Not a Happy Family

Not a Happy Family is an example of a literary genre that has emerged in the new millennium: domestic noir. The rise of domestic noir coincided with the increased popularity of reality television, which gives audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the dysfunctions of real families; both mediums build on an increased understanding that most families are, in one way or another, not what they appear to the outside world. Domestic noir novels similarly explore drama within the household, with conflicts driven either by intemperate passion or unapologetic greed—sometimes both. These novels offer relatable characters drawn from believable circumstances handling unexpected events in which their own fate (or reputation) is suddenly at risk, thus compelling otherwise ordinary people to pursue extreme, often criminal, actions. Many have been adapted into major theatrical releases or developed into limited run television series.

Not A Happy Family focuses on familial drama, specifically amongst parents, children, and siblings. The plot kicks off with a dispute over the family home, and suspense heightens when the parents, Fred and Sheila, are mysteriously found dead. The prime suspects are Fred and Sheila’s children, who all have varying, realistic motives—financial strain, personal grudges, and so on. The short chapters of the book keep the story fast-paced, and the alternating third person