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He’s on the case . . . and she’s his prime suspect.

Classified technology is missing, a delivery driver is dead, and former Navy SEAL Maddox King must find the culprits before a dangerous plan is enacted.

To find answers, the Blackout agent must go undercover as a maintenance man at millionaire Seymore Whitlock’s estate. While there, he sets his sights on Whitlock’s personal assistant, Taryn Parsons, a woman who has everything to gain and nothing to lose.

Six months ago, Whitlock plucked Taryn out of obscurity to become his caretaker. But with deadly incidents haunting the estate, Taryn doesn’t know who she can trust—including the new maintenance man who is both intriguing . . . and unnerving.

The stakes continue to escalate, and Maddox is running out of time to find answers. With the body count rising along with his list of suspects, this assignment may be his most challenging yet . . . for both his skillset and his heart.

436 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2022

233 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

338 books1,666 followers
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.

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5 stars
772 (72%)
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230 (21%)
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55 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
September 14, 2022
My thoughts: Book 3 in this series and danger is rising! This story is set in a spooky mansion and has a "Clue" theme, with who-dun-it. People are dying without warning. Letters warning of death come in the mail. Employees are quitting. What is going on and why? I did figure out who-dun-it right away but certainly not why. The romance is very light, this is mostly suspense. If you like suspense you will love MADDOX. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
7,762 reviews50 followers
June 2, 2022
The setting is in North Carolina, an old mansion, and the health of the owner. With many workers to keep the place going, who can be trusted.
With strange things happening, and too many accidents, undercover security is brought in. Twists and turn as is the Labyrinth that is on the grounds in this story.
Profile Image for Stella Potts.
516 reviews10 followers
April 25, 2022
Third book in the series with one more to go. Enjoying this series and enjoyed this book. Lots of suspense and some romance as well. Christy Barritt won’t fail to keep you turning pages.
Profile Image for Marylin.
1,307 reviews45 followers
May 22, 2023
So, Christy Barritt never seems to disappoint me with all her books. Whenever I pick up one I know I will be taken on the ride of my life. This book did just that!
I truly love Christy Barritt’s books and how she has her victims go through so much! I’ve said this before, but I’m really glad I’m not one of the characters in her books! Her male characters are larger than life and these guys know how to protect!
This story had a part that touched on one of my fears, the fear of being lost in a maze/labyrinth. No way would I go into one of those! To me, they are so creepy, and this one seemed to hold more mystery than I’d feel comfortable with. I mean really, who builds one of those in their own backyard?
Then with all the other strange things happening, I think I’d get far away if I could. At least, Taryn had Maddox and the Blackout team by her side.
These Blackout guys are definitely someone you would want on your team if there were ever any problems. They are ex-Navy SEALs and boy, do they know how to protect!
Christy Barritt is an author who knows how to keep you reading and reading and reading until you’ve realized you’re done. Her books are full of suspense, action, mystery, drama, and bits of sweet romance. There is always a twist that you will never see coming. She’s that good!
So if you want to read and read until you forget that you need to eat or sleep, then this is the book and series you need to pick up!
I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Pages_With_Me | Génesis  .
205 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2022
3.5 (maybe... a 3.6) 🤷🏻‍♀️

This is the 3rd book in the Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising series by Christy Barritt.
Here, we see how Maddox goes on an undercover mission to discover the mystery surrounding a millionaire's estate and the disappearance of certain objects belonging to Embolden Tech. There he meets Taryn. As he tries to rule her out of the suspect list, Maddox gets tangled up protecting her while trying to comprehend and accept his newfound feelings for her.

I just don't know what to say. It was a so so book... More of the same and it is a shame for I had high expectations for our crocheting ex-Navy SEAL guy. 😍

Since we get to see Maddox in the 1st and 2nd book and you get this super reserved and mysterious guy, I was really hoping to see more of that unraveling during the story, but it was too short.

(See Titus review for the conclusion)

Toodles and blessings ⚘️
Profile Image for Holly.
708 reviews21 followers
April 30, 2022
Crazy good!

From the opening pages this book had my attention, lots of action and misdirection. It's been awhile since I totally missed who the bad guy was!

Taryn was such a refreshing character. She had an internal strength that carried her through the difficult things she faced in life. Her character showed throughout the story.

Maddox has been a key character throughout the series, as the crocheting former Navy Seal. With him front and center we got to understand him and love him even more.

Looking forward to the final installment of this series!

Disclaimer: I did receive this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own.
195 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2022
I was looking forward to reading Maddox's story, the third installment in Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising Series. Blackout Agent Maddox King has been assigned to find out whole stole important technology -- and get it back. Clues seem to lead to the estate of wealthy Seymore Whitlock, so Maddox got a job there as a maintenance man. A hedge maze, death threats, mysterious events, and dead bodies lead Maddox on a mysterious trail, his first suspect being Taryn, Mr. Whitlock's personal caretaker, but soon discovers her life is in danger. Can they team up and figure out who the culprit is before they succeed? Twists and turns kept me guessing until the end.

I received a free copy of this novel. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Mary Hake.
Author 4 books414 followers
April 19, 2022
Christy Barritt has once again crafted an exciting suspense novel that keeps you guessing and doesn’t let up until the very end. This intriguing story connects to past books in this series, but it can also stand on its own. Maddox King has come to the dying Seymore Whitlock’s estate to investigate a crime and look for the technology that disappeared in the area. Mr. Whitlock’s assistant, Taryn Parsons, comes under his scrutiny, but they also partner to help solve the murders that begin piling up. A mansion, a maze, and plenty of foul play add interest and intensity, and the plots has surprising twists just like the maze. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
1,428 reviews12 followers
April 15, 2022
I had a BETA Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Maddox is hired at an estate to be a maintenance man, but he’s actually looking for some missing technology. Taryn is assistant to a wealthy dying business man, but people are being murdered on the estate. Maddox is looking into the deaths while trying to keep a low profile. Christy Barritt is great at weaving a story with suspense and a bit of romance. I would highly recommend reading this book.
1,654 reviews11 followers
April 19, 2022
Thrilling

Once again Ms. Barritt's writing grabs your attention right from the first page. The tension and suspense grows as Taryn wonders who is behind various incidents, little realising she herself is at first under scrutiny by Blackout. As Maddox investigates, he realises Taryn is a target rather than a threat. The main characters have attraction but have past hurts to overcome. The suspense continues all the way through the book. A brilliant enthralling read.
Profile Image for Debbie.
283 reviews12 followers
April 19, 2022
This book has it all - mystery, suspense, characters that are hiding secrets, wealthy old man who is dying, lots of deadly accidents - the list could go on!! Barritt does it again with her expert way of weaving mystery throughout a story. Plus, even when you think you have it figured out, she puts a twist in where you weren't expecting it!! Can't wait to read the next one! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
1,427 reviews10 followers
April 20, 2022
Maddox by Christy Barritt is book 3 in the Lantern Beach Blackout: Danger Rising series. This series never fails to deliver great suspense at every turn. I especially loved this book because it contained a large estate with so many suspects. It was a fascinating story and hard to predict. Great book overall! I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
4,572 reviews31 followers
May 24, 2022
I’m still not a patient person. I held on to Dylan and Maddox as long as I could stand it and almost made it to Titus but I could hold off any longer. Now reading these did mess up my sleeping but I think that is over-rated anyway. More interesting characters, strong handsome heroes, involved heroines, humor, danger and surprises. What is there not to like in these books? I am impatiently waiting for Christy Barritt to finish the next book.
Profile Image for Jan L.
1,002 reviews21 followers
April 21, 2022
This is the kind of book I love to find! Set in the North Carolina mountains in an old mansion, lots of suspects for a plot that keeps expanding, thunderstorms, labyrinths and suspense! Add Taryn and Maddox, with their backgrounds of neglect and disappointment, and you have my attention! Loved it!
763 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2022
Taryn and Maddox

I love Lantern Beach books and the team to help so many in different ways. I can’t imagine how scared Taryn was trying to keep Mr Whitlock alive and so much going wrong. In comes, Maddox on a secret mission and Taryn has no idea that Maddox is an agent. Read now!!!!! You’ll be glad you did.
Profile Image for Robyn Seitzler.
216 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2022
Suspenseful

This is the kind of stuff that can happen in real life and most of us are oblivious. How frightening to find yourself in the midst of such subterfuge! Maddox comes to solve a theft. Taryn works there out of the goodness of her grateful heart. Both find their lives in danger. Ms. Barritt weaves a tale that will leave you turning the pages late into the night.
Profile Image for Kim.
718 reviews14 followers
April 25, 2022
After dozens of books, it is quite astonishing that Christy Barritt creates such diverse and imaginative suspense series. This Danger Rising offering is fresh and creative with complex plots and multilayered characters.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
255 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2022
Amazing Maze!

Wow! It is so amazing to me how Chrisiy Barritt can continually create so many diverse and scintillating stories and characters that always just leap off the pages at just the right time. Her ability to create magnificent Mysteries with dynamic romance is truly a gift! Thank you once again!
Profile Image for Carol.
97 reviews2 followers
February 7, 2023
Good story line. Gets a little repetitive as far as characters thoughts & fears. Liked the way the story played out. Where it repeated itself I kinda learned to skim over it. Happy for the end. Thinking about reading last one in series. Added it to my list but may take a break from style for a book or two.
294 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2025
Stronger together

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found Maddox to be such an interesting guy. Tough, smart, and dealing with PTSD in a very unique way. Taryn was daring and cared for Mr. Whitlock like her own father. Both good people finding themselves in the middle of a devious plot. It was another Blackout winner.
827 reviews3 followers
April 20, 2022
So many suspects

Who to trust? Maddox suspects everyone at the estate of Mr Whitlock, especially his assistant. Stolen spyware, deaths seeming as accidents, and a lovely man near death kept my interest and I stayed up too late :)
Profile Image for Sarah.
575 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2022
FABULOUS!

I was so excited to read Maddox’s story. And it was just as fabulous as I expected! I immediately fell in love with Taryn. They are perfect together. I can’t wait to read Titus as the Danger Rising mystery continues.
62 reviews
April 20, 2022
Maddox

This is Book 3 of "Lantern Beach Blackout: Rising Danger . These books keep you turning the pages. You won't be disappointed in any of Christy Barrett's books.Can't wait for Book 4 to be released. Enjoy!!!!!
Profile Image for Mary.
76 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2022
Great series by Christy Barritt

I enjoyed the story. The characters were likeble and relatable. The hard part of the story was finding out who could be trusted. You will enjoy the mystery!
Profile Image for Faith Posten.
313 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2022
Complicated Assignment

The plot was spectacular. The primary characters were strong in resolve in their jobs. That being said, their spiritual walk was weak at best. Christy Barritt is capable of better writing.
Profile Image for Tonya.
Author 22 books2 followers
April 27, 2022
I love Christy Barrett’s writing, even though her doctor is incorrect. But the further I get into the series from Landern Beach, the more disappointed I am in the lack of any doctrine. The people are just “good.“ There are not Christians.
314 reviews5 followers
April 28, 2022
Life from the past has ways of slowing down our progress toward the future

I love the stories created by Christy Barritt. She has a great imagination. The story flows and keeps me on the edge of my seat. A must read for those who love mystery and intrigue.
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
454 reviews18 followers
April 28, 2022
didn’t see that coming….

Enjoyable plot and twists and turns literally! I think I read this almost straight through barely stopping. Important note: our past doesn’t need to ruin our future.
Profile Image for Jennifer Cagle.
778 reviews1 follower
May 2, 2022
Great romantic suspense novel.

This is a really interesting romantic suspense novel..its the best in this series so far. The characters are intelligent and interesting. I enjoyed reading this.
18 reviews
May 5, 2022
More twists and turns

Barrett continues to use Blackout to resolve complicated and interwoven issues. As always there is romance between Blackout members and victims, although this was different from previous stories. I really like the different twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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