How would you react when someone you've not seen in ten years turns up on your doorstep?

Would you turn them away? Or welcome them with open arms?

Jude has no hesitation in helping her first love Liam out when he unexpectedly turns up after ten years of no contact, asking her for a favour.

She just can’t say no.

He was her first love, and even though she is now a successful doctor and about to get married, he will always be someone special to her.

But after she does the favour, she is contacted by the police, informing her that Liam has been found dead, and suddenly she is caught up in a murder investigation.

And she realises this one decision could cost her everything – even her life…

Nicci French, the pen name of the talented duo Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, has consistently excelled in the realm of psychological suspense. Their latest offering, *The Favour*, is no exception, presenting a gripping narrative that will keep readers on their toes until the very last page.

The story revolves around Jude, a woman whose seemingly normal life is turned upside down when her first love, Liam, unexpectedly reappears after years apart. He asks her for a "favour," a seemingly straightforward request that quickly descends into a perilous and deadly situation. As Jude finds herself entangled in a web of lies and murder, she is forced to confront her own past and the secrets that linger there.

French has a knack for creating complex, relatable characters. Jude is a particularly fascinating protagonist—flawed and vulnerable yet fiercely determined to uncover the truth. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each harboring their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story.

The pacing of the plot is expertly managed, featuring twists and turns that keep you glued to the page. The authors skillfully build tension, weaving an atmosphere of unease and paranoia throughout the narrative. Just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Nicci French throws in another surprise, ensuring you remain guessing right to the end.

Jude’s journey is both captivating and emotionally impactful. The novel explores the intricacies of memory and the enduring effects of past relationships. While the pacing is mostly effective, there are moments in the middle where the story slows down, potentially losing some momentum. Some readers might see a few twists coming, but the overall experience remains thrilling.

*The Favour* is a compelling thriller that will resonate with fans of psychological suspense. Featuring well-developed characters, a layered plot, and a deep dive into the darker aspects of human nature, it’s a must-read for anyone seeking a chilling story.

For those in search of a suspenseful and thought-provoking page-turner, *The Favour* is well worth your time. Just be prepared to lose some sleep as you join Jude in her quest for the truth.

Thrilling book as always, what an experience to be acquainted with the characters (good & bad€ created by the author. All so relatable and I read it in a couple of days thank you!

I have been a fan of this author for a long while but this was disappointing. The premise sounded interesting but it failed to deliver. The plot was so unbelievable. I also felt as though the characterisation was lacking.

I first discovered Nicci French through the Frieda Klein series and devoured them all. While I've enjoyed their subsequent books, this one is undoubtedly the best yet. It's one of those books you just can't put down; I was torn between rushing to get back to it and not wanting it to end.

An ok read
Wasn’t one of her best books
Wouldn’t put me off reading more as I have enjoyed all her other books
Thanks NetGalley

The question is
If your first love was to turn up and ask for a favour .... would you?

When Jude's first love Liam who she has not seen in years, shows up at her work asking for a favour she agrees, even if it means having to lie to her fiancé.

The favour is for her to travel to a cottage, wait for Liam's arrival
and then he will explain more. It sounds like a simple request from someone she used to love unbeknown to Jude this decision will turn her life upside down. The police turn up instead and things go downhill from there.

I loved this thriller which kept me guessing until the end.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Love all her books but this is my new favourite. From the first chapter's eerie atmosphere to the last shocking revelation, this thriller keeps you guessing Until the end!

Have to admit I was slightly disappointed in this one, I wouldn’t say it was a book I wouldn’t have read in hindsight nor would I not recommend it, but it was just a bit repetitive with lots of different characters so think I was just a bit confused. Still rate Nicci French and her work though she still writes great plots that are enjoyable to read!

I was fortunate to receive a copy of this ARC from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster.

It maybe my age, but I did want to shake Jude for just going along with what Liam asked of her without questioning it and potentially put her future with her fiancé at risk, not to mention possibly her life! I understand they had history together but to be asked to drive a car and fill it up at a petrol station with his card surely rings alarm bells he's trying to make it look like he's on one place while being in another, but doing what? However Jude carries a lot of guilt about her status in life now and how Liam did not have the same opportunities due to poor decisions they made when they were together as teenagers.

This was definitely another page turner from the Nicci French writing partnership which I always enjoy.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am usually a fan of Nicci French, but this one wasn't for me this time. I found the concept of the story unbelievable and I couldn't get into it. Sorry.

When June’s first love Liam turns up after 10 years and asks her for a ‘favour’ she goes along with it, but soon regrets her unwise decision when he turns up dead and she becomes entangled with the life he left behind.

This was a well written thriller with an interesting cast of characters, especially the no nonsense detective (who I’d love to hear more from).
Although it was an enjoyable read I needed more explanation as to why on earth a seemingly intelligent woman would make the choices that June did, but would like to read more by this writing duo in the future.

I was looking forward to reading this having been a Nicci French fan forever & having read everything they have written (I particularly loved the Freida Klein series)
But I was unfortunately soon disappointed.
I liked the premise of someone being asked a favour, but other than that it was just a bit ridiculous, Jude blows up her whole life over this one ludicrous request? Really?
I found that parts of the story dragged & the characters were so unlikeable & Jude just went from one mess to another but we're supposed to believe she's a competent doctor when basic adulting just seems too much for her.
I wouldn't have believed this was a Nicci French offering.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for my eARC in return for my honest review.

Compulsive and highly addictive from the start, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The narrative is claustrophobic, atmospheric and beautifully written. The characters are unlikable though this adds to the story. Jude is a doctor specialising in geriatrics, and one day at the end of a shift her old flame Liam appears at her place of work. Nicci French has a great knack for devising complex characters, and Jude was a perfect example of this. I was completely immersed in this clever story which was executed brilliantly with some nerve-jittering suspense and, for me, the ending was great but might not suit all. The Favour is an exceptional page-turner.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Simon & Schuster via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

I haven't read much by this author before, but once again wasn't disappointed. Book was well written, and keeps the reader entertained until the end.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A seemingly simple favour opens up a can of worms! Plenty of twists and turns, I really enjoyed this book.

It seems a simple enough start to a request that turns into an ever-deepening nightmare as the story unfolds. Who and what can be relied on becomes increasingly obscure with a sense never far away of something far worse still to come. Gripping story as ever from Nicci French.

What would you do if someone very special from your past turned up and asked you for a favour?
The beauty and skill of the writting makes this a character driven story with a very thin plot.
The Favour is it go to a cottage and then pick up your past love from the station. Except the police turn up instead. A Murder investigation is lauched and your life unravels at an alarming rate. Enter a number of colourful characters who all play a part in this story.. It did at times feel a lengthy story with no clear route to the end. There were moments i didnt believe what i was teading. It took a long time to get to the conclusion and even then there did seem to be a few loose ends. This was good because as a reader i felt it was good to leave something to my imagination. I liked the unravelling just wanted it to go on for longer
I really felt for the main chatacter the skill of writing made me get pulled into the story.

Highly recommended you do need to stick with the story. Thank you netgallery and the publisher for my arc

Jude is a doctor specialising in geriatrics, one morning at the end of her night shift her teenage love Liam Birch appears at her hospital and asks for a few minutes of her time. Over a coffee he asks her for a favour, meet him in Norfolk and he will explain all. In addition Liam says she mustn’t tell anyone, not even her fiancé Nat. Despite having not seen Liam for 10 years Jude agrees. Only that weekend when she meets Liam and takes his car and drives to Norfolk, nothing goes to plan and this one ‘favour’ turns Jude’s life upside down.
This incredible read had me hooked from the first page, fast paced, engaging and with a story that keeps unfolding right to the very end.
Yet another wonderful psychological thriller from Nicci French.

A brilliant read that drew me in from the first paragraph. I loved the premise and the surprise twists along the way. Cleverly done and well written - I was sad to finish it.