"It takes a special family to turn a home into a nightmare"

I've read countless books about dysfunctional families, but the Smoll family is truly in a league of its own! It's fascinating and unsettling how the author brings these deeply disturbed family members and their crazy antics to life.

Set against the backdrop of a haunting, centuries-old mansion undergoing renovations, "The Family Inside" paints such a vivid picture that the house feels like it has a personality of its own, adding a spooky vibe to the story.

Iris is trying to find a place to live with her daughter, Ellory, but money is tight. Thankfully, her new wealthy boyfriend, Hugh, has a plan: they can stay with him at his mother's house while he works on the mansion. Sure, his mom and other family members will be around, but the house is huge, so it will be fine. As Iris learns more about the Smoll family's eccentricities, she can't help but question how someone as seemingly normal as Hugh came from such an unusual background.

The characters are well-developed, and they kept me wanting to know more! Even though the story isn't always fast-paced, I eagerly anticipated the little secrets the author revealed about this bizarre family. The alternating timeline between the present and flashbacks adds to the intrigue and keeps things interesting.

Thanks to #TheHive, I enjoyed an audiobook version! Listening to the audiobook while following along in the ebook enhanced my experience. The two narrators did an amazing job of bringing the creepy atmosphere of the old mansion to life. I can't recommend it enough!

The book is bursting with unexpected twists and jaw-dropping moments that come one after another right up to the final page. I adore endings that make you think—the ones that challenge your imagination and remind you it's just fiction! These endings certainly spark mixed reviews but leave a lasting impression! 🤣🤦‍♀️

Thank you to Katie Garner, Harlequin Audio, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and The Hive for providing an ALC and ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

#TheFamilyInside #KatieGarner #HarlequinAudio #HTPBooks #TheHive #NetGalley #EmilyLawrence #AshleyKlanac

I usually enjoy a good suspense or mystery novel, but this one just didn't do it for me. In the beginning I was Intrigued with the plot and where it might be going. Unfortunately there were too many characters and very little character development to keep my interest. The story felt very rushed and too many new plot twists thrown in haphazardly. There was enough momentum that compelled me to complete the novel, but 3 stars was the most I could muster to give. Thanks NegGalley and Harper audio for the opportunity to listen to the ARC of this audiobook.

4.5 ⭐️

Wow this book really took me by surprise! I could tell from the description and the first few chapters it was going to be an intense journey, but little did I know what was coming. There’s nothing I love more than a good plot twist and I literally gasped out loud and had to re-read a few chapters after one of the twists.

The Family Inside follows Iris and her teenage daughter as they move into Iris’ boyfriend’s house with his mother and unexpected family members. It is a dark, multi-layered, dual POV thriller that keeps you on the edge of your toes. Set in an old, crumbling mansion of a house, the atmosphere is eerie and gothic and absolutely riveting.

I really enjoyed the audiobook narrators! They did an excellent job of distinguishing between the many characters and creating a sense of unease and urgency throughout the book. I especially enjoyed the Iris narrator, I thought she was really captivating and could’ve listened to her all night long.

Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the gifted ARC and ALC of this book.

Thank you Harlequin Audio for the gifted ALC!

This. Was. CRAZY! I could not stop listening. The whole time I was thinking to myself that the book seemed kind of predictable, and then the first twist hit and I realized I couldn't have been more wrong.

Once the twists started they didn't let up until the very last page. Interestingly enough, there was one mystery I really hoped would be solved (that wasn't) but by the end so much had happened I found I really didn't mind not knowing. (Sorry that's so vague, I don't want to spoil anything).

Highly recommend to fellow thriller lovers!

I have a feeling that 2025 is gonna be all about the WTF thrillers! So far, each and every one I’ve picked up has kept me on the edge of my seat with the suspense and unpredictability, and 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲 brought all this and more.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?

As soon as I started listening to the audiobook for 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲, I found myself immediately addicted to this absolutely twisted thriller. It’s full of mystery, dark secrets (that you are constantly trying to figure out while reading), suspense and a creepiness that just comes off the pages and makes you shiver.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:

Creepiness
Family Drama
Falling apart castle
Dual POV
Absolutely twisted family
Bit far fetched but in an entertaining way

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

Emily Lawrence and Ashley Klanac brought all the heart pounding energy into their narration and made this story even more unhinged and intense.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲?

Fast

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸?

If you are looking for a creepy and entertaining thriller, then this book is for you!

Thank you Mira for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

This story is part psychological suspense and part gothic horror. Iris' life is falling apart, but her new boyfriend has a solution to all her problems, she & her daughter will move into the family home. The problem is, everyone is keeping secrets, the boyfriend, his family, her daughter, her self, and even the house. The setting in a crumbling manor, or mansion as it has been called. It is vast in it's estate, but also seems claustrophobic . The creepy twits keep you reading from page one and well into the night. The story and the characters will keep you up way past bedtime.

Wow! What a ride! This book weaves together so many tragic stories that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The writing was absolutely gripping, keeping me craving more with every turn of the page. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the narrative would switch to another character's story and blow my mind.

I went full immersive reading with this one and loved every second of the narrator! The twists, the turns, the emotional rollercoaster – it’s a must-read for sure!

3.5 ⭐ rounded up

Ummm what the hell just happened?? There are so many little details to this story that are all entwined together. You have to really pay attention in order to follow all the twists and turns. Very enjoyable thriller!! The audiobook was great!! I really enjoyed the narrator!! Overall, a pretty good thriller!!

*Thank you partners @htp_hive @_mira_books_ and @harlequin_audio for the #gifted e-galley and audiobook in exchange for an honest review.*

The Family Inside by Katie Garner is a thrilling rollercoaster of a read that grabs your attention from the very start. Iris Blodgett, reeling from the murder of her husband three years ago and dealing with mounting debt, thinks she’s found a lifeline when her new boyfriend, Hugh Smoll, invites her and her daughter Ellory to stay in his family's mansion while he works on renovations. What seems like a temporary solution quickly becomes a nightmare as Iris uncovers eerie family secrets lurking behind every corner of the century-old house. As the plot unfolds, you’ll be taken on a wild ride, full of twists and turns that seem almost too wild to believe—so it’s best to just dive in and enjoy the crazy ride. The story is dark and atmospheric, with a heavy dose of suspense that keeps you on edge. By the end, everything clicks together perfectly, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction that makes the journey worth it. If you like secrets, suspense, and a healthy dose of unpredictability, this book will definitely deliver!

Thank you to @harlequinaudio, @netgalley and the author for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fast paced gripping story. I didn't expect it to end the way it did. It was a surprise and I always enjoy surprises. Highly recommend.

Many thanks for my gifted copy

Overwrought and ultimately unbelievable domestic thriller.

A poor and frumpy woman is courted by a really handsome, wealthy man. Iris is a widow (her husband was murdered) and she has an 18 year old daughter. Iris loses her job and is evicted from their home. Hugh sweeps in to take Iris and her daughter to a mansion he lives in with his mother. His brother, sister-in-law, and sister live there too. And then this really goes off the rails into territory that is so convoluted and twisty that not even the most dedicated reader could manage to suspend enough disbelief to keep up.

The characters were all stereotypes and the plot contained enough tropes and cliches for several books. The main character, Iris, was the most ridiculous of all. She basically is also not very smart along with being histrionic.

I really didn't want to finish this. I hate to say it because this was an ARC given to me by the publisher, but this book was a hot mess and I couldn't give it more stars.

If the writing and narrative weren't already bad enough, I was also listening to the audio book while following along in the e-book. The narrators' voices were so cringey and grating that I finally had to turn it off. Generally the accompanying audio production enhances my enjoyment of a book but this time it made me dislike it even more.

This one just wasn't for me. The plot was overly convoluted, and it seemed like the author was only interested in throwing in plot twists and diversions. I was thoroughly confused for most of the book. While a lot was told to bring it all together in the final pages, it was too little too late.

On the plus side, the narrators did a great job with the material that they had to work with.

I don't enjoy bashing books, so I won't be posting formal review on my blog or other outlets.

Thank you for the eARC!

The Family Inside revolves around Iris and her daughter Ellery (spelling unknown- audiobook) who are navigating life after losing beloved husband and father, Jack. Iris has found new love but, upon getting closer to her in laws, not all is as it seems.

I absolutely loved how fast paced and interesting this novel was! It kept me wanting to know more and more. Between all of the lies, secrets, and twists, it will keep you completely enthralled. Katie Garner does an amazing job of setting up the story and revealing just enough at a time.

10/10 would highly recommend!

I was not prepared for how good this thriller is. So dark with twists that took my breath away. I think going in knowing as little as possible is the way to read this one. I was hooked from the start and once I started all I wanted to do was keep reading. Thank you very much to Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for my copy.

Also the audiobook narrator is fabulous. Definitely recommend listening. She really built the suspense phenomenally.

Iris is recovering from the loss of her husband, she is trying to keep it together for her daughter, but they both are struggling with the loss and the unknown of what even really happened and why.

In trying to move on, Iris meets and starts dating Hugh. He wants her to join him in renovating a mansion belonging to his family, so she takes the leap and embraces this new possible future.

It doesn't take long to start feeling uneasy, mainly because she didn't realize how little she really knew Hugh or anything about his family who they are now living with.

Eerie, spooky house feel and dark family secrets in this book. This was a quick, fast paced book with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review. Release date 1/28/25.

I have decided to DNF this book at 55%.

Though part of me wanted to stick it out to see what the twist ends up being and how the many, many storylines come together, I couldn't. Even though I do love a convoluted thriller that merges its way into making sense, this one had too many storylines that were, honestly, uninteresting with not a single likeable character that kept me tied to the story. The writing was very cheesy for me at times, the dialogue of the characters was just silly on multiple occasions, and with those two things together, it made it very hard for me as a reader to take this story seriously at all. Unfortunately, this one is not for me. I can see another thriller who may enjoy books similar to authors like McFadden get into this one, but I am not that person.

Thank you to Netgalley, Katie Garner, and Harlequin Audio for the opportunity to listen to this one in advance.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy of The Family Inside by Katie Garner. This book was a great, dark and suspensful listen, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The story came together well, and many different plot lines converged in a severe end. While I found the narrator a little of putting, overall the listening experience was enjoyable. The book was longer than expected, with great character development. At times the plot lines seemed irrelevant, but clues were left throughout, with time jumps adding to the experience. An excellent conclusion and I would recommend!

I really enjoyed this book, particularly the way it wove together dual timelines and multiple points of view. The alternating perspectives kept me engaged from the beginning, and I found myself completely absorbed in the story. I couldn’t put it down, which, for me, is always a sign of a good book. The author did an excellent job of building tension and intrigue across both timelines, making each chapter feel fresh and compelling.

I chose to listen to the audiobook, and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience. The narration really brought the story to life, adding an extra layer of depth to the already complex characters and plot. The mystery surrounding the people and places in the book was always fascinating, and I found myself eager to uncover more details as the story progressed.

However, I will admit that, for me, there might have been a few too many twists. While I appreciate a good plot twist, I did feel like some of them were a bit overdone. It’s probably just me, though—I know some readers love a complex, twisty plot. Even so, this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the book. It was still a gripping read, and I stayed hooked right up until the end.

This was a story full of twists and turns. I found it to be a compulsive read. I just had to know what the heck was going on. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the author threw in another twist. There are a lot of characters to remember and at times I got confused and had to go back and re-listen. It was interesting how the author tied everyone together! I won’t say too much about the plot because I think the less you know the better for this one! If you enjoy family drama and domestic thrillers, then I recommend grabbing this audiobook!

I had gotten halfway through 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑭𝑨𝑴𝑰𝑳𝒀 𝑰𝑵𝑺𝑰𝑫𝑬 𝒃𝒚 𝑲𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓 with my @netgalley @htpbooks access when I was granted the audio through @harlequin_audio and immediately added it to my reading!

Let me tell you, this is a wild ride! Thank you @htp_hive for such fun reads!

Iris is a struggling single mom who has had her share of rough, but when Hugh offers to let her stay at his home, she feels her luck is finally turning! Ellory, her daughter who just turned 18 is much less enthused. In fact, Ellory can't take the weird family who all look at her strangely, and disappears. Iris is beside herself, but no one seems to take her concerns about Ellory seriously. And phones begin to become increasingly hard to find with the rise of tempers with family members. This is increasingly a disturbing situation, but Iris has some secrets of her own that put her in serious danger with these people, if she can ever get help!

It is easy to see the red flags in thrillers, but I was very pleased to read how these situations could have progressed in this story! I thought this was clever, twisty, and very well plotted with a fantastic twist. I had a thoroughly enjoyable time reading this in both digital and audio. The narrators, Emily Lawrence & Ashley Klanac did a great job going between perspectives and made this an even more enjoyable read!

I recommend this book for anyone looking for a really fun suspense with twisty reveals!