The Family Plot

I have to admit I read this months ago (& forgot to review it) yet it still stays with me. I loved Megan's Behind the Red Door, so I knew I had to read The Family Plot.

The Lighthouse family takes crime-lover obsession to a whole other level, with each of the Lighthouse kids named after murder victims. In their island home, dubbed Murder Manor by the locals, the kids are homeschooled, with their education pretty much consisting of studying true crime stories and murder. This, of course, only adds to the rumors and mysteriousness surrounding the family in their small island community.

Dahlia and her twin brother, Andy, were set to leave just before their 16th birthday, but Andy disappears just before, so Dahlia leaves without him. When she returns 10 years later, after the death of her father, she's shocked to learn that Andy was killed years ago, his body found in her father's plot, his skull split open by an ax. Gone for all these years and she never knew...

Creeping, dark, chilling, and haunting best describe this story. Incredibly unique plot and nothing like anything I've read before! A page-turner that I couldn't put down and so spooky, I couldn't get it out of my head! A highly recommended, fabulous book about one family's unexpected history and gruesome secrets.

A fun time, but the commentary on True Crime culture was half-baked. It felt like she thought she was really saying something, but I couldn't exactly tell what it was. I really disliked the mom character. But overall, fun!

4 Stars

I binged this in one day. It was so good. The fall vibes we're immaculate, you could hear the crunch of the fall leaves. Literally the perfect setting.

I wanted more creepy house and less family drama.

God, this book has the worst pacing of any book I've ever read. The twists were completely predictable, and I was mostly bored throughout.

God, this book has the worst pacing of any book I've ever read. The twists were completely predictable, and I was mostly bored throughout.

This was just a strong meh. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone but also wouldn't discourage someone who said they were thinking of reading it.

Throughout this entire book I couldn't help but think I would rather be in ANY other characters head rather than our MCs. She as by far the most boring person

From characters named after murder victims to an eerie, isolated setting - it doesn't get more isolated than an island, right? – The Family Plot by Megan Collins is penned with killer precision. This is my second novel by Ms. Collins and I loved Behind the Red Door this novel was no different. The Lighthouse family knows everything there is to know about murderers and serial killers. They were home-schooled by their mom. She had been obsessed with true crime since her parents were murdered. Hence her children are named after murdered famous people. They are proficient in how murders occurred as well as placement of the murder victim's body. Can you imagine that being the home school that you are accustomed to? Being a true-crime lover it would be cool and a bit twisted, and I think that is what drew me to this book.
Dahlia Lighthouse knew her family was different and did not fit in. How many families have the sheriff of the community constantly in their backyard with a flashlight? But the children stuck together until they were of the age to be able to leave the island. Then they moved away. Except when Dahlia left, she had to leave alone. Dahlia had a twin, Andy who had promised they would leave together. But on their sixteenth birthday, Andy disappeared, leaving a note. Dahlia was heartbroken that he left without her. So when Dahlia was able to leave the island, she spent all her time and energy trying to find out where her brother had gone and why he left without her. The death of their father brings everyone back but Andy why? What we find is that in the plot where their father is supposed to go we find the body of sixteen-year-old Andy. The story that unfolds after the body is found is one I think you should as the reader journey on your own. What I can say is that it is as spooky and as unexpected as you think and it is worth every page turn. After reading the arc I not only bought the ebook for a friend but have the audiobook for myself considering this was a book I will read again when Ms. Collins brings out her next book.

3.5 Rounded to 3

This was a quick and mostly enjoyable read. I loved the premise of this one as I am a crime fiction fan and enjoy true crime shows and books.

This one isn't bad but it's also not great. There are a few parts that are repetitive to the point of annoyance but I'm sure that's just a personal irritation.

I did enjoy the way it plays out at the end even though I had a feeling it was going to play out in some twisted way like that. I did not see Andy's killer being who it was though and that fit really well into the storyline.

Overall, not a bad read and one I'd say grab if you enjoy crime fiction and family drama.