A good deed can turn deadly…
When Liam unexpectedly turns up in Jude’s life after ten years of no contact, asking her for a favour, she just can’t say no. He was her first love, and even though she is now a successful doctor and about to get married, he will always be someone special to her.
But after she does the favour, she is contacted by the police, informing her that Liam has been found dead, and suddenly she is caught up in a murder investigation.
And she realises this one decision could cost her everything – even her life…
I’d love to be a fly on the wall of Nicci French’s home during the developmental phase of a novel. For those of you who don’t know this bestselling sensation of two dozen thrillers, Nicci French is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of journalists Nicci Gerrard and Sean French, who also happen to be married. Reading this, I was fascinated by what their process might look like.
“So the killer was (no spoilers here)?”
“Yes dear… pass the salt.”
For those of you who are equally interested in their writing process, keep an eye out on our Facebook page because both Nicci and Sean are touring Australia, and will be visiting the Better Reading office to answer a few questions during a Facebook Live.
The Favour opens with seventeen-year-old Jude who’s returning home from a night out with friends, her boyfriend Liam driving. Liam is from the wrong side of the tracks. Unlike Jude, who is soon headed to university to study medicine, Liam’s not sure what his plans will be. It’s clear Jude is besotted, but their love isn’t the only thing headed for the skids on this particular night, as Liam loses control of the car. While no one is killed, he’s charged and, inexplicably, cuts off contact with Jude.
It’s eleven years before she sees him again. He turns up to the hospital where she works, asking for a favour. We know it’s a bad idea and so does Jude – she’s currently planning a wedding with Nat. But she’s still drawn to Liam, and also feels guilty that her life continued after the crash, while Liam struggled.
Jude is a compelling protagonist, who pays a high price for what is more than a stupid mistake, but rather her attachment to the past. You’ll tear through this. The Favour is a perfectly plotted thriller filled with twists and turns, underpinned with nail-biting tension. French always delivers, and here is no different.
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