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The Worst Detective Ever
Wreck the Halls
Deck the halls with boughs of . . . danger.
Joey Darling and her friend Starla McKnight are all set to host a new TV Christmas light special. But, before filming even begins, things go awry. Legs—with a human body attached—are sticking out of the family’s chimney, wrecking the feel-good holiday show.
Things turn even more perilous when they discover their victim is a felon recently released from prison. Joey tries to stay out of the investigation, but she’s as curious as a kid on Christmas morning. As more facts emerge, the mystery of what happened up on the housetop continues to grow.
Joey’s fiancé, Detective Jackson Sullivan, is on the case. But someone else is determined to wreck Joey’s Christmas special . . . and they just might succeed.
Other Books in the Worst Detective Ever series:
Ready to Fumble
Reigns of Error
Safety in Blunders
Join the Flub
Blooper Freak
Flaw-Abiding Citizen
Gaffe Out Loud
Joke and Dagger
Wreck the Halls
Glitch and Famous (coming soon)
166 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
354 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,680 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 53 reviews
June 18, 2022
This one was short and cute and kept me guessing. It was more streamlined than the others (being a novella) and actually had less romantic content. Just nice, stable Jackson.
December 2, 2019
WRECK THE HALLS is Ms. Barritt's newest Christmas novella in her hugely popular Accidental Detective series. A Christmas special goes bad when Joey discovers a "Naughty Santa" the homeowners know nothing about -- and when "Santa" turns out to be a dead body.... well, the mystery is on. Who planted the body and what was the killer after and how on earth was Joey involved? You'll have to read it to find out for yourself.
The mysteries in this series are stand-alones so you don't have to read the others in the series but you will want to.
Warning for more conservative readers, there is one soft swear word included.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
The mysteries in this series are stand-alones so you don't have to read the others in the series but you will want to.
Warning for more conservative readers, there is one soft swear word included.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2020
Suspenseful Christmas Novella
This was a well written novella. I don't like most novellas but this was different. By the way it was written you would never know it was a novella. I am just a tad disappointed that I have now finish ed all the books in this series. The author is so busy with Lantern Beach so I don't see a Joey book any time soon. The next one is supposed to be Glitch and Famous. Do you think Joey and Jackson will finally the the knot?
This was a well written novella. I don't like most novellas but this was different. By the way it was written you would never know it was a novella. I am just a tad disappointed that I have now finish ed all the books in this series. The author is so busy with Lantern Beach so I don't see a Joey book any time soon. The next one is supposed to be Glitch and Famous. Do you think Joey and Jackson will finally the the knot?
January 4, 2022
While I'm not a fan of Christmas fiction and this one was particularly over the top, it fit Joey and her friend's personalities to a T so it worked for this series. I do enjoy Joey and Jackson's relationship and the ways they are learning to love each other.
December 24, 2020
Full Review here: https://theessential201606528.wordpress.com/2020/12/24/wreck-the-halls/
P.S.-Merry Christmas Eve😁🎄!
P.S.-Merry Christmas Eve😁🎄!
December 30, 2019
This is one of those books that's so good, you gotta read it TWICE! Definitely one of my faves in this series that I have enjoyed since the start. Of course, Joey discovers a dead body on the most magical time of the year and my favorite time of year, starting another investigation on what should be a joyful time for the whole community.
Up on the housetop Joey spies
Another dead body—No surprise!
Jackson and Joey will search for clues
And solve the crime—it’s what they do!
Ho! Ho! Ho! Don’t you wait!
Ho! Ho! Ho! This book is great!
This book is FILLED with Christmas energy and excitement, here are some lines that tickled me:
"Ready as Rudolph on Christmas Eve."
...all of the jolly left as if the Grinch had come into town and personally stole it all.
My hunger for answers needed to be satisfied like an open fire needed chestnuts.
I needed to mind my own business. Why was that harder than trying not to peek at your presents when you knew where they'd been hidden?
We needed to make a list and check it twice.
Children had their Santa tracker, I had my mental danger tracker.
Also really enjoyed Starla, the time and conversations she had with Joey really enhanced the story. Joey and Jackson make SUCH a great couple and now that they're engaged the story is even BETTER. Get this great Christmas read and let the holiday spirit grab hold of you!
Received a free copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Up on the housetop Joey spies
Another dead body—No surprise!
Jackson and Joey will search for clues
And solve the crime—it’s what they do!
Ho! Ho! Ho! Don’t you wait!
Ho! Ho! Ho! This book is great!
This book is FILLED with Christmas energy and excitement, here are some lines that tickled me:
"Ready as Rudolph on Christmas Eve."
...all of the jolly left as if the Grinch had come into town and personally stole it all.
My hunger for answers needed to be satisfied like an open fire needed chestnuts.
I needed to mind my own business. Why was that harder than trying not to peek at your presents when you knew where they'd been hidden?
We needed to make a list and check it twice.
Children had their Santa tracker, I had my mental danger tracker.
Also really enjoyed Starla, the time and conversations she had with Joey really enhanced the story. Joey and Jackson make SUCH a great couple and now that they're engaged the story is even BETTER. Get this great Christmas read and let the holiday spirit grab hold of you!
Received a free copy from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
August 4, 2020
Christmas just got a little deadly for Joey...
Aaah, Joey, Joey. Only you could make Christmas so murderous...and so fun! Trouble seems to follow my favaorite Christy Barritt heroine around like the paparazzi. But I love it!
Wreck The Halls was a nice little holiday themed novella. A relatively quick and easy read, I finished in pretty short order. After all, it's hard to put down a The Worst Detective Every Mystery Series book don'tcha know. I read this not long after Christmas on a cold and snowy day that was much better to be indoors solving a mystery. So that's exactly what I did.
Do you enjoy murder and mayhem during the Christmas season like I do? Love quirky characters and the charming setting of North Carolina's Outer Banks? Want to laugh as you attempt to solve the mystery along with the heroine? Well, Christy Barritt has the perfect little novella for you in the form of Wreck The Halls.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Aaah, Joey, Joey. Only you could make Christmas so murderous...and so fun! Trouble seems to follow my favaorite Christy Barritt heroine around like the paparazzi. But I love it!
Wreck The Halls was a nice little holiday themed novella. A relatively quick and easy read, I finished in pretty short order. After all, it's hard to put down a The Worst Detective Every Mystery Series book don'tcha know. I read this not long after Christmas on a cold and snowy day that was much better to be indoors solving a mystery. So that's exactly what I did.
Do you enjoy murder and mayhem during the Christmas season like I do? Love quirky characters and the charming setting of North Carolina's Outer Banks? Want to laugh as you attempt to solve the mystery along with the heroine? Well, Christy Barritt has the perfect little novella for you in the form of Wreck The Halls.
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
December 17, 2019
Joey and her best friend Starla are hosting a Christmas light show where they display a house in nags head that has an amazing Christmas display. On the first day of the show they notice an unusual decoration on the roof: A pair of legs sticking out of the chimney. When the family denies any knowledge of that decoration, a further inspection reveals that the legs belong to a real person who has died in the chimney. When they realize this man was released from prison days before, it gets Joey's curiosity piqued. Why would he be on the roof, and how did he die? Trying to solve this case while balancing the filming and entertaining her best friend will be hard, but it's nothing Joey can't do without Jackson's help.
This was just a short novella for the series, but it got a lot of storyline in still. I personally thought it could have been a little longer but all in all not bad.
This was just a short novella for the series, but it got a lot of storyline in still. I personally thought it could have been a little longer but all in all not bad.
January 2, 2020
Joey Darling expected a relaxed Christmas season with her friend, Starla McKnight. They were both actresses and were looking for fun at the events. They were hosting the TV show showing spectacular decorations, a charity dinner and some other events. Easy---right? Not for Joey! The very first day a man was found dead. Joey and Starla were being helped by Jackson Sullivan. He is a police detective, but didn't expect to have a case right now. It was good he was there because he protected Joey and Starla. Trying to find out how and why the death happened put the ladies in danger. Read this book to see how the mystery was solved! This is the ninth book in Christy Barritt's Worst Detective Ever series. It is a seasonal novella. The other eight tell more of Joey Darling's adventures. They all stand alone well, but you should read them all to have fun solving mysteries along with Joey.
November 22, 2019
Who doesn't love a feel-good holiday light TV special supporting charity? Joey and her best friend, Starla, are chosen to showcase a local home full of Christmas cheer. Unfortunately, a body is in the mix with the lights and decorations. Once again, Joey and Jackson work together while, hopefully, keeping Joey out of trouble. By all accounts, her Worst Detective Ever title seems outdated. However, Joey still manages to claim the spotlight of danger, scrapes and accidents.
Just in time for the holiday season, here's another clever, witty and fun mystery from Christy Barritt bringing cheer to all.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Just in time for the holiday season, here's another clever, witty and fun mystery from Christy Barritt bringing cheer to all.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
November 23, 2019
Delightfully Intriguing Holiday Story!
I love Joey Darling and how she gets tangled up in so many strange and often dangerous situations. This time she and her best friend Starla, also an actress are back on the Outer Banks of North Carolina filming a Christmas special featuring houses in the area with exceptional holiday decorations. The first day of filming brings a startling discovery when finding a man, head-first, sticking out of a chimney. He is definitely not part of the holiday decorations. Christy Barritt is a gifted writer who combines adventure, danger along with plenty of laughter together in this delightful and intriguing holiday story.
I love Joey Darling and how she gets tangled up in so many strange and often dangerous situations. This time she and her best friend Starla, also an actress are back on the Outer Banks of North Carolina filming a Christmas special featuring houses in the area with exceptional holiday decorations. The first day of filming brings a startling discovery when finding a man, head-first, sticking out of a chimney. He is definitely not part of the holiday decorations. Christy Barritt is a gifted writer who combines adventure, danger along with plenty of laughter together in this delightful and intriguing holiday story.
December 8, 2019
Wreck the Halls was a fun, fast paced Christmas novella. It's part of the Worst Detective Ever series, but stands alone just fine.
Joey's antics are always fun to read about. You never know what kind of trouble she's gonna find herself in, but you can always bet on it being an amusing ride! This time, Joey and her friend Starla are filming a TV special that showcases the best decorated homes for Christmas. In the middle of the shoot, they discover a dead body sticking out of the chimney top. Alongside her fiance Jackson, Joey goes on the hunt to find out who's wrecking the Christmas cheer.
This quick and clever mystery is the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit.
Joey's antics are always fun to read about. You never know what kind of trouble she's gonna find herself in, but you can always bet on it being an amusing ride! This time, Joey and her friend Starla are filming a TV special that showcases the best decorated homes for Christmas. In the middle of the shoot, they discover a dead body sticking out of the chimney top. Alongside her fiance Jackson, Joey goes on the hunt to find out who's wrecking the Christmas cheer.
This quick and clever mystery is the perfect read to get you in the holiday spirit.
November 23, 2019
The latest development in the saga of actress Joey Darling is a Christmas tale with a crime included, of course. Why is there a dead man at the house where they’re filming the Christmas program? Once again, connections to Joey draw her in, along with her fiancé, Detective Jackson Sullivan. Will this unfortunate occurrence ruin Christmas? Can they get to the bottom of things before anyone else is hurt? This novella offers a quick read for a holiday break. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 29, 2019
Wreck the Halls by Christy Barritt is the perfect Christmas read. I absolutely loved this novella. I think my favorite part of it was all the witty Christmas comments Joey makes throughout because they were funny and kept the novel in a Christmas theme. The plot of this novella is so amazing that it is a very quick read. The action never stops and never drags. I highly recommend this book and think it’s the perfect read for the Christmas holidays. I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
December 2, 2019
Wreck the Halls by Christy Barritt is a continuing saga of the Worst Detective ever series featuring Joey Darling. I love returning to familiar characters and watching them change from book to book. Again, Joey Darling find herself trapped in another mystery with her fiancé, Jackson, at her side. The mystery was nice and developed enough for a novella. I enjoy novels where the heroine is hunting for clues to solve the problem, and readers uncover them at the same time. I keeper for fans of Barritt's novels.
March 1, 2020
Poor Joey! Even at Christmas, she just manages to find dead bodies! Her life is going great, she has found love, she's got her career back, and her actress friend and Joey are filming a Christmas Special. What could go wrong? Alas, a dead body in the chimney at the house where they are forming. But Detective Sullivan is on the job, so Joey can relax and let her fiance handle it, right? No way! Joey humorously stumbles through another mystery and we get another fun Christmas novella from author Christy Barritt.
December 9, 2019
Joey and her actress friend Starla are filming a Christmas special in Nags Head. The house their filming for their holiday decor is discovered to have a dead body stuck in the chimney. Joey’s fiancé Jackson is a police officer and determined to get to the bottom of things and Joey can’t help but doing some investigating of her own. Why is someone targeting Starla? Does it have something to do with the missing jewels the dead man stole five years before? A fun, quick Christmassy read.
November 25, 2019
Despite the fact this is a novella, the story didn't feel rushed. I figured out what was going to happen with the plot early on, so none of it was really a surprise to me; but despite that I did still enjoy the story. It was a fun plot with fun characters. Overall just a fun Christmas read!
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2019
Joey Darling has done it again! She gets herself mixed up with helping to solve a murder during the filming of a TV show. Her best friend gets in on the excitement too because she is filming the show with Joey. This is a quick read. Definitely worth the time to take a break and read during the holidays.
December 18, 2019
I had a free copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. I enjoyed the interesting plot of this Christmas book. Christy has a way with words and this book is no exception. The characters in this series are believable and the plot is a bit on the lighthearted side. I would recommend this book.
December 21, 2019
It's Christmas and Joey's gift, a dead body, of course!
Joey is such a fun character and this time we get to meet her Hollywood best friend, Starla.
This story was not only entertaining but it was also a turning point for Joey that many of us face in the early days of our Christian walk. I love seeing how Joey is growing.
Joey is such a fun character and this time we get to meet her Hollywood best friend, Starla.
This story was not only entertaining but it was also a turning point for Joey that many of us face in the early days of our Christian walk. I love seeing how Joey is growing.
July 21, 2021
I'll be sad to see them go
Only one book left in the series! I can't believe it's almost over. Joey and co have become friends. Clean mystery with a smidge of romance. My only complaint is the loss of humor. Each story had gotten progressively less funny. Too bad. I really liked that aspect of Joeys character. Okn to #10. Let's go out with a bang(not literally, of course).
Only one book left in the series! I can't believe it's almost over. Joey and co have become friends. Clean mystery with a smidge of romance. My only complaint is the loss of humor. Each story had gotten progressively less funny. Too bad. I really liked that aspect of Joeys character. Okn to #10. Let's go out with a bang(not literally, of course).
November 29, 2019
Cozy Christmas Mystery
Joey Darling is as quirky and lovable as ever. This time her bff Starla joins in the fun. With Jackson saving the day again you can't wait to read more. Highly recommend!
Joey Darling is as quirky and lovable as ever. This time her bff Starla joins in the fun. With Jackson saving the day again you can't wait to read more. Highly recommend!
November 29, 2019
I was given this book to read for an honest review. I’ve read and loved other books by this author, but this is the first book that I have read in this series, and I’ll DEFINITELY read more! Great, fast read. Characters well thought out. Plot was fantastic. Great read!
November 30, 2019
I really enjoy this series and feel for anyone who has to work with Joey as she always seems to find trouble where she is. I enjoy seeing the characters work together and can't wait for the next one.
August 1, 2020
Wow
This has been an absolutely entertaining series. That Joey is either finding trouble or it's finding her! Or maybe just no matter what it finds her because she is a warrior for all that is good in this world
This has been an absolutely entertaining series. That Joey is either finding trouble or it's finding her! Or maybe just no matter what it finds her because she is a warrior for all that is good in this world
March 5, 2021
Entertaining series
It is an interesting take on a normal whodunnit. Especially with the main character being a famous actress but from her perspective she’s just a normal girl prone to disaster.
It is an interesting take on a normal whodunnit. Especially with the main character being a famous actress but from her perspective she’s just a normal girl prone to disaster.
August 28, 2021
Christmas Mystery
Who was in the chimney? Why was he there? Who had put him there? Why was someone trying to ruin Christmas?
This book is really short and to the point. There are not as many twists and turns. Still interesting plot.
Who was in the chimney? Why was he there? Who had put him there? Why was someone trying to ruin Christmas?
This book is really short and to the point. There are not as many twists and turns. Still interesting plot.
April 19, 2024
Wreck the Halls
Yet another page turner that kept me reading instead of watching tv, doing housework, etc etc. An excellent way to pass the time and as always, Joey's musings in her head kept me smiling. Now to catch up on what I should have been doing.
Yet another page turner that kept me reading instead of watching tv, doing housework, etc etc. An excellent way to pass the time and as always, Joey's musings in her head kept me smiling. Now to catch up on what I should have been doing.
March 1, 2025
Cute novella
Christmas novella complete with mystery, murder, romance and robbery. Sit back and enjoy this fun story, one of the series. I'd recommend enjoying the entire series. Worth the read.
Christmas novella complete with mystery, murder, romance and robbery. Sit back and enjoy this fun story, one of the series. I'd recommend enjoying the entire series. Worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews