**I received a copy of this book from Lion Hudson/Lion Fiction via NetGalley in exchange for a fair, honest review.**


The Cantaloupe Thief is Deb Richardson-Moore's debut novel and the first in the Branigan Powers Mystery series. The book is a strong mix of murder mystery and social commentary. The fact that the homeless are often invisible and ignored by society figures strongly in the plot.

Branigan Powers is a journalist in northern Georgia. When she is assigned to investigate a 10-year old cold case murder, she finds herself partnering with a local homeless veteran. Malachi is a suspect in the murder of wealthy widow Alberta Grambling-Resnick, but also the perfect partner to help in the investigation. Powers finds that the homeless are able to move about and investigate more easily than she can, as they are often ignored and therefore, nearly invisible. Resnick was stabbed to death in her home a decade earlier after announcing that she meant to change her will. There are plenty of suspects in the cold case, but Powers finds that the original investigation was slip-shod. The police didn't think to question any of the homeless people who might have had useful information. Just as Powers starts digging and asking questions, someone starts murdering the homeless.

This was an excellent, very suspenseful book!! It is clearly evident that Richardson-Moore is writing from the heart. She is a pastor who works with the homeless. Her caring for the homeless is reflected in her well-written debut novel! The book jumps into the action immediately in the first chapter, and doesn't stop until the very last word. I didn't see the ending coming....very suspenseful, thrilling mystery! Great debut novel! I look forward to the next book in this series.

Deb Richardson-Moore has also written a non-fiction book The Weight of Mercy: A Novice Pastor on the City Streets.

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A friend from my library book group recommended this to me; spot on -- it's a solid mystery, and a storyline involving a town's homeless population is handled well. Journalist/sleuth. ( )

Very good story, excellent character development. I never suspected the ending. ( )

It's been ten years since respected community member, Alberta Resnick, was killed in her own home. The cold case has been nearly forgotten until local reporter Branigan Powers is assigned to the story. Having recently returned to Grambling, GA, Branigan is just settling in and becoming reacquainted with old friends. With the newspaper industry undergoing a transition, Branigan and her colleagues now how important it is to retain readership, but Branigan is up for the challenge. Through her research, Branigan uncovers new leads just as people from the homeless community start dying one by one. With the help of her pastor friend, Liam, and the homeless, Branigan follows the dangerous twists and turns of the case to reveal the town's hidden secrets.

The Bottom Line: This well-written novel is the first in a new series by a debut author. Besides being an engaging mystery, Richardson-Moore expertly weaves the social issues of homelessness, addiction, and family dynamics throughout. Additionally, the Southern setting adds to the charm of the book. I am looking forward to the next installment. Enthusiastically recommended for mystery buffs. ( )

Branigan Powers is a reporter for a smalltown newspaper that's trying to survive the electronic media transition. She's given the assignment to research a 10 year old cold case--the murder of a wealthy elderly woman that's never been solved. This book keeps your interest with interesting characters and a particularly empathetic look into the homeless community and addiction. I enjoyed reading the book, though the killer was just a bit too obvious for me. Still, the characters were very believable, and I enjoyed getting to know them. ( )