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Not a Happy Family

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Shari Lapena

Not a Happy Family

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

349

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brecken Hill, Hudson Valley • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena is a psychological thriller about the wealthy Merton family, whose Easter Sunday dinner ends with parents Fred and Sheila announcing plans to sell their home, which causes turmoil among their grown children, Catherine, Dan, and Jenna. Later, Fred and Sheila are found brutally murdered, making their children the prime suspects, each with motives rooted in greed and resentment. The investigation reveals dark family secrets, unraveling a complex web of deception and betrayal. The book contains graphic descriptions of violence and murder, and themes of emotional abuse and familial conflict.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

212,230 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Shari Lapena's Not a Happy Family receives praise for its fast-paced plot and intriguing family dynamics, holding readers' interest with numerous twists. Critics enjoy the well-developed characters and the suspenseful narrative. However, some note predictable elements and an over-reliance on family conflict tropes. Overall, it’s a compelling read for mystery enthusiasts.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Not a Happy Family?

Readers who would enjoy Shari Lapena's Not a Happy Family are fans of fast-paced, psychological thrillers with family drama and dark secrets. Ideal for admirers of Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies and Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, they crave intricate plots and unexpected twists.

4.0

212,230 ratings

67%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

349

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Brecken Hill, Hudson Valley • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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