All of Us Murderers by K.J. Charles
LGBTQ Historical Mystery Romance
October 7, 2025- Poisoned Pen Press

Review by Angela

I don’t think I even read the entire blurb before requesting this book for review. All I saw was “The lush Gothic drama of Crimson Peak meets the murderous intrigue of Knives Out with an LGBTQIA+ love story to die for from award-winning author KJ Charles” and smashed that request button.

This is indeed a twist on the Knives Out locked house mystery where pretty much every character is horrible, but add in a spooky gothic inspired house, ghosts, a dead relative who is the author of several dark horror novels, and a family determined to inherit a fortune. This also happens to be a second chance romance, which is one of my favorite tropes.

When Zeb Wyckham accepts an invite from his uncle to Lackaday House, he doesn’t realize that the entire rest of his family would also be invited. Lackaday House is a dark, mysterious Gothic mansion built upon the ruins of a monastery, and Zeb already has some uneasy feelings about staying, but add in his greedy family and an ex-lover, he is more than ready to head right back out the door. Only, it’s not so easy to leave when the house’s owner has dastardly motives and is quite intent on Zeb staying put.

I just never know what I’m going to get when opening a KJ Charles book. This is a perfect spooky October read. The backdrop of a spooky, gothic mansion shrouded in mist with a history of tragic deaths and hauntings hooked me almost immediately. As with any book by this author, there are vibrant characters, and Zeb is the perfect man to navigate through the rocky family relationships and misunderstandings with a past lover, with humor and intellect. While I don’t think the romance is the main focus of the story, the mystery takes centerstage, there are sexy times and a happily ever after.

If you are still looking for a Halloween read, this one is perfect for the season.

Grade- B