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Squeaky Clean Mysteries #2.5
It Came Upon a Midnight Crime
ASIN moved from less recent edition here
Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday? Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.
Someone is intent on destroying the true meaning of Christmas—at least, destroying anything that hints of it. All around crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Claire’s hometown, anything pointing to Jesus as the “reason for the season” is being sabotaged. The crimes become more twisted as dismembered body parts are found at the vandalisms. Who would go to such great lengths to dampen the joy and hope of Christ’s birthday? Someone’s determined to destroy Christmas . . . but Gabby St. Claire is just as determined to find the Grinch and let peace on earth and goodwill to men prevail.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2012
171 people are currently reading
487 people want to read
About the author
Christy Barritt
341 books1,694 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 73 reviews
May 19, 2017
Fun, clean story. Not a super deep read, but it was a nice Christmas novella. I liked the characters and even though I haven't read the other books in the series, I didn't have any difficulty reading the book.
December 20, 2019
“Every believer has doubts sometimes. That’s what makes faith, faith—when you can overcome those doubts and still believe.”
“A vandalism a day keeps the Christmas cheer away.”
“God became man because he loved us. God’s Son died because he loved us. No matter what senseless violence occurs, or the heartbreaks, or the pain, Jesus is the one person who will never let us down.”
4.5 Stars Out Of 5
I’m a big fan of Christy Barritt and her quick mysteries that usually have some great faith components throughout. I read the first Squeaky Clean book like a year ago and thought it was pretty good, though I thought some of her other series were better at the time. But now getting back into it, I am realizing there is a lot of great humor that some of the later Worst Detective Books are now missing. It was also a good mystery, even though I did guess the villain. It also didn’t have as much of the nauseating romance some of her other books had :) I liked how it was a Christmas book so it was perfect for the season. And this one was definitely a Christian book. I did skip book two to read this one (book 2.5) so will definitely have to read book 2 in January.
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
“A vandalism a day keeps the Christmas cheer away.”
“God became man because he loved us. God’s Son died because he loved us. No matter what senseless violence occurs, or the heartbreaks, or the pain, Jesus is the one person who will never let us down.”
4.5 Stars Out Of 5
I’m a big fan of Christy Barritt and her quick mysteries that usually have some great faith components throughout. I read the first Squeaky Clean book like a year ago and thought it was pretty good, though I thought some of her other series were better at the time. But now getting back into it, I am realizing there is a lot of great humor that some of the later Worst Detective Books are now missing. It was also a good mystery, even though I did guess the villain. It also didn’t have as much of the nauseating romance some of her other books had :) I liked how it was a Christmas book so it was perfect for the season. And this one was definitely a Christian book. I did skip book two to read this one (book 2.5) so will definitely have to read book 2 in January.
For more reviews, please check out my blog!
https://wadeurspider01.wixsite.com/we...
December 11, 2012
Gabby St. Claire is on the tail of a real-life-Christmas-Grinch! Someone is intent on sabotaging all signs of Christmas in her town, and that doesn't sit well with Gabby or her new-found friends at church. When random body parts start showing up at the scenes of holiday vandalism, the urgency to find the grinch increases.
"It Came Upon a Midnight Crime" is a novella installment to the Squeaky Clean series, meant to fall between the already published second and third installments. There's plenty of appearances from the regular characters in the series, especially from Pastor Shaggy and Riley. I honestly didn't care at all for this novella until I finished reading it, because it starts off with Gabby being incredibly hostile towards Riley without any real explanation. Even though I had read the entire series, and knew why, it was still an awkward start to the story -- and got even more odd when her hostility suddenly vanishes as quickly as it appeared. Gabby's yo-yo'ing feelings towards Riley were just too extreme for a novella to handle, especially if you haven't read the prior books.
However, the plot as a whole was amazing -- Christy Barritt did a great job at dropping hints, inconspicuously and blatantly. I had a little bit of a feeling as to who the grinch was from the very beginning, but I still felt surprised at the end when my gut feeling was confirmed.
Definitely a great read if you're reading through the series in order, but not so much as a stand-alone novella because of the unexplained backgrounds of the characters (in my personal opinion.)
"It Came Upon a Midnight Crime" is a novella installment to the Squeaky Clean series, meant to fall between the already published second and third installments. There's plenty of appearances from the regular characters in the series, especially from Pastor Shaggy and Riley. I honestly didn't care at all for this novella until I finished reading it, because it starts off with Gabby being incredibly hostile towards Riley without any real explanation. Even though I had read the entire series, and knew why, it was still an awkward start to the story -- and got even more odd when her hostility suddenly vanishes as quickly as it appeared. Gabby's yo-yo'ing feelings towards Riley were just too extreme for a novella to handle, especially if you haven't read the prior books.
However, the plot as a whole was amazing -- Christy Barritt did a great job at dropping hints, inconspicuously and blatantly. I had a little bit of a feeling as to who the grinch was from the very beginning, but I still felt surprised at the end when my gut feeling was confirmed.
Definitely a great read if you're reading through the series in order, but not so much as a stand-alone novella because of the unexplained backgrounds of the characters (in my personal opinion.)
July 21, 2013
What an outstanding little mystery! Christy Barritt is one of the best authors!
January 4, 2021
I have read the first two books in this series which I think helped make this a satisfying novella length read. I always prefer reading anything shorter than a full novel only when I'm familiar with a series and have background knowledge that makes it a richer experience.
I did know whodunnit as soon as the person had a chance to talk, but there were a couple of convincing red herrings.
Yes, religious elements are brought into the story as usual with this series, but I appreciate the author trying to show both sides of the issue. Given the Christmas setting the religious elements fit in less noticeably.
I did know whodunnit as soon as the person had a chance to talk, but there were a couple of convincing red herrings.
Yes, religious elements are brought into the story as usual with this series, but I appreciate the author trying to show both sides of the issue. Given the Christmas setting the religious elements fit in less noticeably.
December 17, 2021
Now normally I like Christian fiction, but this one is just so cringe worthy that I'm struggling. It's about a war on Christmas. Like someone is going around town destroying people's Christmas decorations. And leaving body parts. The whole thing is just so absurd. It's not what I was expecting it to be. (I don't remember if I even read the description just that I've liked the rest of the series.) I expected the crime scene cleaner to be actually cleaning crime scenes, probably a body hidden in a full size nativity scene or something.
Oh and I figured out who the criminal was like not even halfway thru.
Oh and I figured out who the criminal was like not even halfway thru.
December 26, 2018
This was my first foray into Barritt’s writing; I wanted to read something Christmas-themed, and I was looking for a little cozy suspense/mystery without any murder involved (didn’t seem right to have that at Christmas!), and this book pretty much hit the mark. There’s nothing outstanding about this story, but it served my purpose, and I may even go to the beginning of this series and give Barritt’s work a little more of an opportunity to hook me (since this book is only a novella, whereas most of the others in the series are full novels).
February 11, 2019
In this Squeaky Clean mystery someone is trying to destroy Christmas. Someone is dressing up like Santa and destroying Christmas scenes. Gabby has a new partner, Chad who was once a mortician and he tells her the body parts are from an embalmed person. Who is trying to destroy Christmas? Gabby has several leads. I was shocked at who the person was in the end. I did not see that coming.
October 31, 2025
Good Read
Having thoroughly enjoyed the entire Squeaky Clean book series, I found each novel to be engaging and meticulously crafted. The narrative style and character development throughout the collection were consistently compelling, making it a memorable reading experience that kept me thoroughly invested from the first page to the last.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the entire Squeaky Clean book series, I found each novel to be engaging and meticulously crafted. The narrative style and character development throughout the collection were consistently compelling, making it a memorable reading experience that kept me thoroughly invested from the first page to the last.
July 31, 2017
A good quick read. Gabby has to try her best to see who is intent on sabotaging Christmas scenes. She uses her skills to try to find out who it is and why they are doing it. I love seeing how Gabby figures things out and look forward to more from her.
April 6, 2019
Poor Gabby!
Again Gabby gets into hot water or should I say onto Santa's naughty list for her persisting finding the Scrooge who's trying to ruin Christmas and doesn't care if he takes folks with him. Another excellent read!
Again Gabby gets into hot water or should I say onto Santa's naughty list for her persisting finding the Scrooge who's trying to ruin Christmas and doesn't care if he takes folks with him. Another excellent read!
May 14, 2019
Another awesome book!!!
I really like Christy barritt. She's funny in these squeaky clean Mysteries. I've read all of her Lantern Beach books. These books are so good along with all the others I've read of hers. I would recommend her books to everyone!
I really like Christy barritt. She's funny in these squeaky clean Mysteries. I've read all of her Lantern Beach books. These books are so good along with all the others I've read of hers. I would recommend her books to everyone!
August 13, 2019
Gabby can't let anyone ruin Christmas no matter how much trouble she might get into. A bit of fun investigating mixed with the seriousness of the crime makes a book I couldn't put down. A great holiday read or a great read anytime really. Highly recommend!
February 8, 2025
Good story
Christy Barritt takes crime scene cleaning to an interesting and entertaining level. Funny mystery with some romance and inspiration. This series is fun to read. On to the next book.
Christy Barritt takes crime scene cleaning to an interesting and entertaining level. Funny mystery with some romance and inspiration. This series is fun to read. On to the next book.
October 26, 2017
Fun Christmas read
This was another fun read but Christy Barritt. I enjoy her quirky wit and the fact that her lead character is a seeker and not already a believer.
This was another fun read but Christy Barritt. I enjoy her quirky wit and the fact that her lead character is a seeker and not already a believer.
January 4, 2019
Wonderful book!
Full of Christy's normal wit and realistic, loveable characters! This is a fun and quick holiday read! Can't wait to see what Gabby is up to next.
Full of Christy's normal wit and realistic, loveable characters! This is a fun and quick holiday read! Can't wait to see what Gabby is up to next.
February 21, 2019
Cute story early in this series about how Gabby and her team solve mysteries. First person story telling makes this story fun to follow
August 26, 2019
Awesome quick read.
This Christmas mystery reads like a good t.v. show. Vivid details and lovable characters. Can’t wait to read book 3.
This Christmas mystery reads like a good t.v. show. Vivid details and lovable characters. Can’t wait to read book 3.
September 11, 2019
Touching story.
It is sad how the Christmas season causes so many people to feel depressed. This is a touching story about one young lady's depression and how it affected so many.
It is sad how the Christmas season causes so many people to feel depressed. This is a touching story about one young lady's depression and how it affected so many.
November 30, 2020
Quirky but fun Christmas Novella!
This quick but exciting and fun mystery was filled with twists and turns! I loved reading about Gabby and her thought process.
This quick but exciting and fun mystery was filled with twists and turns! I loved reading about Gabby and her thought process.
February 19, 2021
Gabby's mysteries continue
Another great adventure with Gabby and her friends in the Christmas spirit. Onto Organized Grime. Still enjoying Christy Barritt's books.
Another great adventure with Gabby and her friends in the Christmas spirit. Onto Organized Grime. Still enjoying Christy Barritt's books.
September 5, 2021
A book in the Squeaky Clean mystery series by Christy Barritt. A light and charming cozy mystery.
March 27, 2023
Christmas novella
Squeaky clean had a short, strange mystery to solve, but was a great read with many suspects and a surprising ending.
Squeaky clean had a short, strange mystery to solve, but was a great read with many suspects and a surprising ending.
August 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book. And the chapter titles were fun!
November 16, 2023
This is not a "fun" Christmas story because someone is trying to destroy Christmas. But Gabby is working hard to solve the mystery. The ending is a surprise.
January 6, 2025
3 1/2 stars A quick, fun, easy read for the season
December 8, 2025
Great side story!
Another great book! Nice little side story to compliment the main story/series! Great to get a little more insight to the dynamic between Riley and Gabby.
Another great book! Nice little side story to compliment the main story/series! Great to get a little more insight to the dynamic between Riley and Gabby.
November 1, 2025
Enjoyable clean mystery. It was somewhat predictable.
May 16, 2013
So-so. I wish the religious aspect were deeper. If someone is going to write a book with a religious aspect, why only skim the surface (and barely even that)? If the author is writing novels that are considered religious, then they are trying to reach people with a message, right? Book 2.5 has hardly scratched the surface of religion, and most of that was negative. Needless to say, I'm disappointed. This could have been a marvelous way to reach people. The story is good, but the character is shallow and negative in her thoughts toward religion. I hope book three is better, but I'm not holding my breath.
January 3, 2014
I love this series! The author is so humorous and the chapter titles so clever. This is a shorter novella only .99 on kindle.
Gabby is called to clean up the scene of a crime~a nativity/Christmas decoration bombing. Someone wants to ruin Christmas for everyone in town and is terrorizing the neighborhood vandalizing Christmas decorations. Gabby is on the trail to find out who is ruining Christmas and comes very close to danger in the process.
Gabby is called to clean up the scene of a crime~a nativity/Christmas decoration bombing. Someone wants to ruin Christmas for everyone in town and is terrorizing the neighborhood vandalizing Christmas decorations. Gabby is on the trail to find out who is ruining Christmas and comes very close to danger in the process.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews