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Lantern Beach P.D. #4

Dead on Arrival

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A make-or-break election. A food poisoning epidemic. A town in chaos.

With a highly charged local election consuming the community, Police Chief Cassidy Chambers braces herself for a challenging day of breaking up petty conflicts and tamping down high emotions. But when widespread food poisoning spreads among potential voters across the island, Cassidy smells something rotten in the air.

As Cassidy examines every possibility to uncover what’s going on, local enigma Anthony Gilead again comes on her radar. The man is running for mayor and his cult-like following is growing at an alarming rate. Cassidy feels certain he has a spy embedded in her inner circle. The problem is that her pool of suspects gets deeper every day.

Can Cassidy get to the bottom of what’s eating away at her peaceful island home? Will voters turn out despite the outbreak of illness plaguing their tranquil town? And the even bigger question: Has darkness come to stay on Lantern Beach?

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2019

980 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

340 books1,674 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,886 reviews1,436 followers
June 24, 2019
I'm continuing to love this fast-paced thriller series! Cassidy and her police department are embattled as the local cult leader, Anthony Gilead, continues to pursue his aggressive plans to take over the entire island and the city of Lantern Beach. To make things worse, someone from within seems to be helping. In this book we have a shorter mystery about who infected the town with salmonella.
Profile Image for Kara.
812 reviews
August 2, 2019
Oh goodness, the plot definitely thickens in this one! During one scene when Mac gets a phone call, I inwardly screamed, "Noooooooo!" But knowing Barritt and her writing as I do, I knew justice would be served regardless of how many things go wrong. NEED to see justice for Gilead and there is ONE more book for that to happen!

I figured out the culprit JUST before the conclusion and that rarely happens, but honestly felt bad for them. Another victim of Gilead's takes the fall for him in a convenient way. Hated that Ty got poisoned as well. His friend, Colton, is a real enhancement to this story.

Not my fave series by Barritt, but wow it does get your attention!

I received a copy of this ebook. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
June 2, 2019
DEAD ON ARRIVAL is the fourth book in the Lantern Beach PD series and readers will want to read them in order...On the Lookout, Attempt to Locate, First Degree Murder, and DEAD ON ARRIVAL.



Ms. Barritt's mysteries are compelling, can't-put-down reads filled with old friends from other Lantern Beach books. I have become involved in these characters' lives and care for them. Not only that, but Ms. Barritt has unexpected twists that the reader never sees coming. Who-dun-it? You might guess. I had a niggling suspicion but it still surprised me.



I can't wait for the exciting conclusion of this action-packed series, Plan of Action. Review coming soon.



I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kelly Bridgewater.
1,208 reviews61 followers
April 25, 2019
Dead on Arrival by Christy Barritt continues her Lantern Beach P.D. series. Wow! What a mystery! From food poisoning to a horrible mayoral race, Barritt takes Cassidy and me for a joy ride. From the first chapter, the plot takes off and captures my attention. I finished the book in a little over two hours. I couldn't put it down. I'm really tired of reading about Gilead Cove and their leader. He makes me sick. I really can't wait to see what Barritt does to seek justice for this horrible cult leader. As for the characters, I still enjoy watching more of the familiar characters and keeping up with their daily lives. Overall, Dead on Arrival is a wonderful addition to the series. I think when Barritt finishes composing all of them, I will have to sit down and binge read them in order to get the full effect.
Profile Image for Kevin.
804 reviews20 followers
April 24, 2019
Another great entry in the Lantern Beach P.D. series. Can hardly wait for the next book in the series. (I say that all the time, 'cause it's true!)
Profile Image for Jeanie Eidem.
78 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2019
Another great book in the series. One of my favorite authors. I always look forward to when a new book is available.
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 30 books545 followers
July 31, 2019
This was a good one, as far as mystery goes. I completely fell for the author’s push on one’s character’s guilt. Totally didn’t suspect the real bad guy.

One thing I appreciate in this series...
Even though she’s chief of police, Cassidy still displays submission to her husband and higher authority—which is refreshing to see.

Gilead’s Cove. Insert all disgusted and horrified faces possible. He. Is. Wretched. But a very believable cult leader (which is scary).

Spiritual and romance threads are pretty the same as the previous books.

Oh, and this one? It ends on a cliffhanger.
65 reviews
June 5, 2020
Surprising & Excellent

Whoa, I did not see that coming!
Another wonderfully suspenseful thriller. Christy is such a gifted writer we are truly blessed to be able to receive the entertainment her books offer. On to the next book😁
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,309 reviews44 followers
January 9, 2020
Oh my goodness! I decided to just keep reading all the books in this series because I couldn’t put them down.
This book is the one that had me not sleeping at night and remembering events that happened years ago. This story could have been taken from right out of the newspapers. It sounded so familiar. At the time I was so surprised people would actually follow this movement, but they did and many people suffered. In this story, Chief Chambers is trying to solve a mystery and keep the town of Lantern Beach safe from being taken over by a manipulative man with a deadly charm to deceive people.
Christy Barritt is the kind of author who weaves her stories with so much action and suspense that your heart pounds and you find yourself suspicious of everyone around you, even your own family. Her books are the kind you don’t read at night, or you’ll never get to sleep. Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE THESE BOOKS!
This author has a way of capturing you from the very first page to the very last. She is tremendously skilled at keeping us guessing who the bad guy is, in this story!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Katharine Showman.
60 reviews
September 30, 2019
Two of Chief Chambers' friends, Lisa and Braden have just returned from their honeymoon. Moriah and Anthony Gilead, the leaders of The Cove, have returned, too. The two couples are in very different moods. This book parallels their lives as all the other events happen. The mayoral election is being held. Mayor Tomlinson, former police chief, Mac MacArthur and leader of The Cove, Anthony Gilead, are all running. Something poisons many people. An accident? On purpose? Because of the election? No one knows for sure. Cassidy Chambers, the police chief, has her hands full with the investigation. We still need to know who is threatening her by text, but right now she has to find out who or what caused the illnesses and one death. Read this fast-paced book to see what happens to Moriah, Lisa, Ty and the whole town, especially the Lantern. Beach Police Department. You will never guess who is the guilty party. Many people look guilty to Cassidy, but even she is baffled.
Profile Image for Wendy Sparkes.
Author 3 books24 followers
May 7, 2019
Pressure heaps up in Lantern Beach.

Just when I thought Gilead couldn't possibly sink any lower, he does! And continues to throughout the story. That man is seriously sick and twisted! I'm so ready for that guy to be stopped and for justice to be served, but sadly that isn't likely until book 6. *Sigh*
Like Ty, I'm most curious about how his past connects with Ty and also how it's led to what's going on today. (I suspect some sort of terrorism is being orchestrated, unknown to his followers.)

Glad I guessed the food poisoner correctly, but I did have a few moments when I doubted. (And my heart bled for Lisa during that fiasco!)

As for Serena, glad that girl I knew is still there...Go Serena! But oh, what a cliff-hanger!!! So glad there's only a few weeks to wait for the next one to come out!

A series that needs to be read in order!
195 reviews5 followers
July 1, 2019
As Cassidy and her friends are geared up to help their good friend Max run for mayor against the current ineffective mayor, Anthony Gilead, leader of the ever-growing cult on the island, throws his hat in the ring. With rising suspicions of the cult leader, and the knowledge that Gilead's Cove seems to be drawing in more and more people, Cassidy is desperate to find out the truth. Add to that, wide-spread food poisoning among Max's friends, a possible shut-down of Cassidy's friend's popular restaurant. and Cassidy has her hands full. The shocking result of the election, the evidence of voter fraud, and Ty's violent sickness, and further hints that someone knows of Cassidy's past, has Cassidy at her wit's end. I can't wait for the conclusion in Book #5!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are my own. I loved it.
735 reviews5 followers
May 26, 2020
Trouble has found a home

Let me count the ways-the cult leader one the election for mayor, shootings, stabbings, grenades. How will Cassidy ever figure this out and being peace back to Laturn Beach? Love this series. Love how it's almost written like a cliffhanger. Great job. Thank you.
Profile Image for Sheila McIntyre.
Author 1 book3 followers
May 1, 2019
This was an excellent book!! Wow, Christy Barritt is on FIRE! This book, which is no different than her others, will have you on edge of your seat wondering who has done what. With the characters that we have come to love and dislike, this story features a deadly mystery that needs to be solved ASAP. As the plot twisted and turned and had me wrung inside out, it was one that left an impression on my soul--something a bit different than the other stories for me (I can't share or I would spoil it!). Curl up in your favorite chair, settle in (and strap in!), and get ready for a great mystery!

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.


Profile Image for Rebecca.
2,364 reviews166 followers
October 23, 2025
"She could use a good day. In her short tenure as police chief, too many things here on Lantern Beach had gone wrong."

Truer words were never spoken. Police Chief Cassidy Chambers has navigated personal threats, solved multiple murders and intentionally spent an enormous amount of energy on an eerie cult leader who seems to psycho-analyze local citizens into his back pocket. And now? . . . an epidemic break-out of food poisoning on the eve of a local election has been deemed as a form of bio-terrorism. Someone is just as determined to destroy Lantern Beach as Cassidy is to protect it, and she's concerned that someone close to her is successfully feeding the dark side of the community with valuable information.

Stay tuned! There's more to this story than one book can hold!
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books413 followers
April 24, 2019
The cult at Gilead’s Cove remains active, and their leader hopes to win the election. As mayor he’d gain more control over Lantern Beach—something Police Chief Cassidy Chambers and most citizens on the island want to prevent. Threats to health and safety abound as Cassidy tries to find out who’s behind the schemes. The fast-paced story keeps you reading and wanting more. I look forward to the rest of the series to learn how it will all turn out. Each book can stand alone, but suspense threads continue through the series. I’m glad this talented writer is so prolific and doesn’t make us wait long in between each novel. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Debbie.
286 reviews13 followers
April 24, 2019
Would a political candidate stoop to food poisoning before an election? Chief Cassidy Chambers has to try and solve this problem during the local mayoral election. Is it connected to the possible cult leader who has moved to Lantern Beach? Or is it connected to Cassidy's past? Or maybe her former Navy Seal husband, Ty's time in the military? Lots of questions swirl as the Lantern Beach series gets closer to its conclusion. Even if you have not read any of these books, once you read this on, you'll want to go back and read them all!!
Profile Image for Susanne.
180 reviews27 followers
April 30, 2019
Things are heating up on Lantern Beach!

Cassidy's job may be in trouble with the upcoming election. When food poisoning hits the town and hurts the voting turnout, Cassidy is sure it's no coincidence. Also, with Gilead always one step ahead, Cassidy fears one of her own is really working against her.

The suspense continues to build as Cassidy makes her case to uncover the truth behind Gilead's cult. It becomes a race of desperation to keep this evil darkness from taking over the beautiful island permanently. The cliffhanger ending will leave you reeling for the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kim.
720 reviews14 followers
April 29, 2019
As addictive as potato chips!

The more I read this series, the more I anticipate the next edition. The explosive, intriguing action combined with mysterious, complex characters compels readers into the secrets of Lantern Beach.

Ongoing danger and investigation, new crimes and mysteries riddle the island. With a conscious effort to pace the reading, immersion into the drama is a given. Perhaps other fans also attempt to warn PD Chief Cassidy Chambers, her crew and friends.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Profile Image for Melissa.
395 reviews11 followers
July 9, 2019
This series is really heating up! With only one book left after this, the action is getting more and more fast-paced. A bout of food poisoning at a political event leave many sick and one dead. Could it be someone close to Cassidy responsible for this crime? What is Anthony Gilead's true motives as he is now running for mayor? Is Gilead somehow connected to Ty's past? You will have to read the book and the rest of the series to find out the answers to these and many other questions.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susan Veach.
23 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2019
Another exciting installment in the Lantern Beach P. D. series! Some situations are resolved, and some are left as cliffhangers, as usual. The reader will definitely feel Cassidy's stress & heavy responsibility as she tries to deal with so many things happening at once. Loved it. I predict that readers will plead for more of this series, and Christy Barritt will be trying to keep up several at once. Check out her other series too.
298 reviews
August 16, 2019
This time it's really personnel. Someone poisons her friends restaurant, a cult leader is running for elections and messing with her friend Mac, and her town is shaken up. Cassidy needs to find out more about this leader fast and save her friends and her town. I thoroughly enjoy these characters and the real life feel of this town and their struggles. Christy Barritt writes another page turner and I am so excited to read more.
150 reviews2 followers
January 18, 2020
Election fraud and more.

As GiliadsCove's leader, Anthony, is working on taking over the island and teaching his new bride how to be the submissive wife, a bout of salmonealla poisoning hits the small community. Another death and mystery to be solved. Will this peaceful community ever get back to normal. These books keep you reading, good job by this author, starting the last book now, highly recommend for a good clean mystery.
Profile Image for Valerie Hartup.
116 reviews2 followers
April 24, 2019
Another great one!!

Book 4 of this series is just as excellent as all the others. Cassidy is working hard as Police Chief but trouble always seems to follow her. This time a large number of people get food poisoning and one persons dies from it. Cassidy’s guy tells her this was done on purpose to sabotage the Mayoral election. Can she prove it?
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,003 reviews21 followers
April 25, 2019
Weapon of choice

Plenty of intrigue and action. The small, laid back island of Lantern Beach is being overcome as Cassie, Ty and their friends try to keep fighting off the dark tide seeping in. Seeing chunks of the mystery at a time certainly keeps me coming back to see what will happen next. Looking forward to the continuing story.
Profile Image for Marge.
60 reviews
May 12, 2019
MY FAVORITE MYSTERY AUTHOR!!! She has done it again. Won't spoil this for others but a definite must read. Story line was great! Anxious to get #5 in this Series!!!!
Food poisoning. A death. A mayoral election. A wedding with a less than romantic honeymoon. A definite who-done-it !!!!
26 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2019
Can't wait for #5!

I read Lantern Beach PD books 1-4 over the last two days. I can't wait for #5, what a cliffhanger!!! I am curious to see how Cassidy takes out Gilead. Such a vile man must be hard to pen!
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
June 1, 2019
Love The Suspense

Twists , turns and plenty of suspense filled the pages.
I loved the storyline and the amazing characters.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian suspense.
Profile Image for Clara K Page.
780 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2019
Good Book

Fast paced book with twists and mysteries. I didn't suspect the guilty party until about half way through and it wasn't until toward the end that I realized the person I suspected was the guilty party.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews

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