I’ve been a big fan of Marrs’ books since I first read The One upon its release in 2017, and with every book he just gets better. As Mia and Finn try to turn their attention to their new baby, the trauma of what occurred under their roof still haunts them. In this thrilling novel from bestselling author John Marrs, a young couple’s house hides terrible secrets—and not all of them are confined to the past.

The current day storyline is interspersed with chapters from the past which fill in blanks but also add a lot of flesh to the story and provide very important background information. A note reads “This was the first of what turned out to be several stories about Minna and her unusual family”. Even when I’d guessed correctly I discovered there were yet more crazy antics to come as this person toyed with their victims further and prolonged their torment with glee.

What’s so unnerving is that Keep It In The Family explores really positive themes like love, loyalty, the desire to protect the innocent, and, obviously, family relationships, but this is no joyous, uplifting read. In this thrilling novel from bestselling author John Marrs, a young couple's house hides terrible secrets--and not all of them are confined to the past.

Authors and publishers may use excerpts and links, provided that full and clear credit is given to Short Book and Scribes and shortbookandscribes. There were aspects I didn’t want to read and yet I couldn’t tear myself away, such was the power of John Marrs’ writing. Secrecy shrouds the mystery of the attic, but when shards of a dark truth start to emerge, Mia realises the danger is terrifyingly present. I won’t say too much more on this aspect other than Marrs has devised a great bunch of shady characters, I couldn’t work them out until it was too late.But just as the house is nearly ready, Mia discovers a chilling message scored into a skirting board: I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC.