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Memphis: A gripping domestic thriller full of twists and turns

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A woman on the run. A family with secrets. A past that refuses to let go.

A woman's desperate bid for freedom from her abusive marriage sparks a cross-country odyssey of self-discovery, love, and reckoning with the family secrets that have held her captive.


A run-down suburb of Nashville, Tennessee is home to the Freedman family – a tight-knit clan of hard-drinking men who grind their women to dust beneath their boots. From the first moment she meets him, Memphis Monroe, a soft-spoken choir-girl, is overwhelmed by Johnny Freedman’s attention and reputation.

Her mother, Doris, who partied with Johnny’s old man back in the day, wants to secure a future for her daughter outside of the trailer park and pushes Memphis to marry him. When the novel opens in the late 70s, Memphis has been married to Johnny for ten long years, and is too worn down by his drinking and violence to hope for a brighter future for her and her son, Michael. Until, that is, the day Johnny goes too far and Memphis is faced with a live as a lion for one day or a sheep for a lifetime.

With her son beside her in her husband’s prized Mustang Shelby, Memphis escapes and embarks on an epic journey from Nashville to Los Angeles in search of shelter and safety. What she finds instead is the voice she’s quelled for so long, a new love, and answers to questions that have plagued her her whole life.

When Johnny and Doris track her to Los Angeles, Memphis finds herself caught in a web of lies spun long before she ever met her abusive husband – leading to a final, harrowing encounter from which there can be no turning back. Memphis explores the generational impact of alcoholism and violence on families, and the early days of abortion rights in America.
Tropes: woman on the run, gaslighting and manipulation, cycle of abuse, family secrets, mother protecting her child, healing and self-discovery.

Editorial Review

"An aspiring singer struggles to leave her narcissistic, abusive husband in this folksy, enthralling thriller. Kirkus praises Cormier’s flawless use of multiple perspectives, complex characters, and the nuanced portrayal of Johnny’s toxicity. Full of twists, turns, and desperation, this is an enthralling and sensitive work of crime fiction."
— Kirkus Reviews


“A poignant and powerful domestic thriller written with raw, intimate prose. Cormier delivers a gripping story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery.”
Readers’ Favorite

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 13, 2025

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About the author

Holly May Cormier

2 books36 followers
Holly May Cormier is a Canadian author and lifelong storyteller from Toronto. Her debut domestic thriller, Memphis, explores toxic relationships, survival, and resilience. Through her books and YouTube channel, she blends true crime, wellness, and advocacy to empower women to reclaim their voices. When she’s not writing, Holly loves hiking, fishing, and savoring Canadian summers with a good book.

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5 stars
25 (60%)
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12 (29%)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste).
509 reviews145 followers
January 24, 2026
Many thanks to the author Holly May Cormier for my gifted copy of Memphis. This one got me right in the feels!

Memphis is such an important read of strength , resilience, and freedom. It covered many important topics but its main one was domestic violence. I felt such emotion through the author’s writing throughout the entire book. This is an emotional mystery that will have you rooting for the main character and her future. I also really loved the mother / son dynamic throughout the entire book.

Set in the 1970’s a young woman Memphis flees from her abusive husband with her son. On her journey Memphis learns a whole lot about self discovery, strength , love , and becoming free of her abusive and toxic life she thought she could never escape from.

Great debut to add to your tbr especially if you are looking for a mystery that packs an emotional and powerful punch.
Profile Image for The Book Ssirren.
3,633 reviews114 followers
December 3, 2025
This book was absolutely amazing. It was raw and real, and very emotional. Memphis was married to a very abusive man. And finally for the sake of her son, she needed to leave. Her and her son’s lives and futures depended on it. So one day she did just that. Thrown into a world of the unknown and having to start over again.
This book had me gripping the pages. Had my emotions in an uproar. I felt this in a personal level. My step dad was abusive. My mom packed us up and ran. So this was a very hard book to read. But I’m glad I did. Memphis was a strong woman, and once she found her footing, she made right by her her and her son. This book was heartfelt and deep. Beautifully written. Thank you Holly for allowing me to read this for you ❤️
154 reviews5 followers
October 13, 2025
This is a difficult book for me to review based on the hard, true to life domestic violence included. The author writes a great book that shows what the reality of living with a violent spouse is like and how difficult it is to escape. The book encompasses the cyclical abuse through generations and includes addictions that impact families and friends, including children and how they see and react to difficult situations.
I'm looking forward to the sequel and how things work out for Memphis and her son.
4 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2025
Cormier's writing is honest and lovely. Memphis Monroe had me rooting for her from the very first page. Memphis is so real. The emotions she feels and the decisions that she makes have been made by many women in the real world. I love how her hope manifests as the color yellow. (She is finding her own song after years of silence!) Unfortunately, Johnny has the qualities of some real-world abusers: gaslighting, drinking, and controlling. This book had some unexpected twists, which I enjoyed.

Profile Image for Lesley Prosko.
Author 4 books32 followers
December 1, 2025
The character development of Memphis Monroe makes you root for her right from the first pages. She covers some very heavy topics like domestic violence, and abortion, in a way that it is implicitly understood without having to add too much graphic detail. I felt emotionally invested in her journey and could not put the book down, needing to know how things turn out. Needless to say, I stayed up past my bedtime several nights in a row. LOL. This is Holly’s debut novel and I already can’t wait for the next one. 100% recommend.
Profile Image for Rachel Maynard.
21 reviews
September 23, 2025
It's definitely a book of finding strength. rugs on the heart strings, and I couldn't put it down! I have a personal history with some of the trigger warnings, so I thought it would be a challenging read and stir up those feelings, however, getting to know Memphis's story, definitely helped me heal.

Thank you Holly May Cormier!
Profile Image for Ashley Sutton.
18 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2025
Amazing read! It’s a story of a mom in an abusive relationship who finally finds the courage to leave to better her and her child’s life. It really showcases the sad reality of abusive relationships and how difficult it is for victims to be protected from their abusers. Just overall a wonderful story as the FMC slowly starts to rediscover herself and learn how strong she truly is.
Profile Image for Cindy M.
38 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2025
4.5 stars for me! Check triggers before you read. This gives a realistic sense of the emotional turmoil of DV! My heart broke multiple times for both Memphis and Michael. I loved not only seeing her view, but the reality of what a person goes through being with a survivor of DV. Hoping there is a sequel and a playlist!
Profile Image for True Crime Bookcase.
69 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2026
For every woman who’s had to rebuild from ashes, for every child who’s witnessed violence and carried it in silence - this is for you. - Holly May Cormier

This one took me on an emotional roller coaster. This story is raw, confronting and deeply emotional, the kind that sits heavy in your chest.

Memphis by Holly May Cormier is a gripping story about a woman trapped in a cycle of abuse who makes the brave and dangerous decision to flee her life in Nashville with her young son, Michael. With little more than courage and determination, she escapes to Los Angeles in the hope of creating a safe future. But leaving is only the beginning.

From the very first chapter, I felt the tension Memphis carries. That tightness in the chest… the constant unease… the quiet fear that so many women know too well. As the story unfolded, I couldn’t shake the sense of dread. The kind that comes with the harsh reality of domestic violence and the heartbreaking truth that happy endings don’t always come easily, or at all.

Yet through the darkness, this story is also filled with hope. Hope for safety. Hope of healing. Hope for new beginnings.

We follow Memphis as she escapes her past in Nashville and attempts to rebuild her life in Los Angeles. Along the way, we meet characters you will truly feel something for. You will absolutely despise Johnny, find comfort in Blake and appreciate how small acts of kindness can come back when they are needed the most. And Starvin Marvin… such a touching detail in an otherwise haunting journey.

For a debut novel, this was beautifully written and emotionally powerful. Memphis’s story doesn’t end on the final page… so I am looking forward to seeing what comes next!

Trigger Warning: This novel contains themes of domestic violence and sexual assault. Please proceed with care.
Profile Image for Dawn valentine.
21 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2026
Memphis follows the emotional and often painful journey of a young protagonist navigating a life shaped by hardship, difficult relationships, and deeply rooted secrets. As Memphis confronts betrayal, abuse, and the weight of hidden truths, the story unfolds into one of resilience and self-discovery. Along the way, the bond between mother and son becomes a powerful anchor, highlighting themes of love, survival, and the search for safety and hope. The novel paints a raw and realistic picture of what it means to break free from toxic cycles and find strength in vulnerability.

Review:
I was lucky enough to win this book in a Goodreads giveaway, so thank you so much to Holly May Cormier for the opportunity to read it!
I loved this book. It took me through so many powerful and well earned emotions during Memphis’s journey. The characters felt incredibly real. I found myself easily loving some and strongly disliking others, which made the story even more engaging. The themes of lies, secrets, abuse, and betrayal were handled in a very realistic way.
One of my favorite parts was the relationship between the mother and son, it added so much depth and heart to the story. I also appreciated how the book explored the idea of leaving, finding hope, and building a sense of safety and security, even when things feel uncertain. It’s an emotional read, but absolutely worth it.
17 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2026
This was such a good book! I loved the swings between a normal, cozy life and, ah, being on the run from an abusive ex.

While it doesn't have an explicit scene, make sure to check the triggers.

Even through I figured out the twists early on, I had to keep turning pages. I was very invested in Memphis's music career!

My favorite part of this book is how it deals with someone taking an action that you strongly morally disagree with, yet still loving them as a person. Memphis helps this person recover medically and emotionally even though they showed no remorse. After several conversations where neither could convince the other, she accepts the difference of morals and does her best to support them as a person, even in the repercussions of their decision. She does all this without approving of the action/ changing her morals (and no, I'm not referring to the abusive ex. Girlie does NOT risk her and her son's safety to help out the guy who put her son in danger.)

It's a deep, tough read, full of things that may appear as moral contradictions at first. Then, it comes together.
Profile Image for Kristyn Schmidt .
25 reviews
October 8, 2025
Oh My God! This book takes you on such an emotional roller coaster. I absolutely devoured this book and hope there is a second one. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Jennifer Davy.
45 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2026
This book felt well researched around the subject of domestic abuse. As a suspense thriller this book will definitely have you on the edge of your seat, even though I felt at times things were becoming repetitive. Over all I recommend reading this novel.
Profile Image for A.J. Blaze.
1 review1 follower
April 14, 2026
I felt the urgency in the first line. And by the end of the first chapter, Memphis already had my heart.

Holly showed well what it's like to be in an abusive relationship and the many reasons it's hard to get out.

I could feel the struggle. The highs and the lows in every detailed page.

Had me rooting for Memphis every step of the way.
Author 2 books1 follower
January 14, 2026
I need a sequel!

A hard to read-easy to read domestic drama thriller that has you siding with Memphis immediately. If you've been there, well, then you know that this story could be painfully real and might just hit home.
Talk about injustice! This book made me so angry - in a brilliant way!
A must-read....to know what im on about!
7 reviews1 follower
April 14, 2026
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this book very much - Memphis is a strong, resilient character who had me rooting for her throughout her story. I’m very much looking forward to the second book to find out what happens next!
Profile Image for Lauren Esposito.
37 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2025
I’ve read MANY books before but none have felt more personal for me. I came from a relationship like Memphis. This was well written and I can’t wait to see what the next book brings!
Profile Image for M. Anderson.
Author 1 book6 followers
March 22, 2026
A fast paced, suspenseful roller-coaster of a read!
25 reviews2 followers
April 6, 2026
A cliff hanger.

This is a well written book one that keeps you turning. I liked the story and was desperate for a better ended. Hopefully there will be a second part. I don't wanna give away any details for people wanting to read this book. I do recommend this book.
Profile Image for April Marie.
43 reviews
April 5, 2026
I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway and I really liked the story it’s the first time of reading from this author and I loved how she brought the story together it does have some triggers warnings for abuse and more but it’s a really great story about healing and recovery from all those I highly recommend and looked forward to reading more from this author and thanks again for the giveaway
Profile Image for Jenn1012ca Hanson.
1 review1 follower
February 26, 2026
Memphis is a deeply moving and beautiful story that I devoured in one day - I just couldn’t put it down. Loved seeing a female character navigate her way out of an abusive relationship while protecting her child. This book highlights women’s strength, the love between a parent and child, and the power of reclaiming one’s life. Looking forward to reading more books from this author.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
336 reviews57 followers
December 28, 2025
This review was written for Reedsy Discovery

Fleeing an abusive marriage, Memphis escapes to California with her son, intending to start a new life, but her husband pursues her

Every aspect of Memphis's life is controlled by her abusive husband, Johnny—even down to the clothes she wears each day. Her mother, Doris, is aware of the brutal treatment Memphis endures, but rather than protect her daughter, she is Johnny's enabler, choosing to support Memphis's husband's actions and frequently chastising Memphis for her lack of gratitude. When Memphis reaches her breaking point, she escapes with her young son to live with her cousin in California and start a new life. When Johnny ultimately deduces where Memphis has fled to, Memphis and those protecting her are in grave danger, and Doris is forced to accompany him on his journey to find his wife and son.

Memphis by Holly May Cormier is set in the late 1970s, before the time of digital footprints, allowing for Memphis to disappear undetected. Not much is described about the era to establish it as a historical setting, outside of a handful of pop-culture references; it appears the year 1977 acts more as a function of explaining away Memphis's ease of escape than anything. Additionally, the book is marketed as a thriller, but it would be better classified as women's fiction. My personal opinion, when comparing Memphis to the many domestic thrillers I have read, is that the book lacks the suspense necessary to classify it as such.

The character development is the best part of the novel. Memphis's blossoming after escaping a life in which every decision was made for her and she lacked all autonomy, as well as the exploration of the roots of Johnny's and Doris's behavior, were well-crafted. There are quite a few triggering scenes, not limited to domestic violence, so readers should proceed with caution. Overall, the story is a worthwhile read, especially for those seeking tales of women's resilience and redemption.
Profile Image for MK Schultz.
Author 5 books25 followers
March 21, 2026
Gripping from start to finish
I was rooting for Memphis from the very beginning of the story. The abuse she constantly received from her husband, Johnny, was evil and disgusting. I couldn’t wait for her to leave him and was so happy when she finally did. Her bravery was inspirational.
Set in the 70s, in Nashville and LA, this story plot constantly changed, holding my interest throughout. The characters were believable and felt so real. The adventure was exciting and the story was filled with interesting and thrilling scenes.
I enjoyed Cormier’s writing style along with her detailed descriptions and smooth pacing of the scenes. I listened to the audiobook version of the story, and my only criticism is that the production fell a bit short due to some inconsistencies and glitches in the sound and flow of the speech, however none of this spoiled the enjoyment of the story for me.
I recommend this book to thriller enthusiasts, and I look forward to reading more by this author.
185 reviews6 followers
January 2, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Thank you to the author, publisher and Goodreads for the giveaway. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

This is exactly as it claims: a gripping story of domestic violence and fighting to get beyond simply surviving each day. Finding a way to be able to LIVE without living in fear. This captivating page turner is unfortunately a tale that many people live with and struggle with on a daily basis. And the way these words are written on the page make you FEEL everything.
Profile Image for Barb Niles.
89 reviews4 followers
October 3, 2025
A domestic thriller that has a FMC that's brave and bold to leave an abusive relationship and her journey to get herself and her son to safety, this story pulls you in and keeps you engaged through the whole story!
Profile Image for Amb.
215 reviews12 followers
April 19, 2026
Read this if you love…books set in the ‘70s. Single(ish) mum. A talented aspiring singer and song writer. Getting out of an abusive relationship. Finding love and yourself again

Thank you between the spines for having me on this book tour! I was emailed the sign up links and this book caught my eye, I loved the cover and when I read the blurb I knew it was something I needed to read

This book is heavy in places so please check the trigger warnings and put your mental health first xx

I didn’t expect us to get Johnny’s point of view and a few other characters too in some chapters, but it really added to the atmosphere of the book and the tension. With Memphis wanting to be a singer and the era this book is set in it’s giving me Daisy jones and the six vibes! 🎼

I loved the journey of Memphis and Blake meeting and becoming closer ‘friends’. Blake was easily one of my favourite characters in this book, he represented fresh starts, new beginnings and hope for Memphis. Also goes without saying but Lana is a good character too, she did some questionable not great things but still was there for Memphis when she most needed her
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews