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Before the Night Falls
The roses are back. And so is the fear.
TV personality Olivia Montgomery thought her nightmare was over.
One year ago, she escaped the clutches of “The Admirer,” a serial killer who left roses as his calling card. A serial killer who kept her in darkness. The monster who was shot and killed by police.
At least, that’s what everyone believes.
When a dozen red roses arrive at her door, Olivia’s hard-won peace shatters. Her nightmare can’t be happening again.
Fitness guru Tyson Stone never expected the spunky reporter assigned to his forty-day health program would bring danger to his doorstep. Now he’s determined to protect her, even as his own problems haunt him. But the closer the two grow, the more he realizes this isn’t just about saving her life—it’s about discovering what’s worth fighting for.
As the roses continue to appear and the killer’s deadline approaches, Olivia must decide whom she can trust. Because this time, she knows exactly what awaits when the night falls. This time, she might not survive her worst nightmare.
TV personality Olivia Montgomery thought her nightmare was over.
One year ago, she escaped the clutches of “The Admirer,” a serial killer who left roses as his calling card. A serial killer who kept her in darkness. The monster who was shot and killed by police.
At least, that’s what everyone believes.
When a dozen red roses arrive at her door, Olivia’s hard-won peace shatters. Her nightmare can’t be happening again.
Fitness guru Tyson Stone never expected the spunky reporter assigned to his forty-day health program would bring danger to his doorstep. Now he’s determined to protect her, even as his own problems haunt him. But the closer the two grow, the more he realizes this isn’t just about saving her life—it’s about discovering what’s worth fighting for.
As the roses continue to appear and the killer’s deadline approaches, Olivia must decide whom she can trust. Because this time, she knows exactly what awaits when the night falls. This time, she might not survive her worst nightmare.
Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2025
395 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,680 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 55 reviews
November 25, 2025
Great mystery, quick read, Christian themes.
November 20, 2025
Good, clean book!
November 24, 2025
Fun read!
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and fun read. It kept me guessing until the end. It's entertaining.
I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and fun read. It kept me guessing until the end. It's entertaining.
May 29, 2025
Heart-Pounding Action from the first page to the last!
You know a GREAT author when, as you read, you experience all the emotions and fears the characters feel. Your heart beats fast, you find it hard to breathe, and all you want to do is stop the nightmares, stop the fear, and live a peaceful life without anxiety. All those emotions are very real. So, when I read a book that evokes these fears and feelings, I know it's a great book.
I’m not sure I would ever want to be one of Christy Barritt’s characters because she puts them through so much! WOW!
I’ve said this before, but it still is true. When you read any books by Christy Barritt, you’ll be taken on a ride like you will never believe. Her writings are always full of suspense, action, twists, and turns. This one is no different. There is so much that happens from the first page to the last that you will need to remind yourself to breathe as you read this book. (Or at least try to breathe!)
You will also think you know who the bad guy is, but you really don’t! Christy Barritt is a master at giving us one twist after another.
The author's writing keeps you on the edge of your seat and won't let you put the book down until you're finished. This is what I love about reading a book by Christy Barritt. I know I'll be captured from the very first line.
If you love “who-done-it” stories with mystery, suspense, action, a bit of relationship tension, and romance mixed in, you will love this book!
The author provided me with this book, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
You know a GREAT author when, as you read, you experience all the emotions and fears the characters feel. Your heart beats fast, you find it hard to breathe, and all you want to do is stop the nightmares, stop the fear, and live a peaceful life without anxiety. All those emotions are very real. So, when I read a book that evokes these fears and feelings, I know it's a great book.
I’m not sure I would ever want to be one of Christy Barritt’s characters because she puts them through so much! WOW!
I’ve said this before, but it still is true. When you read any books by Christy Barritt, you’ll be taken on a ride like you will never believe. Her writings are always full of suspense, action, twists, and turns. This one is no different. There is so much that happens from the first page to the last that you will need to remind yourself to breathe as you read this book. (Or at least try to breathe!)
You will also think you know who the bad guy is, but you really don’t! Christy Barritt is a master at giving us one twist after another.
The author's writing keeps you on the edge of your seat and won't let you put the book down until you're finished. This is what I love about reading a book by Christy Barritt. I know I'll be captured from the very first line.
If you love “who-done-it” stories with mystery, suspense, action, a bit of relationship tension, and romance mixed in, you will love this book!
The author provided me with this book, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
August 22, 2025
When Olivia escaped from the admirer, she prayed her horror was over. They'd found their suspect and killed him in a police standoff, leaving her with no answers to her questions. Now though, over a year later, she is still feeling the same fears and anxieties, masked much like the admirer hid his face under the Casanova mask. Her newfound faith and therapists visits give her the tools she needs to get through the day, keeping a cheerful persona while in public. Her current assignment will test her though. First because the assignment of eating healthy and working out for 40 days goes against everything she stands for, and second because she has to live in the house of the fitness expert Tyson. And did she mention Tyson was incredibly handsome? What she doesn't know though is Tyson is facing his own problems while trying to build a school on tribal land. When the roses begin appearing again, she knows her worst nightmare has come true and somehow the admirer is back. Tyson wonders if the roses are being left as a scare tactic to convince him to back off the school plans, but either way he knows he can't let anything happen to Olivia.
Apparently this was Christy Barrits first published work that she recently revamped. I have to admit that while I got hooked while reading one of her other series to her writing style, if this had been the first book of hers I read I also would have followed her work. I am sad they aren't a series as I would love to see more of them but this is one book I highly doubt will disappoint
Apparently this was Christy Barrits first published work that she recently revamped. I have to admit that while I got hooked while reading one of her other series to her writing style, if this had been the first book of hers I read I also would have followed her work. I am sad they aren't a series as I would love to see more of them but this is one book I highly doubt will disappoint
July 23, 2025
📕 Standalone
🎭 Genre: Romantic Suspense
🥜 In a Nutshell: A TV personality that barely escaped the clutches of a stalker a year ago wants to get her life back. On an assignment with a fitness guru, she finds herself receiving roses, the stalker's calling card, all over again. She doesn't know who she can trust as she tries to figure out if her tormentor is back or if someone else is following in his footsteps.
✅ Creepy masked stalker
✅ Fast-paced suspense
✅ Protective MMC
✅ Strong faith message
So it turns out that this is actually Christy Barritt's first published book, then titled, The Waiting. She had written it under a pen name so she had to get the rights back to it. Since she did, she decided to rerelease it to celebrate five million in book sales. She ended up sprucing it up and doing some edits to the original. I really enjoyed this fast-paced suspense and the whodunit to go along with it. The romance was good with a protective MMC. I liked how the characters relied on their faith and also struggled with it too. There was an underlying theme of Jesus being with us in the darkness. Even though the characters go through dark times, they are never alone. The stalker/killer building up the suspense with a countdown of roses helped build the tension. I was right about who the stalker was too but that didn't take away from my enjoyment; it just made it better. Overall, another great faith-filled romantic suspense from Christy Barritt!
🎭 Genre: Romantic Suspense
🥜 In a Nutshell: A TV personality that barely escaped the clutches of a stalker a year ago wants to get her life back. On an assignment with a fitness guru, she finds herself receiving roses, the stalker's calling card, all over again. She doesn't know who she can trust as she tries to figure out if her tormentor is back or if someone else is following in his footsteps.
✅ Creepy masked stalker
✅ Fast-paced suspense
✅ Protective MMC
✅ Strong faith message
So it turns out that this is actually Christy Barritt's first published book, then titled, The Waiting. She had written it under a pen name so she had to get the rights back to it. Since she did, she decided to rerelease it to celebrate five million in book sales. She ended up sprucing it up and doing some edits to the original. I really enjoyed this fast-paced suspense and the whodunit to go along with it. The romance was good with a protective MMC. I liked how the characters relied on their faith and also struggled with it too. There was an underlying theme of Jesus being with us in the darkness. Even though the characters go through dark times, they are never alone. The stalker/killer building up the suspense with a countdown of roses helped build the tension. I was right about who the stalker was too but that didn't take away from my enjoyment; it just made it better. Overall, another great faith-filled romantic suspense from Christy Barritt!
June 24, 2025
3.5 stars
"There are some who carry darkness with them. It follows like shadows."
"And some who carry light, even when walking through darkness."
Darkness had penetrated the life of television personality Olivia Montgomery after being stalked and kidnapped two years prior. If not for her courageous escape, she would have been listed as a victim rather than a survivor. Thankfully the perpetrator had been killed by police, game over . . . . . or was it . . . . . the roses were back.
Taking a lengthy assignment to participate in fitness expert Tyson Stone's forty day regimen for overall health takes Olivia far away from the streets of New York to the rolling hills of North Carolina, and still! The roses continue . . . a reminder that the darkness of her past was trying to penetrate the light of her future, especially with mutual attraction between Olivia and Tyson raise the stakes substantially higher.
"No one should have to face something like this alone."
Roll out the caution tape, danger may be closer than you think!
"There are some who carry darkness with them. It follows like shadows."
"And some who carry light, even when walking through darkness."
Darkness had penetrated the life of television personality Olivia Montgomery after being stalked and kidnapped two years prior. If not for her courageous escape, she would have been listed as a victim rather than a survivor. Thankfully the perpetrator had been killed by police, game over . . . . . or was it . . . . . the roses were back.
Taking a lengthy assignment to participate in fitness expert Tyson Stone's forty day regimen for overall health takes Olivia far away from the streets of New York to the rolling hills of North Carolina, and still! The roses continue . . . a reminder that the darkness of her past was trying to penetrate the light of her future, especially with mutual attraction between Olivia and Tyson raise the stakes substantially higher.
"No one should have to face something like this alone."
Roll out the caution tape, danger may be closer than you think!
June 1, 2025
Christy Barritt's books always leave me guessing who the villain is and keep me on the edge of my seat. This was no different. Before the Night Falls has a complex plot with twists and turns, plenty of action and suspense, tension, and romance. Olivia, a TV star personality, was abducted by and escaped a serial killer. A year later, Olivia is filming in another state with Tyrone, a fitness guru, but she starts receiving roses. Did the serial killer have an accomplice? Is it a copycat? I was drawn into this fast-paced mystery which has spiritual truths woven in without being too preachy or strong.
June 2, 2025
I never read the original version of this book, Christy Barritt's first published book. But the rewrite was amazing!
The character, Olivia, survived a horrific ordeal and from all appearance was thriving in life, but when it appears her abductor is back and he plans to finish what got interrupted the first time.
The think I enjoyed about this story (besides the action and mystery) was the tension the Olivia felt as she was trying to lean into her faith but was struggling with intense fear of being abducted again.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
The character, Olivia, survived a horrific ordeal and from all appearance was thriving in life, but when it appears her abductor is back and he plans to finish what got interrupted the first time.
The think I enjoyed about this story (besides the action and mystery) was the tension the Olivia felt as she was trying to lean into her faith but was struggling with intense fear of being abducted again.
Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review, all opinions expressed here are my own.
August 7, 2025
The day is brightest before night comes
This story brings out how light and darkness, trust and fear work in good and evil. Christy has a way with words that draw you into the story with a comfortable pool side chair to watch it all take place.
Olivia has experienced darkness in a way that shatters your spirit. Her new found faith and acceptance of God's love for her is helping her through her trauma yet she still can't trust anyone to help her. Tyson senses her reluctant to allow anyone to get close to her. Together they experience what trust, faith and hope can conquer over fear.
Love this story and how it engages you to not out it down.
This story brings out how light and darkness, trust and fear work in good and evil. Christy has a way with words that draw you into the story with a comfortable pool side chair to watch it all take place.
Olivia has experienced darkness in a way that shatters your spirit. Her new found faith and acceptance of God's love for her is helping her through her trauma yet she still can't trust anyone to help her. Tyson senses her reluctant to allow anyone to get close to her. Together they experience what trust, faith and hope can conquer over fear.
Love this story and how it engages you to not out it down.
September 20, 2025
OVERALL STAR RATING: 3/5
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
An incredibly fast read - very short chapters and a lot of page breaks. I didn't feel like it was all that creepy or suspensful. The prologue was amazing, but the story as a whole fell a bit flat for me. There wasn't much character depth and I never felt fully connected to them. Overall it was an ok read and I was curious to see how it all panned out.
This was my my first ever book by author Christy Barritt. Apparently this was one of her first published works that was revised and re-released. I think I'd like to give her another try.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
CLEAN RATING: 5/5
An incredibly fast read - very short chapters and a lot of page breaks. I didn't feel like it was all that creepy or suspensful. The prologue was amazing, but the story as a whole fell a bit flat for me. There wasn't much character depth and I never felt fully connected to them. Overall it was an ok read and I was curious to see how it all panned out.
This was my my first ever book by author Christy Barritt. Apparently this was one of her first published works that was revised and re-released. I think I'd like to give her another try.
*For more reviews and bookish content, be sure to follow me on Instagram @aliciasbooksanctuary
May 26, 2025
I had a review copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. A year ago, TV personality, Olivia Montgomery had been abducted and held in a dark underground location until she escaped and the perpetrator killed by police. Now it’s starting again as she is filming at a different location, states away. Fitness guru Tyson Stone is doing his best to protect her while they are filming at his house, but he’s also falling in love with her. Thrilling book about courage, strength, and trust in God.
July 1, 2025
Olivia is trying to continue her career, put on a happy face for the cameras, and deal with an horrific event in her recent past where she was stalked, and kidnapped, by "the Admirer." When roses again start appearing in odd places during an assignment, she is afraid her tormentor isn't really dead, or that there is a copycat. I loved this book, the characters, the mystery, the unexpected. conclusion I could not figure out who the masked man was, although I had a few suspicions of a couple different characters. I received a copy of this book, no strings attached. The opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
Wowza!
Christy Barritt does it again with this book... keeps your heart pounding with the suspense, your mind whirling with the possibilities, your heart swooning with the romance, and you sitting on the edge of your seat, turning pages, burning the midnight oil because you JUST. CAN'T. PUT. IT. DOWN!!! (Yep, I read the whole book in one sitting! It's THAT good!)
I definitely didn't see that villain being the villain!
You'll definitely love this book, but prepare enough time for a binge-read!
Christy Barritt does it again with this book... keeps your heart pounding with the suspense, your mind whirling with the possibilities, your heart swooning with the romance, and you sitting on the edge of your seat, turning pages, burning the midnight oil because you JUST. CAN'T. PUT. IT. DOWN!!! (Yep, I read the whole book in one sitting! It's THAT good!)
I definitely didn't see that villain being the villain!
You'll definitely love this book, but prepare enough time for a binge-read!
May 24, 2025
A serial killer story filled with suspense but not so creepy as to cause serious nightmares for the reader—only for the poor character who escaped his clutches. This riveting mystery will keep readers guessing and glued to the pages to see how this exciting drama will conclude. The complex plot and twisting threads come together to create a book you won’t want to put aside. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2025
Thrillah-Chillah!
Wow! What a great first book, Christy Barritt! I'm so glad you re-released it! It grabbed me from the first words, and I couldn't put it down. Olivia and Tyson were a perfect duo to spar and pick, and they offset the terror that loomed on the edge of everything. I can usually figure out the culprit in a book, but this took me by surprise.the mark of a successful mystery!
Wow! What a great first book, Christy Barritt! I'm so glad you re-released it! It grabbed me from the first words, and I couldn't put it down. Olivia and Tyson were a perfect duo to spar and pick, and they offset the terror that loomed on the edge of everything. I can usually figure out the culprit in a book, but this took me by surprise.the mark of a successful mystery!
June 3, 2025
Chilling
Olivia has escaped, physically, but otherwise, she doesn’t know if it’s possible. The nightmares are constant. The suspicion the her abductor is still alive is growing. She throws herself into her job and gets an assignment she doesn’t want, but on she goes, pretending she’s okay. Pretending she’s whole. Then it starts again. The same way it did before. Will she be the victim or the survivor? Can she trust anyone?
Olivia has escaped, physically, but otherwise, she doesn’t know if it’s possible. The nightmares are constant. The suspicion the her abductor is still alive is growing. She throws herself into her job and gets an assignment she doesn’t want, but on she goes, pretending she’s okay. Pretending she’s whole. Then it starts again. The same way it did before. Will she be the victim or the survivor? Can she trust anyone?
Read
November 28, 2025Definitely suspenseful. Hard to put down. A few red herrings along the way. I read later into the night than I should have. There were a few little technical errors like typos, missing words, etc. but nothing to slow my reading down. The building romance and baby Christianity were both prime elements I appreciated. This was not the first book by Ms. Barritt I’ve read and it won’t be my last. A good, solid read.
May 31, 2025
Tension and ...
The characters are so real and likeable -- how could one of them cause so much emotional terror. Who could it be, and how is this person able to get past so many layers of security? Will the relationship building between Olivia and Tyson survive, or will someone else swoop in to rescue? Or destroy?
The characters are so real and likeable -- how could one of them cause so much emotional terror. Who could it be, and how is this person able to get past so many layers of security? Will the relationship building between Olivia and Tyson survive, or will someone else swoop in to rescue? Or destroy?
June 7, 2025
Perfect love casteth out all fear
Quite a compelling story that captures the reader with its opening chapters. Following the heroine in the story as she escapes from a serial killer to, only a year later, begin to receive threats once again from her supposedly dead attacker. Plan to lose sleep because once you start reading this book you won’t be able to put it down.
Quite a compelling story that captures the reader with its opening chapters. Following the heroine in the story as she escapes from a serial killer to, only a year later, begin to receive threats once again from her supposedly dead attacker. Plan to lose sleep because once you start reading this book you won’t be able to put it down.
June 11, 2025
Great Read
Before the Night Falls kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night. Sure kept me guessing. Sure didn't think it was Wes. Love how Christy Barritt is able to incorporate the spiritual side of the characters into the story. Love a good clean mystery.
Before the Night Falls kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night. Sure kept me guessing. Sure didn't think it was Wes. Love how Christy Barritt is able to incorporate the spiritual side of the characters into the story. Love a good clean mystery.
June 28, 2025
Before the Night Falls is an outstanding book. The suspense and a touch of romance are continuous throughout this book. This has an ending that is totally surprising. I highly recommend this book if one likes to read a story about a serial killer that has many twists and turns in the plot and has a touch of romance to lighten the story.
August 20, 2025
reclaimed and rewritten
The plot and story live up to Christy's reputation. She holds my interest and attention even when i think I have it figured out! I have read about 90% of her works and am always looking for more. The cover made me think it might be another of the Alaska crew, but I would have wanted to read it anyway! I know, after reading it, it is worthy of my time any money. It is worthy of yours, in my opinion.
The plot and story live up to Christy's reputation. She holds my interest and attention even when i think I have it figured out! I have read about 90% of her works and am always looking for more. The cover made me think it might be another of the Alaska crew, but I would have wanted to read it anyway! I know, after reading it, it is worthy of my time any money. It is worthy of yours, in my opinion.
May 29, 2025
What a stunner! Creative intrigue plus characters so realistic, readers think they know them.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation for a positive review. This is my own opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation for a positive review. This is my own opinion.
May 30, 2025
Christy Barritt by far is one of my favorite authors! This book did not disappoint! I love a good mystery that keeps you guessing at who the bad guy is, and this one definitely fit the bill! I couldn’t put this one down!
June 6, 2025
Before the Night Galls
Haven’t read a book by Christy Barritt yet that I didn’t like. The characters are so relatable and the storyline just pulls you in, and you can’t put it down! Keep writing!!!
Haven’t read a book by Christy Barritt yet that I didn’t like. The characters are so relatable and the storyline just pulls you in, and you can’t put it down! Keep writing!!!
June 10, 2025
Can't put it down!!!
This is a bit different from the author's other amazing mystery romance. I really like how she incorporates God in the stories. Makes them even better!
This is a must read!!! Keep writing, ill keep reading ..
This is a bit different from the author's other amazing mystery romance. I really like how she incorporates God in the stories. Makes them even better!
This is a must read!!! Keep writing, ill keep reading ..
June 12, 2025
Olivia and Tyson
Can’t imagine how and how others could have been so cruel to Olivia. I cannot imagine how she made it day by day without loosing her mind. I am so thankful she had Tyson. He was a life saver. Great mystery. Enjoy it.
Can’t imagine how and how others could have been so cruel to Olivia. I cannot imagine how she made it day by day without loosing her mind. I am so thankful she had Tyson. He was a life saver. Great mystery. Enjoy it.
July 30, 2025
Excellent story
This was like reading a thriller and romantic suspense in one. It was so well done and the story was so believable. The characters were great and I didn't want to put it down.
This was like reading a thriller and romantic suspense in one. It was so well done and the story was so believable. The characters were great and I didn't want to put it down.
August 7, 2025
Suspenseful
I have read several of Christy Barritt’s books in a row. Once I start one of her books, I can’t put it down! I’ve rated all of them a “5” star. They are suspenseful and they keep you guessing!
I have read several of Christy Barritt’s books in a row. Once I start one of her books, I can’t put it down! I’ve rated all of them a “5” star. They are suspenseful and they keep you guessing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews