The Maddie Castle Series, Books 1-3: The Handler - Tracking Justice - Hunting Grounds (Maddie Castle Box Sets Book 1)

By: L.T. Ryan, C.R. Gray

Narrated by: Katie Hagaman

They Took Everything From Her. Now She’s Taking It Back.

Dive into the world of Maddie Castle, a retired K9 handler turned private investigator, in this heart-pounding collection of the first three novels in the bestselling series. From gripping mysteries to life-threatening pursuits, Maddie and her canine partners battle danger, corruption, and their own pasts to bring justice to those who need it most.

The Handler

Wounded and grieving after the death of her K9 partner, Maddie Castle is thrust back into action when a fellow handler is killed, and his dog’s fate hangs in the balance. As she trains to rehabilitate the traumatized K9, a desperate mother’s plea pulls Maddie into the criminal underworld of Pittsburgh, where powerful players will do anything to keep their dark secrets hidden. To uncover the truth, Maddie must face her deepest fears—and risk her life.

Tracking Justice

When a grieving mother refuses to accept the police’s conclusion about her daughter’s death, Maddie Castle and her loyal K9, Tempest, take the case. The trail leads them to shocking evidence of murder. As Maddie unravels the truth, she faces relentless threats from a killer determined to silence her. Solving the case could bring closure—but the cost may be Maddie’s own life.

Hunting Grounds

A ruthless killer from Maddie’s past resurfaces, leaving a trail of terror in Pittsburgh. Still haunted by their last encounter, Maddie teams up with the FBI and her trusty K9 to hunt him down. But the killer is always one step ahead—and Maddie herself is on his hit list. In a deadly game of cat and mouse, she must confront her darkest fears to survive a final, explosive showdown.

Packed with suspense, heart, and action, the Maddie Castle series is perfect for fans of gritty thrillers and unstoppable heroines. Get the bundle now and join Maddie Castle on her relentless quest for justice!

©2023, 2024, 2025 Liquid Mind Media (P)2025 Liquid Mind Media

4 star story

I enjoyed the listen of the 3 book boxed set series. This review is about the whole thing
Pros.- strong but flawed female main character
-a German shepherd( that doesn't die)
- a little romance
- some intrigue
Cons
some things pushed a little far fetched, some things pushed a LOT far fetched
- the dog played a much lesser role in book 3
- in the first 2 books there was a crooked cop, 2 different ones, and almost a nobilization of a drug dealer. eh, didn't love that
- some things that Maddy, the main character, thought was absurd
I'm an older person and I read A LOT. I may be harder to please. I also love dogs and respect law enforcement so I definitely bring some bias to my review, as authors can bring bias to their stories whether or not it is their own bias. Enjoyable read just not very believable in several aspects. Sort of like you can enjoy Grey's Anatomy knowing it's not in any way medically nor sometimes psychologically accurate. I got the 3 book set for one credit.

This book has all the feels - grab a BIG box of tissue

The story itself is intricately woven and full of grit, tenacity, and hard core living that many k9 mystery novels skim over. There is romance, but it is not a romance novel. It is about life altering situations and the decisions forced from those situations - good and bad - that can be used to make or break a persons life story.

The characters are well developed and their reasons for being in the storyline are not force fed, but built up throughout the trio of books. At times, I had to turn off the the book because of what happened was difficult for me to absorb, but it was not offensive (to me, anyway). Yes, there are instances of sub-legal behavior, drug use, and bloodied murder scenes that might make some uncomfortable, but the way the instances are portrayed fit very well in the narrative. Not glorified, just more a fact of life portraying hard-knock living.

Artfully performed by the narrator, the listener is pulled into the mind of the main character, discerning the confusion of mixed feelings between the supporting characters, hoping that things run a certain way, getting shocked when things do or don't pan out the way you expect, but leaving you with agreement about why they went the way they did. The last 2 hours of the 3rd book are high anxiety and tear-filled, so keep the tissues handy. The ending is solid, with the ability to 'let go' - no real hanging threads to worry about. I thoroughly enjoyed the book binge and recommend it to all interested in mystery/thriller type adventures.

The reality of the relationships and characters

It is hard to know that this happens in our world/drugs, child neglect, abuse,poor parenting that harms kids for their life, wicked evil predators but these books showed that change can happen and justice can be obtained .

How this Storyteller makes you feel

It felt so real ! I laughed and I cried.
I highly recommend! The suspense was fantastic a real page turner so to speak

Good story…good narration!

Love this character and the plot lines kept me engaged!! Will listen to more books by this author!