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Lantern Beach has seen its fair share of trouble. But the danger isn’t over yet . . .

As security agent Jonah Gray zeroes in on his current mission, he finds scientist Rachel Atwood in his crosshairs. Right before his foster brother died, he handed Jonah a slip of paper with the woman’s name on it and muttered the word “killed.” But the more Jonah gets to know Rachel, the more he’s uncertain if she’s a killer or a target.

Rachel Atwood hopes to leave trouble behind when she takes a new research position at a cosmetics company located on Lantern Beach. But things aren’t as idyllic on the coastal island as she’d assumed. Something fishy is going on at the waterfront lab, and Rachel is unsure who to trust.

When lies are exposed, Jonah and Rachel's newfound trust is shattered. Can they pick up the fractured pieces of truth in time? Or will a killer’s devious plan destroy them both?

A suspenseful mystery full of romance, forced proximity, hidden identities, secrets, and danger around every turn.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2023

597 people are currently reading
233 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,667 followers
Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

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5 stars
1,041 (65%)
4 stars
394 (24%)
3 stars
112 (7%)
2 stars
24 (1%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Donita.
Author 22 books1,071 followers
July 17, 2023
Good book. Balanced thriller and character development.

I gave this a higher rating than I usually do. I was impressed with a romance beneath the focused plot development. The male character lived up to a capable but troubled hero. The gal was beautiful of course but not accomplished in social situations. Nice and believable twist.
61 reviews
April 7, 2023
I'm a huge fan of Christy Barritt and I love her Lantern Beach books...but I was very disappointed with this book. To me it was too shallow but I remember in the Vanishing Ranch series I was also disappointed with the first book but then as the series progressed they got better and better.....so I'm hoping for the same of this series
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews45 followers
August 25, 2025
I truly enjoy reading books written by Christy Barritt, and I’m delighted to share my thoughts on all her books. She has been a favorite author of mine for a long time. All her books are filled with action, suspense, and a touch of romance.
I also love her whole series on the small island of Lantern Beach. It’s incredible all the many things that happen there. Police Chief Cassidy Chambers has her hands full all the time.
In this story, we get to meet more individuals who connect with the Blackout group, and we’re introduced to a new business that seems a bit shady.
With the help of Ty and all the members of Blackout Security group, Cassidy tries to solve another crazy threat to the island. Can they keep people safe?
Let me tell you, this book had so much in it! Oh Wow! I really don’t know how Cassidy was able to hold it together!
These characters seem so real, you feel EVERYTHING these characters think, and they jump off the pages. Their issues are often similar to mine (except for the aspect of running from danger!), and they deal with some of the same things I do. I love how the author weaves in a firm hope in God’s protective hand and the realization that without God, life can be much more difficult. Of course, I’m not sure how Cassidy’s life could get more difficult!
Christy Barritt is truly a gifted author, as her books are always filled with fascinating adventures that make it hard to put them down. This book is so suspenseful that I had no idea which person was the true villain. My heart was pounding, and my mind was going fast, trying to figure out how it was all going to end. Oh, and what an ending! WOW!
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared not to put it down, even to eat or sleep! If you like twists and turns, “who-done-it” stories, then you need to buy this book!
I received this book from the author, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,176 reviews45 followers
May 23, 2023
We're back in Lantern Beach with the start of this new series! I always enjoy visiting the island and its residents, so I was excited to find out what was going on around town this time.

The mystery instantly grabbed my attention and kept me guessing. Vowing to find the person who killed his friend, Jonah's search takes him to Lantern Beach and scientist Rachel Atwood. With his friend's cryptic last words, and the fact that she was just promoted into his friend's old position at the cosmetic company Ocean Essence, make her his top suspect. But instead of being a potential suspect, could she be the next victim? Something fishy is happening at Ocean Essence, and I was racing through the pages to find out exactly what was going on!

I really liked both Rachel and Jonah. I admired Jonah's loyalty and determination to get to the bottom of his friend's murder. And I could relate to Rachel and her social anxiety. I loved the fact that her favorite Bible verse was mine too!

All in all, I really enjoyed this trip back to Lantern Beach. I loved seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones, too. I recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense and look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Elle Kay.
Author 34 books409 followers
August 12, 2023
In "Fractured Lies" by Christy Barritt, the characters offered a blend of appealing and frustrating qualities. The hero, Jonah, though portrayed as a good guy, managed to annoy me at times with his behavior. Similarly, the heroine had her moments that were less than stellar, particularly with the prolonged secrecy between the main characters. This element of secrecy extended beyond what seemed reasonable within the context of the story.

Despite these character quirks, the plot itself was engaging. Though I suspected the villain, the person remained elusive enough to create intrigue, thanks to a well-constructed array of alternative suspects. This mystery element provided a gripping aspect to the narrative that kept the pages turning.

In the end, Barritt's talent for storytelling shone through, ensuring that "Fractured Lies" was another enjoyable read in her enormous repertoire.
Profile Image for Holly.
708 reviews21 followers
April 26, 2023
We're back in Lantern Beach with new characters and new trouble.

This book started a little slow for me, but about a third of the way through, it picked up and I really started to enjoy it.

Both Jonah and Rachel have secrets that threatened to destroy their relationship before it can even get started. It was interesting to see how quickly Rachel trusted Jonah at the beginning of the story. But love can never come easy, can it?

The storyline and action picked up as the story progressed and once again the author kept me guessing on who was behind the crimes. Don't want to say too much about that and give it away.

Not my favorite, but ended up being a good story.

Disclaimer: I did receive the book from the author, but was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
March 31, 2023
I always love coming back to Lantern Beach and whether you are an "old friend" or brand new, you are going to be hooked into this story. The main characters, Jonah and Rachel, are drawn together by a series of events that seem centered around Rachel. The problem is, they are both hiding some secrets from each other and if they don't share them soon, someone else may end up dead! This book is filled with lots of clues but which path is the correct one to follow? If you like suspense and trying to figure out "who done it", this book (and any Lantern Beach story) is for you. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
1,430 reviews12 followers
April 4, 2023
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Security agent Jonah Gray watches his best friend die and suspects he was murdered. His prime suspect is Rachel Atwood, a research scientist who worked with his friend. He ends up staying at her father’s house on Lantern Beach and is there when she arrives to start her new job in the research lab on the island. When things begin to happen threatening her life, Jonah revises his idea of who may have killed his friend. A great read as usual for Christy Barritt. I enjoyed seeing other Lantern Beach characters again, and the suspense is always compelling.
404 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2023
A former military man finds love with a gal he vows to protect.

Loved being back in Lantern Beach with Ty and Cassidy. Jonah and Rachel story was exciting from start to finish. Jonah came to find out about his foster brother not to find love. Rachel needed a new start. Both of them had trust issues. But Jonah became Rachel hero and protector. Their love for each other started to grow. Hope they are mentioned in the next book as well. I want to see where their romance goes. Looking forward to the next story.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2023
This is a good story plus it's good to be back on Lantern Beach again. There is tension and sadness pretty much from start to finish, however. It could have been much shorter if the main thoughts hadn't been repeated so often. I also would have liked more of Ty without an apron on as Cassidy ran from case to case. My mind was screaming at Rachel not to pick this time to trust a man but she just kept going. Sigh. The atmosphere of a stormy night at the beach with danger closing in is classic and makes the book for me!
104 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2023
Suspenseful, clean romance read

Meet Jonah and Rachel - each of whom have secrets that eventually emerge once their circumstances cause them to collide with one another. Though this is supposed to be the first book in the series I felt as if there were things I was all ready supposed to know about certain characters (like the back story of the police chief - huh?) The book seemed to end abruptly - was the right bad guy actually caught? Will the main characters get together after all? Is this a ploy to get me to read the next book in the series?
195 reviews5 followers
August 1, 2023
Wow, this first book in a new series by Christy Barritt was a roller coaster of ups and downs, and not knowing what or who to believe! Jonah and Rachel do not trust each other completely, but finding themselves having to depend on each other often, as their lives are in danger. Both know the other is hiding something, maybe something big, but wants to believe its not something evil. Nothing is quite what it seems. Can they unravel the facts before someone else is hurt or killed? Great new series! I received a copy of this book for free, but the opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Helen.
904 reviews
September 1, 2023
Got this ebook free from Kindle unlimited and it was not worth the time, as most books from there are not. So I've cancelled my membership and will not be getting anymore. Anyway this one was about Rachel who goes back to her hometown on Lantern Beach Island for a new start after testifying about a murder she witnessed. She is a researcher for a cosmetic company, replacing a man who was murdered at the company. When she gets to the island she finds she has someone stalking her and trying to kill her and she doesn't know if it is from her past or from the new job at the cosmetics company.
Profile Image for Nancy E. Tibbetts.
10 reviews
September 4, 2023
A good read…

In the beginning of the story, when Jonah and Rachel heard a cry for help in the ocean, I found that extremely hard to believe, impossible really. They were inside during a howling wind hurricane with thunderous waves crashing outside. They didn’t hear an SUV vehicle outside the house, but they heard a voice in the ocean over all of that wind and waves and dunes that would have muffled any voices …impossible. I almost stopped reading the book, but I’m glad I continued, as it really was a good read with a lot of twists and turns.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
November 30, 2023

My thoughts: For an island with a low crime rate, Lantern Beach certainly has more than its fair share. Jonah follows a lead to the island but he's not sure if the name written on the slip of paper is a suspect or the next victim. I enjoyed reading FRACTURED LIES and especially their nightly scrabble games. This was a fun suspense and it kept me guessing who-dun-it. If you like romantic suspense you'll want to read this book. Even though it is part of the series it easily stands alone. Recommended.
Profile Image for C.S. Wachter.
Author 10 books105 followers
June 7, 2024
Fractured Lies is a Christian Romance/Suspense by Christy Barritt. Though a bit repetitive and predictable, this book, like most Christian Suspense Romances, flows like a good Hallmark movie. Light and fun.

The blend of suspense, action, and romance in this clean, Christian Contemporary Fiction book is well done with believable characters and a solid plot.

If you enjoy predictable but fun, like I do, I recommend Fractured Lies. It would make an entertaining beach read this summer.


Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
March 30, 2023
Lantern Beach is once again the center of action and danger as secret operative Jonah Gray arrives on the scene. What’s going on with the new cosmetic research lab there, and how is scientist Rachel Atwood involved? Is she a murderer or potential victim? The fast-paced novel and compelling intrigue push the reader to race through the pages to find out who is behind the threats and the crimes. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
2,233 reviews12 followers
April 26, 2023
Fractured Lies

Christy Barritt writes some great suspense novels and this one doesn’t disappoint. Jonah Gray is a security agent who needs to discover the killer of his foster brother. Rachel Atwood is the scientist whose name was on a slip of paper his brother held when he died. Rachel didn’t realize the danger she was in when she took a position at the new facility in Lantern Beach. Will Jonah be able to save Rachel from sure death?
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,153 reviews47 followers
April 29, 2023
I enjoy visiting Lantern Beach. This new series is wonderful. Security agent Jonah Gray heads to Lantern Beach after his foster brother is murdered because he believes that Rachel Atwood may be responsible for his friend's death. However, as Jonah gets to know Rachel, a scientist who starts working at the lab in Lantern Beach, and as attacks on Rachel happen, he may have to revisit his suspicions about her.
This was a great suspense read, and it kept me guessing who was behind everything.
62 reviews
March 31, 2023
Jonah

What a great book in a new series of (Lantern Beach Exposure) I would read the beginning of The Lantern Beach Series. That way you get to meet the people before reading this series. Christy has a list of her books on her website. You won't be disappointed in any of Christy's books.
Profile Image for Kim.
719 reviews14 followers
April 2, 2023
With more twists and turns than a road race, Fractured Lies keeps you busy and guessing until the end. Scientists, high-stakes beauty industry, corporate espionage and more invade Lantern Beach in this latest series.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
764 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2023
Jonah, Rachel and her dad Roman

Rachel was in a huge bind at her new job. She went to work at the place where her friend Ganon worked before he was killed. Come to find out Jonah was there for the same reason. And there are more twist and turns in this great mystery. Can’t wait to read the next on. Enjoy reading Fractured Lies.
222 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2023
Working for a Beauty Company is Dangerous

Rachel is a chemist working for a beauty company. Ganon is killed; Rachel is hired to take his place. Jonah, a friend of Ganon, wants to find his killer. Rachel gets shot at. Too many violent things are happening on Lantern Beach. What is going on. Author Barritt has written another spine tingling thriller.
Profile Image for Laura Salas.
Author 3 books16 followers
May 18, 2023
Fun Read

I love Christy Barritt’s books; they’re always fun to read. The Lantern Beach stories do not disappoint. From book 1, which was about Police Chief Cassidy, to the different offshoots of the original series, these tales will thrill you with action and twists. Even better, a perfect mix of romance is intertwined with the danger in each novel!
1,572 reviews7 followers
July 20, 2023
bad editing, interesting plot

The storyline was an interesting one, the characters engaging enough. An almost lighthearted read as the writing didn’t convince me of of the chases, the terror of having a family member kidnapped or being held at gunpoint. It was clean though. But I don’t think I’ll be recommending it.
65 reviews
July 23, 2023
Okay read

I love Christy Barritt’s books, but this one wasn’t as interesting as the many others I have read. I kept thinking I had read the story before. It mentions God and prayer, but wasn’t as faith based as some of her other books. I hate leaving a three star review, but it was lacking her usual depth, suspense, and originality.
42 reviews1 follower
July 26, 2023
Good Christian thriller

Great storyline with a number of twists and turns. Liked the fact that it showed that you're beginnings can be rough but you can soar above them with the help of a good mentor and God. Also loved seeing a smart female role model who could get herself out of trouble.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
92 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2023
Loved the suspense, couldn’t put it down. Great story, clean engaging romance, interesting characters. Then the ending felt abrupt and anti climactic. And some of the mystery wasn’t even solved. I thought maybe the story is continued in the next book in the series but after reading the synopses of the next two it sure doesn’t sound like it. Very disappointing.

Profile Image for Deanna Mosier.
494 reviews14 followers
March 22, 2024
very good, exciting!

I enjoyed this book. It was full of suspense and action; couldn’t stop reading it! Jonah is just protecting her and there’s trouble from many sides! Are they after him or her…maybe both! Light faith and getting acquainted friendship, they both want it to grow. Looking forward to reading the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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