Can we talk about the title?! The title alone made me stop to check it out because I had to know more.

Ernest Cunningham narrates the story where we meet many Cunningham family members as they take on the family reunion at a remote ski resort. I appreciate Ernest and his flare for descriptions and nods to mysteries of the early 1900s. I'll be honest and say that I was truly surprised at the killer, though, as Ernest said, he was hidden in plain sight and introduced early. Good luck!

This one was a good read, though it took a little longer to read because I couldn't focus on it.

3.5 out of 4 stars.

You’ve got to love the title: 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗬 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗔𝗦 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗢𝗡𝗘 by Benjamin Stevenson. I know I did, and I loved the set up of the book. A man, who writes books about how to write crime books, is telling his family’s very unique story, as they’re all gathering for a long awaited family reunion. Ernie himself is narrating the story in a sort of tongue in cheek way…very snarky. He’s talking directly to the readers, which is fun. He gives little previews of what might lie ahead as he explains his family’s links to past killings and some mysterious deaths happening in the midst of their reunion.⁣⁣
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It was all very well set up and a breezy read, but by the midway point it began to feel a bit contrived. As the story itself grew more and more over-the-top, Ernie began to grate on me. A book that started out feeling fresh and fun grew too gimmicky and I grew weary of it. I know MANY people are going to love this one, just as I did at the start, but in the end for me it was just okay. ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫⁣⁣
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Thanks to @marinerbooks for an ARC of #EveryoneInMyFamilyHasKilledSomeone.

Ernest Cunningham narrates this book, starting with the fact that everyone in his family has killed someone. The mystery was well done but the narrator was highly annoying.

Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone. In this case a title and a description of the book. Ernest Cunningham and his family meet up in a remote mountain resort for a family reunion. From there, the story starts to slowly reveal secrets of each family member, mostly uncovered by Ernest's own sleuthing.

This was quite an interesting and unique type of mystery. Not exactly a cozy one, not exactly a thriller, more of a slow burn who-dunit with some unusual twists and turns along the way. I admit I found myself confused a bit in this and that made me put it down more than I hoped. It never fully grabbed me, but the twists made it more enjoyable toward the end. This definitely reminded me of the movie Clue, in which multiple characters and possibilities. Overall I found this to be unique, clever and well crafted once the confusing parts started coming together

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read for my honest review.

“One day you’ll realize family isn’t about whose blood runs in your veins, it’s who you’d spill it for.”

I was on the struggle bus with this book. It started off so strong. Multiple murders. Crooked cops. Broken marriages. Crazy family dynamics. But I just could not get invested in the murder mystery. I didn’t care. I tried so hard, too. I put it down. Picked it back up. Could it be my mood? Possibly. I ended up skimming the last 30% just because I was almost done but I figured I should probably know how it ended. But now that it has ended, the tie up was pretty genius and not too outlandish. Ugh. Struggle. Bus.

Thank you to Netgalley, Mariner Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ever start a book and just KNOW immediately that THIS is a book truly worth reading? Yup, add this one to your list! Stevenson draws the reader in from the first paragraph and never really let's them go- even if you put the book down, you feel it calling, wanting you to know the truths and lies, to discover which lies have resulted in the murder and if there will be consequences as trths emerge. This book holds you to the very end, but to give more away ruins the surprise twists of this plot driven cozy thriller! This isn't one to be missed!

Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone
by Benjamin Stevenson

A writer finds himself trapped in his own personal murder mystery when family members begin to die while attending a family reunion.

About Everyone In My Family
Ernest Cunningham is an outcast in his family. His testimony three and a half years earlier sent his older brother Michael to prison. Now, the writer of how-to-write books has been summoned, along with other family members, to a family reunion at the Sky Lodge Mountain Retreat. Everyone is already there, except for his estranged wife Erin and Michael. Michael has been recently released from prison. He is driving up with Erin in less than twenty-four hours.
The first murder occurs before Michael’s arrival. An unidentified man is found on the ski slopes; the first murder victim and the only one not related to Ern’s family. As time moves on, a storm traps the family and a murderer on the mountain. Someone is targeting Ern’s family, but he’s running out of time to reveal the murderer’s identity.

Thoughts
At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone. I found it difficult to follow in the beginning, and I wasn’t sure I was going to keep reading. On the other hand, I also couldn’t forget thinking about the book when I wasn’t reading it because the way the characters are revealed as the novel progresses. As I learned about the why behind family members actions and reactions, they became more likeable and relatable and that is what kept pulling me into the story. So, I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is a different format from the usual mystery in that is isn’t as straighforward, and if I picked it up in the bookstore, I don’t know that I would’ve bought it. So, if you want to give this one a try, but you’re unsure of the format, borrow it from the library or a friend and then make up your mind. I recommend this book, but just be aware the format may be different from what you expect. Stevenson’s novel has been compared to The Thursday Murder club series from Richard Osman, but that comparison doesn’t work for me. I love Osman’s series and order the newest one as soon as pre-orders are available; for me, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone didn’t have that impact.

Copy provided by #NetGalley #EveryoneInMyFamilyHasKilledSomeone

This book was entertaining, but I had troubles caring about the "mystery." I enjoyed the writing style and author speaking directly to the reader. I kept getting confused with the details and keeping the story straight, as well as some of the characters. I enjoyed the dramatic scene where everything gets laid out so I could really figure out what the story was telling me, and I didn't see the end coming. Overall, a good book, but not as thrilling or mysterious as I would have expected.

Such a fun, creative mystery that bends the genre of mystery writing (fans of Anthony Horowitz's Hawthorne and Horowitz series will like it).

When life gets you down, it’s time to kick back and relax with a nice little book about multiple murders. Benjamin Stephenson’s nifty little mystery is just the ticket. This book is for sale now.

My thanks go to Net Galley and Random House for the review copy.

Once in a while, a novelist will disarm his audience by speaking to them directly; this is known as breaking the fourth wall. Stephenson doesn’t just chip a corner of plaster; he comes in with a wrecking ball, because that’s just the kind of writer he is. The product is as funny as the title. Each chapter is devoted to a family member, and some of them get more than one.

The premise is this: narrator Ernest Cunningham is invited to a family reunion at an out of the way mountain lodge, a ski resort in the dead of winter. The event is timed to coincide with Ernest’s brother, Michael’s, release from prison, where he was sent for…well. You know. And as is true with all families, there’s all kinds of baggage, both literal and figurative; there are grudges, guilt, and oh yes, secrets. So many secrets!

The first body turns up in less than twenty-four hours. Is there a mass murderer at large, perhaps the one in the news dubbed “The Black Tongue?” If so, is s/he a Cunningham?

The whole story is told in a jocular, familiar tone, explaining to the reader what the rules are when writing a murder mystery. He assures us that he is a thoroughly reliable narrator, which immediately makes us wonder, because if so, why bring it up? Most narrators are reliable. So…?

I enjoy reading this thing, and am impressed at how well the author juggles a sizeable collection of characters. It doesn’t take me long to straighten out who everyone is, and this may be because we are apprised of who is annoyed with whom over what, fairly quickly. When he brings in reasons why certain people avoid each other, it helps me recall who they are.

There are two things I would change if I could. The book would be even funnier if he cut back on the side remarks to the reader long enough to let us forget he’s doing it; then, when it surfaced again, it would get more laughs. I note that toward the end, he tells us—in another side reference—that his editor has suggested he pare back some of the chatty parts, and that he isn’t going to do it. That makes me laugh too, because I have been harboring the same notion.

The other thing that I’d change is a detail that distracts me. The author refers early on, and then another time later, to a plot hole big enough to drive a truck through, but he never tells us what it is; possibly the detail that distracts me is the thing he refers to. Early on in the story—so probably not a spoiler—Ernest is badly injured, to the point where one of his hands isn’t usable. Yet throughout the story, when he could go to a hospital, he doesn’t do so, and he doesn’t even address the possibility. People come; people go. Yet there’s Ernest, with an oven mitt stuck over one hand to protect it, and nobody suggests he hop into town and have it looked at. Toward the end of the story there’s a general reference to the Cunningham stubbornness preventing family members from leaving the reunion, but it doesn’t hold water with me.

Nevertheless, this is a fun book. While I was reading it, I was reading several others, but this one became the go-to at lunchtime and whenever I had a spare minute, and so I recommend this book to those looking for a light, amusing read.

A who-dun-it with a murder mystery narrator at a family holiday reunion... what could go wrong? This kept me guessing and entertained!

The writing style was unique and great for mystery readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and Mariner for an ARC.

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 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.

Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone
Author: Benjamin Stevenson
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4⭐️
Pub Date: January 17, 2023

Synopsis: Ernest Cunningham is part of a family with a reputation for killing someone. When they are all invited to a family reunion at a ski resort, a person is found dead the next morning. And then Michael, the brother who has been incarcerated for the past 3 years, shows up as well. What else could go wrong?

What I Thought: This book took me by surprise. I liked how the author wrote specifically to the reader at times to clue them in further. I had ideas throughout the story what might happen, but I was still surprised at the end. This is a good mystery book of looking into family members to figure out who is the killer.

Read if:
* You’ve been snowed in at a ski resort with your family.
* You loath family vacations/reunions.
* You know things are not always as they seem.

Thank you NetGalley, the author, and publisher for this eARC!

I really wanted to love this one but found it extremely boring and tedious at times until the very end. I liked the unique perspective and the “meta” aspect but it just didn’t move at the pace I was hoping for. The character motivations didn’t always make sense and they weren’t very fleshed out. It was just ok but I do think it’ll make a great tv show or movie.

If that title and synopsis doesn’t get your attention then I don’t know what will! After reading that, and seeing the cover, I couldn’t not read it.

The prologue immediately sucked me in a well. I found myself glued to the pages, I did not want to set this book down. It was just such a funny, witty, clever book with an intriguing murder mystery.

The book is divided into sections for each family member. As Ern, our self appointed reliable narrator, takes us through what happened at his family reunion and the events that got them there. The conversational narration was just perfect, I absolutely loved it.

I realize I haven’t said much about the plot, I just don’t want to risk spoilers. All I can say is it comes together amazingly at the end. I was in awe at how perfectly everything was explained and came together.

Do yourself a favor and run to go get this book.

This was a fun whodunit that kept me guessing almost all the way through. The book was its best when the main character was directly addressing the reader. There were a lot of characters to track and the end got a little complicated, but it was a fun read that I've recommended to many readers, especially fans of mysteries.

Everyone is My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is an extremely interesting murder mystery in which bodies are piling up. Ernest Cunningham is a self-published author who writes things such as “10 Easy Steps to Write Crime Like you Lived in the 1930s.” There were steps and do’s and don’ts. This book was written with those items in mind. Ernest had come to a “family reunion” at a ski resort to welcome his brother home from prison. It was going to be uncomfortable as his family blamed him for Michael being in prison in the first place. It wasn’t his fault, it was Michael’s. He had just called the police and then, testified at the trial. His first mistake was not having the right vehicle so he had to go back down the hill and buy chains, which he didn’t have the first idea how to install. He met someone who could help. Turned out she owned the resort. Awkward.

Several murders, all narrated by the slightly uncharitable Ernest. The method of murder was crude but effective. In various ways each victim was suffocated by ash. See, effective. The police officer on the scene was ineffective, mostly from lack of experience. Others were expected to arrive to help. It was funny, in a black humor sort of way. Plenty of sarcasm. An odd book, to say the least. Different, but very effective. Excellent plot; amazing he was able to unravel it before they were all dead. It was essentially a locked-room mystery with the locked room being the snowed in ski resort. I like different and I am still digesting this book. It was different. So much backstory.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Everyone in My Family Has killed Someone by Mariner Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #MarinerBooks #BenjaminStevenson #EveryoneInMyFamilyHasKilledSomeone

EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE by Benjamin Stevenson is a very entertaining mystery that will have readers laughing at multiple points. Stevenson is actually an award-winning comedian and has worked at a literary agency in Australia. His expertise in both areas is evident in this unique mystery involving the Cunningham family who are holding a reunion at a ski resort. It's not long before the body count piles up and the (unreliable?) narrator, Ernie, shares some family history with at least one chapter EACH about various siblings, parents (and step-father), spouses, and other family members. Hard to follow? Sometimes, but Stevenson offers a recap part way through (one of my favorite flippant parts!). He also recommends dog-earing the epigraph containing Ronald Knox's 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction, circa 1929, to which he frequently refers. Mystery fans will truly enjoy EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE which was a LibraryReads selection for January and received a well-deserved starred review from Publishers Weekly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins/Mariner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Benjamin Stevenson - 5 stars!

Ern is the self-described black sheep of his family because he turned in his brother, Michael, after he killed and man and enlisted Ern's help. When Michael is being released from prison, his Aunt Katherine organizes a family reunion at a remote ski lodge. The reunion takes a dark turn when a body is found in the middle of a snowstorm.

I adored the way this book was told and it's full of creativity, dry and dark humor, and I had loads of fun trying to figure out the mystery. Ern is the narrator and speaks to the reader as he tells the story of his infamous family. He is a self-published author on how to write murder mysteries, using Ronald Knox's 10 Commandments of Detective Fiction as his guide. Ern provides the reader with hints, including page numbers, and comments on writing styles as he goes through each family member's story. This is a locked-room mystery, similar in style to Knives Out, but definitely stands out among mysteries - I loved it and highly recommend it. But if you can figure it all out, you're a genius!

A Family reunion of sorts, everyone gathered at a ski lodge to welcome the brother who has just spent 3 years in prison for assisting a person to their death under questionable circumstances and none of who particularly like or trust each other are snowed in. The book is a combination of Agatha Christie type, clue, Knives out and Glass Onion rolled into one twisty mystery. Several more people end up dead and the ending is unexpected. It was a fun (sometimes exasperating) read!