Random Acts of Malice

Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries #3

by Christy Barritt

When Holly Anna Paladin’s boyfriend, police detective Chase Dexter, says he’s leaving for two weeks and can’t give any details, she wants to trust him. But when she discovers Chase may be involved in some unwise and dangerous pursuits, she’s compelled to intervene.

Holly gets a run for her money as she’s swept into the world of horseracing. The stakes turn deadly when a dead body surfaces and suspicion is cast on Chase. At every turn, more trouble emerges, making Holly question what she holds true about her relationship and her future.

Just when she thinks she’s on the homestretch, a dark horse arises. Holly might lose everything in a nail-biting fight to the finish.

Genres: Mystery, Christian Fiction, Christian, Mystery Thriller, Fiction, Cozy Mystery

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 7, 2015

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

[Sarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

This plot and how Holly found herself in the middle of a police investigation is another great showcase of Holly’s tendency to help but ending up in trouble.

Here Holly was challenged with trusting Chase’s character and who he is, even when evidence makes it hard.

The twist at the end I did not see coming.

[Kay Defreese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another suspense filled book by Christy Barritt. Holly's boyfriend needs to leave town for a few days and will not tell Holly the reason. Holly can't stand not knowing so she uses an app on her phone to locate him. There is more than one villain in the story and I was able to guess who one was at 60 percent in the book but was surprised at who else was involved. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good!

Overall, I enjoyed this story. It did bother me that Holly seemed to forget how she was less than truthful with Chase in the previous book. Other than that, it was another really good story. I didn't figure things out before it was revealed so that was good.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who hasn't had suspicions about a boyfriend? Holly finds the guption to follow Chase and finds herself having to defend him. Can she find the clues and figure out what is going on before Chase gets into trouble? Will Chase be angry that she didn't trust him? Christy Barritt gets you invested in and gets you caring about her characters in her series. This series is so exception. I anxiously await to see what will happen next with Holly and Chase!

[Beverly Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Random Acts of Malice is another great story in the series of “Random Acts of ….” by Christy Barritt. Holly Anna and Chase are wonderful characters and as in previous books their personalities are enjoyable. The questionable lack of trust that Holly has in Chase throughout the book and the mixed feelings she has about not trusting Chase, constantly keep the reader wondering about Chase, too. This story keeps the reader’s attention throughout. A true page turner!

[Brianna Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book of the series yet! It just keeps getting better! I had a hard time putting this one down. It was a fast-paced exciting read and I couldn’t enough of it. I had to know what happend next! It’s been a while since I”ve flown through a book that quickly, and I can’t wait to read the next one! I enjoyed everything this story had to offer and hopefully you will too! Once again, Christy delivers another exciting story, and I always enjoy reading her books.

[JadeShea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one, but I was so disappointed in Chase. I felt like he had no real reason to keep secrets from Holly, especially after what Holly did previously but at least his life was on the line then. I felt like he didn't trust her, and he showed more loyalty to someone else than to her. I wish Holly would have said that to him, but she didn't.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a Free Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Holly Anna Paladin and her best friend follow Holly’s boyfriend Chase, who wouldn’t tell her where he was going or what he was going to be doing. She and Jamie get into trouble several times. An interesting book about relationships and trust.

[Nancy Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally Awesome

Totally awesome characters and plot. So many twists and turns. Kept my attention and could hardly stop reading when I knew I had to. Couldn't wait to get back to reading the rest of the story.

[Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Random Acts of Malice 5 Stars 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

Love this author and this series. This book keeps your interest from the first page. Love the way this author incorporates faith with her characters.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Holly Anna Paladins boyfriend, police detective Chase Dexter, says hes leaving for two weeks and cant give any details, she wants to trust him. But when she discovers Chase may be involved in some unwise and dangerous pursuits, shes compelled to intervene.

[Sue Stinnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Holly Anne has gotten herself in a bad situation again just trying to find out what her boyfriend is doing with his ex-wife. There are far more bumps in the road this time.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries Book 3

Another adventure, mystery, romance of Holly Anna Paladin that I enjoyed reading! This story takes all kinds of twists and turns and some I never saw coming!

[Sandra Withrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book but...

Didn't care for the beginning regarding Holly's lack of trust after the last book but it got better as it got into plot.

[Ken Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative mix of personal interaction and mysterious action. Brings the pieces together in a believable manner. More tied to reality than other works in the series.

[bonnie kirchner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Random Acts of Malice

This is a great thriller mystery. I really enjoyed it. This keeps you in suspense until the very end. I highly recommend this book and series.

[Hunter Q Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love is stronger than doubt in the end. Holly's true love for Chase wins out over all the doubts planted in her mind by what she heard and saw.

[Pam Nemeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Random Acts of Malice

I really like this game of books. I really in joyed this book. But start at number the first on

[Pam Newman]

Interesting

[Wendy Huddler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Anna cannot believe what Chase just told her. He’s going on vacation for 2 weeks and he cannot tell her anything about it. Will she trust him or try to find out what is going on? Great book!

[Susan Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

I love Christy Barritt's books. And I am really enjoying this series. Looking forward to diving into the next book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Deborah Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It grabbed my interest right away and was hard to put down. Characters I wanted to believe were innocent even when they seemed guilty. Mystery, humor and a little romance kept me engaged.

[Beverly Duell-Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bok!

[Doreen Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Book 3 of the Holly Anna Paladin Series, Holly Anna is greatly disturbed when boyfriend, police detective Chase Dexter, tells her suddenly that he's leaving town for a couple of weeks -- and won't tell her why or where he is going! Holly isn't known for great patience, and begins to suspect that Chase is either in trouble, or cheating on her, so she and her best friend decide to follow him. When she sees WHO is hanging around with, she is even more convinced that Chase is returning to his old life and his past love. What follows next is a series of misunderstandings and dangerous situations. Is Chase returning to bad habits of his past? Is he cheating on Holly with his past love? Or are her eyes deceiving her? Will Chase forgive Holly when he finds out she is following him? This book kept me guessing almost to the end (I did figure out part of whodunit before they were revealed). I can't wait for the next in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

RANDOM ACTS OF MALICE is the third book in this series and while it does stand alone there are some references to the previous books, Random Acts of Murder and Random Acts of Deceit. I also have read the next book following this - Random Acts of Scrooge.

I enjoyed RANDOM ACTS OF MALICE and while I guessed one of the people behind the crimes, the other came as a complete surprise. The action is nonstop, the mystery keeps you guessing and Holly Anna is a heroine like non other. Funny, quirky, with a great side-kick best friend, Jamie.

The only thing that bothered me was the lack of trust between Holly Anna and Chase. She doesn't trust his rather evasive answers about why they need some time apart and instead starts stalking him, quick to believe the worse when she sees some things. They did address their lack of trust issues at the back of the book, so this is good. Otherwise, this couple would be doomed.

I love Christy Barritt's cozy mysteries, and highly recommend RANDOM ACTS OF MALICE or any of the other books in the Holly Anna Paladin Mystery series

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a race for survival...

I think Random Acts Of Malice holds the record for the fastest reading time of a Holly Anna Paladin Mystery. I just couldn't seem to put it down. I really couldn't help it, one more page turned into chapters with a capital S.

I really enjoy these books, Holly's optimism, penchant for trouble, quirky fashion sense, and determination to go the extra mile for those she loves makes her such a fun character to read about. Plus this series always delivers lots of breathless, spine-tingling suspense.

I wasn't sure the horse racing angle would exactly be my thing, but Christy Barritt did it again, Random Acts Of Malice is my new favorite Holly Anna book.

Don't miss Random Acts Of Malice or any of the books in this excellent series from talented suspense author Christy Barritt.

(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)

[Julia Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was full of suspense and I love Holly's sweet innocent nature and how it was tested in so many ways. She was still able to stay true to herself even when in difficult situations. This book will have you guessing until the end! My favorite paragraph of the book, “I wish I had some answers for you. I only know that life’s hard. We all experience that in one way or another eventually. Some people learn that lesson earlier in life, and others not until later. It’s not fair. It’s not easy. It doesn’t make a lot of sense. I guess we really have no choice but to deal with it, though. You know?” This is such a great life lesson for us all. I know it has defiantly been mine. Awesome book Christy! I loved it!

Note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christy Barritt’s latest Holly Anna Paladin Mystery series features A Random Act of Malice, which is an unforgettable story about how far would you trust someone you love. From the first chapter, I was tossed into moments of doubt alongside Holly as she wandered why Chase had to go away for two weeks without telling her where or what he was doing. If you had read the previous two books featuring Holly, you know she won’t be able to leave Chase alone. The story features horse racing and Chase interacting with his ex-wife, Peyton, and gambling, causing Holly to have moments of doubt about their relationship. Barritt keeps the pace moving, so there is no reason to put the book down. I really enjoyed this mystery and can’t wait to see where else Barritt takes Holly and Chase. Don’t let this one slip by.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly and her best friend Jamie go on a road trip after Holly activates and app finder that shows her boyfriend in in KY and at a racetrack. The head off and find more than they bargained for. They find Chase, but also stumble across a dead body as well. Holly and Jamie head away, but not before they are spotted. I loved seeing how they managed to evade their pursuers over the course of the book and all the ways they are sneaky to not only avoid being seen by Chase, but whoever is trying to harm them as well.
I love seeing what Holly is up to and love the way she finds herself in situations and how she in her own unique way gets out of them.
I received a copy of this book from the author to review.