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The Worst Detective Ever #6

Flaw Abiding Citizen

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Where’s the director when you need him to call “cut”?

Just when Joey thinks she’s closer to answers about her father’s mysterious disappearance, more questions surface. The starlet is determined to find her dad and to put an end to the crazy stalker fan club trying to manipulate her decisions. But life has plot twists she can’t see coming.

Secrets abound—secrets from the most unlikely of people—and Joey’s had enough. She’s tired of flawed theories and abiding by other people’s rules. Doing what any good citizen would, she seeks resolution, knowing the stakes are higher than just herself.

Dangerous encounters meet the wannabe detective at every turn. As the end of one mystery draws close, it’s clear that Joey will either end up with the answers she seeks or find herself in the closing credits . . . for one final time.

296 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2017

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About the author

Christy Barritt

366 books1,784 followers
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.

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5 stars
495 (66%)
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191 (25%)
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47 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Matthews.
Author 27 books587 followers
June 13, 2022
This one totally ramped up the tension and was more suspenseful than the previous five. Joey was a bit of a jerk, but it very well portrayed the confusion of relying on your emotions and now knowing what are lies or truth to believe.

It wasn’t made a big deal of, but Zane was Joey’s housemate for this book. It was basically the same as when they were neighbors, but the concept of co-ed housemates just isn’t wise to me. However, because nothing happened, it didn’t make it awkward or inappropriate.

Though a large percentage of the overarching mystery concluded in this book, it was just enough to know that something is still going on “at large” and not really knowing who all is involved.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,243 reviews64 followers
January 19, 2018
I really couldn't wait to get my hand on Flaw Abiding Citizen by Christy Barritt, her latest addition to the Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series. This book is the sixth book and does answer some questions that have been lingering over the series. The romance between Joey and Jackson comes to a screeching halt than picks right up into Hallmark movie style romance. It was a long time coming. Joey finally learned not every guy is going to screw her over like her ex-husband. The friendship between Joey and Zane keeps moving forward with questionable hints at feelings on Zane's part. As for the plot, it focused more on finding Joey's dad than any previous book and the mystery surrounding his disappearance. This book flew by in a couple of hours, and I'm glad I spent time with Joey again. I can't wait for the next installment in the series. With two more books promised featuring Joey, I'm curious where Barritt take her next.

I received a complimentary copy of Flaw Abiding Citizen from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are my own.
Profile Image for Suzie.
Author 14 books149 followers
December 25, 2019
For an actress, Joey Darling is downright relatable. In each of The Worst Detective Ever books, readers get to see her flaws and vulnerability.

Now, Joey is finally getting some answers about her father. Or is she? And what happens when Joey discovers who has been withholding information.

Christy Barritt’s ability to combine humor with suspense and romance shine bright in Flaw Abiding Citizen. Seriously, how can you not chuckle at lines like “Him keeping a secret would be like Quentin Tarintino making a movie for Hallmark” or “Maybe coming here had been a really bad idea, worse than combining Pride and Prejudice with zombies.”?
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,322 reviews45 followers
June 10, 2020
Answers...or just more questions...?

In Flaw Abiding Citizen Joey, and readers, finally get many of the answers they've waited so long to find out. But, sometimes those answers bring up even more questions...

I've enjoyed The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series since the very first book. Every mystery, every quirky character, and every crazy situation that wonderfully flawed Joey finds herself stumbling into. I've ridden the highs and lows with her as she has searched for her dad, tried to straighten her life out, and has had two very different men in the wings, oh, and we can't forget that she has also stumbled over bodies at nearly every turn.

In some ways Flaw Abiding Citizen felt much like a satisfying conclusion to the series, but, as we know, author Christy Barritt still has more murder and mayhem in store for Joey and for readers. The story also had a slightly different tone to it, less cozy mystery and more romantic suspense, which I enjoyed.

I've read this book in print and now listening to it as an audiobook brought the story to life in a totally different way. I loved it! The production was top notch and the returning narrator, who sounds exactly Joey, was a perfect match! If you love The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series don't miss this audiobook!

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Megan Byrd.
Author 10 books50 followers
December 4, 2017
I dreaded reading this book because I know I will have to wait indefinitely for the next one and hate cliffhangers. Thankfully this one ended with enough answers that I am not mad about having to wait. :-)

At the end of the last book she was given an address anonymously and she and Jackson start this book headed to that location to see what they can find. It looks like somewhere Joey's dad had been as she finds a clue scratched into the wall and a picture of her from her 16th birthday when she received a bicycle.

Zane Oakley is her temporary roommate while he's trying to get his life back together after the false murder-charge has ruined his reputation. Joey and Zane try to puzzle out the clues she's been given. Joey pieces the clues together and they venture out to the Wildlife Refuge in search of the place the clues lead. Joey finds the spot and finds what her dad left but Currie, one of the Barracudas has followed her and takes her find, tying Zane and Joey up for bears to find.

Despite the danger, Joey presses forward in earnest to find her father. She gets another clue and takes Zane with her, not sure whether she can trust Jackson who has been withholding information (no matter that it's an ongoing police investigation). Will it finally lead to answers about her father? And how is her long-lost mother involved?

This was a fast-paced adventure that I didn't want to put down. If this was the last book I would have been satisfied, but I am so enamored with Joey Darling now that I want her adventures to continue and see whether she and Jackson can figure out how to get their two lives to fit together. I'm curious to learn whether Joey reenters Hollywood and acting or if she's ready for something different. I can't wait to read what's next!
Profile Image for Sheila  Summerhays.
142 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2019
I love Barritt. She keeps me reading. I believe I have read every book she has available.
Profile Image for Kara.
837 reviews
February 15, 2018
Finally, Joey gets answers in this book, but at some cost! This was the only book in the series that i didn't like Zane. He really does make an effort to be Joey's friend, but he's not the same person anymore and his attempts don't impress me. There's a storm in this story and it was really described well! The bad guy who is revealed really surprised both Joey and myself, never saw that coming. I strongly suspect Crista's painting/"gift" to Joey as something that's meant to harm her. Felt bad for Jackson in this one, even his dog, Ripley, got hurt with the circumstances and Jackson proves above and beyond that he's a worthy hero in Joey's life. Really looking forward to more books in this series, it never disappoints me!
Profile Image for Danielle Turko.
417 reviews4 followers
September 22, 2019
Picking right where Blooper Freak left off, Joey and Jackson are sent to address sent to her by her super stalker fan club. On the way back they are help up by a woman they had thought they were helping, but manage to turn the tables on her only to have her jump in front of an oncoming car so she can't give them any information. When Joey discovers Jackson knew information on her dad all along and just hadn't told her, she feels betrayed and unsure if she can ever trust him, despite everyone telling her it was his duty to not tell her. Zane is taking advantage of this rocky time to make a move on Joey which also isn't helping the situation. When the clues leading her to her dad pile up and she thinks she has it, all the information gets stolen from her from someone presumed dead. Will she ever be able to catch a break?
This is the second last book that has been released, at least as of July, and it is definitely starting to wrap up the loose ends. You know exactly which guy she wants, they find the head of the gang, and a few other questions are answered, none of which I can answer without giving away key plot points. I read this one in less than an afternoon though, so once again I will say my complaint is they're too short!
Profile Image for JaneReads.
1,054 reviews147 followers
December 3, 2017
This review and others can be found at C Jane Read.

This one is filled with nail-biting action throughout, giving you suspense and tension that make you not want to put the book down until finished. Joey is not sure who she can trust and ends up in some sticky situations during her continued search for her father. Thankfully for Joey she has some people who always seem to be right there to help her, they might be crazy stalkers, but they help her. Her detective skills have improved since the first book, but she still gets so focused on one aspect that she misses the danger right around her. At these moments I had to keep reading to make sure she would be okay. There were two moments that I absolutely loved and had me shouting yes! One was when something really good happens for Joey and the second being when she eventually admits her feelings. In this book Joey finally gets some answers to her search but not all is revealed leaving her with questions. I look forward to the next book to come and hopefully finding out the answers to those questions.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
January 30, 2018
FLAW-ABIDING CITIZEN is book six in Ms. Barritt's Worst Detective Ever series. The books do stand alone unless you want to start at the beginning to read the details of Joey's love-life. The books are, in order:

The Worst Detective Ever:
Ready to Fumble
Reign of Error
Safety in Blunders
Join the Flub
Blooper Freak
Flaw-Abiding Citizen
Gaffe Out Loud (coming soon)
Joke and Dagger (coming soon)

I absolutely LOVE this series and Jackson. In FLAW-ABIDING CITIZEN, the stakes are high, and Joey finds herself in more danger than she ever imagined. Everything is not as it seems, she can't trust anyone, and wow, even her roommate does the unthinkable.

Joey is clueless, but tenacious and she follows the clues she is given even though they lead her into danger every single time. But this time, it seems as if Jackson is in danger--and not her. Maybe. She isn't sure about that either.

If you love cozy mysteries, you will love FLAW-ABIDING CITIZEN and this entire series.

The Coast Guard has a mention in this book.

I was given a copy of this book. My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Roy Murry.
Author 11 books113 followers
December 24, 2017
FLAW ABIDING CITIZEN
The Worst Detective Ever
Mystery Series

CHRISTY BARRITT

Reviewed by Roy Murry, Author

A relative disappears, and your life cannot function. This is where Joey, a TV detective, is at and consumed into finding.

In her quest to find her father, clues popup, she has conflicts with a loved one, and people die. The mystery is why all these things are happening around her interfering that quest.

The rollercoaster ride comes to a rail missing on the track, and loved ones reach their limits. The ending passages will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ms. Barritt's characters were developed in earlier books in the series, but are easily defined in this book six. Emotions, humor, and color are embedded in their real-life morality. Joey sometimes draws off her TV personality, a detective series.

This novel is a fast-paced page changer I read in two sittings. I read book one a while ago and jumped in here to see a change. There was none. Ms. Barritt style is entertaining and easy to read.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,322 reviews45 followers
October 1, 2018
Answers...or just more questions...?

In Flaw Abiding Citizen Joey, and readers, finally get many of the answers they've waited so long to find out. But, sometimes those answers bring up even more questions...

I've enjoyed The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series since the very first book. Every mystery, every quirky character, and every crazy situation that wonderfully flawed Joey finds herself stumbling into. I've ridden the highs and lows with her as she has searched for her dad, tried to straighten her life out, and has had two very different men in the wings, oh, and we can't forget that she has also stumbled over bodies at nearly every turn.

Flaw Abiding Citizen felt much like a satisfying conclusion to the series but I loved how author Christy Barritt, who is one of my favorites by the way, wove little threads of possibility toward more Joey Darling mysteries...or will she still be Joey DARLING?? You'll just have to find out for yourself....

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,230 reviews52 followers
December 1, 2017
I keep saying this, but each book in this series gets better and better. With Flaw Abiding Citizen, book six in the Worst Detective Ever series, Christy Barritt has outdone herself. A lot happens in this book. From the very first chapter and until the end, danger abounds. I was on the edge of my seat for most of it. It was very fast paced. There's some shocking reveals, surprises, and also answers to many of the questions that have plagued Joey from the beginning. It's been amazing to watch Joey's growth from the beginning of the series. She still does crazy, reckless things at times that leave me pulling my hair in frustration with her. But I guess she wouldn't be Joey without a little risk taking. She's so much stronger, though... and maybe she's not the worst detective ever anymore. I can't wait to find out what happens next! I highly recommend this amazing series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
1,535 reviews11 followers
March 28, 2018
Flaw-Abiding Citizen by Christy Barritt is book 6 in the Worst Detective Series. All of the books in the series are good, but this is the best yet! In this book, Joey finds answers to many of the questions she's had about her dad and what happened to him. This book has great suspense, danger from bears, and hurricanes. This book is exciting from page 1 and never stops. I love the characters in this series and this book was particularly fascinating to see what happened to them now. Don't miss any of the books in this series, but particularly don't miss this one! I was delighted to receive a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, but I would have bought it anyway because I would not miss a book by this author.
Profile Image for Kim .
1,185 reviews19 followers
May 3, 2018
This wasn't my favorite in the series by far. I just didn't get Joey going off the deep end where Jackson was concerned. Oh yeah, the author explained how she was afraid once commitment was staring her in the face - but she went overboard. Her life was soooo in danger and she knew it and she pushes away the one person she knows she can trust totally to keep her safe! How dumb is that??? I don't know, she was just way too independent in this story for what had gone on before and what was happening at the time, it just didn't make sense to me. Zane was a conundrum too. Wow, did he really change. What a loser he became. I give props to Phoebe though, she tells it like it is. And Jackson for hanging in there when Joey was acting like a Jerk! He never lost his integrity.
Profile Image for Kim.
757 reviews14 followers
November 28, 2017
It is a good sign that you're absorbed in a book when you have heart-to-heart conversations (mentally) with the characters. Yes, you will probably yell to warn Joey Darling yet again as she maneuvers herself into trouble and struggles with investigations and relationships. Will she ever learn? Let's hope so. In all fairness, she has come a long way in self-confidence and detective skills but needs improvement in following directions and playing well with others.
Join Joey in these life lessons as mysterious puzzle pieces take shape in her life, family and town.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Hannah.
3,066 reviews1,462 followers
February 2, 2026
Or, In Which Joey Does Some Incredibly Stupid Things

I read it fast, kinda in shock about the things she decided were a good or a necessary idea. One of those being that she would let her "friend" Zane stay at her house for awhile as she's eating, or not, another man who she's actually interested in. I'm finding Zane less likable with each book.

But her solving the mystery is basically running around wholesale after the tiniest scraps of info without the least regard for her own safety, even though she knows she has multiple stalkers and someone's trying to kill Jackson.

I really liked the ending, though!
Profile Image for Ginger Solomon.
Author 25 books31 followers
December 4, 2017
Christy Barritt did it again. She wrote a hilarious, suspenseful story with just a hint of romance (enough to keep this romance reader happy, but not so much as to take over the story). Joey's ability to get into trouble -- with the best of intentions -- just begs for you to shake your head and laugh out loud. And Ms. Barritt makes Joey's flaws absolutely realistic, at least I would find myself doing the same things.

I received this book from the author/publisher. The above review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Robin Bridgette.
40 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2017
Such a good story

I have to say upfront that I have waited to read these last two books in this series because I just didn’t want to be left hanging until the next book comes. I am so happy to say that although this story has a lot to tell still, there was enough of a satisfied feeling upon completion of this book to tide me until the next one comes. I am so glad Joey gets some important answers in this book. I can’t wait to see where her story will go from here. Great job Christy!
198 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2018
The more answers Joey finds about her missing father, the more questions and doubts she has swirling in her mind. The more she is attracted to Jackson, the more she wonders if she can really trust him. Does he know more than he's telling? Did he have something to do with her father's mysterious disappearance? Joey does find some answers in this sixth installment, but she also discovers a lot more questions. I'm anxious to read Book #7!
I received a copy of this book for free, but my opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2017
The Books keep Getting Better

The Books keep getting better in this latest Joey Darling installment where lots of questions are answered.
Joey races head long into this mystery putting herself in danger. Suspense and tension drag you through the book.
I loved the storyline, the setting and the varied characters.
These books need to be read as part of the series because it adds to your enjoyment.
I recommend this book to those who like Christian cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Pam.
83 reviews
December 7, 2017
The Worst Detective series gets better and better with each book. Book 6 is one of the best written by the author. This story really held my attention from start to finish. Joey is one of my favorite characters; she is very relatable and lovable because of her flaws and insecurities as well as her strength and bravery. You cheer her on and want her to find answers. I received this book as a gift from the author. The thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
Profile Image for Florence.
69 reviews
December 9, 2017
Both my 17-year-old daughter and I read the sixth book in The Worst Detective Ever series. She finished it was before I did and was enthralled with a "this is the best book ever!" She is a voracious reader and has read every single book written by Christy Barritt, therefore this is no small compliment.

This book is fast paced and does not let up until the end.

Another clue is left for Joey about her father. Is he okay? Is he even still alive? Whom can she trust?
Profile Image for Julia Lance.
382 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2017
I love this one! All lot of the questions you may have had so far in this series are finally being answered...... The books just keep getting better and better. Joey is finally coming to terms about where her life should go and it is in the direction I have been hoping for as a fan! This series is so much fun! I can't wait to read more! Note: I was gifted a copy of this book but all opinions are my own.
307 reviews
September 5, 2019
I was excited to read this book to find out if Joey gets any closer to finding her dad and to see who is behind the stalking and helping that she keeps getting to solve the mysteries and her dad’s disappearance. I was eager to see if they would be revealed in this book. Joey puts herself into danger to try to draw out the stalker and see if she can get them to reveal all they know and finally get answers. A great book that I couldn’t put down.
144 reviews
August 22, 2020
This book, Flaw Abiding Citizen, is an amazing book in the series. It has a tremendous amount of action with Joey getting involved with trying to find her dad. I enjoyed how Joey had many doubts about Jackson throughout the book, which only reinforces her character as a “real” person. It is interesting to experience her thoughts as she compares Zane and Jackson. Once again, Christy Barritt has the reader on the edge of the seat and wanting to keep reading to get to the end. Great book!
21 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2020
Mystery, humor and suspense

I had a hard time putting these books down. As soon as I finished one I went straight to the next. Amazing story not knowing for sure who was the good guys questioning each character. You never know someone’s hurt that can be inflected by someone you thought you loved and they loved. That is a form of abuse that is harder to heal than physical abuse. Highly recommend these books.
Profile Image for Tina at Mommynificent.
693 reviews19 followers
December 31, 2021
This book has a different feel than the rest of the series - it is more serious and less funny, but still very good! While not enjoying the tension between the characters, I recognized how it was moving the story along and was necessary. The mystery was very intriguing and went in unexpected directions. I found myself very surprised several times! This might be my favorite book yet in this series...
11 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2017
This is book is the one we have been waiting for. Answers, answers, answers. Action packed, nerve wracking. Inability to sleep. Oops, that one is about me. I just needed to know what was happening next. Why is someone trying to save Jackson? Why is Joey so determined to do things her one way? I loved it! You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Christie Miller.
32 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2017
All the feelings!

What a ride this one was. So many twists and gut-wrenching turns. This series just gets better and better. I could not put this one down. I enjoyed, not only the mystery and action, but the true soul-searching Joey goes through. I hope there are many more to come in this series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews