When Sir Ian Rankin calls a book “groundbreaking” you have to sit up and take notice.I got this book during the recently concluded Delhi Book Fair from Harper Collins publications and I was not disappointed at all.
Book Facts
Title – Murder in the Family
Author – Cara Hunter
Language – English
Price – Rs 348/- for paperback on Amazon.in
Publisher – Harper Collins
Genre – Crime Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Introduction
Cara Hunter’s “Murder in the Family” is a highly engrossing crime thriller set in Oxford, featuring DI Adam Fawley and his team as they set out to solve a complex murder mystery in a seemingly ordinary but upscale suburb.
Plot and Narrative Techniques
I loved the literary device used by Cara Hunter in “Murder in the Family.She employs a multi-layered narrative approach, blending police interviews, social media excerpts, and traditional storytelling to create a true crime style narration.
Luke Ryder, a young man married to a much older rich woman is found dead in his suburban home. Guy Howard, a well-known director and incidentally, the stepson of Luke Ryder, tries to give his flailing career a second breath of life by revisiting this mystery through his TV show.
The show sets the stage for a gripping investigation that exposes hidden secrets and unexpected connections among the characters.
Characterization
The characters in “Murder in the Family” are intricately crafted, each with their own secrets and motivations. DI Adam Fawley leads the investigation with a mix of intuition and professionalism, grappling with personal tragedy while unraveling the layers of the case. Hunter’s portrayal of the supporting cast, including grieving family members and troubled teenagers, adds depth to the story and invites readers to empathize with their struggles.
Themes
“Murder in the Family” explores themes of family dynamics, love and betrayal, and the consequences of buried secrets. Through the characters’ interactions and decisions, Hunter raises questions about trust and the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones or themselves. These themes resonate throughout the narrative, adding layers of complexity to the story.
Writing Style
Hunter’s writing is crisp and evocative, with natural dialogue that enhances the realism of the characters’ interactions. The pacing is expertly controlled, maintaining suspense and escalating tension as the investigation unfolds. Her skillful exposition and character development ensure that the novel can be enjoyed both as part of a series and as a standalone read.
Final Verdict
Cara Hunter’s “Murder in the Family” is a standout in contemporary crime fiction, blending intricate plotting,unique style of story telling with intriguing characters, and atmospheric setting into a riveting narrative. With its multi-layered storytelling and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to captivate readers looking for a suspenseful and immersive read. Hunter’s mastery as a storyteller shines through, delivering a mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final surprise reveal.
I rate it a 4.5/5
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Dr. Preeti Chauhan.
“This post is part of the Bookish League blog hop hosted by Bohemian Bibliophile”
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