Not a Happy Family

I love a whodunnit and Shari Lapena is one of the best writers of this genre. This book is a windy, twisty story of a dysfunctional family. A couple are murdered in their home and chief suspects are their three children, amongst others. In the story we go on a journey to find out who is the killer and also why they did what they did. While I did enjoy the book I also found I didn’t really get the depth of their animosity towards their father. He is described as psychopathic but we don’t get many explanations of this only one or two. Yes, money seems to be the primary motivation for this murder but I don’t think you understand the children enough to warrant their actions. I must say I was kept intrigued the whole way through and didn’t guess who the culprit was and had many different ideas along the way as to who it could be. There was a twist at the end which I absolutely did not see coming and it was a really good ending. I do wish that we had had more background information on the parents and the children and the family dynamic alongside the murder investigation. All in all it’s a great crime thriller as I would recommend to all.

This is my first Shari Lapena novel but it won’t be my last. I listened to the audiobook version of the book and was so desperate to know what happened that I even considered increasing the play speed just so I could find out what happened faster - relax, I resisted!

The novel, its title a play on the famous quote from Anna Karenina, follows the path of the highly dysfunctional Merton family who gather for an Easter lunch that ends disastrously. Lapena cleverly lays a trail of breadcrumbs to the door of various characters, leaving both the reader and characters constantly suspicious and on tenterhooks.

Sometimes it’s hard to enjoy a novel if there is simply no-one to like. Here, each character is more venal than the one before; it doesn’t spoil your enjoyment one bit! This is a fantastic suspense novel and in a strange way is quite like an Agatha Christie in terms of the setup - a murder with set suspects and a whodunnit rather than a whydunnit.

I did find it a little difficult right at the start because there are so many characters to get to grips with but persevere because it’s absolutely worth it.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Random House UK Audio for an audiobook arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Not A Happy Family is a superb read. A family with not one likeable person. A heinous crime for which everyone has a motive and no one can escape suspicion. It’s high pace, don’t blink and I couldn’t put it down.

In Brecken Hill, a wealthy family get together for dinner on Easter Sunday. Things soon spiral as snide remarks give way to an increasingly tense atmosphere, causing most to storm out. When the couple at the head of the family are found murdered several days later, the finger of suspicion cannot rest upon any one individual. Everyone has a secret and anyone of them could have committed the crime.

A strong 4.5*. The audiobook narration is top notch.

Thanks to Transworld, PRH and Netgalley for the ARC

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena,narrated by Ellen Archer
I give this audiobook 4.25 stars


In Brecken Hill, an older couple are brutally murdered hours after a tense Easter dinner with their three adult children.
They each stand to inherit millions.Did someone snap after that dreadful evening? Or did another person appear later that night with the worst of intentions? If one of the family were capable of something as gruesome as this, you'd know.
Wouldn't you?

An engaging and clever who-dunnit,.This storyline has great pace and an array of narrators that the storyteller manages to make all pretty unlikable (but that makes it for me far more enjoyable) lts packed with intrigue (l suspected virtually everyone at some point) and think listening to it allowed me to become far more invested in trying to figure it out!
l would highly recommend this to anyone who loves listening to a good mystery.
With thanks to Netgalley,Shari Lapena and Penguin Random House UK Audio for my chance to listen and review this audiobook.

Not A Happy Family is a gripping psychological thriller from the incredibly talented writer, Shari Lapena. Fred and Shelia are a wealthy couple who live in upstate New York. They have three grown children who visit for a family Easter dinner. Later that evening, Fred and Shelia are brutally murdered and as the police investigation progresses, it is clear that all of their children have a motive to be guilty of the crime.
I absolutely loved this book and was gripped throughout. The dysfunctional relationships between the family members are slowly revealed and the perpetrator is impossible to guess. Shari Lapena has created some truly nasty characters in this book, with nobody coming out well. A fantastic audiobook with the narrator adding another level of suspense to the story.

Not a Happy Family is rather an understatement. Secrets, lies, greed, jealousy revenge and other motivators play a part in this thrill a minute ride from Shari Lapena.

At first sight, we have a wealthy American family. Mum, dad and three kids. They’ve made it; rich, influential and the adult children have carved their professional niche. The only son is disaffected; he expected to take on his father’s business role, but didn’t count on personal hatred and vindictiveness which left him unemployed and broke. It’s difficult to know where to start with this rollercoaster story. The parents are murdered and the choice of suspects falls within the family.

This story is so intricate in plotting and reveal, it’s truly impossible to second guess the outcome. Was it the nanny, one of the kids, one of a couple of other close family contacts, the sister of one of the deceased? Every chapter has a new reveal as the layers of respectability and deceit are peeled away from these people who are perceived as pillars of their society. Lapena explores a wealth of human emotion which may motivate murder. This works at every level. The people are credible, the police procedural is compelling as the investigating officers are frustrated at every turn. But who dunnit? It kept me guessing and the final chapters are sheer genius in plotting intricacy. Couldn’t put this down and my thriller of the year so far.

My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.

Another smash hit by Shari lapena. I. Lobed this and the audio version was fantastic. Highly recommended xxx

Another gripping story by Shari Lapeana. I have enjoyed every single one of her thrillers. They are always very twisted and they keep you guessing until the last chapter. I love the way she captures the messed up side to life. The family in this book as so dysfunctional, so horrid and so damaged. It’s so sad to see what money does to people. Poisonous, and seriously evil. If you can guess who killed the couple- you’re better than me. I loved the audio book- the narrator really gave the story pace and kept the characters real.

A really good book that kept me guessing until the end, some great twists and turns and you’re never really sure where the story is going. The narrator was very good and. I enjoyed listening very much.

A modern twist on a whodunnit centred around a wealthy family in America. Looks like everyone had a motive and all the family suspect each other, trust is challenged as the police investigate. Will they solve the case? Is money the root of all evil? Read this book very quickly, thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

Not a Happy Family - Shari Lapena
Narrated by Ellen Archer

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK Audio and I am leaving this review voluntarily

In this family, everyone is keeping secrets--especially the dead. Brecken Hill in upstate New York is an expensive place to live. You have to be rich to have a house there. And they don't come much richer than Fred and Sheila Mercer. But even all their money can't protect them when a killer comes to call. The Mercers are brutally murdered the night after an Easter Dinner with their three adult kids. Who, of course, are devastated.

I listened to this book as an audiobook and I can’t work out if that was a mistake or not. I was hooked! I listened to this book at every opportunity because I needed to know who the killer was. I honestly think I would have rushed through this book and maybe not have enjoyed it as much had I had the ability to read it for myself.

The murderer is revealed in the last 10% of the book, until that point I had absolutely no idea who it could have been. Every single character is unlikeable in their own way, and through the journey most of them are suspects that could easily have been the murderer.

This is a throughly enjoyable, page-turner with such a tense plot.

Rating 5/5

Fred and Sheila Merton appear to have everything they are extremely wealthy, have a beautiful home and loving children; from all appearances a perfect family, but looks can be deceiving. After a tense Easter dinner the couple are found murdered; was this a random home invasion or was someone closer to home holding a grudge.

This was a thoroughly gripping domestic thriller; the narrator was very good and I felt immersed in the story. The suspense whilst learning of hidden grudges and the 'real' characters of Fred and Sheila and the siblings was absorbing; thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review

No come on, own up, who killed Fred Merton. And who killed Sheila?

Now that’s exactly what I was asking all through this book.

It’s Easter Sunday. The scene is set.

Who dunnit?
Who murdered them?

Everybody……everyone is a suspect in my mind. No one has solid reasons they are all as guilty as hell. Good thing I’m not in the Jury!

This author is so good at weaving a tense plot that keeps the reader hanging in suspense.

The verdict?
It could have been anyone.

This audiobook kept me gripped from the first words to its conclusion.
The Merton family are very rich and very dysfunctional and consist of three adult children and their parents Fred and Sheila.
Fred and Sheila are found murdered the day after a family Easter lunch , which to put it mildly was a strained affair.

The murder investigation looks at the children and all their flaws are highlighted brilliantly for the reader. This leads you to wonder just who has committed the crime , it could be anyone of them. It leaves the reader guessing right until the very end resulting in a great conclusion.
The writing is easy to follow and is of the usual calibre I have come to expect by the author , each of the characters are unpleasant in their own way . I didn’t find an amiable character in all of the story, and instead of spoiling the book it added to the intrigue and suspense.
A great audiobook , I found the narrator excellent and overall I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House UK Audio.

received a copy of this audiobook via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This story is basically a murder mystery about multi millionaires Fred & Shiela Merton . The day after a strained Easter Sunday lunch with their 3 grown children present, Fred & Sheila are found murdered in their own home. With a big inheritance coming to them, all three siblings are immediately under suspicion.

This is a book full of unlikeable characters which I really don’t mind. What did constantly have me face palming was the constant lies being told to the police as each of the siblings tried to cover up the stupid things that they had done which only served to make themselves look guilty. There is not too much more to the plot than that. None of the siblings seemed too upset that their parents were dead. There are a couple of other suspects so we are never completely sure whether any of the siblings are guilty until the reveal.

I didn’t mind the narrator to this audiobook, she didn’t do too much with her voice but I was still able to distinguish between the different characters.

I loved this audiobook!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy.
A fantastic premise, and a great introduction to Shari Lapena. I have heard great things about this author, and this will definitely encourage me to delve into her back catalogue!
The Merten family are a complicated bunch, each character has personality flaws, and inevitably motives for the family murders. The audiobook drew me in to their lives and didn't let go, and my mind changed constantly as to who I thought the murderer was. A sign of a truly great whodunit!
I loved this audiobook, and would definitely recommend it.

I have read pretty much all of this authors books and i have to say i think this is my favorite one yet. I always when books are about rich people. I think this book portrays the whole rich people doing bad things so well. So i think this is a definite upgrade from her other books.the reason being is there is so much more suspense in this. Like her other books were rather predictable and clearly followed a formula. This one doesn’t feel that way to me. It reads a lot different and right now it’s not real obvious who it could be.

I think the dad is an asshole. Like some of the things he did were rather rude and distasteful and he really didn’t care how it effected his kids. He’s very stereotypical i feel like. He clearly had hopes and dreams for his kids which is great but damn things happen don’t get upset when they don’t “live” up to your expectations or goals.

The mom literally has no back bone. Like her husband clearly runs everything and she’s just along for the ride.

Man these kids. Obviously i love this trope of rich kids or rich people in general doing messed up things for a reason. Like i can’t relate to them in anyway. But damn some of the kids are so ungrateful. I can’t imagine being that way and thinking i was still going to get what i want.

Audrey- you know that old saying everyone’s true side comes out when someone dies? Yeah she’s the literal definition of that lol

So the ending while not predictable i get was super rushed. Like i wanted more an explanation of why.

This kept me guessing until the end - lots of twists and turns to make me change my mind about who the murderer was. I flew through this audio book - as I have done with all of the author’s previous ones. Looking forward to the next. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the audioARC of this book.

I really enjoyed this thriller and especially as an audio version. It has the usually twists and turns you expect to hold your interest and this story of the family from hell certainly doesn’t lead you to liking any of them! There were a couple of over the top moments and I’m sure at least one of the siblings could have been allowed at least one nice characteristic so for that reason I’m giving it four stars.
The narrator was excellent and added to my enjoyment greatly.

A family Easter Sunday dinner meant to bring everyone together is the start of a murder mystery that could tear the family apart.

I enjoyed this read much more than Shari's previous release.

A good old whodunnit story with messed up characters makes for a good time.
As this trope is very popular, it can become monotonous or stale at times but Shari's writing sucks you in and keeps you captivated and intrigued throughout!

This was definitely a good time.

Fred and Sheila Merton live in a big house in upstate New York. Fred has been a successful businessman and following tradition the pair have invited their three adult children, and partners, around for an easter dinner. It turns out be a fraught affair as Fred imparts some unwelcome news on his offspring – each will be affected in a different way but none are happy with this particular festive gift. Shortly after, both Fred and Sheila meet a grisly end - murdered in their own home. Could it be that one of the dinner guests perpetrated this crime? The children all have motive, but as we learn more about the circle of people surrounding this family it seems that others might be similarly inclined.

The children are a pretty mixed-up bunch: a grasping daughter desperate to get her hands on the family pile, another daughter whose rebelliousness makes her something of a black sheep and a son who is suffering from money problems and mental health issues. Then there is Fred’s sister, a bitter old crow whose dislike of all of the children is unhesitatingly reciprocated. There are others too, lining up to be included in a lengthy list of possible suspects. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out, so bring on a couple of punchy, provocative detectives and let’s have at it.

It’s good fun, if all a little unlikely, as the siblings and partners lie and cover-up whilst also suspecting each other of potentially being the murderer. The best character, though, is Fred’s vitriolic sister who has no end of run-ins with the family group. The whole thing lights up whenever she’s on the scene. There are plenty of twists and it’s practically impossible to guess whodunnit as all seem to have both the motive and the means.

A pretty decent and undemanding mystery that kept me guessing and – just about – held my interest throughout. I listened to an audio version which was capably narrated by Ellen Archer.

After reading and loving The Couple Next Door by the same author, I jumped at the chance to listen to Not A Happy Family.  It unravels the story behind the brutal murder of a wealthy couple and is told from multiple points of view.  At times, and this is unusual for me, I found myself getting confused as to whose point of view I was listening to, although I think that was down to the fact that I was listening to this as an audiobook rather than reading.
I enjoyed this and had a few theories going through my head as to who the killer was and why, and i did end up guessing the culprit in the end
There were a few times I was left with my mouth hanging open and my hands still in the washing up bowl, but I definitely think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read it.
I rate 3.5⭐ for an enjoyable, suspensful and recommended read.

"Not a happy family" is one helluvan understatement. There is actual loathing aplenty in this fabulously wealthy but highly dysfunctional family, and when a bloody, gory double-murder takes place after a fraught family dinner on Easter Sunday, it is no surprise that suspicion falls upon the three children of strangled Sheila and slain Fred Merton of New York State. All three kids (aged 27-33, or thereabouts) stand to inherit many millions of dollars each which is a good enough reason for a murder, should he/she/they get away with it, given there is truly no love lost between parents and children - or among the siblings.
All characters were despicable, excluding the former nanny now housekeeper, but even she cannot be fully trusted considering she found the bodies on Tuesday morning and decided to clean and put away the murder weapon... mmmmh.

This is a "whodunnit" with all the possible "whos" pointing fingers at each other from the get-go. It reminded me quite a bit of the film "Knives Out" but without the humour - but still written as if it were just waiting for a TV adaptation; a screenplay with a lot of dialogue and returns to the same characters and locations (murder scene, oldest sister Catherine's house, Dan's place and the police station). Aunt Audrey, another beneficiary and murder suspect, is so unpleasant that I found myself rooting for her to be killed or be the killer. Ha!

A fast-paced read, not as predictable as it seems, and with obvious potential for that screen adaptation.

Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for this advance audio copy in return for an honest review.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my audio version of Not a Happy Family. What an understatement that title is! What a bunch of extremely unpleasant characters we meet throughout the book, not a redeeming feature between them!

I felt that the story lagged in places and there were than a few happy coincidences used to move the plot forward. Whilst listening I struggled to work out who had murdered the Mertons but apparently even the police couldn't decide beyond all doubt. Having said that it wasn't an unsatisfactory ending.

I liked the narration very much, I don't enjoy listening to readers 'putting on' unconvincing voices and it really isn't too difficult to know the characters without them being given 'voices', it is a book reading after all, not a play.

Decent narration that leaves the story to the words. That's always a good thing.
This is a real rollercoaster ride of a story where the ending was a surprise in that it actually was one of the people you thought committed the murder.
These people are all absolutely vile but looking at their bloodline that's hardly surprising. A good read that keeps you guessing

Thanks to NetGalley and the Penguin Random House UK Audio for an audiobook ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Absolutely I loved this book and I was gripped throughout. The story was about a dysfunctional relationships between the family members, in which the truth was revealed gradually and I would say it's hardly to guess till the end. Secrets, lies, greed, jealousy revenge etc were getting my full attention and I was mesmerized in it. A lot of great twists and turns interweaved along the book and you’re never really sure what happened next. The narrator was brilliant and the author is so genius at weaving a tense plot that hooked me and kept me hanging in suspense. Definitely it's great audiobook because the narrator preformed excellent and appropriate. Overall, I
was really enjoy and lost myself in listening.

A sensational book! Not a short one by any standards, the story of the vicious murder of a couple kept me on tenterhooks. All of their adult children were under suspicion, plus a couple of other relatives... None of the chapters were likable, but it did not take away from my enjoyment!

I was drawn to this book by the author, having read a few of her titles but never listened to any of the audiobooks. I really enjoy an audio book where each character/chapter is narrated by a different person so at first I found the narrator a little drone and boring. However the story of the Mertons and their parents murder had me enthralled. I listened solidly for 2 days - the quickest I’ve listened to an audiobook as I was so intrigued.

A brilliant whodunnit!

#NotAHappyFamily by #ShariLapena is another #thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. I’m glad this was an audio book as I would have been too tempted to flick to the end to find the big reveal. At varying points I suspected each and every character – this shows just how great the author is. The story takes places on Easter Sunday and reveals a truly dysfunctional family. As the story progresses some truly reprehensible characters are portrayed, all of which are very believable. True sociopathy, greed and self preservation. This was a listen in one sitting for me.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #penguinrandomhouseukaudio for gifting me this #ARC in exchange for an honest review.