A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell FIC Bel

This is one of those domestic thrillers.  Stephanie left the city life to return to live in the suburbs because Davis, her husband, was insistent that it was the place to raise their son, Miles.  But that happy scenario didn't last long. Davis was killed in a car accident along with her brother, Chris.  Her life became one of caring for Miles, writing a successful blog (mostly about mothering), and trying to dig her way out of grief.

Things begin to look up when Stephanie meets Emily at the school when both are waiting to pick up their sons.  Turns out that Miles and Emily's son Nicky are best of friends at school.  And soon the mothers are best friends.  Emily has a high powered job in the city working for a fashion house.  Stephanie steps up to help Emily with Nicky, often picking him up after school and keeping him until Sean (Nicky's dad) or Stephanie gets home.

One day Stephanie doesn't come to pick up Nicky.  As the hours pass she puts both boys to bed and then tries to contact Sean, Emily's husband.  He says she went on a business trip.  Really? Then why did Emily tell Stephanie she would just be a little late.

I was entertained as the story took lots of twists and turns on the way to an unexpected conclusion.   And by the way, Ms. Bell was born and raised in western Iowa on a farm!  This is her first novel.  I will keep my eyes open for the next one!

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