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Just when the current seems safer, an unseen danger emerges and threatens to destroy everything.

When Cassidy Livingston finds a journal hidden deep in the recesses of her ice cream truck, her curiosity kicks into high gear. Islanders suspect that Elsa, the journal’s owner, didn’t die accidentally. Her final entry indicates their suspicions might be correct and that what Elsa observed on her final night may have led to her demise.

Against the advice of Ty Chambers, her former Navy SEAL boyfriend, Cassidy taps into her detective skills and hunts for answers. But her search only leads to a skeletal body and trouble for both of them. As helplessness threatens to drown her, Cassidy is desperate to turn back time.

Can Cassidy find what she needs to navigate the perilous situation? Or will the riptide surrounding her threaten everyone and everything Cassidy loves?

Other Books in the Lantern Beach Mystery Series:
Hidden Currents
Flood Watch
Storm Surge
Dangerous Waters
Perilous Riptide
Deadly Undertow (coming soon)

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2018

1224 people are currently reading
274 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,664 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
1,046 (63%)
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469 (28%)
3 stars
108 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
Profile Image for Christa.
2,218 reviews583 followers
January 29, 2020
This is another good one in the series. If you like Christian Mysteries, I highly recommend the series. This book showcased some of the best qualities in the main character, Cady/Cassidy. She is courageous and always tries to do the right thing. Ty, the main mail character is loyal, protective and honest. They compliment one another well and are a very good pair. The storyline had plenty of action, which made for a quick and easy read.

This book has Cady/Cassidy and Mac trying to prove Ty's innocence when he is arrested for murder. It soon becomes clean that their is a traitor on the local police force, but it's not clear who that may be. Cady and Mac have to solve the question before that person has a chance to harm Ty.

Perilous Riptide was a really good book. I liked the way everything played out in the book, and I'm looking forward to the last book and the resolution of the ongoing storyline.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,846 reviews1,436 followers
February 6, 2020
Cassidy’s got a new crime on her hands as a journal found in the ice cream truck leads them to a dead body—and Ty is promptly blamed for the murder! More of Cassidy’s past comes out as a strange clue about her friend Lucy’s death surfaces. I’m looking forward to the resolution of this past mystery! Just one book more to go...

The culprit in this one really surprised me. Excellent job to the author for stringing me along so well!
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 28 books544 followers
July 27, 2019
I love how she created a mystery not only of the current storyline, but also the past with DH-7 and Lucy. It’s a thread that looks it will continue into the next book.

As for this mystery? I found it complex! I tried to figure out the antagonist, but failed. And I do like it when that happens.

Romance was toned down in this one—because, well, they kinda weren’t together for this whole book. A few kisses and emotional feelings in the beginning and ending was about it.

The spiritual thread was pretty steady as well. Nothing extremely deep, but it was constant.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
July 27, 2018
PERILOUS RIPTIDE is the fifth book in this series and while it does stand alone with it's own mystery, it does heavily tie in with the other books with an ongoing mystery that is woven through all the books. In order they are: Hidden Current, Flood Watch, Storm Surge, Dangerous Waters, PERILOUS RIPTIDE, and Deadly Undertow.



When Ty is arrested for murder, Cassidy is desperate for answers. Understandably. But the evidence is overwhelming, and then became almost cliche as if someone has been reading too many mystery/suspense novels (which could be me, but in this case was a character in the book.) However, who? Three police officers who had access to planted evidence. Three bookish females who love mystery/suspense novels... The suspect list for this reader was growing. And then of course there is Jimmy James who seems so clueless but always knows more than anyone else.... Who done it? Why?



I had to keep reading to find out. PERILOUS RIPTIDE was a page-turner for sure, though the riptide mentioned in the title did have my wondering if they were going out to sea... but it was an appropriate analogy for what was actually happening.



To quote Ms. Dardus on High School Musical, "Bravo, Brava, Bravo". Great job, Ms. Barritt.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.



Watch for review on Deadly Undertow coming soon.
Profile Image for Leigh.
188 reviews
April 5, 2019
This is such a consistently brilliant series and book 5 was no exception. Wonderful mix of intrigue and suspicion that keep the pages turning. easy 5 Star!
Profile Image for Suzie Waltner.
Author 13 books148 followers
May 21, 2018
For four months, I’ve followed Cassidy through some harrowing situations. But this detective-in-hiding always manages to outsmart her opponents and solve the crime.

Now that Ty is aware of her past, Cassidy can sit back and be herself with the man she loves. But when he’s accused of a crime, Cassidy must solve the most important case of her life.

With Ty indisposed, Cassidy accepts the aid of his friends, allowing readers to get to know the supporting cast a bit better (one of my favorite things about Perilous Riptide).

Christy Barritt delivers another action-packed, intense read that kept me guessing until close to the end. Hang on tight readers, Lantern Beach is not free from crime yet (and the suspect list includes some people you may recognize).

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
467 reviews50 followers
May 20, 2018
Perilous Riptide is book five in the Lantern Beach Mysteries by Christy Barritt. This is my favorite book out of the series. Christy did an excellent job writing this story. Her characters and story line grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go until the very end. Christy had me guessing right up until the very end, who did it? This story is packed with so much action, adventure and unexpected happenings that you will be sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,206 reviews62 followers
May 21, 2018
Perilous Riptide by Christy Barritt is the fifth installment in her Lantern Beach mysteries series. I have come to love reading about Cassidy and Ty as they solve a number of hair-raising mysteries affecting Lantern Beach. Who knew a tiny island could have some much drama and mystery? If you haven't read any of the previous four, I don't believe you will be lost, but I think it would be better if you read the previous four first because you need to understand Cassidy's background to completely understand her. This time around, Barritt hypes up the drama with Ty being a suspect. While Cassidy rushes against the clock, the noose tightly metaphorically around Ty's neck. The romance has also been raised in this book. Not too cutesy. Just more deeper of a relationship between Ty and Cassidy. I enjoyed the mystery and can't wait to read the sixth one, Deadly Undertow. Fans of Barritt's previous writing, I believe, would enjoy this latest installment to the Lantern Beach Mysteries.
Profile Image for Kara.
812 reviews
August 13, 2018
I can't believe this is almost the last book of the series, have gotten to love Cassidy and Ty and Mac and Lantern Beach so much :) This is the book that we get real answers about Elsa before she died. We learn about her best friend, Ernestine, and Ty gets set up for a murder he didn't commit. We also find out more about Cassidy's past and Del, Ty's mom gets bad news in this one. All the feels and one more book to go!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
May 22, 2018
Cozy Suspense

We have nail biting suspense as Cassidy and the work to solve a murder .
I enjoyed the storyline, and the quirky characters.
Cozy mystery and mystery fans will love this book.
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
November 13, 2023
Perilous Riptide was a nice read. I enjoyed how they finally solved Elsa's murder. I was a little concerned for Ty, as he was under suspicion for a crime he didn't commit. The ending was intense and I've really been enjoying this series. An easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Zandra.
19 reviews
February 7, 2022
Another amazing book. I love the way she writes her books. I'm hooked!!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,355 reviews164 followers
November 23, 2025
"I've seen that look before . . . .The one that's usually a catalyst for getting involved with something otherwise forbidden."

She just can't help it, being curious, that is. Unsolved mysteries just keep falling into the lap of Cassidy Livingston, and this time Elsa, the pink ice cream truck, is to blame. Elsa, the person, had kept a journal hidden in her truck and the final entry seems to indicate that there was a murder on the beautiful island of Lantern Beach, North Carolina. Did the owner of the infamous truck meet her demise in a more sinister manner than a simple fall resulting in a fatal head injury; because she saw what happened?

Of course Cassidy ignores the voice of reason, namely that of Ty Chambers, her boyfriend and former Navy SEAL, when they travel to the location of the supposed murder. Cassidy's life depends on remaining under the radar, hiding her training as an homicide detective, while waiting to appear as a witness in a highly charged trial on the West Coast. But when the facts described in the journal cause a terrible misunderstanding, Cassidy grieves over the fact that she ever got involved.

As if this series couldn't get any better, it does!
282 reviews8 followers
July 10, 2018
Christy Barritt will keep you turning the pages. I received the first book in the series as a freebie. When I finished it I ordered the next one and before I knew it I bought all 6 books in the series and loved each one. I read all six books in less than 7 days. There is suspense, murder, gang related drug trafficking, humor- an ice cream that seems to have a mind of its own when it comes to playing music - even when its not turned on. You can read each book in the series as a stand alone but each one will not complete the whole story. Each one is better than the last and has a teaser at the end. There is human trafficking, romance, a lighthouse that plays a part in almost all the books. Some of the characters are just that - characters to love, laugh at, some that will make you wonder which side of the law they are really on. My kindle went everywhere with me while I was reading this series.

No one asked me to read, review or say anything about these books. All opinions are my own and all I can say is that I was sorry to see the series to come to an end. I normally don't like series that go more than 3-4 books. I highly recommend the Lantern Beach series. WARNING!! You might lose some sleep or let a few errands go. I did. Highly recommend this amazing author.
195 reviews5 followers
June 30, 2018
I was anxious for the fifth book in this series to come out, and wasn't disappointed! Cassidy continues to try to live a "normal" life on Lantern Beach, NC, while falling in love, developing deep friendships, and sidestepping questions about why she seems to be "too good" at discovering clues and solving crimes. Ever since she left Seattle and her previous life, she has been trying to avoid the mob and a bounty they put on her head. The author gives us glimpses into her past life and the ruthlessness of the gang she infiltrated. While Cassidy is anxious to have the case all tied up, she is feeling less and less like she wants to go back to her old life. Never able to stay away from mysteries that are begging to be solved, Cassidy gets a valuable clue to what really happened to the previous owner of her ice cream truck and can't help investigating. Questions arise about the honesty of the police force in Lantern Beach, and Cassidy's involvement may just put her life in jeopardy once again.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Florence Wright.
59 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2018
I've been enjoying the Lantern Beach Mysteries and Perilous Riptide has not disappointed. This one helped resolve one of the "lesser" mysteries of suspicions about the police force. The story carries on with the many layers which help keep the reader's attention. This is will not help you sleep, so don't read it before bed, unless you are super disciplined or don't have to do anything the next day. We have the over arching mystery of Cassidy's past as a detective, her old life, the trial coming up to convict the deadly gang that she infiltrated. Then we have in this story, the mystery of who was trying to frame Ty her new boyfriend. In the mix, is her personal development, finding more rest and more peace in her "new identity", learning to trust God, solving the little mystery of the "haunted ice cream truck" that she drove, along with a bunch of quirky friends. I definitely really enjoyed this book and the series.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,176 reviews45 followers
May 29, 2018
Perilous Riptide is another exciting addition to the Lantern Beach Mystery series. It's full of action, suspense, mystery and danger. With the stakes seeming higher than ever, it was impossible to put this book down. I was on the edge of my seat numerous times and was kept guessing until the reveal.

From the very beginning of this series, I've been intrigued by the mystery that surrounded Elsa and the ice cream truck. In this installment, the fifth of the series, we delve into the mystery and circumstances surrounding it, finding out that things go deeper than it first appears.

I didn't think it was possible, but Perilous Riptide is even better than it's predecessors. It's my favorite, so far. I don't know how Christy Barritt does it, but each book gets better and better. I'm so anxious for the next book, Deadly Undertow! It can't come out soon enough!
3,925 reviews1,763 followers
October 17, 2023
My stomach is still roiling and twisted in knots after this emotionally nail-biting read! Definitely read this series in order, and preferably like I'm doing -- back to back -- to get the full impact. We keep getting flashbacks into Cassidy's life as a Seattle police detective before she had to go into hiding which is amping up and making me frantic. And the suspense of this book's mystery put me on edge all the way through. Full of reveals and surprises and so much angst. Gah! Honestly had to stop listening last night because I was so worked up I knew I wouldn't sleep. As it is, I had strange dreams related to Cassidy and company and woke up extra early to reach the conclusion. Phew! We're not out of the woods yet, but things are looking so much better. Ready for the sixth instalment and diving in pronto.
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
December 17, 2018
The latest installment of the Lantern Beach series does not disappoint. Things are going smoothly for Cassidy,who is hiding out before testifying in a huge gang trial and her boyfriend, ex-Navy seal Ty when they discover a journal that belonged to a resident who mysteriously died a year ago. This resident is actually the previous owner of Cassidy's ice cream truck! Reading the journal starts Cassidy down a path that affects those closest to her. Will she be able to figure out this mystery in time before there is another death? Will Cassidy have to reveal the truth about herself in order to save those she loves? The twists and turns in this story keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Cassidy on her most personal case yet. I received a preview copy for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Megan Byrd.
Author 10 books47 followers
May 24, 2018
Ty is fixing Cassidy's ice cream truck when he finds a notebook inside. Cassidy is leafing through it and discovers Elsa, the truck's former owner, had seen something potentially illegal the day before she died. Cassidy wants to explore this lead to find out what she might have seen and whether it could have been responsible for her death. They find a human skeleton and things get worse from there with Ty being arrested and accused of murder. Can Cassidy uncover the truth and clear Ty's name?

It was a very intense story which also shed a little more light on the overarching story of Cassidy's undercover life that led her to Lantern Beach. I have my own suspicions and look forward to the next book to find out if I'm right. This series is so good!
126 reviews
September 23, 2024
I absolutely love the Lantern Beach Mysteries by Christy Barritt!! Perilous Riptide is book five of six.
When I get into a reading slump, I read another book in this series because I can't hardly put it down once I have started it. Then, I am out of my reading slump and I'm excited about reading again. This book was intense with action and mayhem from the very beginning to the very end. Plus Ty and Cassidy/Cady are my favorite "Book friends/ book couple". In this book, Ty gets arrested for a murder that he did not commit and Cassidy works on proving his innocence. I spent the entire book trying to figure out who was the gulity one and was surprised by the twists and turns near the end. I love when an author suprises me !!
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Profile Image for Kevin.
802 reviews20 followers
May 20, 2018
The storm before the bigger storm!

Cassidy Livingston continues to risk exposure while waiting for the DH-7 trial to begin, this time needing to prove boyfriend Ty Chambers isn't guilty of murdering a man the previous year.

Author Christy Barritt continues to reveal bits of Cassidy's time undercover while a junior-grade Seattle police detective and each tidbit revealed has me guessing who the mastermind is and why. Definitely looking forward to the conclusion of the Lantern Beach series to see if I'm right.

Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Kim.
718 reviews14 followers
May 21, 2018
Mysteries seem to fall from the sky and into the lap of police detective turned hidden witness, Cassidy. The latest case in book five of the Lantern Beach series involves her used ice cream truck and former and deceased owner Elsa. Unfortunately, it lands both Cassidy and boyfriend Ty into hot water. Will she and friends be able to discover the truth before it's too late?

Christy Barritt gives fans plenty of action and a great anticipation for the series finale.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews21 followers
May 24, 2018
Ty 's Trouble

I enjoy the way the story weaves in & out of the two separate lives of Cade, a Seattle detective who survived infiltrating the DH-7 gang & Cassidy/Cade, trying to survive in Lantern Beach, NC so she can return to give evidence at the trial. The sweet romance between Cassidy & Ty & the group of friends who support & care for one another is helping Cade/Cassidy heal from a lonely past. The story continues to get better with each book & I look forward to reading each one!
Profile Image for Kim.
718 reviews14 followers
May 27, 2018
Mysteries seem to fall from the sky and into the lap of police detective turned hidden witness, Cassidy. The latest case in book five of the Lantern Beach series involves her used ice cream truck and former and deceased owner Elsa. Unfortunately, it lands both Cassidy and boyfriend Ty into hot water. Will she and friends be able to discover the truth before it's too late?

Christy Barritt gives fans plenty of action and a great anticipation for the series finale.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
February 3, 2020
She finally opens up to who she is and now even more is at risk. With Ty unavailable she needs help but will they suspect there's more to her than she's let on? It's a juggling game that could put her further in the cross hairs. This girl finds more trouble around her than the law allows but now she feels responsible for the problems it's caused for those around her. Now she has no choice, she'll do whatever it takes for those she loves. False accusations, lives in jeopardy, dead bodies, truths revealed, it's all just another day in her life. Again action and revelations.
Profile Image for Sheila McIntyre.
Author 1 book3 followers
May 28, 2018
This is another winning homerun written by Christy Barritt! An excellent recipe of suspense, romance, and engaging detective work by none other than the lead character we have come to love, Cassidy Livingston, I found this to be a book that pulled me in from page 1. Buy this book, and you won't be disappointed! I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Pam.
83 reviews
May 28, 2018
This is a great series and captivating to the very end. I really like Cassidy with her strength and vulnerability and most of all her will to never give up. The characters at Lantern Beach are so like a small town that supports each other. Love the romance between Cassidy and Ty and their loyalty to each other. The message of faith is part of the story naturally as it should be. This book was a gift from the author. My review is my own thoughts and words.
Profile Image for Teresa.
272 reviews
June 3, 2018
Perilous Riptide is book 5 in the Lantern Beach Mysteries. This is yet another exciting installment of the adventures of Cassidy Livingston aka. Cady Matthews. There's just no where in the book to set it aside when 'real life' is calling. There were twists and turns that kept you at the edge of your seat the entire book. I can not recommend this series enough. And I can't wait for the next book, Deadly Undertow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews

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