My Family and Other Suspects

Kate Emery, My Family and Other Suspects, Allen & Unwin, October 2024, 336 pp., RRP $19.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781760529215

My Family and Other Suspects is a fun and cozy YA murder mystery that blends sharp wit, familial drama, and clever sleuthing. This book delves into family, identity, and the messiness of relationships with humour and heart.

Set in a remote farmhouse in coastal Western Australia, the novel follows 14-year-old Ruth, who is far from excited about spending the weekend with her distant step-grandmother, GG, and her extended family. Away from cell reception and the internet, Ruth is stuck with only her Agatha Christie novels and Dylan, her sort-of-cousin, on whom she’s had an awkward, long-standing crush, for company. The weekend is further complicated when GG suddenly dies under some very suspicious circumstances. What starts as a dull family gathering quickly turns into a real-life murder investigation, and Ruth is determined to solve it herself—police be damned.

Teaming up with Dylan as her reluctant sidekick, Ruth dives headfirst into the investigation, discovering that nearly everyone in the house had a motive to get rid of GG. From hidden grudges to long-buried family secrets, Ruth’s list of suspects grows longer with each passing day, and as the mystery unravels, she finds herself questioning not just those around her, but also her own role in the events. Ruth must rely on her instincts and her knowledge to piece together the puzzle before the truth destroys everything she knows about her family.

My Family and Other Suspects explores the complex relationships that define us while keeping readers guessing until the final page. It is a novel recommended for readers who enjoy YA mysteries with a dash of playfulness, family intrigue, and a compelling, resourceful protagonist. This is a perfect pick for fans of Enola Holmes and Eleanor Jones.

Reviewed by India Boon

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