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Riley Thomas #1
While You Were Sweeping
Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar in his life—including his crime-scene cleaning ex-fiancée and his career as a social rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.
Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.
Fiction/Christian/Mystery
Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.
Fiction/Christian/Mystery
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2015
120 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
338 books1,663 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 54 reviews
March 22, 2019
As always Christy Barritt comes through with another great read. I was hooked from the first chapter to the end. (I finished the book in an hour! :)) Though it was kinda obvious the neighbor was lying about what Riley saw, i didn't know what was going on until the end! Very good work Christy!
May 14, 2018
This was a quick read ad with it being only a novella. But it was quick and to the point. After reading all these books in a series with Riley’s fiancé Gabby, it was different to have a book from Riley’s point of view. Especially since what he was going through after his traumatic brain injury was only from Gabby’s point of view, you never really knew what was going on with Riley at this point. And who knew he had a spark for the solving mysteries game like she does. It made me like Riley more. But if you are going to read this book, you would do much better reading these books in the way the series goes and not this stand alone title.
August 16, 2019
A crazy twist in this series. Riley doesn't remember Gabby and doesn't remember how he feels about her. His parents aren't helping as they don't think Gabby is good enough for their son. Can she find a way to connect with Riley or is their relationship doomed?
An emotional book that left me wondering what will happen with Gabby and Riley? I'm rooting for them and hope that their relationship can be mended and remembered.
I can't wait to read more of the series to find out what happens!
An emotional book that left me wondering what will happen with Gabby and Riley? I'm rooting for them and hope that their relationship can be mended and remembered.
I can't wait to read more of the series to find out what happens!
January 21, 2021
Great story of Leaning on God
I love all of the “Gabby” books. This was lacking Gabby, though, and the new, temporary characters can’t replace her. The story is one of loss, but finding strength in God, and being careful to put a lot more trust in God than in people. It’s a little mystery and suspense, and a hint of romance. Overall, it’s a story worth reading and learning from.
I love all of the “Gabby” books. This was lacking Gabby, though, and the new, temporary characters can’t replace her. The story is one of loss, but finding strength in God, and being careful to put a lot more trust in God than in people. It’s a little mystery and suspense, and a hint of romance. Overall, it’s a story worth reading and learning from.
August 11, 2017
Good story from the perspective of someone dealing with TBI
Riley is trying to figure out where his life is going, and thinks he witnesses a murder. Everyone there thinks it his trauma causing him to believe that. He starts investigating and finds a friend and maybe New answer about his relationship with Gabby. If he hasn't already blown that.
Riley is trying to figure out where his life is going, and thinks he witnesses a murder. Everyone there thinks it his trauma causing him to believe that. He starts investigating and finds a friend and maybe New answer about his relationship with Gabby. If he hasn't already blown that.
December 23, 2024
This is a quick novella that's from Riley's point of view. He's trying to get his life back together after his TBI and wanting his independence back. Although the story is lacking mostly Gabby, it does have some suspense, and things between him and Gabby are not so good. This story is about trusting God more than people.
May 17, 2020
Riley!
Interesting to see Riley's perspective and realize the mistakes we make can be permanent and good all at the same time. All while solving a murder in the haze of TBI and parental meddling.
Interesting to see Riley's perspective and realize the mistakes we make can be permanent and good all at the same time. All while solving a murder in the haze of TBI and parental meddling.
July 1, 2020
Wonderful!
It's about time for Riley to solve a mystery on his own. Recuperating at his parents home, from a bullet to the brain, Riley hears a gunshot and wonders where it came from. No one seems to believe him when he has seen the blood on the kitchen floor.
It's about time for Riley to solve a mystery on his own. Recuperating at his parents home, from a bullet to the brain, Riley hears a gunshot and wonders where it came from. No one seems to believe him when he has seen the blood on the kitchen floor.
October 8, 2020
Enjoyed
I needed this perspective on what was really happening with Riley. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else but I will say it seems Gabby isn't the only one who has a penchant for sniffing out mysteries.
I needed this perspective on what was really happening with Riley. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone else but I will say it seems Gabby isn't the only one who has a penchant for sniffing out mysteries.
November 15, 2020
Whittle or Wander
Another mystery full of suspence and trepidation keeps this book in front of you until it is finished. I loved this spinoff from the Gabby St. Clair mysteries. I am wanting more!
Another mystery full of suspence and trepidation keeps this book in front of you until it is finished. I loved this spinoff from the Gabby St. Clair mysteries. I am wanting more!
April 6, 2021
Riley Thomas Novella
So I've read some of the Squeaky Clean book Series about Gabby St. Claire. Anyway, I enjoyed this book about Riley Thomas. I love these mystery books and this one left me hsngong, so I csnt wait for the next book!
So I've read some of the Squeaky Clean book Series about Gabby St. Claire. Anyway, I enjoyed this book about Riley Thomas. I love these mystery books and this one left me hsngong, so I csnt wait for the next book!
July 19, 2018
Loved the way we get to see things from Riley’s point of view in this exciting story.
January 11, 2019
Terrific!
It was great to be able to hear Riley's story! I very much enjoyed meeting his family and friends. This was a very enjoyable book.
It was great to be able to hear Riley's story! I very much enjoyed meeting his family and friends. This was a very enjoyable book.
March 2, 2019
Good read
I loved the squeaky clean series. Following Riley during his recovery was a natural addition. Great stories. Working on another drone of her series.
I loved the squeaky clean series. Following Riley during his recovery was a natural addition. Great stories. Working on another drone of her series.
September 27, 2019
Great book
A great book. It adds some extra insight to the story of the Squeaky Clean Mysteries. I have enjoyed this series.
A great book. It adds some extra insight to the story of the Squeaky Clean Mysteries. I have enjoyed this series.
March 28, 2020
TBI
A little to simple for me. Reminded me of a children's mystery story. Where everything looks much worse than it is. And the naive kids draw the wrong conclusion.
A little to simple for me. Reminded me of a children's mystery story. Where everything looks much worse than it is. And the naive kids draw the wrong conclusion.
September 14, 2021
A novella in the Squeaky Clean mystery series. This story is told from Riley's POV. Light and entertaining read.
May 20, 2023
While You Were Sweeping
I really enjoyed this novella featuring Riley. It answered a lot of questions about his relationship and breakup with Gabby.
I really enjoyed this novella featuring Riley. It answered a lot of questions about his relationship and breakup with Gabby.
February 6, 2025
Good story
Interesting book through the eyes of a person recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Educational story with mystery and romance. Worth the read.
Interesting book through the eyes of a person recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Educational story with mystery and romance. Worth the read.
April 28, 2022
It was nice to get Riley's side of things. I wish the synopsis wasn't so spoiler-y though. I was just trying to figure out where this one fit in the series when I was on book 3 or 4 and boy, did it spoil a lot!!!
March 27, 2023
I'm not familiar with brain injuries so I learned some things from this story. It's a short read. I read somewhere that it should be read after #8 in the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series. I have not read that one so have no context about the injury Riley experienced that led up to this book. I enjoy all of Ms. Barrett's books & I have a lot of them.
January 19, 2015
There are two sides to every story, and Barritt does a good job at presenting that other side in While You Were Sweeping. I was drawn to Christy Barritt’s latest mystery novella, While You Were Sweeping, because it was about time for the readers of the Squeaky Clean Mysteries to finally hear Riley’s side of the story. If you have read the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, then you should remember that Riley was Gabby St. Claire’s finance when he got shot in the head. As an avid reader of Gabby St. Clair’s mysteries, I couldn’t understand why Riley moved away from Gabby and moved back with his parents, but this story gives us Riley’s point of view. True to her writing pattern, Barritt writes the story in first-person point of view, so it is easier for the reader to understand and sympathize with Riley, who is dealing with affects of his brain trauma while trying to return to his normal life. Riley must convince his parents that he belongs with Gabby, who they apparently don’t think is good enough for their son. To satisfy her mystery-loving readers, Barritt weaves a mystery in the story involving the doctor who lives four doors down. The mystery is different than typical mysteries because as a reader, you don’t know if you can truly believe what Riley is showing as the trail of clues because he has panic attacks and flashbacks to the incident that changed his life. He could possibly be an unreliable narrator. It was a nice twist to a normal mystery. But, fortunately, after a normal Barritt ending, everything works out for the good of her avid followers. I know all fans of Barritt’s writing will enjoy this quick read and will love getting to know Riley better. A great addition to add to the Squeaky Clean Mysteries.
January 30, 2015
Title: WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: River Heights
January 2015
ASIN: B00RZT2WTG
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar in his life—including his crime-scene cleaning ex-fiancée and his career as a social rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.
Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.
WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING is a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book from Riley’s point of view. Things are not always as they seem, and appearances can be deceiving. If you like to cozy mysteries, you will love WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Riley. I sympathized with him, trying to recover from a brain injury and wanting his life to get back to normal but everyone seemed determined to hold him back, even his parents and therapist. I wanted him to find himself and get some self-confidence back and make some decisions for himself. Getting involved in his own mystery was a great step forward for Riley and I tried to figure this crime out on my own, every step of the way as Riley did.
Ms. Barritt is a very talented author and if you love cozy mysteries, you’ll want to read WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING.
Available in ebook and paperback. 115 pages.
Author: Christy Barritt
Publisher: River Heights
January 2015
ASIN: B00RZT2WTG
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Riley Thomas is trying to come to terms with life after a traumatic brain injury turned his world upside down. Away from everything familiar in his life—including his crime-scene cleaning ex-fiancée and his career as a social rights attorney—he’s determined to prove himself and regain his old life. But when he claims he witnessed his neighbor shoot and kill someone, everyone thinks he’s crazy. When all evidence of the crime disappears, even Riley has to wonder if he’s losing his mind.
Note: While You Were Sweeping is a spin-off mystery written in conjunction with the Squeaky Clean series featuring crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire.
WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING is a great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book from Riley’s point of view. Things are not always as they seem, and appearances can be deceiving. If you like to cozy mysteries, you will love WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING.
I enjoyed getting to know more about Riley. I sympathized with him, trying to recover from a brain injury and wanting his life to get back to normal but everyone seemed determined to hold him back, even his parents and therapist. I wanted him to find himself and get some self-confidence back and make some decisions for himself. Getting involved in his own mystery was a great step forward for Riley and I tried to figure this crime out on my own, every step of the way as Riley did.
Ms. Barritt is a very talented author and if you love cozy mysteries, you’ll want to read WHILE YOU WERE SWEEPING.
Available in ebook and paperback. 115 pages.
February 28, 2016
I really like the books I've read in the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series by Christy Barritt, so I was excited to read this spin off novella about Riley (a very likable character from the other books). I highly recommend reading series in order whenever possible. Sadly, that hasn't been the case for me with this one. I've already read the novel that comes after this novella, so some parts didn't quite pack the punch they otherwise would have. But, it was still a very interesting story. I really felt for Riley with all that he was going through while recovering from his brain injury, and I kept wanting him to just make the phone call to Gabby that he wanted to make. The mystery was well written. I had my suspicions, but things kept happening that kept me on my toes.
If you enjoy clean, Christian suspense novels, definitely consider reading the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, and this spin off novella.
If you enjoy clean, Christian suspense novels, definitely consider reading the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, and this spin off novella.
October 24, 2015
So great to hear Riley's side of the story. This is a spin off from the Squeaky Clean Series and it really helped answer some of the questions I had about Riley's feelings towards Gabby and why he is doing what he is. It also gave insight into the struggles Riley has been dealing with as he tries to recover from his brain trauma. In this book, Riley tries to figure out if an event he believes he witnessed actually happened or if he brain is playing tricks on him. While he tries to figure this out with the help of his friends, they also give him some insight into his relationship with Gabby that he hadn't thought of. I enjoyed this read, the storyline of trying to figure out if the event actually happened or not moved the story along and provided answers to why Riley was acting the way he was. Great addition to this series.
April 12, 2015
This book fits in between Mucky Streak and Foul Play
After reading Mucky Streak and Foul play, I felt disappointed, like there was something missing. I missed Riley being in the picture and not knowing what his side of the story was. I didn't realize that While You Were Sweeping was the filler I needed. This book about Riley's side of the story after his gunshot wound to the head and his rehabilitation really gave a lot of insight not only to what Riley was going through, but what that kind of injury can do to a person's character and personality, not to mention a person's faith. Christy Barritt really led me into Riley's mind in such a way that I felt his pain, depression, frustration, desperation, and the push to move forward and beyond what other people thought about him. I'm so glad I found this "filler" book.
After reading Mucky Streak and Foul play, I felt disappointed, like there was something missing. I missed Riley being in the picture and not knowing what his side of the story was. I didn't realize that While You Were Sweeping was the filler I needed. This book about Riley's side of the story after his gunshot wound to the head and his rehabilitation really gave a lot of insight not only to what Riley was going through, but what that kind of injury can do to a person's character and personality, not to mention a person's faith. Christy Barritt really led me into Riley's mind in such a way that I felt his pain, depression, frustration, desperation, and the push to move forward and beyond what other people thought about him. I'm so glad I found this "filler" book.
January 19, 2015
Riley takes a turn at investigating
Riley is having a hard time recovering from his gunshot wound to his head. He misses Gabby, his ex fiancee. Gabby's nose for solving crimes has rubbed off on Riley. Riley hears a gunshot and then sees his neighbor dragging a heavy rug out to his truck. No one believes him. They think it's his brain playing tricks. If he could just call Gabby, he knows she would believe him.
I really enjoyed Riley's story, but would like to shake him for not calling Gabby. But, everyone convinced Riley that he may never be the same. With God and time, Riley's friend Todd believes he will be healed, and needs to give Gabby a chance to prove she has what it takes to stand by Riley. Another great clean .murder mystery I highly recommend!
Riley is having a hard time recovering from his gunshot wound to his head. He misses Gabby, his ex fiancee. Gabby's nose for solving crimes has rubbed off on Riley. Riley hears a gunshot and then sees his neighbor dragging a heavy rug out to his truck. No one believes him. They think it's his brain playing tricks. If he could just call Gabby, he knows she would believe him.
I really enjoyed Riley's story, but would like to shake him for not calling Gabby. But, everyone convinced Riley that he may never be the same. With God and time, Riley's friend Todd believes he will be healed, and needs to give Gabby a chance to prove she has what it takes to stand by Riley. Another great clean .murder mystery I highly recommend!
January 27, 2015
I've enjoyed the adventures of Gabby St. Clair for nine books now and I'm looking forward to the next installment. This novella from Riley's perspective gives the reader insight into where he stands. He still loves Gabby but he doesn't want her to put her life on hold for him. But did his decision to let her go ruin all chances of a future with the woman he loves?
As Riley tries to solve the mystery of what happened at his neighbor's house, he struggles to come to terms with his brain injury, his future, and his parents' hovering and meddling. His faith is floundering. How can God use all of this for good?
A short and engaging read that will hold readers over until Gabby (and hopefully Riley's) next adventure.
As Riley tries to solve the mystery of what happened at his neighbor's house, he struggles to come to terms with his brain injury, his future, and his parents' hovering and meddling. His faith is floundering. How can God use all of this for good?
A short and engaging read that will hold readers over until Gabby (and hopefully Riley's) next adventure.
February 15, 2015
This short Novella is a great sneak peak into Riley’s life after his accident. Reading the squeaky clean mysteries we get Gabby’s side but not Riley’s. It was sad when they went their separate ways. This will help you to see why. I still have high hopes for Riley and wouldn’t mind seeing him and Gabby get back together some day. I liked to read his view and how he is trying to get thru his issues. It is hard to give reviews sometimes without spoiling the book….in the end Riley gets a good focus on his life and I see good things coming his way. I wouldn’t mind a spinoff of more Riley books! Even though it is short it is another great book by Christy and will help you gain a good opinion of Riley again, if you need one!
January 24, 2016
This book falls between Books # 7and 8 in Christy Barritt's Squeaky Clean Series, so you really need to read the previous books in order to really get the complete picture of Riley and Gabby's story. It was really nice, in this novella, to hear Riley's side of the story and to find out why he was moving back to his parents and away from Gabby. I have to say though, that I don't enjoy reading this series quite as much when Gabby and Riley are not working together, with Riley having her back, to solve a mystery. But, it helped us to understand Riley's feelings and fears, and his misguided attempt to "protect her." Will they get back on track? You'll have to read and find out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews