Book Review: Keep It in the Family by [Author’s Name]
When I first stumbled upon Keep It in the Family, I was immediately drawn in by its tantalizing premise—a couple finding new beginnings in an old house, only to uncover a tapestry of dark secrets woven into its walls. Little did I know that while the concept was captivating, the execution would leave me feeling somewhat bewildered.
Set in a seemingly idyllic but troubled home, we meet Mia and Finn, who invest everything they have into restoring their old house in hopes of starting a family. As Mia discovers she’s pregnant, the excitement quickly morphs into dread when she finds a chilling message carved into the nursery wall. From there, the tension mounts as layers of past horrors unfold, threatening Mia, her newborn, and their future.
One of the standout features of this novel is its ambitious narrative structure, told through the first-person perspectives of six different characters. While this approach does offer a multifaceted view of events, I found myself grappling with the timeline shifts and character motivations, often leading to moments of confusion. The decision to switch perspectives—including those of Mia’s father-in-law, Dave, and her mother-in-law, Debbie—added to the tension, but it also diluted the overall impact of the suspense. Some of their secrets felt unnecessarily dragged out, and I found myself wishing for a more straightforward approach.
The writing style offered some respite, as I breezed through the pages, but it lacked the depth needed to fully engage me emotionally. Instead of being swept away by the plot, I often felt at arm’s length from the characters’ experiences. While thrillers often thrive on unlikeable characters, too many here felt distant or unlikable—aside from Mia, who, despite her flaws, remains the most relatable. DC Mark, a side character, piqued my interest, but his potential was never fully realized.
The twists that crop up around the 63% mark of the book might appeal to readers who revel in unraveling mystery after mystery. However, for me, it became repetitive and predictable. I found myself sighing as yet another twist emerged, often guessing the outcome before it was revealed. This was particularly disappointing because it dampened the sense of thrill I hoped to experience, culminating in an epilogue that—while trying to deliver surprise—felt all too familiar.
I genuinely believe that with tighter editing and a more cohesive narrative approach, Keep It in the Family could have been a remarkable thriller. It certainly has potential, especially considering the author’s prior works that I’ve enjoyed. For those who are fans of family dramas interwoven with suspense, this book might find a place on your shelf, though I’d advise approaching it with tempered expectations.
To wrap up, Keep It in the Family features an intriguing premise with a narrative that didn’t fully deliver. If you’re drawn to stories about family dynamics laced with dark secrets, you might enjoy this read. Just be prepared for some convoluted storytelling along the way. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC; these thoughts are entirely my own and reflect my honest opinion about the book.
P.S.: And a little note to the author—can we please dial back on the ‘press the right buttons’ trope? It’s a tad cringeworthy!
Happy reading! 📚
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