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Squeaky Clean Mysteries #5
The Scum of All Fears
“I’ll get out, and I’ll get even.”
Gabby St. Claire is back to crime-scene cleaning, at least temporarily. With her business partner on his honeymoon, she needs help after a weekend killing spree fills up her work docket. She quickly realizes she has bigger problems than finding temporary help.
A serial killer her fiancé, a former prosecutor, put behind bars has escaped. His last words to Riley were: I’ll get out, and I’ll get even. Pictures of Gabby are found in the man’s prison cell, and Riley fears the sadistic madman has Gabby in his sights.
Gabby tells herself there’s no way the Scum River Killer will make it across the country from California to Virginia without being caught. But then messages are left for Gabby at crime scenes, and someone keeps slipping in and out of her apartment.
When Gabby’s temporary assistant disappears, Gabby must figure out who’s behind these crimes. The search for answers becomes darker when Gabby realizes she’s dealing with a criminal who’s more than evil. He’s truly the scum of the earth, and he’ll do anything to make Gabby and Riley’s lives a living nightmare.
Gabby St. Claire is back to crime-scene cleaning, at least temporarily. With her business partner on his honeymoon, she needs help after a weekend killing spree fills up her work docket. She quickly realizes she has bigger problems than finding temporary help.
A serial killer her fiancé, a former prosecutor, put behind bars has escaped. His last words to Riley were: I’ll get out, and I’ll get even. Pictures of Gabby are found in the man’s prison cell, and Riley fears the sadistic madman has Gabby in his sights.
Gabby tells herself there’s no way the Scum River Killer will make it across the country from California to Virginia without being caught. But then messages are left for Gabby at crime scenes, and someone keeps slipping in and out of her apartment.
When Gabby’s temporary assistant disappears, Gabby must figure out who’s behind these crimes. The search for answers becomes darker when Gabby realizes she’s dealing with a criminal who’s more than evil. He’s truly the scum of the earth, and he’ll do anything to make Gabby and Riley’s lives a living nightmare.
296 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2013
352 people are currently reading
366 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
339 books1,702 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 78 reviews
March 23, 2015
This is book #5 in Christy Barritt's Squeaky Clean Mystery series and I swear that the books just keep getting better! This was my favorite so far and it was really dramatic and tense. It read like an episode of Criminal minds.
Gabby isn't looking for any mysteries this time. She's just concerned with getting crime scenes cleaned up with her main helper away on s honeymoon. But her fiance Riley was a top prosecutor in California before he moved to Virginia to a practice to help others less fortunate. But a serial killer he put away in his old life has escaped prison and is a very wily cold-blooded killer. He has determined to make Riley pay by going after anybody close to Riley, and in turn, to anybody close to Gabby. The suspense in this book is fierce! In one scene I just shuddered when Gabby awoke in her bed to find the serial killer on top of her. And the final scene is enough to give one nightmares!
Gabby isn't looking for any mysteries this time. She's just concerned with getting crime scenes cleaned up with her main helper away on s honeymoon. But her fiance Riley was a top prosecutor in California before he moved to Virginia to a practice to help others less fortunate. But a serial killer he put away in his old life has escaped prison and is a very wily cold-blooded killer. He has determined to make Riley pay by going after anybody close to Riley, and in turn, to anybody close to Gabby. The suspense in this book is fierce! In one scene I just shuddered when Gabby awoke in her bed to find the serial killer on top of her. And the final scene is enough to give one nightmares!
July 11, 2021
Oh... my... word...
Don't read this if you want a happy-go-lucky story. Now that I'm involved with the characters, to have one in limbo for the entire book was heartwrenching. Thankfully, I'm okay with this not being a comedic story, but intense suspense.
There was so much raw reality in this book. I appreciate the way Christy Barritt brings Biblical truths to the forefront through Gabby learning the lessons in a newer Christian walk.
Don't read this if you want a happy-go-lucky story. Now that I'm involved with the characters, to have one in limbo for the entire book was heartwrenching. Thankfully, I'm okay with this not being a comedic story, but intense suspense.
There was so much raw reality in this book. I appreciate the way Christy Barritt brings Biblical truths to the forefront through Gabby learning the lessons in a newer Christian walk.
August 14, 2019
This is definitely one of the better books of the series. And the first thriller-type storyline with a serial killer.
October 24, 2015
This book was tense. Not one to read before going to bed because you just might not be able to sleep. Every chapter ends with a cliff-hanger which drew you into wanting to continue reading to find out what was going to happen next. A serial killer has escaped from prison and has Riley and Gabby in his sights and always seems to be one step ahead of them. When Riley and Gabby found the murderer's hideout I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see if there were going to be able to catch him or would the he follow through on his revenge plan. I liked the ending, but I have a feeling that this might not be last we have heard of this killer. I look forward to the next book and hope Riley and Grabby finally get their happy ending.
October 2, 2013
I know I've said this in pretty much every review I have posted on The Squeaky Clean Mysteries series but I love this main character. Gabby St. Clair is intelligent, up on her pop culture and musicals and humorously sarcastic and snarky. She reminds me a little bit of Veronica Mars.
In "The Scum of All Fears," we get to see a little more involvement from Riley Thomas, Gabby's fiance, as well. Gabby and Riley seem to be working more as a team in this book and it works. It shows how their relationship has evolved.
It's been a pretty full year for Gabby and Riley as all five books take place over the course of a year but I really hope there will be more of their adventures in the future.
In "The Scum of All Fears," we get to see a little more involvement from Riley Thomas, Gabby's fiance, as well. Gabby and Riley seem to be working more as a team in this book and it works. It shows how their relationship has evolved.
It's been a pretty full year for Gabby and Riley as all five books take place over the course of a year but I really hope there will be more of their adventures in the future.
March 18, 2023
Wow, this may he my favorite in the series so far. Great read! Lots of suspense.
Finished 1/17/14
Best in the series as far as suspense! A serial killer that Riley helped put behind bars in California escapes prison and is coming for Gabby. Absolutely love this series!
ETA Reread via audiobook and LOVE THIS BOOK/series so much! Lots of suspense in this one as the infamous Scum River Killer that Riley helped put behind bars escapes and begins terrorizing Gabby and others in her town.
Finished 1/17/14
Best in the series as far as suspense! A serial killer that Riley helped put behind bars in California escapes prison and is coming for Gabby. Absolutely love this series!
ETA Reread via audiobook and LOVE THIS BOOK/series so much! Lots of suspense in this one as the infamous Scum River Killer that Riley helped put behind bars escapes and begins terrorizing Gabby and others in her town.
August 24, 2016
Good, but too intense for me
I've enjoyed reading the previous 4 books in this series, they're written well, quickly get into the main story & keep your interest. Book 5 had all of these qualities, but was just way to intense for me to consider it to be a "cozy" mystery. And maybe that's not what the author intended. It was too scary (for lack of a better word) for me to enjoy. That said, the book was clean as far as language & morality go.
I've enjoyed reading the previous 4 books in this series, they're written well, quickly get into the main story & keep your interest. Book 5 had all of these qualities, but was just way to intense for me to consider it to be a "cozy" mystery. And maybe that's not what the author intended. It was too scary (for lack of a better word) for me to enjoy. That said, the book was clean as far as language & morality go.
February 8, 2020
In a way, one of the best of the series, but also very predictable. In all my years of reading mysteries, I have never been good at correctly guessing the murderer, so when it happens, I'm disappointed, especially when it's clear the author intended the reveal to be a surprise. I don't think I should have been able to solve the mystery, especially so early on and without much doubt.
As for the rest of it, the emotional and spiritual development are good, the main idea is good, the dialogue, settings, and writing are fine. I'm just not impressed by the detective work in a book that is first and foremost a murder mystery. And since Gabby is supposed to be a clever amateur sleuth, suspicious and bold and bright enough to get herself some media attention for solving crimes, I'm having difficulty with the fact that I've figured out "whodunit" before her in 3 of the 5 books I've read so far. I like the series overall, but I think the actual mystery part needs a little work.
As for the rest of it, the emotional and spiritual development are good, the main idea is good, the dialogue, settings, and writing are fine. I'm just not impressed by the detective work in a book that is first and foremost a murder mystery. And since Gabby is supposed to be a clever amateur sleuth, suspicious and bold and bright enough to get herself some media attention for solving crimes, I'm having difficulty with the fact that I've figured out "whodunit" before her in 3 of the 5 books I've read so far. I like the series overall, but I think the actual mystery part needs a little work.
February 3, 2019
So far of all the Squeaky Clean mysteries I have read this one has been my favorite and it is also the creepiest. This one involves a serial murderer. Milton Jones, a serial killer Riley had put in prison has escaped from prison. Riley fears for his life and all those dear to him but is Milton working alone or is it a copycat killer. They are in a race for time to rescue the women he has taken hostage. This book kept me guessing to the end. I loved this book that Riley and Gabby were working together to solve the crime. So many twists and turns!
February 9, 2018
A super quick read. Gabby is growing up a little and not quite so willing to jump and search for mysteries herself. She is trusting others a little more in this book. Plus, this is the first book in this series that you know from the beginning who the killer is. Only bad part is this mystery isn’t completely wrapped up and now I have to go on to the next book to find the answer. I suppose there are worse things in this world than being stuck reading yet another book.
July 31, 2019
Gabby gets her guy!
This book has plots and sub plots. Gabby and Riley are trying to get ready for their wedding when a serial killer comes wanting revenge. For once Gabby gets pulled into a murder case against her will. A lot of what happens is a result of misconceptions and malice.
The story also deals with Gabby deciding whether to stay where she was or take a job in Kansas. Priorities play a key role.
This book has plots and sub plots. Gabby and Riley are trying to get ready for their wedding when a serial killer comes wanting revenge. For once Gabby gets pulled into a murder case against her will. A lot of what happens is a result of misconceptions and malice.
The story also deals with Gabby deciding whether to stay where she was or take a job in Kansas. Priorities play a key role.
May 15, 2020
Wow!
Talk about "edge of your seat" suspense!!! Thanks to Christy Barritt, our heroine, Gabby ends up the target of a serial killer who is actually looking for revenge against Gabby's fiance, Riley. Gabby doesn't have to try very hard this time, trouble finds her and truly frightens her. It's a rush to the end to find this guy, and the ending could be fatal! Can't wait till the next book.
Talk about "edge of your seat" suspense!!! Thanks to Christy Barritt, our heroine, Gabby ends up the target of a serial killer who is actually looking for revenge against Gabby's fiance, Riley. Gabby doesn't have to try very hard this time, trouble finds her and truly frightens her. It's a rush to the end to find this guy, and the ending could be fatal! Can't wait till the next book.
September 11, 2020
Seriously Suspenseful
Well this book was so intensely suspenseful I just could not put it down. So many bad people in this one. I found myself afraid for just about every character known from the other books, especially Gabby and Riley. I also noted some great bible verses that are actually relevant to my current state, thank you Lord for giving those to Christy. Thank you Christy for keeping me entertained, God bless you and your family.
Well this book was so intensely suspenseful I just could not put it down. So many bad people in this one. I found myself afraid for just about every character known from the other books, especially Gabby and Riley. I also noted some great bible verses that are actually relevant to my current state, thank you Lord for giving those to Christy. Thank you Christy for keeping me entertained, God bless you and your family.
December 30, 2022
Goosebumps!
Goosebumps that's what I had most of the way through The Scam of All Fears! Each time you were sure you knew the solution - how the killer managed to get his victims, something would let you know you were wrong again. Gabby and Riley work together, constantly overcoming obstacles thrown at them - working to save friends. Christy Barritt has written another page-turner--so good!
Goosebumps that's what I had most of the way through The Scam of All Fears! Each time you were sure you knew the solution - how the killer managed to get his victims, something would let you know you were wrong again. Gabby and Riley work together, constantly overcoming obstacles thrown at them - working to save friends. Christy Barritt has written another page-turner--so good!
April 14, 2019
Outstanding
Tight story line, edge of your seat suspense, likable characters that are NOT doing completely idiotic things that make you grit your teeth in disgust. This was written without all the red herrings that some authors throw in to keep you from figuring out whodunit. Overall, a very satisfying read.
Tight story line, edge of your seat suspense, likable characters that are NOT doing completely idiotic things that make you grit your teeth in disgust. This was written without all the red herrings that some authors throw in to keep you from figuring out whodunit. Overall, a very satisfying read.
September 22, 2020
Detour!
Wow! This book took a stressful and very startling detour to the swamp. This story was definitely a stressful and surprising drama. Although the writing was spot on and suspenseful, I am not feeling as good about this book as the dozens of her books I have already read.
Wow! This book took a stressful and very startling detour to the swamp. This story was definitely a stressful and surprising drama. Although the writing was spot on and suspenseful, I am not feeling as good about this book as the dozens of her books I have already read.
October 25, 2025
Amazing!
I love these characters and this story so much! As an only redhead in my family, I feel like Gabby is a sister I never knew i had! I feel like I'm a part of all the characters families! So much love, suspense, happiness, sadness, grace, honor, all of it going on in this book/series!! Highly recommend!!
I love these characters and this story so much! As an only redhead in my family, I feel like Gabby is a sister I never knew i had! I feel like I'm a part of all the characters families! So much love, suspense, happiness, sadness, grace, honor, all of it going on in this book/series!! Highly recommend!!
July 19, 2018
I think the squeaky clean series is my favourite of Barritt’s so far. I just love Gabby and Riley and this is another great story that will keep you reading until you’ve finished all of it in one sitting!
February 6, 2020
What a good book, thriller.
Well a thriller for me at least, I'm not a big thriller fan but I like this series so stuck with it. Great plot and character development. I only rewad it during the day for I don't like the suspense in the evening. Best book of series so far.
Well a thriller for me at least, I'm not a big thriller fan but I like this series so stuck with it. Great plot and character development. I only rewad it during the day for I don't like the suspense in the evening. Best book of series so far.
May 15, 2020
Chilling!
Different from others in the series, the scum of all fears is a psychological thriller where Gabby has no control, and things spiral out of control quickly. I'd guessed right however was thrown off the track with a good deal of red herrings. Well done!
Different from others in the series, the scum of all fears is a psychological thriller where Gabby has no control, and things spiral out of control quickly. I'd guessed right however was thrown off the track with a good deal of red herrings. Well done!
July 14, 2020
Brilliant, spellbinding. What more can I say? Couldn't put it down. Each chapter draws you to the next one. The chapters are short and to the point. Christy certainly has a vivid imagination and is able to describe every scene as if you were there. Highly recommended but not for the faint hearted!
November 20, 2023
Faith trumps all fear….
Following Riley and Gabby on this adventure was a wild ride. Fear tries to grab them at every turn. Tempted to give in….will Faith and courage get them through? Who’s the bad guy?
Following Riley and Gabby on this adventure was a wild ride. Fear tries to grab them at every turn. Tempted to give in….will Faith and courage get them through? Who’s the bad guy?
August 5, 2024
Awesome Unputdownable Clean Suspense!
I’ve seen the first book become a movie. I hope all her mystery book series become movies! They already read that way in my head! These are wonderful, clean, suspense stories! I’m definitely a new fan! ❤️
I’ve seen the first book become a movie. I hope all her mystery book series become movies! They already read that way in my head! These are wonderful, clean, suspense stories! I’m definitely a new fan! ❤️
September 29, 2025
Another great book in this series. While Gabby and Riley are searching for a killer, the story takes many twists and turns. I love how I am always surprised at the ending. This is an easy read with a lot of excitement.
May 14, 2017
Love this series
Great book in this series. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you for writing these books..:) :):):)
Great book in this series. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. Thank you for writing these books..:) :):):)
February 22, 2018
Wonderful, slightly funny Christian murder mystery!! Each one is slightly stand alone but work much better read in order.
May 7, 2018
Great Storyline
I love the storyline with making it appear there could be several accomplices. I would recommend this to those who love a murder mystery romance.
I love the storyline with making it appear there could be several accomplices. I would recommend this to those who love a murder mystery romance.
August 7, 2018
Love these books
Highly recommend. Good series, great characters. Fantastic storyline. If you like mysteries than you will love these books. I really love them
Highly recommend. Good series, great characters. Fantastic storyline. If you like mysteries than you will love these books. I really love them
June 10, 2019
Great book
Loved it. Just like all of Barritt's books this one was a winner. Clever, never the same and clean. She's great.
Loved it. Just like all of Barritt's books this one was a winner. Clever, never the same and clean. She's great.
September 15, 2019
Reseal killer, zombies, heros and heroines.
This is by far the most intense book of the series so far. I was captivated by the suspense. Bring on the next one.
This is by far the most intense book of the series so far. I was captivated by the suspense. Bring on the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews