mtnest's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Moderate: Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Cursing, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Violence, Infidelity, Bullying, Blood, Kidnapping, Confinement, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Death of parent
syellico's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Kidnapping, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Violence, Alcohol, Blood, Cancer, Mental illness, and Murder
kaylasbookgram's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This locked door thriller definitely hit all the marks for me when looking for a good book. I especially love crime thrillers as you try to figure out who did the crime along with the detectives. This book had so many suspects and each one had a reason to do the crime and the end result was one I was leaning towards but was also shocking with a twist I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to pick up the next book in this series I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Detective Shana.
Moderate: Confinement, Death of parent, Alcohol, Bullying, Chronic illness, Emotional abuse, Murder, Toxic relationship, Blood, Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Death, Grief, Infidelity, and Injury/Injury detail
emallovesreading's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Moderate: Blood, Murder, and Violence
soobooksalot's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have seen Death In The Family by Tessa Wegert all over Bookstagram. I love locked-room thrillers and knew I needed to read it. I bought this one and the sequel at the same time.
So glad I did! Death In The Family was as good as I expected and more.
Senior Investigator Shana Merchant has had a traumatic year, and has been rebuilding herself after a psychological trauma.
Back to active duty, she and fellow investigator Tom Wellington are called to the remote Tern Island, barren but for a sprawling home belonging to the Sinclair family. Grandson Jasper is missing, and a large amount of blood suggests he is more than on the lam. A storm is keeping everyone in place while the investigation turns to each of those present during Jasper's final known hours.
There are some major Agatha Christie/Clue vibes here, with a dark and modern-day feel and some wonderfully flawed characters.
I read 2/3 of this book in a day. Un-putdownable, to be sure.
I haven't even read the sequel, The Dead Season, and yet can't wait for the third installment.
Recommended!
Moderate: Blood, Infidelity, Murder, and Kidnapping
Minor: Cancer and Death of parent
thrillofthepage's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I loved the secluded island setting because it magnified the idea of being stranded with an unknown killer and cast everyone in a suspicious light. Like Shana, I suspected every member of the Sinclair family and didn’t trust anyone’s account of the events of the prior evening. I really enjoyed how Wegert crafted motives for everyone, but none of the red herrings unlikely or exaggerated. The family drama and secrets brought to light provided an additional layer to the plot.
Shana Merchant is a great character! She recently “recovered” from a traumatic experience during her time working in law enforcement in New York City. She is attempting to start fresh in a small town with a new police force in hopes that the dark crimes of NYC are behind her. Throughout the story we are granted glimpses into Shana’s past and how it impacts her actions, thoughts, and investigative skills in the present. As a result of her past trauma, Shana is somewhat of a loose cannon, but it made the story all the more interesting.
I highly recommend Death in the Family for fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware. This is the first book in the series and I’m excited to see what’s next for Shana Merchant!
Graphic: Blood and Death
Moderate: Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship