Enjoyed this ebook, but felt it never explained the main characters' background. Always referred to the trauma Mandy had been through and that she and Bear had to lay low, but no other info. And then mystery of their new town is very secretive until they suddenly figure it all out -- needed to be more clues since didn't know if it was their mysterious background or the new town mysteries that were being revealed. 4 s1 comment Danielle Zimmerman480 28

I rarely ever say this about books (unless it’s true) but CLOSE TO HOME is practically un-put-down-able. It sunk its hooks in me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the entire mystery unraveled.

The characters felt real and familiar, and as someone who didn’t know the main two before this novel, I thought it did a great job in not only introducing them but fleshing out who they are at their core. Though there aren’t really any discussions of their past traumas, they’re not necessary. Their relationship makes sense from the moment they’re introduced and I’m ride or die with them.

While I loved a couple of the main side characters, I can’t wait to see where Bear and Mandy go next.2 s Joe Giacobbe1 review1 follower

A waste of time

Very confusing writing style. Unrealistic situations. Way too imaginative. Baer was given too much authority and freedom to act autonomously outside of the law. The author's wild imagination was akin to a runaway train.2 s Ross L174

I will keep this series in mind for future reads.1 Linda419 39

Close to Home (Book#1) was a good read, about father and daughter, Bear and Mandy, making a new home in a small town. They're trying to keep a low profile and we get the feeling they're in witness protection or something similar, however, unless I missed that part of the story, it wasn't elaborated on, so it was a mystery in itself.

Bear is digging in his back yard to make a veggie garden, and Mandy is trying to fit in at her new school. She's 14, and has seen much in her young life, which was alluded to throughout the story. Bear is very protective of Mandy and has taught her well to take care of herself when he's not around. He assumes living in this small town will be quiet and uneventful, but of course, that all changes.

While digging his new vegetable garden, Bear hits an old septic tank that holds the body of a young girl. This discovery, opens a can of worms that multiplies continuously through out the story. The body is that of a young girl who disappeared 15 years ago and it seems this small town is full of deceit, illness, mysteries, deaths and missing people.

Bear's need to keep a low profile is ruined when he and Mandy, along with the Sheriff in the town, get involved with what is happening to the town people and who is behind it. They risk their lives in an effort to save new friends and people who are ill, by some mysterious disease.

I loved the main characters, Marcus the young boy, Mandy, Bear and the Sheriff. What was a downer was the "leaving" this small family felt necessary and fact that the back story wasn't given, at least a short version. I look forward to Book #2 and hope for more answers.crime family-drama mystery ...more (Grace) Kentucky Bohemian1,816 1 follower

Love These Characters
I am a fan of many of L.T. Ryan's books. But I haven't managed to keep up with all of his works, especially in regard to his notable character Jack Noble. I bring this up because these characters originally came from the Jack Noble series. So, while this book stands on its own, it is easy for the reader to feel they're missing some vital info regarding the histories of Bear and Mandy. That's because they are-- it's back in the Jack Noble series where Bear and Mandy make their debut and originally and where their history is formed.

So, having admitted that I don't have their backstory, I still found them to be interesting and earnest characters. The plot was convoluted, but evolved well, pulling all the seemingly unrelated strands together for a rich tapestry. While this type of story does involve suspension of disbelief, for those of us who don't have an issue with that, it's a fun, fast-paced, and relentless story. Ric Hinkie27

Very interesting characters--Bear a dad escaping from his past with his 14 year old daughter Mandy. They arrive in a small town, hunker down and, yet neither of them can avoid getting involved in the lives of their few friends and the mysterious deaths of teens Mandy. Living in a company town brings its own mysteries. They face many challenges: danger, ostracism, separation, and ultimately uncover the terrible secret that they find themselves a part of. With courage and skill, the individually and collectively face their challenges and rise up for the benefit of all. A truly enjoyable, suspenseful, and uplifting story of a dad and his daughter. Joann french36

Ryan has another winner!

If you d Bear Logan in the Middle Jack Noble series, then you will love this new series when Bear takes his adopted daughter and runs to a quiet upstate New York town. He thinks that they can live a normal unassuming life in this town but boy was he wrong. Without telling too much, I will just let you read it and find out that they run into trouble right off. If you fast paced nail bitting entertainment you will enjoy this new book by L. T. Ryan. dennis barron1,475 20

Close to Home. L.T. Ryan. K.M. Rought

Bear has left his prior life. Ex military. Ex government employee for a shadow organization very few people are aware exists. Bear and his daughter Mandy have been given a new life and cover in a small town in upstate New York. A town full of dark secrets that they are willing to kill for. Non stop action and suspense from the first to last page. Enjoyed immensely!! Dennis Martin214 1 follower

Bear and Mandy (father and daughter) are trying to lie low and stay out of the public eye. Who would have thought that digging up the ground to put in a vegetable garden would change all that. Bear uncovers a septic tank containing the remains of a girl missing for 15 years. Then the local sheriff shows Bear that this is not the only mysterious death in the community. As much as Bear wants to disappear again, he stays to help find what is really happening. ENJOY! Nancy Anderson17 2

Close to Home

If you have never read a book by L.T. Ryan then you are missing out on an excellent read. It doesn't matter which genre you usually read give this one a try. At the end of the book will be a list so you can just keep jumping to the next one in line. Or you can get on the page where you usually shop for books and download a whole series or as many as are out at this time. That's how I to do it so I always have one waiting in the wings to entertain me. Brenda Klaassen1,555 21

A library patron suggested this author to me. The book had a wonderful flow to the story. There were a few places I found myself wishing that the author had given a few more description details. This is one of the first books I found that give young adults an equal footing for their safety as the adults that are assisting them to grow. Not sure if I will continue this series since there are other writers I enjoy more. Might try this author in audio version.library-book Donna Murphy109 1 follower

Excellent Book!!

Bear and Mandy (father & daughter) are bada$$. I realize this is just a story, but it sucks you in and before you know it the characters are taking you along for the ride. I cannot wait till the next book comes out. Maybe it will shed some light on the mystery surrounding Bear and Mandy. This is one of those books that you wish would never end. Netta Overhulser 549 1 follower

Mystery

This is an excellent introduction to both Bear and Mandy. They tend to find themselves in the midst of a decade old mystery as Bear unknowingly uncovers a body in his backyard. There are a few twists but the storyline flows beautifully and the ending is on point. I cannot wait to see what trouble these two find themselves in next. Leslie Bakke112

Bear and Mandy playing house!

Dealing with Jack and his adventures is child's play compared to settling down in upstate N.Y. . Mandy in school and Bear planting garden's and trouble finds them! Stay or run, the town's against them. Five stars given for the fast paced story. I certainly missed you guys. Martha Jo18 2

.L T Ryan is always a good read

I really the characters in the book. There seem to be more good guys always a plus and the Goodwins out in the end. It has intrigue, action, and good family connections. It’s always a pleasure to read anything Ryan writes because he allows us to see characters that have both intelligence and heart. carl clause336 6

CC1

A great first story with Mandy and Bear. It was great that jack was no where to be found. Mandy definitely held up her end. Bear cam up behind to clear up. Surprised he didn't start something with Sheriff Josie? But I guess there's another storyline behind that ! 10 stars plus!!! Thanks. Carl Clause by by mary6

Good fun reading

I d the characters, I could easily visualize them, I d Bear and mandy's easy relationship and that he taught her how to defend herself (I have daughters). I also a story that moves along fast and doesn't repeat a lot of the same info and this story definitely moved fast and smoothly. I totally enjoyed it. Kathy Churchman34

Very Good Read

I the way L T Ryan writes. His books always flow smoothly through the story he is telling. In this book about Mandy and Bear he weaves a full bodied story of mystery and intrigue. There are nail biting moments and heart warming scenarios. There is not a need for gratuitous violence and no sex. It is a very nicely written thriller. Debbie Vetter629 5

Fun to read

This was full of emotions: concern, love, pride, anger, bewilderment, shock, fear. It was wonderful to see the love, concern, trust and respect between a father and daughter. And how they were able to help turn a town around in order to defend themselves. Great job. Thank you. Rhonda122 4

A good start to a series

I enjoyed this little book about a father and daughter team. Bear and Mandy are interesting characters. There is just enough of their backstory teased to make the reader wish for that book to be written. There is a good plot that keeps unfolding in a realistic manner.





Sandra Noonan130 1 follower

Great story

I haven't read any of L.T. Ryan books yet, but I enjoyed this one very much. I read a lot of mysteries and am always looking for a new series. Good story and good characters, I d Bear and Mandy right away. I'm delighted to discover a new author and look forward to reading the other series! Gail469 1 follower

Fantastic!!

Great story and well written! L.T. Ryan and K.M. Rought know how to keep a story interesting and to keep you turning pages. It was very difficult to put down this book. I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I love Bear and cannot imagine a world without him and Mandy. Do not miss this book. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as I did. Happy reading!
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