STARTLING
ok, so here comes the explanation
STARTLING is nine letters, as you said
taking away the L makes it STARTING
taking way the T makes it STARING
taking away the A makes it STRING
taking away the R makes it STING
taking away the T makes it SING
taking away the G makes it SIN
taking away the S makes it IN
last letter is I, which is still a valid word
HAHAHA smart boy on a roll!