The Family Game

A Novel

By: Catherine Steadman

Narrated by: 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 . . .

Critic reviews

Praise for The Family Game

“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)

“Enter another book I’ve read in one sitting: The Family Game by Catherine Steadman. . . . [A] psychological thriller that’s a surefire must-read.”—New York Post

“Truly creepy . . . highly imaginative, nail-biting, and great, rollicking fun.”—CrimeReads

“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

“Millionaires, marriage and murder make for a potent cocktail in this compelling tale set among the super-rich of New York’s elite.”—T. M. Logan, internationally bestselling author of Lies

“Instantly compelling and filled with ingenious twists and brilliant characters . . . This is sublime thriller writing.”—B. P. Walter, author of The Couple’s Secret

“Addictive . . . This pitch-dark fairy tale will leave most readers spellbound.”—Publishers Weekly



Praise for the novels of Catherine Steadman

“Stylish, riveting, hugely atmospheric.”—Lucy Foley, New York Times bestselling author of The Guest List

“Thrilling and thought-provoking.”—Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of Survive the Night

“[A] tricky psychological puzzle . . . It’s a joy to encounter a suspenseful book whose turns lurk, rather than lumber, around the corner.”—The New York Times Book Review

“Twisty . . . highly imaginative . . . deliciously provocative.”—The Washington Post

“Perfectly thrilling.”—Vanity Fair

“Mesmerizing . . wildly imaginative . . . Suspense is peppered in all the right places.”—Associated Press

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.

Catherine Steadman did it again!

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

Solid

Solid thriller, if a little predictable. Really picks up in the last couple hours. Worth it if on sale

Amazing Story

This was such a good story! I listen on my commute to and from work and multiple days I just sat in my car when I got home because I couldn’t stop listening! Captivating story and I love Catherine’s voice!

Easy listening mystery…

It was a bit goofy but a light mystery given that it was over the top. But now I know why they spoke about narrator, she was beautiful at the English character but the Americans left a lot to be desired.

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.