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Pros and Cons Mysteries #5
Obscurity
What happened in Grayfall was supposed to stay in Grayfall.
When Chloe Kingston, daughter of a tech billionaire, vanishes while organizing a remote music festival in West Virginia, private investigator Olive Sterling takes the case. Chloe’s cryptic final message, “The trees are watching,” suggests there’s more to local folklore than mere legend.
Posing as married festival-goers, Olive and her colleague Jason Stewart trek deep into the mountains to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival. What they find is a rustic disaster masquerading as a luxury experience. Promised headliners don’t show. Gourmet meals turn out to be cheap hot dogs. And the glamping accommodations are threadbare tents in a dilapidated ghost town.
As complaints mount and guests demand refunds, Olive realizes they’re not just dealing with fraud—they’re trapped in something far more dangerous. When other attendees start to disappear, Olive struggles to uncover what’s really going on before she becomes the next person to vanish.The thrilling fifth installment in USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt's Pros and Cons series.
When Chloe Kingston, daughter of a tech billionaire, vanishes while organizing a remote music festival in West Virginia, private investigator Olive Sterling takes the case. Chloe’s cryptic final message, “The trees are watching,” suggests there’s more to local folklore than mere legend.
Posing as married festival-goers, Olive and her colleague Jason Stewart trek deep into the mountains to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival. What they find is a rustic disaster masquerading as a luxury experience. Promised headliners don’t show. Gourmet meals turn out to be cheap hot dogs. And the glamping accommodations are threadbare tents in a dilapidated ghost town.
As complaints mount and guests demand refunds, Olive realizes they’re not just dealing with fraud—they’re trapped in something far more dangerous. When other attendees start to disappear, Olive struggles to uncover what’s really going on before she becomes the next person to vanish.The thrilling fifth installment in USA Today bestselling author Christy Barritt's Pros and Cons series.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2025
456 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
339 books1,709 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 46 reviews
September 20, 2025
Another fantastic book in this series! I was totally captivated by this plot and found it very hard to put this book down. It was mysterious and a bit scary too! And the mystery of Olive and her family continues on in this book and it’s getting more and more mysterious. Looking forward to the next book.
August 14, 2025
After Olive learned Jason's father might have a connection to the house her family used to own, she's been avoiding him. True, it's been easy since they've both been on assignment for Aegis, but until she can decide what to do with her knowledge she doesn't want to get into it. That all ends now. She and Jason are assigned to go undercover as a married couple at a country festival that a young woman disappeared from. Arriving at the festival they immediately realize things aren't happening as advertised. Instead of the luxury accomodations and big name performers that were promised, they find used tents and local bands that can barely play. Looking for the missing woman turns up more missing people, and Olive isn't prepared for all the revelations she will receive on this assignment.
I was excited when this book was released. I started this series a few months ago and so was waiting for the next book which was released fairly soon after book 4. The books so far haven't been ending on a cliffhanger, more alluding to her next case then earth shattering developments, but this one had a declaration at the end that while anybody could see coming it still ended before she could process it so now I have to wait until the new one comes out. Bright side, this series has been getting released pretty rapidly so hopefully book 6 will be out by the end of the year too
I was excited when this book was released. I started this series a few months ago and so was waiting for the next book which was released fairly soon after book 4. The books so far haven't been ending on a cliffhanger, more alluding to her next case then earth shattering developments, but this one had a declaration at the end that while anybody could see coming it still ended before she could process it so now I have to wait until the new one comes out. Bright side, this series has been getting released pretty rapidly so hopefully book 6 will be out by the end of the year too
September 1, 2025
Murder, mystery, and a dash of romance—Obscurity keeps you turning pages long into the night.
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I love the creativity and the way Olive’s past is woven into each modern-day mystery.
Olive is smart, strong, and fiercely independent, which makes her partnership with Jason both intriguing and challenging. Her inner struggles kept me hooked, and I can’t help but wonder if Jason is really as good as he seems. The tension between them adds so much depth to the story.
The mystery itself was gripping—I kept wondering what the endgame really was. The final scene wasn’t a complete surprise, yet it still managed to catch me off guard. Now I can’t wait to see what happens next with Olive and the Aegis team.
This is book five of the Pros and Cons Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the characters and story arcs, you’ll want to read the entire series, preferably in order.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This series just keeps getting better with every book. I love the creativity and the way Olive’s past is woven into each modern-day mystery.
Olive is smart, strong, and fiercely independent, which makes her partnership with Jason both intriguing and challenging. Her inner struggles kept me hooked, and I can’t help but wonder if Jason is really as good as he seems. The tension between them adds so much depth to the story.
The mystery itself was gripping—I kept wondering what the endgame really was. The final scene wasn’t a complete surprise, yet it still managed to catch me off guard. Now I can’t wait to see what happens next with Olive and the Aegis team.
This is book five of the Pros and Cons Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone, but to fully appreciate the characters and story arcs, you’ll want to read the entire series, preferably in order.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 4, 2025
"She knew all about secrets. They were what she did best."
Olive Sterling felt as if she had already lived a lifetime full of secrets. Now it seemed that the mountains of West Virginia were holding fast to some of their own. The daughter of a tech billionaire had gone missing while organizing and promoting an elite wilderness concert experience, prompting the girl's father to hire private investigators. Posing as a married couple, Olive and her colleague (and once the love of her life) Jason Stewart were slated to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival which turned out to be nothing like they expected and everything they would have dreaded, if they had only known. Something very nefarious was happening on that mountain.
"The trees are watching."
This plot was wound so tightly that every sight and sound seemed like a tipping point. I may have even caught myself holding my own breath a time or two. Definitely my favorite episode in this series!
Olive Sterling felt as if she had already lived a lifetime full of secrets. Now it seemed that the mountains of West Virginia were holding fast to some of their own. The daughter of a tech billionaire had gone missing while organizing and promoting an elite wilderness concert experience, prompting the girl's father to hire private investigators. Posing as a married couple, Olive and her colleague (and once the love of her life) Jason Stewart were slated to attend the inaugural Grayfall Music Festival which turned out to be nothing like they expected and everything they would have dreaded, if they had only known. Something very nefarious was happening on that mountain.
"The trees are watching."
This plot was wound so tightly that every sight and sound seemed like a tipping point. I may have even caught myself holding my own breath a time or two. Definitely my favorite episode in this series!
July 31, 2025
I had a BETA Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Private investigators Olive and Jason are working together posing as husband and wife to try to find Chloe Kingston who is the daughter of a tech giant and went missing while promoting a remote music festival. When they arrive at the festival site, nothing is as promised and people are unhappy. They have to be very careful investigating because there are guards, and people watching from all angles. A thrilling story filled with things that don’t add up or make sense, and several close calls made harder without a way to contact outside assistance. Awesome book filled with suspense.
July 31, 2025
This book will keep you second-guessing yourself throughout. You may think you have it figured out and then BOOM something completely different happens and you go down another direction. Olive and Jason are working undercover at an exclusive music festival to try and figure out what happened to a client's daughter who is missing. When one incident after another happens, the two wonder if they and the rest of the festival goers will be the next ones to go missing. If you like mystery, suspense, and try to figure out "who done it", this book is for you! I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
August 1, 2025
What a fast-paced read. Olive and Jason pose as a couple at a remote musical festival as they investigate a client's missing daughter. When they and the other guests arrive, what they had been promised was the complete opposite, and the guests become unhappy with the accommodations, food, lodging, and experience. Amidst the musical festival and tensions, Olive and Jason must figure out what's truly happening and find their client's missing daughter. Obscurity had twists and turns and a couple of surprises. I'm looking forward to the next installment on this series.
August 11, 2025
This is a series and should be read in order to understand the history of Olive Sterling. She and her new partner, Jason. go undercover to a music festival set in the West Virginia mountains. There's a lot more to this story than meets the eye, so make sure you pay attention. There is danger around every corner by some people you least expect. Add in a couple men who are in love with Olive and you really have twists and turns. Put this series on your TBR and move it to the top. Highly recommend this series.
August 1, 2025
Couldn’t put it down!
I devoured this book in one sitting because it was so good! Jason and Olive made some progress in their relationship, and solved a complex and dangerous case. But of course more questions arose as Olive discovered the involvement of someone from her past. She’s getting closer to answers, which has put a target on her back. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!
I devoured this book in one sitting because it was so good! Jason and Olive made some progress in their relationship, and solved a complex and dangerous case. But of course more questions arose as Olive discovered the involvement of someone from her past. She’s getting closer to answers, which has put a target on her back. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!
August 6, 2025
not her best
I love Christy Barritt and have read almost every single one of her series. I particularly like the Worst Detective Ever series, the Lantern Beach series, and the Squeaky Clean mysteries. And I liked this current series until this installment. It was just so unbelievable. I couldn’t swallow any of it, and I rushed to get through to the end, something I rarely do. I will continue to read Barritt’s books, but I was disappointed with this one.
I love Christy Barritt and have read almost every single one of her series. I particularly like the Worst Detective Ever series, the Lantern Beach series, and the Squeaky Clean mysteries. And I liked this current series until this installment. It was just so unbelievable. I couldn’t swallow any of it, and I rushed to get through to the end, something I rarely do. I will continue to read Barritt’s books, but I was disappointed with this one.
August 23, 2025
Please let me put you down!
I've read all the books in this series but the last one. I'm ready for the last one...Now! Christy Garrett's books have just the fight mix of romance, mystery and suspense to keep you never wanting to put it down!! This means A lot of work gets pushed to "I'll get to you later."... promise. All I can say is if you've never read any of her books, you don't know what you're missing! Bit a word of warning ... You won't want to put them down!
I've read all the books in this series but the last one. I'm ready for the last one...Now! Christy Garrett's books have just the fight mix of romance, mystery and suspense to keep you never wanting to put it down!! This means A lot of work gets pushed to "I'll get to you later."... promise. All I can say is if you've never read any of her books, you don't know what you're missing! Bit a word of warning ... You won't want to put them down!
August 31, 2025
It's been glued to my eyes!
If you are a Christy Barritt fan, you need to start at book one and plan on reading in bed, in the bathroom, on break and lunch at work and every other time day and night until you finish the book you are reading. Then, don't start the next one until you do the dishes, laundry, and any other chores you have neglected while engrossed in this series!!!! This is one of the best yet! I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
If you are a Christy Barritt fan, you need to start at book one and plan on reading in bed, in the bathroom, on break and lunch at work and every other time day and night until you finish the book you are reading. Then, don't start the next one until you do the dishes, laundry, and any other chores you have neglected while engrossed in this series!!!! This is one of the best yet! I'd give it 10 stars if I could.
September 30, 2025
More mystery…
Once again Olive is tasked w a mystery - why are people disappearing in a small ‘ghost’ town? The guise being an elite musical festival that turns out to be anything but…a music festival, watchers in the woods, and missing persons - why & what’s next?? On this case Olive is partnered with Jason yet is really worried about her former partner Tevin - hmm, what’s next indeed…clean mystery, suspense & intrigue.
Once again Olive is tasked w a mystery - why are people disappearing in a small ‘ghost’ town? The guise being an elite musical festival that turns out to be anything but…a music festival, watchers in the woods, and missing persons - why & what’s next?? On this case Olive is partnered with Jason yet is really worried about her former partner Tevin - hmm, what’s next indeed…clean mystery, suspense & intrigue.
October 6, 2025
Olive Sterling still seeks answers about her past and her deceased father’s activities. This leads her back to the town she where she went to high school and to investigate her former boyfriend’s dad. All the twisting threads from the past threaten to entangle her future and possibly destroy her life. This exciting suspense novel will keep you enthralled and wanting more. This can’t end the thrilling series! I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2025
Nuh-uh!!!! No way!
I was SO not expecting that ending... especially the last couple of paragraphs! What a convoluted mess Olive got herself into this time... and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book... only to want to read the next one RIGHT NOW! Who needs sleep, anyway?!🤷🏽♀️😁
As always, Christy Barritt comes through with the edge-of-your-seat suspense, plot twists, narrow escapes, and more...
I was SO not expecting that ending... especially the last couple of paragraphs! What a convoluted mess Olive got herself into this time... and I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish this book... only to want to read the next one RIGHT NOW! Who needs sleep, anyway?!🤷🏽♀️😁
As always, Christy Barritt comes through with the edge-of-your-seat suspense, plot twists, narrow escapes, and more...
August 5, 2025
Interesting series
Olive takes on another interesting case involving a missing socialite. More clues surface regarding her late father and his shading past. This was not as plausible as the first 4 in this series. These are clean reads with mystery and intrigue that keep me ordering the next installment - Book 6 available Sept 2025.
Olive takes on another interesting case involving a missing socialite. More clues surface regarding her late father and his shading past. This was not as plausible as the first 4 in this series. These are clean reads with mystery and intrigue that keep me ordering the next installment - Book 6 available Sept 2025.
August 5, 2025
Obscurity
This was another riveting book by Christy Barritt. I didn’t want to put it down and with the turn of every page another piece to the puzzle emerged. The way Olive went back to her childhood thinking of her family and then how this played into the ending. These books are why Christy Barritt is my favorite author!
This was another riveting book by Christy Barritt. I didn’t want to put it down and with the turn of every page another piece to the puzzle emerged. The way Olive went back to her childhood thinking of her family and then how this played into the ending. These books are why Christy Barritt is my favorite author!
August 9, 2025
Energetic, distinct storytelling from Christy Barritt pushes Pros and Cons to a higher plane. Obscurity is a page-turner from word one. As Olive sleuths more clues for the current case and surprisingly, her convoluted family history, more questions churn above ground. Bring on the next edition!
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
February 24, 2026
And the plot thickens!
Olive and Jason are on their first real mission together, but real trust doesn't come easily. When everything goes awry, Olive must learn to trust both Jason and her instincts or they might not survive this utter disaster of a weekend.
Read if you like high-stakes stories where nothing is as it seems!
Olive and Jason are on their first real mission together, but real trust doesn't come easily. When everything goes awry, Olive must learn to trust both Jason and her instincts or they might not survive this utter disaster of a weekend.
Read if you like high-stakes stories where nothing is as it seems!
August 2, 2025
10 stars
This book, along with all the books I have read by Christy Barritt need at the very least 10 stars. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. My only problem is trying to wait for the next book in the series or just another book written by Christy.
This book, along with all the books I have read by Christy Barritt need at the very least 10 stars. Christy Barritt is one of my favorite authors. My only problem is trying to wait for the next book in the series or just another book written by Christy.
August 4, 2025
Jason or Tevin
Olive loved Jason two years earlier and heard things and broke up with him. She was now dating Tevin. There is so so much political things going on. People missing. Whom is telling the truth. Enjoy
Olive loved Jason two years earlier and heard things and broke up with him. She was now dating Tevin. There is so so much political things going on. People missing. Whom is telling the truth. Enjoy
August 5, 2025
wow
Best one yet. Pretty suspenseful. I hate caves so wasn’t sure I could finish the book but pressed on through. Thank goodness there wasn’t cave involvement. Just an excellent book.
Aren’t you going to bring Simon from the last book back into Olives life?
I sure hope so!
Best one yet. Pretty suspenseful. I hate caves so wasn’t sure I could finish the book but pressed on through. Thank goodness there wasn’t cave involvement. Just an excellent book.
Aren’t you going to bring Simon from the last book back into Olives life?
I sure hope so!
August 10, 2025
Oh Boy!
Olive has quite the past. Another section of it plays out in “Obscurity” as past slams into present and does not bode well for the future. Ms. Barritt has spun another chilling tale that kept me guessing. How good she is at that!
Olive has quite the past. Another section of it plays out in “Obscurity” as past slams into present and does not bode well for the future. Ms. Barritt has spun another chilling tale that kept me guessing. How good she is at that!
August 10, 2025
Excellent story
I liked the characters and the mystery. A strong female lead is what I look for in a lot of my books and this book did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one!
I liked the characters and the mystery. A strong female lead is what I look for in a lot of my books and this book did not disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one!
August 11, 2025
Is Olive getting close to the con her dad was involved in
Each assignment is bringing more of her dad's shortcoming to light for Olive. Finding out Jason's is involved is making it harder to get the information she desperately needs.
Can't wait for Enmity to come out!
Each assignment is bringing more of her dad's shortcoming to light for Olive. Finding out Jason's is involved is making it harder to get the information she desperately needs.
Can't wait for Enmity to come out!
August 13, 2025
Love her books but…..
I’m ready for this story line to peak and move on to another. Hopefully this next book will give answers to who her father really is and is she going to end up with Jason.
I’m ready for this story line to peak and move on to another. Hopefully this next book will give answers to who her father really is and is she going to end up with Jason.
August 29, 2025
Incredible.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. What's not to love in reading a Christian thriller with a twist of romance and adventure mixed into one incredible story.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
What a wonderful work of Christian fiction. What's not to love in reading a Christian thriller with a twist of romance and adventure mixed into one incredible story.
I highly recommend it and you won't be disappointed.
August 31, 2025
Wow! This is a terrific suspenseful book. I love the characters. There are so many surprises and twists in the story, that it kept me up all night to finish it. I’m hoping that there is a sequel about what happens with Olive, Jason and Tevin.
September 12, 2025
I’m still enjoying this Suspense series. However, I’m a little bit frustrated by the underlying storyline flowing through the books of this series. I wish the character, Olive, would get more answers about her family’s history instead of just more and more questions.
December 8, 2025
Christy Barritt has written another great book that can either stand alone or be part of series. She does careful research for the area and it shows in her writing. There is great suspense but is also a clean read. Highly recommend her books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews