Just started this and I cannot wait to see where it goes; how crazy is this neighbor going to be, what is his sordid past with his previous neighbors and career.
I also want to applaud the author for this detailed realistic look at post-parturm life; something I think needs to be more realistic and talked about. The pain, the guilt, the worry. Incredibly well written so far!

A great suspense book that reminds us don't trust everyone! The story built up the suspense at a good pace. Even though you knew who was responsible, the story still kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next. This is the second book by this author that I have read and I liked it as well as the other. It was a good suspense book perfect for some escapism. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Having been a new mother many many years ago, this book brought back many memories of those tired and sleepless nights in a new neighborhood for me. But , this book takes on many twists and turns and is a psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes and turning the pages into the wee hours of the night! The author does a great job of incorporating the subject of post-partum depression and psychosis into the book. The book is fast paced, well written and another winning book by this author!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for providing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

The New Mother by Nora Murphy is the story of Erin, a new mother who’s new in the neighborhood, and a stay at home dad up the street who offers support. Erin, a successful attorney, finds early days of motherhood challenging, incompatible with her high demand job, and takes extended leave beyond her short eight week maternity leave. Nursing leaves her with little sleep, and she begins to resent her husband whose life appears to have changed little. She seems to find a savior in Paul, the experienced and helpful dad who is always there to soothe her colicky son. Paul’s own marriage has hit a wall, his wife’s business struggling and old resentments simmering.
When the story opens we know someone has been murdered, someone is a murderer…so clearly all these undercurrents are leading somewhere. The beauty of Murphy’s writing is in examining these relationships, these characters. She asks “What’s a helpful neighbor and what’s a predator? What’s homicidal and what’s being a new mother?”. If this sounds far fetched then maybe you haven’t lived through the first few months with a particularly challenging infant, perhaps you haven’t had or lived with postpartum depression. The authors description of our main character’s struggles with loss of identity, sheer exhaustion, unimaginable devotion to and fear of breaking this tiny human is so on point. Her loss of time, forgetting things, visceral anger towards a partner, getting lost…been there-done that. I love how Erin reclaims her power, her narrative.
I really appreciate it’s being published during May, Mental Health Awareness Month, as I think Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Psychosis are often overlooked, women thinking they are supposed to feel lousy after giving birth, and the signs missed or discounted by family and healthcare professionals. Don’t miss the author’s note where she discusses her own journey with PPD.
I received an advanced review copy from @Minotaur_Books , @NoraMurphyBooks , and @Netgalley .

Author Nora Murphy ramps up the suspense and discomfort to high on the very first page of The New Mother and keeps it heart-poundingly there until the very last page. The relationship between Natalie and her husband Tyler seems off from the start. She seems resentful before they have even left the hospital with newborn son Oliver. Did they have to move to that new house so soon? How can Tyler just sleep in that chair beside her bed? Doesn’t he get it? Can’t he see that Oliver really shouldn’t be all that way down the hall with those other germy babies? That something might happen to him?

Natalie is a self-professed deadline meeter, overachiever, rule abider. A smart, successful lawyer with a smart, successful lawyer husband. So parenthood should be a snap, right? But it’s not a snap. It’s immediately overwhelming. She’s irrationally irritated with everything Tyler does, and everything he doesn’t think to do. Used to doing extensive research she learned everything she could about her pregnancy and newborns. To the extent that she is obsessed with only doing the right things and never, ever, ever doing anything that could harm her baby. So how can she sleep? Who knows what could happen?

Oliver isn’t an easy baby. He wants to be held by Natalie – only by Natalie – all the time. He fusses and screams and only sleeps in little bits. He seems to want to nurse constantly. No sleep, a body that won’t seem to heal, Natalie is more tired than she ever thought possible. And it just keeps getting worse. She thinks she’s following the rules and can’t stop. She used to love her job, she wants to return to work, but the pressure is enormous, she can’t stay away, she makes mistakes, and so she ends up taking a sabbatical. Now she’s home alone all day with a screaming baby who won’t sleep. And all the while she becomes more and more exhausted and confused and forgetful and irrational and nobody seems to think it’s more than “just get a little rest.” Tyler tries to help but Oliver wants his mommy and Natalie pushes Tyler away. Nobody understands. Nobody but Paul.

Author Murphy’s debut novel, The Favor, was stunning; so is The New Mother. She has gone on my always-read list. There are many layers to The New Mother, all of them unsettling. Motherhood has done something to Natalie and she is literally afraid to let Oliver out of her sight. Sleep-deprived, lonely, isolated. Along comes good neighbor Paul. He gets it. He’s a stay-at-home dad and knows how hard it was, but he’s perfected it now and he calms Oliver down like nobody else. Everything feels so comfortable, so right when she is with Paul. She gets a break from Oliver without putting Oliver in danger. But remember, Natalie is irrational these days. Paul’s perfect husband/dad life might not be so perfect after all. He had some “trouble” in the past, he keeps secrets from his wife, he “needs” Natalie but for what? Is he just a lonely man or is he a predator? There are a lot of little hints about what Paul’s real motives may be, but we really are as much in the dark as Natalie. Hearing this story through her own voice makes it all the more chilling.

Thanks to St. Martin’s, Minotaur Books for providing an advance copy of The New Mother via NetGalley for my thrilling reading pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it without hesitation; this is an author to watch. I am voluntarily leaving this review and all opinions are my own.

Nora Murphy writes the very realistic story of how overwhelmed new mother Nat is after the birth of Oliver, her first child. Oliver doesn't sleep much and nurses constantly. Nat won't let her husband Tyler help. She takes a leave of absence from her job as a lawyer at a competitive firm and cares for Oliver full time. The only person that Nat connects to is Paul, a stay at home dad in her new neighborhood. Paul knows just how to comfort Oliver and Nat begins to rely on his support. Suffering from undiagnosed postpartum depression, Nat is not thinking clearly. She has memory lapses and exhibits risky behavior. Nat has no idea that she is a pawn in the devastating scenario that Paul is concocting.

What's it about (in a nutshell):
The New Mother by Nora Murphy is an eye-opening domestic thriller that explores postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis, and the inherent vulnerability of new mothers.

Bullet Point Review:
I loved the 2nd half of the story, which is the thriller I hoped the book would be. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, creepy, and truly wicked.

In alternating chapters, the story is narrated in first person through the new mom Natalie Fanning and her neighbor, stay-at-home dad, Paul. This narration starts as a focused stream of consciousness in the story's first half, which was quite difficult for me to read. I felt mired down by the minutia of their thoughts and just wanted the story to begin.

I thought the portrayal of postpartum depression was spot on and done respectfully and empathetically. I particularly loved how this part of the plot is resolved at the end.

I wish that the book's first half had been reduced by about half and that the second half, the actual thriller story, was given extra room for better development of the thriller side of the story. It ended way too fast but had the potential to be such a great thrill ride.

I also loved how a new mother is portrayed in the story. It's hard being a parent for the first time. Whether to stay at home and give up your career or entrust the care of your child to someone else is never an easy decision, and that reality is reflected excellently.

The story shows different types of families and different decisions as to which parent can be the stay-at-home care provider if any are. This was a great touch because it reflected a modern family's range of possibilities.

None of the characters are particularly likable though Natalie's character is highly relatable if you have had a baby or are close to someone who did. Nat's character, though, felt very authentic in what she experienced after the birth of her first child.

The pace is plodding for the book's first half and very fast for the second half.

The story is set outside of Baltimore, Maryland, but the setting serves no particular purpose. It could have been set anywhere.

Read, if you like
Domestic Thrillers
A relatable story about being a new mother
The mental health issues of postpartum depression and psychosis

Happy Pub Day!

This book might not be for everyone, but I absolutely loved it because I felt it deep in my bones as though it could have been written about me!
Being a new mother is one of the hardest things a woman can face and way too often we assume we should be super woman and do it all. Nobody really tells you how hard it can be, are they tell you oh give it time it gets better.
I flew through this one, with my stomach in knots thinking back to when I was a new mother and the shame I felt reading this, because I was exactly like this protagonist (and I didn’t let anyone know either).
Make sure you read the author’s note at the end also. Postpartum depression is real and can take so many forms. It’s okay if you aren’t okay.

Thank you to @minotaurbooks and @macmillianaudio for my advanced copies. Thoughts are my own.

I’ve been there, that new mother depression. The loneliness of not being able to do much or feeling v blah with my body. This book took me back!

Alone, tired and isolated in her home is how Natalie is feeling. Especially with a colicky baby that won’t let her sleep. She loves her son but she also is a lot a losing point, that is until her neighbor, stay at home Paul comes to the rescue. He’s the calm her son Oliver needs and a break for her to breathe. But Paul isn’t there to help with Oliver, he wants something.

This is such a realistic psychological thriller. It take every mother’s new fear and steps it up a notch. Though the story is a slow build, it delivers that punch and fear I love in my books. Natalie’s experiences brought back my life every time I had a new baby, okay really my second child because she was the colicky-ist and hardest baby I had(hahaha). And resentments toward a husband, I well but understand.

I can understand why some didn’t like the story, as I said it’s a very slow build and centers on the characters rather than a plot. But all in all, I enjoyed it!

This is a compelling suspense story of manipulation and murder. Natalie is struggling as a new mother and the author describes her postpartum life in great detail. Her descriptions of the sleep deprivation with a colicky baby are spot on. As Natalie descends into exhaustion and post partum depression she begins to rely on her neighbour Paul for his empathy and his ability to settle the baby. The more confused and exhausted Natalie gets the more Paul influences and deceives her. Natalie’s post partum life is described throughout the book so this may be triggering for some readers. At times it seems like the mystery takes a back seat to Natalie’s struggles but it still all comes together. I thought the ending was a bit abrupt and would have liked a little more there. Having said all this I did really enjoy the book and it kept me engrossed in the plot.

I loved Nora Murphy's The Favor, and so I went into The New Mother with pretty high expectations, and every single one of them was met. The villain is one of those characters that is so well written, with zero redeeming qualities, that you can't help but dislike him right from the start. When he started to play on Natalie's insecurities and vulnerabilities, it notched my hatred of him up even more. The plot pacing and development is perfect, and this really could be any neighborhood anywhere, making it a completely relatable and addictive book. Nora Murphy, you're officially on my must-buy, must-read author list!

Thanks so much for the opportunity to review.

“𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰𝒇 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒎.”

The cover and title had me intrigued by this book; a domestic mystery surrounding a new mother - sign me up.

First, the good: I feel that Nora Murphy has nailed the feelings of a first time mother, especially at the hospital and those first moments home (I remember well my best friend's descriptions of these moments when she brought home her newborn daughter). I applaud Murphy's efforts to bring postpartum depression and psychosis to the forefront; this story is a good reminder that both can affect new mothers in ways that are unexpected and that postpartum care should focus more on those first few months after birth for mothers. I felt for Natalie and the isolation that she felt, especially needing more support but not feeling she could ask for it, especially as everyone else seems to go back to their regular lives. The reminder that it's very common to only have 8 weeks of maternity leave in the United States too continually blows my mind, especially when compared to Canada. There were a few things I struggled with: although billed as a domestic mystery or suspense book, this part of the story seemed secondary. The first half was filled with descriptions of new motherhood, and while important to the setup of the murder, it could've been covered a little quicker, as it seemed to take forever to get to the action of the story. Also, maybe it’s the norm for new parents but Natalie and Tyler seem so disconnected; it was even hard to imagine them being happy together. I got tired of Natalie’s animosity towards Tyler and wished they could've been more of a team. The ending wrapped up a little too quick, but knowing what Natalie was going through made her actions prior a lot more understandable; I did find the last third was the most fast paced, especially seeing Paul and Natalie play a cat and mouse game with each other.

The New Mother is a story of parenthood, identity, isolation, deception needing to feel seen, and seeking support. Although not necessarily the story for me (it was less a thriller and more of a view into early days of motherhood), I think it would resonate with many people. Murphy's writing is strong enough that I'd check out another of her books. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for thé ARC!

The New Mother is a standalone thriller by Nora Murphy. This is my first book by this author, but it won't be my last. Possible trigger warnings include postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Natalie and Tyler Fanning have eagerly been awaiting the birth of their first child. After being a week late, labor is induced and now they have their beautiful little boy Oliver. Motherhood, however, isn't exactly how Nat expected it to be. She loves Oliver, of course she does, but he NEVER stops crying, or so it seems. She must hold him constantly, or he cries. He doesn't want Tyler to hold him; he wants his mommy. Nat attempted to go back to work, but she can't seem to handle both her job and Oliver; she's now on sabbatical. She can't sleep, and she begins to forget simple things like how to get to her house. She also experiences missing pieces of time. Is she a monster if she has thought to put her hand over her child's mouth to make him stop crying? Tyler is at work, and Nat is on the edge...until she meets neighbor Paul. He is such a godsend! Paul has such a calm and steady manner, and he seems to be able to calm little Oliver when his mother and father can't. But Paul has a reason for befriending Nat, and it's not good. Will her frazzled mind allow her to see what's really happening before it's too late?

After a tough beginning for me, I really got into the story and sped through it. The start of the story was just dreary, and it got more depressing as time went on. I'm not a mother. Well, I'm a kitty mommy, but I'm guessing that's not the same, not even a tiny bit. So it was hard for me to understand postpartum depression and psychosis; also, I wasn't fond of Natalie due to her behavior because it wasn't familiar to me. The dreary beginning, however, was necessary to help the reader to understand just how vulnerable Nat was to Paul's machinations. He seemed to be a lifesaver for Nat, but as her problems continued he became a master manipulator. Nat's husband Tyler wasn't particularly helpful. He went to work, leaving depressed Natalie alone with crying Oliver. He made partner at his law firm, which just made him gone from home for even longer workdays. She began to resent this man who she absolutely adored before she gave birth. I don't want to go into the mystery here, as I don't want to ruin the story for you. But it ends up being a doozy! Just stick with the depressing parts, because the story ends up being well worth it!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Thank you St. Martin's for the advanced copy!

This was the perfect quick suspense read that hooked me right from the beginning. I completely connected with Nathalie as a mother - her postpartum state added such an interesting element and twist to this suspense read. Definitely relatable for all mothers out there!

This book should definitely have a trigger warning for pregnant woman or new mothers. I liked the book, but it was not as much of a mystery/thriller that I was hoping for and expecting. It focused a lot on a miserable first time mother who was suffering from post partum depression and psychosis. Those issues are very important and should be talked about and written about more in society and I appreciate the author doing that.

ecoming a new mother always has difficulties. But Natalie is struggling hard. A baby that cries constantly, no sleep, trying and failing to return to work, and a husband whose job takes up much of his time leaves her all alone. She struggles to cope.

Then Natalie meets Paul, a stay at home dad in the neighborhood who seems to understand exactly what she is going through and provides her the support and assistance she is craving.

But is Paul as good as he seems?

This book had some twists I was not expecting and, had I been a new mom, would have freaked me out!

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After loving THE FAVOR, I was thrilled to be approved to read and review THE NEW MOTHER.

Natalie, a new mother to baby Oliver, befriends her neighbor Paul, a stay-at-home dad. She believes he has her best interests at heart, but it turns out Paul has an agenda of his own.

The author’s portrayal of the MC, Natalie as a new mother was so realistic, I had to keep reminding myself I was reading fiction. I found Natalie’s character relatable, and I feel the author touched on postpartum depression with respect and grace.

I enjoyed the cat and mouse game between Natalie and Paul and there were plenty of twists and turns that kept me engaged throughout the story. Fans of domestic thrillers/neighborhood dramas will enjoy this one!

Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end!

THE NEW MOTHER by Nora Murphy is a slow-burn suspense novel with a creepy twist of new motherhood and life in upscale suburbia. Natalie Fanning just gave birth to her precious son, Oliver. She and her husband, Tyler, are both attorneys, but Natalie is now staying home with her newborn while Tyler returns to work. Finding herself alone all day in a new house with a colicky baby that never sleeps, Natalie is soon frustrated, depressed and absolutely exhausted. One day she meets her neighbor, Paul. He was a stay-at-home dad when his daughter was young and he seems to be the only one who understands what Natalie is going through. He has an uncanny knack for instantly calming Oliver and soon, Natalie is spending time with Paul, taking advantage of his help with Oliver so she can finally get some rest. But Paul is not who he seems and it becomes increasingly clear that Paul has an ulterior motive for helping Natalie. Can Natalie escape Paul’s sinister plan before it’s too late? I enjoyed this story, but the first part of the book was a bit slow-paced and repetitive for me. Once it was clear where the plot was heading, I had to read quickly to see how it would end. I did appreciate the underlying message about post-partum mental health and its dramatic impact. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read and review an early copy.

I was expecting more of a domestic thriller along the lines of Nora Murphy's debut 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓 when I started reading this one, and to be honest, I was not ready for the in-depth, accurate portrayal of motherhood. Read when I was on maternity leave and starting work again, this story hit me hard, but it's so honest and raw that it's a must-read for anyone thinking of having a baby!

We hear a lot about the difficulties of pregnancy and labor, but then you have this tiny human and everyone expects you to just know what to do and how to manage everything. Spoiler: it is impossible to do it all in those first few weeks and you shouldn't feel like you have to.

Due to the brain fog of exhaustion that comes with having a baby, it was hard to tell if Natalie was a reliable narrator which made the murder of her neighbor's wife a fun plot twist.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮:
👩‍🍼like domestic thrillers
👩‍🍼want a real look at what it's like to care for a newborn
👩‍🍼enjoy dual POV stories

Natalie is a new mother. And motherhood is nothing like she thought it would be. She is physically and mentally exhausted. Her husband doesn’t understand. She makes friends in an unlikely place - a stay at home father who lives a few doors down. When a murder takes place and Natalie looks like the prime suspect can she figure out how and why she was framed?

Alright y’all. I have some feeling about this one. I liked this one and I would describe it as a slow burn domestic thriller. The first half of the book is spent with Natalie and her feelings towards being a new mother. I think the author captures the complete exhaustion of being an anxious mother perfectly BUT for someone looking for a thriller this may be a bit of a miss. After that the murder investigation picks up as does the speed. Overall enjoyable but be prepared for the slow burn and a lot of introspective thoughts.