Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone

Description: Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once. I'm not trying to be dramatic, but it is the truth. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some just unfortunate. I'm Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I'd killed whoever decided our family reunion should be at a ski resort, but it's a little more complicated than that. Have I killed someone? Yes. I have. Who was it? Let's get started.

Review: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is probably one of the most hyped and talked about mystery debuts. It has a very catchy premise and is taking advantage of the popularity of Knives Out. I think your mileage for this book will be if you can tolerate the narrator Ern.

  Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a meta-mystery. Our narrator, Ern, is a self published author who earns his money swindling novice writers who want to be successful mystery writers. There are lots of discussion on the framework of a mystery, which cut in and out of the main story as Ern breaks down the fourth wall and talks directly to the reader. At first I found Ern's comments about mystery plot devices to be amusing and clever, but then it became tedious and actually quite condescending. I find myself able to digest a 'clever', fourth wall breaking mystery more tolerable as a TV show like PBS's Annika or as a voice-over narrator in a movie where a viewer might not get to see everything on screen. In other words there is a reason why that fourth wall is broken, but in this book it's just a gimmick and a way for the character/auhor? to remind you how clever he is. There is even a chapter and a half (I think it's like 14.5) in which the entire plot is summarized for you.

   When it comes to the actual mystery of the book, it was simply okay. It's a spin on the locked room or in this case ski resort with multiple characters who have multiple motives. Despite the adult language, it leans towards the cozy mystery side as the violence isn't graphic and it takes mostly off page. It's been a few weeks since I finished it and I can't recall any of the characters except for Ern. I don't think this is a series that I'll continue reading. I like a chewy mystery, but not one in which I'm meant to feel stupid and be beholden to the author's brilliance. 

Rating: 3 stars

Words of Caution: There is some language. Most of the violence takes place off the page. Recommended for teens and adults. 

If you like this book try: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, Peter Diamond series by Peter Lovesey