REVIEW: Christy Barritt - How Did I Miss These?

Digging Through the Backlists

I have been delighted to begin the Squeaky Clean Mysteries by Christy Barritt. 

These mysteries feature a crime scene cleaner as the amateur detective and this character is so much fun. Straight-talking and a little coarse, Gabby St. Claire is a character to truly love. She's authentic and genuine, if a little rough around the edge. She has a genuine desire to do the best she can in all she does, so it's easy to like her. 

The first story, HAZARDOUS DUTY, jumps into the action immediately. Gabby is busy cleaning up from what is assumed to be a robbery gone wrong leaving the homeowner with a bullet in his leg and the man's wife dead. While Gabby might imagine some duplicity going on, she doesn't have to spend much time in the crime scene to be certain that something deceptive is going on. 

The action barely gives time to breath through this first book. Add to that the budding of a romantic triangle, some quirky neighbors that add to Gabby's trouble, and her cleaning assistant who is blamed for the crimes that occur, and Gabby's in over her head. 

This is a fun story, and the characters have all sorts of potential. I enjoyed Book 2 as well (SUSPICIOUS MINDS) and I'm now well on my way through Book 3, ORGANIZED GRIME. 

If you, like me, missed this series when it was new, don't miss it now! 

Here's a little more about HAZARDOUS DUTY. 

Buying a gun to kill your wife: $3,000
Hiring Trauma Care to clean afterward: $1,500
Having that same cleaner uncover evidence that frames you: Priceless

On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire drops out of school and starts her own crime scene cleaning business. When a routine cleaning job uncovers a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong person is in jail. But the owner of the weapon is a powerful foe . . . and willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet.

With the help of her new neighbor, Riley Thomas, a man whose life and faith fascinate her, Gabby plays the detective to make sure the right person is put behind bars. Can Riley help her before another murder occurs?

***

I'm giving away a copy of my award-winner, BREAKING POINT, to someone who comments, sharing the title of the oldest book on your current reading list. Mine is the one I'm reading by Christy Barritt -  Book 3, ORGANIZED GRIME. What's the oldest one on your list. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING....and giving away a free book!

What are your plans for tomorrow? A quiet, peaceful day? Heading somewhere for your Thanksgiving celebration? Or getting ready to host some family or friends at your own house?

We always host the big holidays here, so you can imagine what today is like.  Cleaning, advance food prep (pies and more pies!) and planning out tomorrow in fifteen-minute increments for food prep before serving dinner at four in the afternoon.  

Our daughter is an amazing cook, though, so it's such a blessing to be able to share the tasks. But by the time we serve, I just want to find a quiet corner and put my feet up!

Thus, this is a quick post, but I'd like to mention 

FINAL CHANCE, my November release. It's an inspirational romantic suspense.

Here's a quick blurb:

Arson. Attempted murder. And Kris Donaldson is the prime suspect. Why won't anyone believe she's innocent?

After years on the run from an abusive ex, Kris receives an unexpected inheritance, an acreage in the Rockies near a small, quaint mountain town. It's her dream come true--a chance to establish an animal rescue and finally lead a peaceful life. Perhaps there's even a chance of forever-after with the intriguing rancher next door.

But her dreams might just prove fatal. A stalker will stop at nothing to destroy her new life. The threats are mounting. She's being framed for heinous crimes. Her reputation, happiness, and in the end, her life is on the line. As always, she can simply cut her losses and run. But this time, there's too much at stake.

This time, she's going to stay.

* * * * * * * * * 

Leave a message and be entered in a drawing for FINAL REFUGE, the first book in this series!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Roxanne Rustand
USA Today bestselling author

New release: Final REFUGE and a giveaway!

 

I'm so happy to announce my new romantic suspense release,
FINAL REFUGE.  Here's a quick blurb:

Erin hopes she has found peace at last in a remote mountain town...until an intruder breaks in, but takes nothing.  Is this yet another warning from her best friend's killer? 

DON'T TELL. He had taunted her for five long years with anonymous, untraceable warnings on the anniversary of her friend's rape and murder, but then the messages stopped.  She'd heard the leading suspect was dead. Maybe. But if he has found her again will he finally finish what he started so long ago?

And what's with the handsome guy who has moved into the cabin next door? He seems so nice and thoughtful...but is he the very threat she fears?

For more information or to buy, CLICK HERE.

FINAL REFUGE is the first in my five-book Montana Secrets romantic suspense series, which will all be published by mid-spring of 2022.  Final Chance, Final Pursuit, Final Escape, and Final Witness  are all stand-alone novels and can be read in any order. To receive a brief notice when each is released,
CLICK HERE to follow me on Bookbub.

Are you enjoying a beautiful fall where you live? Here is a family favorite recipe, in celebration of the arrival of the autumn colors in our part of the Midwest. My favorite season!  My mom made this recipe often while I was growing up.

ARLINE'S AUTUMN SOUP
1 1/2  pounds lean ground beef, browned and drained
1 large yellow onion chopped and browned lightly with the beef
1 quart water
4 large carrots, sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 cup cubed red potatoes
2 tsp salt (to taste)
1/2 tsp pepper (to taste)
2 tsp browning sauce
1 whole bay leaf
1/4 to 1/2 tsp dried basil (to taste)
28 oz can stewed tomatoes (broken up)

Combine ingredients and bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 min. Add seasonings to taste. A splash of soy sauce can add a nice, rich flavor. 

So good with whole-grain, homemade bread and a salad. 

Leave a comment and be entered in a drawing for a free copy of ONE LAST KISS!

Wishing you blessings,

Roxanne Rustand
www.roxannerustand.com