One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day

*** Review ***

Summer and mystery- one of my favorite combinations, and One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day delivers just that. With the coastal setting of Maine and a looming hurricane, the stage is set for a riveting tale of suspense, family drama, and dark secrets.

The novel revolves around the legendary Precipice Hotel, perched on the rocky coast, and the Bishop sisters—Vicki, Iris, and Faith—gathered to claim their inheritance after their father’s passing. But as the storm brews outside, tensions rise inside the hotel, and it becomes clear that not everyone will leave alive.

Charley, the nineteen-year-old chambermaid, finds herself at the center of the storm, juggling her duties while navigating the treacherous waters of the Bishop family dynamics. With her own secrets to protect and a hurricane raging outside, Charley must tread carefully to survive the night.

What follows is a gripping tale of betrayal, murder, and deceit, with each sister harboring dangerous secrets of her own. As the storm rages on, Charley finds herself caught in the crossfire, unsure whom to trust and fearing for her own life.

Day’s storytelling is razor-sharp, blending dark humor with heart-pounding suspense. Despite the familiar trope of a locked room mystery, One Big Happy Family feels fresh and original, thanks to Day’s unique voice and compelling characters.

I found myself drawn into the world of the Precipice Hotel from the very first page, eagerly turning each page to uncover the truth behind the Bishop sisters’ tangled web of lies. While some may find fault with a few minor quibbles, I was completely immersed in the story, devouring every twist and turn until the very end.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its cast of characters, each more colorful and eccentric than the last. From the conniving Vicki to the troubled Iris and the attention-seeking Faith, the Bishop sisters leap off the page with their larger-than-life personalities and hidden agendas.

And then there’s Charley, the unlikely heroine thrust into the midst of the Bishop family drama. Despite her humble beginnings as a chambermaid, Charley proves herself to be resilient and resourceful, facing down danger with courage and wit.

As the tension mounts and the storm rages outside, Day skillfully ratchets up the suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end. With its Christiean vibes and deliciously dark humor, One Big Happy Family is a must-read for fans of summer suspense.

In conclusion, One Big Happy Family is a delightful summer read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. With its compelling characters, twisty plot, and atmospheric setting, it’s a book that’s sure to please fans of mystery and suspense. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Jamie Day has in store next.