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The Family Game cover art

The Family Game

By: Catherine Steadman
Narrated by: Catherine Steadman
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Summary

The new must-have thriller from the best-selling author of Something in the Water.

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....

©2022 Catherine Steadman (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, UK

Critic reviews

"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)

What listeners say about The Family Game

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Another tense twisty treat from Catherine Steadman

I was very much looking forward to the release of Catherine Steadman's newest thriller as I have so enjoyed her thrillers to date with the exception of "Mr Nobody" who I just could not get on board for. I especially enjoyed "Something in the water and the luxurious Bora Bora location.

This one was set in New York which made it all the more interesting as shown from the perspective of an English person who was making their way there and getting used to living in a foreign country. Loved the way this thriller also explored the dynamics of when a civilian enters the world of the super rich which I found fascinating.

I loved the way the future in-laws were so tricky and used to getting their own way and all the longstanding family traditions.

Even though Catherine has twangs of accent which always reminds me of my sister who I find infuriating, I still enjoyed the narration though some of the grammar was well out of whack such as "Her and Stuart had a baby". I really do wonder if editors exist these days at all or are now just fabled beings like unicorns. Americanism and American grammar also sneaked (or as Americans would say "snuck" in) which I suppose as it is set in the US was understandable if not entirely welcome.

I loved the plot though I did find the main character's secret dastardly deed from the past a bit improbable.
I suppose it was all a bit unlikely but I enjoyed it all down to the last drop.
It really was an exciting premise all round, learning more about the life of a thriller writer, all the excitement of becoming engaged and planning a wedding, plus the concept of joining the ranks of a famous, influential and famously wealthy family complete with its own Swedish supermodel.... let alone the brilliant murder mystery.

Just like a big box of chocolates full of my favourite flavours and I devoured it all with gusto!

Well pleased with this one after so many un-thrilling thrillers, I feel I really got my money's worth and so looking forward to the next one!

Recommend 100%

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13 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Dreary!

I’m sorry I wasted a Credit on this book.
Not a redeeming character at all!
An implausible reason for the main characters secret!
What a dreary story!
And the author reading the book , seems ego driven to me!

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Dull & unoriginal

I have no idea what has happened to this writer since her first novel. Her debut was sparkling. Dark & moody, intelligent & surprising with shades of Patricia Highsmith. I gave up on her dreary second novel but thought I’d give this a whirl. What a disappointment. It’s slow, cheesy and borderline Mills & Boon in parts. The game element also feels like it’s been done a million times before.

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Catherine Steadman does it again

From the very first word written to the vary last word spoken… Not only does Catherine Steadman write great books but she narrates them too. All in all superb from beginning to end.

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Chilling

Amazing story, well weaved through with sophisticated prose. One of the best I’ve listened to in 12 years of audiobooks

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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I really enjoyed it

I really enjoyed it it was for my book club and it was the first thriller I have ever read

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Fast Paced Thriller

I really enjoyed this book. I'd have liked the last section last a bit longer, I was enjoying it so much but it was a good pace and well worth a listen

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brilliant

this book was fantastic. Great twist, kept me hooked all the way through and the narration was outstanding!

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Fascinating

Couldn’t stop listening to this great plot and wondered where the story would take us. It was wonderfully narrated too - best audio book I’ve listened to in a while.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Too over-the-top for me

I really wanted to enjoy this and it did keep me intrigued for a while, which is a credit to the author's narration, but I couldn't suspend my disbelief. How could the protagonist carry on pretty normally given what she thinks she knows? The end twist was expected & the whole thing was way too far-fetched for me.

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