Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone
by Benjamin Stevenson
A writer finds himself trapped in his own personal murder mystery when family members begin to die while attending a family reunion.
Ernest Cunningham is an outcast in his family. His testimony three and a half years earlier sent his older brother Michael to prison. Now, the writer of how-to-write books has been summoned, along with other family members, to a family reunion at the Sky Lodge Mountain Retreat. Everyone is already there, except for his estranged wife Erin and Michael. Michael has been recently released from prison. He is driving up with Erin in less than twenty-four hours.
The first murder occurs before Michael’s arrival. An unidentified man is found on the ski slopes; the first murder victim and the only one not related to Ern’s family. As time moves on, a storm traps the family and a murderer on the mountain. Someone is targeting Ern’s family, but he’s running out of time to reveal the murderer’s identity.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone. I found it difficult to follow in the beginning, and I wasn’t sure I was going to keep reading. On the other hand, I also couldn’t forget thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it because the way the characters are revealed as the novel progresses. As I learned about the why behind family members actions and reactions, they became more likeable and relatable and that is what kept pulling me into the story. So, I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did.
Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is a different format from the usual mystery in that is isn’t as straighforward, and if I picked it up in the bookstore, I don’t know that I would’ve bought it. So, if you want to give this one a try, but you’re unsure of the format, borrow it from the library or a friend and then make up your mind. I recommend this book, but just be aware the format may be different from what you expect. Stevenson’s novel has been compared to The Thursday Murder club series from Richard Osman, but that comparison doesn’t work for me. I love Osman’s series and order the newest one as soon as pre-orders are available; for me, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone didn’t have that impact.
ISBN: 9780063279025
ISBN 10: 0063279029
Imprint: Mariner Books
On Sale: January 17, 2023
Pages: 384 pages $30.00
BISAC1: FICTION: Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth
BISAC2: FICTION: Humorous / Black Humor
BISAC3: FICTION: World Literature / Australia
BISAC4: FICTION: Crime
BISAC5: FICTION: Mystery & Detective / Traditional
Copy provided by #NetGalley #EveryoneInMyFamilyHasKilledSomeone