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Half Empty
Sometimes the glass really is half empty—especially when people are willing to kill for it.
Crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire needs extra cash, so when she’s offered a courier job transporting a box of antique dishes from North Carolina to Virginia, she figures it’s easy money. What could go wrong with delivering a dozen old teacups?
Everything, as it turns out. When half the precious cargo disappears during transport, Gabby finds herself facing an angry recipient who wants his family heirlooms delivered as promised—or else.
As the clock ticks toward a fatal deadline, Gabby must use her sleuthing skills to track down the missing cups. But when dangerous people suddenly take an interest in her whereabouts and she starts receiving threatening messages, she soon realizes these teacups are more than just sentimental keepsakes.
Can she uncover the truth behind the “simple” delivery job? Or will her latest attempt at easy money become her last?
Crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire needs extra cash, so when she’s offered a courier job transporting a box of antique dishes from North Carolina to Virginia, she figures it’s easy money. What could go wrong with delivering a dozen old teacups?
Everything, as it turns out. When half the precious cargo disappears during transport, Gabby finds herself facing an angry recipient who wants his family heirlooms delivered as promised—or else.
As the clock ticks toward a fatal deadline, Gabby must use her sleuthing skills to track down the missing cups. But when dangerous people suddenly take an interest in her whereabouts and she starts receiving threatening messages, she soon realizes these teacups are more than just sentimental keepsakes.
Can she uncover the truth behind the “simple” delivery job? Or will her latest attempt at easy money become her last?
116 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 4, 2025
125 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
339 books1,671 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 28, 2025
Easy read. Far fetched premise.
September 1, 2025
Gabby St. Clair never takes the easy road, even when she tries.
Gabby St. Clair was the first Christy Barritt character I ever “met,” and I fell in love with her from the start. Watching her grow throughout the main series has been a joy, which makes the “in-between” stories bittersweet for me. They’re fun and creative, but since they take place earlier in Gabby’s journey, they don’t always carry the same weight as the full-length books.
That said, if you’re new to the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, you’ll enjoy these half-stories. They give you extra glimpses into Gabby’s world, and her relationship with Riley, that you won’t want to miss. And yes, if more half-stories come out, I’ll read them, because they always deliver a good dose of humor, heart, and suspense.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Gabby St. Clair was the first Christy Barritt character I ever “met,” and I fell in love with her from the start. Watching her grow throughout the main series has been a joy, which makes the “in-between” stories bittersweet for me. They’re fun and creative, but since they take place earlier in Gabby’s journey, they don’t always carry the same weight as the full-length books.
That said, if you’re new to the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, you’ll enjoy these half-stories. They give you extra glimpses into Gabby’s world, and her relationship with Riley, that you won’t want to miss. And yes, if more half-stories come out, I’ll read them, because they always deliver a good dose of humor, heart, and suspense.
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author but was under no obligation to provide a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 12, 2025
This was another great “In Between” mystery!
After losing her job, Gabby’s currently doing a courier gig transporting some antique dishes from North Carolina to Virginia. It’s supposed to be an easy way to earn a little extra money, but things go haywire when half of the dishes go missing and Gabby’s targeted by dangerous people.
This was a quick, fast-paced story that held my full attention from beginning to end. I finished it in one afternoon. I could not set it down. I didn’t know how Gabby was going to get out of this mess, but it was sure fun to read about!
This is a must-read for fans of the Squeaky Clean Mystery series. I really enjoyed it!
After losing her job, Gabby’s currently doing a courier gig transporting some antique dishes from North Carolina to Virginia. It’s supposed to be an easy way to earn a little extra money, but things go haywire when half of the dishes go missing and Gabby’s targeted by dangerous people.
This was a quick, fast-paced story that held my full attention from beginning to end. I finished it in one afternoon. I could not set it down. I didn’t know how Gabby was going to get out of this mess, but it was sure fun to read about!
This is a must-read for fans of the Squeaky Clean Mystery series. I really enjoyed it!
August 17, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Crime Scene cleaner, Gabby St Clair agrees to a courier job delivering some antique dishware to another party to make some money. When they arrive, Gabby and her fiancé find that half the teacups are missing and the person they were delivered to gives them an ultimatum on the rest of the cups or their lives will be in danger. In the end, a couple more people are chasing them for the teacups, and they have to sleuth out where they might have gone, and who to trust. As usual, Gabby is in trouble and must find a way out. An exciting book which will definitely hold your interest.
August 13, 2025
This short novel jumps back in time to when crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire needs work, she accepts a strange job delivering antique teacups. Only there’s more to this assignment than meets the eye. In fact, is seems to place her life in danger. What’s so special about this china, or is there more going on behind the scenes? A wild ride from beginning to end, filled with suspense and drama—you will enjoy the story whether you’ve read any of the other books in this series or not. I received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2025
Half Empty
I really enjoyed reading Half Empty by Christy Barritt! I have read every Squeaky Clean book in the series and loved the characters. This book brought back the characters I loved with another adventure. I also loved the way there were twists and turns that made me not want to put this book down. I felt like I was with friends again. I’m sure anyone would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for another great book, Christy Barritt
I really enjoyed reading Half Empty by Christy Barritt! I have read every Squeaky Clean book in the series and loved the characters. This book brought back the characters I loved with another adventure. I also loved the way there were twists and turns that made me not want to put this book down. I felt like I was with friends again. I’m sure anyone would enjoy reading this book. Thanks for another great book, Christy Barritt
September 8, 2025
Much ado...
Too heavy on the zany 'goings-on' and no character development. It felt like a quick description of a round trip, some drama, the end. Nothing meaningful, nothing memorable, nothing but teacups.
My only question is how delicate cups survived. The easy answer is...fiction.
I've enjoyed the other books (mostly) in this overall series, but not this one.
I'm very generously giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
Too heavy on the zany 'goings-on' and no character development. It felt like a quick description of a round trip, some drama, the end. Nothing meaningful, nothing memorable, nothing but teacups.
My only question is how delicate cups survived. The easy answer is...fiction.
I've enjoyed the other books (mostly) in this overall series, but not this one.
I'm very generously giving it 3 out of 5 stars.
August 11, 2025
Half-Empty is a quick, enjoyable read. Gabby gets a courier job because she needs extra cash, but what she doesn't count on is that half of the teacups she picks up goes missing. Great read as she and Riley retrace their steps and figure out the mystery amidst the danger and threats. Love how Sierra shows up and assists Riley and Gabby in this mystery.
August 20, 2025
How happy am I to enjoy another Squeaky Clean mystery from the series that made me a lifelong fan of Christy Barritt?!
No disappointment here, just a few enjoyable hours with Gabby, Riley and another convoluted mystery full of danger and confusion yet happy conclusion.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
No disappointment here, just a few enjoyable hours with Gabby, Riley and another convoluted mystery full of danger and confusion yet happy conclusion.
I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.
August 15, 2025
teacups
Absolutely loved reading this. Gabby has a way of always being in the midst of chaos along with her fiancé Riley and friend Sierra. Quite an intriguing adventure. Well done Christ Barritt!
Absolutely loved reading this. Gabby has a way of always being in the midst of chaos along with her fiancé Riley and friend Sierra. Quite an intriguing adventure. Well done Christ Barritt!
August 28, 2025
Action filled and funny
Clever as always, Ms. Barrett wove a fast paced story that had you trying to unravel the mystery. Juxtaposing innocence and evil, proving that fragile is stronger. Her use of humor, as always was well timed. A fun quick read.
Clever as always, Ms. Barrett wove a fast paced story that had you trying to unravel the mystery. Juxtaposing innocence and evil, proving that fragile is stronger. Her use of humor, as always was well timed. A fun quick read.
November 10, 2025
Another great mystery
I haven’t had or taken time to double check and make sure I have read all the different books in a series in a long time. I am so glad I got to read this book this evening. I love Christy Barrett’s mystery novels. This one was awesome. Enjoy!
I haven’t had or taken time to double check and make sure I have read all the different books in a series in a long time. I am so glad I got to read this book this evening. I love Christy Barrett’s mystery novels. This one was awesome. Enjoy!
November 25, 2025
good read
Gabby and Riley stories will keep you turning pages till the end. She's corky and he's a lawyer! he gets her out of trouble every time Gabby is smart but she's always looking how to make meats end! must read series! christy thanks for bringing us back to Gabby ❤️
Gabby and Riley stories will keep you turning pages till the end. She's corky and he's a lawyer! he gets her out of trouble every time Gabby is smart but she's always looking how to make meats end! must read series! christy thanks for bringing us back to Gabby ❤️
August 11, 2025
Great
This book was exciting from beginning to the very end. It was kept me reading to read what would happen next.
This book was exciting from beginning to the very end. It was kept me reading to read what would happen next.
August 16, 2025
Great Read!!!
Mystery, intense situations, fun characters who together make an interesting story and fun read. Danger does lurk around corners but has a good ending.
Mystery, intense situations, fun characters who together make an interesting story and fun read. Danger does lurk around corners but has a good ending.
August 17, 2025
Great book
I liked this short story because of its characters and storytelling. I was engaged and was guessing the while time. It was fast paced and clean. Highly recommend
I liked this short story because of its characters and storytelling. I was engaged and was guessing the while time. It was fast paced and clean. Highly recommend
September 3, 2025
Silly, goofy, interesting mystery- more like a novella. Short & oddly quirky.
September 23, 2025
Great book
Lots of action and suspense.Who knows who is guilty and who is not. The good guys end up getting the bad guys in jail
Lots of action and suspense.Who knows who is guilty and who is not. The good guys end up getting the bad guys in jail
November 5, 2025
Enjoyable clean read. I found this a fast read. The outcome was unexpected.
December 23, 2025
A trip back in time.
Thank you for a trip back in time. The Squeaky Clean Mysteries series is what got me turned on to your books. Now I am hooked.
Thank you for a trip back in time. The Squeaky Clean Mysteries series is what got me turned on to your books. Now I am hooked.
August 31, 2025
This is a light and fun book. I like that it didn’t have a lot of scary situations but was still exciting. Gabby and Riley are a loving couple who seem to be able to get out of touchy situations and come out still loving each other. This is an easy read that I recommend.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews