New Daemon

By: Brad Magnarella

Narrated by: Elizabeth Saydah

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!

©2024 Brad Magnarella (P)2024 Brad Magnarella

Too Much Too Wait

I wasn't sure where the story was going as it started with Hollywood's hidden puppeteers .. but quickly gathered speed crashing into the spooky and weird. I liked it. I know liked it because after finishing the book I was horrified (ok .. disappointed but horrified sounds better .. and reflects my feeling better) .. oh no! I have to wait for the next book! Bummer!!

good start to new series

I enjoyed this start to a new series. I have enjoyed the other series from the same author. one thing I was a little disappointed in was the narration. the author has featured 2 characters in this book from his other 2 series and the narrator missed an opportunity to align her readings of those characters based on previous narrations. obviously she's not gonna sound exactly the same but it would have been nice if she could have gotten closer (especially for Rusty).

Read it twice!

I read this book when it came out and was very happy that I did so. I wrote a glowing review about that.

But when it came out on Audible, I decided to listen to it! ... That was a really GOOD idea.

Listening allowed me to get deeper into the story with the emotions and nuances that the reader brought to the story!

Also, the second read allowed me to pickup several important story points that are obviously placed there to suggest the kind of direction and future plot developments that the author might be planning in the coming story arc for the series!

The protagonist (Maddy Deeds) learns something in this first book that is instrumental in resolving this part of the story. But having been through it twice, I can't wait for the next book to see where Brad takes her from there!

And, if you are familiar with the Prof Croft series, you won't be disappointed!

Extremely good story! Read it twice!

Excellent first series!

Well done and different! Looking forward to more! Loved how there was even a bit of the ‘old’ woven into the story. :)

Worth the wait, as always!

I have been super excited to dive into the newest character's story in the Croft verse for quite a while now. When the Audible finally dropped so that I might listen as I read along, I was thrilled. Unfortunately, I plowed through it in a single day, and now must wait again. I was delighted at the fresh perspective on the Croft verse that still manages to stay very true to it. Magnarella's story and character building chops are truly epic and he proves that yet again. I cannot wait to see where Maddy goes next, and she is wonderfully, fallibly real, just as Croft is. Naturally, so too are every other new character Magnarella introduces to populate Maddy's vibrant reality. As a side note, I also enjoyed the narration. As a complete James Patrick Cronin groupie, I was worried about anyone else even having a go. I did enjoy the new narrator exclusively for Maddie, though I absolutely prefer Cronin for all things Croft and found myself wishing for him to step him when--much to my delight--Croft appears! I hope for the future that perhaps they can work together. Amazing 10/10 job, again Mr. Magnarella, sir. Next book and audiobook, please!

The different creatures they fought.

Good story line. The different creatures they killed. Narrator’s voice was interesting. Can’t wait to read the next one.

Great new storyline,

I really enjoy Brandon Magnarella‘s books and I’m looking forward to the next one in this series I like the new direction this one is taking, but still retaining some of the characters from his other books. I really enjoyed this book. 

Prof Croft Universe gets a solid add on

It doesn't beat you over the head that this story exists in the Prof Croft universe and does so with an excellent flare. The character is a solid new idea, the area isn't NYC and the entire feel is 100% different yet still what you're used to from the Croft-verse.