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New Daemon
From Hollywood hotshot to monster-slaying misfit
What does divorcing Hollywood’s most powerful jerk get you? In my case, blacklisted and a ticket to rock bottom.
A one-time studio executive, I’m now scrabbling as a newly licensed P.I. in the city that popularized noir. And I’ve just landed a job at a shabby downtown agency. Watch out, LA!
But that was before I discovered the agency’s specialty—hunting monsters. The actual kind. Suddenly, I’m learning about a side of the city that makes horror seem like a documentary: vampires, werewolves, hostile spirits, and all manner of magic. This is probably where I should run screaming, but I need the money. I’m also intrigued by my mentor—a strong, silent throwback in a Members Only jacket.
Couple of problems. One, I conned my way into the position. And two, the agency forbids supernatural hires … and I’ve sort of been shooting fire from my hands lately. Oh, and there are factions in LA who seem to want me dead.
Which has me worried. Am I the city’s newest hero, or its latest monster?
Maddy Deeds is a feature series in the hot-selling Croftverse. If you like your urban fantasy with deep secrets, found families, a gutsy heroine for a guide, and a slow burn on the side, you’ll love Maddy Deeds!
What does divorcing Hollywood’s most powerful jerk get you? In my case, blacklisted and a ticket to rock bottom.
A one-time studio executive, I’m now scrabbling as a newly licensed P.I. in the city that popularized noir. And I’ve just landed a job at a shabby downtown agency. Watch out, LA!
But that was before I discovered the agency’s specialty—hunting monsters. The actual kind. Suddenly, I’m learning about a side of the city that makes horror seem like a documentary: vampires, werewolves, hostile spirits, and all manner of magic. This is probably where I should run screaming, but I need the money. I’m also intrigued by my mentor—a strong, silent throwback in a Members Only jacket.
Couple of problems. One, I conned my way into the position. And two, the agency forbids supernatural hires … and I’ve sort of been shooting fire from my hands lately. Oh, and there are factions in LA who seem to want me dead.
Which has me worried. Am I the city’s newest hero, or its latest monster?
Maddy Deeds is a feature series in the hot-selling Croftverse. If you like your urban fantasy with deep secrets, found families, a gutsy heroine for a guide, and a slow burn on the side, you’ll love Maddy Deeds!
- GenresUrban Fantasy
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
About the author
Brad Magnarella
45 books349 followersBrad Magnarella writes urban fantasy for the same reason most read it – to explore worlds where magic crackles from fingertips, vampires and shifters walk city streets, cats talk (some excessively), and good prevails against all odds. It’s shamelessly fun.
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
His three main series, Prof Croft, Blue Wolf, and Maddy Deeds, make up the growing Croftverse, with nearly a half-million books sold to date and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination.
Hopelessly nomadic, Brad can be found in a rented room overseas or hiking America's backcountry.
To learn more about the Croftverse, and download two free prequel novellas, visit his website at bradmagnarella.com
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 9, 2024
Meet Maddy Deeds, a Hollywood exec who's life is falling apart. Divorced and blacklisted, she is desperate to get back in the game. However, when she finds herself in the situation where she needs a job until the money comes in, she fakes and cheats her way into a a gig as a private eye. Maddy quickly comes to realize that this is no normal PI agency. Instead, she has joined a consortium of supernatural bounty hunters. Now thrust into a world where she feels way over her head, Maddy must figure out if she wants to stay in this world, or go back to her old life. Complicating matters are the emergence of powers that may mark her as one of the creatures she and her co-workers are hunting. Maddy must navigate these trecherous waters, with a little help from some familiar faces along the way.
This was an intriguing look into a new character with different motivations from the characters we have met in the other installments of the "Croftverse". It will be fascinating to see where this story goes, and how it connects and interacts with other characters and storylines we have already become familiar with.
This was an intriguing look into a new character with different motivations from the characters we have met in the other installments of the "Croftverse". It will be fascinating to see where this story goes, and how it connects and interacts with other characters and storylines we have already become familiar with.
September 19, 2024
I'm too old for this.
I mean that. I am 67. Maddy is 32, but she doesn't act her age. As a woman, I cringe.
To be fair, I am not part of the target audience. This new series in the Croftverse is, in my opinion, for younger female readers. So I kept that in mind when I rated it.
Worldbuilding.
This takes place in the Croftverse, which centers around Professor Croft, who lectures on Mythology at a university. He is also a wizard. He studies magic, including dead languages. I find this so much better than, for instance, Harry Dresden, who muddles along. Croft reasons, uses logic and explains to the reader. The Croftverse is our world, our time, except that an economic crash took place in the first decade of the century. Much death and suffering, but the world is recovering. Magic and the paranormal is a badly kept secret. Croft lives in New York, but travels to other places.
This story takes place in Los Angeles, Hollywood. Presumably at least a decade later. The West coast magic and paranormal is different, and not as well explained. Inferior in my opinion.
The Plot.
Quite simple. Maddy, the Main Character, is an executive, wheeler dealer for film makers. She is good, but is divorcing Jack, who is better. They quarrel about money. Jack gets her pushed out, and she takes a temporary job in a PI firm. She cheats to get it, and then discovers that it is really a Cryptid bounty hunting job. At the same time, she suddenly and quickly develops magic powers... I won't ruin the rest.
The Characters.
Maddy is as I said 32. One minute she is snooty, smart and efficient the next uncertain and a bit pathetic. Her eye is very much on the money. I find it hard to sympathise.
The other characters are just sketches, but will probably develop.
Professor Croft makes a guest apperance. Thank goodness.
The Telling.
The story is told much more simply than in the other stories. The characters are flatter. The humour and snark that we are used to between Croft and Tabitha, Croft and Wesson isn't there.
This is a sort of Entwicklungsroman, we are following Maddy growing up. At last, you could say, she is after all 32... And she is going to need help. Croft comes and saves her at the end, explaining the world to her. The West coast world and magic, which clearly is different from New York and other places. Croft could have been exchanged by any old, wise wizard.
Recommendation.
Yes, if you are a young woman, who wants to follow another young woman discovering magic and maybe just maybe, romance will blossom two, three or four books in the future. Four stars in that case.
No, if you are used to the original Croftverse. Then it is a weak three stars.
I mean that. I am 67. Maddy is 32, but she doesn't act her age. As a woman, I cringe.
To be fair, I am not part of the target audience. This new series in the Croftverse is, in my opinion, for younger female readers. So I kept that in mind when I rated it.
Worldbuilding.
This takes place in the Croftverse, which centers around Professor Croft, who lectures on Mythology at a university. He is also a wizard. He studies magic, including dead languages. I find this so much better than, for instance, Harry Dresden, who muddles along. Croft reasons, uses logic and explains to the reader. The Croftverse is our world, our time, except that an economic crash took place in the first decade of the century. Much death and suffering, but the world is recovering. Magic and the paranormal is a badly kept secret. Croft lives in New York, but travels to other places.
This story takes place in Los Angeles, Hollywood. Presumably at least a decade later. The West coast magic and paranormal is different, and not as well explained. Inferior in my opinion.
The Plot.
Quite simple. Maddy, the Main Character, is an executive, wheeler dealer for film makers. She is good, but is divorcing Jack, who is better. They quarrel about money. Jack gets her pushed out, and she takes a temporary job in a PI firm. She cheats to get it, and then discovers that it is really a Cryptid bounty hunting job. At the same time, she suddenly and quickly develops magic powers... I won't ruin the rest.
The Characters.
Maddy is as I said 32. One minute she is snooty, smart and efficient the next uncertain and a bit pathetic. Her eye is very much on the money. I find it hard to sympathise.
The other characters are just sketches, but will probably develop.
Professor Croft makes a guest apperance. Thank goodness.
The Telling.
The story is told much more simply than in the other stories. The characters are flatter. The humour and snark that we are used to between Croft and Tabitha, Croft and Wesson isn't there.
This is a sort of Entwicklungsroman, we are following Maddy growing up. At last, you could say, she is after all 32... And she is going to need help. Croft comes and saves her at the end, explaining the world to her. The West coast world and magic, which clearly is different from New York and other places. Croft could have been exchanged by any old, wise wizard.
Recommendation.
Yes, if you are a young woman, who wants to follow another young woman discovering magic and maybe just maybe, romance will blossom two, three or four books in the future. Four stars in that case.
No, if you are used to the original Croftverse. Then it is a weak three stars.
September 9, 2024
Sooo good. It was impossible to put down, impossible not to keep flipping pages then chapters. I was dreading the end coming up too soon but reading as fast as I could to get MORE of thiis AWESOME book. It does have parts where Maddy is visiting or worrying about her father who is in a “NURSING HOME–with Alzheimer's Disease that is a bit of a trigger point for me but he is doing well for the most part so far so I kept reading and then just couldn’t stop or SLOW down even. Racing to “THE END” I always dread coming. It does end well for and KNOWING that it’s the FIRST in a series is good plus there are little tidbits along the way that HINT subtly of more in depth MYSTERY and info. to come. I’m already dying to read the next book!!!
The author gives a really good feel to Maddy and makes her so real. All of the characters are really fleshed out well, even Maddy’s soon the be EX husband.,, which really made me want to punch him every time he was in a scene. I don’t know if it’s called a “scene” but it’s so much like watching a movie. The details the author puts in to his work is so realistic, sometimes it’s SCARY it’s so real. I feel like I’m IN the story right along side the characters.
I also feel like I know the characters they’re so realistic. In this book I esp. like Maddy of course and another fav. Is Rusty. That’s all I’m saying about him, you can read and decide if you’ll like him too.
A fav. Wizard from another series of this author shows up and shows OUT in a few scenes-where it’s needed. He is his usual amazing self.
OOOHHHHH and the “Easter Eggs “ the author leaves around throughout the story!! LOVED THEM!! Busted out laughing at some of them. The swearing his silence on Colonel Sanders–you’ll have to read the rest of THAT one for yourself, it gets even better if you read the entire sentence and the rest of the context!! I’m still giggling over that one.
The analogies are INSANE. They were so so good and ON POINT?
Loved the “twister” one esp.
This is just a REALLY REALLY GREAT BOOK!! I've already REREAD it. It's even better the second time.
The author gives a really good feel to Maddy and makes her so real. All of the characters are really fleshed out well, even Maddy’s soon the be EX husband.,, which really made me want to punch him every time he was in a scene. I don’t know if it’s called a “scene” but it’s so much like watching a movie. The details the author puts in to his work is so realistic, sometimes it’s SCARY it’s so real. I feel like I’m IN the story right along side the characters.
I also feel like I know the characters they’re so realistic. In this book I esp. like Maddy of course and another fav. Is Rusty. That’s all I’m saying about him, you can read and decide if you’ll like him too.
A fav. Wizard from another series of this author shows up and shows OUT in a few scenes-where it’s needed. He is his usual amazing self.
OOOHHHHH and the “Easter Eggs “ the author leaves around throughout the story!! LOVED THEM!! Busted out laughing at some of them. The swearing his silence on Colonel Sanders–you’ll have to read the rest of THAT one for yourself, it gets even better if you read the entire sentence and the rest of the context!! I’m still giggling over that one.
The analogies are INSANE. They were so so good and ON POINT?
Loved the “twister” one esp.
This is just a REALLY REALLY GREAT BOOK!! I've already REREAD it. It's even better the second time.
September 16, 2024
Maddy is a second-generation Hollywood wheeler-dealer who has been blacklisted in the industry following a nasty divorce. Looking for a new career, she gets a private investigator licence and lands a job with a PI firm. Only to find herself investigating cases that are far from the typical cheating spouse or insurance fraud situation. And then there is the way she can suddenly break marble sinks when she gets “fired up”....
As ever, Mr Mangarella has created a character who is flawed but likeable, who makes genuine connections with the people around them and who draws the reader into their world. She is conflicted, scared, and uncertain, but determined to get her life back on track while trying to remain a good person. The supporting characters are intriguing as well, and I look forward to learning more about them as the series progresses.
I was so excited when this series was announced, as the Prof Croft books are among my favourites and I was sad when that series ended. Imagine my delight when the Prof turned up here, to provide Maddy with some support and guidance. However, there is no need to have read other books in the Croftverse to enjoy this one (though I highly recommend that you do).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As ever, Mr Mangarella has created a character who is flawed but likeable, who makes genuine connections with the people around them and who draws the reader into their world. She is conflicted, scared, and uncertain, but determined to get her life back on track while trying to remain a good person. The supporting characters are intriguing as well, and I look forward to learning more about them as the series progresses.
I was so excited when this series was announced, as the Prof Croft books are among my favourites and I was sad when that series ended. Imagine my delight when the Prof turned up here, to provide Maddy with some support and guidance. However, there is no need to have read other books in the Croftverse to enjoy this one (though I highly recommend that you do).
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2024
Divorce is always a life-altering event, but when your ex has also blacklisted you from your lucrative career and you find yourself attempting to use your special skills for PI work to make ends meet, chaos is bound to ensue. Add in the sudden revelation that the supernatural is real and you're basically surrounded by it and Maddy's life is now a nonstop thrill ride. This new series promises to be a very different look at the same world Prof Croft exists in. The west coast offers a fresh new setting and new threats to fight. The addition of a few friendly faces from the other author's other series is quite fun for old readers, but this is definitely a fresh jump on point for new ones. Fun story with great characters with wonderful chemistry and plenty of questions to answer in future installments.
September 19, 2024
I'm a fan of this author and have read several of his books, as usual this first book in a new series didn't disappoint - I loved the way Prof Croft pops up and references to some of the other wonderful characters he writes about are in there too.
I love that the plot is both intriguing and interesting, and loving the fact it's a feisty woman who is our main character. Divorcing a powerful Hollywood executive leaves Maddy scrambling to earn a living as a Monster hunting PI - not something she is experienced at - and oh the fire thing! I am already a big fan of Maddy and can't wait for the next book - always a good sign for me. And the locket is very intriguing - what secrets does that hold?
I love that the plot is both intriguing and interesting, and loving the fact it's a feisty woman who is our main character. Divorcing a powerful Hollywood executive leaves Maddy scrambling to earn a living as a Monster hunting PI - not something she is experienced at - and oh the fire thing! I am already a big fan of Maddy and can't wait for the next book - always a good sign for me. And the locket is very intriguing - what secrets does that hold?
September 25, 2024
As a native Angeleno I found this book very amusing.
Much of the action took place in Venice Beach, Palisade Park and all of my old stomping grounds, so I felt right at home.
I like the main character, though I have the normal problem with someone who refuses to do things that will obviously answer their questions/resolve the current problem. When someone says "Come with me, I have a way to answer this burning question that you have," you go and get the answer (I do understand that the story would have to be very different if they do, but plot driven dimness bothers me).
That being said, the story was good, the writing is always good, and I will definitely buy the next book.
Much of the action took place in Venice Beach, Palisade Park and all of my old stomping grounds, so I felt right at home.
I like the main character, though I have the normal problem with someone who refuses to do things that will obviously answer their questions/resolve the current problem. When someone says "Come with me, I have a way to answer this burning question that you have," you go and get the answer (I do understand that the story would have to be very different if they do, but plot driven dimness bothers me).
That being said, the story was good, the writing is always good, and I will definitely buy the next book.
September 12, 2024
An interesting addition to the Croftverse. I found the beginning to be a bit of a slog to get through as it was all backstory for Maddie and I didn't find it all that interesting. Don't know if it will become relevant later on in the series, but I think it could have been shorter or possibly told in smaller flashback bites. Once I got past this and into the main part of the story things picked up nicely and I am looking forward to the next installment to see where things goes next. And it's always good to see the intrepid professor.
September 14, 2024
Paranormal Hunter Maddy Deeds
I really liked all the characters in this book. Maddy set out to change her life, going from Hollywood corporate hot shot, to paranormal hunter. She tries to hold on to her humanity to be a better person. She made a whole new life for herself. She let go of her bitterness and anger toward her ex husband, got a new place to live, new job, new friends, finding the truth that she has daemon blood. The future should be interesting. A lot more to find out about the history of her family. Can’t wait to read more about her story.
I really liked all the characters in this book. Maddy set out to change her life, going from Hollywood corporate hot shot, to paranormal hunter. She tries to hold on to her humanity to be a better person. She made a whole new life for herself. She let go of her bitterness and anger toward her ex husband, got a new place to live, new job, new friends, finding the truth that she has daemon blood. The future should be interesting. A lot more to find out about the history of her family. Can’t wait to read more about her story.
September 9, 2024
This is probably one of the top 5 book 1 of a series for me. It's so good! I was engaged immediately. I didn't need to know the Croft or Blue Wolf series to enjoy it but, because I did, the extra easter egg characters just made it that much better. I was engaged in the first chapter and it continued drawing me in until the very last page. I stayed up wayyyy too late to finish reading this one. It was fantastic and I can't wait for more.
September 20, 2024
Great story, great characters
I’ve never read anything by this author before, and I have to admit my urban fantasy preferences usually involve female authors, but I decided to give this a try and was really happy I did! It’s a great story that zipped along and kept me reading straight through. I really like the main character, who has some layers to her!! And I want to know more about this whole world. I’m planning to dive into more of this author’s stories!
I’ve never read anything by this author before, and I have to admit my urban fantasy preferences usually involve female authors, but I decided to give this a try and was really happy I did! It’s a great story that zipped along and kept me reading straight through. I really like the main character, who has some layers to her!! And I want to know more about this whole world. I’m planning to dive into more of this author’s stories!
September 24, 2024
Introduction of a fun new character to the Croftverse
Being a huge fan of the entire Croftverse, I had huge expectations going into this book, and by no means was I let down. This character, as a main character (Maddy deeds obviously), is a wonderful departure from her male counterparts in the previous books in the 'Verse. Great as a standalone for those who haven't read the other novels, but an amazing, captivating continuation for the original storyline.
Being a huge fan of the entire Croftverse, I had huge expectations going into this book, and by no means was I let down. This character, as a main character (Maddy deeds obviously), is a wonderful departure from her male counterparts in the previous books in the 'Verse. Great as a standalone for those who haven't read the other novels, but an amazing, captivating continuation for the original storyline.
September 28, 2024
Magnarella does it again!
Have read all the Croft books, and always enjoy this world. But I have to say that Maddy was a pleasant surprise! Different from Magnarella’s other series, but so good! I found myself completely engrossed with Maddy- her Dad- and the world of Hollywood, and more. Croft makes an appearance , and the story is just great. Maddy is one of my new faves! Happy reading!
Have read all the Croft books, and always enjoy this world. But I have to say that Maddy was a pleasant surprise! Different from Magnarella’s other series, but so good! I found myself completely engrossed with Maddy- her Dad- and the world of Hollywood, and more. Croft makes an appearance , and the story is just great. Maddy is one of my new faves! Happy reading!
September 9, 2024
I love Brad Magnarella's new character Maddy Deeds. She is new to the supernatural world, but that doesn't stop her from taking charge. Maddy is smart, tough, funny and thoroughly likable.
I have read all of the croftverse books. Brads writing just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see how Maddy's story develops.
I have read all of the croftverse books. Brads writing just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see how Maddy's story develops.
September 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I love Maddie as a character. I love her character development, and I love how she begins to velocity may be controlling and manipulating everyone isn’t always such a good thing. I like the cameos from past series 2. All in all, this was a very interesting start to a new series.
September 25, 2024
Good Read
Great first start to a new series. It’s also a fantastic way to wrap mythology into the modern world. It’s amazing how much of the old world mythology has made its way into the current times that we call 2024.
Great first start to a new series. It’s also a fantastic way to wrap mythology into the modern world. It’s amazing how much of the old world mythology has made its way into the current times that we call 2024.
September 25, 2024
Great first book!
Loved the story. Maddie is good person even with a bit of demon in her. I like that Prof Croft snuck into her story and helped her. I can't wait for the next book!
Loved the story. Maddie is good person even with a bit of demon in her. I like that Prof Croft snuck into her story and helped her. I can't wait for the next book!
September 10, 2024
Same world as the Authors two prior series but far and away the most interesting main character.
I'm not following the other two but will continue with this one.
I'm not following the other two but will continue with this one.
September 29, 2024
Enjoyable read
Looking forward to the next book in the series. He has separate series of some of the other characters. Going to check out Prof Croft series next.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. He has separate series of some of the other characters. Going to check out Prof Croft series next.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews