Murder in the Family - Cara Hunter

Reading Challenge Category: Free ARC from NetGalley

Official Blurb:

IT WAS A CASE THAT GRIPPED THE NATION
LUKE RYDER’S MURDER HAS NEVER BEEN SOLVED
In December 2003, Luke Ryder was found dead in the garden of the family home in London, leaving behind a wealthy older widow and three stepchildren. Nobody saw anything.
Now, secrets will be revealed – live on camera.
Years later a group of experts re-examine the evidence on Infamous, a true-crime show – with shocking results. Does the team know more than they’ve been letting on?
Or does the truth lie closer to home?
Can you solve the case before they do?
The truth will blow your mind.

My Thoughts:

Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. In a refreshing departure from traditional narratives, the author skillfully presents the story in the style of a true crime TV show and newspaper articles, creating an immersive experience that feels like piecing together a puzzling case alongside the detectives.
What makes this book truly captivating is its unique format, which heavily relies on back-and-forth dialogue between the characters. This approach breathes life into the investigation, allowing readers to become active participants in unravelling the unfolding of mysterious events. I found myself engrossed in the compelling exchanges between the detectives, witnesses, and suspects, feeling as though I were eavesdropping on the very conversations that could hold the key to solving the crime.
Hunter's writing is undeniably clever, and she masterfully weaves a web of intrigue throughout the narrative. The pacing is excellent, with each new episode unveiling new discoveries and unexpected twists that kept me guessing. The author's ability to maintain tension and suspense is commendable, ensuring that the pages practically turn themselves.
However, I encountered a bit of disappointment in the resolution of the whodunnit. After the rollercoaster of shocking revelations and the anticipation built up along the way, the ultimate reveal felt somewhat lacklustre and, dare I say, a touch vanilla. Given the scandalous nature of the preceding events, I had hoped for a genuinely jaw-dropping finale that would leave me reeling. Instead, the resolution left me with a sense of "meh," especially compared to the captivating journey that preceded it.
That being said, Murder in the Family remains an engaging and gripping read overall. Cara Hunter's clever writing and intricate plot make for an enthralling experience that keeps readers intrigued until the last page. While the final reveal may not have met my lofty expectations, I still highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery filled with twists, turns, and compelling dialogue.