This book took me back to the early days of motherhood and how challenging having a new baby can be. I truly sympathized for the Natalie and everything she was going through. This physiological thriller definitely kept me guessing throughout the book. I liked the short chapters and was constantly second guessing everything. I enjoyed the varying POVs and it was a really entertaining read.

3.25/5 (rounded down)

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

Natalie Fanning is an exhausted new mother who feels like she's losing her mind. With her constantly-crying baby and hard-working husband, she feels completely alone. Enter Paul: the stay-at-home Dad who lives across the street and seems to have a way with her colicky baby. As they develop a friendship, Natalie realizes Paul may not be quite what he seems.

The first half of this book was super disappointing, but the second half saved it! I really enjoyed Nora Murphy's last book, THE FAVOR, and was looking forward to another domestic thriller. The first half of this was more domestic suspense/literary fiction, with little to no indication of any thriller/mystery to come. However, all heck broke loose in the second half and we suddenly found ourselves in a gripping murder mystery. There were a lot of moments where I almost DNF this one at the start; the descriptions of motherhood and post-partum depression were harrowing and hard to read at times, but also bored me after a while. I am not a mother and reading about these struggles tends to make me more anxious about future motherhood than anything. When we [finally] got to the murdery parts, I had a hard time putting this down. I have such mixed feelings about this book overall, but will definitely pick up more of Nora Murphy's books in the future.

Natalie is a new mother. She is lonely. She has stopped working. Her baby cries all the time. She isn't getting any sleep.
Paul is a stay at home dad. His wife works. Paul hasn't worked or contributed to the household in 10 years. Paul and Natalie are neighbors.
Paul sees how tired Natalie is and befriends her. Natalie begins to confide in Paul. Paul is good with her baby. He holds him and keeps him quiet and gives Natalie a break.
But Paul has underlining motives. He's not happy with his own wife and comes up with a plan on how he can get rid of his wife and use Natalie in the process

Not the book for me. Maybe it could be for some people, but the beginning is tedious and I don’t care enough to stick around to see if the woman is blamed for whatever goes on due to lack of sleep from being a new mom

This raw, real, heartbreaking look at postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis was a harrowing look into the challenges of new motherhood and how much new mothers can spiral. Although I did not experience PPD or PPP, I could relate to the feelings of anxiousness, isolation, and all of the other challenges of motherhood, minus the murder part. It was immersive and the narrator did an excellent job bringing the emotion to the story.

Phew, it took me a while to get into this book. once I got about 60% of the way through, I was going faster and more interested in the outcome. I am going to give this book 3 stars because I didn’t relate to the lead character and felt that an educated family should be more aware of what was happening to her (without leaving a spoiler). I enjoyed the ending, but it was too drawn out for me to get to that point for a higher star rating. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC audiobook!

I really wanted to enjoy this one but it really missed the mark for me. I should have skipped on this galley. This was presented to me as a thriller, but it was truly a book about a new mother and postpartum depression. This was very hard to read, it was very whiney and the main character was insufferable. On audio it wasn’t much easier to tolerate, the narration was decent I guess. Then, the actual murder plot comes in after the halfway mark, and this just did not work for me. This was very unsatisfying for me to read and made me feel uncomfortable to be honest…


Thank you Minotaur books and Macmillan audio for these gifted ARCs/ALCs in exchange for my honest opinion!

I didn't love this thriller. It may have to do more with my own experiences with postpartum depression, but I didn't care for the entire premise of the story or the narration. It was not engaging.

Listened to this in one sitting. It was so worth it. Unfortunately, I didn't like that her postpartum issues were used in these twisted string of events ending in murder. But who killed Erin? Definitely kept me on my toes. Easy read and listen.

As a mother myself, I know first hand how hard it is to struggle with a new baby that completely changes your diet and likes to scream their head off. I also know what it is like to struggle with the mental breakdowns and feelings of never being enough. I was also ride or die breastfeeding, though with a husband in Iraq, nights were all my own anyway. I am the target demographic for a book like The New Mother, I should have wanted to root for Natalie from the beginning and yet I wanted her to be the murder victim. Speaking of, it should not take 60% of the book to introduce the mystery/thriller plot.

Natalie's constant whining was more than I could take. I had a similar complaint with The Favor, which is unreliable female MCs due to mental illness is a trope used way too often and after two books, it appears to be Nora Murphy's thing. I don't like it. Natalie's husband, Tyler, was shafted not because he didn't try but because Natalie became a martyr. Paul, the random guy across the street becomes her savior but not in a relationship kind of way? That part made no sense. To stomp on Tyler for trying and raise up Paul just because?

The murder mystery wasn't thrilling and you could figure out the entire ending within a chapter of finding out what the plot twist was going to be. There was nothing new or fresh in the pages of The New Mother.

I appreciate Minotaur Books for giving me access to this ARC to review.

I don't love thrillers about the postpartum mom as the unreliable narrator, who no one believes because she's just delirious from lack of sleep. With that in mind I was wary as I started The New Mother, but I loved the author's previous book so I figured I'd give it a try.

The pros: it certainly is a good story about postpartum depression and how hard it is to be a new mother, especially when one is so isolated and feels like their partner isn't helping enough.

The cons: This didn't feel much like a thriller, which is how it was marketed. The murder felt like an afterthought and there was no whodunit to uncover. The "crazy new mom" stereotype doesn't work for me, although I did like the resolution in this case.

Although The New Mother wasn't my favorite thriller, I still liked the message. I won't write this author off!

Audio Review: These two narrators were both new to me, but I enjoyed both of their performances. I enjoy a cast of more than one narrator, and these two complicated each other well. The audio version was great!

Read if you like:
👶 Thrillers
🤰🏼Domestic Suspense
😢 Lonely Characters

This one has slow and intentional pacing that gives so much and truly has you on the edge of your seat with all that is being shared and the journey you go on with all the characters!

This one reminded me of the vibes of another thriller that looked into the struggles of parenthood, especially for mothers, and all the emotions that come with being a parent.

All the details made me squirm in my seat as I read because the author didn’t shy away from anything as she explored the dark side of after birth and parenthood!

And then we have Paul and man did he give me all the creeps! You’ll have to read to figure out why and where it all goes and what Paul’s motives are for being a helpful and friendly neighbor.

Thank you to the publisher for my ARC in exchange for my review!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an early edition of The New Mother by Nora Murphy, narrated by Dylan Moore and Lee Osorio. This is a story about post-partum depression and its very raw, very real debilitating nature. The author spends a lot of time explaining exactly what the mother is going through from the mother’s perspective. No one, not her husband, her best friend, nor her doctor sees the tell-tale signs. A story just about post-partum depression probably would not keep you turning the pages, so the author turns this story into a suspense novel as well.

While Natalie (the mom) is going through her ordeal, she meets her neighbor Paul. Paul has an uncanny ability of soothing her son. Paul takes care of the baby, while Natalie takes a nap. Paul makes her muffins, Paul understand her and listens to everything Natalie is experiencing. He tells her it is all normal, she will be fine. However, Paul is not what Natalie thinks he is. The twist in the story is interesting, but I did not find it compelling.

I found myself getting bored with the constant discussion of what she was going through, however for someone going through this, they might find it comforting to hear that what they are experiencing is experienced by others. If you know someone that just had a baby, maybe recommend this book so that they can see if they are feeling this way. Both the protagonist and the antagonist are well developed. The story ended abruptly for me, everything finished, but it seemed abrupt.

A twisty domestic thriller that pits a struggling new mother suffering from postpartum depression against the seemingly helpful neighbor who uses her as a pawn to kill his wife. The new motherhood rep was spot on in this book that does not shy away from how hard those early days are and the difficulties so many women face trying to balance going back to work with being 'good' mothers. Great on audio and definitely recommended for fans of authors like Ashley Audrain or Chandler Baker. Many thanks to NetGalley and the Minotaur Books for early digital and audio copies in exchange for my honest review!

What kinds of books do you like? Do you like one where you can escape from the reality of some hardship? Or do you like a story that you can relate to? One where a character is going through some of the same struggles you've been through? I think where you fall on that continuum will determine how much you enjoy The New Mother from Nora Murphy.

"Natalie was excited and nervous about being a new mother. She's done lots of research on all of the best ways to parent a newborn and feels ready to tackle motherhood. But reality doesn't match her expectations. Her new son won't sleep and cries all the time. Natalie feels awful about how she looks and whether she can make it as a mother.
Paul lives across the street and desperately wants a different living situation. He is not happy in his marriage and sees Natalie as a means to get out of it."

I can't relate to post-partum depression but I realize it's something that can bedevasting to young moms. I can relate to the sleep deprivation. Our first child didn't sleep until he was 8 months old (and we took turns getting up) I don't think you need a hundred pages to make a point or set the stage. Real life may be like that but it makes a story drag.

In the third act, Paul shows his evil side and you feel even more for Natalie, but the ending doesn't save this one. And the ending feels a bit abrupt

Nice job on the audio performance by Dylan Moore and Lee Osario. Moore really nails the anguish of Natalie.

Unfortunately, I could not get behind this story. If you're looking for relatable, maybe you would enjoy this one if you're willing to relive the hardship of a new infant at home for the first time.

This is quite simple. FOR ME this was not a thriller but literary fiction and I hate when publishers do that. I am the one who applauds female thriller writers that include women's issues. However, when it because all emotional mess and loses the thriller angle? Then it isn't a thriller. And that was my issue with this book. YMMV depending on how you take your genres. But I didn't like it.

Thank you @macmillan.audio @netgalley for a copy of this audiobook. I thought this book did such a great job depicting life of a new mother and dealing postpartum as well. As a new mom in a new home, Natalie is at a loss what to do while her husband is at work and she is struggling not only with motherhood but her career as well. When Paul offers help, I can see why Natalie took it. I remember those days with a new born and how exhausting it was me and my hubby. The story is very slow and it's a lot with Natalie's struggles. The twist of the story for me was predictable and I enjoyed this overall.

I LOVED this thriller! I read it within 24 hours and couldn't put it down! It truly was a rollercoaster of a read! Thank you so much for the ARC copy!

Title: The New Mother
Author: Nora Murphy
Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for providing me an advanced copy of 'The New Mother' by Nora Murphy. I approached this book with much anticipation, as it tackles a very significant issue - postpartum depression - that many new mothers face. Unfortunately, my overall experience was mixed, bordering on the challenging.

The protagonist of the story, Natalie, is a new mother struggling with postpartum depression. While the concept was undoubtedly relatable and poignant, the execution of her character fell short of my expectations. Natalie was portrayed as a stubborn character, perpetually in denial and reluctant to accept help from others, which made her come across as frustrating rather than sympathetic. Her irrational decisions and constant complaints seemed at odds with her previous professional successes, leading to a lack of character consistency that I found difficult to reconcile.

The subplot involving a criminal aspect, intended to add another layer of intrigue and complexity to the narrative, felt more like filler material than an integral part of the story. The focus, instead, seemed to remain on Natalie's endless dissatisfaction and unwarranted worry, which, over time, felt somewhat tiresome.

Murphy undoubtedly delves into a topic that requires serious discussion and understanding. However, the delivery of the narrative, and the character development of Natalie, in particular, could have been more effectively executed. The exploration of postpartum depression is a commendable aspect of the book; however, the excessive negativity and the lack of growth in Natalie's character were off-putting.

In conclusion, 'The New Mother' tackles a challenging topic, but the execution and character development left me wanting. The portrayal of Natalie's character was more frustrating than sympathetic, and the criminal subplot felt unnecessary. This book may appeal to readers who appreciate complex, flawed characters, and those who are interested in narratives around mental health issues. However, those looking for a more balanced portrayal of postpartum depression might find it wanting.

There's something about this book that's giving me a hard time reviewing it. On the one hand, I could literally feel for Natalie as she, unbeknownst to her, tried to navigate her postpartum depression and the feelings of inadequacy after giving birth to her first child. I think the author did an amazing job with the authenticity of her emotions. I remember all too well having many of those feelings of resentment after the birth of my first born 17 years ago, but not knowing where they were coming from or how to handle them. Being a new mother suffering from postpartum depression is FREAKING AWFUL!

However, I also found Natalie to be a rather unlikable character, unwilling to accept the help that she desperately needed. The introduction of Paul didn't bother me, but the crime aspect in the book felt somewhat like an afterthought and didn't really deliver the shock factor I was hoping for. I feel like to could have been fleshed out a bit more than it was.

Overall, I did enjoy listening to The New Mother and thought the narrators did a good job bringing the characters to life.

A huge thanks to the author, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review.