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aleen_elizabeth's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Deadnaming, Death, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Outing, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Classism
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was excited to pick up this book after I had seen some reviews about it on TikTok.
"Murder in the Family" is a fictious true crime book that follows the famous murder of Luke Ryder. In 2003, Luke Ryder was found murdered in his backyard. He was Guy Howard's, a famous filmmaker, stepfather. Now, on the twenty-year anniversary of the crime, Guy wants to create a new show in which he assembles the world's best team to finally solve the case.
One aspect that really appealed to me about this book, and something I really enjoyed, was that the story was told in a mixed media format. The majority of the book is interview style, that follows the experts as they sit at a round table to discuss the case. There are also emails, voicemails, and other different forms of communication that help to make this story come to life.
I think the premise and idea for this mystery is interesting, and the ultimate reveal of the killer was intriguing, but for the pieces that led to the reveal, I felt like it was easy to predict. I knew from very early on that one person was involved, so when it was revealed that they were indeed a part of this murder, I was slightly disappointed. The actual killer was not surprising, but it was not my first suspect either. I did enjoy playing along and trying to solve the case before the experts did.
I kind of wish this was a true crime show, because it would make for a very captivating show. The way it is written and the way things are cut and revealed in each "episode" was genius.
I think this is a very fun, differently written book that will captivate any true crime fan.
"Murder in the Family" is a fictious true crime book that follows the famous murder of Luke Ryder. In 2003, Luke Ryder was found murdered in his backyard. He was Guy Howard's, a famous filmmaker, stepfather. Now, on the twenty-year anniversary of the crime, Guy wants to create a new show in which he assembles the world's best team to finally solve the case.
One aspect that really appealed to me about this book, and something I really enjoyed, was that the story was told in a mixed media format. The majority of the book is interview style, that follows the experts as they sit at a round table to discuss the case. There are also emails, voicemails, and other different forms of communication that help to make this story come to life.
I think the premise and idea for this mystery is interesting, and the ultimate reveal of the killer was intriguing, but for the pieces that led to the reveal, I felt like it was easy to predict. I knew from very early on that one person was involved, so when it was revealed that they were indeed a part of this murder, I was slightly disappointed. The actual killer was not surprising, but it was not my first suspect either. I did enjoy playing along and trying to solve the case before the experts did.
I kind of wish this was a true crime show, because it would make for a very captivating show. The way it is written and the way things are cut and revealed in each "episode" was genius.
I think this is a very fun, differently written book that will captivate any true crime fan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content