From characters named after murder victims to an eerie, isolated setting - it doesn't get more isolated than an island, right? – The Family Plot by Megan Collins is penned with killer precision. This is my second novel by Ms. Collins and I loved Behind the Red Door this novel was no different. The Lighthouse family knows everything there is to know about murderers and serial killers. They were home-schooled by their mom. She had been obsessed with true crime since her parents were murdered. Hence her children are named after murdered famous people. They are proficient in how murders occurred as well as placement of the murder victim’s body. Can you imagine that being the home school that you are accustomed to? Being a true-crime lover it would be cool and a bit twisted, and I think that is what drew me to this book.
Dahlia Lighthouse knew her family was different and did not fit in. How many families have the sheriff of the community constantly in their backyard with a flashlight? But the children stuck together until they were of the age to be able to leave the island. Then they moved away. Except when Dahlia left, she had to leave alone. Dahlia had a twin, Andy who had promised they would leave together. But on their sixteenth birthday, Andy disappeared, leaving a note. Dahlia was heartbroken that he left without her. So when Dahlia was able to leave the island, she spent all her time and energy trying to find out where her brother had gone and why he left without her. The death of their father brings everyone back but Andy why? What we find is that in the plot where their father is supposed to go we find the body of sixteen-year-old Andy. The story that unfolds after the body is found is one I think you should as the reader journey on your own. What I can say is that it is as spooky and as unexpected as you think and it is worth every page turn. After reading the arc I not only bought the ebook for a friend but have the audiobook for myself considering this was a book I will read again when Ms. Collins brings out her next book.
( )

The Family Plot by Megan Collins has an interesting premise for a mystery and family drama rolled into one. The mystery of the book unfortunately, for me, is not a mystery for long, and the family's obsession with true crime is to an extreme as to be far-fetched, unbelievable, and somewhat comical. Because the story is one of adults coming back to their childhood, much of the story is also "told" as opposed to the story unfolding. Sadly, despite the interesting premise, this was not the book for me.

Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2023/10/the-family-plot.html

Reviewed for NetGalley. ( )

This book is a family drama masquerading as a thriller. There was enough mystery to keep me interested, but the last two chapters made me roll my eyes so many times. It did keep me guessing and as far as red herrings go, they made sense and weren't obviously wrong. There were quite a few suspects, and all had their reasons, so maybe that's why the reveal didn't feel surprising, even though I only partially figured it out. ( )

This book reminded me of The Adam’s Family! But they are at least a contemporary version. 4 kids grew up in a house called Murderer’s Mansion, because their mom home schooled them on murder cases and investigations. All grown up their father has died and they are back. However Andy, has been missing for 10 years which is twin knows he is still alive. Well turns out when they are digging up their fathers plot a body is discovered already buried in his plot.

This was a fun thriller and I whipped right through it. Definitely recommend. ( )

The Family Plot is the first book I have read by Megan Collins, but it will definitely not be my last. In their own words, the family in the book is unnatural and they are definitely not wrong. The whole family is obsessed with serial killers and the people on the island where they live have named their house the murder mansion. All the children who are now adults return home when their father dies. When they go to bury their father, the body of their missing brother is found in the plot intended for their father. What begins is an intriguing, page-turning suspense filled book that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are so eccentric and the story is very unique. My only complaint would be the same one I have with a lot of suspense thrillers and that is there was more language than I would prefer. In my opinion, the language is so unnecessary and it keeps me from recommending it to friends of mine who would otherwise love this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. ( )