Book Review - Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

Title: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone
Author: Benjamin Stevenson
Genre: Mystery/ Fiction/ Thriller
Published: 2022
 
Description: Everyone in my family has killed someone. Some of us, the high achievers, have killed more than once. I’m not trying to be dramatic, but it is the truth. Some of us are good, others are bad, and some just unfortunate.
 
I’m Ernest Cunningham. Call me Ern or Ernie. I wish I’d killed whoever decided our family reuinion should be at a ski resort, but it’s a little more complicated than that.
 
Have I killed someone? Yes. I Have.
 
Who was it?
 
Let’s get started.
 
Review: What a clever book! Ernest Cummingham tells us right from the start that, like the title, everyone in his family has killed someone. Including himself. Who they were and why they did it, remains unknown. The Cunningham family is coming together for a reunion in a ski resort, when one of the members of the family is being released from prison. And while they are there, a dead body turns up. And everyone is a suspect.
 
It's a whodunnit, but not the way you’re used to. Ernest talks to you, the reader, directly and sort of breaks the fourth wall, like they say in the movies. He involves you in his story, as if you’re there yourself. The book is very self-aware and does some real interesting things with the narrative. Often Ernest refers to an event that hasn’t happened yet, stating on what page you will be reading about it. Or he gives you a recap of the story so far or sums up his findings. The way the story is told is what will make or break this book for you. I loved it, but I can understand people who don’t enjoy this narrative.
 
The book keeps you on your toes constantly and the mystery is compelling. Because all the characters are a bit messed up, all in their own way, it’s really difficult to determine who can be trusted. Everyone is a suspect. Even Ernest.
 
I absolutely loved “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” and it is a new all-time favorite.
 
Rating: 5/ 5