How To Kill Your Family

by Bella Mackie
How To Kill Your Family cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Comedy/Humor
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 4729
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780008365929
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2021-07-22
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

How to Kill Your Family is a #1 Sunday Times bestseller that has captivated readers with its unique blend of humor and suspense. Praised by Richard Osman and JoJo Moyes, this novel delves into the darkly comedic world of a woman determined to rid herself of her dysfunctional family for financial gain. The story is filled with sharp wit and unexpected twists, making it a chilling yet laugh-out-loud funny read. /n/n The novel's dark humor and twisted plot have earned it accolades from critics, who highlight its ability to balance macabre themes with lightheartedness. The Sunday Telegraph describes it as a 'corker,' emphasizing its ability to keep readers on the edge of their seats while making them laugh. This book is a perfect blend of crime and comedy, offering a fresh take on the traditional family drama.

Reviews
Samantha Kilford · Samantha Kilford · 2022-06-12
disappointing 2.00

The debut novel feels rushed and tries to pack too much into its narrative. The writing lacks the depth and polish expected from a more seasoned author.

Samantha Kilford found How to Kill Your Family to be a bit of a let down. She felt the story was trying to do too much, resulting in a narrative that felt rushed and underdeveloped. The characters and plot points didn't have the depth she would have liked, making the overall reading experience feel somewhat trite. While there were moments of intrigue, the execution fell short of her expectations, leaving her with a sense that the novel could have benefited from more refinement and focus.

Quick quotes

    Simply put, How to Kill Your Family is trite.

    It is Mackie's debut novel and the inexperience and desire to pack too much into it was clear.

    A thin plot and underdeveloped characters left the story feeling unfinished.

Piglet in Bed · 2022-04-13
enjoyable 3.50

The book's cynicism and the protagonist's worldview are relatable and engaging. The humor and sarcasm make it a enjoyable read, despite the dark themes.

The reviewer from Piglet in Bed found the book's cynicism and the protagonist's worldview to be particularly engaging. They appreciated the humor and sarcasm that Grace brings to the story, making it a enjoyable read despite its dark themes. The reviewer noted that while they didn't endorse the murdering part, they could relate to Grace's perspective on the world. The book's ability to balance dark humor with serious issues makes it a standout. The reviewer enjoyed the unique voice and the way the author handles complex themes with a light touch.

Quick quotes

    This book excels at cynicism and Grace's view of the world is one I think a lot of us might get behind, to some extent.

    The humor and sarcasm make it a enjoyable read, despite the dark themes.

    The book's ability to balance dark humor with serious issues makes it a standout.

The Guardian · 2021-07-04
engaging 4.00

The novel's ironic twists and sharp commentary on societal issues make it a standout debut. The humor and wit are particularly noteworthy, adding layers to the story.

The Guardian's review highlights the novel's strengths in its ironic twists and caustic commentary on topics like liberal guilt and consumerism. The reviewer appreciated the sharp wit and humor that permeate the story, making it a compelling read. They noted that these elements elevate the debut novel, making it more than just a typical mystery. The social commentary adds depth, making the book both entertaining and thought-provoking. The reviewer enjoyed the unique perspective and the way the author uses humor to address serious issues.

Quick quotes

    Ironic twists and caustic commentary on everything from liberal guilt to the consumerist con that is self-care sharpen a debut novel.

    The humor and wit are particularly noteworthy, adding layers to the story.

    A compelling read that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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