This book was suspenseful, but it was a little weird and at the end got a little too unbelievable for me. Still, I read it fast to see who was good, who was bad, and wat was going on!

Harriett “Harry”, a successful novelist, is thrown into comingiling with her new fiancés incredibly wealthy family for the holiday season. Orphaned as a young adult, Harry is intimidated but excited at the prospect of joining a new family. During her fist visit, she is cornered by her future father in law who provides her with a an audiotape revealing a shocking confession which, sets a game in motion. What does the tape mean? Is her future father-in-law really confessing to his heinous crimes and how does he know about her dark past as well?

This book is very reminiscent of an underrated film “Ready or Not” which, I think had me enjoying from the beginning. While, I will say, it did take a bit to get to the “meeting of the family” and the mysterious cassette tape, there is excellent plot building that you will be thankful for later. A delightful cat and mouse feel with a family that enjoys seriously disturbed versions of Holiday cheer, I highly recommend you pick this one up to read as you embark on your holiday travels.

This was a twisting, thrilling ride from the start. I felt like I needed to wear a seatbelt while reading this. What a fantastic thriller!

Unpopular opinion - I was not a fan of this one.

The first 40% of the book was the MC asking herself, do I think this is weird because my fiancé's family are rich or because I'm pregnant? It caused me to really dislike the MC.

Then she's physically attracted to her fiance's dad and trying to blame that on the pregnancy?! Nope

I didn't like any of that. And who is going to just randomly mess with someone by telling them what types of illegal activities they have done.

None of it made sense. I know it's fiction but, everything just seemed so far fetched and over the top.

What a FUN read!

Fast paced, just how I like 'em and kept me on my toes!

I read this in December for a good "mood read" and it sure did it for me! This book kept me on the edge of my seat and really wanting more the entire time. The Krampusnacht game was easily my favorite part of the book! It was so tense and full of suspense, I loved it.

*Spoilers*
The biggest thing that bugged me was her taking forever with the tape. Why did she not just listen to it already? If it were me, it'd be eating me up to listen. And if she did, then things could have been solved more quickly and played out differently, I get. However, I really did not see the twist coming, so that was great!

The audiobook was also fantastic and I recommend that as well.

Thank you NetGalley and thank you Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC!

I loved this book!! The story was fun and twisting (I'm a sucker for twists)! The only thing I didn't like so much was how negative the main character was... I love sarcasm and underdogs rising above all odds - but, for some reason, it felt more like a drag with this book. Overall, though, I really loved the book and would love to read more by this author!

Catherine Steadman had me in suspense for the entire book. She details the story of a family with old money and their traditions which not everyone might find normal. Her twist and turns of the plot leaves the reader with a giant plot twist at the end and an OMG moment.

This book was so good! I got sucked in right from the beginning, and I just could not put it down. I loved all the twists and turns, and I did not see that ending coming! I loved Harry and figuring things out with her along the way. She was such a badass! And I loved how uncomfortable some of the discussions made you feel when it came up how far you’d go to protect the ones you love. I loved this book!

A damned exciting thriller that made me thankful for my boring, impoverished family. I wouldn't last 1 night with these people, but observing the bizarre traditions and downright bonkers behavior of rich people was a blast. Christmas needs more murderous family games in isolated locations.

👪 BOOK / REVIEW 👪

It always pains me to write a #bookreview when I didn't absolutely love it 🥹 I know there are probably books I have raved about that didn't sit well with my audience, but that is the magic of reading!!

And to add insult to injury, it's always hard when I see fellow friends and #bookstagram accounts love a book when I don't.

That being said, the premise of #thefamilygame was FUN. I felt like this drug on a bit too long though...and I really struggle when a book has too many characters. I can see the intrigue around the plot and it was definitely a unique read ... I just didn't love it 🤷‍♀️ I'm good with a ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rating!

I've read every book Steadman has written and really enjoyed all of them. While I overall like this book, it took me a bit to get into it. Honestly, if I wasn't committed to Steadman's writing, I probably would have DNF'd because by 100 pages I wasn't really connecting with the story. BUT I'm glad I stuck it out because I ended up liking this one!

I did enjoy this, the middle felt just a little long. I liked Something in the Water much better! I will still recommend this title to others though, it was a unique concept!

Holy family secrets, Batman! This book is a roller coaster of feelings. You feel for Harry who just wants to be with the love of her life Edward- however his family seemingly won’t leave them alone,

Edward belongs to the social elite family comparative to the Kennedy’s- and with that comes obligations, including weird family involved games at contrived get togethers.

The only question is- will Harry survive The Family?

What a fun, unique, crazy family drama from Steadman! It is a dark, twisty, and addictive slow burn, and it is definitely one of my favorites of hers. It is pretty predictable but still a fun and entertaining read!

Never underestimate the outsider. A family of influence , means and eccentricity has invited their brother, who is not only estranged but mum about his family and their fortune. Harriet is an up nd coming writer who stumbles onto her fiancé’s connections. An invitation to the family to celebrate their betrothal sets the stage for a ritual that seems simple but has almost deadly undertones.

DNF. Couldn't stop thinking about how this was a less fun version of the movie Ready or Not. I've actually seen it compared to so much existing IP that it seems like it was made in a lab by the publisher to be universally appealing. Which is fine! I just didn't think it was as fun or thrilling as the fun and thrilling movies/books it keeps getting compared too. Not worth trudging through for me, sadly.

This was one of the best thrillers I’ve read in a while! I truly had no idea what was going to happen until it was happening. At one point last night when I was finishing the book, my heart was pounding and I was paranoid in my own dark home!!
It was also the perfect thriller for this time of year because it is set in November/December with Krampusnacht and Christmas scenes.

This was definitely and interesting thriller/psychological thriller. I honestly didn't see the end coming. I will give it that. The Krumpus celebration would of been freaking terrifying. Like what in the actual hell. Who would do that to their children lol this family is definitely NOT normal

🎄Book Review🏠
The Family Game
By: Catherine Steadman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4.5 stars

A rich, eccentric family. A time-honored tradition. Or a lethal game of survival? One woman finds out what it really takes to join the 1% in this riveting psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act.

Whoa. The Holbeck family is off the charts crazy! I would definitely have high tailed it after the night of the Krampus game! That's too creepy for me!

Harriet Reed is engaged and expecting with Edward Holbeck, son of old money, society and headlines. When his sister invites Harry and Edward to a family dinner after years of several ties, they accept. Although the family seems to be a tad intimidating they welcome Harry right away. But then she meets Robert, Edwards father. He has his own game that he plans to engage Harry with. A cassette tape, a shocking confession; let the games begin!

AGAIN-WHOA. Strange family!

Published: October 18, 2022

Thank you @netgalley and @randomhouse for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This one kept me on the absolute edge of my seat. What an amazing plot. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get through this one.