Murder in the Family
Mega-bestselling British crime novelist Cara Hunter makes her big American debut with a wholly immersive thriller like none you've seen before: written as the teleplay of a true-crime documentary, it has the reader puzzling away, reviewing photos, maps, coroner's reports and other evidence as they read. Can you tell who's lying? *** "An excellent, wholly original whodunnit! You won’t have read a mystery like this, and you’ll be kept in the dark right to the end." --Gilly MacMillan, bestselling author of The Long Weekend *** It was a case that gripped the nation. In December 2003, Luke Ryder, the stepfather of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Howard (then aged 10), was found dead in the garden of their suburban family home. Luke Ryder’s murder has never been solved. Guy Howard’s mother and two sisters were in the house at the time of the murder—but all swear they saw nothing. Despite a high-profile police investigation and endless media attention, no suspect was ever charged. But some murder cases are simply too big to forget... Now comes the sensational new streaming series Infamous, dedicated to investigating—and perhaps cracking—this famous cold case. Years later a group of experts re-examine the evidence – with shocking results. Does the team know more than they’ve been letting on? True crime lovers and savvy readers, you can review the evidence and testimony at the same time as the experts. But can you solve the case before they do?
Unraveling the Layers
Cara Hunter's "Murder in the Family" is a tour de force in the realm of crime fiction, offering readers a thrilling and innovative narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. This gripping novel takes the form of a teleplay for a true-crime documentary, immersing the audience in a perplexing murder case that has lingered unsolved for years.
The Premise: A Cold Case Resurfaces: The heart of the story revolves around the unsolved murder of Luke Ryder, the stepfather of renowned filmmaker Guy Howard. The setting is December 2003, and the crime takes place in the seemingly tranquil surroundings of their suburban family home. The family members, including Guy Howard's mother and two half-sisters, were present during the incident, yet all claim to have seen nothing. The lack of a resolution despite a high-profile investigation prompts the creation of a Netflix series, Infamous, dedicated to reopening and dissecting this infamous cold case.
Innovative Narrative Structure: What sets "Murder in the Family" apart is its unique narrative structure. Presented as the teleplay for a true-crime documentary, the book invites readers to engage with the case in a multimedia format. The inclusion of photos, maps, coroner's reports, and other evidence allows readers to immerse themselves in the investigation actively. This innovative approach transforms the reading experience into a dynamic and interactive journey, akin to participating in a real criminal investigation.
Whodunnit with a Twist: Cara Hunter weaves a complex web of mystery, intrigue, and suspense. The narrative unfolds through the lens of six experts involved in the Infamous series. As they re-examine testimony, reinterview witnesses, and scrutinize the evidence, readers are presented with multiple perspectives, each adding a layer to the enigma. The question of who is lying becomes central, challenging readers to decipher the truth alongside the experts.
Praise for Originality: Gilly MacMillan, bestselling author of "The Long Weekend," aptly describes "Murder in the Family" as an "excellent, wholly original whodunnit." The narrative structure, coupled with the intricate plotting, keeps readers in the dark until the final revelation. The author's ability to craft a mystery unlike any other in the genre is commendable, offering a refreshing and immersive experience.
True Crime Meets Page-Turning Thrills: For true crime enthusiasts and avid readers alike, "Murder in the Family" provides an exhilarating ride. The blend of a captivating plot, multifaceted characters, and the innovative presentation makes it a standout in the crowded crime fiction landscape. As the story unfolds, readers will find themselves drawn into a web of deception, family secrets, and unexpected twists, culminating in a conclusion that will leave them astounded.
In conclusion, Cara Hunter's "Murder in the Family" is a must-read for those seeking a riveting and unconventional crime thriller. It pushes the boundaries of the genre and leaves an indelible mark on the reader's mind. Prepare to be engrossed, challenged, and ultimately captivated by this brilliant fusion of true crime and fiction.
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Cara Hunter, Author 
Crafting Crime Fiction with an Oxford Touch
About the Author: Cara Hunter is a prolific crime fiction writer residing and working in the historic city of Oxford. Her stories are steeped in the atmospheric charm of Oxford's streets, mirroring the settings featured in her captivating crime novels. With a background in English literature, Cara Hunter earned both a degree and a Ph.D. from Oxford University, showcasing her deep-rooted connection to the academic and literary world.
Literary Journey: A voracious reader and crime enthusiast, Cara draws inspiration from the excellence in crime TV writing, citing shows like "Line of Duty" and "Broadchurch" as influential in shaping her narrative style. Her writing seamlessly captures the gripping and intricate storytelling akin to these acclaimed television series. Cara's debut novel, "Close to Home," introduces Detective Inspector Adam Fawley, marking the beginning of a compelling crime series.
DI Adam Fawley Series: The DI Adam Fawley series, set against the backdrop of Oxford, unfolds with "Close to Home" as its first installment. The series delves into complex investigations, offering readers a mix of suspense and genuine detective work. The success of her debut propelled Cara Hunter to continue the series, with "In the Dark" being the much-anticipated sequel.
Innovative Approach to Storytelling: Cara Hunter stands out for her innovative use of mixed media in storytelling, a technique she has employed since the inception of the DI Adam Fawley series. Drawing inspiration from her love for crime TV, she incorporates various media elements into her narratives, creating an immersive and engaging experience for readers. The incorporation of artwork adds a unique dimension to her storytelling, allowing readers to explore the case in different ways.
Murder in the Family: As the author of "Murder in the Family," Cara Hunter takes readers on a journey through a gripping and unconventional crime thriller. The book's distinctive format, presented as the teleplay for a true-crime documentary, showcases Cara's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the crime fiction genre. Readers are not merely observers but active participants in solving the mystery.
Personal Touch: Beyond her literary pursuits, Cara Hunter shares a glimpse into her personal life. She is a cat enthusiast, navigating the challenges of writing with a feline companion by her side. Her penchant for travel, love of champagne, and dedication to crafting raw and immersive crime narratives collectively define the personality behind the author.
Cara Hunter's contributions to the world of crime fiction go beyond traditional storytelling. With her Oxford-infused narratives, innovative approaches, and commitment to engaging readers in the detective process, she has carved a distinct place in the genre. As her body of work continues to grow, readers can anticipate more intriguing mysteries and immersive experiences from this talented author.
