Thriller Review: Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena

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Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

   


   Not a Happy Family is written by Shari Lapena and is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House. In it, we are introduced to Sheila and Fred Merton. They have invited their family to Easter dinner at their large home in the affluent neighborhood of Brecken Hill.

  By the next day, they lie murdered in their home. 

  As family members and acquaintances are introduced and questioned, it is clear that one of them has murdered the Mertons. And what they will do to keep their secret may cause the death of another.

  Not a Happy Family was a day-read for me. It is fun, fast-paced, and delivers twist after twist. I loved the family drama interlaced throughout the story. Lapena understands how to craft a mystery that has the reader stumped. As I was introduced to the cast of characters I enjoyed their backstories. They gave me plenty of suspects to choose from. When the reveal was delivered at the end, I was excited to see if I had chosen correctly. 

  I read Not a Happy Family in part with the narration of actress, Ellen Archer. She gave performance that included various voices, which added to the story's depth. I enjoyed her work on this novel. 

  I gave Not a Happy Family four stars. It gave me some excellent family drama and a thrilling finale. Shari Lapena once again reminded me why I love her books.

     Let me know what you are reading in the comments below.

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  Because there is always time to read,

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