1. About the Author: John Marrs
John Marrs is a bestselling British author renowned for his gripping psychological thrillers and speculative fiction. Before becoming a full-time novelist, he was a freelance journalist, writing for The Guardian, OK! Magazine, Daily Express, and more.
Some of his best-known works include The One (adapted into a Netflix series), The Passengers, What Lies Between Us, and The Good Samaritan.
Marrs is celebrated for his ability to craft multi-layered, cinematic plots that delve into the dark complexities of human psychology, moral boundaries, and hidden secrets within seemingly ordinary lives.
2. About the Narrators: Simon Mattacks, Elizabeth Knowelden, Steve West, Clare Corbett
The audiobook version of Keep It in the Family features four seasoned narrators:
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Simon Mattacks: Known for his commanding voice in thriller genres, bringing intense moments to life.
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Elizabeth Knowelden: A captivating voice actress with emotional depth and subtle delivery.
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Steve West: A veteran in the audiobook world, offering a neutral yet expressive male narration.
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Clare Corbett: Renowned for psychological thrillers, her crisp delivery builds suspense perfectly.
Their collaboration results in a dynamic listening experience, with each voice adding richness and psychological weight to the characters.
3. About the Book: Keep It in the Family
Keep It in the Family is a psychological thriller set around a young couple moving into a house with a sinister history. Beneath its newly painted walls lies a horrific past involving a serial killer and buried secrets.
The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, peeling back the layers of a seemingly ordinary family harboring unthinkable truths.
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Main themes: Domestic horror, generational trauma, hidden guilt, and the dark side of familial bonds.
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Goodreads rating: ★ 4.1/5 (over 200,000 ratings)
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Audiobook length: Approx. 10 hours and 12 minutes
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Published: 2022 (print), 2023 (audiobook)
What makes this book stand out is its nonlinear structure, unpredictable plot twists, and a deeply disturbing atmosphere that lingers long after reading.
4. Book Review: Keep It in the Family
Detailed Review:
John Marrs delivers a relentlessly dark and twisted narrative that dives deep into moral ambiguity and psychological terror. From the very first chapter, there’s a haunting tension that never relents. No character is purely good – in fact, none are truly likable – which makes the unraveling all the more compelling.
Strengths:
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Twists and reveals that keep readers on edge.
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Disturbing yet immersive character development.
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A chilling domestic atmosphere that’s both realistic and frightening.
Weaknesses:
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The ending may feel excessive or implausible for some.
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The cast of characters is difficult to empathize with.
“A gripping experience that kept me breathless – Marrs never disappoints.” – Emma’s Biblio Treasures
“Dark, twisted, and impossible to put down. I was hooked from the start.” – BookShortie
Personal Reflection:
I chose this book looking for a psychological thriller that would unnerve me – and Marrs delivered beyond expectation. The horror here isn’t from ghosts or monsters, but from how terrifying people can be beneath their everyday facades. The book challenges our sense of safety within families. If you’re into psychological thrillers that make you question everything, this is an essential read.
5. Audiobook Review: Keep It in the Family
This Audiobook adaptation stands out for its multi-voice cast, bringing a cinematic dimension to the story. Each narrator skillfully takes on a specific perspective, amplifying the tension and enhancing the emotional complexity.
Highlights:
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Emotionally engaging performances from all four narrators.
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Distinct character voices make the plot easy to follow.
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High production quality and seamless editing.
Weaknesses:
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Some listeners found the female voice acting a bit too subdued during climactic scenes.
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For audiobook beginners, the many characters may be a bit overwhelming.
“I’ve listened to over 500 audiobooks – this one ranks among the best this year.” – Audiobooks.com Reviewer
“Simon Mattacks and Clare Corbett were mesmerizing – I listened in one sitting!” – Reddit /r/audiobooks
Personal Reflection:
This audiobook isn’t just a narrated version – it’s a full performance. The way the narrators switch seamlessly adds to the immersive atmosphere. If you’re like me and enjoy thrillers during commutes or late-night listening, this production heightens every shiver and shock the book offers.
6. Who Should Read This Book?
Keep It in the Family is perfect for:
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Fans of dark psychological thrillers and true crime-inspired fiction.
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Readers who enjoyed Gillian Flynn, B.A. Paris, or Lisa Jewell.
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Anyone who loves unpredictable, twist-heavy plots.
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Audiobook enthusiasts looking for multi-narrator experiences.
Whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned thriller reader, this book taps into the primal fear of “not knowing who you’re living with.”
7. Conclusion
Keep It in the Family is a disturbing, well-crafted thriller that explores the darkest corners of family and secrecy. John Marrs once again proves his mastery in crafting psychological horror that doesn’t rely on gore but on pure emotional dread.
Whether you read the print version or dive into the expertly narrated Audiobook, this story is one that will stay with you long after the final twist. Add it to your list – if you dare.
8. Where to Listen to the Audiobook
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