The initial premise of this book; what do you do if you suddenly discover the birth family you never know may include a murderer, is intriguing. I enjoyed the read although I felt the conclusion was less satisfying than I'd hoped for.
I would read another book by the same authors.

Many thanks to NetGalley and publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

The Family Tree is a compelling, addictive read; with an original, intriguing storyline that forced me to keep on turning the pages late into the night, even though I knew I really should get some sleep.

The story is told mainly from the point of view of Liz, the main protagonist; interwoven with chapters narrated by the victims, over the course of different timelines (in chronological order), which works incredibly well in heightening the feeling of suspense.

Overall, an enjoyable, entertaining thriller; I was a little disappointed with the ending, but I certainly didn’t predict it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love a crime story, and I chose this one as it had a fascinating premise. This book took me over a week to complete, which is unusual for me. It just couldn't hold my attention fully. While the story was exciting and the book was well written, the main character, Liz, bothered me. I just didn't like her at all. I really struggled to continue with the book at points due to her stupid decisions and reactions. That said, I am glad I persevered as it was a good ending with a first plot twist that was unexpected. I was satisfied with the finish, and I didn't expect it. However, the authors then threw in a final twist at the very end, which I am not sure was at all necessary. Certainly leaves the option of a follow-up book.

I received a free copy of #TheFamilyTree from #NetGalley & @AvonBooksUK in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I kindly received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 3.5*

I was gripped by this story and at times found myself on the edge of my seat. The serial killer chapters are interesting ad each chapter reveals a little bit more with different girls. I thought this was a really sad but good writing tool.

The concept is great and the final twist at the end added half a star although I found myself constantly frustrated by the main character.

I am in the process of doing my family tree now and found this book to be a great read My mum was adopted and I just did my DNA to find out more info on my family tree .... and its been really interesting .... and this was a great read and I really enjoyed it.

I am a true crime fanatic. I love podcasts, documentaries, stories, and I drink them all up. The premise of this book was so exciting initially! What happens when you get a DNA kit and you figure out you are related to a murderer? A serial killer in fact. Well, as it turns out, not a lot.

The story of the Golden State Killer was one that fascinated me, but this kind of didn't live up to the hype I had given it before I started reading. There is no suspense or edge of the seat stuff, I feel it fell short.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Books for the ARC

Lizzie Catalono has been gifted a DNA test by her cousin and is upset when it reveals that she is in fact adopted; understandably so as she feels that she no longer belongs and her parents have hidden this information from her. This is compounded when the FBI make a call on her and she learns that there is a familial match to the Tri-State Killer.

Long story-short, Lizzie sets out to meet her genetic family and her relationship with the FBI continues.

I enjoyed this book very much, it was well structured, well-developed and kept my interest. Unlike Lizzie – oh she kept my interest alright but not always in a good way. She is in one of those characters who ignore all the warning signs, stumble into dangerous situations and take no notice of any warning signs or instructions and certainly not the FBI. We have seen it time and again when the young woman enters home but doesn’t even put the light on so cannot see the waiting stranger poised to attack. You get the picture.

That said, it is enjoyable and I liked the structure very much. It is exciting and attention grabbing. A thoroughly good read.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.

Everyone wants to know where they came from, how far back their roots stretch. At home DNA kits have become the easiest way to find out who your ancestors are. Could you be related to a president, or maybe a movie star? Or what about a serial killer?
Liz Catalano has her results back, and has just found out she has no blood relation to her family. Already shocked that she is adopted, she is horrified when the FBI shows up at her door. Liz could be related to a killer.


This book has come out at the perfect time! I received an Ancestry.com kit for Christmas, and have been meaning to set it up and send it in. After reading this book, I am even more intrigued about what the tests may find. What are the chances I am related to a criminal?
Liz not only found out she was adopted, but that she shares DNA with a serial killer. She becomes a lost soul, trying to figure out who she really is, where she comes from. Though I doubt it is as easy as the book makes it out to be, Liz quickly finds relatives to her mother. I seriously had a problem with how quickly she latched on to the family, especially after the FBI showed up. Yes she was desperate to find a connection, but when you know something is off, you get the hell out!
The story was interesting, but slow moving. It alternated between Liz's quest for family, and the perspective of the serial killer. I found the serial killers story more interesting. In the end, the big twist, I was left confused and unsatisfied. The book had potential to be so much more, and could have been a little more action packed with such a great plot. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Liz sends her details into a 23 and me company with surprising results. She soon discovers she was adopted and has a whole other family she knew nothing about. She starts reaching out only to get a visit from the FBI, her DNA has a familial match to a serial killer. Has Liz just discovered that her new family has a serial killer in its midst?

Wow what a thrill ride this was. Imagine finding your new family then learning one may be a killer. Its a really interesting premise and searching up family with these DNA sites is very current. The story flickers between Liz and the poor girls that are being taken. I like how that part of the story builds with each pairing. Its quite dark and theres a twist towards the end though I had figured it out just before Liz did. I loved the ending and that hint of further danger ahead. Liz does do a few questionable things that frustrated me but otherwise I really liked her, Andie too. A brilliant thriller and mystery.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

The Family Tree by Steph Mullin & Nicole Mabry

The plot of this book reminded me of a couple of scenarios that I know have happened, one including the way in which the Golden State Killer was eventually caught. I thought the story was really quite clever and it definitely kept me guessing all the way through. I also liked all the characters in this too and found it really easy to understand their behaviour in certain scenarios. I would’ve actually really enjoyed a real family tree at the end of the book to remind myself how everyone was related too as that was something I kept forgetting! 😂

I knew there was going to be a twist on the obvious outcome of this one and it was something I kicked myself for not guessing sooner! I really enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to thriller lovers out there.

This was a brilliant read, so twisty and I loved it straight away. It was so difficult to put down. This would make an excellent film. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

In The Family Tree, we meet Liz and her cousin Andie. For Liz’s birthday Andie buys her a DNA kit but upon doing the test, Liz finds out she is adopted which is a shock bomb to begin with, right? But then, she finds out that when she submitted her DNA results and ticked the box to allow for the sharing of her data with the FBI’s database, it alerted them to some familial DNA matches and it turns out she is related to a serial killer. I know of a few people who have bought DNA kits and to think that you could literally be walking into anything - like finding out you’re related to a serial killer - blows my mind! Imagine???

This book has had my heart pounding. I wasn’t able to put it down and I know that’s a cliche but seriously I devoured this book at a rate it had me feeling drunk without even touching alcohol! It’s one of those books you just have to know what the next page will bring so you keep turning and turning until the next thing you know, you’re at the end and it’s an end you just don’t want to end, and it spins you into even more of a hyperventilating mess when you reach that end and it finishes on a crescendo fit to burst because just when you think it’s all over … well 🤐!!!!!

I’ve wanted to scream, I’ve wanted to shout and I know that every single one of you will know exactly where I’m coming from. You know those films, right, where you’re watching and you’re screaming ‘GET OUT NOW, JUST RUN!’ This has been me. OH MY GOD! Especially at the end of chapter 27 going into chapter 28. God Liz is mad. Brave but absolutely bonkers.

But then the storyline presents to you a massive twist. Christ it had me walking down the wrong garden path all the time! Clever. Really clever. Far too clever!

What an amazingly scary, creepy and exhilarating read with shocks at every corner which just keep on coming at you!

Many thanks to Avon Books for the opportunity to read a gifted copy of The Family Tree for my stop on the blog tour.

I thought Family Tree was interesting and I really liked the idea that a serial killer was discovered because someone was gifted a 23andMe DNA kit. I really liked how there flashback chapters that showed what was happening to the victims because it provided insight into the Tri-State Killer.


I didn’t really like Liz that much because I found her to be annoying and selfish especially when she put others in danger without thinking about them. My favourite character was Travis because I found him to be interesting and very kind. I also thought Andie was interesting.

Also wow what an epilogue that was and I was definitely shocked.

The Family Tree is a contemporary serial killer thriller about the shock of discovering you have a serial killer in your immediate family. 27-year-old Liz Catalano is in shock when a DNA test she purchased for her birthday from 23andMe reveals that she had been adopted. Along with her cousin and best friend Andie Catalano, she decides to look for relatives of her biological parents. But then FBI agents show up at her door. Her DNA shows similarities with that of a serial killer who has not been caught to this day. The Tri-State Killer is elusive: for forty years he's gotten away with kidnapping and murdering young women. He leaves no trace at the crime scenes, leaving the police completely in the dark. Liz decides to investigate on her own, revealing not only a family secret but also arousing the attention of the Tri-State Killer himself. Is it a dangerous quest with a gruesome ending or does Liz catch an unfathomable serial killer where the police couldn't?

This is both a suspenseful “ripped-from-the-headlines” story as well as a moving and sometimes humorous, picture of the intricacies of family and self-identity. It touches upon the popularity of genealogy testing and the effect that its evolution has had on crime investigations. It's compulsive and absorbing with a perilous mystery and enigmatic killer at its heart and Liz had no idea how much her life would change after carrying out a simple DNA test. It features a unique format where chapters alternate between present day with our protagonist, Liz Catalano, and short chapters diving into the mysterious active serial killer’s routine with his victims over a 40-year period. In the end, both timelines converge to reveal the killer’s identity, motives, and his relationship to Liz. This is fast-paced, exciting and thoroughly twisty entertainment. Highly recommended.

This book had me hooked throughout. A great plot idea and well written.
It mainly involves a girl who finds out she has been adopted as a child and lied to. I really felt for this character. The authors developed her character well and you really got a glimpse of the raw emotion she was feeling by this betrayal.
In addition to this she uses the information she got from a genetics company to try to find her biological family. As she knows her mum was in some sort of trouble she allows this to be shared withal enforcement who swiftly get in touch to tell her she is related to a notorious serial killer. I love how this bit of the story is drip fed through and built up to really add to the idea that this person is very dangerous and certainly not to be trusted!
There are quite a lot of characters in the story mostly due to the nature of the plot but I actually didn’t feel too confused by who they all were - except confusing the names of the main character and her cousin. I do also feel that a lot of the characters were very likeable which is strange sometimes for this genre as they want you to think everyone is the killer.
I did think I had figured it out but I was wrong. As I was reading I thought the ending was not for me but adding the epilogue in really improved it for me.

Strong start for this thriller/mystery with a lot of potential.
I enjoyed the plot of Liz discovering she was adopted via a DNA test kit she took with her cousin AND that she might related to a prolific serial killer.
Still wanting to know more about her biological family, she starts to take more and more risks, meeting with her "new" relatives.
Like I said, lots of potential, however I could not help but think that the pace was not fast enough, and I could not fell any sense of urgency, even towards the end.
For these reasons, I would rate it a 3 out of 5

I would like to thank Netgalley and Avon Books UK for an advance copy of The Family Tree, a stand-alone thriller set in New York and the Tri-State area.

Liz Catalano gets a surprise when her DNA kit results tell her she’s adopted. She gets an even bigger surprise when the FBI contact her and tell her that her DNA has a familial link to the Tri-State killer who has been killing pairs of women for forty years.

I loved the premise of this novel and initially I found it interesting and intriguing. What a bombshell to find she’s adopted and her parents didn’t tell her. I also liked that the narrative of Liz’s current day quandary alternates with the experiences of the kidnapped young women. This latter I thought was a master stroke. Don’t reveal his identity but build a picture of his cruelty through vignettes of their experiences chronologically, both by working through the victims in the order they were taken and by their time in captivity. It’s clever, unusual and notable. The sense of terror is palpable.

I was less keen on Liz’s narrative. Who in their right mind keeps in contact with a potential serial killer? Yes, I know it’s fiction and a thriller, but if I can’t identify with the protagonist and their motivation it all becomes a bit pointless. There is little sense of tension in her investigation, just an obstinate determination to find out, including sharing confidential FBI information, despite warnings from just about everyone she knows. It’s all a bit unlikely, but, if can suspend your disbelief, effective.

The novel does, however, end with a bang. The wrap up and analysis of the case are interesting and held my attention and then there is a final unexpected twist, not hugely probable but offering food for thought.

The Family Tree is a mixed bag, some clever, some improbable.

I can only imagine that delving into your family ancestry is fascinating, time consuming and ultimately revealing (although not always in a good way!) When Liz Catalano is presented with a 23And Me DNA kit for her birthday by her cousin and flatmate Andie she’s in no way prepared for the results, which are catastrophic in two ways. The shocking news that she is adopted is bad enough but to then discover she shares DNA with a notorious serial killer is utterly devastating. Suddenly Liz finds herself in the unenviable and possibly dangerous position of being the one person who can finally bring to an end this decades long FBI hunt for one of the most wanted criminals in state history.

What a fantastic premise for a fictional crime novel. I had no idea this is based upon a true story until upon completion I finally had a thorough read of all the publishing blurb. Whilst the writing lacks finesse or sophistication the authors have penned an easily digestible thriller for readers to race through. The alternating chapters keeps the momentum at a steady pace although I found myself rushing through the ones focusing on Liz and her mission to locate members of her biological family in preference for the more chilling chapters detailing the serial killer’s movements through the voices of his victims. These chapters I read with fascinated horror, disturbed and sickened by details of truly evil, depraved behaviour. It’s this aspect of the novel that is executed so well; I truly believed I was in the (virtual) presence of a monster. The quality of this writing is in marked contrast to that of the chapters involving Liz; they simply don’t possess the power to grip you in the same way. I felt the discussions between agents Hannigan and Beck and Liz end up on a repetitive loop and the manner in which the investigation is conducted isn’t entirely convincing. Obviously I have no idea how this agency operate in reality so my impressions regarding this aspect may be completely misguided!

The Tri State Killer who’s known for abducting pairs of young women and imprisoning them for a lengthy period of time before finally dumping their dead bodies is NOT the kind of long lost family member, however distantly related, you would wish to be associated with. Desperation to connect with members of her biological family at any cost together with the anger she feels at having this secret withheld from her leads Liz further into uncharted waters, her budding investigative journalist within compelling her to seek the answers to the questions she feels entitled to ask. Even when she’s made aware the truth may be highly unpalatable Liz presses on regardless. As a protagonist I found her incredibly annoying, juvenile, naive and reckless to the point of stupidity and I disliked Andie for some of the same reasons; they don’t act like fully fledged adults but more like immature college students. Putting her trust in virtual strangers when she’s only known them for five minutes is absurd behaviour and the way in which Liz casts aside her adoptive family like she’s tossing away trash is unforgivable and heartless. At times I felt as if she was treating this highly unusual scenario as some kind of game such is the casual way she deals with the FBI’s information regarding this most wanted killer. I wondered if she sees herself as some kind of heroine saving the world from disaster given she behaves rather impulsively and irrationally.

The climax to this decades long FBI investigation is hugely underwhelming! The last sentence may just as well have been “And then I woke up” it was that flat. Where was the nail biting tension and the explosive drama?? I was expecting so much more and having spent the whole time wondering WHO is capable of these heinous crimes and WHAT has compelled them to sustain such a long reign of terror, the twist feels really lame. By my reckoning it’s an easy (and lazy?) solution to solving an investigation that has confounded the authorities until Liz inadvertently gifts them their most promising lead to date. Granted it is still plausible and I didn’t predict what the outcome would be but in terms of satisfaction it scores well below average. Depending on whether you prefer endings that tie everything together nicely or appreciate ones with a more ambiguous tone, you’ll either love or hate the epilogue. These final words appear out of the blue so you can decide for yourself if this final twist of the knife is clever and a winning knockout punch. Or does it read as a last minute tacked on afterthought designed to instil a degree of surprise intended to make up for the disappointing climax? This loose thread I believe would have had a more powerful impact if the authors had chosen to hint at these possibilities much earlier on in the narrative giving the reader added opportunity to cast their suspicions far wider. The pool of suspicious characters is too small to make hazarding a guess at the likely perpetrator gratifying; the red herrings need to be less obvious!

Unfortunately I wasn’t bowled over by this debut thriller but for a first attempt it’s definitely commendable in places. I would have relished a faster pace, a more exhilarating edge of my seat tumultuous ride and to feel truly scared, to the point where I couldn’t sleep without the lights on! As I’m easily frightened I was dismayed not to experience any of these extreme emotions. Maybe the authors next collaboration will rectify that!

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

What starts off as the search for her birth family after finding out she was adopted Liz also finds out that there is a serial killer in her family! Not your usual adoption story this is a creepy tale. When we hear the voice of the killer this becomes a really disturbing read. The Tri-State killer has been killing pairs of young women for many years now. In his narrative we hear arthritis is making him slower but not stopping him.
The FBI contact Liz and she becomes part of the search for the aging killer. This is a dark and disturbing read and you feel for Liz accidentally becoming involved just by using a home DNA kit. At least Liz seems to have found love and a happy ending and a chance to write the story up from her point of view
This is an amazing story full of twists and turns and the epilogue proves that this will never be over.

Liz Catalano finds out she is adopted when she does an ancestry DNA kit.
But that is only the beginning. Due to an FBI investigation Liz learns that she is related to a serial killer. The Tri-state killer has been abducting and killing girls for forty years.
Liz wants to find out who this killer is before there is another victim.

I requested this book because it sounded like my usual crime thriller read that I love. The concept of this book I thought was very original and I could not wait to read it.
This story is told from the POV of Liz and the Tri-State killers victims and I loved the pages that were written about the victims and that was it.

I did not like Liz, I thought she was whiny and uninteresting. The relationship between Liz and her cousin was not believable and to me felt fake and forced.
The story itself just seemed to plod along there was not enough suspense to keep me reading. The ending itself was a little unbelievable but on the plus side I did not figure the ending out.