Kate Emery’s’ My Family and Other Subjects is a delightful fusion of Holly Jackson's sharp-witted teen sleuths and Agatha Christie’s classic whodunits, set in the distinctly Australian countryside. This contemporary YA murder mystery packs humour, heart, and suspense into a weekend trip gone horribly wrong, making it a cracker of a read for both young adults and crime fiction lovers alike.
The story centres around Ruth, a snarky, crime-obsessed 14-year-old, who finds herself trapped on a dull family weekend at her wealthy step-grandmother GG's farmhouse. With no internet, phone reception, or distractions, Ruth spends her time indulging in Agatha Christie novels and harbouring awkward feelings for her half-cousin Dylan. However, the weekend takes a dramatic turn when GG is found dead, her head bludgeoned by a typewriter—an ironic twist that would make even Christie herself smirk. Faced with a real-life murder mystery, Ruth wastes no time in channelling her inner detective, enlisting Dylan as her partner-in-crime (or rather, crime-solving), and embarking on an investigation where the list of suspects includes everyone under the roof, even herself.
Emery brilliantly taps into the charm of classic murder mysteries while infusing it with a fresh, modern voice that makes the novel distinctly her own. Ruth’s first-person narration is packed with wit, sarcasm, and humour, constantly breaking the fourth wall and referencing the tropes of the genre in a way that feels self-aware without being heavy-handed. Fans of Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone will recognise the playful, metafictional nods to crime fiction’s golden rules, making My Family and Other Subjects an amusing, tongue-in-cheek homage to the genre.
One of the novel’s standout elements is Ruth herself. Emery masterfully captures the voice of a teenage girl who is both whip-smart and refreshingly relatable. Ruth’s wisecracking similes, dry humour, and commentary on family dynamics and pop culture are both laugh-out-loud funny and incredibly endearing. The novel’s Australian setting adds an extra layer of warmth and familiarity, with its casual dialogue and quintessentially Aussie humour, providing a refreshing departure from the typical British or American settings we often see in crime fiction.
Despite its lighthearted tone, My Family and Other Subjects doesn’t skimp on the suspense. The pacing is tight, and each revelation pulls the reader deeper into the mystery. Every family member has a motive, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, Emery throws in another twist to keep you guessing. The budding romance between Ruth and Dylan, though subtle, adds a sweet subplot that doesn’t overshadow the central mystery but enhances the emotional stakes of the story.
Overall, My Family and Other Subjects is a stellar YA crime novel that expertly balances humour, mystery, and heart. Emery’s ability to blend classic murder mystery elements with a fresh, modern perspective makes this a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Whether you’re a young adult or a seasoned crime fiction fan, this witty and engaging novel will leave you laughing—and guessing—until the very last page.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Allen & Unwin