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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
An interesting premise that definitely kept me engaged to see how it would all play out. A moral dilemma--does an abuser deserve to die? How is justice served in this sort of scenario?
Leah and McKenna have never met. Other than living in the same general area, they don't have anything in common. Other than that they are both in marriages that seem perfect to others, but are anything but behind closed doors.
Leah has turned to alcohol to deal with her problems. McKenna has been sneaking birth control pills while looking for an escape.
Both are trapped in their marriages with no one to turn to for fear of retribution.
Until Lead decides to do McKenna a favor. One McKenna didn't ask for. McKenna doesn't even know Leah exists, until that night. Now, McKenna owes Leah a favor in return.
A compelling story and one that left me pondering how justice can be served in a situation like this. I liked both Leah and McKenna in different ways, and I enjoyed seeing how the events unfolded. No real twists so to speak, but a compulsively readable story of psychological suspense.
Leah and McKenna have never met. Other than living in the same general area, they don't have anything in common. Other than that they are both in marriages that seem perfect to others, but are anything but behind closed doors.
Leah has turned to alcohol to deal with her problems. McKenna has been sneaking birth control pills while looking for an escape.
Both are trapped in their marriages with no one to turn to for fear of retribution.
Until Lead decides to do McKenna a favor. One McKenna didn't ask for. McKenna doesn't even know Leah exists, until that night. Now, McKenna owes Leah a favor in return.
A compelling story and one that left me pondering how justice can be served in a situation like this. I liked both Leah and McKenna in different ways, and I enjoyed seeing how the events unfolded. No real twists so to speak, but a compulsively readable story of psychological suspense.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Excellent storytelling in this debut mystery by Nora Murphy! This book kept me so engaged, I just wanted to keep turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. There were similar themes that I have read before in other thrillers, but what sets this apart is the character development of the two protagonists- McKenna and Leah. Both are bright professional women married to handsome successful men who treat their wives as trophies. The women lose themselves, forced to give up their careers in order to be that perfect wife. The women live close to each other but never meet.
I enjoyed the buildup of suspense. I felt that the point of views from Leah and McKenna gave the reader a peek into the psyche of women abused and gaslit by their controlling husbands. I really rooted for these women. The Author’s note should not be missed.
I enjoyed the buildup of suspense. I felt that the point of views from Leah and McKenna gave the reader a peek into the psyche of women abused and gaslit by their controlling husbands. I really rooted for these women. The Author’s note should not be missed.
Abusive husband who presented themselves differently to win the love of a woman. Strong women reduced to shamed girls with no self esteem. Classic real life.
It too me a very long time to read this book. It just wasn’t for me. There was nothing wrong with the story but it didn’t click for me. But my brain kept playing a song from the musical Chicago while reading it. At about the 83% mark I was more invested in how it would end
I will definitely pick up another book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
It too me a very long time to read this book. It just wasn’t for me. There was nothing wrong with the story but it didn’t click for me. But my brain kept playing a song from the musical Chicago while reading it. At about the 83% mark I was more invested in how it would end
I will definitely pick up another book by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy.
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The topic definitely made this one harder to read but you can tell Nora Murphy had an excellent grasp on the intricacies of abuse. It was so well written and well paced. Leah and McKenna were phenomenal characters.
dark
tense
medium-paced
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the POV writing style that the novel is written in. The stories of these women's private lives touched my emotions and sense of justice.
The domestic abuse is realistic, and I liked how the author set up those plotlines. Domestic abuse sneaks up on you, and before you know it, people are wondering "why don't you just leave" and you're saying "it's not that simple". It’s not as easy as it seems, if you have never been on this situation then it’s easier to give advice than to follow through it.
This book grips you right from the start and never let’s go. The timelines, perspectives, and characters are very well done. I also especially appreciate the light that is shined on the ugly secret of domestic abuse. This book reminds us that it can happen to anyone regardless of gender or status.
Domestic violence does not always look like bruises and scars. It can be emotional, verbal, mental, psychological, financial and sexual.
Abuse is abuse.
5 amazing stars for this debut novel!
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Nora Murphy's The Favor is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Reminiscent of the suspenseful storytelling of Shari Lapena and the intricate twists of Sandie Jones, Murphy delivers a compelling narrative filled with secrets, betrayal, and unexpected revelations. The tension builds steadily throughout, fueled by well-crafted characters and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its clever twists and turns, The Favor is a must-read for fans of the genre, showcasing Murphy as a talent to watch in the world of psychological suspense. This is the type of book the term unputdownable was coined for!
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Gaslighting
Coercive control. Professional abusers - meaning professional men who were abusive, who sought out relationships with women who could become subservient, who could fit into an external image of "perfection." But no, no, no. I'd not wanted that to be me, so I'd simply told myself that it wasn't. Not me. I was too smart and educated. I was not weak.
How ardently I had lied to myself.
Trigger warnings ahoy for emotional and physical abuse in this EXTREMELY high tension ride. I can't believe this is the author's debut.
Two women, utter strangers to each other. Pediatrician and lawyer. Both excelled in school, excellent in their fields, married to other successful members of their field. Beautiful, intelligent. Actually almost clones of each other. Blonde, fit, well put together.
So much in common!
Including their douchebag husbands!
And then the much needed trope of Women Supporting Women goes one step too far, and things get VERY interesting.
To be fair, though, this isn't too far. It's actually just right?
The TENSION in this book is so amped. I read other reviews where people said it had too slow of a start to get to the action. I saw reviews where only one character's POV was interesting.
I'm utterly confused by both of those.
The mystery starts on the first page, with our cliche'd character at the liquor store, discussing how she has to rotate through several stores so they don't realize how much she drinks. Ah, I see, the ol' alcoholic woman trope, how boring.
Of course, then we find out she must use cash, can only use her debit card at the allowed stores, and she can't be caught drunk driving or she'll be murdered.
Hunh. That's intriguing.
Then she finds herself drawn to another woman who is a clone of her former self, and her interest? Jealousy? Drunken haze? Inspires her to follow closely behind her car, just to see what life is like. And as she watches, she sees something a little too familiar in the couple's body language.
As the layers of this story peel back, the tension NEVER lets up. Even when you think there's going to be a tension release, the POV switches and you're ratcheted back up again. Then we introduce a detective far too good at his job, and you're waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Will we get a satisfying ending? Will this be frustrating to the nth degree?
So good. So little wasted space on the page.
How ardently I had lied to myself.
Trigger warnings ahoy for emotional and physical abuse in this EXTREMELY high tension ride. I can't believe this is the author's debut.
Two women, utter strangers to each other. Pediatrician and lawyer. Both excelled in school, excellent in their fields, married to other successful members of their field. Beautiful, intelligent. Actually almost clones of each other. Blonde, fit, well put together.
So much in common!
Including their douchebag husbands!
And then the much needed trope of Women Supporting Women goes one step too far, and things get VERY interesting.
To be fair, though, this isn't too far. It's actually just right?
The TENSION in this book is so amped. I read other reviews where people said it had too slow of a start to get to the action. I saw reviews where only one character's POV was interesting.
I'm utterly confused by both of those.
The mystery starts on the first page, with our cliche'd character at the liquor store, discussing how she has to rotate through several stores so they don't realize how much she drinks. Ah, I see, the ol' alcoholic woman trope, how boring.
Of course, then we find out she must use cash, can only use her debit card at the allowed stores, and she can't be caught drunk driving or she'll be murdered.
Hunh. That's intriguing.
Then she finds herself drawn to another woman who is a clone of her former self, and her interest? Jealousy? Drunken haze? Inspires her to follow closely behind her car, just to see what life is like. And as she watches, she sees something a little too familiar in the couple's body language.
As the layers of this story peel back, the tension NEVER lets up. Even when you think there's going to be a tension release, the POV switches and you're ratcheted back up again. Then we introduce a detective far too good at his job, and you're waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Will we get a satisfying ending? Will this be frustrating to the nth degree?
So good. So little wasted space on the page.