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Race Against Time -
Were it not for her cop neighbor, widowed mother Madison Jacobs would be dead. Thankfully, Detective Brody Philips interrupts an attempt on her life in the nick of time. But the would-be killer hasn't given up, and each tick of the clock brings the madman closer to finishing what he started. Brady vows to catch the serial killer plaguing the sleepy Virginia town...especially when he realizes the danger has followed him from the big city. With everyone around him at risk, it'll take everything Brody's got to do his duty and keep Madison and her son safe.
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First published January 1, 2012
57 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,673 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 38 reviews
March 18, 2018
A short quick read. I had not read anything by this author. It was a Love Inspired Book which I have come to like. Romance, action and mystery. No sex scenes in these books. I had the culprit figured out but not until 3/4 of my way in.
July 27, 2018
Christy Barritt is an awesome author. I love all of her series books. This book is not a book in any series. It's a romantic suspense book and truth be told, I don't like romance books all that much. The mystery part of this book was very good, though, and it contains Barritt's usual magic with plots. I think the romance part is rather sappy but it can be overlooked. It's your basic boy meets girl, can't accept he likes girl while girl can't accept that she likes boy- and of course, they eventually get together.
But the mystery involves a creepy killer who has followed the cop, handsome Brody, from the big city where he murders people whom he first forces to write suicide notes. Madison, Brody's pretty widowed neighbor, comes into the killer's sights but luckily, Brody is there to save her. He sets himself the task of keeping Madison and her young son safe while following the killer's trail, who gets ever closer.
But the mystery involves a creepy killer who has followed the cop, handsome Brody, from the big city where he murders people whom he first forces to write suicide notes. Madison, Brody's pretty widowed neighbor, comes into the killer's sights but luckily, Brody is there to save her. He sets himself the task of keeping Madison and her young son safe while following the killer's trail, who gets ever closer.
March 28, 2012
Title: RACE AGAINST TIME
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-373-44486-1
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Madison Jacobs is a single mother of a preschooler. After taking her son to preschool one day, Madison is running late. She goes home to do a few things but hears a ticking sound. When she goes to investigate, she discovers a man hiding in her shower, with a knife.
Brody Philips is a detective on vacation, staying in a friend’s house. He’s out on a jog when he hears Madison scream. He goes to investigate, but doesn’t find any potential killer, just Madison, hanging in the bathroom, almost dead.
The killer doesn’t seem to want to give up, and each tick of the clock seems to bring him closer to his goal. Brady vows to catch the serial killer plaguing the town, especially when he realizes the madman has trailed him to the city. Everyone seems to be at risk. Will Brody find the killer and keep Madison and her son safe?
RACE AGAINST TIME is Ms. Barritt’s newest romantic suspense. Madison seems like a typical single mom, trying to make ends meet after her divorce and provide a stable home for her son. Pulled in too many different directions, she doesn’t do the wise thing when she senses something wrong at the beginning and call for police. Brody is a real hero, kind and gentle, and going the extra mile to take care of Madison even though she initially is no one important to him. I did find it odd that he can hear her screaming and things crashing and when he goes to investigate she’s almost dead by hanging. That seemed kind of contrived. I also wondered why he didn’t call for backup when he found the situation.
If you are looking for a romantic suspense, then RACE AGAINST TIME is one that will keep you guessing. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 218 pages.
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
April 2012
ISBN: 978-0-373-44486-1
Genre: Inspirational/romantic suspense
Madison Jacobs is a single mother of a preschooler. After taking her son to preschool one day, Madison is running late. She goes home to do a few things but hears a ticking sound. When she goes to investigate, she discovers a man hiding in her shower, with a knife.
Brody Philips is a detective on vacation, staying in a friend’s house. He’s out on a jog when he hears Madison scream. He goes to investigate, but doesn’t find any potential killer, just Madison, hanging in the bathroom, almost dead.
The killer doesn’t seem to want to give up, and each tick of the clock seems to bring him closer to his goal. Brady vows to catch the serial killer plaguing the town, especially when he realizes the madman has trailed him to the city. Everyone seems to be at risk. Will Brody find the killer and keep Madison and her son safe?
RACE AGAINST TIME is Ms. Barritt’s newest romantic suspense. Madison seems like a typical single mom, trying to make ends meet after her divorce and provide a stable home for her son. Pulled in too many different directions, she doesn’t do the wise thing when she senses something wrong at the beginning and call for police. Brody is a real hero, kind and gentle, and going the extra mile to take care of Madison even though she initially is no one important to him. I did find it odd that he can hear her screaming and things crashing and when he goes to investigate she’s almost dead by hanging. That seemed kind of contrived. I also wondered why he didn’t call for backup when he found the situation.
If you are looking for a romantic suspense, then RACE AGAINST TIME is one that will keep you guessing. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $5.75. 218 pages.
January 18, 2015
3.5 Stars for Race Against Time
The Good, the Bad the Thoughts
Madison is a single mom to a preschooler (Lincoln) after her husband died roughly 3 years ago in a car crash. Brody is her surly next door neighbor who is living in his cousin's house while he's away over seas. He's a murder investigator, originally working our of the Big Apple, but relocated for a slower, less stressful job (still a murder investigator).
After a serial killer attempts to kill Madison and make it appear as a suicide, Brody has all but assigned himself as her protector, after all, he's the one who broke down her door and saved her from certain death. After the serial killer reaches her again, this time to deliver a message to Brody, Brody decides to take a more active roll in her protection and finds himself falling for her.
Now, I quite liked this book. While I pegged the killer early on, I still actually enjoyed the story. I really only had one issue with it. And that was the 8 months from not knowing each other to getting married. What kind of message are these books sending to people? Reminds me of the stupid song "Hey I just met you, and this is crazy" only it ends 'so marry me maybe'. They have known each other for MAYBE two weeks before they confess their love and then the epilogue like, eight months later, getting married. WTH people?
Anyhow. that was my only major issue with this book. Otherwise it was great.
In conclusion
I would recommend this to a friend should it appeal to their reading tastes. Not too preachy, a rather good mystery with a bit of romance. Only one major issue.
The Good, the Bad the Thoughts
Madison is a single mom to a preschooler (Lincoln) after her husband died roughly 3 years ago in a car crash. Brody is her surly next door neighbor who is living in his cousin's house while he's away over seas. He's a murder investigator, originally working our of the Big Apple, but relocated for a slower, less stressful job (still a murder investigator).
After a serial killer attempts to kill Madison and make it appear as a suicide, Brody has all but assigned himself as her protector, after all, he's the one who broke down her door and saved her from certain death. After the serial killer reaches her again, this time to deliver a message to Brody, Brody decides to take a more active roll in her protection and finds himself falling for her.
Now, I quite liked this book. While I pegged the killer early on, I still actually enjoyed the story. I really only had one issue with it. And that was the 8 months from not knowing each other to getting married. What kind of message are these books sending to people? Reminds me of the stupid song "Hey I just met you, and this is crazy" only it ends 'so marry me maybe'. They have known each other for MAYBE two weeks before they confess their love and then the epilogue like, eight months later, getting married. WTH people?
Anyhow. that was my only major issue with this book. Otherwise it was great.
In conclusion
I would recommend this to a friend should it appeal to their reading tastes. Not too preachy, a rather good mystery with a bit of romance. Only one major issue.
April 9, 2015
I really could not put this book down; I knew that if I did I wouldn't be able to sleep. I just had to see the serial killer brought to justice! There's WAY more suspense than romance here, and that's fine with me. The romance was pretty unconvincing, but I was more concerned about the main characters' survival than anything else. Some people have said this story was predictable, which it was just a bit towards the end. However, I found myself mumbling several times, "Hmm...I don't trust him..." and quickly realized that I didn't trust ANY of the characters.
I have two major complaints with the story.
First, the ending was SO rushed. We go from nearly being murdered to chatting about the future in just a couple pages. There's a very cliched, very vague revelation of motive at the end which turns out to be not nearly as clever as I expected based on the rest of the book.
Second problem: personally, I found this story a bit over-the-top in the violence realm. Not that it was descriptively graphic; I just felt that fake-suicides-actually-performed-by-a-psycho-killer were bandied about a bit too freely here. Nobody grieves over the (many) deaths as much as you'd think, and that bothers me. Death is a serious matter, and there's more of a "yikes! We have to find the bad guy!" feel than a real weightiness that would match the story's content.
Read this only if you are okay with being afraid of egg timers, shower curtains, and prettymuch everything else for a day or two. ;)
I have two major complaints with the story.
First, the ending was SO rushed. We go from nearly being murdered to chatting about the future in just a couple pages. There's a very cliched, very vague revelation of motive at the end which turns out to be not nearly as clever as I expected based on the rest of the book.
Second problem: personally, I found this story a bit over-the-top in the violence realm. Not that it was descriptively graphic; I just felt that fake-suicides-actually-performed-by-a-psycho-killer were bandied about a bit too freely here. Nobody grieves over the (many) deaths as much as you'd think, and that bothers me. Death is a serious matter, and there's more of a "yikes! We have to find the bad guy!" feel than a real weightiness that would match the story's content.
Read this only if you are okay with being afraid of egg timers, shower curtains, and prettymuch everything else for a day or two. ;)
July 18, 2016
Avis, Central patron, July 2016, 4 stars:
Christy Barritt's Race Against Time was a thrilling murder mystery set in a quiet Virginia town. The main character, Madison Jacobs, survives an attempted murder when her neighbor appears unexpectedly. Brody Philips, Madison's neighbor and detective, works with Madison to hunt down the killer who is targeting the people of their town. As they investigate the string of murders, Madison must come to terms with her late husband's death and Brody must deal with his feelings of regret and unworthiness to love each other.
The story-line was really interesting and kept you wondering who the murderer was. There were times when the relationship between Madison and Brody seemed a bit drawn out, but it was encouraging to see how both of them worked through their issues with God before becoming a couple.
It was an excellent story of redemption and new beginnings, and showed how God's love can mend even the most difficult of situations.
Christy Barritt's Race Against Time was a thrilling murder mystery set in a quiet Virginia town. The main character, Madison Jacobs, survives an attempted murder when her neighbor appears unexpectedly. Brody Philips, Madison's neighbor and detective, works with Madison to hunt down the killer who is targeting the people of their town. As they investigate the string of murders, Madison must come to terms with her late husband's death and Brody must deal with his feelings of regret and unworthiness to love each other.
The story-line was really interesting and kept you wondering who the murderer was. There were times when the relationship between Madison and Brody seemed a bit drawn out, but it was encouraging to see how both of them worked through their issues with God before becoming a couple.
It was an excellent story of redemption and new beginnings, and showed how God's love can mend even the most difficult of situations.
April 24, 2012
Thank you Goodreads and Christy Barritt! Love winning a book...especially a murder mystery wrapped up in a touching love story. I really liked Ms. Barritt's inspirational message of "faith not fear".
The portrayal of Madison's belief ran the realistic gamut of questioning not only God's plan but her faith in it, to the peace one feels when you do surrender to the knowledge of it's His will being done. Some Christian fiction characters fall into a trap of being "pious" or "preachy" and thus, losing the impact the author is striving for. The range of honesty and growth Ms. Barritt allowed to both Madison and Brody also allowed the reader room reflect on their own faith without the feeling of being lectured to.
A couple typos and plot point could be nit-picked, but overall I recommend to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense. 3.5 Stars.
The portrayal of Madison's belief ran the realistic gamut of questioning not only God's plan but her faith in it, to the peace one feels when you do surrender to the knowledge of it's His will being done. Some Christian fiction characters fall into a trap of being "pious" or "preachy" and thus, losing the impact the author is striving for. The range of honesty and growth Ms. Barritt allowed to both Madison and Brody also allowed the reader room reflect on their own faith without the feeling of being lectured to.
A couple typos and plot point could be nit-picked, but overall I recommend to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense. 3.5 Stars.
June 9, 2012
When searching for a suspect, sometimes the closer to home you look is the best plan. Madison Jacobs, a widowed mother of a son lives in a sleepy little Virginia town where everyone trusts everyone else. When a new neighbor moves in next door, she takes the proverbial casserole along with her welcome to him. He seems aloof and not interested in small talk. That’s a big enough hint for Madison. Unknown to Madison, her neighbor Brody Phillips has left New York City and is now a sheriff’s deputy in town. Their boy-meets-girl first encounter grows into something meaningful between Madison and Brody. When an attempt is made on Madison’s life, Brody thwarts it. Christy Barritt leaves clues along the way as did Hansel and Gretel, but the reader probably won’t know for sure till the last few pages who the predator is and why. Barritt is a master of suspense.
November 15, 2014
This book was really good. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I kept thinking one person was killer and it turned out it was someone else. Madison Jacobs life was in danger, but she didn't know that until the killer hung her from a ceiling fan in her house. Detective Philips happened to be around at the right time, and he saved her. He pretty much became her bodyguard throughout the story and he wouldn't let her go anywhere alone.
Eventually with the help of clues, it was discovered that Brody knew the killer. The ending was very fast paced but good.
Eventually with the help of clues, it was discovered that Brody knew the killer. The ending was very fast paced but good.
March 11, 2012
Maybe 3 1/2. It gor better the further it went, but is started out bad, with two blatant editing errors (one of them grammatical), and one plot silliness - a policeman finda a woman hung from the ceiling with her HANDS IN PLASTIC CUFFS BEHIND HER BACK and he wonders if what he sees is suicide. Really? However, it got better and exciting until right at the end, when it descended to the obvious. It turned out to be a better read than I first gave it credit for.
February 1, 2017
Detective Brody Philips interrupts the murder of his neighbor. Now he must protect Madison Jacobs from the killer bent on killing her. But who is behind the bizarre murders made to look like suicides? Can he protect Madison and her small son before the killer strikes again? There’s more at stake than Madison’s safety, Brody’s heart is on the line, too. With a hurricane moving in the pace picks up to a spell-binding conclusion. Don’t miss this thriller from Christy Barritt.
February 5, 2013
This is a good little mystery with an interesting, very nearly believable plot and a sweet, simple romance. I appreciated the couple of red herrings that prevented me from guessing the identity of the villain too soon, and the fact that the lead characters did not jump into a relationship right away. I would rate this a solid 3.5 stars but this writer impressed me enough to round up.
February 28, 2015
The book starts quickly with Madison Jacobs nearly dying by hanging. From that moment on, I could not put down the book. The man who rescued her, Brody Philips, helps her solve the mystery. Madison, her little boy and Brody all become in danger! I really enjoy the suspense in Christy Barritt's novels. You will, too!
May 29, 2016
The opening lines in the first chapter captured and held my attention so that it was difficult to put down and get other things done! A young mother, a cop next door, hurts from the past that haven't healed, a killer on the loose, and lots of tension and suspense. I was hooked!
July 1, 2016
While I liked the dynamic between Brody and Madison, and I find the serial killer angle interesting, the ending came together too neatly. The fact that the killer washed away in a hurricane was too convenient.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2016
So... I usually enjoy Christy Barritt novels, but this was not one of them. I found it unbelievable and the writing to be well below typical Christy Barritt standards, which made me sad. I struggled through the whole story and I never would have finished it had it not been one of Barritt's novels.
June 21, 2012
It was a little predictable, but a really good read.
July 31, 2012
lots of action, great read!
September 14, 2012
Another great book by Christy Barritt! Non stop action and creepy atmosphere. She is fantastic about that!!
December 27, 2013
Loved the suspense in this! It definitely kept me turning pages.
January 19, 2016
A page turner!
January 20, 2015
Page Turner Suspense
Another great suspense story by Christy Barritt! I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Another great suspense story by Christy Barritt! I enjoyed reading this book from start to finish. I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
April 5, 2020
Eh. The whole book was just eh, the characters, the plot, the villain (obvious). I just didnt get into this book. The characters bothered me. Madison was this independent single mom. But she kept saying comments like she wanted Brody to just take care of her which is fine I understand that feeling she just came across weak and kind of stupid. Brody bothered me to. He blamed himself for someone's suicide so he ran away and was trying to make himself better. Ok but man the pity party got WAY old. Not to mention hes a crappy detective. He was flat out told twice by the killer (through Madison) it was bc of him, the blood was on his hands, even mentioned the girl by name! that he blamed himself. Dont you think the 1st thing youd do was find the connection between that suicide and all the murders? I mean come on. But he doesnt do that till like the LAST CHAPTER! so of course at this point the woman he loves is in mortal danger. And as soon as he reads the report guess what he discovers, the murderer. If he had been any type of detective he could have saved 2 lives by doing his job sooner.
November 29, 2021
A Rear Window Moment
Christy Barritt can be depended upon to deliver excellent suspense combined with mystery and a little romance to sweeten the read. When the Suicide Bandit has trapped Brody and Madison during a hurricane in blackout conditions, Madison cleverly uses her camera's flash to temporarily blind their attacker while Brody tackles him. Many twists and turns and quite a string of bodies to add to the suspence.
Christy Barritt can be depended upon to deliver excellent suspense combined with mystery and a little romance to sweeten the read. When the Suicide Bandit has trapped Brody and Madison during a hurricane in blackout conditions, Madison cleverly uses her camera's flash to temporarily blind their attacker while Brody tackles him. Many twists and turns and quite a string of bodies to add to the suspence.
October 3, 2021
Time can be good..
With people dying it was up to Brody to find the culprit,, he never expected it to be someone close to him,, his Cousin Kayla's friend. Madison was Kayla's friend so Brody became more than the guy next door.. Brody found Madison and together find the killer,, but more importantly they found each other.
With people dying it was up to Brody to find the culprit,, he never expected it to be someone close to him,, his Cousin Kayla's friend. Madison was Kayla's friend so Brody became more than the guy next door.. Brody found Madison and together find the killer,, but more importantly they found each other.
September 28, 2019
AWESOME!!!!!!
This is a really great book. This is more like most of the other books by this author. This one kept my attention. It had a lot of mystery, intriqu e and romance and faith in God!!!!
This is a really great book. This is more like most of the other books by this author. This one kept my attention. It had a lot of mystery, intriqu e and romance and faith in God!!!!
October 15, 2023
You will be kept in suspense when Madison is being continually harassed and in harms way. Detective Brody comes to the rescue more than once to keep her and her son safe. I had only read a few books by this author she will keep you on the eve of your seat with suspense.
March 26, 2019
Good quick book but basic plot had the bad guy figured out in the beginning of the book.
October 20, 2019
A great book about relationships, trusting, and finding love and faith in the midst of difficult circumstances.
June 29, 2021
Excelleng
No spoilers are in this review. This is a fast paced, well written book that grabbed me from the beginning till the end. I highly recommend this book!
No spoilers are in this review. This is a fast paced, well written book that grabbed me from the beginning till the end. I highly recommend this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews