4.5 stars, I really enjoyed this! It was a fun read that captured me from the first page, kept me in suspense the whole time, and I had a good time with it. I could have easily read this in one sitting, KJ Charles never fails to draw me into a story.

As someone who loved Death in the Spires, I loved that this leaned a bit a fair bit into the gothic horror rather than just solely romance - the gothic ambience was done so well. My dog snuck up behind me at one point and I actually jumped when I saw some movement out of the corner of my eye.

The characters were perfect, the family dynamics were messy, there was fantastic ADHD rep (and rep for severe arachnophobia), I am seen. And I did adore the dynamic between Gideon and Zeb. I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances in any form, but this was done really well. I loved their development and communication.

(And for what it's worth, as someone who has read some B-tier Edwardian gothic novels, this does everything so well and really captures the real essence of the genre. And the epilogue was perfect.)

KJ Charles is a master at making me fall in love with their books and characters. They are all so distinctively different from each other, but they still have one thing in common: great writing.

I swear I never found a book by Charles I didn't end up loving and All of Us Murderers is not the exception.

I loved this. We need more real, actual pulp and this delivers so well (no surprise); I’m glad to see Sourcebooks publishing things like this.

K.J. Charles's books are always worth reading, full stop. So the fact that this (at least upon first reading) isn't one of my favorites is far from an indictment.

I loved the ADHD rep, but I was never fully drawn into the characters the way I am with some of the author's other books. Again, that may change on rereading. I also wasn't persuaded that the sex scenes made sense, given the situation the MCs were in. Finally, without being spoilery, I'm not convinced I buy the premise as it ultimately plays out.

All that said, this was a very enjoyable read, and my reactions may become more favorable in the future. (Though... all those spiders, ugh!)

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

So spooky! I love, love this book! The gothic house was so delightful and the characters were fun! The main character is so misunderstood in the beginning, and I found him to be a very easy voice to read through.

Zeb Wyckham's first glimpse of Wynn's remote Gothic manor is enough to make him doubt his decision to accept his cousin's invitation to visit. When he discovers that Wynn has invited the rest of Zeb's contemptible family to compete for his vast fortune, not to mention hiring Zeb's bitter ex-lover, Zeb definitely regrets accepting. By the time the guests start reporting ghostly sightings, the Dartmoor mist has rolled in and it is too late to leave...

All of Us Murderers somehow manages to recreate the feel of a classic Gothic novel for the modern reader. There is a Gothic manor lit by flickering gas lamps that create shadows in every corner, atmospheric grounds thick with fog and isolated from the moor beyond by imposing walls, and stories of a family curse and hauntings that resemble events in Walter Wyckham's sensationalist novels. But the romance at its heart is delightfully queer, and the morals of our villains are gloriously called out. For all the dread of the story, this is a genuinely joyous book. I loved the sweet and spicy scenes between Zeb and Gideon, the complexity to Elise's character, and the ADHD representation from our protagonist. This genre-bending book manages to make playful allusions to its literary forebears without ever detracting from the world it creates.

I loved the characters as much as the setting, and the fresh and funny writing had me hooked from the opening page. The plot does get a little carried away, but that is the point of a Gothic novel after all. I would give All of Us Murderers six stars if I could.

This was an enjoyable mystery and queer romance by KJ Charles, who gleefully deploys all the gothic tropes (big scary house, ghosts, birth secrets etc.) in a fun way, combined with a murder mystery-style inheritance drama. The story is definitely shaped more like a mystery, but the reunion of Zeb and Gideon gives the story a warm heart that adds to the stakes and tension as the twists unfurl. The epilogue is short but wraps things up satisfactorily.

This has probably been one of my favorite KJ Charles´ novels so far.

It has everything I like: A mysterious mansion in the middle of nowhere, relatives so nice I´d very much like to shove them into a pit, and an inheritance so great it´s worth killing for it (or well, it would be worth it if you´re anyone but Zeb).

The story begins with Zeb, who´s been invited to a cousin´s house in order to spend a few weeks... Only that, when he gets there, he discovers he is not the only one invited: He meets there some of his close relatives (they don´t get along well) and his ex lover (he wants to get along but this one´s maybe trickier). So, suddenly, what seemed like a pleasant visit to the countryside is going to turn into a competition to win their youngest cousin´s hand in marriage... and thus get the inheritance.

This is all very obscure and very gothic, I assure you. And, specially at the begining, it has that sense of humor that makes you think this will be one of those stories that won´t take themselves too seriously. So yes, I had my fun... until I didn´t anymore.

Not that I randomly started disliking it, mind you. Quite the opposite, in fact. It´s just that when the legends about ghosts inside the mansion, the blood rituals and the curse seem to be real and people begins either dissappearing or dying in strange circunstances, it´s a bit hard to keep the smile on.

And, here´s the thing this book did so well: The ambience is so well crafted. Even when you feel like, "look, maybe there´s actually no real ghost and all these things that are happening inside the house are just a practical joke", there is still this sense of constant danger. Maybe because of the walls that surround the house, which are too high to climb. Or perhaps because you get to a point in the story where you truly don´t know who to trust.

Loved the romance part as well. I don´t usually read second chance romances very often (not my cup of tea), but this one worked wonderfully. Gideon and Zeb started bitter with each other (well, Gideon was, Zeb is just a sweetheart all along: I truly believe that in the distribution of kindness in that family he got it all, while the rest got nothing. Because, seriously, what an awful lot). But then they become allies at trying, not particularly to solve the mystery, but getting out of there alive.

Overall, very recommended. A must re-read for me.

And also, very good ADHD representation here (Zeb again. Have I mentioned he´s my favorite character?). And I´m always in for neurodivergent rep.

The House of Usher meets (2002 live-action) Scooby Doo

Right off the bat, the most notable thing about All of Us Murderers is the excellent ADHD rep in our main character Zeb. Even without relying on modern language, it's clear what's going on and it's well-executed. His constant internal monologue hits all the right notes.

Overall, I would say that this book is "jack of all trades, master of none." It's a fun little romp across the three genres of romance, gothic horror, and whodunit.

I personally think it would have been stronger if there had been a bit more focus on one out of the three. For my taste, I would have liked a more robust Gothic atmosphere.

Above all else, I really enjoyed the messy family dynamics and the slow reveal of the character's histories with eachother. The Wyckhams are a tangled mess, and they deserve eachother.

A second-chance romance with a fumbling neurodivetgent. Gothic-lite backdrop and a twisty ghosty whodunit. Wraps up nicely. This is an effortless read that you'll finish in one or two sittings. Easy to reccomend.

This is the latest in the KJ Charles catalogue and it doesn't disappoint, with mystery, murder and 2 MC's who are ex lovers all set in a very gothic setting.

Zebedee Wyckham has been brought to his older cousin Wynn Wyckham's house, Lackaday, on Dartmoor; under pretences he knows nothing about. His grandfather Walter built the house on the supposed grounds of a disolute monastery. Walter was known for his gothic novels, one of which Zeb has been thinking about since he arrived at the gates. Once in the house, he is astounded to hear that his estranged brother, his sister-in-law and his disreputable cousin are also in residence, as well as his ex lover working as a secretary to Wynn.

While Zeb and Gideon try to unravel the goings on in the house, Zeb finds that some of the happenings seem to follow Walters gothic novels, which only he and Wynn seem to have read. Zeb and Gideon must put the past behind them and work together if they hope to escape the madness. But, the mist comes down, isolating the house in its own bubble, set adrift from the 20th century and, indeed, the rest of the world. The 12 foot high wall and the locked gates all add to give the idea of being somewhere that isn't easy to escape from.

KJ Charles writes with her usual attention to detail and the prose flows along, making this book ery easy to read. Don't start late at night, as you won't be able to put it down until youve finished! There are many references in the book which make for further reading and delving into other works. KJ does meticulous research and this book is no exception. Zeb has ADHD and this is portrayed excellently, showing how exasperating it can be for those who don't understand and how helpful others can be.

This book nods towards others by Agatha Christie and Edgar Allen Poe, to name 2. If you like gothic romances set miles from civilisation, with a cast of conniving, murderous relatives with a seemingly ingénue heroine, then this is the book for you.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the authors discord.

Oh my god, where to begin? This was a mystery and a romance and a Gothic nightmare all rolled into one and I read it in a day because I couldn’t put it down.

If there’s one thing KJ Charles knows how to do, it’s write about good people who happen to come from extremely hideous families and this is no exception. Imagine you get an invite from an estranged relative and it turns out he’s brought you to a house filled with your non-estranged but completely horrible family, a stranger he wants you to marry, and your ex. That’s where this book starts, and it only gets more deranged from there. I fear saying anything more might spoil it so you’ll have to trust me.

Set in Edwardian times, the story follows our main character, Zeb, as he arrives at a remote mansion at the invitation of his uncle, only to discover that other guests are present, such as his estranged (and terrible) brother, his artist (and terrible) cousin, and his former lover, who isn’t terrible but hates Zeb after the mess of their break-up. After their host makes a surprise announcement about the vast family inheritance, Zeb has to navigate increasingly difficult relations with his family, a tense relationship with his ex, unfriendly staff, an impressionable young woman, a family curse, ghosts and dark family secrets, while they’re all isolated in this gothic mansion surrounded by misty moors. It’s, in other words, a veritable feast of gothicness and if you’re into that, as I am, you’ll love every minute.

I’ve read everything KJ Charles has written, and this is a new favourite. Her pacing is phenomenal as always. I finished this early in the morning because I couldn’t, and didn’t, put it down. It flows magnificently. Zeb’s narration is witty and engaging. There is humour to balance out the bleak moments but also some descriptions of seemingly supernatural incidents that had me shivering with dread (and loving it). The story is brimming with a gothic atmosphere, with the eerie and the inexplicable and the slow descent into madness. The side character cast is another KJC strength, and it shows here in full form: every secondary character is sharp and vivid, distinct from each other, as vibrant as real people. And, boy, they’re all horrible. KJC has written her share of appalling relatives, but this lot takes the cake. Be prepared for absolutely atrocious familial relations.

In the midst of dread and uncertainty, the relationship between Zeb and his ex, Gideon, is the balm we need. There’s palpable longing and raw desire between them, and once they work through their past issues, they’re sweet and lovely, providing some much needed solace.

This is primarily a mystery novel and the mystery of what was happening in the house was well-constructed and kept me absorbed throughout. Without being too spoilery (I hope), I’ll say that I love that it was Zeb’s kindness and empathy that made a difference.

One of my disappointments these days is that I find a lot of the novels published recently are utterly bland and without teeth. Even if not described as ‘cozy’, coziness has seeped into them. Which is why this novel thrilled me: besides the joy in revelling in a gothic story, this is a real and unflinching look at some appalling people and how they abused their immense privilege. It gives the (delightfully eerie and suspenseful) story real substance.

Many, many thanks to the publisher for providing the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I got this ARC courtesy of the Author's Discord and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was absolutely excited to read this book and it did not disappoint! This gothic house murder mystery is a true romp of a read. There was never a dull moment and the plot moved along at an excellent pace. I finished the book in 2 days ( it would surely have been one sitting if the realities of Life did not intrude).

Zeb, the main character, is invited to his rich relation's gothic house together with some of his least favourite people in the world ( whom he just happens to be related to and an antagonistic ex-lover). Little does he know that it is going to turn into a winner-takes-all competition to inherit all the wealth and fortune of said rich relation. Shenanigans ensue and what a wild ride KJ Charles takes us on.

Zeb is such a gentle and sweet person. He continues to believe the best of those around him, despite so much evidence to the contrary. And while this may come across as naïve, it truly reflects what a generous heart he has and I was rooting for him the whole way. He is a truly likeable and fascinating POV character.

The romance in the book is also very satisfying. With believable miscommunications at the start, there is great communication thereafter which helps build the relationship. Opposites attract, with Zeb being open, chaotic, trusting and Gideon being more closed, organised and cautious. The two of them truly complement one another and it was a joy to watch them make accommodations for each other and grow closer as a result.

The villains of this book are truly horrific ( and yet so very human) and you will love to hate them. Some of them truly made my skin crawl. I could not wait to get to the end of the book to see what comeuppance they got ( which was most gratifying).

The end was satisfying, though I do wish the epilogue had more details on Zeb and Gideon. Would happily read another book from Zeb's POV. Looking forward to a re-read soon! If you are looking for a gothic murder mystery with a dash of romance, this book is for you.

An absolutely brilliant Gothic romantic thriller that pays homage to both The Fall of the House of Usher and the more recent Gothic romance ouvre of Victoria Holt/Norah Lofts/Mary Stewart - and reminded me of just how much I used to love those books. I devoured this within less than 12 hours because I struggled to STOP reading even when I should, and I very much loved the ending. This is now one of my favorite-ever KJ Charles books, which is saying a lot!

A tongue-in-cheek love letter to the best worst genre.

The book immediately informs the reader of what it's going to be like from the very first pages, with Zeb thinking of the heroine of a gothic novel he's read, who foolishly steps into a haunted, tightly-shuttered estate, while he is himself in the process of stepping into a haunted, tightly-shuttered estate. It then proceeds from there, taking all the trappings of the gothic very seriously, while juggling merrily with them, which only reinforces the uncertainty and mystery at the heart of the story.

And, make no mistake, this is *not* a parody: it is still very much a gothic, and it has all the usual elements: a grand, crumbling, eerie house in remote parts (it's in Dartmoor, for god's sake), weeping young ladies in nightgowns, toxic family dynamics and associated weirdly convoluted family trees, maybe-ghosts-maybe-not... but it's all looked at and thought through in KJ Charles's usual grounded style of narrative, where the dramatic happenings fit seamlessly into the realities of people's lives and circumstances, rather than stretching the life circumstances to fit the gothic.

I loved Zeb as a protagonist, whose stubborn, eye-rolling refusal to entertain supernatural explanations for things is very much counterbalanced by his somewhat chaotic, distractable nature. Being a trait I share with Zeb, I was really impressed with the adhd rep, too. It's neither presented as some kind of "superpower" (eyeroll), nor as a deficiency that causes only suffering, but shown as something that causes him more than just superficial problems, but that can be accommodated, if the people around him are willing.

I honestly don't want to say too much about the specifics of the plot or the romance, except to say they're as masterfully crafted as usual with KJ Charles. I think the more you find out of them by yourself, the more you'll enjoy the book.

I'm honestly amazed it took me more than one sitting to read this, and that I remembered that such things as "work" and "sleep" exist. I would caution you, though, if you decide to pick up this book, you might not be so lucky...

I got the ARC of this book via the author's discord and NetGalley and did a happy dance.

I'm biased toward anything this author writes, but not every book is perfect.

This book? Absolutely delightful, very nearly perfect.

I downloaded it yesterday after work and finished it today (I had to go to sleep and to work today). It really is that great of a read. Just whooshhhhh.

So you can read the blurb and other reviews and don't need me to tell you this is a classic Gothic novel, but gay (and with sex on the page, unlike the classic gothics). It's also a love story to ADHD and to kindness.

Believe me, I felt Zeb's inability to focus on his day job, especially because I wanted to read this book.

Tropes/themes: lovers reunited, revenge, bad family vs found family, opposites attract, naive POV, neurodivergence

(Thanks to NetGalley for access to an advance copy of All Of Us Murderers in exchange for an honest review)

While the adage that you should never judge a book by its cover is generally good advice, in the case of “All Of Us Murderers” the cover art is an excellent guide to the contents of the book: a gloriously over the top piece of escapism created as a love letter to the genre.

This is an unrepentantly gothic confection, and it was, as anticipated, a wittily tropetastic delight rife with nefarious villains, misty moors, blood-drenched ruins, cursed fortunes, wide-eyed nubile heiresses and mysterious ghostly figures, ALL of which our hero (a precious ADHD cinnamon roll, and - provided one doesn’t find The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name to be a source of wickedness - very much the white sheep of his unpleasant family) is desperately trying to avoid, bless him.

Zebedee Wyckham is the impoverished grandson of a successful gothic novelist, and having found himself once again between jobs he has unwisely accepted an invitation to pay a visit to a wealthy uncle whom he hasn’t seen in decades - only to find himself trapped in the most ghastly houseparty since…well, since the LAST hilariously ghastly (and murderous) house party to grace the pages of a KJ Charles novel.

Finding that the lover whom he inadvertently ruined a year ago is now working as his uncle’s secretary comes as a mortifying shock, but this is the least of the unwelcome surprises that his uncle’s faux-gothic home has in store.

Zeb may be the innocent Cinderella figure amongst the variously unpleasant scions of the Wyckham family, but he’s no fool: having grown up on the works of Mrs Radcliffe, Horace Walpole and his own respected ancestor, Zeb can spot a gothic novel cliche at fifty paces and he has absolutely no intention of ending up sacrificed on a pagan altar, walled up in a cellar, drowned in a well or otherwise disposed of: think “Scream”, but make it gay and a period piece.

He is, in short, the polar opposite of Austen’s Catherine Morland: far from imagining spectral figures and dark secrets where none exist, Zeb is a pragmatic soul with a kind (if battered) heart who wasn’t born yesterday & has no interest in rushing headlong into danger if it can possibly be avoided.

Can Zeb escape the unwelcome attentions of the various spectral figures, blackmailers, marriageable heiresses and spider-filled rooms that await him at Lackaday House, and persuade his bitter ex to forgive him for past offences?

(Of course he can! This isn’t LitFic! You know that the starcrossed lovers will escape the villains’ clutches in the nick of time, foil their iniquitous plans, and finally achieve their happily ever after - but it’s still *thoroughly* enjoyable watching KJ Charles get them there.)