Nothing Out of Place

by S.M. Moore

Caris Hale thought coming home would bring closure.

Instead, it reopens everything.

The house is still there, quiet and unchanged, filled with the echoes of a life that ended too suddenly. Every room holds a memory. Every corner feels heavier than it should. And no matter how hard Caris tries to move forward, the past lingers—unfinished and unresolved.

She tells herself she’s here to sort through what’s left.
To grieve.
To let go.

But something beneath the surface won’t let her.

It begins with a feeling she can’t quite name. Then small inconsistencies. Subtle details that don’t belong. Until one discovery shifts everything she thought she understood about her mother—and the life she left behind.

As Caris starts to unravel the truth, she finds herself leaning on the one person who makes the weight of it easier to carry. But even that fragile comfort comes with questions—about trust, about timing, and about how well we can ever truly know the people we love.

Because some truths don’t stay buried.
Some answers come at a cost.

And the closer Caris gets to what was hidden inside that house…
the more she begins to wonder if she was ever meant to find it at all.

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

Reviews

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhhh hellll yeah. Y’all, the fear was felt with this one. I will say, it takes a skilled storyteller to keep me guessing and guessing I was!!! After Caris’s mom passes, Caris is left with secrets in the basement and no one is to be trusted. This is so descriptive and beautifully written, I felt like I was there and thennnn throw a hottie, very mysterious handy man in there that comfort and peace- during an unknown, scary time -can be found in? SOLD. I was sat for this. 5 stars, read it or end up like the women from those gas stations 🔪

[Casey Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I think it was well written and descriptive, the imagery and the way Moore uses their words to craft each sentence made me enraptured and I enjoyed reading every part. I didn’t want to put it down but also didn’t want it to end. While I did suspect who did it, there was still a twist that I wasn’t expecting. This is a refreshing and captivating read - perfect for thriller/suspense readers that also like romance. I’d definitely recommend it!

[Valerie Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I’ve read a lot of authors from harlequin romance as a teenager to Frieda McFadden as 65 year old woman. This book has it all. Murder, Romance, Investigation, Family strength and Love. But most of all a Happy Ending. Can’t wait to see what she writes next.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely hooked me. After her mom dies in a freak accident, Caris uncovers unsettling secrets while going through her mother’s basement, making her question everyone around her. I loved how the story kept me second guessing everything and everyone the entire time.

Then enters Noah and his daughter, Lenny, who were the perfect balance to all the tension. Watching him slowly break down Caris’s walls was so well done and felt genuine.

Such a gripping mix of mystery, emotion, and romance, I couldn’t put it down! Bravo to my friend Savannah for her debut novel!

[Savannah Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Might be a little biased, but this book is the bee's knees.

[Ella Graff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut??

Wow! This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was waiting and wondering what they would find out from all the boxes in the basement. I won’t be going anywhere for a while because this just shows what a crazy world we live in. Great story, loved the characters.

[Marley Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself wanting to pick up this book and find out what happens next. It’s a great story that gives thriller without the anxiety piece that some novels have. The flashbacks from present to past kept me interested and overall it’s a good storyline. I just wish Noah and Caris’ relationship had a little more development, hence 4 stars, but it’s a great easy read!

[Brittney Bucholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

From the first chapter this book sucked me in and had me guessing throughout. I had suspicions about characters and at times I was completely wrong. I enjoyed all the book had to offer.

[Sheri Fricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed!

This book is one of the best I’ve read this year! I feel as is I know Caris and Noah. The story is truly a page turner you won’t put down easily.

[Jessica Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! Had me hooked the whole time! It was one of those books you keep thinking you know what’s going to happen next but then it’s not as you actually thought. I Loved the ending made my heart happy.

[Cassie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me guessing. I had to stop half way through fo a few days from a bad headache and I continued to wonder what would happen while I couldn’t read. That’s saying something. It felt as though I was there, in that old house. I loved the parallels that were drawn. Impossible to know this was a first time publisher. I sincerely hope she keeps writing!

[Heather Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! I hope you continue to write more!