The mind is a dangerous place . . . especially when you can't trust your own.
Dr. Hadley Dawson's revolutionary theory—that even the darkest minds can be healed—has made her a rising star in criminal psychology. But when a string of unexplained deaths leads back to a former patient, her life’s work suddenly stands in question.
When the poster boy for her rehabilitation program is accused of murder, Hadley's conviction begins to crack. Has she been blind to the darkness lurking within those she sought to save?
Detective Josiah Brennan, her late best friend's husband and once her staunchest ally, now questions Hadley's judgment. Their friendship frays as the evidence mounts, forcing Hadley to confront an unsettling her quest to reform criminals may have unleashed a killer.
With her reputation in tatters and her theories in doubt, Hadley races to uncover the truth. But each revelation only deepens the mystery. Is someone orchestrating an elaborate plot to destroy her career? Or is the threat more sinister—aimed at claiming her very life?
In a heart-pounding race against time, Hadley must outwit a cunning adversary before she becomes the next victim. But in a world where minds can be manipulated, who can she really trust?
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.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and it was a chore to read it. As I was reading I decided this must have been her first attempt at writing. I was shocked to find out she has written scores of novels and USA Today calls her a best seller. Regardless, I won't bother reading another of her books. Her main character in this book is an idiot, naive, and just plain stupid and personally I feel the book is very poorly written. However I have only read approximately 2500 books over the past five years so what do I know.? I give her a point for her lack of profanity and sex, unlike most authors today.
I love Christy Barritt books and this one did not disappoint! Her books just keep getting better and better. This one has several twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end. In fact I had crossed the killer off my list of suspects early on and was blaming someone else. Excellent read and I can't wait for Christy's next book!
When I say it’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that’s gripped me this much…!
I read it as quickly as I (wisely ;)) could, and when I got to the climax, found myself putting it down just so I could enjoy it a bit longer. It has been a while since I’ve done that, I forgot it was even how I subconsciously enjoy a book.
This was a puzzle for sure! I suspected literally everyone! The best I did was rule several people out. I was not on the right track by the end, which I enjoy.
It does involve a terribly twisted psychopath, so if you’re sensitive to that, you probably wouldn’t enjoy it.
Now, I just might find more Christy Barritt to read again!
This standalone novel by Christy Barritt delves into mysteries of the criminal mind. I admit to being surprised when the perp was revealed. This doesn't happen often! There was one loose thread that bugs me, though. Alyn stalks Dr. Dawson and locks her in the basement bathroom. Then he "casually" strolls into the Cafe where Josiah is trying to comfort her, gets angry and storms off. He then disappears completely from the book, never to be heard from again. Was Alyn a fluke that didn't get edited out? Christy doesn't usually leave stones unturned.
I usually love reading Christy Barritt's novels but this one left me lacking. I don't know if it was the first person perspective or the need for better editing, but it felt more like she'd rushed to meet a deadline rather than taking her time writing to her usual standards.
The story line itself was good and kept me reading even though I pretty much had it figured out fairly early on. Hopefully, future works will step back up to the quality writing of which I know she's capable.
"He paused inside the house and sucked in a deep breath. . . . . the scents around him filled his nostrils. . . . . . his favorite image filled his mind. Hadley Dawson."
Dr. Hadley Dawson firmly believes in the "power of transformation -for all . . . not just a select few". Her work as a career psychologist centered around those whose misdeeds had landed them in prison and her success stories were enough to warrant an upcoming book tour. Joining Hadley on those public appearances was a former patient Benjamin Lewis, a man who had spent years in jail for a crime he admitted to committing; now considered a stellar citizen . . . . . until . . . . . he becomes a murder suspect, yet again.
Hadley's very best friend was her best friend's husband . . . . now before you raise your eyebrows too high, Hadley was divorced and Josiah was a widower. The two had formed a tight friendship centered around a mutual grief following Jules' death. Josiah was also a local detective, and after questioning Benjamin, his skepticism and Hadley's loyalty had the potential to cause . . . . for the first time ever . . . a rift between them.
There's absolutely nothing ordinary about this story. Hadley's life is literally turned upside down over and over again as the body count mounts and no one person appears to connect all the dots. As she and Josiah begin to fight an unseen adversary alongside their unspoken feelings for each other, the killer or killers escalate their attempts to run Hadley's reputation and destroy anyone who gets too close.
A stellar combination of mystery and suspense with shades of psychological warfare battling the deepest intentions of the heart.
In The Killer's Therapist, Christy Barritt masterfully navigates the complexities of trust, rehabilitation, and danger. Dr. Hadley Dawson, a rising star in criminal psychology, finds herself at the center of a terrifying mystery when her once-successful rehabilitation program comes under scrutiny after a series of mysterious deaths—all connected to her former patients. The tension intensifies as Hadley’s work, her beliefs, and even her personal safety come under fire.
Hadley's relationship with Detective Josiah Brennan adds another layer of emotion to the story. With Josiah being her late best friend’s husband, their bond is both complicated and heartfelt, pulling you in as they navigate grief, loyalty, and growing affection. Barritt does a great job capturing their chemistry, making their interactions authentic and emotionally charged.
One of the highlights of this book is the misdirection that Barritt weaves throughout the plot. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, the truth blindsided me in the best way. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and the final reveal was a fantastic surprise.
Overall, The Killer's Therapist is a thrilling standalone novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. It's an intense, creative, and engaging ride that I highly recommend to anyone who loves a suspenseful, emotionally-driven thriller.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to provide a review.
Unputdownable. Thrilling. Hair-raising. And exhilarating—describes Christy Barritt's latest suspense, The Killer's Therapist! I've read a lot of Barritt's books, but I think this may be her best ever.
Someone is stalking therapist, Dr. Hadley Dawson, and for some reason those around her are dropping like flies. Will she be next on the killer's list? Detective Josiah Brennan, her late friend's husband, becomes her ally, as together they try to take down the evil that has suddenly pervaded Hadley's life.
I especially enjoyed the rapport between Hadley and Josiah . . . best friends who have leaned on one another through the dark times—Hadley's divorce from her unfaithful husband and the grievous death of Josiah's wife.
And the suspense! Whoa! I was on tenterhooks the entire time, pondering what was going to happen next. Never a dull moment! Proud of my ability to guess whodunit, I figured out who it was about halfway through the book. Until the author pulled a huge twisteroo on me and it wasn't who I thought it was at all! I think I need to retire from my position as armchair sleuth 🕵—at least when reading a Christy Barritt suspense. 😕
He waited until my gaze met his, then he asked, "Are you okay?" I was a therapist. I should know how to answer this question. Yet I still felt speechless. "No, I'm not okay." I rubbed my neck, already feeling the threaded muscles there. Finding a dead body in her bedroom was not how Hadley expected to end her day. Why someone would kill this person made no sense. But when random crimes start happening, Hadley knows she has to get to the bottom of it. Thankfully her friend, Josiah, is ready to help. When his wife, her best friend died, the two of them continued to support each other. She trusted him fully. The other people in her life? Well, she is no longer so sure. What about the criminals she helped rehabilitate? Do they really deserve a second chance? No one seems above board anymore. This is a fantastic stand-alone suspense with a bit of romance. I had suspicions about the villain, but the clues were not easy to follow. My guesses were often off base. A thrilling read!
Dr. Hadley believes in second chances and that everyone can change but her theory doesn't necessarily get a lot of support. When her star client writes a book and she is ready to go on a book tour with him, touting the complete turn-around in his life, he all of a sudden is right back in the middle of a murder investigation. This makes Hadley question everything. Did he really murder again or is someone setting him up? Is he just playing her? Will she lose everything if he is arrested and found guilty? is someone stalking her or is she imagining it? And add to all that, is she falling for her best friend's (now widowed) husband? This romantic suspense novel had everything I enjoy in a good book -- mystery, twists and turns, red herrings, a little romance, and and kept me guessing until the end! I loved it!
I received a free copy of this book but all the opinions are my own.
I really like Christy Barritt's writing style and stories. This one was a great read that I couldn't put down. The twists and turns kept me intrigued. The main character was interesting, if not at times frustrating. I have read all of Christy's books and love the series. I especially got hooked on her writing through the Lantern Beach series. I just finished her Alaska series, probably my favorite. One of her greatest talents is how she makes her characters real and the murder/crimes they investigate are absolutely mind boggling! Thank you, Christy!
This was another fantastic standalone thriller from Christy Barritt. I was pulled in right from the start and had a hard time putting it down to tend to real-life things.
It was chilling getting a peek into the villain’s mind. A few of the chapters were from their POV, and they creeped me out!
The mystery was really good and kept me guessing. I thought I was really clever and had figured it out, but, boy, was I wrong! There were a couple of times that I suspected the guilty party, but I immediately dismissed them. I love being surprised like that.
This was a very compelling story that I recommend to anyone looking for a thrilling mystery.
I thought this book was really good! There were suspenseful moments, romance, and it kept me guessing until the last pages! Anytime there is a stalking type situation it’s creepy and this was no exception! I truly was guessing on the killer until it was revealed! There were several chilling moments with a serial killer as Harley’s job as a psychologist took her inside a prison for sessions. She also had a really intense and traumatizing backstory that came into play later in the book! I thought this book was a great suspense read and really have enjoyed the standalone books like this from this author.
Wow! I have been waiting for this book to be available from kindle unlimited. It didn’t disappoint me at all. What an incredible suspense filled book. I kept thinking I knew who the culprit was but I was wrong. The characters were so well developed that I felt like I knew them. I love every one of Christy Barritt‘a books and this one is no different. I love how the characters relationship with Jesus is always brought out in her books. Thank you for writing such great stories with Christian characters.
Warning! This story may make your skin crawl. Many of us have been through some sort of childhood trauma and have dealt with it in one way or another. A great way to deal with it is to turn it into good for others, which is exactly what Hadley did. Then why are the people around Hadley being targeted? Who will be next? Will she ever be safe? Will her best friend’s widower and his police coworkers be able to figure it out in time? So many questions. I’d suggest you get the book and find the answers!
This standalone thriller novel drew me straight in from the first page. Barritt skillfully added enough twists and turns that I never suspected who the villain was until the villain's identity is revealed. I enjoyed the chemistry between Hadley and Josiah, Hadley's late best friend's husband, as they navigate their feelings, along with the complexities and tensions, of pursuing a relationship with each other. This is another well-crafted thriller that will have you hooked, especially if you enjoy getting the villain's point of view.
I loved the characters. The development was great. I sincerely didn’t know who it was till the reveal. I love Kristy Barrett heroine’s. They are strong, but always still feminine. My only critique is that sometimes the pacing of conversation and some of the segue ways was a little bit fast and not always as natural as I think it could be. Otherwise I really enjoyed the book. I think this will be you one of my new favorites. I’ll probably read again in the future. Thank you for another great book!
I’d not read any of Barritt’s other books so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started this book.
The story was fast paced but easy to follow. There were a few aspects of the story that didn’t ring “believable” but for the most part I was intrigued and eager to find out what would happen next I. The story.
The biggest pause I have is the mentor/mentee storyline. Did I miss the introduction of this relationship? It seemed as if I was supposed to know there was a bonfire scheduled. Maybe I skipped a page but I was left confused.
Overall a good book and I will read her other books
If you enjoy action-filled suspense that will keep you guessing, jump into this intriguing mystery novel. I never figured out who was behind all the crimes, but the fast-paced plot kept me tuned in and trying to solve this with the compelling main characters—a therapist who works to reform criminals and the police detective whose late wife was her best friend. The twists and surprises ramp up the tension. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Barritt doesn't write a lot of stand alone novels, so that alone intrigued me about the book, but then the description made it sound awesome....and it was awesome. A lot of suspense, a lot of suspects. This was one of those books where I suspected pretty much everyone but the person who turned out to be the killer. I was totally surprised. Loved the main two characters and their relationship. That went where I was hoping. Definitely recommend this one.
When you pick up a Christy Barritt book you know you’re going to be in for a thrill ride of suspense! I had a hard time putting this book down. And suspense? Oh my! One thing after another happens and you keep guessing and trying to figure it out and you just can’t, you can’t. I loved the characters and the plot.
I highly recommend this book. It’s clean Christian fiction and you don’t have to worry about bad language or sex. But it has tons of suspense! It’s a strong 4.5 star book.
This is a combination of plot and character development in the novel. I really enjoyed this thriller, I personally like the mention of praying and God. I would say this is Christian thriller. While reading this book I was constantly trying to figure out who was behind it all and to say I was not expecting the character who was in fact behind all the killing is an understatement. I was thrown off by the killer. However, it did make sense at the end. Nonetheless, this was a great 👍 read!
Another fantastic novel by Barritt, possibly one of her best. This book kept me hooked from page one to the last. Normally, I feel as though I have a good handle on the culprit, but this book kept me guessing. For most of the book, I had a hard time even coming up with a plausible suspect. If you are looking for a cozy romance mixed with a fast-paced thriller, this book is for you!
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Dr Hadley Dawson has written a book about her redemption theory for criminals, but before it is released, her main subject is arrested for a murder he didn’t commit, and others close to her are either killed or hurt. Her friend, police detective, Josiah Brennan is trying to protect her while they try to figure out who is behind the crimes. An exciting and engaging book about relationships, regret and mercy.
Oh my goodness! This one is by far Ms Barritt's best work!
This story has so many twist and turns, I'd think it had to be Benjamin, then Alyn, Ed, the list just kept growing. But the true killer never entered my mind. I love the romance of Hadley and Josiah. The tenderness and sweet love growing between them. Was it enough to sustain them? A great read!