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Gabby St. Claire knows how to clean up scum. She can get blood out of carpet, pick shattered bones from plaster, and clean up other less-than-enticing fluids from nearly any surface. St. Claire also knows how to clean up another kind of scum— the scum of the earth.

Crime scene cleaner and wannabe forensic investigator Gabby St. Claire knows her best friend, Sierra, isn’t guilty of killing three people in what appears to be an ecoterrorist attack. But Sierra has disappeared, her only contact a frantic phone call.

Crime scene evidence Gabby discovers while cleaning ties seemingly random murders together—and points to Sierra as the guilty party. Just what has her animal-loving friend gotten herself into?

If that’s not disturbing enough, who’s the person following Gabby? A federal agent who hopes Gabby will lead him to Sierra? Or someone with more sinister plans?

To find Sierra and prove her innocence, Gabby will have to rely on all of her training and abilities, plus the help of a man she loves and the protection of a God she’s only recently begun to believe in.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 8, 2011

639 people are currently reading
515 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

332 books1,661 followers
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.

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5 stars
748 (54%)
4 stars
455 (32%)
3 stars
157 (11%)
2 stars
14 (1%)
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9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for Mikayla.
1,199 reviews
October 5, 2018
It's been a bit since I read book two of this series, so I thought I had just missed a couple of things when I opened the book. But nope, the author just skipped a lot of events and jumped into this book. Not my favorite way to start back up.
Honestly, I still loved the book. It was clean, fun mystery, but this has been my least favorite book. I was confused by all the things that had changed about Gabby and her relationships with others, and I felt like it didn't slow down at all; things just kept changing through the whole book. O.o
Also, this mystery dealt with mind games, something that messes with my mind (Pun intended).
Overall, I am looking forward to the next book, but this one did not quite live up to expectations.
Profile Image for Amanda Tero.
Author 28 books543 followers
July 1, 2021
I love the balance of real life, comedy, and suspense poured into these books.

The “real life” part includes great spiritual messages of forgiveness and accepting God’s grace, but is also includes side characters who make choices that aren’t always upright. So some ultra conservative readers may not appreciate that.
Profile Image for Anna Hurtt.
Author 2 books123 followers
September 29, 2015
I waited way too long to read the third installment of the Gabby St. Claire mysteries after reading the first two (I'm talking years here), so it took me a little while to refresh my memory. But I'm so glad I picked up this book... It was the same snarky humor, crazy situations, and emotionally-deep moments that made me fall in love with the first two!

It's been fun to watch Gabby grow and deepen as a character... Following her as she deals with learning how to forgive her father and herself for things that happened in the past was thought-provoking, to say the least. It definitely stepped on my toes, but in a good way. :)

Gabby's and Riley's romance was delightful, too. I can't wait to see what happens next in their story.

5 stars for a truly excellent read!
Profile Image for Marji Laine.
Author 20 books475 followers
April 26, 2022
This is a twisted mystery! I was taken completely off-guard by the culprit.

I really enjoy the way Christy Barritt writes. I've never really been a fan of first-person POV, but Gabby St. Clair is a stitch! And the depth of the POV is absolutely perfect. I feel like I'm really putting on her skin and experiencing the entire story through her eyes, values, and filters. (Or lack thereof, in Gabby's case. LOL!)

Gabby is nothing if not a dedicated friend! And I am enjoying the community that Christy Barritt is building around her character. I find I'm actually missing those who are temporarily away.

I love it when a series can draw me in like that! I have other authors on my TBR pile, but I'm going to have a hard time dragging myself away from this series now that I've started!

Profile Image for Stacy Wilson .
317 reviews173 followers
June 18, 2025
I love the amount of faith content in these books! It's especially relatable to someone like me who had a traumatic upbringing and came to Christ as an adult. I also fully understand the relationship the main character has with her dad. This series isn't just fun mystery. Gabby works through serious issues with the help of believers. Crazy things are going on, but her relationship with God is at the center of everything!
Profile Image for Linda.
1,594 reviews24 followers
March 4, 2015
This is a great mystery series. Although Gabby St. Clair owns a crime scene clean-up business, there aren't any gory details. She is just your average girl that is too nosy for her own good and gets that nose into dangerous trouble. My one complaint is that I kept forgetting who some of the characters were. I blame that, though, on the fact that I was reading the book in kindle form and couldn't go back easily to check. There's mystery, danger, and some romance too.

In this book, Gabby's best friend, Sierra, is missing. Worse yet, she is being blamed by the FBI for acts of ecoterrorism around the area. Every clue Gabby follows seems to put her at risk with shady characters. As she rushes to find Sierra, Gabby finds herself in hot water with too many suspects and someone, or some ones, out to do her harm.
619 reviews10 followers
January 31, 2018
I really wish you could do half stars. As this wasn’t at a five level, but it’s above a four. Gabby the crime scene/Nancy Drew strikes again. While some would think she actually goes looking for the trouble she seems to get herself into, this one kind of fell at her doorstep. Her best friend/neighbor goes missing. Given that Gabby is unusually nosy and likes a good mystery, her best friend contacts her to try to solve the crime that it appears no one else can. Cute series. I don’t know how someone could be a crime scene cleaner, but I give her credit. It’s literally a dirty job someone has to do. And now that she just finished her degree at the end of the book, I’m sure more mysteries are going to be coming her way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
3 reviews
August 5, 2018
Entertaining plot, disappointing social commentary

While the series continues to be entertaining, there are minor incongruencies in the plot that doesn't match up to the previous book.

It was exciting to have an additional POC character added to the cast. Christian themes are stronger and less tolerant than in the Lantern Beach series.

However what is otherwise a strong female character is tempered sadly with less feminist perspective. Men are romantically matched to the protagonist based on their ability to handle her; other women objectify her comparing her value to that of other prized possessions; and in a celebration of her accomplishments, a male character makes it about her status rather than her achievements.
Profile Image for Jan C..
Author 1 book2 followers
May 4, 2020
This series has everything... Mystery! Danger! Romance! Spray Cleaner!

I love it when a writer can keep me laughing and still bring on the suspense. Barritt's madcap Gabby St. Clair has her hands full trying to find her missing best friend, reconnect with her father, and figure out what she should do about her relationship with her handsome neighbor. Now she also has to deal with weird characters who keep popping up on her radar, mysterious notes on her car, and multiple attempts on her life.

Maybe another vanilla latte will help.

I highly recommend this author and this particular series.
Profile Image for Sandra Lopez.
Author 3 books348 followers
March 31, 2024
A fire killed 3 people and Gabby’s best friend, Sierra, was the prime suspect. Then a bomb goes off as an act of “eco-terrorism.” In looking more into it, Gabby couldn’t be sure if her friend, the environmentalist, was involved or not. What had Sierra gotten herself into?

The character has a clever and witty voice. The mystery was pretty interesting, but it does take a while to get into it as Gabby gets distracted easily by the bachelor auction and, of course, cleaning up crime scenes.

Not overly exciting, but a fairly nice read.
Profile Image for Tawana.
23 reviews
December 16, 2018
Christy Barritt writes great suspense with a great sense of humor. She incorporates life's little trials (as well as big ones) with realism so you feel you are right there or even more that you are the main character going through these trials and pitfalls. The suspense will have you on the edge of your seat. The characters will have you laughing, crying, disliking them at times and hating to let them go when you are done reading.
65 reviews
October 30, 2019
Two cheers for Gabby and Riley!!!

I've read this book before but I'd forgotten who the bad guys are. There's some surprises in this book. Gabby drives me crazy with her love life!!! She's so funny that I can forgive her for being so messed up in all of her crazy antics!! I love how much Riley is involved in all of her crazy situations. She's lucky to have someone looking after her and he just wants to protect her.
Profile Image for Janice Dick.
Author 22 books52 followers
May 13, 2020
A suspenseful read by prolific author, Christy Barritt, who has almost a dozen series going. I liked the fact that the characters are flawed, that it takes time for them to deal with issues such as self-worth and forgiveness. And that people are important, no matter how they look or where they live. The strongest takeaway for me was the loyalty of a friend, willing to risk her life for another.

Sometimes I thought the spiritual aspect seemed a bit forced, but it was important to include it.
65 reviews
September 8, 2020
Wonderfully entertaining

WOW, where to even start with this book. Third in it's series I'd have to say I have enjoyed it most. You meet so many New characters, become more familiar with others met previously, and that Gabby is just an amazing mess. I just love her! if you are looking for faith based adventures you've found your writer, believe it. Christy you are a blessing, I really love your books! On to the next book 😀. God bless you all.
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
191 reviews13 followers
July 29, 2019
Suspense with characters you come to care about!

Once again Christy Barritt has taken us on an adventure through the eyes of Gabby St Claire! This series has the suspense that I love with enough light hearted scenes and descriptions to keep it enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!
297 reviews
August 13, 2019
Her best friend is in trouble and Gabby has to find out what happened. We get introduced to Sierra, Gabby's best friend, who is just as flawed as she is. So excited to learn more about Sierra as the series progresses and am so excited for another strong female character to fight for truth along with Gabby.
26 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2019
Books 1 & 3

I ha e really enjoyed these 2 books and look forward to the rest of the series. How one girl can get in and out of trouble with the aid of faithful an kookie friends is amazing. Looking forward to many more like it. Already have 2 more waiting for me. Keep up the good works. Thanks for th e fun.
724 reviews1 follower
May 12, 2020
Fantastic!

Another great adventure for Gabby, our heroine. She finds herself in a real pickle this time because her BFF Sarina has not only gone missing but is being accused of crimes that Gabby knows she couldn't have done. As usual Gabby can't stop investigating, and this help her beat up and someone seems to be following her. The next installment is ready and I must move on.
144 reviews
January 28, 2021
The book Organized Grime is an enjoyable mystery. Getting to know all the characters is a lot of fun. The story is an intriguing mystery with many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing throughout the book. The main character, Gabby, is a remarkably interesting person. Besides her involvement with the mystery, she accomplishes a major personal goal in the book. A definite worthwhile read!
Profile Image for Kassie R..
326 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2022
A development is bombed and Gabby’s best friend is a prime suspect who is also missing. Can Gabby find her before the FBI does? She’s sure going to try! This is the 3rd in the series and I really enjoyed this one. I will keep reading this series even though it’s a lot of books (16!) and probably try some others from this author as well.
Profile Image for Barbara Carter.
453 reviews18 followers
November 10, 2023
she does it again!

The characters in these novels are not cheesy. They are real, with real lives and problems. The story could happen in any city at any time. Gabby’s actions make me cringe, but following along with her adventures is fun and exciting. God has been with her all along and she finally learns He’s got this!
1 review
May 6, 2025
Enjoyable and quick reads. The characters are starting to feel like people I know. I also like that they are ‘clean’.
Refreshing!
I just began Book 4 and am looking forward to it.
I often read several different books at a time and these are my ‘wind down’ books. I ‘love’ how God is a part of every story.
10 reviews
June 6, 2025
Spunky crime scene cleaner survives again

Gabby looks for her friend Sierra as she mixes herself up in yet another adventure of being a nosy crime scene cleaner. Trouble abounds as Gabby tries to navigate love, family, friendship, her business, her future, and not getting killed. That is a tall order!
Profile Image for Nicole Morphew.
45 reviews
October 8, 2025
Wonderful story

This book definitely didn't disappoint, there is a little of everything in this book! Love, Faith, suspense, mystery, questions, answers, and everything in-between! I really love this series! If you want a book or series you can't put down this is the book/series for you!
Profile Image for Nat Kidder.
144 reviews
November 12, 2017
Gabby is a busy person: she tries to locate her missing friend while cracking a crime ring, while being shadowed, while running a business and while taking night school. Did I mention the major life events?

If that doesn't make you dizzy, you'll love this crisply written novel, a fast-moving entry in a solid mystery series.
Profile Image for Dawn Trainer.
123 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2018
LOVE IT!!!

Before reading this one, you may want to read
It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (Book 2.5, a Novella)
If you don't it will not prevent you from enjoying the book however I wish I'd read it first. Enjoy
Profile Image for Sandra.
123 reviews1 follower
Read
January 27, 2020
Not gonna lie, Gabby's recklessness bothers me sometimes. I'm hoping it turns out to be an area of growth for her through the series. The mystery in this one was also really convoluted. I struggled to keep all the victims and suspects straight. Not sure if this was a 3* or 4*.
81 reviews
May 29, 2020
Loving the series

Enjoyable, fast, easy read with great characters we continue to learn about. On to the next! Some things are believable and others not but still very entertaining
255 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2020
How Unorganized Can She Get?

Organized Crime was a perfect title for this wildly diverse and intriguing mystery. There were so many directions there was no way to know what was coming next. I must get the next in the series tonight!
Profile Image for Terri Borkgren.
787 reviews6 followers
July 8, 2023
Organized Grime Book3

Gabby gets pulled into finding her missing frien Serena. Bombs go off and murders are committed as Gabby along with Ryan Thomas investigate those behind the crimes and search for her best friend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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