This was an ARC from St. Martin's Press and NetGalley. My first from this author and I was impressed. The writing flowed well and she was able to weave a domestic suspense w an important issue facing women.

I was a little iffy on this book if I am being honest. I feel like postpartum mental/sanity issues as a trope has just been beat to death. This author chose to try to revive this trope. I could really feel for the new mother and this was written well, however after this information being repeated ad nauseum, I was quite a bit bored. The neighbor swoops in on a white horse to save her and immediately decides to use her in his plot. The whole plan was ridiculous and I felt that it really lacked depth. I wish I would have passed on this book. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.

Thank you to St. Martins Press and NetGalley for this thriling read . It was a page turner from start to finish. I really could not wait for the next chapter as the twists and turns kept coming. It was an ending that made me go WOW. You really don’t know someone that well at all. This book was insanely good!!!!!

This was a great read that I quite enjoyed from beginning to end. I was curious to read what was going to happen next and was hooked! I would recommend this one.

While “The New Mother” is marketed as a chilling mystery/thriller, its essence lies more in the realm of domestic drama and a commentary on the challenges of new motherhood, shedding light on the perils of postpartum depression.

Natalie and her husband Tyler’s move to an upscale suburban neighbourhood in anticipation of their child’s birth sets the stage for a startling narrative. Following the arrival of their son, Oliver, Natalie grapples with the immense weight of new motherhood. She is plagued by sleep deprivation, unsettling thoughts about her baby, and an inexplicable anger toward Tyler. In this vulnerable state, her only source of comfort becomes her neighbour, Paul, who appears to possess an uncanny understanding of Natalie’s struggles. However, Paul harbours sinister intentions and preys upon Natalie’s vulnerability to execute a malevolent plan.

The narrative unfolds in a somewhat repetitive manner and the actual crime and subsequent investigation take a backseat, rendering any detective work unnecessary. It transforms a supposed mystery into something less compelling than anticipated.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for sending a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The lead in Nora Murphy's The New Mother is exactly that. Natalie and Tyler Fanning (both attorneys) have just had a baby. Nat struggles with motherhood. She's insecure and overwhelmed.

A neighbor, Paul (a stay-at-home father) seems to be a baby whisperer. He offers sympathy and help. Then Paul's wife is murdered and Nat comes under suspicion.

Whodunit?

Sadly this was a DNF for me at 30%. I'm not sure if it's because I'm not a mother or what, but I just couldn't resonate with the characters and found the story to be a little unbelievable. I was also expecting more of a thriller type aspect rather than the family suspense, which may have added to the dislike. I know others have really enjoyed this one as well as her other book, The Favor, so I'd still give the author another chance!

I received a free copy of The New Mother from Netgalley and St Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
The New Mother freaked me out. It reminded me a bit of The Push but Ashley Audrain, but the threat was outside of the home. The psychological games in this novel are intense and scary, and of course I read this novel while a terrible thing was happening to someone close to me…it certainly made this novel feel real and possible.
A great read, but be warned that this novel will screw with your head and it most definitely worth checking out trigger warnings before heading in. Especially if thrillers involving babies is a deal-breaker.

*Thank you @stmartinspress and @netgalley for the copy of this book*

Natalie is a new to motherhood but everything is not as she expected. As a successful professional, she becomes overwhelmed with her desire to care for her child and her need to rise the ranks in her career. She soon becomes resentful towards her husband who seemingly has it all - wife, baby, and newly promoted - without all the struggles of being a perfect parent and employee. Enter friendly neighbor, and follow parent, Paul. He seems to understand Natalie since the roles are reversed in his relationship - he is the stay at home dad while his wife is fully committed to her profession. Unfortunately, Natalie is unable to see beyond his kindness while he is manipulating her to fix his situation.

Although I am not a parent, I truly appreciate the commentary on parenthood and past-partum experiences. It was heartbreaking to see Natalie's struggle to find her identity after the birth of her child - no one should have to choose between their family and career. I am not easily disturbed by many things but this book had me uncomfortable at times because of the parallels to reality. I do wish there were more twists prior to the resolution but it was still an interesting read.

Another domestic thriller that makes you wonder if there are any neighbors you can trust. It was interesting to read a thriller that also tackles the sometimes impossible feeling feat of being a new mother, and how often women are not shown the understanding or help they need to make it through those first few daunting months of raising a child while also maintaining their sense of self and sanity.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

Suspenseful, surprising, quick read, the ending was unexpected, the book made you keep guessing the whole way through the book.

Uneven pacing and a predicable twist left me wanting more from The New Mother. I don't often see the darker side of motherhood portrayed in mystery/thrillers that lives up to The Push or The Whispers- big shoes to fill. Overall the main character comes across more unlikable than sympathetic and it was a bit difficult to get fully invested in the story. Not a terrible book but not a favorite

I was very much intrigued by the idea of The New Mother, especially since the book deals with what I consider an underrepresented topic, postpartum depression. It's such an interesting and important topic that is not often discussed. I struggled with this one though because I found absolutely no reason to like the main character, despite wanting to feel some kind of compassion for her. The story was somewhat dull and I didn't find the twist to be all that intriguing.

Is this a new genre- new mother horror? I've read, or tried to, a couple of books now focusing on the first couple of weeks postpartum and what it does to, specifically, the mother's life. Not for me, and I skipping ahead didn't progress the story enough to keep trying.

I really enjoyed this book! It was somewhat predictable but still really great. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I loved this book! I will definitely recommend it. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A novel which tells the struggles of a new mother and the neighbor who seems to understand and be there for her. Is everything as it seems?
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Predictable AF. Did not like it.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nora Murphy and St Martins Press Minotaur books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Already available

Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for my gifted advance reader copy.

With the birth of her son, Oliver, Nat quickly learns that being a mother isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Oliver is a difficult, colicky baby, and Nat is exhausted, losing track of time, and doubting her own memory. At some of her lowest points, her neighbor Paul swoops in to help. He’s a stay-at-home father to a ten-year-old girl who seems to know just what to do with a disgruntled newborn. What Nat doesn’t realize is that Paul has an ulterior motive and wants something from Nat, and he’ll go to great lengths to get it.

I really enjoyed Murphy’s writing in this one, and I think I overall liked this more than THE FABLE. I felt she was able to capture the thoughts of a woman in the throes of postpartum depression so accurately that her words were almost visceral.

The main downside of this one is that I felt that the mystery/thriller was secondary to Nat’s mental state/inner world and that her monologue felt somewhat repetitive in nature.