I was very excited when I saw that Jamie Day was publishing a new book. I had read her debut novel, Block Party, and liked it. I couldn’t wait to jump right in and read it. After reading it, I liked the book but was disappointed by it.

My disappointment was with how flat this book felt to me. I was expecting a more fleshed-out book that had layers to it. Don’t get me wrong, this book had layers. But unraveling one layer and going to the next became exhausting to read.

Other than Charley, the other characters in the book weren’t as fleshed out as they should have been. The dynamic between the sisters seemed forced and a little over the top at times. They were also flat. The author attempted to give them depth (and of the three, Faith had the most depth, in my eyes), but it wasn’t enough. Even Oliver, who was on the spectrum or neurodivergent and spoke in rhymes, was flat.

Don’t get me wrong—the book wasn’t that bad, and I will discuss the good parts after this paragraph. However, the lack of depth in the storyline and characters did bring it down in my eyes. Also, remember that this is her second book, and I haven’t met an author yet whose second book does as well as their debut novels.

So, with that said, let’s move on to the good.

I enjoyed the storyline and the secondary storylines that supported it. I felt they were well written, and some details gave additional insight into how the Bishop sisters’ relationship evolved. Significant trauma in their home life influenced how they turned out as adults. I’m not making excuses for them, but I didn’t see anyone walking away from their home life and being an emotionally healthy, stable adult.

Charley’s backstory was awful. She lived through so much in her life. She was devoted to her Nana and worked herself to the bone to cover the nursing home’s rent. The scenes with Nana broke my heart. Dementia is not an easy thing to happen to your loved one, and the author did hit the nail on the head. There is a twist to her storyline that made me so upset and so angry for her. All I have to say is thank goodness for Bree. If Bree hadn’t done what she did (to repay Charley’s kindness), what was happening would still be going on, with Charley none the wiser.

The mystery angle of the book was terrific. The author had me all twisted in knots trying to figure out who killed Todd and Ms. Black. The author brings in a paranormal angle to the mystery with Holly and Oliver. But I found that a bit distracting. The author also layered the mysteries. It also added to the overall suspense and tension of the situation (stuck at the hotel due to a hurricane). Believe me when I say that all the secrets are revealed. I was surprised at the twist with Todd’s murder, but, at the same time, it made sense (considering what was revealed later on). But the biggest reveal happens at the end of the book. Not only did the author reveal who Ms. Black’s killer was, but she also revealed another colossal surprise that, honestly, I should have seen coming.

The end of One Big Happy Family was anticlimactic. I can’t tell you what happened (spoilers), but everything made me a little let down.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and Jamie Day for allowing me to read and review this ARC of One Big Happy Family. All opinions stated in this review are mine.

This was a very interesting thriller. I really liked parts of the book and others I didn’t. I saw some of the twists coming. Overall, it was just an okay read.

Wow talk about a dysfunctional family! I was totally into this at first but got slightly bored and distracted with the second half. It was a promising start but a mediocre finish! Thankful for the advanced copy though

Welcome to The Precipice, a legendary family-owned hotel on the rocky coast of Maine, where secrets abound and danger lurks around every corner. In Jamie Day's One Big Happy Family, the Bishop sisters—Iris, Vicki, and Faith—have gathered to claim their inheritance after the passing of their father. But with a hurricane looming and each sister harboring dangerous secrets, murder is in the air, and not everyone who checks into The Precipice will be checking out.

While the toxic family dynamics add an intriguing layer to the story, One Big Happy Family fell short for me. As someone who isn't a fan of locked room mysteries, I found myself comparing it to similar novels I've read in the past. Unfortunately, the book didn't quite hit the mark for me. Although the twists and turns kept the suspense high, I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd been down this road before. If you enjoy suspenseful locked room mysteries, you may find this book entertaining, but personally, I felt that other authors have executed similar premises more effectively.

Thank you NetGalley and Jamie Day for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 ⭐️ This is my first Jamie Day book and will not be my last. It took me a bit to get into, but I throughly enjoy this book. I loved the setting, drama, and characters. The only thing I would say I didn't like is the amount of stuff going on. I had to take notes of the different characters. Overall I think this was a good read!

Book Title: One Big Happy Family
Author: Jamie Day
Publisher: Saint Martin’s Press
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pub Date: July 16, 2024
My Rating: 3.4 Stars
Pages: 384


I read and enjoyed Jamie Day’s [book: The Block Party] and have been looking forward to this her latest summer suspense.

The story is told by Charley Kelley and the three Bishop Sisters

Charley Kelley is smart, resilient, older than her years, and is the chambermaid at the ‘Precipice Hotel’ in order to help pay for Nana’s housing.

‘The Precipice Hotel is a legendary, family-owned hotel located on the edge of Gull Hill; overlooking the ocean in Jonesport, Maine. George Bishops was the current owner and recently died. His three daughters —Iris, Vicki, and Faith—arrive at the hotel for the weekend to claim their inheritance.
Vicki – is the elder sister she is vicious married to Todd who is a lot like her!
Iris – is the middle sister an ex-convict, troubled, and into the new religious awakening.
Faith – is the youngest, a model, stylish, loves being in the spotlight!

This one big happy family has many secrets and with the threat of a hurricane Larry there might be more than wind in the air.

Early in the story Carley meet Bree Bradford- of course, I had no idea at that point that she might be worst Larry!!

Although I did love Charley and her relationship with Nana -unfortunately this wasn’t one big happy read for me.
I believe my expectation was too high since I enjoyed “The Block Party”.

I did enjoy reading the Author’s Acknowledgements. I like known the behind the scenes well as the inspiration for the story.
Found out that yes there is a Gull Hill only it is in Provincetown, Massachusetts; plus the hotel is the ’Land’s End’.
Hmm It would be fun to have a book club meeting there – wouldn’t it?

Want to thank NetGalley and Saint Martin’s Press for granting me this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 16, 2024.

What a fun read. I loved how the book was written! Jamie Day paints a great read with her words. It’s quite a family affair. Just when you think a family couldn’t be any more dysfunctional, the story takes another turn. This was a cover to cover 2 day read for me. I highly recommend it!
Thank You to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Jamie Day for the invite/opportunity to read and enjoy this ARC.

This one had a strong start, and while I was anxiously turning the pages to figure out they mystery (I didn't), there was a large chunk in the middle that really dragged for me. This was my first Jamie Day novel, and I will give her another chance given my desire to keep going (despite feeling only so so about the plot).

Just so-so for me. Started strong,then dragged on and on when it didn't need to. Unlike most here, I didn't like the author's other book either, but wanted to give one more chance.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC of this novel. I loved Day’s The Block Party and this book began just as strong. I loved Charley and her character development. I believe the setting was unique and interesting. However, when paranormal activity was mentioned and spirits I began to believe this book was taking a turn that didn’t hold my interest. The last 30% dragged on for me. I kept going with the book and I’m glad I did. That twist wrapped everything up and left me appreciating the writing skill that Day has.
Overall, 3.5 stars

Charley is a maid at a successful hotel when the owner dies. With his three daughters come up for the funeral and will, Charley knows she must hide her habits of stealing money, as well as the stowaway she offered shelter to. The night after the will reading, one of them is found dead and murder is suspected, however, with a huge storm rolling in, there is no way to contact authorities. They are stuck together.

I absolutely loved this book! It was plot twist after plot twist and I truly couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed learning about the sister's lives as it sort of explained why they were the way they were and every chapter had a cliffhanger that sucked you right back in. The end was the biggest plot twist ever! I never saw that coming! I also loved how the mystery alluded you to think something was going to happen, but then it was a completely different thing!

I really enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anybody, especially is you love murder mysteries or who-done-it books. I can't wait to read more by Jamie Day!

The book is set in the perfect Maine setting. Dysfunctional families, the rich taking advantage of the help, and death. It was a good mystery/thriller! However, I guessed who was behind the whole thing early on. It still didn’t stop me from enjoying the book and wanting to understand the reasoning behind it.

I loved Jamie Day’s book The Block Party and was thrilled to read One Big Happy Family. I loved getting to know each of the characters deliberately through their unique personalities. Lots of action, and twisty plots kept me interested throughout. Highly recommend this one!

This thriller had an amazing locked room premise at a Maine resort during a hurricane. I am such a sucker for messy family drama, and this family was an absolute train-wreck. When they all assemble at the resort for the reading of their father’s will, shocking twists are revealed leading to contesting inheritance. Bodies start to drop, twists and turns and plenty of action kept the plot moving forward, and the storm cuts off the resort guests from emergency services or help. The story fell a little flat for me, as the author just tried to add in too many unbelievable connections or twists landing this one at a 3.5 for me. If you like rich people behaving badly, this one might be a winner for you!

One Big Happy Family, by Jamie Day, is a thriller that will pull you in from the beginning. The array of characters adds to the mystery of exactly what is happening as the story progresses. It's a whodunnit that will have you surprised at every turn. I read the ebook version of this in a long afternoon and was surprised to see how many pages the book contained. It was fast-paced and didn't allow time to wonder if it was almost over. Thanks, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with the ARC ebook I read and reviewed. All opinions are my own.

This book was okay. I guessed the twist about half way through but it was still good. I just didn’t really like the characters and it was kinda slow for me

Charley has had a tough life but makes ends meet working as a housekeeper at a unique hotel in Maine. Her life gets a lot more interesting when the hotel's owner passes away and his daughters come to town to hear the reading of the will. Throw in a tropical storm and secrets from the past and things get a lot more interesting.

One Big Happy Family is an ironic title for a family that is anything but. The main character is relatable and the story it full of twists and turns. I would definitely recommend this book.

Great murder mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the body count rises. Secrets and blood are spilled. Once you get into it, you won't want to put it down.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC

This book started out very strong for me. I enjoy a good lock room mystery/suspence, especially if you throw in some morally gray characters, and this book had plenty of those. The setting was great, an old hotel on the rocky shores of Maine. It was moody, mysterious, and with the hurricane baring down on them, it felt dangerous

The Precipice Motel sits on the coast of Maine. It;s lovely on a good day, and deadly during a storm. After the owner passes away, the family descends on the hotel to divide the spoils, and maybe find a fortune in the form of an old painting. Charley, the live-in maid is left to clean up the mess, and perhaps the bodies, and a storm strands everyone at the hotel. One big dysfunctional family and plenty of drama.