A review by anna_mayes
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena 
 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
 
“But all fairytales are tinged with darkness.” 
 
Not A Happy Family is a fast paced thriller where everyone is a suspect. I had a few ideas about who the killer would be, but I was able to narrow it down to two. Luckily, one of my guesses was correct. Shari Lapena keeps you guessing by using alternating perspective chapters. I love when authors do this because it allows you to see the same event from multiple perspectives. The alternating chapters showed the distrust among the Merton family and solidified the motives that each character had for killing Fred and Sheila. I did not like most of the characters in this novel, but I do love family drama. The Merton family is so dysfunctional that I would actually like a second book! A book on Fred Merton’s upbringing would be fascinating. Or a follow up on what happens after the Merton children receive their inheritance. Either way, I could not turn the pages fast enough and I can’t wait to get my hands on another Shari Lapena book! 
 
I recommend this Not A Happy Family for anyone who likes reading domestic suspense! 
 
CW: Murder, Stalking, Emotional Abuse
Expand filter menu Content Warnings