(47) Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena

 

The Merton family has lived in the upscale neighborhood in Brecken Hill for decades. Sheila and Fred Merton have worked hard for their wealth and have always had high expectations for their three children. Their oldest daughter is a successful doctor, but she hasn't given them the grandbabies that they expect. Their son, Dan, is a giant disappointment and was just let go from a job at Fred's business when he sold the company. Money is tight for Dan and his wife, but he keeps thinking things will turn their way soon. The youngest, Jenna, is an artist who still needs financial help from her parents. The Merton family gathers for Easter dinner and the next morning Fred and Sheila are dead. Murdered. The Merton siblings are left to deal with the aftermath while the police are investigating the murders. Will the Merton siblings stick together or will they turn on each other as secrets are revealed?

The title Not A Happy Family is a rather large clue that the Merton family is not nice people. They are entitled children of wealthy parents. Inevitably, you develop a "favorite" but make no mistake, these are highly unlikable people. It really could be that one of these people killed their parents and it really could be any of them. Of the three, Catherine was probably my favorite character, but even she had some serious flaws. Not A Happy Family was one of those books where I was guessing right up to the very end.- CLICK HERE FOR SPOILERS.

Bottom Line - Not A Happy Family is another brilliant page turner by Shari Lapena. If you figure this one out, then you are in the wrong business! 

Details: 

• Not A Happy Family by Shari Lapena
• On Instagram
• Pages: 368
• Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
• Publication Date: 7/27/2021
• Buy it here!
• Thank you to NetGalley for the book in exchange for a review.