Artifice

Pros and Cons Mysteries #4

by Christy Barritt

Three missing teens. One questionable school. Zero room for error.

When the teenage son of a prominent Boston family vanishes from Lighthouse Harbor—an exclusive institution for troubled teens—private investigator Olive Sterling is called to find him.

Posing as a wealthy benefactor, Olive infiltrates the school. But something sinister lurks within. Other students have gone missing. Each time a student disappears, the administrators label them runaways. But Olive doesn’t buy it. Strange behavior from the staff, whispers of experimental treatments, and a suspicious death all point to a dangerous conspiracy.

Complicating matters is Simon Long, an education consultant whose penetrating questions and convenient timing make Olive question his true motives. Their undeniable attraction only adds to her confusion. Is he an ally in her investigation or someone with a hidden agenda of his own?

With time running out, Olive must face harrowing cliffs of deception to uncover the truth and save the students before another life is lost.

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 13, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story grabbed my attention from the start. Olive goes undercover at an institution for delinquent teenagers when a family's son goes missing. The school's rundown appearance adds to the chilling atmosphere that Olive feels upon arriving at the school. Artifice has twists and turns and will keep readers guessing who is friend or foe and the school's true intentions. Will Olive find the missing teenager? I also enjoyed the flashbacks to Olive's past and cannot wait to see how it all ties together in the present as Olive keeps digging for the truth.

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to Put Down

A lot of suspense and mystery and Olive is smack down in the middle! And now who is Simon, friend or foe? Will she and Tevin find out and can they trust him. What is going on in this school? And are the missing students still alive. No one can be trusted in this investigation.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very atmospheric. Very chilling concept. 💯 shocking conclusion. Desperate for the final book to release. Wow!

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wild ride with unsavory characters and those trying to find proof of their evil doings. This one will keep you guessing until the end. Definitely worth the read.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This one was more suspenseful and a bit more scary than the previous books. The plot kept me turning the page as quickly as possible. Great story that will keep you guessing and the overall mystery about Olive’s past continues to keep you intrigued.

Clean read with no bad language or sex and not much romance.

[Doreen Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 4th installment of Pros and Cons Mysteries, PI Olive Sterling goes undercover as a wealthy benefactor looking a worthy cause, at a home for troubled teens. Several teens have disappeared from the home, only to be labeled as runaways, but when one family disbelieves the home's account, they hire Olive's firm to discover the truth. Immediately, Olive sees and hears suspicious information. Students she talks to seem robotic in their answers, she gets locked in a room for her "safety," the teacher she is sent to observe in the classroom acts in a disturbing way, and one other person at the school may be onto her real identity. When one student seeks to talk to her privately, she knows it could be dangerous for them both. Olive is desperate to find out what happened to the missing students, but also to find out why so many things at this school don't seem quite on the level. I was hooked until the end!

I received a free copy of this book with no obligation. The opinions are my own.

[Danielle Turko · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Aegis is hired by worried parents to find their missing teenage son, Olive goes undercover as a benefactor looking to donate to a school for troubled youth. This teenager isn't the only one to disappear from the school. Three students have disappeared recently, labelled as runaways by the school. Olive thinks it's something more, though. She begins to notice odd things around the school, like a quiet room that is still a remnant from the insane asylum, and the responses she gets from students is almost robotic, like they're quoting the pamphlet. When she learns about the tunnels below the school and mysterious shipments in the dead of night, she becomes determined to learn what's going on before another teen goes missing.
This book kept me guessing more than the others did. It also ended in a bit of a cliffhanger so I'm excited for when that is released

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this story keeps you trying to figure out what is going on up until the very end!! Just when you think you know, something happens that changes everything! Olive has been sent to an exclusive "therapy school" for teenagers to find out what happened to a missing teenage boy. As Olive goes undercover, she is disturbed by what she sees and hears. Not only that, there is another person, Sean, who is supposedly a consultant but seems to be investigating as well - or is he?? If you like contemporary suspense and stories that immediately grab you, this one is for you. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gripping suspense drama kept me guessing until the serial killer was finally revealed. The unique setting of a private school for troubled teens provides a suspicious backdrop for private investigator Olive Sterling to infiltrate. Students have gone missing, others seem like robots, and her life is threatened too. Can she find the underlying cause of things before something happens to her personally? And what is up with the education consultant Simon Long—is he friend or foe? This novel has all the elements to satisfy mystery fans. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olive Sterling knew by the time she was thirteen that her dad was involved in scams to defraud people. It made her heart ache. Twelve years later after her parents had been murdered,, she is now an investigator for a private company that investigates all sorts of issues. She has currently been sent to Maine to investigate a school for juvenile delinquents in which a family's son has disappeared. Little does Olive know that this will lead her to solving a case that the FBI is currently looking into.

Well written suspense mystery with lots of twists and turns, and a very interesting conclusion.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another deep mystery Olive must solve

This was a case of missing students from a private school for troubled kids but Olive finds it is much more than that. It leads her to memories she would rather forget. As she gets deeper into the school, old acquaintances appear and similar cons of her dad's occur. With what she discovers about Jason, she is doubting that relationship as well. Simon appears to not be who he is pretending to be either. Friend or foe? His final statement to her may lead her down a path she doesn't want to go.

I'm not a deep thought reader and this is my kind of mysteries. This series is keep me up late kind of reading.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spine tingling

Spine tingling covering the span of a week of undercover work, aka Liv Bettencouurt, a socialite supposedly checking out a "school" for troubled teens for a possible investment. Surreptiously her goal was to find a missing teen. I didn't understand the scene at the beginning, which I believe was accidentally pasted there from later in the book. That's my theory, since there was no division between that scene and the current situation. Can't wait for the next adventure.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better with every installment!

This time Olive is investigating a missing teen from a "reform" school that is more than a little questionable.

There was some nice misdirection in this story that kept me guessing throughout. Made for a great ending!

Instead of getting answers about what happened to her family she is faced with more questions. And she is still faced with whether or not she can trust Jason.

I'm looking forward to what's next in this great series!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Well. Well. Well. Lighthouse Harbor was definitely not what it was supposed to be.

Arriving on the campus of the private institution for troubled teens (the grounds an eerie carry-over as a former mental hospital), Olive Sterling is going in undercover as a wealthy benefactor determined to unlayer the school's secrets. Students have been disappearing. How and why? . . . . the answer to those questions may be more dangerous that Olive was expecting.

Tip-toeing suspense mixed with diabolical intentions equals an absorbing read! Just a whisper of romance, and yet . . .

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of this series and it's a great series. Olive Sterling is an undercover investigator who poses as different people to fit her cover. She is good at it but she has learned from the best. In this book she is checking out a school for children with behavior issues. She's trying to find a missing child but discovers so much more. You won't know who is behind all the incidents happening to her and when you find out you will be surprised. I have read a lot of books by this author and haven't been disappointed yet. Add this series to your TBR list because you will want to read them in order.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. In this book Olive is investigating a school for trouble youth at the request of parents whose son had gone missing. After finding two other youth had gone missing in the recent past, she attempts to talk with students only to get stock answers that are of no help. Naturally, there are close escapes, and lots of intrigue in the book to keep you on your toes. Great work Christy Barritt! Definitely a must read book!

[Linda Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Olive has gone undercover as a rich Liv that has money to donate.

Olive is trying to find a missing boy not knowing it is putting her life on the line again. She and her partner are both looking into the missing boy from two sides when they discover there is a third man doing the same thing and he seems to be a couple steps ahead of them. Again he warns her she is in over her head and it is going to get worst before they are done.

[Jan LeBaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

they just keep getting better and better

Wasn’t sure I wanted to read this book when I started it. I’m soft when it comes to children and dangerous situations. It saddens me to think that people are so cruel. This story did go into this but it was also solving crimes and was more about the brave stars that rescued the children. It was definitely a book I didn’t want to stop! Thanks Christy for the great mystery series!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Olive's shaky past collides with her present case in a creepy location, danger explodes. Is anyone trustworthy in this town? She's determined to pursue the missing teen and find answers for his family, no matter the personal risk. The combination of fast-paced action and shocking events combine to create the top-shelf level of suspense that Christy Barritt is known for in the genre.

I received a copy of the book without obligation for a positive review. This review is my opinion.

[Beverly Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced and suspenseful book. I couldn’t put the book down till the end. I really like the main character, Olive, because she is constantly trying to find out about her family’s past while staying focused on the mystery at hand. The ending leaves the reader hanging and anticipating the next book in the series.

[Sharon Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

worth the wait

I binged the first three Pros and Cons Mysteries, but had to wait for Artifice. And man, did it feel like a long wait! But it was worth it. It did not disappoint with the twists and turns of the mystery as well as the emotional convolution of Olivia. Crossing my fingers that the next one is available soon.

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unsettling

The author deserves a 5 rating, but the subject of this story turns my stomach. I don’t even doubt anymore that there are people involved in such despicable pursuits using humans as guinea pigs.
Ms. Barritt does a great job unraveling the mystery and bringing justice to the victims while setting a scene so realistic I can hear the wind blow. Keep the lights on.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting Read

Olive's company takes on a job to find a teen who goes missing from a home for troubled teens. She soon realizes there are dark forces at work and she's not simply looking for a rebellious runaway. Can she unravel the mystery and stay alive long enough to find out what happened to him? Can't wait for Book 5 to come out later this
month!

[Tammy L. Bethune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery & suspense!

You’ll not want to put this book down! Olive is back on another case - this time trying to discover what has actually happened to teens who have been sent to a ‘special’ school to help with their behavior. Is anyone who they claim to be?? What’s actually going on @ this ‘special’ school? Can anyone be trusted?

[Alesha Kuechler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Artifice

Something nefarious is happening at Lighthouse Harbor. Olive must play her part flawlessly or she could get sucked in to whatever this erie town is hiding.

This one's bit dark feeling, but in the end all comes to light. 😉 New information is also revealed about her father's past. Can't wait for the next one!

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

pros and cons

Is a great name for this book. I got lost a couple of times and had to go back and double check myself. Stay alert. It is the only the only way to y. stay on track. Enjoy!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent storytelling

I liked the characters and the entertaining writing. I couldn't put it down. I appreciate the female lead character who shows strength and vulnerability. Highly recommend.

[Sandra Arbeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible.

What an incredible work of Christian fiction and a thriller so what could be better.
It's a wonderful series and look forward to the next one.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely surprising!!

A gripping story that will keep you guessing till the last page!! A home for troubled youth has secrets of its own. Kids are disappearing, hidden motives collide in this small town where hundreds hardly anyone are who they seem to be!!

[Kay Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

All I can say it was the type of book I have a hard time putting down. Live and Vegan are a great team.. I liked the fact that this book gave a different story line. Great job Christy.