Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Length: 336 pages
Audiobook Length: 10 hours and 51 minutes
First Published: 2022
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Rachael’s Review
Up-and-coming novelist Harriet Reed is ecstatic to be marrying Edward Holbeck. Although he’s been estranged from the Holbeck family for years, Edward’s engagement sparks the family to want to draw him back in, especially since he’s the heir to the family fortune. What seems like a lovely family reunion turns dark when Harriet is given a tape confessing to a murder. Now the game is afoot, and Harriet isn’t sure what part she is expected to play.
It took me an entire week to read The Family Game, and not because of its length; I disliked it that much. Although Steadman’s thriller has plenty of action, the story just rubbed me all the wrong ways. For starters, Harriett has this weird fascination with her father-in-law that’s downright creepy. Even worse the glaring plot holes and illogical motivations had me wanting to chuck the novel across the room.
Publisher’s Description
THE RULES
1. Listen carefully
2. Do your research
3. Trust no one
4. Run for your life
Harriet Reed, a novelist on the brink of literary stardom, is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir of an extremely powerful family. And even though Edward has long tried to severe ties with them, news of the couple’s marital bliss has the Holbecks inching back into their lives.
As Harriet is drawn into their lavish world, the family seems perfectly welcoming. So when Edward’s father, Robert, hands Harriet 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 just a novel. It’s a confession.
A confession to a grisly crime. A murder. And, suddenly, the game is in motion.
Feeling isolated and confused, Harriet must work out if this is part of a plan to test her loyalty. Or something far darker. What is it that Robert sees in her? Why give her the power to destroy everything?
This might be a game to the Holbeck family—but losing might still prove deadly.
About Catherine Steadman
Catherine Steadman is an actress and author. She starred as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey. She is the author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, The Family Game, and The Disappearing Act. She currently lives in North London, UK.
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