Oh I love a dysfunctional family book and this one checked ALL the boxes! Harriet meets the love of her life, Edward, who comes from a legendary filthy rich family. Harriet can finally leave her own troubled past behind and is intrigued by getting to know Edward's family. But that is a door she absolutely should have kept shut as the fascination quickly turns to horror. The vivid imagery in this book added to the creepiness and the final twist was a shocker.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC.

What a kickass book! I did not expect the ending - no spoilers, but the scene of the actual family game...CHILLS. Although I have read (or watched) this trope a few times about a weird rich family, a cool woman buying in, then all hell breaking loose, this book still felt unique.

Another impressive book by this author! I loved her debut novel, Something in the Water, and I loved Disappearing Act but I think this one is even better. Each novel continues her growth as a writer with tighter writing and pacing that hooks you. Each story is very different but at its heart is a heroine you want to tag along with. I was shocked when I realized I was halfway through this novel and really no closer to where it was going because I was so enjoying what I was reading which didn’t feel like the description. I don’t mean that in a bad way, just in that’s how great the writing is, that I was completely caught up in the story about well nothing really. It takes awhile before the book barrels forward more towards the description and when it dos it’s at breakneck speed. I loved the reveal but I was sorry the book was ending because it’s such a great read. The beginning started off slowly for me which had me nervous about this book but very quickly I was happily immersed in Harry’s life so don’t worry if it doesn’t grab you right away. There’s a blackmail revealed that sets up the story and my only complaint about this novel is how unrealistic the repercussions hanging over her head were but it’s very easy to overlook for the sake of this story. I do wish there was more clarification at the end but again that’s a minor quibble. I’m excited that I missed the author’s other book, Mr. Nobody, since I’m bummed to be done with this one. If you haven’t read her books yet I recommend you start at the beginning because they are all worth reading. I can’t wait to read her next one! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I wanted to enjoy this mystery but I found it hard to follow. I felt myself wanting the book to be over halfway through, and skimmed until the end, where I was met with a rather unfulfilling conclusion.

Ooh, this was twisty and disturbing! I love reading about dysfunctional families, in a can't-look-away kind of way. I did suspect the end twist, but I was actually really happy with the way it played out--a lot of hope, which I don't look for in a thriller but really appreciated as we roll into fall 2022. It also gave me really cozy vibes, despite the f-ed up holiday stuff! I saw everything so clearly in my mind--would make a great mini-series.

Review published on Goodreads, 5 July 2022:

As with Steadman's previous psychological thrillers, I was drawn to this one—her newest—because of its intriguing premise. There's just so much juicy potential in the idea of the newest member of a powerful, wealthy family being given a tape with what appears to be a murder confession on it. Even though the story got less appealing to me as it spun on, I still kept reading THE FAMILY GAME to see what in the world was going to happen. I could tell where the plot was going from the get-go, but I definitely wanted to see how it was going to play out.

That being said, there was a lot about the plot that didn't make sense to me, including the purpose of the confession tape. I also found the characters (Harry included) to be cliché and unlikable, with some of them being downright reprehensible. The whole idea of Harry being attracted to her father-in-law turned me off completely, especially since I didn't see him as "charming" in the least. Ick. Even though the plot of THE FAMILY GAME goes from illogical to bizarre PDQ (pretty darn quick), I did find myself racing through the pages. I didn't really care about the characters, but I did want to know what was going to happen to them. The ending (at least Harry's resulting relationship with the Holbeck family) made no sense to me either, so...I'm calling this an average read. There was plenty that rubbed me the wrong way about the story, but it kept my attention throughout and kept me turning pages.

I went into this, as I'm sure others did as well, expecting it to be something like the movie Ready or Not. There's kind of the same vibe, especially when they play the game with everyone's favorite malevolent Christmas sprite (outside of the Elf on the Shelf). But overall, this is a different kind of story altogether and I liked it. Yeah, maybe it's not the most plausible tale in the world, but it's a good time.

Actual rating 2.5 stars.

I will start by saying that I had a fun time reading this, and for that reason I gave 3 stars rounded up. This is a thriller involving a writer who winds up in over her head when she meets her fiance's family. Harry (Harriet) is an orphan, a writer, and a Brit expatriat living with her boyfriend Edward Holbeck in New York City. Edward proposes, and Harry realizes she will have to meet his family. Turns out that Edward is the eldest son of the Holbeck family, one of the wealthiest and most secretive families in America. Harry is then drawn into a cat-and-mouse series of cruel games that the family like to play, and the tension escalates when she becomes the target of the patriarch, Robert Holbeck and the secrets that Harry keeps close to her chest threaten to come to light.

This is a very enjoyable thriller if you do not think about the plot at all. Although the climax was interesting and entertaining, it truly makes no sense so do not think about it just go with the vibes, like the author did when attempting to write about America as a British person (I lol'd at some of the dialogue of the American characters and description of New York City like it is very much written as someone overseas attempting to write about America without having been there for like more than a weekend).

⭐️⭐️FOUR STARS⭐️⭐️

Catherine Steadman’s latest thriller, The Family Game, poses the question, “How far are you willing to go for love?” In the case of her protagonist, the answer is pretty darn far!

Many people have likened this book to the film Ready or Not. I’m here to tell you to disregard that comment. Go into it with a fresh mind - this is an unique and original story. That being said, if you liked the film, you’ll probably like this book.

Our protagonist is Harry (Harriett), a young, newly successful author, who has fallen in love with a wealthy and seemingly perfect man. But, after she meets his family, she learns some family secrets are darker than others… including her own.

I really enjoyed this book. It was tough to put down! My only complaint? It ended too abruptly. I liked the conclusion, but I think it could have been executed better. I honestly wondered if there was a chapter missing before the final one.

That being said, I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good thriller or a quick read.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Harriet (Harry) Reed seems to have everything going for her. Her first novel just sold its millionth copy and she’s about to marry the handsome, wealthy man of her dreams. Now that it’s the holidays, she’ll be meeting his family for the first time. Growing up an orphan after her parents died when she was young, she likes the idea of having a family again, even though Edward has been estranged from them and warns her they are not like other families. Harriet attributes it to them growing up with the kind of money most of us can’t fathom in real life.

Certainly the holiday games they play aren't like anything she's known--they border on being psychologically cruel, but Harry does her best. She’s under an extreme time crunch to get her second book written, so she can’t investigate the family members much until it might be too late.

The last 50 or so pages in particular were very tense and suspenseful. I whipped through them quickly to see how it all worked out. I don’t remember reading another story quite like this, so kudos to Steadman for her original premise and execution.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES SEPTEMBER 29, 2022.

This was kind of over the top but ya know what. I liked it! The setup: Harriet has just gotten engaged to the man of her dreams – he’s charming, handsome, and comes from an old money New York family. Now it’s time for her to meet his mysterious family…and they may be more than she bargained for. Think: that movie Ready Or Not. I never saw it so I can’t speak to how totally similar they are but it’s definitely in that vein (though this wasn’t a horror novel, just a thriller).

I loved the setting of this book. I thought the author did a great job of evoking NYC at Christmas – the lights on Fifth Avenue, the icy streets, just the whole atmosphere. I loved the fiance’s family’s mansion on the Upper East Side, the Brooklyn townhouse where his brother lives, and the gigantic, secluded, gothic home upstate where they go to spend Christmas. So fun. It reminded me the tiniest bit of Rosemarys Baby – none of the devil worship/supernatural stuff at all, but just this young woman in NYC and everyone kind of manipulating things and keeping secrets around her. The book fell into my favorite genre – rich people acting crazy on the Upper East Side – so it seems I’ll enjoy anything that falls under that umbrella. Again, the whole thing was definitely a little far fetched and over the top but honestly, I enjoyed it! A fun, fast read that I think will be great for fall and heading into Christmas. This one releases in November!

This was my first book by Catherine Steadman, and I definitely am a fan of family drama and thrillers so I thought I was really going to love this one. I must say though, it was a slow start, and I pretty much guessed the "twist" about the halfway point. Still, I did want to keep reading, and there was enough of a mystery to move it along. I do think some will really like this one.

Harry (short for Harriet) is a novelist who is engaged to Edward. He is the Heir to a very wealthy, prominent, and powerful family. Edward has severed ties with his family to make his own way, but inevitably, they are pulled back into the family. Harry thinks that they seem welcoming and fairly normal. Then, her soon to be father in law, Robert, hands her a tape of a book he's written. As she listens, she realizes it's actually a confession. Why would Robert want her to hear this? Harry decides to play the dangerous games this family has. If she plays wrong, things could go terribly bad for her.

Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. Out October 18.

Inventive and atmospheric, this book is going to be a hit this November/December - or at the very least it deserves to be. I echo the other reviewers who say this one reminds them of “Ready or Not” - such an apt comparison. It definitely made me feel the same way while reading it as I did watching the movie. I raced through the last 15-20% of the book, desperate to have my questions answered. A few threads I feel like were glossed over and a few puzzle pieces I would’ve liked answered a bit more clearly, but ultimately, this is a really strong entry into the genre. Thank you to Ballantine and Catherine Steadman for the advance review copy in exchange for my free and honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 4. Atmospheric thriller featuring a powerful family and wicked games. The premise of the book drew me in, dark secrets and unnerving mind games are part in parcel for this novel. The plot and the characters build up slowly then really take off midway through the book. Primary critique is the representation of the American characters- they sound and feel more British. Overall though the reading experience was a good time with The Family Game.

3.5*
Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC! 🫶🏼

First of all let me just say that I enjoyed this book! I was intrigued by the whole story line. I was desperate to know what was going on. The mystery aspect of this book kept me on my toes. However, there were a couple parts that felt a little lackluster and I felt myself getting a little bored. I did guess where this one was headed around 60% in the book. There’s not a big plot twist or anything with this book so just keep that in mind.

I would recommend giving this one a shot, if you’re looking for a short chapter, easy to read thriller.

Review will be posted to Instagram on 9/13/22

“The game gives us a chance to rebalance the scales, once a year, to rectify the power balance in the family. It reminds us that we must be good to one another all year long or risk the consequences if the tables are turned.”

Harriet Reed is a British writer who moves to New York upon falling in love with Edward Holbeck, a successful American businessman and the eldest son of an uber rich family.

After accepting his marriage proposal, Harry is thrust into the Holbeck family gatherings on Thanksgiving, Krampusnacht, and Christmas.

However, these are not ordinary dinner parties, as Harry is compelled to play the family’s traditional games.

And these are no ordinary games…

Harry must figure out the clues before her own secrets are discovered.

I am still recovering from an emotional rollercoaster! This thriller starts off as a VERY slow burn. At 40% I was tempted to quit reading, as nothing seemed to be happening. Then, I was glad that I kept with it, as the middle of the book is filled with a fast-paced and truly clever and original plot. But, when I reached the OTT ending, I threw up my hands! Moreover, I wish the pacing was more steady throughout.

As in her previous thriller, The Disappearing Act, I found that this British author seems to be confused about American culture. The plot is about an American family, yet the game is steeped in more classic British traditions. Even Harry is confusing as a main character because I kept thinking she was a man for at least the first 10%. Is Harriet usually shortened to Harry? Maybe in England, as I have never heard that in America. She also confuses American/British terminology such as torch for flashlight again as well.

However, I really enjoyed the clever chapter titles and the sinister Krampusnacht and Christmas games. They really increased the mounting tension and helped question the Holbecks’ motives.

This book is definitely a mixed bag for me. Overall, I give it 4 stars for the plot and 3 stars for the execution.

3.5/5 stars rounded up

Expected publication date: 10/18/22

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of The Family Game in exchange for an honest review.

Catherine Steadman pens a well written stay with you propulsive read. I found I could really enjoy it despite and also because of the
bizarre family games. I wish I had such unique imaginative writing powers. So often when I finish a book In this genre the ending makes me
think I wasted reading hours…not so here. The tone of general fiction pulls me in and really focuses me so I am less likely to pick the book
up and put it down for long periods. Harry and Edward were such complex memorable characters that the minor family players in the background worked well. Super enjoyable read

Harriet Reed was orphaned as a young child. She has worked hard, trusted no one completed and has become a famous novelist. Then she meets Edward Holbeck, the heir of a wealth, powerful family. She moves to the states and begins to settle into a life with him which eventually means meeting his family. The games quickly begin. She is given a tape from her soon to be father-in-law which starts as novel but turns into confessions of a serial killer. Harriet is left with the decision to play the game or confess her own deep secrets.
What starts out similar to a Danielle Steel fairytale, turns to a James Patterson mystery and before you know it is a Stephen King horror. There are so many twists and turns that it leaves you dizzy and wondering who you trust and is there anyone without a dark ulterior motive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When you think of family games, what comes to mind? For me it’s probably unicorn monopoly or chutes and ladders, or my almost 5 year olds favorite - slap jack. When the Holbeck’s think family games they conjure up krampus chasing children and scaring them into being good, and twisted scavenger hunts. Not really safe, wholesome family games - but hey the ultra rich get their thrills differently than the rest of us I suppose.

Harriet, Harry, had met and fallen deeply in love with Edward Holbeck. After dating a year Edward convinced her to meet his family, and Harry, having no family of her own is eager to take part. After a wonderful thanksgiving dinner, Harry is invited to the Krampus game. Krampus is St Nicholas mean cousin, he is the one who punished the bad kids. So with the game all the children are terrorized by Krampus until one of them finds the evergreen stick. Harry has no idea what she’s getting into, and is taken aback with how horrible the “game” is. Harry receives a cryptic tape from the Sr Holbeck and begins listening. Still taken in by all the glamor and glitz that comes with the Holbecks, Harry agrees to go away to their family home for Christmas. Harry had listened to the entire tape and she is shocked to hear the confession that lies within. Determined to get answer she agrees to participate in a scavenger hunt game Christmas Eve. Things take a gruesome turn and this game, like Krampus, is nothing like you’d think. Harry starts to wonder if she is going to escape this game alive…

I really enjoyed the big twist of this book. While I had an inkling it was coming it was still delightful. The whole family is not what you’d think and the secrets that are revealed are way to believable coming from a family dealing in billions. This book come out October 18th and make sure to add it if your looking for a fun thriller to welcome you into spooky season. 4/5 stars from me. I want to extended my deepest gratitude to @netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Harriet is an orphan and a successful author who meets beyond rich Edward, he of the well known Holbeck family, of which Harriet is about to join. Edward keeps her away from his family until they get engaged, but the welcome she finds is not what she's been lead to believe.
Her physical attraction to his father is odd and mentioned several times. It really made me wonder about her. She seemed to enjoy the interactions with him which should have been more like Danger! signs instead. Putting yourself in a situation like that and more than once, seems just plain dumb. He gives her a tape to listen to, but she isn't to let anyone else know about it. Hmmm... time to leave this family is what that said to me.
The games the family plays are dark and twisted and scary as hell, though they call the games fun and involve the children. Run away from these people! After the first game she actually agrees to play the next one which I thought was dumb and would have not done. Sure, she was afraid her secret would come out, but I would have said this family is not for me and would have fled.
I stuck it out to the end and yes there were some twists I did not see coming, but overall I didn't really like any characters and thought it was too twisted.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest opinion.