Barely Magic

Maddy Madrigal Mysteries, Book 1

De: Debra Castaneda

Narrado por: K. Richardson

"Fans of early Anita Blake will definitely appreciate this!"

"I highly recommend this book—and I can't wait for the next in the series!"

"The novel expertly balances suspense and supernatural elements"

Maddy Madrigal doesn’t believe she’s magic. If she were, she wouldn’t be busting her butt every day working for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Occult Affairs division, rounding up the strange and nasty entities unleashed by the last earthquake. At forty, if she were magic, she’d have less aggravation and more money.

So when a security job opens up in an exclusive gated community, she takes it. Better money, great perks, and best of all, no entities.

At first, her problems are solved—the job’s great, she’s made new friends, and a good-looking man has caught her eye. She even has time to cook her favorite Mexican dishes while her new cat watches, though there’s something not quite right about him.

But the fancy neighborhood she was hired to protect hides a secret: something supernatural is attacking the residents, and as Maddy tries to unravel the mystery, she discovers a secret of her own: she may have inherited magical abilities from her famous great aunt, a Mexican witch.

With monsters roaming the hilly streets, residents up in arms, and her boss breathing down her neck, Maddy must decide how far she’s willing to go to preserve her new life.

Barely Magic is the first book in Maddy Madrigal Mysteries, a new urban fantasy series from Debra Castaneda, the award-winning author of The Monsters of Chavez Ravine and the Dark Earth Rising series including The Root Witch and A Dark and Rising Tide.

©2025 Debra Castaneda (P)2025 Debra Castaneda

Really enjoyable read!

First of all, the narrator gave an excellent performance and made the characters come to life. I would love to hear more of her work in the future.

This was a new kind of book for me. An urban fantasy mystery! Although I usually only read horror I really enjoy Debra Castaneda's other works and figured I'd give this a shot.

It was quite enjoyable. I loved the main character, Maddy. The story was compelling and I had a hard time putting this one down.

I loved the inclusion of all the mythical creatures. The cultural references were educational and expertly integrated into the story. Every time food was described I started to salivate, haha.

This was a great palate cleanser from the doom and gloom I typically read. 5⭐️s and I can't wait to check out the rest of the series in the future.

The story line was detailed and unique

I esp liked the narrator . She adds so much to it with her emotions when she reads it.
The story line is unique and I esp like the fact its an actual story with a plot and not just another sex urban fantasy with no plot . Reviewed By Imp and the Witch Way