| Title | : | The Family Game |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 0593158067 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9780593158067 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 336 |
| Publication | : | First published September 29, 2022 |
| Awards | : | Goodreads Choice Award Mystery & Thriller (2022) |
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 . . .
After all, even though he's long severed ties with his family, Edward is set to inherit it all. Harriet is drawn to the glamour and sophistication of the Holbecks, who seem to welcome her with open arms, but everything changes when she meets Robert, the inescapably magnetic head of the family. At their first meeting, Robert slips Harry a cassette tape, revealing a shocking confession which sets the inevitable game in motion.
What is it about Harry that made him give her that tape? A thing that has the power to destroy everything? As she ramps up her quest for the truth, she must endure the Holbecks' savage Christmas traditions all the while knowing that losing this game could be deadly.
The Family Game Reviews
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This book absolutely reminded me of one of my favorite indie thrillers named “Ready or not!” At that movie: new bride finds herself a very deadly cat-mouse game at the mansion of her family in law.
The ending lines of the movie summarizes the entire premise perfectly just like it also gives us quick recap about the plot of this book in few words:
Police officer approaches the bride who wears tattered wedding gown with blood stains , looking so overwhelmed ( played by Samara Wearing)and asks; “Jesus Christ, what happened to you?”
The bride answers instantly:“ In laws”
Dear Harriet / Harry is exactly at the same situation after accepting the proposal of her boyfriend Edward who is the wealthiest bachelor of the US. Edward is a member of Holbeck clan. How can that family be defined in few words? Generations of wealth, woven into the fabric of America since the Gilded Age, shipping, communications, and of course those ever-present shadows of questionable ethics.
Harriet suffers from writer’s block after the brilliant success of her first novel. She’s not coy, sweet, lovely girl as she seems. Do not dare to underestimate her! She keeps a big secret from her past that may lock her in jail for years. Her surprising pregnancy, the sudden proposal and writer’s block already make things out of her control and now she gets a call from Edward’s sister Mathilda’s assistant to arrange a meeting with her. She has no idea what she gets herself into. She accepts the meeting and also Mathilda’s offer to attend a family dinner.
During the dinner she meets with charismatic but also scary, powerful Robert Holbeck, her future father in law. He wants her to meet in his study in private and he gives her a cassette tape that including a crime story which may help her to write her next book. But when she plays the tape alone, things she learns will change her entire perception about the family and force her to play a very dangerous and deadly game. Will she survive from her in laws or will she be another victim of this ruthless family?
I’m not gonna give away much. But I can assure you this family has very dark sense of humor, vicious and horrifying game schemes. If you want to be part of Holbecks, you might be as batshit crazy, ruthless and relent as them!
The ending twist and the cat-mouse game were fascinating! This is gripping, heart throbbing, smart thriller absolutely keeps you in your toes and at the edge of your seat! I loved it! I highly recommend it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/ Ballantine Books for sharing this amazing digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
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**4.5-stars**
According to the publisher, the rules are as follows:
1. Listen carefully
2. Do your research
3. Trust no one
4. Run for your life
With the The Family Game, Steadman has created her most intriguing plot yet. I was truly captivated!!
We follow UK-born novelist, Harry, who currently lives in NYC with her beau, Edward. Things are going so well for Harry. Her first novel was well-received and she is currently writing her second. And there's Edward. She can hardly believe their relationship. It's almost too good to be true.
He's as handsome as a movie star and as wealthy as an Astor; old money, family money. He's also kind, supportive and seems so into her it hurts.
The thing is, their relationship is progressing rapidly and Harry has yet to be introduced to his family. Edward has warned her they can be a bit much.
Now that they are engaged, the Holbeck family suddenly emerges as a huge force in their lives. Edward was right, they are a bit overwhelming. That American old-money vibe is just poring from every orifice.
Harry grins and tries her best to take it in stride, but her future-father-in-law, Robert Holbeck really gets under her skin. She's drawn to him in a way that frankly makes her uncomfortable. Then, of course, there is the Dictaphone cassette he slips her upon their initial meeting.
Harry is confused. What is this? Some sort of test?
Firstly, she will need to find a device to play the ancient form of technology, but once she does, it takes even longer for her to actually listen to it. Frankly, I would have had that baby listened to in full by the end of brunch the next day, but that's just me.
Harry is shocked by the contents of the tape. It seems to be a confession of a very dark family secret. Something that, if true, could be the downfall of them all. Is it real? Why would Robert have given it to her?
With this potentially shocking information in mind, Harry must endure more family events, each one more dangerous than the last. It's the holiday season, after all.
In between festive activities, Harry puts her natural research skills to the test as she tries to figure out whether or not Robert's tape is based in fact or fiction. She's not sure who she can trust, but the wrong decision could cost her everything.
The Family Game is fun, crazy, dangerous and dramatic, just how I like 'em. The twist was a bit obvious in my opinion, but the writing made it wildly-entertaining anyway.
Harry was in a tough spot. Having no family of her own, I could see why she would be attracted to the Holbecks.
Even though they were a bit scary in their forwardness, there was also something attractive about their closeness and traditions. I can certainly see why she would get caught up a bit in their opulent lifestyle.
I really enjoyed Harry's investigations into the tape. Because of her work as an author, she was used to researching things and brought all of her experience to the table when looking into Robert's confession.
I also loved the use of the contents of the tape as a narrative device for learning more about the Holbeck family and Edward's backstory. We don't get Edward's perspective at all, so I found that useful for actually getting a read on him and his life.
I had a lot of fun reading this. It was paced so well and I loved the different family events that Harry got to attend with the Holbecks, each one more startling than the last.
By the end, this was well and truly wild, as over-the-top as they come, but still super fun with a satisfying conclusion. It's the sort of story where you'll need to suspend belief for a bit, but for me, that didn't impact my enjoyment level at all.
Thank you to the publisher, Ballantine Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from Steadman! -
“ They say you can’t choose your family but they’re wrong. YOU CAN. It just takes way more effort than most people are willing to put in.”
The Holbeck family of New York, isn’t going to accept just anyone to be their oldest son’s Edwards’s wife.
But, although Harry is a London based novelist on the brink of stardom, and successful in her own right, she will still have to pass a few of their TESTS.
Taking place over the course of a few weeks from just days before Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, it seems as if this bewitching “old money” family is welcoming her with open arms…..but, winning over the terrifying patriarch Robert Holbeck seems to be the key.
Upon their first meeting, at Thanksgiving dinner, Robert slips Harry a cassette tape which reveals a shocking confession and sets a game in motion.
But, is it a game?
Or, is it a threat?
It’s too bad she was under a writing deadline and didn’t listen to the cassette in its entirety, before meeting with the family for the second time.
She may have realized that changing the plot of her next book may NOT have been a wise decision.
She also may NOT have agreed to celebrate Krampusnacht with the family or agreed to participate in their annual Christmas Eve scavenger hunt.
Because the time honored holiday traditions of the Holbeck family games seem more suited for the Halloween season-only ONE person can come out victorious in their games, and not everyone survives.
Perhaps, there is a reason Harry’s seemingly perfect husband-to-be was still single when they met? Remember-marry the man-marry the family.
Catherine Steadman is an actress and writer, best known for her role as Mabel Lane Fox in Downton Abbey-a show I enjoyed immensely. Perhaps that is why this is my favorite novel of hers, to date.
This novel has wonderfully ambiguous dialogue like the conversations often shared on Downton Abbey-although on that show, battles were often fought with CLEVER words, than with the violence that the Holbeck family seems to prefer.
My one critique is that this didn’t feel like an American family or setting to me-not even an “old money” one, with its servants and afternoon tea. But, that certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all.
This story is more of a slow burn (but never boring) suspenseful tale where your sense of dread and foreboding grows with each chapter.
Yes, the ending may be a bit OTT but it was definitely entertaining!
I have had my fill of abusive husbands, unstable wives, and missing children this year so I was thrilled to read a story that brought something fresh and original to the table!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
A buddy read with DeAnn! Be sure to read her amazing review for additional insight!
Thank You to Ballantine Books for the gifted copy through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review! -
I don’t expect thrillers to be based in reality, but there was little to no logic behind anything that happened in this story, and it was super frustrating. I absolutely loved Something in the Water, so even though I really disliked Mr. Nobody, and was ho-hum on The Disappearing Act, I still think of Steadman as an auto-read author, and I'm really hoping the next book is a winner. Lots of people really enjoyed this book, so I'm definitely in the minority here.
I can’t really explain why I hated this book so much without spoilers, so those are below.
* Thanks to Ballantine Books for the NetGalley review copy. The Family Game publishes November 8th.
(( SPOILERS AHEAD ))
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(( HERE ARE THE SPOILERS ))
So, orphaned thriller author Harry is going to marry super hot old-money billionaire Edward and at the same time finds out she’s knocked up. She finally meets Edward’s semi-estranged family, and his (also super hot - she’s perving on him the whole time) dad inexplicably gives her a mini-cassette tape with a bunch of Shocking Secrets on it, including the full names of a bunch of dead girls. So now Harry thinks the hot dad is a murderer, but instead of just listening to the entire fucking tape all at once because that would make sense, she stretches it out and does some Facebook-based investigating and then goes to the family Krampus party where she gets chased around by a dude in a costume and a kid pees on her and everyone’s all “ho ho this is jolly good fun” because they are idiots and she wins the game and gets a bracelet. Around this time she finally listens to the rest of the tape and somehow deletes half of it while she’s making a copy (FOR FUCK’S SAKE).
And then it’s Christmas and Harry and Edward go to his family’s estate because Harry has no family and thinks this bunch of maniacs is better than nothing. There’s ANOTHER game with only one winner and Harry’s clues lead her to a well with a decomposing dead body in it (Merry Christmas!) and she gets in a fight with her future sister in law who tells her to get an abortion because Harry’s kid will inherit everything and the sister in law is pissed about it but then sis-in-law ends up dead along with one of the other brothers because … dun-dun-DUN… Edward is really the murdery guy, not the hot dad, so then Harry gets her special Christmas present prize of lighter fluid and sets Edward on fire and saves some servants and has a baby and is now cool with hanging out with this fucked up family. The end.
Oh, and it turns out the hot dad gave Harry the tape because her big secret is that she set a dude on fire when she was eleven because he was trapped in his car after drunk-driving her parents to death so she seemed like someone who could take care of business? And he carries on with the scavenger hunt nonsense for some reason? And is cool with a few more people being murdered, including one of his other kids instead of just having the bad son killed or prosecuted for his murders or something? And somehow knew Harry would need lighter fluid because Edward would be conveniently standing in front of an open fire at the exact right moment?
NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY FUCKING SENSE AND I HATE IT SO MUCH. -
4+
The first meeting of bestselling novelist Harry (Harriet)Reed and uber wealthy Edward Holbeck is ‘grate’ but will their blossoming romance be ‘The Fairytale of New York’ or ‘American Psycho’? His family are quite something, think Vanderbilt or Rockefeller, so can you imagine the weakness in the knees when first meeting them? I daresay meeting head of the family RD would be similar to a face-to-face with Logan Roy (Succession) as he exudes power from every pore. This is a family so rich one of their many properties, The Hydes, a Gothic mansion in upstate New York, is ripped and shipped brick by brick from its original home in Hungary. This family have a liking for games and I’m not talking Monopoly though they’d probably own all the the property on the board. No, let’s imagine it’s ancient Rome and the Emperor (or RD) is in the gladiatorial arena, will the contestants get a thumbs up or down? Live or die? Let the games begin.
Well, Catherine Steadman certainly has a very creative and fertile imagination. The start lulls you into a false sense of security as it’s the buildup to Christmas in New York which lends itself to some great locations, evocative descriptions and romance. However, the amber light is flashing you a warning not only from the past but what is to come. This is a Russian doll story, stories within stories, layers within layers.
As for the Holbecks, good grief I thought my mother-in-law a tour de force! The push and pull of their dynamics is tense and intriguing, there’s a ton of secrets there and at times it feels very claustrophobic.
The family games traditions are savage, they freak you out, run for the hills Harry! When it switches to The Hydes at Christmas itself the pace is relentless and it’s a one false move deadly game with a checkmate, game over scenario. It’s an eye popper and a jaw/deck bruiser of a read!
The settings and atmosphere are matched by weather and you certainly feel the chill. The plot is deliciously juicy, the characters are over the top and therefore fascinating in all their awful glory, the chapter headings are clever and give a taste of what is to come. The ending is OTT dramatic but without question exciting.
So, it��s a bit of a twisty crazy train ride but I jump on board willingly wearing my disbelief suspenders because it’s so entertaining. Can’t ask for more than that in fiction!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Simon and Schuster for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. -
The Family Game starts off more like a romance than a psychological thriller which had me worried. But to be honest, a romance might have been better. Harry is the writer of a best selling thriller. She gets engaged to a wealthy man and she’s worried about his family accepting her, especially knowing he’s had his issues with them. During her initial meeting with Edward’s father, he slips her a dictaphone cassette. When she listens to it, it contains a confession. But is it real or some sort of test?
There are multiple problems with the book. When she’s given the tape, she doesn’t listen to the entire thing. Who amongst us, let alone someone who writes mysteries, wouldn’t be dying to hear it all? And the writing is careless, as if the narrator of the tape knows she doesn’t listen all at once. Second, Harry changes the subject of her second book to incorporate facts about the family. She does this without consulting her fiancé. Flip side, her fiancé keeps purposely hiding facts about the family and its weird traditions from her. And we’re meant to think these two are madly in love and trust each other?
The book started off slow and then veered into OTT territory. The penny dropped for me at the 66% mark. This same plot resolution has been used before (and done better).
The book is basically another “the rich are different than you and me” worn trope. And not just different, but twisted. This is a reminder to me that way too many psychological thrillers are just plain stupid. And Catherine Steadman and I are definitely not a good fit.
My thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an advance copy of this book. -
As I read this book, I was reminded of the movie Ready or Not and the ending line:
Police Officer: What happened to you?
Grace: In-Laws
This was my favorite Catherine Steadman book so far. It's wild, quite over the top, but still pretty enjoyable and a fun read. So glad I'm not a member of this family.
Harriet, or Harry as she is called, is a writer, and she meets wealthy business tycoon Edward and they eventually get engaged. He has kept his extended family at bay, but the engagement has brought them to the forefront and they want to meet Harry and bring the two into their fold. And what a fold it is, these people are steeped in old money privilege. And this family is not what you'd call normal--they operate under their own rules and the games they play are more than a bit unusual. Does Harry have what it takes to become one of them--even if their lives are darker than she first imagines?
It took me a while to get into the story, I thought some of Harry's decisions were odd and slowed down the pacing, and some of the details slowed things down too (like how many details did we really need to have about Harry trying to find a way to listen to the tape, almost losing the tape, etc.) However once things got going (starting with the Krampusnacht game) it was full speed ahead with the unbelievable, yet engrossing events that speed toward an explosive conclusion.
I did enjoy the tension and suspense of finding out just what was going on. It's not really a mystery, but it's definitely a suspenseful thriller that will keep you turning pages. I was rooting for Harry's success against this weird family.
If you liked Ready or Not, you will likely enjoy The Family Game. It's definitely not the same story, but the vibes are similar, especially with those in-laws.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own. -
So, you think your in-laws are a bit different? Well folks…you ain’t seen nothing yet!
Harriet has met the man of her dreams in Edward. A whirlwind romance and engagement quickly following. Easy enough. But now it’s a matter of meeting his estranged family. Or more accurately, his strange family!🤣
Patriarch of the family Robert nonchalantly slips a cassette to Harriett. She knows immediately her past and future are about to collide and she’ll need to play along with the family “games” to survive.
So… you might partake in game night with your family, right? Standard issue kinds of things -Cards Against Humanity? Jenga, or corn hole? Well, not this twisted family. Their go-to games will have you running for your life! Literally! Absolutely bonkers!🤪
I’ve read multiple books by Catherine Steadman in the past and have been hit or miss with them. I was a bit hesitant going ahead with this book but the premise sounded so good I knew I had to try! And I’m glad I did!
I will give her props for originality!👏. I will never think of game night the same way!
This is an off-the-rails, shaking your head kind of thriller! But guess what? It worked! I was engaged throughout and desperate for answers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine for granting my wish!
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This is definitely Catherine Steadman’s best book since her debut! Dark, fun, and atmospheric indeed!
Harry is an author whose debut novel becomes an instant smash hit. She also just got engaged to Edward, who is seemingly the perfect man. Sweet, loving, very successful. Edward also comes from a rich family with some traditions…very INTERESTING traditions, to say the least.
Harry gets a chance to meet the family at Thanksgiving. They’re powerful, but seem to welcome her instantly. Then, Edward’s father, Robert, gives her a cassette tape and urges her to listen to it. She finds out something shocking when she listens to it, but doesn’t have time to finish it before the family games begin! She’ll know everything if she can make it to the end…
This is a suspenseful and original thriller that is easy to breeze through. Although it takes a while to get going, it’s always interesting…and I was flipping the pages before I knew it. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the story was highly entertaining from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Expected Publication Date: 10/18/22. -
First time reading this author and The Family Game was entertaining beyond what I had hoped for. 🍿
British author Harriet "Harry" Reed is engaged to Edward Holbeck. Like THE mega-rich-old-money Holbeck with a mansion (castle) bought and moved from Budapest to upstate New York. Harry is meeting the whole family and what a treat for us readers, they are a bunch of cray cray!
I almost add a "horror" shelf because part of the book reminds me of the movie "Get Out"! It's perfect timing to read this book as the story begins in late November through Christmasss! 🙈🎯🎄 -
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!
“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 was 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. -
I listened to the audio of “The Family Game” by Catherine Steadman, narrated by Catherine Steadman. This is listed as Women’s Fiction, Literature & Fiction. I thought it was more of a suspenseful thriller in which you needed to suspend your attachment to reality. I personally feel that all thrillers have unbelievable moments; that’s what makes it suspenseful and fun! This is a slow burn of a story involving a disturbing wealthy family. I am happy I listened to the audio. Steadman’s voice added a mysterious nature to the story, which kept me involved.
Harriet Reed, the protagonist, is an author who is marrying into a very wealthy family. She's invited to their holiday traditions, which involve some very sick games. I found this portion of the story to be more than "out there". Her beloved father, Edward, gives her a cassette tape of a book he's been working on, asking her opinion. The tape ends up being a creepy confession of murder. What's our protagonist to do?
For someone about to be married to a man, she sure doesn't trust him much. The family is beyond horrible. Harriet is a successful writer. Why does she stay? Also, it doesn't appear that she really trusts or relies on her beloved.
Nonetheless, if you suspend belief of rationality, it is a creepy tale. There are so many plot holes a ten horse carriage could pass through. Steadman's narration pacing kept me interested. I wanted to see how she was going to tie this all up!
Plot: 2 stars
Pacing: 4 stars
Narration: 4 stars
Enjoyment: 3...it was good and I liked it. I don't think I'd recommend it however. -
4⭐
Featuring ~ single 1st person POV, family secrets, slow burn, suicide, death
A British author is marrying into a prominent wealthy American family that likes to play quite an interesting game.
What a ride this was and I was all for it. There were some heart pounding moments in the final act and the twist was unexpected.
I was able to listen to the final version as well, so I went back and forth reading and listening. I'd definitely recommend listening if you can.
The author narrated for 10 hours and 51 minutes. Y'ALL! is this author American or British?? I think she altered her accent really well and though I can probably guess which is her real one it's almost hard to tell. Also, I liked the added side effects when she was on the phone or we were listening to the tapes. Impressive.
Overall, a tension filled domestic thriller with a clever and engaging plot.
*Thanks to
Catherine Steadman, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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Buddy read with my sister, Irina. We decided to DNF this one for now, as the prologue was gripping but neither of us could connect with the writing past that point. :( I think we'll be in the minority and hope the right reader finds this book!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy. -
As every writer knows, even if a story is pure fiction, there are truths hidden in there—about the writer, about the time it was written—that are incontrovertible.
…
The confusing thing is, Robert Holbeck likes me. And suddenly it dawns on me: that is why he is telling me this. He has chosen me because he likes games, because he likes thrillers, and because he has decided I am a worthy opponent.
Update 10/18/22: Reposting my review to celebrate that today is publication day!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for sending me an ARC of The Family Game in exchange for an honest review.
Harry seems to have it all. She’s an author whose debut novel just sold a million copies. And she’s just gotten engaged to Edward Holbeck, eldest son and heir of a family that is essentially a fictional version of the Rockefellers or Vanderbilts. But Edward is estranged from his father, Robert, and is reluctant to introduce her to him or the rest of his family. When he finally does, Harry is surprised to find herself drawn to Robert, and even more surprised when he gives her a cassette tape that contains a confession about his past that threatens to both reveal a dark secret from her own past and upend her future.
The Family Game is a cat-and-mouse thriller, but the plot is too reliant on very debatable choices. First and foremost, Harry stretches out listening to Robert’s 90-minute tape into four parts so that she doesn’t listen to the last part until about the 75% mark of the book. While that decision was necessary to plot out the novel—it would have been a novella if Harry had just listened to the whole tape at the start—it is completely unrealistic. Even she eventually, belatedly acknowledges: “It’s clear I should have listened to the entire tape long ago.” The only reason she even has the tape is because Robert is convinced he understands Harry’s nature—and thus gives her his confession—when in fact he is making a guess based upon some very debatable conjecture. Again, it was necessary as a matter of plotting—no tape, no novel—but it was a pretty big leap of logic that required some real suspension of disbelief.
The Family Game has an interesting story, and a decent mystery, at its core. And the book certainly held my attention. But the plot device of the confession tape, and the choices it forces the characters to make to advance the story, were just a bit too unrealistic for me to fully accept. -
Playing games with family is fun, right?
Harry, a novelist and her finance, Edward, a successful businessman are happy together. They each have a bright future career wise and look forward to the years to come as a couple. So, it is only natural that Edward would want Harry to meet his family - the Holbecks. Yes, those Holbecks! The family that is the epidemy of old money in America. They have power and can pull whatever strings they want or need pulled. They have their hands in everything and leave no stone left unturned. Their wealth is immense, and Edward is going to inherit everything! Naturally, they would want to know more about the woman Edward is going to marry.
The family welcomes Harry into their fold. Sure, they are a little intense, but Harry can live with that. Then Edward's father asks for a private meeting and gives Harry a shocking and disturbing cassette tape. Why?
Then there are the games. This family is not the board game playing family. Their games are quite different. Games where the stakes are high and there is only one winner.
With a writing deadline looming and Christmas coming, Harry is feeling the pressure. Plus, let’s not forget that cassette tape and the annual family tradition...
This book was a pleasant surprise. I read the book in one day and enjoyed how everything played out from the cassette tape to the interactions with Edward's family. This one kept me on my toes and just when I thought I had things figured out, I was hit with a twist and a reveal. This one goes a little (maybe more than a little) over the top but that is what makes this book fun and hard to put down. I just had to know what was going to happen next!
Fun, full of tension, hard to put down and over the top! An engaging read from cover to cover!
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at
www.openbookposts.com -
"There are two things you can run and not hide from: God and a dysfunctional family." (R. Alan Woods)
Forgive me for my thoughts on this one......
Harriet Reed is a novelist from the UK who recently did well on her debut novel. She's here in New York City and the world is her oyster. Harriet "Harry" is recently engaged to the handsome and rich Edward Holbeck of the Holbeck Dynasty.
Now me thinks that an author would have a blackbelt in research to round out the deeper parts of one's novel. It never occured to Harry to do a little look and see into the famous family that she's marrying into. Nope. Just leap blindfolded into this abyss. And what a Black Hole this will turn out to be.
Edward, himself, has been estranged from said family for years. All of a sudden, he is inviting Harry into the fold. Ed doesn't reveal much about his siblings and his warm and wonderful kin. Harry, ask a couple of questions now and then. Nope, again. Harry is even going to have a "private" meeting with the father figure himself, Robert Holbeck.
Robert eludes that he knows something about Harry's past. Harry becomes nervous. Robert gives her a dictaphone tape (say, what?) and tells her to listen to the whole thing. They will meet again.
Harry secretly runs to a vintage electronics store to purchase a dictaphone machine in order to listen to the tape. She complains that it cost $140 while prancing around in Dior shoes. Seriously.
I won't even get into the nitty gritty of this tape. Oh, please. Harry spends more time in cabs and the subway. You keep your wits about you in a New York City subway and don't plug into an old fashioned machine with heavy duty information in a crowd.
The Family Game seems to have robbed the storyline from several Netflix movies as of late. Their plots were far more believable. The ending almost came with a twenty piece marching band with banners giving it away. From extremely untidy to tidy in moments.
I encourage you to read this one for yourselves. The vast majority of reviews have been favorable. I just can't tolerate outlandish storylines like this. So many fill-in plot devices that seemed to tread water. Sorry for sayin' sorry for a sorry storyline. -
“There are times in your life when you really do question where it all went wrong; and if scrambling into a pitch-black well at night, in a snow flurry, wearing a Balmain blazer dress, just shy of three months pregnant, with a torch rammed into your mouth, isn’t one of those times then I don’t know what is”
This book started off with a bang and kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. I’ve read of few of this author’s other books but none of them held my attention like this one. I loved the cat and mouse game and even though I guessed the plot twist pretty early on, it didn’t change my mind a bit.
Harriet, an author on the precipice of a best seller can’t get enough of her seemingly perfect fiancé Edward. Their perfect world is shaken by the reemergence of Edwards family. The Holbecks are the epitome of old money. With news of their engagement reaches the Holbecks, Harriet is thrust into their life.
The family happily welcomes the new member of their family and Harriet wonders why Edward chose to shield her from them for so long. It all makes sense when she meets head of the Holbecks, Robert. Upon their first meeting, Robert gives her a cassette tape which contains a unbelievable confession. This propels the games to follow.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review -
Wow! This was one heck of a wild ride. Although I have never been on a roller coaster, I imagine I would feel like I did while reading this book - on the edge of my seat, heart in my throat, dizzy and waiting for the final drop.
First and foremost, I must commend Catherine Steadman for the incredible job she did narrating her own work. I have listened to professional narrators not do as great a job as she did. Kudos to her in helping to bring her own story to life. It easily took what was a 3.5 read for me, into a 4 star story.
The authors prose was phenomenal and really set the tone and the atpmosphere in such a way that I was able to feel as though I was a part of it, espcially during the Krampusnacht celebration and Christmas Eve scavenger hunt. I felt all of the fear our MC did as she struggled to figure out what was happening. The character development was good, at least in relation to Harry’s character and what motivates her. I would have liked a little more from some of the supporting characters, though I think the author did this intentionaly to not take away from the whodunnit aspect.
My primary criticsms with this this story are the disappearance of a potentially major plot point and leaving other elements unexplained which caused the ending to fizzle out a bit for me. There was a major element to the story presented to us towads the beginning of the book, that would have significantly changed the conclusion; however, Steadman drops it without expaining why. In addition, there is a pivotal piece of information that is discovered by several characters, however, how this information was obtained was never fully examined which left me frustrated.
This was still an enjoyable thriller, made even more enjoyable via the author narrated audiobook, and perfect for this time of year.
Read if you like:
•psychological thrillers
•domestic suspense
•atmospheric reads
•cat and mouse plots
•single pov
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an ARC of this book, and PRH Audio for the ALC of it in exchange for my honest review. -
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I really don't know where to start with this book except to say I was thoroughly disappointed. Last summer I read and enjoyed
The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman. This one started out okay, a woman with a secret joins a family with a secret and a game of cat and mouse ensues. I was really enjoying the first part of the book as it was a very suspenseful read at the start, but then the book took a turn at the first family Christmas party which just wasn't logical.
Then the second family Christmas party starts and I didn't think it possible but gets even worse. I mean it was so unrealistic that I started to laugh. Anyone with a modicum of sense would have run the other way as fast as they could. I mean the woman is pregnant and she's moving heavy furniture, running up and down five flights of stairs with a toddler on her hip, climbing down wells in the snow, and running into burning buildings to save the help. I didn't buy into this scenario at all. Add in the repetitiveness and some head-scratching reveals the book veers into a catastrophically bad read.
My GoodReads friends have given this book a 3.91 average so I am not sure we were even reading the same story. Don't get me wrong, I don't expect a thriller to be 100% believable but when a plot has me laughing out loud at the ridiculousness of it something's wrong.
This title is now available for purchase. -
I was suffering through a bit of "misinterpreting the synopsis" while reading this. To be fair, this is likely more on me than the publisher. I try to read very little into the blurbs because they give too much away at times. But I digress...
So here, The Family Game, I thought would have more games than it actually did. Even expected some wild, OTT games. That's what I was in the mood for. Don't get me wrong, there are games. But it's really only two. Unless you include a man sending his future daughter-in-law a tape recording as a game, then there are three. One of them ended abruptly and was ridiculously impractical.
Take everything you know about reality and set that SOB on fire. There's a bajillion ways this story would've practically played out in the real world or even in a semi-real world. And nothing in this book would've happened because the obvious thing(s) to do would've prevented this story from unfolding.
To be fair, the mystery and trying to unravel the clues and the tape recorder was captivating.
The whole steamy, sexual attraction and desire for your future father-in-law was odd and didn't add anything to the story. Other than creepiness. Was this a daddy issue thing I overlooked? Side note: I googled what the male version of cougar was and discovered it's zaddy 🤦♂️🤦♂️I can't unlearn this info, and now neither can you.
TLDR: chuck reality out the window and just enjoy a fairly intriguing mystery with a creepy side of zaddy lusting.
2.5 stars, rounding up. Cheers!
October 2022 BOTM. -
OMG! My heart is still racing raggedly after reading The Family Game.
I admit I did an eye roll when the story first began and it's about an orphaned young woman who falls in love with an uber-wealthy dashing bachelor and she's worried about meeting his very influential family. This storyline is used too many times.
When the young woman meets her future father-in-law, there is an animal magnetism. Yikes! They begin doing an intricate, psychological, and intellectual dance that kept me intrigued and turning the pages.
The plot thickens immediately and the deep, dark secrets are murderous and the family traditions involve horrific games to see who is up to snuff.
There were times that I was afraid to turn the page because the stakes kept getting higher and higher and the level of danger increased exponentially.
Highly recommend! -
3.5 stars: ⚠️Going into this, do not expect a fast-paced thriller! I repeat, do not expect a fast-paced thriller! ⚠️ Ok, now you can sit and enjoy this book properly!
The story evolves around Harriet. She moved to New York to live with her fiancé and she finally gets to meet his rich, powerful and potentially dangerous family. Who can she thrust? 😈
A big part of the book is about her interactions with Edward's family members. Also, Harriet has a tragic secret. If it was revealed, it could ruin her life.
I didn't know that the events took place around Christmas time, so I'm glad I picked this book in December! 🎄
About the famous tape in the blurb (the one Harriet is so desperate to listen to)... She doesn't press play until, I would say, the middle of the book at least (and even then, she only listens to the beginning). I'm definitely more curious than her!😅
The book starts slow, but it keeps getting better and the rhythm fastens little by little. There's plenty of action in the final act, there are interesting revelations throughout the story and I enjoyed reading about the different characters. I'm glad I kept going! -
I’m not a big game player, and after reading this book- now I know why! 😳 This is the third book that I’ve read by Catherine Steadman, and it’s definitely my favorite by her! I’ll admit that I wasn’t too impressed with her first two novels, but after reading this book, I’m ready for more!
The Family Game involves Harriet (Harry), getting ready to meet her new future in-laws, the Holbeck’s. The Holbeck’s are a very wealthy family. The Holbeck’s also like to play a bunch of “family” oriented games (which after reading this book, I don’t want anything to do with Krampus 😬 Lol!).
Before the “family games” begin, Harriet’s fiancé, Edward, takes her to his family Thanksgiving dinner. There, Harriet receives a cassette tape by Edward’s father, the Mr. Robert Holbeck. Is Robert’s cassette tape a confession? Or is this cassette tape just another game that the Holbeck family likes to play? Can Harriet piece the clues together before it’s too late?
The clues and pieces of the puzzle all fall together on Christmas Eve, during yet another “family game”. Like Harriet, stay alert and energized- because you will need to be while reading this thrill ride!
This is only my second book of 2023, and I have to say that I am off to a great start! I also recommend reading this book, as it will keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through! -
My thanks to Random House/Ballentine, Catherine Steadman and Netgalley.
This was some messed up story!
Honestly? Had I been in a movie theater, I'd of had butter dripping off my chin "from the popcorn" and the sweet taste of junior mints on my breath! (Because movie's are meant for Junior mints!)
I really just enjoyed the crap outta this book!
Favorite thing? Yeah. I was completely surprised at the end! Gotta love that!
Also? Who in the hell would want to marry into such a family? Not me! -
Want something different that never would happen in real life, but you can still believe in it since the author has talent in creating worlds you are drawn into? I had so much fun reading this novel. I was hooked from the beginning where you know something terrible has happened. The scene played at the back on my mind, egging me on. How did the main character end up in such a predicament? The twist at the end wasn’t completely unexpected, but even though it had crossed my mind, the way the main character responded was surprising and empowering.
The book has a plot you won’t forget and the reader is guaranteed hours of entertainment and suspense! -
A woman meets, falls in love, and becomes engaged to the perfect catch. But one with an intimidating family. When her future father-in-law asks her advice on an idea for a story, she’s happy to help. But, turning on the cassette player, she finds instead what appears to be a confession of a terrible crime. What will she do? Because she’s carrying her own alarming secret…one he knows. She now faces an impossible decision. And the wrong choice could be deadly.
Harriet Reed feels like she won the lottery. Her first novel has just sold its millionth copy and she’s met Edward Holbeck, a man any woman would love to marry: kind, thoughtful, stunningly handsome, and obscenely wealthy. With the holidays quickly approaching, Harriet suggests that maybe it’s time she met his family. Especially since they’re recently engaged. Edward has drifted away from the Holbeck clan for reasons he hasn’t discussed, but he agrees that maybe it is time. If she’s really sure.
Harriet meets them all for the first time at a lavish Thanksgiving dinner. Following the meal Edward’s father pulls her aside and gives her a mysterious tape that holds an idea for a story on which he’d like her advice. But when she turns on the tape player once she’s alone, she discovers what sounds like a confession of murder. And now the game between Harriet and Robert has begun. As she begins to dig deeper into the family, she begins to see that this family loves games, just not the kind of games she’s played before. And this one puts Harriet firmly in the crosshairs.
I just finished The Family Game and the first thought in my brain is WOW! What starts out as an absorbing family drama quickly transforms into a gripping thriller. One that proves that appearances can be deceiving and games can be deadly. With twists and turns that lead to a first-rate ending, I found myself reading faster and faster to find out what happens. Dark and wicked, you’ll think you’ve worked it out, but I can guarantee you haven’t! The vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re there and the characters are authentic (but happily twisted) and thorough with very real fears. If you’re even thinking of picking up this book, order it today! It’s everything you’ll ever want in a thriller. Most definitely recommend. Rating of 5+++ stars!
Trigger warning: death of parents -
The Family Game is afoot and losing may be deadly. No one is safe and secrets could cost you your life. This thriller had me racing to the end to discover the spine tingling conclusion. Who do you trust when so much is at stake? Do you look the other way, or face the demon head on? Catherine Steadman has become an auto- read author. I have enjoyed all of her thrillers and her current creation doesn’t disappoint. This thriller is original, captivating, highly entertaining and utterly unputdownable. It had me hooked from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed every unexpected and twisted moment. To win the game you must find the secrets. The challenge is being the victor without losing your life in the process. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine books for my copy. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
-
This is what I call a trashy thriller. I love trashy thrillers, but you've got to give me something good at the end. The last fifty pages just ruined it for me. Would have given it a 2 otherwise.
Edit to say I have slept since finishing the book and I tossed and turned all night thinking about the ending. WHAT THE F***CK?! None of this makes any sense or is based in reality or logic. I'm more than willing to suspend reality for a book, but you can't just be weird and crazy to be weird and crazy.
Also, if you're son is a serial killer and you are one of the wealthiest people in the world, but you are scared of your son, why not just report him?
Who went into the well and put that necklace on the girl? Or went into the well to look at what her necklace was? What a sick f*ck.
You're not going to be arrested for killing the man that killed your parents because if there wasn't enough evidence against you when it happened, there isn't enough evidence against you 20 years later.
How can a person hide his serial killer nature for over a year? How can he present himself as a kind and caring partner, when in reality he is a dick and all he wants to do is be a dick with you? Obviously, he's not going to be able to be a dick with you if you like the kind and caring farce that he is presenting.
Also, what the hell with this woman Fiona saying you have to have an abortion.
Finally, why did this joker just start randomly killing people in the end? It makes no sense. Nobody is going to accuse the main character, who is pregnant, from murdering multiple people in a violent manner. Especially if one of them is the size of a linebacker. That makes no sense. Literally throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks. I'm getting angrier as I type this review.
AND WHY DID THE DAD PRESENT THESE MURDERS AS THOUGH HE WAS A SERIAL KILLER?! Makes no goddamned sense. Get out of here. -
Since thrillers have been my primary genre for well over a decade now, it’s very uncommon for me to find one that’s completely different. A thriller that doesn’t have a plot, trope, characters, twist, etc that’s never been used before is a rarety. So I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the unique story that is Catherine Steadman’s The Family Game.
The story centers around Harriet aka Harry, a British novelist living in NYC. Harry just releases her debut novel which has become a hit and she is in love with her seemingly perfect boyfriend Edward. Edward comes from the Holbeck family who is uber-rich because of old money(think the Carnegie’s and Guggenheim’s). Edward keeps his family at arm's length but being the eldest son, he is expected to inherit the Holbeck’s fortune. When Harry meets the family, the patriarch Robert slips her a cassette tape which reveals a shocking story that sets a real-life game of cat and mouse into motion.
Going into this one, I expected it to be similar to Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier but it's not! The Family Game is a completely unique and original story. Harry made a very interesting main character and I felt so much empathy for her. I also enjoyed getting to know the morally grey Holbeck family who is a very eccentric bunch with a very dark sense of humor. Of course I revel in thrillers because of the plot twists and there is an unexpected twist towards the end that completely knocked my socks off!
Some parts of the book were a little slower paced but over all this story kept my attention throughout and I found it highly entertaining. This is my second read by Catherine Steadman, the first being Something in the Water, which I also really liked. So I'll definitely be looking into reading more of her work.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!
