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A Good Family
New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winner Matt Goldman's A Good Family is a gripping, emotional thrill ride about the secrets hidden underneath a picture-perfect neighborhood.
Katie Kuhlmann's marriage is falling apart. But she has a secure job, her children are healthy, and her house, a new construction in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Edina, Minnesota, is beautiful. She can almost ignore the way her husband, Jack, has been acting--constantly checking his phone, not going to work, disappearing from the house only to show up again without explanation.
Tension in the Kuhlmann house only gets worse when Adam "Bagman" Ross, a mutual friend from college, happens to be in the neighborhood and in need of a place to stay. Jack is quick to welcome him into the sanctity of their home, but Jack's strange behavior only gets worse, and Katie fears their new guest is also harboring a dark secret. As she begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that something is terribly wrong--and she must race to protect her family as danger closes in.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
Katie Kuhlmann's marriage is falling apart. But she has a secure job, her children are healthy, and her house, a new construction in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Edina, Minnesota, is beautiful. She can almost ignore the way her husband, Jack, has been acting--constantly checking his phone, not going to work, disappearing from the house only to show up again without explanation.
Tension in the Kuhlmann house only gets worse when Adam "Bagman" Ross, a mutual friend from college, happens to be in the neighborhood and in need of a place to stay. Jack is quick to welcome him into the sanctity of their home, but Jack's strange behavior only gets worse, and Katie fears their new guest is also harboring a dark secret. As she begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that something is terribly wrong--and she must race to protect her family as danger closes in.
At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2023
75 people are currently reading
8785 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
April 23, 2023
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This was a very quick read for me as it was suspenseful and interesting enough and I wanted to know why and how Jack kept disappearing. But it was not an enjoyable read getting to that destination as it was very repetitive and dragged in some parts. I did like the chapters about Katie’s younger years and what led up to the way she is regarding family.
The ending/twist was easily figured out, anti-climatic, overdone and completely unbelievable. I know this is fiction and it really shouldn’t matter but I can’t help but feel like my intelligence is being insulted. The whole Noah thing just didn’t make sense either. I liked the premise but the book really lacked when it came to the execution.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
This was a very quick read for me as it was suspenseful and interesting enough and I wanted to know why and how Jack kept disappearing. But it was not an enjoyable read getting to that destination as it was very repetitive and dragged in some parts. I did like the chapters about Katie’s younger years and what led up to the way she is regarding family.
The ending/twist was easily figured out, anti-climatic, overdone and completely unbelievable. I know this is fiction and it really shouldn’t matter but I can’t help but feel like my intelligence is being insulted. The whole Noah thing just didn’t make sense either. I liked the premise but the book really lacked when it came to the execution.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 14, 2023
A good story with twists, turns and surprises. 8 of 10 stars
November 25, 2022
Katie is living an idyllic life in a mansion house with lovely children and a country club membership. It's a far cry from her upbringing when she was orphaned from family accident. Her marriage however, seems to be crumbling and there may be more to it as Jack becomes very secretive. A new friend gives her advice - should she take it?
I thought the first 20 percent was a bit slow but the story took off in places I didn't expect and I loved it. This is a new twist on a domestic thriller and Goldman does an excellent job of creating believable characters. This book kept me up all night! If you like a psychological thriller, love a twist or three, or just are ready to read about the latest family in the neighborhood, A Good Family is for you! #tor
I thought the first 20 percent was a bit slow but the story took off in places I didn't expect and I loved it. This is a new twist on a domestic thriller and Goldman does an excellent job of creating believable characters. This book kept me up all night! If you like a psychological thriller, love a twist or three, or just are ready to read about the latest family in the neighborhood, A Good Family is for you! #tor
August 1, 2023
A GOOD FAMILY
Matt Goldman
A GOOD FAMILY was good enough to hold my attention and entertain me for a couple of hours. But it wasn't good enough for me to rant about what a good book it was. I rather liked Katie, but thought her husband Jack was an ass. Get it? Jack Ass? And so the humor continues.
The plot was basic, often overdrawn in places and I sometimes did my hand in that circular motion that means, "get on with it". I liked the idea of the ..... oh wait... can't say that or it gives it away. I thought the ending was a bit cheesy and predictable. But I did enjoy it.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Matt Goldman
A GOOD FAMILY was good enough to hold my attention and entertain me for a couple of hours. But it wasn't good enough for me to rant about what a good book it was. I rather liked Katie, but thought her husband Jack was an ass. Get it? Jack Ass? And so the humor continues.
The plot was basic, often overdrawn in places and I sometimes did my hand in that circular motion that means, "get on with it". I liked the idea of the ..... oh wait... can't say that or it gives it away. I thought the ending was a bit cheesy and predictable. But I did enjoy it.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
September 26, 2023
A Good Family by Matt Goldman would probably be called a popcorn thriller by most, and though I sometimes don't like to use that term, it totally fits here. I loved the Minnesota setting and steady pacing, and it drove me CRAZY that Jack kept disappearing and no one could figure out where he was. The mystery surrounding his disappearing trick was the most interesting for me, but I loved that it was mixed with plenty of family drama and a dash of romance as well. I really liked Katie and the kids but for the most part wasn't a huge fan of any of the other characters. However, this wasn't an issue for me, and I couldn't wait to see where the end would lead.
I was a huge fan of the audiobook which is narrated by Rebecca Gibel, and I especially enjoyed listening to her narration for the children, Elin and Kaleb. The story is told completely from Katie's viewpoint which was very fitting, and I was completely shocked by the climax. If you don't like things wrapped up in a neat bow, you might not be as satisfied with the ending as I was, but I really liked the epilogue and was a big fan of the way this book was plotted. I was drawn to A Good Family after seeing Goldman wrote for both Seinfeld and Ellen, two of my favorites, and I am really glad I was able to borrow it from my mom and read it!
I was a huge fan of the audiobook which is narrated by Rebecca Gibel, and I especially enjoyed listening to her narration for the children, Elin and Kaleb. The story is told completely from Katie's viewpoint which was very fitting, and I was completely shocked by the climax. If you don't like things wrapped up in a neat bow, you might not be as satisfied with the ending as I was, but I really liked the epilogue and was a big fan of the way this book was plotted. I was drawn to A Good Family after seeing Goldman wrote for both Seinfeld and Ellen, two of my favorites, and I am really glad I was able to borrow it from my mom and read it!
April 12, 2023
THE GOOD FAMILY was an interesting book. It started off slow, but kept me wanting to read more. When it picked up the pace, I became heavily invested. I needed to know what was happening with Jack and also, why Adam just happened to appear one day at their home. The ending was satisfying and I really appreciated the epilogue. I think Mystery/Thriller fans will enjoy this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for my ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for my ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
August 1, 2023
I started off interested in this story but then it derailed for me. I had no interest in the characters and the suspense was not very exciting. I finished the book but it was a disappointment for me.
April 22, 2023
Sometimes happiness is all about appearances.
A Good Family was a meh read for me. Here’s why:
We have a wife who doesn’t confront her husband about anything. This is beyond the miscommunication trope, and well into a don’t ask, don’t tell lifestyle.
The wife is willfully ignorant because, you know, what would the neighbors think?
The husband is an asshat.
Pacing through the first three quarters is slow, with an excess of drama, a mild undercurrent of suspense, and no thrills. The final quarter speeds up with lots of activity, but also gives us some eye roll-inducing content.
If you like your suspense doused in melodrama, and you don’t mind stretching plausibility, then you might love this one. The writing itself is engaging.
*I received an ARC from Forge / Tor Publishing.*
A Good Family was a meh read for me. Here’s why:
We have a wife who doesn’t confront her husband about anything. This is beyond the miscommunication trope, and well into a don’t ask, don’t tell lifestyle.
The wife is willfully ignorant because, you know, what would the neighbors think?
The husband is an asshat.
Pacing through the first three quarters is slow, with an excess of drama, a mild undercurrent of suspense, and no thrills. The final quarter speeds up with lots of activity, but also gives us some eye roll-inducing content.
If you like your suspense doused in melodrama, and you don’t mind stretching plausibility, then you might love this one. The writing itself is engaging.
*I received an ARC from Forge / Tor Publishing.*
June 22, 2023
4 star purely for the thrill in reading the entire book in one sitting. Male author describing female characters like we all can be described in some certain manner did tick me off. However, I would say this one is a fun one with disgusting toxic male characters.
June 6, 2023
Matt Goldman never lets me down! He keeps the tension ratcheted up in his latest thriller. Yes, one big "revelation" was completely obvious. But mostly, this mystery kept me guessing.
There's something about Matt's storytelling, or his use of language, that is just so comfortable to me. I got sucked right into the story. And stayed that way, straight through to the end. Entertaining from start to finish!
There's something about Matt's storytelling, or his use of language, that is just so comfortable to me. I got sucked right into the story. And stayed that way, straight through to the end. Entertaining from start to finish!
June 10, 2023
Audiobook from Libro.fm. Premise sounds interesting, but the plot is outlandish, the characters are flat, and the writing is repetitive. I would have been better off DNFing.
April 13, 2023
A Good Family by Matt Goldman is a perfect way to spend an afternoon if you're looking for some mind-turning suspense. It's filled with lies, suspicions, and a good sum of intrigue. As soon as you think you have this all figured out you realize you don't. Matt Goldman is fast becoming on of my favorite authors.
~Tanja
*ARC provided by the publisher.
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~Tanja
*ARC provided by the publisher.
Follow me on
✿KTBookReviews✿Instagram✿Twitter✿Facebook✿TikTok
May 25, 2023
Ominous, simmering, and twisty!
A Good Family is a captivating, sinister mystery that takes us into the life of Katie Kuhlmann, a young mother of two who starts to realize everything is not as it seems when her husband randomly disappears and then reappears out of the blue, an acquaintance from the past suddenly shows up and temporarily moves in, rumours of corruption begin to swirl, and seemingly perfect marriages start to show more than just a few little cracks.
The writing is crisp and tight. The characters are consumed, flawed, and overwhelmed. And the plot is a suspenseful, sinister tale of secrets, deception, gossip, tragedy, suspicions, revelations, mayhem, fractured relationships, infidelity, mischief, and murder.
Overall, A Good Family is a devious, tense, entertaining page-turner by Goldman that does a wonderful job of highlighting just how easily people can sometimes allow themselves to be psychologically and emotionally manipulated and reminds us that even the people we think we know so well often have deep, dark secrets they choose to hide.
Thank you to Forge Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Good Family is a captivating, sinister mystery that takes us into the life of Katie Kuhlmann, a young mother of two who starts to realize everything is not as it seems when her husband randomly disappears and then reappears out of the blue, an acquaintance from the past suddenly shows up and temporarily moves in, rumours of corruption begin to swirl, and seemingly perfect marriages start to show more than just a few little cracks.
The writing is crisp and tight. The characters are consumed, flawed, and overwhelmed. And the plot is a suspenseful, sinister tale of secrets, deception, gossip, tragedy, suspicions, revelations, mayhem, fractured relationships, infidelity, mischief, and murder.
Overall, A Good Family is a devious, tense, entertaining page-turner by Goldman that does a wonderful job of highlighting just how easily people can sometimes allow themselves to be psychologically and emotionally manipulated and reminds us that even the people we think we know so well often have deep, dark secrets they choose to hide.
Thank you to Forge Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
This was a well done domestic thriller. Nothing completely wild or out of the ordinary for this genre, but it did hold me in suspense throughout the second half so kudos to that!
A good read for when you want to turn your mind off for a while and totally sink into another world.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.
A good read for when you want to turn your mind off for a while and totally sink into another world.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the arc.
July 7, 2023
Fun page turner…and bonus for me is that it all takes place in the neighborhood I grew up in!
November 3, 2024
This is an enjoyable book. The MMC is a strong woman who discovers how strong she can be.
March 4, 2023
Book Title: A Good Family
Author: Matt Goldman
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group –Forge Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Katie and her husband Jack Kuhlmann met at a University of Minnesota hockey game where they were students. When Jack spots Katie he is impressed and asked his friend Adam ‘Bagman’ Ross “Who’s that? Soon after this comment, Adam goes to the concession stand returns with three bees in a cardboard box. Adam gives one to Katie and points and states – 'that guy'.
Jack asks Katie out and now they are married and have two children twelve year-old Elin and eight year old Kaleb.
They live in a home in Edina, Minnesota on Browndale Street in an area called Country Club. The homes are stately. The Kuhlman’s were able remodeled after Jack earned a big bonus.
Kate believes the house is obscene and looks like an embassy.
But Yes! Life is good and far from the simple life style she had as a child when she was orphaned after her parents and twin brothers were killed in a car accident. She was raised by her grandparents who were both teachers but loved skiing and passed that love unto Katie.
Katie ended up good enough to earn a scholarship for her good grades and her skiing ability.
Jack should be happy with his dream house however; recently he is touchy, even angry as well as secretive. Katie fears he is having an affair. He however he is concern about her relationship with a log time ski buddy.
Out of the blue Adam ‘Bagman’ Ross comes for a visit as he is in Minnesota on a business trip. Jack is so delighted he offers Adam their guest apartment over the garage. At first Adam refused but ends up taking advantage of the apartment.
Hmmm it appears there more to Adam.
Oh Yes!!!
Story kept me curious. There are twists I was expecting but was clueless as to what was really going on.
WOW! That ending!!!!
My first Matt Goldman and I am anxious to read another
Want to thank NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group- Forge Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 30, 2023
Author: Matt Goldman
Publisher: Tor Publishing Group –Forge Books
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Katie and her husband Jack Kuhlmann met at a University of Minnesota hockey game where they were students. When Jack spots Katie he is impressed and asked his friend Adam ‘Bagman’ Ross “Who’s that? Soon after this comment, Adam goes to the concession stand returns with three bees in a cardboard box. Adam gives one to Katie and points and states – 'that guy'.
Jack asks Katie out and now they are married and have two children twelve year-old Elin and eight year old Kaleb.
They live in a home in Edina, Minnesota on Browndale Street in an area called Country Club. The homes are stately. The Kuhlman’s were able remodeled after Jack earned a big bonus.
Kate believes the house is obscene and looks like an embassy.
But Yes! Life is good and far from the simple life style she had as a child when she was orphaned after her parents and twin brothers were killed in a car accident. She was raised by her grandparents who were both teachers but loved skiing and passed that love unto Katie.
Katie ended up good enough to earn a scholarship for her good grades and her skiing ability.
Jack should be happy with his dream house however; recently he is touchy, even angry as well as secretive. Katie fears he is having an affair. He however he is concern about her relationship with a log time ski buddy.
Out of the blue Adam ‘Bagman’ Ross comes for a visit as he is in Minnesota on a business trip. Jack is so delighted he offers Adam their guest apartment over the garage. At first Adam refused but ends up taking advantage of the apartment.
Hmmm it appears there more to Adam.
Oh Yes!!!
Story kept me curious. There are twists I was expecting but was clueless as to what was really going on.
WOW! That ending!!!!
My first Matt Goldman and I am anxious to read another
Want to thank NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group- Forge Books for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 30, 2023
June 16, 2023
Matt Goldman returns following Carolina Moonset with his latest domestic suspense thriller, A GOOD FAMILY — dark secrets are hidden beneath the surface of a picture-perfect family, marriage, friends, and neighborhood.
The Kuhlmanns (Jack and Katie) live in Edina, Minnesota, in a neighborhood Country Club on Browndale Street. They all seem to be so perfect.
Kate did not grow up with wealth. She worked hard as a mother and at her job at GM. Jack grew up with old money- his family making their fortune in lumber. She needs stability, security, love, and comfort. She thought she had this, but things CHANGED.
Katie met Jack at the University of Minnesota at a hockey game. His friend Bagman, aka Adam Ross, approached her first and made the introduction. Katie and Jack married later and had two children, twins Elin and Kaleb.
Jack is the CEO of Electro-North 45. He is preoccupied with work. Katie thinks he is withdrawn from the family. Katie cares about her family but has noticed Jack's strange behavior. He is hiding something.
Then Bagman (Adam Ross) shows up from Florida (his best friend from college) out of the blue. It had been twenty-four years since he dropped out of college and moved to southern Florida, where he grew up.
He says he sells industrial insulation products and works from home. Jack lets him move into their mother-in-law's suite over the garage without asking Katie first.
Strange things begin happening with Adam. Who is he really, and what bad things are he involved in? Katie worries about her family. Is he bringing danger to their home? Why hasn't he left yet? Then he wants to borrow a considerable amount of money.
Jack keeps disappearing to the basement at odd hours and constantly checking his phone. What is he doing? Where is he going? She suspects an affair. What is going on? He keeps rejecting her.
There is the book club and ski friends: Latisha, Sandra, Miriam, Terri, and Jane. Are they friends? They add to the drama- think Desperate Housewives. Who are these people?
Next, we have Noah, a lawyer from New York, a friend and skiing buddy of Katie's she met at Birkie the year before. He skied for the Nordic team. Now he is opening an office in the Twin Cities. Katie continues to meet him but does not tell her husband.
What is going on with Adam? Katie does some sleuthing and finds a gun. First Bagman in the guest suite— and now, Sandra lives behind her.
Noah and Katie follow Jack. A hotel, a pretty young woman with long dark hair. The same woman that came to the house previously asking for Jack. Rebecca, a reporter. Someone winds up dead.
We learn about Katie's earlier life from the present to flashbacks of 1988-1989. Her grandparents taught her to ski, and she dedicated her life to living for her parents after they were gone (when she was ten).
Things were off. They were messy. Katie could not continue to live like this. Jack seemed to sacrifice one secret to guard another. Jack's behavior was unstable and unpredictable. Is she and her children safe?
The plot thickens when the FBI gets involved, underground tunnels, infidelity, a gun, misdeeds, a private investigator, a reporter, and an investigation. Soon Katie realizes having money does not make her happy. She was happier when they had nothing. How did her life get so off track?
The body count rises and takes us to the Epilogue two years later, where everything is wrapped up.
A GOOD FAMILY is a drama-filled domestic suspense full of secrets, neighborhood gossip, and many moving parts. A clever mystery, the author takes readers on a wild ride—we don't know who to trust, who to root for, and who is dangerous until we get further along.
Goldman steers a twisting course with readers breathlessly turning the pages to see how it will turn out—for fans of domestic suspense and authors Mary Kubica, Kimberly Belle, and B.A. Paris.
A talented writer, and while I enjoyed A GOOD FAMILY, I liked Carolina Moonset better. I listened to the audiobook and realized I never posted my review—I will be doing so soon.
Thanks to #ForgeBooks for a gifted e-ARC via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
May 2023 Must-Read Books
The Kuhlmanns (Jack and Katie) live in Edina, Minnesota, in a neighborhood Country Club on Browndale Street. They all seem to be so perfect.
Kate did not grow up with wealth. She worked hard as a mother and at her job at GM. Jack grew up with old money- his family making their fortune in lumber. She needs stability, security, love, and comfort. She thought she had this, but things CHANGED.
Katie met Jack at the University of Minnesota at a hockey game. His friend Bagman, aka Adam Ross, approached her first and made the introduction. Katie and Jack married later and had two children, twins Elin and Kaleb.
Jack is the CEO of Electro-North 45. He is preoccupied with work. Katie thinks he is withdrawn from the family. Katie cares about her family but has noticed Jack's strange behavior. He is hiding something.
Then Bagman (Adam Ross) shows up from Florida (his best friend from college) out of the blue. It had been twenty-four years since he dropped out of college and moved to southern Florida, where he grew up.
He says he sells industrial insulation products and works from home. Jack lets him move into their mother-in-law's suite over the garage without asking Katie first.
Strange things begin happening with Adam. Who is he really, and what bad things are he involved in? Katie worries about her family. Is he bringing danger to their home? Why hasn't he left yet? Then he wants to borrow a considerable amount of money.
Jack keeps disappearing to the basement at odd hours and constantly checking his phone. What is he doing? Where is he going? She suspects an affair. What is going on? He keeps rejecting her.
There is the book club and ski friends: Latisha, Sandra, Miriam, Terri, and Jane. Are they friends? They add to the drama- think Desperate Housewives. Who are these people?
Next, we have Noah, a lawyer from New York, a friend and skiing buddy of Katie's she met at Birkie the year before. He skied for the Nordic team. Now he is opening an office in the Twin Cities. Katie continues to meet him but does not tell her husband.
What is going on with Adam? Katie does some sleuthing and finds a gun. First Bagman in the guest suite— and now, Sandra lives behind her.
Noah and Katie follow Jack. A hotel, a pretty young woman with long dark hair. The same woman that came to the house previously asking for Jack. Rebecca, a reporter. Someone winds up dead.
We learn about Katie's earlier life from the present to flashbacks of 1988-1989. Her grandparents taught her to ski, and she dedicated her life to living for her parents after they were gone (when she was ten).
Things were off. They were messy. Katie could not continue to live like this. Jack seemed to sacrifice one secret to guard another. Jack's behavior was unstable and unpredictable. Is she and her children safe?
The plot thickens when the FBI gets involved, underground tunnels, infidelity, a gun, misdeeds, a private investigator, a reporter, and an investigation. Soon Katie realizes having money does not make her happy. She was happier when they had nothing. How did her life get so off track?
The body count rises and takes us to the Epilogue two years later, where everything is wrapped up.
A GOOD FAMILY is a drama-filled domestic suspense full of secrets, neighborhood gossip, and many moving parts. A clever mystery, the author takes readers on a wild ride—we don't know who to trust, who to root for, and who is dangerous until we get further along.
Goldman steers a twisting course with readers breathlessly turning the pages to see how it will turn out—for fans of domestic suspense and authors Mary Kubica, Kimberly Belle, and B.A. Paris.
A talented writer, and while I enjoyed A GOOD FAMILY, I liked Carolina Moonset better. I listened to the audiobook and realized I never posted my review—I will be doing so soon.
Thanks to #ForgeBooks for a gifted e-ARC via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: May 30, 2023
My Rating: 4 Stars
May 2023 Must-Read Books
July 5, 2023
I listened to this book and couldn’t get used to the narrator’s pronunciation of Edina, the Minneapolis suburb in which the book takes place. Any Minnesotan knows that Edina is pronounced “eedina” with a long i and the accent on the second syllable. The book’s narrator pronounced it as “uhdeena”. Since the author lives in Minneapolis, he clearly didn’t listen to the narration of his book.
June 28, 2023
My inner devious child peeked out this week and I got a bit jealous ! Whoa! I would love to say that is unlike me but who am I kidding. I can be a jealous brat 🤗
So, I saw “A Good Family”, literally break bookstagram this week and of course I didn’t want to feel left out so I requested it on Netgalley .
Cue the little magic ding ding in my inbox and I see my big ole eyes get wide as I stare at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !
Now, who has a punching bag for me to borrow ? I want to kick someone’s tail!!! Someone was a bad bad boy and sure could use a spankin!
This is a book with character you love to hate! Filled with twists and turns at every corner the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!
Matt Goldman is a firecracker of an author and sure does know how to write one hell of a domestic thriller .
Five Stars, duh ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Teaser :
New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winner Matt Goldman's A Good Family is a gripping, emotional thrill ride about the secrets hidden underneath a picture-perfect neighborhood.
Katie Kuhlmann's marriage is falling apart. But she has a secure job, her children are healthy, and her house, a new construction in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Edina, Minnesota, is beautiful. She can almost ignore the way her husband, Jack, has been acting--constantly checking his phone, not going to work, disappearing from the house only to show up again without explanation.
Tension in the Kuhlmann house only gets worse when Adam "Bagman" Ross, a mutual friend from college, happens to be in the neighborhood and in need of a place to stay. Jack is quick to welcome him into the sanctity of their home, but Jack's strange behavior only gets worse, and Katie fears their new guest is also harboring a dark secret. As she begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that something is terribly wrong--and she must race to protect her family as danger closes in.
So, I saw “A Good Family”, literally break bookstagram this week and of course I didn’t want to feel left out so I requested it on Netgalley .
Cue the little magic ding ding in my inbox and I see my big ole eyes get wide as I stare at my approval ! Yay ! I’m still a cool kid !
Now, who has a punching bag for me to borrow ? I want to kick someone’s tail!!! Someone was a bad bad boy and sure could use a spankin!
This is a book with character you love to hate! Filled with twists and turns at every corner the amount of suspense kept me on edge the entire time ! I flippin’ loved this book!
Matt Goldman is a firecracker of an author and sure does know how to write one hell of a domestic thriller .
Five Stars, duh ! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Teaser :
New York Times bestselling author and Emmy Award-winner Matt Goldman's A Good Family is a gripping, emotional thrill ride about the secrets hidden underneath a picture-perfect neighborhood.
Katie Kuhlmann's marriage is falling apart. But she has a secure job, her children are healthy, and her house, a new construction in the prestigious Country Club neighborhood of Edina, Minnesota, is beautiful. She can almost ignore the way her husband, Jack, has been acting--constantly checking his phone, not going to work, disappearing from the house only to show up again without explanation.
Tension in the Kuhlmann house only gets worse when Adam "Bagman" Ross, a mutual friend from college, happens to be in the neighborhood and in need of a place to stay. Jack is quick to welcome him into the sanctity of their home, but Jack's strange behavior only gets worse, and Katie fears their new guest is also harboring a dark secret. As she begins to uncover the truth, she realizes that something is terribly wrong--and she must race to protect her family as danger closes in.
December 31, 2022
Let me start by saying I’m not a huge fan of slow-burn books but I must say, this one surely is an exception to the rule. It moved at a slower pace in the beginning but I believe it was necessary to get to know the various characters and their stories. It wasn’t rushed and allowed me to not confuse the vast cast of protagonists. And the Author hits you with a more swift-moving plot at just the right time.
I was engrossed from beginning to end. I must say I did predict the end about halfway through and I was almost spot on. Nevertheless, it was a suspenseful thriller with psychological elements that won’t disappoint. A definite 4 Star read at minimum!
*****
Living in a High Society Country Club neighborhood, the Kuhlmann‘s are a well-to-do family with just about the perfect life. That is until husband, Jack begins to act elusive and begins to disappear and seemingly reappears without explanation. His wife Katie notices his quick-to-anger personality whenever she asks him just about anything. A lot of explanations from cheating to possible job troubles are considered but Katie can’t let it continue when it begins to affect their marriage, their kids and their overall well-being.
Jack and Katie suddenly receive a visitor from the past, a mutual college friend who introduced them, needing a place to stay. They put him up in the apartment on their property and slowly he begins to act mysteriously and Katie doesn’t feel safe with him near.
As neighborhood gossip and secrets are revealed, Katie is stuck helpless with her life unraveling and presented with danger she could never imagine. Who to trust and how to protect her family becomes the number one priority, that is if she can survive that long.
I was engrossed from beginning to end. I must say I did predict the end about halfway through and I was almost spot on. Nevertheless, it was a suspenseful thriller with psychological elements that won’t disappoint. A definite 4 Star read at minimum!
*****
Living in a High Society Country Club neighborhood, the Kuhlmann‘s are a well-to-do family with just about the perfect life. That is until husband, Jack begins to act elusive and begins to disappear and seemingly reappears without explanation. His wife Katie notices his quick-to-anger personality whenever she asks him just about anything. A lot of explanations from cheating to possible job troubles are considered but Katie can’t let it continue when it begins to affect their marriage, their kids and their overall well-being.
Jack and Katie suddenly receive a visitor from the past, a mutual college friend who introduced them, needing a place to stay. They put him up in the apartment on their property and slowly he begins to act mysteriously and Katie doesn’t feel safe with him near.
As neighborhood gossip and secrets are revealed, Katie is stuck helpless with her life unraveling and presented with danger she could never imagine. Who to trust and how to protect her family becomes the number one priority, that is if she can survive that long.
December 6, 2022
Katie and her husband Jack and their two children live in an affluent neighborhood in Edina, Minnesota. Having been orphaned at a young age, Katie is grateful but a little overwhelmed by the overindulgent lifestyle she know finds herself living. Yet all is not as “perfect” as it seems in her marriage when she begins to notice her husband Jack acting a little bit odd. He is constantly on his computer and checking his phone and then suddenly there are occurrences when he disappears and is no where to be found even though his car and phone are still at the house. Adding to her stress, Jack’s old college friend suddenly shows up and adds more disruption to Katie’s household. The first half of this novel had me intrigued and wanting to find out what was behind Jacks “disappearances”… But the story started to drag and get a little confusing and I found myself anxious to get to the end. There was a twist, but it was a bit anticlimactic and somewhat ridiculous. The writing was good and I did enjoy most of the novel so I gave the book 3 stars.
April 11, 2023
4.5 So, so good! I went in cold and had no clue to what this book was about, but I love all of Matt Goldman's books and trusted him to create a fabulous time for me. DONE!
Though it was a very slow burn, this domestic mystery captivated me due to the rich character in Katie. The pace, the discoveries and reveals, and the complicated family dynamics and new romance were well done, and though this seemed different from his Nils Shapiro books, it has the same overall feeling of being just what I wanted. Highly recommend!
Though it was a very slow burn, this domestic mystery captivated me due to the rich character in Katie. The pace, the discoveries and reveals, and the complicated family dynamics and new romance were well done, and though this seemed different from his Nils Shapiro books, it has the same overall feeling of being just what I wanted. Highly recommend!
June 23, 2023
This one ended up being a huge eye roll for me.
Sure, Jack sounded like a real asshole who was doing some shady things and a divorce was most likely imminent HOWEVER I’m sure that running into your separated, handsome, met-one-time ski friend sure didn’t hurt matters.
Speaking of that guy you’re telling me you two wanted to bang after witnessing not one, not two, but FOUR murders….?
And the kicker was describing the kids as being “completely ok” with their dead (murdered) father because for the last year he was pretty absent anyway……
Cmon.
Sure, Jack sounded like a real asshole who was doing some shady things and a divorce was most likely imminent HOWEVER I’m sure that running into your separated, handsome, met-one-time ski friend sure didn’t hurt matters.
Speaking of that guy you’re telling me you two wanted to bang after witnessing not one, not two, but FOUR murders….?
And the kicker was describing the kids as being “completely ok” with their dead (murdered) father because for the last year he was pretty absent anyway……
Cmon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
I've read all of Goldman's books but this one was a disappointment. Read like a "Real Housewives of Minneapolis." I listened to the audio book and the narrator mispronounced Edina "A-dean-a" throughout the book. I'll forgive her mispronouncing Roseau, but the Edina setting was an important part of the story. Characters were shallow and predictable, plot was superficial and a little far-fetched.
October 16, 2023
I listened to the audiobook and it mostly kept me entertained. The ending felt a bit much but at least it was wrapped up. I found the voices the narrator used for the children quite annoying but otherwise the narration was good.
February 26, 2023
A Good Family by Matt Goldman
⭐⭐⭐/5
A delightfully thrilling , slow burn to keep you up late.
I need to premise my review by saying I really don't enjoy slow burns ... I typically get bored and end up DNF'ing before I get the story . And very few slow burns actually retain my attention long enough that I finish it!
This was one of them . . This was actually an enjoyable slow burning thriller that didn't disappoint.
It makes you thing about what kinds of things your loved one could be doing behind your back . It makes you want to look twice at your friends, your neighbors, and your community.
I would highly recommend this book to many of my thriller fans out there. Especially if slow burns are your thing !
⭐⭐⭐/5
A delightfully thrilling , slow burn to keep you up late.
I need to premise my review by saying I really don't enjoy slow burns ... I typically get bored and end up DNF'ing before I get the story . And very few slow burns actually retain my attention long enough that I finish it!
This was one of them . . This was actually an enjoyable slow burning thriller that didn't disappoint.
It makes you thing about what kinds of things your loved one could be doing behind your back . It makes you want to look twice at your friends, your neighbors, and your community.
I would highly recommend this book to many of my thriller fans out there. Especially if slow burns are your thing !
May 29, 2023
A fairly predictable thriller that was mildly entertaining.
Kate and Jack met in college and have been together ever since. They live in an expensive neighborhood outside of Minneapolis and have two children. On the surface they have everything and are happy, but ever since Jack oversaw the renovation of their home, Kate's noticed that he's begun to distance himself from the family. Meanwhile, their good friend from college, whom they haven't seen since graduation, is thinking of relocating to the Twin Cities. Kate and Jack invite him to stay in the apartment above their garage.
Within the first 5-10 pages of the novel, I was able to predict the general outline of the story. Everything from then on confirmed my predictions. At about the 80% mark, there's a twist that made me think I had been wrong--but no, the book ended pretty much exactly where I thought it would.
I know Goldman has a large fan base and has won writing awards, but if this book is representative of his style, then he's simply not an author for me. I'm not a big fan of internal dialogue to tell the reader the obvious or things that the running narrative or interactions between characters should reveal.
The book was entertaining enough to finish--kind of like a B movie that you can't stop watching because you want to know if your predictions were correct. I'm not likely to pick up another book by this author.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.
Kate and Jack met in college and have been together ever since. They live in an expensive neighborhood outside of Minneapolis and have two children. On the surface they have everything and are happy, but ever since Jack oversaw the renovation of their home, Kate's noticed that he's begun to distance himself from the family. Meanwhile, their good friend from college, whom they haven't seen since graduation, is thinking of relocating to the Twin Cities. Kate and Jack invite him to stay in the apartment above their garage.
Within the first 5-10 pages of the novel, I was able to predict the general outline of the story. Everything from then on confirmed my predictions. At about the 80% mark, there's a twist that made me think I had been wrong--but no, the book ended pretty much exactly where I thought it would.
I know Goldman has a large fan base and has won writing awards, but if this book is representative of his style, then he's simply not an author for me. I'm not a big fan of internal dialogue to tell the reader the obvious or things that the running narrative or interactions between characters should reveal.
The book was entertaining enough to finish--kind of like a B movie that you can't stop watching because you want to know if your predictions were correct. I'm not likely to pick up another book by this author.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.
October 8, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
It's been a minute since I've read a domestic thriller and turns out I'm as bad as ever at figuring anything out. I thought aliens or supernatural beings were going to be involved since the husband kept disappearing at specific times on the clock but no this was a regular alien-free domestic thriller. And I still did not see the ending coming.
I don't want to give away the twists and whatnot but I am pretty sure the moral of the story is family is more important than work or money and also don't live in a giant house because if your husband keeps disappearing there are way too many places to look.
Overall it was an enjoyable and engaging domestic thriller and everything was nicely wrapped up at the end. Sort of.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
It's been a minute since I've read a domestic thriller and turns out I'm as bad as ever at figuring anything out. I thought aliens or supernatural beings were going to be involved since the husband kept disappearing at specific times on the clock but no this was a regular alien-free domestic thriller. And I still did not see the ending coming.
I don't want to give away the twists and whatnot but I am pretty sure the moral of the story is family is more important than work or money and also don't live in a giant house because if your husband keeps disappearing there are way too many places to look.
Overall it was an enjoyable and engaging domestic thriller and everything was nicely wrapped up at the end. Sort of.
I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
Katie lives in Minnesota with her husband, Jack and two young children. On the outside, they appear to be the perfect couple, living in the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood. Inside, they are anything but. A Good Family was a quick read for me. Although I found some of it a bit unrealistic, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you Netgalley, Tor Publishing Group and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley, Tor Publishing Group and the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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