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A review by caterina_x
All of Us Murderers by KJ Charles
5.0
Set in Edwardian times, the story follows our main character, Zeb, as he arrives at a remote mansion at the invitation of his uncle, only to discover that other guests are present, such as his estranged (and terrible) brother, his artist (and terrible) cousin, and his former lover, who isn’t terrible but hates Zeb after the mess of their break-up. After their host makes a surprise announcement about the vast family inheritance, Zeb has to navigate increasingly difficult relations with his family, a tense relationship with his ex, unfriendly staff, an impressionable young woman, a family curse, ghosts and dark family secrets, while they’re all isolated in this gothic mansion surrounded by misty moors. It’s, in other words, a veritable feast of gothicness and if you’re into that, as I am, you’ll love every minute.
I’ve read everything KJ Charles has written, and this is a new favourite. Her pacing is phenomenal as always. I finished this early in the morning because I couldn’t, and didn’t, put it down. It flows magnificently. Zeb’s narration is witty and engaging. There is humour to balance out the bleak moments but also some descriptions of seemingly supernatural incidents that had me shivering with dread (and loving it). The story is brimming with a gothic atmosphere, with the eerie and the inexplicable and the slow descent into madness. The side character cast is another KJC strength, and it shows here in full form: every secondary character is sharp and vivid, distinct from each other, as vibrant as real people. And, boy, they’re all horrible. KJC has written her share of appalling relatives, but this lot takes the cake. Be prepared for absolutely atrocious familial relations.
In the midst of dread and uncertainty, the relationship between Zeb and his ex, Gideon, is the balm we need. There’s palpable longing and raw desire between them, and once they work through their past issues, they’re sweet and lovely, providing some much needed solace.
This is primarily a mystery novel and the mystery of what was happening in the house was well-constructed and kept me absorbed throughout. Without being too spoilery (I hope), I’ll say that I love that it was Zeb’s kindness and empathy that made a difference.
One of my disappointments these days is that I find a lot of the novels published recently are utterly bland and without teeth. Even if not described as ‘cozy’, coziness has seeped into them. Which is why this novel thrilled me: besides the joy in revelling in a gothic story, this is a real and unflinching look at some appalling people and how they abused their immense privilege. It gives the (delightfully eerie and suspenseful) story real substance.
Many, many thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I’ve read everything KJ Charles has written, and this is a new favourite. Her pacing is phenomenal as always. I finished this early in the morning because I couldn’t, and didn’t, put it down. It flows magnificently. Zeb’s narration is witty and engaging. There is humour to balance out the bleak moments but also some descriptions of seemingly supernatural incidents that had me shivering with dread (and loving it). The story is brimming with a gothic atmosphere, with the eerie and the inexplicable and the slow descent into madness. The side character cast is another KJC strength, and it shows here in full form: every secondary character is sharp and vivid, distinct from each other, as vibrant as real people. And, boy, they’re all horrible. KJC has written her share of appalling relatives, but this lot takes the cake. Be prepared for absolutely atrocious familial relations.
In the midst of dread and uncertainty, the relationship between Zeb and his ex, Gideon, is the balm we need. There’s palpable longing and raw desire between them, and once they work through their past issues, they’re sweet and lovely, providing some much needed solace.
This is primarily a mystery novel and the mystery of what was happening in the house was well-constructed and kept me absorbed throughout. Without being too spoilery (I hope), I’ll say that I love that it was Zeb’s kindness and empathy that made a difference.
One of my disappointments these days is that I find a lot of the novels published recently are utterly bland and without teeth. Even if not described as ‘cozy’, coziness has seeped into them. Which is why this novel thrilled me: besides the joy in revelling in a gothic story, this is a real and unflinching look at some appalling people and how they abused their immense privilege. It gives the (delightfully eerie and suspenseful) story real substance.
Many, many thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.