Ours Is a Tale of Murder

by Nora Murphy, Katharine Chin (Narrator), Jane Oppenheimer (Narrator)

"A shocking collision made all the more satisfying by Murphy’s brilliant twists...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 isn’t every home hiding something? Mary, the mother in the blue house, 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. Henry, freshly laid off and back living with his
parents, has plenty of time to watch everyone—especially wives. He knows something is wrong with the couple across the street. But then, nothing is quite what it seems, and sometimes you miss what’s 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 the one plotting it all along.

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Horror, Fiction, Contemporary

Audible Audio

First published February 10, 2026

About the author

Nora 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.

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐝
This is the EASIEST 5 stars that I have given a thriller in quite some time! 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!

NOW AVAILABLE!

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!

[Nilufer Ozmekik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly clever and impossible to put down, this mystery unfolds through a web of richly drawn characters whose lives interlock like pieces of a sinister puzzle. Each chapter pulls you deeper into a tightening spiral of dread, as the sense that someone will die grows stronger—and that one of these seemingly ordinary neighbors is responsible. The brilliance lies not just in who and why, but in how exquisitely the story leads you there. And when that first major twist hits, it feels like a perfectly timed punch to the face—in the best way possible. Absolute genius.

I’ve read Nora Murphy’s previous books and enjoyed them all, but this one is on another level. It is sharper, more daring, and emotionally richer. The novel explores dysfunctional relationships, love, obsession, marriage, control, abuse, stalking, motherhood, and guilt with chilling precision and surprising tenderness. It’s devilishly smart, yet deeply human.

Mary’s perspective, in particular, broke my heart. Her love for her child, her loneliness, her regrets, her guilt, her longing—it all felt painfully real. She isn’t just a character; she’s a soul you carry with you long after you close the book. For me, she is easily the most unforgettable figure in the story.
The narrative splits into multiple storylines that slowly but brilliantly collide.

One centers on Klara, a driven personal-injury lawyer in her thirties, freshly out of a long-term relationship and hoping to make partner at her firm. At a work event, she meets Troy Weston, a charming commercial lawyer. What Klara doesn’t realize is that Troy has already decided she is the love of his life—and he has no intention of letting her go. His fixation sets a disturbing plan in motion, turning what begins as a romance into something far more dangerous.

Another storyline follows Mary, a woman in her sixties preparing to sell her house while clearing out her son Owen’s old room. As she sorts through memories, we learn about her emotionally toxic marriage to her late husband, Ed, and the scars it left behind. But there’s also something far more unsettling lurking in her home: someone is secretly living in her basement. We don’t know who… but the truth grows more terrifying with every page.
Next door lives Henry, recently fired from his job after being caught spying on women. Now living with his parents, he spends his days obsessively watching his neighbor—an unhappy wife trapped in a controlling marriage. In his twisted mind, he sees himself as her savior. But how far will he go for a woman he has never even spoken to?

As these lives inch closer together, the tension becomes almost unbearable. You can feel the tragedy coming. You start building theories, connecting dots, second-guessing everyone. You read faster, heart pounding, unable to stop. The pressure keeps rising until—bam—the story explodes with a shocking twist and a devastating crime that changes everything. From there, the stakes skyrocket, and you race through the final pages, desperate to know who will survive and who will pay the price.

And the ending? Completely worth the ride. Smart, powerful, and deeply satisfying.

I absolutely loved this book. It is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year, and I’m genuinely excited to recommend it. If you love psychologically sharp, emotionally intense, twisty mysteries, this is a must-read. In my opinion, this is Nora Murphy’s strongest and most accomplished work yet—and I wholeheartedly congratulate her for creating such a masterfully crafted thriller.

A huge thank-you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a digital review copy of this unputdownable, brilliantly executed mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.

[Dutchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fast paced book with a very unpredictable twist!

Your best bet is to go into this one knowing as little as possible.

Part one is told from three different character’s perspectives. I had no idea how they were connected or what was going on or even who was who. Then part two happened. I definitely didn’t see that coming. Not even a clue. Which is fantastic! It’s very rare for a twist to actually land and in this case it did. However, after that, I wasn’t as invested as I had been during the first part. It was pretty obvious how everything was going to tie up. Maybe it was just because the twist itself was so good that anything thereafter would’ve been tough to match. Regardless, I really enjoyed reading this, and I enjoyed trying to figure out what was going on.

Highly recommended for fans of twisty, psychological thrillers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale filled not only with layers of shocking twists and unforeseen surprises but also bad marriages and neighborhood drama, Ours Is a Tale of Murder delivered an onion-like storyline plotted with precision. You see, this sinister puzzle of enigmatic mysteries pulled the wool over my eyes from the very first scene. Yup. I didn’t see the big, eye-popping twist coming at all. On top of that, though, were a long list of characters—almost all of whom were both unlikeable and suspicious—that were richly drawn. Depicting multiple households filled with a ton of dark and twisted secrets that I loved, I was pulled into the story with ease. Little did I know, however, that there was going to be a huge, whopping twist about 70% of the way into the book. Moving the plot in a jaw-dropping direction, I was stunned into silence by the kind of inherent genius that proves hindsight is 20/20.

This is where I’m going to get somewhat vague about what Murphy served up next as the shift would lose some of its strength if I gave any of it away. That being said, between the distinctly voiced multiple POVs and seemingly unconnected plot lines, I was utterly floored by how everything was wrapped up in this stunning tale of domestic suspense. You see, with short, snappy chapters, oodles of dysfunctional families, and unexpectedly poignant themes, my fingers flew through the pages until I reached that delicious open-ended conclusion. Exploring control, abuse, obsession, and love, it took a hard look at both motherhood and marriage in a way a wasn’t expecting. So if you love a constant, ever-present sense of dread in the vein of B.A. Paris or Lisa Jewell, grab this book now. I found it impossible to put down and I think you will as well. Rating of 4.5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

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 isn't every home hiding something? Mary, the mother in the blue house, 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. Henry, freshly laid off and back living with his parents, has plenty of time to watch everyone—especially wives. He knows something is wrong with the couple across the street. But then, nothing is quite what it seems, and sometimes you miss what's 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 the one plotting it all along.

Thank you Nora Murphy, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: February 10, 2026

Content warning: domestic abuse, stalking, pregnancy, gaslighting, sexual harassment, emotional abuse, miscarriage, infertility, murder, animal death, grief

[Heathers_readss · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Celeste Velocci (bookrecs_by_celeste) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Sourebooks for my gifted arc copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a twisty ride! Part one was a slow burning mystery that was heightened just before part 2 began. I was intrigued and hooked from the jump. Once the twist came to light (which I did not see coming) it became so fast paced and I had whiplash until the final page. I really enjoyed the plot and the characters. Murder in suburbia is one of my favorite tropes and this one did not disappoint!

I did wish that the chapters were titled with each character name POV because I sometimes got confused with the alternating POV’s since it follows three separate houses on the same street.

Three families in a quiet neighborhood become the center of attention in this domestic suspense that will have you on your toes until the last page.

[Rishali Dey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jeanie ~ MyFairytaleLibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ours Is a Tale of Murder is one of those thrillers that quietly tightens its grip until you suddenly realize you’re holding your breath. Nora Murphy builds tension patiently, letting unease seep in through small details, odd behaviors, and the sense that something is deeply off beneath the surface of this seemingly ordinary neighborhood. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, every chapter adds another layer of discomfort, making it impossible not to keep going.

What really worked for me was how the story follows multiple characters who initially feel separate, even unrelated. Watching their lives slowly intersect—and then collide—in unexpected ways was incredibly satisfying. I love when a book makes you constantly reassess what you think you know, and this one had me guessing and second guessing everyone. No one feels entirely safe from suspicion, and that uncertainty fuels the mounting dread.

This is absolutely a book best experienced with as little prior knowledge as possible. Letting the story unfold naturally makes the twists hit harder and the revelations feel earned. It’s unsettling, uncomfortable, and steeped in a low level sense of doom that lingers long after you turn the final page, a clever, immersive thriller that rewards patient readers who love psychological tension over shock and awe twists.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[The Bookish Narwhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC!

Three separate storylines each equally drew me in! First we have Klara and Troy - Troy appeared seemingly out of nowhere but quickly became Klara’s whole world…or is it the other way around? Mary finally found the strength to clean out her son’s old room, haunted by the past. Then there’s Henry, who quietly observes it all.

Each of these points of view equally drew me in. I was so immersed in each of their stories that I found myself constantly saying “just one more chapter” over and over again, til I got to the next chapter for that person. When part 2 started, I literally stared at the screen of my kindle - what the heck just happened?! The characters were so well written, the pacing was perfect and the mystery of how these stories were going to come together had me glued to the pages.

What a unique thriller! This book is the perfect example of how something different can totally work.

“Ours is a Tale of Murder” releases February 10, 2026! This review will be shared to my instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

[♡Heather✩Brown♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Jasmine Orton · Rating 3 out of 5]

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*

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Rachaelbookhunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never guess the twist....

I just don't see how anyone could see it coming. I didn't. When it happened I was sort of relieved. Something that had bothered me made sense then. It didn't take long to adjust to the twist either.

Ours Is a Tale Of Murder is told from multiple perspectives. It took me a while to get adjusted to one of them because it's told in present tense. It's not clear at first how all of the storylines are connected. There are sinister vibes that get stronger as we move toward the twist, and after the twist the anxiety really ramps up. I wanted someone, anyone to figure something out, to do something!

The tone shifts a little, or rather grows, as the story is no longer just about the main character. There is a lot of sadness in this tale. I wasn't a hundred percent clear whether something happened or not at the end. I'd like to think it did.

This is a clever, well written domestic suspense/thriller that will have you trying to reach through the pages to stop what is happening. You'll feel for the characters and stay up late to see if they make it out safely.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read! All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

[Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautifully written story! It feels like a book within a book, packed with a mystery to unravel.

In a quiet neighborhood, three families are connected by an impending murder. Klara and Troy embody a troubled marriage amidst their pursuit of a happy life. Mary grapples with her past while preparing to sell her son's room, and Henry, freshly laid off and living with his parents, observes the neighborhood, sensing something is wrong. As tension builds, a murder looms, potentially unforeseen by most unless someone is plotting it.

The novel is divided into two parts, which initially threw me off a bit. As some of you may know, I tend to avoid reading blurbs; I prefer to dive in based solely on the cover, hoping to be wowed or surprised. The first part introduces us to Troy and Klara. I wasn't a fan of their relationship since Klara allowed herself to be manipulated by Troy, who was controlling and obsessive. It seemed hard to believe that Klara would get caught up in this situation, but then I discovered that... well, you’ll just have to read it to find out more!

Next, we meet Kate and Ben, Mary and Owen, and Henry and Janet. It may seem like a lot to juggle—three families, one neighborhood, one murder, and one identified murderer. Still, everything is explained clearly, and all the pieces of the puzzle fit together seamlessly. The story starts off slowly, but once it picks up, you’ll find it nearly impossible to guess what happens next. This clever and well-crafted tale kept me engaged throughout! It had a fantastic rhythm and some intriguing characters, but you really have to pay attention. I didn’t, and was caught off guard by the blend of reality and fiction! Bravo!

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys stories within stories, playing detective with subtle clues, and unexpected yet satisfying endings. If you can handle stalkers, manipulators, and morally ambiguous characters, this will definitely pique your interest. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to check out my new neighbors—just to keep myself safe in my own home! Ha!

Thank you, Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley, for the DRC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ours Is a Tale of Murder is masterful! The end. What this story encapsulates is not only an amazing thriller but has so many different layers and mysteries and secrets which continue to build into an incredible shocking effect which will blow your mind.

The story begins with the romance of Klara and Troy. How they meet, their relationship and how they marry. Although Klara says yes to marriage it seems to be for all the wrong reasons. Troy on the other hand is obsessed with Klara.

As their relationship progresses, the story turns to the families who live on a cul-de-sac.

We have Mary who lives in sorrow and is grieving for her lost life. She now has to downsize, and she is tortured as she begins to clear out her son's room. Mary seems to have shame and fear. We don't know why,

Janet and her husband have witnessed a great deal on the street. Their daughter now married with children lives further away from them. They decide to retire and move closer to her until their older son Henry must move in with them because he has lost his job. Henry has had issues it seems his whole life which have always been swept under the carpet. But now Janet needs him to leave, but Henry has other ideas.

Henry has set his sights on the wife who lives across the street. He watches her from the window, imagines their life together, but has yet to even say hello. Of course, the wife is married...to the husband.

Then a murder occurs on the quiet street.

Just relax and come along for the ride of your life as the story unfolds as we get to peek into the neighbors' dark secrets, fears, regrets and shame.

Ours Is a Tale of Murder is an intense, can't put down read which will have you itching to read the last page. But don't! The story so good, and the ending so unexpected!

Thank you #NetGalley #SourcebooksLandmark #NoraMurphy #OursIsaTaleofMurder for the advanced copy.

[Randi Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows three families living in the same seemingly quiet neighborhood, each hiding dark secrets. From the outside, their homes look picture-perfect, but behind closed doors, nothing is what it seems.

You’d never guess that Klara never wanted the white picket fence life, or the smothering husband who bought it behind her back. You wouldn’t know that Mary is packing up her home to move, and that cleaning out her teenage son’s room is the hardest part, since he never came home the night everything changed. And you’d never know that Henry is watching the neighbors…especially the wife across the street. He knows he’s a stalker, but that doesn’t stop him.

A murder is being plotted at this very moment; but who is capable of taking a life, and who has already done it before?

I flew through this book in under 24 hours. It was dark, addictive, and that twist completely caught me off guard. I actually read past the reveal thinking it involved another family and had to go back and reread it. I never saw it coming, and it added so much to the story.

The only thing that didn’t fully work for me was the multiple POVs without named chapters. It took me a bit to realize the story was jumping between characters, which caused some initial confusion. Still, I loved most of the characters (a few seriously gave me the ick), and I appreciated how unique and unexpected this mystery turned out to be.

[Jessica Wilczynski · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advanced copy of Ours Is A Tale Of Murder.

Hawthorne Heights is a seemingly perfect neighborhood but for three of the families living there it feels like their own personal prison. Each of the homes holds secrets and people trying to find their way out. Then when a murder takes place the neighborhood is shocked and people start pointing fingers at everyone.

I was really looking forward to this one and I feel a little let down. There was a lot of build up to the twist and it was very underwhelming. I definitely feel like this is more mystery than thriller and it was a little too long for what it ended up being.

[Brianna Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me whiplash is all the best ways, I didn’t see those twists coming.

The first part of the book is written in such a unique way, the perspective adds to the eerie nature of the characters. I couldn’t trust anyone. Then you’re hit with a huge twist once part two begins and everything starts to make sense.

These three stories are all interconnected- but can you figure out how? This book starts off as a love story, but soon the reader finds out this is not a tale about love, rather a tale about murder.

[Lauren Self (lauren.shelby.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

OURS IS A TALE OF MURDER by Nora Murphy
📖 book review • out 02.10.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

thank you @bookmarked for my gifted ARC!

i was immediately invested in this story and knew something was coming after part one.. but oh my soul I wouldn’t have guessed that in a million years 🫣 i. was. so. invested.

the writing pulls you in so deeply you forget you’re reading. I fully anticipate seeing five star reviews across the board because this book was an absolute banger. skip the synopsis and dive in ✨

[Krista Lipnisky · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a neighborhood full of secrets, and a little spying. Someone ends up murdered.........

The relatable family dynamics and the captivating writing style made this story a pleasure to read. I was shocked with the cliffhanger at the end of Part One! Did NOT see that coming! Pay close attention to EACH neighbor & see if you can solve the murder!! Excited to explore more of Nora's Novels.


Thank you Nora Murphy, Sourcebooks, & NetGalley for the advanced complimentary copy of Ours is a Tale of Murder.

****
For anyone who prefers to avoid certain topics, please note the book does include mention of miscarriage.

#mom.on.the.sidelines

[Courtney Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"𝙄𝙩 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢, 𝙖𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚. 𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩. 𝙊𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧."

💭: 𝗢𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 is a taut mix of domestic suspense and psychological thriller. Clever plotting, dysfunctional relationships, manipulation, obsession, and stalking all swirl within a tornado of tension that keeps you turning the pages with dread and anticipation.

The story unfolds with multiple POVs from three families in Hawthorne Heights: lawyer couple Klara and Troy, who's marriage is clearly in trouble; Mary, who reflects on her haunted past as she prepares to move; and Henry, who is back living with his parents and keeping a little bit 𝘵𝘰𝘰 close of an eye on the neighborhood...

As their lives inch closer, a deep sense of uneasiness grows. The tension and suspense are palpable, and nothing is what is seems. Just as you start to formulate your theories and connect the dots... bam! Part 2 comes along to make you rethink everything you thought you knew. 🤯

Once that pressure cooker goes off, it's impossible to put down. And the conclusion? Brilliant and deeply satisfying. 𝗢𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗔 𝗧𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 is a twisty, psychologically sharp, and emotionally charged must-read. It's my first book by Murphy but certainly won't be my last.

✨ Thank you Landmark and Net Galley for this gifted DRC! #LandmarkPartner
𝘗𝘶𝘣 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦: 2•10•2026