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Pros and Cons Mysteries #2
Smokescreen
She was raised by a con artist. She’s using the skills she learned to catch a killer.
Growing up as a scammer’s daughter, Olive Sterling learned early on that deception is an art form. Now as a professional investigator, she’s transformed those skills into weapons for justice.
Reid Harrison’s Wyoming ranch is under siege. As sabotage escalates to death threats, he turns to Olive’s team for help. Posing as the rancher’s girlfriend, Olive works to uncover what’s smoldering beneath a string of unlikely accidents and vandalism.
When her probing catches the wrong attention, Olive becomes the next target. With lives and millions in property at stake, she faces an impossible back down and survive, or risk everything to expose a killer ready to watch it all burn?
Growing up as a scammer’s daughter, Olive Sterling learned early on that deception is an art form. Now as a professional investigator, she’s transformed those skills into weapons for justice.
Reid Harrison’s Wyoming ranch is under siege. As sabotage escalates to death threats, he turns to Olive’s team for help. Posing as the rancher’s girlfriend, Olive works to uncover what’s smoldering beneath a string of unlikely accidents and vandalism.
When her probing catches the wrong attention, Olive becomes the next target. With lives and millions in property at stake, she faces an impossible back down and survive, or risk everything to expose a killer ready to watch it all burn?
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
741 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,690 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 57 reviews
February 27, 2025
A fast-paced mystery that grabs your attention and won’t let go, this exciting suspense novel offers a wild read. Second in a series that is best read in order, each book offers a complete and compelling story filled with danger and drama. Olive goes undercover on a huge Wyoming cattle ranch in this book, with plenty of suspicious things to investigate and risk her own life over. The tale certainly keeps readers on their toes trying to figure out who is behind the crimes and if they are all connected. Surprises pop up to throw you off too. Well Done. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
July 17, 2025
Good book
This a good book full of mystery and action. One that kept me interested to the end. I love Christy's books.
This a good book full of mystery and action. One that kept me interested to the end. I love Christy's books.
February 28, 2025
Olive Sterling is part of an undercover group that strives to solve major problems in businesses or for individuals. She is still recovering from the loss of her entire family many years early when they will all murdered when she was away from home. Her newest case is in Wyoming for the owner of a 2500 acre cattle ranch. As she investigates the case, she is posing at the girlfriend of multimillionaire, Reid Harrison. Along with her co-workers, Olive is determined to find out who is trying to get hold of Reid's property and is committing numerous problems on the ranch.
Barritt continue her high speed mystery throughout this second book in the series. Both main characters were interesting and very smart and worked well as a team to try and determine who was behind all the problems at the ranch. With lots of action, it was definitely and interesting read.
Barritt continue her high speed mystery throughout this second book in the series. Both main characters were interesting and very smart and worked well as a team to try and determine who was behind all the problems at the ranch. With lots of action, it was definitely and interesting read.
March 2, 2025
This is the second book in the Pros and Cons Mysteries, and is just as suspenseful and exciting as the first! The setting for this book was out in the west with wide open spaces, cowboys, competitive ranchers, a missing ranch hand, a new will, and lots of mysterious actions. Olive and her co-workers are sent on assignment to discover why someone seems to be trying to undermine Reid on his family ranch. I am enjoying this series, the different assignment in each book, the quirky characters and friendships, and the suspense of who dun it? I did not figure it out until the villain(s) was (or were) revealed. I look forward to delving more into the mystery of Olives past and her fledgling relationship with her teenage boyfriend. I received a copy of this book to read, but the opinions are all my own.
March 2, 2025
"Really, a smokescreen is a ruse, something that disguises a person's true intentions or activities."
Olive Sterling's present case as a professional investigator is riddled with half-truths and loose clues. Posing as the girlfriend of an affluent Wyoming rancher, Olive and her team go undercover to expose someone whose deception is equally efficient and deadly. The motive is a little murky; is it simply to ruin Reid Harrison's reputation or is there more going on than meets the eye, for apparently the common adage holds true; where there is smoke, there's fire. Olive is hoping that she doesn't get burned.
With twists, turns and a continuous flow of suspects, the steady pace of this story moves the reader closer and closer to the truth, which is a bit more complicated than one might imagine . . . . except for the author!
Great addition to the series!
Olive Sterling's present case as a professional investigator is riddled with half-truths and loose clues. Posing as the girlfriend of an affluent Wyoming rancher, Olive and her team go undercover to expose someone whose deception is equally efficient and deadly. The motive is a little murky; is it simply to ruin Reid Harrison's reputation or is there more going on than meets the eye, for apparently the common adage holds true; where there is smoke, there's fire. Olive is hoping that she doesn't get burned.
With twists, turns and a continuous flow of suspects, the steady pace of this story moves the reader closer and closer to the truth, which is a bit more complicated than one might imagine . . . . except for the author!
Great addition to the series!
February 26, 2025
This is part of the latest series by Christy Barritt but is a stand alone read. Olive Sterling works with an agency as a private investigator and the latest case is a ranch owner who seems to be targeted by someone. Olive's job is to figure out who is responsible. Soon, Olive seems to become a target as well. As things begin to get more dangerous, Olive and Reid (the ranch owner) along with Olive's colleagues try to find the "bad guy/girl" before someone is removed for good. This book has such great characters, action, and clues to follow that I am now going to have to go back and read the first book!! I can't wait to see what Olive will be doing next!! I received an advance copy of the book from the author but all opinions are my own.
February 23, 2025
I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Olive Sterling and her co-workers are assisting Reid Harrison protect and find who is trying to sabotage his Wyoming ranch. As they search for a missing ranch hand, Olive finds a doll hung over her bed, and is locked in the attic. Then a forest fire threatens the ranch, and there are rumors of the government wanting to take local land. Olive and Reid must find the real killers before they turn their sights on Olive. Mystery and suspense abound in this action packed book A must read and a great addition to this series.
March 21, 2025
Smokescreen is the second book in the Pros and Cons mystery series, and while I enjoyed it, it wasn’t my favorite of Barritt’s books. This one follows Olive and her team as they investigate a series of sabotage incidents at Reid’s ranch. If you haven’t read book one, I’d recommend starting there to fully understand Olive’s backstory.
The mystery and suspense kept me engaged—I had considered the culprit but wasn’t entirely sure, which made for a solid reveal. However, the romance aspect was frustrating for me, though it isn’t the main focus of the story. Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read with a good balance of intrigue and action.
The mystery and suspense kept me engaged—I had considered the culprit but wasn’t entirely sure, which made for a solid reveal. However, the romance aspect was frustrating for me, though it isn’t the main focus of the story. Overall, it was a quick and enjoyable read with a good balance of intrigue and action.
April 6, 2025
When Reid's ranch is becoming sabotaged and one of his employee disappears, he hires Olive and her company to discover who is behind the attempts. Posing as his girlfriend, Olive is given free range of the ranch to see what's wrong. With the suspects mounting, including an ex and an unrequited love, Olive needs to find out why someone would want to harm a man as sweet and handsome as Reid, before the ranch is completely destroyed.
I've been enjoying the series, and while I am team Jason, I was finding myself team Reid now too. Either way, Olive can have many stories coming and I hope she does
I've been enjoying the series, and while I am team Jason, I was finding myself team Reid now too. Either way, Olive can have many stories coming and I hope she does
April 9, 2025
Fantastic book!
Olive arrives at a sprawling ranch in Wyoming to help Reid figure out who is the cause of a missing ranch hand and other circumstances that appear to mean that someone is out to smear the good name of Reid.
Still enjoying Tevin and his amazing computer skills, and the brother/sister relationship these two share. We get to learn more about Trick, another member of their team, as he poses as a ranch hand.
Your head will spin like a weathervane in a strong storm as you try to keep up with all of the events and people who could be mixed up in the scheme!
Give yourself a break and really enjoy this book. It’s one not to be missed!
Olive arrives at a sprawling ranch in Wyoming to help Reid figure out who is the cause of a missing ranch hand and other circumstances that appear to mean that someone is out to smear the good name of Reid.
Still enjoying Tevin and his amazing computer skills, and the brother/sister relationship these two share. We get to learn more about Trick, another member of their team, as he poses as a ranch hand.
Your head will spin like a weathervane in a strong storm as you try to keep up with all of the events and people who could be mixed up in the scheme!
Give yourself a break and really enjoy this book. It’s one not to be missed!
May 27, 2025
Smokescreen
This is another wonderful romantic suspense story by Christy Barritt. Olive lost her family when she was a teenager and was brought up by a man of law. She is now a part of an investigation agency doing undercover work. A Wyoming rancher has been black listed from areas necessary for his ranch to continue to work plus a lot of strange happenings has made it necessary for her to pose as his girlfriend to flush out suspects. The mystery, and suspense, as well as danger makes for a fast paced and entertaining book. Highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
This is another wonderful romantic suspense story by Christy Barritt. Olive lost her family when she was a teenager and was brought up by a man of law. She is now a part of an investigation agency doing undercover work. A Wyoming rancher has been black listed from areas necessary for his ranch to continue to work plus a lot of strange happenings has made it necessary for her to pose as his girlfriend to flush out suspects. The mystery, and suspense, as well as danger makes for a fast paced and entertaining book. Highly recommend this book for your reading pleasure.
February 25, 2025
Excited to be headed to new assignment Olive, Trick,and Tevin are headed to Wyoming to help a racher.
Olive was glad to be on new assignment. Rex sent the team to Wyoming to help a big rancher find out who is trying to tear his huge ranch into pieces. He is also missing a loyal ranch hand and wants to know what happened to him. Olive had wondered if the new client was a spoiled Brat but soon learns he works harder than his workers. But things keep happening and the ranch is under siege.
Olive was glad to be on new assignment. Rex sent the team to Wyoming to help a big rancher find out who is trying to tear his huge ranch into pieces. He is also missing a loyal ranch hand and wants to know what happened to him. Olive had wondered if the new client was a spoiled Brat but soon learns he works harder than his workers. But things keep happening and the ranch is under siege.
February 27, 2025
Olive Stewart and her talented colleagues have another mystery to solve. This time they are on a ranch in Wyoming. Someone is damaging Reid Harrison’s thousands of acres and livestock. Christy Barritt has written a great story. Gives the reader lots of suspects to wonder which one is creating all the chaos. But the bigger question is why? The pace was good, starts out well and keeps it up to the last page. Lots of red herrings along the way. Enjoyed this latest book, Smokescreen by Christy Barritt.
February 28, 2025
Smokescreen
Another great book from Christy Barritt. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a suspense filled novel. Her books are always filled with twists and turns right to the end and this was no exception. The characters were well developed and multifaceted. Their history played into the current situation and was always in the background. Olive was a fascinating character and I would love to learn more about her. Thank you for another great book!
Another great book from Christy Barritt. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading a suspense filled novel. Her books are always filled with twists and turns right to the end and this was no exception. The characters were well developed and multifaceted. Their history played into the current situation and was always in the background. Olive was a fascinating character and I would love to learn more about her. Thank you for another great book!
March 27, 2025
Christy Barritt has done an amazing job in writing these books based on Olive . She’s doing her job, but also trying to find her family’s killer.
Now the more she digs into the crime she’s investigating for her job, the more text she receives trying to convince her that her dad is not as he seemed.
What’s the real story behind the text, the killing of her family and what was her dad really up to?? Read the next book and see what happens!!
Now the more she digs into the crime she’s investigating for her job, the more text she receives trying to convince her that her dad is not as he seemed.
What’s the real story behind the text, the killing of her family and what was her dad really up to?? Read the next book and see what happens!!
March 1, 2025
This was a great mystery. Olive goes undercover on a ranch as someone is sabotaging the ranch owner. She, along with two other co-worker, have to find who is behind the attacks. This fast-paced mystery has plenty of danger and suspense. Barritt also adds flashbacks, and we get glimpses of Olive's past. Great read.
March 10, 2025
How I Love a Good Whodunnit!
I do love a good whodunnit and Ms. Barritt is among the very best at keeping my attention and keeping me guessing.
I enjoy her characters, settings, and attention to detail.
I am right there as Olive and Reid fight to keep his ranch, not only in the family, but also from destruction.
The next in the series cannot come soon enough!
I do love a good whodunnit and Ms. Barritt is among the very best at keeping my attention and keeping me guessing.
I enjoy her characters, settings, and attention to detail.
I am right there as Olive and Reid fight to keep his ranch, not only in the family, but also from destruction.
The next in the series cannot come soon enough!
March 29, 2025
Very good book
Great characters who draw you in and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. My only real issue I have with this series is the main characters assertion that she has had lots of defense training and yet she seems to display the exact opposite. Aside from that I truly enjoyed reading this book.
Great characters who draw you in and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. My only real issue I have with this series is the main characters assertion that she has had lots of defense training and yet she seems to display the exact opposite. Aside from that I truly enjoyed reading this book.
June 30, 2025
Good Read
Olive charter is so full of mystery. This series is all about her childhood memories her father's also full of mystery stuff and it's a page turner. A must read of cause you know that Christy Barritt is number one writer! You'll never be disappointed buying her books!! Five stars!!
Olive charter is so full of mystery. This series is all about her childhood memories her father's also full of mystery stuff and it's a page turner. A must read of cause you know that Christy Barritt is number one writer! You'll never be disappointed buying her books!! Five stars!!
July 3, 2025
Another Barritt homerun
Olive and the team take on a new case to determine why a wealthy rancher is being blacklisted and his ranch subjected to one too many incidences to be accidents. Close calls and numerous suspects kept me guessing till the end. I thoroughly enjoy Christy Barritt books and especially the Pros and Cons series. Now on to book 3!
Olive and the team take on a new case to determine why a wealthy rancher is being blacklisted and his ranch subjected to one too many incidences to be accidents. Close calls and numerous suspects kept me guessing till the end. I thoroughly enjoy Christy Barritt books and especially the Pros and Cons series. Now on to book 3!
September 1, 2025
Smoke & Mirrors
Olive returns once again - going undercover this time on a sprawling Wyoming ranch. The mystery? Who’s behind a string of ‘accidents’ & mishaps - possibly even a murder! Perhaps though the biggest mystery is what is Olive’s story - what really happened to her family? Will she ever have her own happily ever after? And what about Jason?
Olive returns once again - going undercover this time on a sprawling Wyoming ranch. The mystery? Who’s behind a string of ‘accidents’ & mishaps - possibly even a murder! Perhaps though the biggest mystery is what is Olive’s story - what really happened to her family? Will she ever have her own happily ever after? And what about Jason?
November 3, 2025
Be prepared...
...to not want to put this book down! With all of the incidents indicating sabotage on the ranch and figuring out the perpetrators to flipping back in time to Olive trying to find answers about her family, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat! And I think the ending will surprise you, because it sure surprised me!
...to not want to put this book down! With all of the incidents indicating sabotage on the ranch and figuring out the perpetrators to flipping back in time to Olive trying to find answers about her family, this story will keep you on the edge of your seat! And I think the ending will surprise you, because it sure surprised me!
February 26, 2025
Current events tangle with history
Olive and team travel to a huge spread in Wyoming. Spectacular yet dangerous scenery combines with treacherous, self seeking hearts attempting to sabatoge or destroy a multi-generational family ranch and its owner.
Olive and team travel to a huge spread in Wyoming. Spectacular yet dangerous scenery combines with treacherous, self seeking hearts attempting to sabatoge or destroy a multi-generational family ranch and its owner.
February 27, 2025
Familiar....
Very similar plot to a recent book I read. I need to look that one up for comparison. This one was good enough. Maybe one day we'll find out what happened to her family. Someone knows....
Very similar plot to a recent book I read. I need to look that one up for comparison. This one was good enough. Maybe one day we'll find out what happened to her family. Someone knows....
March 3, 2025
Reid and Olive
I couldn’t really tell at first if they were just friends or were there more to it. The ones that were crooked as the day is long scared the life out of me. I really enjoyed the book and I enjoyed it so much I will be reading it again. Enjoy.
I couldn’t really tell at first if they were just friends or were there more to it. The ones that were crooked as the day is long scared the life out of me. I really enjoyed the book and I enjoyed it so much I will be reading it again. Enjoy.
March 5, 2025
This Author continues to improve with each book
I enjoyed this second book in the series. The twists and turns of events keeps the reader guessing, as to what will happen next. Once again, it was close to the end before I figured the mystery out.
I enjoyed this second book in the series. The twists and turns of events keeps the reader guessing, as to what will happen next. Once again, it was close to the end before I figured the mystery out.
March 26, 2025
Great, fast paced, short on Christian presence
Like the first book, this was a great story. However, though there were more references to the Bible and God, it was still lacking in any real Christian substance. Clean, but not Christian.
Like the first book, this was a great story. However, though there were more references to the Bible and God, it was still lacking in any real Christian substance. Clean, but not Christian.
April 5, 2025
A Great Who done it
Well written,easy readingkeepsou guessing kinda book. Because you know there's others in the series you know Olive will move on. Can't wait to see how she solves her own mystery.
Well written,easy readingkeepsou guessing kinda book. Because you know there's others in the series you know Olive will move on. Can't wait to see how she solves her own mystery.
February 26, 2025
Smokescreen
Another amazing book by Christy! She really knows how to draw you in & keep you intrigued. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Another amazing book by Christy! She really knows how to draw you in & keep you intrigued. Anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews