Blurb: I have killed several people (some brutally, others calmly) and yet I currently languish in jail for a murder I did not commit.
When I think about what I actually did, I feel somewhat sad that nobody will ever know about the complex operation that I undertook. Getting away with it is highly preferable, of course, but perhaps when I’m long gone, someone will open an old safe and find this confession. The public would reel. After all, almost nobody else in the world can possibly understand how someone, by the tender age of 28, can have calmly killed six members of her family. And then happily got on with the rest of her life, never to regret a thing.
When Grace Bernard discovers her absentee millionaire father has rejected her dying mother’s pleas for help, she vows revenge, and sets about to kill every member of his family. Readers have a front row seat as Grace picks off the family one by one – and the result is as and gruesome as it is entertaining in this wickedly dark romp about class, family, love… and murder.
But then Grace is imprisoned for a murder she didn’t commit.
Outrageously funny, compulsive and subversive, perfect for fans of Killing Eve and My Sister, the Serial Killer.
by Bella Mackie
Book: How To Kill Your Family
Author: Bella Mackie
How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie is a gripping thriller that delves into the twisted mind of a serial killer, Grace Bernard, as she seeks revenge on her estranged millionaire father’s family. Despite its captivating premise and believable characters, the narrative occasionally feels stretched, detracting from its overall impact.
Grace’s character is meticulously crafted, portraying her as a dark and vengeful individual driven by a deep-seated hatred toward her father and his kin. Mackie adeptly navigates Grace’s descent into darkness, showcasing her meticulous planning and execution of the murders with chilling detail.
The story unfolds seamlessly, blending Grace’s past and present as she navigates through her quest for vengeance and her subsequent imprisonment for a crime, she claims she didn’t commit. Mackie’s narrative prowess shines as she intricately weaves together Grace’s emotions, motivations, and actions, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
While the blurb suggests a darkly humorous tone, the book leans more towards the meloncholy and macabre, with little room for fun amidst the grim subject matter. Nonetheless, Mackie’s exploration of themes such as family, class, and love amidst the backdrop of murder adds depth to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere thriller.
I like the writing style; it doesn’t give away the plot so easily and creates a sense of mystery as to what more Grace can do to fulfil her motives. Her murky past has moulded her personality in such a way that she cannot be at peace without seeing her father and his family shattered.
Overall, How to Kill Your Family is a compelling read that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. Despite its occasional stretches, Mackie’s adept storytelling and nuanced characterizations make for an engaging and thought-provoking tale of revenge, redemption, and the complexities of the human psyche.
Read React Review 