Cunning Attractions

Squeaky Clean Mysteries #12

by Christy Barritt

Gabby's latest mystery will win votes as election season--and murder--take center stage.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller

330 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2016

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Amanda Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another mystery that had me guessing. I figured out the “who” but the “why” was spot on and surprising. I actually liked the bigger role Clarissa played in this book. And Riley and Gabby are sweet without being over the top. There was more of a subtle Christian thread than a main thread.

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 12th book in the Squeaky Clean mystery series. Light cozy mystery.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading anything by Christy Barritt is never dull! Barritt grips the reader quickly with the familiarity of the characters and a mystery that keeps me turning the pages. With her fourteenth addition to her Squeaky Clean mysteries, this is no exception. I have journeyed with Gabby, Sierra, and Riley since the first book. Returning to them reminds me of close friends that I hang out with and share my burdens with. I love returning to their lives. It is a like watching more of what happens to their lives. I am glad that Barritt keeps what is going on in their daily lives straight. It just flows well from one book to another. As for the mystery, I enjoy hunting alongside Gabby as she looks for clues to why Billy's ex-wife, Emma Jean, is found beaten to death in a freezer. The mystery kept my attention to the page. I devoured the entire book in less than one day. I highly recommend Cunning Attractions to fans of Barritt's other Squeaky Clean books or fans of mysteries in general. It is a nice, clean mystery that even younger readers can enjoy. I can't wait to see what other troubles Barritt will allow Gabby and her friends to get into.

[JaneReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabby's life is definitely never dull! Besides trying to solve a mystery this story also revolves around a presidential election and it amazed me how much this story paralleled to current events. There were so many possible suspects with motive it was hard to figure out who was responsible before it was revealed. I was intrigued trying to figure it out before the arrest. Each time Gabby was in a sticky situation or a life-changing event I felt anguish for her. There was a point I yelled at the book NOO!! thankfully things didn't go the way I thought. I look forward to reading about the new adventures awaiting Gabby.

I received an complimentary copy of this book. The views expressed are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall mystery in Cunning Attractions was good, but for some reason it took me a really long time to read. I'd read before bed one evening and then something else would capture my attention and I'd read that before coming back to this. That said, I did enjoy the mystery. The main bad guy caught me off guard, and the motives for the bad guys were much more realistic than I was thinking they might be (based on one of the theories in the book).

It was interesting comparing the election with the election we just had. I liked the part at the end when Gabby described how she felt about it. She was focusing on her faith instead of the politicians. Definitely something to try to keep in mind with the political uncertainty facing us now.

I am quite curious about the Cold Case mini-series mentioned at the back of the book.

[Lyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read in this series. I’m close to the end now. I’m a 70’s kid, so a good Scooby Doo episode that is extended and more geared towards adults, but is clean. Yes, I’m a nerd and I like that. Gabby, the main character also has a quirky, funny personality that involves singing 80’s songs in inappropriate times. She is getting a little better about letting people know when she is going into dangerous situations. This book brings back a lot of the secondary characters of past books, like her crazy, but lovable neighbors. I think I only have one more book in the series now. And what I really liked about this book? I had in my head who the killer was, I was sort of right. But you didn’t actually find out who the killer was until the book was about twenty minutes from being done.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved the Squeaky Clean books and this one just adds more to the series.

This book in the Squeaky Clean series is full of action. There's suspense, murder, strange happenings, and it seems like every time Gabby turns around someone is watching her or trying to kill her. These stories are so entertaining and will keep you up late at night just because you want to know who REALLY is behind all the drama.
Christy Barritt is an author who writes great stories that bring up all kinds of emotions. You won't be disappointed if you get this book!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent Christian mystery written by an author who is no newcomer to the genre. This is book 12 of the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series? Christy Barrett proves definitively that it is possible to write page turner mysteries that involve no graphic violence, sex, profanity, or any other vices that so many books and writers can't seem to live without.

I plan to start at the beginning and read the entire series of 13 books (there is a book 2.5 set during the Christmas season). Then I will try one of her other series to see if I like it as much.

[Nicole Morphew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love!

This is the first time I've read any a series that's longer than 3 books one right after another without taking a long break in-between some of the books! This series and this writer are equally amazing! If you are looking for a binge (stealing from the people who talking about binging movies or TV show) worthy series that has suspense, action, love, romance, laughs and tears, mystery, crime solving, good guys and bad guys, just all of it, as far as I'm concerned there's nothing missing from this series, this is the series for you!

[Laura Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time reading this when it first came out because the story is focused around a heated election. The presidential election had just ended and I was not up to reading about a fictional one.

However, now that I have finally read it, it was pretty good. I like Ms. Barritt tries to throw in some extra turns near the end to throw you off. Gabby gets into trouble as usual. I liked it better than Thrill Squeaker.

[Eva North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I just got done reading this book, and like the rest of her squeaky clean series, Christy Barritt DOES NOT DISAPPOINT!!!!😍😍😍😍 This was really good, always wondering what Gabby is gonna get herself into helping others and getting justice. I can't wait to read the rest is the series/new series she's got for Gabby, cold case series? I don't doubt those will be just as good. Keep up the series and the awesome writing Christy.

[Dawn Trainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby is SO entertaining!

I very much enjoy not only the adventure, curiosity, mystery, and all-around they clean fun but I really enjoyed also here and gabi's thought processes because they closely mirror my own! I find Her thought process very amusing. Always arguing with herself in her mind, random thoughts popping up in her head, songs popping up to express the situation... I really enjoyed the series!

[Sherri A Wanous · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

I truly love Gabby and her adventures. I also love her friends. If you've noticed the date of birth review you've realized it is the day after election day. Things are in a bit of an uproar but I believe I'll take Gabby's err...Christy's viewpoint it's in God's hands and that's where I'm putting it faith. God bless you Christy and thanks for yet another entertaining read.

[Donna Kimpel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabby To The Rescue!!!

Newly married Gabby finds trouble right on her doorstep again. Her neighbor Bill's ex-wife was killed and he doesn't think he needs help. Boy was he wrong. When the protesters go after him and his new beautiful girlfriend can Gabby find out the truth before he gets arrested or someone gets hurt. Never fear Gabby is here!!!

[Katharine Showman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A presidential election, a murder, an explosion, shady characters, a thwarted kidnapping....all of these events occur in this fast-moving book by Christy .Barritt. Many suspects are investigated and most are found to be not involved. Gabby is back to square one over and over. Read this book for a great adventure! Thank you for the chance to review your book, Christy!

[RUTH BAKER]

So thankful to have found Gabby and her exploits. These have been my escape from the corona virus and the stay at home mandate. Have enjoyed witnessing her mature in the faith and she seems to be more focused in her thought processes. Will miss her when I finish the series. Thanks Christy Barrett for a relatable heroine

[Pat Whitworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoy this slow paced mystery the end is a surprise.

Grabby is a crime cleanup girl turned detective. She puts the death of a not so well liked woman on the fore-front of her investigation. Trouble is nobody liked Emma Jean.

[Kelli Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me guessing!

I look forward to each book by Christy Barritt. As always, this one did not disappoint. Every time I thought I had it figured out, she would surprise me. I look forward to the next to see what the future holds for Gabby and the rest of the crew.

[Mary Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this was a clean, safe read without objectionable language or passionate love scenes. I liked the support Gabby and her friends give each other. I did not think this story was as good as others I have read by the author. The events in the story weren't as exciting.

[Beverly Brader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, Cunning Attractions. I particularly enjoyed Gabby’s thoughts about being a newly wed and how she was adapting to the married life. The plot to the story is extremely difficult to figure out the who dun nit. The ending is a great surprise! A book worth reading!

[Joni Truex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Politics and mystery

A presidential election, a murder and multiple mysteries collide in this story. Gabby & Riley are caught in the middle of it all. Interesting twists and characters keep this book interesting and leaves you guessing until the end.

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Been away from this series for awhile and it was nice to be back. The mystery felt a little convoluted this time around the characters were good.

[Rachel Traver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series

I really enjoy this author and this series. It’s fun to read and never too serious. It is a great way to spend time relaxing.

[vickie millspaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got it wrong.

I thought for sure I knew who did it. I was SO VERY WRONG! How does Christy come up with such wonderful mysteries?

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Another great book in an excellent series. Grabby never fails to solve a crime or get into trouble. Always entertaining!

[Debra Chiaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

Another fantastic and quick read! This one had me stumped. Never expected the finish. And, can't wait till the next installment.

[Kaye Sinkule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Klutz to the Rescue!

Wow another awesome book with so many possible directions and suspects, that you just can not put the book down!

[Tom Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good....maybe series best

Entertaining from cover to cover, with new faces to read and uncover the final who and why the crime wss was committed. No disappointment, here!

[Jim Rickard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good fun book

I enjoyed this book. Fun plot and different than the books before this. I look forward to reading the next one 8n this series

[DM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked all the mentions of fall & pumpkin spice. The “Gassy” parts were so funny! But Gabby & friends losing their home was very sad and upsetting.