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The Security Experts #1
Key Witness
When Elle Philips witnesses an armed robbery while standing in line at the bank, she sets into motion a deadly game of cat and mouse. Mark Denton, a security contractor and former navy SEAL, also witnesses the robbery, and is hired by Elle's father to keep his daughter safe following the incident. And while Denton's desire to protect Elle goes beyond professional bounds, he cannot let personal desires cloud his judgment—judgment he'll have to rely on when the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
239 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,664 followersChristy 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.
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
October 26, 2016
4.5 stars
Just shy of five stars because I did find it possible to put it down and read something else last night, but it kept me guessing and I loved not being able to figure it out until right at the end. There were several viable suspects, but I had it narrowed down to two and it was the third possibility that did the deeds. Excellent job on keeping me guessing!
I liked Elle and Denton as characters. They are solid people and their motivations are natural to their characters. I'll definitely be reading book three soon.
Just shy of five stars because I did find it possible to put it down and read something else last night, but it kept me guessing and I loved not being able to figure it out until right at the end. There were several viable suspects, but I had it narrowed down to two and it was the third possibility that did the deeds. Excellent job on keeping me guessing!
I liked Elle and Denton as characters. They are solid people and their motivations are natural to their characters. I'll definitely be reading book three soon.
July 15, 2024
Too much repetition of dialogue.
February 1, 2013
When I received this book, I was excited to start it and, once I had, it was extremely difficult to put down!
Following footsteps of Elle Philips, a politicians daughter and campaign manager, we she her first real interaction with Mark Denton in the worst-case scenario possible, a bank robbery. When Denton is hired to protect Elle, the two are thrown into one dire circumstance after another. This time together with Denton is exactly what Elle is not looking for - close proximity with a handsome man.
Get ready for an action packed, adrenaline laced ride with Elle and Denton! No only will you be kept guessing until the end, you will also find yourself drawn to the complex characters Christy has created in Elle and Denton. They come alive and their story will compel you just as the robbers plot will keep you guessing to the very end.
It's not very often that you can find a book that keeps surprising you, but Key Witness is that book! You won't be able to put this down and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense laced with sweet romance.
***
This review was originally published on my blog at: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/03...
Following footsteps of Elle Philips, a politicians daughter and campaign manager, we she her first real interaction with Mark Denton in the worst-case scenario possible, a bank robbery. When Denton is hired to protect Elle, the two are thrown into one dire circumstance after another. This time together with Denton is exactly what Elle is not looking for - close proximity with a handsome man.
Get ready for an action packed, adrenaline laced ride with Elle and Denton! No only will you be kept guessing until the end, you will also find yourself drawn to the complex characters Christy has created in Elle and Denton. They come alive and their story will compel you just as the robbers plot will keep you guessing to the very end.
It's not very often that you can find a book that keeps surprising you, but Key Witness is that book! You won't be able to put this down and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense laced with sweet romance.
***
This review was originally published on my blog at: http://eahendryx.blogspot.com/2013/03...
October 24, 2015
I enjoyed this book as it kept me guessing the whole time on who was behind that attacks and usually I am able to figure it out about half way though. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
April 22, 2025
I listen to an audio version and the story was ok,but the reader was horrible! Made it difficult to listen to and ruined much of the story. I liked the two main characters, but the problem with most romance stories, they pretty much the same. The suspense story was better.
April 22, 2022
Great start to a series
And now I NEED to go buy and start book 2, which I think is about the best review someone can give.
And now I NEED to go buy and start book 2, which I think is about the best review someone can give.
February 19, 2013
Title: KEY WITNESS
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
February 2013
ISBN: 978-0373445271
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense
Elle Philips is at the bank when two armed men burst in. A teller is killed and the customers all robbed—in addition to the bank. Elle grabs one of the men’s cell phones when he drops it and calls 9-1-1, sending the police out. But the robbers escape, but not before threatening Elle with a slow painful death. She doesn’t take them too seriously. They don’t know who she is…but then her picture appears in the paper—front page—for her senator father’s new campaign.
When Elle gets texts and notes continuing to threaten her, her father hires Mark Denton to be a body guard. Mark is a former Navy SEAL, and one of the best. But that doesn’t even seem to thwart the ones threatening Elle. They show up with pictures of her taken that morning at breakfast—and when she flees to her family’s home, she is followed—and then discovers the gate keeper has been killed.
When the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge, , Mark will have to trust his judgment and his faith to keep Elle safe.
KEY WITNESS is one of the best Love Inspired Suspense books I’ve read in ages. It is Christy’s best romantic suspense book. I really enjoyed it. Elle and Mark are both real characters, thrust into contact with a seemingly random act of the depravity of mankind, but one that quickly turned into the ultimate game of cat and mouse.
If you like romantic suspense, you’ll want to read this one. Discussion questions are included in the back of the book. Don’t miss KEY WITNESS. Highly recommended. $5.75. 224 pages.
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
February 2013
ISBN: 978-0373445271
Genre: Contemporary romantic suspense
Elle Philips is at the bank when two armed men burst in. A teller is killed and the customers all robbed—in addition to the bank. Elle grabs one of the men’s cell phones when he drops it and calls 9-1-1, sending the police out. But the robbers escape, but not before threatening Elle with a slow painful death. She doesn’t take them too seriously. They don’t know who she is…but then her picture appears in the paper—front page—for her senator father’s new campaign.
When Elle gets texts and notes continuing to threaten her, her father hires Mark Denton to be a body guard. Mark is a former Navy SEAL, and one of the best. But that doesn’t even seem to thwart the ones threatening Elle. They show up with pictures of her taken that morning at breakfast—and when she flees to her family’s home, she is followed—and then discovers the gate keeper has been killed.
When the robbers' true motives are revealed…and Elle becomes a target in the ultimate plot of revenge, , Mark will have to trust his judgment and his faith to keep Elle safe.
KEY WITNESS is one of the best Love Inspired Suspense books I’ve read in ages. It is Christy’s best romantic suspense book. I really enjoyed it. Elle and Mark are both real characters, thrust into contact with a seemingly random act of the depravity of mankind, but one that quickly turned into the ultimate game of cat and mouse.
If you like romantic suspense, you’ll want to read this one. Discussion questions are included in the back of the book. Don’t miss KEY WITNESS. Highly recommended. $5.75. 224 pages.
January 24, 2013
I completely enjoyed this book. Elle is in danger. After witnessing a robbery and being key in its end, she needs protection. Mark Denton is at the robbery as well and didn't realize who Elle was, just that she was gorgeous and fun to flirt with. Now, knowing he did security for her father, the senator, and realizing she is in danger, he knows he can take care of her. As the robber's real motives come to light, keeping Elle safe may be harder than Denton had ever thought possible.
I loved the characters in this book. Elle is so strong and has a face she presents to the world that isn't really her but she is trying to be who people want her to be. I understood and sympathized with her. Denton has heartbreak in his past (as does Elle) and isn't ready to move past it, at least that is what he thinks. The supporting characters were all well written and had enough details to make them believable, I especially liked the grandmother stories. The storyline was great, plenty of suspense and twists and emotions were all over the board from happy to terrified to heartbroken.
I rate this a 5/5. It is a good, clean suspense read with just enough romance!
I loved the characters in this book. Elle is so strong and has a face she presents to the world that isn't really her but she is trying to be who people want her to be. I understood and sympathized with her. Denton has heartbreak in his past (as does Elle) and isn't ready to move past it, at least that is what he thinks. The supporting characters were all well written and had enough details to make them believable, I especially liked the grandmother stories. The storyline was great, plenty of suspense and twists and emotions were all over the board from happy to terrified to heartbroken.
I rate this a 5/5. It is a good, clean suspense read with just enough romance!
July 17, 2013
A must read! I had a hard time putting this book down! I loved Elle and Denton, he seemed to have presence about him that I liked. Elle had a witty personality but let her emotions get the better of her. Elle Phillip's, a prominent senator's daughter, thinks that the bank robbers she witnessed are after her because she thwarted their plans but when, what she thinks are random and senseless crimes, happen against friends and family start. Protection specialist Mark Denton is called in to be her bodyguard! Will they be able catch the attackers as things escalate or will it be to late?
August 21, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
2/17/2013-
"This was my first Love Inspired Suspense book and I really enjoyed it! It would be a fun movie as it was clean, witty, well-written, and no cursing. :)"
2/17/2013-
"This was my first Love Inspired Suspense book and I really enjoyed it! It would be a fun movie as it was clean, witty, well-written, and no cursing. :)"
December 9, 2019
Ell is the daughter of a politician who is rerunning for office. When she is caught up in an armed robbery she truly meets Mark Denton, a former navy SEAL and CIA agent turned private security contractor. They had met a few times before in the bank, waiting in line, but now they are clumped together. Elle's father hires Denton to keep his daughter safe until the bank robbers are caught. They have apparently targeted her after she performs a risky move and manages to call 911. But the lengths these criminals are going is a bit extreme for merely wanting to silence a witness...
Well that was alright, if you don't mind two strangers falling in love in less than two weeks in a high stress situation... At least the author gave them a 6 month whirlwind romance to solidify the relationship before she had Mark propose.
Well that was alright, if you don't mind two strangers falling in love in less than two weeks in a high stress situation... At least the author gave them a 6 month whirlwind romance to solidify the relationship before she had Mark propose.
September 16, 2020
Great suspense throughout. It was heartbreaking to have all the people around Elle get killed and the FBI couldn't find who was doing it. Brianna's death was especially hard because she was her best friend and like a sister. Her sister had been kidnapped and murdered before. So much emotional turmoil for Elle. How Denton was able to break down her defenses and get Elle to go with her heart was so romantic. Elle's grandmother's words to her were so profound - about going after what you love and the scripture that said something like God would always be with you. That gave Elle the courage to open her non-profit and agree to marry Denton. The killers were definitely psychos.
April 4, 2020
I liked the main characters. Elle was smart, she wasnt the normal fight your bodyguard and do what she wants type of heroine. She was smart, brave and concerned. I was surprised at the number of deaths in the book and the end was a little out of nowhere. It felt like the bad guys where intentionally kept from the rest of the book which I dont always love. I really like Denton as well. Capable and smart. Good, easy read
July 15, 2021
Bank Robbery Gone Wrong
A gripping mystery with more twists and turns which make no sense. In the midst of evil, Elle remembers her special Bible verse when God promised Joshua that He would be with him even as he had been with Moses. Elle knew God was also with her all the time too. Elie's Dad, a U.S. Senator, hired Mark Denton to protect her. That's another major part of this exciting story.
A gripping mystery with more twists and turns which make no sense. In the midst of evil, Elle remembers her special Bible verse when God promised Joshua that He would be with him even as he had been with Moses. Elle knew God was also with her all the time too. Elie's Dad, a U.S. Senator, hired Mark Denton to protect her. That's another major part of this exciting story.
May 3, 2022
Just Try to Put It Down
This is one good page-turner from Christy Barritt! Miss Barritt’s characters are so well written they seem to be living, and her scenes jump off the page with realism. Pick up Key Witness and enter a face-paced world of politics, murder, kidnapping, mind games, and intrigue. Watch as Elle comes to grips with her deepest fears and learns how much more she is than they. Oh, and enjoy a budding romance along the way.
This is one good page-turner from Christy Barritt! Miss Barritt’s characters are so well written they seem to be living, and her scenes jump off the page with realism. Pick up Key Witness and enter a face-paced world of politics, murder, kidnapping, mind games, and intrigue. Watch as Elle comes to grips with her deepest fears and learns how much more she is than they. Oh, and enjoy a budding romance along the way.
July 22, 2023
Key Witness
A really good suspense book. When Elle Phillips stopped by the bank she didn’t know she would be a witness to a bank robbery and murder. Her father is a Senator in the midst of a campaign. Her father enlists the help of Mark Denton, a security specialist that was also at the bank, to protect his daughter. More seemingly random violent attacks are targeting Elle. Will Denton and the police be able to find those responsible before more people are hurt?
A really good suspense book. When Elle Phillips stopped by the bank she didn’t know she would be a witness to a bank robbery and murder. Her father is a Senator in the midst of a campaign. Her father enlists the help of Mark Denton, a security specialist that was also at the bank, to protect his daughter. More seemingly random violent attacks are targeting Elle. Will Denton and the police be able to find those responsible before more people are hurt?
February 8, 2019
Not bad. The religious aspects were mostly realistic, and the author prevented it from becoming preachy. I thought the declaration was very poorly times; I didn't buy it. Although I understand the choice for the proposal, I disagree with it. In addition, the perpetrators were so very clever throughout, but so easily defeated at the end; and one important aspect of that defeat was never explained. The end kind of ruined it for me.
June 2, 2019
While in line at the bank . ...
What a pulse pounding, suspenseful, romantic story! Filled with characters that come to life, flaws and all, and evil behind the scenes determined to get vengeance. Follow the clues and chaos with Denton but be prepared to read nonstop to the conclusion!
What a pulse pounding, suspenseful, romantic story! Filled with characters that come to life, flaws and all, and evil behind the scenes determined to get vengeance. Follow the clues and chaos with Denton but be prepared to read nonstop to the conclusion!
July 11, 2019
I borrowed this book from our local library and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed the suspense of Christy’s story, and the characters. She did a good job of keeping my interest throughout the book. I would definitely recommend reading her books. I enjoyed the way Christy’s main character Ellie keeps her head in tough situations, and leaves clues for law enforcement to follow.
May 11, 2024
Ended with a twist I didn’t expect. Elle was brave and thoughtful as she helped her security detail try to figure out who was targeting her and why.
Was it a simple bank robbery with her as a witness? Or was it something more.
Intriguing story. And a nice little bit of romantic relationship stuff added in. The leading ladies always fall for their man!
Was it a simple bank robbery with her as a witness? Or was it something more.
Intriguing story. And a nice little bit of romantic relationship stuff added in. The leading ladies always fall for their man!
August 30, 2018
The pacing of this novel was spot on. The fact that Elle and Denton knew each other casually before he became her bodyguard made their attraction feel natural. I liked that the initial bank robbery was only part of a bigger plan and that Elle was the one to finally put the pieces together.
July 30, 2020
Wonderful plots, through in a little suspense and you have a good book!
Elle finds herself in a lot of trouble question is why? Does some one have it in for her and her family?Denton is the one to keep them safe!!
Elle finds herself in a lot of trouble question is why? Does some one have it in for her and her family?Denton is the one to keep them safe!!
October 6, 2020
Christy Barrett is a go-to author for me. Her novels are light, easy reads, and keep me interested. Key Witness is no exception. A romantic suspense, this read will keep you turning pages long into the night. Looking forward to more.
December 20, 2020
Well done
With drama, well developed characters and a well written plot, this book grabbed my attention from the first page. I was sad to see this one end! I highly recommend this book.
With drama, well developed characters and a well written plot, this book grabbed my attention from the first page. I was sad to see this one end! I highly recommend this book.
February 3, 2021
This was a suspenseful story, and I enjoyed reading it. While I did guess the bad guy before the end, it wasn't obvious, and I did have to work for it. This wasn't my favorite Christy Barritt book, but it was very good.
This book was well-written and edited (only found a couple of minor things... see my highlights if you're curious).
This book was well-written and edited (only found a couple of minor things... see my highlights if you're curious).
October 23, 2022
Amazing
Such a wonderful love story, such an amazing mystery. Christy did an incredible job writing these characters. This book was nearly impossible to put down during my alloted reading time. A truly wonderful author. Thanks Christy, God bless you.
Such a wonderful love story, such an amazing mystery. Christy did an incredible job writing these characters. This book was nearly impossible to put down during my alloted reading time. A truly wonderful author. Thanks Christy, God bless you.
February 17, 2023
Lots of good twists and turns in this book! I was about halfway through when I realized that I had read this before, but it had been several years, so while I recognized parts of what happened, I didn't remember who the culprits were, so it was still a surprise at the end.
July 28, 2024
Underestimated Evil
This is another mystery with suspense, surprises, brave characters and unexpected action that will keep you interested. This is a good series of books for your own family.
This is another mystery with suspense, surprises, brave characters and unexpected action that will keep you interested. This is a good series of books for your own family.
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November 30, 20243 stars from me. Maybe I am just not that familiar with the love inspired brand but even though this was a suspense book I felt like there was a lot more death then I would have expected from a brand with this name.
February 2, 2025
Ugh, someone is killing people, stalking, playing psychological games and all while the victim is living in a fortress mansion surrounding by FBI and private security firm and yet the perpetrator still manages to leave messages and get around everyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews