This book follows a woman Aisley and her family, as she uploads her DNA to a database and finds out a serial killer is related to her, but they don’t know who exactly it is.

The beginning of this book was very slow and I found myself struggling to keep with it. Once I got past 35% it picked up, but I was confused keeping all of the names straight. There were a couple of good twists. By about 55% I had figured out who the killer was, but was waiting for the rest of the characters to get there.

Overall, a decent thriller but knocked down a star because the first third was hard to get through. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️

This is my first book from Gytha Lodge, and I didn't realize it was part of a series when I requested it from NetGalley. I was worried I'd be lost reading the 5th book from a series I'm not familiar with, and I wasn't. Which I suppose is a good thing for new readers coming in late, but wonder if loyal readers are getting any sort of real character development along the way. I didn't feel connected to any of the detectives, save for Jonah's depressing home life, but even he as the title character seems one-note, and not super engaging. The detectives were just kind of "meh" for me, and again could be because I'm not invested in them, but they certainly don't make me want to read more in the series. Even ending with a cliffhanger.

The plot was interesting, and kept me mostly engaged. I'm fascinated by forensic genealogy, and was for sure the draw for me. The forensics/DNA were a large part of the ploy, but didn't get so technical that it bogged down the writing. Though, the book rather dragged a bit and probably could have been cut down. The reveals and twists were fun. At times I found the "witty" dialog between Aisling and her sons to be pretty cringy, and left me wondering if I'd have to slog through more of their conversations in the next book. I wouldn't go out of my way to read the rest of the series, but might pick it up one day. All in all, it was an easy and entertaining read, and I'd recommend it to those that enjoy thrillers/police procedurals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the e-ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.

One thing I love is a good family feud thriller!!!! Had some dull spots but felt it all tied together in the end.

The description of this book really intrigued me and I was so excited to read it unfortunately I found the pacing to be a bit tedious and the writing a bit confusing. I will definitely try some of this authors others books and since this is a series I’m going to go back and try book one and see if maybe I can vibe with that one . Thank you netgalley for the chance to review

“A Killer in the Family” by Gytha Lodge is a gripping crime novel that skillfully intertwines familial bonds with the chilling discovery of a potential killer within one’s own family. With its intriguing twists and incorporation of DNA testing, the book offers a riveting narrative that keeps readers on edge.

One of the standout features of the novel is the use of DNA testing as a means to unravel the identity of a killer. This modern investigative approach adds a fresh and captivating element to the story, heightening the tension and suspense. As the protagonist grapples with the shocking revelation, the author adeptly explores the repercussions of DNA testing, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships.

In conclusion, “A Killer in the Family” offers a compelling crime thriller with unexpected twists and a thought-provoking exploration of the bonds that tie families together. The incorporation of DNA testing adds a unique and captivating dimension to the story. The novel maintains a gripping pace, making it a recommended choice for fans of suspenseful narratives and the unraveling of deep-seated family secrets. Rating: 3.5 stars

This is my first book by this author. There's lots of characters to get to know. I didn't have a problem reading it, even though it's book #5 of a series. This one is about a serial killer and there are lots of suspects. I liked all the twists and turns. I would read more by this author. Enjoyed it!!

When I read the premise of this book I was automatically intrigued, but also curious how an author could take this controversial topic and not make it too political or outlandish. I am referring to how in this book the “Bonfire Killer” is identified with the assistance of DNA from an ancestry website, which has become something we have been seeing more of and people have a variety of opinions on.
This book is part of a series and I will say you can pick this up without having read the first few in this series, I would recommend reading those first. This will greatly help in the lack of character development I found (due to not reading those).
Aisling is a single mother with a very secretive past that she wants answers to. She decides to use an DNA ancestry website and that is where her life and her family dynamic will change forever. The “bonfire killer” shares her DNA and uncovering how that connects to her past and present is twisty and interesting at times.
I will say this is a slow burn and more of a crime mystery, but once it gets about 50% in it starts to pick up . I would definitely read more books in this series and by this author.
I want to thank Netgalley, the Author, Random House Publishing Group, Random house , and Random House trade paperbacks for the ARC of this book!

The 5th book in the Detective Jonah Sheen series, “A Killer in the Family, is another police procedural mystery by Gytha Lodge. As with the other installments, we have a blend of mystery with an enticing and always engaging story, and ever growing and changing character development.

In this particular novel, the concept of Ancestral DNA is at the forefront. This is already a controversial subject with some people. Mostly, it is used to discover where a person comes from and their ethnic background. However, some feel it is a tool used for nefarious reasons by the government. So it was quite interesting to see the edge and direction of this novel, the topic is not easy.

In the 5th novel we have Jonah, and his teaming working to apprehend a killer, dubbed the “ Bonfire Killer.” As they continue to investigate they are lead to Aisling Cooley? How they are lead is through an international DNA database. and here we go…

This particular installment is more of a slow burning puzzle. It does not have impact or pace that “Little Sister” did. It was almost text book like in some parts. DNA and how it relates to someone and so forth can give a person a headache!

The storyline between all the detectives continues to impress me. I’m engaged with them, and can either feel for or sometimes identify with them. What makes this series so well done is the relationship between the detectives and how they play off of one another and engage in their lives.

I will say I read this book much slower than the others. Truthfully, it dragged. The killer was easily identifiable and the twists were just not there. And the ending…?

I will continue to read this series. Gytha Lodge, has become one of my favorite writers. This series is stellar, this 5th one, wasn’t as good of a plot, or ending, but still being invested in these characters makes it worth while.

thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

I love all of Lodge’s books in this series and this one was no exception! At 64% of the way through I thought I have it figured out but the twists kept coming! And that ending!! What a cliffhanger…there better be another one coming!
All of Lodge’s books are so well thought out and the dialogue and plot points so well articulated. 5⭐️ !! Cannot wait for the next one! .

Thank you for the ARC! I started off strong with A Killer in the Family and it really grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the concept, but some characters made it harder to follow as they were introduced halfway through. At the end, I felt like I was ready for it to be over, even during the climactic ending. I think it could work for some more than myself. Thankful I had the opportunity to read!

A town is ripped apart by the idea of a serial killer on the loose. Meanwhile, Aisling Cooley, a single mother of two is searching for answers about her childhood and the whereabouts of her father, who left her and her mother when she was very young. In search of him, Aisling uploads her DNA to a genealogy website and what-do-ya-know, she shares DNA with the suspected killer! Expect, no one knows who he or she is.

Detectives turn over every stone and followed every lead. I appreciated reading about good police work. However, there are many characters at play in this story, enough to keep you guessing in every chapter.

A random turn of events changes the entire trajectory of the story and (to me) this is where things started to pick up.

Part II is really where the meat and potatoes start to get some flavor. Aisling is not who we assume her to be. Ethan and Finn are hiding something from everyone. Who is Jack O'Keane and where did he come from? Could the killer be right under our noses the whole time?

An interesting premise and dive into new technologies to solve crimes. Pacing a bit slow at times, but overall a good mystery.

I really enjoy this series, after accidentally requesting the last one despite not having read the ones prior. I went back and read them all and am glad I did. I always have a soft spot for detective novels set in the UK.

The books tend to follow not just the team but others involved and eventually the pieces all fit together. Sometimes I wish the team had more time devoted just to them bc I want to know them better than I do. However, I find the team really likable anyway. And I really like how the other characters are handled so it balances out.

This story in particular, I felt invested in Aisling and her family. They were well developed and held my interested as I tried to piece things together. There’s a few things I could see coming and others I did not.

I would have looked forward to reading the next one anyway but damn, that cliffhanger. Way to make the wait that much more difficult!

There were a lot of story line perspectives which made the beginning of the book a little hard to follow. I also found it hard to follow when characters were interchangeably called by their first name in some places and last name in others. It was difficult to keep straight which last name went with what characters.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. The overall storyline was interesting

Aisling Cooley sets out to find her father who disappeared from her life when she was a young child by submitting her DNA online. Days later, surprisingly she is contacted by Detective Chief Inspector Jonah Sheens who is conducting an investigation into recent murders in the local area. Aisling is shocked to learn that her two sons are the prime suspects after blood found on one of the murdered victims links to the DNA samples she had submitted online. Why are her sons being so secretive lately, what are they hiding from her. Or could it be her father committing the murders, after all no one seems to be able to locate him. This book will have you guessing not once, but several times who the actual killer in the family really is and it’s not who you think it is.

Rating this 3.5 stars, but rounding down.
This was a great read full of in-depth police work and a surprising mystery. It was a bit of a slow-burn whodunit, but with short chapters and exceptional writing, it kept you guessing. I love how the author tied all the characters together in the end. It made for a wonderful plot twist. Most of the action happens in the last 25% of the book, and Lodge does an amazing job zig-zagging you between suspects.
My biggest issue was how I couldn't connect to any character and felt completely distant from the scene. I couldn't invest in any story, even Jonah's, whose side story was the most emotional. This mainly had to do with the fact that a lot of the DCI team's side stories are told in the previous books, and we aren't given much detail into their backstories. I have read the previous book in this series, 'Little Sister', and yet still found myself either not caring about the side plots, or completely baffled as to why it was necessary.
Definitely a good vacation read, or if you're in the mood for a slow-burn mystery!

Disclaimer: I received a gifted copy of this via netgalley and in exchange I'm leaving my honest review.
In the last year or so I've discovered I like crime novels. Stuff like this in fiction is hit or miss though, and I think I'm just not the target audience.
There were entirely too many twists in the story. I think it could be a lot better, but every other chapter there was a "new twist" to the antagonist. It wasn't him, or her or him. It was entirely too complicated in that way, and I think that may be why it fell flat for me.

This was definitely more of a slow burn and was kind of challenging for me to work through. However, once I got through about 50% of the book, it picked up and I was hooked!

I love this book as I'm really into the whole genetic genealogy aspect of solving crimes, like the Golden State Killer. Great use of that background to flesh out a story about how the past can come back to find you. It made me want to read the previous books to find out more about the detectives up to this point.

A twisty thriller that will leave you guessing until the end, A Killer in the Family is the fifth in a series by Gytha Lodge. Definitely worth the read. Four stars!

*I received an advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.