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Squeaky Clean Mysteries Books in Order

19 Books
2006 – 2023 Published
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Reading order

Where to Start with Squeaky Clean Mysteries

If you are ready to dive into the world of forensic science dropouts, crime scene cleaning, and quirky amateur sleuthing, the absolute best place to start is with the first book in the series, Hazardous Duty (2006). This novel introduces us to Gabby St. Claire, who finds herself cleaning up messy situations and stumbling into even messier murder investigations. Reading the series in order is highly recommended. While each book features a standalone mystery that is resolved by the final page, Gabby's personal growth, spiritual journey, and evolving relationship with her neighbor Riley Thomas are serialized and build directly from one book to the next.

Squeaky Clean Mysteries Recommended Reading Order

For the complete experience, including all novels, novellas, and spin-offs, we recommend following the combined chronological and publication path. This sequence ensures you do not miss any character developments or key relationship milestones.

  1. Hazardous Duty (2006) - Novel 1
  2. Half Witted (2023) - In Between Mystery Novella (set directly after Book 1)
  3. Suspicious Minds (2008) - Novel 2
  4. It Came Upon a Midnight Crime (2012) - Novella 2.5
  5. Half Truth (2023) - In Between Mystery Novella (set after It Came Upon a Midnight Crime)
  6. Organized Grime (2011) - Novel 3
  7. Half Empty (2024) - In Between Mystery Novella (set before Dirty Deeds)
  8. Dirty Deeds (2013) - Novel 4
  9. The Scum of All Fears (2013) - Novel 5
  10. To Love, Honor, and Perish (2013) - Novel 6
  11. Mucky Streak (2014) - Novel 7
  12. While You Were Sweeping (2015) - Riley Thomas Spinoff Novella (best read after Mucky Streak)
  13. Foul Play (2014) - Novel 8
  14. Broom and Gloom (2014) - Novel 9
  15. Dust and Obey (2015) - Novel 10
  16. Thrill Squeaker (2016) - Novel 11
  17. Swept Away (2016) - Novella 11.5
  18. Cunning Attractions (2016) - Novel 12
  19. Clean Getaway (2017) - Cold Case Book 1 (Novel 13)
  20. Clean Sweep (2018) - Cold Case Book 2 (Novel 14)
  21. Clean Break (2019) - Cold Case Book 3 (Novel 15)
  22. Cleans to an End (2020) - Cold Case Book 4 (Novel 16)

Understanding the Subseries and Spin-Offs

Christy Barritt's universe is extensive, and the Squeaky Clean series is divided into distinct phases and companion works that flesh out the main characters and their friends:

The Original Sleuthing Era (Books 1–12)

The core of the series follows Gabby St. Claire as an independent crime scene cleaner and amateur investigator. These books run from Hazardous Duty through Cunning Attractions. In this era, Gabby builds her cleaning business, navigates local crime in Virginia, and slowly figures out her feelings for her neighbor Riley Thomas.

The Cold Case Continuation (Books 13–16)

Starting with Clean Getaway, the series enters a new chapter often referred to as the Cold Case Squad era. Gabby takes on a more official role, and the mysteries pivot toward solving historical cold cases. This four-book run concludes the primary narrative arc of Gabby's career and personal journey with Cleans to an End.

Squeaky Clean In Between Mysteries

Written years after the initial run, these novellas are designed to fit neatly between the major novels. They offer cozy, shorter mysteries that highlight Gabby's humor and early days without disrupting the main plot. These include Half Witted, Half Truth, and Half Empty.

Spin-offs & Crossovers

  • While You Were Sweeping: A companion novella told from the perspective of Riley Thomas as he deals with a traumatic brain injury and attempts to solve a crime he witnessed, with Gabby making a supporting appearance.
  • The Sierra Files: A spin-off series featuring Gabby's animal-loving friend Sierra Nakamura. The series includes Pounced, Hunted, Pranced, and Rattled, and is perfect for readers who want to stay in the same cozy universe.
  • The Crime of Our Lives (2025): A major crossover novel written by Christy Barritt that brings Gabby St. Claire together with characters from her other popular series, Worst Detective Ever (Joey Darling) and Lantern Beach Mysteries (Cassidy Chambers).

What to Know Before You Start

The Squeaky Clean Mysteries fall under the Christian cozy mystery and suspense genre. This means readers can expect clean language, no explicit violence or scenes, and positive, uplifting messages of faith, hope, and redemption. Gabby's faith journey is a central theme; she begins the series as a skeptic but grows spiritually over time. While the books deal with crime scenes and murder, the tone remains lighthearted with plenty of quirky humor, making it a great pick for fans of clean, engaging whodunits.

Frequently Asked

QCan the Squeaky Clean Mysteries be read as standalones?

While the individual mystery in each book is resolved, the overall character development, faith journeys, and romance between Gabby and Riley progress chronologically. It is highly recommended to read them in order, starting with Hazardous Duty.

QWho is the main protagonist of the series?

The series stars Gabby St. Claire, a forensic science dropout who runs a crime scene cleaning business and acts as an amateur sleuth in Virginia.

QAre the 'In Between' novellas required reading?

No, the In Between Mysteries (such as Half Witted) are optional companion stories. They are designed to fill gaps in the timeline but are not required to understand the main plot.

QIs there a spin-off series?

Yes, The Sierra Files is a direct spin-off series starring Gabby's friend Sierra Nakamura. Additionally, the crossover novel The Crime of Our Lives features Gabby alongside characters from other Christy Barritt series.

QHow many main novels are in the Squeaky Clean series?

There are 16 main novels in the Squeaky Clean Mysteries, which include the original 12 books and the 4-book Cold Case continuation series ending with Cleans to an End.