Murder in the Family: A Novel

I loved reading "Murder in the Family" by Cara Hunter for several reasons. One because it was a story laid out in a different format than what we, as readers, are used to normally. The plot unfolded in a series of filming episodes that Nick (the producer) who is one of the characters in the book, set up so as to allow a group of experts to work out a cold case concerning a murder that happened in Guy Howard's childhood. Guy Howard was the director of the so-called film series entitled, "Showrunner," who volunteered to have his family life put under the microscope for close examination of possible witnesses, suspects, etc. that this group of experts could find and interview. My second reason for liking this book concerned the clashing personalities of the expert professionals who were hired to work out the case (one a lawyer, one a journalist, one a detective, etc.) and how the author conveyed their opinions/perspectives concerning the crime at hand to the reader while touching upon the themes of honesty, professional and personal integrity, faithfulness, and the boundaries of when to intervene when a life is at stake. The characters' interactions played out nicely in the story particularly since each person had their own connection to the case and the clashes between them were conveyed with realistic potency. I felt like I was in the story with these characters and not just reading it which made the book a hit for me. I was thoroughly gripped right to the very end. In conclusion, for me and I think for other readers as well, there was always the question arising, "okay, what next..." and "okay, where is this character leading me..." leaving us on the edge of our seats in anticipation of the evolving storyline. I cannot say how immensely enjoyable it was to find out who killed Luke Ryder which only came to light through the different twists and turns of the novel. Thank you, Cara Hunter, for this wonderful book, and I hope to read more of your novels in the future.

Loved it