Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Murder in the Family.

Twenty years ago, Luke Ryder was murdered at his family's affluent home and no one has been brought to justice.

Now, Guy Howard, the stepson of Ryder and documentary filmmaker, has decided to put his family in the spotlight for a new streaming series dedicated to investigating and maybe solving famous cold cases.

But, will the truth bring solace to the family or destroy them?

The narrative is written in a screenplay format, the main characters of the investigation of crime series sits and discusses their methods, theories, and concerns.

News clips, excerpts from Twitter feeds and news articles are included to lend the narrative a modern prospective on how armchair detectives and streaming crime shows are now a part of popular culture, whetting the nation's appetite for true crime.

At first, I thought this storytelling format was kind of distracting, but I soon got into it, mostly because I wanted to figure out whodunit.

This style of narrative made this a quick read, and easy to follow if you're not focusing on the names of the main characters, and just on the facts of the case.

There are revelations, it's no coincidence the team of investigators were brought into this case specifically., and yes, I don't believe in coincidences and some of the twists were a bit hard to suspend disbelief for, but you roll with them because you want to know who did it.

When the identity of the killer was revealed, I was a bit disappointed.

I had a feeling the ending would be anti-climatic or something corny like the guy slipped.

But, I did enjoy this more than I thought. I found the case interesting and engaging, though this type of storytelling format doesn't allow any character development or time for the reader to know and understand the main characters and family.

The story is the murder, how the clues are deciphered, where it leads the investigative team and what they discover.

Looking forward to the next book by this author!

3.5-4 stars

This was my first book by this author, and would definitely read others by her. I liked the formatting of the book, with the interview style and added things like text messages, voicemails, news articles, etc. It was a quick read and definitely kept me on my toes, all the way until the end.

I would recommend that people read the physical book vs the kindle version. There were lots of times I wanted to go back and reference something, and that would be a lot easier to do with an actual book.

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Murder in the Family is the first book I’ve read by Cara Hunter, but I’d heard a ton of good things about her writing. The best thing about this book for me is the format— it really made it stand out. The story is told through transcripts of a true crime documentary, articles, chats and phone call exchanges, etc. One of the only drawbacks for me was that the NetGalley app wouldn’t let me zoom in on some of those, and I needed to. Looooots of squinting.

The book really felt like a true crime documentary, and I found myself not being able to hold off on reading the next “episode.” LOTS of interesting twists in this one- I was on the edge of my seat. It ended up feeling a little contrived for me at the end, but I think it did what it needed to do overall. If you like twisty mysteries, you will probably love this. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

A ten year old is present when his step-father is murdered. His mother and sisters were also there but no one saw or heard a thing.
30 years later he has become a famous producer and decided to solve the crime through a multi part Netflix documentary.
At what personal cost will the search for the resolution cost him?

I like the way the format of the book includes emails and other forms of communication. It brings an immediacy to the narrative and kept me on my toes

A great whodoneit mystery! You have to be patient with the style of writing. It’s a mixture of transcripts, interviews, text messages and news clippings. There are many twists and turns and interesting characters. I felt like I was part of the team soling the crime. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.

Cara Hunter delivers another gripping crime fiction novel with "Murder in the Family." This thrilling mystery keeps readers on their toes as they delve into the dark secrets and twisted dynamics of a seemingly ordinary family. . The members of the family at the center of the mystery are multi-dimensional, flawed, and well-developed. Their relationships and interactions are intricately woven, creating a sense of unease and suspicion that keeps readers guessing.

The pacing of "Murder in the Family" is skillfully executed. The author strikes a balance between the investigation's progress and the gradual revelations about the family's past. This balance creates a sense of anticipation and drives the narrative forward, maintaining the reader's interest throughout. Cara Hunter's attention to detail and meticulous research shines through in the book. The procedural aspects of the investigation feel authentic and grounded, adding to the overall believability of the story. The author's descriptive prose helps paint a vivid picture of the crime scenes and settings, immersing the reader in the investigation.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

#MurderintheFamily #NetGalley

First let me say that after reading the blurb, it reminded me of my favorite crime show Cold Justice, where the re-examine cold cases along with the DNA, crime scene pictures and detective work to see if anything was missed and then, they talk to the local DA to see if maybe charges can be filed…….. This story is about the death of Luke Ryder who is the stepfather to acclaimed director Guy Howard. In the house when the murder took place was Guy’s mother and his two step sisters. Yet no one heard or saw anything. The case gained media attention and yet still no information was turned over to the police. Now years later a television show called Infamous ha come to town and help Guy try to figure out what happened. The show has brought in some of the best forensics teams as well as detectives to look over everything. There is much to be learned and I am not sure if everyone is ready for what they will find out.

The author is a brilliant writer. Cara Hunter has weaved a tale of suspense that will keep you engrossed and entertained while trying to figure out who the killer was. Hunter gives you just enough information to allow your mind to put the pieces together and figure it out BUT……… just when you think you may know what really happened, another clue or secret is thrown your way. If you love books like this and want a challenge, I suggest you read this book.


5 out of 5 stars


Thank you to NetGalley as well s the author/publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my unbiased and honest review.

This is one of the best books I have read! Guy Howard’s step father was murdered 20 years ago and the murder has not been solved. Guy is a director and seeks out a producer to help him create a reality show of solving the murder. The producer comes up with a team of experts and gives them the evidence and they review it live for the show. This book sucked me in right away. I could not put it down and it keep blowing my mind with the many plot twists. Read this book - you will not regret it!

Do you like true crime? This novel is like a true crime thriller and I guarantee you will love it!

Murder in the Family includes it all! Heat Sheets and Episode descriptions and the chapters are peppered with discussion boards and texts between the family members - everything you need to try and solve the murder before the end!

The premise is that Guy Howard, a famous filmmaker has created a streaming series to try and determine who killed his young stepfather when he was 10. The unsolved mystery of 2003 was high profile but eventually fell out of the public eye.

Guy has a few tricks up his sleeve as do many of the players assisting with the series tune in and read on to try and solve the murder! If you love true crime, unique books and unconventional formats, Murder in The Family is for you!
#WilliamMorrow #CaraHunter #MurderintheFamily

Murder in the Family
By Cara Hunter
Pub Date: September 19, 2023
William Morrow
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am a fan of Hunter’s police procedural series so I eagerly started on this stand alone.
I was not disappointed. The format was told as if we were watching a documentary which was a unique experience for me.
It worked,
I gladly give this book 5 stars! Get it as soon as you can!
5 stars

The book cover and synopsis caught my attention right off the bat. "Murder in the Family" was a fantastic read for sure!

Murder in the Family is one of the most interesting — and original — thrillers I've read in years. I wasn't sure if the format, which reads like the transcript of a true crime TV show (with visuals, to boot) would hold my attention. However, not only was it easy to slip into the concept, the narrative itself was incredibly compelling.

The only part I struggled with was following certain aspects of the story. There are a ton — a TON — of twists, and toward the end, it was hard to keep track of all of the reveals and suspicious behavior. That aspect aside, I loved this book and am already looking forward to what the author writes next.

My mind! My gray cells! Quick correction: my last remaining gray cells! It took me a day to gather my thoughts after reaching the end of this book, and even now, a day later, I am still rendered speechless. No words I can conjure adequately express my heightened emotions, immense admiration, awe, and adoration for Cara Hunter's true masterpiece!

This book is not merely a fitting homage to Agatha Christie novels, true crime documentaries, or, as the author eloquently puts it through her fictional TV columnist's words, a slow-motion train wreck and Lord of the Flies on steroids. It is one of the most intelligent, flawlessly executed, mind-bending, gripping, intense, and dark novels that seamlessly navigates multiple genres, including murder mystery, psychological thriller, suspense, crime thriller, and a film noir presented in a docuseries style.

The author employs a unique and creative narrative approach, utilizing text messages, news clippings, resumes of the main characters, maps, fan forums, voicemails, and emails exchanged between the characters and the production team. The rest of the story is written as a script, simulating a documentary format that allows readers to visualize each chapter scene by scene, providing a vivid, realistic portrayal of the surroundings, clues, reactions, and inner turmoil of each character.

The heart of the mystery revolves around the 20th anniversary of the infamous cold case: the murder of Luke Ryder, a 26-year-old Australian and the younger husband of a social elite. He was discovered bludgeoned to death by one of his teenage stepdaughters at their Campden Hill residence. The case is often referred to as the "cougar murder case." Luke's stepson, Guy Howard, was only ten years old when the murder occurred. Now, at thirty, Guy is a renowned filmmaker and director, collaborating with producer Nick Vincent for the seventh season of the highly acclaimed "Infamous" series. The season's release is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd, precisely twenty years after Luke Ryder's death.

Guy is determined to uncover the truth about his stepfather's murder, driven by the desire to bring closure to his still-traumatized family, including his two sisters who have endured years of therapy, and his mother Caroline Howard, who battles early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

The production crew thoughtfully assembled an expert team consisting of Alan Carrick, a retired senior police officer from the Metropolitan Police Service; Mitchell Clarke, a freelance journalist; Hugo Fraser KC, a brilliant lawyer; Laila Furness, a forensic and clinical psychologist; JJ Norton, a forensic investigator; and finally, William R. Serafini Jr., a former Manhattan Detective with the NYPD.

As you delve into the mystery, you are bombarded with new revelations and unexpected twists that catch you off guard. Gradually, you come to realize why this diverse team was chosen to delve into the investigation. Nothing is as it seems, and everyone involved in the case seems to be telling lies and harboring secrets. Each new revelation leaves you reeling, feeling as though the rug has been pulled out from under your feet. The gripping climax intensifies your involvement in the mystery. And the conclusion, oh my God, words fail me to adequately express the sheer astonishment I experienced in that unforeseen moment!

The cleverly written news clips provide a perfect, unconventional, unique, and delightfully sarcastic ending to this brilliantly crafted thriller.

I wholeheartedly congratulate the author on her exceptional work. This is, by far, one of the most intelligent and masterfully executed thrillers I have read recently, and I cannot emphasize enough how highly I recommend it. I eagerly look forward to reading more books by this talented author.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley and William Morrow/William Morrow Paperbacks for providing me with a digital review copy of this masterpiece in exchange for my honest thoughts. Their generosity has allowed me the privilege of experiencing this remarkable work.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Haven't read a book like this one before and I read a ton! The setup is a combo of news articles, bios, dialogue like a play and more. The content was hard to follow at times but overall it was well done. Interesting topic. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.

Mixed feelings for me about this book, it was interesting but also hard to read, disconnected vs a flowing story. I also had technical difficulties, on my kindle, a lot of the announcements and text conversations were so light to be illegible. It was good but a lot of work

I recently had the pleasure of reading "Murder In The Family" by Cara Hunter, this captivating Thriller held my attention from start to finish.

What sets this book apart from others in its genre is its refreshingly unique approach to story telling. Instead of following the conventional formula it took a daring approach and I loved it! I felt like I was behind the scenes of a Televised True Crime Documentary, it allowed me as the reader to be fully immersed in the storyline and invested in the solving the Mystery.

From page one the author weaves a web of suspenseful plot twists and turns that will keep you searching for answers.

If you enjoy Mystery Thrillers this one should be on your radar!

Thank you Cara Hunter, Net Galley and William Morrow for providing me with an ARC of this book.