Didn’t really enjoy this one. It was a good enough story, but perhaps a little basic. Felt like it needed much more depth and more character to the writing itself. The characters were great and I enjoyed the ‘moving to a new town’ premise, but couldn’t stick with it till the end.

Thank you for providing a review copy of this title.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Mary W. Mahoney’s Number Three is a gripping addition to the Three, Two, One Murder Series, blending family drama, courtroom intrigue, and media frenzy into a compelling narrative. Set against the backdrop of the affluent yet isolating town of Northington, the story delves into the complexities of marriage, societal expectations, and the quest for truth.

Laurel Morrow’s life takes a drastic turn when her husband Bob insists on moving their family from Boston to Northington, a decision that strains their finances and their marriage.

The idyllic suburban life quickly becomes a nightmare for Laurel, who struggles with the demands of their new home and the judgmental eyes of their wealthy neighbors. The tension reaches a boiling point when Bob is found dead under mysterious circumstances, and Laurel is indicted for his murder.

Enter Catherine “Cat” Carroll, a reporter and Laurel’s high school classmate, who is assigned to cover the trial. Cat’s determination to uncover the truth is fueled by her own unresolved issues and her complicated relationship with fellow journalist Jack Heggarty. As Cat navigates the twists and turns of the trial, she must also confront her past and her feelings for Jack.

Mahoney excels in creating multi-dimensional characters. Laurel’s journey from a hopeful wife to a woman fighting for her freedom is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Cat’s internal struggles and her dynamic with Jack add depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist. The supporting characters, including the snooty neighbors and the relentless media, are well-crafted and contribute to the story’s tension.

Mahoney’s writing is crisp and evocative, capturing the essence of small-town life and the claustrophobic atmosphere of Northington. The courtroom scenes are particularly well-done, with a realistic portrayal of legal proceedings and the emotional toll on those involved. The alternating perspectives between Laurel and Cat provide a comprehensive view of the events, keeping readers hooked.

Number Three explores themes of justice, resilience, and the impact of societal pressures. It raises questions about the lengths one will go to protect their family and the consequences of living a life dictated by others’ expectations. The novel also highlights the role of the media in shaping public perception and the often-blurred lines between truth and sensationalism.

Number Three is a thought-provoking and engaging read that will appeal to fans of courtroom dramas and psychological thrillers. Mahoney’s ability to weave together a complex plot with well-developed characters makes this book a standout in the series.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Mahoney’s work, Number Three is a must-read that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Was a very well written book!

It had twists and turns that you definitely didn't expect. Made me want to read more and you have to give props to that lady man where she lived i wouldn't last 2 mins.

Loved the writing and the character build.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

This was such a good read! The majority of the first half felt more like women's fiction rather than a murder mystery. But in that time you really get drawn into Laurel's life. The struggle she had to fit in and make friends translated into something so relatable to me and I'm sure to many others as well. As well as the struggle of feeling out of your depth in a new area where things are done differently. You couldn't help but feel sorry for her situation.
During the court hearing, it was definitely hard to choose whether she was guilty or not guilty. This definitely kept me interested despite the fact that a secondary storyline felt like it slowed the pace down.
Overall I did really enjoy Number Three and it was so nice to have such a satisfactory conclusion. Would definitely recommend.

Number Three by Mary W. Mahoney is a recommended light murder mystery/courtroom drama. This reads like a cozy mystery. In the opening readers learn that Laurel Morrow has been indicted for murdering her husband Bob. What follows is, first, the story about all the events before the indictment as told by Laurel to a reporter she knew from high school, Catherine (Cat) Carroll. The second part part of the novel follows the trial from Cat's point-of-view. The Epilogue is told through a third point-of-view.

Laurel tells Cat that at Bob's insistence, he, Laurel, and their three young sons move from Boston to the wealthy, exclusive suburban community of Northington, an area they can barely afford. Their marriage is already in trouble and Laurel feels constantly under pressure to keep Bob calm so he doesn't explode and yell at her. The rural setting and snobbish demeanor of the local women where acceptance is based on status enforces an isolation on the family. Their older neighbor, Pearl, is very welcoming and helps Laurel out when she can. She greets them when they move in and immediately helps with protection against mosquitos. The situation is intolerable for Laurel, but she feels trapped.

The plot will hold your attention and the short novel moves along at an even pace to the epilogue. Part two through Cat's point-of-view not only follows the trial but focuses on her attraction to Jack Heggerty, another journalist following the trial, along with her other issues. The final denouement wasn't that shocking to me as it was an obvious answer to the question who-dun-it.

Laurel and Cat are both realistic characters and relatable on some level. I have to admit that I didn't really like either of these characters. They both seemed a bit shallow. Although I felt sympathetic to Laurel's situation feeling trapped and helpless, she also grated on my nerves. She just felt whiny and complaining. Expect mosquitos and bugs in the country or even if you have a yard, it is a fact of life. (And I'm wondering who mowed their lawn.) When you own a house there are always repairs and upkeep which seem to hit all at once. If the wealthy, status conscious women don't want to be your friend, go find the normal people. They probably know better than to attend the school meetings or hang out at the exclusive beach. There is always a job that can be found. It may be in retail and not the high paying job you want, but it would be a way out. There are also places you can go for help and escape the abuse.

I'm an outlier compared to others who have reviewed Number Three so it probably wasn't a good fit for me. Thanks to M.W. Mahoney Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The review will be published on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

There was plenty of suspense and tension in this book, I found it very enjoyable and kept wanting to keep reading more.

Number Three has an air of drama and darkness about it. Well written characters and a storyline i really got involved in. A woman trapped in a marriage and living in a place i would not last five minutes in!
My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy.

Even though they haven’t seen each other since high school, Laurel Morrow, incited for the murder of her husband Bob, chooses reporter Cat Carroll to hear her story. This tragic, heartfelt confession becomes the first part of Number Three, a fine-tuned mystery involving life in the suburbs, adultery, marriage and friendship. Bob Morrow has always wanted to live in the country. He buys a house an hour from Boston, and moves Laurel and their three young sons to Northington. With Bob’s frequent work and social absences, Laurel is adrift in this small town with its cliques, extra costs and physical distances from neighbors. As Laurel battles swarms of mosquitoes, failing wells and septic systems, she and Bob grow farther apart. After his surprise death, she’s arrested for murder.

Cat Carroll, who plans to write a book about Laurel, covers the trial. She is also dealing with an attraction to Jack Heggerty, a journalist for another paper. Cat thinks that Laurel is guilty and that she knows how the murder was carried out. However, after a poor decision, Cat’s relationship with Jack dominates the news.

Not until the Epilogue of this impossible to put down domestic thriller do we understand what really happened that night in Northington. Number Three is a must read! Add it to your TBR pile. Recommend it to your book club! 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, M. W. Mahoney Publishing and Mary W. Mahoney for this ARC.