I didn’t realize this was a series but totally fine to read as a standalone. I will definitely be going back to check out the rest of this series.

While I was not aware that this was the fifth book in a series, it works well enough as a stand-alone novel. The title of the book establishes the central premise - what would you do to protect a killer in the family?

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for sharing this book with me.

I honestly can’t get enough of the Jonah Sheens series! What makes this twisty, intelligent, heart-throbbing psychological thriller series so unique is the way Gytha Lodge delves into deep layers of characters, allowing us not only to connect with each of them but also become a part of their world.

A Killer in the Family by Gytha Lodge.

A mysterious story surrounding a single mother.
She is looking for her estranged father and submits her DNA in hopes of finding him.
Her DNA instead leads detectives to her door stating that someone related to her has to be the bonfire killer.

This was a good story. I wish I had read the earlier books prior to this one. I wasn't aware it was the 5th story. I think that took away from the story because I was missing a lot of the background information on the detective characters.

Epic prolouge.. The mystery draws you in and you start thinking of theories to what’s the answer. Overall this book made me want to read the others in the series.

I love the work friendship of Ben and Juliette.

Serial Killer Targets Family Member

A Killer in the Family is the fifth installment in Gytha Lodge's DCI Jonah Sheens series. The story centers on Aisling Cooley, who uploads her DNA online in search of her father but inadvertently becomes entangled in a murder investigation. Her DNA is a match for a recent crime scene linked to the "Bonfire Killer," a serial murderer who leaves his victims on bonfires. This startling discovery puts Aisling and her two sons, Ethan and Finn, under the scrutiny of Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens, who is racing against time to catch the killer before he strikes again.

A Killer in the Family is a gripping and well-crafted novel that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers and police procedurals. Gytha Lodge's ability to weave complex narratives and create relatable characters makes this book a standout in the genre. Whether you are a longtime follower of the DCI Jonah Sheens series or a newcomer, this novel offers a thrilling and emotionally resonant reading experience.

Good yarn about serial killer and family. It was exciting but a bit overwritten. I enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher!

This was a great read! I love how detailed the author is behind the police procedural series. The characters are well balanced and make a great and enjoyable dynamic to read.

Gytha Lodge created a suspension novel filled with twists that kept me enthralled all the way through the book!

A woman uploads her DNA online and then is contacted by a detective. I love the DNA trope! This book had lots of twists and a surprise ending. While it wasn’t my favorite book I’ve ever read, I did enjoy it!

“A Killer in the Family” by Gytha Lodge explores the unsettling intersection of personal tragedy and a chilling serial killer case. The plot kicks off with the discovery of two bodies on a bonfire, setting off a wave of fear in the suburban town of Southampton. The narrative follows Aisling Cooley, a single mother juggling the search for her estranged father and the terror of the "Bonfire Killer" stalking her community.

Lodge’s novel is effective in creating a tense atmosphere, blending the urgency of the serial killer's investigation with Aisling’s emotional journey. The dual narrative of personal and public crisis adds layers of suspense and intrigue. The suspense around the identity of the killer and the mystery of Aisling’s father keeps the reader engaged.

#AKillerInTheFamily #NetGalley
Awesome.
When the police found the first body, left on a bonfire in the forest, they worried it had the hallmarks of a serial killer. Now, as they find the second, they know for sure. Panic about the “Bonfire Killer” quickly spreads through the sedate suburban area of Southampton. Women are urged not to travel alone at night, and constant vigilance is encouraged among the local residents. But single mom Aisling Cooley has a lot to distract her: two beloved teenage sons and a quest to find her long-lost father, whom she hasn’t seen since she was a teenager. After much debate, she decides to upload her DNA to an ancestry website. When she gets a match she is filled with an anxious excitement that her questions about her father’s disappearance from her life might finally be answered. But to her horror, it’s not her father who’s found her. It’s a detective. And they say her DNA is a close match for the Bonfire Killer.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for giving me an advance copy.

I didn’t expect to love this and it blew me away.

Going into this I didn’t know it was a part of a Jonah series. Even as a standalone I had no issue at all with not reading the other books.

It was definitely a long book and took a bit to slog theough, but I’m glad I did

Standout addition to the crime thriller genre. Gytha Lodge's expert storytelling, combined with her skillful character development and intricate plotting, makes this novel a compelling read. It’s a book that not only entertains but also offers deep psychological insights into its characters.

This was the thriller of the year for me. Can't recommend it enough. Fascinating and unpredictable plot paired with great writing.

This police procedural was an interesting read. It’s the 5th book in a series following DCI Jonah Sheens, but the first I’ve read of the series and it didn’t seem to make a difference as the book was a good standalone.

The story started off a bit slowly and continued that way for about the first half of the book but it picked up midway and got a lot more engaging. The plot worked well but there were several side plots that I felt could have either been left out or further developed. Those side plots may be part of the elements of the series and may be more compelling if you’re reading the books in order.

Overall an enjoyable read.

Gytha Lodge continues the Jonah Sheens series with her latest novel, A Killer in the Family. Women are being murdered, and a website similar to Ancestry.com has linked the killer to a particular family. That seems pretty straight forward, but things do not turn out to be quite that simple as all the characters are hiding secrets that lead to various twists and turns.

Some of these twists seemed a little contrived, as was the time frame in which they happened. I also wish the character of Jonah had played a bigger roll in the novel. It felt like the storyline was almost pulled too many ways.

I did enjoy the novel overall, however, and the cliffhanger of an ending has me on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment in the series.

Thank you to the publisher and #NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

DCI Jonah Sheens and his team are busy investigating what appears to be a serial killer setting women on fire. The "Bonfire Killer" preys upon women in their mid-40s out alone. Aisling Cooley finds this disturbing, but she's slightly distracted trying to single parent her two teenage sons and worrying about keeping them financially afloat. She's also haunted by memories of her father, who left her family when she was young.

KILLER is an excellent whodunnit, revolving around the modern theory of DNA and tracking criminals via genealogy websites. Aisling uploads her DNA to a popular site, hoping to match with her father. Instead, Jonah and his team show up on her doorstep, saying a relative of hers has matched to evidence from the Bonfire Killer murders. Aisling must grapple with the fact that either one of her beloved boys or her long-lost father is a killer.

Lodge's story moves quickly, filled with a wide variety of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It weaves in Aisling's story and background, including her struggle as a single mom and as a daughter abandoned by her father, with perspectives from DCI Sheen and his team. Domnall especially shines in this one, with his detailed research. This story stands alone, but reading the Sheens books in order allows you to see the nuanced characterizations Lodge has given to each. Steady, calm, Sheens who is struggling in his unhappy marriage is my favorite, but it was wonderful to see more of Domnall. And there's kind, intelligent Ben plus Juliette, who is still learning, but has suffered at the hands of an abusive ex, who are excellent, with their own detailed backstories and personalities. The entire team seems so real (and lovable). There's a cliffhanger ending that means we need another book, ASAP!

Overall, a well-plotted and timely police procedural, featuring an excellent and lovable cast of characters.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group in return for an unbiased review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the intricate web of family ties and secrets, Gytha Lodge's "A Killer in the Family" stands out as a masterful exploration of the dark corners of familial bonds and the lengths one might go to protect a loved one. The novel, part of the DCI Jonah Sheens series, can be enjoyed as a standalone, making it accessible to new readers while rewarding series fans with its depth and continuity.

The story unfolds with Aisling Cooley, a single mother, uploading her DNA to an ancestry website in search of her estranged father. Instead of a reunion, she finds herself entangled in a detective's hunt for the "Bonfire Killer," a serial murderer whose DNA closely matches hers. The plot thickens as suspicion casts a shadow over her family, including her two teenage sons.

Lodge's narrative is a tapestry of perspectives, weaving together the views of detectives, the protagonist, the killer, and even a victim. This multiplicity of voices adds layers to the mystery, allowing readers to piece together the puzzle from every angle. The characters are well-crafted, with their complexities and imperfections painting a realistic picture of people caught in an unimaginable situation.

The novel's strength lies in its ability to keep readers guessing. Lodge skillfully uses DNA forensics as both a tool and a twist, leading to a reveal that is as shocking as it is satisfying. The pacing is tight, with tension building steadily towards a climax that delivers on the promise of a "dark, tense, and twisty" tale.

"A Killer in the Family" a police procedural and a psychological thriller that delves into the psyche of its characters. It challenges the reader to consider the moral quandaries of protecting family versus serving justice. With its gripping mysteries and emotional depth, the book is a commendable addition to the genre and a testament to Lodge's prowess as a storyteller.

I recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates a good whodunit with a heavy dose of family drama.

"A Killer in the Family" by Gytha Lodge presents a chilling tale of a woman named Aisling Cooley, who inadvertently finds herself entangled in a terrifying investigation when her DNA match on an ancestry website points to her as a potential link to a serial killer.

Set in the sedate suburban area of Southampton, panic grips the community as the police uncover the bodies of victims left on bonfires in the forest. With fear spreading and warnings issued to women to avoid traveling alone at night, Aisling has her own distractions as a single mother raising two teenage sons and searching for her long-lost father.

In a quest for answers about her father's disappearance, Aisling decides to upload her DNA to an ancestry website, hoping for a breakthrough. However, instead of finding her father, she receives a shocking revelation: her DNA closely matches that of the notorious "Bonfire Killer."

Now, Aisling must navigate the terrifying possibility that she has a familial connection to the killer while also facing the scrutiny of Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens, who contacts her about the DNA match.

As Aisling grapples with the implications of her discovery, she becomes embroiled in a tense and gripping investigation that blurs the lines between family loyalty and betrayal. With twists and turns at every corner, "A Killer in the Family" explores the chilling question of what a family might do to protect—or expose—a serial killer within its midst.

This was a twisted (in the best way) thriller that had me reading way past my bedtime.

I really enjoyed the tension - it kept me on tenterhooks through the whole book.