The Family Game
2022 • 315 pages
Ratings49
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings49
Average rating3.7
'Classy and ingenious new thriller' BA PARIS ‘Millionaires, marriage and murder make for a potent cocktail in this compelling tale set among the super-rich of New York’s elite’ TM LOGAN ‘Instantly compelling and filled with ingenious twists and brilliant characters. This is sublime thriller writing’ BP WALTER THE RULES 1. Listen carefully 2. Do your research 3. Trust no one 4. Run for your life Harriet Reed is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir to an extremely powerful American family. When Edward’s father hands her a tape of a book he’s been working on, she is desperate to listen. But as she presses play, it’s clear that this isn’t a novel. It’s a confession to murder. Feeling isolated and confused, Harriet must work out if this is all part of a plan to test her loyalty. Or something far darker. Because this might be a game to the Holbeck family - but games can still be deadly. READY OR NOT, HERE THEY COME . . . Praise for Catherine Steadman ‘Stylish, riveting, hugely atmospheric — I couldn’t put it down’ Lucy Foley ‘Engrossing and unputdownable’ Caroline Kepnes 'Captivating doesn't cover it. Brilliant doesn't do it justice. This is a dazzling, gasp-inducing plunge-pool of a novel that grips your heart and mind and refuses to let go. Absolutely stunning' BP Walter ‘Another screen-worthy thriller’ Washington Post 'Like Chekhov’s gun, the Hollywood sign is mentioned early, leading to a great, extended scene far above the city — and to a genuine Hollywood ending' New York Times ‘Engrossing and unputdownable . . . I devoured this Londoner in LA story in a day’ Caroline Kepnes ‘A fascinating glimpse of the darkness behind Hollywood’s glittering façade. I loved it’ TM Logan 'Another page-turning winner from Catherine Steadman. Ingenious and intriguing, with a fascinating insight into the acting world' BA Paris ‘Original, ingenious and utterly gripping, with characters you’ll really care about as they race towards the brilliantly unexpected ending’ JP Delaney ‘A thriller for our times’ Louise Candlish ‘A proper page-turner’ New York Times 'Fans of The Silent Patient will love it' CJ Tudor 'Had me racing through the pages’ Sarah Vaughan 'An enjoyable, nail-biting ride' Observer 'Perfectly paced with an exciting race to the end, this is one clever novel' Woman’s Weekly
Reviews with the most likes.
If you were to actually think about this book a bit deeper after finishing it the whole plot would fall apart.
It was a fun ride nonetheless. The rating is on pure enjoyment and not really on the quality of the plot and character development. The spooky scenes were good though.
I forgot to rate this one.
3.5 stars
Really cool premise. The execution had flaws, it was particularly slow at the beginning, not very suspenseful, and a specific plot device didn't make much sense not listening to the whole tape? Seriously?.
However, it was entertaining, especially The Hydes' scenes, and it kept me interested.
4.5, and only because I very rarely give 5s to anything anywhere. The atmosphere in this book is perfection and I enjoyed the dynamics throughout.
There is a twist that is somewhat predictable, but I actually didn't see it coming. Maybe I'm just off my game, but whatever the case I really, really enjoyed it. It's not as fucked up as my normal thrillers, but it is still heart pounding enough to keep me thinking about it constantly. We ended February on a good note.
