Narrator Ernest “Ernie” Cunningham makes a living by authoring “how-to” guides for want-to-be authors of mystery novels. In keeping with the novel’s metafiction approach, Ernie often breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to readers to acknowledge that they themselves are witnessing a mystery novel unfold. His candidness with the reader is inviting, and he appears genuinely friendly, easygoing, and likeable. However, he also explicitly draws attention to the trope of the unreliable narrator, calling into question his trustworthiness. To further complicate things, he points out that his full name—Ernest (i.e., “earnest”)—suggests he is forthcoming and will not attempt to trick the reader. Indeed, Ernie is light-hearted and witty in his narration, making quips about each family member and their respective situations (no matter how grim) in a way that brings levity to the situation.

Ernie’s competing desires to do the right thing and demonstrate his family loyalty drive his inner conflict. In alerting police about his brother Michael’s involvement in the death of Alan Holton, Ernie felt he was adhering to his moral code. This code, however, is at odds with the fierce loyalty that many of the other Cunninghams insist upon—this is especially true for Audrey, his mother, who is adamant that the reputation of the Cunninghams as being notorious criminals is unfairly earned.