The Family Game
A Novel
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4.2 • 168 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
NEW YORK TIMES EDITORS’ CHOICE • “A powerful family and a deadly game. Be prepared for a nail-biting, roller-coaster of a ride in Catherine Steadman’s classy and ingenious new thriller.”—B. A. Paris, New York Times bestselling author of Behind Closed Doors
From the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act. . . .
ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times
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 severe 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 . . .
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this addictive novel of suspense from Thriller Award finalist Steadman (The Disappearing Act), there seems but a single hurdle standing between brainy, beautiful, bestselling thriller writer Harriet "Harry" Reed and that storybook future with the man of her dreams, dashing tech entrepreneur Edward Holbeck: his famously eccentric estranged family. Just how eccentric is something the newly engaged recent British transplant starts to glimpse following Thanksgiving dinner at the clan's Manhattan mansion when, after swearing her to secrecy, charismatic paterfamilias Robert gives her a mysterious cassette on which he hints will be his thriller-in-progress. When Harry finally starts listening, it sounds less like a novel than a criminal confession; in addition, Robert details her own darkest secret. As the intrepid Harry attempts to covertly investigate how much of the tape might be true, bizarre Holbeck holiday celebrations—more Hunger Games than ho, ho, ho—put her in escalating peril. The bloodcurdling, cinematic climax plays out by moonlight Christmas Eve on the family's snow-shrouded Upstate New York estate. Never mind the credibility straining twists. This pitch-dark fairy tale will leave most readers spellbound.)
Customer Reviews
Loved the book
I feel like the ending was not written out enough, turn of events were quick but overall loved it! Great story
A Gripping Fast Read
Us mere mortals can only comprehend so much to what vast wealth and power awards or punishes those that have it.
Couldn’t put it down!
I found myself up in the wee hours of the morning trying to finish this book because it was so good! Incredible storytelling and a really intriguing plot. Can’t recommend it enough.