The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

Rating: ★★★★☆

Dates Read: 2/9/23 - 2/9/23

    Harry, an aspiring novelist, is on cloud nine with her perfect fiancé, Edward. Their happiness is interrupted when Edward's influential and wealthy family, the Holbecks, resurface after years of separation. Despite Edward's attempts to distance himself from them, he is set to inherit their vast fortune. As the Holbecks welcome Harry into their world, she becomes fascinated by their glamour and sophistication.

    However, everything changes when she meets Robert, the charismatic head of the family, who confides a shocking secret to her on a cassette tape. This revelation sets off a dangerous game, leaving Harry questioning why Robert trusted her with such sensitive information.

    As she delves deeper into the Holbecks' dark secrets, Harry finds herself entangled in their savage Christmas traditions, all while knowing that losing this deadly game could have dire consequences. The stakes are high, and Harry must uncover the truth to protect herself and those she loves.

    This book was a rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue that kept me hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down and was completely blindsided by the ending twist. The Holbeck family is a fascinatingly dark and twisted group, and their games are both horrifying and captivating. Harry's journey to uncover the truth behind Robert's tape was gripping, and her investigations added a layer of depth to the story. The author's writing style is excellent, and the pacing of the plot was spot-on. The family events and traditions were shocking and had me on the edge of my seat. The characters were well-developed and added to the tension of the story, especially the enigmatic Holbecks.

    While some may find the story a bit over-the-top, I thoroughly enjoyed the wild ride and found the conclusion satisfying. The author's imagination is clearly on display here, and the multiple layers and stories within stories made for an engaging and entertaining read.

    Overall, "The Family Game" is a gripping and heart-pounding thriller that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys suspenseful and twisty narratives. I can't wait to read more from this talented author!