Hide and Seek

Lantern Beach Guardians #1

by Christy Barritt

When Cassidy and Ty find a child on the beach, mute from some kind of unknown trauma, they begin a search for her family. Clues washing up from a shipwreck reveal few details about what might have happened to the child. But, as they uncover more, they discover something that has more far reaching implications than they ever imagined . . . and now it's a fight to save everything they love.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Christian, Mystery

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2021

About the author

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved all the Lantern Beach spin-off series that Christy Barritt has written, but the original series is still my favorite. That is why I was so excited that she was writing some more books that centered around Cassidy and Ty. Let’s just say I was not disappointed! I devoured Hide and Seek in one sitting. As her fans have come to expect, this was a story full of suspense that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I cannot wait for the next ones in the series which will be releasing over the next few months.

I was given a copy of this book by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mary Hake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Barritt’s compelling mysteries always keep your intense attention as she takes you on a wild ride through dangers and dilemmas. This new spin-off series, set in reader-favorite Lantern Beach, is no exception! It’s great to plunge into an intriguing new adventure with Police Chief Cassidy Chambers and other familiar characters as they race to solve crimes on the island. Don’t worry, if you haven’t read others with this wonderful cast, this book can stand alone. This story also contains an endearing little girl, which adds a whole new dimension. I look forward to more Lantern Beach tales as the rest of the plot unfolds in this series. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Normally, Cassidy might enjoy the storm. But tonight nothing felt right.”

“In typical Lantern Beach fashion, I heard that all types of mayhem have broken out.”

“We need to keep believing that God’s plan for our future is the right plan.”

As always, a Lantern Beach book doesn’t disappoint. I like the familiarity of the characters and the setting. Some of the Blackout characters seemed interesting so will have to check out that series at some point. The mystery is a good one as long as you don’t think too much about some of the possible plot holes. It had some of the usual trademark Christy Barritt scenes (chasing someone outside who is wearing all black and someone trying to run a vehicle off the side of the road) but at least no one was tied up in a warehouse in this one :)

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to Lantern Beach as long as Cassidy and Ty are telling the story. This edition is no different. I enjoyed returning to their lives and seeing them move around in Lantern Beach. The mystery starts right away, throwing me into a whirlwind of trouble along with the characters. A child showing up on the beach is a mystery, and it definitely captures my mystery loving mind the whole time. A nice treat from Barritt. Just what fans would expect.

I received a complimentary copy of Hide and Seek by Christy Barritt from Christy Barritt; however, the opinions stated are all my own.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hide and Seek is the first book in the Lantern Beach Guardians series and the twenty-seventh book in the Lantern Beach Universe series (I went on a tangent; there are 52 books in the Lantern Beach Universe 😲).

While this book is a series within a series, it is easy to dive right into. The mystery starts immediately and the story flows smoothly.

Read for:

🚓Married couple

🚓 Police Chief and former Navy Seal

🚓Kujo

🚓no romance

🚓quick-read

🚓fast-paced

🚓engaging

🚓Island setting

🚓mystery not easy to solve

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and plan to dive right into book two.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. The mystery was well crafted. The characters were interesting but dialogue at times was a bit stilted. Twice there was mention about Ty’s strong physique—if there was a third I would have gagged. “His heathered (is that a word even?) blue t-shirt showed off his strong physique—but not in a narcissistic, look-at-me type of way. He was strong...” Seriously?? It’s like a good book was written then a misguided editor said, “hey, where’s the description of the hot former Navy Seal? repeat it and the women will swoon!” So these two comments were inserted. Patronizing. I don’t want lose sight of the fact that I did like the story and the setting. I think I’m going to read #2 and most likely #3 in this series. I went between 3-4 ⭐️ but settled on the higher one because the story was good.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little girl lost . . .

. . . and found by Lantern Beach Chief of Police Cassidy Chambers and her husband Ty bring another puzzling mystery their way and also the start of a new Lantern Beach series.

As is usual with a Christy Barritt series, readers get the answers to the mystery at hand, but there are always follow-up questions that are answered in the other books in the series.

Highly recommended!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"Cassidy had so many questions."

Who was this little girl who had washed up onshore? Why wouldn't she speak? Would she be able to fully recover from her long exposure in the ocean? Why was Cassidy's name written on the life jacket that had likely saved the dear one's life? Where were the girl's parents? What now? What . . . . . . . now?

Lantern Beach Police Chief Cassidy Chambers couldn't shake the feeling that the answers to all of these questions were going to deliver trouble to the front door of her sleepy tourist town. The timing couldn't have been worse, since the governor was scheduled to arrive for an under-the-radar island vacation. This situation couldn't have anything to do with his arrival, could it? Or could it.

Lantern Beach fans will love this first episode of a new series; Lantern Beach Guardians, featuring Cassidy and her ex-SEAL husband Ty, along with a darling mysterious little girl who Cassidy ends up naming Janie.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought for sure my favorite police chief wasn’t going to get any more stories, but there have always been things not quite resolved. Well, I’m so pleased Christy Barritt has decided that Cassidy Chambers still needed to solve more crimes and that Lantern Beach had more mysteries on its shores. Life has gotten more and more complicated for Police Chief Chambers. It seems wherever she turns there is a crime.
This story has a wave of crimes that just don’t seem to connect so Cassidy and Ty strive to find the answers. They need to protect the little girl that appears to be surrounded by these mysteries.
This book, like the other Lantern Beach books, has many of the wonderful characters who live on this sweet island. We get to see the Blackout teamwork alongside Cassidy and Ty. Even though the Chambers are going through a bit of a rough time I enjoy seeing how they support each other in what they do. The whole community seems to come together to help and I love that feeling. It makes me think this could actually be a real place.
Christy Barritt truly is a gifted author because you feel EVERYTHING these characters feel. Her books are always full of suspense, action, and twist, and turns. This one is no different. It is so suspenseful I had no idea which person was the true bad guy. I’m still not sure they got all of them. Could there be more?
This story has so much packed into it, it was hard to breathe sometimes. My heart was pounding and my mind was going fast trying to figure out how it was all going to end.
If you LOVE mystery, suspense, action, with a little bit of romance then you will love this book!
This story will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish it. Be prepared to not put it down, even to eat or sleep! Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE THESE BOOKS! If you like twists and turns, “who done it” stories, then you need to buy this book!

[Anne Wolters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another intriguing story of life on Lantern Beach, a barrier island off of North Carolina. Cassidy Chambers, the Chief of Police seems to be in constant pursuit of questionable characters or big-time criminals, where you'd expect life to be pretty quiet. This is the start of a new Lantern Beach series, however, if you haven't read the others, I highly recommend them. Christy Barritt is an expert at character development and she fills in enough back-story about the characters in case you don't know them from previous books.

This story begins on a stormy night when Cassidy is at home with her husband Ty, in their cabin on the beach when they notice something suspicious washes up from the ocean onto the shore. When Ty goes out to investigate what a surprise to find a young girl in a life jacket. He brings her into the house and when the life jacket is removed they notice Cassidy's name is written on it. The girls appears to be abut 6 years old, but doesn't talk. Not one word. In the midst of trying to determine who the girl is, the governor of North Carolina arrives on the island for a vacation with his family, and demands a high level of security. Other disturbing things begin to happen and Cassidy begins to suspect that somehow it all ties back to the governor and even the mute girl. This is an intriguing book that is nearly impossible to put down. Now I am anxiously awaiting book #2 in this new series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a bit sad. I empathize with stories about couples trying to have children but aren't able - that was me. My husband and I chose to leave it in God's hands and accept, joyfully, whatever He had planned for us. He is greater than what is wrong with our bodies and can heal whatever is wrong if it's His will. Cassidy and Ty want children, but she has a physical problem that makes it nearly impossible - and to make it happen would cost a lot of money. When a little girl is rescued out of the sea wearing a life jacket with Cassidy's name on it, to protect the child they choose to be the ones to look after her, which opens wounds in Cassidy's heart, but also draws her to the little girl. What will happen when her parents turn up!?

There are a lot of twists and turns in this story. The Governor is on the island and a couple living next door to his house is murdered; a little girl washes ashore on the beach and soon a bag with alcohol wipes floats ashore as well; someone posing as Janie's parents show up, but they are found to be imposters, then these same people try to kidnap the child - what does all of this have in common? Well, you'll have to read the story to find out!

This is a clean read.

[Doreen Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this return to Lantern Beach with Cassidy and Company! Cassidy and Ty are going through some difficult things of their own that has Ty feeling like they are drifitn apart, but when a child washes up on Lantern Beach, they have to put their personal problems aside to figure out the mystery. Even stranger is the fact that Cassidy's own name is written on the child's life jacket, but "Jane" can not, or will not, speak and tell them what has happened to her or her family. It doesn't take very long to realise that this "accident" was exactly accidental and that Jane's life is still in danger. Cassidy and Ty, with the help of their friends, race the clock to discover the identity of "Jane" and why she washed up on Lantern Beach. **This book is the first in a series of 3, and though the main storyline concludes within the book, some storylines continue throughout the three books** I recieved this book free, but the opinions are my own. I loved it and can't wait to read the next two coming out soon!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to be back on the familiar island of Lantern Beach with fan-favorite character Cassidy Chambers. It was so great catching up with all the island residents. I really missed them.

This time around, a little girl washes up on shore by Cassidy and Ty's house during a horrible storm. No one knows who the girl is, where she came from, or what she was doing at sea. And no one has reported her missing. The mysteries just keep coming, though, as several suspicious events and crimes pop up around the island.

This was a read that was full of excitement and suspense. I was glued to the pages, so curious about who the little girl was and what her connection to all the incidents on the island might be.

This was another great one from Christy Barritt. I can't wait to find out what happens on the island next.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Faith Posten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Will Find You

When a young girl is found on the shore of Lantern Beach, Cassidy Chambers, the Police Chief finds the little girl terrified and cold in a life vest with her name on the vest. While they looked for answers, she and her husband Ty took good care of her. She was silent and wouldn't speak to them at all, but her face showed her emotions clearly. She was bright and colored within the lines quite well. A couple showed up claiming to be her parents, but Cassidy knew something about their story was really off. They later learned that they were hired assassins. Fortunately Janie as they called her was safe with Ty and Cassidy. The Governor of the state arrived as scheduled for a vacation. More craziness kept happening. Cassidy had a suspicion that somehow he was part of the reason, but she didn't have proof. Another great story by prolific author Christy Barritt.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Lantern Beach and more Cassidy & Ty!! I don't know what it is, but Barritt KNOWS how to write these characters without missing a beat and capturing exactly how they would respond in every situation! AND she writes FAST!

Cassidy and Ty are enjoying a peaceful night at home during a storm, when Cassidy insists on watching the ocean with a bad feeling. Next thing you know something is floating in the shore that turns out to be a lost child who can't speak.

Everything kind of unwinds quickly from there. QUITE the page turner with no violence or language but plenty of threats and mystery. The little girl bonds nicely with Cassidy and Ty and she makes the story even better.

Can't get enough of Lantern Beach and love seeing Cassidy in her life with Ty.

Received a free copy and was not required to write a positive review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for the most part

## What I liked: Fantastic heroine. She is a strong lady who is also really kind and dedicated to keeping her island safe. I liked Ty, her husband as well. The investigation was interesting. Many twist which were unexpected.

What I didn't like: I thought this was the first book of the series since it says BOOK 1 but it is NOT and I could tell while reading. There were times I was lost because apparently many things happen in previous books regarding this couple. I feel the overview should have mentioned that fact. Also, part of the crime is solved but some things are not which leaves a lot of unanswered questions (so you have to buy the next 2 books to find out what happens).
All in all a decent read, but I'm guessing even better if you've read the previous books.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hide and Seek” by Christy Barritt was a fantastic start to the Lantern Beach Guardians series. It was so great to revisit Police Chief Cassidy Chambers. She has become a favorite of mine in some of Christy Barritt’s other novels. This book starts off with a huge mystery. A young girl is found on the beach and to make matters worse, she can’t speak! So Cassidy, along with her husband Ty, and her police force are trying to figure out the mystery. This mystery really had me dumbfounded. I had no idea what the ending was going to be.

I have never read a Christy Barritt book that I haven’t loved. I highly recommend all her books. Her books are full of suspense and mystery, yet are extremely clean.

I received this book from the author for my honest opinion.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Lantern Beach in a big bad way! This story started off intensely when Ty and Cassidy find a young girl washed up on the beach during a storm. The action didn't stop until the very end. And I have a feeling there's more action to come with the next book.

Cassidy is such a great character and this new chapter that the author has introduced is one that many women will be able to relate with. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out for Cassidy and Ty.

Another great story by Christy Barritt.

Disclaimer: I did receive a copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to review the book.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series for Lantern Beach

The drama never ceases on Lantern Beach! Hide and Seek is off to a roaring start, as Cassidy & Ty spot a child 6 years old, floated up on the beach with a lifejacket that strangely has Cassidy's name written on the bottom. And just when the governor is coming to the island for a bit of getaway. Evil forces are at work, and there turns out to be a slim connection between the two events, as well as the mysterious murders of a couple in the house next to the governor's rental. Cassidy must dodge a number of figurative bullets as well as some real ones. And then....it's a cliffhanger! Not to worry, though, book two is due out in 3 weeks!

[Chrystal Dodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More suspense in Lantern Beach is heating up or... washing ashore. What will Chief Police Cassidy Chambers do when a child is found washed up on the beach in her area? Who did this and why? With her husband Ty by her side and quickly becoming a protector of the child, they work together seeking the truth while keeping the child from more harm. As she is feeling more secure with the couple the young girl’s eyes tell pieces of her story, although she doesn’t utter a word from her lips. Danger lurks around every corner and evil barrels at her home, her friends as well as her sanity as Cassidy and her Team search for answers as to what led to the young girl’s mysterious disappearance.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide and Seek by Christy Barritt is the start of a new Lantern Beach series. Readers will recognize Cassidy and Ty from other series’ set there, but somehow I fell in love with them all over again in this new stage in their life. Settled now in Lantern Beach, they have a new mystery and a child to protect. The stakes are high and danger ever lingers close. This is a fast read and you won’t be able to put it down! I stayed up until 2 am reading it one night. So recommended! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, what fun it is to rejoin favorite characters from Lantern Beach! New names are also a welcome addition with developing storylines. Christy Barritt has a hit with each Lantern Beach series and all are welcome to visit this idyllic yet often-troubled island. Her suspense continues to entertain readers with lovable and witty characters who face overwhelming and sinister odds.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hide and Seek - not a child's game at all!!! A child is found washed up on the beach and can't speak - and then crimes begin happening on Lantern Beach. Are they connected? Can Cassidy and Ty protect her while they search for answers? Your favorite Lantern Beach characters return in this suspense mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!!! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Kaye Sinkule · Rating 5 out of 5]

When will I learn!

Oh my goodness, will I ever learn not to read `Barritt's" books at night. I never can put them down until I get to the end. Once again she has packed so much mystery and intrigue into her stories they are impossible to put them aside! This one was no different than all of her books! And I have fallen in love with the residents on Lantern Beach! I just can't get enough of this author!

[Katharine Showman · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first moment, there was danger and worry. People were in grave danger. Some were killed. Can Cassidy and Ty stay safe while protecting some of the other people? What will happen to the little girl? Just when something seemed solved, another problem occurred. The final scene was especially scary? Read this exciting book! It is the start of a new series entitled Lantern Beach Guardians. I can't wait for more!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts. Written in Ms Barritt's fast-paced style this book is a page Turner. It will hold your interest until the end as you wonder who the child is and what happened to her parents. Hide and seek is a spinoff of one of Ms Barritt's other series, but it usually stands alone. Fans will want to read the other books featuring these characters.


Lantern beach sounds like a place I would love to visit.

I was given a copy free. All opinions on my own.

[Lou Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Please understand the 3 results from the author annoying me.

I don’t need to hear twice that her husband fills out his tee shirt well or have tension inducing sentences at the end of almost every chapter.

The story itself is actually good when I ignore the above irritations. A sheriff on an island is faced with evidence coming at her from several crimes that some thing horrible is going to happen on her island.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Christy Barritt has a great start to another Lantern Bay series with this first book. A lost little girl, a governor on vacation, a double murder create lots of suspense and hidden clues as to why. It definitely holds your interest! I would highly recommend reading this book.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another riveting story from Ms Barritt

The people on the island are interesting. The island has more than its share on dastardly guests but Cassidy, Ty and their teams continue to keep the islanders safe even with very complex situations. Full of twists and turns, had trouble putting the book down. Highly recommend.

[Karla Lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action filled adventure in Lantern Beach!

Love how this initial story by Christy Barritt about a female detective gone into hiding has expanded and grown with each new set of story lines. This one has laid the ground work for more character development, secrets to be uncovered and new plot twists! Can't wait for book 2 in this Guardians series!