Murder in the Family (Book Nook)

This book nook is all about a trilogy I read that is quite fantastic. I read this in the beginning of 2020 and it was so good. I picked up the first book, thinking it was a stand alone story, and when I finished it realized there were 2 more books to follow. The series I am talking about is, "I Hunt Killers" series by Barry Lyga. Let me tell you how great these books are and how you NEED to read them.

Starting off with book 1, "I Hunt Killers." I could not put this book down when I started it. It is about a boy named Jazz whose father is the most notorious serial killer named Billy Dent. The story follows Jazz as he battles a mental challenge of becoming his dad. When he was little, his mom left, and his dad would take him along to his killings and have him help. So now that he is 17, almost 18, he is trying to combat the instincts he has from his dad. However, you can tell as you read that Jazz is not his father, no matter how much he thinks he is. The first of the series really focuses on the characters and the relationships between them. They introduce Jazz as someone who has great instincts in finding serial killers and is trying to help the police find the newest one called the Impressionist. That is as far as I'll go in telling you about this book because I will not give anything away.

The second in the series is called "Game" and damn damn damn, this was a journey. I will try to give a vague summary because if I go too much into detail, it'll give away what happens in book number 1. Basically, Jazz becomes more help to the police, but eventually it gets him in a sticky situation. The people he involves himself with are all game pieces in an overarching mess of craziness. It is hard to explain without reading the first one, so you are going to just have to trust me, it is a good read.

Lastly, "Blood of My Blood," holy shit. What a crazy ending. Things you do not expect to happen, happen. Also, there is a twist at the ending and honestly the end is pretty damn satisfying. It gives good closure and does not leave any important questions unanswered. I felt pretty happy reading the ending, although I really did not want the series to end. I think the 3rd book did an amazing job ending it in an exciting way, but in a way that the readers weren't too angry. Also, the whole middle part literally kept me reading for hours. The intensity of the stories would not let up and that is what I liked best about it. There was always something new to learn and discover.

These books was fantastic and the stories were nothing like I'd read before. I think that is what I liked about this series, I usually do not gravitate towards murder thrillers, but recently they are all I have been reading. I think I found another genre I like. I really do suggest you read this series. It is intense, thrilling, dynamic, and keeps your interest. Not all stories are interesting on every single page, but this one is. From the character introductions to the dramatic endings, these books never got boring.

Favorite Character: I literally love Jazz, Connie, and Howie. Connie is Jazzs' girlfriend and Howie is the best friend. I love their character dynamics alone and with each other. Jazz is just amazing, he has great instincts and his confidence is admirable. Connie is brave, caring, and ambitious. She wants to help Jazz and still loves him no matter what crazy shit happens. Howie is comedic relief and loyal. He is Jazzs' friend no matter what he gets him into and is always down to help even with his own problems going on. I just love the three of them and their friendship ♥

Favorite Quotes: N/A

Rating: ★★★★★