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The Worst Detective Ever #8
Joke and Dagger
Someone has flipped the script, and chaos abounds.
Joey Darling thought she’d take a quick acting gig between filming her hit TV show, Relentless, and prepping for an upcoming movie. The peaceful island of Lantern Beach seemed like a perfect getaway, especially when her fiancé joins her on location.
But from day one on the set, things go awry. Someone alters the script, adding a mysterious death to the movie. At first, the changes seem like a joke. But when real life imitates the script, Joey realizes there’s more to the story.
Joey has no choice but to search for answers—with the help of her fiancé, Detective Jackson Sullivan, of course. Each day, more danger comes Joey’s way, and it’s clear the killer is becoming more unraveled. Joey fears there’s a traitor on the set...but can she figure out the killer before the final cut?
Other books in the Worst Detective Ever
Ready to Fumble
Reigns of Error
Safety in Blunders
Join the Flub
Blooper Freak
Flaw-Abiding Citizen
Gaffe Out Loud
Wreck the Halls
Joey Darling thought she’d take a quick acting gig between filming her hit TV show, Relentless, and prepping for an upcoming movie. The peaceful island of Lantern Beach seemed like a perfect getaway, especially when her fiancé joins her on location.
But from day one on the set, things go awry. Someone alters the script, adding a mysterious death to the movie. At first, the changes seem like a joke. But when real life imitates the script, Joey realizes there’s more to the story.
Joey has no choice but to search for answers—with the help of her fiancé, Detective Jackson Sullivan, of course. Each day, more danger comes Joey’s way, and it’s clear the killer is becoming more unraveled. Joey fears there’s a traitor on the set...but can she figure out the killer before the final cut?
Other books in the Worst Detective Ever
Ready to Fumble
Reigns of Error
Safety in Blunders
Join the Flub
Blooper Freak
Flaw-Abiding Citizen
Gaffe Out Loud
Wreck the Halls
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2019
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,733 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 47 reviews
June 18, 2022
I kept bouncing between who the bad guy was. It didn’t necessarily surprise me but I couldn’t figure out the motive. The end was semi anti-climatic but overall the mystery was intriguing.
I really like Jackson’s stability and reasoning.
I really like Jackson’s stability and reasoning.
November 21, 2019
Joke and Dagger by Christy Barritt has a Scooby Doo feel to the mystery especially the part where Joey claims to spill the beans on who the villain was. The mystery was definitely different and had many layers to it. It did hold my attention, and I couldn't wait until Joey confronted the bad person and allowed the madness to stop. It was nice to return to Joey and her world of friends. It was nice to see Joey and Jackson move forward in their relationship and see how they are doing. Joke and Dagger was a good addition to the series, and if you had read any or all of the books in this series, readers definitely want to add this one to their collection. Onto the next Barritt novel.
November 9, 2019
Joey is back on set, and someone has their own script for her—one that includes a dead body. When Jackson comes to visit the two of them are back in action and hot on the trail of the culprit.
In my opinion, Joke and Dagger is the best of the series!
In my opinion, Joke and Dagger is the best of the series!
August 4, 2020
Filming on location has never been so dangerous...
Ahh, Joey... Have I mentioned how much I love her stories? Joke And Dagger is the eighth book in The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series and I am still begging for more. Christy Barritt really has penned the perfect character in Joey. She's not a professional, detective that is, she's quirky, she's insecure, she's made mistakes, but she tries her best and that's where the fun comes in.
I really enjoyed reading Joke And Dagger and couldn't seem to put it down. Author Christy Barritt really kept me guessing, suspecting anyone and everyone, and surprised me with her many twists and turns before the final startling conclusion.
Joke And Dagger was a fun read and one that I enjoyed very much! Christy Barritt has a real knack for mixing danger, romance, and humor in such a delightful way! If cozy myteries with a faith element are your thing you've really got to try The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series, it's great!
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Ahh, Joey... Have I mentioned how much I love her stories? Joke And Dagger is the eighth book in The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series and I am still begging for more. Christy Barritt really has penned the perfect character in Joey. She's not a professional, detective that is, she's quirky, she's insecure, she's made mistakes, but she tries her best and that's where the fun comes in.
I really enjoyed reading Joke And Dagger and couldn't seem to put it down. Author Christy Barritt really kept me guessing, suspecting anyone and everyone, and surprised me with her many twists and turns before the final startling conclusion.
Joke And Dagger was a fun read and one that I enjoyed very much! Christy Barritt has a real knack for mixing danger, romance, and humor in such a delightful way! If cozy myteries with a faith element are your thing you've really got to try The Worst Detective Ever Mystery Series, it's great!
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
August 9, 2020
This is time Joey and Jackson seem to be more in the same boat than usual. It was a change of pace, and brought to light a lot o drama. I'm looking forward to more.
November 12, 2019
I was so excited to dive into Joke and Dagger. The Worst Detective Ever series is my favorite from Christy Barritt. It was so great checking back in with these characters and seeing what they were up to now.
This installment finds Joey on Lantern Beach filming an indie movie between her other projects. With strange last-minute script changes, mishaps on set, random pirates, and a real dead body showing up, it's just another typical day in the life of Joey Darling. With the help of her fiance, Joey goes on the hunt to solve this mystery.
There were some cameos from a few of the characters from Barritt's Lantern Beach series which was so much fun! Loved it! The mystery was good and left me guessing until the reveal. All in all, another great addition to a wonderful series. Can't wait for the next one!
This installment finds Joey on Lantern Beach filming an indie movie between her other projects. With strange last-minute script changes, mishaps on set, random pirates, and a real dead body showing up, it's just another typical day in the life of Joey Darling. With the help of her fiance, Joey goes on the hunt to solve this mystery.
There were some cameos from a few of the characters from Barritt's Lantern Beach series which was so much fun! Loved it! The mystery was good and left me guessing until the reveal. All in all, another great addition to a wonderful series. Can't wait for the next one!
December 12, 2019
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
November 25, 2019
3.75 stars out of 5
“This film will be the death of you.”
“But suddenly my stay in Lantern Beach was looking a lot more dangerous and more exciting than any film I’d ever shot.”
“If we weren’t careful, dark emotions could ruin us. I’d be wise to keep that in mind also. The moment we thought we were above it was the moment pride stepped in and showed us our true colors.”
Another pretty good Joey Darling book by Christy Barritt. This is probably my favorite series of hers so I always have pretty high expectations. But like the last book, the jokes haven’t been as plentiful. A lot of the books in this series have made me laugh out loud with the humor and pop culture references. This one tries at times but the humor sometimes falls flat. The good news is that the mystery aspect on this one is pretty good and I didn’t guess the villain during the final reveal. And that’s usually what makes this series so good.
One thing I liked a lot was how Christy Barritt brings Joey and Jackson to Lantern Beach and we see characters from her Lantern Beach series. I did miss Nags Head some so hoping she goes back to that. It was also cool seeing Joey in her element, making a movie while at the same playing amateur detective and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. Looking forward to reading the next one, which is a Christmas book.
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
“This film will be the death of you.”
“But suddenly my stay in Lantern Beach was looking a lot more dangerous and more exciting than any film I’d ever shot.”
“If we weren’t careful, dark emotions could ruin us. I’d be wise to keep that in mind also. The moment we thought we were above it was the moment pride stepped in and showed us our true colors.”
Another pretty good Joey Darling book by Christy Barritt. This is probably my favorite series of hers so I always have pretty high expectations. But like the last book, the jokes haven’t been as plentiful. A lot of the books in this series have made me laugh out loud with the humor and pop culture references. This one tries at times but the humor sometimes falls flat. The good news is that the mystery aspect on this one is pretty good and I didn’t guess the villain during the final reveal. And that’s usually what makes this series so good.
One thing I liked a lot was how Christy Barritt brings Joey and Jackson to Lantern Beach and we see characters from her Lantern Beach series. I did miss Nags Head some so hoping she goes back to that. It was also cool seeing Joey in her element, making a movie while at the same playing amateur detective and getting into all kinds of shenanigans. Looking forward to reading the next one, which is a Christmas book.
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
December 2, 2019
The newest installment of Joey Darling's story has her squeezing in a movie as a favor to a friend, but all is not as it seems. From the very beginning, crazy things start happening, like new scripts sent by email from a mysterious sender, "pirates" bursting in on their filming, photos of her posted online, people disappearing, and of course, a couple of dead bodies. On top of all that, Joey has to spend hours every day in costume and make-up putting on a fat suit and make-up that makes her very unattractive. Thankfully for Joey, her fiance Jackson is on the scene to help her figure out all the twists and turns of this crazy experience! An added bonus is that the setting for this movie is Lantern Beach, so some of my favorite characters from the Lantern Beach Books also make an appearance.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. the opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. the opinions are my own.
November 14, 2019
While shooting an indie film as a favor to a friend, strange events sabotage the script and put actors in harm's way. Thankfully, star actress Joey Darling's fiancé, Jackson, arrives and joins forces with local police. Unfortunately, Joey's identified as the main target of both her career and life. She works hard to unravel the cryptic clues and help her peers. Something about the situation strongly resembles a past episode of her Relentless series.
As a bonus, several Lantern Beach characters are featured in the crossover of the Worst Detective Ever.
Enjoyable and intriguing, the latest edition from Christy Barritt fulfills her high standards of twisty mysteries and characters full of life.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
As a bonus, several Lantern Beach characters are featured in the crossover of the Worst Detective Ever.
Enjoyable and intriguing, the latest edition from Christy Barritt fulfills her high standards of twisty mysteries and characters full of life.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
November 23, 2019
This was a fun read! I like Joey so I enjoy reading anything in the Worst Detective Ever series. This book takes place in Lantern Beach, so it was fun to have Cassidy, and briefly, Ty, involved in the story.
Some parts of the plot seemed a little odd and far-fetched. I did kind of question the reasoning behind who the killer was. As in it didn’t make a ton of sense for this person to do some of the things they did for the reason they did them (sorry if that doesn’t make sense, but I don’t want to give any of the story away!).
This story kept my attention and was interesting. This story touched on some fun subjects as well some deeper issues like insecurity. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Some parts of the plot seemed a little odd and far-fetched. I did kind of question the reasoning behind who the killer was. As in it didn’t make a ton of sense for this person to do some of the things they did for the reason they did them (sorry if that doesn’t make sense, but I don’t want to give any of the story away!).
This story kept my attention and was interesting. This story touched on some fun subjects as well some deeper issues like insecurity. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I look forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2019
Joey is already regretting the role she agreed to in Alistair's film, but she wanted to thank him for giving her the role that gave her the boost she needed to rise in fame. This was her only 2 week break for awhile, but fortunately Jackson can join her on Lantern Beach for filming. On the first day things start going wrong when they all receive an altered script from someone pretending to be the director. When events in real life start mirroring the script, Joey and Jackson need to work fast to stop the finale from coming true.
This book was a nice continuation to the series. I liked seeing how Joey and Jackson are developing their relationship, even with the distance between them. I had to wait a couple of months for this book to come out while the other ones I had right away but it was worth the wait
This book was a nice continuation to the series. I liked seeing how Joey and Jackson are developing their relationship, even with the distance between them. I had to wait a couple of months for this book to come out while the other ones I had right away but it was worth the wait
November 20, 2019
Joke and Dagger by Christy Barritt is the latest Worst Detective Mystery. I’ve always been a fan of this series and I was delighted to read another one. I think this book is best read after reading the previous ones because Joey has gone through so much and has changed some over time. She is back working as an actress and struggling to balance work with her personal life. As always, she finds herself in the middle of a mystery to solve and she can’t help but get involved. This book is one of the best in the series. I loved the characters and found it difficult to guess the culprit at the end. It is a great read overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
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December 18, 2019I decided not to leave a star rating for this one, it wasn't the usual enjoyable read I've come to anticipate from this series. It lacked the usual humor and Joey's dilemma just didn't grab my attention despite the good story it is. Love that her and Jackson are finally engaged so there's no more awkward moments between them and their romance is very sweet, but that wasn't enough to make up for the rest of the mystery here. I had no idea who the culprit was, but mostly I wasn't interested in finding out. I enjoyed the movie making scenes and truly enjoyed how the author mixed characters from two different series in this one. Still love the character Joey is and hope there will be more of her!
April 4, 2020
JOKE AND DAGGER might be the eighth book in this series, but they do stand alone. Joey is on set for a new movie when a group of pirates stumble on the scene. One of them has a cryptic warning about death and when he's found dead, he has a note in code for Joey. Except how are they supposed to solve it?
Other random events occur and it begins to appear that someone wants the movie to flop. But who?
This was an action-filled book that I had to keep reading. There were plenty of humorous moments and I never did guess who-dun-it until it was revealed.
If you like cozy mysteries grab a copy of JOKE AND DAGGER or any of the other books in this series.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
Other random events occur and it begins to appear that someone wants the movie to flop. But who?
This was an action-filled book that I had to keep reading. There were plenty of humorous moments and I never did guess who-dun-it until it was revealed.
If you like cozy mysteries grab a copy of JOKE AND DAGGER or any of the other books in this series.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2020
Joke and Dagger is okay with the usual suspense. I just didn't like it as well as the previous books in the series. There were too many characters and it got confusing. I also did not like it that it was not on Nags Beach like the previous ones. This one was set on Lantern Beach and it was nice to reconnect with Cassidy and Ty who had a cameo appearance in this book. I like it that Joey and Jackson are finally committing to their plans to get married in the following months. Just hope that a murder or a movie doesn't get in the way.
November 12, 2019
Joey Darling just happens to be filming a new movie at Lantern Beach. How fun to have Police Chief Cassidy Chambers from the author’s other winning series appear in this novel too. Crimes are piling up around the set, and Joey may be in danger. But why would anyone want to ruin the movie? Or is she the main target? Adventure abounds, as usual, with entertaining excitement and some tender moments too. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 27, 2019
Joey is in Lantern Beach shooting a movie as a favor to a producer who gave her a leg up in the past. A man dressed as a pirate asks for her help and ends up dead on the movie set. Jackson Sullivan is in town to spend time with her and together, with Police Chief Cassidy Chambers, they try to figure out what's going before someone else gets hurt. Joey also wonders whether her schedule will ever calm down enough to be able to plan a wedding with her fiance Jackson.
November 6, 2020
Favorite one so far!!!
I love Joey Darling! These books are so fun, thrilling & Jackson-Hello?! (SWOON) but this one is my favorite one so far. I was really stumped on “who dunnit” & the crossover with characters from the Lantern Beach series? As Zane would say, “#AbsolutelyPerfect”. Jackson & Joey are the cutest! Can’t wait to read more about them & the wonderful adventures they embark upon. Please keep them coming Christy Barritt!
I love Joey Darling! These books are so fun, thrilling & Jackson-Hello?! (SWOON) but this one is my favorite one so far. I was really stumped on “who dunnit” & the crossover with characters from the Lantern Beach series? As Zane would say, “#AbsolutelyPerfect”. Jackson & Joey are the cutest! Can’t wait to read more about them & the wonderful adventures they embark upon. Please keep them coming Christy Barritt!
January 3, 2022
This was a particularly fun installment with Joey on the set of a (rather bizarre) movie and Jackson there with her out of his jurisdiction. I enjoyed meeting the police of Lantern Beach and assume I will meet them again in the Lantern Beach series which I am looking forward to. I'm enjoying the continued character development but would like more of the story with Joey's parents as well as some resolution regarding her super-stalker fan club.
November 24, 2019
This was another great cozy mystery from Christy Barritt! I really love the Joey Darling books as they have elements of romance, mystery, suspense, and quirkiness/comedy. If you haven't read any of Ms. Barritt's books, you have to--her books will always keep you from wanting to put them down :)
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
December 1, 2019
Joey and Pirates and Spies, Oh My!
Joey is working on a new movie and there are as many script changes as there are twists and turns, in this mystery. There are some fun surprises that come with the filming location, too. I eagerly await new books from Christy Barritt, because I know I will be in for an exciting adventure every time. As usual, I was not disappointed!
Joey is working on a new movie and there are as many script changes as there are twists and turns, in this mystery. There are some fun surprises that come with the filming location, too. I eagerly await new books from Christy Barritt, because I know I will be in for an exciting adventure every time. As usual, I was not disappointed!
January 30, 2020
Joey Darling, known Hollywood actress (aka: unofficial detective) is at it again! The thing is, murder and mystery tend to find and follow her....wherever she goes. Not the other way around. And this time it's on a familiar island. Will she be able to solve the case or will the movie script she keeps receiving continue to be rewritten as more murders take place?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2020
I enjoyed this story. Joey Darling gets herself mixed up in a murder mystery while filming a movie. There is a little romance with her fiancé and a twist in the story regarding the director of the movie. Overall, the story is very entertaining and has enough intrigue to keep the reader interested throughout.
November 8, 2019
Joey is back! For once she is not looking for trouble. Nevertheless, it finds her. When a dead body shows up on the set, Joey and Jackson find themselves with a mystery they must solve before someone else gets hurt.
November 11, 2019
Another Christy Barritt hit
This was another hit filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I enjoyed the storyline and all the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
This was another hit filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I enjoyed the storyline and all the characters.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
November 24, 2019
Hollywood types
Christy gives Joey another challenge and she rises to the challenge, although this time she just got kind of lucky. Joey doesn't normally seem overly intelligent but clues and leads seem to come get way.I enjoy reading Christy's books. She'talented.
Christy gives Joey another challenge and she rises to the challenge, although this time she just got kind of lucky. Joey doesn't normally seem overly intelligent but clues and leads seem to come get way.I enjoy reading Christy's books. She'talented.
November 27, 2019
Great book
Another great book by a great author. Joey never disappoints with her knack for trouble finding her. I like how Jackson supports her and loves her enough to let her be herself. Great, fun characters and a great mystery.
Another great book by a great author. Joey never disappoints with her knack for trouble finding her. I like how Jackson supports her and loves her enough to let her be herself. Great, fun characters and a great mystery.
July 21, 2021
Didn't hold my interest like the previous books
Not as good as the others. Didn't seem as involved. It's starting to feel same old, same old. But if I remind myself it's like a TV series, it's more entertaining. The titles are pretty creative. On to the next one.
Not as good as the others. Didn't seem as involved. It's starting to feel same old, same old. But if I remind myself it's like a TV series, it's more entertaining. The titles are pretty creative. On to the next one.
November 3, 2021
Joke and Dagger
This was another very enjoyable Joey Darling mystery. Christy Barritt does a great job in moving characters through out the story so you don't know who is the final guilty person until the end.
This was another very enjoyable Joey Darling mystery. Christy Barritt does a great job in moving characters through out the story so you don't know who is the final guilty person until the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews