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Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries #5
Random Acts of Fraud
Vintage-loving Holly Anna Paladin finds online dating uncouth and unbecoming. But, in an attempt to overcome her romantic slump, her BFF convinces Holly to give it a shot. When Holly is stood up on her first date, she’s halfway relieved . . . until she discovers the reason isn’t because her cyber matchup has cold feet. Instead she stumbles upon him in a classic Mustang, deader than good old-fashioned manners.
Holly's had enough with investigating crime and leaves her ex-boyfriend, Detective Chase Dexter, to solve this mystery. But Holly is somehow connected to this murder, and someone is determined to keep her in the thick of things. She hopes it’s not Drew Williams, the handsome funeral director who’s trying to sweep her off her feet.
Before more people are hurt, Holly is determined to unmask the pretender in her life. But can she keep her feelings for Chase locked away? Or will Holly end up losing her heart to him all over again? She must solve the case before someone pulls the plug on her profile . . . and deletes her permanently.
Other book in this series:
Random Acts of Murder
Random Acts of Deceit
Random Acts of Malice
Random Acts of Scrooge
Random Acts of Greed
Holly's had enough with investigating crime and leaves her ex-boyfriend, Detective Chase Dexter, to solve this mystery. But Holly is somehow connected to this murder, and someone is determined to keep her in the thick of things. She hopes it’s not Drew Williams, the handsome funeral director who’s trying to sweep her off her feet.
Before more people are hurt, Holly is determined to unmask the pretender in her life. But can she keep her feelings for Chase locked away? Or will Holly end up losing her heart to him all over again? She must solve the case before someone pulls the plug on her profile . . . and deletes her permanently.
Other book in this series:
Random Acts of Murder
Random Acts of Deceit
Random Acts of Malice
Random Acts of Scrooge
Random Acts of Greed
- GenresMysteryChristian Fiction
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
223 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,673 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 45 reviews
July 10, 2020
I was in the mood for a nice, light mystery, and this one fit the bill very well. It kept me guessing seriously though 85% of the book—and, as a veteran mystery devourer, that’s no easy feat for an author to pull off. I need this series to hit twenty books at least!
August 22, 2017
This Christy Barritt book was another enjoyable read. It caught my attention like no book has in a long time. IT wasn't my favorite of the series and I wasn't sure how I felt about a few of the plot twists. I will do a more comprehensive review in future.
June 5, 2017
Another winning entry in the Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries series. As I commented to a friend, this may be my favorite book in the series; thing is, I think I've said that about every book so far. :-) I'm not sure how Christy Barritt keeps juggling her various series, but I hope they keep coming.
June 22, 2017
I have read almost everything by Christy Barritt. The other day I found out I hadn't read one of her books. Luckily, it was on sale for my Kinde, so I downloaded it and hopefully, will get to it soon. As for now, I continue to pick up all of Barritt's books, preparing for an adventure. Barritt doesn't disappoint. She knows what she wants her audience to experience and she delivers. I look forward to all her stories.
With Barritt's latest addition to her Holly Anna Paladin mysteries series, Random Acts of Fraud, it was nice to catch up with Holly and follow the hunt for a mystery at the same time. Barritt does a good job at creating relatable characters that keep turning out more and more mysteries. Gabby St. Clair is still my favorite heroine by Barritt. I like their her characters aren't perfect or too rich or snotty. They are average characters that makes them empathetic to the reader. I enjoy seeing Holly struggle and change as her life moves along.
As for the plot in Random Acts of Fraud, it is a typical cozy mystery story. Holly finds herself in trouble in the first chapter, and I follow her throughout the rest of the story as she tries to solve the mystery. Barritt even likes to throw in a little bit of romance to see how much the reader notices. Not that you could miss it, but it is nice to see Holly fall in and out of love as she struggles with the complications of today's romance field.
Overall, Random Acts of Fraud is another keeper for my shelf. Holly is a wonderful, brave character who struggles with her personal life while trying to solve the mystery she finds herself in. I highly recommend Random Acts of Fraud, and I can't wait to see what Barritt creates next.
I received a complimentary copy of Random Acts of Fraud from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
With Barritt's latest addition to her Holly Anna Paladin mysteries series, Random Acts of Fraud, it was nice to catch up with Holly and follow the hunt for a mystery at the same time. Barritt does a good job at creating relatable characters that keep turning out more and more mysteries. Gabby St. Clair is still my favorite heroine by Barritt. I like their her characters aren't perfect or too rich or snotty. They are average characters that makes them empathetic to the reader. I enjoy seeing Holly struggle and change as her life moves along.
As for the plot in Random Acts of Fraud, it is a typical cozy mystery story. Holly finds herself in trouble in the first chapter, and I follow her throughout the rest of the story as she tries to solve the mystery. Barritt even likes to throw in a little bit of romance to see how much the reader notices. Not that you could miss it, but it is nice to see Holly fall in and out of love as she struggles with the complications of today's romance field.
Overall, Random Acts of Fraud is another keeper for my shelf. Holly is a wonderful, brave character who struggles with her personal life while trying to solve the mystery she finds herself in. I highly recommend Random Acts of Fraud, and I can't wait to see what Barritt creates next.
I received a complimentary copy of Random Acts of Fraud from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
June 22, 2017
RANDOM ACTS OF FRAUD is Ms. Barrett's fifth book in her Holly Anna Paladin Mystery series. Fans will love this latest adventure in the life of quiet, old-fashioned Holly, and her more outspoken friend.
This wasn't my favorite Holly Anna book, it seemed somewhat unfocused, and dragged a lot. Even a bit repetitive.
What is a girl to do when someone appears to be stalking her, the dead man's family thinks that their son was madly in love with her, and she discovers that the dead man was stalking her too, photoshopping photos of her with her ex-boyfriend and replacing the ex with pictures of him! Scary.
I didn't guess who was behind it right away and there were lots of red herrings who could have killed the man--and was threatening Holly, but whoever it was blended -- or knew how to blend -- because he or she was seemingly everywhere Holly went and knew what she was doing?
And who is this woman who shows up at the same time as the murder, claiming to be Holly's long lost cousin? Is she for real?
You'll need to read the book, RANDOM ACTS OF FRAUD to find out.
Other stories in the series include:
Random Acts of Murder
Random Acts of Deceit
Random Acts of Malice
Random Acts of Scrooge (a novella)
Random Acts of Greed
Random Acts of Fraud
This wasn't my favorite Holly Anna book, it seemed somewhat unfocused, and dragged a lot. Even a bit repetitive.
What is a girl to do when someone appears to be stalking her, the dead man's family thinks that their son was madly in love with her, and she discovers that the dead man was stalking her too, photoshopping photos of her with her ex-boyfriend and replacing the ex with pictures of him! Scary.
I didn't guess who was behind it right away and there were lots of red herrings who could have killed the man--and was threatening Holly, but whoever it was blended -- or knew how to blend -- because he or she was seemingly everywhere Holly went and knew what she was doing?
And who is this woman who shows up at the same time as the murder, claiming to be Holly's long lost cousin? Is she for real?
You'll need to read the book, RANDOM ACTS OF FRAUD to find out.
Other stories in the series include:
Random Acts of Murder
Random Acts of Deceit
Random Acts of Malice
Random Acts of Scrooge (a novella)
Random Acts of Greed
Random Acts of Fraud
April 20, 2022
Couldn't put it down!
Random Acts of Fraud had me guessing who the murderer was the whole way through. There was also a romantic twist in this story that I like, I think. I'm still kinda rooting for Holly and Chase, but this new fella seems interesting.
Random Acts of Fraud had me guessing who the murderer was the whole way through. There was also a romantic twist in this story that I like, I think. I'm still kinda rooting for Holly and Chase, but this new fella seems interesting.
June 22, 2017
Holly is distraught over her break-up with her detective boyfriend, Chase, so her best friend convinces her to move on by trying online dating. As Jamie and Holly go out on a double date with guys they met online, nothing goes as planned. Holly's date stands her up -- well sort of -- by ending up dead! Of course, ex-boyfriend Chase is the detective called to the scene and Holly vows to stay out of it. But, someone has other plans. Holly begins receiving threatening texts, is being followed, and has her home broken into. Added to all that, her date's family believes she really was his steady girlfriend and wants her to be in on planning the memorial service, a very hunky funeral director begins asking her out, a mysterious long lost relative shows up on her doorstep, and then, another dead body turns up. The only two people Holly knows for sure she can trust are Jamie and Chase. As Chase and Holly get thrown together often, still raw feelings are stirred up. Can Chase and Holly work out their differences and get back on track? Is Drew, the funeral director mixed up in whatever is going on? Is Blake really her cousin or is Holly just being scammed? Holly is conflicted and confused, but determined to figure out why her "date" has photo shopped pictures of them together and why he chose her. And the killer is sure that Holly has evidence that he/she will kill to get back. I received a copy of this book from the author.
May 23, 2017
What's a lovely lady to do? There are no etiquette rules for sweet Holly to follow in navigating the world of online dating, threats against her another case too close to home which force her to work with her ex-boyfriend. Then there's a new admirer in the mix which adds another level of compilation on top of the mystery and possible family connection on her doorstep. In addition, it's unclear who can be trusted which compels Holly and best friend Jamie to search for clues which put them in harm's way. Christy Barritt brings a blender of emotions and questions for the reader. You will be drawn into the mystery from page one which may linger after the last page. So much, in fact, that you'll wish for the sequel immediately.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
May 26, 2017
Holly just wanted to try something new and her BFF (Jamie) convinced her to try online dating. It would have been okay, but her date stood her up and then things start happening to Holly like they always do. It seems she can’t get a break from mystery and people wanting to kill her. Poor Holly, who can she trust and who really is behind all the things happening to her?
This book was once again a FANTASTIC story written with lots of suspense, drama, twists and turns with a bit of romance thrown in.
Christy Barritt has just the right touch to keep you on your toes and staying up way too late to finish the book because you just can’t put it down. However, you might not want to read this one late at night...it might not help with sleep!
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
This book was once again a FANTASTIC story written with lots of suspense, drama, twists and turns with a bit of romance thrown in.
Christy Barritt has just the right touch to keep you on your toes and staying up way too late to finish the book because you just can’t put it down. However, you might not want to read this one late at night...it might not help with sleep!
I was provided a copy of this book by the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
May 30, 2017
Review can be found here.
I could not put this one down. It seems no matter how much she tries to stay out of this new murder case someone is determined to drag her into it. And of course who ends up being the detective on the case, her ex-boyfriend Chase. This proves awkward as Holly still has feelings for him but she is also trying to move on and begins dating Drew, a funeral home owner. With the help of her best friend, Jamie, can she find enough clues to solve the case before the killer gets her? All I can say is that Holly is one brave woman. Time after time she is in a scary situation but thankfully she seems to come out on the other side. There is definitely a lot of suspense throughout, trying to figure out who the guilty party is or if there is more than one person involved. Is Holly being played and Drew is involved? There were so many possible suspects that I was kept guessing until the very end. The only disappointing thing for me was the way the story ended for one of the characters (not Holly) as I was hoping for a different ending. I did feel that there was no wrap up explanation for another character; however it could have been left like this on purpose to carry storyline over into the next book, hopefully that will be soon.
I could not put this one down. It seems no matter how much she tries to stay out of this new murder case someone is determined to drag her into it. And of course who ends up being the detective on the case, her ex-boyfriend Chase. This proves awkward as Holly still has feelings for him but she is also trying to move on and begins dating Drew, a funeral home owner. With the help of her best friend, Jamie, can she find enough clues to solve the case before the killer gets her? All I can say is that Holly is one brave woman. Time after time she is in a scary situation but thankfully she seems to come out on the other side. There is definitely a lot of suspense throughout, trying to figure out who the guilty party is or if there is more than one person involved. Is Holly being played and Drew is involved? There were so many possible suspects that I was kept guessing until the very end. The only disappointing thing for me was the way the story ended for one of the characters (not Holly) as I was hoping for a different ending. I did feel that there was no wrap up explanation for another character; however it could have been left like this on purpose to carry storyline over into the next book, hopefully that will be soon.
January 20, 2019
Nothing like going on a blind date and having your blind date get murdered before she even meets her date. It's been a few months since Holly broke up with Chase and is just starting to date but it seems like trouble seems to show up wherever Holly is. Holly does start dating someone else and I'm not sure I'm liking her dating anybody but Chase but she does have to move on if Chase can't get past his past baggage. I am pulling for Chase and Holly but if he can't ever make a commitment I hope that the story goes that she is finally over him. As it is now she still have feeling. I enjoyed the story but one small part of the story was unresolved at the very end. I'm hoping that part will be addressed in future storylines.
May 25, 2017
My favorite Holly mystery yet!
She faces relationships just like we do, but happens to fall into a investigation and her ex happens to be lead on the case. She's prone to impulsive decisions with "help everyone, see the best in people lifestyle" and it gets her into a world of trouble.
I was not to happy about the small detail of one character being left unfinished at the end so I will be waiting until the next mystery.
I knew who the bad guy(s) were at one of Holly's dates. It was nice to see my theory played out.
Great read even though sometimes I wanted to scream at Holly for the choices she made.
She faces relationships just like we do, but happens to fall into a investigation and her ex happens to be lead on the case. She's prone to impulsive decisions with "help everyone, see the best in people lifestyle" and it gets her into a world of trouble.
I was not to happy about the small detail of one character being left unfinished at the end so I will be waiting until the next mystery.
I knew who the bad guy(s) were at one of Holly's dates. It was nice to see my theory played out.
Great read even though sometimes I wanted to scream at Holly for the choices she made.
July 6, 2017
Classic Barritt!
Holly Anna's ability to keep seeing people as people and stay largely unaffected by her constant brushes with crime, mayhem & murder does not disappoint in this mystery with all the elements of an Agatha Christie novel.
Characters you feel familiar with as you recognise people and relationships in your own life make the big city seem more intimate. The details help you feel the breeze on your face, gasp with fear and laugh at a world determined to see a young professional become what she is determined not to.
Welcome to Holly Anna's world. You'll be glad you came!
Holly Anna's ability to keep seeing people as people and stay largely unaffected by her constant brushes with crime, mayhem & murder does not disappoint in this mystery with all the elements of an Agatha Christie novel.
Characters you feel familiar with as you recognise people and relationships in your own life make the big city seem more intimate. The details help you feel the breeze on your face, gasp with fear and laugh at a world determined to see a young professional become what she is determined not to.
Welcome to Holly Anna's world. You'll be glad you came!
January 1, 2022
Christy Barritt has written another great mystery in “Random Acts of Fraud”. This is the fifth book in the Holly Paladin Mystery series. This one starts out with Holly trying online dating and the guy she is supposed to have a date with, turns up dead! Thus begins a long mystery of twists and turns with Holly trying to find out what happened and why she was even involved in this. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. In fact, I read it in two days because I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. I highly recommend this book and the whole series!
May 30, 2017
I love anything written by Christy Barritt. She is witty, has great characters and amazing plots, plus her books are clean.
This 5th book in the Holly Anna Series had me guessing until the end. I could not put this book down. Another GREAT one from Christy.
In the last book, Holly and Chase broke up. They are reunited over a murder. Will they get back together? Most important of all, will Holly figure out what's going on before she becomes the next victim?
This 5th book in the Holly Anna Series had me guessing until the end. I could not put this book down. Another GREAT one from Christy.
In the last book, Holly and Chase broke up. They are reunited over a murder. Will they get back together? Most important of all, will Holly figure out what's going on before she becomes the next victim?
June 14, 2017
Good read but not my favorite
As much as I love Holly Anna I was a tad disappointed in this one. I will say it was interesting enough that I read it in a day. I appreciate the journey Holly is on and still look forward to seeing where her story will go. I appreciated her emotional journey throughout but the mystery wasn't terribly interesting to me. The ending felt blah to me and just didn't feel satisfying. Its still worth reading though.
As much as I love Holly Anna I was a tad disappointed in this one. I will say it was interesting enough that I read it in a day. I appreciate the journey Holly is on and still look forward to seeing where her story will go. I appreciated her emotional journey throughout but the mystery wasn't terribly interesting to me. The ending felt blah to me and just didn't feel satisfying. Its still worth reading though.
June 20, 2017
I loved this one! It's so hard not to have Holly and Chase together In this book I really loved them as a couple. Holly gets throw in on another murder and although she knows better she investigates with caution. This book will keep you going with all the action and thrills you except from a Holly Anna book. I loved this one just as much as the others and can't wait for more in this series!
Note: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own.
Note: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review all opinions are my own.
March 11, 2019
This is my favorite Holly Anna Paladin book yet! To be honest, I was kind of disappointed with book #4, because I felt the book spent too much time on Holly's feelings instead of the mystery, but this book was the perfect comeback! With an intriguing premise and AMAZING new characters *cough* Drew *cough*, I did not want to put the book down! It was totally worth skipping prom to cuddle up with a hot drink and read this book!!!
May 30, 2017
Random Acts of Fraud is a great addition to this series. Holly is a fun character-quirky with a good heart. Sometimes you just want to shake her and tell her to not get involved because it's not safe, but her curiosity makes for an entertaining story. There were plenty of creepy parts, and I went back and forth on who the bad guy was. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
July 5, 2017
Holly finds internet dating to be more ghastly then she had imagined
Mistakes and funerals are just plain creepy but when read bodies keep turning up they can seem quite terrifying.
But that doesn't change the attraction of a certain funeral business owner. Nor the suspicions surrounding him. Add a stranger claiming to be a relative dropping in, and the suspects mount.
Mistakes and funerals are just plain creepy but when read bodies keep turning up they can seem quite terrifying.
But that doesn't change the attraction of a certain funeral business owner. Nor the suspicions surrounding him. Add a stranger claiming to be a relative dropping in, and the suspects mount.
August 16, 2019
Online dating is hard enough without a dead body to deal with. Holly tries to stay out of it but the crime is somehow connected to her. I liked how this book explored Holly and Chase's feelings for each other and I could really feel the tension between them. Christy Barritt took me on another adventure with Holly and did not disappoint.
May 21, 2017
This was an enjoyable read.
I love the twists, the turns and all the red herrings that a good cozy mystery gives you.
Holly and Jaime are interesting characters, best friends who like to solve crimes.
You need to read the book to find out what happened. you will not be disappointed
I love the twists, the turns and all the red herrings that a good cozy mystery gives you.
Holly and Jaime are interesting characters, best friends who like to solve crimes.
You need to read the book to find out what happened. you will not be disappointed
June 3, 2017
Enjoyable read
The plots moved along well and by now I feel like Holly Anna is family. Hope the next book comes out soon. Some loose ends needs to be tied up in the next of the series.
The plots moved along well and by now I feel like Holly Anna is family. Hope the next book comes out soon. Some loose ends needs to be tied up in the next of the series.
June 28, 2017
The author did it again and left me guessing to the end! Great mystery and also continuing story of Holly Anna! Looking forward to the next book in this series. I received this book as a gift from the author. This review are my own words.
May 28, 2018
Interesting
The plot was quite interesting. The characters were believable. I am a little disappointed in the way Chase and Holly's relationship sees to be ending. Always hoped Chase could get it together for committing to marriage.
The plot was quite interesting. The characters were believable. I am a little disappointed in the way Chase and Holly's relationship sees to be ending. Always hoped Chase could get it together for committing to marriage.
February 12, 2019
Constant mystery and suspense at each corner. Love the series.
Constant mystery and suspense at each corner. Love the series. Can't wait till the next book. Thanks for the interesting read.
Constant mystery and suspense at each corner. Love the series. Can't wait till the next book. Thanks for the interesting read.
March 14, 2019
I loved this Holly Anna book. The suspense and mystery of wondering who was behind all this chaos, was it Drew, "Blake", and how exactly, is Blake/Kari, related to Holly? I'm so anxious to read#6 and#7🥰🥰🥰 love Christy Barritt's books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2020
This book begins with Holly trying to date again, and it turns into a huge mystery. I'm a bit frustrated with Holly and Chase. I wish he would either be the one or get our of the series. I don't want to see Holly hurt. This book was okay, but I'm looking forward to more.
March 12, 2021
Holly has been dealing with overcoming romantic slump. So why not try an online dating app. Things seem to going well until while looking for her date, she finds him dead. Read to find out more of the mystery.
August 21, 2023
I love Holly Anna
Her character makes me happy. This book was particularly good. ❤️ creepy moments, romance, love triangle, you don’t realize the culprit till it’s too late…great read
Her character makes me happy. This book was particularly good. ❤️ creepy moments, romance, love triangle, you don’t realize the culprit till it’s too late…great read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews