I'm shocked by how much I liked this book, only because I typically dislike historical anything. But historical horror based off the very first family of serial killers????? Uhhhh yeah. I'm down for that!

At over 350 pages, I was nervous I would lose interest. But instead, I couldn't put it down. It moved fast and didn't disappoint as it continued on! Highly recommend!

Bryce Moore’s A Family of Killers offers a gripping and nuanced exploration of one of the most notorious families in American criminal history. Drawing from a blend of meticulous research and imaginative storytelling, Moore presents a unique perspective that provides an entertaining take on the Bloody Bender's story (I read Hell’s Half Acre by Susan Jonusas at the same time and was amazed how accurate A Family of Killers is while maintaining the spirit of the original historical accounts).

Moore’s narrative skillfully intertwines the historical facts of the Bender family with the fictional account of Warren Bullocks, a character whose internal struggles and violent tendencies are portrayed with a depth that feels both purposeful and authentic. The author’s portrayal of Warren's neurodivergence and the misunderstandings surrounding it is particularly interesting. Moore avoids heavy-handedness, instead opting for a portrayal that feels true to Warren’s internal and external conflicts.

The book’s depiction of violence, while undeniably intense, serves a crucial role in conveying the dark nature of the story. This element, while necessary for the authenticity of the narrative, may be off-putting to some readers. Nevertheless, it is integral to the story’s impact and contributes to the novel's macabre allure.

Overall, A Family of Killers is a compelling read that will captivate not only history enthusiasts but also those drawn to chilling, atmospheric tales. Moore’s ability to blend historical fact with imaginative fiction results in a novel that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

Thank you to NetGalley & Sourcebooks Fire for allowing me to read an eARC of this title.

This was not what I was expecting at all. It is advertised as a horror, but it really isn't. The murders all take place off the page.
The story does not focus on the killer's or the murders, but instead on the teenage boy who takes off across the prairie to find the killers after they disappear. He struggles with intrusive thoughts (the Voice) and is trying to decide if her should let the voice take over when he finds the family.
I enjoyed the book, even though the pacing is a bit slow, but I do not think my students will stay with it.

Content Warnings: Murder, descriptions of murdered bodies, death of a baby, intrusive thoughts.

I liked this one but didn’t LOVE it. I don’t know if books taking place in this era are for me necessarily but I really enjoyed the writing style and there were times where I couldn’t put the book down but other times when I felt it dragging a little. I would definitely read other books from Bryce Moore because I can be a little picky with writing style but I felt that it was very well-written, the content of this specific book was just not my thing.

This novel has a lot of intrigue, tension, and a hint of creepiness. I appreciate how the author creates tension, and the vivid descriptions transport me to the past. Based on the family of America's first serial killers, I thought that was incredibly interesting. Texas, Kansas, and Missouri in the late 1800s made for a nice setting.

What I found less appealing about the book was its pace. The plot became a bit monotonous as it proceeded to move slowly after an initial promising start. The entire investigation seemed to have taken up far too much time at one point, both in terms of the book's plot and timeline. I don't think it was a good thing that some things went unanswered because it left the plot seeming unfinished.

Furthermore, although I respect Moore's choice to depict mental illness within a historical framework, this subject wasn't well handled. The topic of mental health appeared a little stereotyped and understudied.

It was nonetheless an intriguing read in spite of its flaws. I would suggest this book to anybody who enjoy fiction blended with historical true crime.

3.75 stars

I didn't have high hopes after the first 30% of this, I was bored and just never saw myself reaching for it once I put it down. However after about 40% it speeds up and is a really intriguing read. It does make me want to go down the rabbit hole with learning more about the Bender family. I do wish it focused a bit more on the family than just Warren's story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

This was an overall okay read to me. I am partly at fault here because I didn't realize it was historical fiction mixed in with horror. Although, in my own defense, it was not listed as such. I did, however, love that it was based on America's first serial killer family. I can't say I devoured this, I more munched on it slowly while taking several breaks as this took its time telling the story. The investigation dragged a bit, and some questions were left unanswered, but not in a good way, leaving the reader to their imagination. The mental health aspect seemed a bit stereotypical and not fully researched, which was a bit unfortunate. Overall, don't let me put you off reading this as you may find yourself loving it. Three stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Sourcebooks Fire, for this ARC.

Wow!!! What a great book!!! I could not stop reading. The historical facts at the end was just the cherry on top!!

THOUGHTS

This book feels like a definite improvement, craft-wise, over Don't Go to Sleep. It weaves history with thriller and sets up some pretty solid characters to carry the story. Overall, I enjoyed the read.


PROS
Lawlessness: I really appreciate that this book takes place in Missouri and Kansas, two states that rarely get any page time in contemporary publishing. And I appreciate, too, that this book dives into the history of these states, their lawless beginnings when they were just starting to be settled--when they were a battlefront, really, between locals and settlers and immigrants seeking fortune. Of course you can get away with a lot here. There's no set law in place to stop you, and there aren't enough people around to notice.

Nasty Descriptions: When it becomes quite evident that something truly terrible is happening in this lawless land, the descriptions of what Warren finds are... horrific. But in a good way. In the way they should be. The rot and desecration Warren stumbles across proves quite visceral in a way that shocks and elevates the tone of the story.

True Crime: Bryce Moore tells a compelling story here, a story built up on true crime (and true speculation from the past and today). This crime was once notorious, and Bryce Moore is helping to make sure this crime doesn't get lost in the annals of history by revitalizing it for a contemporary reader to experience right alongside Warren.


CONS
Mental Health Woes: While I appreciate Moore's decision to represent mental illness in a historical context (something that is so rarely seen in historical fiction, which only perpetuates the myth that mental health struggles are only contemporary woes), this depiction of what I assume to be OCD was... not it. Especially in the opening pages, when Warren is really struggling, it feels like this book relies more on stereotypes than actual experiences of mental illness. And having your mentally ill character hearing violent, sociopathic voices just isn't where it is at. Intrusive thoughts can certainly be violent, but the depiction here felt more Mental Illness Is Scary than OCD Is Hard. And that's just... an underinformed narrative in the year 2024.

Southern Stereotypes: The Southern accent written out in these pages is so strong it feels both difficult and uncomfortable to read, and I'm absolutely bewildered by this choice. Missouri, where Warren is coming from, is only very loosely considered to be Southern, and the local accent most definitely reflects that. A strong Southern drawl just isn't a thing in this state (take it from someone who has, you know, actually lived in Missouri before). Warren is also not a Missouri native, his family having moved several times (most recently from California). So the fact that they're all sporting this accent, too, feels... not right.

On and On and On: This is truly the longest "investigation" that ever happened. Don't get me wrong. I understand travel limitations and the slow spread of word-of-mouth news back in the day. Obviously, this isn't an investigation that's happening swiftly. It just, realistically, cannot. But at a certain point, it felt like the "investigation" had taken up way too much time, both in the plot and in the timeline of the book. Warren's investigation isn't particularly focused, and so his own lack of drive, motivation, and suspicion doesn't help the overly-long investigation, either.


Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6/10

Fans of Bryce Moore's Don't Go to Sleep will like this new take on true (historical) crime. Those who love Willa Cather's My Ántonia will like to dive back into the frontier of these Great Plains states.

"From the author of The Perfect Place to Die and Don't Go to Sleep comes another chilling horror that explores the eerie story of America's first serial killer family.

Warren Bullock always thought he was a decent person. But lately he's been haunted by a sinister voice in his head urging him to commit unspeakable acts of violence against the people around him.

And then the rumors start... There have been a string of disappearances in southeastern Kansas, and his father's friend is one of the missing travelers. When Warren's father leaves to investigate and doesn't return, Warren knows this is his chance to prove that he is stronger than his darkest impulses.

As he makes his way through Kansas, he finds himself at a suspicious inn run by the Benders, a family with deeply unsettling mannerisms. They watch every move he makes, stand over him in his sleep, and the daughter seems to be able to see into both the past and future.

As he delves further into the disappearances, he realizes one or all of the Benders may be responsible for all the missing people - and might be the reason his father never came home. It's up to Warren to set things right, even if that means giving into the voice he has been working so hard to ignore."

I really can't explain the joy I'm feeling at this rediscovery of the Benders.

This was a good thriller that explored the “first” serial killer family in the US. I liked the setting of Missouri and Kansas, the down to Texas, in the late 1800s. The use of newspaper clippings for each chapter was unique too-made me remember that it was based on a real family.

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. You should read it!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bryce Moore for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Family of Killers coming out August 6, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoy this author’s writing. I think it’s a good mix of historical and horror. This book definitely didn’t disappoint! I’m from the Midwest, so I’ve read a few books on the Benders. It’s super creepy and intriguing history to learn about. I thought Warren was definitely an interesting character. He’s thrown into the action of westward expansion and the building of America. I loved the journey he went on. I think a lot of the book is focused on him. It would’ve been nice to see a little more into the other characters’ storylines. But I loved the book. It held my attention!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical true crime mixed with fiction!

What a wonderful journey of a young man coming into his own under the worst circumstances. It was heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Loved this!

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. What a great plot line. I just could not get into it. It started off ok and then continued too slow

DNF — definitely not for me as I didn’t realize it was historical. Not worth finishing as I know I won’t be interested in it.

In "A Family of Killers," Bryce Moore dives into the macabre history of America's first suspected serial killers, the Bender family. Our protagonist, Warren Bullock, wrestles with inner demons and a sinister voice urging him towards violence. When disappearances plague his hometown and his own father vanishes, Warren embarks on a desperate search for answers that leads him straight to the doorstep of the unsettling Benders.

Suspenseful Journey

Moore crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, amping up the tension with the unsettling behavior of the Bender family. The constant surveillance, the eerie premonitions of the daughter, and the looming threat of violence create a chilling sense of unease. The exploration of Warren's internal struggle adds another layer of complexity, blurring the lines between sanity and darkness.

Fans of True Crime Horror

Readers who enjoy horror rooted in true crime will find themselves engrossed in the story. The Benders' sinister reputation adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, while the exploration of Warren's inner turmoil keeps the story grounded in a relatable human experience.

Things to Keep in Mind

The internal conflict and the psychological horror elements might be disturbing for some readers. Additionally, while the synopsis mentions a sinister voice, it's unclear from this description if the story delves into the supernatural or keeps the horror grounded in the psychological realm.

A Gripping Tale for Horror Enthusiasts

"A Family of Killers" is a chilling and suspenseful read that will send shivers down your spine. If you're looking for a horror novel that blends true crime elements with a psychological exploration of good versus evil, then this book is for you.

The good? This was tense and in my opinion true of its time and culture. The characters were believable and I wanted to know where this mental illness led. The darkness was delightful. The bad? The writing got repetitive and slow in places and list my interest.

4.5 I love this author! Our main character is facing mental health struggles in a time less forgiving than today. Ultimately, this makes him perfectly suited to tell this story. I love the way he builds suspense, and the descriptions are well written, pulling me into the past. I have studied the Bender case pretty exhaustively, and this is a solid telling, I’ve used read alouds from previous works of Moore’s and this one will be another useful mentor text, particularly for my students who adore true crime. Juniors and seniors who love horror and need a good push into nonfiction stories will find this an inviting entry point. Keep up the great work, Mr Moore! This teacher loves what you’re doing!

A FAMILY OF KILLERS immediately drew me in from the first few pages, but it didn't keep me there This book is tense and full of mystery and slight creepiness. Even though I don't generally read books set in the past, I liked that this book was---I felt that that added to the ambiance of the story even thought I couldn't get into it the way I wanted.
A FAMILY OF KILLERS follows Warren and his struggles with the Voice in his head, and the voices of his family as he embarks on a journey to find his missing father. I'll admit, there were times where this book wasn't my favorite---mostly having to do with the length of the chapters but also how drawn out it felt---but once I got past that, I found a well-told story that I may not want to read again, but I think others will find enjoyable.