25 Sep Unraveling Family Secrets: A Darkly Humorous Journey in ‘Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone’
Book Review: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
From the moment I stumbled upon the intriguing title of Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, I felt an irresistible pull—a mix of curiosity and trepidation. Who could resist a darkly humorous mystery that causes you to ponder your own family’s skeletons? Here we find a clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery that keeps you guessing while eliciting hearty chuckles. Spoiler: it didn’t disappoint!
At its heart, we meet Ern Cunningham, a lovable, slightly neurotic narrator who candidly confesses his family’s criminal past. His wry humor shines through as he unravels a plot thick with secrets, lies, and—yes—murder. Right from the opening line, I appreciated how Stevenson subverts the typical family reunion trope (because really, who wants to reminisce about Aunt Gertrude while dodging snowstorms and bodies?). The narrative draws readers into a snowbound ski lodge in Australia, reminding us it can get chilly down under—who knew?
The characters are a wonderfully messy collection of personalities, each more complicated than the last. Ern’s family dynamics are like a jigsaw puzzle: intriguing but often chaotic. His brother, stepsister, and even his mother each have their secrets lurking behind their facades. As I read, I often found myself rooting for Ern, empathizing with his awkwardness and his attempts to make sense of his clan while searching for the truth. The tension ebbed and flowed brilliantly, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s classic style but tinged with an eccentric modernity.
What truly clinched my adoration for this novel was Stevenson’s writing style. The first-person narration allowed me to feel intimately connected to Ern’s thoughts and quips, making every twist and turn feel personal. His clever playfulness—he even hints at where the murders occur—was not just refreshing; it felt like an invitation to join him in piecing together this absurd yet dangerous puzzle. One standout quote that resonated with me was Ern’s remark about the nature of family and chaos: “Some of us are good, others are bad, and some just unfortunate.” This exploration of family flaws through the lens of humor makes the narrative not just amusing but also deeply relatable.
For anyone who appreciates a balance of humor with their suspense, or who simply enjoys a clever twist on the classic “who done it,” this book is a must-read. It will appeal to fans of Richard Osman and those who love a good laugh amidst the bloodshed, as it masterfully dances between genres. If you’ve ever pondered your own family’s history and laughed at the absurdity of it all, Stevenson’s tale will leave you chuckling and reflecting long after you turn the last page.
In sum, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone isn’t just a book—it’s an experience filled with charm, wit, and just the right amount of drama. So grab your copy, curl up, and prepare for a delightful ride through murder, mayhem, and family reunions that will keep you guessing!
Happy reading!
You can find Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel here >>
