Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson Review

Hello Readers,

I’ll be honest I picked up this book because of the title, and I never expected it to be this much fun.


Our charmingly narrator, Ernest Cunningham, invites us into the absurdly entertaining world of his dysfunctional family. His chatty, conversational style makes the story feel intimate, keeping the mystery suspenseful while adding sharp humour. As the bodies pile up, Ernest proves to be a witty and generous guide, offering timely recaps and insights.

A crime fiction author himself, Ernest kicks things off with a playful breakdown of the genre’s 'rules,' assuring us he’s a trustworthy narrator though, as in any great mystery, that’s not quite the case. Told in first person, the novel brilliantly blends detective fiction’s classic elements, with Ernest playing both Sherlock and Watson while cleverly adhering to Knox’s Ten Commandments of the genre.

The real magic lies in its style: razor-sharp wit and dry humour fill every page. It’s a complex, brilliantly constructed mystery that demands attention, weaving together clues with precision. Balancing cleverness with emotional depth is no small feat, but Stevenson pulls it off masterfully.

Beyond the mystery, what makes this novel shine is its quirky humour, smart literary nods, and pitch-perfect voice. The twists, misdirection, and dynamic character relationships make it utterly engrossing. You’re never quite sure what’s true until the final reveal—and that’s what makes it such a joy to read.
This darkly humorous, razor-sharp thriller had me laughing out loud while keeping me on edge. A must-read for fans of intelligent, witty, and brilliantly crafted mysteries.

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