The owner of the Precipice Hotel has recently passed away, and his three daughters are on their way to Maine for the reading of the will. Charley, a maid at the hotel, is barely making ends meet and wondering if she will still have a place at the Precipice once ownership changes hands. Things get wild when the sisters arrive. Not only is a hurricane making its way toward the cliffside hotel, but the sisters come in like a wild storm themselves. They harbor many secrets along with some serious disdain for each other. To top things off, Charley is hiding a secret of her own - she is helping a (very new) friend by hiding her in the hotel. Once the will is read, things begin to spiral downward and the reader must ask - who will survive the night?

I enjoyed The Block Party and looked forward to checking out One Big Happy Family. This one had several characters with all kinds of secrets, which were slowly revealed to the reader. I enjoyed the guessing game of trying to figure out who did what and how the book would end. This was a slow-burn thriller and an entertaining read. I look forward to more from this author.

Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

The Bishop sisters are reuniting at their father's hotel, The Precipice, to settle their father's will and determine next steps for the hotel. The hotel's maid, Charley, is dependent on the hotel staying open to keep her job and her home. The drama from the estate, Charley's determination to keep the hotel open, and a hurricane cutting them off from the rest of the world throws the house into turmoil. Someone ends up dead and all of their lives are threatened.

I love a family drama and this one did not disappoint. Learning the back story of each character really made the whole story come to life. Jamie Day does ensemble dramas so well.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC of One Big Happy Family.

I finished ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY by Jamie Day a few weeks ago. I read this book on a rainy, stormy weekend. This is a book I had to think about before I could write this review. I enjoyed most of the story. Perfect setting on the rugged coast of Maine with a warning of Hurricane Larry approaching. George Bishop, the owner of the PRECIPICE HOTEL has died. He was not very likable. Even though the hurricane is due to hit on the weekend, his three adult daughters come to hear the reading of his will. The three sisters Iris, Vicki, and Faith all have back stories. The main character is nineteen-year-old Charley Kelly who is a maid. She was raised by her grandmother and her salary goes to care for the nursing home for her grandmother’s care.

I liked how the story was set up in Part I. I do think Parts II and III could have been shortened with some good editing as we learn back stories for each sister. I also think the hurricane could have created more drama than it did. Not everyone will survive the weekend. There are other minor characters to follow. I really liked Bree’s story. This book would make a good beach read, a rainy day at home, or maybe if the reader is hunkering down during a hurricane. I look forward to the author’s next book. My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

One Big Happy Family unfolds in a hotel during a hurricane on the coast of Maine. I felt there was enough leadup to see most of the twists coming, though I still flew through it. Overall, I thought this was a solid suspense story and would make a great beach read.

Thank you @netgalley for the ARC. If you enjoy locked room thrillers this is right up your alley. Charley is a 19 chambermaid at the Precipice Hotel. She is hiding a woman on the run and periodically pilfers from guest. When the owner of the hotel dies, his three daughters arrive to claim what’s theirs. Iris, Vicki, and Faith arrive at the hotel each holding deep dark secrets. There is a hurricane and all trapped. This is when the chaos and dysfunction ensue!

A deliciously fun read reminiscent of the movie, Clue! Yes there are many characters all with secrets and reasons to want someone dead. Yes there are several mysterious instances of dead bodies. Yes there are twists that you would never guess. And yes you want to keep reading to reveal who done what. The first part of the book was an enjoyable adventure while the last part felt a bit disjointed as the mysteries unfolded. But definitely worth a read and a recommendation to mystery fans. My thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

One Big Happy Family is set at the Precipice Hotel, a family-owned hotel on the coast of Maine. With the recent passing of their father, the Bishop sisters have come for the weekend to claim the hotel. Charley, a young maid, greets the sisters and their families, as she also prepares the hotel for a looming hurricane.

At the same time, a young woman, Bree, arrives at the hotel. She seeks Charley's help to hide from her abusive against. Although Charley is risking her job, she agrees to hide Bree away in the hotel. But as the weekend commences and the storm unfolds, Charley quickly learns that she is not the only one holding a secret. After someone is murdered, Charley is worried that one of the sisters secrets may be more dangerous than she thought.

I really loved the Block Party by Jamie Day, so I was super stoked to read her latest novel, One Big Happy Family. Although I slightly preferred the Block Party, I also really enjoyed One Big Happy Family. It was another crazy and wild ride! I really loved the setting of the old hotel. It was a great backdrop and there was plenty of strong imagery.

If you love a story with crazy family secrets, then this is the perfect book for you! Secrets galore, family chaos, and some crazy characters always make for a fun read. The Bishop family is truly crazy.

Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

After thoroughly enjoying Jamie Day's last book, "The Block Party," I was thrilled to be approved for this one.

"One Big Happy Family" is a psychological thriller with a dysfunctional family trapped in a rural hotel during a hurricane. While there were a lot of entertaining moments, I found this one felt far too predictable throughout. It took away from my enjoyment and didn't keep me locked in enough. I was saddened by that but I am still looking forward to future books.

Thank you NetGalley, Jamie Day, and St. Martin's Press for selecting me for this ARC.

One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day is a locked-room mystery/thriller. The main character Charley 19 is a live in maid at an old hotel in Maine. There’s a hurricane coming and the Bishop family shows up to hear the reading of there Grandfather’s will. Most of the family is together for the first time since childhood.
This thriller felt more like a family drama to me. I had to put it down a couple of times but I did follow through till the end. I absolutely loved Block Party so when I received the offer to read an arc I was thrilled. However, this one fell flat for me. I feel like anyone who enjoyed “The Sanatorium” would probably enjoy this one.
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The first thing I noticed on the cover of Jamie Day's new book was the lovely pastel beach chairs. But, then I looked at that stormy background - and that small print. One Big Happy Family may not be the truth...
The Precipice Hotel is about to change hands as George Bishop has died. His three daughters are gathering to hear the will read. It's been years since they've seen each other...

Okay, so far we've got three women who don't see eye to eye. A odd lawyer with the will. And from the cover - a bad storm coming. Isolated hotel. Limited staff - and that would be Charley. She's our protagonist. And some other supporting characters. I thought that all the pieces for a 'locked room mystery' were in place.

I liked the setting very much - especially the library room and there are many more rooms. Charley is worried about what this change of ownership would mean to her circumstances. I liked her early in the book, but found a number of her actions were questionable as the book progressed.

I'm all up for twists and turns and a plot that keeps the reader guessing. But for me, this plot just asked too much of the reader. I found it to be too far-fetched in places and repetitive in others.

Still, it was an entertaining book for the beach. 3.5

Interesting Story

One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day left me needing a day to sit and gather my thoughts—and for all the right reasons. This was my first encounter with Jamie Day's writing, but it definitely won’t be my last. The book is a masterclass in crafting deliciously chaotic family dynamics that turn each page into a twisty, tension-filled experience.

What a wild, unpredictable ride this story turned out to be! I found myself completely enthralled by the insane family drama, which was as messy as it was mesmerizing. Jamie Day has a talent for weaving intricate connections between the past and present, creating a web of secrets and lies that had me constantly guessing. I loved how every revelation seemed to echo through the generations, with ripples that reached far into the present.

By the time I finished, I felt like I had lived in this family's world for a day—caught up in their scandals, shocks, and surprises. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story took another sharp turn, leaving me wide-eyed and eager for more.
One Big Happy Family was an amazing read, full of surprises that left me wanting more. I’m eagerly looking forward to diving into Jamie Day's next book. Four stars for a brilliantly entertaining story that kept me on my toes from start to finish!

Author Jamie Day excels in creating nuanced and believable characters, each with their own backstories and motivations.
One Big Happy Family plot is full of Suspense and is unpredictable, it will keep engaged as unexpected revelations come to light.
The Precipice hotel adds to the overall suspense and intrigue.
Thanks netgalley

I was a HUGE fan of “The Block Party”, and I was excited to get another chance at a Jamie Day novel.

This is a highly atmospheric, domestic thriller in which readers and characters are trying to identify the killer. Although I found some part to be a bit predictable, I found it to be a well plotted and entertaining mystery. Highly recommended to fans of "who done it" thrillers!

One Big Happy Family by Jamie Day was a suspenseful and captivating read. With a hurricane brewing, the Bishop sisters want to claim what is theirs, The Precipice hotel. Iris, Vicki and Faith, the sisters, will not be kept away from getting what they want. Charley, the hotel’s chambermaid, has her secrets and needs as well. She is young and working to take care of her family and protecting one guest. Once the sisters arrive, the drama starts.

As the story begins and moves forward, we feel the tension brewing, secrets unraveling and the drama grow as the hurricane comes closer. I enjoyed reading this domestic thriller and to read more from this author going forward.

Happy reading!

Not too many good things happen during a hurricane. Jamie Day has definitely written a book that includes a hurricane, and more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. Wow! After their father dies, Iris, Faith, and Vicki, come home for the reading of the will. Many secrets come out during this time. Charley is a maid at the Precipe, a hotel in which the sister's father owned. The sisters want what is rightfully theirs, but wow, what happens in between the beginning, and ending, of the book will keep you reading. Great book!

This book offers a fascinating portrayal of an intense and complex family dynamic. I loved the unique concept, which is perfectly set against the atmospheric backdrop of Maine. The story is filled with creepy guests and family members, creating an unsettling yet captivating environment. The protagonist, while seemingly innocent, adds an intriguing layer with her occasional lapses into theft. The supporting cast is equally intriguing, with some characters playing pivotal roles in the plot, while others serve as intriguing background figures.

Then, of course, there's the hurricane, which adds a dramatic twist to the story. Despite these many strengths, I felt that the plot unraveled somewhat and missed opportunities that could have elevated it from a good book to a fantastic one. While I certainly enjoyed it, there were moments where the story felt excessive, while other parts were too vague or left underdeveloped.

From a character perspective, this novel features some of the most multi-dimensional characters I've encountered in a while. I wish more elements were tied together cohesively, but the story kept me guessing for the most part. The true culprit is fairly obvious, yet the narrative explores various paths before reaching the conclusion. Overall, this book is an engaging read that captivates with its intriguing characters and atmospheric setting, even if it falls short of its full potential.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to receive this book for an honest review.

Why did I read this book during Florida's hurrican season?

Even so, this book was very good. Is filled with twists and turns and kept me guesssing throughout.
I highly recommend this one.

This was an interesting book. There is a feisty maid working there during a hurricane, when the heirs to the Precipice Inn show up and all sorts of crazy begins. It was funny and had a lot of twists and turns. I would say more but do not want to give anything away.

Charley is our main character. Her life has been shaped from her past living with a drug addicted mother and learning life lessons from her grandma who helped raise her. When she was only 17, she was offered a job she couldn’t refuse working as a maid in a hotel where she worked for a low wage, but also room and board.

George, the hotel owner, passed away and Charley wonders if she’ll be given the same work offer when his three daughters, Victoria, Iris, and Faith take over or if the hotel will even remain open. Worse yet, she recently started harboring a guest for free trying to escape an abusive relationship and fears the sisters won’t have the same grace.

There is a past / present component to develop the Bishop sister characters and understand context for their harsh relationships with each other when the will for their father as read and as they navigate their reunion.

In the background- a terrible hurricane is coming, so the hotel is bare besides Charley, the sisters and their families, and the stowaway. Death soon finds itself to the hotel with more continued if past secrets of the family are not revealed.

This book had a little bit of everything- secret adoptions, car accidents, accidental deaths, purposeful deaths, secret baby out of wedlock, whew !!

I would say this was fast paced and did hold my attention. It was almost too much packed into one book, but the twists did keep it interesting and kept me guessing.

Thanks NetGalley for access to the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.