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Shadow of Suspicion
A police detective works to clear a woman’s name and keep her alive in this inspirational romantic suspense novel by a USA Today bestseller.First, computer specialist Laney Ryan’s accused of kidnapping her neighbor’s daughter—and now someone’s trying to kill her. The police don’t believe Laney’s story . . . except for Detective Mark James, whose instincts say Laney isn’t guilty.Together, Mark and Laney must figure out who really abducted the teen and uncover why they’re framing Laney. But when their search for the truth turns deadly, Mark realizes his feelings for Laney aren’t strictly professional and that he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe. With a dangerous suspect swiftly closing in, can they find the missing girl and clear Laney’s name . . . before their possible future together is fatally cut short?
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2017
208 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,672 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 56 reviews
November 27, 2018
From reading the synopsis I had high expectations for this book, but sadly it didn't work for me. There's just no way I'm going to believe a computer specialist, of the caliber we are made to believe Laney is, could work for such a long time for someone she thought was CIA but then turned out to be terrorists - without the slightest hint of suspicion. That's the whole base of the plot. Once it falls, nothing else sounds realistic. And there are lots of other minor flaws in the story as well, such as Mark not having enough coverage to make a simple phone call but Laney, working at his side, going on-line and using her computer to hack into the a fire alarm...
In addition to that, I never felt Mark and Laney's connection go further than a slight physical attraction, and suddenly they are in love. To be honest, Laney acts like such a brat for the first two thirds of the book that I almost expected Mark to gladly strangle her instead. Several times he risks his life to rescue her, only for her to run away and put herself in danger all over again. Yes. she sounds like a very, very smart girl.
Overall, I think the plot had potential, but the way the story unfolds is just not convincing enough.
In addition to that, I never felt Mark and Laney's connection go further than a slight physical attraction, and suddenly they are in love. To be honest, Laney acts like such a brat for the first two thirds of the book that I almost expected Mark to gladly strangle her instead. Several times he risks his life to rescue her, only for her to run away and put herself in danger all over again. Yes. she sounds like a very, very smart girl.
Overall, I think the plot had potential, but the way the story unfolds is just not convincing enough.
May 3, 2020
Warning: Contains Spoilers!!
I loved it sooo much! So happy for Sarah and her new family! I love the ending and the characters! I loved Mark! He was sweet, protective, brave, sensitive, and understanding. I loved Laney too. She was smart, brave, sensitive, nurturing, and a generally happy and optimistic woman after everything that had happened. Sarah was also an amazing character. She is considerate, sweet, trusting, brave, and she was an amazing young woman considering everything she went through. I loved the amount of suspense and action on each page. I could hardly put it down! I was up after lights out reading (which normally happens, but only with the really good books 😉). I couldn't have been happier for the ending, the characters got together, they adopted Sarah, and the Old Guard members are behind bars. Well done Christy Barritt!! I had a great time with your book and I'm hoping I'll read more of you soon!
I loved it sooo much! So happy for Sarah and her new family! I love the ending and the characters! I loved Mark! He was sweet, protective, brave, sensitive, and understanding. I loved Laney too. She was smart, brave, sensitive, nurturing, and a generally happy and optimistic woman after everything that had happened. Sarah was also an amazing character. She is considerate, sweet, trusting, brave, and she was an amazing young woman considering everything she went through. I loved the amount of suspense and action on each page. I could hardly put it down! I was up after lights out reading (which normally happens, but only with the really good books 😉). I couldn't have been happier for the ending, the characters got together, they adopted Sarah, and the Old Guard members are behind bars. Well done Christy Barritt!! I had a great time with your book and I'm hoping I'll read more of you soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2017
Christy Barritt is at it again. With her latest Love Inspired Suspense novel, Shadow of Suspicion, I really was drawn into the story right away with the doors banging open and invading Laney's home. From there on, the rest of the story lives up to the same height of rush and hide. Something happened at the end of every chapter, capturing my intrigue and making me flip the pages to see what happens next. The romance between Laney and Mark doesn't even hint at anything until page 100. It slowly progresses, and then ends up at a predictable marriage. I know it is required of this publisher, but it always makes me shake my head. Except for the romance, I really like Barritt's take on how she created Laney to be the perfect suspect for the kidnapping, but she laid the story out so well that I didn't figure out who the main bad guy was. I highly recommend this story for fans of Barritt's other works and fans of the Love Inspired Suspense line.
I received a complimentary copy of Shadow of Suspicion from Christy Barritt, but my opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Shadow of Suspicion from Christy Barritt, but my opinions are my own.
February 2, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, SHADOW OF SUSPICION is Ms. Barritt's newest romantic suspense. I admit I am not as technically savvy as most people, but wow, if what she wrote about being able to do by hacking computers is possible, it is scary, scary, scary.
I didn't really feel the romance part of this story. Laney is to bent on hacking computer systems and Mark is too suspicious. I did figure out who likely was behind the girl's disappearance but how the rest of the suspense tied together evaded me, leaving me guessing.
Ms. Barritt is a master at romantic suspense and mystery and this book, like all of hers, is a page-turner. I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. There is no faith message in this book, making it more of a clean read.
If you like romantic suspense, you will enjoy SHADOW OF SUSPICION.
I didn't really feel the romance part of this story. Laney is to bent on hacking computer systems and Mark is too suspicious. I did figure out who likely was behind the girl's disappearance but how the rest of the suspense tied together evaded me, leaving me guessing.
Ms. Barritt is a master at romantic suspense and mystery and this book, like all of hers, is a page-turner. I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. There is no faith message in this book, making it more of a clean read.
If you like romantic suspense, you will enjoy SHADOW OF SUSPICION.
February 10, 2017
First, the disclaimer. "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own." That done, SHADOW OF SUSPICION is Ms. Barritt's newest romantic suspense. I admit I am not as technically savvy as most people, but wow, if what she wrote about being able to do by hacking computers is possible, it is scary, scary, scary.
I didn't really feel the romance part of this story. Laney is to bent on hacking computer systems and Mark is too suspicious. I did figure out who likely was behind the girl's disappearance but how the rest of the suspense tied together evaded me, leaving me guessing.
Ms. Barritt is a master at romantic suspense and mystery and this book, like all of hers, is a page-turner. I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. There is no faith message in this book, making it more of a clean read.
If you like romantic suspense, you will enjoy SHADOW OF SUSPICION.
I didn't really feel the romance part of this story. Laney is to bent on hacking computer systems and Mark is too suspicious. I did figure out who likely was behind the girl's disappearance but how the rest of the suspense tied together evaded me, leaving me guessing.
Ms. Barritt is a master at romantic suspense and mystery and this book, like all of hers, is a page-turner. I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. There is no faith message in this book, making it more of a clean read.
If you like romantic suspense, you will enjoy SHADOW OF SUSPICION.
January 27, 2017
Whoa -- intensely riveting from the very first page. I hyperventilated my way through pages of breath-stealing scenes. My nerves were on edge throughout the entire story. A colossal suspense with so many twists and turns it was impossible to figure it all out from my armchair sleuth's chair. I had my suspicions...but Barritt still managed to gobsmack me more than once. Of course I knew that Laney was innocent but Mark didn't. And there's something swoony about a hero torn between love and duty. An awesome romantic suspense that will hold you hostage until the very last page.
February 26, 2023
I love reading books by Christy Barritt. They are always full of mystery and suspense and keeps me guessing. This story was no different and delivered the full amount of drama and suspense.
Laney is a young widow who has shied away from society since finding her murdered husband's body 3 years earlier. She is a computer wizard and has the perfect job that keeps her at home- working as a computer programmer for the CIA. But then SWAT officers burst into her home wanting to know what she did with her missing teenaged neighbor, Sarah. From then on one horrific thing after another happens to her and she realizes that she has been targeted and someone is out to kill her. Not even Mark, the officer who at first suspects her and then likes her, can keep her safe. Laney can't reach her boss for help in the situation where she is bound to keep her work a secret. As her world falls apart and the murder attempts escalate, Laney turns to Detective Mark, but does he trust her?
The only thing I'd pick apart is I don't understand why a foreign terrorist would kidnap a young child and relocate to the US with her claiming that she is his daughter. Other than the fact that the story needed a teenager to disappear, and it could have been his real child, it's an unnecessary fact to this story.
Laney is a young widow who has shied away from society since finding her murdered husband's body 3 years earlier. She is a computer wizard and has the perfect job that keeps her at home- working as a computer programmer for the CIA. But then SWAT officers burst into her home wanting to know what she did with her missing teenaged neighbor, Sarah. From then on one horrific thing after another happens to her and she realizes that she has been targeted and someone is out to kill her. Not even Mark, the officer who at first suspects her and then likes her, can keep her safe. Laney can't reach her boss for help in the situation where she is bound to keep her work a secret. As her world falls apart and the murder attempts escalate, Laney turns to Detective Mark, but does he trust her?
The only thing I'd pick apart is I don't understand why a foreign terrorist would kidnap a young child and relocate to the US with her claiming that she is his daughter. Other than the fact that the story needed a teenager to disappear, and it could have been his real child, it's an unnecessary fact to this story.
December 12, 2016
Shadow of Suspicion is by Christy Barritt. It is a Love inspired suspense with no graphic sex scenes. It does, however, have plenty of action. It is so exciting, it is difficult to put down. Luckily, it is a short read.
Computer specialist Laney Ryan is working on her project for the CIA. She works for a small group with the CIA and it allows her to work from home which she likes because she does not like to socialize very much and hasn´t since he death of her husband, Nate. As she finishes and locks her computer away, her house is broken into and overrun by the police. She is accused of kidnapping her next-door neighbor´s daughter, Susan. No one believes her and no one can reach her employer to verify her work. Things do not look good for Laney and then someone deliberately shoots at her. Who is trying to kill her? Who kidnapped Susan and why blame her? Can she trust Detective Mark James?
Computer specialist Laney Ryan is working on her project for the CIA. She works for a small group with the CIA and it allows her to work from home which she likes because she does not like to socialize very much and hasn´t since he death of her husband, Nate. As she finishes and locks her computer away, her house is broken into and overrun by the police. She is accused of kidnapping her next-door neighbor´s daughter, Susan. No one believes her and no one can reach her employer to verify her work. Things do not look good for Laney and then someone deliberately shoots at her. Who is trying to kill her? Who kidnapped Susan and why blame her? Can she trust Detective Mark James?
May 24, 2023
This is one of the best books I've read in the Love Inspired series. Christy Barritt is a prolific writer who has written other books I've enjoyed, but this one has enough twists and turns in the plot to keep the reader engaged in the action. A young woman has been set up by a terrorist group wanting her to hack into the security systems of the banks and safety organizations of the United States. She has a lot of work to do to figure out what is going on in her life, and she has a police detective helping her. I enjoyed reading this novel.
January 18, 2025
Shadow of Suspicion
This "stand alone" by Christy Barritt references previous colleagues of Detective Mark James. I've probably read them. This one involves computer whiz Laney Ryan, who believes she is writing code for the CIA. Instead, she finds herself in a fight for her life as she discovers the true nature of the work she is do8ng and throws up a firewall that her "boss" and his minions can't hack in order to destroy the American economy.
This "stand alone" by Christy Barritt references previous colleagues of Detective Mark James. I've probably read them. This one involves computer whiz Laney Ryan, who believes she is writing code for the CIA. Instead, she finds herself in a fight for her life as she discovers the true nature of the work she is do8ng and throws up a firewall that her "boss" and his minions can't hack in order to destroy the American economy.
April 11, 2025
Shadow of Suspicion
Another great book by Christy Barritt! From the beginning it was filled with suspense. The characters were well developed and were very realistic. I love how she incorporates the Bible into the thinking of her characters. It shows how being a Christian and knowing Bible verses helps you through difficult times. I recommend this to anyone who likes an intriguing romantic suspense filled book.
Another great book by Christy Barritt! From the beginning it was filled with suspense. The characters were well developed and were very realistic. I love how she incorporates the Bible into the thinking of her characters. It shows how being a Christian and knowing Bible verses helps you through difficult times. I recommend this to anyone who likes an intriguing romantic suspense filled book.
February 1, 2017
I am a very busy woman and I don't often get the ability to read. Nowadays a book takes me days to finish and half the time I fall asleep on it out of sheer exhaustion. I read this book in less than twelve hours. I could not put it down! Christy Barritt is masterful at funny and suspenseful plots that keep you hooked from cover to cover. I love her and I loved Shadow of Suspicion.
May 13, 2017
3.5
This was my first Love Inspired-Romantic-Suspense book, and it was pretty good. The suspense was good and the plot engaging. The 'romance' was fair. For me this book was just a "Yeah, it was pretty good", if that makes sense. :)
Glad I read it. Though the faith-theme was very minimal, not integral to the plot.
This was my first Love Inspired-Romantic-Suspense book, and it was pretty good. The suspense was good and the plot engaging. The 'romance' was fair. For me this book was just a "Yeah, it was pretty good", if that makes sense. :)
Glad I read it. Though the faith-theme was very minimal, not integral to the plot.
April 9, 2020
Twists and turns...
The book was awesomely written. I love all the action, and never seeing the outcome until the end. To see Mark and Laney each heal from their past and move forward let’s the reader know it’s possible for them as well. Christy Barritt continues to keep me searching for her books!!
The book was awesomely written. I love all the action, and never seeing the outcome until the end. To see Mark and Laney each heal from their past and move forward let’s the reader know it’s possible for them as well. Christy Barritt continues to keep me searching for her books!!
April 16, 2023
Whom do you believe? That is the issue for Detective Mark James. His gut tells him Laney is not guilty but her actions to prove her innocence keeps him guessing. There are so many twists & turns that I did suspect that kept me turning the pages to find the answers. I enjoy Ms. Barritt's books so very much. I requested my library purchase this book which they did so I was able to read it.
March 26, 2020
Christy Barritt never disappoints with her excellent writing and her flawed and courageous characters. Laney and Mark must work together to save her life and to figure out their feelings for each other. A great mix of mystery, adventure, and romance. I can't wait to read more!
April 8, 2024
suspenseful
This was riveting and suspenseful to the very end. Of course the man and woman have a beautiful love story but it was riddled with challenges which I enjoyed reading about.
This was riveting and suspenseful to the very end. Of course the man and woman have a beautiful love story but it was riddled with challenges which I enjoyed reading about.
June 8, 2025
Great Book, action packed and suspenseful. Characters were skillfully developed and quite interesting in their roles they had in the book. Overall I enjoyed the story and fast paced sequences of scenes in each chapter.
June 27, 2025
Thank you for another great book Christy Barritt
Another great book by Christsy Barritt it has action sup.,romance keeps you up turning pages after pages I would recommend this book for everyone to read.
Another great book by Christsy Barritt it has action sup.,romance keeps you up turning pages after pages I would recommend this book for everyone to read.
November 27, 2025
While I liked this story and the faith elements, I felt that parts of the plot were a little unbelievable. The villains came across as cartoonishly evil, and their motives seemed unclear to me. I wasn’t fond of the ending either and found it was overly predictable.
Rated 3.0 🌟
Rated 3.0 🌟
October 3, 2017
Sigh....
This one missed the GREAT READ mark and settled into an OKAY READ
Not Christy Barritt's best story, but it was an 'escape' for a short time.
This one missed the GREAT READ mark and settled into an OKAY READ
Not Christy Barritt's best story, but it was an 'escape' for a short time.
November 18, 2017
I loved the suspense,twists and turns of this well developed plot.
God's love and protection is shown throughout.
I recommend this book to those who like hard hitting Christian romantic suspense.
God's love and protection is shown throughout.
I recommend this book to those who like hard hitting Christian romantic suspense.
August 21, 2018
Loved this book! It kept me guessing until the end!
March 4, 2019
Kept me engaged from the beginning. Lots of twists and turns in the story. Romance could have been developed better.
December 16, 2020
Suspenseful!
Christy can keep you in the edge of your seat, even knowing that with God's help there will be a happy ending. 😊
Christy can keep you in the edge of your seat, even knowing that with God's help there will be a happy ending. 😊
March 24, 2021
Constant action front cover to back cover!
October 16, 2022
Very good but I did have a hard time getting into it at first
February 5, 2023
Loved
This was breathtaking.
When the neighbors daughter is kidnapped and Lahey is framed.
Her and mark work together to get answers and discover a conspiracy.
This was breathtaking.
When the neighbors daughter is kidnapped and Lahey is framed.
Her and mark work together to get answers and discover a conspiracy.
May 7, 2025
Awesome read
June 1, 2025
There was an awful lot going on here. The number if times the bad guys tracked Laney down was absurd but I did not guess who the kingpin was. Nicely done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews