Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone

cant tell if i enjoy this one more or its sequel. same issues of pacing but still clever and enjoyable if not a little predictable with the main plot ending. fun to read about loser men scrambling about much cooler women

There is certainly a unique voice to this ‘murder mystery in exclusion' story and the writer does a fanstastic job playing with tropes and building a tone/vibe that is extremely engaging right from the get-go. The characters, along with very strong dialogue, have a way of making the intrigue that is created even more interesting and even the exposition is not overdone or overplayed. The nature and role of the protagonist is also one that seems somewhat fresh and his personality certainly makes this a really enjoyabe read.

This was my October book recommended by a friend. Thanks, Julia and Andy, for the many great book recommendations you guys give me! I wanted to pick something fitting the spooky season, and this title seemed promising on that front.

This was a really fun mystery novel! I thought the framing device (the narrator is an author who writes books on how to write mystery novels...) was really fun, and of course the idea that everyone has killed someone is also a great twist. This is a book full of classic mystery themes modernized and lightly satirized. I almost (but not quite) guessed the reveal at the end, which felt pretty satisfying. I did get slightly confused along the way about who was who and how everyone was connected, but outside of that a pretty solid read.

I’ve been wanting to read a whodunnit mystery ever since watching the movie “knives out”, and this book definitely satisfied that craving. The plot is a little complicated, but it plays fair. The details that are sprinkled throughout the story are believable and come together beautifully during the big reveal.

I’ve seen other reviews mention that the narrator breaking the fourth wall was “trying too hard” or “difficult to follow”. But I think it’s a matter of taste. I personally loved those parts. I feel like it added to the main character’s personality.

And did I mention that this novel is funny too? It might not be for everyone, but I’d recommend it if you have a dark sense of humor. The plot deals with some heavy themes at times, but I never felt weighted down after a reading session thanks to the humorous tone of the book.

It was just ok for me. kinda bland

Summary: From the beginning of his story, narrator Ernest Cunningham tells his reader that everyone in his family has, in fact, killed someone: some have committed outright homicide, some have killed in self-defense, some have committed manslaughter, but all have in some way contributed to someone’s demise. Ernie also provides the reader with a list of the page numbers of the book on which deaths will occur.

Despite all these giveaways in the books preface, the story that follows of Ernie’s family’s reunion at a ski resort, and the mystery that unfolds there is compelling and surprising, not to mention an absolute delight to read. The book elicits a similar feeling to the one that Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club inspires.

I've read a lot of murder mysteries and this is one of the funniest ones I've ever read that was also still riveting and managed to surprise me. The constant breaks in the 4th wall were very well done.

The next book in this series was recommended but I like to start with the first book in a series. After getting in a ways, I realized I wasn't being drawn in by the story or the characters because murder mysteries are not a genre I like to read.

I'm giving it a 3 because the story, writing, pace and characters are all done well.

“[b:Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone 60879779 Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone (Ernest Cunningham, #1) Benjamin Stevenson https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663127884l/60879779.SY75.jpg 94183542]” by [a:Benjamin Stevenson 18206333 Benjamin Stevenson https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] is a novel that, much like an overwrought comedian who never quite finds his audience, fails to strike the right chord with me. It promises a thrilling blend of mystery and dark humour but ultimately falls flat in both realms.From the outset, Stevenson's attempts to break the fourth wall are incessant and intrusive. The protagonist, Ernest, a novelist writing his own story, constantly reminds us of his authorial presence. This technique, rather than being clever or engaging, becomes a regular source of annoyance. For instance, at one point, he states:»I'll hold it here to mention that I know some authors are incapable of having a woman throw up without it being a clue to a pregnancy. These same authors seem to think nausea is the only indication of childbearing, not to mention their belief that vomit shoots out the woman's mouth within hours of plot-convenient fertilization. By some authors, I mean male ones. Far be it from me to tell you which clues to pay close attention to, but Sofia's not pregnant, okay? She's allowed to throw up of her own volition.«The author tries too hard to be funny, and the humour rarely lands. Ernest's self-aware commentary and sardonic wit are overplayed and fail to elicit the intended amusement.The book's primary claim to fame is its meta-narrative approach — a novelist writing his tale while being a character within it — but this ends up being a double-edged sword. While it might appeal to those who enjoy a postmodern twist, it did not work for me at all. The narrative remains disappointingly flat, with frequent self-reflections that add little to the story's depth or allure. Ernest's humour, rather than endearing, feels forced and sleazy, like a jaded comedian overstaying his welcome at the microphone.»I have to be aware that you're aware I'm writing this all down, is what I'm trying to say.«Stevenson's style largely fails to capture the spirit of the classic “Golden Age of Mystery” stories he so evidently seeks to emulate. The mystery itself drags aimlessly, with the plot unravelling at a snail's pace. One of the most telling examples of this tedious pacing can be found in the way crucial revelations are handled: The “big reveal” scene in the library of all places significantly lacks the flair of great detectives like Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes. Instead, it feels anticlimactic, leaving me yearning for the sharp wit and keen intellect of those classic sleuths.The second half of the book does pick up somewhat in terms of plot movement, but by then, the damage has been done. The long-winded setup means that what should be thrilling climactic moments feel disjointed and lacklustre. Even the most intriguing parts of the mystery fail to compensate for the overall tedium.Ultimately, I found the novel's attempt to blend humour and mystery underwhelming. The story lacks the urgency and tension that make a great mystery compelling, and the humour comes across as lacklustre rather than engaging. As much as this novel tried to wrap itself in the veneer of old-world charm and intellectual wit, it ultimately felt lazy and unconvincing. I'll be returning to more engaging and less self-indulgent reads. Two out of five stars. Blog Facebook Twitter Mastodon Instagram Pinterest Medium Matrix TumblrCeterum censeo Putin esse delendam

Read for RIM book club, June.

If Guy Richie directed this and it starred most of the characters from the Simpsons, we might be close to capturing the vibe here.
Ernest doesn't listen to the other characters when they are speaking, he breaks the fourth wall so often it is distracting, and he's focused on such tiny, tiny details.
I mean, I swear, this is Lucy's final cigarette.
I got through this but there were too many characters, too much going on and when it was solved I was just like, okay. Sure. Makes sense.
Now I need a nap.

I wouldn't say I'm a mystery junkie, but I do love a well-crafted tale, and since reading "The Mystery of Mrs. Christie" by Marie Benedict I've added more and more mysteries to my TBR. Of the books I've read, "Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone" is definitely the most creative, and one of the most enjoyable. Author Benjamin Stevenson breaks down the fourth wall (is that a thing in literature?) in extremely clever ways that telegraph what is to come without spoiling the plot. Despite all the bread crumbs, the reveal at the end is still extremely satisfying. If you like this book, and want something with an even lighter tone, may I suggest "Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jesse Q. Sutanto. In any case, brilliant work here by Stevenson. I'm on board for the "golden age" of Australian crime fiction. 4.5 stars.

I was drawn in by the title, but about halfway through the book I got bored and then the wrap up at the end felt like a cop out.

3.5 stars
Quick change of pace in between bigger books. A classic style whodunit just took me a while to get into the story

I'm not sure what to rate this one so I'll come back to it. I'm between a 4.5 and a 5. I honestly enjoyed this twist on a murder mystery and the way the narrator broke the 4th wall. There were moments where I laughed out loud and I can honestly say I didn't predict the ending.

Edit: I'm giving it a 5. I really did like it and while I'm not running to read my copy of the 2nd one right away, I definitely am glad I bought it and am excited to read it at some point.

I listen to this book on audiobook and i do recommend that to everyone who wants to read it, since the narrator tries to give life to the MC and make him interesting. However, the mistery isn't all that interesting and the characters not so engaging. Feels a bit like knives out, only with less interesting characters. The MC however is charming enough that you can enjoy this well enough, especially through the audiobook.

3.5

i really enjoyed the writing in this but for some reason it didn't keep me engaged.

3.75 *
Even if it is not a hardcore murder mystery, I was hooked on the narration throughout the book. The reveal in the end is also good and sums up things well.

Good read!

Soooo good! Mouth agape the whole entire time! The writing is so clever and I just love the protagonist!

Book Talk Fail.

I decided to read this book because many of the YouTubers I follow and watch for book recommendations highly praised it.. I am also on a quest for diverse reads this year, I delved into this mystery/thriller with high hopes. Despite the enticing premise and the initial smart and witty vibe, the novel fell short of expectations. The author's frequent break of the 3rd wall promised transparency but gradually veered into pretentiousness.

While there were moments of genuine humor, the pacing lacked suspense, and the narrative lacked the anticipated twists. Perhaps, as thriller enthusiasts, we crave a bit of deception for entertainment. Unfortunately, this story turned more confusing than engaging. Although it had its moments and loads of potential, it didn't quite reach greatness. If you're curious, give it a shot, but be prepared for a mixed experience. If my review doesn't discourage you go find this on Amazon or your favorite book sellers.

I don't remember a book that I have enjoyed as much as this one. Awesome plot twists, likeable characters, funny but mysterious at the same time. If all my genre preferences were to be represented in one book would be this one.

Pretty engaging story with a lot going on. I don't think I saw the ending coming, but there sure were enough hints that I wasn't surprised in the end. 

I'm so in awe over the ending how everything tied together. Just... wow.

Honestly, I almost DNF'd after the first chapter, because I'm not a huge fan of the narrator talking to the reader, but considering the narrator is also one of the characters in the book it made it easier for me to go along with. I ended up really liking the style and having direct access to his thoughts and little asides. Also, every time I questioned something or thought the author made a plot hole BAM the narrator mentions it, explains, and I'm perfectly happy to move on– if not slightly grumble-y because I didn't actually catch something, but also amused because all the mystery readers tricks are acknowledged.

The reveal... no spoilers, but I gasped. I shouted “no way!!” aloud as well as “he didn't!” and “WHAT?!” and a few “I can't believe he went there”s thrown in. And yet, the author never lied and the reader is given ALL the information the narrator has. So, while the tone and writing style is unique and feels modern, this read like a classic. I probably feel this moreso as I'm making my way through Hercule Poirot books this year.

I'm so happy I gave this book a try and I am even more excited for the next book. “Snowed in” here and the next one is “locked room” on a train??? My absolute favorites.

Surprisingly upbeat compared to the title, this family story and murder mystery was engaging and had great forward momentum. The plot and style reminded me of a mix of Knives Out and old murder mystery tales.

Fui enganado pelas reviravoltas! Na verdade nem procurei muito descobrir os mistérios e segredos, só fui me deixando levar pelo narrador que conversa com o leitor e vai soltando as coisas aos poucos antes que elas aconteçam. Normalmente não gosto muito dess tipo de escrita, mas aqui não me importei muito, até porque não conseguiria ficar decorando ou procurando o que poderia ser uma pequena pista antes do tempo, então apenas curti a história. Me perdi em alguns momentos (normal kkk) mas gostei muito de como tudo acabou - sem surpresas e sem deus ex machina para o leitor. Como o próprio narrador disse no começo, foi honesto o tempo todo, na medida do possível!