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Ours Is a Tale of Murder
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26"Three seemingly disparate stories, all captivating in their own right, pull the reader toward a shocking collision made all the more satisfying by Murphy's brilliant twists. The stakes are high, the casualties tragic, the losses profound. Clear your schedule—you won't be putting this down until that last, mesmerizing page."
--Carter Wilson, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Tell Me What You Did
One quiet neighborhood
Three different families
Bound by murder
Klara never wanted the house with the white picket fence. Troy never wanted anything else.
Nothing is quite right with this happy couple, but they fit right in. The mother in the blue house, Mary, is cleaning out her son's old room before she sells, haunted by the mistakes of her past and afraid of what her home has become. Next door, Henry, freshly laid off and back living with his parents, has plenty of time to watch everyone – especially wives. He knows something is wrong. But then then nothing is quite as it seems, and sometimes you miss what is right in front of you.
Murder will soon thread its way through this world in ways no one will see coming ---unless you've been plotting all along.
--Carter Wilson, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of Tell Me What You Did
One quiet neighborhood
Three different families
Bound by murder
Klara never wanted the house with the white picket fence. Troy never wanted anything else.
Nothing is quite right with this happy couple, but they fit right in. The mother in the blue house, Mary, is cleaning out her son's old room before she sells, haunted by the mistakes of her past and afraid of what her home has become. Next door, Henry, freshly laid off and back living with his parents, has plenty of time to watch everyone – especially wives. He knows something is wrong. But then then nothing is quite as it seems, and sometimes you miss what is right in front of you.
Murder will soon thread its way through this world in ways no one will see coming ---unless you've been plotting all along.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 10, 2026
12980 people want to read
About the author
Nora Murphy
7 books573 followersNora Murphy is the author of The Favor and The New Mother. A practicing attorney, Nora resides in Maryland with her husband, three sons, and four rescue pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 24, 2025
🐝 *2026 PREVIEW*!
This is the EASIEST 5 stars that I have given a thriller in quite some time!
Mark your calendars for February 10, 2026 because you don’t want to miss this one!!
OPENING paragraph:
“ It might seem, as you read, that ours is the story of love. It’s not. Ours is the tale of murder.”
Klara never wanted children or the house with the white picket fence.
Troy never wanted anything else-and his sights are set on Klara.
Mary, is the mother in the blue house, finally cleaning out her son's old room before she puts the house up for sale.
Henry, is living at home again, after getting laid off from work and he has plenty of time to watch everyone.
This story unfolds from the alternating first person POV’s of Klara and Troy and from the third person POV’s of Mary and Henry and NOTHING is what it seems, as you will find out in PART 2.
There will be a MURDER in the sleepy suburb of Hawthorne Heights.
AND I KNEW from those opening sentences that this one had 5 star potential-as the short, snappy chapters kept me furiously swiping those Kindle pages to find out WHO would end up dead and WHO would be guilty of murder.
The story just kept on getting better and better!
Sometimes you miss what is right in front of you-and the clues are there if you are sharp enough to catch them!
The CLOSING paragraph is quite memorable too! Chef’s kiss!
I wasn’t enamored with the author’s second novel, “The New Mother” but I really enjoyed her debut novel “The Favor” so I was curious to see where I would land with this one. I am thrilled to report that this domestic suspense novel is her BEST yet!
Expected publication date: February 10, 2026
Review for The Favor: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A buddy read with Mary Beth! Be sure to watch for her review for additional thoughts on this one!
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
This is the EASIEST 5 stars that I have given a thriller in quite some time!
Mark your calendars for February 10, 2026 because you don’t want to miss this one!!
OPENING paragraph:
“ It might seem, as you read, that ours is the story of love. It’s not. Ours is the tale of murder.”
Klara never wanted children or the house with the white picket fence.
Troy never wanted anything else-and his sights are set on Klara.
Mary, is the mother in the blue house, finally cleaning out her son's old room before she puts the house up for sale.
Henry, is living at home again, after getting laid off from work and he has plenty of time to watch everyone.
This story unfolds from the alternating first person POV’s of Klara and Troy and from the third person POV’s of Mary and Henry and NOTHING is what it seems, as you will find out in PART 2.
There will be a MURDER in the sleepy suburb of Hawthorne Heights.
AND I KNEW from those opening sentences that this one had 5 star potential-as the short, snappy chapters kept me furiously swiping those Kindle pages to find out WHO would end up dead and WHO would be guilty of murder.
The story just kept on getting better and better!
Sometimes you miss what is right in front of you-and the clues are there if you are sharp enough to catch them!
The CLOSING paragraph is quite memorable too! Chef’s kiss!
I wasn’t enamored with the author’s second novel, “The New Mother” but I really enjoyed her debut novel “The Favor” so I was curious to see where I would land with this one. I am thrilled to report that this domestic suspense novel is her BEST yet!
Expected publication date: February 10, 2026
Review for The Favor: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A buddy read with Mary Beth! Be sure to watch for her review for additional thoughts on this one!
Thank You to Sourcebooks Landmark for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
August 6, 2025
"It might seem, as you read, that ours is a story of love.
It's not.
Ours is a tale of murder.
But that's to come. First, there was love. Or something like it. Something that looked like love, that wore its scent like a spritz of perfume.
Something that sounded right, that felt true.
Something that was always, actually, very, very wrong."
Murphy had me gripped from that very first paragraph and that grip never let go until I turned the final page.
Let me introduce you to our characters:
Klara and Troy - A married couple and the newest residents of Hawthorne Heights. They appear to be perfect and content yet something doesn't seem right.
Mary - A woman with a traumatic past that is trying to pack up her home so it can be sold. A lonely widow reminiscing about her sweet boy yet something doesn't seem right.
Henry - A man living in his childhood home with his parents after losing his job. With all this time on his hands he keeps watch over the neighborhood. It's a safe neighborhood yet something doesn't seem right.
This book had me baffled in the best way possible. I felt so off-kilter. As I was reading this it was as if there was this sense of menace that I just couldn't pinpoint but I sure as heck could feel. Murphy completely messed with my head and had me second guessing everything. I love when that happens.
Then at roughly 70% Part 2 starts and BOOM! 🤯 What the heck just happened?!?!
A very well written domestic suspense. Intricately layered and executed masterfully. Murphy didn't just come to play, she came to win, and this right here is a WINNER! 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy.
It's not.
Ours is a tale of murder.
But that's to come. First, there was love. Or something like it. Something that looked like love, that wore its scent like a spritz of perfume.
Something that sounded right, that felt true.
Something that was always, actually, very, very wrong."
Murphy had me gripped from that very first paragraph and that grip never let go until I turned the final page.
Let me introduce you to our characters:
Klara and Troy - A married couple and the newest residents of Hawthorne Heights. They appear to be perfect and content yet something doesn't seem right.
Mary - A woman with a traumatic past that is trying to pack up her home so it can be sold. A lonely widow reminiscing about her sweet boy yet something doesn't seem right.
Henry - A man living in his childhood home with his parents after losing his job. With all this time on his hands he keeps watch over the neighborhood. It's a safe neighborhood yet something doesn't seem right.
This book had me baffled in the best way possible. I felt so off-kilter. As I was reading this it was as if there was this sense of menace that I just couldn't pinpoint but I sure as heck could feel. Murphy completely messed with my head and had me second guessing everything. I love when that happens.
Then at roughly 70% Part 2 starts and BOOM! 🤯 What the heck just happened?!?!
A very well written domestic suspense. Intricately layered and executed masterfully. Murphy didn't just come to play, she came to win, and this right here is a WINNER! 5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy.
August 3, 2025
If Carter Wilson gives a book his seal of approval im very clearly going to read it 😂
Nora Murphy is a new author to me and I was very pleasantly surprised with this book! The writing is very catchy and the plot will have you glued to the pages. The pacing is quick so if you are looking to get out of a reading slump and dive into something that will very quickly grab your attention and keep your interest then this is a solid choice.
As for the twists I was definitely caught by surprise!
There are multiple POV as well as two parts to the story, but everything is blended well together and nothing feels awkward or out of place, there’s definitely no jarring time jump that leaves you feeling out of place. The plot follows the lives of seemingly unconnected people but as we read on their paths are woven together and we start to conned the threads and see why they are all important to each-others stories. Arguably you won’t find many likeable characters here but that’s part of the fun.
Thank you to sourcebooks landmark and Nora Murphy for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publish date : February 10th 2026
Nora Murphy is a new author to me and I was very pleasantly surprised with this book! The writing is very catchy and the plot will have you glued to the pages. The pacing is quick so if you are looking to get out of a reading slump and dive into something that will very quickly grab your attention and keep your interest then this is a solid choice.
As for the twists I was definitely caught by surprise!
There are multiple POV as well as two parts to the story, but everything is blended well together and nothing feels awkward or out of place, there’s definitely no jarring time jump that leaves you feeling out of place. The plot follows the lives of seemingly unconnected people but as we read on their paths are woven together and we start to conned the threads and see why they are all important to each-others stories. Arguably you won’t find many likeable characters here but that’s part of the fun.
Thank you to sourcebooks landmark and Nora Murphy for the #netgalley #gifted copy!
Publish date : February 10th 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Nora Murphy… what the?. Wow, just so clever, that twist was just brilliant and totally unexpected. I loved it.
Go into this blind, seriously you want that shock, you want to be surprised. It is a story of murder, a story of misdirection a domestic suspense story with a completely unique plot. How well do you know what your neighbours are doing? What happens behind closed doors will keep you turning the pages.
If you have read this author before, you know that she has a way of making you feel uncomfortable, making you think you have it all worked out when really you are being lulled into a false narrative. So well done.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my early copy of this book to read. Published on February 10th, get this on your TBR, you don’t want to miss out on a book that everyone will be talking about.
Go into this blind, seriously you want that shock, you want to be surprised. It is a story of murder, a story of misdirection a domestic suspense story with a completely unique plot. How well do you know what your neighbours are doing? What happens behind closed doors will keep you turning the pages.
If you have read this author before, you know that she has a way of making you feel uncomfortable, making you think you have it all worked out when really you are being lulled into a false narrative. So well done.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for my early copy of this book to read. Published on February 10th, get this on your TBR, you don’t want to miss out on a book that everyone will be talking about.
October 27, 2025
Ours is a Tale of Murder
By: Nora Murphy
Pub date: Feb 10, 1026
Publisher: Sourcebook Landmark
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have been a fan of Murphy’s books since the beginning and this one did not disappoint.
This novel has so many layers that you are engaged from start to finish. Klara and Troy are opposites, but Troy convinced Klara to marry him. Moving to a quiet neighborhood makes her feel very isolated. Troy is a smooth talker and she realizes things may not be what they seem.
We follow two other families which add depth to the story. Another brilliant story with twist, flawed characters with some mystery and regrets. Heading off to pre-order to add to my other Murphy books.
December 3, 2025
4.5⭐️
Ours Is a Tale of Murder absolutely blew me away. It’s been a long time since a thriller truly caught me off guard, but Nora Murphy did that.
The story follows three different households, and for most of the book, I had no clue how they were going to connect. I kept building theories, only for them to be completely destroyed by the twist which I did not see coming. When I say my jaw hit the floor, I mean it.
What really stood out was how strongly Murphy made me feel about so many characters whether I loved them, hated them, or suspected them. The pacing is clever, the tension builds perfectly, and by the end, everything ties together in a neat, chilling bow that’s so satisfying.
A smart, layered, and addictive read. Highly recommend if you love twisty mysteries that actually surprise you.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
Ours Is a Tale of Murder absolutely blew me away. It’s been a long time since a thriller truly caught me off guard, but Nora Murphy did that.
The story follows three different households, and for most of the book, I had no clue how they were going to connect. I kept building theories, only for them to be completely destroyed by the twist which I did not see coming. When I say my jaw hit the floor, I mean it.
What really stood out was how strongly Murphy made me feel about so many characters whether I loved them, hated them, or suspected them. The pacing is clever, the tension builds perfectly, and by the end, everything ties together in a neat, chilling bow that’s so satisfying.
A smart, layered, and addictive read. Highly recommend if you love twisty mysteries that actually surprise you.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest feedback!
December 5, 2025
I love how this story is told. We go back and forth in the timelines of three families without much information on where we are being led. That can sometimes be frustrating, but it’s not here. There are few enough characters to keep straight. What transpires and how the stories intersect one another is so clever. I also enjoyed the dark humor. It looks like the audiobook will have a full cast and I plan on listening to it when I can get a copy.
September 10, 2025
Ours is a Tale of Murder by Nora Murphy. Thanks to @bookmarked for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
In one neighborhood, three different families have their secrets.
I love late in the story twists, especially when they change the entire plot and the reader’s viewpoint. This one was super twisty. It has the point of view of different neighbors and in the end shows how it all comes together. It was the perfect suspenseful read! Plus it takes place in the county I live in!
“I always knew, didn’t I? There is something wrong with you. Oil-slick and lurking. Dark and hidden, disguised and confusing for so long, but now it’s too late, I know for certain it’s there”.
Ours is a Tale of Murder comes out 2/10.
In one neighborhood, three different families have their secrets.
I love late in the story twists, especially when they change the entire plot and the reader’s viewpoint. This one was super twisty. It has the point of view of different neighbors and in the end shows how it all comes together. It was the perfect suspenseful read! Plus it takes place in the county I live in!
“I always knew, didn’t I? There is something wrong with you. Oil-slick and lurking. Dark and hidden, disguised and confusing for so long, but now it’s too late, I know for certain it’s there”.
Ours is a Tale of Murder comes out 2/10.
November 16, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
#ad much love for my advance copy @bookmarked #partner
OURS IS A TALE OF MURDER
< @
Releases: February 10, 2026
“Mary wanted to charge toward him. She wanted to run straight into him and shove him down the stairs. Obviously, years later, she'd wish that she had. That would have been as good a moment as any to end things,” (p. 41).
“I watch the rise and fall of your bare chest...I study your face, wait for the feelings to swell like the tide, to rush in like waves and foam along the beach. Nothing comes. I don't love you,” (p. 55).
He watched her before he ever approached her. She noticed him before he ever approached her. It may be a tale of murder, but it didn’t start out that way…not completely anyways.
Klara Martin is a personal injury attorney, an associate at Barron & Briggs - she should have made partner by now. But here she is. Troy Weston, also a lawyer, knows that she will be the girl for him - even if she doesn’t know it jet.
Let me tell you: this book will grip you from the start and not let up until the very end. I LOVED this one! It has the perfect mix of suspense and ominous undertones. But I was confused af for a bit - I felt like I was tripping reading this book. Who are these people? What does this chapter mean? Send help?!
There are three different storylines happening here and they aren’t marked out. So it was a bit confusing. But once you get past the first 8 chapters you’ll have it sorted.
Henry has been fired and is forced to move back in with his parents, but he’s obsessed with the couple next door. He knows the wife is unhappy and he wants to change that. He feels a magnetic pull towards her
Then there’s Mary - something tragic happened to her son 20 years ago and she’s just now cleaning out his room. But you won’t have any idea what is happening here either.
Don’t worry. This is all for a reason. Just keep reading.
Mem
Heather char and her “shit” wine 👏🏼
Plastic fork as a hair brush (gotta do what a girls gotta do)
With short chapters and a fast plot you won’t want to put this one down. Every word of this book will cut through to your soul. I loved the writing so much. But holy CRAPPERS the twist that is this book. My mind was spinning.
A must read for thriller lovers. If you want to feel totally out of control, read this book.
#ad much love for my advance copy @bookmarked #partner
OURS IS A TALE OF MURDER
< @
Releases: February 10, 2026
“Mary wanted to charge toward him. She wanted to run straight into him and shove him down the stairs. Obviously, years later, she'd wish that she had. That would have been as good a moment as any to end things,” (p. 41).
“I watch the rise and fall of your bare chest...I study your face, wait for the feelings to swell like the tide, to rush in like waves and foam along the beach. Nothing comes. I don't love you,” (p. 55).
He watched her before he ever approached her. She noticed him before he ever approached her. It may be a tale of murder, but it didn’t start out that way…not completely anyways.
Klara Martin is a personal injury attorney, an associate at Barron & Briggs - she should have made partner by now. But here she is. Troy Weston, also a lawyer, knows that she will be the girl for him - even if she doesn’t know it jet.
Let me tell you: this book will grip you from the start and not let up until the very end. I LOVED this one! It has the perfect mix of suspense and ominous undertones. But I was confused af for a bit - I felt like I was tripping reading this book. Who are these people? What does this chapter mean? Send help?!
There are three different storylines happening here and they aren’t marked out. So it was a bit confusing. But once you get past the first 8 chapters you’ll have it sorted.
Henry has been fired and is forced to move back in with his parents, but he’s obsessed with the couple next door. He knows the wife is unhappy and he wants to change that. He feels a magnetic pull towards her
Then there’s Mary - something tragic happened to her son 20 years ago and she’s just now cleaning out his room. But you won’t have any idea what is happening here either.
Don’t worry. This is all for a reason. Just keep reading.
Mem
Heather char and her “shit” wine 👏🏼
Plastic fork as a hair brush (gotta do what a girls gotta do)
With short chapters and a fast plot you won’t want to put this one down. Every word of this book will cut through to your soul. I loved the writing so much. But holy CRAPPERS the twist that is this book. My mind was spinning.
A must read for thriller lovers. If you want to feel totally out of control, read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ours Is A Tale of Murder is well crafted thriller. The writing is very well done, Nora Murphy is a talented writer.
There is a huge twist in this book but it fell completely flat for me, leaving me a bit disappointed. I went in with very high expectations and as a result it misses the mark for me.
Sadly I think I would have loved it if I went in blind.
There is a huge twist in this book but it fell completely flat for me, leaving me a bit disappointed. I went in with very high expectations and as a result it misses the mark for me.
Sadly I think I would have loved it if I went in blind.
September 5, 2025
This book is a chilling and expertly crafted mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last page. The author creates a hauntingly atmospheric setting and a cast of deeply flawed and fascinating characters whose secrets slowly unravel.
The narrative is a masterclass in tension, as the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, leaving you to piece together the truth alongside the characters. It’s a compelling and immersive read that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a temporary e-ARC!
The narrative is a masterclass in tension, as the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, leaving you to piece together the truth alongside the characters. It’s a compelling and immersive read that will leave you thinking long after you've turned the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a temporary e-ARC!
July 21, 2025
Plot:
The book is in a few different POVs, a toxic couple, Klara and Troy, a worrisome mother who wants the best for her son, Mary, and a man who has a bit too much time on his hands who is freshly laid off living with his parents, Henry. While they are three separate homes on the same block, they are bound together by one thing, Murder.
My Thoughts:
First of all, I'm so glad I got to read this as an eARC on net galley!! Now regarding the book. Honestly, I was expecting a little more. Now this isn’t to say this isn’t an amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it. However, the twists weren’t really twists to me. I was able to predict most of the twists that were in the book (this is probably because I read a lot of mystery and thriller). But the plot and storyline is unlike any other book I’ve read. So engaging and unique. I loved it and was unable to put it down, despite it being a bit predictable on my end. I also liked how fast paced the book was.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, this is a great book! I definitely recommend it if you enjoy mystery/thrillers. It is currently said to be published on February 10th, 2026.
The book is in a few different POVs, a toxic couple, Klara and Troy, a worrisome mother who wants the best for her son, Mary, and a man who has a bit too much time on his hands who is freshly laid off living with his parents, Henry. While they are three separate homes on the same block, they are bound together by one thing, Murder.
My Thoughts:
First of all, I'm so glad I got to read this as an eARC on net galley!! Now regarding the book. Honestly, I was expecting a little more. Now this isn’t to say this isn’t an amazing book. I really enjoyed reading it. However, the twists weren’t really twists to me. I was able to predict most of the twists that were in the book (this is probably because I read a lot of mystery and thriller). But the plot and storyline is unlike any other book I’ve read. So engaging and unique. I loved it and was unable to put it down, despite it being a bit predictable on my end. I also liked how fast paced the book was.
Final Thoughts:
All in all, this is a great book! I definitely recommend it if you enjoy mystery/thrillers. It is currently said to be published on February 10th, 2026.
October 30, 2025
I’m a bit on the fence with this one. The story held my attention for a while, but I eventually found myself getting bored and a little irritated with the characters. The multiple POVs changed every chapter, which made it hard to keep track at times. There were also too many unnecessary details that made the book drag on without adding much to the story. Overall, it wasn’t a bad read—I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either.
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC*
July 22, 2025
Wow! This book pulled me out of my reading slump! Very addicting story, with a satisfying ending. I'm a dedicated thriller reader, and the twist surprised me! Would definitely recommend this!
Thank you to Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley & SOURCEBOOKS Landmark | Sourcebooks Landmark for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 9, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
What started as quiet suburban life quickly unraveled into a chilling story of obsession, betrayal, and murder. This was my second read by Nora Murphy, and once again she delivered a slow-burn psychological suspense—where fractured families, buried secrets, and shifting perspectives converge in a haunting exploration of hidden motives and dark truths.
This story took place in a quiet neighborhood where three families were each grappling with their own private struggles—buried secrets, lingering regrets, and unspoken tension. As events unfolded, their lives began to intersect in surprising ways, pulling them into a tangled web of hidden motives and unsettling truths.
There were several elements I really enjoyed about this unconventional mystery. The relationships between family members and neighbors felt almost like a character themselves—worn down by secrecy, strained loyalties, and buried resentments. These fragile, tension-filled bonds created the perfect backdrop for psychological suspense. What I appreciated most was how the story subverted expectations. Rather than following the pattern of a traditional whodunit, it focused on the emotional reasoning behind the crime. The mystery unraveled gradually—not through detective-style clues, but through the deepening psychological insight into the characters. By the end, there was closure, but it left behind a haunting chill that was more unsettling than comforting. I also enjoyed the multiple points of view and shifting timelines. While this approach might feel disorienting to some, I found it added momentum and depth. The layered perspectives enriched the narrative, keeping me engaged as I pieced the full story together.
As much as I enjoyed this sharp and haunting novel, one element didn’t work as well for me. While I typically love the dark, unsettling tones that psychological suspense delivers, the mood here was unrelentingly heavy—rooted in grief, dysfunction, and unease. At times, that weight tipped from atmospheric into oppressive, making parts of the narrative feel more draining than engaging.
All in all, Nora Murphy has a gift for crafting psychological suspense that lingers. Her writing is elegant and deliberately paced, she draws her readers in with a haunting atmosphere and richly layered characters. She builds tension gradually, tightening it page by page, until it breaks with sharp, chilling twists. Fans of Nora Murphy and fans of chilling, slow-burn thrillers with character-driven psychological suspense will most likely enjoy Ours Is a Tale of Murder too.
Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark, thank you for gifting me a complimentary advance copy of Nora Murphy’s newest publication in exchange for my review.
What started as quiet suburban life quickly unraveled into a chilling story of obsession, betrayal, and murder. This was my second read by Nora Murphy, and once again she delivered a slow-burn psychological suspense—where fractured families, buried secrets, and shifting perspectives converge in a haunting exploration of hidden motives and dark truths.
This story took place in a quiet neighborhood where three families were each grappling with their own private struggles—buried secrets, lingering regrets, and unspoken tension. As events unfolded, their lives began to intersect in surprising ways, pulling them into a tangled web of hidden motives and unsettling truths.
There were several elements I really enjoyed about this unconventional mystery. The relationships between family members and neighbors felt almost like a character themselves—worn down by secrecy, strained loyalties, and buried resentments. These fragile, tension-filled bonds created the perfect backdrop for psychological suspense. What I appreciated most was how the story subverted expectations. Rather than following the pattern of a traditional whodunit, it focused on the emotional reasoning behind the crime. The mystery unraveled gradually—not through detective-style clues, but through the deepening psychological insight into the characters. By the end, there was closure, but it left behind a haunting chill that was more unsettling than comforting. I also enjoyed the multiple points of view and shifting timelines. While this approach might feel disorienting to some, I found it added momentum and depth. The layered perspectives enriched the narrative, keeping me engaged as I pieced the full story together.
As much as I enjoyed this sharp and haunting novel, one element didn’t work as well for me. While I typically love the dark, unsettling tones that psychological suspense delivers, the mood here was unrelentingly heavy—rooted in grief, dysfunction, and unease. At times, that weight tipped from atmospheric into oppressive, making parts of the narrative feel more draining than engaging.
All in all, Nora Murphy has a gift for crafting psychological suspense that lingers. Her writing is elegant and deliberately paced, she draws her readers in with a haunting atmosphere and richly layered characters. She builds tension gradually, tightening it page by page, until it breaks with sharp, chilling twists. Fans of Nora Murphy and fans of chilling, slow-burn thrillers with character-driven psychological suspense will most likely enjoy Ours Is a Tale of Murder too.
Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark, thank you for gifting me a complimentary advance copy of Nora Murphy’s newest publication in exchange for my review.
August 2, 2025
3 ⭐️
The marketing for this book came upon my instagram and when I saw it was “Read Now” on NG I snagged a copy right away!
Ours is a tale of murder is an intricate story, one that for me, felt hard to follow with all the different POV’s / characters that were not labelled clearly. This made it hard to follow and I found myself confused.
The marketing around this book is all of the “TWIST”. I didn’t see it coming but theres also no clues of it. Did it surprise me? Sure, but also, it just…. comes out of nowhere. I liked the ending though!
This seems like it will be a hit as early readers are giving it 5 stars. And the cover is gorgeous.
The marketing for this book came upon my instagram and when I saw it was “Read Now” on NG I snagged a copy right away!
Ours is a tale of murder is an intricate story, one that for me, felt hard to follow with all the different POV’s / characters that were not labelled clearly. This made it hard to follow and I found myself confused.
The marketing around this book is all of the “TWIST”. I didn’t see it coming but theres also no clues of it. Did it surprise me? Sure, but also, it just…. comes out of nowhere. I liked the ending though!
This seems like it will be a hit as early readers are giving it 5 stars. And the cover is gorgeous.
July 23, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This was such an eerily good read! There were so many shocking twists and I had to read this book in one sitting because I couldn’t stand the suspense! I love books where everything intersects at a certain point between plot lines and characters and this satisfied that craving for me! Fantastic writing, a quickly evolving plot, and enough suspense to keep the reader on edge, this is the ideal book when you want to really get lost in a book for a day or two!
July 23, 2025
Wow! The plot of this book is so intricate and so well done. Parts one and two are seamlessly woven in a way that is both perfection and jaw-dropping. The multi POV add layers that enhance the overall story. The antagonist is written in such a way that it's almost skin crawling. And of course, you can help but feel for the MFC. Absolutely, without a doubt worth a read!
October 29, 2025
A seemingly quiet neighborhood with seemingly ordinary neighbors...but look closer... nothing is quite as it seems. Ours is a Tale of Murder proved to be a brooding psychological thriller that got under my skin in the best of ways. Dark and foreboding, this mystery felt like a low boil just beneath the surface. I was met with a growing sense of unease as the chapters unfolded and I realized that all wasn't as it seemed in this little neighborhood. I initially struggled to keep the characters and each of their stories straight, but as the narrative took shape, I settled in and was hooked. I loved the creepy, crawly feeling that Ours is a Tale of Murder evoked. If you're on the hunt for an addictive, atmospheric thriller, I recommend adding this one to your TBR!
September 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was very entertaining! It was my first by Nora Murphy and definitely won't be the last. Written in dual points of view between each chapter, weaving together twists and turns that keep you guessing the entire way through. I enjoyed trying (and failing) to put the puzzle pieces together as the story unfolded, which is exactly how I enjoy my thrillers.
If you are a thriller lover, this one is a must-add to your TBR.
This book was very entertaining! It was my first by Nora Murphy and definitely won't be the last. Written in dual points of view between each chapter, weaving together twists and turns that keep you guessing the entire way through. I enjoyed trying (and failing) to put the puzzle pieces together as the story unfolded, which is exactly how I enjoy my thrillers.
If you are a thriller lover, this one is a must-add to your TBR.
August 26, 2025
Loved this!! Super short chapters, a bunch of POVs that don’t seem to tie together until they do, family drama, and a twist I did not see coming at all = a recipe for my fave kind of thriller. the writing was super easy to follow and the characters felt really distinct. Def recommend!! Thank you netgalley for the early copy:)
October 23, 2025
I loved this book! Telling the tale of 3 families all on the same street and interwoven through their tales is mystery, unease and as the title suggests, murder! There were some twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes, and the villain is well written in a way that definetly will creep readers out. Thank you to netgalley for the arc!
December 18, 2025
I really liked the multiple POVs and how each character added something different to the story. It made the neighborhood feel tense and kept me interested the whole time. A few slower parts, but once everything started coming together, it worked really well for me.
Not a super fast thriller, but overall a really solid read.
Not a super fast thriller, but overall a really solid read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wowzaaaa
August 19, 2025
I really wanted to like this book but I had to DNF at 46%. There was nothing exciting and the story was disjointed. There are two story lines and there’s no chapter headers that tell me if we’re going back in time, going forward in time or have the person‘s name of the POV I’m reading. So your left guessing and figure it out mid way through a POV who is it speaking. Also the story lines don’t seem to fit together and feel very random. It’s confusing and kind of curbs the enjoyment I could’ve been having while reading. There’s a lot of itty-bitty tiny details that I feel are not important and make the story drag. Things like, “she tosses her dirty clothes into the hamper. It’s full now so she empties it into the washer.” I don’t need to know that as the reader. How is the important to the story?
Klara is insufferable and very unlikable so I didn’t really care about her or her story. All of this made the story bland and not enjoyable for me.
Klara is insufferable and very unlikable so I didn’t really care about her or her story. All of this made the story bland and not enjoyable for me.
August 24, 2025
I made an attempt to continue reading, but I had to dnf at 59%. The narrative structure presented challenges due to frequent shifts in perspective without clear chapter delineations. This made it difficult to fully comprehend and engage with the storyline. While certain segments of the book were compelling, others seemed extraneous to the overall plot.
Thank you net galley for the arc !! 🤍
Thank you net galley for the arc !! 🤍
November 17, 2025
This reminded me a little of John Marrs’ domestic suspense style but less nuanced and I didn’t like the twist.
Energy: Sinister. Evasive. Foggy.
🐺 Growls: The ending wrecked the entire story for me because I didn’t like that big twist and how it changes thing. It also unexpectedly shifts from dark and intriguing to tragic and sad. The grief spirals at the end came across as trying too hard to emotionally manipulate and overstate. About one of the tropes: .
🐕 Howls: A few moments are overly murky. The introspective repetition worked for being unsettling but started to slow momentum enough that the middle was saggy. I often had to reread to figure out who’s speaking or what’s happening when more than one person was on page.
🐩 Tail Wags: Most of this was pretty addictive. A constant withholding style usually bugs me, but it was well executed. How every perspective was discomforting and tense. The use of half-truths and switching between second and third person to pull us in and out of the characters’ minds in disorienting ways. Has a voyeuristic feeling. The one-sided relationship and psychology of how those relationships can happen.
Scene: 🇺🇸 Montgomery County, Maryland, USA
Perspectives (4): A driven lawyer chasing partnership post-breakup; an obsessive stalker convinced they’ve found their soulmate; an embittered 20-something clinging to resentment; and a parent reflecting on cycles of abuse.
Timeline: Linear. 2010s or 2020s.
Narrative: Thrown-in, bystander, mind reading. Sometimes we’re a fly on the wall and other times the outsider knowing less than the characters (second person and third person limited).
Fuel: The compulsion to connect all the threads. Morbid curiousity. Who is watching who and why?
Cred: Plausible
Stakes: Medium to High. Emotional erosion. Dark and destructive people.
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Coffee. Umbrella. Watching. Waiting. Ring. Windows.
• Minimalist, vague, unsettling writing style
• Morally grey, flawed, intense, troubled, unhinged, and insufferable characters
• Toxic male entitlement
• The cost of trying to buy love
• Behind closed doors domestic suspense
• How-easily-it-can-all-be-taken-away grief and tragedy
• Obsession, pining, and power imbalances
• Psychological stalking, unraveling relationships
• Interlocking timelines
• Flip-the-script twists
Content Heads-Up: Abandonment (by parents; memory). Allergy (peanuts). Body shaming, fatphobia (character comments). Domestic violence (against child, spouse). Emotional abuse (against child, spouse). Gaslighting, emotional manipulation, love bombing. Incel, misogyny (character outlook, comments). Infertility. Heart attack (mention). Loss of parent (as adult). Loss of spouse (devastated; on page, descriptive). Miscarriage (on page). Murder. Narcissistic parent. Obsession. Potential false accusation. Pregnancy (unwanted). Psychopathic behaviours. Rape (date; mention). Rejection (by parent). Sabotage (birth control). Stalking. Toxic, controlling relationship. Voyeurism. Vomit.
Rep: American. Cis. Hetero. Pale, tanned, golden, and milk white skin tones.
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
Energy: Sinister. Evasive. Foggy.
🐺 Growls: The ending wrecked the entire story for me because I didn’t like that big twist and how it changes thing. It also unexpectedly shifts from dark and intriguing to tragic and sad. The grief spirals at the end came across as trying too hard to emotionally manipulate and overstate. About one of the tropes: .
🐕 Howls: A few moments are overly murky. The introspective repetition worked for being unsettling but started to slow momentum enough that the middle was saggy. I often had to reread to figure out who’s speaking or what’s happening when more than one person was on page.
🐩 Tail Wags: Most of this was pretty addictive. A constant withholding style usually bugs me, but it was well executed. How every perspective was discomforting and tense. The use of half-truths and switching between second and third person to pull us in and out of the characters’ minds in disorienting ways. Has a voyeuristic feeling. The one-sided relationship and psychology of how those relationships can happen.
Scene: 🇺🇸 Montgomery County, Maryland, USA
Perspectives (4): A driven lawyer chasing partnership post-breakup; an obsessive stalker convinced they’ve found their soulmate; an embittered 20-something clinging to resentment; and a parent reflecting on cycles of abuse.
Timeline: Linear. 2010s or 2020s.
Narrative: Thrown-in, bystander, mind reading. Sometimes we’re a fly on the wall and other times the outsider knowing less than the characters (second person and third person limited).
Fuel: The compulsion to connect all the threads. Morbid curiousity. Who is watching who and why?
Cred: Plausible
Stakes: Medium to High. Emotional erosion. Dark and destructive people.
Mood Reading Match-Up:
Coffee. Umbrella. Watching. Waiting. Ring. Windows.
• Minimalist, vague, unsettling writing style
• Morally grey, flawed, intense, troubled, unhinged, and insufferable characters
• Toxic male entitlement
• The cost of trying to buy love
• Behind closed doors domestic suspense
• How-easily-it-can-all-be-taken-away grief and tragedy
• Obsession, pining, and power imbalances
• Psychological stalking, unraveling relationships
• Interlocking timelines
• Flip-the-script twists
Content Heads-Up: Abandonment (by parents; memory). Allergy (peanuts). Body shaming, fatphobia (character comments). Domestic violence (against child, spouse). Emotional abuse (against child, spouse). Gaslighting, emotional manipulation, love bombing. Incel, misogyny (character outlook, comments). Infertility. Heart attack (mention). Loss of parent (as adult). Loss of spouse (devastated; on page, descriptive). Miscarriage (on page). Murder. Narcissistic parent. Obsession. Potential false accusation. Pregnancy (unwanted). Psychopathic behaviours. Rape (date; mention). Rejection (by parent). Sabotage (birth control). Stalking. Toxic, controlling relationship. Voyeurism. Vomit.
Rep: American. Cis. Hetero. Pale, tanned, golden, and milk white skin tones.
📚 Format: Advance Reader’s Copy from Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley
My musings 💖 powered by puppy snuggles 🐶
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book review: Nora Murphy’s Ours Is a Tale of Murder is a slow-burning, deeply unsettling suburban thriller that crept under my skin and stayed there long after I turned the final page.
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark, with many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This is the kind of book that looks deceptively quiet on the surface. A neat neighborhood. A few families going about their lives. Lawns trimmed, curtains drawn, polite smiles exchanged. And yet from the very first chapter, there’s a low hum of unease that tells you something is off. Murphy doesn’t rush this feeling. She lets it simmer. I felt like I was wandering down the block myself, noticing tiny details that didn’t quite line up, unsure which ones would matter later but certain that they would.
The story follows three households who appear unrelated at first. Klara and Troy are newly married and trying to settle into their version of domestic happiness, though it’s clear that what looks good from the outside doesn’t feel right on the inside. Mary is preparing to sell her home while sorting through the emotional wreckage of her past, especially the kind that comes with motherhood and loss. And then there’s Henry, newly unemployed, back in his childhood home, and watching everything unfold with far too much interest. Each perspective adds another layer of tension, another unanswered question, another reason to keep reading just one more chapter.
Murphy excels at writing interior lives. These characters feel painfully human, flawed, defensive, lonely, and sometimes frightening in how rational they believe their own choices to be. The pacing is deliberate, almost cozy at times, which only makes the darkness more effective. I found myself relaxing into the routine of the narrative before realizing I was deeply unsettled. This isn’t a thriller that relies on shock for shock’s sake. It’s psychological. It’s patient. And when the pieces finally start to connect, the effect is devastating.
There is a twist here that genuinely caught me off guard, not because it came out of nowhere, but because Murphy laid the groundwork so carefully that I didn’t realize what I was being shown until it was too late. I immediately wanted to flip back and reread earlier chapters just to see how much I missed. That, to me, is the mark of a truly well-constructed thriller.
One line that perfectly captures the spirit of this book comes early on: “It might seem, as you read, that ours is a story of love. It’s not. Ours is a tale of murder.” That sentence sets expectations and then quietly dares you to underestimate what’s coming. The exploration of love, control, grief, and the stories we tell ourselves is just as compelling as the mystery itself.
If you enjoy domestic suspense, multi-POV thrillers, and stories that expose the rot beneath polished surfaces, this is absolutely one to watch. Ours Is a Tale of Murder is eerie, intimate, and impressively sharp, and it firmly cements Nora Murphy as an author I’ll be following closely.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
#OursIsaTaleofMurder #NoraMurphy #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #DomesticThriller #MysteryReads #ThrillerBooks #SourcebooksLandmark #NetGalley #ARCReview #BookBlogger #Bookstagram
Published by Sourcebooks Landmark, with many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This is the kind of book that looks deceptively quiet on the surface. A neat neighborhood. A few families going about their lives. Lawns trimmed, curtains drawn, polite smiles exchanged. And yet from the very first chapter, there’s a low hum of unease that tells you something is off. Murphy doesn’t rush this feeling. She lets it simmer. I felt like I was wandering down the block myself, noticing tiny details that didn’t quite line up, unsure which ones would matter later but certain that they would.
The story follows three households who appear unrelated at first. Klara and Troy are newly married and trying to settle into their version of domestic happiness, though it’s clear that what looks good from the outside doesn’t feel right on the inside. Mary is preparing to sell her home while sorting through the emotional wreckage of her past, especially the kind that comes with motherhood and loss. And then there’s Henry, newly unemployed, back in his childhood home, and watching everything unfold with far too much interest. Each perspective adds another layer of tension, another unanswered question, another reason to keep reading just one more chapter.
Murphy excels at writing interior lives. These characters feel painfully human, flawed, defensive, lonely, and sometimes frightening in how rational they believe their own choices to be. The pacing is deliberate, almost cozy at times, which only makes the darkness more effective. I found myself relaxing into the routine of the narrative before realizing I was deeply unsettled. This isn’t a thriller that relies on shock for shock’s sake. It’s psychological. It’s patient. And when the pieces finally start to connect, the effect is devastating.
There is a twist here that genuinely caught me off guard, not because it came out of nowhere, but because Murphy laid the groundwork so carefully that I didn’t realize what I was being shown until it was too late. I immediately wanted to flip back and reread earlier chapters just to see how much I missed. That, to me, is the mark of a truly well-constructed thriller.
One line that perfectly captures the spirit of this book comes early on: “It might seem, as you read, that ours is a story of love. It’s not. Ours is a tale of murder.” That sentence sets expectations and then quietly dares you to underestimate what’s coming. The exploration of love, control, grief, and the stories we tell ourselves is just as compelling as the mystery itself.
If you enjoy domestic suspense, multi-POV thrillers, and stories that expose the rot beneath polished surfaces, this is absolutely one to watch. Ours Is a Tale of Murder is eerie, intimate, and impressively sharp, and it firmly cements Nora Murphy as an author I’ll be following closely.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 stars
#OursIsaTaleofMurder #NoraMurphy #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #DomesticThriller #MysteryReads #ThrillerBooks #SourcebooksLandmark #NetGalley #ARCReview #BookBlogger #Bookstagram
July 19, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
Nora Murphy's Ours Is a Tale of Murder isn't just a novel; it's a meticulously crafted clockwork of suspense, each cog a character, each spring a secret, all winding towards an explosive revelation. From the outset, Murphy establishes a mood as thick and oppressive as a fog rolling in off the moors, drawing the reader into the claustrophobic world of the Blackwood estate, where old money, older grudges, and a fresh corpse have converged.
Murphy masterfully employs a multi-perspectival narrative, allowing us glimpses into the minds of those entangled in the Blackwood web. This isn't simply a device to move the plot forward; it's a deliberate act of misdirection, a clever sleight of hand that keeps you guessing about motivations and allegiances. Just when you think you have a character pegged, Murphy peels back another layer, revealing a complexity that is both unsettling and utterly human. The pacing is a slow, simmering burn, a testament to Murphy's confidence in her ability to build tension without resorting to cheap thrills. The true horror lies not in gore or jump scares, but in the insidious creep of suspicion and the chilling realization that every character holds a piece of a truly sinister puzzle.
What sets Ours Is a Tale of Murder apart is its refusal to adhere to conventional whodunit tropes. While there is a central mystery—the titular murder—the journey to its resolution is less about deductive reasoning and more about psychological excavation. The Blackwood family itself feels like a character, a decaying institution haunted by its past, its members bound by a toxic mix of loyalty and resentment. The prose is elegant and precise, with a keen eye for detail that paints vivid pictures of both the crumbling estate and the equally crumbling psyches of its inhabitants. Murphy doesn't just tell you what's happening; she makes you feel the cold breath of fear, the prickle of paranoia, the heavy weight of unspoken truths.
However, readers seeking a neat, easily solvable mystery might find themselves challenged. Murphy delights in ambiguity, in the shadows between facts, and in the unsettling notion that some answers are more disturbing than the questions they resolve. The ending, while delivering a satisfying sense of closure, also leaves a lingering unease, a testament to the novel's profound psychological depth.
Ours Is a Tale of Murder is a chilling and expertly woven tapestry of deceit, obsession, and the corrosive power of secrets. It’s a book that demands your attention, rewards your patience, and lingers in your mind long after the final page is turned. Nora Murphy has not just written a murder mystery; she has crafted a dark and captivating character study, a tale that proves some narratives are best told in the unsettling whispers of the past. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literary suspense that delves deep into the human psyche.
Nora Murphy's Ours Is a Tale of Murder isn't just a novel; it's a meticulously crafted clockwork of suspense, each cog a character, each spring a secret, all winding towards an explosive revelation. From the outset, Murphy establishes a mood as thick and oppressive as a fog rolling in off the moors, drawing the reader into the claustrophobic world of the Blackwood estate, where old money, older grudges, and a fresh corpse have converged.
Murphy masterfully employs a multi-perspectival narrative, allowing us glimpses into the minds of those entangled in the Blackwood web. This isn't simply a device to move the plot forward; it's a deliberate act of misdirection, a clever sleight of hand that keeps you guessing about motivations and allegiances. Just when you think you have a character pegged, Murphy peels back another layer, revealing a complexity that is both unsettling and utterly human. The pacing is a slow, simmering burn, a testament to Murphy's confidence in her ability to build tension without resorting to cheap thrills. The true horror lies not in gore or jump scares, but in the insidious creep of suspicion and the chilling realization that every character holds a piece of a truly sinister puzzle.
What sets Ours Is a Tale of Murder apart is its refusal to adhere to conventional whodunit tropes. While there is a central mystery—the titular murder—the journey to its resolution is less about deductive reasoning and more about psychological excavation. The Blackwood family itself feels like a character, a decaying institution haunted by its past, its members bound by a toxic mix of loyalty and resentment. The prose is elegant and precise, with a keen eye for detail that paints vivid pictures of both the crumbling estate and the equally crumbling psyches of its inhabitants. Murphy doesn't just tell you what's happening; she makes you feel the cold breath of fear, the prickle of paranoia, the heavy weight of unspoken truths.
However, readers seeking a neat, easily solvable mystery might find themselves challenged. Murphy delights in ambiguity, in the shadows between facts, and in the unsettling notion that some answers are more disturbing than the questions they resolve. The ending, while delivering a satisfying sense of closure, also leaves a lingering unease, a testament to the novel's profound psychological depth.
Ours Is a Tale of Murder is a chilling and expertly woven tapestry of deceit, obsession, and the corrosive power of secrets. It’s a book that demands your attention, rewards your patience, and lingers in your mind long after the final page is turned. Nora Murphy has not just written a murder mystery; she has crafted a dark and captivating character study, a tale that proves some narratives are best told in the unsettling whispers of the past. Highly recommended for those who appreciate literary suspense that delves deep into the human psyche.
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