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A review by christinefitz
The Usual Family Mayhem by HelenKay Dimon
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Well, I officially think the mystery-romance hybrid is not for me. This book had an awesome premise - lesbian grannies who bake death pies for bad husbands - but the execution was lacking. The pacing felt off (it's really less mystery and more "oops, I've gone and created a conflict of interest and now I have to keep it from imploding on me"). Some of the incidents from the past brought up between the FMC and the love interest didn't seem necessary, borderline creepy - this is fiction, you don't have to make their dynamic historically weird. I think the main issue with the genre-mash up is the way it never seems reasonable for people to talk in detail about murder and then feel in the mood for kissing. But if you liked, say, "The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year" by Ally Carter, you might like this one.
I received a free digital ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Death of parent, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Grief, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Eating disorder, Panic attacks/disorders, Car accident, and Pregnancy