The Favor, by author Nora Murphy, is her debut novel. The Favor explores with compassion and depth what can happen when women pushed to the limit take matters into their own hands. The two protagonists, Leah Dawson and McKenna Hawkins, are in marriages that look idyllic from the outside, but their wealthy homes and classy cars are only the facades their husbands have constructed. When Leah notices McKenna reacting to her husband, Zack, Leah believes that McKenna is just like her.

“I AM SOMEONE LIKE YOU”

Leah's husband, Liam, is a successful divorce attorney, and created a situation where Leah would be fired, so she could stay home and be a perfect wife. Zack forced McKenna to quit her job as a doctor so she could concentrate on becoming pregnant. These men control every aspect of the lives of their wives, to the point where it is debilitating. Then one night, everything changes when Leah intervenes and sets a series of events into motion. Now, McKenna and Leah are inextricably connected. The question is: will McKenna help Leah with her own domestic situation?

There is a third party involved in this story. After losing his partner to a domestic violence call gone wrong, Detective Jordan Harrison finds himself searching for clues as to what happened to Zachary Hawkins and whether is wife was responsible. After Liam is murdered, Harrison finds himself digging into the lives of both women. Did McKenna kill her husband? Did Leah kill hers? Leah and McKenna are educated, professional, intelligent and sophisticated women who seem to have been abused, coerced, and isolated by their spouses. The more Harrison digs into the cases, the more he realizes there's more than meets the eyes but can he prove what actually happened?

As our understanding of abuse, coercive control and the partners trapped in these dark marriages deepens as a society, fans of the genre are increasingly drawn toward understanding these women and unraveling the lies that their abusers hide behind. The Favor hits at the sweet spot of all of the most popular suspense themes and plots—The Girl on the Train, Strangers on a Train, The Woman in the Window, Big Little Lies and Behind Closed Doors.

But rather than these narrators being unreliable, they tell us their truths all the way through, in all its shocking and compelling honesty, making it a wholly new reading experience rooted in territory that readers are consistently ready for. Murphy brings her professional experience depth and compassion to this novel—as a family attorney specializing in domestic abuse and coercive control, sensitive to the important issues it raises and explores so expertly and thoughtfully through the lens of a compulsive thriller.

Leah and McKenna have much in common. They have a slight resemblance to each other, are both married to successful, professional men and live in beautiful homes. Both have given up their professional lives to be a stay-at-home wife. As similar as they are, they don’t know one another. Sadly, they have one more thing in common – they are both being abused by their husbands. Told by multiple narrators, this is a sad commentary on domestic violence which is often hidden. I was riveted by their stories and couldn’t put this book down. As this is the author’s debut novel, I am looking forward to what she writes next!

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for this ARC. I only had to read that the premise of this book was similar to Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train and I was hooked! Two women with parallel lives who have never met but have much in common. The various POVs and alternating timelines makes it an interesting thriller, but it also addresses physical and mental abuse from domestic violence .

I'd be interested in future books by this author.

Interesting plot with some twist and turns. I enjoyed both female MCs and it had a satisfying ending. I will definitely be checking out other books by this author.

Takes one to know one, right? When Leah runs into McKenna at the liquor store one Friday afternoon, something seems...familiar about her. She sees someone she feels like she can relate to. Does McKenna live a life similar to Leah's, with similar secrets hiding under the surface?

Wow, what a fantastic debut! I absolutely loved this book, could not put it down, and kept turning pages late into the night. I cannot wait to read more from Nora Murphy.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This debut novel by Nora Murphy, really was an excellent suspense thriller. When Leah Dawson’s and McKenna Hawkin’s husbands are both shot, detective Jordan Harrison is puzzled how both men are shot in the same manner, but there is no apparent connection between the two couples. He sets out investigating the wives of the two men, and although he doesn’t feel they are being truthful, he can find nothing that can place either woman as actual suspects.
But, although they share similar abuse in their marriages, and are well educated professionals, all investigative measures turn up nothing to implicate the women. The detective is a well seasoned investigator, and the dead ends frustrates him. His female partner was apparently shot during a previous investigation and his visits to his comatose friend doesn’t seem to have any relevance to the story, other than an outlet for him to share his frustrations.
Nora Murphy is obviously a very good story teller and her characters are interesting and likable. It’s easy to feel empathy for their marital situations. The story moved along nicely, even when recounting previous timelines.
I thought it was a very good debut and I appreciate thank NetGalley, and St Martin’s Publishing for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

This read was totally enjoyable…from beginning to end. Nora Murphy kept the momentum going sharing the abysmal lives of Leah and McKenna, two wives being controlled by their abusive husbands. The story unfolds like a flower bud, revealing the depth of their forced detachment from their former lives. You will cheer loudly for these two women to find a path out while your hatred for their husbands intensifies.
The sign of a gifted writer, Nora Murphy makes these characters walk out of the pages of this book and into our lives. I could not put this book down.
Many many thanks to Nora Murphy, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for introducing me to this suspenseful gem, just published on May 31st.

Don't put it down, and do not turn away

Disclosure: I received a pre-publication complimentary digital copy of this book via NetGalley. I am not required to provide a review, but I did, because this is a great read.

This is a tense, traumatic thriller that I found myself thinking about even when I wasn't reading it—a sure sign of an engrossing story. What struck me most is how the author captured the drama, fear, and helplessness that grips every moment of an abused person's existence. That knife edge of waiting for the next blow to land, the next caustic remark to cut. The despair that digs in when there seems to be no safe way out.

But that's the thing, isn't it? Sometimes you have to make your own way out, even if it isn't safe.

Read The Favor. Sometimes, the way out isn't what you expect.

4.5⭐ rounded up for this gripping debut

TW ~ domestic abuse/violence, excessive alcohol assumption as a coping mechanism, miscarriage

Two strangers living similar lives with prominent, manipulating, controlling and abusive husbands. The similarities don’t end there ~ they look similar, they both drive a Lexus and they both live in mcmansions. This leads to some repetitiveness, but still gives the story some uniqueness.
Both couples are successful ~ 2 lawyers and 2 doctors, which just goes to show that domestic violence can happen to, and be done by, anyone.

As one woman watches the other she just knows she needs to help this woman, a woman she doesn’t even know and only glimpsed once in a store. She just had a feeling about what was going on in her life, since it seems similar to her own.
It was a great way to first read through Leah’s eyes as she watched the abuse happen and then through McKenna’s eyes as she lived through it…and then visa versa.

Told in mostly in dual pov’s of Leah and McKenna with some flashbacks to the past. There are some chapters told by the detective, Jordan Harrison, that kept me glued to my kindle to see how the investigative side went. I liked that each chapter gave us the date, so we could easily follow along with the timeline.

There wasn’t really a mystery because the big shebang happened earlier in the book than I thought it would. The detective was a great character and I liked how his partners story weaved itself into the murder investigations.

I’m impressed with this domestic suspense debut. It was fast paced, intense and well written. I had a feeling it would all play out exactly as it did and I was pleased with the conclusion. I can’t wait to get my hands on what Nora writes next!

I liked the added author’s note at the end that gave facts and resources on DV.

Two women with abusive husbands find themselves tied together in an unexpected and shocking way. This book has two different vibes and I had different feelings about each. First half is pretty uncomfortable and infuriating. The second half is where the thriller vibe kicks in and you are glued to see how these characters are gonna get out of this mess!

Loved the multiple POV from the the two main characters and the detective. It works!

Felt a little conflicted reading at the same time I had been watching the JD trial. I think I would’ve enjoyed this much more if not for that. And I think maybe AH read a book like this and used it for her performance.

Overall, I’m impressed with this debut novel by Murphy. I’m looking forward to her next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. ❤️

REVIEW

The Favor ~ Nora Murphy

Thank you to @minotaur_books and @netgalley for an eARC copy of this book - published May 31, 2022.

READ IF:
* You do ok with trigger warnings.
* Female friendships are an important part of your life.
* Your work life matters to you as much as your personal life.

SUMMARY: Both Leah Dawson and McKenna Hawkins are living in their own private hell. Married to successful, charming men, their lives seems perfect from the outside but behind closed doors, they are victims of constant domestic abuse and manipulation.

A chance encounter in a liquor store peaks their interest in one another and soon both women feel compelled to take drastic measures to help the other.

REVIEW: An important subject matter is taken on in this novel and I could appreciate the help that it will give to so many who are in need. It’s clear that both of these women were strong and established and still felt powerless in their relationships - Murphy does a great job of showing that abuse does not discriminate. At times, a bit repetitive but I like how it all tied up in the end. Not mad at this one but I do believe it’s not for everyone.

The Favor by Nora Murphy focuses on what edges and means that women will do for each other in moments of compassion and solidarity.

Although Leah and McKenna have never met, both women lead practically identical, parallel lives. When Leah first comes across McKenna in one of her five preferred liquor stores, she cannot help but see the similarities. Leah is confronted with bangs of nostalgia of what her life was once like and how she used to be. This wish for what once was leaves Leah to follow McKenna home to see what sort of life the woman leads.

However, Leah is shocked when she discovers that McKenna is in the same situation as herself... an abusive marriage. During one of Leah's spy nights of McKenna's house she witnesses a situation that leads her to intervene.

Such intervention leads the lives of both women to become unexpectedly twisted and combined. Leah's intervention brings McKenna to the realization that a strong, smart woman like herself has given up everything at the demand and expectation of her husband. Mckenna begins to understand that she and Leah share the same life but just with different partners.

Now with Mckenna realizing the freedom she now has with the loss of her husband, she has to do what is right to save Leah. She has to return The Favor.

For the freshman title from Nora Murphy, this thriller was a suspense that was knocked right out of the park. The bond that ties both of women together in the setting of domestic violence is one that many women could find relatable. Even if you are a women that thankfully has not been a victim of domestic violence, a reader can easily identify with the unity of women when it comes to protecting each other from harm. While a debut author, Murphy has set a perfect example of how a debut novel should be and is a must recommendation from me. Until next time, Happy Reading!

*received for free from netgalley for honest review* 4.5. Great book, kept me on the edge of my seat, for sure didn't want to put this down! can't wait for this to get turned into a movie (as long as it doesn't ruin it!).

#noramurphy and her debut novel #thefavor is fast paced and will leave you on the edge of your seat. Imagine running in to your doppelgänger at the local corner store. You may have followed her home afterwards because you are still in shock how uncanny the resemblances are. Imagine finding out not only do you look alike. But. Also. You are living all most the same life. If you couldn’t save yourself would you save her? #mystery #netgalley #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #stmsrtinspress #marriage #domesticabuse #triggerwarning #gripping #debutnovel

The Favor by Nora Murphy is an exciting and thought provoking novel. Leah and McKenna are two young, married women living in an affluent Maryland suburb. They don't know each other, but they have many things in common. Leah is a lawyer and McKenna is a pediatrician and neither woman is currently employed. Both women are married to successful men and these men want to control them. When Leah notices McKenna shopping alongside her at a local liquor store Leah senses that McKenna is trapped in a life like her own. Leah follows McKenna home in hopes of finding out more about McKenna. Murphy does an excellent job of building the plot and increasing the tension among her characters. The Favor is an entertaining thriller with a message. Do yourself a favor and read The Favor.

An exciting and gripping domestic suspense novel!

I really enjoyed "The Favor" and flew through the story in just a few sittings. Great characters with an intriguing storyline. I liked that the story was told from multiple viewpoints.

A terrific debut! This well written novel has me excited to read more from Nora Murphy!

Special thanks to St. Martin's Press. and NetGalley for The Favor (yuk yuk) of letting me review this ARC.

Oh c'mon just a little joke, not like I'm sitting in a tub of chardonnay and toweling off to the Macarena dance like some people we know (ahem N. O.). Btw that's her initials.

You have to read this book. I don't give out 5 stars THAAT easily , but once in awhile a book is that great or comes at the right time. Anyway, lets dig in. Leah and McKenna, two beautiful, successful women, great marriages, love their jobs. But on the outside, things always look different looking in....the grass is greener and such...but Leah passing Fruitville Drive j.k., endearing streets made up of perfect homes on streets of fruit! If I could, I'd live on Pop My Cherry Drive. Another joke. hardy har har.

Anyway Leah sees into McKenna's window by chance and recognizes that look. Where a drug abuser knows another, a bisexual sees another confused or just someone who likes both men, women and its (and that's ok) even a plumber might know another plumber for all I know. But Leah sees something very familiar. Abuse! Domestic violence. Sort of a little oxymoron there. Anyway this is a debut author? Nooooo! Can't be. I couldn't put it down. Anyway I read this book at the perfect time. Go Johnny Depp.! What a coinky-dink.

I'm not saying anymore. Just get this book I believe it came out May 31st! Do I hear a movie in the making starring Tina and ike Turner (wait is he still alive?) and hmmm Halle Berry and Dave Justice? Gosh I'm wracking my brain for celebrity violence? I must be senile. 4.5 sttars!

Staying is dangerous. But leaving? That could be a death sentence.

Leah & McKenna have never met, but live parallel lives. They don't ever acknowledge to each other that although they are both successful they are trapped in marriages they are too afraid to walk away from.

One night, Leah drives past McKenna's house. She sees a situation she is all too familiar with from her own marriage. McKenna's "perfect" husband is not what he seems. She decides to keep her eyes out for McKenna, just to be on the safe side.

Until one night, she intervenes. Leah and McKenna have never met...but they will.

This book was meh. It wasn't a true thriller. and it got super repetitive. I enjoyed the dual pov's but it was lacking keeping my attention. I thought the ending was anticlimactic. and for that reason I rated it 3 stars.

No, this book was not for me. 3 women, all seeing their marriages fall apart, decide to go away for a weekend together to help one of them not be home for a painful anniversary date. Of course it does not go according to plans.

One is very controlling, one is plotting and the other seems to be more just going along with things, but all 3 have secrets they are hiding from each other.

All 3 felt lame to me and couldn't keep their eyes off the texts from their men. Way too much importance placed on the men validating the women is how I felt and I did not finish even half the book. Too much wasted drama.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

This novel introduces us to two wives, successful in their careers, until events occur & their husbands insist they be stay-at-home wives. They live nearby, have similar daily patterns, but do not officially meet until one fateful night, the catalyst for both of their lives to change forever. Told in alternating voice, the reader is witness to events behind closed doors and left wondering the implications of an impulsive act in the name of justice. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC. This is my honest review.