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Crime á la Mode #3
Bomb Pop Threat
Something deadly is bursting in air . . .
An explosion rattles Serena Lavinia from her morning ice cream route. When she catches a friend abruptly leaving Lantern Beach, her suspicions rise. Could there be any connection between his departure and the pipe bomb?
As Serena races to find answers, she’s caught in a quandary far bigger than chocolate or vanilla. She must decide which is more important—exposing the truth or maintaining her loyalty.
With the island’s Fourth of July celebration looming, Serena and her trusty dog Scoops must find answers before more danger lights up the night.
An explosion rattles Serena Lavinia from her morning ice cream route. When she catches a friend abruptly leaving Lantern Beach, her suspicions rise. Could there be any connection between his departure and the pipe bomb?
As Serena races to find answers, she’s caught in a quandary far bigger than chocolate or vanilla. She must decide which is more important—exposing the truth or maintaining her loyalty.
With the island’s Fourth of July celebration looming, Serena and her trusty dog Scoops must find answers before more danger lights up the night.
- GenresCozy MysteryFiction
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2020
285 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
340 books1,675 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 43 reviews
June 12, 2020
Another fun story with the crazy, free-spirited, ice cream lady, Serena! This time Serena is just trying to find out who’s been leaving bombs around town before she becomes the next victim.
She’s also trying to help her new friend and cohort Webster. Can she and Scoops help before it’s too late?
Whenever I read a Christy Barritt book I know I will be in for a fun, suspenseful ride. This book fits that to a tee! It is packed with suspense, action, humor, and cute doggie moments.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. I love this new storyline and can’t wait to read more adventures with Serena and Scoops.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, and some fun quirky parts too, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
She’s also trying to help her new friend and cohort Webster. Can she and Scoops help before it’s too late?
Whenever I read a Christy Barritt book I know I will be in for a fun, suspenseful ride. This book fits that to a tee! It is packed with suspense, action, humor, and cute doggie moments.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, Christy Barritt is an amazing author because she brings to life characters in such a way it’s as if I know them personally. She uses vivid word pictures and descriptions to tell this story. The way she writes is so genuine and refreshing. I love this new storyline and can’t wait to read more adventures with Serena and Scoops.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, and some fun quirky parts too, you will love this book!
I was given this book by the author which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 24, 2020
Serena only has one day to solve the case or this Bomb Pop Threat will go kaboom and a friend will go to jail for a crime they didn't commit. But who-done-it? I think this was the one that kept me guessing the most and and that my guesses were the the farthest off. Sure, I considered the person for about 5 seconds but let the author skillfully sidetrack me...
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
June 12, 2020
Another winner in this FABULOUS series that I am loving from the cover to the last page!! In this one, brilliantly written and QUICKLY read, Serena has to say goodbye to Webster briefly because of the new crime happening in town. Serena AND I were both missing him during his absence and a SLIGHT romance seems to be starting that only endears this book MORE to me.
Scoops is perfect in the story, as usual, and was VERY happy that Serena is selling ice cream again.
Can't wait for Book 4 and greatly hoping it isn't the end...regardless this series has completely blessed me with Serena, Scoops, Webster and Lantern Beach!
Scoops is perfect in the story, as usual, and was VERY happy that Serena is selling ice cream again.
Can't wait for Book 4 and greatly hoping it isn't the end...regardless this series has completely blessed me with Serena, Scoops, Webster and Lantern Beach!
June 19, 2020
BOMB POP THREAT is book 3 in this charming series of ice cream themed cozy mystery novellas. Fans will want to read the first two books.
In this book, Serena is in a race against time to clear her friend's name. Bombs keep exploding and someone is framing the newspaper's editor...but why? And who?
Don't miss BOMB POP THREAT....The perfect 4th of July book for your poolside reading.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
In this book, Serena is in a race against time to clear her friend's name. Bombs keep exploding and someone is framing the newspaper's editor...but why? And who?
Don't miss BOMB POP THREAT....The perfect 4th of July book for your poolside reading.
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
July 28, 2020
My favorite one in book 3 of this new series starring Serena. Looking forward to the next one. A great quick read with mystery and a perfect beach setting.
June 14, 2020
This series is getting better with each book. Serena is starting to grow on me as a heroine and the chemistry between her and Webster, is fun! Very fun!
I found this story a little more intense than the previous, but definitely in fun mystery category.
Looking forward to the next adventure in Lantern Beach for Serena, Scoops, and Webster!
I found this story a little more intense than the previous, but definitely in fun mystery category.
Looking forward to the next adventure in Lantern Beach for Serena, Scoops, and Webster!
June 28, 2020
Too Juvenile for me
I will check the age range in the future before I get a book from this author. The characters were adults but move around in this story like teenagers even the heroine thoughts were young! The dog was the best character in this story and he had a very small part in this story.
I will check the age range in the future before I get a book from this author. The characters were adults but move around in this story like teenagers even the heroine thoughts were young! The dog was the best character in this story and he had a very small part in this story.
August 1, 2020
While Serena Lavinia is on her regular ice cream route on a perfect sunny, summer's day, she's rattled by an explosion behind her. Someone left a pip bomb in the neighborhood charter boat captain's birdhouse. While nothing was really damaged and no one was hurt, it was still scary. Serena's perfect day comes to a crashing halt when her friend Webster Newsom leaves town abruptly. Serena is bereft without her partner in crime but she's concerned his quick departure means he had something to do with the bomb. When more pipe bombs go off, including at Serena's aunt's farm stand, Serena is certain someone set up her friend but who? Webster may have an idea and can help solve the crime if he bothers to return.
This mystery was more interesting than the previous two. I figured out who the pipe bomber must be pretty quickly but not before a couple of red herrings. I don't like how Serena figures out the solution to the mystery but promptly finds herself in danger. I do appreciate she called the police and tried to get help before rushing in. Time was of the essence here so she can be forgiven.
Serena is still fairly naïve and reckless in her investigation. I don't care for how she chases after supposed suspects and grills them with little evidence to go on. Cassidy is always one step behind. Webster is pretty naïve too. As soon as he started to tell his story, I knew exactly what the outcome would be. I can't believe he did that! While I applaud his attempts at whistleblowing, it backfired. No big business is going to see the error of their ways because of a newspaper article. The employees aren't enslaved. They could find other jobs and then report the terrible working conditions. I love the way their relationship is developing. It's refreshing to see friendship and not romance. Serena has really come to value their relationship and the writing is especially beautiful when she relates how she feels when Webster is gone. He seems pretty indifferent to her though and clueless about how much he means to her.
Aunt Skye gets in a few lines, finally. She seems nice in a hippieish sort of way. Her husband, Austin, is very supportive and kind. As always, Scoops is the best ever character! I adore him but he doesn't act like a normal terrier. They're very independent and don't listen well. He has uncannily good instincts and a knack for rescuing Serena when she needs help.
Bomb #1 goes off at the home of Percy Smith, a grumpy charter boat captain. He has beef with the newspaper and other people in town. Customer service is not his forte. I wonder if he planted the bomb at his own home as a red herring? Serena's chief suspect is Wilma Jane Lewis who gossips about Percy's bad behavior and sour personality. She also has a beef against Serena's aunt, where bomb #2 goes off. She sure seems guilty but she may just be the type who likes to be cranky and leave bad Yelp reviews. :eyeroll: What about Aaron Stewart, a vacationer with connections to someone from Webster's past? He looks suspicious and acts guilty in Serena's eyes. How can she catch him in the act?
Other new characters include Chad Morrison, the man in charge of the fireworks display on Lantern Island. I don't think he's a friendly sort of man but he doesn't have to be. He just needs to put on an awesome fireworks display for the 4th of July celebration. There's also a soapmaker who sets up at the art fair. She's new to the area and has ties to Richmond where Webster used to work. A jewelry maker at the art fair also catches Serena's eye but neither of them seem to know anything about the pipe bombs or the motive.
This series is good for a light diversion. It doesn't require much brain power. It did make me crave ice cream! Luckily, we all went out last night to the neighborhood ice cream shop/café for some takeout ice cream.
This mystery was more interesting than the previous two. I figured out who the pipe bomber must be pretty quickly but not before a couple of red herrings. I don't like how Serena figures out the solution to the mystery but promptly finds herself in danger. I do appreciate she called the police and tried to get help before rushing in. Time was of the essence here so she can be forgiven.
Serena is still fairly naïve and reckless in her investigation. I don't care for how she chases after supposed suspects and grills them with little evidence to go on. Cassidy is always one step behind. Webster is pretty naïve too. As soon as he started to tell his story, I knew exactly what the outcome would be. I can't believe he did that! While I applaud his attempts at whistleblowing, it backfired. No big business is going to see the error of their ways because of a newspaper article. The employees aren't enslaved. They could find other jobs and then report the terrible working conditions. I love the way their relationship is developing. It's refreshing to see friendship and not romance. Serena has really come to value their relationship and the writing is especially beautiful when she relates how she feels when Webster is gone. He seems pretty indifferent to her though and clueless about how much he means to her.
Aunt Skye gets in a few lines, finally. She seems nice in a hippieish sort of way. Her husband, Austin, is very supportive and kind. As always, Scoops is the best ever character! I adore him but he doesn't act like a normal terrier. They're very independent and don't listen well. He has uncannily good instincts and a knack for rescuing Serena when she needs help.
Bomb #1 goes off at the home of Percy Smith, a grumpy charter boat captain. He has beef with the newspaper and other people in town. Customer service is not his forte. I wonder if he planted the bomb at his own home as a red herring? Serena's chief suspect is Wilma Jane Lewis who gossips about Percy's bad behavior and sour personality. She also has a beef against Serena's aunt, where bomb #2 goes off. She sure seems guilty but she may just be the type who likes to be cranky and leave bad Yelp reviews. :eyeroll: What about Aaron Stewart, a vacationer with connections to someone from Webster's past? He looks suspicious and acts guilty in Serena's eyes. How can she catch him in the act?
Other new characters include Chad Morrison, the man in charge of the fireworks display on Lantern Island. I don't think he's a friendly sort of man but he doesn't have to be. He just needs to put on an awesome fireworks display for the 4th of July celebration. There's also a soapmaker who sets up at the art fair. She's new to the area and has ties to Richmond where Webster used to work. A jewelry maker at the art fair also catches Serena's eye but neither of them seem to know anything about the pipe bombs or the motive.
This series is good for a light diversion. It doesn't require much brain power. It did make me crave ice cream! Luckily, we all went out last night to the neighborhood ice cream shop/café for some takeout ice cream.
June 12, 2020
Bomb Pop Threat is the next installment in the Crime a la mode mysteries series by Christy Barritt. This series stars Serena, the quirky ice cream truck driver in Lantern Beach, and her canine sidekick, Scoops. Much to police chief Cassidy's dismay, Serena keeps finding herself mixed up in some pretty sticky situations. Someone is setting off bombs in Lantern Beach and Serena is determined to figure out who is responsible because this time it is Webster who seems to be the prime suspect. However, the person behind the bombs seems pretty determined to not let Serena figure it out.
As readers have come to expect, this is a fun mystery full of quirky characters that will keep you guessing. Although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting from the beginning. I am definitely looking forward to the rest in the series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As readers have come to expect, this is a fun mystery full of quirky characters that will keep you guessing. Although it can be read as a standalone, I would recommend starting from the beginning. I am definitely looking forward to the rest in the series.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 17, 2020
The fictional town of Lantern Beach is a great place to visit, live and vacation, except for a string of recent crime. Serena Lavinia, the resident chameleon ice cream truck driver and newspaper reporter definitely keeps the mood of the island ever-changing and upbeat. If she could only avoid finding bodies and the tangle of clues and killers, her summer would be perfect. We can't always get what we want, so she deals with danger and deceit in the name of justice.
Join the laughs, investigation and the chase in this latest episode featuring Serena's dog, Scoops and favorite citizens of Lantern Beach. This would make a great beach or relaxing weekend read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
Join the laughs, investigation and the chase in this latest episode featuring Serena's dog, Scoops and favorite citizens of Lantern Beach. This would make a great beach or relaxing weekend read.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
June 12, 2020
Serena is caught up in another mystery - and this time it is personal! A pipe bomb goes off along her ice cream route and then suspicion falls on Webster, who is becoming very important to her. Is Webster really a bomber? Or is someone else trying to frame Webster? Will she find out before someone gets hurt? Enjoyed seeing how Serena and Webster are becoming more open with each other. Of course, Scoops is again the hero of the day!!! If you would like a nice and quick mystery read for the beach (or anytime), this is a great choice. I did receive an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
June 13, 2020
Serena Lavinia serves up some more adventure in this exciting installment of her summer adventures on Lantern Beach. But selling frozen treats isn’t enough to keep her busy. In fact, real bombs are popping as July 4th approaches. Danger looms and she can’t help but get personally involved. She wonders about Webster’s connection to the pipe bombs and what he’s been hiding. Will he continue as the editor of the island’s newspaper? Good thing her pup, Scoops, is always ready to help her out. A great vacation or beach read—just in time for Independence Day. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
June 12, 2020
I love the beginning of Bomb Pop Threat. It starts with a beautiful description of how the day is. The writing allowed me to envision the picture- perfect day. The peaceful calm does not last but a fleeting moment and the speed picks up immediately in the story and does not slow down till the end of the book. I enjoy the way Christy Barritt gives the story a couple of suspects and does not hint on the actual suspect. The endings are always a surprise and this book is true to Christy Barritt’s writings. This is a fun, fast pace, enjoyable story!
June 22, 2020
I'm loving this series. Bomb Pop Threat, the third installment in the Crime a la Mode series, is my favorite one yet. The stakes felt higher and the suspense more fast paced. I couldn't read it quickly enough.
Serena finds herself in the middle of another mystery when, this time around, she tries to figure out who's setting off bombs around the island while, also, trying frantically to prove her friend's innocence.
I never want this series to end. Serena and Scoops are so much fun to read about. I can't wait to visit them again in book four.
Serena finds herself in the middle of another mystery when, this time around, she tries to figure out who's setting off bombs around the island while, also, trying frantically to prove her friend's innocence.
I never want this series to end. Serena and Scoops are so much fun to read about. I can't wait to visit them again in book four.
February 7, 2021
I really love this cute series, and I'm always wrong about the killer, so even if the books are shorter, they're packed with suspects and red herrings. That little Scoops is adorable, and he's always helping Serena or saving her life somehow. Serena was just getting used to Webster and actually missed him when he left the island for no reason. Now she wasn't sure if he was involved in the trouble going on in town. I was definitely anxious to see if she and Scoops could at least find Webster! Quick but a very good read.
June 14, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a very fast pace, cozy mysteries with lots of twist and turns. The suspense was really good, and the stakes for up to because Webster was implicated in the crime for setting bombs around the area. It kept me very engaged in, and we want to keep reading to find out who the culprit was as well as to see if Serena could clear Webster’s name. I loved that they’re showing more hints of a Serena and Webster, romance in upcoming books. And I really enjoyed seeing them work together to this. I had a fun time reading it.
This was a very fast pace, cozy mysteries with lots of twist and turns. The suspense was really good, and the stakes for up to because Webster was implicated in the crime for setting bombs around the area. It kept me very engaged in, and we want to keep reading to find out who the culprit was as well as to see if Serena could clear Webster’s name. I loved that they’re showing more hints of a Serena and Webster, romance in upcoming books. And I really enjoyed seeing them work together to this. I had a fun time reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2020
Fireworks are bound to go off . . .
It's time for the Fourth of July celebration on Lantern Beach, and someone is getting in on the fireworks early by setting off pipe bombs. Serena's friend, Webster, is being set up, so what's a girl to do but investigate?
I'm enjoying this series of novellas. Quick reads that will keep a reader occupied for an hour or so but also a guessing game as the person behind the crime is revealed. Highly recommended!
It's time for the Fourth of July celebration on Lantern Beach, and someone is getting in on the fireworks early by setting off pipe bombs. Serena's friend, Webster, is being set up, so what's a girl to do but investigate?
I'm enjoying this series of novellas. Quick reads that will keep a reader occupied for an hour or so but also a guessing game as the person behind the crime is revealed. Highly recommended!
June 21, 2020
Bombs Away!
No, literally, get them away! We don’t need any more going off in Lantern Beach! Serena seems to find more trouble as she innocently goes about selling ice cream to overheated vacationers. This time it’s a bomb! No, make that two. No, make that three! Will there be more or can she expose the fiend before another explodes and her friend’s life is ruined? Come take a peek. This novel won’t explode, expect with great characters and lots of fun!
No, literally, get them away! We don’t need any more going off in Lantern Beach! Serena seems to find more trouble as she innocently goes about selling ice cream to overheated vacationers. This time it’s a bomb! No, make that two. No, make that three! Will there be more or can she expose the fiend before another explodes and her friend’s life is ruined? Come take a peek. This novel won’t explode, expect with great characters and lots of fun!
April 16, 2022
Loved it
Another amazing adventure.. I love Serena and Scoops, she's got the greatest personality and Scoops is the perfect sidekick, such a smart little guy. I am truly loving this series. Christy I'm a huge fan and thank you deeply for the hours of entertainment. You're the only author in my Kindle library. Still playing catch up and keep up, LOL. God bless you and your family.
Another amazing adventure.. I love Serena and Scoops, she's got the greatest personality and Scoops is the perfect sidekick, such a smart little guy. I am truly loving this series. Christy I'm a huge fan and thank you deeply for the hours of entertainment. You're the only author in my Kindle library. Still playing catch up and keep up, LOL. God bless you and your family.
June 16, 2020
Book of the fortnight
Christy Barritt has churned out yet another quick read with a smattering of suspense. Serena helps solve another mystery that has bombs exploding around the island as a setup to kill Webster, editor of the island news source. Fourth in the series will be out in a couple weeks.
Christy Barritt has churned out yet another quick read with a smattering of suspense. Serena helps solve another mystery that has bombs exploding around the island as a setup to kill Webster, editor of the island news source. Fourth in the series will be out in a couple weeks.
June 17, 2020
Love me a bomb pop!!
While a bomb pop is an awesome treat on a hot day, a real bomb is not! Here on Lantern Beach someone is doing just that, leaving pipe bombs at random locations. All fingers point to Serena’s friend Webster. Is he really a criminal? Can Serena figure out who’s the bomber is?
While a bomb pop is an awesome treat on a hot day, a real bomb is not! Here on Lantern Beach someone is doing just that, leaving pipe bombs at random locations. All fingers point to Serena’s friend Webster. Is he really a criminal? Can Serena figure out who’s the bomber is?
June 17, 2020
Bomb Pop Threat is a short, sweet, yet enticing little mystery featuring Serena, Wesley, and Scoops. If you have read Lantern Beach, then you would definitely be familiar with this couple of characters. As for the mystery, it was short, and fast pace. Good for a novella. A must read for fans of Christy Barritt.
September 30, 2020
Another fun story!
This was a fun and cute mystery! I've enjoyed each of these stories in the series. Scoops is an adorable little dog that plays a huge part in this book. There may or may not be a budding relationship between Webster and Serena. They're friends at least. Can't wait for the next book!
This was a fun and cute mystery! I've enjoyed each of these stories in the series. Scoops is an adorable little dog that plays a huge part in this book. There may or may not be a budding relationship between Webster and Serena. They're friends at least. Can't wait for the next book!
November 13, 2020
Christy Barritt has done it again! I’m loving this book series about Lantern Beach’s Serena and her dog Scoops. The adventure, friendships, and her curiosity and boldness only add to the wonderful storyline. The mystery is so well thought out that I never figured out who the murderer was until I read it. Great book!!!
June 13, 2020
I had a beta copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Another great book in this series by Christy Barritt. I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters are interesting and the plot held my attention. Christy always does a great job writing.
June 28, 2020
Another Intriguing Mystery
I loved this cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline and characters were appealing.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
I loved this cozy filled with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
The storyline and characters were appealing.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
July 4, 2020
Scoops is at it again!
Wow...Serena just can't stay out of trouble. What a fun and fast read for the 4th of July! There were so many different directions this story could have gone but I was totally surprised.
Wow...Serena just can't stay out of trouble. What a fun and fast read for the 4th of July! There were so many different directions this story could have gone but I was totally surprised.
July 27, 2020
Enjoyed Scoops, the little dog reminds me in looks only of my Yorkie Toodle
Go figure a dog smarter than a lot of humans! The feature of this book, doesn't talk he barks, fetches the police and solves crimes!
Go figure a dog smarter than a lot of humans! The feature of this book, doesn't talk he barks, fetches the police and solves crimes!
September 1, 2020
Quirky enjoyable book!
I have read the first three books in this series, and really enjoyed all three. Serena is one the most eccentric yet lovable characters to come along. The storylines are light, humorous and really fun to read. Moving on to the next book!
I have read the first three books in this series, and really enjoyed all three. Serena is one the most eccentric yet lovable characters to come along. The storylines are light, humorous and really fun to read. Moving on to the next book!
January 9, 2021
Exploding Fun!
This was a cute and clean read. Fun with some action. I loved this scenario of Serena being so smart and Scoops being the helper he was portrayed as. An escape from reality, this book was as clever as it was truly fiction. Great job, Christy Barritt.
This was a cute and clean read. Fun with some action. I loved this scenario of Serena being so smart and Scoops being the helper he was portrayed as. An escape from reality, this book was as clever as it was truly fiction. Great job, Christy Barritt.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews