What an outstanding debut domestic thriller! I cannot wait to read more from this author. This book provides multiple point of views, mainly Leah and McKenna. Two woman who do not know each but their lives are running on a parallel course. There’s also the point of view form the detective who on the case. This book was tense and gripping and I enjoyed every minute

Two strangers with strikingly similar circumstances intersect one day and it changes the rest of their lives. This story, told through the two main characters, brings to life the very real problem of abuse within marriage. Written in the back and forth style between characters,the author highlights the cycle of abuse.The Favor explores questions such as,” when does a person realize that what they thought was love is actually control and abuse?” “ when should friends speak up about what they are witnessing and not keep silent?“ “how much fortitude and inner strength is needed to take the risk and make a change?” Although predictable, it’s good to see stories being written that have the potential to save someone’s life.

The Favor by Nora Murphy was a gripping and compelling debut thriller about domestic abuse. It was intricately plotted and fast paced. Once I began reading The Favor I found it very had to put it down. Both Leah and McKenna were victims or survivors, depending on how they were seen or who was describing them, of domestic abuse. Their handsome, affluent and professional husbands were unrelenting. Both marriages began on positive notes. In each of the two marriages, both the husbands and the wives initially had professional careers, friends, interests and respect for one another. Slowly over time, the husbands, Zach and Liam, became increasingly controlling, demanding and threatening. Both Leah and McKenna lived in fear every day of their married lives not knowing what would trigger their husbands to hurt them physically, emotionally or verbally. Both husbands wanted “perfect” wives. They wanted to control all aspects of their wive’s lives.. Although they loved their husbands very much when they first married them, they grew to abhor them with a vengeance as they became more and more controlling. The horrors that both Leah and McKenna had to endure were unthinkable.

On a chance encounter, Leah and McKenna were at a local liquor store at the same time. Leah had developed an alcohol dependence to help her cope with Liam’s control over her. McKenna was at the same liquor store buying wine and chips for her two friends who were coming over to her home that afternoon to see her newly finished patio. Leah immediately recognized certain traits in McKenna that reminded her of her own. She became intrigued with McKenna and found herself following her from the liquor store to her home. Leah was convinced that McKenna and herself had more in common than just their blonde hair. Could Leah help McKenna free herself of the abusive marriage she found herself in? What would happen to Leah under Liam’s devious scrutiny and control? Could they help free each other from their respective nightmares? What would the consequences be?

The Favor by Nora Murphy was an important story to tell. Although it was purely a work of fiction, domestic abuse is more common than we would care to realize. Women in situations of domestic violence often make excuses for their spouses or boyfriends, deny that anything happened, become too embarrassed to admit that they have been violated or more than often think they imagined the whole thing. Often, the husband or boyfriend is a smooth talker and is able to convince the woman that she imagined whatever she thought had happened. In The Favor, both husbands were professionals, had good reputations and were easily able to manipulate any situation in their favor. Many emotions like fear, anger, despair, pain, embarrassment, helplessness, hopelessness, bravery and compassion were felt throughout the pages of The Favor. I enjoyed reading The Favor and highly recommend it. I look forward to reading more books by Nora Murphy.

Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read The Favor through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book was great, but also had a lot of weird crossovers with me. Im a formerly hot blonde, now let-go housewife with a (luckily former) heavy day drinking problem and a controlling husband. I also had a new patio installed and had 1 loose paver. I also had a (actually 4) miscarriages. So this book made me feel a little hostile toward my husband. I do wish that the women had at least gotten the chance to have a full conversation! The only questionable thing I felt was that Leah felt the need to follow McKenna from the beginning just because she thought she looked like her old self. I can’t wait for the authors next books.

An interesting storyline that at times lost me for being far fetched, but overall it was well executed!
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an ARC!

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC of The Favor written by Nora Murphy. Leah and Mckennah are both married to controlling and abusive husbands. Their lives have never intersected, and yet they each do each other a favor that will change their lives. I had a hard time putting this book down, trying to anticipate what would happen to them. A detective is hot on the trial, trying to connect them. Ms Murphy had me up turning the pages, right to the end. Anyone who enjoys a good thriller will want to read The Favor.

I really enjoyed this book! I thought it would be more of a psychological thriller, but it was more of a police/murder investigation while the reader knows what actually happened. I loved the author's writing style and the alternating points of view. I will definitely look to read more by this author. 5 stars! I received a free copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

A psychological haunting smart psychological thriller. The two main characters are smart accomplished educated women who do not know each other, but seem to be living parallel lives. Regardless of all they know intellectually, they are both in very unhappy abusive relationships that are slowly chipping away at their sense of selves , physical and emotional well beings. By chance, or twisted serendipity they bump into each other seemingly recognize themselves in each other. Think “Strangers On A Train”, but more twisted and creepy and well, better in my opinion. Regardless of what is happening and when you know what they are doing is wrong, you can’t help, but root for them both. Sent want to give too much away, but if you’re in need of a creepy twisted read, this should most certainly be on your “to read” list. I look forward to what this author writes next. For a debut novel, it was quite impressive.

“I’m someone like you.”

Leah and McKenna have never met, but they live strangely similar lives. Both women are trapped in relationships with abusive, controlling husbands that force their wives to fit the “perfect housewife” mold. Each husband sees their wife as a trophy, not a partner or a person. Could a chance sighting/encounter be the answer to these women’s problems? Leah and McKenna have never met, but they will.

I enjoyed Nora Murphy’s crisp, economical, somewhat emphatic writing style as it was very easy to read. While the beginning was a bit of a slow start for me, it picked up significantly and had me stunned with the direction it was headed after the first twist. Prior, I had it going in a completely different direction so was pleasantly surprised. From there though, it was quite predictable and lacked any real intrigue or suspense. While a little bit of suspense towards the end, there wasn’t enough follow through or payoff. I really hoped for and honestly expected a shocking twist or reveal at the end that would have all the pieces click into place, but sadly that wasn’t the case. While a solid plot line and pacing, I was left with some unanswered questions, as if a key piece to the puzzle was missing, leaving me not fully satisfied.

Thank you to Nora Murphy, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review!

I first tried to pick this up as an eBook, but the first few chapters almost made me DNF.

Luckily my library had the audio and that was the perfect way to consume this book.

I do wish it focused a little less on one of the MCs drinking a lot alcohol.

TW: Domestic abuse (physical and emotional), miscarriage

For some reason this novel did not grab my attention. I was only able to make it about halfway through before I felt my interest wane. I jumped to the end to see how things resolved and while I do think the writing was good and the overall story decent, for whatever reason it wasn't something that grabbed me enough.

I enjoyed this psychological domestic thriller by a debut author. At first I didn’t like this book until a big event took place then I could not turn the pages fast enough

When we meet our furture husbands do we really know them or do we find out too late? Leah first met McKenna at a store one Friday. Leah senses they have a lot in common, but are complete strangers. Leah is so lonesome that she decides to follow McKenna.

McKenna’s neighborhood is close to Leah’s. Leah begins watching McKenna from a distance because she senses all is not what it seems to be.

Both ladies have careers and are married to successful men who have put their careers on hold to support their husband’s wishes. What happens behind closed doors is not always what it seems.

My thoughts:
This was difficult to read at times because of the domestic abuse. I was very frustrated for the women in this novel. They were both women who had promising careers that were shattered because of their married life.

Read this if you like
Behind Closed Doors
Domestic thrillers
Revenge
Fast paced novel
Plot twists
Short chapters

This book was very frustrating. If you struggle with gaslighting this is not the book for you. Once the book got to about 30% then it got more interesting but the whole premise seems hard to believe. Then the book just ends. How did it work out? What was the end result? We don’t know! Create your own ending I suppose.

This debut is an extremely entertaining domestic thriller that brings selflessness to a whole new level. McKenna and Leah have never met, but have much in common in their mirrored lives. The plot has an original spin that took a twist that was unexpected and very satisfying. ” There is something so powerful about the kindness that comes from a person you have never met.” This belief is the driving force that underlies this gripping debut. I look forward to reading future books by this author. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy.

amazing book, excellent story, no predictable.. 100% recommended, well developed , you are going to keep reading

Great and easy read that kept me entertained and intrigued! I wanted to find out more about the main characters and the book left me wanting more. Perfect quick read for thriller lovers.

I loved this read! Though there were some parts that were a bit predictable, it was an enjoyable read that I wanted to keep reading through.

This was an intriguing read. It shows how common DV is and how hard it is to get away. The mystery is well done and I cant wait to read more of Nora's books.

I’m torn on this book. I loved the beginning and the middle. I was a little underwhelmed on the ending. I don’t know maybe I missed something but the rest of the book was terrific.

Tw: domestic violence.

Honestly this book got way too close to home and became too hard for me. I skimmed over a lot to get to the end.