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Beach House Mystery #4
The Bungalow on Shadow Road
Even the best opportunities come at a price . . .When Melinda Marx receives a mysterious invitation to visit the quaint, historic oceanfront inn in Carova, NC, where she spent her childhood summers, it seems like the perfect opportunity to regroup after her painful divorce. But when she arrives, she learns this is no ordinary beach getaway.
The inn’s owner has died, and four strangers with their own invitations are already there waiting for answers.
Deputy Micah Warner never got over the woman who broke his heart years ago. Now, Melinda—one of five seemingly random visitors handpicked for a high-stakes competition to win the profitable inn—is back in town. But before Micah can come to terms with her sudden appearance, the surprise reunion takes an ominous turn.
Someone wants the contestants gone, and when people start disappearing, the question is no longer who will win but, rather, who will survive?
The inn’s owner has died, and four strangers with their own invitations are already there waiting for answers.
Deputy Micah Warner never got over the woman who broke his heart years ago. Now, Melinda—one of five seemingly random visitors handpicked for a high-stakes competition to win the profitable inn—is back in town. But before Micah can come to terms with her sudden appearance, the surprise reunion takes an ominous turn.
Someone wants the contestants gone, and when people start disappearing, the question is no longer who will win but, rather, who will survive?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2023
207 people are currently reading
91 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
November 30, 2023
The Bungalow on Shadow Road by Christy Barritt has a survivor style mystery. Four people knew the deceased who owned the home and came to see who could survive the trials and questions, then they are awarded with the home. Of course, in a Barritt novel, bodies start to pile up and everyone wonders if they will be next on the killer’s list. A familiar setting. New characters. Questionable plot as the mystery unfolds. Fans of Christy Barritt’s other novels will enjoy this story too. As an avid reader of Barritt’s stories, I am still impressed that she can come up with mystery elements that are different and unique.
I received a complimentary copy of The Bungalow on Shadow Road by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of The Bungalow on Shadow Road by Christy Barritt, but the opinions stated are all my own.
January 29, 2024
The Bungalow on Shadow Road
Wonderful mystery from the first page to the last! Melinda Marx was invited to stay at the Bungalow on Shadow Road, an Inn. Since her divorce, she had been trying to determine what she would be doing with the rest of her life. The divorce took her husband, her home, and her job from her. So, why not accept the kind invitation? Upon arrival she reconnected with an old boyfriend from when she and her parents would visit the Inn. Deputy Micah Warner was surprised to see his old girlfriend at the Inn. Her invitation seemed suspicious to him. Then strange things began happening and people were dying. Will the two of them be able to untangle the web that had been built before anyone else loses their life?
Wonderful mystery from the first page to the last! Melinda Marx was invited to stay at the Bungalow on Shadow Road, an Inn. Since her divorce, she had been trying to determine what she would be doing with the rest of her life. The divorce took her husband, her home, and her job from her. So, why not accept the kind invitation? Upon arrival she reconnected with an old boyfriend from when she and her parents would visit the Inn. Deputy Micah Warner was surprised to see his old girlfriend at the Inn. Her invitation seemed suspicious to him. Then strange things began happening and people were dying. Will the two of them be able to untangle the web that had been built before anyone else loses their life?
November 2, 2023
Great Story
I always like how Christy weaves her books where you’re not quite sure who the villain is or how the story will turn out. She puts twists and turns also in her plots. The thing that impresses me the most is that her books are clean, no sexual innuendo or bad language. It is so refreshing to read a book that isn’t sidetracking the reader from the plot with immoral acts or bad language. It doesn’t take talent to pad a story with sex or bad words, and Christy doesn’t do that. The plots are exciting, hold your interest, keep you in suspense, and written well so you bond with the characters. Excellent book, just like all of Christy’s books.
I always like how Christy weaves her books where you’re not quite sure who the villain is or how the story will turn out. She puts twists and turns also in her plots. The thing that impresses me the most is that her books are clean, no sexual innuendo or bad language. It is so refreshing to read a book that isn’t sidetracking the reader from the plot with immoral acts or bad language. It doesn’t take talent to pad a story with sex or bad words, and Christy doesn’t do that. The plots are exciting, hold your interest, keep you in suspense, and written well so you bond with the characters. Excellent book, just like all of Christy’s books.
November 5, 2023
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Several people have been invited to the Bungalow on Shadow Road. The owner died, and one of the invited guests will take over the Bungalow after participating in a contest. As the contest starts, strange things begin to happen and a couple people leave, but one shows up dead on the beach. As Miranda Marx and her former boyfriend, now a police officer, Micah Warner investigate, but someone wants the contestants gone. Surprises along the way and strange happenings abound in this interesting and riveting book.
January 2, 2024
The invitation to the Bungalow on Shadow Road seems to have come at the perfect time for Melinda to get away, but her little vacation takes a deadly turn! Five persons, seemingly with no connections, have been invited to the Bungalow by it's eccentric owner, now deceased, to compete in unusual "tests" with the rize being the Bungalow itself. But someone is eliminating the contestants! This book kept me guessing and had some unexpected twists before the villain was exposed! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I received an advance copy of this book for free. The opinions are my own.
I received an advance copy of this book for free. The opinions are my own.
February 5, 2024
I was really enjoying that plot and then the ending barreled at me like a brick wall…kinda! The pieces were just starting to come together when everything suddenly fell into place, the mystery was solved, and the story wrapped up. I wanted more, especially to see what happened to the remaining siblings in question, and to enjoy a little more growth in the Micah/Melinda romance!
Hoping there is another book planned in this series. I’m really enjoying the beach settings and the nods to Golden Age mystery styles.
Hoping there is another book planned in this series. I’m really enjoying the beach settings and the nods to Golden Age mystery styles.
April 23, 2024
This was another exciting mystery from Christy Barritt. The compelling prologue had me invested and eager to figure out who the mysterious villain was. There were many possibilities, but I was completely shocked by the reveal.
I never really connected with the characters, but the mystery kept me fully engaged. I thought the competition for the inn was really interesting and wish it had been fleshed out a little more. But, all in all, I enjoyed this story. The books in this series are complete standalones, so they can be read in any order.
I never really connected with the characters, but the mystery kept me fully engaged. I thought the competition for the inn was really interesting and wish it had been fleshed out a little more. But, all in all, I enjoyed this story. The books in this series are complete standalones, so they can be read in any order.
November 8, 2023
Twist of fate
When Melinda is caught up in a competition with strangers to win the million $+ "bungalow" inn, she is astounded to learn that the strangers are all related to her, as in half-siblings, as in dirty old man fathered each of them via affairs with their mothers. We did not learn whether the secret accounts that were receiving payments would eventually go to the products of the old man's vice or if they disappeared. I gave it four stars.
When Melinda is caught up in a competition with strangers to win the million $+ "bungalow" inn, she is astounded to learn that the strangers are all related to her, as in half-siblings, as in dirty old man fathered each of them via affairs with their mothers. We did not learn whether the secret accounts that were receiving payments would eventually go to the products of the old man's vice or if they disappeared. I gave it four stars.
November 6, 2023
I love Christy Barritt's books, and really enjoyed the other books in this series.
But this one.....the writing seemed stilted to me, and there were too many dramatic pauses, for lack of a better term.
I didn't dislike the book. I liked the plot and main characters, and the suspense of course.....but this one just didn't seem up to par with her usual.
But this one.....the writing seemed stilted to me, and there were too many dramatic pauses, for lack of a better term.
I didn't dislike the book. I liked the plot and main characters, and the suspense of course.....but this one just didn't seem up to par with her usual.
November 17, 2023
What starts off as a mystery turns into a deadly affair. After being invited for a special event, the contestants are surrounded by mysterious things happening to each of them and worst of all there is a murder and no way off the island. What should they do? Must read! Christy Barritt is a talented writer with being able to make real places seem so real!
December 26, 2023
This book is amazing! I love all the characters especially the two main ones, Melinda and Micah. There are so many twists to this story. The directions that the story takes at the end is genius. Christy Barritt has written an outstanding story in this book, The Bungalow on Shadow Road! This is a must read!
January 7, 2024
The Beach House Mysteries are one of my favorite suspense series and I liked this newest release. The dolls were a creepy touch and the different mysteries and how they might intertwine had me guessing till the end. There were a couple surprises and the end was good. I also really liked the second chance romance of Micah and Melinda. A fun read!
January 26, 2024
❤️ The Beach House Mysteries❣️
I love mysteries-especially when the Who-dun-it is a bit of a challenge. The Bungalow on Shadow Road was an excellent mix of clues and twists-some of those being surprising twists! And, as always, a fantastic storyline with Christy Barritt’s wonderful characters!
I love mysteries-especially when the Who-dun-it is a bit of a challenge. The Bungalow on Shadow Road was an excellent mix of clues and twists-some of those being surprising twists! And, as always, a fantastic storyline with Christy Barritt’s wonderful characters!
March 5, 2024
Best of this series!
I would definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series. It had strong characters and a solid storyline. I absolutely loved the ending. Nothing like having an old fashioned "who done it" ending. Like I said before, I would absolutely recommend this series.
I would definitely recommend this book and the rest of the series. It had strong characters and a solid storyline. I absolutely loved the ending. Nothing like having an old fashioned "who done it" ending. Like I said before, I would absolutely recommend this series.
October 25, 2024
Bizarre is the best word I can think of to describe this story. 5 strangers arrive at the inn in Carova. One is to inherit the inn. Then someone disappears, then another. And what is with the dolls that are exact replicas of the humans there? I was surprised with the ending. Ms. Sntomasso is a very good narrator.
November 4, 2023
Shadow Road
A weird contest, a ferocious storm coming in, people disappearing, people dying, creepy dolls, and an old boyfriend - what’s not to like? Seriously, this is an adventure I would not sign up for, but it sure was fun to read about!
A weird contest, a ferocious storm coming in, people disappearing, people dying, creepy dolls, and an old boyfriend - what’s not to like? Seriously, this is an adventure I would not sign up for, but it sure was fun to read about!
November 7, 2023
Mystery Inn
This book was one of the best mystery books I've ever read! The characters are believable and relatable. I enjoyed each step into solving the mystery. Past and future actions intertwine together.
This book was one of the best mystery books I've ever read! The characters are believable and relatable. I enjoyed each step into solving the mystery. Past and future actions intertwine together.
November 13, 2023
Wonderful
This is another wonderful book in this series. I hope there will be more, because it's A great series. Christy is a marvelous author and I absolutely love everything she writes.
This is another wonderful book in this series. I hope there will be more, because it's A great series. Christy is a marvelous author and I absolutely love everything she writes.
November 13, 2023
Another mystery solved
In reading this book, the use of words rendered the senses to feel you were walking through each chapter in person. The sights, smells, sounds all added to the mystery of the inn. Another Barritt mystery that was the unlikely suspects you just pushed aside.
In reading this book, the use of words rendered the senses to feel you were walking through each chapter in person. The sights, smells, sounds all added to the mystery of the inn. Another Barritt mystery that was the unlikely suspects you just pushed aside.
November 15, 2023
It's a crazy-good, intricate tale of suspense with more twists than expected. Good luck trying to keep it sorted while enjoying the immersive experience.
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.
November 27, 2023
Nice story. A good Mystery romance.
Basically a good novel. Thought the story seemed a little confusing at times, but all is well that ended well. Also the novel had good local flavor . Recommended
Basically a good novel. Thought the story seemed a little confusing at times, but all is well that ended well. Also the novel had good local flavor . Recommended
November 30, 2023
Good read
Melinda and Noah story was pretty awesome though they were
previously in relationships I didn't guess the connection between all the Siblings. Romance and suspense always a good combination.
Melinda and Noah story was pretty awesome though they were
previously in relationships I didn't guess the connection between all the Siblings. Romance and suspense always a good combination.
December 3, 2023
Well worth reading
Awesome story with twists and turns. The ending was and wasn't what I expected. Thank you Christy for the ride through this awesome story. Can't wait for the next story!
Awesome story with twists and turns. The ending was and wasn't what I expected. Thank you Christy for the ride through this awesome story. Can't wait for the next story!
February 26, 2024
Great Read
Christy Barrett never disappoints. I love her books. This was a great story with lots of intrigue. What I love most about this author she is a Christian and writes great romance with great suspense that is not full of raunch and bad language.
Christy Barrett never disappoints. I love her books. This was a great story with lots of intrigue. What I love most about this author she is a Christian and writes great romance with great suspense that is not full of raunch and bad language.
March 12, 2024
Good clean mystery
It was a good story, a good plot and a nice twist at the end. I didn't see it coming! However, there were a few spelling and grammar errors which bothered me when I was reading the book. Otherwise, it was enjoyable.
It was a good story, a good plot and a nice twist at the end. I didn't see it coming! However, there were a few spelling and grammar errors which bothered me when I was reading the book. Otherwise, it was enjoyable.
October 9, 2024
Christy Barritt's The Bungalow on Shadow Road (The Beach House Mystery Series #4) was another five-star read for me. I had my suspicions about the guilty parties, but they weren't confirmed until the end, and there were a few interesting surprises along the way.
This one was more mystery than suspense, but both elements were present.
Lastly, the second-chance romance was swoon-worthy. Loved it!
This one was more mystery than suspense, but both elements were present.
Lastly, the second-chance romance was swoon-worthy. Loved it!
November 1, 2023
A great read
I thought the plot was great and it kept me guessing who the culprit could be. I never expected the part about who the father was in the story.
I thought the plot was great and it kept me guessing who the culprit could be. I never expected the part about who the father was in the story.
November 1, 2023
Exciting
This is a brilliant, but creepy, romantic suspense. Totally creeped out by those dolls! Loved the characters and the storyline. Well done.
This is a brilliant, but creepy, romantic suspense. Totally creeped out by those dolls! Loved the characters and the storyline. Well done.
November 1, 2023
Nice Mystery
This was a good story with unexpected twists and turns. I was able to guess some things and not others. It was a great read!
This was a good story with unexpected twists and turns. I was able to guess some things and not others. It was a great read!
November 2, 2023
I loved the suspense in this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews