flightyzeus 's review for:

The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
3.0
More of a 3.5 than a 3, but rounding down.

I'm always gripped by Lisa Jewells writing, her characters are so vibrant, and you're instantly pulled into their chaotic lives. This was no exception, and it was fun revisiting these characters for a 2nd time.

However, with the first installment of 16 Cheyne Walks tale of woe, I found it more creepy, fresh, and thoroughly captivating. I was still a fan here in round 2 (and it's nice to see some happy endings play out) but I just don't feel a sequel was necessary...

Rachels story was intriguing, and I very much liked her characters story arc, but other than fleshing out the book a bit - I'm not sure she really fits here. And honestly, how likely is it that she'd be in her ex-hubbies French holiday home, at the exact moment his other ex-wife has murdered him?

Things like this, that mildly irked me before (such as conveniently waltzing between countries on fake passports) are at play again. It simply cannot be that easy
Spoilerto track down a relative stranger in Chicago
. I understand with thrillers you suspend a certain amount of belief, but I can't help but be bothered when
Spoiler everything wrapped up super neatly, and everyone gets away with murder ? Like literally 2x totally separate murders... In 2x totally separate countries, with their own supposedly thorough investigations, and they both close out neatly? It's OK because ultimately you're genuinely rooting for these characters (plus the murdered characters are arseholes), but it just seems too convenient.