What do you think?
Rate this book
Beach Bound Books & Beans #3
Bound by Mystery
Talitha Robinson is well on her way to completing renovations for her new bookstore, Beach Bound Books and Beans, in Lantern Beach, North Carolina. But when she hosts a friendly meet-and-greet with bookstore owners from nearby islands, the progress she’s making comes to a deadly end.
Someone is backstabbed—literally—right under Tali’s nose. To make matters worse, Tali’s fingerprints are all over the murder weapon and a neighbor claims to have seen Tali commit the crime.
Mac MacArthur knows Tali isn’t the type to hurt anyone, but it doesn’t take a former police chief to figure out things don’t look good for her. The two work together to read between the lines and decipher the truth before Tali gets locked away for crimes she didn’t commit.
As more evidence stacks up, it becomes clear that someone wants to take Tali out of the story. For good.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
156 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,664 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 5, 2022
Bound by Mystery by Christy Barritt returns to Books and Beans in Lantern Beach. With Talitha trying to discover her legs with her bookstore, of course, more trouble finds her in this edition as she welcomes fellow booksellers in her area to help her with some ideas on how to make her bookstore a success. From the beginning all the way to the climactic moment near the end, Barritt definitely knows how to make her characters and readers squirm as they try to figure out who done the murder. Fans of cozy mysteries will love this addition to the series and beg for more. I can’t wait to read what happens next to Talitha.
I received a complimentary copy of Bound by Mystery from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of Bound by Mystery from Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
November 29, 2023
Another good mystery for Tali, Mac and her friends to solve. This one wasn’t my favorite storyline but I still liked it and like seeing the relationship between Mac and Tali continue to develop. Looking forward to the rest of the series
November 1, 2024
Tali is almost done with renovations on her bookstore and has decided to host an event for other local bookshop owners. The event turns deadly when one of the bookshop owners turns up dead at Tali's place. Things go from bad to worse when Tali looks like the prime suspect. Mac must help Tali gather evidence to find the real killer before Tali takes the fall. Can they solve the mystery before it's too late?
This is the third book in the Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries series. This was a quick mystery where Tali was in trouble but in a different way: this time she is the suspect. She has to rely on Mac and prove her innocence. I liked seeing Mac and Tali grow closer in this one. While they still need to reconcile their past, the door is now open to work things out. As for the mystery, it was nothing complex and I felt like it took the back seat to the character development of Mac and Tali. Overall, a quick and easy mystery with some progress to the overarching storyline.
This is the third book in the Beach Bound Books and Beans Mysteries series. This was a quick mystery where Tali was in trouble but in a different way: this time she is the suspect. She has to rely on Mac and prove her innocence. I liked seeing Mac and Tali grow closer in this one. While they still need to reconcile their past, the door is now open to work things out. As for the mystery, it was nothing complex and I felt like it took the back seat to the character development of Mac and Tali. Overall, a quick and easy mystery with some progress to the overarching storyline.
October 1, 2022
Tali came to Lantern Beach, NC to start over and to see her dream realized, opening a coffee/bookshop at the beach. But all has not been smooth sailing. She has faced several murders in her own backyard (literally), met a man she is very attracted to, then discovered their pasts were connected in not a very pleasant way. But their lives keep intersecting. In this third installment of Beach Bound and Bean Mysteries, Tali needs Mac's help like never before as someone is murdered in her own shop, her fingerprints are on the murder weapon, and a witness says he saw her arguing with the victims -- but Tali remembers nothing. As Mac stands by her and tries to help her solve the murder and clear her name, Tali wonders if she can forget the past and just enjoy Mac's company -- or will she go to jail for a murder she didn't commit? Who hates Tali enough to frame her?
October 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this third installment of the series. It's my favorite so far.
Tali finds herself in the middle of another mystery when her houseguest is murdered. She's found in the middle of Tali's store with a knife in her back. With every piece of evidence pointing to her, Tali is the prime suspect. Tali didn't kill her, so what's going on? Is someone setting her up? And if so, why? With some help from Mac and Serena, Tali sets out to clear her name.
I was glued to the pages of this fast-paced mystery. It's a quick read that kept me guessing. I thought it wrapped up a little too quickly, but other than that, this was another fun mystery from Christy Barritt. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I'm loving these characters. Plus, I can never get enough Lantern Beach.
Tali finds herself in the middle of another mystery when her houseguest is murdered. She's found in the middle of Tali's store with a knife in her back. With every piece of evidence pointing to her, Tali is the prime suspect. Tali didn't kill her, so what's going on? Is someone setting her up? And if so, why? With some help from Mac and Serena, Tali sets out to clear her name.
I was glued to the pages of this fast-paced mystery. It's a quick read that kept me guessing. I thought it wrapped up a little too quickly, but other than that, this was another fun mystery from Christy Barritt. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I'm loving these characters. Plus, I can never get enough Lantern Beach.
November 27, 2022
My thoughts: BOUND BY MYSTERY is book 3 in this 4 book collection, but it easily stands alone. There is a connecting mystery through-out the series. Tali hasn't opened her bookstore yet but she invites some neighboring bookstore owners to visit and while there, one is murdered with a confusing array of book title poetry as clues. Worse, all evidence points to Tali and she has no proof. Can she find out who-dun-it and why before she's locked away for a crime she didn't commit? As per usual with Ms Barritts books they are fast-paced and kept me guessing. If you like cozy mysteries or know someone who does, this collection will make a nice gift idea. Recommended. I was given a copy free a copy free and all opinions are my own.
Read
September 30, 2022Tali Robinson faces more setbacks as she works to get her bookstore ready to open. When she discovers another murder victim, she not only joins Mayor Mac MacArthur to find the killer but must prove she’s not involved. Filled with suspense, this compelling mystery novel keeps readers guessing as to who is guilty and why anyone would want to kill this woman. The intriguing story, which can be read in a few hours, stands alone but is best read with the rest of the series in order. Cozy mystery lovers should enjoy this latest offering from a gifted author. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2022
This is a cute series with just enough murder and mayhem to keep me interested and enjoying it. But not so intense that I can't sleep at night!
I love the Mac and Tali story and although I don't want the series to end too soon, I can't wait to see how Barritt resolves it.
A great read and Barritt fans will not be disappointed! If you've not read Christy Barritt books before, I do recommend reading this series in order. Barritt gives enough backstory that you wouldn't be lost, but to get the full enjoyment of the story read them all!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I love the Mac and Tali story and although I don't want the series to end too soon, I can't wait to see how Barritt resolves it.
A great read and Barritt fans will not be disappointed! If you've not read Christy Barritt books before, I do recommend reading this series in order. Barritt gives enough backstory that you wouldn't be lost, but to get the full enjoyment of the story read them all!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author, but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2022
This one is so good and a quick read that you can easily finish reading it within a couple of hours or less. Tali finds herself involved in another mystery when she discovers a murdered bookstore owner in her bookstore/coffee shop that she is working to open. All evidence points to Tali as the primary suspect. With help from Mac and her friends from her book club, Tali sets out to prove her innocence. Can they find whodunnit or will Tali end up in prison?
This was an intriguing suspenseful story that involves book spine poetry as part of the mystery.
This was an intriguing suspenseful story that involves book spine poetry as part of the mystery.
October 11, 2022
Not All Is What It Seems
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck . . . You know the rest, but is that entirely true? Tali is arrested for murder and the evidence is clear. She’s even been identified by an assault victim! Then a wig is found. Is someone setting her up? Will she accept Mac’s help or pull away? Can she overcome the mounting evidence in what seems to be an open-and-shut case? Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a woman by her hair - or wig! You’ll want to read this one!
If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck . . . You know the rest, but is that entirely true? Tali is arrested for murder and the evidence is clear. She’s even been identified by an assault victim! Then a wig is found. Is someone setting her up? Will she accept Mac’s help or pull away? Can she overcome the mounting evidence in what seems to be an open-and-shut case? Don’t judge a book by its cover, or a woman by her hair - or wig! You’ll want to read this one!
November 4, 2022
Great mystery
As always an awesome book. I love the characters on Lantern Beach and always enjoy any time I get to spend with them. I must say in all of Christy's books this is the first time I ever suspected the culprit. Looking forward to the next book kinda disappointed it's the last in this series, but definitely hopeful for some long awaited outcomes and that this isn't the last of our time on Lantern Beach. Thanks Christy I am a huge fan of your good clean mystery with good clean romance mixed in. God bless you and your family.
As always an awesome book. I love the characters on Lantern Beach and always enjoy any time I get to spend with them. I must say in all of Christy's books this is the first time I ever suspected the culprit. Looking forward to the next book kinda disappointed it's the last in this series, but definitely hopeful for some long awaited outcomes and that this isn't the last of our time on Lantern Beach. Thanks Christy I am a huge fan of your good clean mystery with good clean romance mixed in. God bless you and your family.
June 27, 2024
this book was as great as the previous books in the series, but I did figure out the culprit was before Barrit revealed them. The suspense was good, and I love how every tiny detail that Barrit gives is somehow tied to something with the murder one way or another. The prose was great as well.
Overall, I liked this book very much, and recommend it to anyone who is just looking for a murder on the Seaside to solve for themselves. I also recommend that you read this series in order, because this book will have some confusing details that are revealed and explained in previous books.
Overall, I liked this book very much, and recommend it to anyone who is just looking for a murder on the Seaside to solve for themselves. I also recommend that you read this series in order, because this book will have some confusing details that are revealed and explained in previous books.
October 2, 2022
I had a BETA copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. In this book, Tali has a few fellow librarians visiting when a storm hits and they must stay for a few days. Things heat up when one is found dead in Tali’s bookstore and she if the main suspect. Mac helps look for the person responsible for the murder. The plot includes trust and acceptance. A great addition to this series by Christy Barritt.
October 31, 2022
All I can say after reading this installment is that bad luck seems to follow poor Tali. She is hosting some other bookstore owners from the outer banks and one ends up murdered in Tali’s bookstore. All evidence points to Tali as the killer. Even though they have not really settled their connection in the past, Mac and Tali team up to try to figure out who is framing Tali. I was totally invested and interested to see who done it.
I definitely cannot wait to read the fourth and final installment, Bound by Trouble. I need answers! Good news is I found out today that book 4 released this weekend. I know what I will be reading next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I definitely cannot wait to read the fourth and final installment, Bound by Trouble. I need answers! Good news is I found out today that book 4 released this weekend. I know what I will be reading next.
Thank you to the author for a copy of the story. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 13, 2022
Several bookstore owners have come to Lantern Beach to meet Tali Robinson who herself owns a local bookstore. While they are there one of the ladies turns up dead. She was murdered and Tali is the main suspect since the woman was murdered in her store. Can Tali prove her innocence and can her and Mac find the real killer. I love this series so far. This is book three and it picks up where two left off. You need to red the books in order . They are all short quick reads.
July 26, 2025
Quiet mystery
I grabbed these books because I needed something not so intense. I picked the right books. They are sweet mysteries, if there is such a thing. The characters are all realistic and fun. They love a good mystery. The storyline is also fun, but it also flows. I would definitely recommend this book. Honestly, any book written by Christy Barritt is a winner. This book series is no different.
I grabbed these books because I needed something not so intense. I picked the right books. They are sweet mysteries, if there is such a thing. The characters are all realistic and fun. They love a good mystery. The storyline is also fun, but it also flows. I would definitely recommend this book. Honestly, any book written by Christy Barritt is a winner. This book series is no different.
November 20, 2022
Good mystery
I really enjoy the characters and the all the mystery plots of the series. It is a delight to read about the main characters who are seniors. The author does a great job revealing how older people can fall in love and want the same things from a relationship as younger people.
I really enjoy the characters and the all the mystery plots of the series. It is a delight to read about the main characters who are seniors. The author does a great job revealing how older people can fall in love and want the same things from a relationship as younger people.
December 22, 2022
Bound by Mystery
In book 3 Talli is accused of murder and
attacking her neighbor, Tank. Along with her feelings toward Mac her friend Serena the ice creme lady,help find the true killer. Everybody in town see how Mac and she look at each other, but the arrest he made of her husband causes a struggle for Tali.
In book 3 Talli is accused of murder and
attacking her neighbor, Tank. Along with her feelings toward Mac her friend Serena the ice creme lady,help find the true killer. Everybody in town see how Mac and she look at each other, but the arrest he made of her husband causes a struggle for Tali.
February 6, 2023
I know they're novellas, so they're supposed to be quick and easy little reads, but it's amusing to me how fast I figure out "whodunnit", haha ... Meanwhile, these are quick and easy, and I like having them in the mix. (Although I'm about to binge to finish so they can go to next person in line at the library, ha).
February 28, 2024
Bound by Mystery is intense and fast paced. I loved watching the town come together to help solve the mystery, and enjoy watching the relationship between Tali and Mac evolve. There were plenty of twists to keep me guessing, and I had a hard time putting it down. Christy Barritt writes a novella that packs a punch!
June 13, 2024
I enjoy coffee, dogs, and reading and thought this book would cover all three. Sure they are mentioned but barely. Of the three books maybe the most but even then not much. I also was not thrilled with the underlying love story. It was quick read and has a cute cover, but there is the saying of "not to judge a book by it's cover".
October 4, 2022
Talia
Alot of twist & turns as usual for any of Christy's books. They keep you turning the page & not wanting to put the book down. I don't like giving anything away when I leave my reviews. I have read all of her books & you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!!
Alot of twist & turns as usual for any of Christy's books. They keep you turning the page & not wanting to put the book down. I don't like giving anything away when I leave my reviews. I have read all of her books & you won't be disappointed. Enjoy!!
October 4, 2022
Here's a great way to spend an afternoon with a clean, cozy suspense in the Lantern Beach series from creative author, Christy Barritt. Be prepared for twists and turns during an intense island storm.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
October 6, 2022
Romantic suspense
This is a continuation in the romantic suspense series beach bound books and beans. I didn't think the resolution of this mystery was very believable but it was a cute book still.
This is a continuation in the romantic suspense series beach bound books and beans. I didn't think the resolution of this mystery was very believable but it was a cute book still.
October 9, 2022
Bound by Mystery
Murder and mayhem have found their way back to Tali’s book store in Lantern Beach. Tali is accused of murder and assault but she isn’t guilty of either. Who is trying to frame her? This is another great addition to the series.
Murder and mayhem have found their way back to Tali’s book store in Lantern Beach. Tali is accused of murder and assault but she isn’t guilty of either. Who is trying to frame her? This is another great addition to the series.
October 11, 2022
Calibrate
Tali and Mac start to close the gap of the barriers that hold them apart, mainly due to yet another murder in Lantern Beach, and this time, in Tali's bookstore. They team up with precocious Serena to solve the crime and reveal that Tali is innocent.
Tali and Mac start to close the gap of the barriers that hold them apart, mainly due to yet another murder in Lantern Beach, and this time, in Tali's bookstore. They team up with precocious Serena to solve the crime and reveal that Tali is innocent.
October 12, 2022
Bound By Mystery
Bound By Mystery was an Interesting story about a mysterious murder in Tali's bookstore. It was fun figuring out who had committed the crime. Everyone in the story was bound by friendship, murder and books. Love ALL of the books written by Christy Barritt.
Bound By Mystery was an Interesting story about a mysterious murder in Tali's bookstore. It was fun figuring out who had committed the crime. Everyone in the story was bound by friendship, murder and books. Love ALL of the books written by Christy Barritt.
October 17, 2022
Another great read in the Beach book in the series. We are back at Tali's bookstore, and this time she is accused of murder and assault. I have loved everyone of the books in this series. They are fast paced and very easy to read. I highly recommend the whole series!
October 19, 2022
What a brilliant mystery/adventure story.
Christy Barritt did it again with her brilliant writing of crime stories.
This is the 3rd book in this series and I'm ready to read the 4th and last.
I highly recommend it.
Christy Barritt did it again with her brilliant writing of crime stories.
This is the 3rd book in this series and I'm ready to read the 4th and last.
I highly recommend it.
November 12, 2022
Good quick read!
I always enjoy these mysteries by Christy Barritt! This one was interesting and I love to see the relationship between Mac and Tali and want to see where it goes, or not.
I always enjoy these mysteries by Christy Barritt! This one was interesting and I love to see the relationship between Mac and Tali and want to see where it goes, or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews