but books are better: 5-Star Book Review: THE FAMILY GAME by Catherine Steadman

Author: Catherine Steadman

Read: May 2023

Expected publication: out now

My Rating: all the stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Book Description:

Harry is a novelist on the brink of stardom; Edward, her husband-to-be, is seemingly perfect. In love and freshly engaged, their bliss is interrupted by the reemergence of the Holbecks, Edward's eminent family and the embodiment of American old money. For years, they've dominated headlines and pulled society's strings, and Edward left them all behind to forge his own path. But there are eyes and ears everywhere. It was only a matter of time before they were pulled back in . . .

My musings:

This books was sooooo good! Sinister games are one of my favourite themes in a thriller, and Steadman knows how to spin an evil web containing all the elements that made for a great read.

Here we have Harriet (Harry), who has just landed herself the perfect man: handsome, caring and super rich. You know when something looks too good to be true? It usually is. The obvious fly in her ointment is that Edward comes with a family, who are used to getting their own way and won’t take no for an answer. They also like playing games that give the Struwwelpeter a run for his money. I am not a shrinking violet, having grown up with the legend of Krampus, and the creature itself regularly knocking on our door on the 5^th of December to check for naughty children (I am very good at hiding now). If you have no idea what I am talking about, you need to read this book! To put it in plain English, the Holbecks set their stakes high, and you either win or lose – even if it means life or limb.

I loved the whole premise of people playing dangerous games in their old stately mansion in the woods, which added a nice atmospheric touch. I also appreciated how Steadman managed the balance of making her character just damaged enough to give her a dark past, and yet still hold our loyalty. Harriet is a plucky heroine, which set the story off on a trajectory that could only end in disaster.

With tensions soon escalating and a permanent sense of foreboding overshadowing the story, I could not tear myself away. The audiobook added even more tension, as it allowed full immersion without distraction, and Steadman made her book proud by narrating it herself and giving life to her rich cast of (dysfunctional) characters.

I don’t want to say any more other than to urge you to read it! THE FAMILY GAME is definitely going on this year’s favourite list of thrillers, and I have a massive book hangover right now. Very highly recommended to mystery lovers who enjoy dysfunctional family dynamics, secrets and twists galore. Allow plenty of time when you start this because you may find yourself hooked (my dog still hasn’t forgiven me for the 10km morning hikes with my earbuds in just to listen “a little bit longer”).