Not a Happy Family Summary of Shari Lapena's Book

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena: A Riveting Thriller Mystery

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Published on July 27, 2021, this novel falls into the genres of Thriller, Mystery, and Mystery Thriller. The story takes place in the upscale community of Brecken Hill in upstate New York, where money and secrets abound. The Merton family, consisting of Fred and Sheila Merton and their three adult children, find themselves at the center of a brutal crime that shakes the foundation of their already tumultuous family dynamic.

Characters

The characters in Not a Happy Family are intricately woven into a web of deceit, manipulation, and hidden agendas. Fred and Sheila Merton, the wealthy and enigmatic parents, are found murdered in their home after a fateful Easter dinner with their children. The three adult siblings - Jenna, Kate, and Jack - each have their own motives and secrets that come to light as the investigation into their parents' deaths unfolds.

- Fred Merton - The patriarch of the Merton family, Fred is described as capricious and controlling. His relationship with each of his children is strained, and his death brings to light the true extent of his influence over their lives.

- Sheila Merton - The matriarch of the family, Sheila is portrayed as distant and neglectful towards her children. Her death raises questions about her role in the family dynamics and the secrets she may have been keeping.

- Jenna Merton - The eldest Merton sibling, Jenna is married with children of her own. She harbors resentment towards her parents and is driven by a desire to claim her inheritance.

- Kate Merton - The middle sibling, Kate is an artist struggling to find her place in the world. Her relationship with her parents is fraught with tension, and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic as the story unfolds.

- Jack Merton - The youngest Merton sibling, Jack is the black sheep of the family. He has a troubled past and a strained relationship with his parents, leading many to suspect him of foul play in their deaths.

Detailed Summary

Not a Happy Family opens with the shocking murder of Fred and Sheila Merton in their lavish home in Brecken Hill. The night of the murder coincides with an Easter dinner that the Merton siblings attended, where tensions between family members ran high. As the police investigate the crime, they uncover a series of secrets and lies that each of the siblings has been hiding.

Jenna, Kate, and Jack each come under suspicion as potential suspects in their parents' deaths. Jenna's financial troubles and strained relationship with her parents raise red flags, while Kate's erratic behavior and emotional instability cast doubt on her innocence. Jack's troubled past and history of violence also make him a prime suspect in the eyes of the authorities.

As the investigation progresses, new evidence comes to light that turns the case on its head. Twists and turns abound as the true culprit behind the murders is finally revealed, leaving the Merton siblings grappling with the devastating truth about their own family.

Analysis

Not a Happy Family is a riveting thriller that delves into the complexities of family relationships and the lengths to which people will go to protect their own interests. Shari Lapena masterfully weaves together a tale of suspense and intrigue, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The portrayal of the Merton siblings as flawed and morally ambiguous characters adds depth to the story, making it all the more compelling. Each of them grapples with their own demons and struggles to reconcile their past with the present reality of their family's demise.

Lapena's skillful storytelling and expert pacing keep the plot moving at a breakneck speed, drawing readers in and keeping them invested in the outcome. The twists and turns throughout the novel keep the suspense high and the stakes even higher, making for a truly unputdownable read.

To conclude, Not a Happy Family is a must-read for fans of thriller and mystery novels. With its captivating plot, well-drawn characters, and surprising twists, this book is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

If you enjoyed this summary, consider purchasing the complete book to immerse yourself in the full story and all of its intricate details. Alternatively, listen to the audiobook for a thrilling experience that will keep you captivated from start to finish.

9781984880550 (ISBN10: 1984880551)