Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose

Rating: ★★★★☆

Jeneva Rose delivers another gripping thriller with Home Is Where the Bodies Are, a chilling tale that explores the dark secrets hidden within a seemingly ordinary family. Known for her bestsellers The Perfect Marriage and You Shouldn’t Have Come Here, Rose once again captivates readers with her intricate storytelling and complex characters.

The story begins with the death of the siblings’ mother, bringing Beth, Nicole, and Michael back together in their small Wisconsin hometown to settle her estate. Beth, the devoted eldest, has never left home, dedicating her life to caring for their mother. Nicole, the troubled middle child, has been struggling with a serious drug addiction, estranging her from the family. Michael, the youngest, has distanced himself, having not returned since their father abandoned them seven years earlier.

As they sift through their parents’ belongings, the discovery of old home videos triggers a trip down memory lane. However, the nostalgia is shattered when a tape from 1999 reveals a shocking scene: their father, drenched in blood, and a subsequent cover-up of a dead body orchestrated by their parents. This revelation forces the siblings to confront the skeletons in their family closet and decide whether to unearth the dark truth or let it remain buried.

Rose masterfully builds tension as the siblings grapple with their past and the implications of their parents’ actions. The dynamic between Beth, Nicole, and Michael is both heart-wrenching and compelling, each character bringing their own struggles and perspectives to the fore. Beth’s unwavering loyalty, Nicole’s battle with addiction, and Michael’s quest for closure create a rich tapestry of emotions that drive the narrative forward.

The pacing of the novel is relentless, with each chapter peeling back another layer of the mystery. Rose’s ability to weave suspense with family drama keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth alongside the characters. The atmospheric setting of a small town in Wisconsin adds an extra layer of eeriness, making the story even more immersive.

While the plot is undeniably gripping, there are moments where the twists and turns feel slightly predictable, preventing a perfect score. However, Rose’s skillful writing and deep character development more than make up for these minor shortcomings.

Home Is Where the Bodies Are is a thrilling ride from start to finish, offering a haunting look at the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones and the secrets that can tear a family apart. Jeneva Rose has once again proven her prowess in the thriller genre, delivering a story that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.

If you’re a fan of family dramas with a dark twist, this book is a must-read. It’s a reminder that sometimes, home isn’t just where the heart is – it’s where the bodies are buried.