Beyond the Broken Window: A suspenseful novel of family, friendship, and twisted love.

by Joy Strouse

"Beyond the Broken Window" weaves themes of mystery and psychological suspense, love and sensuality, grief and growth into this murderous tale that will leave you thoughtful and shaken. How can a woman escape an abusive marriage? Some must die; some have to kill. Even then, are they truly free? Julie Fairburn was 18 in 1977 when she met Rick Madsen, and her heart did flips. This is special, she thought, this is going to be a helluva ride! She didn't know how right she was. Their story continues among family and a close group of friends in the era of sex, drugs, and rock n roll.

Family roots run deep. Julie grows up in a close loving family who would do anything for one another. She meets Rick's family and soon finds the root of his struggle with anger and love. He was the victim of his father's abuse and grew up witnessing that abuse against his sister and mother. After a shocking family tragedy, Rick and Julie discover family secrets that point to generations of violence and murder.
As the story unfolds, we see escalating examples of Rick's unstable emotions and anger. Julie discovers a victim is never truly free of the ties that bind even beyond the grave.
Set in Baltimore County in the 70s and 80s, "Beyond the Broken Window" is a deeply affecting exploration of family and friendship.

334 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2022

About the author

Joy Strouse is writer, artist, teacher, actor, mother, and grandmother. She channels decades of reflection and creative spirit into her writing, conjuring stories and characters that captivate and inspire. When the world slowed during the pandemic, she finally found the stillness to bring her debut novel to life. As an author, Strouse paints with words, vivid and authentic, driven by her own experiences and a deep knowledge about the human condition.
Beyond the Broken Window is a haunting trip back to 1970s and 80s Baltimore, a tapestry of mystery and psychological suspense, where love, grief, and the shadows of family secrets intertwine. The story explores the complexities of tangled family bonds, resilient friendships, and the hidden scars of domestic abuse, drawing readers into Julie Fairburn’s troubled world, where love and trauma intertwine and secrets refuse to stay buried.
Joy Strouse’s journey as a master storyteller continues with Playing with Fire, a prequel to Beyond the Broken Window. Her characters spring from the pages to reveal secrets of what went before the broken window, with simmering tension and a twisted, bittersweet end.
For side stories, insights about her work, and news about upcoming events, be sure to join the Joy Strouse community on her website and experience this unfolding narrative to fullest.

Reviews

[Madison Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Broken Window is a stunning, emotionally charged story that stays with you long after the last page. Julie’s journey through love, trauma, and survival is written with such honesty and depth that you feel every heartbeat of her struggle. The suspense, the secrets, the pain, and the hope all blend into a story that is both haunting and breathtaking.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves gripping, deeply human stories. This is a masterpiece, one every reader should experience.

[Jean Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can be a tough read for anyone who has experienced domestic or physical abuse or knows someone who has experienced such. I might suggest the use of a trigger warning on the copyright page, but I realize there is controversy about those. That said, as a story about the support that friends can provide under these harrowing circumstances, and how one woman eventually pulled herself out of an abusive relationship, I gave this book a 4-star rating.

[Steve Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond the Broken Window is a haunting story of love, trauma, and survival set in 1970s–80s Baltimore County. Julie Fairburn falls for Rick Madsen, unaware that his charm hides a legacy of abuse and buried family secrets. As their relationship spirals into violence, shocking truths about generations of pain and murder come to light. Torn between love and fear, Julie must find a way to break free from the past or risk becoming another victim trapped behind the broken window of her own life.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of us who grew up where this story takes place - and are of the generation of characters that populate this novel, BEYOND THE BROKEN WINDOW returns us to these past times. Characters are well-drawn, family cycles of healthy - and unhealthy behavior - are explored and there's a mystery as well, with a surprise ending!

[Lauralee Roos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. The story got a bit confusing and would change POV without warning. Characters got a little confusing at times because there are a lot of supporting characters but not always clearly defined.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. I couldn’t put it down.