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Maddie Baker Mystery #3
Half Baked
The third book in the USA Today Bestselling Maddie Baker Mystery series.
Sometimes the truth hides where you least expect it. Maddie Baker is about to uncover secrets that could shatter her world—or finally bring her peace.
Two decades of unanswered questions. One woman determined to find the truth.
Maddie Baker has spent nearly twenty years haunted by her mother's murder—a case shrouded in mystery and buried in a grave of police negligence. When Noah Langley, the new detective on the force, claimed to have solved the crime, Maddie believed she could finally close this agonizing chapter in her life.
But Noah got it wrong.
A chance meeting with the original detective reignites Maddie’s quest for justice. She learns the investigation was deliberately stalled, evidence was hidden, and the case file was destroyed. Fueled with new determination, Maddie vows to uncover the truth herself, no matter the cost. Noah vows to help her.
The deeper she delves, the darker the secrets become. Will Maddie find the closure she seeks, or will the shocking revelations force her to reconsider everything she thought she knew?
Sometimes the truth hides where you least expect it. Maddie Baker is about to uncover secrets that could shatter her world—or finally bring her peace.
Two decades of unanswered questions. One woman determined to find the truth.
Maddie Baker has spent nearly twenty years haunted by her mother's murder—a case shrouded in mystery and buried in a grave of police negligence. When Noah Langley, the new detective on the force, claimed to have solved the crime, Maddie believed she could finally close this agonizing chapter in her life.
But Noah got it wrong.
A chance meeting with the original detective reignites Maddie’s quest for justice. She learns the investigation was deliberately stalled, evidence was hidden, and the case file was destroyed. Fueled with new determination, Maddie vows to uncover the truth herself, no matter the cost. Noah vows to help her.
The deeper she delves, the darker the secrets become. Will Maddie find the closure she seeks, or will the shocking revelations force her to reconsider everything she thought she knew?
316 pages, ebook
First published October 20, 2023
321 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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January 23, 2025
Echoes of Her is the third and final book in the Maddie Baker Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. This book was previously entitled Half Baked. I have loved Maddie, Noah, Noah’s partner, Lance, and Maddie’s best friend, Mallory, since the first book. In this gripping finale, Maddie and Noah will finally make some progress in Maddie’s search for what happened to her mother twenty years ago. Now if they can only live long enough to get all the answers they need.
It is now January. Maddie has been in Cockamamie, Tennessee since September, caring for her Aunt Deidre who has dementia. Her first few months have been filled with events she never imagined she’d find herself involved in. But she still hasn’t been able to find a single clue as to what happened to her mother twenty years ago when she was murdered. It’s as if there is a piece of her missing, never knowing the truth. She and Noah had finally decided to see where the attraction between them could go and things were going well. But then Noah went home to Memphis for Christmas and has been a different man since he came back. Distant and withdrawn. He told Maddie he needed a break, some space to figure some things out. She has no idea what happened. At the same time, her aunt’s dementia has been getting worse much quicker than she anticipated. It might not be long until she won’t be able to care for her any longer and need to find a facility that can meet her needs. Obviously, Maddie has the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Maddie is stretched thin, working at Deja Brew when she can and caring for her aunt. Mallory is still staying with her which is so much help, both with her aunt but also just being there as her friend. It’s a case of being in the right place at the right time when Maddie discovers the retired detective that handled her mother’s case. He is able to give her just enough information to give her a place to start digging for new clues.
Noah Langley has some unexpected time off work. He knows he messed up with Maddie and now he is determined to make it right. He will be able to give her all his time to search for new information regarding her mother’s murder. To solve the mystery of her death would finally give Maddie the closure she needs and maybe prove to her how he really feels about her.
Maddie and Noah leave no stone unturned in their search for answers. But will each clue they find bring them closer to danger? And each answer seems to bring more questions. Maddie learns she might not have known her mother as well as she thought she did. But, through it all, Noah stands by her side, supporting her, helping her however he can, giving her hope that they can finally find their way to be together.
This book was so good, as was the whole series. I adore Maddie. The last twenty five percent was edge of your seat intense. I didn’t want the book to be over but also wanted the answers as badly as Maddie did. I’m so glad I finally finished this series. DGS is one of my favorite authors, every series is unique and exciting. I wonder which one of her books I will choose next?!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
It is now January. Maddie has been in Cockamamie, Tennessee since September, caring for her Aunt Deidre who has dementia. Her first few months have been filled with events she never imagined she’d find herself involved in. But she still hasn’t been able to find a single clue as to what happened to her mother twenty years ago when she was murdered. It’s as if there is a piece of her missing, never knowing the truth. She and Noah had finally decided to see where the attraction between them could go and things were going well. But then Noah went home to Memphis for Christmas and has been a different man since he came back. Distant and withdrawn. He told Maddie he needed a break, some space to figure some things out. She has no idea what happened. At the same time, her aunt’s dementia has been getting worse much quicker than she anticipated. It might not be long until she won’t be able to care for her any longer and need to find a facility that can meet her needs. Obviously, Maddie has the weight of the world on her shoulders.
Maddie is stretched thin, working at Deja Brew when she can and caring for her aunt. Mallory is still staying with her which is so much help, both with her aunt but also just being there as her friend. It’s a case of being in the right place at the right time when Maddie discovers the retired detective that handled her mother’s case. He is able to give her just enough information to give her a place to start digging for new clues.
Noah Langley has some unexpected time off work. He knows he messed up with Maddie and now he is determined to make it right. He will be able to give her all his time to search for new information regarding her mother’s murder. To solve the mystery of her death would finally give Maddie the closure she needs and maybe prove to her how he really feels about her.
Maddie and Noah leave no stone unturned in their search for answers. But will each clue they find bring them closer to danger? And each answer seems to bring more questions. Maddie learns she might not have known her mother as well as she thought she did. But, through it all, Noah stands by her side, supporting her, helping her however he can, giving her hope that they can finally find their way to be together.
This book was so good, as was the whole series. I adore Maddie. The last twenty five percent was edge of your seat intense. I didn’t want the book to be over but also wanted the answers as badly as Maddie did. I’m so glad I finally finished this series. DGS is one of my favorite authors, every series is unique and exciting. I wonder which one of her books I will choose next?!
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 16, 2023
I was so disappointed that this was the last book in the series. I had such high hopes for a long standing series. I really love Maddie and her friends.
In true form, Denise Grover Swank delivered an amazing finale. Maddie finally gets some long awaited answers to her mothers death. The suspense leading up to it all was so worth the wait. While I am sad that it’s over, I feel like Swank gave us all the closure we needed. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
In true form, Denise Grover Swank delivered an amazing finale. Maddie finally gets some long awaited answers to her mothers death. The suspense leading up to it all was so worth the wait. While I am sad that it’s over, I feel like Swank gave us all the closure we needed. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
October 23, 2023
Half Baked is the final book in the Maddie Baker Mystery series. This is a wonderful mystery like only Denise Grover Swank can write.
Maddie Baker has had questions about her mothers murder for 19 years, with no answers. When she happens upon an old detective who ran the case long ago, she gets some clues as to where she might find answers. Maddie embarks on her own quest to uncover the truth along with Noah, her on again, off again crush. There is danger in seeking the answers but Maddie rushes ahead with her hope to solve the crime.
Fantastic ending to an intriguing mystery. I recommend Half Baked for a fast paced and exciting mystery.
Maddie Baker has had questions about her mothers murder for 19 years, with no answers. When she happens upon an old detective who ran the case long ago, she gets some clues as to where she might find answers. Maddie embarks on her own quest to uncover the truth along with Noah, her on again, off again crush. There is danger in seeking the answers but Maddie rushes ahead with her hope to solve the crime.
Fantastic ending to an intriguing mystery. I recommend Half Baked for a fast paced and exciting mystery.
October 27, 2023
Loved this series. A cozy murder with great pacing, character development, and just the right amount of suspense. The dual POV made for a fun read and I appreciated that the plot line of Andrea’s murder went across all three books and kept the story moving. I’ll miss Maddie Baker, Noah, Lance, Aunt Deirdre and the town of Cockamamie!
October 22, 2023
I know DGS was worried about giving Maddie’s story a proper goodbye, but she did an excellent job! Maddie is going to find out what happened to her mother even if it’s the last thing she does, and boy does it involve a lot of suspense and twists along the way. Noah is also determined to fight his demons. Half Baked is full of all extremes of emotions. Very fast paced and fun to follow. I loved how the ending was wrapped up. I’m sad to see Maddie go, but I’m left with an overall sense of peace following her finale.
October 22, 2023
Maddie Baker is a heroine I’ve come to love. She has a huge heart and she’s not afraid to push for what she believes in.
As the final installment in this series begins, Maddie accidentally stumbles upon a man who reveals clues that reveal new information in her mother’s unsolved murder. This sets into motion the events that lead to an heart pounding resolution. The story is fast paced and intriguing. The well developed conclusion to Maddie’s story is satisfying.
As the final installment in this series begins, Maddie accidentally stumbles upon a man who reveals clues that reveal new information in her mother’s unsolved murder. This sets into motion the events that lead to an heart pounding resolution. The story is fast paced and intriguing. The well developed conclusion to Maddie’s story is satisfying.
October 21, 2023
Wow!! I was so excited to get the conclusion of this series and it was amazing!! I love Maddie! She has been a great character and I am sad that series is ending. Maddie wants answers to her mothers death and she does get them! Noah helps her along the way and finally, finally tells her how he feels! Aunt Diedre is getting worse and she goes on a tour of a facility that would be able to care for her. While there she stumbles across Detective Bergan, from her mothers case and reveals some information. She decides it time to finally uncover the truth. Noah gets shot and is on leave and helps her find the answers she is seeking! One of the things I love about this book is Maddie getting the full picture of her mothers life and realizing that there was so much more than she realized. This is a great ending for a wonderful series!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2023
I recently finished reading "Half Baked" by Denise Grover Swank, and I needed some time to gather my thoughts. This book was, in a word, amazing. It served as the perfect conclusion to a series that has captured my heart from the beginning.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the long-awaited unveiling of what happened to Andrea (Maddie's mom). The anticipation had been building, and the author did not disappoint. The revelations about Andrea added depth and layers to the narrative, and it was incredibly satisfying to finally get the answers we'd been waiting for.
What truly sets "Half Baked" apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. I found myself laughing, gasping in surprise, and at one point, shedding tears. Denise Grover Swank's writing is so skillful that it pulls you into the story, making you feel every emotion right alongside the characters.
I am sad to see the series come to an end, but the way the author wrapped it up left me content. The characters, Maddie, Noah, Mallory, and Lance, have grown so close to my heart, and I'm left with the hope that one day we may return to their world and see more of their adventures. I genuinely love these characters and will miss them.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the long-awaited unveiling of what happened to Andrea (Maddie's mom). The anticipation had been building, and the author did not disappoint. The revelations about Andrea added depth and layers to the narrative, and it was incredibly satisfying to finally get the answers we'd been waiting for.
What truly sets "Half Baked" apart is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. I found myself laughing, gasping in surprise, and at one point, shedding tears. Denise Grover Swank's writing is so skillful that it pulls you into the story, making you feel every emotion right alongside the characters.
I am sad to see the series come to an end, but the way the author wrapped it up left me content. The characters, Maddie, Noah, Mallory, and Lance, have grown so close to my heart, and I'm left with the hope that one day we may return to their world and see more of their adventures. I genuinely love these characters and will miss them.
April 15, 2024
Better than the second book, but it still has some of the same issues. The amount of times the opposite gender flirts with either Maddie or Noah is getting annoying - we get it, they’re both super hyper attractive…
Also, the narrative of “I’m not good enough for her/she deserves better” is so tiring. I’m glad these two finally got together because it was just getting obnoxious
Maddie’s mom secret life was very interesting, but I was sad at the ending. I guess I expected something more shocking rather than “hey the murderer is a really bad man/a criminal”. I was hoping it would be a gigantic plot twist and it was someone no one had seen coming, or something like that
I feel like this series in less interesting than the Harper Adams, which is the series that made me want to continue to read more books by this author, but it’s still enjoyable enough that I’ll recommend it, and I can’t wait to read more books by Denise Grover Swank
Also, the narrative of “I’m not good enough for her/she deserves better” is so tiring. I’m glad these two finally got together because it was just getting obnoxious
Maddie’s mom secret life was very interesting, but I was sad at the ending. I guess I expected something more shocking rather than “hey the murderer is a really bad man/a criminal”. I was hoping it would be a gigantic plot twist and it was someone no one had seen coming, or something like that
I feel like this series in less interesting than the Harper Adams, which is the series that made me want to continue to read more books by this author, but it’s still enjoyable enough that I’ll recommend it, and I can’t wait to read more books by Denise Grover Swank
June 22, 2025
The only thing that would make this book better would have been an epilogue so we could see how Maddie and Noah are doing a few years down the line. This was a great ending to the series. Maddie finally gets justice for her mother even as she deals with Aunt Deidre’s deteriorating condition. You feel the emotions as she and Noah work through their emotional issues to finally firm a solid foundation. Glad to have read the series
October 21, 2023
brilliant
Half Baked will have you glued to your book/device from the minute you open that first page. A great story with so many twists and turns, Wonderful characters and some dark and twisty ones, this book will have you guessing from the beginning till the end. I have loved every moment of this series and half baked was a perfect way to finish.
Half Baked will have you glued to your book/device from the minute you open that first page. A great story with so many twists and turns, Wonderful characters and some dark and twisty ones, this book will have you guessing from the beginning till the end. I have loved every moment of this series and half baked was a perfect way to finish.
October 22, 2023
Maddie? say it isn’t over
I know this is the final book in the series. I have loved every minute of Maddie and the people of Cockamamie. The small town appeal, the friendships and family all create a wonderful place I would love to visit. I hope we will see them again someday…
I know this is the final book in the series. I have loved every minute of Maddie and the people of Cockamamie. The small town appeal, the friendships and family all create a wonderful place I would love to visit. I hope we will see them again someday…
October 22, 2023
Absolutely loved the story. It has an intense, detailed yet to the point narrative that doesn't stall and keeps you on the edge. Superb series!
October 25, 2023
Fast, fun wrap up of the series.
November 3, 2023
I was so sad to finish this book I basically tried not to lol I really loved this series! I found she has a few other mystery series and a lot of the first books of the series are free on Apple Books!!
December 19, 2023
Such a good book! The ending was unexpected but felt appropriate for not only the end of the book but the end of the series. Wish the series would continue as I really loved these books but I am content with the ending.
October 21, 2024
Another enjoyable book in this series. This time the ‘cozy mystery’ was Maddie finally getting to solve her mother’s murder.
October 21, 2023
Amazing finale!
This was the perfect ending to the series. I am a bit sad this is the end, but I loved it. I laughed and I cried and swooned. Five stars!!
This was the perfect ending to the series. I am a bit sad this is the end, but I loved it. I laughed and I cried and swooned. Five stars!!
October 21, 2023
I have read all three books in this series, and enjoyed them all. This was the final one and the ending was perfect.
October 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. It had everything you want in a book. Fabulous characters, suspense, intrigue and romance. I'm really sad to see it end but what a great ending.
August 10, 2024
An enjoyable conclusion to the mystery of who killed Maddie’s mother all those years ago.
December 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this last book in the Maddie Baker series but I’m also so sad there won’t be more to come! This book kept me intrigued the whole time and I absolutely loved the character development through the entire series! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good mystery book!
October 23, 2023
I’m so sad that this is the final book of the series😢. I’ve loved Maddie & Noah! They are both amazing characters that I’ve grown attached to, along with all the secondary characters, (especially Lance and Mallory) and would love to see them all again in the future. The story took me on an emotional ride with Maddie as she uncovers the truth about her mother’s life and murder. I can honestly say that I was surprised at the things Maddie learns about her mom.
I couldn’t stop reading; I had to know what was going to happen. I laughed, cried and swooned throughout the book. This is a fantastic ending for Maddie and Noah and gives you a heartwarming glimpse of what the future holds for them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn’t stop reading; I had to know what was going to happen. I laughed, cried and swooned throughout the book. This is a fantastic ending for Maddie and Noah and gives you a heartwarming glimpse of what the future holds for them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2023
This was such a good ending for Maddie's story. It was suspenseful and exciting. And it answered all my questions. It had funny moments and tear-jerker moments. The ending was so bittersweet. I'm sad to see the series go but happy to know Maddie got her answers.
November 2, 2023
This book tied all the outstanding mysteries up in a bow. And it kept me on the edge of my seat while doing so. There wasn’t a dull moment to spare! So many things happened that I’m not sure where I would even begin. Although I am sad that there will be no more Maddie and Noah for us, I am very satisfied with the resolution of Maddie’s story.
March 5, 2025
3.5. Overall I enjoyed this series, but there were quite a few things that weren’t enjoyable. Noah’s spinelessness made him not a great hero, I wish she wouldn’t have made him such a coward. I felt like the ending was a bit off. Everyone so scared even after so much time and to find out who it was, just didn’t make a lot of sense to me. I don’t see how everyone was so scared back 20 years ago. So between Noah and that, the series was good but not great. I do, however think I’ll check out this author’s other books.
October 24, 2023
4.5 Stars
Sadly, Half-Baked is the last book in Denise Grover Swank’s Maddie Baker series. Why? Yes, Maddie and Noah finally discover who brutally raped and murdered her mother at the end of this book, but Maddy had a knack for finding trouble in the first two books that had nothing to do with her mother’s murder. Why couldn’t she and her police detective boyfriend Noah Langley continue to accidentally discover and solve crimes in Cocamamie Kentucky? Anyway, the author makes it clear this is Maddie’s last book so there’s no point in crying over spilt Americanos.
As our story opens much to Maddie’s dismay her romance with Noah Langley that was just beginning at the end of the last book is on hold as Noah says he needs a break to get his shit together after a trip home to Memphis over the Christmas holidays because his father got into his head. Noah is a good cop and basically a good man but IMHO he’s so emotionally fragile he really doesn’t deserve Maddie. While they’re on their break Noah gets shot and Maddie stumbles upon some important information about her mom’s death. The first real lead she’s had since the Cocamamie police department was so corrupt 20 years ago when her mother was murdered they literally not only didn’t pursue the most sensational crime to ever hit their small town, the lead detective buried whatever evidence there was as to who might have killed her. Noah now on administrative leave and realizing he’s fucked up the best thing that ever happened to him, (Maddie) agrees to unofficially assist Maddie in solving her mother’s murder. Gradually they chase down leads and interview people who knew Andrea Baker before she was murdered. Maddie discovers shocking details about her mother’s life that she kept hidden from Maddie and the prim and proper citizens of Coccamammie that might have cost her her job as a high school English teacher. Turns out Andrea Baker was more than a mom, a beloved teacher and community volunteer. She was a young woman who had the needs of a young woman and a wild streak that led her to do things respectable single mom’s weren’t supposed to do to satisfy those needs. Maddie’s and Noah’s investigating doesn’t go unnoticed by some scary people. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything since this is how all of her adventures go as well as most female protagonists in suspense mysteries, when I reveal that eventually Maddie is forced to confront the man who murdered her mother. With the help of Noah justice is served and they all live happily ever after. Sort of. And this is why I didn’t’ give this story a full 5 stars. I felt like the author left too many loose ends to satisfy my an anal retentive self. Ultimately, I had grown to really like the Maddie Baker character and she definitely didn’t disappoint me in this story. It’s a page turner with the tension steadily ratcheting up as Maddie and Noah get closer to discovering who may have murdered her mother.
Sadly, Half-Baked is the last book in Denise Grover Swank’s Maddie Baker series. Why? Yes, Maddie and Noah finally discover who brutally raped and murdered her mother at the end of this book, but Maddy had a knack for finding trouble in the first two books that had nothing to do with her mother’s murder. Why couldn’t she and her police detective boyfriend Noah Langley continue to accidentally discover and solve crimes in Cocamamie Kentucky? Anyway, the author makes it clear this is Maddie’s last book so there’s no point in crying over spilt Americanos.
As our story opens much to Maddie’s dismay her romance with Noah Langley that was just beginning at the end of the last book is on hold as Noah says he needs a break to get his shit together after a trip home to Memphis over the Christmas holidays because his father got into his head. Noah is a good cop and basically a good man but IMHO he’s so emotionally fragile he really doesn’t deserve Maddie. While they’re on their break Noah gets shot and Maddie stumbles upon some important information about her mom’s death. The first real lead she’s had since the Cocamamie police department was so corrupt 20 years ago when her mother was murdered they literally not only didn’t pursue the most sensational crime to ever hit their small town, the lead detective buried whatever evidence there was as to who might have killed her. Noah now on administrative leave and realizing he’s fucked up the best thing that ever happened to him, (Maddie) agrees to unofficially assist Maddie in solving her mother’s murder. Gradually they chase down leads and interview people who knew Andrea Baker before she was murdered. Maddie discovers shocking details about her mother’s life that she kept hidden from Maddie and the prim and proper citizens of Coccamammie that might have cost her her job as a high school English teacher. Turns out Andrea Baker was more than a mom, a beloved teacher and community volunteer. She was a young woman who had the needs of a young woman and a wild streak that led her to do things respectable single mom’s weren’t supposed to do to satisfy those needs. Maddie’s and Noah’s investigating doesn’t go unnoticed by some scary people. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything since this is how all of her adventures go as well as most female protagonists in suspense mysteries, when I reveal that eventually Maddie is forced to confront the man who murdered her mother. With the help of Noah justice is served and they all live happily ever after. Sort of. And this is why I didn’t’ give this story a full 5 stars. I felt like the author left too many loose ends to satisfy my an anal retentive self. Ultimately, I had grown to really like the Maddie Baker character and she definitely didn’t disappoint me in this story. It’s a page turner with the tension steadily ratcheting up as Maddie and Noah get closer to discovering who may have murdered her mother.
October 28, 2023
This book closes the Maddie Baker trilogy and it’s a worthy ending.
At the start of the book I felt Maddie’s tired frustration so deeply that for a minute I wondered what was going on? Nothing happened! Was this to be the first DGS book that I wouldn’t love?
But I was sucked into Maddie’s - and Noah’s - frustrated feelings and complications and the story closed in on me.
Denise Grover Swank is a master of character creations, she can make the reader interested in the characters even when their lives are in a slump.
The parts about Maddie’s aunt Deidre who has dementia, and Maddie’s complex feelings and sorrow connected to that, are so insightful. I have a friend who’s mother got Alzheimers and I’ve seen the struggle, and the drawn out sorrow, at close hand. This is another thing that makes the characters even more engaging. Life never has just one aspect, not even when everything else seem to fall down around you.
Noah and Maggie don’t really have a smooth path in their relationship. There’s a hitch following Noah from the second book in this series that makes things complicated between them. And then there’s the unsolved murder of Maddie’s mother…
It doesn’t stay uneventful. Little by little the story unfolds and dangerous persons threaten to cut the search short. But Maddie needs to know and Noah is determined to help.
Another wonderful read, and though I’m a little sad to leave Maddie Baker behind, I know there will be more books where this one came from.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At the start of the book I felt Maddie’s tired frustration so deeply that for a minute I wondered what was going on? Nothing happened! Was this to be the first DGS book that I wouldn’t love?
But I was sucked into Maddie’s - and Noah’s - frustrated feelings and complications and the story closed in on me.
Denise Grover Swank is a master of character creations, she can make the reader interested in the characters even when their lives are in a slump.
The parts about Maddie’s aunt Deidre who has dementia, and Maddie’s complex feelings and sorrow connected to that, are so insightful. I have a friend who’s mother got Alzheimers and I’ve seen the struggle, and the drawn out sorrow, at close hand. This is another thing that makes the characters even more engaging. Life never has just one aspect, not even when everything else seem to fall down around you.
Noah and Maggie don’t really have a smooth path in their relationship. There’s a hitch following Noah from the second book in this series that makes things complicated between them. And then there’s the unsolved murder of Maddie’s mother…
It doesn’t stay uneventful. Little by little the story unfolds and dangerous persons threaten to cut the search short. But Maddie needs to know and Noah is determined to help.
Another wonderful read, and though I’m a little sad to leave Maddie Baker behind, I know there will be more books where this one came from.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2026
I really had a hard time putting this book down, often reading late into the night when I should have been sleeping. From the moment I stepped into Maddie’s world, I was hooked. The author has a remarkable talent for really pulling the reader in by blending emotion, suspense, and just the right amount of romance, creating a story that keeps the reader turning pages long after bedtime.
If you've read the first two books, you're aware that Maddie's mother was murdered when she was a child, and the case was never solved. Maddie is determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s death—a cold case that feels both impossibly tangled and personal. What captivated me most was Maddie's relentless pursuit of justice. She just keeps pushing as she untangles secrets, which gets her closer to the truth. Could getting closer to the truth put Maddie in jeopardy, or is it best that it all stays buried? This is the type of mystery that stays with you long after the final reveal.
Echoes of Her is captivating, emotional, and completely unputdownable. If you enjoy mysteries with a lot of heart, strong characters, and a hint of romance, this series is a must-read. I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Maddie and Noah's journey and watch their relationship develop. Although this is the final installment of this series, which makes me sad, I am still holding out hope for the chance to revisit Maddie, Noah, and the other beloved characters in the future.
If you've read the first two books, you're aware that Maddie's mother was murdered when she was a child, and the case was never solved. Maddie is determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s death—a cold case that feels both impossibly tangled and personal. What captivated me most was Maddie's relentless pursuit of justice. She just keeps pushing as she untangles secrets, which gets her closer to the truth. Could getting closer to the truth put Maddie in jeopardy, or is it best that it all stays buried? This is the type of mystery that stays with you long after the final reveal.
Echoes of Her is captivating, emotional, and completely unputdownable. If you enjoy mysteries with a lot of heart, strong characters, and a hint of romance, this series is a must-read. I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Maddie and Noah's journey and watch their relationship develop. Although this is the final installment of this series, which makes me sad, I am still holding out hope for the chance to revisit Maddie, Noah, and the other beloved characters in the future.
June 5, 2024
Really good ending to the trilogy. I thought the mom's story arc was particularly interesting and painted her as a 3-dimensional person instead of the flat view Maddie had of her through their relationship.
I have many questions about the plausibility of some elements in the end, but that's life. I like the closure most of the characters got and the series ended on a high note, with a sad bit.
But I will go to my death thinking the book titles were awful, the town name was atrocious, and the sheer number of times someone said, "Maaaaaaaaadieeeeee," dear God, I thought I was going to scream. Everyone was condescending to her by overusing her name and dragging it out like they felt pity for her. It pissed me off. And Noah, I did not like him at all. Even with an understanding of his life-long abuse from his father, I still don't like the man and how he handles his baggage. Maybe I should just think that Lance and Maddie will have a positive influence on him and get him to deal with his crap in time. No one pushing 40 should be in any kind of relationship with a toxic parent, and his inability to process and heal was so annoying. Get help, Detective Asshat.
I loved the Det. Asshat part. It made me smile every time.
I have many questions about the plausibility of some elements in the end, but that's life. I like the closure most of the characters got and the series ended on a high note, with a sad bit.
But I will go to my death thinking the book titles were awful, the town name was atrocious, and the sheer number of times someone said, "Maaaaaaaaadieeeeee," dear God, I thought I was going to scream. Everyone was condescending to her by overusing her name and dragging it out like they felt pity for her. It pissed me off. And Noah, I did not like him at all. Even with an understanding of his life-long abuse from his father, I still don't like the man and how he handles his baggage. Maybe I should just think that Lance and Maddie will have a positive influence on him and get him to deal with his crap in time. No one pushing 40 should be in any kind of relationship with a toxic parent, and his inability to process and heal was so annoying. Get help, Detective Asshat.
I loved the Det. Asshat part. It made me smile every time.
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