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Pros and Cons Mysteries #1
Misdirection
One high-risk assignment. Two dangerous secrets.
As a teen, Olive Sterling's entire family was murdered, leaving her alone and desperate for answers. She’s learned to compartmentalize her loss and trust no one. Now she lives in the shadows, working as an undercover investigator for an elite private security firm.
Her latest assignment seems Identify a corporate mole who plans to sell dangerous classified technology to foreign operatives. When Olive runs into Jason Stewart—the only man she's ever loved—at her target company, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
With thousands of lives on the line, Olive can’t afford to make a mistake. But as bodies start dropping and suspicions rise, Olive must Can she trust Jason with the truth? Or will exposing the painful secrets from her past prove to be a deadly mistake?
The first book in the pulse-pounding Pros and Cons series, MISDIRECTION is a high-stakes thriller about betrayal, redemption, and the fine line between truth and deception.
As a teen, Olive Sterling's entire family was murdered, leaving her alone and desperate for answers. She’s learned to compartmentalize her loss and trust no one. Now she lives in the shadows, working as an undercover investigator for an elite private security firm.
Her latest assignment seems Identify a corporate mole who plans to sell dangerous classified technology to foreign operatives. When Olive runs into Jason Stewart—the only man she's ever loved—at her target company, her carefully constructed walls begin to crumble.
With thousands of lives on the line, Olive can’t afford to make a mistake. But as bodies start dropping and suspicions rise, Olive must Can she trust Jason with the truth? Or will exposing the painful secrets from her past prove to be a deadly mistake?
The first book in the pulse-pounding Pros and Cons series, MISDIRECTION is a high-stakes thriller about betrayal, redemption, and the fine line between truth and deception.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2025
1106 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,694 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 96 reviews
January 31, 2025
Christy Barritt does it again with this mystery. With a bucket load of suspects, she kept me guessing until the end.
February 10, 2025
What a great start to a new series. The chapters alternate between Olive's past and present, and readers learn Olive's backstory. In this fast-paced mystery with twists and turns, suspicions, and misdirections, she encounters her ex-boyfriend Jason. What a great mystery. Looking forward to book 2.
March 8, 2025
This book hooked me from the beginning! Christy Barrit has a knack for drawing me in with a really knock out first chapter to set up her books. This one was much the same! The opening scene was a little intense, which I loved, and then the story shifted to 8 years later and picked up with Olive as an adult. This story held my attention and kept me guessing who I could trust. I enjoy that that is an underlying mystery yet to solve, but the case that Olive was working had a definite conclusion! There was a hint at romance and I hope that’s explored more in the next books in this series. This was a quick and entertaining read and I am planning to continue this series!
January 21, 2025
A very promising start to a brand new series! Had to read it in one sitting and definitely did not see that ending coming. I’m hooked and eager for more!
January 30, 2025
Misdirection
Wow another riveting book that I couldn’t put down. This book was full of twists and turns as are all of Christy Barritt’s books. The plot turned with each detail that turned up. I thought I knew who was guilty then the plot turned again. There was action and a bit of romance that kept me turning pages not wanting to put this book down. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading a good mystery.
Wow another riveting book that I couldn’t put down. This book was full of twists and turns as are all of Christy Barritt’s books. The plot turned with each detail that turned up. I thought I knew who was guilty then the plot turned again. There was action and a bit of romance that kept me turning pages not wanting to put this book down. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading a good mystery.
February 1, 2025
Christy Barritt has done it again. What an intense, powerful drama to kick off a super suspenseful new series. The fast-moving mystery kept me racing through the pages and wondering who the guilty party really was. This thrilling tale bursts with action and surprising twists. The title fits the story well. Don’t miss this compelling suspense novel. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2025
As always captivating, exciting and mysterious!! I want to know who killed this girls family and what or who exactly was her dad and was he a con man or did he work for the FBI! The second book in the series can’t get her soon enough!
January 31, 2025
Grab a snack, the beverage of your choice and set the Do Not Disturb on the phone. You will want to avoid any distractions to devour this Pros and Cons debut. Perfectly woven between Olive's past and present, the suspense is well tangled.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
January 31, 2025
International intrigue
Secret identities, secret formulas and secret lives in Chicago keep you turning the pages trying to figure it out. Who are the bad guys and who can be trusted? Another fantastic book by #ChristyBarritt. The first in a new series. Excited to see what the next book will be. Definitely worth the read.
Secret identities, secret formulas and secret lives in Chicago keep you turning the pages trying to figure it out. Who are the bad guys and who can be trusted? Another fantastic book by #ChristyBarritt. The first in a new series. Excited to see what the next book will be. Definitely worth the read.
February 1, 2025
Misdirection
Another amazing book by Christy! I honestly think it was an all time favorite of mine. It was written in a very intriguing way & kept me focused through to the end. Highly recommended!
Another amazing book by Christy! I honestly think it was an all time favorite of mine. It was written in a very intriguing way & kept me focused through to the end. Highly recommended!
January 28, 2025
I just loved Misdirection by Christy Barritt! It had me hooked right away. From Olive’s horrible past to finding a dead body to the ex-boyfriend
— this was a great start to the series. I can’t wait for the next book. So much to explore in your next books. I have so many questions and will definitely keep reading this series. It is fantastic. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
— this was a great start to the series. I can’t wait for the next book. So much to explore in your next books. I have so many questions and will definitely keep reading this series. It is fantastic. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
January 30, 2025
Love the Book.
Can't wait for next one.
Spend my afternoon and part of evening reading. Can't wait til February 25. Kept me wanting more.
Can't wait for next one.
Spend my afternoon and part of evening reading. Can't wait til February 25. Kept me wanting more.
January 30, 2025
Great start to a new series! I'm hooked!
July 26, 2025
📚 Series: Pros and Cons Mysteries (Book 1)
🎭 Genre: Mystery/Suspense
🥜 In a Nutshell: A woman whose family was murdered when she was a teenager becomes an undercover investigator for a security firm. Her latest assignment is to find a corporate mole that may be selling dangerous technology to foreign operatives. The problem is that her first love is working for the company and he may blow her cover, if she can even trust him to begin with.
✅ Family Secrets
✅ Undercover Investigation
✅ Dual Timeline
This was a good start to the Pros and Cons Mystery series. We learn about Olive and her past from eight years ago where her family was murdered and then in the current timeline we follow her work as an undercover investigator. I really liked the twists and turns the story took especially with regards to her family. I thought that the tension between Olive and Jason was good because of their past and the secrets between them. They couldn't really trust each other completely with good reason on both sides. Everyone in this story seemed capable of being the bad guy so it kept you guessing until the end. I was completely wrong in my guess. I do think that the ending seemed very rushed. I saw that I had less than 20 minutes remaining in the book on my Kindle and it hadn't even reached the climax yet. There was a lot unresolved at the end that will probably be explained in future books in the series. All in all, it was a good mystery that kept you guessing and the story is set up to unfold more in future books. I enjoyed this one but it wasn't my favorite either.
🎭 Genre: Mystery/Suspense
🥜 In a Nutshell: A woman whose family was murdered when she was a teenager becomes an undercover investigator for a security firm. Her latest assignment is to find a corporate mole that may be selling dangerous technology to foreign operatives. The problem is that her first love is working for the company and he may blow her cover, if she can even trust him to begin with.
✅ Family Secrets
✅ Undercover Investigation
✅ Dual Timeline
This was a good start to the Pros and Cons Mystery series. We learn about Olive and her past from eight years ago where her family was murdered and then in the current timeline we follow her work as an undercover investigator. I really liked the twists and turns the story took especially with regards to her family. I thought that the tension between Olive and Jason was good because of their past and the secrets between them. They couldn't really trust each other completely with good reason on both sides. Everyone in this story seemed capable of being the bad guy so it kept you guessing until the end. I was completely wrong in my guess. I do think that the ending seemed very rushed. I saw that I had less than 20 minutes remaining in the book on my Kindle and it hadn't even reached the climax yet. There was a lot unresolved at the end that will probably be explained in future books in the series. All in all, it was a good mystery that kept you guessing and the story is set up to unfold more in future books. I enjoyed this one but it wasn't my favorite either.
March 5, 2025
Olivia has been on her own for close to a decade now. When she returned home from a party to find her entire family murdered, she swore she would never let herself get attached to someone again. Now as an agent for Aegis her lone wolf lifestyle has served her well. The constant moving when one job is finished is not conducive to making friends, and other than her fellow agents she has no real connections in her life. At her current case though, she runs into someone she never thought she would see again: her high school boyfriend and only man she's ever loved, Jason. Wanting to maintain distance from him isn't as easy as she usually finds it though, as Jason is probably the person who knows her best in the world. And with this case leading to multiple deaths, Jason as head of security wants to make sure she stays out of it and lets the professionals handle it. Butting heads over how to handle this case, they need find a way to make it work together, and Olivia prays she can do it without any old feelings rising
I enjoyed the story. It's the first one of the series and I could see how this can go on potentially forever. It's more serious than other books I've read by this author but still well worth the read
I enjoyed the story. It's the first one of the series and I could see how this can go on potentially forever. It's more serious than other books I've read by this author but still well worth the read
July 9, 2025
Romance, drama and crime are Ms Barritt’s forte. Once again, a heroine puts on a fake front to solve a dangerous case. The question stands: who are we really behind all the faces we wear and the preferences we claim? As we isolate and protect our story, will we lose more than we gain?
Olive reflects, “Everyone was a hypocrite in their own way—the teacher who chastised the kids about drinking energy drinks while downing multiple cups of coffee herself… The friend who preached the virtues of self-control to an overweight friend while going on spending sprees.” What about herself? Furthermore, what about her father? He’d changed their locale, identities and roles so many times she wondered if she would ever know who he really had been.
As Olive’s past is slowly unveiled, we watch how it invades and twists her ability to deal with the potentially deadly international crime she has been hired to stop from happening. And in the midst of her work is Jason Stewart, asking too many questions and stirring up their love from the past.
The plot will keep you guessing to the end, and the characters’ drives to find the truth will keep you engaged. I enjoy the quirky characters Christy Barritt invents!
Olive reflects, “Everyone was a hypocrite in their own way—the teacher who chastised the kids about drinking energy drinks while downing multiple cups of coffee herself… The friend who preached the virtues of self-control to an overweight friend while going on spending sprees.” What about herself? Furthermore, what about her father? He’d changed their locale, identities and roles so many times she wondered if she would ever know who he really had been.
As Olive’s past is slowly unveiled, we watch how it invades and twists her ability to deal with the potentially deadly international crime she has been hired to stop from happening. And in the midst of her work is Jason Stewart, asking too many questions and stirring up their love from the past.
The plot will keep you guessing to the end, and the characters’ drives to find the truth will keep you engaged. I enjoy the quirky characters Christy Barritt invents!
January 19, 2026
The story opens with a gut wrenching scene: teenage Olive Sterling discovers her entire family—both parents and her two sisters—murdered. The narrative then jumps ahead eight years, where Olive, now guarded and slow to trust, works as an undercover investigator. She’s been hired to identify a mole inside Conglomerate, an elite private security firm. On her very first day, she stumbles upon a dead body and unexpectedly comes face to face with Jason, the head of security—and the boy who was once her first love.
The chapters occasionally slip back to Olive’s teenage years, offering glimpses into her grief, resilience, and the trauma that shaped her. As more bodies surface and suspicious activity escalates, Olive finds herself torn between her mission and the truth she’s hiding from Jason about why she’s really there.
Christy Barritt is a gifted storyteller, and I’m continually amazed by how quickly she releases new books without ever sacrificing quality. I’ve read dozens of her novels, and each one grabs my attention from the first page and doesn’t let go. Misdirection is book one in her new Pros and Cons Mysteries series, and this intriguing, fast paced story kept me hooked straight through to the final page.
The chapters occasionally slip back to Olive’s teenage years, offering glimpses into her grief, resilience, and the trauma that shaped her. As more bodies surface and suspicious activity escalates, Olive finds herself torn between her mission and the truth she’s hiding from Jason about why she’s really there.
Christy Barritt is a gifted storyteller, and I’m continually amazed by how quickly she releases new books without ever sacrificing quality. I’ve read dozens of her novels, and each one grabs my attention from the first page and doesn’t let go. Misdirection is book one in her new Pros and Cons Mysteries series, and this intriguing, fast paced story kept me hooked straight through to the final page.
February 3, 2025
3.5 stars
"We have a problem."
Happening upon a dead body wasn't listed on Olive Sterling's job description. Her undercover assignment posing as an External Information Security Analyst inside Conglomerate's headquarters had just gotten dicier. Someone inside the company was allegedly trying to sell off cutting edge technology to a foreign entity. But wait! . . . there's more.
Seeing Jason Stewart again threw the cool and collected Olive off her game . . . for a split second. . . maybe he wouldn't recognize her after nine years? . . . . oh, yes he did. How did Jason just happen to be the head of security for Conglomerate. . . . .would her one and only love become a suspect?
Splicing parts of Olive's past life experiences into her present dilemma moves the story along at an interesting pace. Keeping that connection steady but vague brings short respites to the high stakes game that someone is playing with a extremely dangerous asset; smart dust. There are pros and cons to trusting Jason as an ally, which will it be?
I've just been drawn in to another intriguing series by this author!
"We have a problem."
Happening upon a dead body wasn't listed on Olive Sterling's job description. Her undercover assignment posing as an External Information Security Analyst inside Conglomerate's headquarters had just gotten dicier. Someone inside the company was allegedly trying to sell off cutting edge technology to a foreign entity. But wait! . . . there's more.
Seeing Jason Stewart again threw the cool and collected Olive off her game . . . for a split second. . . maybe he wouldn't recognize her after nine years? . . . . oh, yes he did. How did Jason just happen to be the head of security for Conglomerate. . . . .would her one and only love become a suspect?
Splicing parts of Olive's past life experiences into her present dilemma moves the story along at an interesting pace. Keeping that connection steady but vague brings short respites to the high stakes game that someone is playing with a extremely dangerous asset; smart dust. There are pros and cons to trusting Jason as an ally, which will it be?
I've just been drawn in to another intriguing series by this author!
March 4, 2025
What a great start to a new series! The first chapter immediately grabbed my attention and pulled me into the story. I was completely invested in Olive’s life from that point on.
The mystery was great. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a surprising twist completely shocked me.
Olive was a great heroine. I can see her joining the likes of Joey Darling and Cassidy Chambers, some of Christy Barritt’s other leading ladies, as a favorite.
I liked that some of the chapters went back and explored Olive’s past. It was very intriguing. There are lots of questions and secrets surrounding her family and the tragedy that took place, so I’m very interested in learning more. I can’t wait to read the next story! If you’re looking for a gripping mystery with characters you can root for, grab a copy of this book. I enjoyed it a lot!
The mystery was great. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, a surprising twist completely shocked me.
Olive was a great heroine. I can see her joining the likes of Joey Darling and Cassidy Chambers, some of Christy Barritt’s other leading ladies, as a favorite.
I liked that some of the chapters went back and explored Olive’s past. It was very intriguing. There are lots of questions and secrets surrounding her family and the tragedy that took place, so I’m very interested in learning more. I can’t wait to read the next story! If you’re looking for a gripping mystery with characters you can root for, grab a copy of this book. I enjoyed it a lot!
February 20, 2025
I am loving this brand new series by Christy Barritt! Olivia has a devastating secret from her past, but her training and instincts make her perfect for her job, as an undercover agent for a private security agency. She feels ready for the challenge to discover who might be selling classified info overseas -- until she runs into Jason, someone from her past. they did not end on good terms and she has no idea if he is a good guy or a bad guy but she knows he could blow her cover, putting them all in more danger. Murder, espionage, renewed attraction, and more, all wrapped up in a novel full of twists and surprises! I am looking forward to #2 in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, The opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, The opinions are my own.
March 22, 2025
Misdirection
Christy Barritt writes a magnificent mystery. This book is no exception. Olive is the daughter of a con artist who has taken what her dad taught her before he, along with her entire family, was murdered and put the knowledge to good use fighting for justice. She has been tasked to uncover a corporate mole rumored to be selling the dangerous technology to foreign operatives with her latest assignment. The assignment also has brought her face to face with her childhood sweetheart, Jason. The two are thrown directly into the middle of murder and espionage. Will she be able to trust Jason or is he the mole?
Christy Barritt writes a magnificent mystery. This book is no exception. Olive is the daughter of a con artist who has taken what her dad taught her before he, along with her entire family, was murdered and put the knowledge to good use fighting for justice. She has been tasked to uncover a corporate mole rumored to be selling the dangerous technology to foreign operatives with her latest assignment. The assignment also has brought her face to face with her childhood sweetheart, Jason. The two are thrown directly into the middle of murder and espionage. Will she be able to trust Jason or is he the mole?
February 2, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Olive Sterling’s family was murdered when she was a teen. Now she’s an undercover investigator and must find the mole who is going to sell sensitive material to a foreign country. The head of security for the company is her former boyfriend, Jason Stewart. Some of the evidence shows he may be involved so Olive must be extra careful. As they work together to find who is responsible, they renew their friendship. Another interesting and captivating book and start of a new series by Christy Barritt. A must read.
February 28, 2025
If you like books that keep you guessing till the very end, you need to read this book!! In Misdirection, Christy Barritt's latest book, you meet Olive Sterling who is an investigator for a private security firm. You get to know Olive through her latest assignment which suddenly takes a deadly turn. Complex characters, contemporary subjects, suspense in every chapter and enough clues to keep you busy the entire reading of the book!! I can't wait to read all the books in this series. I received a copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
March 18, 2025
Great start to a new series
I really enjoyed this read. I was up at night trying to figure out the mystery of how Olives past connected to her current assignment. I completely missed the clues as to who the real bad guys were. Good book and I'm on to the next book of this exciting series. Good writing in this book, no word salads or emotions that drag on and on. In stead you get a narrative that is interesting and moves right a long.
I really enjoyed this read. I was up at night trying to figure out the mystery of how Olives past connected to her current assignment. I completely missed the clues as to who the real bad guys were. Good book and I'm on to the next book of this exciting series. Good writing in this book, no word salads or emotions that drag on and on. In stead you get a narrative that is interesting and moves right a long.
March 25, 2025
Great book, not Christian
The story was great. Lots of twists. However, other than one characters dead father being a pastor, there was nothing Christian about the book. I look forward to good Christian stories as advertised. I will read the next installment to see if there is any improvement. I really think Amazon needs to change how they decide a books genre as this is not the first time this has happened.
The story was great. Lots of twists. However, other than one characters dead father being a pastor, there was nothing Christian about the book. I look forward to good Christian stories as advertised. I will read the next installment to see if there is any improvement. I really think Amazon needs to change how they decide a books genre as this is not the first time this has happened.
October 23, 2025
GREAT Read!!!
I am REALLY digging the first book in the Pros & Cons Series! Yest anutha great series from one of my fave authors - Christy Barritt! All her Lantern Beach reads are excellent imo...
She is an incredible writer!
I dig that Olives mind is always thinking one step away from wut she is doing/where she is headed...I'm on the the second book in the series, "SmokeScreen"
Read this CHRISTian Mystery - I love these!
Thx Christy!!! Ur def one of thee GREATS!!!
I am REALLY digging the first book in the Pros & Cons Series! Yest anutha great series from one of my fave authors - Christy Barritt! All her Lantern Beach reads are excellent imo...
She is an incredible writer!
I dig that Olives mind is always thinking one step away from wut she is doing/where she is headed...I'm on the the second book in the series, "SmokeScreen"
Read this CHRISTian Mystery - I love these!
Thx Christy!!! Ur def one of thee GREATS!!!
February 10, 2026
Intrigued!
As a long time Christy Barritt fan, I was pretty excited about this series. I actually put off reading it 'til several books were released because I knew I'd be quite impatient between each one!
The main character, Olive, has a past that intrigues me and could lead to some facinating situations. This first one was a thrilling beginning. I'm really interested to see where all this goes!
As a long time Christy Barritt fan, I was pretty excited about this series. I actually put off reading it 'til several books were released because I knew I'd be quite impatient between each one!
The main character, Olive, has a past that intrigues me and could lead to some facinating situations. This first one was a thrilling beginning. I'm really interested to see where all this goes!
February 1, 2025
Another great read by Christy. Her characters are so real, and I get attached to them. This series introduces some new ones, and I like them. Olive has such a rough past and has created a shell around herself, but she uses that to excel at her undercover job. The intrigue of the mystery, and then the reappearing of an old boyfriend kept me page-turning to see what would happen next.
February 2, 2025
Seatbelt suspense
Misdirection has many twists and turns, villains everywhere, and it's hard to know who to trust. But Olive & Jason have reunited briefly and there we are left hanging. We still don't know who killed her family, although I have strong suspicions. Everybody is not as they seem. Come on, second book, end this suspense!
Misdirection has many twists and turns, villains everywhere, and it's hard to know who to trust. But Olive & Jason have reunited briefly and there we are left hanging. We still don't know who killed her family, although I have strong suspicions. Everybody is not as they seem. Come on, second book, end this suspense!
February 2, 2025
Misdirection
Mystery, suspense and the elusive romance.
Characters with secrets, Christy Barritt wrote another excellent book which made me guess, question, smile and go "oh I didn't see that coming"
I will recommend it to all who like mystery and suspense with a twist and a dash of romance.
Mystery, suspense and the elusive romance.
Characters with secrets, Christy Barritt wrote another excellent book which made me guess, question, smile and go "oh I didn't see that coming"
I will recommend it to all who like mystery and suspense with a twist and a dash of romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews