This is a dark twisty thriller. I enjoyed the beginning. But the tension quickly fades. the writing style was quite basic. Not the book for me

Fantastic novel. Relentless and thrilling and fast paced. Grips you from sentence one and keeps you hooked until the end, loved it.

This book was a disturbing read. In a time where Gender Based Violence is a reality, reading about it is haunting and yet thrilling. Well written, will read more in future. Recommended.

What a brilliant debut for author Nora Murphy!

This had me hooked from the start with it's easy read and great pace, most definitely a page turner.

With a dual timeline of Then and Now, narrated by Leah, McKenna and Detective Jordan Harrison, the characters are mostly relatable and likeable. Leah comes across alot stronger than McKenna and is definitely a more darker character. Detective Harrison is a bit corny, cocky and clique to be honest but it all adds to the story in it's own way.

I would have liked more depth to the characters but that's a personal choice, it still had me completely hooked either way.

Leah and McKenna are two professional successful women in their own right, married to very succesful men, supposedly living their ideal lives but as the saying goes "you never know what goes on behind closed doors!"
After a chance meeting where Leah sees the signs of abuse that she knows all too well, the two women decide to 'trade' a favour that sees the course of their lives change dramatically. .. there is so much more I could say but this is a book you have to read yourself WITHOUT spoilers!

A clever, intriguing, at times infuriating story that was weaved together seamlessly.

With thanks to netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

A great thriller. It kept me on my toes and I was engaged throughout. I could really feel that the author cared about the characters and had really considered the plot before putting pen to paper which made all the difference.

An enjoyable psychological thriller, with plenty of twists and turns throughout. The characters were good, the plot was excellent and the style of writing was perfect. This is the first book I have read by this author, I’ll be keeping my eye out for more in the future. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading this genre.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a honest review.

This is a fantastic domestic noir. I can’t quite believe it’s a debut.
It’s fast paced, well written and unique. I was quickly engrossed in the 2 main female characters and I raced through it to the end.
I’ll be looking out for more by this author in the future and it’s a book I’d definitely recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher & Nora for the ARC.

A chilling fast paced thriller, unable to put it down until it was read. Difficult topic DV, but well written and delicately portrayed. Will absolutely seek out more books by Nora.

Although this was not a pleasant topic (when is a domestic thriller ever pleasant?) but I really enjoyed watching it all unfold. It was different in that we knew who the perpetrators were but what kept you guessing was whether they would get away with it.

I would definitely read another by this author

Leah and McKenna. Two women who have never met, living identical lives with abusive husbands. Fate will throw them together, and lives will never be the same.

This was absolutely brilliant! The story was gripping from beginning to end, with a fast-paced build up that led to a fantastic ending. I loved the detective's part in this too, and I'm hoping there'll be another book leading on with what happens to the detective's partner.

“I’m someone like you”

I HAVE EMOTIONS. This book is fantastic. One of the best depictions of domestic abuse I have ever read, particularly in relation to the pattern of abuse, gradual escalation & the almost imposter syndrome-esque shame that often accompanies victims of mental, emotional or financial abuse. That good old “but he doesn’t hit me” rationalisation of trauma is played out perfectly & it hit me HARD.

From a thriller perspective, it also just feels incredibly fresh & unique. I can’t immediately liken it to anything else I’ve read... & I read a lot of suspense. I will always find everyday horrors to be the most blood freezing & this book oozes dread.

If the blurb doesn’t make you want to pick up this book, honestly I don’t know what will. The writing is fantastic, the characters carefully & authentically drawn & the ending feels like a cathartic fuck you to the patriarchy. If you’ve ever been in an abusive relationship that you escaped prior to the beginning of physical violence but after the commencement of your own mental hell... this story says “hey you, you survived yes, you ‘made it’ but only just, by the skin of your teeth. You can be both the lucky one AND a victim”

Run, don’t walk - OUT NOW!

This book should not be marketed as a thriller. At most it is a domestic drama. Really though, it’s strangers on a train meets suburban moms. I was bored throughout.

This was a fantastic, well thought out debut.
McKenna and Leah cross paths in a liquor store, Leah sees something in McKenna. Both are isolated with their main contact being their educated professional husbands. Leah follows McKenna home and intervenes when she sees something.
This was told in dual POV with alternate chapters told by Leah and McKenna
I read this in one sitting and loved it. The characters were well thought out and you found yourself hoping that you get the happy ending you want.
Thanks to Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed this book. When Rose is asked to join the Circle, an elite group of mothers at her son's exclusive school, she feels she has arrived. Her social standing soars, even though she can't understand why she was chosen to replace Bea, who tragically took her own life. However, it soon becomes evident that the price of belonging is very high and even involves breaking the law. How far will she go to remain a member of the Circle? Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

The Favour is a modern day twist on the classic Strangers on a Train, that I found to be an immersive and gripping read. The story of Leah and McKenna- 2 women in the same neighbourhood who've never met but whose lives are very similar- is told in a dual narrative that comes together brilliantly. It's a beautifully and sensitively written novel that deals with a difficult but essential subject matter with honesty. I was completely drawn into the world of Leah and McKenna and really did not know where this novel was going. An excellent read that I would highly recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

Absolutely brilliant in the way it weaves two narratives together. The truth keeps shifting, making it difficult to put down the book. A taut, superb take on domestic crime.

Two very similar characters living Rey similar lives with very similar problems. The linking of the two women was implausible and so seemed contrived just to move the stories together. The subject matter is serious and I thought whilst the author had a good stab at it I’ve read it dealt with better

A tense and often uncomfortable read, The Favour by Nora Murphy is gripping and eye opening. I can’t say that I enjoyed it, but I did appreciate the way the book was written and the way that the tension built.
It was hard to identify with either character, but I was able to sympathise and have some understanding of their predicament.
If you like domestic thrillers and don’t struggle with difficult themes such as alcoholism and domestic abuse, I would recommend this fresh new novel.

Do not read the blurb before you read this book! Yet again there is too much information.
Sympathetically written - this book gives pause for thought when you say - Why don't they leave him? Why do they put up with him? You are intelligent, clever women!! It is not that easy.
Do you question yourself when for once you want the perpetrator to get away with it?!
Good debut ... can't wait for the next offering.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Nora Murphy/Pan Macmillan for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Brilliant, clever and sharp. Reminiscent of strangers on a train, but given new life. A truly exciting and thrilling novel that is sure to do well.