Book Review: "Suspicious Minds" by Christy Barritt

No more viva-ing in Vegas for this Elvis

Elvis is dead again. At least that's what Gabby St. Clair has appeared to have found. When a popular Elvis impersonator turns up dead under a house, Gabby uses both her crime scene cleaning skills and her crime fighting skills to find out who committed the murder. Along the way she meets up with competition, laid back surfer Chad Davis, who won't stop to make sure her business is his as well. It soon appears though that Elvis wasn't the only one wanted dead. Gabby needs to find the killer or else she might soon be singing "I get so lonely I could die".

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.

Now please please go out and get one of Christy's books! She is in danger of not being able to publish the next Squeaky Clean mystery and she needs your help! Over on her blog, she's giving away prizes to people who can help promote her books. Please help her out, this is a great series and it needs to be read!!

BTW: Also wanted to mention that Deena on A Peek at My Bookshelf is spotlighting on Christy this month as author of the month. Check out her blog to see reviews, interviews, fun facts and contests all on Christy and her books!

Suspicious Minds by Christy Barritt is published by Kregel (2008)