Half Truth

Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries #2

by Christy Barritt

*This book officially falls between It Came Upon a Midnight Crime and Organized Grime. It can also be read as a standalone.*Big trouble can come in small packages . . .Gabby St. Claire grabs the chance to check an item off her bucket attending an auction of unclaimed storage units and hitting a jackpot with her winning bid. But her expectations plummet faster than her bank account on Tax Day when she gets a glimpse of what she’s won.Convinced she’s wasted her money on a risky venture, Gabby soon realizes that there’s nothing ordinary about her winning items. In fact, the contents of the storage unit appear to be evidence from a crime—a deadly one.With a suspicious man following her and new clues discovered at every turn, Gabby must figure out what happened. But someone is out to stop Gabby. Will the killer strike again and keep the truth buried? Or can Gabby uncover the truth—the whole truth—before another death occurs?

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2023

About the author

Christy 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.

Reviews

[Fiction with Phoebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mystery! So tragic what happened to Billy and Addie 😔 I’m glad Gabby and Riley were able to get them justice.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half-Truth by Christy Barritt is another in between story for Gabby St. Clair. This time around, Gabby works with Riley. It was nice to go back and see their budding relationship before all the trials and complications that fans of the series will remember. The novella features a mystery that Gabby and Riley will not let go. Barritt does a wonderful job showing how Gabby and Riley work together to solve the cold case that has been cold for over two years. Little sparks of emotion on Gabby’s end. A nice mystery with a spark of heart. Another great addition to the series. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good fun book

Good fun book. I like this series. The plot was interesting and it kept my attention. Look forward to reading the next one

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun and quick mystery from Christy Barrett. Even though it's an In Between mystery connected to her Squeaky Clean series, it stands alone just fine. I haven't read the books this one falls between yet, but I wasn't lost at all.

Storage Wars has been on TV a lot in our house recently, so it was fun seeing Gabby buy a storage unit at an auction and discover what was inside it. It was a big shock to find out that some of the items might've been connected to a crime! What follows is an exciting, hilarious, and suspenseful mystery that I couldn't put down. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fast-paced and humorous mystery.

[Doreen Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been so much fun to go back and revisit Gabby and Friends from Barritt's Squeaky Clean Mysteries. I love how these are "in-between" stories, so we get to go back to the early days of Gabby and Riley's friendship, and see how he gets her need for solving a mystery. Gabby decided to supplement her income by buying abandoned storage units and selling the items inside -- only this time, she buys a murder mystery! This was a shorter story, but so much fun. I hope there are many more to come! Gabby is one of my favorite Christy Barritt characters, and the book can be enjoyable without previously reading the Squeaky Clean Mysteries! I received a copy of this novella from the author, but the opinions are my own.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Gabby St Clair, crime scene cleaner, purchases an abandoned storage unit thinking that she can make money off the contents, but finds only one box which contains items that look like they were used in a murder. She and her friend and neighbor, Riley who is a lawyer, turn the evidence over to the police, but decide to do some investigating of their own. A great book with twists in the plot and suspense that really holds your interest.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is classic, witty and delightful Squeaky Clean fun with Gabby St. Claire at her best. It's highly enjoyable for fans, but a great introduction for newcomers as well. What an unexpected gift of revisiting the early days of this fan-favorite series (spinoff) with quirky, intelligent characters and its puzzling suspense. Here's hoping for several more.

I received a complimentary copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever thought about buying the contents of a storage building - without seeing the contents?! Gabby St. Claire does just that and also buys a mystery in the process. With her friend Riley, they try to solve this mystery but every time they get a lead, there are just more questions. Can they solve this puzzle before someone gets hurt or worse? If you like mysteries and quirky characters, this book is for you. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I couldn’t wait to see what was inside Unit 139 of the Excess Storage Facility in Norfolk, Virginia.”

“My faith had to be in God alone.”

“The truth was right in front of us . . . half-truths, at least.”

A super quick and fun read for Gabby. It was a decent mystery where Gabby and Riley follow the clues and investigate potential subjects…all while annoying Parker. Always enjoy Gabby searching for the truth.

[Laura Hilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts: I enjoy Ms. Barritt's cozy mysteries and it was fun to revisit Gabby. I enjoyed going along with her and Riley to solve this mystery and some of it was pure brilliance. I ne.ver guessed who-dun-it until it was revealed. I had to keep reading this book and couldn't put it down. If you love Cozy Mysteries you will love this book. It is part of a series but it easily stands alone. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own

[Susan Brenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and witty

I love reading Ms. Barritt’s books. This one didn’t disappoint either. Besides an engaging story, the short chapters make you want to read the book in one sitting. And like you should, when writing a cozy, Ms. Barritt gave just enough information at the right time. I feel so smart when I figure out who the killer is a step ahead of the characters. Such a fun series. Something must be wrong with me to think murder and crime scene cleaning fun, though.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

This was a great read. Gabby bids on a storage unit and wins it. She discovers some things in the storage unit which leads her to investigate and sleuth around to find out the actual truth. I enjoy these light reads which also contain humor, great characters, and a mystery.

[sue phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, fun and fast moving

This was my first squeaky clean . Different from the lantern Beach mysteries, which I love, but always a chase scene and near disaster for the heroine
This book was not such an it was just a great clean slightly Christian mystery. Going to check out more squeaky clean books as the author is my favorite!

[Beverly Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half Truth has familiar characters in it, Gabby and Riley. I love the way Gabby has the ability to clearly see the parts of a mystery and eventually solve the mystery. Riley’s devotion, as a friend, to helping her is precious. Again, Christy Barritt has written a face paced, easy read that is hard to put down. I would highly recommend this book.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half Truth

This is a great quick book for those who love mystery and suspense. Gabby is a cleaner of crime scenes and always seems to be getting herself into trouble. Her neighbor, Riley, helps her to solve the mystery of the contents of a storage locker she spent way too much money on in order to win the bid.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cute short mystery. About a 3.5 star for me as I liked it a bit better than the first in the series, although I did figure out the mystery about halfway. The villain is creepy-cold and the story just barely fits into the cozy genre. No murders on screen but there are two cold cases to solve.

[Karen O'Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

Christy Barritt never disappoints. I am so happy to read these books about Gabby and her mystery solving. These very entertaining characters in this series and can't wait to read the next book in this series.

[Kaye Sinkule · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, intensely intriguing and full of surprises!

I love this author and her ability to come up with so many mysteries and plots. Thank you so much for your research and dedication to present stories so different.

[Carolyn Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Case

A wanna-be private investigator spends an unusual amount of cash for an unseen storage shed. However, she is followed by the person bidding against her. The contents of the storage shed appear to be the clues to a murder.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely one of the best !!!

So many suspects, a jilted lover, former boss, a girlfriends brother, a sister who had plenty of problems, who could have killed such a nice guy ? Gabby figures it our when the police still don't have a clue!! R8e7ad and see if you can figure it out!

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author hasn't disappointed me yet.

A light read with plenty of humor and a mystery to keep me on my toes is just what was needed today.

[Cathy Gurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Half Truth

Half Truth was a great addition to the Squeaky Clean Series. I enjoyed trying to solve the mystery along with Gabby and Riley.

[SUSAN SKOGLUND · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, fascinating novella! This was a very quick read with fun, quirky Gabby who always solves her mystery. Loved it!

[dawna Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

always a great read

Love the crime scene cleaner books. This had several surprises and creativity I’ve come to expect in Christy Barritt books. Very enjoyable.

[Raymond Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I love reading any book this author writes.
Everyone I have read is wonderful. Can’t wait till my next book by her.

[Penni Kosmicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love a good mystery

I enjoy Christy Barrits mystery books! I have enjoyed the Squeaky Clean series! It is fun to see how Gabby solves the crimes!

[Margaret Swanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting story

This is another great addition to a fantastic and intriguing series. Following the clues has proved to be excellent and exciting detective work.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quirky Quick Read

Quirky characters and a mystery make this book one to read. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend to fans of clean mysteries and romance.

[Ophelia Sellers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half Truth

Christy Barrit is an awesome writer. This book is true to form and delivered a lot of excitement and suspense. The only downside for me is the length of the story.

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

This is a wonder short novel that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I will read more of this series because of reading this one.