A few months ago, a colleague in Ketts Books read aloud a page from this novel (page 10, to be precise) and with just that short snippet I knew that this book was going to be a joy to read.

How to Kill Your Family is a dark comedy which was first published in June 2021. The novel is presented through the inner monologue of the main character, Grace Bernard, who is a smart, funny and extremely veracious person. Throughout the book, Grace manages to justify each of her very questionable actions, making it appear comedic and normal.

Mackie spaces out each murder by switching between the past and present which keeps the interest flowing throughout the book. After each chapter, more and more is learnt about Grace, and her family and friends but no information is too revealing which increases the desire to continue reading.

As How To Kill Your Family includes lots of dark comedy and very descriptive murders and settings, I would recommend it to young adults and older who are looking for a funny, creative novel to read.