Image

The Best Book Review Site

New

A Simple Favor

$14.99
  • Publisher:Darcey Bell
  • Publication date:2017-03-21
  • File Size length:1744879


Book Review:


"Unravel the Mystery in A Simple Favor: The Gripping New Novel by Darcey Bell!"

A Simple Favor is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With unexpected twists and turns, this book will have you guessing until the very end.



What Is the Book About?



A Simple Favor follows the story of Stephanie, a single mom who becomes friends with Emily, a mysterious and wealthy woman. Stephanie is drawn into Emily's glamorous life but when Emily suddenly disappears, Stephanie starts to uncover dark secrets about her friend. As she tries to piece together what happened to Emily, Stephanie realizes that nothing is as it seems and she may be in danger herself.

The core message of A Simple Favor is that things are not always what they seem and people can have hidden depths and motivations. It also explores themes of trust, friendship, and the consequences of our actions. The book keeps readers on their toes as they try to unravel the mystery surrounding Emily's disappearance and ultimately highlights the power dynamics between women in society.



What Makes This Book Different?



A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell is a captivating thriller that stands out among others in its genre for its unique plot and unexpected twists. Unlike many thrillers that rely on common tropes and predictable outcomes, A Simple Favor takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, constantly keeping them guessing until the very end.

One aspect that sets this book apart is its complex characters. The two main protagonists, Stephanie and Emily, are not your typical heroines or villains. They both have their flaws and secrets, making it difficult for readers to determine who they can trust. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story as we try to unravel their true intentions.

Another standout feature of A Simple Favor is its expertly crafted pacing. The author masterfully builds tension throughout the novel by slowly revealing clues and dropping hints along the way. As more pieces of the puzzle come together, readers become increasingly invested in solving the mystery alongside the characters. This skillful manipulation of pace keeps readers engaged from start to finish and makes for an unputdownable read.

In conclusion, A Simple Favor stands out in its category due to its original storyline, complex characters, and well-executed pacing. It's a thrilling page-turner that will keep you on edge until the very last page with its unpredictable plot twists and turns. Whether you're a fan of thrillers or just looking for an exciting read, A Simple Favor is sure to leave a lasting impression.




Writing Style & Pacing



A Simple Favor is written in a fast-paced and suspenseful tone, making it an engaging read from start to finish. The book follows the story of Stephanie, a mommy blogger who becomes involved with her mysterious and glamorous friend Emily. The narrative is told through alternating perspectives of Stephanie and Emily, adding layers of complexity to the plot.

The structure of the book is well-crafted, with short chapters that keep the reader on their toes and eager to find out what happens next. The author also incorporates flashbacks throughout the story, providing insight into the characters' pasts and adding depth to their motivations. This creates a sense of urgency as readers try to piece together the puzzle before it's too late.

Overall, A Simple Favor is a fast-paced read that will keep you on edge until its shocking conclusion. With its cleverly crafted structure and gripping tone, this book is sure to be devoured by fans of psychological thrillers.




About the Author



Darcey Bell is the author of A Simple Favor, a thrilling novel that was later adapted into a major motion picture. She grew up in Iowa and attended college at the University of Iowa where she studied creative writing. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue her passion for writing and has since written several other novels.

Bell's background in creative writing and her experience living in big cities like New York make her a credible author for A Simple Favor. Her education gives her the technical skills needed to craft a well-written story, while living in urban areas provides her with real-life inspiration for creating complex characters and plot twists.

In addition to her academic qualifications, Bell's success as an author also adds credibility to her work. A Simple Favor became a New York Times bestseller and was praised by critics for its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters. This demonstrates Bell's ability to capture readers' attention and keep them on the edge of their seats throughout the entire novel, making her an expert in crafting thrillers like A Simple Favor. Overall, Darcey Bell's background and achievements make her a highly credible author for this book.




Historical or Topical Context



A Simple Favor takes place in a small town called Bellview, located in upstate New York. The town is known for its picturesque landscapes and tight-knit community. It is the kind of place where everyone knows each other's names and secrets are hard to keep hidden.

The story revolves around two main characters, Stephanie and Emily, who live in this seemingly idyllic town. Stephanie is a widowed single mother who runs a successful mommy blog while Emily is a mysterious and glamorous working mom. Despite their differences, they become unlikely friends when their sons attend the same school. As the story unfolds, we learn that both women have secrets and not everything or everyone in Bellview is what it seems to be on the surface. This creates an intriguing atmosphere of mystery and suspense within the seemingly perfect setting of Bellview.




Most Powerful or Memorable Moments



1. The book opens with the disappearance of Emily, a mysterious and glamorous woman who seemingly has it all. As we learn more about her through flashbacks and diary entries, we start to see that there is much more beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect life.

2. One standout scene is when Stephanie, a stay-at-home mom and Emily's best friend, discovers a shocking secret about Emily's past while searching through her house for clues about her disappearance. This revelation completely changes Stephanie's perception of Emily and sets off a chain of events that unravels their friendship.

3. Another impactful moment is when Sean, Emily's husband, reveals his true feelings towards his wife during an argument with Stephanie. His words are both heartbreaking and chilling as he admits to feeling trapped in their marriage but also deeply in love with Emily.

4. As the mystery surrounding Emily's disappearance deepens, we are introduced to several other characters who may have had motives for wanting her gone or even harmed. The suspense builds as each character becomes a potential suspect in the case.

5. In one particularly tense chapter, Stephanie confronts Sean after discovering evidence that he may be involved in his wife's disappearance. The intense verbal exchange between them leaves readers on edge wondering what will happen next.

Overall, A Simple Favor keeps readers guessing until the very end with its twists and turns and complex characters whose actions constantly challenge our perceptions of them.




Lessons or Takeaways

is a psychological thriller that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Stephanie, a mommy blogger who becomes entangled in the mysterious disappearance of her best friend Emily. As the plot thickens and secrets are revealed, readers will learn about the complex relationships between these two women and how far they are willing to go for each other. They will also feel a sense of unease as they try to piece together what really happened to Emily and why.

After reading A Simple Favor, readers may reflect on themes such as trust, friendship, and deception. The book delves into how easily people can manipulate others and blur lines between truth and lies in order to get what they want. This may make readers question their own relationships and whether or not they truly know those closest to them. It also highlights the power dynamics within friendships and leaves room for reflection on how far one would go for a friend in need. Overall, this gripping novel offers both entertainment and thought-provoking ideas that will stay with readers long after finishing it.




Reader Reactions and Critical Acclaim



Based on reader reviews, "A Simple Favor" by Darcey Bell has received overwhelmingly positive praise for its gripping plot and well-developed characters. Many readers have described it as a thrilling and suspenseful page-turner that keeps them guessing until the very end. The book has been praised for its clever twists and turns, with many readers stating that they couldn't put it down.

In addition to reader acclaim, "A Simple Favor" has also received numerous awards and recognition since its release in 2017. It was named one of the best books of the year by several publications including Goodreads Choice Awards, Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Program, and BookPage Best Mystery & Suspense of 2017. The novel was also adapted into a major motion picture in 2018 starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, further cementing its success and critical acclaim. Overall, "A Simple Favor" is a must-read for fans of thrillers and mystery novels alike.



Who Is This Book For?




1. Fans of psychological thrillers: A Simple Favor is a suspenseful and twisty novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Those who enjoy reading books with unexpected plot twists and unreliable narrators will be drawn to this book.

2. Women's fiction enthusiasts: The story centers around two complex female characters, Emily and Stephanie, and their complicated relationship. Readers who are interested in exploring themes of friendship, motherhood, and secrets among women will find this book intriguing.

3. Mystery lovers: With its mysterious disappearance plotline, A Simple Favor appeals to those who love solving puzzles and piecing together clues. The book keeps readers guessing until the very end as they try to unravel the truth behind Emily's disappearance.

4. Book club members: This book offers plenty of discussion points for book clubs, from dissecting the characters' motivations to debating the morality of their actions. It also touches upon relevant social issues such as parenting pressures and societal expectations placed on women.

5. Fans of Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train: If you enjoyed these popular psychological thriller novels with unreliable narrators and shocking twists, then A Simple Favor is a must-read for you! Darcey Bell's writing style has been compared to Gillian Flynn's by many reviewers.




Pros and Cons:



Pros:


1. Gripping Suspense: This book is a page-turner from beginning to end, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author expertly weaves together multiple storylines and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.

2. Complex Characters: The characters in this book are multi-dimensional and complex, making them feel like real people rather than just fictional creations. Each character has their own secrets and motivations, adding depth to the story.

3. Unreliable Narrators: One of the most intriguing aspects of this book is its use of unreliable narrators. Both main characters have their own versions of events, leaving readers questioning who to trust and what really happened.

4. Fast-Paced Plot: The plot moves at a rapid pace, making it difficult for readers to put down the book. There's never a dull moment as new revelations come to light and the mystery deepens.

5. Timely Themes: A Simple Favor touches on timely themes such as social media obsession, motherhood pressures, and female friendships in a way that feels relevant and thought-provoking without being preachy or heavy-handed.



Cons:


1. Predictable plot: Many readers have criticized the book for having a predictable and formulaic plot, making it less engaging and suspenseful.

2. Unrealistic characters: Some readers found the characters to be one-dimensional and lacking depth, which made it difficult to connect with them or care about their story.

3. Slow pacing: The story is slow-paced in the beginning, which can make it feel like a chore to get through before the action picks up.

4. Shallow exploration of themes: While there are some interesting themes touched upon in the book, such as motherhood and female friendships, they are not explored in depth and feel superficial at times.

5. Lack of resolution: Without giving away any spoilers, many readers were disappointed with how the story ended as they felt there were loose ends that were left unresolved or rushed conclusions that didn't fully satisfy them.




Final Thoughts:Should You Read It?




Overall, A Simple Favor is a thrilling and suspenseful read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot twists and turns are expertly crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The characters are complex and intriguing, making it difficult to determine who can be trusted.

The book also explores themes of obsession, secrets, and motherhood in a thought-provoking way. It's a page-turner that you won't want to put down until you've unraveled all its mysteries. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with well-developed characters and unexpected twists, then this is definitely a book worth reading.

However, if you prefer lighter reads or are sensitive to topics such as infidelity or violence, then this may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, some readers may find certain aspects of the story unrealistic or far-fetched. Overall though, A Simple Favor is an engaging and gripping novel that will leave readers wanting more from author Darcey Bell.




Where to Buy?



Buy "A Simple Favor" on Amazon

Buy Now

Description

The Inspiration for the film starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding. Don't miss the sequel, Another Simple Favor, streaming soon on Prime Video!

"Riveting and brilliantly structured, A Simple Favor is an edge-of-your seat domestic thriller."—Kimberly McCreight, New York Times bestselling author

A single mother's life is turned upside down when her best friend vanishes in this chilling debut thriller in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.

She’s your best friend. She knows all your secrets. That’s why she’s so dangerous.

It starts with a simple favor—an ordinary kindness mothers do for one another. When her best friend, Emily, asks Stephanie to pick up her son Nicky after school, she happily says yes. Nicky and her son, Miles, are classmates and best friends, and the five-year-olds love being together—just like she and Emily. A widow and stay-at-home mommy blogger living in woodsy suburban Connecticut, Stephanie was lonely until she met Emily, a sophisticated PR executive whose job in Manhattan demands so much of her time.

But Emily doesn’t come back. She doesn’t answer calls or return texts. Stephanie knows something is terribly wrong—Emily would never leave Nicky, no matter what the police say. Terrified, she reaches out to her blog readers for help. She also reaches out to Emily’s husband, the handsome, reticent Sean, offering emotional support. It’s the least she can do for her best friend. Then, she and Sean receive shocking news. Emily is dead. The nightmare of her disappearance is over.

Or is it? Because soon, Stephanie will begin to see that nothing—not friendship, love, or even an ordinary favor—is as simple as it seems.

Bell masterfully ratchets up the tension in a taut, unsettling, and completely absorbing story that holds you in its grip until the final page.

Book Name : A Simple Favor
Publication on : 2017-03-21
Book Author : Darcey Bell
Reviews : 2187
Rating : 4
Category :

Related Books

A well-crafted and engaging read that keeps you turning pages.