How to Kill Your Family sounded like exactly my thing because I love being in the mind of a sociopath/psychopath. I love unreliable and unlikeable narrators, as well as plots centring on murder and revenge. The book started off strong as it introduced us to our central character, Grace, and to her circumstance, but it didn’t take long for the book to become painfully boring. I don’t think I would’ve gotten through it had I not listened to the audiobook.
Grace recounted facts about her family and how she killed them for all 6 deaths in the manner of “I killed X by doing Y” and then the following pages would go into a slow and tedious detailed retelling of her doing what she said and the events that led up to it. It was completely devoid of suspense. There was so much useless and dull information that ruined what’s otherwise a great concept. There were some good moments, but ultimately there are no surprises as the plot is already on display right from the start. There was an attempt at a twist at the end, which also rolled out in an unimaginative and soulless manner. It’s not much of a thriller at all. It was very underwhelming and disappointing.
There was a line where Grace says, “She referred to herself as pansexual but only seemed to have dated men. Sure.” I’ve seen many people hating on the author and book as anti-LGBT, but I believe this is a poor criticism as it’s just the opinion of the character. She’s literally a murderer yet you want all your other morals to line up with hers? Relax. It’s a different opinion and it doesn’t have to be a great one. The character isn’t you. Grace’s character is disappointing though, in the sense that she feels bland and bratty.
I note that Bella Mackie writes for Vogue and has written some non-fiction books around fitness. I do think Mackie can write, but urge her to work on her storytelling if she wishes to continue with fiction.
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