The Favor is one of those books that once started you won't be able to set it down. This is intense and gripping from the first page. The story is about domestic abuse and is hard to read if you have been in this situation or know someone who has. We hear about the horrible tragedies that occur all the time in the news and it never seems to get better. This would make for a great book club discussion.

Every once in a while you need a popcorn suspense thriller to race through and I was lucky enough to have an impromptu buddy read with @a_novel_idea11 to read The Favor. It’s very reminiscent of the movie Strangers on a Train.

This book is such a quick read! Told in two points of view to start and later a third is added. Both Leah and McKenna are newlywed, professional women living in the suburbs of DC with their husbands. Both women have interesting relationships with their overbearing husbands; both are very controlling and encouraged them each to quit their prestigious jobs to be stay at home wives who cook and clean and stay fit. Leah begins to drink heavy and hide her from her husband. She’s out one day when she sees McKenna get pushed around by her husband and calls the authorities anonymously for her. A few days after this, McKenna’s husband is shot dead one night through an open window. A few weeks later, Leah’s husband is found murdered at his law office; also shot through an open window. Were these men victims of the same killer? What happens when these women are pushed too far?

I liked how easy it was to get lost in this story. Both women are in similar predicaments, but are struggling to find a solution to their situations. The men aren’t terrible in the beginning, but their constant jabs at their wives have a lasting effect on the women’s self view.

I liked how fast this book read, but there were many parts that just didn’t work for me. There’s several issues with banking and accounting that Leah is involved with and as someone who works in banking, none of the situations are realistic. I realize I might had specialized knowledge that the average reader might not have, but this was too unbelievable to me to make sense. I think if you are able to look past this, you would enjoy this book.

Thank you so much to @minotaur_books for my gifted arc. The Favor is on sale tomorrow!

The Favor is a absolutely mind-blowing book by Nora Murphy. The novel is raw and gripping. It deals with very difficult topics that will bring tears to your eyes. This may be a tough read for some because it hits close to home. Nora Murphy did a fantastic job telling the story straight from the heart.

Synopsis:
Leah and McKenna are not acquainted yet, but have much in common. On the outside they lead idyllic lives. Behind closed doors the story is quiet different. Their fake lives are dangerous and they are both trapped with no way out. Will they be able to escape?

The Favor is a 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 read. It is a very relatable and intense book. The topics are relevant and well written. I was blown-away by Nora Murphy's plot. I can't wait to read more from her.

The Favor by Nora Murphy is available on May 31st.

Trigger Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Murder, Violence, Alcoholism

A huge thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the jaw-dropping read! I appreciate you so much!

Need a book where you can escape everyday life, participate in vigilante justice vicariously and flip pages furiously? Then this book is for you.

Be forewarned, you will need to suspend belief somewhat. I think I watch too many crime shows to believe that there was no video for any of the situations that happened, but like I said, if you can just sit back and enjoy the ride, you will really enjoy this one.

Dealing with what might be triggers for some including miscarriage and domestic emotional and physical abuse, I think it is important to point those out before I can recommend this read to everyone. I didn't feel like the author abused this platform though, I think she used it to show how easily these type of situations can happen and how easily a woman can feel trapped.

This was a fast-paced thriller. Although I don't believe that violence or murder is the answer, I could appreciate that this was a story and was FICTION. It was one person's look at what could happen in a situation like this. Basically two women who look similar, find that they are living very similar lives. What is seen on the outside in relationships is often not what would be seen on the inside. The author did such a great job of developing the characters - I rooted for some, and despised others. There was one aspect (the detective's partner) that I wish more time was spent on or there was some resolution, but it didn't ruin the story. I am purposely not giving much of a synopsis on this story because I think this is a perfect book to go into blind. Knowing the synopsis almost gives too much away.

Definitely recommend. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the advance copy to read and review. Pub date: 5.31.22.

The Favor by Nora Murphy is a story about two couples: lawyers Leah and Liam Dawson and doctors McKenna and Zackary Hawkins. They lead a picture-perfect life and live in the same neighborhood; however, they don’t know each other. A deadly secret between them puts the wives in a sticky situation.

Liam begins to lose it. He is charming on the outside, but at home is a different story. Leah is the doormat.

Zackary thinks the next step in his marriage is a child; however, McKenna suffers a miscarriage. McKenna takes the blame.

The two men turn into villains. There’s only one way out for these desperate wives.

The favor.

I applaud the author for bringing a voice to the voiceless. My cousin is a victim of domestic violence. Her husband injured her and left her for dead, literally.

The story is interesting, and the writing is up to snuff. There are only a few instances where the pace and writing are monotonous. It didn’t keep me from enjoying the story.

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?

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!

The Favor by Nora Murphy is a recent read of mine and it’s so much like other books it really doesn’t have an identity on its own.

In one pov, we meet Leah. Leah is an alcoholic who frequents liquor stores and has a real affinity for vodka.

One morning, while at her favorite store she sees a woman (McKenna) who captures her attention and fires up a rapid obsession.

Ultimately she decides to follow this woman home from the store. And while on this stalker expedition something happens that only increases the obsession.

The other pov, McKenna is a struggling housewife. Her husband is strict and controlling. Her character is written like a fawn. Obeying him and swaying in his wind. She doesn’t know if she’s coming or going or if she has permission to do either.

What McKenna doesn’t know is that she and Leah have a lot more in common than would seem and that commonality is exactly why Leah is obsessed with McKenna and more specifically McKenna’s marriage.

The characters lack depth and feel one-dimensional and flat. It’s possible that they are written too similarly.

And there’s a turn(not a twist) that doesn’t make sense to how the characters’ stories were constructed. And once that happened I doubted everything the characters did and said.


Overall, it was very unbelievable even for a thriller.

THE FAVOR is a ⭐️⭐️ read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the advanced copy!

Two women, both newlyweds, lead similar lives. Both socially isolated, former professionals, find themselves in abusive relationships with no way out, until….a stranger takes action. Infuriating, intriguing and difficult to put down. This obsessive read will draw you in take you for a ride.

**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.

Leah and McKenna don’t know each other and have never met. But Leah knows they live parallel lives and decides to intervene for McKenna’s safety.
…
First off, trigger warning for domestic abuse. You should know that going into this novel. This is an interesting psychological thriller that is intriguing as it unfolds and we learn how Leah’s and McKenna’s lives are intertwined. Told from both of their POVs, with Leah as somewhat of an unreliable narrator at times, we see glimpses into each of their pasts and presents. I really enjoyed how this novel was told and couldn’t tell which way the narrative was going to take me. Excellent debut!
…
Thank you Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

THE FAVOR by Nora Murphy is a fast-paced and gripping domestic suspense novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Leah Dawson and McKenna Hawkins have a lot in common, but have never actually met. Both have what appear to be perfect lives – beautiful homes in wealthy neighborhoods, successful professional careers and marriages to charming and influential men. But what is not visible to the outside world is that they are both trapped in abusive and controlling relationships, essentially prisoners in their own homes. The two women’s lives cross paths one day when Leah sees McKenna in line at a liquor store and recognizes the signs that McKenna’s life is much like hers. Leah becomes obsessed with watching McKenna at her home. When she discovers that McKenna is in actual danger from her husband, she takes an action that will link the two women together forever. I don’t want to reveal anything more about the plot to avoid spoilers. Although the story deals with the difficult topic of domestic violence, the characters are well-developed and the plot is expertly crafted. I found myself holding my breath at times. The point of view of the detective added another layer of suspense. I enjoyed this well-written debut novel and look forward to reading more from Nora Murphy in the future. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an advance copy.

McKenna and Leah live parallel lives. Previously employed as a pediatrician and an attorney, respectively, now both women spend their days at home. Married to highly controlling men, McKenna and Leah are isolated shells of their former selves.

During a visit to the liquor store, Leah sees McKenna and realizes that they have many things in common. After following her home, Leah realizes just how similar their lives really are. Here is where the plot thickens and I truly fell in love with this story. I rooted so much for McKenna and Leah during this book and I'm happy about the way that it ended.

4.5 out of 5 stars. This is a fantastic debut novel!

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for an e-arc for honest review.

First off, big kudos to Minotaur for their super clever and fun marketing for this book!

#FavorForAFriend

Secondly, this was such a thrilling debut! I found it incredibly captivating and fresh and I ultimately just couldn’t put it down!

Psychological domestic thrillers are my forte and this one was perfectly twisty and intriguing! I don’t want to say too much and give anything away so I’ll just leave it with noting that this was a suspenseful and fun popcorn thriller! It would also be a great starter for those who don’t read thrillers often!

This was a very good debut from Nora Murphy. It was suspenseful and grabs your attention from the start. The characters were believable and sympathetic - you really felt for both Leah and McKenna and understood how they got to where they were and their motivations. I look forward to reading more from Nora Murphy. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

If I’m reading a thriller and it makes my jaw physically drop, I’m usually giving it at least 4 stars. Great job, Nora Murphy. You did it!

I really liked The Favor. I think it shows some real writing talent that even though we know what happens as the book plays out, I still kept turning pages wanting to know what happened NEXT (versus a traditional who did it type mystery). Hard to believe this is a debut novel!

I felt so much for McKenna and Leah in this book. It’s so easy to sit on the sidelines and question victims of domestic violence, but like Murphy said in her author’s note, we need to do more to understand and help them.

I recommend this book and can’t wait to see what Nora Murphy comes up with next!

The writing had me hooked from the start. Went back and requested the audio version too so I wouldn’t have to put it down and finished it in two days! Another book I requested because I loved the cover and went in blind.

I looooooved Leah and McKenna’s characters! Two brilliant women, but trapped in marriages to horrible men. It all begins at a liquor store where they bump into each other. The author’s writing is so engaging, characters feel so real, perfect narrators and I can’t wait to read more in the future!

Leah never met McKenna Hawkins, but when she saw her in a liquor store she saw a reflection of herself. Leah frequented the area liquor stores to buy vodka that she hid from her husband. It helped her face his total control and abuse. When she watched McKenna she just had a feeling that she was in a similar situation. She followed her home and began watching her.. What she witnessed confirmed her suspicions. She was not able to save herself, but maybe she could save McKenna. As McKenna’s husband attacks her, Leah shoots him through the open window.

The investigation into Zach’s death yields no clues. The search of McKenna’s home reveals no weapon. There are footprints in the back yard, but they do not match any of McKenna’s shoes. There is no connection between the two women that would lead the police to Leah. Then McKenna sees the woman who she spotted in her back yard when her husband was killed.. When she follows Leah home and discovers that she also suffers abuse from her husband she decides that she owes Leah a favor in return for the one that Leah performed. Now there are two murders with similar circumstances and the police are looking closely at the widows.

Both Leah and McKenna were intelligent women. Leah was a lawyer and McKenna was a doctor. They both married men who were initially loving but in time became controlling and jealous of their wive’s success. McKenna’s husband demands that she quit her job after she suffers a miscarriage. Leah’s husband stages a fraud that gets Leah fired. The husbands’ verbal abuse escalates to physical abuse, putting the women in danger and forcing them to take action. As a lawyer in family law, Nora Murphy is familiar with stories of abuse. She closes her book with a look at spousal abuse and provides the hotlines for anyone in a suspected abusal relationship. While the story is sometimes disturbing, it leaves you rooting for the women as their stories are revealed. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing this book for my review.

This is one of those books that sits with you long after reading!

Leah and McKenna don’t know each other, but a happen chance sighting of a kindred soul set these two on a course that could ruin their lives or be their making!

This book appears to be loosely based on the classic Strangers on a Train, but in this instance we have two women privately suppering from spousal abuse step up and help each other.

This was an emotionally intense read dealing with domestic abuse, both physical and emotional (gaslighting) and substance abuse. Author Nora Murphy using these elements to illustrate that these issues can effect all walks of life and appearances are not what they seem.

This book had me compelled and on the edge of my seat the entire read and even afterwards I was still reeling!

An excellent debut and great thriller!

The Favor by Nora Murphy is scheduled to release May 31st, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books though NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#TheFavor #NoraMurphy #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

This book had a heavy topic - domestic abuse - and how well it can be hidden in society. The author did a good job being respectful while still creating her story. The plot was creative and was told from different POVs. I didn't find it very suspenseful though and it was a more straight forward drama. I was curious about the detective and how he would proceed with the facts he was uncovering. I did like the ending. I felt it was just and the author put resources at the end of the book for anyone who might need them.

How far would you go for a stranger? Even one who may have done you the biggest favor of your life? This is the question both protagonists asked themselves in Nora Murphy's debut, The Favor.

One afternoon while out shopping, Leah sees someone who reminds her so much of herself. She's a shell of a woman, who looks like she was once so happy, and whose fire has since burned out. A little drunk and a little nosy, Leah follows the woman and gets more than she bargained for.

McKenna was a bright, athletic, pediatrician until her miscarriage changed everything. Jobless, friendless, and locked in the confinement of her home and daily errands, she is miserable. When Leah sees things get a little too rough one night, she takes matters into her own hands and changes the future for both women.

Both Leah and McKenna got themselves into situations that not many could live with, but, will they be able to get out? Can these two women, practically strangers, be the godsend both were looking for?

Murphy's debut had me hook, line, and sinker. I just felt devastated for these two women. The writing and their experiences were so raw, so real, it made my heart hurt for people who live like this. Overall, a gripping, horrifying, look into domestic abuse, murder, and mystery. You don't want to miss this one!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author, for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.
"The Favor" by Nora Murphy was an interesting take on "Strangers On A Train".
It was a well written, descriptive & addictive story about domestic abuse/violence & what really goes on behind closed doors.
I loved the author's writing style, how she used the point of view of the 3 main characters to tell us the story: the detective assigned to the cases & the 2 women who's husband's were murdered.
This was Ms. Murphy's debut novel & I can't wait to read what she writes next.