Jeneva Rose has carved a name for herself in the thriller genre, and Home Is Where the Bodies Are carries all the hallmarks of her work: family secrets, small-town tension, and a past that refuses to stay buried. This novel begins with a classic setup. After their mother’s death, three estranged siblings return home to Wisconsin to sort through her estate. Beth, the responsible one, stayed behind to care for their mother. Nicole has battled addiction for years and has remained at arm’s length. Michael, the youngest, left town long ago and built a successful life elsewhere.
As they sift through their mother’s belongings, they discover a box of home videos. What starts as a nostalgic walk down memory lane quickly turns sinister when one tape shows their father covered in blood, speaking of a body, and enlisting their mother’s help to dispose of it. With their mother gone, the siblings are left to decide if they should leave the past buried or confront the terrifying truth.
Family Drama Wrapped in a Mystery
At its core, this book is about fractured relationships as much as it is about solving a crime. The siblings carry resentment, jealousy, and grief into every interaction. Their dysfunction becomes as central to the story as the mystery itself. The addition of their deceased mother’s perspective provides an intimate look at the choices she made, and the burden of secrets that shaped her children’s lives.
Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries may find this structure compelling. However, if you are seeking relentless suspense, the pacing here may feel slower. Much of the book focuses on arguments and emotional baggage rather than unraveling a tightly woven mystery.
Predictable but Readable
One of the most common criticisms among readers is the predictability of the mystery. The VHS tape promises shocking revelations, but many attentive readers will likely piece together the truth long before the siblings do. Some even found the ending telegraphed by the halfway point, which reduces the impact of the final reveal.
That said, the novel remains highly bingeable thanks to Rose’s simple, accessible writing style and short chapters. It is the kind of book that can be read in a single sitting, especially in audiobook format. Even when the mystery feels thin, the dysfunctional family drama keeps the story moving.
Strengths and Weaknesses
What works well:
- A compelling premise with a strong hook
- Engaging pacing and easy-to-read chapters
- Exploration of family secrets and trauma
What falls short:
- Predictable twists and a mystery that lacks true suspense
- Unlikeable characters who are difficult to connect with
- Repetitive sibling conflicts that sometimes overshadow the central crime
Final Thoughts
Home Is Where the Bodies Are is a book that divides readers. If you enjoy thrillers that lean heavily into family drama and don’t mind a mystery you might solve early on, you could still find it entertaining. On the other hand, readers expecting shocking twists or layered suspense may walk away disappointed.
Ultimately, this is a solid pick for those who want an easy, fast-paced thriller that examines the messiness of family bonds alongside buried secrets.
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