Keep It in the Family by John Marrs – A Twisted, Haunted Thriller of Hidden Horrors

I recently picked up Keep It in the Family by John Marrs—a book that had been on my to-read list for far too long. Although it was released in 2022, I finally got around to it, and I can’t believe I waited this long. The story follows Mia and Finn, a couple who purchase a house that has been uninhabited for decades. Their plans to transform the derelict property into their dream home quickly unravel when a series of chilling events begin to surface.

As Mia and Finn work on their renovations, an unexpected twist occurs: amidst the chaos of creating their ideal living space, Mia falls pregnant. Just when they believe everything is finally coming together, Mia discovers a terrifying message scored into the skirting board: I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC. This cryptic clue leads them on a grim journey into the eaves, unveiling that their dream home was once the site of unspeakable horrors. In the wake of this discovery, Mia becomes increasingly fixated on the mysterious past of the house, driving a wedge between her and Finn.

The narrative unfolds through alternating timelines, presenting the story from multiple perspectives—including those of Mia, Finn, Finn’s parents Debbie and Dave, as well as an unknown narrator who once lived in the house. This structure lends an original yet unsettling feel to the novel, with numerous twists and red herrings that keep the reader constantly on edge. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, the plot took another unexpected turn, ensuring that the suspense remained palpable throughout.

What makes Keep It in the Family particularly engaging is its ability to blend dark, disturbing themes with the classic thrills of a domestic drama. Although the characters aren’t especially likable, each one serves a distinct purpose, avoiding the pitfall of feeling like mere placeholders in the story. Despite a few moments that challenge believability, the novel’s twists are delivered with enough finesse to maintain intrigue.

The book has also sparked some buzz online—chapter 39, in particular, has gained a cult following, even inspiring fan merchandise. While some critics have described the writing style as overly simplistic or lazy, I found the audiobook version to be engaging, with a pace and tone that suited the story’s dark atmosphere.

Overall, Keep It in the Family is a dark and twisty thriller that is well worth a read, especially if you enjoy narratives that keep you guessing until the very end. Despite its imperfections, the book’s blend of suspense, unexpected revelations, and disturbing secrets makes it a standout in the thriller genre.

Should You Read It?

Yes, but be aware of content warnings if you are sensitive.

VERDICT