Member Reviews
As I started to read this book the early signs were that was going to be brilliant, refreshingly so, funny, clever, a unique way of developing a crime novel, written almost back to front, explaing the plot as it went along, using cliche after cliche, but in a unique and novel way. I initially loved the structure, the humour and the wit, but as the story moved along it dragged a little, losing its early pace and the final cliched ending was stretched out and too lengthy.
A book that began well and threatened to be outstanding didn't quite live up to its early promise but
I'm sure that there will be crime novel fans who love the genre who will love this too.
I finished this and then read it’s going to be on tv or a film which I think will suit it well. Its really well written and funny story about a family reunion, a murder and a lot of people who could be the suspect for various different reasons.
I genuinely enjoyed reading this and would recommend to anyone wanting an easy fun story that will keep you guessing.
Read through netgalley.
I really enjoyed this - your typical stuck in the alps in the snow kind of mystery. Only, it isn't. The narrator is also a write your own crime novel expert which adds a lot of fun to the story around sticking to 'the rules' Humorous, yet still dark and actually, pretty grim in some places! Thanks for letting me read!
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this novel. Everybody in my Family has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is by burns infuriating and clever. It is narrated by Ernest Cunningham and begins with the ten rules of detective fiction that must be followed. Ern then goes on to tell the reader which pages the deaths occur and to warn of a plot hole that one could drive a truck through. Yes it is unconventional and very self-referential but if the reader can put up with this approach is cleverly plotted with an interesting selection of family and in-laws all trapped in a ski resort by a blizzard. Give it a go - it's not for everyone but I had to read it to the end.
I absolutely raced through this. The self-consciously meta framing narrative made it feel fresh and original, and even with the narrator following all of his own rules, which meant that I SHOULD have worked it out before him, the denouement still came as a total surprise. Will definitely look out for more from this author
Really original and addictive, I could not stop reading it!!! Be prepared to have a long and sometimes hilarious conversation with the narrator as he takes you with him to a family reunion which soon becomes a whodunnit. Everything from the format to the setting, the writing and the plot has been executed to perfection and is sometimes reminescent of agatha christie best work. A must read for any crime novels fans but also for anybody looking for a quirky mystery with a twist.
The premise of this book really intrigued me and I couldn’t wait to get started. I’m a big fan of Jane Harper so was keen to read more Australian crime fiction, and I really like the movie ‘Knives Out’ which is referenced in some of the promotional blurb for this book.
The Cunningham family have a reputation that has followed them around since father Robert shot and killed a police man during a raid on a service station. Growing up in the shadow of such a crime has weighed heavy on Michael and Ern. Michael is in jail, and Ern is wrestling with his conscience about how Michael ended up there.
Ern writes how-to guides for budding crime writers, and it’s his POV that the story is told from. He has a conversational style, and now knowing that the book has been snapped up for a HBO Max adaptation you can see how it’s likely to play out on screen.
The family are brought together at a ski resort for a reluctant reunion organised by Aunt Katherine. As the weather sets in and bodies mount up it’s clear there’s something going on that very much involves the Cunningham family.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book, and the style in which it is written makes it feel a somehow lighter than your average whodunnit. There are quite a few characters, and a lot of back story, so I did occasionally feel myself losing track a little bit. The drama is ramped up as the pages turn, and by the end of the book we have quite a few mysteries to uncover. Too many mysteries? I haven’t quite decided.
If you’re a fan of crime fiction and looking for a something a bit different I’d definitely give this book a try.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this humorous and well writhe novel. The story has good characters as well as mystery and suspense! All in all a good read.
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the tone and writing style of this one. A bit different to the norm. It just didn’t grab me… it was a bit slow. So even though I enjoyed the humour and the narrator’s chat, I just didn’t LOVE it… nearly there but just missed the mark for me. Having said this, I would recommend it to crime fans - it’s got good twists and I was intrigued until the end.
A very well-written, enjoyable, witty and humorous book, with very good character development and just enough mystery. Just what I needed!
This was a standout read for me. Dark, atmospheric and funny, I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder mystery. This unique plot was ingenious and I really like the characters as well. If you’re looking for a fast pace story that you can get swept into fairly quickly this is the book for you.
Really great book, so glad I got to give it a read!
Ernest’s family are gathered in the mountains at a lodge ready for the homecoming of his brother. Michael has been in prison for… I’ll let you guess. But is now due home after serving his time.
This is supposed to be a happy reunion.
But as a storm closes in, the murders begin.
Fab who dunnit with a strong resemblance to ‘knives out’ as described by others. I wasn’t overly keen on the way Ernest speaks directly to the reader, but it didn’t bother me too much. I loved the setting, the characters, and the storyline. Some great little twists are thrown in there too! Fun, witty and exciting- this is not one to miss!
This book sounded something I’d love and from the first pages I thought I was going be hooked… I was wrong
While I am sure some readers will really enjoy this novel it wasn’t for me I can’t put my finger why I didn’t connect with it, I found it a real struggle to get though. The premise and idea are clever but if lacks the basics to really carry it off. Thank you for ARC but this wasn’t one I’d go and buy
I wasn’t too sure about this book for the first few chapters, it didn’t really grip me until there was a body in the snow. I would describe it as being dark humour and one very dysfunctional family. Definitely worth a read though.
I really enjoyed this book, well written with a compelling and humourous storyline and well developed characters. It was darkly atmospheric and full of mystery. I loved it.
I requested this as the title attracted my attention, it was slow at the start and it took me a while to settle in to reading it but it’s a quirky smart book with plenty of laugh out moments. I haven’t read any of the author’s other books but will definitely be checking them out.
I am torn by this one- I really disliked the writing style although for big chunks of the book it flowed OK so only bothered me every few chapters (mostly the narrating straight to reader sections) but that said the story was compelling- I wanted to find out who each family member had killed and who the current murderer, high in the mountains, was! The story had dark humour as well as incompetent investigation and some unexpected turns so well worth a read if you can get past (or indeed if you enjoy) the style of writing.
This is without doubt going to be the standout novel of the year.
Crafted with a deep love for the golden age of mystery, a sharp wit and a hilarious narrator, you would think that’s all the book could possibly need, but no! Still more an incredible mystery/whodunnit with a serial killer.
This book is as rare as gold dust, absolutely peerless and I have been disappointed with every book I have read since.
Whatever you do, buy it and read it immediately.
Billy No Mates here. Sorry I really didn't like this book. The premise sounded brilliant and I was looking forward to some dark and very warped humour but this just didn't cut the mustard . I found it confusing and disjointed. The language was odd. My interest wavered after a few chapters. A bit bizarre really. I didn't connect with any of the characters. Sadly 1 star
Meet the Cunninghams. They're not your average dysfunctional family. They've all killed someone.
So when they have a family reunion, you know it won't be pleasant.
Especially when they find the first body in the snow....
Very funny indeed