The Family Game

A Novel

De: Catherine Steadman

Narrado por: Catherine Steadman

“A powerful family and a deadly game. Be prepared for a nail-biting, roller-coaster of a ride” (B. A. Paris, author of Behind Closed Doors), from the New York Times bestselling author of Something in the Water, Mr. Nobody, and The Disappearing Act

“The Holbecks are what you might come up with if you took the Roys from Succession and blended them with the Murdochs, the Macbeths, and the Borgias. . . . Let the fun begin!”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

THE RULES
1. Listen carefully
2. Do your research
3. Trust no one
4. Run for your life

It’s the holiday season and 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 upcoming marital bliss has the Holbecks inching back into their lives with one invite after another.

As Harriet is drawn into their lavish world, the family seems perfectly welcoming . . . even if some of their traditions, like a “Christmas demon” called Krampus, seem creepy at best. 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 could still prove deadly.

READY OR NOT, HERE THEY COME . . .

©2022 Catherine Steadman (P)2022 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Holbecks are what you might come up with if you took the Roys from Succession and blended them with the Murdochs, the Macbeths, and the Borgias. . . . The mysteries accrue, as does our admiration for Steadman, whose gift for invention only increases with each novel. . . . Let the fun begin!.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)

“Both sharply modern and timeless, with strains of King Lear, Dickens, and P.D. James’s postwar holiday chillers.”—Flynn Berry, The Washington Post

“[A] terrifically twisty thriller.”—Good Housekeeping (UK)

Catherine Steadman did it again!

Another spellbinding, moral dilemma … so deliciously twisty I couldn’t stop listening! Beautifully written and narrated.

A FOREVER FAN …

I was so excited to delve into another of Catherine Steadman’s books; as expected. I was not disappointed. The only problem being that I tend to tear through her stories with such a voracious appetite that I am quickly left with the empty feeling of something I hoped would not end. Catherine’s unyielding writing is uniquely matched with her addicting narration. I strongly recommend any and all of her books. More please.

I wish it wasn’t over

Such a good story that keeps you guessing the entire time. Narrator was great and I found myself listening every chance I got

Couldn’t stop listening.

Such a unique story line, had me hooked from the first chapter. I couldn’t stop listening!

Super book

Kept me interested from beginning to end! I couldn’t stop listening. I stayed up till 1 o’clock in the morning last evening just to finish.

Ummm Wow

So messed up but so intriguing I just had to keep listening. I am very pleased the ending was the way it was. Im glad it wasn’t as messed up as some of the rest of the story… just wow. I was questioning the Harriet, and her decisions, her character, etc. I questioned Robert and who he really was as well as the others. Money and power…most often times bring out the worst in a person or people. But overall I’m happy with this and I’m glad this was my first mystery/thriller

Thrilling

It was an exceptional read and I didn’t want to put the book down. Thrilling and exciting.

Get past the beginning

If you can get past the not so interesting beginning it’s a great book! Push through!

Another AMAZING home run

So excited this was just as amazing as the rest of her books. This is such a fantastic book the best twists and turns. So good

A deadly game with secrets. . .

"A game is only a game if you do not fully understand it."

The holidays always bring about mixed feelings and emotions but tack on finally meeting your fiancés family and things get really worrisome! Harriet Reed, Harry, has left behind her home in England for that of her future husband's home in America. A whirlwind romance that has left everyone asking how, including Harry herself! She's just a lower-class orphan from England and yet she's caught the eye of a billionaire play-boy.

Harry's excited to meet her new family, along with the usual jitters of "will the family like her?", but she won't let that stop her. Yet, Edward seems rather hesitant about unleashing his very powerful and influential family, who like to play games, on Harry. He doesn't want to drive her away, there are truths being hidden and cautions that seem a little extreme. Edward doesn't know that Harry's hiding a secret of her own. . .

The Rules

1. Listen Carefully

2. Do Your Research

3. Trust No One

4. Run for Your Life

The prologue really piqued my interest as I dived into this audiobook! I am falling more in love with psychological thrillers and books with suspense. You know a scene from the present, but you need to understand the events leading up to the scene!

We've all had to deal with the dreaded event of meeting the parents/family! Not knowing if they will like you or not, hoping they don't tell the one you're interested in, to breakup with you, etc. But Harry has to handle a lot more since her love is from a wealthy family and she's beneath their status. The more she gets to know the individuals of the family the more she's drawn in. Wondering why Edward hadn't introduced her sooner to them.

Things begin to change as Harry attends American holiday traditions and some from the old country the Holbeck's have originated from. A tape is also placed into Harry's hands and a deadly game begins for her. She will soon be facing pasts and presents to determine how her future will look. The thriller writer may have unlocked her passion so she can write her next book, but how close to home will this narrative hit?

I loved the twists in this book and how I had some theories, but they were wrong! And looking back after completing the read I was exclaiming how I couldn't believe I had missed some clues! I was very happy that I couldn't fully predict the end or how the game would play out. I loved the hidden secrets and how things just unraveled. I loved Harry's character and being able to glimpse inside a thriller author's mind! How she used it to help aide her through the game she was playing.

With the Holbeck's you could tell they were very rich and privileged. Not taking no for an answer and getting what they wanted. I enjoyed the complexity of some of the cast and members of the family as you got to know them more throughout the read. I always find it interesting to read about the higher class and how they view things differently from us lower class civilians. Harry was amused with things as well but also irritated with other situations. She wasn't afraid to voice things when she didn't find things entertaining or funny.

I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the author was also the narrator for the book! Catherine did an amazing job with the read through and bringing Harry to life! This is a single POV book with Harry being the one we understand things through. I liked the flow of how the author went through different accents pertaining to individual characters.

There's language in the book, some violence, acts of manipulation, and more. The family have unique ways of bringing to life some of the traditions and it may be disturbing to some. Nothing gory and stomach turning, just creepy. There are some descriptions of pasts and some of the secrets being brought into the light. MF action is in the book, but it is closed door/fade to black. We get the passion and understanding but no drawn-out scenes.

I thought the book ended very well and am excited to read more from this author! Some of her other audiobooks that are available are read by her as well! Just have to wait until I have funds to get more of her reads! I loved the twists and turns and just how I couldn't predict the end!

Enjoy this read as meeting the family brings about more anxiety! Don't forget to give the author some stars!

shutupandbookup.blogspot.com