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Available
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Series
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Publication
Michael Joseph (2022). 384p.
Description
Fiction. Mystery. Humor (Fiction.) HTML: Knives Out and Clue meet Agatha Christie and The Thursday Murder Club in this "utterly original" (Jane Harper), "not to be missed" (Karin Slaughter), fiendishly clever blend of classic and modern murder mystery. "A witty twist on classic whodunits... Stevenson not only 'plays fair,' he plays the mystery game very, very well." �?? Maureen Corrigan, Washington Post 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. EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE My brother My stepsister My wife My father My mother My sister-in-law My uncle My stepfather My aunt Me… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member bibliovermis
Explicitly following the rules and rhythms of "golden age" mystery novelists, this tightly wound whodunit features a narrator-detective looking back on events, holding all the cards and slowly and tantalizingly turning them over for you. The cards just happen to be about the various deaths caused
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by every member of his own Australian family (criminally or otherwise? You must read carefully to find out) and particularly about the highly dangerous reunion weekend in which they all became very relevant. The narrator/mystery novel expert/snitch turned detective/memoirist somewhat obnoxiously tells you the reader exactly how and when he's going to reveal things, exactly how he's going to obfuscate them, and then proceeds to sneakily reveal things while obfuscating others just as he said. I couldn't put it down; it's precisely my jam! Show Less
LibraryThing member dwcofer
This book is an easily read mystery about a family in which almost everybody (if not everybody) has murdered someone. The story is told by Ernie Cunningham, who not only narrates the story, but is the main character and eventual solver of the crimes (yes, plural).
I did not find the story that
The author tried too hard to force humor into the book and to be funny. But his brand of humor (mostly sad puns) fell flat and were not funny. Also, I did not like how the narrator inserted his own personal comments to the reader. These were annoying and obtrusive to the telling of the story.
Finally, the ending was ridiculous. I thought I was reading a Perry Mason novel in which Perry calls everyone into the room, lays out the facts, and the murderer confesses. I found this staid and forced.
Overall, I give the book two stars as it was mildly entertaining in places, but not a book I would recommend to anyone or desire to want to read again.
I did not find the story that
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engaging or compelling, and at many places wished it was over. The book is about 370 pages, which is way too long to tell the story. Therefore, it bogged down quite often.The author tried too hard to force humor into the book and to be funny. But his brand of humor (mostly sad puns) fell flat and were not funny. Also, I did not like how the narrator inserted his own personal comments to the reader. These were annoying and obtrusive to the telling of the story.
Finally, the ending was ridiculous. I thought I was reading a Perry Mason novel in which Perry calls everyone into the room, lays out the facts, and the murderer confesses. I found this staid and forced.
Overall, I give the book two stars as it was mildly entertaining in places, but not a book I would recommend to anyone or desire to want to read again.
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LibraryThing member Kathl33n
I liked this. It was very engaging. I had a hard time with a sense of place though. In my ignorance I had no idea there was skiing and massive snow storms in Australia, so while I knew the people were from Australia, I had to do my own research to figure out they were actually in Australia and it
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kept me a bit distracted. The first person narrative came across too colloquial for me so I instantly took a dislike to the main character. And his constant reference back to 'the rules' of mystery writing made me think he was distracting me from figuring out he actually wasn't following the rules. When that didn't happen I was disappointed and I think that could have been a more clever book. Though don't get me wrong, as a mystery lover, this was very entertaining and I very much enjoyed it. I also appreciated the MC providing summaries of events and clues along the way which kept all the details very fresh. My thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy. Show Less
LibraryThing member jetangen4571
first-in-series, dark-humor, Australian-author, Australia, family-dynamics, reunion, narrative, relatives, relationships, dual-time-frames, snarky, situational-humor, verbal-humor, murder, mystery, mystery-writer, investigation, snow-season*****
Too much fun! I laughed myself sillier! And the
The (probably) family of manslaughter perpetrators is having a Cunningham family reunion at a resort in the Australian Snowy Mountains when an unknown body is found on the property. Throughout the tale Ern relates that he is applying Roland Knox's "Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction" (1929) and proclaims himself to be a self-published writer of how-to-guides. "I write books about how to write books". Ern is still on the outs with the rest of the family because he testified at the trial of his brother some time ago (Michael hit the man with the bag of money with his car but was not responsible for the GSW), so that scenario adds even more to the fun.
I requested and received an EARC from Mariner Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Too much fun! I laughed myself sillier! And the
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mystery was great, too!The (probably) family of manslaughter perpetrators is having a Cunningham family reunion at a resort in the Australian Snowy Mountains when an unknown body is found on the property. Throughout the tale Ern relates that he is applying Roland Knox's "Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction" (1929) and proclaims himself to be a self-published writer of how-to-guides. "I write books about how to write books". Ern is still on the outs with the rest of the family because he testified at the trial of his brother some time ago (Michael hit the man with the bag of money with his car but was not responsible for the GSW), so that scenario adds even more to the fun.
I requested and received an EARC from Mariner Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member susan.h.schofield
This was a very entertaining whodunit - it had humor, mystery and family drama. There were a lot of characters to keep track of but the author did a good job of managing them. There were a couple of surprising twists and I like how it was all explained in the end. I definitely will be reading more
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by Benjamin Steveson. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC. Show Less
LibraryThing member Twink
Oh my gosh...if you're a fan of "Clue" style mysteries, a clever narrator with a dark sense of humour, a dangerous, dysfunctional family and a plot like no other, you need to pick up Benjamin Stevenson's new book, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone!
I was hooked before I even read the first
Reluctantly, the members of the Cunningham family have gathered together at a remote lodge. In the winter with a storm on the way. With bad cell phone coverage. Old hurts, wrongs, clashes of personalities and secrets soon rear their ugly heads. And then a body is found....
Ernest Cunningham is the narrator and defacto lead sleuth. Ern's voice is full of dark humour, keen observations and questionable actions. Just wait until you meet his family...
"Everyone in my family has killed someone: my brother, my stepsister, my wife, my father, my mother, my mother-in-law, my uncle, my stepfather and me."
You'll need to be on your toes as there are many characters to keep track of. Ern details what is going on, sharing his observations and some of his theories. Are you be keen enough to see what and who the final 'ah hah' moment might be? I certainly wasn't!
Stevenson has written a elaborate plot, one that will keep you guessing. For this reader, it was Ern and the dark humour that kept me up late. Stevenson is an award winning stand-up comedian. I'd say his sense of humour translates well to the written page.
I was hooked before I even read the first
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chapters. The prologue includes the membership oath of a secret society of mystery writers (Including Christie) from 1930, as well as the 1929 Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction from Ronald Knox. Our narrator uses these in the telling of this tale. Reluctantly, the members of the Cunningham family have gathered together at a remote lodge. In the winter with a storm on the way. With bad cell phone coverage. Old hurts, wrongs, clashes of personalities and secrets soon rear their ugly heads. And then a body is found....
Ernest Cunningham is the narrator and defacto lead sleuth. Ern's voice is full of dark humour, keen observations and questionable actions. Just wait until you meet his family...
"Everyone in my family has killed someone: my brother, my stepsister, my wife, my father, my mother, my mother-in-law, my uncle, my stepfather and me."
You'll need to be on your toes as there are many characters to keep track of. Ern details what is going on, sharing his observations and some of his theories. Are you be keen enough to see what and who the final 'ah hah' moment might be? I certainly wasn't!
Stevenson has written a elaborate plot, one that will keep you guessing. For this reader, it was Ern and the dark humour that kept me up late. Stevenson is an award winning stand-up comedian. I'd say his sense of humour translates well to the written page.
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LibraryThing member FlowerchildReads
Buckle up book friends, this genre-bending story is quite a ride! Part murder mystery, part messy family drama, a bit irreverent, matter of fact and slightly gruesome in parts (this reader has a very low gore threshold), with a heavy nod to Agatha Christie, and a large cast of characters. Our
I recommend for lovers of Agatha Christie, and the Knives Out movies! I read in print but trusted reader friends tell me this is also excellent on audiobook so feel comfortable recommending either format.
Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers, Benjamin Stevenson, Bookclub Girl, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
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narrator, Ernest Cunningham, speaks directly to the reader. He’s headed to a family reunion at a remote ski resort where he’ll be seeing his brother newly released from prison. He was the witness that put him there. Ernest tells us upfront the number of deaths that will take place, as well as other plot points. Out of context these aren’t spoilers, but it is a unique style of narration. The cast of characters is large and I wished I’d kept notes as it took me until the midway point to fully catch on to who was who, their relationships, without using the X-ray feature on my ereader. Stephenson does a fantastic job keeping the story moving, with misdirection that may be clues, but are nonetheless relevant to understanding characters, motivations, and connections. This is the first of what is intended to be a series featuring the main character. Ernest Cunningham #2, Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect, is expected in late October, 2023!I recommend for lovers of Agatha Christie, and the Knives Out movies! I read in print but trusted reader friends tell me this is also excellent on audiobook so feel comfortable recommending either format.
Thank you to Harper Collins Publishers, Benjamin Stevenson, Bookclub Girl, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy.
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LibraryThing member jnmegan
“Ernest” Cunningham begins his narration by promising to tell the whole truth in this, his novel about a disastrous family reunion. Despite this pledge, his cheeky name and playful teasing with the reader contradict his veracity. Stevenson’s character admits he is the proverbial “Black
Thanks to the author, Mariner Books and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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Sheep,” with a complicated explanation of the dynamics and background of his family members. Ernest’s story is a charming, layered and diverting one, with a highly entertaining mystery at its core. The cast of characters are well-formed and interesting enough to warrant their own vignettes, and Ernest uses these chapters to illuminate the meaning behind his book’s title. Stevenson uses some fun narrative tricks to cultivate a sense of discovery and provide evidence of the storyteller as curator. Through Ernest the author references the tropes of the genre but breaks through to explain why they appear. Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is nicely paced and would be a good fit for admirers of the Hawthorne/Horowitz series by Anthony Horowitz or Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club.Thanks to the author, Mariner Books and Edelweiss for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
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LibraryThing member SarahStenhouse
Well written but felt plot was too complex and unbelievable
LibraryThing member Hccpsk
Just as the publisher promises, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is a classic who-done-it with an interesting twist. Stevenson’s narrator, Ernie Cunningham, breaks the proverbial fourth wall and writes directly to the reader with quirky and often funny pieces of
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information. This technique starts to get a little old about halfway through, but by then the mystery kicked in enough to hold my attention. Mystery readers not afraid of a little spin on the typical blueprint will definitely enjoy this book that takes place during an uncomfortable family reunion in an Australian mountaintop resort. Show Less
LibraryThing member Carolesrandomlife
I enjoyed this book quite a lot. The title definitely grabbed my attention but I also found the story quite compelling. The story is told from our narrator, Ernest’s point of view. As we work out way through the book, we learn some background of all the members of the Cunningham family while
Ern is an author. He writes books about how to write books for the most part. As he tells this story, he takes time to stop and talk to the reader about why he presents the facts in the manner he does in this book. Ern is attending a family reunion at a remote ski resort. This reunion coincides with his brother’s release from prison. Ern may be a big reason why his brother went to prison in the first place so he is not the most popular relative at the reunion. It doesn’t take long for the first body to show up and Ern decides that he needs to figure out just what is really going on.
I really liked the way that this story is told. I thought it was fun that Ern talked directly to the reader and I really liked his character. I was hooked by the mystery right away and couldn’t wait to find out exactly what was going on. Ern’s family was an interesting group of characters and I liked the way that we learn a bit about each of their histories as we work our way through the book. There was plenty of excitement and twists to keep the story very interesting.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be an entertaining and somewhat unique mystery featuring a quirky cast of characters. I would definitely read more of Benjamin Stephenson’s work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Mariner Books.
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working to save the case of a much more recent murder. This was a locked room mystery that broke the fourth wall which was exactly the something a bit different that I had hoped it would be.Ern is an author. He writes books about how to write books for the most part. As he tells this story, he takes time to stop and talk to the reader about why he presents the facts in the manner he does in this book. Ern is attending a family reunion at a remote ski resort. This reunion coincides with his brother’s release from prison. Ern may be a big reason why his brother went to prison in the first place so he is not the most popular relative at the reunion. It doesn’t take long for the first body to show up and Ern decides that he needs to figure out just what is really going on.
I really liked the way that this story is told. I thought it was fun that Ern talked directly to the reader and I really liked his character. I was hooked by the mystery right away and couldn’t wait to find out exactly what was going on. Ern’s family was an interesting group of characters and I liked the way that we learn a bit about each of their histories as we work our way through the book. There was plenty of excitement and twists to keep the story very interesting.
I would recommend this book to others. I found this to be an entertaining and somewhat unique mystery featuring a quirky cast of characters. I would definitely read more of Benjamin Stephenson’s work in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Mariner Books.
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LibraryThing member bookappeal
Ernie faces a reunion in a ski lodge with his somewhat dysfunctional family. As a writer who advises aspiring authors, Ernie knows the essentials for writing a good mystery and points out (to the reader) along the way, where his story adheres to the rules, falls into tropes, or verges from the
The beginning is rather confusing as we get to know the characters and their complicated relationships. And Stevenson's storytelling relies on the reader's willingness to pick up on small details and go along for the ride until more information is made clear. Breaking the fourth wall as frequently as Ernie days is hilarious but some readers will find it off-putting. The plot has a nice Golden Age, locked room style and an effective wintry setting. The complex and long resolution of the current mystery as well as other events in the life of this quirky family was a bit hard for me to follow at the end but the sheer cheekiness of this story earns it a 5-star rating.
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norm. The reunion has been organized by his aunt for a special occasion amidst plenty of tension between family members. A dead body and puzzling circumstances kicks off the plot. The beginning is rather confusing as we get to know the characters and their complicated relationships. And Stevenson's storytelling relies on the reader's willingness to pick up on small details and go along for the ride until more information is made clear. Breaking the fourth wall as frequently as Ernie days is hilarious but some readers will find it off-putting. The plot has a nice Golden Age, locked room style and an effective wintry setting. The complex and long resolution of the current mystery as well as other events in the life of this quirky family was a bit hard for me to follow at the end but the sheer cheekiness of this story earns it a 5-star rating.
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LibraryThing member kaulsu
First off, I listened to this on audible, and since the author makes note that it is "an audible original" and other references to listening rather than physically reading the book, it must make a difference in the experience.
Although, naturally, the book deals with death, it is not a maudlin book.
Although, naturally, the book deals with death, it is not a maudlin book.
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Neither is it a romp in the snow (ouch! pardon the poor play on words). If you like Christy, this may appeal to you. If you like "cosy" mysteries, ditto. I'll just warn you that the clues are all there, but I didn't stumble upon them until the end. Show Less
LibraryThing member ethel55
Totally picked this up because of the title and was rewarded with a great read. Ernie Cunnigham, who loves crime and mystery novels, writes how to guides for the genre. As our narrator, he puts forth the golden age Detection Club rules, and says he will abide by them as he tells this tale. A family
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reunion at a remote resort in winter doesn't scream mandatory attendance, but Ernie figures this one is important as his brother is getting out of jail for killing a man. Ernie's breezy storytelling divides chapters into various family members and when a dead body, covered in ash, is found as a blizzard snows the group in, the fun really begins. Show Less
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Yup-- everyone killed someone. The format was half intriguing half annoying for me. Interesting to read about the author's background in comedy.
LibraryThing member rmarcin
xSuch a clever story!!!
A crime writer tells a story about a crime committed by his brother, and then also recounts how all the other people in his family have killed someone.
Much of it is explained throughout the story, with the narrator, Ern, short for Ernest, telling you where you should look
This was such a clever way to tell a story, and it kept me interested the whole time. I loved it!
A crime writer tells a story about a crime committed by his brother, and then also recounts how all the other people in his family have killed someone.
Much of it is explained throughout the story, with the narrator, Ern, short for Ernest, telling you where you should look
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for clues and murders. He also mentions rules for writing a crime novel and things you should not let fool you. This was such a clever way to tell a story, and it kept me interested the whole time. I loved it!
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LibraryThing member pgchuis
This was a fun read, although I found it quite complicated. Maybe I should have read it in one sitting, but I kept getting confused about Alan and Michael and Brian and Robert. I am pleased with myself for finding the character who turned out to be some one else unconvincing.
LibraryThing member blbooks
First sentence: 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, and when I was faced with writing this down, difficult as it is with one hand, I realized that telling the truth was the only way
Preview of my thoughts: I WAS HOOKED by the opening sentences. So onto my library's hold list I went. It took its own sweet time to get into my hands, but it was so worth the wait! I enjoyed this one so much.
Premise/plot: This one is written in first person. Ernest Cunningham is the narrator. He's an author who writes books about how to write books. The novel starts out with him sharing Ronald Knox's 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction. They are as follows:
1. The criminal must be someone mentioned in the early part of the story, but must not be anyone whose thoughts the reader has been allowed to follow.
2. All supernatural or preternatural agencies are ruled out as a matter of course.
3. Not more than one secret room or passage is allowable.
4. No hitherto undiscovered poisons may be used, nor any appliance which will need a long scientific explanation at the end.
5. Author's note: Culturally outdated historical wording redacted. [If you should be curious and want to seek out why Stevenson decided to skip over commandment five.]
6. No accident must ever help the detective, nor must he ever have an unaccountable intuition which proves to be right.
7. The detective must not himself commit the crime.
8. The detective must not light on any clues which are not instantly produced for the inspection of the reader.
9. The stupid friend of the detective, the Watson, must not conceal any thoughts which pass through his mind; his intelligence mus be slightly, very slightly, below that of the average reader.
10. Twin brothers, and doubles generally, must not appear unless we have been duly prepared for them.
The premise of this one is that the Cunningham family is having a reunion at a ski resort (in the middle of a big storm, it turns out). A Cunningham extended-family reunion. The family is not known for getting along; Ernest Cunningham is on the outs with his family for testifying against his brother at his murder trial. But this reunion is set to celebrate his brother, Michael, getting released from prison. But this reunion may just turn deadly...
This one features plenty of flashbacks as Ernest reveals just how everyone in his family has killed someone....
My thoughts: The narrator won me over. It has DOZENS of twists and turns. Plenty of reveals. And plenty of twists lurking in those reveals. By the end, it's been quite a dance. In case you couldn't tell, this one has a dark sense of humor. But if you enjoy dark/dry humor....then this one has plenty to satisfy. I liked seeing how everything unfolded.
GoodReads says this is "Ernest Cunninham #1." Could it really be the first in a series??????? Just checked and apparently there is a second book coming called EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT. Squeal!!!! Isn't that a great title!!!!!!
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to do it. It sounds obvious, but modern mystery novels forget that sometimes. They've become more about the tricks the author can deploy: what's up their sleeve instead of what's in their hand. Preview of my thoughts: I WAS HOOKED by the opening sentences. So onto my library's hold list I went. It took its own sweet time to get into my hands, but it was so worth the wait! I enjoyed this one so much.
Premise/plot: This one is written in first person. Ernest Cunningham is the narrator. He's an author who writes books about how to write books. The novel starts out with him sharing Ronald Knox's 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction. They are as follows:
1. The criminal must be someone mentioned in the early part of the story, but must not be anyone whose thoughts the reader has been allowed to follow.
2. All supernatural or preternatural agencies are ruled out as a matter of course.
3. Not more than one secret room or passage is allowable.
4. No hitherto undiscovered poisons may be used, nor any appliance which will need a long scientific explanation at the end.
5. Author's note: Culturally outdated historical wording redacted. [If you should be curious and want to seek out why Stevenson decided to skip over commandment five.]
6. No accident must ever help the detective, nor must he ever have an unaccountable intuition which proves to be right.
7. The detective must not himself commit the crime.
8. The detective must not light on any clues which are not instantly produced for the inspection of the reader.
9. The stupid friend of the detective, the Watson, must not conceal any thoughts which pass through his mind; his intelligence mus be slightly, very slightly, below that of the average reader.
10. Twin brothers, and doubles generally, must not appear unless we have been duly prepared for them.
The premise of this one is that the Cunningham family is having a reunion at a ski resort (in the middle of a big storm, it turns out). A Cunningham extended-family reunion. The family is not known for getting along; Ernest Cunningham is on the outs with his family for testifying against his brother at his murder trial. But this reunion is set to celebrate his brother, Michael, getting released from prison. But this reunion may just turn deadly...
This one features plenty of flashbacks as Ernest reveals just how everyone in his family has killed someone....
My thoughts: The narrator won me over. It has DOZENS of twists and turns. Plenty of reveals. And plenty of twists lurking in those reveals. By the end, it's been quite a dance. In case you couldn't tell, this one has a dark sense of humor. But if you enjoy dark/dry humor....then this one has plenty to satisfy. I liked seeing how everything unfolded.
GoodReads says this is "Ernest Cunninham #1." Could it really be the first in a series??????? Just checked and apparently there is a second book coming called EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT. Squeal!!!! Isn't that a great title!!!!!!
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LibraryThing member smik
Ern (Ernest) Cunningham has done the unforgiveable in most families- he dobbed his brother Michael in, gave evidence at his murder trial, and sent his brother to jail. Michael, for an unknown reason, got a surprisingly light sentence, and now three years later is being released.
The setting is a
Ern's Aunt Katherine has organised this reunion in the remotest place she can find. But what is the purpose? To celebrate Michael's release, or is there something else?
In real life Ern writes how-to e-books on different genres for budding authors. EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY.. is narrated by Ern, and at times he addresses the readers, rather quirkily, telling us what to look out for, and what is coming.
An odd sense of humour shows itself from time to time, and there are references to authors like Agatha Christie, just to remind us that above all else this is a murder mystery. There are plenty of murders and plenty of mystery.
The setting is a
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remote resort in the Victorian Alps, and by the time Michael and Ern's estranged wife Erin turn up (the last to arrive), there is already a body, and a storm is about to break. The police have arrived in the form of one officer who appears to be a detective but no-one is sure how he was notified that a murder had already happened. Michael and Erin arrive in a large truck containing something that Michael wants Ern to see.Ern's Aunt Katherine has organised this reunion in the remotest place she can find. But what is the purpose? To celebrate Michael's release, or is there something else?
In real life Ern writes how-to e-books on different genres for budding authors. EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY.. is narrated by Ern, and at times he addresses the readers, rather quirkily, telling us what to look out for, and what is coming.
An odd sense of humour shows itself from time to time, and there are references to authors like Agatha Christie, just to remind us that above all else this is a murder mystery. There are plenty of murders and plenty of mystery.
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LibraryThing member shelleyraec
You cannot possibly read the brief prologue to Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson and not be immediately intrigued by the promise of this quirky murder mystery that breaks all the rules.
“Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have
Though Ernest Cunningham self publishes ‘how-to’ books for crime fiction writers, he can offer no special insight when a stranger is found murdered during a high country snowstorm in the midst of the Cunningham family reunion. However when the sole police officer who responds to the report arrests Ernie’s brother, Michael, whose release from prison for killing a man is the celebratory reason for the gathering, his mother insists he clears Michael’s name. After all, Ernie is the reason Michael went to jail in the first place.
“Call me a reliable narrator. Everything I tell you will be the truth, or, at least, the truth as I knew it to be at the time that I thought I knew it. Hold me to that.”
Related by Ernest in the first person while writing a book in the aftermath of events, the storyline is roughly chronological, though with necessary digressions to explain the family dynamic, and with unnecessary, but often amusing appeals, directed towards the reader, and his editor. Ernie’s conversational tone is delightfully at odds with the escalating drama as death follows death, presumably at the hands of a serial killer with a distinct and unpleasant MO.
“Look, we’re not a family of psychopaths. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some are just unfortunate.”
Family reunions are rarely free of conflict but the Cunningham’s are besieged by it. Ernie is currently person non grata, having testified against his brother in the trial that jailed Michael for three years to the great disappointment of his mother. Ernie’s wife is attending the gathering as his brother’s girlfriend, while Michael’s wife is in attendance hoping to win her husband back. Ernie’s stepsister seems particularly annoyed with everyone, while his Aunt Katherine is demanding everyone sticks to her carefully planned colour coded schedule. And of course, people are dying.
“Ronald Knox's '10 Commandments of Detective Fiction', 1929”
More akin to the classics, Stevenson cleverly subverts many of the expected conventions of mystery fiction, for example, though there is a locked room element to one of the deaths, the door is not actually locked, and he even foretells each murder, including page references in the prologue. Yet there are plenty of surprises, and importantly the pace never drags.
“Family is not whose blood runs in your veins, it’s who you’d spill it for.”
A creative and compelling whodunnit perfect for today’s jaded mystery readers, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is witty, entertaining and ingenious.
“Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have
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killed more than once.”Though Ernest Cunningham self publishes ‘how-to’ books for crime fiction writers, he can offer no special insight when a stranger is found murdered during a high country snowstorm in the midst of the Cunningham family reunion. However when the sole police officer who responds to the report arrests Ernie’s brother, Michael, whose release from prison for killing a man is the celebratory reason for the gathering, his mother insists he clears Michael’s name. After all, Ernie is the reason Michael went to jail in the first place.
“Call me a reliable narrator. Everything I tell you will be the truth, or, at least, the truth as I knew it to be at the time that I thought I knew it. Hold me to that.”
Related by Ernest in the first person while writing a book in the aftermath of events, the storyline is roughly chronological, though with necessary digressions to explain the family dynamic, and with unnecessary, but often amusing appeals, directed towards the reader, and his editor. Ernie’s conversational tone is delightfully at odds with the escalating drama as death follows death, presumably at the hands of a serial killer with a distinct and unpleasant MO.
“Look, we’re not a family of psychopaths. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some are just unfortunate.”
Family reunions are rarely free of conflict but the Cunningham’s are besieged by it. Ernie is currently person non grata, having testified against his brother in the trial that jailed Michael for three years to the great disappointment of his mother. Ernie’s wife is attending the gathering as his brother’s girlfriend, while Michael’s wife is in attendance hoping to win her husband back. Ernie’s stepsister seems particularly annoyed with everyone, while his Aunt Katherine is demanding everyone sticks to her carefully planned colour coded schedule. And of course, people are dying.
“Ronald Knox's '10 Commandments of Detective Fiction', 1929”
More akin to the classics, Stevenson cleverly subverts many of the expected conventions of mystery fiction, for example, though there is a locked room element to one of the deaths, the door is not actually locked, and he even foretells each murder, including page references in the prologue. Yet there are plenty of surprises, and importantly the pace never drags.
“Family is not whose blood runs in your veins, it’s who you’d spill it for.”
A creative and compelling whodunnit perfect for today’s jaded mystery readers, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is witty, entertaining and ingenious.
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LibraryThing member reader1009
modern-day mystery set in remote mountain resort (in Australia) at a family reunion full of killers or "killers", and there is also apparently a serial killer lurking somewhere--
This was a fun one, a whirlwind of lively characters and snow and clues and ash -- even if you can manage to pause
This was a fun one, a whirlwind of lively characters and snow and clues and ash -- even if you can manage to pause
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reading long enough to piece together some of it, there is more, so much more, to be revealed. Really enjoyable with a funny likeable narrator. Show Less
LibraryThing member lycomayflower
Australian murder mystery that is wonderfully meta in the telling, enjoyably voicey, and a good mystery to boot. This is the most pure fun I've had with a book in a minute.
LibraryThing member foggidawn
It's true. Whether they're murderous, accident-prone, or just unlucky, everyone in Ernest's family has killed someone. Some of them have killed more than once. And now they're getting together for a family reunion at a remote ski lodge. What could go wrong? Oh, also there's a duffel bag full of
Ernest attempts to be the most reliable narrator ever (he gives a list of the page numbers where deaths occur, for instance) and still manages to surprise the reader in the end. This is a delightfully funny mystery with plenty of twists and turns, rooted in the traditions of Golden Age British murder mysteries. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.
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$267,000 in cash floating around, and a serial killer on the loose.Ernest attempts to be the most reliable narrator ever (he gives a list of the page numbers where deaths occur, for instance) and still manages to surprise the reader in the end. This is a delightfully funny mystery with plenty of twists and turns, rooted in the traditions of Golden Age British murder mysteries. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good whodunit.
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LibraryThing member almin
Amusing and entertaining, got a bit confusing and convoluted towards the end. I thought there were a couple of plot holes, but overall I enjoyed it and will probably read the next in the series
LibraryThing member Helenliz
This is a whole load of fun. Ernie Cunningham is our narrator. He writes books about how to write detective fiction in the style of the golden age, using Knox's rules for detective fiction. At the start we have Knox's rules written and Ernie references them several times. The tale is set in a
There is backstory, relating to the murder committed by Michael, as well as the death of their father, Robert. He shot a cop and was then killed by one. The past weighs heavy on the reunion, with each person having their own secrets and lies to hide and reveal. the title is both true and a misdirection, which is interesting. It's very cleverly done, at times a little far fetched, but it rolls along at a fair old pace. Ernie is engaging and the way this is told, with the narrator engaging with the reader (breaking the 4th wall, if you like) makes you feel like you're being told a long & complicated story in a bar - it has that kind of tone. I enjoyed this trip to the Australian mountains.
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mountain resort where the Cunningham family has met for a reunion, marking Michael's release from prison - where he was because Ernie testified against him for murder. There is backstory, relating to the murder committed by Michael, as well as the death of their father, Robert. He shot a cop and was then killed by one. The past weighs heavy on the reunion, with each person having their own secrets and lies to hide and reveal. the title is both true and a misdirection, which is interesting. It's very cleverly done, at times a little far fetched, but it rolls along at a fair old pace. Ernie is engaging and the way this is told, with the narrator engaging with the reader (breaking the 4th wall, if you like) makes you feel like you're being told a long & complicated story in a bar - it has that kind of tone. I enjoyed this trip to the Australian mountains.
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Awards
LibraryReads (Monthly Pick — January 2023)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2022
ISBN
9780143795650
Local notes
The Cunningham family reunion was dreaded even before the first murder. Before the storm stranded them at the mountain resort, snow and bodies piling up. The thing is, the Cunninghams don't really get along. They've only got one thing in common- they've all killed someone.