Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson

Ever been to a family reunion where the tension could be cut with a knife? Well, buckle up, because Benjamin Stevenson’s “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” takes that concept and cranks it up to eleven. This isn’t your average whodunit—it’s a who-done-what, when-did-they-do-it, and oh-god-why-did-they-do-it wrapped in a deliciously dark comedy package. Trust me, after reading this, your own family drama will seem like a walk in the park. Or should I say… a stroll through a snowy, murderous ski resort?

The Setup: A Family of Killers (No, Really)

Let’s get one thing straight: Ernest Cunningham, our narrator and reluctant detective, comes from a family where “black sheep” doesn’t quite cover it. These folks are more like a herd of murderous goats—each with their own unique method of, um, problem-solving. Ern (can I call him Ern? I feel like we’re on a first-name basis after this wild ride) is tasked with unraveling not one, but multiple deaths during what has to be the worst family reunion in the history of dysfunctional gatherings.

Stevenson throws us headfirst into this mess with a premise so audacious it borders on the absurd. But here’s the kicker—it works. It works so well that you’ll find yourself chuckling at moments you probably shouldn’t, then feeling vaguely guilty about it. You know, like when you laugh at a funeral because someone’s phone goes off with an inappropriate ringtone. Not that I’ve ever done that. Ahem.

The Style: Meta, Witty, and Oh-So-Clever

Now, let’s talk about style. Stevenson isn’t just breaking the fourth wall; he’s taking a sledgehammer to it and inviting us to sift through the rubble. Ern is constantly referencing the rules of detective fiction, winking at the reader, and basically turning the entire genre on its head. It’s like if Agatha Christie and Deadpool had a love child who decided to write mystery novels.

The writing is sharp, witty, and at times, downright hilarious. Stevenson has a knack for one-liners that’ll make you snort-laugh (again, not that I did that… multiple times). But it’s not all fun and games—there’s a genuine mystery here, layered with enough twists and turns to give you whiplash. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Stevenson pulls the rug out from under you. And then sets the rug on fire. And then reveals the rug was actually a clue all along.

The Characters: A Rogues’ Gallery of Relatives

Oh boy, where do I even start with this cast of characters? Each member of the Cunningham clan is a delightful disaster in their own right. We’ve got Ern, our guide through this madness, who’s trying to solve murders while simultaneously questioning his own innocence. There’s Michael, the brother fresh out of prison (or is he?), and Erin, Ern’s ex-wife who’s now shacked up with said brother. Talk about awkward family dinners.

But wait, there’s more! We’ve got aunts, uncles, stepparents, and in-laws, each with their own secrets and possible body count. It’s like a game of Clue, if Clue took place in a blizzard and everyone was lying. Stevenson does an impressive job of juggling this large cast, giving each character enough depth to make them more than just potential suspects.

The Plot: A Snowball of Secrets and Lies

Trying to summarize the plot of this book is like trying to untangle Christmas lights while wearing mittens—frustrating, complex, but ultimately rewarding. What starts as a reluctant family gathering quickly spirals into a multi-layered mystery involving past crimes, present dangers, and future threats. There’s a body in the snow, a coffin in a truck, and enough family secrets to fill a season of soap operas.

Stevenson keeps the pacing tight, alternating between present-day shenanigans and revealing flashbacks. The story unfolds like a origami murder swan—each fold reveals a new facet of the mystery, and you’re never quite sure where it’s going to end up. It’s a testament to Stevenson’s skill that he manages to keep all these plates spinning without dropping into complete chaos.

The Verdict: A Refreshing Twist on the Mystery Genre

“Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” is not your grandmother’s cozy mystery—unless your grandmother has a very dark sense of humor and a penchant for meta-fiction. It’s a breath of fresh air in a genre that can sometimes feel stuffy and predictable. Stevenson has crafted a novel that’s both a loving homage to classic detective fiction and a subversive take on its conventions.

Is it perfect? Well, no. Sometimes the meta-references can feel a bit heavy-handed, and there are moments where the plot threatens to collapse under the weight of its own complexity. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a wildly entertaining read.

The Bottom Line: Should You Read It?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yeeeeeeees.

If you’re a fan of mysteries with a twist, dark humor, or just really dysfunctional families, this book is for you. It’s clever without being pretentious, funny without sacrificing substance, and twisty without being unfair to the reader. Stevenson has set a high bar for himself with this first installment in the Ernest Cunningham series, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what kind of trouble Ern gets into next.

The Series: What’s Next for Ernest Cunningham?

For those who can’t get enough of Ern’s misadventures, you’re in luck. “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” is just the beginning. The second book in the series, “Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect” (2023), takes Ern’s penchant for stumbling into murder mysteries on the road—or rather, on the rails. And coming in October 2024, we can look forward to “Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret,” which promises to bring new meaning to the phrase “holiday mayhem.”

Similar Reads: For the Mystery Lover Who Likes It Weird

If you’ve torn through “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” and are hungry for more unconventional mysteries, here are a few recommendations:

1. “The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle” by Stuart Turton – Another mind-bending take on the country house mystery.
2. “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman – For those who like their murder with a side of geriatric hijinks.
3. “An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good” by Helene Tursten – Because sometimes the sweetest grandmas have the darkest secrets.

Final Thoughts: A New Voice in Mystery Fiction

Benjamin Stevenson may be relatively new to the mystery scene, but “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” announces his arrival with all the subtlety of a gunshot at a silent retreat. It’s clear that Stevenson has a deep love and understanding of the genre, which allows him to play with its conventions in ways that feel both fresh and familiar.

This novel is more than just a clever premise—it’s a genuinely engaging mystery wrapped in layers of family drama, dark humor, and meta-commentary. It’s the kind of book that will have you laughing out loud one moment and furiously turning pages the next, desperate to uncover the next twist.

So, if you’re looking for a mystery that’s as much fun to read as it probably was to write, give “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone” a shot. Just maybe don’t read it right before your next family gathering. You know, just in case.