The Family Game

The Family Game 

The Family Game from author Catherine Steadman is the latest novel to be checked off my huge to be read list that never seems to stop growing. I had heard of her books before, as Something in the Water is also on my bookshelf, but I haven’t made it to reading it just yet. 

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Have you read The Family Game yet? Come on in and let me tell you about it! 

About The Family Game 

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.  

The Rules: 

1. Listen carefully

2. Do your research

3. Trust no one

4. Run for your life

Harriet Reed, a novelist on the brink of literary stardom, is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir of an extremely powerful family. And even though Edward has long tried to sever ties with them, news of the couple’s marital bliss has the Holbecks inching back into their lives.

As Harriet is drawn into their lavish world, the family seems perfectly welcoming. So when Edward’s father, Robert, hands Harriet a tape of a book he’s been working on, she is desperate to listen.

But as she presses play, it’s clear that this isn’t just a novel. It’s a confession.

A confession to a grisly crime. A murder. And, suddenly, the game is in motion.

Feeling isolated and confused, Harriet must work out if this is part of a plan to test her loyalty. Or something far darker. What is it that Robert sees in her? Why give her the power to destroy everything?

This might be a game to the Holbeck family—but losing might still prove deadly.

Ready or not, here they come . . . 

Thoughts on The Family Game 

The Family Game is nothing like I’ve ever read before, and I love that! There are times when it feels like every possible plot has been done, overdone, and redone all over again. Then there are the ones that are just written for shock value because everything else has been overdone. But that isn’t the case with The Family Game. 

Catherine Steadman is original, without being too shocking or outlandish, and it is a really enjoyable read for me. It was a slow burn, but definitely one that made me want to keep reading. I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this novel. 

Every family is dysfunctional, but some are far more so than others! Our main character is about to find out just how dysfunctional one family can be. 

Final Thoughts on The Family Game 

Despite having Something in the Water sitting on my shelf and waiting for me to pick it up, The Family Game is the first Catherine Steadman novel that I’ve read, but I know that it will not be the last! 

I’m excited to read the rest of her writing now that I’ve read The Family Game. 

Do you ever have that happen? Where you have an author’s novel(s) on your bookshelf, but just hadn’t quite made it around to reading them, and then kick yourself once you do? That’s often how I feel when I find a really good novel or author. I’m upset I didn’t pick up their work much sooner. 

Discussion 

Have you read The Family Game or any other writing from author Catherine Steadman? Are you a fan? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 

About the Author 

Catherine Steadman is an actress and author based in London. She has appeared in leading roles on British and American television but is perhaps best known for playing Mabel Lane Fox in the series Downton Abbey. As well as on screen she has also appeared in the West End where she has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. Catherine lives in Hackney, North London.

Catherine’s first novel, Something in the Water, was a number one New York Times bestseller with rights sold in over 30 territories. Film rights were picked up by Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, with Something in the Water becoming a Reeses’s book club pick in the US and a Richard and Judy Book club pick in the UK. 

Mr Nobody, her second novel, was listed as one of Newsweek’s 20 Most Anticipated Books of 2020, and her third novel, The Disappearing Act, released in 2021, was number #1 on the iTunes Audiobook chart. 

Her fourth novel The Family Game will be out Sept 2022. 

Purchasing The Family Game 

If you are interested in buying the paperback version of The Family Game, click here.

For the hardcover version, click here. 

Click here for the Kindle version.

Click here for my favorite Kindle I currently own.

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