Member Reviews
This is a combination of a family drama and a mystery.
The characters were so well written
This is perfect for fans of cozy Murder mystery and fans of Agatha Christie
Family and relationship shenanigans.
Like a house on fire is set around a divorcing couple, Stella and George, whom attend Stella’s mother’s murder mystery party whilst pretending to still be together, to help support Stella’s mother’s final big get together to her secret cancer diagnosis and refusal of treatment in favour of living life her way to the end.
We are introduced to the family; Stella’s father, Tommy, an innocent husband, old man, out of date with women’s rights and treatment, whose retired from owning his own shop to be on the verge of sacking, due to misconduct, at the supermarket he got a job at to ease into his retirement. Stella’s sister Helen, reliable, the oldest, has it together (or does she?), married to Nathan (the new proprietor of their father’s shop) and two kids: Isobel, fire obsessed, fire starter, and Charlie. We have Pete, their gay brother, shady character, ower of money to the wrong crowd, about to get married, and finally Margaret. Margaret the mother and grandmother, dying of cancer, head of the household, bringer together of everyone, supporter of all, hider of secrets, and, fraudster.
Some laughs, some shocks, and an insight into a families life and how they handle things when life gets tough.
It's so nice to read a book about a family that's actually relatable.
The way that the author depicts relationships is just masterful, whether it's between spouses, siblings, exe's or neighbours.
The main characters are Stella and George. A married couple who have separated but Stella's mother has terminal cancer and is throwing one last family party and as Stella hasn't told her parents that she and George have split up, George, reluctantly agrees to go to the party.
Stella's parents are Margaret and Tommy. Her perfect sister Helen is married to Nathan and they have Isobel and Charlie.
Her brother, Pete who Margaret's eyes, can do no wrong.
Even though there is a whole host of characters, at no point does one feel confused or overwhelmed. Each character has a voice and they are all very distinct.
There is lots of humour but essentially, this is a book about secrets and family. Very insightful.
I loved it.
I really enjoyed this novel – it’s both light-hearted and a very realistic portrayal of family dynamics! The novel follows a family as they are all about to come together in a murder mystery party organised by the mum. Stella and George and the central characters – they’ve both recently agreed to divorce and are living separately but Stella has yet to tell her parents so persuades George to go to the party with her and to pretend all is fine. Stella is the middle child – her older sister Helen is ‘perfect’. She’s married with two children and always does the right thing. Pete is the youngest and he is very wayward but can do no wrong in his mum’s eyes. I loved the dynamic between the three grown up children – it’s one I know and understand very well and the author captures it perfectly. The murder mystery party begins around halfway through the book and it’s just brilliantly written. I adored how the novel played out and the way the denouement comes about. This is such a fun read and I highly recommend it.
Like a soap in a book! Loved it. Light and easy going read.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
A witty family saga with different narrators all set around a murder mystery party. Highly recommended.
Stella and George have just separated, and it's really not nice between them at the moment. They're about to tell Stella's family about the forthcoming divorce but they've just been invited to Stella's parents to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Margaret, who is hosting the party, has written a murder mystery and there is no option of not coming, especially as she was diagnosed with cancer and everybody knows that it's, in fact, a farewell party for her. So no way Stella and George can tell them about the separation - they simply have to go and pretend nothing is wrong. But as it turns out, there are many things that are more than wrong, not only in Stella and George's relationship. It quickly becomes clear that the whole family has been hiding secrets and truths are being held back... But we all know that the truth always comes out, at the least appropriate moment...
I absolutely adore this author's approach to family and family dynamics - she sees things how they really are and finds the most absurd elements, presenting us with a brilliant, take - no - prisoners drama/comedy with endearing characters that are sharply written and brilliantly developed. The characters were really written in a great way and I quickly found myself totally immersed in their lives, laughed at their jokes, rolled my eyes at their quirks and them behaving in a way that was, yes, sometimes irritating and childish - shortly, I fell for them even if they fed me up to my back teeth.
I was prepared for it to be a Stella and George story but it turned out that they have a huge family - but the more, the merrier! Margaret is hosting the party to celebrate the anniversary with her husband Tommy, and she's the one who has written the play. Tommy is obsessed with his shop that he has handed over to his son - in - law. Stella and George are on the verge of divorce and Helen is on the verge of a nervous breakdown - the story is told through their points of view and it quickly becomes clear that there is so much more to them all, and that they all have their own secrets which they're guarding, hiding and protecting. The characters' voices are distinctive, strong and different and they are all so vivid and so full of life, and it's really easy to picture them all.
It was a hugely entertaining read filled with complex and complicated relationships and very sharp observed. I absolutely loved the circle the book did, beginning and winding down with the same characters, and also the meeting in the supermarket has given the story a kind of a wrap - up, giving me my dream conclusion, leaving me totally satisfied. And I love the chosen title - when you read the book you will so appreciate it!
The banter between characters is good, guys, it's so good in fact that it is incredibly easy to visualise the scene, to hear the characters talking to each other. And it was really easy to relate to the characters, to feel what they're going through and it quickly becomes crystal clear that there is so much more to every single one of them than you can think at first. Caroline Hulse has a great way with words, her writing style immediately catches your attention and draws you into the story. Her words are sharp, honest and genuine and she can perfectly well capture family dynamics and all kinds of relationships. But she doesn't exaggerate in her descriptions, and even the most crazy things that happen in the book still seem believable, like things that could happen to you and your family.
The idea of the family murder mystery dinner party was absolutely my cup of tea, I had a pleasure to attend such a dinner (though not a family party!) once and it was such a great fun, and really, you can learn TONS about other people during such party. I was maybe hoping for a real murder in this story to be honest, I think Ms Hulse is able to pull something like this off, but with all the other drama I could live without real corpse - there was enough of other events and little fires everywhere to keep me glued to the pages.
I loved Caroline Hulse's debut novel, "The Adults", and "Like a House on Fire" was one of my most anticipated books this year - I literally couldn't wait to get this book in my hands and to start reading, and let me tell you, the book doesn't disappoint. It's as good as the author's first novel and already full of Ms Hulse's trademark sharp, astute and straight on point observations and down - to - earth approach to reality. It is a perfect blend between fun and serious and the underlying themes of sadness and seriousness are injected with the most perfect dry and dark humour. It was an addictive, entertaining and thought - provoking read and Caroline Hulse is already at the top of my auto - buy authors.
‘Like A House On Fire’ is the latest book by Caroline Hulse.
Things Stella and George have had blazing rows about:
– Misquoting Jurassic Park
– Leaving a Coke can on the side of the bath
– Fitting car seats for their hypothetical kids
In other news, they’re getting divorced. But first, Stella’s mum is throwing a murder mystery party and – with her dad losing his job, her mum’s recent diagnosis, and some very odd behaviour from her sister – now is not the time to tell everyone.
I loved Caroline’s previous book called ‘The Adults’ so I was delighted to receive a copy of her new one about another dysfunctional family.
After years of being together, the non stop arguing has finally forced George and Stella apart, they thought they were in it for the long haul but now they are seeing a marriage counsellor separately to try to sort themselves out. Even though they have finished, Stella has asked George to attend her parents anniversary dinner, a murder mystery night for last time before they break the news, but it seems that there are more than just Stella and George keeping secrets.
This book is a wonderful and relatable story, concentrating on the demise of a relationship and how the smallest of things can trigger an argument. Both Stella and George are great characters, both are outspoken and proud and moments between them vary from volatile to tender as they reflect back on their years.
The story takes place at a murder mystery party that Margaret, Stella’s mother has organised and there’s a wide array of personalities involved from Cheryl who’s been taken the murder very seriously to Scott, the seedy entrepreneur that Stella lost her virginity to.
The story is seen most from the perspectives of George and Stella but there are insights from other members of the family, Margaret the controlling mother, who’s planned for the perfect night to go without a hitch, Tommy the father who for all his kindness seems to be constantly offending something and Helen, Stella’s oldest sister who’s been portrayed as the perfect one.
Each character is struggling with something and as the story progresses we seen a family that are usually at loggerheads begin to bond with each other. A witty and warm-hearted story about the dynamics of family and relationships, ‘Like A House On Fire’ is an observant and deeply human story from start to finish with sharp one liners and flawed characters that made for truly enjoyable reading.
You can buy ‘Like A House On Fire’ from Amazon and is available to buy from good bookshops
A very light and easy-going read, with warm and (mostly) believable characters. I really did enjoy the first third: Stella and George came over as real people, and their connection and interplay was gently hilarious. As soon as they got to the party, everything became a bit too madcap, the need for jokes and crazy happenings leaving it all a bit 2-dimensional. Still fun, though.
This was such an enjoyable domestic drama with its interesting characters. There were times I had a big smile and a giggle.
It's well written and well-paced, which I loved.
Thanks a lot to NG and the publisher for this copy.
This book is so painfully heart achingly honest and yet, at the same time, a beautifully wrought insight into the life of a family like any other.
The lengths people go to to protect, insulate and shore up the sides of their relationships against the improbability of them drowning in acrimony, is all based in love for each other.
The central motif, the murder mystery party hosted and created by Margaret, is , ostensibly, a cause for the whole family to come together and even though they are rubbish at playing their parts within the family dynamic, for one blessed night, they might just be able to toe the line and deliver the parts assigned to them.
Helen, the 'good one', married to Nathan, the man who has taken over Tommy's,his father-in-law's, shop , two adorable children that she is struggling to parent , is on the verge of implosion.
Pete, the only boy, the one who can never do wrong in spite of frequently doing so, is mostly absent and therefore established in the mind of the reader by the very different narratives of family members (Helen and Stella are constantly having his 'achievements' rammed down their throats).
And then there is Stella, the 'shit one'. The one on the verge of divorce, who, just for one more night, wants to pretend she and George are happily married. George's inability to be anything other than passive and leave the major decision making up to her is driving an immovable wedge between them.
And then there are Margaret and Tommy, 2 very different people at a cross roads in their married and public lives, feeling bewildered and out of touch with the modern world.
One night, that is all they want, to celebrate their wedding anniversary, with Margaret being treated for cancer, it is a time to put aside all differences and just turn up and play along. But can they?
A searingly honest and beautifully written novel, this is an absolute must for lovers of Marian Keyes. Caroline Hulse has a Marian-esque ear for family dialogue that rings so true but is never trite or over done. You can relate to each and every conversation, mis-understanding and stepped on toe, whilst laughing and recognising you and yours amongst the raft of family, neighbours and in laws that inhabit the pages of 'Like A House On Fire'.
They might not get on like the proverbial on the surface, but in the course of one night, in one house, there is tinder and fuel aplenty...all it needs is the spark to set it alight.
Ferociously funny and brilliantly plotted, I absolutely loved it and am now awaiting the arrival of her debut , 'The Adults'.
A really enjoyable book. The basic premise is that a couple are splitting up and planning to divorce, but agree to attend an anniversary party together in order to avoid telling their family the news.
The novel is described as a 'family farce' and i can see why. It describes the events of the anniversary weekend, the main characters and supporting cast are well portrayed and I had a number of laugh out loud moments, cringes, and some real sadness. The children were really well written too.
I could see this book being a really good basis for a TV comedy show. The author has good comic timing. It is a bit like Friday Night Dinner, which is quite a compliment - All my family love that show!
I would recommend #LikeAHouseOnFire and I will read more books by Caroline Hulse.
Thank you to the author, publishers and #NetGalley
This was an OK read. It started off well, and I was a fan of the dark comedic humour that captured the dynamics of family life, but I found my attention waning about half way through and I just don’t think this one recovered at the end.
The family relationships were strong and the characters well written and amenable, but I just don’t think the plot was strong enough. There was a lot of overly strung-out dialogue and repetitive elements – especially with George and Stella’s relationship – and I didn’t really feel any sense of closure or resolution at the end.
Usually, family dynamics are something I enjoy reading about but this didn’t quite tick that box. I did like the Agatha Christie-esque vibes that you got with the homemade murder mystery. Margaret is just hilarious as a party host, and pretty much carried the story throughout.
A copy of my review can also be found on my blog: http://thatbookishgem.com
When Those Around You.....
When those around you have lives descending into chaos would you add to it with more chaotic prompting news? A dilemma for Stella and George on the verge of divorce, keeping quiet for the right moment to impart the news on their family. Cleverly observed family drama written with a keen eye for the absurd, the moving and the norm.
Like A House On Fire is a dark humoured look at the dynamics of a family. Margaret, is hosting a murder mystery party for her 40th wedding anniversary. She's recently been diagnosed with cancer so sees this party as a perfect excuse to get the family together.
However, as with all families there are hidden secrets. Truths that are being held back, and we all know that the truth always comes out.
I really enjoyed this little family dynamic. It's easy to relate to a few of what the characters are feeling and going through. I must admit I related more to Helen. Everyone clearly thinks she's fine but as we delve deeper we see she has some issues she's dealing with.
There is an underlying theme of sadness, but Hulse injects humour into the narrative and gives the story a balance of joy and sorrow.
Like A House On Fire is a beautifully written story of a family going through the motions. But, are missing the key element of communication.
Funny family drama. A compelling read with plenty of great characters.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.
Caroline Hulse’s second novel, Like A House On Fire, is set against the backdrop of a string of murders, fake murders, that is. Stella’s mother, Margaret Foy, is on a mission to organise the most spectacular wedding anniversary party for her and her long-suffering husband Tommy at their home, Brockhurst Manor. A murder mystery party which will impress her neighbours while acting as a farewell party before Margaret has to start her cancer treatment.
There’s only one problem – Stella hasn’t told her family that she and her husband, George, separated a couple of months earlier. Their marriage has been over for a while and despite futile attempts at counselling, their constant arguments about Stella’s mental load and George’s lack of ambition led to a final showdown triggered by a Jurassic Park related argument. Meanwhile George has promptly moved on to online dating, met Nancy and now has to keep it from both Stella and her family.
Full review: https://wanderingwestswords.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/like-a-house-on-fire-caroline-hulse/
Caroline Hulse’s latest book, Like A House on Fire, is an incisive, incredibly funny study of how families behave in crisis.
Told from multiple perspectives, the book revolves around a family party, a wedding anniversary with a murder–mystery theme, where pretty much every person has a secret which he or she is guarding, whether to protect themselves or others from the truth. This leads to seemingly normal people behaving badly or absurdly under pressure, with some quite hilarious results.
A smart, sometimes wince-worthy novel, Like A House on Fire will ring too many bells with too many of its readers, who will have found themselves in similar situations or behaving in similar ways. This is Hulse’s genius. Her ability to focus in on the minutiae of our lives, turning those challenging moments into something entertaining, something comedic, with a bitter-sweetness that simply makes our hearts ache.
A stellar read. Highly recommended.
A refreshing and original story about family and marriage; how to keep secrets in a murder mystery party, ready?
I’ll admit that this is the first time I’ve read anything from Caroline Hulse, but it will not be the last one for sure! This had been a totally different read from the ones I am used to, a couple that has decided to separate but they have to “stay together” for one more act for the sake of the family. The story made me remember the old movie “Murder by Death”, where everyone has secrets but try to have a polite face all the dinner to keep the peace, while at the same time there’s a “murder” involved!
I read this book quite quickly, don’t expect to like all the characters, all have their faults, but that’s mainly the point of the story. How can you try to have a happy face when you are not feeling well, just to avoid worring the ones near you? Let me say that I loved the characters, they felt so real and I could totally feel identified with them. George and Stella are peculiar, yes, but we all have our own special things, this will not be an easy night for them, it’s not easy to show some love when you hate someone… But as the dinner progresses we will see that they are not the only ones keeping secrets… but the main question is; will the truth be revealed at the end of the dinner? Or only the killer? Of course you’ll have to read the book if you want to know all the answers!
This is a book that I am sure any reader will love, original and real it will keep you entertained for a while! Ready?
I haven't read any of Caroline's books before so was looking forward to reading a new author. I think anyone will be able to relate to at least one of the characters in this book. It's all about family and how they interact with one another. It reminded me of growing up in our family home with the bickering, the laughter and love that comes from being in a family. Caroline has nailed it with this story.