Tag: Barritt Christy

Some secrets have deadly consequences. 

Brynlee Parker thought her biggest challenge would be hiking to Dead Man’s Bluff and fulfilling her dad’s last wishes. She never thought she’d witness two men being viciously murdered while on a mountainous trail. Even worse, the deadly predator is now hunting her. 

Boone Wilder wants nothing to do with Dead Man’s Bluff, not after his wife died there. But he can’t seem to mind his own business when a mysterious out-of-towner burst into his camp store in a frenzied panic. Something—or someone—deadly is out there. 

The killer’s hunger for blood seems to be growing at a brutal pace. Can Brynlee and Boone figure out who’s behind these murders? Or will the hurts and secrets from their past not allow for even a margin of error?

My Review:

published in 2019

This is me, slowly (like at a snail’s pace) catching up with Christy Barritt’s backlist. I read the first book in the Fog Lake Mysteries series about four years ago and I’ve never forgotten it. Loved the eerie vibe in that book and the way the author set things up for future books. So, why has it been on my TBR wishlist for so long? I have no idea! But here I am years later finally getting back to Fog Lake and in some ways it felt like I never left.

And I was really excited for Boone’s story. He’s the kind of tortured soul hero that makes my heart ache and my pulse spike. Taciturn and grumpy, he’s hoarding a world of hurt but he can’t dodge the knight in shining armour gene. Cue Brynlee’s frantic entry into his camp store with a tall tale that sounds preposterous but she’s clearly terrified…and, phew, we’re off on an incredible twisty turny ride.

Creepy stalker vibe all the way! Love the unusual twist to the suspense –made it all the more edgier. And Barritt kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was going on and who the murderer was.

And Brynlee and Boone! Swoony sigh. Loved the romance for all it’s angstiness and Brynlee’s secret threatens to pull them apart. So many dimensions to their relationship that made their hard won happily ever after so satisfying.

I listened to the audible edition of this book expertly narrated by Sandy Rustin. She brought these characters to life and delivered a thrilling listening experience.

He’s her best friend. She’s the woman of his dreams.

Firefighter Colby Morris needs answers. After discovering a dead body, he then learns his best friend’s address was in the man’s pocket. He’ll do anything to keep Emmy safe—yet he wants to keep his heart safe also. That’s why he’s never told Emmy he’s in love with her.

Emmy Sutherland is trying to make amends after she hits a man with her truck while driving in a torrential downpour. When the island’s clinic floods, she has no choice but to let the stranger stay at her inn. But recent events on Cape Corral have her feeling apprehensive. 

Events continue to escalate, leaving Colby and Emmy scrambling to find answers. But as more secrets are uncovered, more danger arises. Can Colby and Emmy discover the truth? Or will their feelings get in the way—endangering not only their lives but their lifelong friendship?

My Review:

published in 2020

Playing catch up with this series and am enjoying reading the books fairly close together…I can almost see how some readers wait until they have an entire series before diving in. Not that I’ll ever have the patience or fortitude to do that when I read new releases. I gobble them right up and happily/unhappily wait for the next book, even if it’s a year on the horizon. But it’s kinda fun to binge read a catch-up series. 🙂

So, Saltwater Cowboys — they aren’t full time cowboys. The heroes all hold different law enforcement / emergency worker type full-time jobs. But they all cowboy up to take care of the wild horses on their island. There’s an angst inducing background plot that is threatening the horses’ habitat which, hopefully, will reach a satisfactory conclusion by the sixth book. It’s driving my anxiety levels up in the meantime because I’m a softie when it comes to animals and the environment.

Having said all that, you could easily read these books out of order. This is #4 and it was fun getting a glimpse into previous heroes/heroines futures. And, of course, to swoon and angst over Colby and Emmy. Best friends since grade school — yay, I so enjoy a friends to more trope! Colby clued in years ago that he was in love with Emmy but he’s been afraid to destroy their wonderful friendship so has stayed quiet. So we have a tortured lovelorn hero and a clueless heroine (in the beginning.)

Love the way Barritt develops their romance — the insecurities and fears of letting go of something sure for the uncertainty that comes with a chance at love. And, be still my heart, Colby!!! My heart hurt for him, but then there came a point when I just wanted to shake some sense into him before he did something drastic and…let’s just say it’s a rocky road to this happily ever after.

And the mystery…I was so flummoxed. The whole read I was: What. Is. Happening?! And why is Emmy involved? She’s lived her whole life on the island? This doesn’t make sense! But there are clues…very cleverly laid out for an astute reader to notice. Ha, more so in hindsight for some of them. But, I did have my suspicions about…well…something…and I was proved right so I feel somewhat vindicated. Like maybe I don’t have to turn my armchair sleuthing badge in quite yet.

I listened to the audio edition of Seagrass Secrets (and my, are there a lot of secrets!) and enjoyed Stacey Glemboski’s interpretation of these characters very much. Excited to dive into the next one very soon.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

ebook available to anyone, anywhere who has a .com (US) Kindle account

US — paperback or ebook — winner’s choice

Canada — paperback or ebook (via a gift card to Canadian Amazon) or audible (.ca)

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Seagrass Secrets, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it’s easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday September 9, 2023