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When Gabby St. Claire’s ex-fiancé, Riley Thomas, asks for her help in investigating a possible murder at a couples retreat, she knows she should say no. She knows she should run far, far away from the danger of both being around Riley and the crime.

But her nosy instincts and determination take precedence over her logic. At the retreat center she feels like she’s stepped into the pages of a creepy gothic novel: an isolated island that’s often foggy, an old lodge with a dark history, and a small pool of suspects who each have either motive, means, or opportunity for murder. When another life is threatened, the risk intensifies.

Gabby and Riley must work together to find the killer. In the process, they have to confront demons from their past and deal with their present relationship. If they don’t learn to trust each other, they could both end up as fodder for the supposedly cursed island’s folklore.

Fiction/Christian/Mystery

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2015

418 people are currently reading
304 people want to read

About the author

Christy Barritt

343 books1,745 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
495 (64%)
4 stars
216 (28%)
3 stars
46 (5%)
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10 (1%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda Matthews.
Author 33 books559 followers
June 28, 2022
This one has quite the creepy cool element to it. There were some twisted minds at work that was shown super clearly.

Romance-wise things are finally seeming to progress toward a real happily-ever-after. Gabby seemed to be a slightly different emotional mindset than the last book so that took a little to ignore and just take at face value. There were some mildly awkward romance scenes and also some kisses.

The spiritual content is consistent throughout the gradual life lessons.
Profile Image for Julia Lance.
382 reviews7 followers
July 29, 2015
I couldn't wait for this book to come out! This series just keeps getting better and better! I absolutely loved this book! It's a good thing I had a house full of sick kids laying around because I couldn't put it down. I ended up staying up until almost 2am to finish it. My favorite line from this book is, " I knew I was loved by my Creator. I would never find my wholeness in anyone but him. So I pressed on." This book is full of suspense and will keep you on your toes. If you want to know which guy Gabby chooses or what Sierra and Chad's baby is going to be then this is the book you have been waiting for. This book feels like it redeems all the hard feelings and emotions you get from the other books not going the way YOU thought they would. Christy obviously has it all planned out so well and this book will leave you with a big smile. It's exactly how I hoped everything would turn out so far. It's full of mystery and murder and excitement and all the other things you expect from Gabby St. Claire! I can't wait for the next one! Awesome job Christy as always!



Note: I was given this book by the Author in exchange for an honest review all thoughts and opinions are my own!

Profile Image for Holly.
721 reviews21 followers
August 10, 2015
Such a great series!!! Love Gabby!! And am excited that there's going to be more!!!
50 reviews
January 19, 2019
Christy Barritt Never Disappoints!!!

This book was, as all the Squeaky Clean books have been, quite the page turner! It is an easy read and very entertaining! I would recommend, however, that you read the series in order --lots of character development in the previous books that you'd really hate that you missed out on if you start in the middle. These are good clean books, and though I don't agree with her on everything doctrinally, it definitely is still Christian fictjon !!! Highly recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Laura Hamby.
220 reviews19 followers
August 6, 2019
Soul searching

In book 10 of the chronicles of Gabby St Clair mystery yet again abounds. In the past Gabby has drawn Riley into the middle of the mysteries. This time Riley asks Gabby to help him find answers to a death the authorities see as simple suicide. The key to finding answers is on a small island where marriage retreats are held.
This book helps delve into expectations people have in life and in marriage as well as the need both men and women have to be respected and treated accordingly.
It is one of my favorite books by Christy Barritt! On to book 11!
Profile Image for Mary Baker.
2,182 reviews54 followers
October 3, 2019
This book was a free read on Kindle Unlimited, and I see that most of Christy Barritt's books are on Kindle Unlimited which is good for me because I really like her writing. I see that she has a 5-star rating on Goodreads for this book, so I'm not the only one who likes her books. I like a good mystery, especially one that keeps me guessing about the evil-doer until the end. These books are safe, clean books which adds to their enjoyment for me. I stayed up too late finishing Dust and Obey and am anxious to start the next book in the series.
69 reviews
April 4, 2022
Live with a Twist

Gabby is brave and funny, then add in the more serious Riley, and you have a fabulous duo. Undercover at a marriage retreat, Gabby and Riley must solve mysteries - one on the island and the mystery of their relationship. Christy Barrett brings suspense, romance, and humor and mixes them with God’s truth to bring another great story. She depicts trust and faith in God in the lives of ordinary and imperfect people, all while giving you a great story. I love all of her books!
Profile Image for Staci.
Author 15 books81 followers
July 26, 2024
I really enjoyed the And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie feeling of this book, a good portion of which takes place at a marriage retreat on a spooky, isolated island. Gabby and Riley aren't back together, yet she agrees to help him investigate the death of a friend's spouse at the retreat by going undercover as a married couple. I'm enjoying Gabby's growth throughout this series, and this setting provides so many opportunities for Gabby and Riley to explore what happed to them several books earlier. I can't wait to read more about Gabby's adventures and growth in the next book.
65 reviews
October 15, 2020
Excellent

I am really enjoying this series. I love the faith in God shown through the characters. Christy is such a gifted writer and we are blessed that God has given her the imagination to write these books. I always find situations or circumstances that can be applied to my life . Thank you Christy for devoting so much to these wonderful stories. God bless you lady, I love your work.
36 reviews
March 24, 2024
You will absolutely want to read these again - as soon as you finish

I love all of Cristy Barritt's book series, but Squeaky Clean with the inimitable Gabby and charming Riley, along with all of their friends and family, are my absolute favorites. Treat yourself to the most funny, scary, death-defying, sassy, unique stories around that will capture your imagination and your heart.
622 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2018
It was good to see Riley back as more of a main character of this series. And this time, Gabby is being paid to be noisy. But will it cost her? She now has to play act like she is married to her former fiancé. Can she do it and not fall back head over heels in love with him? Read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Tanya.
387 reviews7 followers
December 15, 2017
Very fun, clean, enjoyable mystery/romance. The culprit was a little obvious, I thought, but overall it was a great read if you're in the mood for a fun mystery. I loved the main character. She was so spunky and funny. And I enjoyed the non-preachy but powerful Christian elements.
Profile Image for Nicole Morphew.
53 reviews
December 5, 2025
Another Knockout Book!

As always Christy doesn't disappoint! I am so happy with where things are going with Gabby and Riley! I cant wait to read more! If you want a non-stop page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seat this book/series is for you! Highly Recommend!!
106 reviews
October 25, 2016
Another good one in this series.

As usual following the adventures Gabby gets into is a mix of humor and mystery. Murder without graphic violence is a big plus.
14 reviews
July 19, 2017
Great book

Love love love this book . it kept me on the edge of my seat so to speak. Can't wait to start next book in this series.
Profile Image for Dawn Trainer.
123 reviews1 follower
January 12, 2019
Perfect!

This book did not disappoint!!! I have fallen in love with these characters and their world!!!

I definitely recommend this book!!!
Profile Image for Kay Defreese.
674 reviews44 followers
February 13, 2019
Riley asks Gabby to help out a friend find out why his wife died at a couples retreat. Was it murder or did the woman really commit suicide? To do the investigation Riley and Gabby must pose as a married couple. The retreat is for married couples who are separated so they would be staying in separate rooms. In this book Gabby and Riley talk through her hurts but will they get back together if they can survive this retreat? This books kept me turning pages and again I was surprised at who the murderer was. I am not going to reveal whether or not they get back together but what I can say is that with each book Gabby's newfound faith gets stronger and stronger.
188 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2019
Oh my goodness!

Well she did it again!! I did not see this ending at all!! I can not wait until the next book. PRAISE THE LORD for GREAT WRITERS
Profile Image for Hunter Q Lee.
503 reviews3 followers
September 21, 2019
Wonderful story

Riley and Gabby go undercover to solve a mysterious death that appears to be a suicide. Do they accidentally get married?
761 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2020
Wonderful!

Every book gets better and better! Of course this one was the best by far. Plus the suspense keeps getting better as well. I do look forward to the next book.
261 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2020
A cliffhanger for sure!

Once again Christi Barritt keeps you hanging onto the edge of your seat so you just can't put the book down until the end. Cannot wait to star next book!
521 reviews7 followers
July 7, 2021
Best one so far

I loved this book. Best one in series so far. Really good plot. Love the characters and all that is going on
1,674 reviews
March 18, 2022
Great book!

This book was atmospheric and creepy, but not scary, and I enjoyed every minute of reading it! I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Tina at Mommynificent.
674 reviews19 followers
April 28, 2022
Phew! This one was intense and everything I've been hoping for. Very, very satisfying conclusion to this book.. And the murderer is super creepy!
138 reviews1 follower
May 11, 2023
Dust and Obey

A great mystery with a lot of suspense, surprises, and romance. So glad Riley and Gabby are back together. The pretend wedding and its outcome was a real surprise!
849 reviews10 followers
February 16, 2025
Cute book

Christy Barritt does it again. Another good book in this series. Great setting and cast of characters. On to the next in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews