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Such a Lovely Family
The cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Washington, D.C., and the Calhouns are in the midst of hosting their annual party to celebrate the best of the spring season. With a house full of friends, neighbors, and their beloved three adult children, the Calhouns are expecting another picture-perfect event. But a brutal murder in the middle of the celebration transforms the yearly gathering into a homicide scene, and all the guests into suspects.
Behind their façade of perfection, the Calhoun family has been keeping some very dark secrets. Parents who use money and emotional manipulation to control their children. Two sons, one the black sheep who is desperate to outrun mistakes he’s made, and the other a new father, willing to risk everything to protect his child. And a an Instagram influencer who refuses to face the truth about the man she married.
As the investigation heats up, family tensions build, and alliances shift. Long-buried resentments surface, forcing the Calhouns to face their darkest secrets before it’s too late.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Behind their façade of perfection, the Calhoun family has been keeping some very dark secrets. Parents who use money and emotional manipulation to control their children. Two sons, one the black sheep who is desperate to outrun mistakes he’s made, and the other a new father, willing to risk everything to protect his child. And a an Instagram influencer who refuses to face the truth about the man she married.
As the investigation heats up, family tensions build, and alliances shift. Long-buried resentments surface, forcing the Calhouns to face their darkest secrets before it’s too late.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 578 reviews
May 9, 2024
Ginny and Thom Calhoun seem to have it all. A sumptuous house in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Three loving adult children. Plenty of money in the bank. A thriving business. All of which they celebrate each year at their home with their friends, colleagues, and family during their annual cherry blossom party. This year, however, as the canapés are being passed and the specialty drinks are being served, a scream rips through the crowd. It seems someone has been murdered.
What most of the partygoers don’t know is that the Calhoun family also possess plenty of deep, dark secrets alongside their oodles of cash. Starting at the top with Ginny and Thom, they’ve ruled their childrens’ lives with an iron fist. By manipulating them both emotionally and financially, Trey, Nate, and Ellie Grace have, for the most part, done just what their parents desired. Not that they haven’t doled out plenty of lies themselves over the years. After all, these kids aren’t exactly as picture-perfect as the party they’re currently attending.
Known as the black sheep of the family, Trey is hardly the golden boy that his mother’s adoration foretells. Irritated by the love and attention her older brother easily garners, Ellie Grace has always looked for attention and love anywhere that she could—including through her social media feeds. Then there is Nate. A new father who has finally brought his fiancée home to meet his family, there isn’t anything he won’t do to protect his son. But just how far would any of them go for what they most desire?
As the police start to investigate and the multitude of secrets and lies are revealed, the one question is whether one of this supposed perfect family could be involved. Will they stick by each other and the Calhoun name? Or has the long-held resentments fueled by years of control be their undoing? Only one thing is certain. Nothing will ever be the same once the police are done with the Calhoun family. Secret by secret, the facade that they’ve each constructed will be ripped away, once and for all.
Holy cow! Such a Lovely Family took me on the ride of my life! From the deliciously dysfunctional family dynamic to the slow reveal of secrets, once my attention was piqued, I quite literally couldn’t put the book down. After all, with plenty of revelations as well as more secrets than I could count, the constantly evolving story was a thing to behold. And, of course, I couldn’t overlook the fact that this plot had one of my favorite tropes. A locked room murder mystery for the ages, it was done to perfection.
The characters themselves made the pages of this dynamite plot come alive. Eccentric, unlikeable, and completely contrary to their outside appearances, they each pulled me in deep. Even the kind, nosy neighbor down the street. But as each revealed their true nature, the plot took on a darker turn. I mean, beyond the requisite murder, of course. All I can say is thank goodness my family is nothing like the Calhouns. Although, I do have to say that they create a backdrop for one killer book. Pun wholeheartedly intended.
The plot was a deftly woven fabric of intrigue and lies. Told via multiple POVs so that we are given a round robin view, I never knew when the next shoe would drop. Each and every time, however, it was at the perfect time and the perfect place to guarantee epic amounts of drama and suspense. An intensely readable novel, I absolutely loved how everyone had a hidden agenda as one revelation after another pivoted the plot in a new direction. Even the conclusion was pure perfection when it showed a dénouement Agatha Christie would’ve admired.
By the last page of this addictive and unputdownable book, I was thoroughly in love with the family and their well-hidden secrets. Somewhere between a finely tuned family drama and domestic suspense, there wasn’t a thing missing, all said and done. It just seemed to flow which led it to be quite the quick, easy read. Needless to say, Thompson has quickly added herself to the list of some of my favorite authors. Now to dive into her backlist ASAP. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Aggie Blum Thompson and Forge Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 12, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling parents, blackmail, infidelity, a fatal shooting, drug use, getting roofied, mention of: carbon monoxide poisoning
What most of the partygoers don’t know is that the Calhoun family also possess plenty of deep, dark secrets alongside their oodles of cash. Starting at the top with Ginny and Thom, they’ve ruled their childrens’ lives with an iron fist. By manipulating them both emotionally and financially, Trey, Nate, and Ellie Grace have, for the most part, done just what their parents desired. Not that they haven’t doled out plenty of lies themselves over the years. After all, these kids aren’t exactly as picture-perfect as the party they’re currently attending.
Known as the black sheep of the family, Trey is hardly the golden boy that his mother’s adoration foretells. Irritated by the love and attention her older brother easily garners, Ellie Grace has always looked for attention and love anywhere that she could—including through her social media feeds. Then there is Nate. A new father who has finally brought his fiancée home to meet his family, there isn’t anything he won’t do to protect his son. But just how far would any of them go for what they most desire?
As the police start to investigate and the multitude of secrets and lies are revealed, the one question is whether one of this supposed perfect family could be involved. Will they stick by each other and the Calhoun name? Or has the long-held resentments fueled by years of control be their undoing? Only one thing is certain. Nothing will ever be the same once the police are done with the Calhoun family. Secret by secret, the facade that they’ve each constructed will be ripped away, once and for all.
Holy cow! Such a Lovely Family took me on the ride of my life! From the deliciously dysfunctional family dynamic to the slow reveal of secrets, once my attention was piqued, I quite literally couldn’t put the book down. After all, with plenty of revelations as well as more secrets than I could count, the constantly evolving story was a thing to behold. And, of course, I couldn’t overlook the fact that this plot had one of my favorite tropes. A locked room murder mystery for the ages, it was done to perfection.
The characters themselves made the pages of this dynamite plot come alive. Eccentric, unlikeable, and completely contrary to their outside appearances, they each pulled me in deep. Even the kind, nosy neighbor down the street. But as each revealed their true nature, the plot took on a darker turn. I mean, beyond the requisite murder, of course. All I can say is thank goodness my family is nothing like the Calhouns. Although, I do have to say that they create a backdrop for one killer book. Pun wholeheartedly intended.
The plot was a deftly woven fabric of intrigue and lies. Told via multiple POVs so that we are given a round robin view, I never knew when the next shoe would drop. Each and every time, however, it was at the perfect time and the perfect place to guarantee epic amounts of drama and suspense. An intensely readable novel, I absolutely loved how everyone had a hidden agenda as one revelation after another pivoted the plot in a new direction. Even the conclusion was pure perfection when it showed a dénouement Agatha Christie would’ve admired.
By the last page of this addictive and unputdownable book, I was thoroughly in love with the family and their well-hidden secrets. Somewhere between a finely tuned family drama and domestic suspense, there wasn’t a thing missing, all said and done. It just seemed to flow which led it to be quite the quick, easy read. Needless to say, Thompson has quickly added herself to the list of some of my favorite authors. Now to dive into her backlist ASAP. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Aggie Blum Thompson and Forge Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 12, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling parents, blackmail, infidelity, a fatal shooting, drug use, getting roofied, mention of: carbon monoxide poisoning
March 6, 2024
This isn’t a particularly new sort of mystery plot: It starts with a party, someone gets murdered, everyone is a suspect and then you spend the rest of the book figuring out the whodunnit. Good news is, I generally love this storyline. Bad news is this one wasn’t much of a stand-out.
The specifics here are the Calhouns are having their annual Cherry Blossom party . . . and the police are there are on page one. By the 20% mark you know who the victim is and then you get to find out exactly what skeletons are hiding in the closets of each family member (as well as a neighbor or two). Things play out via sort of an “everything but the kitchen sink” approach and you really have to throw all common sense out the window when it comes to things like police procedures or legal work – not to mention that no one is likeable or more than a cardboard cutout as far as character development. But it’s getting real high ratings, so what do I know?
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
The specifics here are the Calhouns are having their annual Cherry Blossom party . . . and the police are there are on page one. By the 20% mark you know who the victim is and then you get to find out exactly what skeletons are hiding in the closets of each family member (as well as a neighbor or two). Things play out via sort of an “everything but the kitchen sink” approach and you really have to throw all common sense out the window when it comes to things like police procedures or legal work – not to mention that no one is likeable or more than a cardboard cutout as far as character development. But it’s getting real high ratings, so what do I know?
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
July 14, 2024
Another well written and entertaining novel from Aggie Blum Thompson.
We really don't know what goes on behind closed doors. The Calhoun family are throwing their annual Cherry Blossom party. Unfortunately, the party does not go as planned. In fact, it goes entirely off the rails when someone is murdered.
A story about a truly dysfunctional family with many secrets. A suspenseful family drama that had some great twist and turns and kept me intrigued from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from Aggie Blum Thompson!
We really don't know what goes on behind closed doors. The Calhoun family are throwing their annual Cherry Blossom party. Unfortunately, the party does not go as planned. In fact, it goes entirely off the rails when someone is murdered.
A story about a truly dysfunctional family with many secrets. A suspenseful family drama that had some great twist and turns and kept me intrigued from start to finish.
I look forward to reading more from Aggie Blum Thompson!
April 24, 2024
A brutal murder in the middle of the Calhoun's annual cherry blossom party at their home in Washington DC transforms the yearly gathering into a homicide scene, and all the guests into suspects. As the investigation heats up, family tensions build, alliances shift and long-buried resentments surface.
The Calhouns are definitely a dysfunctional family but they kinda grow on you and I felt sorry for Ellie Grace, the daughter, always searching for love and approval. There are many other interesting characters in the family as well as in the neighbourhood and many secrets. The book is well written containing a locked door murder to puzzle over but I don't think there was really anything new or earth-shattering. I'd rate it a 3.5 rounded down.
Thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
The Calhouns are definitely a dysfunctional family but they kinda grow on you and I felt sorry for Ellie Grace, the daughter, always searching for love and approval. There are many other interesting characters in the family as well as in the neighbourhood and many secrets. The book is well written containing a locked door murder to puzzle over but I don't think there was really anything new or earth-shattering. I'd rate it a 3.5 rounded down.
Thanks to the London Public Library for the loan of this book.
February 1, 2024
3.5 stars
I was immediately drawn by the cover of Aggie Blum Thompson's latest novel, SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY. It is absolutely gorgeous and I was definitely due for a family drama. This was my first venture with this author's work, but I do know that lots of readers love her books, so I was excited to dive in!
The story is heavily centered around the Calhoun family—a real estate magnate family that has become famous in their own way in the DMV area. The Calhoun family is nothing if not cutthroat and all about business. With three children, the family is destined to succeed at all costs. When new members join through marriage, each of these people quickly see how dangerous this family could be to protect their own.
Without going into too much detail, this murder mystery is a fun ride and so dang messy. The Calhoun family's unraveling during a murder at their annual cherry blossom party makes for such a fun popcorn thriller. I did guess the ending, which is why the rating isn't higher, but it doesn't take away from the fun vibes throughout. I highly recommend readers who enjoyed The Whispers (Ashley Audrain), Little Cruelties (Liz Nugent), or anything from Caz Frear, SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY is the perfect book for you.
I was immediately drawn by the cover of Aggie Blum Thompson's latest novel, SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY. It is absolutely gorgeous and I was definitely due for a family drama. This was my first venture with this author's work, but I do know that lots of readers love her books, so I was excited to dive in!
The story is heavily centered around the Calhoun family—a real estate magnate family that has become famous in their own way in the DMV area. The Calhoun family is nothing if not cutthroat and all about business. With three children, the family is destined to succeed at all costs. When new members join through marriage, each of these people quickly see how dangerous this family could be to protect their own.
Without going into too much detail, this murder mystery is a fun ride and so dang messy. The Calhoun family's unraveling during a murder at their annual cherry blossom party makes for such a fun popcorn thriller. I did guess the ending, which is why the rating isn't higher, but it doesn't take away from the fun vibes throughout. I highly recommend readers who enjoyed The Whispers (Ashley Audrain), Little Cruelties (Liz Nugent), or anything from Caz Frear, SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY is the perfect book for you.
February 26, 2024
I normally don’t gravitate to murder mysteries or locked room mysteries, especially about wealthy families, because they kind of all seem the same. I saw good reviews for this one though, so I gave it a try - and was highly entertained! This is one twisted family, and one twisted mystery…
We’re in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It’s time for Ginny and Thom Calhoun to host their annual cherry blossom party. Despite the devastating loss of the hydrangeas they ordered, their tulips have bloomed early, and the party is in full swing. It’s a lovely and exclusive party, everyone is wearing gingham, people are playing croquet, and then to quote two songs, “gunshots rang out like a bell” and then “the bodies hit the floor”.
Someone at this party has committed murder, and now it’s time to find out who. All three Calhoun children are there: Nate, a marine biologist with a son named Malcolm. He’s engaged to his nanny, Danit, and his parents aren’t happy about it. Trey lives in his parents’ guesthouse and really doesn’t do much except drugs and evading his parent’s drug tests. Their sister, Ellie Grace, is also there with her husband, Zak. They are influencers struggling to get “Gingham Life” to go viral and make them tons of money, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Aside from the family, we have the housekeeper, the caterers, the best friends, the business associates, the neighbors, even the tourists walking around taking pictures of flowers…any of these people could be murderers. The rest of the book becomes a whodunnit, but upgraded - this family and the people who surround them are all a bit eccentric and there is a TON of drama for the reader to dive into. I loved all the shocks; all the things that are revealed about each character are scandalous and so juicy, my jaw dropped several times. The ending was as good as the rest of the story. Highly recommended for those who love trying to figure out a mystery - good luck with this one, it’s tricky! Four stars.
(Thank you to Forge Books, Aggie Blum Thompson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released March 12, 2024.)
We’re in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It’s time for Ginny and Thom Calhoun to host their annual cherry blossom party. Despite the devastating loss of the hydrangeas they ordered, their tulips have bloomed early, and the party is in full swing. It’s a lovely and exclusive party, everyone is wearing gingham, people are playing croquet, and then to quote two songs, “gunshots rang out like a bell” and then “the bodies hit the floor”.
Someone at this party has committed murder, and now it’s time to find out who. All three Calhoun children are there: Nate, a marine biologist with a son named Malcolm. He’s engaged to his nanny, Danit, and his parents aren’t happy about it. Trey lives in his parents’ guesthouse and really doesn’t do much except drugs and evading his parent’s drug tests. Their sister, Ellie Grace, is also there with her husband, Zak. They are influencers struggling to get “Gingham Life” to go viral and make them tons of money, but it hasn’t happened yet.
Aside from the family, we have the housekeeper, the caterers, the best friends, the business associates, the neighbors, even the tourists walking around taking pictures of flowers…any of these people could be murderers. The rest of the book becomes a whodunnit, but upgraded - this family and the people who surround them are all a bit eccentric and there is a TON of drama for the reader to dive into. I loved all the shocks; all the things that are revealed about each character are scandalous and so juicy, my jaw dropped several times. The ending was as good as the rest of the story. Highly recommended for those who love trying to figure out a mystery - good luck with this one, it’s tricky! Four stars.
(Thank you to Forge Books, Aggie Blum Thompson and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released March 12, 2024.)
August 19, 2024
3.5 stars
January 8, 2024
First, let me talk about this beautiful cover! I hope someday I get to experience the cherry blossoms in DC. I hear they are absolutely stunning!
I was hooked to this murder mystery and just had to keep flipping the pages to find out how it would end. There were so many unexpected twist that throw me for loops. You can’t trust any of the Calhoun’s. I would have never guessed the murderer, nor the event that spiraled the entire family out of control. Several of the reveals had my jaw on the floor. I loved that beautiful writing and the setting of the book.
You are definitely going to want to add this to your TBR!
****Many thanks to Aggie Blum Thompson for the gifted (signed) ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked to this murder mystery and just had to keep flipping the pages to find out how it would end. There were so many unexpected twist that throw me for loops. You can’t trust any of the Calhoun’s. I would have never guessed the murderer, nor the event that spiraled the entire family out of control. Several of the reveals had my jaw on the floor. I loved that beautiful writing and the setting of the book.
You are definitely going to want to add this to your TBR!
****Many thanks to Aggie Blum Thompson for the gifted (signed) ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 12, 2025
This was an extremely fast read, filled with lots of twists and turns, way too many characters, and a super wealthy family with a lot of secrets, motives, and agendas.
I really enjoyed how local this was to me. I live in PG County, Maryland, and Aggie Blum Thompson’s novels take place in Bethesda and various places nearby in the DMV. Knowing that area and the types of people who live there, it was very easy for me to imagine the characters, their dynamics, and the types of secrets they hide in their insular communities.
However, as I mentioned before, this book has way too many characters. There are three adult kids, a husband, a wife, a fiancé, a baby, a maid, a mistress, a person who was dead ain’t really dead, the ex wife of one of the adult kids, a best friend, neighbors, police, dogs, and many, many more. Some part of me thinks the decision to distract by numbers has been intentionally executed by the authors of the thrillers I’ve read recently and had similar complaints about, but it gets to a point where the sheer number of characters completely snuffs out the attractiveness of a whodunit thriller. It starts to feel like who is doing this to *ME*? LOL.
Dramatics aside, I was completely engaged in the story and desperately trying to figure out who the wrongdoers were. The plus side of there being so many fingers pointing at different characters is that a handful of them do get held accountable for their crimes, and some of it was absolutely hilarious. But this could have been sharper, more bold if the characters had felt less one-dimensional and flighty.
3.5 ⭐️s
I really enjoyed how local this was to me. I live in PG County, Maryland, and Aggie Blum Thompson’s novels take place in Bethesda and various places nearby in the DMV. Knowing that area and the types of people who live there, it was very easy for me to imagine the characters, their dynamics, and the types of secrets they hide in their insular communities.
However, as I mentioned before, this book has way too many characters. There are three adult kids, a husband, a wife, a fiancé, a baby, a maid, a mistress, a person who was dead ain’t really dead, the ex wife of one of the adult kids, a best friend, neighbors, police, dogs, and many, many more. Some part of me thinks the decision to distract by numbers has been intentionally executed by the authors of the thrillers I’ve read recently and had similar complaints about, but it gets to a point where the sheer number of characters completely snuffs out the attractiveness of a whodunit thriller. It starts to feel like who is doing this to *ME*? LOL.
Dramatics aside, I was completely engaged in the story and desperately trying to figure out who the wrongdoers were. The plus side of there being so many fingers pointing at different characters is that a handful of them do get held accountable for their crimes, and some of it was absolutely hilarious. But this could have been sharper, more bold if the characters had felt less one-dimensional and flighty.
3.5 ⭐️s
November 27, 2023
Plenty of twists and turns and at least a few sympathetic characters made this the kind of domestic suspense I enjoy!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!
*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2025
3.5 rounded up
March 10, 2024
SUCH A LOVELY FAMILY reminded me that even though someone may portray their life to be perfect, it may be very different behind closed doors. The Calhoun family drama had me glued to the pages. Every family member had secrets and I never would have guessed them all. I liked how the story slowly built up to many surprising outcomes. It reminded a bit of the game Clue, who murdered the person in question and why? I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list. It was a lot of fun to read!
Many thanks to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) this week.
Many thanks to Tor Publishing Group and NetGalley for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) this week.
March 15, 2024
decent family drama murder mystery type thing - nothing super memorable but if you like that sort of trope it’s a fun time
March 11, 2024
Typically I am a sucker for rich people behaving badly. For me, this book was alright. Although it may seem impossible, I think there were too many twists thrown in which took away from any of them having that wow factor. Everything was pretty predictable, minus one meager detail about Trey.
As for Trey, he was the one of the only characters enjoyed (and I said that very lightly). Danit was the only other whose chapters I looked forward to.
This definitely is a good who done it, it just didn’t completely work for me!
As for Trey, he was the one of the only characters enjoyed (and I said that very lightly). Danit was the only other whose chapters I looked forward to.
This definitely is a good who done it, it just didn’t completely work for me!
November 19, 2023
The Calhouns are one of those families that expend a lot of energy to appear perfect. At the start of the story the very wealthy family is holding a Cherry Blossom Party. The parents and their three adult children are dressed in Gingham and hosting all of the important people in the DC community when tragedy strikes.
A murder puts most of the family under suspicion. As the story unwinds, more and more secrets are reveled. It's hard to find someone to root for, but the secrets and manipulative behavior is delicious! Some characters were one dimensional and some of the background seemed flat but the actual story and the events that happen carry the plot along and kept me turning pages as fast as I could!
If you love a family secret thriller or a small community murder, this is the novel for you!
#torpublishing #suchalovelyfamily #aggiebluthompson
A murder puts most of the family under suspicion. As the story unwinds, more and more secrets are reveled. It's hard to find someone to root for, but the secrets and manipulative behavior is delicious! Some characters were one dimensional and some of the background seemed flat but the actual story and the events that happen carry the plot along and kept me turning pages as fast as I could!
If you love a family secret thriller or a small community murder, this is the novel for you!
#torpublishing #suchalovelyfamily #aggiebluthompson
February 20, 2024
Such A Lovely Family by Aggie Blum Thompson. Thanks to @forgebooks for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Calhouns celebrate DC’s Cherry blossoms with their own blooming party. Their annual party turns into a murder scene.
This one ends with a bang (the same way it starts) and I never saw it coming. I truly couldn’t figure this one out and was shocked when all was revealed. It was slowly revealed in pieces, so it didn’t make complete sense until the end. I loved that this was in my locale- Montgomery County, Maryland- and I recognized several places!
“She used to think there was an absolute right and wrong, but now she doesn’t know. Not after tonight.”
Such A Lovely Family comes out 3/12.
The Calhouns celebrate DC’s Cherry blossoms with their own blooming party. Their annual party turns into a murder scene.
This one ends with a bang (the same way it starts) and I never saw it coming. I truly couldn’t figure this one out and was shocked when all was revealed. It was slowly revealed in pieces, so it didn’t make complete sense until the end. I loved that this was in my locale- Montgomery County, Maryland- and I recognized several places!
“She used to think there was an absolute right and wrong, but now she doesn’t know. Not after tonight.”
Such A Lovely Family comes out 3/12.
March 6, 2024
This book is gorgeous! I love the cover so much! Pink always gets me. The family however…. This is full of despicable, disgusting and self-righteous characters that make for The Calhoun family. Rich people behaving badly always gets me interested because they usually are SO bad and the stories are always drama riddled. This is no exception as the pacing was great!
The mystery in this is good and will keep you reading. The way this family acted toward one another makes me happy they aren’t real. This is my first time reading Thomspon but it was fun! It gave me Lifetime movie vibes in the best way. Enjoyable popcorn thriller! Thank you @forgereads for my advance copy!
The mystery in this is good and will keep you reading. The way this family acted toward one another makes me happy they aren’t real. This is my first time reading Thomspon but it was fun! It gave me Lifetime movie vibes in the best way. Enjoyable popcorn thriller! Thank you @forgereads for my advance copy!
March 6, 2024
They are such a lovely family.
The Calhoun family are the Washington, D.C. golden standard. Ginny and Thom have the perfect life-- extremely wealthy, living in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three wonderful children (Trey, Ellie Grace, and Nate) and an adorable grandchild. They all have perfect lives, with perfect friends, and not a single bad thing to say about anyone. So why are the police at their annual cherry blossom garden party celebration?
Well, the more perfect a family appears, the more skeletons the closet has. When someone is murdered at the party, everyone is a suspect, and everyone has motive--but who has the most? Is it the child who has no direction in life and a drug addiction? What about the child whose marriage no one approves of, and has been leeching off of their parents? Perhaps it's the one who appears to be the most self-sufficient is the one hiding the biggest secret. Or maybe it's a best friend. Or an overly friendly neighbor. Turns out, everyone has motive, and everyone has secrets.
I really enjoyed this one--it's a domestic thriller for fans of B.A. Paris and Alice Feeney, focusing on familial relationships and what it means to put family first. There weren't any CRAZY plot twists or anything over the top, but I also didn't see the ending coming and felt like everything was resolved in a way that made sense without having a perfect bow on it (which I prefer!). I do feel that there was a bit missing with Nate/Danit's storyline, and that there was supposed to be more that was cut in editing. Their relationship seems to have been a focus of the full book at one point, but it didn't always play that way, so it was a little odd when Nate's POV came back with a "primary" feeling.
After living close to this area in DC for 4 years and dealing with people that resemble the Calhoun's--I found it pretty accurate and loved all the DC area references. Definitely a good pick if you love domestic suspense novels and want a quick and fun read!
The Calhoun family are the Washington, D.C. golden standard. Ginny and Thom have the perfect life-- extremely wealthy, living in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three wonderful children (Trey, Ellie Grace, and Nate) and an adorable grandchild. They all have perfect lives, with perfect friends, and not a single bad thing to say about anyone. So why are the police at their annual cherry blossom garden party celebration?
Well, the more perfect a family appears, the more skeletons the closet has. When someone is murdered at the party, everyone is a suspect, and everyone has motive--but who has the most? Is it the child who has no direction in life and a drug addiction? What about the child whose marriage no one approves of, and has been leeching off of their parents? Perhaps it's the one who appears to be the most self-sufficient is the one hiding the biggest secret. Or maybe it's a best friend. Or an overly friendly neighbor. Turns out, everyone has motive, and everyone has secrets.
I really enjoyed this one--it's a domestic thriller for fans of B.A. Paris and Alice Feeney, focusing on familial relationships and what it means to put family first. There weren't any CRAZY plot twists or anything over the top, but I also didn't see the ending coming and felt like everything was resolved in a way that made sense without having a perfect bow on it (which I prefer!). I do feel that there was a bit missing with Nate/Danit's storyline, and that there was supposed to be more that was cut in editing. Their relationship seems to have been a focus of the full book at one point, but it didn't always play that way, so it was a little odd when Nate's POV came back with a "primary" feeling.
After living close to this area in DC for 4 years and dealing with people that resemble the Calhoun's--I found it pretty accurate and loved all the DC area references. Definitely a good pick if you love domestic suspense novels and want a quick and fun read!
March 3, 2024
They are such a lovely family.
The Calhouns are the golden standard. Ginny and Thom have the perfect life-- extremely wealthy, living in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three wonderful children (Trey, Ellie Grace, and Nate) and an adorable grandchild. So why are the police at their annual cherry blossom garden party celebration?
Well, the more perfect a family appears, the more skeletons the closet has. When someone is murdered at the party, everyone is a suspect, and everyone has motive--but who has the most? Is it the child who has no direction in life and a drug addiction? What about the child whose marriage no one approves of and has been leeching off of their parents? Perhaps the one who appears to be the most self-sufficient is the one hiding the biggest secret. Don't forget the spouses and nosey neighbors--everyone is hiding something.
I really enjoyed this one--it's a domestic thriller for fans of B.A. Paris and Alice Feeney, focusing on familial relationships and what it means to put family first. There weren't any CRAZY plot twists or anything over the top, but I also didn't see the ending coming and felt like everything was resolved in a way that made sense without having a perfect bow on it (which I prefer!). I do feel that there was a bit missing with Nate/Danit's storyline, and that there was supposed to be more that was cut in editing. Their relationship seems to have been a focus of the full book at one point, but it didn't always play that way, so it was a little odd when Nate's POV came back with a "primary" feeling.
After living close to this area in DC for 4 years, and dealing with people that resemble the Calhoun's--I found it pretty accurate, and had loved all the DC area references. Definitely a good pick if you love domestic suspense novels and want a quick and fun read!
The Calhouns are the golden standard. Ginny and Thom have the perfect life-- extremely wealthy, living in Chevy Chase, Maryland, three wonderful children (Trey, Ellie Grace, and Nate) and an adorable grandchild. So why are the police at their annual cherry blossom garden party celebration?
Well, the more perfect a family appears, the more skeletons the closet has. When someone is murdered at the party, everyone is a suspect, and everyone has motive--but who has the most? Is it the child who has no direction in life and a drug addiction? What about the child whose marriage no one approves of and has been leeching off of their parents? Perhaps the one who appears to be the most self-sufficient is the one hiding the biggest secret. Don't forget the spouses and nosey neighbors--everyone is hiding something.
I really enjoyed this one--it's a domestic thriller for fans of B.A. Paris and Alice Feeney, focusing on familial relationships and what it means to put family first. There weren't any CRAZY plot twists or anything over the top, but I also didn't see the ending coming and felt like everything was resolved in a way that made sense without having a perfect bow on it (which I prefer!). I do feel that there was a bit missing with Nate/Danit's storyline, and that there was supposed to be more that was cut in editing. Their relationship seems to have been a focus of the full book at one point, but it didn't always play that way, so it was a little odd when Nate's POV came back with a "primary" feeling.
After living close to this area in DC for 4 years, and dealing with people that resemble the Calhoun's--I found it pretty accurate, and had loved all the DC area references. Definitely a good pick if you love domestic suspense novels and want a quick and fun read!
February 20, 2024
#ad I received a gifted copy of this book - many thanks to @forgebooks #partner
Everyone loves the Calhouns, but what they see on the surface is only a facade. But one party will change that perspective forever when the father is found murdered and the mother injured. The only question is: who did this and who wanted the parents dead?
Everyone at the party is a suspect - because this family has secrets - secrets they never wanted to get out. The three siblings each have their own issues with their father - it could have been any one of them who committed this crime.
This book is a great read. With nonstop action, once you begin reading it will be hard to put down. The storyline and plot pull you in but it’s the characters and their actions that will keep you reading until the end.
This book reminded me of Shari Lapena’s book “Not a Happy Family,” so if you liked that book you will love this one. I almost didn’t read this one because of the cover - minus the blood it looks too much like a cheery book. But trust me, it is far from that.
Everyone loves the Calhouns, but what they see on the surface is only a facade. But one party will change that perspective forever when the father is found murdered and the mother injured. The only question is: who did this and who wanted the parents dead?
Everyone at the party is a suspect - because this family has secrets - secrets they never wanted to get out. The three siblings each have their own issues with their father - it could have been any one of them who committed this crime.
This book is a great read. With nonstop action, once you begin reading it will be hard to put down. The storyline and plot pull you in but it’s the characters and their actions that will keep you reading until the end.
This book reminded me of Shari Lapena’s book “Not a Happy Family,” so if you liked that book you will love this one. I almost didn’t read this one because of the cover - minus the blood it looks too much like a cheery book. But trust me, it is far from that.
April 27, 2024
Such a Lovely Family
I have to say that I am super surprised that this book isn't on the home page a great deal more! Published this year it was on my library shelf and I didn't have to put it on a waitlist, it was just sitting there not being read!
I love the pink color, so lovely! I opened it up and started, and I was HOOKED! This was the most gorgeous family on the block! So rich and everyone just so perfect. But deep down this was the most dysfunctional family EVER... the book is layer after layer of problems and issues, all so possible.
I was up all night reading. I kept stopping and trying to sleep only to give up and read more. As I read more, the secrets kept unfolding and unfolding and unfolding! Then even the neighbors started joining in and the plot thickened.
Thompson can write great characters, I loved them all. They were all so exposed by the end of the book. This diverse group really made the story great, some you like, and some you don't. In addition, I don't think I have read a book near this plot, I mean there are only so many plots.... right? WRONG. This one was different and was such a smooth read.
I will be looking for more from this author.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
I have to say that I am super surprised that this book isn't on the home page a great deal more! Published this year it was on my library shelf and I didn't have to put it on a waitlist, it was just sitting there not being read!
I love the pink color, so lovely! I opened it up and started, and I was HOOKED! This was the most gorgeous family on the block! So rich and everyone just so perfect. But deep down this was the most dysfunctional family EVER... the book is layer after layer of problems and issues, all so possible.
I was up all night reading. I kept stopping and trying to sleep only to give up and read more. As I read more, the secrets kept unfolding and unfolding and unfolding! Then even the neighbors started joining in and the plot thickened.
Thompson can write great characters, I loved them all. They were all so exposed by the end of the book. This diverse group really made the story great, some you like, and some you don't. In addition, I don't think I have read a book near this plot, I mean there are only so many plots.... right? WRONG. This one was different and was such a smooth read.
I will be looking for more from this author.
5 stars
Happy Reading!
January 10, 2024
2,5 ⭐️
Even though this book kept me entertained, I wasn’t at all impressed by the storyline and finale. I had high hopes for an edge-of-my-seat finale, but it just didn’t do it for me, sadly.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Even though this book kept me entertained, I wasn’t at all impressed by the storyline and finale. I had high hopes for an edge-of-my-seat finale, but it just didn’t do it for me, sadly.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 7, 2024
I didn't even care about staying for the reveal. Is it because I'm overworked and numb, or did I just not care about this one in particular?
We will never know
We will never know
May 26, 2025
In this post-modern literary world, a title such as this one is a guarantee that the family in question will be a serious piece of work, and so it proves in Aggie Blum Thompson’s tale of the Calhouns, a wealthy, powerful family so full of secrets and dysfunction that they equal the Ewing family of Dynasty fame. (OK, I’m dating myself; I probably should have cited the Roys of HBO’s Succession, instead.) A ruthless, womanizing husband, a real-estate developer in the Washington, D.C., metro area. The alcoholic, drug-using black sheep eldest son. A snobbish, perfectionist, overbearing wife in complete denial. A love-starved daughter looking for the validation and approval she couldn’t get from her parents from social media stardom and her distinctly untrustworthy husband. Lastly, there’s the straight-arrow middle son who’s moved to California and a career in marine biology to get away from the family drama. When the family is reunited at the matriarch’s request for her obligatory annual Cherry Blossom Party, what could possibly go wrong?
Let’s start with the murder of patriarch Thom Calhoun in the midst of the party. From there, the surviving family strives to hide — or reveal — secrets, according to their own best interests. Readers will be grateful they could come along for the ensuing wild rollercoaster ride. A five-star suspenseful read.
Let’s start with the murder of patriarch Thom Calhoun in the midst of the party. From there, the surviving family strives to hide — or reveal — secrets, according to their own best interests. Readers will be grateful they could come along for the ensuing wild rollercoaster ride. A five-star suspenseful read.
March 13, 2024
I’m always here for a pink covered thriller, and this cover is STUNNING! Who doesn’t love a good cherry blossom, then splash them with some blood?! YES PLEASE!
I saw somewhere use “dark side of privilege” and “suburban scandal” to describe this one so I knew I needed it! I’m always down for a rich people behaving badly plot and this was just such a toxic and egotistical bunch! Fun, juicy and just so damn messy! 👏
This domestic suspense and whodunit starts as a slow burn but let me tell you, it comes to an explosive end and starts dropping the twists and revelations like bombs!
Fans of locked room mysteries are sure to enjoy this one!
I saw somewhere use “dark side of privilege” and “suburban scandal” to describe this one so I knew I needed it! I’m always down for a rich people behaving badly plot and this was just such a toxic and egotistical bunch! Fun, juicy and just so damn messy! 👏
This domestic suspense and whodunit starts as a slow burn but let me tell you, it comes to an explosive end and starts dropping the twists and revelations like bombs!
Fans of locked room mysteries are sure to enjoy this one!
February 3, 2024
Thank you @forgereads for the #gifted copy of this book!
This is family drama at its finest! Picture perfect family, rich, new relationships, a grandbaby, an extravagant party at the annual Calhoun Family Cherry Blossom Festival…nothing could possibly go wrong! Oh, but did it! When daddy Calhoun ends up dead, shot as his own party, everyone is a suspect. Literally everyone. We meet the children of the Calhoun family and they all have something to hide or motive and no one wants their secrets to be revealed.
Although this family likes to come across as “Such a Lovely Family” they are anything but. Dysfunctional family is their middle name and lying is their game! This popcorn thriller has SO many twists and SO many characters trying to charm and manipulate it had me guessing until the very end. I loved the fact that each character had a strong reason to want Daddy Calhoun dead. I just loved each characters role and how they all tied together. Talk about a family that would be perfect to gossip about! Make sure to check out this lovely family in March!
This is family drama at its finest! Picture perfect family, rich, new relationships, a grandbaby, an extravagant party at the annual Calhoun Family Cherry Blossom Festival…nothing could possibly go wrong! Oh, but did it! When daddy Calhoun ends up dead, shot as his own party, everyone is a suspect. Literally everyone. We meet the children of the Calhoun family and they all have something to hide or motive and no one wants their secrets to be revealed.
Although this family likes to come across as “Such a Lovely Family” they are anything but. Dysfunctional family is their middle name and lying is their game! This popcorn thriller has SO many twists and SO many characters trying to charm and manipulate it had me guessing until the very end. I loved the fact that each character had a strong reason to want Daddy Calhoun dead. I just loved each characters role and how they all tied together. Talk about a family that would be perfect to gossip about! Make sure to check out this lovely family in March!
August 10, 2024
very much NW DC fanfiction
July 7, 2024
Good thriller, lots of twists and turns some you saw coming but others you didn’t. Liked that it was set in dc!
March 26, 2025
Another really good book by this author. I have loved all her books and is one of my favourite author and she is highly underrated. “Such a lovely family” is a twisted tale of the family who looks perfect on the outside. Wealthy, gorgeous house in a prime area, privileged. Is there ever really a perfect family? That perfect family is riddled with lies, deceit, betrayal and now, murder. Highly recommend this book and author.
March 22, 2024
I love a dysfunctional wealthy family and I love it even more when they have juicy secrets. This was right up my alley. I wish there were better pacing of the reveals when they came but I was giddy as the bombs dropped whenever they did.
The Calhoun are Washington DC royalty and at their annual cherry blossom party there’s a murder that will rock the foundation of their family. The three siblings who have struggled under the tight rein of their father and his money have to come together to form a united front.
Usually in dysfunctional family drama, it’s hard to keep reading because everyone is reprehensible but this hit the right balance of having at least a couple people who are worth rooting for. I found myself reaching for this in every free minute so four stars for that.
The Calhoun are Washington DC royalty and at their annual cherry blossom party there’s a murder that will rock the foundation of their family. The three siblings who have struggled under the tight rein of their father and his money have to come together to form a united front.
Usually in dysfunctional family drama, it’s hard to keep reading because everyone is reprehensible but this hit the right balance of having at least a couple people who are worth rooting for. I found myself reaching for this in every free minute so four stars for that.
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