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.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. Marrying into a highly influential and rich family can be complicated. But this family has even more special games and secrets they like to play and share with new family members. Enough to make a sane person say heck to the nope. But not our heroine. She sticks with it. A little predictable but a very good read and entertaining. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

4.5 stars

This is an extremely fun, fast-paced thriller that will keep readers on their toes and will rely on their belief that the ultra wealthy are capable of the actual worst. Shouldn't be too much of a stretch these days...!

Harry, the m.c., is a relatively successful author with one best seller under her belt and one in the works, and she brings a sordid past to the scene, too. This makes her a particularly intriguing future member of one of the wealthiest families in New York, which, thanks to her oldest-son-of-that-family fiancé, she'll be entering soon. But in addition to their wealth and general mystique, this family has the most disturbing habit of all: a love of the creepiest games readers have ever heard of. Not since the Green Knight has a Christmas game taken such weird turns.

In addition to the pacing, the most exciting part of this novel is that the heroine is not an idiot. That vapid, insipid, childish heroine from so many thrillers does not live in Harry's heart. She's a worthy opponent, and her flaws make her the most fun to root for, especially in opposition to what seems like a family of human horror shows.

Buckle up, eat the rich, and enjoy the game. May the most skilled players win!

Excellent novel from Catherine Steadman.

Harriet has had a difficult life before she met Edward, the oldest son of the elite, rich and powerful Holbeck family. Edward has kept his distance from the family for a while, since he refused to take his position as head of the family company.

Once Edward proposes, Harriet accepts, and knows that the time has come to meet the famous family. Initially they are welcomed with open arms and warm smiles.

Clearly there are a lot of secrets being held within the family. Meeting them all at thanksgiving, she finds that they play games, both literally and figuratively, without explaining the rules and goals. Some of these games are very cruel. Once she meets Robert, the head of the family, she realizes there is a lot more at stake than just the family fortune. Robert hands her a tape containing a chilling confession - what will she do?

Everything comes to a head at the family Christmas gathering, when a treasure hunt becomes a heart stopping quest.

Full of fascinating characters, they plot drew me in. There were a few twists I didn't see coming. All in all a very entertaining novel.

4.25 thrilling stars

Hold on to your hats with this one! It flew by so quickly and I loved the way this one opened and ended! It’s been a while since I’ve read this author, but now I’m inspired to go back and read some that I missed.

We meet Harriet (Harry) as a promising new writer and follow her fairytale romance with one of the hottest bachelors on the market. Edward is from the Holbeck family, uber-wealthy, perhaps estranged from the family, but still the eldest child. When Harry finally is invited to meet the rest of the family, she’s quickly drawn into their lives (or web?)

Soon she’s off to exclusive clubs for lunches, meeting with the charismatic head of the family, Robert, and then holiday events at the family estate, The Hydes, in a remote part of the state. Inclusion in the family comes at a price though. There are elaborate games that Harry has to participate in, and they are frightening, to say the least!

Robert gives Harry a tape to listen to and tells her it has the makings of the plot for her next book. Soon she’s drawn even deeper into the family and torn about what to do. What has she gotten herself into here? Can she survive? Can she and Edward find a happy-ever-after ending?

The author does an excellent job with the setting, and I felt that I was right there in the action with Harry. Who doesn’t dream about more money than you can spend? I could see this one made into a movie!

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
2 Stars
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman is a thriller/mystery about a powerful modern New York family (think Gilded Age Vanderbilt or Rockefeller families). However, they have some dark secrets that they have managed to hide from the world, even in today's internet age. Harriet Reed is engaged to the oldest son of the family. The novel starts off promising with the engagement and the meeting of the family. The author lost me though when Harriet started lusting after her future father-in-law. That sort of plot device is just creepy to me, especially when the future father-in-law is a shady character. While this book was not my personal cup of tea, I do think that readers who enjoy psychological, family-based thrillers will enjoy this book. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in return for my review.

This was a unique story line that had a lot of twists and turns. Some of the plot seemed very unrealistic, but a very enjoyable and quick read. 3.5 stars. Thanks netgalley for the ARC. Also posted review to goodreads. Link attached.

Okay, this book is fantastic, but if you can I HIGHLY recommend listening to the audiobook too!! Hilarious! I really, really enjoyed this book! It was captivating and it hooked me from the very first chapter! Definitely recommend! Thank you, NetGalley for this ARC!