I have really enjoyed all the books I've read by this author and this one was just as entertaining as her previous stories. Such a Lovely Family is full of secrets, despicable characters, and surprises.

What I enjoyed about this book: I love the Washington, DC setting that Thompson uses in her stories -- the elite suburban neighborhoods full of gossip, power, and wealth. I also enjoyed the characters in this book, even the despicable ones carried the story so well. The story moved at an appropriate pace and is written in an entertaining "whodunnit" style. I was genuinely intrigued with the direction of the story and solving the crime.

What I didn't enjoy: Overall, I found the book very entertaining. A few moments felt too rushed or absurd but otherwise I really enjoyed this quick read.

I will certainly continue to read books by this author and recommend this one.

This book masterfully weaves a suspenseful narrative, delving into the intricate consequences of harboring secrets and the poignant cost of upholding an illusion of perfection. From the start until the very last page you’ll be hooked on this story.

With each twist and revelation, the story exposes the vulnerabilities beneath the surface, compelling readers to question the true price of concealing the shadows that lurk within.

A captivating exploration of the human condition, this novel invites us on a thrilling journey that goes beyond the facade, unraveling the complexities of familial relationships and the choices that shape our lives.

An engaging and thought-provoking tale that lingers in the mind; is a must-read for those who appreciate the artistry of storytelling and the exploration of the hidden truths that define our existence.

I just reviewed Such a Lovely Family by Aggie Blum Thompson. #SuchaLovelyFamily #NetGalley

The Calhoun’s hosted a lavish cherry blossom party each and every year. Unfortunately, this year’s festivities came to an abrupt end when someone was murdered. The resulting investigation cracked the picture-perfect facade the family maintained.

Such a Lovely Family was a solid popcorn thriller jam-packed with secrets, lies and family drama. This book was filled with unlikeable characters I loved to hate. While entertaining, I felt as though the majority of the characters lacked depth, which made it difficult to connect with them. With that being said, the author did a great job at keeping me guessing. Everyone seemed to have a motive and I suspected nearly every character of murder at one point or another. If you enjoy rich people drama with a side of murder, I recommend checking this one out.

This was more akin to a cozy mystery and I struggle with this genre. I expected something different out of this one and due to mismatched expectations this ended up not being the book for me.

I do appreciate the physical as well as the e-arc from Tor publishing and netgalley. The physical will be shared in my little free library and hopefully it will find itself in the hands of someone who will truly enjoy it.

Thank you.

The book kicks off with the Calhoun family hosting their epic annual cherry blossom party. There's plenty of food, alcohol and secrets to go around to keep this one interesting. Nobody is expecting a brutal murder to take place mid-event - And all of the guests, and family, are now suspects. The book plot was not that uncommon and so I had trouble to stay interested in it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This was my first book by Thompson and it didn’t disappoint. I wouldn’t call it a “thriller” - more of a “who dun it” but I still enjoyed it. I loved the dysfunction of the Calhouns and all the drama that surrounds such an affluent group of people. The characters really shone in this read, and were just what you want in a classic who dun it - flawed, complicated, secretive and polarizing. I found it kept my attention and kept me engaged, especially the end, where ✨everything✨ is revealed.

Holy plot twists, Batman. And all of them were wonderful.

Set in the Washington, D.C. suburbs (take me back, please), and following the idyllic lives of the Calhouns and their three adult(ish) children, this book opens with a murder. Then we go back a few hours to the party leading up to the murder, and the rest of the novel follows the twists and turns the investigation follows.

I literally read this book in almost one sitting, which I haven't done in a while. I think this may be me getting my reading groove back.

Thanks, NetGalley!

An excellent thriller about a prominent DC family and their dirty little secrets. I loved this book. There twists and turns were amazing! I thought I had it all figured out and then everything would change! It kept me engaged.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

The Calhoun family is a very distinctive family from the D.C area. They are planning a huge party but a murder is committed and the truths begins to come out about all members of the family. The husband has been having an affair for a while and the wife knows. Life is about to change for all of them. This book will leave you on the edge of your seat.

In Aggie Blum Thompson's gripping novel, "Such a Lovely Family," readers are transported to the picturesque setting of Washington, D.C., where the Calhoun family appears to embody the epitome of a perfect family. The story unfolds during the annual Calhoun party, coinciding with the enchanting cherry blossoms in full bloom. However, what starts as a joyous celebration quickly takes a dark turn when a shocking murder occurs, turning the Calhouns' idyllic gathering into a crime scene and every guest into a potential suspect. Beneath the seemingly flawless exterior, the Calhoun family hides a multitude of deep secrets. The parents employ a combination of money and emotional manipulation to maintain control over their children. The two sons, each burdened with their own personal demons, find themselves entangled in a web of mistakes and desperate choices. Meanwhile, the daughter, an influential figure on Instagram, struggles to confront the harsh reality of her marriage. As the investigation into the murder intensifies, the family tensions begin to escalate, and alliances shift amidst the mounting pressure. In this crucible of suspicion and fear, long-buried resentments and concealed truths resurface, forcing the Calhouns to confront their darkest secrets before it's too late. Aggie Blum Thompson skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and psychological depth, capturing the complexities of family dynamics and the consequences of hidden truths. The characters are flawlessly crafted, with their individual struggles and desires expertly revealed throughout the narrative. Thompson masterfully maintains a sense of intrigue, ensuring that readers are kept on the edge of their seats, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth lurking beneath the Calhouns' polished veneer. "Such a Lovely Family" is not merely a murder mystery; it delves deep into the intricate intricacies of human relationships. Thompson presents a thought-provoking exploration of how secrets can poison even the most seemingly harmonious families, and how the quest for control and the fear of exposure can drive individuals to desperate actions. Overall, Aggie Blum Thompson's "Such a Lovely Family" is an enthralling and suspenseful novel that will captivate readers from beginning to end. With its well-paced plot, compelling characters, and a chilling portrayal of hidden family dynamics, this book is a must-read for fans of thrilling mysteries that delve into the depths of the human psyche. Prepare to be immersed in a world where nothing is as it seems, and where the pursuit of truth might unearth more than anyone bargained for.

Thank you Netgalley & Tor Publishing Group/Forge for an eARC of Such a Lovely family by Aggie blum Thompson! Aggie is one of my favorite authors ever since her debut, so I was THRILLED to get my hands on this one early. It immediately moved its way up to the top of my TBR.

As a primarily-thriller reader, I absolutely love books with major twists. This one does not STOP with the twists, I feel like I was on a roller coaster for the entire read (Small and jaw-dropping, didn't see it coming twists).

What's it about?
The book kicks off with the Calhoun family hosting their epic annual cherrry blossom party. There's plenty of food, alcohol and secrets to go around to keep this one interesting. Nobody is expecting a brutal murder to take place mid-event - And all of the guests, and family, are now suspects.

Not going to give any other details regarding the plot as this is one that I recommend picking up without reading that full synopsis! Aggie, are you OK after writing this? So twisted, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Plenty of twists and turns and at least a few sympathetic characters made this the kind of domestic suspense I enjoy!

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Such A Lovely Family by Aggie Blum Thompson. Nothing is as idyllic as it seems on social media, and that becomes glaringly clear when Thom Calhoun is murdered at his annual cherry blossom party and his wife Ginny is shot. Their friends and neighbors are shocked and their three children are thrown into crisis mode, but soon everyone becomes a suspect. As one scandalous secret after another is revealed, this picture perfect family is revealed to be anything but perfect...

The Calhouns are one of those families that expend a lot of energy to appear perfect. At the start of the story the very wealthy family is holding a Cherry Blossom Party. The parents and their three adult children are dressed in Gingham and hosting all of the important people in the DC community when tragedy strikes.

A murder puts most of the family under suspicion. As the story unwinds, more and more secrets are reveled. It's hard to find someone to root for, but the secrets and manipulative behavior is delicious! Some characters were one dimensional and some of the background seemed flat but the actual story and the events that happen carry the plot along and kept me turning pages as fast as I could!

If you love a family secret thriller or a small community murder, this is the novel for you!
#torpublishing #suchalovelyfamily #aggiebluthompson

I love a fun “rich people behaving badly” story and this fit the bill! I could definitely see this being a movie or tv adaptation. It’s a good one!

Such a lovely family?!! Geez I'm glad they're not my family lol Good book though! This book had a bit of everything! It had suspense, Action, intrigue, mystery, murder, revenge, gas lighting, a great who done it, great plot twist, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my Kindle!! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY is perfect for fans of dysfunctional family dramas. Because each character has secrets and ulterior motives, the author does a great job at maintaining a high level of tension. The frequency with which we switch points of view contributes to the suspense and keeps us turning the pages. Readers looking for likable characters or noble motives should turn their attention elsewhere, but if you're craving a behind the scenes look at how people (especially wealthy snobs) behave badly, this is your next popcorn thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-galley; all opinions in this review are 100% my own.

This book had so many character and such a good plot. It kept me guessing though out the whole book on who did it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CzaSDPXguFY/?igshid=YjVjNjZkNmFjNg==

I love sordid family dramas and this DID NOT disappoint.

The Calhouns are a picture perfect family, with a beautiful marriage, elegant parties, Christmas cards with coordinated outfits… but there is a lot of filth lurking beneath the surface.

At their annual cherry blossom party, the facade is beginning to crack. Then, a murder shocks their entire world.

Everyone is freaking out. Each member of the family begins to panic, with their individual skeletons in their respective closets being exposed. The investigation into the murder is heating up and the carefully constructed world they have created is crumbling.

This was a great popcorn thriller. I love dysfunctional families and this one was intense. The Calhouns are a freaking mess! With resentment, manipulation, past crimes and infidelity, there are many, many potential murderers… and the ride to find out who was responsible was FUN!

A murder happens at a celebration. The wealthy Calhoun have a lot of secrets as do their children. I really could not get into this book from the beginning. It was another who did it and what a horrible scandalous family. It’s been done and done and this one was not fresh or new.