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Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries #2
Random Acts of Deceit
“Break up with Chase Dexter, or I’ll kill him.”
Holly Anna Paladin never expected such a gut-wrenching ultimatum. But the man threatening her makes it clear he’s dead serious. With home invasions, hidden cameras, and bomb threats, Holly must make some serious choices.
Whatever Holly decides, the consequences will either break her heart or break her soul. She tries to match wits with the masked man, but he’s always a step ahead of her. The more she fights, the deeper she’s drawn into the perilous situation.
Dealing with the ultimatum, her sister’s wedding problems, and riots that have broken out in the city, Holly’s nearly at her breaking point. She must discover the identity of this mystery man before someone she loves dies. But the deceit is threatening to pull her under . . . six feet under.
Fiction/Christian/Mystery
Holly Anna Paladin never expected such a gut-wrenching ultimatum. But the man threatening her makes it clear he’s dead serious. With home invasions, hidden cameras, and bomb threats, Holly must make some serious choices.
Whatever Holly decides, the consequences will either break her heart or break her soul. She tries to match wits with the masked man, but he’s always a step ahead of her. The more she fights, the deeper she’s drawn into the perilous situation.
Dealing with the ultimatum, her sister’s wedding problems, and riots that have broken out in the city, Holly’s nearly at her breaking point. She must discover the identity of this mystery man before someone she loves dies. But the deceit is threatening to pull her under . . . six feet under.
Fiction/Christian/Mystery
308 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2015
471 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
320 books1,650 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 51 reviews
July 10, 2015
Can never go wrong with Christy Barritt!
June 17, 2015
Random Acts of Deceit is the second book in the Holly Anna Paladin’s series. The first book is entitled Random Acts of Murder. I enjoyed following Holly around in the first book. It wasn’t the first time fans of Holly met her; she actually made an appearance in one of Barritt’s other book, Mucky Streak. Barritt does a good job at creating action that grips the hard-core mystery fans with realistic characters, and a formulaic who done it mystery.
The writing is spot on. The dialogue hustles the action along while deepening the story with the prose showing the internal struggles and thoughts of Holly. All of Christy Barritt’s books, besides the Love Inspired Suspense books, are written in the first person point of view, so I develop quite a relationship with each character as the series progress. The dialogue and prose make me feel like I’m listening to a close friend who is spilling their deepest, darkest secrets.
One problem I did have was that all of Barritt’s first-person characters are starting to sound like the same person. Yes, they have different personalities and are solving different crimes, but for some reason, in this book, Holly didn’t sound any different than Gabby St. Clair from her Squeaky Clean Mysteries. Not that this affecting my enjoyment of the book. I really liked the mystery.
The pace of the novel is just right for a cozy mystery. There is incident after incident, all threatening Holly and giving her no choice but no comply with the Shadow Man, as Holly nicknamed the man who is ruining her life.
I really enjoy returning to familiar characters like Holly and Chase. That is what is so great about Barritt’s writing, besides her ability to create a new page-turning mystery with every book, I really like following the same characters around and watch their lives change and grow. In Random Acts of Deceit, Holly has moved in with her mother and has a good relationship with Chase. Holly is strong, loves her family, and is willing to follow her heart, even when others tell her not to. On the other hand, Chase, her boyfriend, is a good detective who wears his heart on his sleeve for Holly. He isn’t afraid to get to the bottom of a case or his relationship with Holly. I think Barritt’s greatest character strength is creating heroes I truly enjoy.
The conflict stems from threats from Shadow Man and how he affects Holly’s life. He sneaks into her mother’s house on a number of different occasions, demanding Holly to do things that cause her to struggle internally. To be relevant for today, Barritt includes the riots that have happened in the news to occur in the small town where Holly lives and works. While the external conflict affects her outwardly, the romantic tension the Shadow Man makes her create between her and Chase rips her apart. Holly really likes Chase, but in order to save everyone in her family, including Chase, she must do what the Shadow Man requested.
This is an original and unpredictable cozy mystery that I couldn’t wait to turn the pages to find out who the bad guy was. There is no questionable content, so anyone could read Barritt’s books. Fans of Barritt’s other books will really enjoy returning to familiar characters in a familiar setting. I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy was. She threw me for a loop.
Always thrilling, Christy Barritt does it again with Random Acts of Deceit. The mystery is thrown in with incident after incident for Holly’s life. I enjoy returning to recognizable characters in a well-known setting. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series or any book that Christy Barritt writes.
The writing is spot on. The dialogue hustles the action along while deepening the story with the prose showing the internal struggles and thoughts of Holly. All of Christy Barritt’s books, besides the Love Inspired Suspense books, are written in the first person point of view, so I develop quite a relationship with each character as the series progress. The dialogue and prose make me feel like I’m listening to a close friend who is spilling their deepest, darkest secrets.
One problem I did have was that all of Barritt’s first-person characters are starting to sound like the same person. Yes, they have different personalities and are solving different crimes, but for some reason, in this book, Holly didn’t sound any different than Gabby St. Clair from her Squeaky Clean Mysteries. Not that this affecting my enjoyment of the book. I really liked the mystery.
The pace of the novel is just right for a cozy mystery. There is incident after incident, all threatening Holly and giving her no choice but no comply with the Shadow Man, as Holly nicknamed the man who is ruining her life.
I really enjoy returning to familiar characters like Holly and Chase. That is what is so great about Barritt’s writing, besides her ability to create a new page-turning mystery with every book, I really like following the same characters around and watch their lives change and grow. In Random Acts of Deceit, Holly has moved in with her mother and has a good relationship with Chase. Holly is strong, loves her family, and is willing to follow her heart, even when others tell her not to. On the other hand, Chase, her boyfriend, is a good detective who wears his heart on his sleeve for Holly. He isn’t afraid to get to the bottom of a case or his relationship with Holly. I think Barritt’s greatest character strength is creating heroes I truly enjoy.
The conflict stems from threats from Shadow Man and how he affects Holly’s life. He sneaks into her mother’s house on a number of different occasions, demanding Holly to do things that cause her to struggle internally. To be relevant for today, Barritt includes the riots that have happened in the news to occur in the small town where Holly lives and works. While the external conflict affects her outwardly, the romantic tension the Shadow Man makes her create between her and Chase rips her apart. Holly really likes Chase, but in order to save everyone in her family, including Chase, she must do what the Shadow Man requested.
This is an original and unpredictable cozy mystery that I couldn’t wait to turn the pages to find out who the bad guy was. There is no questionable content, so anyone could read Barritt’s books. Fans of Barritt’s other books will really enjoy returning to familiar characters in a familiar setting. I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy was. She threw me for a loop.
Always thrilling, Christy Barritt does it again with Random Acts of Deceit. The mystery is thrown in with incident after incident for Holly’s life. I enjoy returning to recognizable characters in a well-known setting. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series or any book that Christy Barritt writes.
November 25, 2015
Don't miss Holly Anna's latest adventure!
OK, it totally happened again. Random Acts Of Deceit is now my favorite Christy Barritt book. It happens every time, each one I read is my new favorite. I very quickly fell into Holly Anna Paladin's world of danger and intrigue. So quickly that I read it in a single afternoon and then I sat there and wished I had another one to dive into right away.
The dramatic cover pulls the reader in and Christy Barritt's excellent suspense keeps them glued all the way to the last page. I spent quite a bit of time waffling back and forth about who was terrorizing Holly Anna and why. But in the end Random Acts Of Deceit delivered some real surprises.
If you love romantic suspense I would heartily recommend Random Acts Of Deceit or any Christy Barritt book, you just can't go wrong!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
OK, it totally happened again. Random Acts Of Deceit is now my favorite Christy Barritt book. It happens every time, each one I read is my new favorite. I very quickly fell into Holly Anna Paladin's world of danger and intrigue. So quickly that I read it in a single afternoon and then I sat there and wished I had another one to dive into right away.
The dramatic cover pulls the reader in and Christy Barritt's excellent suspense keeps them glued all the way to the last page. I spent quite a bit of time waffling back and forth about who was terrorizing Holly Anna and why. But in the end Random Acts Of Deceit delivered some real surprises.
If you love romantic suspense I would heartily recommend Random Acts Of Deceit or any Christy Barritt book, you just can't go wrong!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.)
August 11, 2015
Wow, what a difficult predicament Holly finds herself in!
I really enjoyed the second book of the Holly Anna Paladin series. The suspense was strong and held steady throughout the book. The romance and romantic tension between Holly and Chase was perfect. The climax was satisfying and all the questions get wrapped up beautifully by the end of the book. Loved it!
Along with the sweet romance and wild suspense, there were some quiet introspective moments in this book as well, with Holly dealing with the previous loss of her father and her reflections on the rioting that goes on through the story.
The only thing that pulled me out of the story was a handful of typos - missing punctuation, wrong words, etc.
But other than that, it was excellent! 4 stars for an awesome read!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I really enjoyed the second book of the Holly Anna Paladin series. The suspense was strong and held steady throughout the book. The romance and romantic tension between Holly and Chase was perfect. The climax was satisfying and all the questions get wrapped up beautifully by the end of the book. Loved it!
Along with the sweet romance and wild suspense, there were some quiet introspective moments in this book as well, with Holly dealing with the previous loss of her father and her reflections on the rioting that goes on through the story.
The only thing that pulled me out of the story was a handful of typos - missing punctuation, wrong words, etc.
But other than that, it was excellent! 4 stars for an awesome read!
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I have given. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
June 19, 2015
I loved Holly Anna in the first book, and after reading the second one, I love her even more. She is totally someone I would want to be friends with. I loved this book. It was full of action and excitement. Holly Anna seems to find herself in trouble like Gabby from the Squeaky Clean Series. It got me thinking maybe there will be a lot more books in this series and I like that idea! Holly is forced to make some really tough decisions and has to face them alone. It shows her true strength and her love for Chase! After all she went through in the first book it was tough to see her go thru so much again but she was strong and persevered and I was glad she got a happy ending! As always Christy's books are amazing!
NOTE: I was gifted this book by the Author in exchange for a honest review!
NOTE: I was gifted this book by the Author in exchange for a honest review!
June 8, 2015
5+stars
I love Barritt's character, Holly and really enjoyed the second book in that series. Holly is a Retro girl who loves simple things and 50's dresses. She cares deeply for people. Trouble always seems to find Holly Anna and she tries solving things on her own by trying to be one step ahead of the "Shadow Man" which doesn't seem to be working. How does she keep from breaking up and hurting Chase per the Shadow Man's orders but keep him safe from the threat on his life? This book was gift from the author in return for a honest review. The comments are my own. Excellent, fun read and hard to put down!
I love Barritt's character, Holly and really enjoyed the second book in that series. Holly is a Retro girl who loves simple things and 50's dresses. She cares deeply for people. Trouble always seems to find Holly Anna and she tries solving things on her own by trying to be one step ahead of the "Shadow Man" which doesn't seem to be working. How does she keep from breaking up and hurting Chase per the Shadow Man's orders but keep him safe from the threat on his life? This book was gift from the author in return for a honest review. The comments are my own. Excellent, fun read and hard to put down!
August 21, 2015
Another fine and very, very clean book by Christy Barritt, proving once again that foul language and random sexploits are not necessary make a good read. This is the second book that features Holly Anna Paladin (a friend of Gabby St Clair of Squeaky Clean series fame) who finds herself solving crime. This book is very readable and is interesting from beginning to end. Characters are believable and possibly a bit odd, but it all comes together rather well. It is a good easily read mystery, probably most enjoyed by readers that can identify with Holly as a principled and under-adventurous person that would enjoy a little adventure.
January 14, 2019
The books in this series are getting better. I enjoyed this one better than the first in the series. The book starts out with a stranger in Holly's bedroom making demand of her. She has to break up with her boyfriend and then accept a date with a stranger. Tell anyone about what she is told and expect something bad to happen.
This book kept me in suspense the whole time. I didn't know who to suspect and found out who the villain was when Holly found out. I love the supporting characters. I loved all of her family but my favorite was her best friend Jaime. Jaime was a hoot. I hope I see her character in all of the books. I plan on reading all that are available.
This book kept me in suspense the whole time. I didn't know who to suspect and found out who the villain was when Holly found out. I love the supporting characters. I loved all of her family but my favorite was her best friend Jaime. Jaime was a hoot. I hope I see her character in all of the books. I plan on reading all that are available.
June 13, 2015
Loved this second installment of the Holly Anna Paladin mysteries. This book was so action packed and suspenseful, as well as having many laugh out loud moments. I love Holly's character, as well as the other key characters in the series. Christy Barritt has a natural gift for mystery writing, and each book keeps getting better. My only complaint about this book is that I found numerous errors/typos which I reported to kindle. Hopefully they can revise and fix them, as they were pretty annoying.
October 31, 2016
Another great book by Christy Barritt. I enjoy getting to see the next book in a series and finding out what Holly has been up to was great. Holly has decided to start living again and this included having and keeping a boyfriend in the form of Chase. She is working for her brother and all seems to be going well.
Then she gets a message to break up of bad things will happen. She tries to resist, but when she finds out the sender of the message is not playing games, she soon finds herself following the directions. I have to say that I did not see the ending coming that went with the book. It was definitely unexpected and a real twist. This is what I like about Christy's books is that you need to expect the unexpected.
I received this book free to review from the author.
Then she gets a message to break up of bad things will happen. She tries to resist, but when she finds out the sender of the message is not playing games, she soon finds herself following the directions. I have to say that I did not see the ending coming that went with the book. It was definitely unexpected and a real twist. This is what I like about Christy's books is that you need to expect the unexpected.
I received this book free to review from the author.
March 23, 2020
I loved this book! The main character, Holly Anna Paladin, is confronted with challenging scenarios throughout this story. It starts off with her enjoying a date with, Chase, and then goes right into a stranger in her bedroom threatening her to break up with Chase or else Chase would die. Throughout the whole book Holly Anna finds herself being confronted with one bad situation after another. I love the fast pace of the book and all the excitement along the way. It is a must read in my opinion.
March 4, 2023
I loved book 2 just as much as I loved the first! It an exciting story and fast-paced read. I seriously had a hard time putting this one down. It was at times stressful because it dealt with current day issues like racism and riots. I felt the issues in the story were handled well. The discussion around the riots and the reason for them was fair and balanced which is hard to find in a story these days. Random Acts of Deceit definitely deserves a place on anyone’s TBR whether you’re a mystery fan or not. Christy hit it out of the ballpark with this one, and I can’t reccommend it enough.
November 18, 2021
"Random Acts of Deceit" by Christy Barritt is another exciting adventure with Holly Anna Paladin. This one had me guessing, and I really didn't figure it out until near the end of the book. This has a different plot than most inspirational romantic suspense novels. Holly is such a likeable character. I believe we would be friends in real life! I highly recommend this series and all of Christy Barritt's books.
July 22, 2017
Another good read
As usual, Christy Barritt kept me wondering who who, making it difficult to put this book down. I enjoy Holly Anna's adventures and now that I am retired, I can read more.
As usual, Christy Barritt kept me wondering who who, making it difficult to put this book down. I enjoy Holly Anna's adventures and now that I am retired, I can read more.
August 21, 2020
Holly is in between a rock and a hard place in this one. I think she did a good job for the most part, but I wish she had been a little more honest at first, however, I understand why she wasn't. This book was good, and I can't wait for more.
February 20, 2021
What would you do if a strange man was in your bedroom and the lights did not work? Then he tells you that you must break up with your boyfriend or this man will kill him? Follow Holly Anna as she tries to do what is right .
February 27, 2022
Random acts of Deceit
I've been on a Mystery kick this year and I am enjoying these Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries. I love the main characters Holly and Chase and the adventures and mysteries they go through. Makes me glad my life is pretty boring.
I've been on a Mystery kick this year and I am enjoying these Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries. I love the main characters Holly and Chase and the adventures and mysteries they go through. Makes me glad my life is pretty boring.
October 20, 2022
Keep Going The Pace Pucks Up
This book has some slow spots but keep going the story improves and the pace picks up. By the end you can rejoice there is a book 3. What can Holly Anna get into
This book has some slow spots but keep going the story improves and the pace picks up. By the end you can rejoice there is a book 3. What can Holly Anna get into
January 2, 2018
Fun and quirky story told from the point of view of a very unique young woman. The story stretches reality at times, but in a fun and interesting way.
May 25, 2018
Interesting
The book was full of surprises and suspense. Really full of suspense and mystery. Look forward to the next book.
The book was full of surprises and suspense. Really full of suspense and mystery. Look forward to the next book.
October 8, 2018
Just not that impressed
Felt but it was just boring. I’m a pretty fast reader and even then I just felt like it never ended. I am definitely glad I am done
Felt but it was just boring. I’m a pretty fast reader and even then I just felt like it never ended. I am definitely glad I am done
September 25, 2019
Random Acts of Deceit
This was a very good mystery. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I recommend this book.
This was a very good mystery. This book keeps you in suspense until the very end. I recommend this book.
October 26, 2019
WOW!
What else can I say. WOW! A very exciting book. The suspense keeps you laughing cord in until the end.
What else can I say. WOW! A very exciting book. The suspense keeps you laughing cord in until the end.
April 18, 2020
Excellent
This book was an absolute blast! Everyone in the family is being targeted and it's up to Holly to figure it out. Heart racing action.
This book was an absolute blast! Everyone in the family is being targeted and it's up to Holly to figure it out. Heart racing action.
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January 4, 2021Liked it
December 12, 2022
Fantastic.
Christy Barritt is a brilliant author and this book is no exception.
I'm off to read book 3 in this wonderful series.
I highly recommend it.
Christy Barritt is a brilliant author and this book is no exception.
I'm off to read book 3 in this wonderful series.
I highly recommend it.
August 29, 2025
Holly Anna is a interesting person seems off-beat and clueless at times story was far fetched but cute and if I find another in the series will likely read it
March 5, 2017
Good characters and a compelling mystery.
Good characters and a compelling mystery. This one was hard to put down. A few spots could have used a better proof reader, but the story more than compensated.
Good characters and a compelling mystery. This one was hard to put down. A few spots could have used a better proof reader, but the story more than compensated.
February 27, 2016
3.5 Stars
I didn't love this as much as the first book in the series, but I think a lot of that had to do with the narrator's voice (I listened to this via Audible after having read book one-the voice didn't fit with the character I'd built up in my mind). I really liked the first book though, so I think I need to read this one to wipe out my audio book impressions.
The personality traits we learned about Holly in book one carry over to this book. She's still a bit quirky (likes to dress in vintage clothing, can't seem to help finding trouble), and will do whatever she can to protect those she loves.
Protection is the main story line in this book as Holly is threatened right off that if she doesn't break up with her boyfriend he'll be killed. Her other family members are also threatened, so she is trying to figure out who is behind the threats while still following orders.
I had my suspicions about who the bad guy was, but there were twists and turns that kept me interested.
I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. Barritt is a talented author, and I enjoy her clean mysteries.
I didn't love this as much as the first book in the series, but I think a lot of that had to do with the narrator's voice (I listened to this via Audible after having read book one-the voice didn't fit with the character I'd built up in my mind). I really liked the first book though, so I think I need to read this one to wipe out my audio book impressions.
The personality traits we learned about Holly in book one carry over to this book. She's still a bit quirky (likes to dress in vintage clothing, can't seem to help finding trouble), and will do whatever she can to protect those she loves.
Protection is the main story line in this book as Holly is threatened right off that if she doesn't break up with her boyfriend he'll be killed. Her other family members are also threatened, so she is trying to figure out who is behind the threats while still following orders.
I had my suspicions about who the bad guy was, but there were twists and turns that kept me interested.
I'm looking forward to the other books in this series. Barritt is a talented author, and I enjoy her clean mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews