How To Kill Your Family is the debut fiction novel by Bella Mackie. The title immediately caught my attention and I was instantly intrigued by the premise as it didn’t seem the usual run-of-the-mill crime novel.
I have to admit, it was a lot of fun reading this around my family as they gave me a nervous side-eye look!
The book was released in 2021 and was a #1 Sunday Times bestseller.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Plot
After losing her beloved mother, Grace Bernard has lost everything. The rest of her family doesn’t even know she exists, as both she and her mother were rejected when she was a baby.
With nothing to lose, Grace turns her mind to revenge.
They say you can’t choose your family. But you can kill them.
How To Kill Your Family Book Review
This book was so much fun! It was quite dark and chilling in places but also laugh-out-loud funny in others. I found myself guffawing at several points in the book. Worryingly I also found myself understanding some of Grace’s logic, although I will draw the line at mass familicide!
Grace is a complex anti-heroine who somehow makes the reader root for her. She’s bitter and undoubtedly twisted but you can almost understand why she feels the way she does. Her observations on modern society were hilarious and the way she carried out her misdeeds with such emotional detachment was weirdly fascinating.
The switches in time were smoothly done as the author takes us back to Grace’s childhood, the time of the murders and back to the present day.
I was slightly disappointed with the ending but as a whole, I really enjoyed this book. It was sharp, witty and memorable and I’d definitely recommend it.
What should I read after How To Kill Your Family?
If you enjoy reading books about women killing their families (!) you may also enjoy Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla Bruce which is based on a true story. If you’re looking for a book with dark humour and plenty twists and turns I’d also recommend A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon.