Thank you Simon & Schuster and Netgalley.
I liked and then I didn't and then I did - it was far fetched at times, but the plot was good and the pace.

When Harry meets Edward, their relationship is seemingly perfect. That is until she meets the in-laws - the power and old monied Holbecks. Their influence is far reaching and their Christmas party games are seriously competitive and disturbing. This year, Harry is invited to join and it appears the gaming stakes have just got higher. Someone is playing to win even if it kills. A twisted tale where winning is literally life or death. #thefamilygame # catherinesteadman #netgalley

This book has an intriguing premise - author Harriet is about to marry into one of the richest families in America and, at her first meeting with him, her Father-in-Law to be gives her a cassette which seemingly contains a murder confession. Harriet, with secrets of her own, must work out what is true whilst negotiating the politics of the family.

It started out well, I was keen to find out whether the information on the tape was true and what Harriet would do about it, as well as find out what secrets Harriet herself was keeping hidden. But unfortunately, my enjoyment of book soon began to diminish. I am more than willing to suspend disbelief when I'm reading fiction but the completely nonsensical decisions of Harriet became increasingly jarring. The conclusion of the book made for somewhat compelling reading but ultimately, the reasoning behind the whole plot was again, nonsensical and I just couldn't buy it. Overall, I found this book a disappointment and its not one I would recommend.

This is an excellent read. It is a well written book. I loved the tense atmosphere. The characters were well developed and creepy. It is well plotted and paced. There are some good twists and the ending was satisfying. This is a suspenseful read

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman is a very far-fetched, slow-to-start thriller that I gradually found myself enjoying; you really need to leave behind any expectation of reality with this one. I was very close to putting this down and DNFing only for the redemptive pace and tension of the Krampus scene. I found the whole thing to be a bit odd if I’m honest. An author with a dark and shadowy past is essentially being controlled by her wealthy future in-laws. Her fiancé tells her little to nothing about his past and his family have an obsession with some very strange traditions that include scaring the bejaysus out of its family members - even the toddlers aren’t exempt from them. I found the relationships unusual, everything just felt a bit off and unsettling which, even though that is the point of reading a thriller, it was unsettling because it just didn’t seem believable! The beauty of a thriller is that there’s some hint of truth, of possibility that these things could actually happen and I didn’t really get that from this book. While I do enjoy a thriller that is dark and twisty, this didn’t really do it for me as it felt much too bizarre for my liking.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

Catherine Steadman's latest thriller, "The Family Game," kept me on the edge of my seat with its gripping narrative and suspenseful twists. The author, known for her bestselling work "Something in the Water," once again delivers a compelling story that takes readers deep into the mysterious world of the Holbeck family.

One of the aspects I truly enjoyed about the book was Steadman's skillful storytelling. The pacing was impeccable, with each chapter leaving me eager to uncover the next layer of the intricate plot. The rules laid out at the beginning added an extra layer of tension, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty that lingered throughout the novel. The character development was also noteworthy, especially in the case of Harriet Reed, the protagonist, whose journey from confusion to determination added depth to the narrative.

The premise of a murder confession on tape was a unique and intriguing concept, setting the stage for a psychological thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. The Holbeck family's mysterious game added an element of unpredictability, making the storyline even more engaging.

However, there were a few aspects that left me slightly dissatisfied. The resolution felt a bit rushed, and certain plot points could have been explored further for a more satisfying conclusion. Additionally, some characters seemed underdeveloped, making it challenging to fully invest in their motives.

Despite these minor drawbacks, "The Family Game" is undeniably a page-turner that will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. Catherine Steadman's adept storytelling and the novel's intriguing premise make it a worthy addition to the genre. Overall, I found myself thoroughly entertained by the suspenseful ride, making "The Family Game" a recommended read for those who enjoy a good psychological mystery.

I love being given the opportunity to update our school library which is a unique space for both senior students and staff to access high quality literature. This is definitely a must-buy. It kept me absolutely gripped from cover to cover and is exactly the kind of read that just flies off the shelves. It has exactly the right combination of credible characters and a compelling plot thatI just could not put down. This is a great read that I couldn't stop thinking about and it made for a hugely satisfying read. I'm definitely going to order a copy and think it will immediately become a popular addition to our fiction shelves. 10/10 would absolutely recommend.

A twisty, gripping game of cat and mouse which I really enjoyed. I found myself flipping pgaes wanting to know desprerately what would happen next.

Harriet (Harry) is a writer. Life is going well for her, her published book is a success and she is currently working on her second one. And of course there is Edward a handsome wealthy business tycoon, they had a whirlwind romance and engagement quickly followed. There is just the small hurdle of meeting his family!!

The Holbecks are very wealthy, they are steeped in old money and privilege. They are definitely not your average family.

Patriarch of the family Robert slips a cassette to Harry. She knows that her past and future are about to collide and she will need to play along with "The Family Game" to survive.

The rules of the game are simple : -

1. Listen carefully
2. Do your research
3. Trust no one
4. Run for you life

This is a waltzer of a fairground ride kind of thriller that had me shaking my head.

Was it over the top - yes!! But I loved it and it worked, I was engrossed throughout and desperate for answers

Makes my families game nights with Monopoly and popcorn seem slightly tame!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The Family Game
by Catherine Steadman

A gripping, twisty, puzzle box of a thriller that has my heart pounding and an ending I didn't see coming.

The only other book by this author that I have read is "Something in the Water" which I devoured in one day a few years ago. Like in that one, Steadman again drops the reader into the story at the 95% mark, which I realise is a technique that really works for me. When the protagonist comes to, covered in blood, temple throbbing on Christmas day in a gothic mansion miles away from any town, you know you're in for something hair raising, and there's no getting away from the pervasive menace all through this cat and mouse chase.

There's nothing complex about the plot; an author working on her sophomore novel, a fairytale engagement to the man of her dreams, in-laws with a sick amount of wealth and power and a charismatic patriarch, but with secrets that could destroy her she needs to play her cards close to her chest. Unlucky for her, this is a family that like to play games, games that are challenging and character building, and to abstain is no longer an option.

Set between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, this is a pacy, plot driven emersion into the world of Old money, where blood is thicker than water and there is always a first, and always a winner.

I'm so excited by how engaged I was with this fairly over the top but compelling mystery. I imagined it as a movie the whole way through, from the breaktaking Manhattan penthouse views, the sweeping upstate New York freeway shots to the atmospheric mansion with decorative gardens and creepy maze. A second win for @catsteadman so I know I'll be catching up on the rest of her back catalogue soon.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @simonschusteruk for the ARC

This book left me feeling as if we don’t know anyone even your family members.
Harry a novelist has just been proposed to by her boyfriend Edward. Edward is from
A very high profile family and Harry has yet to meet them. The meeting is set to visit and the games will begin.

This book is intense and a great read. Definitely a page turner, I couldn’t put it down.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.

I found this book a little slow in the first half, but then it really speeds up. I was frustrated by the plot device of Harriet not listening to the whole tape in one go, this was at odds with the character. Wow though, does this writer have a fabulously inventive mind; games at her house must be a riot.

Upper east siders grow up, get married and continue to play their games. The Family Game by Catherine Steadman was a wonderfully twisty, dark popcorn thriller.

I have read 2 other books by this author before this one so I knew I would enjoy it.

For me, the story was a little far fetched, but having said that, it didn’t stop me from picking it up!
It’s a classic ‘I need to read it now because I need to find out how it all ends’! I last 30% really picked up and I read that in one sitting.

I didn’t see the twist, I actually thought it was potentially going to be something else so that was really enjoyable.

I did like how it started with the ending and then the whole book was finding out how she had gotten to that point. I enjoy books written in that style because you always know something juicy is going to happen.

I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite book by this author but it’s definitely worth a read if you are a fan.

This is a compelling tale about a fish-out-of-water British novelist who is planning to marry into an Uber-wealthy family who loves all manner of games (some fun, some deadly). Succession meets Agatha Christie in this-- dare I say it-- page turner. A great choice for a sunny beach holiday or a rainy weekend.

Rating - 4.5 stars rounded off to 5
A labyrinth of opulence, sophistication and ultimate weirdness!

Thanks Netgalley & Simon and Schuster UK for the ARC!

Synopsis –

Meet the Holbecks – one of the most powerful and richest families in the US with generational wealth. Harriet Reed, a popular author in the UK, is engaged to the family’s heir Edward. When Edward’s father Robert, gives Harriet a tape recording of a book he’s writing, she then realizes that it is some sort of a confession and that she is now part of this weird family’s games. Not all games are silly or funny are they? This game is certainly neither – it is rather dark and deadly.

Ready or not? Here they come!

Review -

What an ingenious premise involving some crazy, filthy rich people! From the start to the end, this book kept me glued, guessing and marveling at how ridiculously strange, wealthy influential families can be.

Steadman’s atmosphere building is masterful – as she details the Holbeck empire’s history and background of their massive establishment. Right from when Harriet gets introduced to this family, she plants the seeds of doubts in our minds about the veracity of every family member we meet.

Soon Harriet is invited to all sorts of bizarre family traditions that really spike up the adrenaline and fear factor – eyebrows flying up to fathom, just what lengths these folks can go to play some games. But it is when Robert’s tape comes into play, that Harriet begins to uncover the secrets behind their glamorous façade.

If there is one advice I can give you – it is “believe nothing and no one in this book”, as it is very easy to fall prey to the author’s clever traps in hiding things in plain sight!

The ending was a game of maze where you really run for your life! A fitting finale indeed - full of nail-biting thrill, unbelievable drama, chaos and knock out twists!

My first by Catherine Steadman, but I am already a fan!

A twisted thriller about a wealthy family and it's secrets. Though well written, the novel was overlong and I struggled with the narrative.

I found myself intrigued throughout. Hoping for some twists and turns. While a few did happen, majority of the time I guessed them in advance. I felt there wasn't enough time between being told something before we found the truth out. So the suspense didn't last long. Except for the main twist.
But regardless of this I still enjoyed the book as a whole. Didn't find myself bored or zoned out.

I found The Family Game to be a fantastic read.It had so many twists and turns that it had me in a spin, not knowing what to believe or which way the story was going to go next. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster UK for my ARC.

It's funny: in-laws are supposed to be problematic, aren't they? That old cultural stereotype. I guess it's funny because it's often true. In-laws can be difficult. Families can be different. And I can't argue with the facts, here, bleeding on their floor.

Harriet and Edward are the power couple everyone aspires to be. She's a novelist reaching new levels of stardom and acclaim, her fiancé a man who forged a life of success despite distancing himself from the generational wealth and power of his family.

But blood can be thicker than water, and soon enough they find themselves spending the holiday season with the enigmatic and elusive Holbeck family. On the surface, Harriet finds them charming, welcoming, warm. And she can't deny their effortless glamour and presence are intriguing. It feels like the family is coming together, until Holbeck patriarch Robert hands her something - a Dictaphone tape. It's clear that this isn't the nice family get together she'd been expecting - Robert is playing a game with her, and she needs to figure out the rules before she ends up just a pawn.

"He has chosen me because he likes games, because he likes thrillers and because he has decided I am a worthy opponent."

A compulsive and compelling thriller about the dark depravity hidden behind the glitz and glamour of an elite family, and the deadly fallout when that family explodes.

The Holbecks are definitely an interesting collective - untouchable and perfect, but almost cult-like in their traditions. They create their own rules; their wealth and influence making them a law unto his own. Their reach is clear before we even meet them, how easily they can influence others and interject into their lives. Harriet was equally intimidated and intrigued by them, and she took both her newfound family and their dark secrets in her stride - facing a challenge seemed instinctive for her, almost exciting despite the fear creeping in. I loved her methodical, clear-cut voice and the logical way she saw things, but I did find her very distant and aloof as a narrator which left me feeling a bit disconnected. There were times important things happened but they were stated so simply they were almost missed, almost like it was out of place.

There was magic in the air - the warm, glowing magic of Christmas lights and engagement rings harshly juxtaposed against the eerie backdrop of castles and traditions and blood. But of course, there's no real magic - any 'bad guys' in this story are real humans who bleed and that makes them ever creepier. This slow-burner was all about the build-up, the intensity - in fact not much happens for the first half of this story, we just spend time carefully setting the scene, watching as Harriet picks at the threads of this family until they start to come undone.

This book is like a game of Cluedo but with devastating stakes - everyone is a suspect, and there's no way out until you've won the game.