Suspicious Minds # 2

Elvis has definitely not left the building! That's what crime-scene cleaner Gabby St. Clair discovers when she does mold remediation at a dilapidated old house. To her surprise, she finds the dead "King" in a crawlspace---still wearing his blue suede shoes. There's no way she can keep her nose out of a case like this! 240 pages, softcover from Kregel.

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Reviewed by Michelle Sutton (AZ), February 26, 2009

Have you ever read a book that was so funny you wanted to read it out loud to your friends? Have you ever found a book with such original inner dialog and snappy attitude that you think, "Wish I'd thought of that." Ever have a story that is so intricately put together that everything is important and every detail is necessary? No words wasted? Well, if you haven't discovered a treasure like that yet, then I suggest you go to the store and order this book now. Suspicious Minds is brilliant, funny, intense, witty, romantic and downright awesome. I totally loved this book even more than Hazardous Duty, and that's saying a lot because I thought it was the best! And ironically in the midst of all the other stuff going on in Suspicious Minds , there is also a deep spiritual thread that is meaningful, and a kiss or two that would make even the stodgiest reader swoon. Did I mention I loved this story? I don't want to spoil things by giving away important details, so just trust me on this one. It's like a comedy-suspense-mystery and definitely worth buying. Christy Barritt has created a whole new genre.

Reviewed by R Webber (Saugus, CA), January 05, 2009

Love the crime-scene cleaner job - so unique. Interesting characters. Plot kept me guessing. Entertaining.

Reviewed by Deborah (Reston, VA), November 14, 2008

Let me get it out of the way first. I LOVED that this book is set in my hometown. I enjoyed recognizing all the places and being able to say "I've been there!" It's also great to see a book set there and not have made up places by authors who use creative license. Now I actually love the story itself. The mystery is extremely good and it keeps you guessing throughout the story. I wanted to gag myself when Gabby found the bodies. It made me feel all icky and gross like I had actually been there myself. The description of the finds are not graphic but they make you feel like you're actually there. I really like the chemistry between Gabby and Chad. There was much more zing between them than her and her boyfriend. I'm not a huge Elvis fan (I like young Elvis, that's it) but I found it both funny and sad to see what a huge following he still has. It's actually sad to see how some people are still obsessed with a man that's been dead (yes he is!) for over 30 years. It's like they're still worshiping him. I did love the scene at the seafood restaurant . It was hilarious although I would have been mad if I had been tricked like that all for the sake of a protest. It was a great way to add humor through a grim storyline. I really enjoy these books - not only are they are fun read but I've actually learned a lot about crime scene cleaning. I really can't wait to see what Gabby's next adventure is going to be.

Reviewed by Mary Connealy (USA), November 03, 2008

I loved Suspicious Minds. Funny, fast paced, I just love Gabby and her quirky friends and her way of being brave, no matter how much trouble it gets her into. Very fun book. I can't wait to hear more from Christy Barritt.

Reviewed by Chandra (PA), October 17, 2008

It takes skill to write a story filled with humor, suspense, romance, and creativity. Christy Barritt has done it in once again in book two of the Squeaky Clean Mystery Series. If you loved Gabby St. Claire and all the trouble she got into in Hazardous Duty you won't be surprised to find her in the middle of it in Suspicious Minds. And, if you haven't read book one, go ahead and buy them both, you'll be glad you did. Gabby St. Claire, crime scene cleaner by trade, detective by circumstance, finds herself in the middle of a double murder investigation and the target of the killer. How can she get into such a predicament? For Gabby, it is easy. She goes to a potential job site to look into cleaning mold from a crawl space and discovers the body of an Elvis impersonator. When the dead man's wife asks her to investigate the murder Gabby can't say no. Her next visit to the crawl space uncovers another body and gun shots fired at her. Can this sleuth wannabe solve the crime without being killed herself? And can she learn to listen to her heart and search the lonely places there to find faith and deep relationships? Christy Barritt's cast of characters are creative and endearing. You will be eager to find out what happens to each of them. I highly recommend this book and its predecessor. Then, look for book three when we find out how Gabby's future predicaments and relationships turn out.

Reviewed by Linda Rondeau (Malone, New York), September 30, 2008

Rarely are sequels as entertaining or as well written as their predecessors. In this case, Christy Barritt not only manages to match the appeal found in Hazardous Duty, but has actually exceeded the fun. This time Gabby St. Claire, crime-scene cleaner finds herself scrubbing up another mystifying scene when she literally stumbles upon a dead Elvis impersonator. The laughs never stop coming. Yet, we feel for Gabby’s struggles as she sorts out her personal life and begins the road to a spiritual journey and self discovery. And what of her would-be competitor, Chad Davis? As annoying as he is handsome, could they possibly team up without conflict? Even he comes under suspicion as Gabby pieces together the myriad of clues leading to a double murder. Adding the threats against her own life. In characteristic lovable humor, Christy Barritt has woven a delightful tale that can be enjoyed by any age and gender.

Reviewed by Denice Stewart (Oklahoma City, OK), September 22, 2008

Gabby St. Claire has done it again. As a crime scene cleaner and ameteur sleuth, she finds a dead body in a crawl space, and the mystery begins: Who killed Elvis? Gabby cannot keep her nosy little self from interferring, er. . . investigating this unusual crime. With snappy dialogue, fascinating characters, and fast-paced fun, "Suspicious Minds" was a book I couldn't put down until the final page. A must read if you enjoy mystery and humor!

Reviewed by Susan Sleeman (usa), August 25, 2008

In Suspicious Minds crime scene cleaner Gabby St. Clair is back, larger than life and up to her cleaning eyeballs in another murder. Not only do we get to see the quirky yet lovable Gabby again, but the cast of oddball neighbors hold starring roles in the book as well. Add a new love interest in the form of surfer dude, Chad Davis and you’ve got a zany mystery that no one could resist. I certainly couldn’t. I zipped through the fun murder mystery in a night and sat forlornly waiting for another. What? Murder fun? If you think murder can’t be a hoot, Barritt proves you wrong when Gabby branches out from crime scene cleaning to crawl space mold remediation. But the moldiest thing she discovers in the disgusting spider infested space is the body of Elvis. Yes, Elvis. A tribute artist, that is. Gabby, the wannabe forensic investigator and soon to be one if she finishes college, can’t help but investigate the murder. And if that isn’t enough to keep her busy, one Chad Davis surfer and retired morgue attendant turned crime scene cleaner gives Gabby a run for her cleaning business. Suspicious Minds is the second book in The Squeaky Clean Mystery series from Christy Barritt. Barritt has penned a terrific second novel that combines a strong mystery, boat loads of humor, and romance. Gabby is a loveable, witty, and caring character. But Barritt doesn’t leave us merely with a fun read, she brings non-Christian (Gabby is gonna get me for this) closer to faith and along the way shows believers how they might be misconstrued by seekers. And there’s a more serious thread about loneliness running through the book as well. Please run, don’t walk to your nearest book store and pick up Suspicious Minds and if you haven’t read Hazardous Duty, the first in the series, snatch up one of those as well. You’ll race right through them and like me, sit in longing for the third book.

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