After the owner of The Precipice hotel dies, his daughters come home to Maine to claim their inheritance. Add in an approaching hurricane, LOTS of family secrets, and a chambermaid with secrets of her own and you have a riveting summer suspense! I was immediately engrossed in this crazy family! This story was full of twists and turns that snuck up on the reader. If I listed them all on paper it would feel like too much, but the author woven them all together seamlessly. This is a novel that is difficult to put down.

An Absolute Whirlwind of Suspense! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jamie Day's One Big Happy Family lives up to the hype and then some! Freida McFadden's description of it as an "unputdownable and gripping thriller with nonstop twists and turns" is spot on. From the moment the Bishop sisters arrive at the ominous Precipice hotel, a palpable sense of dread and suspicion hangs heavy in the Maine air, thick as the approaching hurricane.

The premise itself is brilliant: three sisters, each with their own hidden agendas and dangerous secrets, converging on a family-owned hotel after their father's death. The tension crackles as they navigate their inheritance and their fraught relationships, making you constantly question their motives and loyalties. Just when you think you have a handle on things, Day throws in another unexpected curveball that will leave your head spinning in the best possible way.

Adding another layer of intrigue is Charley Kelley, the resourceful and resilient chambermaid. Her precarious situation and the secrets she's desperately trying to protect make her an instantly sympathetic character, and her fate becomes inextricably linked to the drama unfolding within the Bishop family. Day masterfully juggles multiple perspectives, keeping the pacing relentless and the suspense sky-high.

One Big Happy Family is a masterclass in summer suspense. It's witty, sharp, and brimming with thrilling moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final, shocking reveal. If you're looking for a book that will completely consume you and leave you breathless, look no further. Jamie Day has delivered a truly unforgettable thriller!n Absolute Whirlwind of Suspense!

One Big Happy Family is an edge of your seat locked room thriller. It's a great read and Jamie Day is a phenomenal suspense author.

Charley is a young maid living on property at the Precipice Hotel in the woods of Maine. When the less than above board owner passes away, his three daughters and their families come home to the hotel for the will reading. The sisters are anything but truthful and each is holding a secret from the past that will absolutely upend the validity of their claims to the hotel.

Filled with twists until the very last page, this novel is a perfect read for those who like excitement and a bit of family drama in their stories. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this novel.

Sometimes blood-relation doesn’t truly mean “family”. When money is involved, people’s true colors shine. While stuck in an old hotel during a hurricane, family secrets are exposed, leaving everyone vulnerable, including the hotel employees.

First of all, I loved the short chapters on this book and the flashbacks. It was interesting to get a few different perspectives and learn about the sisters' past lives. I did not expect the twist, but once we got the twist I wish we would have gotten more background on the surprise sister. Over this was a pretty good thriller but I felt like it could have moved a little faster.

I ARC read Block Party and loved it, so I was excited to jump into reading this book! If you enjoy a good thriller, this is for you. I didn't know what to expect and the author kept me guessing until everything came together at the end. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Every family has secrets, but not all are worth killing for to keep. The Precipice Hotel in Maine is a secluded, eclectic hotel that sits on a cliff. It is owned by George Bishop and when he died, his three daughters come to the hotel for the reading of the will. At the same time, there is a hurricane bearing down on the area that not many are taking seriously. The girls think it will be a glancing blow, but the 3 staff members of the hotel are worried about a direct hit.

The daughters, Vicki, Iris, and Faith come to the hotel with Vicki's husband and son, and Faith's wife and son, along with attorney that will read the will. Little do they know, there is a stow away in the hotel as the chambermaid had made a friend and is hiding her at the hotel to protect her from her abusive boyfriend. As time progresses, the storm outside and inside the hotel may be more than most can handle.

So many twists and turns! My first book by this author, not my last!

Jamie Day’s One Big Happy Family is an atmospheric read set in a distinctive family-owned hotel on the rocky coast of Maine. The plot has a lot of potential, with the Bishop sisters—Iris, Vicki, and Faith—coming together to claim their inheritance after their father’s death. As a hurricane looms, secrets and tensions among the sisters, and a determined chambermaid named Charley, quickly escalate to life-or-death stakes. The stakes are high, and the potential for disaster, both personal and professional, is palpable.
What I liked most about the novel was the atmosphere. The setting of the Precipice, perched dangerously on the edge of a rocky coastline, plays an important role in building the suspense. Day does a good job of painting a vivid picture of the hotel and its surroundings, which initially contributes to the novel’s overall sense of tension. The plot is compelling, and Charley is an engaging character with her own set of struggles
However, the book wasn’t without its flaws. The focus on Charley’s experience as a maid often felt excessive, with the author making her job seem far worse than it needed to be. Her description of her work made it sound more like coal mining than cleaning a hotel. This overemphasis on pain and suffering, paired with a lot of intermittent commentary on social issues, distracted from the core mystery. Like, “let me stop the story for a moment to let you know the plight of undocumented persons in Maine. Got it? Okay, let’s resume with the plot.” These elements, while important, felt like they were included just to show the author’s awareness of social issues.
Additionally, the suspense was weakened by the author’s decision to include large chunks of backstory for the Bishop sisters in the middle of the book, which revealed a key secret to the reader way before the main character knew. This felt like an unnecessary info dump, rather than letting the mystery unfold through events or dialogue. The novel occasionally veered into a didactic style, where the author seemed intent on explaining every detail to ensure the reader understood, which took away from the immersive nature of the mystery.
Overall, One Big Happy Family offers atmosphere, a locked-room plot, and plenty of twists and turns. If you’re looking for a mystery with all the answers laid out for you, this will be a solid read. However, if you prefer a more traditional mystery where suspense and tension increasingly build as you solve the puzzle alongside the characters, this may not be the best choice.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book. My review is voluntary and reflects my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this thriller. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially when I realized that Charley was the POV for the story. Since she wasn't a part of the Bishop family, it was an interesting to have the outsider's perspective on their dynamics. As with any thriller, I also wondered if our narrator was reliable or not. The book surprised me in a good way. I wasn't expecting the ending and loved having an outside narrator... It gave the story another layer.
3.75 rounded up to 4

Amid a hurricane, secrets can kill!

Nineteen-year-old Charley Kelley is a maid at the prestigious Precipice Hotel in Maine. The hotel's owner, George Bishop, has died, and his three daughters, Vickie, Fatih, and Iris, are coming to stay for the will reading. Their arrival comes at the same time that a hurricane is about to make landfall, trapping everyone indoors.

Vickie is the oldest sister. She comes with her husband, Todd, and their son Quinn also arrives.

Faith, who used to be a famous model, is there with her wife, Hope, and their teenage son Olive,r who likes to speak in rhyme.

Iris is an ex-convict who "found Jesus" and is sober now.

In attendance is also George Bishop's lawyer, Mrs. Black.

After the will is read, one of the family members dies, and someone begins to leave poems alerting them of the consequences of keeping secrets and asking them to reveal them within the night, or another death will follow. No one is safe, and there is nowhere to run.

One Big Happy Family had several parts, and although I enjoyed it, it was not as good as The Block Party. Charley's character was interesting, and I felt invested in her. She was in a tough spot, trying to make ends meet for herself and her grandmother. I was rooting for her to come out of it alive.

In the midst of a hurricane, secrets can kill!

Nineteen-year-old Charley Kelley works as a maid at the prestigious Precipice Hotel in Maine. The owner, George Bishop, has died, and his three daughters—Vickie, Faith, and Iris—are arriving at the hotel for the reading of his will. Their visit coincides with an approaching hurricane that’s about to make landfall, trapping everyone inside.

Vickie, the eldest sister, arrives with her husband, Todd, and their son, Quinn.

Faith, a former famous model, is accompanied by her wife, Hope, and their teenage son, Oliver, who enjoys speaking in rhymes.

Iris, an ex-convict who “found Jesus,” is now sober.

Also in attendance is George Bishop’s lawyer, Mrs. Black.

After the will is read, one of the family members dies, and someone begins leaving poems that warn of the consequences of keeping secrets. The notes demand that the truth be revealed by the end of the night—or another death will follow. No one is safe, and there’s nowhere to escape.

One Big Happy Family unfolds in several parts. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite measure up to The Block Party. Charley’s character was compelling, and I felt invested in her story. She was in a tough spot, struggling to support herself and her grandmother, and I was rooting for her to survive the night.

Cliffhanger: No

3.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day was an entertaining and easy read with a great setting and a mix of messy family drama and suspense. I really liked the coastal hotel during the hurricane—it added a nice level of tension without being too over the top. The characters were interesting, especially Charley, whose perspective helped balance out the family dynamics. Some twists were a little predictable, but I still enjoyed the overall ride and found myself wanting to see how it would all play out. A solid, enjoyable thriller with a unique backdrop.

I really enjoy every Jamie Day book i have read, however of the 3 i've read i think this one is my least favorite. It felt predictable and the locked room aspect/family will felt overdone. I did enjoy it and was surprised by the twist, it just wasnt my favorite by this author.

If you love messy family drama, stormy coastlines, and locked-room mysteries, One Big Happy Family will absolutely deliver. I’m a sucker for big family dynamics (I come from one myself!), but the Bishop family? They take things to another level entirely.

This story revolves around three sisters—not so much bonded by love as they are shackled by a dark, dangerous secret. They reunite at their family’s grand old hotel, The Precipice, perched on the rugged Maine coast, for the reading of their father’s will. But instead of closure, they find chaos. There’s a storm barreling in, the staff has their own shady secrets, a mysterious stowaway is lurking, and soon... there’s a dead body. It becomes a classic locked-room mystery—no phone signal, no way out, and way too many suspects.

What I enjoyed most was the tension threaded throughout the story. Everyone—and I do mean everyone—has something to hide. The twists kept coming, and the tangled web of lies, betrayals, and simmering resentment between the sisters made for an entertaining, drama-filled ride. It’s juicy, it’s chaotic, and it has just enough heart to make you care about these characters even as they sabotage each other.

As one sister quips: this family puts the fun in dysfunction. And really, that line sums it up perfectly. This was a fast-paced, bingeable read that felt like a soap opera wrapped in a whodunit—and I was totally here for it.

I enjoyed Jamie Day's debut immensely and I couldn't wait to read One Big Happy Family. While it definitely took me longer to get to this one than I would have liked, it was worth the wait, so to speak, and I loved this twist packed ride! The family drama was on point as was the tension that starts up after the entire family arrives and people start dying. There is a certain someone I was definitely suspicious of, and to some extent I was right to be though I had no idea of what was to come. I didn’t love any of the characters, but I did like Charley an awful lot and she was very easy to relate to.

The audiobook was a bit of a mixed bag for me and while I normally love Saskia Maarleveld’s narration, it was slightly off for One Big Happy Family. I didn’t find her pacing to be very consistent, and it took me a minute to figure out what speed was best to listen to her at. Once I got that figured out I really enjoyed it though I would expect a 19-year-old to sound younger than her voice. I honestly kept forgetting Charley was that young as she feels like a much older and wiser character. I loved the ending and the journey it was to get there. Another winner from Day for me and I can’t wait to read her next release.

Read this if you are looking for: A vibrant and atmospheric setting, dysfunctional families, and shocking secrets.

Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

The impending bad weather is not the only storm brewing, one is also coming with the convergence of family members after three death of a loved one. There were a lot of characters and it was a bit difficult for me to comprehend who was who. After slowing my reading down, I was able to become invested in the story and enjoyed the twists offered in this psychological thriller. This story might not have hit the bullseye for me, but close enough for me to want to read other books by this other and appreciate the author’s writing. 3.5- 3.75 stars
Thank you to the author and St. Martin’s Press for the electronic copy.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3 STARS⭐⭐⭐

I’m giving this one 3 stars because, while it had potential, the plot just didn’t hold my attention. The pacing felt off at times, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. There were a few moments that stood out, but overall it was just okay for me. This was not a bad read, it's just one that I wouldn't rush to pick up again.

This was a solid read, not as good as her first, but still had me hooked throughout and wanting to know what will happen next

I had high hopes for Jamie Day's "One Big Happy Family," especially after enjoying the initial chapters. The premise of intertwined family lives and hidden secrets immediately drew me in, promising a compelling narrative. Unfortunately, like my previous experience with Day's work, the storyline ultimately fell flat.
The book begins with a captivating exploration of the characters' dynamics and the subtle tensions simmering beneath the surface. Day's ability to create a sense of intrigue in those early pages is undeniable. However, as the plot progressed, the momentum waned. The characters, who initially felt complex and nuanced, became increasingly one-dimensional, and the supposed "secrets" felt predictable and underwhelming.
The pacing became uneven, with moments of drawn-out exposition followed by rushed resolutions. The emotional depth I anticipated never materialized, leaving me feeling disconnected from the characters' struggles. The writing itself is competent, but it lacked the spark needed to elevate the story beyond its basic plot points.
This is the second book I've read by Jamie Day, and while both started strong, neither managed to maintain the initial intrigue. It's a shame, as the author clearly possesses the ability to craft engaging beginnings. However, the lack of satisfying payoff in the later chapters leaves much to be desired.
Ultimately, "One Big Happy Family" is a passable read, but it fails to deliver on its initial promise. If you're looking for a quick, light read, it might suffice. However, if you're seeking a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant story, you'll likely be disappointed. 2 ½ stars, rounded down to 2.

One Big Happy Family is a captivating book that will have you turning pages until the end. This takes place in Maine during the summer and has secrets, lies, family drama and so much more. The author did a great job writing this one and I look forward to reading more books from this author. All of the characters were good in it. The book was the perfect read for the summer. I highly enjoyed this one and would recommend it to any reader who loves thrillers or mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this read in exchange of my honest review of One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day.

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗜𝗙 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗟𝗜𝗞𝗘
🏨 Locked-room mysteries with family drama
🌪 Stormy, atmospheric settings
🔍 Slower-paced thrillers with detailed backstories
🤔 Narrators who may or may not be unreliable
🌀 Twists you might see coming

𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦
This locked-room mystery, set at the fictional Precipice Hotel in Maine with a hurricane looming, had all the ingredients for a gripping thriller—but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. The story follows the three Bishop sisters, Iris, Vicki, and Faith, as they gather for the reading of their father’s will, only for secrets to unravel.

The narration comes from Charley, a young maid at the hotel, but I struggled to connect with her from the start. Her characterization felt off—she didn’t read as her age, and the lack of development made it unclear whether she was meant to be unreliable or just poorly written.

As for the mystery itself? I guessed the twist the moment Bree was introduced. The first half of the book dragged, and the deep dive into the sisters' backstory in Part II completely stalled the plot. While I understand the need for context, it made the book predictable rather than intriguing.

As a fan of thrillers, this one fell flat for me. The slow pacing, lack of strong character development, and predictable twists made it a disappointing read.