EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE by Benjamin Stevenson is a mystery like no other I have read in my lifetime! It is one of those that has you guessing to the end as well as being so entertaining. The humor that author Benjamin Stevenson exhibits in this novel is just enough to keep you belly laughing while at the same time asking, what is next, and who did it? Stevenson is able to add the elements a mystery needs, and upfront gives you the list of things to do and don’t when writing a crime novel, compliments of the main character Ernest Cunningham. With Cunningham being the narrator in this novel, he tells it like it is, giving his unsolicited thoughts on every matter to us the reader, and at times out loud to others. This also makes him not the most likable person in the family at times. Thank you Stevenson for such a likable and amusing character. 

In this story, Ernest, or Ernie Cunningham as he is known has become the black sheep of the family. This happened from a decision he made in the past that affected his brother and in return, the rest of the family has not forgotten. Many years later there is a family reunion at a ski resort that Ernie is not too happy about. Really, it is cold, no one will talk to him, why would one think he would enjoy it? Many reasons, as you can imagine, for him to feel this way. However, after a murder, Ernie is looking at everyone in the family as possible suspects. In the title, he tells you: everyone in his family has killed someone, right? Leaving the family no longer in silence at him but now in their own way trying to help. In this hilarious storyline, minus the murder, Stevenson uses his character Ernie to add questions, inquiring thoughts, and humor to otherwise a serious situation. 

Benjamin Stevenson has done an excellent job creating a character you can love as well as a family. No matter their issues, you feel like they are the law-breaking Griswolds finding it hard not to like them. EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY HAS KILLED SOMEONE is a novel I highly recommend. If you love mysteries and do not mind comedy, then this novel is for you. I hope to read more about Ernie and his unpredictable family in the future! 

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