Through Any Window

by Deb Richardson-Moore, Callie Beaulieu (narrator)

After being questioned in a murder investigation, Riley Masterson has spent eighteen months under suspicion by the sheriff’s office. Anxious to escape accusing eyes, she finally decides to leave Alabama and move to South Carolina.But Greenbrier isn’t the stabilizing influence she hopes for, as her neighborhood is slowly being gentrified, with homeless people living in the shadows of mansions. As Riley struggles to forge a new life, forces are gathering in the tension-plagued neighborhood as glitzy new homes rise beside crumbling mill houses, and everyone is able and willing to peer into a neighbor’s window.When a ghastly crime occurs, an unexpected victim is caught in the crossfire. Detectives are left to Are the deaths personal or the result of rich and poor living in such proximity? Will Riley take the blame, as someone seems to have so meticulously planned?

Genres: Fiction, Mystery

Audio CD

Published July 30, 2024

About the author

Deb Richardson-Moore is a former journalist and former pastor of a church whose parishioners included homeless people. Those experiences combined in her first four books -- a 2012 memoir about her early years at the Triune Mercy Center, and the three-book Branigan Powers mystery series featuring a news reporter and a homeless man.

She has now turned to darker domestic thrillers with the release of "Murder, Forgotten" in 2020.

Deb lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband. They are the parents of three adult children.

(Author's photo by Susan Hood)

Reviews

[Foxy Vixen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read and give my honest review

My unique thoughts for this book is: How could the outcome of the conflict(s) turned out differently?
There were so many different conflicts in this book, I really don’t know which one I want to pick.

How about if we go back to Doreen. If she would’ve been able to get her drug addiction under control, 3 lives would’ve been changed. But she couldn’t, so they weren’t.

[Pav S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riley Masterson, under suspicion in a murder investigation, moves from Alabama to South Carolina to escape. However, her new neighborhood in Greenbrier is not as peaceful as she hoped, with the tensions between the wealthy renovating mansions and the homeless living in the shadows. As Riley tries to start over, a crime occurs, leaving detectives to question if it was personal or a result of the disparity between rich and poor. Will Riley be blamed for the crime, as someone seems to have planned it carefully?

I can't believe I hadn't discovered this author sooner! I had been eyeing this book for a while, and when Booksirens offered an ARC copy, I seized the opportunity and downloaded it immediately. Although this book was released in January, I was eager to share my thoughts.

From the moment I delved into the story, I found myself captivated by the plot and hungry for more. The book is fast-paced and brimming with suspense, yet it seems to be flying under the radar with minimal social media reviews.

The protagonist, Riley, is well-developed and instantly likable. While some of the other characters may not be as endearing, they play a crucial role in shaping Riley's character. The storyline is intricate, touching on various social issues such as homelessness, gentrification, and substance abuse. Each character is meticulously crafted, making it easy to follow the multiple points of view and timelines that seamlessly intertwine.

This book resonates with readers as it portrays a realistic environment that mirrors our own surroundings. The narrative lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading, thanks to its authentic portrayal of life.

If you enjoy suspenseful, unpredictable plot twists that you can relate to, this book is must-read. It delves into themes of morality, friendship, and new beginnings, all while navigating the complexities of family dynamics. Despite the seemingly heavy subject matter, this book is a compelling read that will keep you hooked until the very end.

Thank you, Booksirens and author for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is her best yet! Deb Richardson-Moore takes us to an upscale neighborhood where Riley had come to stay with her cousin in the wake of a murderous scandal in her hometown. But what really happened?
And what’s going on in this neighborhood with a homeless mission nearby? Why does her cousin’s husband sneak out? Why is her sister here? Why is a homeless boy living next door in a potting shed?
So many questions as we are drawn in to this story.

Much more than a mystery, we learn of some of the issues of gentrification. Richardson-Moore does an excellent job of portraying both sides.

Loved this newest by her!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel starts right at the murder and you would think that would show not only the murderer but the victim clearly. And yet not until the last few pages of the book do we get the full plot. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists, the different POVs of everyone involved.
It felt like a game of Cluedo, where anyone could be the killer...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens and Red Adept Publishing. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was a twisty read! There are a lot of characters with backstories, but the author really writes it well! The story is told through different POV’s, and it is addicting trying to figure out the connections and twists. I felt it was done very well, and it had me hooked on page 1! I finished this in 1 rainy day! And I did not see the twist at the very end coming!

The story also includes homelessness and gentrification within the plot. This was done in a way that was informative and thought provoking, while showing points from all sides.

Highly recommend!

[STEFANIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deb has written another thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery. You’ll be guessing until the very end.

[Kimberly Ayers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book took me a little while to get into; there’s a lot of moving parts and characters to keep track of. Each character has their own backstory, motivation, and history. And then you’re not entirely sure what the plot of the book is even based on until about 60% in. But once everything comes together, it all makes sense! I enjoyed the writing and the timely issues of gentrification that the book deals with. I gave four out of five stars just because it took me a bit to warm up to the book and keep track of all the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wanda Owings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending the summer with her cousin Mikala in the South Carolina city of Greenbrier, Riley hopes to start a new chapter in her life. New town, new job, new friends. But she brings secrets from her past, that trouble down in Mobile that still wakes her at night, leaving her terrified and shivering. And Riley can’t get over the feeling that older cousin Mikala has secrets of her own.

In fact, it seems that everyone in Greenbrier is harboring some sort of secret. We see the result of that immediately, on Page 1, as a murder unfolds in the pool house where Riley has been living all summer.

But “Through Any Window,” the latest from writer Deb Richardson-Moore, is far more than a typical murder mystery. It weaves the interactions and ambitions of characters in a developing urban neighborhood with the conflicts inherent in the changing community. New million-dollar mansions tower over small mill houses that represent Greenbrier’s industrial past. A popular walking trail and trendy restaurant are within a stone’s throw of a dilapidated boarding house and a mission that serves a hidden population of homeless people. The explosive setting is not unlike that in many of today’s smaller cities, and it can feel uneasily familiar to those of us who live in them.

The characters, though, are what give “Through Any Window” its strength. Riley is broken and struggling with guilt as she tries to make a new life. Former beauty queen Mikala schemes to get the perfect life she wants others to believe she has with her handsome banker husband. Neighbors Savannah, a developer; Cate, a landscape designer; and young Caleb, fighting his way out of homelessness, all observe one another’s lives through their windows. But do they really know anything about each other? The characters are richly developed, with sympathetic back stories, and their reactions and interactions create a compelling narrative as we work toward discovering who was murdered on Page 1 and why.

If you love mysteries that run deeper than a typical whodunnit, “Through Any Window” is a great choice. Richardson-Moore, a former newspaper reporter who covered topics from murder to the arts and, in her second career, was pastor of a mission church that served the homeless, uses her combined experience to write knowledgeably about the topics in “Through Any Window,” while still spinning a page-turning tale. I highly recommend this new novel from Red Adept Publishing.

[HeatherREADS · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this twisty thriller we meet an array of characters with personalities, relationships, and motives. Riley has had a tough go of it at home in Mobile, so she heads to Greenbrier, SC to stay with her cousin, Mikala, and Mikala’s husband, Luke. They have a big, beautiful house in an idyllic town, and set Riley up in the remodeled pool house. Riley soon finds a job, and things seem to be clicking into place. But deeper under the surface of this town is turmoil. Affairs, arguments, grudges, and lies abound. Then there is an act of violence that sets the community on edge. Tensions grow between the rich new residents and people who were homeless. The plot continues to thicken, then it’s nonstop twists and turns.

I enjoyed this one. There were a lot of characters and character histories to keep track of, but almost everything tied together, resting on the details. There was a lot of focused on people experiencing homelessness and poverty, giving us plenty of food for thought. Gentrification or possibly revitalization were looked at as well. It is always good to see tough social issues included and addressed. My one criticism would be that the focus was on men experiencing homelessness, while there are plenty of women and families experiencing it as well. But overall, it was good to see people treated like people, with compassion and understanding, regardless of their housing situation. It was also clearly stated and implied that housing insecurity is driven by lack of affordable housing, not necessarily due to a personal deficient. I appreciate that the author included this ongoing discussion, with vivid examples, and didn’t shy away from tough social issues. I would be interested in seeing more from this author and interested in what other issues have a light shined on them through her work.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

THROUGH ANY WINDOW by Deb Richardson-Moore is an adult, stand alone, murder mystery story line focusing on a small, upcoming neighborhood community in Greenbrier, South Carolina.


Told from several third person perspectives including Riley Masterson, eighteen months earlier Riley Masterson was the prime suspect in her ‘married’ boyfriend’s murder on the coast of Alabama, and desperate to start over, Riley moved to Greenbrier, South Carolina, moving in with her aunt and uncle but from the outset little things begin to spiral, and with the appearance of her estranged sister, Riley knew nothing good was going to happen.

THROUGH ANY WINDOW is a story focusing on the crumbling of society: homelessness, drug addiction, group homes, in competition with neighborhood rejuvenation, monster mansions, and discrimination. From assaults to r*pes, overdoses and death, adulterous affairs, jealousy and blackmail, Greenbrier, South Carolina reads more like a poor man’s ’Peyton Place’ than anything else. A reflection of many town in today’s societies, THROUGH ANY WINDOW the gentrification of America pushes at the most vulnerable, laying blame for the world’s woes on the homeless and those incapable of looking after themselves.

THROUGH ANY WINDOW is a slow building story of dysfunctional family dynamics, secrets, lies and deceit, betrayal and vengeance, rich vs poor, mental illness and mistrust. The premise is gritty and dramatic but does not pick up until about the half-way point; the characters are desperate, broken, and questionable at best-when pushed, at some point, everyone is capable of breaking the law.

Copy supplied by the publisher


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[Beckie Burnham · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like a mystery that will make you think, then Through Any Window by Deb Richardson-Moore is a good choice. The novel starts with the crime and then leads the reader through the backstories, relationships, and motives of a collection of characters who certainly could be the murderer. The backdrop of the story is the conflict between those who have gentrified the neighborhood and those who have been residents for decades, including the local homeless shelter. The long hot southern summer and the rape of a young woman escalate the tension and tempers reach a boiling point. I thought the author did a great job of keeping me guessing and turning the pages. I read this book in record time! The social issues discussed, the element of mental illness, and the morally gray areas of crime all contributed to a thinking person’s novel. I enjoyed it very much. Please note there is some language, drinking, and intimate adult scenes in the book — it is marketed towards the general market.

Through Any Window was a twisting journey that fans of mysteries will enjoy.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[J.E.S. Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

You're never going to figure this one out! Deb Richardson-Moore has delivered an action-packed whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the very last page, even when you think you've got it all sorted.

This is a story of greed, jealousy, revenge, and hidden rot. On the surface, all of the characters lead perfect lives in a perfect neighborhood. But underneath, something is festering. As you find out more and more about the players, you suspect first one, then the other, then a third possibility occurs to you. There's a previous murder that may or may not be tied to this one, a blackmailer, a cheating spouse, and a cunning murder attempt that turns out not to be necessary. Even the sympathetic characters might have plausible motive to have done the deed.

Riley was suspected of the aforementioned previous murder and is now trying to start her life over again. But again, she finds herself embroiled in a murder--only this time, her own life may be in danger before she figures out whodunnit.

I'm looking forward to more mysteries from this author. She was kind enough to give me a sneak peak at the manuscript before publication and I thoroughly enjoyed not being able to pinpoint the murderer. A great read!

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story, for me, took a while to build up momentum. There were many characters. Each had a story that was eventually woven together, sometimes in unexpected ways. As the characters became better defined, I could feel the tension building, like the summer storm that explodes during the story’s climactic event. I feel I can’t discuss much about the individual characters without beginning to give away too much about the conclusion.
I can describe this as a suspenseful story. Elements in the mix include: lives disrupted by gentrification; family dynamics; infidelity; social climbing; and a murder investigation with multiple motives and suspects. The chapters are typically very short, so it was easy to read several in a sitting. The author typically switched the character’s viewpoint with each chapter. I found each character to be someone I could not find completely blameless, but also developed empathy for their situation. And the conclusion caught me by surprise. I would recommend for a weekend read.
I received an advanced copy through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating thriller and I found it hard to put down. Riley is a pretty likable main character, considering she has a pretty bad drinking problem. She’s had a troubled past and has been invited to stay with her rich cousin and her husband, in their pool house, while she gets back on her feet. She’s a hard worker and is making friends with co-workers and neighbors when her trouble-making younger sister shows up unexpectedly, wanting to also crash with their cousin. Riley knows her sister is a sociopath and wants nothing to do with her sister. Their cousin is a proper southern socialite who lets Riley’s sister stay temporarily, but she has her own reasons. There are some themes explored that are controversial, political and not really necessary to the storyline. The climax to the story is quite exciting and creative, although not what I’d term realistic. That’s the main weakness of the story, I think, despite it also being the most intriguing. Still, I can recommend this book and would be interested in reading more by this author.

[Jean A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this book. Riley Masterson, a closet alcoholic. left her hometown because she was under suspicion for 18 months in the death of her boyfriend— older and married. Her cousin and her husband have taken her in to start over in a different town.

The two lesbian neighbors, Cate and Savannah, have an adopted boy from the neighborhood they live in. Savannah is a developer and gentrifying the mill houses in that neighborhood, moving out the homeless. When an assault takes place, a homeless person is suspected and Savannah is blamed bc she sold the improved neighborhood on how safe it would be.

Meanwhile, Cate is being blackmailed by their son’s mother who was a homeless person living in the neighborhood prior to the urban renewal.

The cousin who took in Riley suspects her husband is having an affair and begins snooping where she shouldn’t.

And finally, another murder. This book made me tired. However, it’s not dull and there is strong character development.

I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Myranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biggest reason for my rating is that each chapter stated the focus on a specific character. Like it was being told by that character. This is no my favorite way to read. It was crazy to me when 5 chapters in we were reading from 4 different characters perspectives and then we got 5th one added in later. I honestly feel like this would have been a 4 star read for me had each chapter not started with a character's name.

The story held my attention at times but being distracted by the multiple perspectives just threw me off the whole time. I feel like the author was writing multiple story lines like you would see in a tv show or movie and some of it led me to think in the end that there was some unnecessary details added that really didn't need to be included.

Overall this warrants a 3.5/5 star rating from me. This was a book I was able to read for free shortly after the book was released.

[Mary Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through Any Window starts out with Riley moving in with her cousin after Riley's lover is murdered and Riley is the number one suspect in the investigation. Riley moves into her cousin's pool house in the hopes of starting over and forgetting about the past.

There are a lot of characters in this book, and each chapter is from a different character's point of view. I usually like this style, but in this case I felt there were too many different points of view. I felt the plot would have flowed better with less individual characters.

Also, the author addresses issues of homelessness, gentrification, crime, but it comes off almost preachy at times. I thought the point could have been made with a little more subtlety.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Through Any Window" by Deb Richardson-Moore is a captivating memoir that chronicles her journey from journalist to pastor in a struggling community. Richardson-Moore's storytelling is candid and compassionate, delving into the complexities of faith, community, and personal growth.

One of the book's strengths lies in its exploration of difficult topics like poverty and addiction with sensitivity and grace. Richardson-Moore's prose is beautifully crafted, transporting readers to the streets of Greenville, South Carolina, and immersing them in the community she serves.

Overall, "Through Any Window" is a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and human connection, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after they've finished reading.

[Nancy McFarlane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through any Window is a fantastic mystery that could easily have happened in any growing town in the south. It examines gentrification which leads to eviction and then homelessness. It is a thought-provoking look at how people end up homeless and what an uphill battle they then have. It is also,unfortunately, an all too realistic look at what money and greed can do. There is a murder and there are lots and lots of suspects. The more we learn about each of the inhabitants that could have been involved the more it is obvious that many had opportunity and motive. The last half of the book sped along like lightning and each new revelation made you want to read faster and faster.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I lied to myself again. I was only going to start this book, just a few chapters. hahaha! I couldn't stop. The storyline got more involved as more people got involved, and I was off chasing that elusive killer. I went down so many wrong paths! I was so invested in seeing justice and the characters I chose to get justice, that I was blinded. I like being wrong, because it makes the reveal all the more satisfying to me. This was an excellent mystery that I totally got lost in and enjoyed every word. Brilliant!!! I voluntarily read a free copy of this provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to get into this book. There's lots of characters and there's a lot of build up but once things take off, you begin to see why all of this was necessary.

Everyone seems to have some secrets and as they are gradually revealed, we still don't know which end is up. With two murders, there's no shortage of suspects and I found myself totally immersed and needing to read just one more chapter. It's incredibly well written and quite a riveting read. It was quite thought-provoking and makes you think more about homelessness and gentrification. A very enjoyable read and I'd highly recommend it.

[Debra Tunnicliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book lots of twists and turns it draws you in. This story follows Riley who after her boyfriend is killed moves to South Carolina and moves in with her cousin into her pool house and settles down until her sister arrives and starts to make trouble.
When a murder occurs Riley is caught up in the investigation especially when her sister is involved and she questions everything from her cousin and her neighbours. The plot keeps you guessing with twists that keep you wanting to read more.
Would highly recommend if you want a intense thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This story features several central characters and each chapter is told from the perspective of one of them. The first 60% of the book is background leading up to the main event. While some of this was necessary it could have been reduced a bit. Riley is one of the central characters and a lot of time is spent on her emotions. Again, some of this was reasonable, but it became repetitive. Gentrification is tied to the story and definitely gives the reader food for thought. Caleb and Isaiah were the only two characters that I liked, but the plot was interesting. I received an advance review copy from BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather Gatchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Through Any Window" is an intriguing mystery that also invites us to think about the impact gentrification and homelessness can have on a community. The characters feel so familiar that we easily join them not only as they navigate the twists and turns of their suspenseful exploits, but also as they confront the biases and misconceptions that can exist when we don’t really know and understand one another. Thank you Deb Richardson-Moore for continuing to use your authentic perspective earned from the front lines addressing homelessness to entertain and illuminate us in another great novel.

[Alyssa Cyrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… just woooww! This book is just amazinggg! It is such a very detailed book. When you think you have it figured out you most definitely don’t. It’s got many twists and turns and it’s SO GOOD! I was gasping, laughing and wanting to cry when reading. I was also very shocked at the outcome of the book because I didn’t think it was what it turned out to be! This book has got to be one of my favorites by far.

Thank you to BookSirens and Deb Richardson-Moore for allowing me to read this Arc! I am not being compensated, and this is my 100% unbiased and honest review.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting mystery set in a up and coming town. I liked the characters. They felt so real. They were not flat. Riley, the main character was a woman escaping her past and wanting to start anew with the help of her family.
I liked Deb's writing style. I liked seeing different characters' point of views every chapter. It made me like the characters and see what they think about the situation at hand. I also thought that the dialogue flowed nicely.
I received a complimentary copy of this story and I freely left this review.

[Mel Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good thriller.


Granted the main character is flawed, but I found her very interesting. Some others weren't as "likable" and it took me a bit longer to connect with them, but that happens in every story… There are people you root for, and some you do not (I mean, Rayanne…).

I really enjoyed the plot and murder mystery, even though I initially thought some parts of it were not needed. In the end, I thought it made sense to include them.

Overall, a very nice read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I love in a thriller. It was fast paced, from tons of points if view. Honestly if you don't like multiple perspectives this isn't for you. Chapters were perfect size. The twists were spot on. And I wasn't sure how the actually killer was until the last minute. Every twist was done do well. So many people to learn about and suspect. Definitely so glad I stumbled upon this one. Go read it now!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Anna Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written page-turning read, with twists and turns that kept me guessing. It's also thought provoking about the gentrification taking place in cities and towns across the nation. The characters in the book are well developed and come across as real people with understandable thoughts and motivations. I highly recommend this book. I've read every book this author has written and this one is her best yet.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this, I knew pretty quick who did the first one but man, the second one. So many motives, so many opportunities, and then finding out the one who did it. I had a feeling about them but I didn't realize how unhinged they had gotten. Really messes with your head lol. I really enjoyed this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.