Not a Happy Family

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena is an expertly plotted and enjoyable ‘whodunit’.

In an opulent mansion, Fred and Sheila Merton host dinner for their three adult children. The occasion is spoiled by Fred's vindictive behaviour, and the evening ends on a sour note. Hours later, the older couple are brutally murdered. Catherine, Dan and Jenna appear to be devastated by the loss of their parents, but because they each stand to inherit millions, they are all key suspects. Was it a member of this spectacularly dysfuctional family who committed the hideous crime? Or did some outsider, with a grudge against the fabulously wealthy Mertons, take a bloody revenge?

Shari Lapena drives the action along by taking her readers inside the minds of her characters. Cleverly, she manages to do this without revealing any clues to their guilt or innocence. There are several sub-plots (some more intriguing than others) which throw in red herrings, and a satisfying twist at the end. The author’s use of present tense creates a sense of urgency. The main characters are realistic and interesting, but too flawed to invite empathy. This means the reader can approach the mystery without emotion, as a puzzle to be solved.

I recommend Not a Happy Family to fans of murder mysteries with a hint of domestic noir.Not a Happy Family