Keep It in the Family

Very rarely have I read a thriller that truly kept me guessing until the VERY end; this, however, was one of those books. If you are in any online “booktok” spaces, you have probably seen a reference to Finn’s iconic Chapter 39 (if not, no worries, you will know it when you get there!). This single chapter is what enticed me to read this book, but boy, I was not prepared for all of the twists and turns that would be thrown at me. This novel employs three different perspectives. We get to see both Mia and Finn’s points of view, a happily married couple who are renovating their first home and navigating unexpected parenthood, along with an unnamed narrator who previously committed horrible crimes in the aforementioned home. Identifying this narrator and their connection to the family home drives the mystery. It kept me guessing throughout the entire novel; just when I thought I had connected all the dots, something would come to light and prove me wrong. The twists kept on twisting! I wish I could say more, but I truly believe that going into this novel blind made it all the better. The adrenaline from this book made it hard for me to sit still! I wasn’t just on the edge of my seat- I spent the majority of my time audibly gasping and pacing the floor (literally). *** SPOILER/TRIGGER WARNING AHEAD!!!!! *** While most thrillers are, well, thrilling, I must warn readers that the “traumatic discovery” is the murder of multiple children. This isn’t a topic that is just briefly mentioned once or twice; it is a motif throughout the book, up until the very end. I know that the death of children can be particularly triggering for some readers, especially when the main character is a pregnant wife/new mother who is struggling with the transition to motherhood. The description of the crimes was not gruesome, but the plot does heavily rely on victimized children.

This was my second John Marrs novel and while I didn't love it as much as the first(What Lies Between Us). It was still enjoyable for what it was. I mean I binged it in one day so...enough said. The book starts out strong and pulling me in completely with its alternating timelines and POVs. Very early on the book you can tell that something is not quite right with this family and there's a sense of foreboding lurking on the pages of this book. They were some twists and turns early on in the book that kept me intrigued and unable to look away. I also really appreciated the fact that the author didn't to go into too much detail with the murders. Most of the victims were children so I'm really glad when a lot of it was left to the imagine and it wasn't in gory detail. I didn't care for any of the characters, they were all pretty unlikable but that wasn't a huge issue for me because I was engrossed in the story. The book features a lot of back and forth, you're led to believe one thing and then it takes a whole different direction-keeping me on my toes at all times. However, there is a section of this book that was a bit boring for me. I think one major event happened too early on causing the author to use a lot of fluff to fill out the pages. This is just my opinion. The ending was a little too drawn out for my liking as well, but also in another breath, I'm glad he didn't leave any stone unturned. Having said that, that epilogue chilled me to the bone. I mean talk about twisted, sick and demented. If the ominous endings is something I can look forward to with this author then I am all for his work. . . . They're many trigger warnings in this book such as; Infanticide, miscarriages, my least favorite trope of all(CHEATING), child abuse, kidnapping, murder, mentions of self harm and anorexia. An enjoyable thriller filled with betrayal, lies, a twisted family and lots and lots of killing. I will never look at another suitcase the same way again.

This story turns an ordinary house flip into a nightmare treasure hunt full of secrets, shivers, and family darkness that crawls right under your skin. The author doesn't just throw twists; he launches them like surprise confetti grenades. Every time i thought I had it figured out, more shocking things would happen! the reveals are wild in the best "I need to talk about this but dont want to spoil it" way, and the atmosphere? Creepy enough to make you side-eye your own floorboards. Disturbing in the most addictive way!

Finally got to the infamous chapter 39 line. I will say, I normally love John Marrs. This one was a really hard read, probably because I'm a mom to young kids myself. Should have stopped, and didn't. Excellent twists in it, but the content just was not for me.

John Marrs has once again delivered a chilling and masterfully crafted thriller with Keep It in the Family. This book is a haunting exploration of secrets, lies, and the devastating ripple effects they can have on a family. The story begins with an eerie discovery in a newly purchased home, and from there, the tension only escalates. Marrs does an incredible job of weaving multiple perspectives, each contributing to the growing sense of unease. The twists and turns are brilliantly executed, keeping me guessing right until the very end. What I loved most about this book was how Marrs delved deep into the psychology of his characters. Each member of the family has their own burdens and motivations, making them feel real and relatable, even when their actions were shocking. The way the layers of the mystery are peeled back is nothing short of genius. The pacing is perfect, with a balance of suspense and emotional depth that makes it impossible to put the book down. It’s a dark and unsettling story, but it’s also incredibly compelling and thought-provoking. Keep It in the Family is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers. Marrs has proven yet again that he’s a master of the genre, delivering a story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

What kind of family is this???? When it gets to the point where you think you’ve got it all solved, the author surprises you even more. It it goes on and on til the last page.

It is safe to say that John Marrs has a mind that works differently than most. His storytelling is beautifully twisted, and for those of us who enjoy diving into the darker corners of fiction, his style is a perfect match. I am once again blown away by how he manages to keep you on the edge of your seat from the very first page until the final sentence. Marrs is a master of the "unexpected." While reading, you might feel clever and think you’ve caught onto one of his secrets, but don't get comfortable. Just as you think you have a handle on the truth, he hits you with a wave of reveals that you could never have guessed in a million years. The sheer number of plot turns he throws at you is incredible; they hit fast, hard, and right when you least expect them. I won't say a single word about the plot itself. This book doesn't just ask for your attention—it grabs you with both hands and refuses to let go. Whether you read the summary or go in completely "blind," nothing can truly prepare you for the journey ahead. The story is so gripping that you won't be able to look away. My Advice: Clear your schedule and turn off your phone. Grab a cup of your favorite drink. Wrap yourself in your comfiest blanket. Prepare to be stunned. This is a near-perfect thriller that proves once again why John Marrs is in a league of his own.

I have never been more flabbergasted

Read it in two days. You won’t see the last turn coming, and it’ll leave you wondering forever. I’m for sure going to read more of Marrs, since he writes flawlessly and really makes you dive into the story.