The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

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.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…

About the author

Catherine Steadman is an actress and author based in London. She has appeared in leading roles on British and American television as well as on stage in the West End where she has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. Catherine’s first novel, Something in the Water, was a number one New York Times bestseller with rights sold in over thirty territories. It was also a Richard & Judy Book Club Pick. Her second novel, Mr Nobody, was published in 2020 and her third novel, The Disappearing Act, published in 2021.

Review

‘The Family Game’ is a high-stakes thriller where your every move is scrutinised to see if you have the winning hand! This was a slow burn of a book, setting the scene of an ordinary English girl entering an ultra-wealthy American family before the drama hits you with a punch! The intrigue was full on and the mystery aspects were brilliant. This was the first book that I have read by this author but I will be keeping my eye out for future releases as I really enjoyed this one.

The premise was unique. When meeting her future in-laws for the first time she is given an old tape which he says contains a book that he has written and wants her opinion on. Harriet is a best selling thriller writer herself. But really it's a series of clues to a rash of murders. But who is killer? On top of that the family play some mental games - they are very competitive! Plus, Harriet has a secret of her own that is desperate to keep hidden from her new family! Although, I had guessed the ending that didn't stop my enjoyment of the book. I liked Harriet as a character and would easily read more about her life! I'm sure there is a lot more that could be written about the Holbeck family.

Let me know if you pick this one up!