Keep It in the Family

Keep It In The Family by John Marrs Honest review: It was good enough that I kept going back to it even when life threw curveballs. Once I reached a certain point, it felt like the story could’ve ended. But it didn’t. And honestly, I was hesitant to keep going because I felt the rest would be unnecessary fluff. It wasn’t. It was basically a whole other story at the end lol. Then when it could’ve ended, it didn’t. lol And while I easily could’ve thought the rest is just fluff; I had a feeling I’d be wrong again lol. It wasn’t fluff. It was basically a whole other little short story lol Then when it could’ve ended, it didn’t. There was still an epilogue. I know some don’t read prologues and epilogues. I do. And man. I’m glad I do. Because that was basically a whole other short story and what the actual hell on that epilogue?! The story was great. But that epilogue really drove it home for me. Great author. Good character build up. Not a complex plot but did have multiple layers and I love that! Also, this author is not overly descriptive and I really appreciate that. Especially in regards to things that have no bearing on the story. This book isn’t just a snack in between meals. Enjoy this hearty meal. Savor it. It’s good! I don’t get triggered but if you do, in regards to children, beware. On the aphantasia scale, I’m a 5. (I share this because ever since I learned about aphantasia, it was a huge epiphany for me. I believe it’s a big reason why some people rave about a book and others don’t.). On this note…I can’t imagine being a 1 and reading(vividly experiencing) this book.

This was my first John Marrs book and it did not disappoint! I recently started exploring other genres and wanted a really good psychological thriller. The pacing for this book was perfect and I was so excited each time I went to read more. I absolutely love the way this book was written. There were so many twists and turns throughout that I couldn’t wait to read the next page! There was a lot of content that I did not see coming, and I like to think that I am good at foreshadowing. As I said before, this was my first Marrs book— and I will be reading all of them! Highly recommend this author and this book, I’m hooked!

Wow. This book is simultaneously terrible and terrific... I almost stopped reading this book at the beginning because of the victims targeted.The plot twists and turns in such unique ways and keeps you at the edge of your seat the entire duration of the book. The misdirection was one of the elements that I enjoyed most, along with the gradual revelations that lead you to reality. John Marrs never disappoints. I've been intrigued and entertained by all books I've read that were authored by him. This is no exception.

This was my second John Marrs novel and while I didn't love it as much as the first(What Lies Between Us). It was still enjoyable for what it was. I mean I binged it in one day so...enough said. The book starts out strong and pulling me in completely with its alternating timelines and POVs. Very early on the book you can tell that something is not quite right with this family and there's a sense of foreboding lurking on the pages of this book. They were some twists and turns early on in the book that kept me intrigued and unable to look away. I also really appreciated the fact that the author didn't to go into too much detail with the murders. Most of the victims were children so I'm really glad when a lot of it was left to the imagine and it wasn't in gory detail. I didn't care for any of the characters, they were all pretty unlikable but that wasn't a huge issue for me because I was engrossed in the story. The book features a lot of back and forth, you're led to believe one thing and then it takes a whole different direction-keeping me on my toes at all times. However, there is a section of this book that was a bit boring for me. I think one major event happened too early on causing the author to use a lot of fluff to fill out the pages. This is just my opinion. The ending was a little too drawn out for my liking as well, but also in another breath, I'm glad he didn't leave any stone unturned. Having said that, that epilogue chilled me to the bone. I mean talk about twisted, sick and demented. If the ominous endings is something I can look forward to with this author then I am all for his work. . . . They're many trigger warnings in this book such as; Infanticide, miscarriages, my least favorite trope of all(CHEATING), child abuse, kidnapping, murder, mentions of self harm and anorexia. An enjoyable thriller filled with betrayal, lies, a twisted family and lots and lots of killing. I will never look at another suitcase the same way again.

John Marrs pulled me in again. I give this a generous 4 stars for the ending.. but it's really more like 3¹/² the rest of the way.

Possible spoilers*

**Trigger warnings, as there are several, should include infidelity, miscarriage, child abuse and child murder, kidnapping, suicide, and mental illness. I will add that the murders aren't greatly detailed.

This was a dark and disturbing read. I was pulled in early and couldn't put it down as I needed to know what happened. There is a strong nature vs. nurture dysfunctional family theme. I think there is still much to learn about the origin of some of the characters and how this truly all began. So, while I have the majority of the story and most will find it complete, I still have a few unanswered questions about a set of parents. It's worth the read if you like a dark disturbing book, which I do. I wouldn't describe it as suspenseful, and the attempt at twists are quite predictable. None of the characters are very likable and they make awful choices, yet if they made better ones it would have been a much shorter story. As for the serial killer/killers, they describe themselves as careful however they are pretty reckless and it's a miracle they were ever "successful"

I am not sure how I feel about this book. I joined a “psychological thriller” book group on Facebook and a lot of people re o ended it, mostly for the one word chapter! And I confess that was a reason why I bought the book. This is a story about a person that is England’s most prolific serial killer(this is a work of fiction. This “person” feels they are “saving” them from what they believe are neglectful parents….yes you read that right, most of the victims are children and that is the start of my issue with the book. You don’t really get an account of the killing in real time but you get more than enough information to know how depraved this person or persons are. This book will stay with me for a very long time and not in a good way.