Keep It In The Family

📖 Synopsis: Mia and Finn are busy turning a derelict house into their dream home when Mia unexpectedly falls pregnant. But just when they think the house is ready, Mia discovers a chilling message scored into a skirting board: I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC. Following the clue up into the eaves, the couple make a gruesome discovery: their dream home was once a house of horrors.

Sinister Secrets and Shocking Twists

Some homes are a fresh start—others hide nightmares. In Keep It in the Family, John Marrs unravels a haunting mystery that turns a couple’s dream home into a descent into darkness. What begins as an exciting new chapter quickly spirals into a chilling journey of long-buried secrets and unsettling truths.

Overview and Commentary

I picked up this book purely out of curiosity, without reading the synopsis or knowing anything about the story. It had been mentioned in book clubs, and after months of unsuccessfully searching for a physical copy in local stores, I finally got it on Audible. That decision made the experience even more immersive—I gasped out loud multiple times while listening.

Looking back, I realized the synopsis actually gives away quite a bit, including the eerie message about the attic. That moment stunned me, and I’m glad I went in blind.

What I loved most about this book was its unpredictability. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another shocking twist threw me off course. The constant feeling of What is happening? Where is this going? kept me hooked.

Some scenes—and the overall plot—reminded me of several crime shows I’ve watched over the years, but none more than Criminal Minds, particularly the Bloodline episode (Season 4, Episode 13). While not identical, the eerie atmosphere, twisted family dynamic, and slow unraveling of horrifying secrets feel eerily familiar.

But what struck me the hardest was its portrayal of suffering—especially involving children. It was deeply unsettling to think about these horrors happening in real life. As someone with a soft spot for kids, this book left me shaken in a way few thrillers do. Unlike many crime novels that touch on similar themes as part of a larger plot, this dives in completely, making the emotional impact hit even harder.

Writing Style and Pacing

Marrs’ writing is gripping, with short, punchy chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop listening. The shifting timelines and multiple perspectives add layers of suspense, though they can be a bit confusing at times.

By the time I reached Chapter 39, I couldn’t help but smile—I finally understood the hype around it. But while some twists were exciting, others felt unnecessary. The infidelity subplot, for example, seemed thrown in just for the sake of a shocking reveal. In the end, it didn’t add much depth to the story or feel entirely justified.

While the story ultimately ties up its loose ends, the final reveal and resolution felt rushed. Some major twists wrapped up too quickly, weakening their impact, while certain character motivations could have been explored further for a more satisfying payoff. Although the book provides answers, it also leaves behind lingering questions, making parts of the ending feel incomplete.

One of the most compelling aspects of the story was the dynamic between the killer and the fall guy. While I could sympathize with the killer on some level, their actions remained unsettling. The fall guy, however, left a much deeper impression on me. Their relationship was steeped in pain, two broken people trapped in a cycle of suffering. What made it even more tragic was that they always had choices—they just never realized it. Stuck in a world of darkness, they felt unable to escape, thrown from one hell to another, never seeing the possibility of something better. It was heartbreaking to watch them spiral, unable to break free from the fate they believed was inescapable.

Narration and Audio Quality

This was my first time listening to an audiobook in years—my last experience was Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings as a kid, both with single narrators. Hearing Keep It in the Family brought to life by multiple voice actors was a completely different experience.

The narrators did a fantastic job distinguishing characters, balancing emotion with suspense. The production quality was excellent—clear, well-paced, and immersive, making the story even more chilling.

Final Thoughts

Keep It in the Family is a dark and twisty thriller that keeps you on edge. While some elements felt unnecessary or rushed, the overall experience was gripping and suspenseful. If you enjoy psychological thrillers that make you second-guess everything, this is a great pick—especially in audiobook format.