Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson is a mystery novel that combines elements of crime fiction with dark humor. The story revolves around the Cunningham family, a group with a peculiar history: every member has killed someone. The protagonist, Ernest Cunningham, narrates the tale as he attends a family reunion at a remote mountain resort. The reunion quickly turns deadly when a body is discovered, and the family must confront their past deeds and secrets.

Ernest, who has a penchant for writing how-to-write crime novels, becomes an unwilling detective as he tries to solve the murder while navigating his complicated relationships with his relatives. Each family member’s backstory is revealed, shedding light on their murderous pasts and the motives that could drive them to kill again.

The novel’s unique narrative style, blending wit and suspense, keeps readers engaged as Ernest uncovers the truth behind the murder and the family’s dark legacy. The story delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of familial bonds, offering a fresh and entertaining take on the traditional whodunit genre.

The Review

Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a delightful foray into the world of crime fiction, masterfully blending dark humor with suspense in a way that is both refreshing and thoroughly entertaining. This novel stands out in the crowded mystery genre with its unique premise and engaging narrative style.

The story is narrated by Ernest Cunningham, an endearing protagonist with a knack for writing amateur crime novels. The plot kicks off with Ernest attending a family reunion at a secluded mountain resort. What starts as a seemingly ordinary gathering quickly turns deadly when a body is discovered, setting off a chain of events that force the Cunningham family to confront their dark pasts. As the title suggests, every member of this family has killed someone, and their secrets are slowly unveiled as the plot progresses.

Ernest’s voice is distinctive and full of wit, making him a relatable guide through the labyrinth of family secrets and murder. Each family member is meticulously crafted, with their backstories and motives intricately woven into the narrative. The character development is superb, with Stevenson ensuring that readers are invested in the lives and fates of each Cunningham.

Stevenson’s writing is sharp and clever, with a darkly comedic tone that keeps the novel from becoming too heavy despite its macabre subject matter. The humor is well-balanced with the suspense, creating a reading experience that is as enjoyable as it is thrilling. The narrative is self-aware, often breaking the fourth wall in a way that draws readers further into the story.

At its core, Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of familial relationships. The novel delves into the moral gray areas of its characters’ actions, prompting readers to ponder the nature of justice and the impact of past deeds on the present.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, with a steady buildup of tension leading to a satisfying climax. Stevenson skillfully uses flashbacks and multiple perspectives to keep the plot dynamic and engaging. The structure of the book, with its chapter headings and intermittent reflections from Ernest, adds to the immersive quality of the narrative.

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone is a standout in the mystery genre, offering a fresh take on the classic whodunit. Benjamin Stevenson has crafted a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and immensely entertaining. With its memorable characters, witty writing, and intriguing plot, this book is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and dark humor.

You can find more about Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone and Benjamin Stevenson’ other books at his website.