Keep It in the Family
"Keep It in the Family" by John Marrs is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark secrets lurking within a seemingly ordinary family and their new home. Published in October 2022 by Thomas & Mercer, this chilling novel showcases Marrs’ signature style—twisty, unsettling, and packed with jaw-dropping revelations that keep readers hooked until the very end.
The story centers on Mia and Finn, a young couple eager to transform a derelict house into their dream home. Living with Finn’s parents, Debbie and Dave, has strained their relationship, particularly Mia’s tense dynamic with her mother-in-law, Debbie. The discovery of an unexpected pregnancy adds urgency to their renovation plans, pushing them to create a space of their own. However, their excitement turns to horror when Mia uncovers a cryptic message carved into a skirting board: "I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC." This eerie clue leads them to a gruesome discovery in the attic—evidence that their new home was once the site of horrific crimes, with the remains of murdered children hidden within its walls.
As Mia and Finn grapple with this revelation, their baby, Sonny, arrives prematurely following a traumatic incident during the renovations. Struggling with motherhood and haunted by the house’s sinister past, Mia becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the attic’s secrets. Her fixation drives a wedge between her and Finn, while the narrative expands to include perspectives from Debbie, Dave, and an anonymous figure whose chilling first-person accounts detail a history of violence and depravity. Interspersed with newspaper clippings, interviews, and true-crime excerpts, the story unfolds across multiple timelines, weaving a complex tapestry of deception, family dysfunction, and buried trauma.
Marrs masterfully explores themes of nature versus nurture, the impact of familial lies, and the lengths people will go to protect—or destroy—those they love. The characters are deeply flawed yet compelling, each harboring secrets that unravel with devastating consequences. Mia’s determination to protect her newborn son clashes with her growing paranoia, while Finn’s loyalty to his parents blinds him to the darkness closer to home. Debbie and Dave, initially appearing as supportive in-laws, reveal layers of complexity that challenge the reader’s perceptions.
What sets "Keep It in the Family" apart is its relentless pacing and unpredictable plot twists. Just when you think you’ve pieced it together, Marrs pulls the rug out from under you, delivering shocks that range from plausible to outright mind-boggling. The novel’s dark tone is unrelenting, with trigger warnings aplenty—child abuse, violence, and psychological manipulation feature heavily, making it a heavy but engrossing read for fans of the genre.
Critics and readers alike have praised the book for its intricate plotting and atmospheric tension, though some have noted that its over-the-top moments require a suspension of disbelief. Still, Marrs’ ability to craft a narrative that feels both far-fetched and eerily believable is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The ending, in particular, leaves a lasting impression, blending satisfaction with a final twist that lingers long after the last page.
"Keep It in the Family" is a standout in John Marrs’ repertoire, cementing his reputation as a master of the psychological thriller. It’s a dark, twisted journey into the heart of a family’s worst nightmares, perfect for readers who crave suspense, complex characters, and a story that keeps them guessing until the very end. If you’re new to Marrs or a longtime fan, this novel is a haunting reminder to check your attic—just in case.
You can buy Keep It in the Family by John Marrs with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4j92MPG
The story centers on Mia and Finn, a young couple eager to transform a derelict house into their dream home. Living with Finn’s parents, Debbie and Dave, has strained their relationship, particularly Mia’s tense dynamic with her mother-in-law, Debbie. The discovery of an unexpected pregnancy adds urgency to their renovation plans, pushing them to create a space of their own. However, their excitement turns to horror when Mia uncovers a cryptic message carved into a skirting board: "I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC." This eerie clue leads them to a gruesome discovery in the attic—evidence that their new home was once the site of horrific crimes, with the remains of murdered children hidden within its walls.
As Mia and Finn grapple with this revelation, their baby, Sonny, arrives prematurely following a traumatic incident during the renovations. Struggling with motherhood and haunted by the house’s sinister past, Mia becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the attic’s secrets. Her fixation drives a wedge between her and Finn, while the narrative expands to include perspectives from Debbie, Dave, and an anonymous figure whose chilling first-person accounts detail a history of violence and depravity. Interspersed with newspaper clippings, interviews, and true-crime excerpts, the story unfolds across multiple timelines, weaving a complex tapestry of deception, family dysfunction, and buried trauma.
Marrs masterfully explores themes of nature versus nurture, the impact of familial lies, and the lengths people will go to protect—or destroy—those they love. The characters are deeply flawed yet compelling, each harboring secrets that unravel with devastating consequences. Mia’s determination to protect her newborn son clashes with her growing paranoia, while Finn’s loyalty to his parents blinds him to the darkness closer to home. Debbie and Dave, initially appearing as supportive in-laws, reveal layers of complexity that challenge the reader’s perceptions.
What sets "Keep It in the Family" apart is its relentless pacing and unpredictable plot twists. Just when you think you’ve pieced it together, Marrs pulls the rug out from under you, delivering shocks that range from plausible to outright mind-boggling. The novel’s dark tone is unrelenting, with trigger warnings aplenty—child abuse, violence, and psychological manipulation feature heavily, making it a heavy but engrossing read for fans of the genre.
Critics and readers alike have praised the book for its intricate plotting and atmospheric tension, though some have noted that its over-the-top moments require a suspension of disbelief. Still, Marrs’ ability to craft a narrative that feels both far-fetched and eerily believable is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The ending, in particular, leaves a lasting impression, blending satisfaction with a final twist that lingers long after the last page.
"Keep It in the Family" is a standout in John Marrs’ repertoire, cementing his reputation as a master of the psychological thriller. It’s a dark, twisted journey into the heart of a family’s worst nightmares, perfect for readers who crave suspense, complex characters, and a story that keeps them guessing until the very end. If you’re new to Marrs or a longtime fan, this novel is a haunting reminder to check your attic—just in case.
You can buy Keep It in the Family by John Marrs with my Amazon Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4j92MPG
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