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Dark Harbor
THREAT OF EXPOSURE
Someone wants reporter Madelyn Sawyer to leave the small coastal town she's just arrived in—even if it takes hurting her. But she won't give up her goal of investigating Waterman's Reach's new police chief that easily. Madelyn assumes that former big-city detective Zach Davis—who some believe is a murderer involved in a drug-trafficking ring—is behind the threat. Who else would have a motive? But as bullets fly Madelyn's way, it's Zach who keeps saving her life. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she wants to tell the handsome lawman why she's really in town. But if she does, will she lose his trust…and any hope of surviving long enough to bring the real killer to light?
Someone wants reporter Madelyn Sawyer to leave the small coastal town she's just arrived in—even if it takes hurting her. But she won't give up her goal of investigating Waterman's Reach's new police chief that easily. Madelyn assumes that former big-city detective Zach Davis—who some believe is a murderer involved in a drug-trafficking ring—is behind the threat. Who else would have a motive? But as bullets fly Madelyn's way, it's Zach who keeps saving her life. The closer she gets to the truth, the more she wants to tell the handsome lawman why she's really in town. But if she does, will she lose his trust…and any hope of surviving long enough to bring the real killer to light?
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2016
236 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,694 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 54 reviews
April 13, 2019
Wow, I forgot how intense Barritt's books can be at times!
January 9, 2020
3.5 stars
Loved this fast-paced mystery-thriller and the characters in it. Other than the two MCs, the side characters came off a bit flat and the mystery wasn’t super clue based, so it was more focused on the thrills of Madelyn trying to stay alive than anything, and there were a couple moments of “stupid character!” that made me just want to slap Madelyn. (She was super easily manipulated.) I liked all the Christian mentions but at the same time it felt like her spiritual redirect was really sudden.
Loved this fast-paced mystery-thriller and the characters in it. Other than the two MCs, the side characters came off a bit flat and the mystery wasn’t super clue based, so it was more focused on the thrills of Madelyn trying to stay alive than anything, and there were a couple moments of “stupid character!” that made me just want to slap Madelyn. (She was super easily manipulated.) I liked all the Christian mentions but at the same time it felt like her spiritual redirect was really sudden.
May 22, 2016
Good writing, likable characters and exciting story! Excellent writing as always! However I get so weary of the damsel in distress aspect of some LIS books. Madelyn was rescued so many times it got old. Please more strong heroines!
July 31, 2017
Someone wants them both gone...
Another exciting Love Inspired Suspense adventure from one of my all-time favorite authors, Christy Barritt! I love trying to figure out the villain(s) along with the characters, it's probably the best part of reading suspense/mysteries, but I have to admit that with Dark Harbor I was close, so close, and still totally missed it.
You really can't go wrong in picking Dark Harbor, or any Christy Barritt book really, as your next read. And, hey, these little Love Inspired books are the perfect size for catching up on those summer reading programs and book challenges.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.)
Another exciting Love Inspired Suspense adventure from one of my all-time favorite authors, Christy Barritt! I love trying to figure out the villain(s) along with the characters, it's probably the best part of reading suspense/mysteries, but I have to admit that with Dark Harbor I was close, so close, and still totally missed it.
You really can't go wrong in picking Dark Harbor, or any Christy Barritt book really, as your next read. And, hey, these little Love Inspired books are the perfect size for catching up on those summer reading programs and book challenges.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.)
March 24, 2025
Dark Harbor is a fast-paced suspense story with many twists. Someone wants Madelyn Sawyer to leave Waterman's Reach, where she is gathering information for an article. Lots of action takes place, and her life is in danger.
There are a lot of possible suspects but with no evidence. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who the real suspect was. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Overall, a great read.
There are a lot of possible suspects but with no evidence. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out who the real suspect was. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Overall, a great read.
March 14, 2019
Another suspense filled novel by Christy Barritt. Madelyn comes to Waterman on a secret mission as a reporter. She thinks Zach may be a bad guy but is he really. Someone does not want her there. At first she gets warnings to leave town but it soon escalates to more dangerous things happening to her. It was surprising to see who the bad guy was at the end.
August 10, 2016
Dark Harbor definitely starts with a bang! From a wild car chase to being threatened and robbed to being rescued by the very man she is there to investigate, Madelyn Sawyer's first day in Waterman's Reach is definitely a doozy. Trying to keep up false pretenses as she digs into an old drug case that could skyrocket her career, Madelyn finds herself targeted and in danger again and again. But could it be the police chief that keeps rescuing her?
Zach Davis is doing some investigating of his own. When the pretty travel writer shows up in his small town, she throws a wrench in his plans, but someone is obviously targeting her and it's his job as a police chief to protect her.
This was a fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. It wasn't easy to figure out who the bad guy was... It still took me by surprise at the end of the book. There was lots of action and that kept things from getting too slow.
The romance was really sweet. I could understand and sympathize with both Madelyn and Zach. It was easy to see that they were good for each other.
All in all, this was a good book that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading what this author produces next.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zach Davis is doing some investigating of his own. When the pretty travel writer shows up in his small town, she throws a wrench in his plans, but someone is obviously targeting her and it's his job as a police chief to protect her.
This was a fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. It wasn't easy to figure out who the bad guy was... It still took me by surprise at the end of the book. There was lots of action and that kept things from getting too slow.
The romance was really sweet. I could understand and sympathize with both Madelyn and Zach. It was easy to see that they were good for each other.
All in all, this was a good book that I enjoyed reading. I look forward to reading what this author produces next.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 21, 2022
An OK Read
As I read this book, I just kept thinking the heroine was just so monumentally dumb. And the hero made a couple of glaring mistakes that didn't fit with what I'd expect of a veteran law enforcement officer in his position. Too many details just didn't mesh. However, the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading to find out if my few questions would be answered. The main villain wasn't who I thought it would be. That was also a plus. The ending was fairly satisfying and there weren't any loose ends. So if you're looking for a complete story that's easy to read and none of what bothered me bothers you, you might enjoy this clean, lightly inspirational romance.
As I read this book, I just kept thinking the heroine was just so monumentally dumb. And the hero made a couple of glaring mistakes that didn't fit with what I'd expect of a veteran law enforcement officer in his position. Too many details just didn't mesh. However, the plot was interesting enough that I wanted to keep reading to find out if my few questions would be answered. The main villain wasn't who I thought it would be. That was also a plus. The ending was fairly satisfying and there weren't any loose ends. So if you're looking for a complete story that's easy to read and none of what bothered me bothers you, you might enjoy this clean, lightly inspirational romance.
August 11, 2023
I enjoyed this novel by Christy Barritt, who is a very talented writer of several series. The plot of this book involves an ex-Baltimore cop suspected of involvement with a drug ring and a journalist who has been assigned to write an expose on him. From almost the first page, trouble seems to be after Madelyn who meets Zach when he rescues her and fixes her flat tire. For a change, I did not figure out who the villain was until the conclusion of the story. It was fun, however, trying to figure out who was trying to get rid of Madelyn.
January 23, 2025
Whoa!
Madelyn goes to a quaint seaside town for a story - the biggest story of her life, and ends up being attacked as soon as she enters town. The suspense rises as it becomes clear that she is the target of someone determined to kill her no matter how many times his efforts fail. All the while, Zach, the subject of her exposé, becomes dearer and dearer to her. What is really going on in this fishing village? Climb in the boat and go find out!
Madelyn goes to a quaint seaside town for a story - the biggest story of her life, and ends up being attacked as soon as she enters town. The suspense rises as it becomes clear that she is the target of someone determined to kill her no matter how many times his efforts fail. All the while, Zach, the subject of her exposé, becomes dearer and dearer to her. What is really going on in this fishing village? Climb in the boat and go find out!
January 7, 2025
Great story
Beautiful setting on the East Coast for this suspenseful story of wrongs and rights, justices and injustices. The inspirational thread of forgiveness, grace, and love sets this book apart. Well developed characters add to the depth of this story. Christy Barritt succeeds in displaying hope and God's unwavering love in this book. Definitely worth the read.
Beautiful setting on the East Coast for this suspenseful story of wrongs and rights, justices and injustices. The inspirational thread of forgiveness, grace, and love sets this book apart. Well developed characters add to the depth of this story. Christy Barritt succeeds in displaying hope and God's unwavering love in this book. Definitely worth the read.
January 20, 2025
Not sure why this book is only listed as large print on here…
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, but it’s one of the few I’ve rated 5 stars. This was a very good story, ad although some parts were predictable, there were some good twists that I didn’t see coming. I would recommend this book.
This isn’t the first book I’ve read by this author, but it’s one of the few I’ve rated 5 stars. This was a very good story, ad although some parts were predictable, there were some good twists that I didn’t see coming. I would recommend this book.
November 4, 2017
This book wasn't bad. I enjoyed how quickly it went. There was just no emotional connection. Kind of a forgettable book. I still enjoy this author's writing style and will be reading more of her books.
December 29, 2022
Every little town has it's secrets!
Oh my goodness! I never would have ever imagined all the plots and twists that could come out of this little quiet beachfront community. I couldn't but this book down.
Oh my goodness! I never would have ever imagined all the plots and twists that could come out of this little quiet beachfront community. I couldn't but this book down.
January 8, 2025
Zach and Madelyn are at odds off and on for most of the book. I prefer to read books that have the hero and heroine work together for most of the book. Paula should have had more severe punishment for what she did.
January 12, 2025
Good read
Suspenseful plot with subtle faith-based theme. The book was enjoyable and kept me guessing till the last few chapters.
Christy Barritt is a talented author who writes clean and suspenseful stories.
Suspenseful plot with subtle faith-based theme. The book was enjoyable and kept me guessing till the last few chapters.
Christy Barritt is a talented author who writes clean and suspenseful stories.
March 7, 2025
The Reporter and the Police Chief
Crime in a small town brings 2 lonely people together. Finding out who is behind the mayhem is surprising!! A great read that will keep the reader enthralled!!
Crime in a small town brings 2 lonely people together. Finding out who is behind the mayhem is surprising!! A great read that will keep the reader enthralled!!
May 13, 2025
very good read
A great story that I couldn’t put down. Pretty much read it in two days reading non stop. Christy Barritt is a great author and writes great and riveting stories. I’ve read just about every book she has writtt. I highly recommend reading it
A great story that I couldn’t put down. Pretty much read it in two days reading non stop. Christy Barritt is a great author and writes great and riveting stories. I’ve read just about every book she has writtt. I highly recommend reading it
August 15, 2025
Good story but terrible delivery by Apple Books. The digital voice technology needs a lot of work. The gender voice jumps from male to female and back again making it very difficult to enjoy. This is a shameful way to treat their authors. It needs to be fixed.
September 23, 2017
Harlequin romantic suspense.
March 27, 2018
She over thinks every move and every decision.......
June 6, 2018
Great story ! Loved the characters and fight for what's right . I'm going to read a lot more Christy Barritt's books . Suspense , clean and faith based !
September 20, 2019
The story line was interesting. The characters were engaging. But, the plot was dragged out. I couldn't submerge myself in the book.
May 8, 2021
Another winner!!
December 31, 2022
Such an intense, fast-paced read!
February 10, 2023
Interesting storyline, but not developed enough. The main characters were already having feelings for each other by about the second day etc…
March 24, 2023
Dark Harbor
Good storyline; interesting characters, suspense, and romance. Compelling story that keeps you guessing until the end. You’ll enjoy this book!
Good storyline; interesting characters, suspense, and romance. Compelling story that keeps you guessing until the end. You’ll enjoy this book!
January 7, 2025
too predictable
A cute little story but so predictable. Always a disappointment to have the criminal explaining himself to the hero. Just way too unrealistic.
A cute little story but so predictable. Always a disappointment to have the criminal explaining himself to the hero. Just way too unrealistic.
January 22, 2026
Christy Barrett never misses!!!
July 27, 2022
This was another fun, suspenseful read by Christy Barritt! Granted, some of the conflict might be a bit unlikely--but the mystery is spot on, the characters realistic and relatable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews