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Happy Families
A good deed. A new friend. A deadly obsession.
I watch Mia and Eddie plan their wedding in their gorgeous house. They’re rich, young, and beautiful. The perfect couple.
But they have a problem. A year ago, Mia’s mother was brutally murdered, and she still doesn’t know the truth about what happened that day.
I’m just the cleaner next door, but I make a plan to help Mia.
Because I know the truth.
In fact, I know everything about Mia and Eddie. I know their foolish dreams, their finances, their dirty little secrets.
And they have no idea what I want.
If they knew, they’d run a mile.
Happy Families — a gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, and Donna Tartt.
I watch Mia and Eddie plan their wedding in their gorgeous house. They’re rich, young, and beautiful. The perfect couple.
But they have a problem. A year ago, Mia’s mother was brutally murdered, and she still doesn’t know the truth about what happened that day.
I’m just the cleaner next door, but I make a plan to help Mia.
Because I know the truth.
In fact, I know everything about Mia and Eddie. I know their foolish dreams, their finances, their dirty little secrets.
And they have no idea what I want.
If they knew, they’d run a mile.
Happy Families — a gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, and Donna Tartt.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2026
About the author
Matt McGregor
5 books54 followersMatt McGregor is a writer of psychological thrillers. Before becoming a writer, Matt taught English, ran a nonprofit, worked with maps, and worked in tech startups.
Now, he mostly spends his time inventing surprising ways to murder his characters, which is totally fine and nothing for you to worry about.
When he’s not writing in the third person, he likes to explore the local wilderness, swim in the sea, and play with his exhaustingly energetic young children.
Now, he mostly spends his time inventing surprising ways to murder his characters, which is totally fine and nothing for you to worry about.
When he’s not writing in the third person, he likes to explore the local wilderness, swim in the sea, and play with his exhaustingly energetic young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 4, 2026
Just not the right fight for me
I struggled with this one. It was told via multi pov with a shifting time line, which became confusing at times and made me have to go back to ensure I wasn't missing anything.
After reading All my Lies by this author and absolutely loving it and the author's writing style, I was ready to love this one too but it just wasn't to be.
The premise, although interesting, seemed very predictable so there was no shock factor. With the shifting timeline pov I just couldn't connect with the characters. It wasn't that I didn't like them, it's just they fell a little flat.
Overall for me this book lacked tension and suspense. The pacing was on the slower side and I found myself having to push through to the end. I will say that the author's descriptions are vivid and he is really good at setting a scene.
Despite this not being for me I will definitely try more of this authors work in the future.
I struggled with this one. It was told via multi pov with a shifting time line, which became confusing at times and made me have to go back to ensure I wasn't missing anything.
After reading All my Lies by this author and absolutely loving it and the author's writing style, I was ready to love this one too but it just wasn't to be.
The premise, although interesting, seemed very predictable so there was no shock factor. With the shifting timeline pov I just couldn't connect with the characters. It wasn't that I didn't like them, it's just they fell a little flat.
Overall for me this book lacked tension and suspense. The pacing was on the slower side and I found myself having to push through to the end. I will say that the author's descriptions are vivid and he is really good at setting a scene.
Despite this not being for me I will definitely try more of this authors work in the future.
Review of advance copy
Alexander Gregory has recently left his startup tech job and is now working as a freelancer.
Looking for new opportunities, he reconnects with the memory of his former thesis supervisor, Professor Aidan Henry, only to discover that the professor has mysteriously disappeared.
What begins as a search for answers gradually opens the door to a much larger web of secrets stretching back nearly two decades.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to the influential Mackintosh family.
Mia Mackintosh remains haunted by personal tragedy, while her sister Lucy shoulders the responsibilities of a family empire burdened by scandal.
Mia’s fiancé Eddie, a small-town lawyer, and Kate Campbell, an aspiring journalist with knowledge that may prove crucial, further complicate an already fragile situation.
Together, these characters occupy a world shaped by grief, distrust, ambition, and long-buried truths.
Without revealing too much of the mystery, the novel weaves together a missing professor, a suspicious death, family tensions, corporate influence, and a steadily expanding investigation.
The story moves between personal trauma and larger societal questions, creating a narrative that attempts to balance psychological suspense with emotional drama.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character-driven approach to the mystery. Rather than relying exclusively on shocking twists, the author allows the emotional burdens carried by the characters to shape the narrative.
Mia, in particular, emerges as a compelling presence whose grief and determination give the story much of its emotional momentum.
The supporting cast also contributes meaningfully to the overall intrigue, with each character carrying motives, secrets, or vulnerabilities that sustain reader curiosity.
The novel is written in an accessible style that keeps the pages turning. Information is revealed gradually, allowing suspense to build through unanswered questions, fractured relationships, and conflicting perspectives.
The pacing is particularly effective through the middle sections, where revelations arrive at measured intervals without overwhelming the reader.
From an editorial standpoint, the book succeeds most when it focuses on atmosphere, interpersonal tensions, and the gradual uncovering of hidden truths.
The mystery remains engaging throughout much of the narrative, and the author demonstrates a good understanding of how to sustain reader interest through layered storytelling.
That said, while the novel opens with a strong premise and builds suspense effectively, the final act becomes somewhat predictable.
Certain developments may be anticipated before they arrive, reducing the overall impact of the climax.
A greater degree of ambiguity or a few additional narrative surprises could have strengthened the resolution and elevated the thriller elements further.
Nevertheless, this remains an engaging psychological thriller that combines family drama, mystery, and emotional conflict within an accessible and slow-burn narrative.
Readers who enjoy character-driven suspense, layered investigations, and stories built around secrets and consequences are likely to find this a rewarding read.
Looking for new opportunities, he reconnects with the memory of his former thesis supervisor, Professor Aidan Henry, only to discover that the professor has mysteriously disappeared.
What begins as a search for answers gradually opens the door to a much larger web of secrets stretching back nearly two decades.
As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to the influential Mackintosh family.
Mia Mackintosh remains haunted by personal tragedy, while her sister Lucy shoulders the responsibilities of a family empire burdened by scandal.
Mia’s fiancé Eddie, a small-town lawyer, and Kate Campbell, an aspiring journalist with knowledge that may prove crucial, further complicate an already fragile situation.
Together, these characters occupy a world shaped by grief, distrust, ambition, and long-buried truths.
Without revealing too much of the mystery, the novel weaves together a missing professor, a suspicious death, family tensions, corporate influence, and a steadily expanding investigation.
The story moves between personal trauma and larger societal questions, creating a narrative that attempts to balance psychological suspense with emotional drama.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its character-driven approach to the mystery. Rather than relying exclusively on shocking twists, the author allows the emotional burdens carried by the characters to shape the narrative.
Mia, in particular, emerges as a compelling presence whose grief and determination give the story much of its emotional momentum.
The supporting cast also contributes meaningfully to the overall intrigue, with each character carrying motives, secrets, or vulnerabilities that sustain reader curiosity.
The novel is written in an accessible style that keeps the pages turning. Information is revealed gradually, allowing suspense to build through unanswered questions, fractured relationships, and conflicting perspectives.
The pacing is particularly effective through the middle sections, where revelations arrive at measured intervals without overwhelming the reader.
From an editorial standpoint, the book succeeds most when it focuses on atmosphere, interpersonal tensions, and the gradual uncovering of hidden truths.
The mystery remains engaging throughout much of the narrative, and the author demonstrates a good understanding of how to sustain reader interest through layered storytelling.
That said, while the novel opens with a strong premise and builds suspense effectively, the final act becomes somewhat predictable.
Certain developments may be anticipated before they arrive, reducing the overall impact of the climax.
A greater degree of ambiguity or a few additional narrative surprises could have strengthened the resolution and elevated the thriller elements further.
Nevertheless, this remains an engaging psychological thriller that combines family drama, mystery, and emotional conflict within an accessible and slow-burn narrative.
Readers who enjoy character-driven suspense, layered investigations, and stories built around secrets and consequences are likely to find this a rewarding read.
August 2, 2026
Genre : Psychological Thriller & Crime Mystery
My rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Brief :
A good deed, a new friend, and a deadly obsession converge as the cleaner next door watches Mia and Eddie plan their wedding from their gorgeous house. They are rich, young, and beautiful, the perfect couple on the surface. But behind closed doors, Mia is still haunted by her mother’s brutal murder a year ago, searching for answers she cannot find. The cleaner makes a plan to help her, knowing the truth about what happened that day. In fact, this quiet observer knows everything about Mia and Eddie, including their foolish dreams, their finances, and their dirty little secrets. The couple has no idea what the cleaner really wants, and if they did, they would run a mile. Happy Families is a gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, and Donna Tartt.
My opinion :
Happy Families is a fast-paced, gripping psychological thriller that instantly sucked me into its story. The novel uses an investigative structure that is genuinely fun to read, pulling you through a web of secrets from the very first chapter.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives across different timelines and different versions of the characters. While this structural choice could have been purely brilliant, it did take me a while to get used to it. The story constantly jumps between confusion and clarity in a back-and-forth rhythm. At times, this timeline structure was a bit disorienting: there were several moments where a character would suddenly appear in a way that left me wondering if I'd missed something, forcing me to flip back through previous chapters just to reconnect the pieces. Rather than building intrigue, these specific transitions occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.
One of the strongest elements of the entire novel is its poignant description of someone confronting a stark contrast of wealth, which the author addresses so beautifully and with such raw nuance.
Character-wise, Mia was a bit of a double-edged sword for me; for a supposedly smart person, she was surprisingly naive at times and really tried my patience!
The book succeeds most when it focuses on atmosphere, interpersonal tensions, and the gradual uncovering of hidden truths. The mystery remains engaging throughout much of the narrative, and the author demonstrates a solid understanding of how to sustain reader interest through layered storytelling. That said, while the novel opens with a strong premise and builds suspense effectively, the final act becomes somewhat predictable.
As expected with dark thrillers, the full list of content warnings is quite extensive, but readers should particularly note themes of murder, suicide, family loss (parents and siblings), and severe betrayal.
Ultimately, despite a few structural hiccups and a predictable ending, Happy Families is a compelling, atmospheric thriller that keeps you hooked through its rich contrast of class, obsession, and suspense.
Thank you to the publisher and author for sending me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #Ad
My rating : ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Brief :
A good deed, a new friend, and a deadly obsession converge as the cleaner next door watches Mia and Eddie plan their wedding from their gorgeous house. They are rich, young, and beautiful, the perfect couple on the surface. But behind closed doors, Mia is still haunted by her mother’s brutal murder a year ago, searching for answers she cannot find. The cleaner makes a plan to help her, knowing the truth about what happened that day. In fact, this quiet observer knows everything about Mia and Eddie, including their foolish dreams, their finances, and their dirty little secrets. The couple has no idea what the cleaner really wants, and if they did, they would run a mile. Happy Families is a gripping psychological thriller, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Alice Feeney, and Donna Tartt.
My opinion :
Happy Families is a fast-paced, gripping psychological thriller that instantly sucked me into its story. The novel uses an investigative structure that is genuinely fun to read, pulling you through a web of secrets from the very first chapter.
The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives across different timelines and different versions of the characters. While this structural choice could have been purely brilliant, it did take me a while to get used to it. The story constantly jumps between confusion and clarity in a back-and-forth rhythm. At times, this timeline structure was a bit disorienting: there were several moments where a character would suddenly appear in a way that left me wondering if I'd missed something, forcing me to flip back through previous chapters just to reconnect the pieces. Rather than building intrigue, these specific transitions occasionally pulled me out of the narrative.
One of the strongest elements of the entire novel is its poignant description of someone confronting a stark contrast of wealth, which the author addresses so beautifully and with such raw nuance.
Character-wise, Mia was a bit of a double-edged sword for me; for a supposedly smart person, she was surprisingly naive at times and really tried my patience!
The book succeeds most when it focuses on atmosphere, interpersonal tensions, and the gradual uncovering of hidden truths. The mystery remains engaging throughout much of the narrative, and the author demonstrates a solid understanding of how to sustain reader interest through layered storytelling. That said, while the novel opens with a strong premise and builds suspense effectively, the final act becomes somewhat predictable.
As expected with dark thrillers, the full list of content warnings is quite extensive, but readers should particularly note themes of murder, suicide, family loss (parents and siblings), and severe betrayal.
Ultimately, despite a few structural hiccups and a predictable ending, Happy Families is a compelling, atmospheric thriller that keeps you hooked through its rich contrast of class, obsession, and suspense.
Thank you to the publisher and author for sending me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. #Ad
Review of advance copy received from Author
## ⭐⭐☆☆ ☆ (2/5)
I really wanted to like this one, but unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
The premise sounded promising, and I went in expecting a suspenseful, emotionally engaging story. Instead, I found myself struggling to stay invested. This was definitely **not** a page-turner for me. In fact, the further I got, the more I wanted to put the book down. I still pushed through because I never like judging a book without finishing it, but sadly, my opinion didn't change by the end.
The story jumps between multiple timelines and different versions of the characters, which could have been really interesting. Instead, I found it confusing. There were several moments where a character would suddenly appear in a way that left me wondering if I'd missed something, and I had to flip back through previous chapters just to reconnect the pieces. Rather than building intrigue, the structure pulled me out of the story.
The pacing also felt very slow. I kept waiting for the plot to take shape or for the suspense to kick in, but it never really did. By the time I reached the ending, I was left feeling that there wasn't much payoff for the time I'd invested.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. None of them felt particularly memorable or well-developed, which made it difficult to care about what happened to them.
That said, I did appreciate the author's writing style in places. The metaphors and descriptive passages were beautifully written and showed flashes of strong prose. Unfortunately, beautiful writing alone wasn't enough to make the story engaging for me.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. While I can imagine the nonlinear storytelling working for some readers, it simply didn't work for me. I'm glad I gave it a chance, but it's not a book I'd revisit or personally recommend.
I always remind myself that every book finds its reader, and this one just wasn't the right fit for me. If you enjoyed it, I'd genuinely love to hear what worked for you!
I really wanted to like this one, but unfortunately, it just wasn't for me.
The premise sounded promising, and I went in expecting a suspenseful, emotionally engaging story. Instead, I found myself struggling to stay invested. This was definitely **not** a page-turner for me. In fact, the further I got, the more I wanted to put the book down. I still pushed through because I never like judging a book without finishing it, but sadly, my opinion didn't change by the end.
The story jumps between multiple timelines and different versions of the characters, which could have been really interesting. Instead, I found it confusing. There were several moments where a character would suddenly appear in a way that left me wondering if I'd missed something, and I had to flip back through previous chapters just to reconnect the pieces. Rather than building intrigue, the structure pulled me out of the story.
The pacing also felt very slow. I kept waiting for the plot to take shape or for the suspense to kick in, but it never really did. By the time I reached the ending, I was left feeling that there wasn't much payoff for the time I'd invested.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. None of them felt particularly memorable or well-developed, which made it difficult to care about what happened to them.
That said, I did appreciate the author's writing style in places. The metaphors and descriptive passages were beautifully written and showed flashes of strong prose. Unfortunately, beautiful writing alone wasn't enough to make the story engaging for me.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. While I can imagine the nonlinear storytelling working for some readers, it simply didn't work for me. I'm glad I gave it a chance, but it's not a book I'd revisit or personally recommend.
I always remind myself that every book finds its reader, and this one just wasn't the right fit for me. If you enjoyed it, I'd genuinely love to hear what worked for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Happy Families by Matt McGregor is exactly the kind of popcorn thriller I reach for when I want an entertaining, page-turning read. Fast-paced, short chapters, multiple POVs, and dual timelines? That's pretty much my recipe for a good thriller.
The premise immediately hooked me. Between the mystery surrounding Mia's mother's death, a missing professor, family secrets, and the powerful Mackintosh family, there was always another thread to pull on. I enjoyed how the story slowly peeled back layers of the past, revealing long-buried secrets and showing how one tragedy could ripple through so many lives. The multiple perspectives kept things moving, and I was always eager to get back to whichever character was on the page.
McGregor's writing style is easy to fly through. The twists weren't necessarily jaw-dropping, but they kept me invested and made for a fun, engaging ride. I'm definitely interested in picking up more of his books after this.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me was that the pacing felt a little uneven at times. A few sections slowed down more than I expected, and I thought the ending was a bit more predictable than I was hoping for. Even so, those were minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Overall, this is a solid psychological thriller filled with family drama, buried secrets, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning. If you're looking for an accessible, twisty thriller that doesn't overcomplicate things, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
The premise immediately hooked me. Between the mystery surrounding Mia's mother's death, a missing professor, family secrets, and the powerful Mackintosh family, there was always another thread to pull on. I enjoyed how the story slowly peeled back layers of the past, revealing long-buried secrets and showing how one tragedy could ripple through so many lives. The multiple perspectives kept things moving, and I was always eager to get back to whichever character was on the page.
McGregor's writing style is easy to fly through. The twists weren't necessarily jaw-dropping, but they kept me invested and made for a fun, engaging ride. I'm definitely interested in picking up more of his books after this.
The only reason this wasn't a full five-star read for me was that the pacing felt a little uneven at times. A few sections slowed down more than I expected, and I thought the ending was a bit more predictable than I was hoping for. Even so, those were minor issues in an otherwise enjoyable read.
Overall, this is a solid psychological thriller filled with family drama, buried secrets, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning. If you're looking for an accessible, twisty thriller that doesn't overcomplicate things, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a shot.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.
August 7, 2026
This is a great psychological thriller, unsettling in the best possible way a book can be and once you start reading, you can't put it down!
Mia and Eddie are a happy couple, but one thing that plagues Mia is the unexplained death of her mother. Nobody was ever convicted for it and she has been left with questions. Finding out the truth has almost become her reason for living. It nearly destroyed her once and now it seems her quest has started again, when offered information by a 'chance encounter' with newcomer Kate. But just how far will she go to find out the truth? And who can she really trust?
There are so many twists and turns in this story but it is easy to keep up. With chapters guiding you through then and now and from different perspectives, you are taken on the journey with Mia, as she searches for the truth.
Neighbour Aidan is an unusual character and it's his connection to Kate which leads her to befriending Mia. I did question whether anybody would be so trusting of somebody so quickly, but when faced with desperately wanting answers, if somebody told you they had them, I guess you'd do anything, wouldn't you? Mia has distanced herself from her father, her relationship with her sister is hanging on by a thread, which may be another reason why Mia takes to Kate straight away.
Then, there is Alex, who helps tell the story through his research for writing a book. If not for him, we may not find out all that we do.
I won't say more to avoid any spoilers, but this is definitely one to read. The writing is so easy to follow and you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all, which I always think is the best type of book!
Lose yourself in this brilliant, faced paced story, which seems to really take off in the last third. But be prepared, if you're reading in the evening, you may find you'll have no choice but to stay up and finish it!
Ad/PR
Mia and Eddie are a happy couple, but one thing that plagues Mia is the unexplained death of her mother. Nobody was ever convicted for it and she has been left with questions. Finding out the truth has almost become her reason for living. It nearly destroyed her once and now it seems her quest has started again, when offered information by a 'chance encounter' with newcomer Kate. But just how far will she go to find out the truth? And who can she really trust?
There are so many twists and turns in this story but it is easy to keep up. With chapters guiding you through then and now and from different perspectives, you are taken on the journey with Mia, as she searches for the truth.
Neighbour Aidan is an unusual character and it's his connection to Kate which leads her to befriending Mia. I did question whether anybody would be so trusting of somebody so quickly, but when faced with desperately wanting answers, if somebody told you they had them, I guess you'd do anything, wouldn't you? Mia has distanced herself from her father, her relationship with her sister is hanging on by a thread, which may be another reason why Mia takes to Kate straight away.
Then, there is Alex, who helps tell the story through his research for writing a book. If not for him, we may not find out all that we do.
I won't say more to avoid any spoilers, but this is definitely one to read. The writing is so easy to follow and you feel like you are right there in the middle of it all, which I always think is the best type of book!
Lose yourself in this brilliant, faced paced story, which seems to really take off in the last third. But be prepared, if you're reading in the evening, you may find you'll have no choice but to stay up and finish it!
Ad/PR
Review of advance copy
This was a very suspenseful story, and the prologue had me hooked from the beginning. I don't always love dual timelines, but this novel had a good balance of focusing on the main mystery while having future-focused chapters to move the narrative forward. I wouldn't say the twists were particularly shocking--it was quite easy to guess all of them before they occurred--but they weren't so predictable that it detracted from the book's thrilling nature.
Based on the synopsis, I would've thought this was a single POV novel, but there were actually quite a few POVs. It was helpful in getting a little bit more insight into each character's thoughts, without revealing too much. The primary narrator though was slightly disappointing. I wish we had gotten to learn more about his life and story. He felt more like a vehicle for the plot rather than a fully-fledged character. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the conclusion and how it tied up loose ends in a way that was real, satisfying, and deserved by the characters.
Overall, this was a story full of suspense and complicated relationships. I highly recommend it to those looking for a thrilling novel that won't leave you terrified to go to bed at night. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Based on the synopsis, I would've thought this was a single POV novel, but there were actually quite a few POVs. It was helpful in getting a little bit more insight into each character's thoughts, without revealing too much. The primary narrator though was slightly disappointing. I wish we had gotten to learn more about his life and story. He felt more like a vehicle for the plot rather than a fully-fledged character. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the conclusion and how it tied up loose ends in a way that was real, satisfying, and deserved by the characters.
Overall, this was a story full of suspense and complicated relationships. I highly recommend it to those looking for a thrilling novel that won't leave you terrified to go to bed at night. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
August 1, 2026
Excited to help kick off the tour for this absolutely cracking psychological thriller! Make sure you set aside some time for this one, because it will keep you up past bedtime! You won't be able to put it down wondering what is going to happen next.
Utilizing multiple timelines and POVs, it is a wild ride from start to finish! As you read, unraveling the authors tangled web of lies, half-truths, red herrings, twists, and turns could almost give you whiplash! It's just such a delightfully complex and deliciously wicked tale! This tale of greed , misplaced trust and friendship, familial loyalty, and how far you're willing to go for those you love is just electric.
This is one of those stories that in the end I can't tell you which characters I really loved because they were written so incredibly human that it was easy to relate to all of them at different points, but I'm not sure I would want to be friends with any of them - which is okay, not everyone is meant to be friends.
As with most thrillers, the list of content warnings could probably fill a page. But some big ones include murder, suicide, loss of parents, loss of siblings, betrayal, and I'm sure there are others I'm overlooking. But that gives you and idea of what you're diving into!
Utilizing multiple timelines and POVs, it is a wild ride from start to finish! As you read, unraveling the authors tangled web of lies, half-truths, red herrings, twists, and turns could almost give you whiplash! It's just such a delightfully complex and deliciously wicked tale! This tale of greed , misplaced trust and friendship, familial loyalty, and how far you're willing to go for those you love is just electric.
This is one of those stories that in the end I can't tell you which characters I really loved because they were written so incredibly human that it was easy to relate to all of them at different points, but I'm not sure I would want to be friends with any of them - which is okay, not everyone is meant to be friends.
As with most thrillers, the list of content warnings could probably fill a page. But some big ones include murder, suicide, loss of parents, loss of siblings, betrayal, and I'm sure there are others I'm overlooking. But that gives you and idea of what you're diving into!
August 2, 2026
For a full spoiler version of this review, please check out my blog, spoiledbooks.blogspot.com
3.5 stars rounded up
Happy Families is a dual-timeline mystery about a woman searching for her mother's killer and a writer uncovering the dark secrets of a professor connected to the same case.
I enjoyed this one overall. The mystery has lots of layers, and I was so determined to find out who killed Mia's mother that I flew through the pages. 😅 I do think reading it that quickly made it a little more confusing than it probably needed to be. Between the dual timelines and multiple POVs, I occasionally had to stop and remind myself who was who. Once everything started coming together, though, the story became much easier to follow, and I appreciated how all the pieces fit. If you enjoy slow-burning mysteries that gradually unravel, this one is worth the ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 stars rounded up
Happy Families is a dual-timeline mystery about a woman searching for her mother's killer and a writer uncovering the dark secrets of a professor connected to the same case.
I enjoyed this one overall. The mystery has lots of layers, and I was so determined to find out who killed Mia's mother that I flew through the pages. 😅 I do think reading it that quickly made it a little more confusing than it probably needed to be. Between the dual timelines and multiple POVs, I occasionally had to stop and remind myself who was who. Once everything started coming together, though, the story became much easier to follow, and I appreciated how all the pieces fit. If you enjoy slow-burning mysteries that gradually unravel, this one is worth the ride.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 4, 2026
Thank you to LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.
This is my first read by this author and this book for sure didn’t disappoint.
This was a really fast paced read and I loved all the characters and found myself really drawn in. I loved the multiple POV and the dual timeline although that part was a little confusing at times for me.
We follow Mia and Eddie and they are planning their wedding but Mia can’t seem to be all the way happy she wants to know what happened to her mom and how she died.
In enters Kate who befriends them and says she knows what happened to Mia’s mom but is that legit or is it something else this was a great thriller had so much depth to it about secrets and power and how people do get hurt and hidden truth. And how stuff never really stays buried like you want.
I really think I need more by this author and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Are there any audio books?! Need one so badly !!
Overall really good strong read. Dark and twisty and how I really love my books !!
This is my first read by this author and this book for sure didn’t disappoint.
This was a really fast paced read and I loved all the characters and found myself really drawn in. I loved the multiple POV and the dual timeline although that part was a little confusing at times for me.
We follow Mia and Eddie and they are planning their wedding but Mia can’t seem to be all the way happy she wants to know what happened to her mom and how she died.
In enters Kate who befriends them and says she knows what happened to Mia’s mom but is that legit or is it something else this was a great thriller had so much depth to it about secrets and power and how people do get hurt and hidden truth. And how stuff never really stays buried like you want.
I really think I need more by this author and I can’t wait to see what comes next. Are there any audio books?! Need one so badly !!
Overall really good strong read. Dark and twisty and how I really love my books !!
August 6, 2026
This book is multi-perspective with 2 different timelines. The story itself was well written. It hooked me in from the start. What happened twenty years ago? I needed to know!
The multiple perspectives format was a great shout as the author was able to include each character's backstory, so you got an understanding of the reasons behind their actions.
I didn't particularly like Mia. I found her a bit annoying and too trusting. In fact, I don't think there was any character in this book that I rooted for but that did not stop me from enjoying it.
There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming so it kept me reading until the end.
Some of the issues that are dealt within this book are revenge, abandonment, jealousy, love, deceit and hatred.
All in all, I had a good time reading this and I would recommend it to anyone who loves their psychological thrillers!
Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy of the ebook for an honest review.
The multiple perspectives format was a great shout as the author was able to include each character's backstory, so you got an understanding of the reasons behind their actions.
I didn't particularly like Mia. I found her a bit annoying and too trusting. In fact, I don't think there was any character in this book that I rooted for but that did not stop me from enjoying it.
There were a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming so it kept me reading until the end.
Some of the issues that are dealt within this book are revenge, abandonment, jealousy, love, deceit and hatred.
All in all, I had a good time reading this and I would recommend it to anyone who loves their psychological thrillers!
Thank you to the publisher and author for a copy of the ebook for an honest review.
August 19, 2026
This was such an engaging thriller. The story weaves together family secrets, a missing professor, and the powerful Mackintosh family, all while Mia tries to uncover the truth about her mother’s death. The dual timelines and multiple POVs kept the narrative fresh, and I liked how each perspective added another layer to the mystery.
Mia's grief and determination gave the book real emotional weight. The supporting cast Eddie, Kate, Lucy each brought their own complications, which made the family drama even more tangled and suspenseful.
There were moments where I could guess what was coming, but the tension and atmosphere kept me hooked regardless. I especially enjoyed how the story balanced psychological suspense with emotional drama it wasn’t just about shocking twists, but about how tragedy and lies ripple through generations.
The ending tied things together, the journey there was full of intrigue, mistrust, and revelations that made it a solid read.
Mia's grief and determination gave the book real emotional weight. The supporting cast Eddie, Kate, Lucy each brought their own complications, which made the family drama even more tangled and suspenseful.
There were moments where I could guess what was coming, but the tension and atmosphere kept me hooked regardless. I especially enjoyed how the story balanced psychological suspense with emotional drama it wasn’t just about shocking twists, but about how tragedy and lies ripple through generations.
The ending tied things together, the journey there was full of intrigue, mistrust, and revelations that made it a solid read.
Review of advance copy
Kate lives next door to Mia and she knows everything about Mia‘s life. Mia‘s mother was murdered and Mia doesn’t know any details about that day. Kate does though and she infiltrates her way into Mia‘s life.
This was a story about wealth, poverty, commerce, and farming. It was a book of revenge.
It was very character driven, which was well written and it worked well with the story. I really liked Mia’s character and felt that she grew the most.
I wasn’t particularly keen on the ending. I also found it quite hard to follow as the book alternated between then and now and from different points of view.
It was a good read, however, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a psychological thriller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a story about wealth, poverty, commerce, and farming. It was a book of revenge.
It was very character driven, which was well written and it worked well with the story. I really liked Mia’s character and felt that she grew the most.
I wasn’t particularly keen on the ending. I also found it quite hard to follow as the book alternated between then and now and from different points of view.
It was a good read, however, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a psychological thriller.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Mia and Eddie are busy professionals planning their wedding. It should be a happy time, but Mia wants to find out the truth about the night her mother died. Can she move on and be happy?
The happy couple meets Kate, who seems to know what happened to Mia’s mom. Can Kate help her friend, or is there something she’s hiding?
A great thriller about wealth, secrets, and the people that get hurt along the way. There are a lot of moving parts in this story, and I found the dual timelines a bit hard to follow. - a solid thriller, though.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The happy couple meets Kate, who seems to know what happened to Mia’s mom. Can Kate help her friend, or is there something she’s hiding?
A great thriller about wealth, secrets, and the people that get hurt along the way. There are a lot of moving parts in this story, and I found the dual timelines a bit hard to follow. - a solid thriller, though.
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I really liked Happy Families by Matt McGregor. It got my attention pretty fast, and once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. The characters were good, and the story kept me interested the whole time.
I finished the book in about two and a half days because I just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say it kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, I thought it was a great book and an easy read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good suspense story. I would also read another book by Matt McGregor because I really enjoyed his writing. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I finished the book in about two and a half days because I just wanted to keep reading to see what would happen next. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say it kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Overall, I thought it was a great book and an easy read. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a good suspense story. I would also read another book by Matt McGregor because I really enjoyed his writing. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Review of advance copy
Mia’s family has fallen apart. First her mother is murdered and then her dad is on trial for financial crimes. Her home life is challenging but when she meets Kate she things she might have a new friend, and one who says she might know who killed her mother. Sounds great, right.
This book was good, a bit slow at times and pretty predictable and I’m not sure I understood why the parts with Alex were even there because I felt it would have been just fine without him and it didn’t really tie together
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was good, a bit slow at times and pretty predictable and I’m not sure I understood why the parts with Alex were even there because I felt it would have been just fine without him and it didn’t really tie together
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I couldn't put this down, read it in about 2 days! I like the way it weaved the present and the past giving you what happened then and where people are now. It kept me guessing and there were moments that genuinely surprised me. I really recommend this! Believable characters and I e joyed seeing the way Kates attitude changes and is I'm contrast to the other main person involved (giving more detail may be a spoiler).
I couldn't put this down, read it in about 2 days! I like the way it weaved the present and the past giving you what happened then and where people are now. It kept me guessing and there were moments that genuinely surprised me. I really recommend this! Believable characters and I e joyed seeing the way Kates attitude changes and is I'm contrast to the other main person involved (giving more detail may be a spoiler).
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the first book I have read by Matt McGregor and it won’t be the last. I have enjoyed Happy Families it got my attention pretty fast and kept me wanting to read the next page the next chapter. The characters were good, and the story kept me interested the whole time. There where many POV’s and the chapters where short but still gave good detail on what was going on. A really good psychological thriller. One for the TBR list for sure.
Matt McGregor
Matt McGregor
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review❣️
3.5 hearts for me
I liked the opening, it built intrigue for me and for nearly the 60% of the book it continued and I really felt to ask Mia for her stupid decisions. She reveals and confronts which she shouldn't do and thinks twice before believing and she thinks about everything and saves Kate where she should have revealed info to the police
After 60% the story became a bit slow and the twists came in but it was not that impacted ones as I have expected because the story kept going good...overall it's a fast paced read, good for one time read 📖
3.5 hearts for me
I liked the opening, it built intrigue for me and for nearly the 60% of the book it continued and I really felt to ask Mia for her stupid decisions. She reveals and confronts which she shouldn't do and thinks twice before believing and she thinks about everything and saves Kate where she should have revealed info to the police
After 60% the story became a bit slow and the twists came in but it was not that impacted ones as I have expected because the story kept going good...overall it's a fast paced read, good for one time read 📖
August 4, 2026
I haven't read any of Matt Mcgreggor's books before so I was excited to receive an advanced copy to review. I will certainly be reading more now though.
At first I did find it hard to keep up with the then and now bits but once I got the characters I got into the rhythm and it all started to work out. Well I thought it did but the twists kept me gripped.
The story follows Mia, a daughter trying to figure out who murdered her mother and who she can trust. It was thrilling and well written with a very clever plot.
At first I did find it hard to keep up with the then and now bits but once I got the characters I got into the rhythm and it all started to work out. Well I thought it did but the twists kept me gripped.
The story follows Mia, a daughter trying to figure out who murdered her mother and who she can trust. It was thrilling and well written with a very clever plot.
August 5, 2026
Happy Families had everything I look for in a psychological thriller—a seemingly happy family, a murder, plenty of secrets, and a storyline that kept me questioning who to trust, what the motive was, and who was really responsible.
I always enjoy books that move between timelines and feature multiple points of view, and this one did both really well. It was a slow-burn thriller that gradually built the tension, keeping me intrigued right to the end.
An enjoyable and well-crafted read that will appeal to anyone who loves character-driven psychological thrillers.
I always enjoy books that move between timelines and feature multiple points of view, and this one did both really well. It was a slow-burn thriller that gradually built the tension, keeping me intrigued right to the end.
An enjoyable and well-crafted read that will appeal to anyone who loves character-driven psychological thrillers.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
There's a whole lot going on in this character driven story. At the helm is Mia planning her wedding to her fiancé Eddie. Mia's mother died, and the introduction of Kate, a journalist who seems to hold answers to what happened, sets the cat among the pigeons.
Told in dual timelines, I felt the story wasn't always easy to follow.
4 stars
There's a whole lot going on in this character driven story. At the helm is Mia planning her wedding to her fiancé Eddie. Mia's mother died, and the introduction of Kate, a journalist who seems to hold answers to what happened, sets the cat among the pigeons.
Told in dual timelines, I felt the story wasn't always easy to follow.
4 stars
Review of advance copy
Initially, I found the format of this book a little disjointed, but as I progressed, the shift between the different perspectives kept me gripped. The plot is cohesive, with no obvious holes, and the ending is not predictable or disappointing. I can't say I liked the characters, but in this genre, I think that's better. But they are complete and well-defined. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.
August 2, 2026
I really enjoyed Happy Families with the multiple POVs and the dual timelines, both of which I’m a huge fan of. There were some interesting turns of events and what the heck? moments. There were a couple of spots where the pacing felt a little slow, but it picked up again quickly. If you like psychological thrillers, you should add this one to your TBR list. I thought it was good and rate it 5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 3, 2026
A crazy whodunnit plot. Two person POV. Past and present POV. Make sure you focus on what you’re reading, highlight important parts, and enjoy it. I loved how it was uniquely written and how it really makes you think. Just when you thought you already knew what’s happening, you’ll be surprised by another dropped hint and start questioning your guess again. And you’ll keep doing it though the entire time. Lol.
July 16, 2026
I am glad I read this story, though as it started out, I was confused by what seemed like two separate unrelated storylines. It took a while to begin to see the relationships and how everything would eventually come together, but when it did, it was worth the read.
I recommend it if you are seeking a twisty thriller!
I recommend it if you are seeking a twisty thriller!
Review of advance copy
3.5 stars. I liked the premise of this book but something felt missing. I felt like the pacing was a bit slow in parts and it was hard to follow at times, jumping between multiple timelines and POVs. It was a quick read and did hold my attention. Thanks to the author, publisher and Book Sirens for the eARC.
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Booksprout for a copy of this book. I usually tend to like this authors books but this one just didn't do it for me. It was hard to keep track of all the characters and the past and present.
August 8, 2026
I always enjoy a story with multiple POV. The dual timeline took me a minute to grab hold of but once in it, I kept flipping the pages. Solid storyline with the final twist that i didnt initially see coming but it made total sense one revealed. Id check out more by the author in the future.
August 12, 2026
This was a good thriller. There is some hopping back and forth from then to now, but not so much that it can’t be followed. Definitely a few twists that might get you along the way and the ending was written well. Overall a fun read.
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