What if you uploaded your DNA online, but instead of finding your estranged father, you open the door to police? And they tell you that either your father or one of your sons is a murderer?

“A Killer in the Family” is the fifth book in Gytha Lodge‘s Jonah Sheens series – a gripping and thought-provoking read that centres around the subject of DNA ancestry testing and the unsettling secrets it can unearth.

The infamous ‘Bonfire Killer’ is on a spree, causing widespread panic. Constant vigilance is advised and women are not to travel alone at night. When Aisling Cooley discovers that her DNA has been discovered at a recent crime scene, the implication is clear. Either her estranged father or one of her two beloved sons, Ethan and Finn, must be the serial killer.

Gytha brings her trademark blend of original concept, meticulous research and compelling characterisation to this latest book in the series, which delves into the complexities of relationships, the bounds of family loyalty and the moral questions surrounding the use of DNA in the context of criminal investigations.

From detective to victim – and everything in between – each character leaps off the page: real, rounded and relatable. The writing is smart and beautifully crafted, as always, and the twists and turns are deftly done to keep you guessing until the final pages.

Gytha continues to develop captivating storylines for Jonah and his team, with their often-messy personal lives becoming intertwined with their police work. Quite honestly, I’d read the series for this team alone!

So… if you’re looking for a fantastic group of flawed but lovable detectives, and a compelling read that makes you think, look no further!

Thank you to Gytha and Michael Joseph for a gorgeous ARC of this book.