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Imperfect
Since the death of her fiancé two years ago, novelist Morgan Blake’s life has been in a holding pattern. She has a major case of writer’s block, and a book signing in the small mountain town of Perfect sounds like just the solution to help her clear her head.
Her trip takes a wrong turn when, on her way there, she’s involved in a hit and run—she’s hit a man, and he’s run from the scene. Before fleeing, he mouthed the word “help.” She plans to give him that help, but first she must find him.
In Perfect, she finds a town that offers everything she’s ever wanted. But is something sinister going on behind the town’s cheery exterior? Was she invited as a guest of honor simply to do a book signing? Or was she lured to town for another purpose—a deadly purpose?
Her trip takes a wrong turn when, on her way there, she’s involved in a hit and run—she’s hit a man, and he’s run from the scene. Before fleeing, he mouthed the word “help.” She plans to give him that help, but first she must find him.
In Perfect, she finds a town that offers everything she’s ever wanted. But is something sinister going on behind the town’s cheery exterior? Was she invited as a guest of honor simply to do a book signing? Or was she lured to town for another purpose—a deadly purpose?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2004
524 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,678 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 55 reviews
January 3, 2025
Oh, wow, that was intense! This is a dark thriller about a strange small town that appears picture perfect until….it isn’t. I did successfully spot the villain at about 30% in but he wasn’t easy to prove anything against for awhile! Delightfully twisty and seriously dangerous for the characters.
Content: cult, forced drugging, kidnap and murder
Content: cult, forced drugging, kidnap and murder
October 2, 2018
Wow, that was incredibly creepy! I don't know how to review this without giving spoilers . . . The characters were fabulous and I loved the romance. I knew pretty early on who the bad guy was, but that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. The story is so unique, I don't think I've read anything like it! Overall, a very interesting, very creepy, and very suspenseful read from Barritt! Recommended!
March 31, 2015
I am going to be perfectly honest and say that I did not know what to expect when I sat down to read this book. Being new at reviewing books, I kept as open a mind as possible, and was thoroughly and pleasantly surprised.
I instantly was able to feel a connection with the main character, Morgan Blake, who is a published author who hits a terrible snag and a raging case of writers block. Her fiance, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty two years prior, and she just has not been able to get back in the saddle again. I am an aspiring author myself, and have felt the pains of writer's block too many times to count. To me, this helped make the story seem real.
Everyone knows one of those quiet, happy and pleasant on the surface kind of small towns. We have all visited one at one point or another in our lives, I am sure, and the realism in this novel is astounding. The level of detail in the story made me more able to feel as though I was there, living through the events with the characters. I just could not walk away.
When Morgan received an invitation to a book signing in small town West Virginia, to a town called Perfect, she thinks this is the answer to her prayers, but little did she know the dangers and challenges that would await her.
The degree of suspense in this novel kept me coming back, and I could not seem to walk away. I spent several hours locked into the story and every time I had to put it down, I could not keep from wondering what mystery the characters would uncover next!
Through the many twists and turns in this novel, you learn to remember that nothing is EVER as it seems on the surface, and taking things at face value may not be the best way to go. This is definitely one of the best things I have read in quite a while, and I cannot wait to see what else this promising author has in store. I am truly glad I read "The Trouble With Perfect" and have been introduced to a new author and a whole new class of novel!
I instantly was able to feel a connection with the main character, Morgan Blake, who is a published author who hits a terrible snag and a raging case of writers block. Her fiance, a police officer, was killed in the line of duty two years prior, and she just has not been able to get back in the saddle again. I am an aspiring author myself, and have felt the pains of writer's block too many times to count. To me, this helped make the story seem real.
Everyone knows one of those quiet, happy and pleasant on the surface kind of small towns. We have all visited one at one point or another in our lives, I am sure, and the realism in this novel is astounding. The level of detail in the story made me more able to feel as though I was there, living through the events with the characters. I just could not walk away.
When Morgan received an invitation to a book signing in small town West Virginia, to a town called Perfect, she thinks this is the answer to her prayers, but little did she know the dangers and challenges that would await her.
The degree of suspense in this novel kept me coming back, and I could not seem to walk away. I spent several hours locked into the story and every time I had to put it down, I could not keep from wondering what mystery the characters would uncover next!
Through the many twists and turns in this novel, you learn to remember that nothing is EVER as it seems on the surface, and taking things at face value may not be the best way to go. This is definitely one of the best things I have read in quite a while, and I cannot wait to see what else this promising author has in store. I am truly glad I read "The Trouble With Perfect" and have been introduced to a new author and a whole new class of novel!
February 20, 2013
This was such a fabulously creepy book that I couldn't put it down. I have never been disappointed by a Christy Barritt novel.
January 21, 2023
Welcome to Perfect, West Virginia where everything is...well...
Morgan Blake is a famous author headed to a small mountain town named Perfect for a book signing. She is hoping to spend a few days at a cozy bed and breakfast so that she can work on her next novel. At first glance, it seems like a perfect community, however, the longer she stays the more strange things happen that begin to show the town's imperfections.
Weird things begin to happen as soon as she shows up. On the way there she hits a man with her car who says, "help," before running off into the woods. She gets help but they are unable to find him. Then the phone lines are down for several days and she isn't getting any cell reception. Her friend, Tyler, begins to worry after not hearing from Morgan. As Morgan spends more time in Perfect, she grows more suspicious of what is really going on there. Tyler must help Morgan get out of Perfect before it's too late.
This is probably my favorite Christy Barritt book of the ones I have read so far. I love the mystery of the unknown town of Perfect. I also like Morgan working through her personal struggles that have lead to her writer's block. Tyler is such a supportive friend and cares for Morgan so much. He shows her what real love is all about. The overall Christian message is that God is made perfect in our weaknesses. This was a fantastic book that I highly recommend!
Morgan Blake is a famous author headed to a small mountain town named Perfect for a book signing. She is hoping to spend a few days at a cozy bed and breakfast so that she can work on her next novel. At first glance, it seems like a perfect community, however, the longer she stays the more strange things happen that begin to show the town's imperfections.
Weird things begin to happen as soon as she shows up. On the way there she hits a man with her car who says, "help," before running off into the woods. She gets help but they are unable to find him. Then the phone lines are down for several days and she isn't getting any cell reception. Her friend, Tyler, begins to worry after not hearing from Morgan. As Morgan spends more time in Perfect, she grows more suspicious of what is really going on there. Tyler must help Morgan get out of Perfect before it's too late.
This is probably my favorite Christy Barritt book of the ones I have read so far. I love the mystery of the unknown town of Perfect. I also like Morgan working through her personal struggles that have lead to her writer's block. Tyler is such a supportive friend and cares for Morgan so much. He shows her what real love is all about. The overall Christian message is that God is made perfect in our weaknesses. This was a fantastic book that I highly recommend!
July 27, 2019
No Such Thing as Perfect
This very unique book reminds us that there is no perfect place and there are no perfect people on this earth. It deals with people trying to live up to the expectations of others. It also deals with breaking loose from people who want to control us. The biggest messages are that God is not a control freak. He is looking out for our good. He loves us unconditionally and though He has a perfect will for our lives if we seek His guidance He still gives us free will to make our own decisions. Christy Barritt always weaves a beautiful message of hope in her novels. I have lost count of how many of her books I have read. My next decision is which one to read next!
This very unique book reminds us that there is no perfect place and there are no perfect people on this earth. It deals with people trying to live up to the expectations of others. It also deals with breaking loose from people who want to control us. The biggest messages are that God is not a control freak. He is looking out for our good. He loves us unconditionally and though He has a perfect will for our lives if we seek His guidance He still gives us free will to make our own decisions. Christy Barritt always weaves a beautiful message of hope in her novels. I have lost count of how many of her books I have read. My next decision is which one to read next!
February 23, 2021
Perfectly twisted
Morgan Blake, author, goes to small town Perfect in the mountains of West Virginia....where she discovers things are most definitely not perfect. The plot twists are enough to make one's head spin. The entire little town seems "off", including the odd woman Beatrice who screams at Morgan, "Leave at once, before they get you too!" Beatrice is mysteriously blown up in her shanty shortly thereafter. This book is a re-do from Christy Barritt's early writing. The reworking missed a couple of editing opportunities (Jason Carter was also referred to as Jason Smith, and a hat that belonged to him had the wrong initials (JAH) on it. Not bad, but should have been caught.
Morgan Blake, author, goes to small town Perfect in the mountains of West Virginia....where she discovers things are most definitely not perfect. The plot twists are enough to make one's head spin. The entire little town seems "off", including the odd woman Beatrice who screams at Morgan, "Leave at once, before they get you too!" Beatrice is mysteriously blown up in her shanty shortly thereafter. This book is a re-do from Christy Barritt's early writing. The reworking missed a couple of editing opportunities (Jason Carter was also referred to as Jason Smith, and a hat that belonged to him had the wrong initials (JAH) on it. Not bad, but should have been caught.
April 13, 2018
I loved the first book I read by Christy Barritt but was disappointed by this one (I read her updated version, 'Imperfect: A Novel', copyright 2012). I wanted to like the main character but she was taken in too easy by the mayor, etc. I like Christian novels in general but the talks that were thrown in felt thrown in. The drama at the end was overly dramatic. But, I like happy endings & squeaky clean reads.
August 30, 2021
Imperfect is a wonderful, twisted story. I could not put this book down. I love the way the main character, Morgan, gets herself involved with the town of Perfect. The subtle hints of something being wrong in the town do not deter Morgan from being positive about the town. Yet, the story takes some dangerous turns when her friend Tyler visits. The fast-paced story kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend this read.
January 15, 2024
Even Perfect isn't perfect
I love how Ms Barritt weaves Biblical truths through her stories. She takes you deep in suspense and offers the gentle whisper of strength and wisdom. True love was right in front of Morgan yet she couldn't see it, Tyler was patient and knew he had to make his move before it was to late. Her trip to Perfect may make that move impossible. Luckily with God nothing is impossible.
I love how Ms Barritt weaves Biblical truths through her stories. She takes you deep in suspense and offers the gentle whisper of strength and wisdom. True love was right in front of Morgan yet she couldn't see it, Tyler was patient and knew he had to make his move before it was to late. Her trip to Perfect may make that move impossible. Luckily with God nothing is impossible.
August 15, 2019
Definitely not perfect like it seemed at first...
The town, that is! The book is perfectly charming, and suspenseful! Christy Barritt has a way of creating characters that are easy to identify with, or that become your best friends (literarily, that is). Imperfect is a story that gave me a couple of short nights of sleep...I had to know what came next!
The town, that is! The book is perfectly charming, and suspenseful! Christy Barritt has a way of creating characters that are easy to identify with, or that become your best friends (literarily, that is). Imperfect is a story that gave me a couple of short nights of sleep...I had to know what came next!
September 21, 2022
How can something that seems so Perfect be so Imperfect? Well, just read Christy Barritt's book about a town called Perfect, which was anything but. This story will bring back memories of Waco. It's mystifying, it's intriguing, it's down-right scary, and it will keep you turning pages to the end.
June 29, 2025
Wow! I had instant connection with the characters. This one is hard to put down. It is intense and takes off from the start. While it is pretty easy to figure out who the bad guy is I still kept wondering what was really going on in that small mountain town. The story pulls you right in and you feel like you are right there with them.
July 3, 2018
It says a lot just to say Christy Barrett wrote it! Characters that touch your heart or scare you to death - they’re all there in a super creepy town. A warm & loving story contrasts an evil, frightening plot. Enjoy!
September 28, 2018
Different
A town called Perfect. Interesting where is there ever a perfect place. Story of a book signing. A cult and various strange happenings. Well worth the time. Is unusually different l do not want to spoil the fun of reading this book.
A town called Perfect. Interesting where is there ever a perfect place. Story of a book signing. A cult and various strange happenings. Well worth the time. Is unusually different l do not want to spoil the fun of reading this book.
January 3, 2019
Really enjoyed your book
Great read ,keeps you guessing. Really love and appreciated the christian atmosphere since that is the only types of books i read . Only good exciting reading. Thank you , look forward to reading more of your work.
Great read ,keeps you guessing. Really love and appreciated the christian atmosphere since that is the only types of books i read . Only good exciting reading. Thank you , look forward to reading more of your work.
October 22, 2019
A great book about everything not being what it seems. She's involved in a hit and run but the man disappears. She must trust her instincts and her faith to get her through this strange situation and get to the bottom of why she was leared to this town. A great book from a great author.
January 2, 2020
Book Delivers
Great characters, great storyline, good twist and action. I personally love the way Barritt weaves faith into the story without it being simplistic or mundane. I highly recommend this book!
Great characters, great storyline, good twist and action. I personally love the way Barritt weaves faith into the story without it being simplistic or mundane. I highly recommend this book!
July 7, 2020
Another thrilling tale from the quick pen of Christy Barritt. It left me reading late into the night - really late because I couldn't put the book down without knowing our heroine was safe - even if just temporarily. Scary, thrilling, and truly brilliant.
July 25, 2020
Attention getter!
As with all her books, your attention is captured right at the beginning. There is mystery first with just finding the town of Perfect. You are kept on the edge of your seat right till the end. Enjoy the read.
As with all her books, your attention is captured right at the beginning. There is mystery first with just finding the town of Perfect. You are kept on the edge of your seat right till the end. Enjoy the read.
October 8, 2020
Great mystery!
Christy earlier books are the best! I've read quite a few & more recent ones are contrived & predictable. This one is a true mystery up to the last pages leaving you guessing who the true villains are!
Christy earlier books are the best! I've read quite a few & more recent ones are contrived & predictable. This one is a true mystery up to the last pages leaving you guessing who the true villains are!
October 14, 2021
Good, quick read. The town was named Perfect, but it was far from it. Our heroine and beau find themselves in a place that looks right, but feels all wrong.
My rating was closer to a 3.5 or 3.75 - enjoyable.
My rating was closer to a 3.5 or 3.75 - enjoyable.
July 12, 2022
Amazing
I really enjoyed this book, and love the author. Full of suspense, full of hope and can't wait to start the next one! At this rate, I will not get anything done, because once you start reading, it's hard to stop!
I really enjoyed this book, and love the author. Full of suspense, full of hope and can't wait to start the next one! At this rate, I will not get anything done, because once you start reading, it's hard to stop!
Read
November 21, 2022I like all of Christy Barritt’s books that I’ve read so far. This one, about a strange and creepy town, is no exception. There are a number of grammatical errors but the story is creative and kept me reading to the end.
October 1, 2024
This book was so good!!! I love all of Christy Barritts books, but this one was one of her best. Normally, I can figure out what happened pretty quickly, but this one had me scratching my head. And I loved the character development. Overall, it's definitely a five-star read!
April 3, 2018
Left me wanting more! I thought I had it figured out, then she threw in a twist. This book had me on the edge all the way through!
September 28, 2018
One of best books I've read in a long time.
May 10, 2019
I was kept on edge trying to decide what would happen next.
May 16, 2019
I have read a lot of Christy Barritt's books and this one was not my favorite. However it was pretty suspenseful and an enjoyable read that kept you guessing about what was really going on.
October 11, 2019
Great plot! Love this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews