An enjoyable mystery well-written with a variety of relationships being explored. I like being able to follow the clues and solve the puzzle. The interaction between characters helped me to solve the murder at the 3/4 mark which was very satisfying.

My only complaint was I think the introduction should have been an afterword. It's influence did color my reading. So when you see Introduction you may want to read it last as it really doesn't affect the story. ( )

The Introduction to this novel makes interesting reading: it gives the background to the story, and tells why the novel is the third published, although in fact it is the first in the series.

The author has done what many others have done: created a fictional sleuthing duo from complementary occupations, but this particular story was based on a true story, the brutal murder of a beloved friend and cousin. The first version of story as a psychological novel remained unpublished, and then came a short story written from another point of view, until the novel in its present form was accepted for publication.

Remembering all that as I read gave me a stronger appreciation of where this novel had its roots, and I think I enjoyed it all the more. I will certainly try to read the next in the series LETHAL INJECTION. I found Hannah Kline and Daniel Ross likeable characters that I would certainly like to see in action together again.

Reading MURDER IN THE FAMILY was prompted by the author offering me a review copy of the fourth in the series THE GOLDILOCKS PLANET. ( )