Ground Zero

Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation #3

by Christy Barritt

Some betrayals detonate in code. Others explode at ground zero.

Blackout operative Maverick Adams’s surf session on Lantern Beach is cut short when an FBI agent blasts into his world, arresting him for crimes he didn’t commit. When he learns that his digital fingerprints implicate him in a recent terror attack, he knows someone in his inner circle has set him up.

FBI Special Agent Sheridan Mendez has never failed to bring down a target, and Maverick Adams won’t be her first.Fueled by the need for justice after her partner’s tragic death and armed with what she believes is irrefutable evidence against Maverick, Sheridan is determined to take him down.

Maverick must prove his innocence. But with gunmen closing in and a shadowy terrorist organization planning another attack, he finds himself entangled in a world of high-stakes deception.

Racing against the clock, Maverick and Sheridan must navigate a web of betrayal . . . one where every ally could be an enemy.

Genres: Fiction, Romance

263 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 31, 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

[Mary Hake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This newest novel about a Blackout operative, set in one of my favorite Christy Barritt locations, sparks with action and intensity. The fast-paced plot sweeps readers along for a thrilling ride involving terrorism and the FBI. Who might be compromising the team and trying to kill thousands of Americans? Maverick Adams determines to find answers and stop a dangerous plot, plus he also has to clear himself. Don’t miss this exciting suspense and the whole series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs development

It feels like chapters of the story are missing. There is no development of the relationship between Sheridan and Maverick. The author tells us there is an attraction there but the build up of connection is nonexistent.

There is plenty of action, but every time the attraction/ love relationship is mentioned, it felt like an afterthought to the plot... like maybe it was not supposed to be a romance but someone told the author to go back and add it in.

Overall, the story line was okay but disappointing in its execution. I've seen this author do better.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Maverick Adams is arrested by the FBI for treason, but FBI Special Agent Sheridan Mendez starts to believe in his innocence and to help him prove it. She plays both sides to gain information. They learn Sigma has big plans and they are fighting against the clock to solve the problem not knowing who they can trust. Another fantastic book by Christy Barritt that has it all – love, suspense, and drama.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

High Tech Modern Mystery at it's best!! How do you prove your innocence when your "digital fingerprints" are all over plans to attack the US?! You won't be able to put this one down once you start reading it! Great characters, lots of intrigue, suspense and heart-stopping action that will keep you guessing until the very end!! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Jamie Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero

Ground Zero was another great book by Christy Barritt. This book was a thriller right from the start. After being set up by his colleague or colleagues and being pursued by the FBI, he had to learn to depend on God. He knew there was a mole so he didn’t know if there was anyone he could trust. The end of the book has a surprise I never saw coming. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a good read that you don’t want to put down.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero

If you enjoy dangerous excitement from the first page to the last, I highly recommend you read this book! Christy Barrett does not disappoint in this Lantern Beach Blackout book. Maverick Adam’s finds himself under arrest by FBI special Agent Sheridan Mendez for treason. When they discover the danger, they are in a race against time to save thousands of people from the attack on a local government base by a terrorist organization.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero

Absolutely amazing! The Lantern Beach Blackout series is very intriguing and interesting. How many things are going on right now that you have no idea about. A story of terrorizing actions, betrayal and violence is very compelling. And then acts of heroism! Well done. Highly recommend reading this book.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero is packed full of action, suspense, and danger as Maverick is accused of a crime he didn't commit. He has to prove he didn't do it even though his digital prints are everywhere. Great suspense, wonderful characters, and a fast-paced story with twists and turns, a race against time, and a terrorist plot that needs to be stopped. What a heart-pounding read.

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run for Your Life!

Run! Run with the person who just arrested you because your life, and hers, depends on it!
There’s just nothing like being framed by someone you have trusted implicitly. Who can you trust now, until you find the traitor?
Ground Zero is fast-paced and intense in parts, with just enough romance mixed in.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agent Sheridan and Operative Maverick can trust no one, but does that include each other? Intense action and duplicity draw readers closer to revealing the Sigma villains wrapped around and into several key organizations. Critical Mass is the next edition releasing soon.

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

[Jan LeBaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

totally enjoying these books!

I may download several books before I’m ready to really read one of them. Most just don’t hold my interest. I’ve read two of the lantern beach blackout books and all I can say is that I’m ready for the rest! Christy Barrett, you did good!!!👍👍👍👍👍
Totally recommend! Good clean reading with LOTS of action!!!

[Beverly Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero is a terrific book! It is amazing how much suspense and excitement can be packed into one story. The two main characters, Maverick and Sheridan are such strong people individually but when they get together to work to stop a terrorist, their combined strength makes for a wonderful story. I highly recommend this book.

[Candy gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheridan and Maverick

Wow this book started out with a huge bang and ended with a better huge bang! I could not put this book down I had to know the ending to see if the ending was the way I wanted it. 😊😊😊😊😊

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another exciting espionage thriller from Barritt’s Lantern Beach Blackout: Detonation series. Captivating mystery with national security in danger, & a mole in the FBI & in Blackouts headquarters. Danger with the predictable romance, but a fun quick read!

[Melinda Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, cause it kept my attention. I couldn't hardly put it down and the story, oh my. I have read all three books in this series and looking forward to reading the fourth one. Thanks for all your books and have read almost all that are on Kindle free.

[Lydia Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Another amazing book. Christy Barritt she's a great writer. I've never been disappointed in any of her books? Great writer and the storylines will keep you turning pages. Always God center. Looking forward to The next book.

[Dawn Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great read! I loved the progression of the story, the change in dynamic between the characters and the overall vibe. I figured out one of the moles, but not the other. Ready for the next one!

[HELEN A. RITTENHOUSE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ground Zero

Christy Barritt has done it again. Another page turner I couldn't put down! I can't wait for the next book in the series

[LaChicDominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously one of Christy's best works!! Complicated, intriguing, and well written!! I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

[Kaye Sinkule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Barritt has never let me down in any of the hundreds of books she has written. I have recommended her to hundreds of people an love getting her newsletters each month. You cannot go wrong with her and will be blessed with her newsletters.

[sharla harding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

This book doesn’t stop! This whole series is quickly becoming my favorite but that’s probably because I love Lantern Beach so much!

[Deborah Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat wondering how this story would work out. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Sheri Jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and were are so many potential suspects, it kept me guessing. Then the reveal of one person totally took me by surprise; I never saw this coming.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boom!

Great description for a bomb of a book! Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and was sure to order the next installment of adventures in Lantern Beach and the Blackout team!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting Mystery

I liked the intense action and engaging characters. Good overcoming evil. A bit of romance sprinkled in makes this a must read.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy, you did it again

WOW! Christy, you did it again Stories such as this one is the reason you are my very favorite author .

[MRS SHARON HAWES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!

This was a page turner! Exciting + suspenseful plot with great characters plus some romance as well. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

[Mary Ott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

What a story! From the first page till the last, there wasn't a dull second. I loved it. Christy Barrier has done it again!!!

[shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Love faith, mystery and action all wrapped up in one great series!! Always a twist or two to keep you on your toes.