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Maddie Graves Mystery #9
Grave Holiday
Christmas is almost here and Nick Winters has big plans for the love of his life, Maddie Graves. A proposal is imminent, but first death plays a visit to Blackstone Bay.
It seems the town’s local Santa has been a naughty boy, dating multiple women without caring if they’re single or married. Age isn’t a factor – he likes them young and old – and the suspect list is long and twisty.
Maddie finds herself dealing with a perverted ghost while trying to narrow the suspect list. The problem is, each time they clear one person another pops up. Santa was a terrible person in some ways and a charming one in others. Solving his murder is important to everyone, but Christmas is barreling down and everyone wants a happy holiday so they’re desperate to find answers before the first snowfall of the year.
When Maddie finds out that her nemesis Marla was one of Santa’s favorite gift options, she can’t help but wonder if her oldest enemy could be a current threat. As things start to unravel, Maddie soon realizes that there’s more at stake than punishment for the guilty. There’s also salvation for the living to worry about.
Nick is determined to deliver the perfect proposal. He just has to keep Maddie safe long enough to do it.
Who is getting the gift of a lifetime? Spend Christmas in Blackstone Bay if you want to find out.
It seems the town’s local Santa has been a naughty boy, dating multiple women without caring if they’re single or married. Age isn’t a factor – he likes them young and old – and the suspect list is long and twisty.
Maddie finds herself dealing with a perverted ghost while trying to narrow the suspect list. The problem is, each time they clear one person another pops up. Santa was a terrible person in some ways and a charming one in others. Solving his murder is important to everyone, but Christmas is barreling down and everyone wants a happy holiday so they’re desperate to find answers before the first snowfall of the year.
When Maddie finds out that her nemesis Marla was one of Santa’s favorite gift options, she can’t help but wonder if her oldest enemy could be a current threat. As things start to unravel, Maddie soon realizes that there’s more at stake than punishment for the guilty. There’s also salvation for the living to worry about.
Nick is determined to deliver the perfect proposal. He just has to keep Maddie safe long enough to do it.
Who is getting the gift of a lifetime? Spend Christmas in Blackstone Bay if you want to find out.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2016
513 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 11, 2017
I actually liked that Marla was in a fix this time. She deserved to be scared a bit. Super happy for Nick and Maddie. Wish they would have told if Harriet found her 'gift' Maude was leaving.
February 7, 2017
Maddy and Nicks first Christmas and what a Christmas it will be.
Maddy is growing in leaps and bounds, she is gaining more self confidence and standing up for herself especially against bully's like Marla Proctor I even love when she stands up for herself against Nick and his extreme over protectiveness...lol I love Nick but he needs to dial it down sometimes.
I really enjoyed Christi and John in this story they are good together and funny.
This was a great mystery with good twists a few I didn't see coming and I just loved the ending.
Maddy is growing in leaps and bounds, she is gaining more self confidence and standing up for herself especially against bully's like Marla Proctor I even love when she stands up for herself against Nick and his extreme over protectiveness...lol I love Nick but he needs to dial it down sometimes.
I really enjoyed Christi and John in this story they are good together and funny.
This was a great mystery with good twists a few I didn't see coming and I just loved the ending.
October 28, 2018
Pragmatic
I am so tired of the word pragmatic, find another one. Use a thesaurus and change it up just stop with pragmatic please.
I love the stories but sometimes it seems like the characters are 12 instead of nearly 30.
I am so tired of the word pragmatic, find another one. Use a thesaurus and change it up just stop with pragmatic please.
I love the stories but sometimes it seems like the characters are 12 instead of nearly 30.
February 3, 2020
Grave Secret
It's almost Christmas and Nick and Maddie are full of holiday spirits. But not everyone in Blackstone Bay is feeling jolly; that becomes obvious when Santa's dead body is found at the festival. Mike Robinson has been the Bay's Santa for years, despite being top of the real red man's naughty list for his indiscriminate womanising. His current dating schedule includes a mother and daughter, a wife who's paying her husband back for his own indiscretion, the head elf, the reindeer wrangler and the biggest surprise.. Marla..
Marla fixates on John when she realises that he and Christy haven't declared themselves a couple yet and chaos reigns. When Marla decides to invite herself to dinner at Maddie's because John is there Maude takes the unprecedented step of hosing Marla down when she refuses to leave.
The hijinks cease, however, when another body is discovered and it appears that the killer isn't finished.
Marla's suffering following the dousing and is determinedly attacking Maddie while she demands a reading. Fleeing after Maddie finds her backbone and finally gives her a few home truths. It's too late to stop her when Maddie sees that the cards put Marla as the next victim and it's all hands on deck as they try to find her in time.. once again Maddie will risk her life to save someone else's.. will Nick lose her before he gets a chance to give her everything she's ever wanted?
It's almost Christmas and Nick and Maddie are full of holiday spirits. But not everyone in Blackstone Bay is feeling jolly; that becomes obvious when Santa's dead body is found at the festival. Mike Robinson has been the Bay's Santa for years, despite being top of the real red man's naughty list for his indiscriminate womanising. His current dating schedule includes a mother and daughter, a wife who's paying her husband back for his own indiscretion, the head elf, the reindeer wrangler and the biggest surprise.. Marla..
Marla fixates on John when she realises that he and Christy haven't declared themselves a couple yet and chaos reigns. When Marla decides to invite herself to dinner at Maddie's because John is there Maude takes the unprecedented step of hosing Marla down when she refuses to leave.
The hijinks cease, however, when another body is discovered and it appears that the killer isn't finished.
Marla's suffering following the dousing and is determinedly attacking Maddie while she demands a reading. Fleeing after Maddie finds her backbone and finally gives her a few home truths. It's too late to stop her when Maddie sees that the cards put Marla as the next victim and it's all hands on deck as they try to find her in time.. once again Maddie will risk her life to save someone else's.. will Nick lose her before he gets a chance to give her everything she's ever wanted?
July 26, 2020
Just another holiday in Blackstone Bay!
And now, to report on my continuing love affair with Maddie, Nick, Granny, Christy, and most of Blackstone Bay! Winter is such a magical time, and overachiever Maddie wants this "first" to be perfect for her loved ones; too bad a killer has a different agenda. The murder mystery is well-written as usual with nearly a town full of suspects to choose from, although I guessed the identity of the furtive stranger immediately. I completely enjoy the wholehearted (schmaltzy for the more cynical) way Maddie approaches her relationships; it's why she inspires such loyalty. My only criticism is, while it's great to witness Maddie coming into her own, it IS foolhardy to spout off about being adult and taking care of herself when Nick LITERALLY saves her from imminent death regularly. The author has gone to great pains to create a portrait of a character who is neither stupid nor arrogant, and this behavior is both. Please address this mildly irritating trait, Ms. Hart! On the other hand, this fine writer has managed to present Marla Proctor as a rather pitiable character; she's actually more sympathetic than Cassidy (who I'm eagerly looking forward to becoming a real problem that has to be handled for good!) in this installment. I can't wait to find out what's next!
And now, to report on my continuing love affair with Maddie, Nick, Granny, Christy, and most of Blackstone Bay! Winter is such a magical time, and overachiever Maddie wants this "first" to be perfect for her loved ones; too bad a killer has a different agenda. The murder mystery is well-written as usual with nearly a town full of suspects to choose from, although I guessed the identity of the furtive stranger immediately. I completely enjoy the wholehearted (schmaltzy for the more cynical) way Maddie approaches her relationships; it's why she inspires such loyalty. My only criticism is, while it's great to witness Maddie coming into her own, it IS foolhardy to spout off about being adult and taking care of herself when Nick LITERALLY saves her from imminent death regularly. The author has gone to great pains to create a portrait of a character who is neither stupid nor arrogant, and this behavior is both. Please address this mildly irritating trait, Ms. Hart! On the other hand, this fine writer has managed to present Marla Proctor as a rather pitiable character; she's actually more sympathetic than Cassidy (who I'm eagerly looking forward to becoming a real problem that has to be handled for good!) in this installment. I can't wait to find out what's next!
May 9, 2017
Fantastic!!!
Its Christmas and Maddie wants it to be perfect. She wants it to snow and goes all out in decorating the house.
Nick on the other hand intends to propose to Maddie. He's nervous and excited at same time.
Before any of it can happen, a murder takes place. This time its Santa Claus. Yes u heard it right! Santa Claus!
This Santa Claus was a ladies man with no types. He went after any lady. Didn't matter if they were single, married, fat, thin, old or young. They had to be female.
The suspect list is long, very long. It doesn't help that as soon as one suspect has been cleared, another name gets added.
Will they ever find who killed Santa Claus?
Marla becomes more of a feature in this book. Maddie doesn't hold back of the retorts. Fantastic to see the change in her.
In the book there is someone following Maddie around. The identity doesn't get revealed til the last page.
What I didn't like was Nick's order of keeping Maddie close and not letting her out of his sight which is slightly unhealthy. Understandable though but still freaky!!
Can't wait to read the next installment. Seems like its the final book. Have to wait til next month before its downloaded.
Please let June come round quickly.
Its Christmas and Maddie wants it to be perfect. She wants it to snow and goes all out in decorating the house.
Nick on the other hand intends to propose to Maddie. He's nervous and excited at same time.
Before any of it can happen, a murder takes place. This time its Santa Claus. Yes u heard it right! Santa Claus!
This Santa Claus was a ladies man with no types. He went after any lady. Didn't matter if they were single, married, fat, thin, old or young. They had to be female.
The suspect list is long, very long. It doesn't help that as soon as one suspect has been cleared, another name gets added.
Will they ever find who killed Santa Claus?
Marla becomes more of a feature in this book. Maddie doesn't hold back of the retorts. Fantastic to see the change in her.
In the book there is someone following Maddie around. The identity doesn't get revealed til the last page.
What I didn't like was Nick's order of keeping Maddie close and not letting her out of his sight which is slightly unhealthy. Understandable though but still freaky!!
Can't wait to read the next installment. Seems like its the final book. Have to wait til next month before its downloaded.
Please let June come round quickly.
February 28, 2023
Entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves is a young woman who after being gone from home for 10 years decides to move back when her mothers dies. She lives in her mom‘s house with her grandmother and runs her moms magic shop. Maddie also has the capability of seeing and speaking to ghosts as well as having psychic visions. Her boyfriend Nick is a local police officer in their small town. Her grandmother is a crazy character and is always up to something. Along with Maddys best friend and if you other people there is always something going on in their small town. Once again Maddie will help if she can find a ghost of a recent victim of a crime. What adventure does it entail. Readon and find out.
This is an entertaining paranormal cozy mystery series. A fun cast of characters and an entertaining storyline. Maddie Graves is a young woman who after being gone from home for 10 years decides to move back when her mothers dies. She lives in her mom‘s house with her grandmother and runs her moms magic shop. Maddie also has the capability of seeing and speaking to ghosts as well as having psychic visions. Her boyfriend Nick is a local police officer in their small town. Her grandmother is a crazy character and is always up to something. Along with Maddys best friend and if you other people there is always something going on in their small town. Once again Maddie will help if she can find a ghost of a recent victim of a crime. What adventure does it entail. Readon and find out.
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 have officially moved in together.
Santa is dead? Killed by a candy cane?? Maddie is again on the hunt for a killer, but this time she's not sure the ghost is worth the effort. Nick is trying to find the perfect time to propose, everyone is putting pressure on him, and he has to keep Maddie alive too...
June 6, 2019
One of the things I like best about this series is the huge variety of the ghosts Maddie encounters. This thoroughly unlikable purvy Santa is just another. It looks like he may be hanging around, and I wouldn't mind his popping up occasionally as walk-on character.
I'd also like to see more of Marla, although while she's enjoyable as a nemesis, she's remained undeveloped for far too long. Cassidy is far more complex, if less amusing.
I'm put off by Maddie being a "professional psychic" who never seems to keep her store open, nor hang around her tent at festivals. It seems to me that that would frustrate the heck out of her clientele.
I'd also like to see more of Marla, although while she's enjoyable as a nemesis, she's remained undeveloped for far too long. Cassidy is far more complex, if less amusing.
I'm put off by Maddie being a "professional psychic" who never seems to keep her store open, nor hang around her tent at festivals. It seems to me that that would frustrate the heck out of her clientele.
March 29, 2017
After reading a few lackluster books lately, I wanted to read a story I knew I would love. Lily Harper Hart never disappoints!
This series is what introduced me to my now favorite author, and I was really excited to read this installment! It is Nick and Maddie's first Christmas together, and it was just as magical as I expected. The mystery was interesting as always, and I liked the angle of so any suspects! As expected, the end was just perfect! I really could not have asked for more in that regard! I also loved how the last few pages opened up a totally new plot point that I am really excited to explore more in future books. Can't wait for book 10!
This series is what introduced me to my now favorite author, and I was really excited to read this installment! It is Nick and Maddie's first Christmas together, and it was just as magical as I expected. The mystery was interesting as always, and I liked the angle of so any suspects! As expected, the end was just perfect! I really could not have asked for more in that regard! I also loved how the last few pages opened up a totally new plot point that I am really excited to explore more in future books. Can't wait for book 10!
July 2, 2020
Really enjoyed this one.
Lot of little interesting side stories. Maude is as usual great fun. Maddie is finally showing some slow and the ghost is a creep. There is a stranger wandering around and spying on Maddie, hopefully more on that in the next book. The next book should have Christy and John officially dating. Lol Maddie's monthly has a brief appearance on the last page of the book. Cassidy is still crazy and Marla is still delusional.
Fun read. And recommended.
Lot of little interesting side stories. Maude is as usual great fun. Maddie is finally showing some slow and the ghost is a creep. There is a stranger wandering around and spying on Maddie, hopefully more on that in the next book. The next book should have Christy and John officially dating. Lol Maddie's monthly has a brief appearance on the last page of the book. Cassidy is still crazy and Marla is still delusional.
Fun read. And recommended.
March 22, 2022
Grave Holiday ((A Maddie Graves Mystery book 9
This was another winner. I love this Author as she writes wonderful books and has wonderful in every series. She writes wonderful paranormal mysteries. I have read over 50 of her books and loved every one of them. I highly recommend all her books and every series she writes. Diana Romano
This was another winner. I love this Author as she writes wonderful books and has wonderful in every series. She writes wonderful paranormal mysteries. I have read over 50 of her books and loved every one of them. I highly recommend all her books and every series she writes. Diana Romano
July 28, 2020
Murder at Christmas
Santa is murdered. It turns out he wasn't exactly a good guy, but the murder needs to be solved soon or it will hurt their Christmas plans.
As usual, it's the interplay of the main characters that make this series so much fun.
Santa is murdered. It turns out he wasn't exactly a good guy, but the murder needs to be solved soon or it will hurt their Christmas plans.
As usual, it's the interplay of the main characters that make this series so much fun.
July 4, 2022
A Grave Holiday Review
I love these Maddie Graves Mysteries, they are a fun read. I enjoy the characters and their interactions with each other. It is so fun to see Maddie just give it to Mean Marla. This should be made in a series or maybe several movies.
I love these Maddie Graves Mysteries, they are a fun read. I enjoy the characters and their interactions with each other. It is so fun to see Maddie just give it to Mean Marla. This should be made in a series or maybe several movies.
August 30, 2023
Good read
Murders, mystery, who was sleeping with Santa?, Christmas is coming, and a surprise for Maddie. There is also humor, danger, romance, and plenty of snark. Highly entertaining.
Murders, mystery, who was sleeping with Santa?, Christmas is coming, and a surprise for Maddie. There is also humor, danger, romance, and plenty of snark. Highly entertaining.
July 24, 2025
Very intense and enjoyable!
I enjoyed this very much! This is an awesome series as are the other series by this author I'm reading. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters were very interesting.
I enjoyed this very much! This is an awesome series as are the other series by this author I'm reading. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters were very interesting.
February 8, 2017
Excellent
Fast paced enjoyed the characters can't wait for next in series. Maddie and Nick made a great couple. Olivia spirit is exciting.
Fast paced enjoyed the characters can't wait for next in series. Maddie and Nick made a great couple. Olivia spirit is exciting.
February 25, 2017
Love that maddy is finally standing up for herself!!!
March 16, 2017
Loved it, Maddie and Nick are super cute, as are Christie & John. Marla is a pest but I really enjoy these books, even if they're a bit smaltzy for my usual tastes.
August 21, 2019
In the usual form Maddie ends up in the middle of Nick's murder investigation. She is stressing about making this the best Christmas ever.
September 6, 2019
Surprise!
This time i was completely surprised by whodunit and why. There were plenty of twists and turns and plenty of red candy canes, er herrings well done
This time i was completely surprised by whodunit and why. There were plenty of twists and turns and plenty of red candy canes, er herrings well done
July 10, 2020
So good
I love a happy ending... and a cliffhanger! How does she do it every time? Have to read the next one, it’s the best kind of binge.
I love a happy ending... and a cliffhanger! How does she do it every time? Have to read the next one, it’s the best kind of binge.
January 3, 2021
Wonderful.
This is amazing. I enjoyed the way the book played out. I love the way Nick and Maddie are together.
This is amazing. I enjoyed the way the book played out. I love the way Nick and Maddie are together.
March 30, 2021
always love a read from this author - the culprit in her stories are never overt, yet when revealed have a legitimate motive.
May 5, 2021
This has great writing and strong characters to go with it. Couldn't put it down. This was a very fun and funny read! Just Loved It! Great Reading Everyone!
July 26, 2021
Loved this book and I am looking forward to reading the whole series. Lily Harper Hart (Amanda M. Lee) has a way with keeping you reading. I laugh and cried reading this book.
February 7, 2022
Great book
Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.
Why Amazon insist on 20 words for a review via kindle, I don't know. Especially when I just want to say that I really enjoyed this book.
June 30, 2022
such a great series.
This is a great series, has great characters and progression of the plot is great. I just adore all of the authors series.
This is a great series, has great characters and progression of the plot is great. I just adore all of the authors series.
November 12, 2022
grave holiday
Well crazy rains for Christmas. People dead, people mad and some crazy it’s a busy couple of days leading up to Christmas
Well crazy rains for Christmas. People dead, people mad and some crazy it’s a busy couple of days leading up to Christmas
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews