By Tessa Posted on

The Favor by Nora Murphy #BookReview #DomesticThriller #DebutAuthor

Leaving would be dangerous. Staying could be worse.

Leah and McKenna have never met, though they have parallel lives.

They don’t—ever—find themselves in the same train carriage or meet accidentally at the gym or the coffee shop.

They don’t—ever—discuss their problems and find common ground.

They don’t—ever—acknowledge to each other that although their lives have all the trappings of success, wealth and happiness, they are, in fact, trapped.

Leah understands that what’s inside a home can be far more dangerous than what’s outside. So when she notices someone else who may be starting down the same path she’s on, she pays attention. She watches over McKenna from afar. Until one night she sees more than she bargained for. Leah knows she can’t save herself, but perhaps she can save McKenna.

Leah and McKenna have never met. But they will.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

What’s it about (in a nutshell):

The Favor by Nora Murphy is a riveting debut domestic thriller about two professional women living with an abusive husband and what happens when their lives intersect.

Initial Expectations (before beginning the book):

I love the cover! The blue filter is eye-catching, and the depictions say lonely, isolated women to me, matching the blurb’s description. That description gives me cold chills, so I expect a chilling domestic thriller about spousal abuse.

Actual Reading Experience:

I just loved this debut novel. Nora Murphy is definitely the latest author I will be watching out for new books from.

I love the situation in the story because it exemplifies how anybody can fall prey to an abusive person, even intelligent, accomplished women. Domestic abuse victims are handled sensitively and with the utmost respect in this story. “I am someone like you.” That quote says it all, doesn’t it? The story gives a sense of “you’re not alone” to victims in the best possible way.

The tale had me riveted. Discovering how the two women came to be linked and how the story plays out is utterly and positively compelling from the first page to the last. I found the plot, though not original, to be rewarding and fascinating and to fulfill every reader’s innermost need in stories such as this.

I became confused early on as the story switched timelines and 1st person narrators rather frequently. But once the story settled a bit, I could follow much more effortlessly. There are three 1st person narrators: Leah, McKenna, and a detective, and each tells a tale as equally compelling as the others.

I don’t want to say too much because I would hate to ruin the surprise of this story. Still, I can say that it contains exciting twists and turns, loads of suspense, and an ending that will have you contemplating how small the world really is. Also, the author’s note is worth reading as it gave me an even greater appreciation for the story and how it is told.

Characters:

Leah is a lawyer married to Liam, also a lawyer with a successful solo practice. She loves to help people and does not practice law for the money.

McKenna is a pediatrician married to Zack, a successful Psychologist. They live a picture-perfect life, or do they?

Reminds Me Of:

I can’t even say what it reminds me of because that would totally give away the plot, but it will remind you of a few different stories!

To Read or Not to Read:

If you enjoy domestic thrillers that explore domestic issues with compassion and respect and that keep you riveted. The Favor is a debut that you won’t want to miss!

24 Replies to “The Favor by Nora Murphy #BookReview #DomesticThriller #DebutAuthor”

  4. Mae Clair says:

    I really love the cover and the plot sounds enticing. If I ever manage to catch up (or even make a dent ) with my TBR, this would be on my reading radar.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Staci Troilo says:

    When I first saw the cover, I loved it. Then I started to wonder if I’d like it better without the grid. I never came to a decision on that, but I know it’s a cover I won’t forget, and that’s probably the point.

    The books sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lady Tessa says:

      I think it’s trying to provide a visual of feeling boxed in, maybe. These women felt trapped in their own homes, so my interpretation is that the grid represents that. But, who knows? 🤷🏻‍♀️

      Liked by 1 person

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  12. Carla says:

    I was invited to read this one, but hadn’t added it yet. After reading your wonderful review, I just clicked. I really like the sound of how domestic abuse recipients can be anyone. Great review, Tessa.

    Liked by 1 person

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