When Leah thinks her situation is beyond saving, she sees McKenna and immediately recognizes that she needs help. Leah is bound to do her darnedest to save her, no matter the cost. Now it’s McKenna’s turn to return the favor, but with police scrutiny, will she get the opportunity? Both are living in isolation, both are trapped in their own prison and now the favor each has done for the other ties them together irrevocably even though they have never met. How far would you go to save a stranger? Narrated in three distinct voices that bring the story to life, this is a very impressive debut from Nora Murphy! Looking forward to what she comes up with next!

Was really excited for this one but it fell flat for me. It reminded me of girl on a train mixed with some domestic violence. I was able to predict most of the characters moves throughout the whole story. The writing was good but nothing truly stood out to me.

This domestic suspense was a quick, fun, popcorn read. Great debut novel and I enjoyed the narrator too.

Ohemgee. This book is so good! It’s definitely one I’ve had my eye on and thanks to NetGalley I scored an ARC!

The audio is amazing. It has multiple narrators which I absolutely love. We see from the POV of two abused women and the police officer investigating their husbands murders. We get a look into the minds of the abused women, their lives with their abusers and everything these men did to keep them compliant - and make it almost impossible to leave.

The authors note at the end is everything. They bring to light everything that an abused person can go through and how the abusers make it so they can’t “just leave”. It’s not easy to just leave, and in some cases it’s not even possible. There are even resources included for several countries to help victims caught in these situations and I cannot appreciate that enough.

This story was perfectly suspenseful and brings to light an important topic that faces many people today - maybe even someone you know.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was provided an audio arc of this book via Netgalley and the publisher.

I thought the two female narrators did a great job with Leah and McKenna. It was nice to have two distinct voices for both women. I wasn't so sure about the addition of the male narrator for Detective Harrison. While the narrator did a great job, his presence as a narrator doesn't appear until about 40% into the book and he isn't a constant narrator. While skeptical about this addition to the audiobook, Detective Harrison's part was actually very well done and thought out. I thought his perspective was crucial to providing the outsider's view to theses women's lives.

This follows Leah and McKenna two very intelligent, beautiful women who don't know each other. They happen to shop at the same liquor store one evening, but other than that their paths have never crossed. Unbeknownst to either of them, their lives are more similar that they can ever know. They both are married to very charming, handsome, successful men who on the outside appear to be the perfect husbands. Behind closed doors McKenna and Leah know differently. Very quickly their lives are about to become entangled in a way neither of them expected.

I found this to be more of a police procedural as Detective Harrison tries to uncover the truth as opposed to a thriller. There really aren't any big twists and turns that you would expect from a thriller, and the guilty party is known to the reader all along.

If you are triggered by domestic abuse, verbal abuse, alcoholism, and the mention of miscarriage I'd stay away from this one.

While I enjoyed this book and thought it was well written, the abusive husband trope is not something I enjoy reading as a preference. That is a heavy focus of this book. I thought the author did a very good job discussing the topic of coercive control when it comes to abuse and how very well educated women become victims in abusive relationships. They are slowly manipulated into believing they have no other choice and o one would believe them if they claimed their husbands were abusive. Unfortunately this is a very real problem. As an outsider looking in, it is easy to say "why didn't she just leave?", but it isn't that easy as Detective Harrison uncovers through his investigation of both women as suspects. I've seen several reviews almost victim shaming the two main characters for not leaving sooner or drinking too much to cope with the terror they face every day. This too is a very real problem that women face in reality. Battered and abused women don't deserve your criticism, they deserve your kindness and support.

Overall, this is a solid debut from the author. You can tell that her experience as a lawyer specializing in domestic violence aided in crafting this novel. While Leah and McKenna were fictional, the author's note goes on to explain the harsh reality that real women face daily.

This is an excellent audiobook. The voice narration was very well done.

The story will draw you right in. The MCs are 2 women who are dealing with domestic violence, which most of the time isn’t physically abusive but is 1,000% emotionally abusive.

I found myself reacting like “oh hell no!” during some of the scenes. Especially in regards to work, that part about the check. Shew. Not cool.

I also liked it because it took place in Maryland, in several areas that I frequent. Some of which were down the street from my office downtown.

I liked the lack of a relationship between the main characters too. You don’t see that in many novel that have similar plots.

The pacing and character development were great.

I definitely recommend checking this one out. It’s a quick read. It would also make a decent movie.

I liked the author’s note at the end as well.

Wow! I listened to the audiobook and I could not take my headphones off! The more I listened the more I wanted to know. The twist and turns are jaw dropping. This is definitely more of a crime/ suspense wait what did just happen book. Two main characters are McKenna and Leah. Two different woman with many similarities. Without knowing each other they both end up sharing a secret that helps both ladies yet puts them in so much danger. Living a lie could save you rather than telling the truth. When you think you have it all figured out you get pulled right back. I will warn you that there are triggers in the book such as domestic abuse so if you have sensitivity towards this subject I am giving you a heads up. I found myself a new favorite author . Most definitely favorite read of 2022

Thanks to NetGalley for an early copy to review. I enjoyed the narrators and always appreciate books that use multiple narrators for the various perspectives. The storyline was a good domestic fiction book with a slight thriller element. I wasn’t really shocked by anything which is what I want in a “thriller.” So in that way I was a little disappointed. But overall I enjoyed the way the story played out.

This was solid debut novel. It kept my attention and I wanted to know how each scenario was going to play out, but it seemed a bit repetitive about half way through.

Leah and McKenna lead similar lives and soon after each of them get married their husbands begin to show their true colors. The author details the accounts of each of their domestic abuse by detailing the gaslighting, manipulation, and possession. As the two successful wives do not know how to leave they find comfort in the favor they see through. The detectives POV was introduced about half way through and we were able to hear the police procedural view, which seemed to be unnecessary since the POV was already being accounted for by each woman.

The authors note at the end of the book was an excellent view on domestic abuse and violence and the sad truth behind why women can’t leave.
All in all a solid book and I would read this author again! Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

In Nora Murphy's debut suspense thriller, The Favor, two women are unknowingly living parallel lives on a slightly different timeline. When they happen to be shopping at the same liquor store, Leah thinks McKenna reminds her of herself, before her life fell apart. You will be a fly on the wall as the suspense drives you forward into an early twist. And their paths begin to cross... The savvy .investigating officer's personal tragedy with his injured partner may have opened his eyes to a few truths hiding in plain sight. The narration in this book has the very human very messed up and vulnerable feel of a Gillian Flynn novel - including a nice Karma surprise at the end. I listened to an ARC by McMillan Audio Production and Minotaur Books through Netgalley. The production was strong with a contemporary feel. The three different audio readers made the similar characters ready to differentiate. I loved this book, and cannot wait for Nora Murphy's next one! This one is available May 31, 2022.

The Favor was a captivating read with tough topics on domestic abuse, manipulation, substance abuse, body shaming, and fertility. It is packed full of intense drama and leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next!

I was, however, a little frustrated about women feeling like they couldn't be open to the police about their abuse for fear of being considered a suspect, even though they were also a victim; though I totally understand why... I was definitely telling the detective multiple times, well duh!

Have you read this book? What were your thoughts on this?

Still a good read though! Would highly recommend the audiobook! I liked how the author also highlighted how real domestic abuse is and provided some stats to provide insight and actually make this story hit home.

May 31st is pub day for The Favor!
This is a domestic suspense novel that shows what can happen when women are pushed to their limits.

Leah and McKenna don’t know each other but they have very similar lives. They are educated career women with the idyllic life (wealthy, beautiful, successful, doting spouses). They both understand what’s inside the home can be more dangerous than what’s outside.

A character driven suspenseful drama is what I would call this story. If you are looking for a thriller this is not it. Overall this story was anticlimactic. There are several trigger warnings for this one so proceed with caution.

Short synopsis: McKenna and Leah don’t know each other. But they both realize that sometimes what you see on the outside of a home, may not be what is happening inside the home. “Staying is dangerous. Leaving could be worse.”

My thoughts: This is a great domestic debut novel by Nora Murphy. I was sucked into the story from the very beginning. Very thought provoking, we as women need to be there for each other! Make sure to read the authors note at the end. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Written from multiple perspectives we get to see how things unfold from both McKenna’s side, and Leah’s. It was also interesting to read through some of the backstory in how they got to where they are now. An added bonus is the perspective of the detective as he is trying to solve the case.

I listened to the audio on this, with multiple narrators this was done perfectly! I loved how they each performed this story.

Read if you’re a sucker for:
* Domestic suspense
* Women standing up for women
* Multiple perspectives and backstories
* Revenge for abuse

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: domestic abuse, murder, isolation

I enjoyed The Favor. I think Nora Murphy did a bang-up job with her character descriptions as well as giving the reader a birdseye view of what was going on in the minds of the two women. I felt like I knew them. When I finished listening, I felt let down at the end. Then I gave it more thought and agreed with the ending. I'm not sure that the character of Mallory got enough attention. And I am not so sure that Mallory was a necessary character. I will definitely recommend this book to my readers. The narration was stellar. I look forward to reading many more of Nora Murphy's books.

Really enjoyed this debut. I loved the mc leading parallel lives yet never having met. But when they do meet its so unique and their connection is astonishing. The wiring is so engaging and the domestic abuse aspect were so well curated.

A great debut, a story needing to be told. When I first realized I was reading a domestic thriller centering around domestic abuse I was not sure I really wanted to go down this path, it's not a plot point I tend to gravitate towards. Once I started though I found myself fully engaged and felt the progression of the story to feel really genuine and frankly quite scary in the way that domestic abuse situations can be. I feel the author presented this story with lots of knowledge, care and her desire to get the word out to the world. It wasn't preachy, it was thrilling and captivating. The writing was solid and the audio was really well-done. I would definitely recommend the book but in particular the audio edition. The author's note at the end is a must read for everyone and shed light on her knowledge of the subject matter.

McKenna and Leah lead pretty similar lives, their husbands are monsters. Both want out but are too afraid to leave. When a chance encounter, and a bit of an obsession could change each of their lives. Things always happen for a reason, right?

I'm loving these audiobooks. I devoured this in a day. It wasn't a "thriller" but it was an interesting story that I wanted to know the ending to. The book mainly focuses on Leah's and McKenna's POV. Both different women, living very similar heartbreaking lives. I felt so bad for each of them. I just wanted to help them. I don't want to give too much detail away, but there's a third POV and I yelled at that person a few times while reading/listening to the book. I did like both of the woman's characters. You can't help but like them, at least in my opinion.

I really enjoyed the audio. I think the narrators did such a good job. The different narrators helped keep who was who straight.

For this being the author's debut novel I thought she did a great job. She navigated through some heavy topics. I look forward to reading her next books.

I will add my instagram link when I share my review.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for my ebook and audio copy in exchange for my honest review.

I liked the perspective of the two women, but I could have done without the detective. I think those portions reduce the enjoyability of this one. I thought the premise was interesting, and I liked the vigilante aspect. I would have liked this to be faster paced.

Woah. Woah. Woah.

Also, the author's note at the end was perfect and, I felt, added so much to my reading experience - particularly the conversation/notes around how abuse in educated or middle to upper class relationships can present differently than just physical abuse.

Story wise, I appreciated the dual perspective from the women, and then the additional narrator from the detective. I would have LOVED more interaction with the women, but understand why (plotwise) that would be problematic. However, this story of vigilante justice gripped me - I quickly read the book in just a few days - and am absolutely awestruck that this is a debut novel!

Can't wait for more from this new author!

THE FAVOR is a domestic suspense debut that follows two women who are victims of intimate partner violence. Behind the veneer of a polished life with successful husbands, Leah and McKenna find themselves trapped in abusive marriages. Although the women have never officially met, they recognize a kindred spirit in the other when their paths cross.

I appreciated the thoughtful author’s note that discussed the prevalence of intimate partner violence as well as the dynamics of domestic abuse when the abuser is a prominent member of the community. While the trope of an alcoholic female protagonist often feels overdone to me, it didn’t play out the way I anticipated and it fit well within the storyline.

The audiobook performance was great as there was a different narrator for each woman which helped set each character apart. It was a quick listen and easy to follow in audio format.

I found myself holding out for a jaw-dropping twist, but THE FAVOR just isn’t that type of book. If you’re interested in thought-provoking domestic suspense, do yourself a favor and pick up THE FAVOR. This was a solid debut by Nora Murphy and I look forward to seeing where her talents lead her!

RATING: 4/5
PUB DATE: May 31, 2022

A big thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Review will be posted to www.instagram.com/kellyhook.readsbooks in advance of publication date