Unfortunately this book didn't work for me. Thanks for the copy in exchange for an honest review. But only two stars for me. Thanks

Words cannot express how much I love Catherine Steadman's books. Every single one has blown me away and I cannot wait for another one.

Harriet is given a tape by her soon-to-be father-in-law, Robert, and is told not to tell her fiancee Edward. She started by thinking it was a novel but soon realizes it is something far more sinister, and it's not fiction.

It is VERY hard to put this book down, so I suggest starting it when you're not too busy and you can just read, read, read. This book will keep you guessing until the very end. It was truly fantastic.

A thriller novelist becomes inextricably involved with an extremely wealthy family. As she begins to uncover the secrets to their longstanding wealth and success, she soon discovers she may be in over her head.

Upon reading the prologue and first couple of chapters, all I could think to myself was "wait, is this not that satirical horror film Ready or Not? Isn't this the same premise? Haven't we done this before?" And while I'll admit that first appearances aren't always what they seem, there are quite a few elements to this novel that were reminiscent of that particular film. Obviously the twists and turns of <u>The Family Game</u> were different and entertaining for sure (through predictable). This was a quick and enjoyable thriller, just not necessarily as original as I had initially hoped.

I thought the book was great! It started off slow but once the book picked up about halfway through, I couldn’t put it down! It was super atmospheric and would’ve been the perfect read for the holidays. The love the way the story was told and even though the book wasn’t super twisty, it was quite suspenseful. (I did predict the big twist but that did not detract from me enjoying the book!) The games were interesting and I loved how the game at the end cleverly lead the MC to the killer!😊

Thanks so much, NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine, for the eARC of the book and to PRH Audio for a complementary copy of the books! All opinions are my own!

Catherine Steadman was phenomenal as a narrator!

3.5 stars.

The premise of The Family Game by Catherine Steadman is great fun! A woman is invited to spend the holidays with her fiance's family, and what starts as a family celebration turns into a deadly game. This is a dark story that doesn't take itself too seriously and take the reader on a wild, and somewhat wacky, ride!

I read this while visiting my family over the holidays, so a great time to read a story about dangerous family games over the holidays! I was intrigued from the onset of this story when Harriet first met Edward's weirdly eccentric family. Their strange games made for an interesting read because I could not even predict what would happen next. As the story went on, I don't know that I ever fully bought into the whole concept and final reveal. I know this is not really supposed to be a realistic story, but it was so far-fetched and over the top that I still had a hard time buying it.

This is a breezy, entertaining and twisted thriller! Nothing too serious but still makes for a fun read!

I loved the premise of this but it fell flat for me. The end was so over the top and out of left field I was shaking my head. I was frustrated with how stupid Harriet was throughout the novel but was hooked with the fast paced page turner quality, but the end really missed the mark.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of The Family Game by Catherine Steadman from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I've enjoyed previous books from Catherine Steadman and couldn't wait to sit down and read this. OMG! This book will take your breath away and keep you guessing until the end. Loved every single page and can't wait to read more by this author.

Wow this was like a cross between Ready or Not and Rosemary's Baby. I found it so entertaining and basically couldn't put it down. The writing was great as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this one, even though I figured out the ending, it was thrilling to read it all unfold.

Wow! What a suspenseful, twisty read! It had such a surprising end and I got through it quickly, because I just had to know what was going to happen next. Such a good book!! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for this copy!

This book was so good! The twists were unexpected and the ending was great. I read it in a couple days because I couldn’t wait to pick it up again every time I put it down. Can’t wait for this authors next book.

The Family Game is an original thriller which can be hard to come by these days. Catherine Steadman is an auto buy for me. I love her work and the worlds she creates.

In The Family Game, Harry has no idea what she is getting herself into with the Holbeck Family. This over the top – sinister read will keep you on the edge of your seat. Go in blind and enjoy the ride. You are in good hands with this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

I LOVED this one! It kept me guessing throughout. I have loved all of this author’s books, but I think this is my favorite!
It’s about a woman that is swept of her feet by a handsome man, who asks her to marry him. All is going well… until she goes to meet his family. They are ridiculously wealthy, powerful and love to play games 👀

Of course another great book by Catherine Steadman! She always writes a great thriller with excellent characters and a tightly woven plot! I love her books.

This is a story of a rich eccentric family, with a time-honored tradition of a lethal game. Harry is about to find out the cost of joining the 1%. She is a novelist on the edge of making it big, her fiancé Edward appears to be perfect. Edward severed ties with his family but they make a reappearance in his life. Harry is fascinated by the glamour of his family and they welcome her into the family with open arms. When meeting his father Robert for the first time he gives Harry a cassette tape with a shocking confession that sets the game in motion. Why would he give her the tape, knowing it could destroy everything?
I liked this book a lot, it was definitely a wild ride of a book. If you like books full of twists and turns you will definitely like this one. I spent the whole book hoping Harry would win against the family. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for granting my wish and making The Family Game by Catherine Steadman, available to me! In exchange I am providing an honest and unbiased review.

The Family Game was so much fun! A dark, super creepy, propulsive and thrilling murder mystery that will make your head spin!
Author Harriet "Harry" Reed is in a loving relationship, yet she has never met her partner Edward's estranged ultra rich, powerful Holbeck family. When they are finally introduced going into a busy holiday season, Harry is ready to get to know them and relieved at how welcoming they are, regardless of the nagging suspicion that she is about to get in way over her head. Enter her In-laws whose family traditions are FAR from traditional (just wait for THAT chapter! You'll know when you get there 😉)
Not to mention the disturbing interaction she has with Edwards father as he shares a tape with a book he's writing. A confession to murder! Intrigue! As Harriet unravels why he has shared this with her and what is all means, she will soon realize how deep she has been drug into the Holbeck family game and losing this game is not an option.
The Family Game is a wild ride and I loved every creeptastic bump, twist and turn! Enjoy!

I was thrilled to read another Steadman novel. This was twisty and engaging and I needed to keep reading!

Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, family secrets, slow burn, suicide, death

A British author is marrying into a prominent wealthy American family that likes to play quite an interesting game.

What a ride this was and I was all for it. There were some heart pounding moments in the final act and the twist was unexpected.

I was able to listen to the final version as well, so I went back and forth reading and listening. I'd definitely recommend listening if you can.

The author narrated for 10 hours and 51 minutes. Y'ALL! is this author American or British?? I think she altered her accent really well and though I can probably guess which is her real one it's almost hard to tell. Also, I liked the added side effects when she was on the phone or we were listening to the tapes. Impressive.

Overall, a tension filled domestic thriller with a clever and engaging plot.

This book had some really good parts and a few parts that made me want to stop reading it all together. I did finish it though, and it was ok—entertaining enough but not as good as other books by this author.

4.5☆ for The Family Game! I can't remember tearing through two thrillers in a row and enjoying them as much as I have these last two! I kind of knew whodunit, but how or why had me puzzled til the final pages. The ancillary characters weren't really well developed, and the setting wasn't anything special, but the pace and twists more than made up for those minor shortcomings for me. I couldn't put down the last half of the book - I can't wait to pass along my copy! Thanks to #netgalley for the opportunity to preview #TheFamily#Game by Catherine Steadman.

I really enjoyed this book!
It took some time to get going- but the writing was so good that I didn't care too much, I was enjoying the story.
I really enjoyed the main character and her development into herself, learning her strength.
The twist was a little predictable but overall, a very enjoyable and fun thriller.