Trailing Justice

by Christy Barritt

She hiked into the remote forest . . . and hasn’t been seen since .

Prosecutor Kori Hutchins has spent her career making sure justice is served. But when her sister vanishes in the mountains of Blue Ridge Hollow, her courtroom skills mean nothing. There’s no evidence, no witnesses, and no one willing to listen . . . until park ranger Wyatt King and his search and rescue dog, Thunder, step in.

Wyatt knows these mountains—and their dangers. But what begins as a search for a missing hiker quickly turns into something far more sinister. The clues don’t add up, and the trail twists in ways it shouldn’t. As a brutal blizzard barrels toward the hollow, time is running out.

Out in the wilderness, justice is hard to find—and far more dangerous to chase. Because Mackenzie’s disappearance isn’t just a mystery. It’s a warning.

And someone will do anything to make sure the truth stays hidden.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2026

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]

What a fast-paced read Trailing Justice is. It drew me straight in from the straight with a missing person or two, a park ranger and his K9 SAR dog Thunder, and a lawyer searching for her estranged sister who hasn't returned from her hike. Trailing Justice has twists and turns, a snowstorm, and danger as Wyatt, Thunder, and Kori search for Kori's sister. Wonderful mystery.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Barritt's book Trailing Justice nailed it!! Kori and Wyatt seem to be like-minded in matters concerning justice and in-justice. Or, simply put, right vs. wrong. Both have truly experienced having to start over on their own. Both have experienced the loss of people who mattered so much to them. And, both of them rely on God above to steer them through the rough waters and the deepest, darkest valleys. Kori and Wyatt are absolutely characters this book needed. Their deep need to clarify everything, magnify what they don't understand and care for those around them are big draws on their hearts. But, the fact that they're living by faith is seen in all they do. Tragedies of the past are let go because they're relying on Jesus to set them free from bondage and sin. I thoroughly enjoyed this book because of the action and clarity of hearts to help others. This book drew me in multiple times and held me captive until the very end. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and I am excited to begin the next one in the series!! All of my thoughts and reactions to this story are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"Come alone and come now. Everything depends on it."

Ominous words, texted by someone with evil intentions who had successfully lured Kori Hutchins' sister out along a mountain trail where Mackenzie had subsequently disappeared. When Kori arrives in Blue Ridge Hollow to file a missing persons report, she goes directly to the district ranger office and meets Ranger Wyatt King along with his search and rescue dog Thunder. Assigned to look into the young woman's whereabouts, Wyatt cannot help but notice that someone is intent on thwarting their efforts and that Mackenzie's disappearance is not the only odd occurence happening in the small town.

As circumstances grow increasingly dangerous, Wyatt maintains a thoughtful, steady presence, prompting Kori to wonder whether or not her successful large city legal practice is where she wants to spend the rest of her days. First things first, find her sister!

A gripping return to Refuge Cove!

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When D.C. lawyer Kori Hutchens' estranged sister MacKenzie goes missing in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kori takes a leave of absence from her job and travels to Blue Ridge Hollow to find her. Events cause her to reevaluate her life and goals. There she obtains the assistance of Park Ranger Wyatt King and his K-9 partner Thunder. The plot is exciting, twisted, and suspense-filled and kept me turning the pages. Kori and Wyatt are both strong, admirable characters. Different law enforcement agencies work together to find MacKenzie and uncover the meaning of other questionable activities taking place.

[Kim English · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing person, or two (or more??). A snowstorm. A worried sister. A k9 SAR dog and it’s owner. A treacherous mountain trail. And someone that doesn’t want to be found. Time is running out and the twists just keep coming.
Trailing Justice, the third book in the Refuge Cove Series by Christy Barritt is full of twists and turns you don’t expect, along with fabulous quotes, suspense and maybe even a smattering of romance. I literally have notes with quotes from it and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in two days time.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets hide in the mountains and can be dangerous! Kori Hutchins comes to Refuge Cove to search for her sister. But an average lost hiker search turns into something more serious. Ranger Wyatt King and his dog Thunder help Kori but soon realize there is more going on. Lots of action and suspense, twists and turns, and enough snow to make you feel cold as you read. When the answers begin to surface, you won't believe who is involved - and why. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her sister disappeared on a hike in the wilderness. Now Kori Hutchins determines to find her and reconnect after their estrangement. Only there’s more to the situation than she realizes, and she is swept into a treacherous scenario. Park Ranger Wyatt King and his dog assist Kori in this challenging endeavor, amid danger and drama. I found it hard to figure out who was behind the threats and attacks. This fast-pace suspense will keep you engaged and racing to the finish, hoping the characters will survive unharmed. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Celena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good plot

The book is well written and covers a topic that has been popping up quite often on my for you page. People living off the grid. I liked the way Christy tells a story. It paints a picture in your mind. And I love that her books are Christ focused without preaching at you. Her characters live their faith daily and that is something to aspire to.
I loved the quote “I grew up in a place like this. A place full of family and front porches and people who showed up for each other.”

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Prosecutor Kori Hutchins usually doesn’t take time off work, but does when her sister goes missing after a solo hike. Park Ranger Wyatt King and his dog Thunder assist in the search for Makenzie, but keep coming up without finding her and other emergencies interfere. An intriguing book with suspense, an anti-government group, forgiveness, and second chances.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace extended is grace received

Wyatt loves his job, search and rescue, Kori loves her job, justice served. This story is one of how God looks out for his servants and his plans can't be derailed. Its a story of forgiveness over bitterness, justice over vengeance, hope when you don't feel it and peace in the storm. Love Christy Barritt's stories and glad I stumbled onto this series.

[Mark Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed every one of your books.

Christy, I look forward to all your new releases. I think I read every book of yours. I have enjoyed Refuge Cove series. I can’t figure out how you pump out all these books and they’re so good. If someone asked me who my favorite author was, I believe I would say it was you.

Linda Perkins
I hope your mother’s doing OK.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best in the series so far.

Trailing Justice takes a turn from the high-stakes continued unfriendly neighbor bullies as focus centers on new threats. Danger crouches behind facades, which takes a team to unravel and confront.

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

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely

Wow! This could have come right out of the news!
Skin-prickling suspense of an anti-government organization overtaking property and people. A life lost.
Thankfully, we have a burgeoning love story to give some relief from the suspense.
Extremely well written and attention grabbing!

[MARYANN MATHER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.

I don't usually spend 5 hours of reading a book. I just couldn't put it down one day until I realized it was after midnight and I'm still reading this suspense book. So many twist and turns. You have to read books 1 and 2 to know how everything fits together. On to book 4.

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grab your helmet and buckle up for the ride with this one! Definitely worth the read. Another intriguing plot, fantastic characters (familiar and new), and enough edge of your seat events to keep you turning the pages.

[Donna Idalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I couldn’t sleep last night until I got up and finished it.
There is everything you want in a book. Faith, suspense, troubles and a dog of course.
I can’t wait for the next book to come out.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat - fast paced, intense, plenty of twist, romance, and emotional. I enjoyed this third book in the Refuge Cove series - each could be read as a stand alone, but I enjoy watching the various relationships develop and grow.

[Sandra Arbeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic.

What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. This is book 3 of a 4 book series. The series is set in a beautiful mountainous area and each one has a lot of suspense and love.
I've pre-ordered my last in the series and look forward to the conclusion.

[Kathy Gambill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this book down!!

What an exciting book to read! It keeps you wanting to just read one more chapter n then the next n so on. Love Christy’s books. Think I have read all of them. Can’t wait for Refuge Cove Book 4!

[Jan Fore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refuge Cove #2

The refuge cove story continues when Mackenzie takes a jobs observing forest cameras to study. When she is taken by an anti-government group. Forrest Ranger takes the case from her sister. This is an excellent suspense novel!

[sue phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced.

I always enjoy Reading the author's books. This 1 is so fast paced and goes from 1 subject to the next. I could not put it down. 1 of the best I've read from her! Can't wait to go on to book 4.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trailing justices

This is the third book in the Refuge Cove series, and it's a doozy. Blizzards, home grown terrorists, and a lost woman and kidnapped man...all combined for heart stopping suspence and a gratifying ending. Read it!!

[Deena Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than I expected! Outstanding!

[alice williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining

Compelling, attention-grabbing content that draws readers in from the first word, creating an immediate and powerful connection. a good read

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

I like the characters in this series and how the story was very realistic. There is a lot of tension and a great resolution.

[lori limmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I love every book I read of Christy Barritt’s! This series is one of her bests! I can’t wait until the next one!

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I fell in love with Thunder and his name!

[paulette dismang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace

I enjoyed. all three books bout Refuge Cove. They are exciting have adventure and Romance It also has a infant named Grae Hope you enjoy

[Kalyn Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! I loved this one! I really like the series and the connection the family has, I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

[Hellon Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Biok!