesting characters. There is just enough of their backstory teased to make the reader wish for that book to be written. There is a good plot that keeps unfolding in a realistic manner.
January 6, 2022
Great story
I haven't read any of L.T. Ryan books yet, but I enjoyed this one very much. I read a lot of mysteries and am always looking for a new series. Good story and good characters, I liked Bear and Mandy right away. I'm delighted to discover a new author and look forward to reading the other series!
I haven't read any of L.T. Ryan books yet, but I enjoyed this one very much. I read a lot of mysteries and am always looking for a new series. Good story and good characters, I liked Bear and Mandy right away. I'm delighted to discover a new author and look forward to reading the other series!
January 14, 2022
Fantastic!!
Great story and well written! L.T. Ryan and K.M. Rought know how to keep a story interesting and to keep you turning pages. It was very difficult to put down this book. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I love Bear and cannot imagine a world without him and Mandy. Do not miss this book. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading! 😊
Great story and well written! L.T. Ryan and K.M. Rought know how to keep a story interesting and to keep you turning pages. It was very difficult to put down this book. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I love Bear and cannot imagine a world without him and Mandy. Do not miss this book. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading! 😊
January 17, 2022
great read!
I have always loved the Bear and Jack stories, but it is nice to see Bear learning to interact with Mandy and open up more to her. It is great seeing that he has taught her to defend herself too. I could not put this one down as I read how Bear inadvertently found himself embroiled in a situation where he wanted no involvement.
I have always loved the Bear and Jack stories, but it is nice to see Bear learning to interact with Mandy and open up more to her. It is great seeing that he has taught her to defend herself too. I could not put this one down as I read how Bear inadvertently found himself embroiled in a situation where he wanted no involvement.
March 23, 2022
A little confusing
When I started reading this book I was a little confused. Bear and Mandy kept referencing past experiences. Aha, I figured it out! Although this is book 1 in this series, they are characters from another Ryan book! I guess I will hunt down that series and do some serious reading!
When I started reading this book I was a little confused. Bear and Mandy kept referencing past experiences. Aha, I figured it out! Although this is book 1 in this series, they are characters from another Ryan book! I guess I will hunt down that series and do some serious reading!
June 14, 2022
Go Bear & Mandy!
K.M. Rought brought it with this book. Spinoff series can go either way and this one did not disappoint. OK, maybe the whole septic tank thing was a little disappointing but she tied it into the story brilliantly. I’ve decided I’m never planting a vegetable garden ever again however!
K.M. Rought brought it with this book. Spinoff series can go either way and this one did not disappoint. OK, maybe the whole septic tank thing was a little disappointing but she tied it into the story brilliantly. I’ve decided I’m never planting a vegetable garden ever again however!
January 3, 2023
As always a winner.
I think if L.T. Ryan re-wrote the phone directory it would appear in the best
sellers list.
I have read everything he has written on his own and with co-authors, and have yet to read a book that falls below a five star rating, and many deserve a six or seven.
I think if L.T. Ryan re-wrote the phone directory it would appear in the best
sellers list.
I have read everything he has written on his own and with co-authors, and have yet to read a book that falls below a five star rating, and many deserve a six or seven.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews