JANUARY 2023 - AudioFile
Narrator Barton Welch keeps this entertaining, highly original mystery light and lively, even during its most intense moments. Ernie Cunningham self-publishes “books about how to write books” (even though he’s never actually written any) “bought by people who will never write one.” Ernie speaks directly to listeners, alerting them to what will happen next and commenting on actions as they occur. Each chapter is dedicated to a family member who is responsible for a death. Welch keeps Ernie’s tongue-in-cheek attitude and direct comments amusing, making the tale of each character engrossing. Welch’s pace and tone deliver the high comedy of the occasionally farcical events, while his gravitas keeps the more intense scenarios edgy. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
“A witty twist on classic whodunits… Stevenson not only 'plays fair,' he plays the mystery game very, very well.” — Washington Post
“Exceptionally clever and amusing. ... Stevenson carries off this tour de force with all the aplomb of a master magician who conducts his tricks in plain view.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“I absolutely loved it. Utterly original, hugely entertaining, and a must-read for every fan of the mystery genre. What an exceptionally fresh, smart, funny book—I’ve never read anything like this before.” — Jane Harper
“As fresh and zingy as a salted lime. It’s Knives Out meets Richard Osman. Or Dexter by way of Agatha Christie. Or Schitt’s Creek with a body count. It’s also the most luxuriantly enjoyable novel I’ve read in years. And years. I began toting my copy around town so that strangers would ask me about it—who could resist that title? I only wish there were more members of the Cunningham clan, so that this raucous, matchlessly entertaining mystery could go on longer. Benjamin Stevenson, I’ve got a lot to learn from you.” — AJ Finn
“A jaunty and clever mystery with unexpected twists. Absolutely not to be missed.” — Karin Slaughter
"Clever." — USA Today
“I absolutely LOVED it. It’s so engaging, entertaining and charming. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it. It was SUCH a fun read.” — Marian Keyes
"An ingenious and hilarious meta-murder mystery." — Sunday Times (London), best crime of the year
“Resplendent in its sophisticated wit, characters with myriad motives and adroit plotting that indulges in clichés but manages to avoid the predictable. Stevenson also does the near impossible: he mixes the lightness of a cozy with the intensity of a hard-boiled thriller.” — Shelf Awareness
"Exceedingly clever... Read it once for fun and then again to see how it was done.” — CriminalElement.com
"Imaginative" — AARP Magazine
"Some readers are drawn to mysteries because they love the formula and logic—this one’s for them. ... This book and its author are cleverer than you and want you to know it." — Kirkus Reviews
