The New Mother by Nora Murphy
Published: May 30, 2023
Minotaur Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Domestic Thriller
KKECReads Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.
Nora Murphy attended law school in Washington, D.C., then worked as a judicial law clerk before transitioning to private practice. During law school, she participated in two clinics through which she represented and studied the issues facing survivors of intimate partner violence. A practicing attorney, Nora writes as much as she can, usually long before the sunrise or on her phone for brief moments when the inspiration strikes. Nora resides in Maryland with her husband, young son, and five rescue pets.
Nothing is simple about being a new mom alone in a new house, especially when your baby is collicky. Natalie Fanning loves her son unconditionally, but being a mother was not all she wanted to be.
Enter Paul, the neighbor.
Paul provides the lifeline she needs in what feels like the most desperate of times. When Paul is helping with Oliver, calmed by his reassuring, steady presence, Nat feels like she can finally rest.
But Paul wants something in return. It’s no coincidence that he has befriended Nat―she is the perfect pawn for his own plan. Will Nat wake up in time to see it?
“I was a mother now.”
Natalie and Tyler are new parents. Natalie is nervous, anxious, and worried she won’t be a good mom. As she dives into her new life, with very little sleep, constant crying, feeding, and rocking, she starts to feel like she is losing herself. Paul is looking for an opportunity, and when he sees it, he takes it.
This was such a devious game of cat and mouse! I loved how this was a dual story and how they connected. The build-up was so smooth.
Natalie was such a great character. I wanted to help her and tell her she was doing great. Tyler was a fine side character. Paul was a creep.
I am not a mother, so I cannot speak to how carrying and birthing a child feels. But how Natalie was created, described, and brought to life was so vivid that you understand and feel her struggle.
This was a fantastic book. I love the positive spotlight on parenthood and that struggling is okay. I loved that Natalie trusted her gut. I love that this novel showed how difficult being a parent can be, and how exhausting mentally, emotionally, and physically.
The representation was solid, and I am excited to recommend this book!