The Dysfunctional Family's Guide to Murder

by Kate Emery

In this hilarious, contemporary YA whodunit, a mystery-loving teen finally gets a chance to solve a real-life crime. But solving a murder is complicated when all the prime suspects are related to you...

14-year-old Ruth was expecting a few fights on her family's vacation at their remote farmhouse. But she wasn't expecting a murder. And "death by typewriter" wasn't quite how she thought her step-grandmother, GG, would meet her end.

As an avid reader of mystery novels, Ruth is more than a little excited to have a real mystery to solve. (Though she's sad about GG. Obviously.) And she's read enough Agatha Christie that catching a killer should be a breeze... right?

With her annoyingly hot sort-of-cousin, Dylan, as the Watson to her Holmes, Ruth soon begins to uncover long-buried family secrets, finding that each of her relatives--her dad; her aunts and their partners; even, in the interest of fairness, Dylan and herself--had reasons to want GG gone.

But are any of them capable of murder? As tensions rise with everyone stuck in the house together, Ruth will have to dig deep to find out... before the killer strikes again.

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Humor, Audiobook, Crime, Romance, Family

304 pages, Library Binding

First published October 1, 2024

Reviews

[Zoë · Rating 3 out of 5]

teens are crazy like “hey why not just confront a killer” lol classic

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best way for me to describe this book is the Aussie version of 'A Good Girls Guide To Murder' (need I say more!!)

I loveeed the writing style and how Ruth, our wonderful part time amateur detective was talking to the reader & breaking the fourth wall. The Aussie-isms and references to things like 'Farmer Wants a Wife' & 'The Real Housewives of Dunsborough' had me genuinely laughing.

The mystery itself and the chaotic family dynamic was great!
If you are looking for a cosy YA murder mystery and to support an Aussie author, look no further than this book!!

[jo ୨୧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

──★ 4

this was a quirky, funky, little family story set in australia with a "nancy drew" esque main character and her cousin. a fun novel with a lot going on that technically was quite confusing and funky but i had a good time! nothing crazy at all. pick up for a light read.

.𖥔 ݁ ˖𓂃.☘︎ ݁˖

──★thanks to the publisher + netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: state final readers cup question writing. Still laughing.

Had to stop while I read book club books, but then whipped through it laughing all the way.

Very strong Eleanor Jones vibes. Love how Australian authors are able to capture the snarky teenage girl detective voice with warmth and humour.

[hannah! · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was hilarious but a bit confusing. but absolutely hilarious

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

TLDR: Plot twists were immediately obvious, main character clearly written by someone way too old to be writing a 14 year old, weird incesty crush, and it could've been half the pages.

I really tried to like this book but I just couldn't. I thought at first maybe it's because it seems less Y/A and more preteens (11-14), but then there's a lot of words, references, and sections that kids that age wouldn't understand or would find boring.

Overall, it was completely predicable. I kept waiting for one of the "twists" to surprise me but I had already figured out every single one of them well before the reveals which is not want you want from a book that revolves entirely around mysteries.

The main character was also all over the place and the writer couldn't seem to remember if she was writing a 14 year old or a 34 year old. She's immature and childish in some scenes and then makes some bizarrely adult comments in others. For example, she doesn't know who Scooby Doo is but apparently is a big Patricia Cornwell fan - which I doubt a single 14 year old in 2024 (when this book was released) even knows who that is let alone is allowed to read her books with such graphic crime scene and autopsy descriptions. She also makes an offhand reference/joke involving pap smears which is so far off something a 14 year old would mention. It's very evident that this book was written by someone who's at least in their mid 30's possibly late 40's.

The out of place crush scenes the main character has with her cousin to throughout the book are just plainly disturbing, with her even mentioning at one point that it's legal in western australia to marry your cousin (blech). Spoiler alert: they aren't actually related which you can assume almost immediately but neither of them know that for most of the book when they're crushing on each other and having awkward romantic tensions.

The pacing of the book also just felt really off, probably due to the excessive internal monologues that do little to further the story. I found myself only a third of the way through the book checking what page I was up to, something I never do, and being shocked by how much was left as it felt like I should've been well over halfway through. It's way too much of a slow burn and not in the fun way but in the 'I'm starting to skim over all of the unnecessary fluff that's padding the page count because the story is being dragged out'.

[Avril Polson · Rating 2 out of 5]

All opinions are entirely my own. I am in no way affiliated with the author or publisher. Remember to support your local indie bookstore and library!

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨ ᰔ ୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

"This is, you don't have to tell me, not a great line. It's not a denial. It's not an excuse. It's straight up self-incrimination."

- [ ] Star Rating: 2 Stars
- [ ] Discovery: Gifted
- [ ] Reading Format: Physical
- [ ] Read Time: 3 Hours

Family holiday ends with granny's head being bludgeoned by a typewriter.

The narrator is a quirky 14 year old who isn't just annoying, she also wants to fuck her cousin.

[Angelina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd describe this as Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone, but for kids. A surprising amount of "what are you doing, step-bro" (well, cousin technically) for a YA novel though 🫣.

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC

[Belle Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would have given it more stars if I didn’t pick the murderer so easily (but nothing to do with the writing and more to do with my neurodivergent brains pattern recognition).
Nice pallet cleanser from romance / fantasy.
Good to read another Australian book, could tell it was recent from all the pop culture references. Loved all the murder mystery pop culture references too.

[Anneliese · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot twists in this book. Jeez.

I still couldn’t quite believe who had done it. Well who hadn’t done it I should say.

[Clare Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Can you call it a holiday if someone gets murdered?'
'I think it still counts.'

[Annabelle Russ · Rating 2 out of 5]

why was she crushing on her cousin

[juliette [beth mccarthy’s version] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters ⭐️⭐️
Ending ⭐️⭐️

[Julia Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up.
It often irks me how mature teens are written in YA, but in this case I wish Ruth was written less childish. She seems 11 instead of 14.
That being said, I think this would be an excellent mystery for an intermediate elementary student who wants to dip their toes into YA mysteries.

[Karin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great YA cozy mystery! It totally reminded me of “Everyone in my Family has Killed Someone” but for teenagers. It was funny, light and written well. Super fun!

[Chloe (Keefe + Jaren Vallentis's Version!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, this was interesting. I came in with very high hopes, after reading a few reviews, and maybe that did affect the rating; I am not sure. The whole family situation was very interesting, to say the least. I didn't really understand it at first, but then I sort of did. This was a little bit interesting, with people finding out that they may or may not be related (I am trying not to spoil anything here). Also, the whole relationship between Dylan and Ruth was kind of concerning. I don't know how to say this without spoiling, but just go into this book knowing that the family and relationship dynamics are a little bit strange.

The plot overall was good; it definitely kept me entertained, and Ruth was the narrator, but she was kind of dropping hints throughout the book, as she would say, 'We will be in this house for a while longer.' I don't know if that makes sense, but she was like recounting the story and was giving us little tidbits. She was a little bit annoying at times, and I didn't really like her too much. I did really appreciate the reference to a few Australian things, though, including Farmer Wants a Wife.

Overall, this book did keep me entertained, there were some parts that were... interesting, to say the least.

[weary willow · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yes this is a dnf but I am mad and I am giving it one star because it could have been so fun and silly but no the author had to make the fmc in love with her cousin for some fuck ass reason like wtf man ?? There’s a scene in which she’s in a bathrobe and she decides that it’s the perfect moment to whine about how her cousin isn’t actually a foot taller than her or smt ?? Like okay ?? And then they compare heights and she keeps noticing he smells good.. DUDE YOU TWO ARE RELATED WTF

[Eve Jessica Langley · Rating 1 out of 5]

absolute fucking dog shit. boring as hell the whole time. like how are you going to have a murder mystery and literally have the weakest story ever. also why did she have a crush on her cousin? they could have just been platonic and it would have been way better. or make It a family friend who was invited so they aren't related. like why?

[faithreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this book is more targeted to a younger audience lol…it was pretty cheesy and boring.

[its_just_christin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good. It’s set in Australia which for me added to the fun. Ruth is visiting her step grandmother GG’s farm with her Dad and his sisters when her grandmother GG dies in a very suspicious way. As she starts investigating with her kind of sort of cousin Dylan they discover that everyone in the family is hiding something. Ruth is determined to figure out what happened and who killed GG. I love Ruth, she is such a great character. She’s smart, persistent, and her curiosity while it gets her in trouble here and there is inspiring.

All of the side characters added so much depth to the story and made it hard to figure out who the killer was before the end. Ruth repeatedly breaks the fourth wall by talking to the reader and I’m here for it. She drops hints along the way. The family is definitely dysfunctional but I loved it. This book was funny and really grabbed my attention from the beginning.

I listened to an ALC of this book narrated by Siho Ellsmore. I really enjoyed the narration of this book. Siho does a great job of voicing all the characters in unique ways. I loved that they used an Australian narrator because it fit perfectly with the writing. Thank you Macmillan Audio and Kate Emery for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, light-hearted murder mystery set in a remote farmhouse property near Margaret River, WA. Ruth's extended family (Dad, aunts and 'uncles', and half-cousin Dylan) have been visiting GG (Ruth's step grandmother) for a weekend, and just when they plan to head back to Perth, GG winds up dead under mysterious circumstances. All the adults have sketchy alibis, and random people keep turning up to the farmhouse unannounced. What's a fan of Agatha Christie (Ruth) to do, but put her detective skills to good use, (assisted by the very cute Dylan), to find out who killed GG?

A quick and enjoyable read. I discovered after I had finished this book that I had have also read Kate Emery's other novel, The not so chosen one (Fantasy), which I also really enjoyed. An author to watch/follow!

[Hallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK so I kinda don't know what to say. It was a good book like I did definetly enjoy it and everything. I just felt something missing. It took a while for the book to hit a point were it was really exciting. I was kinda a little bit bored throughout the rest. I did like her humour and how it was in first person. AND SERIOUSLY I needed a moment with her and Dylan like come on. ANyways BYeEE.

[Abby Rogish Bodin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy for an honest review!
Rating: 3/5
It’s written for a teenager to enjoy more, so her voice irritated me. Again, I think a younger audience would enjoy it! I was disappointed with The Who done it, but I was surprised at a couple different things! She set it up a little open ended, which I’m assuming for a sequel.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

if i had a nickel for every time i read a YA murder mystery with two characters who are cousins have a crush on each other, only to find out that they aren't actually related, i'd have two nickels. which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it's happened twice.

in all seriousness i really liked this! i love silly little aussie murder mysteries, especially when they're aware it's a book and play with storytelling more (e.g. blah blah blah "But we'll get to that later")

[Byron Bibliotherapy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for younger siblings of readers of Biffy James' Completely Normal (and Other Lies). Very funny heroine (my favourite understated-but satisfying-humour).

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was charmingly funny and I enjoyed myself far more than I expected to! 3.5 stars, but rounded down.

The entirety of the book, Ruth is speaking to you as the reader, and it's done well. There's a lot of 'meta' references where she talks about things on earlier pages or tells you that there's more information coming. It's clever and entertaining. Since the book is set in Australia, I have to admit that I was hearing the voices from Bluey in my head for many of the characters. Ruth's dad was definitely Bandit.

This feels very young YA, a good bridge between middle grade and young adult. There's minimal language (including an Australian swear, 'bloody'), the murder/death is not super descriptive, and there's the tiniest bit of crush exploration.

For the record, in case some of you are seeing some things about the 'cousin' weirdness, there is nothing to be concerned about here. The main character, Ruth, has a minor crush on somebody who has been a family friend. He's not actually her cousin and 100% not related to her and you can barely even call anything in here a romance, considering at the end they are only just acknowledging that they maybe kinda sorta like each other.

[Aman Dhindsa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m honestly disappointed by My Family and Other Suspects. I was expecting a light-hearted, funny read about quirky family dynamics, but this book didn’t deliver on either front. The plot was weak and meandered without any real direction. I struggled to care about any of the characters because they were either one-dimensional or just plain unlikable. The author’s attempt at humor felt forced and didn’t land for me at all—many moments that were supposed to be funny just came off as awkward or cringe-worthy.

Additionally, the pacing was painfully slow. The book dragged on, and I found myself skimming through large sections, hoping it would pick up, but it never really did. There was no emotional payoff, either—what could have been a touching or funny story about family relationships felt like a tedious series of events without any real heart.

I understand humor is subjective, but this book just missed the mark for me in every way. If you're looking for a book with both humor and substance, this is not it. Overall, it felt like a wasted opportunity for what could have been a fun, engaging story.

[Maddison Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

I always like to read YA as you can come across some really great books. This was just too predictable and didn’t really leave you with anything.