John Marrs has built a reputation for delivering gripping psychological thrillers, but his latest offering, “Keep It in the Family,” unfortunately misses the mark. While anticipation was high for this new release, especially after the success of titles like “What Lies Between Us,” this book feels like a rushed assignment, lacking the depth and suspense Marrs is known for. For readers eager to dive into a chilling and captivating story, “Keep It in the Family” may leave you wanting more, and not in a good way.
Promising Premise, Weak Execution in “Keep It in the Family”
The initial setup of “Keep It in the Family” holds promise. Mia and Finn, a couple excited to start their lives together, find their dream home – albeit one needing some work. Overcoming the stress of the house hunt, they are further elated by Mia’s pregnancy. However, their joy is quickly overshadowed when Mia discovers a disturbing message in the attic: “I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC.” This chilling discovery throws Mia and Finn into a terrifying mystery as they, along with Finn’s parents, Dave and Debbie, try to decipher the message’s meaning and uncover the dark history of their new home. The question of whether they have unknowingly put their unborn child in danger forms the central conflict, a hook that initially draws you in.
Unbelievable Pregnancy Portrayal Undermines the Thrill
Despite the intriguing premise, “Keep It in the Family” begins to falter early on, particularly in its portrayal of Mia’s pregnancy. While some initial setup and family drama are expected, the narrative takes a bizarre turn when delving into Mia’s pregnancy experience. Marrs’s depiction of pregnancy lacks authenticity and research, pulling the reader out of the story. A particularly jarring example is a scene where an intruder approaches a sleeping Mia. The narration describes the intruder hovering over her, stating, “Now I am standing over her, my face, directly above hers, my mouth next to her nose. I gently exhale so that she breathes me in and I become the oxygen that fills up her lungs and feeds her baby.” This bizarre and scientifically inaccurate description is just one instance of many that detract from the story’s credibility. Furthermore, inconsistencies, such as Mia supposedly not showing at fourteen weeks pregnant only to have a “swollen belly” for the intruder scene, further highlight the lack of attention to detail. These inaccuracies become distracting and detract from the suspense the novel attempts to build.
Unlikeable Characters and Lack of Empathy
Compounding the plot issues, “Keep It in the Family” struggles with its characters. Almost every character in the book is deeply unlikable, making it difficult for the reader to connect with or invest in their fates. With the exception of Mia and Finn’s baby, who remains largely undeveloped until the end, the characters are portrayed as awful and unsympathetic. Mia is described as experiencing postnatal depression, yet instead of receiving support or understanding, she is met with dismissiveness and criticism from those around her. This lack of empathy and the generally unpleasant nature of the characters create a significant barrier to reader engagement. For those who prefer thrillers with relatable or even morally gray but compelling characters, “Keep It in the Family” may prove to be a frustrating read. The book also delves into disturbing themes involving harm to children, which, combined with the unlikeable characters, creates a bleak and unpleasant reading experience.
Clunky Plot Devices and Weak Suspense
Marrs attempts to inject clues and build suspense through the inclusion of fake news articles and other plot devices scattered throughout “Keep It in the Family.” However, these elements feel forced and ultimately fail to enhance the mystery. Instead of adding intrigue, they contribute to the overall sense of unbelievability that permeates the novel. The plot becomes increasingly convoluted and over-the-top, making it difficult to maintain any real interest in the unfolding events. Unlike Marrs’s previous page-turners, “Keep It in the Family” loses momentum quickly and devolves into a predictable and unsatisfying narrative. The suspense that should be the driving force of a thriller is absent, replaced by a sense of impatience for the story to conclude.
Final Verdict: Skip “Keep It in the Family” for a More Compelling Thriller
After a series of forays into tech and sci-fi-tinged thrillers, a return to the straightforward psychological thriller genre should have been a strength for John Marrs. However, “Keep It in the Family” unfortunately falls short. While the attic setting and hidden message initially create a sense of unease, the weak plot execution, unbelievable scenarios, unlikeable characters, and lack of genuine suspense ultimately make this book a disappointment. Compared to the gripping tension of “What Lies Between Us,” “Keep It in the Family” simply runs out of steam. Perhaps, as the original review suggests, a step away from attic-centric thrillers and a return to grounded storytelling is needed for Marrs’s next venture. For readers seeking a truly captivating and well-crafted thriller, “Keep It in the Family” is best left on the shelf. Consider exploring John Marrs’s stronger titles instead, or delving into other authors within the psychological thriller genre for a more rewarding reading experience.
