A review by ajnel
Keep It in the Family by John Marrs

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Finn and Mia moved out of their respective suburban flats to pursue their dream of a place in the country.  Unfortunately, one sale after the other fell through and they ended up living Finn's mom and dad for almost a year.  When a property, which has been standing vacant for almost 30 years, comes on the market, they purchase the said money pit as a fixer upper.  While fixer upping, they discover seven suitcases with the remains of seven children in a hidden room.  Mia, having just given birth, becomes somewhat obsessed with the mystery and soon starts to ruffle feathers, including those of Finn's dad.  A very dark psychological thriller with some decent twists and turns and multiple mysteries.  Marrs really shines at getting us to glimpse into the world and mind of a very different serial killer.  The use of multiple narrators really worked well in bringing a pretty unique but small cast of characters to live in a psychologically unsettling and almost macabre manner.