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

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

Brillant Bengal to the rescue!

Magic creations, paranormal entities, annoying bureaucracies, good friends and a brilliant cat. Add in secrets, lies, and a dash of romance and you've got the makings of good book. Debra Castaneda took some standard ingredients, gave them a twist and combined them into unique and entertaining story.

I'm looking forward to a prequel (what caused the entities to break through...and from where?!) and a sequel.

Great Supernatural Mystery

Maddy Madrigal is beginning to dislike her job with the Occult Affairs division of the LAPD due to a terrible boss, long and dangerous hours and poor pay. Then, she finds out that she is soon to be losing her apartment. Out of the blue, she is offered the job as head of security at the exclusive Chavez Ravine neighborhood. But, there has never been a problem with supernatural entities in Chavez Ravine, so why does the HOA board want her for the job?

She learns that she is entitled to live in her Aunt's home in the community. But, she also begins to discover that she might have inherited more than just a house; she might also have some of her Aunt's magical abilities!

The character development is great and there is even a hint of romance. Maddy struggles to prove herself in the new job as strange supernatural events start to happen in the middle of the night. Throw in an awesome Bengal cat with no name that seems to have adopted Maddy and you have a great start to a fun series.

The narrator did a great job and added a lot to this book. There is also quite a bit of history surrounding this community that is sure to inform the reader. i can't wait for more adventures with Maddy as she learns to embrace her Legacy.

Barely Magic

A great series starter! Both well written and well read! A fantastic story of magic, mystery, and monsters!

Great book

I found this book to be highly enjoyable. The characters were well developed and very entertaining.