The author outlines the challenges of incorporating biblical themes into tales of romantic suspense.
USA Today called Christy Barritt’s books “scary, funny, passionate, and quirky.” The bestselling author writes both mystery and romantic suspense novels that are clean with underlying messages of faith. Her book Hazardous Duty is currently being made into a movie, and her Worst Detective Ever series is in development for a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries TV series.
FamilyFiction talked with Christy about three of her recent titles—Cradle Conspiracy (Love Inspired Suspense), from the Baby Protectors series; Trained to Defend (Love Inspired Suspense), from the K-9 Mountain Guardians series; and Dark Water (River Heights), from the Lantern Beach Blackout series.
In this interview, Christy shares behind-the-scenes details from her books; explains the best ratio for mixing together romance, biblical themes, and suspense; and reveals the challenges of writing Christian fiction that includes elements of crime and danger.
Christy, you are so prolific, we have questions about THREE of your romantic suspense books! First, what can you tell us about Cradle Conspiracy?
Cradle Conspiracy is one of my Love Inspired Suspense novels. When the mother of the toddler Sienna Thompson is babysitting never returns for him—and then the child’s nearly abducted—Sienna knows their lives are in danger. Sienna’s neighbor, FBI agent Devin Matthews, thwarts the kidnapping and promises to protect Sienna and the boy. But when they discover the child’s missing mother isn’t who she claimed to be, can they survive long enough to uncover the truth?
Another of your recent titles is Trained to Defend. Tell us about that one.
Trained to Defend is also a Love Inspired Suspense novel. Framed for her boss’s murder, Sarah Peterson is on the run—with only her boss’s loyal husky, Buzz, for protection. To clear her name and keep her safe, she must rely on her ex-fiancé, a former detective. The police aren’t the only ones searching for Sarah and the brave dog…the real killer is on the hunt, determined to silence them for good.
What’s it like writing books for these multi-author series? How much do you have to coordinate with the other authors involved?
Some books in multi-authors series require a lot of collaboration. However, each of the books in these series are standalone.
You have a new series coming out, Lantern Beach Blackout. What theme or idea ties these books together?
The Blackout series takes place on Lantern Beach, North Carolina, an isolated island on the North Carolina coast. Four former Navy SEALs have started a private security firm headquartered in the area. A secret from their past threatens to tear them apart, but there’s even more at stake for this band of brothers. A deadly terrorist group called the Savages are determined to destroy life as they know it. It’s a race to find answers—and to figure out how who they can trust—before the Savages plan can be enacted.
What can you tell us about the first title, Dark Water? (No spoilers!)
In Dark Water, Colton Locke is trying to come to terms with the death of SEAL team leader, Daniel Oliver, who was killed on a black op mission more than a year earlier. When Daniel’s widow finds information her husband hid and then she’s later attacked, the team’s fears are confirmed: there’s more to Daniel’s death than their former leaders are letting on.
What can we expect as the Lantern Beach Blackout series unfolds?
There are four books in this series, and each follows a different Blackout member. The overarching mystery of what happened to Daniel Oliver, their leader, is woven through each book, along with an individual mystery and romance.
When you mix biblical themes with romance and suspense, how do you find the ratio that works best for you?
I’ve been doing this for long enough that I’ve learned to trust my gut. This might not always work for newer writers. But as I’m plotting my books, I can feel when the story is getting too slow or too reflective. That’s when I try to make sure I add in more action. I follow a scene and sequel pattern also, so each suspense scene is followed by some introspection. Those areas are always great places to add some reflection or romance.
What are the challenges of writing Christian fiction that includes elements of crime and danger?
There are a couple challenges. Obviously, I don’t want to go glorify evil. However, the Bible is the ultimate story of good versus evil, and those elements can be incorporated in works of fiction as well. In the presence of evil and danger, the wonders of God’s peace that passes all understanding can be seen and experienced at an even greater level. It’s that victory that I focus on.
Visit Christy Barritt’s author page:
https://www.familyfiction.com/authors/christy-barritt
Trained to Defend
K-9 Mountain Guardians
Christy Barritt
Love Inspired Suspense
Buy the book from our store!
The Cradle Conspiracy
The Baby Protectors
Christy Barritt
Love Inspired Suspense
Buy the book from our store!