TL;DR
In 'The Family Game' by Catherine Steadman, novelist Harriet Reed gets entangled in the dangerous secrets of her fiancé's powerful family, leading to a deadly game of survival.
What is The Family Game about
'The Family Game' by Catherine Steadman is a thrilling and dark novel that explores the complexities and dangers of familial ties. Harriet Reed, a burgeoning novelist, becomes engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir to an enormously powerful and wealthy family. Despite Edward's attempts to distance himself from his family, their engagement pulls them back into the fold. Harriet is soon drawn into the Holbecks' lavish yet unsettling world. When Edward's father hands her a tape that seems to be a confession to a grisly crime, Harriet's life is thrown into chaos. Set between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City and at the family's sprawling estate, the novel combines suspense, psychological tension, and a deadly game that could have fatal consequences.
The Family Game 6 Key Takeaways
Harriet Reed's Engagement
Harriet Reed, a novelist on the cusp of stardom, becomes engaged to Edward Holbeck, thrusting her into his powerful family's world.
The Tape
Edward's father, Robert Holbeck, gives Harriet a tape that appears to be a confession to a murder, setting the stage for a dangerous game.
Family Dynamics
Harriet navigates the complex and often sinister dynamics of the Holbeck family, trying to determine who she can trust.
The Game Begins
As Harriet delves deeper into the tape's revelations, she realizes she is part of a larger, more perilous game orchestrated by the Holbecks.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Harriet must decide whether the tape is a test of her loyalty or a genuine threat, as she uncovers layers of deception.
Climactic Confrontation
Harriet faces a climactic confrontation that tests her survival instincts and determines her fate within the family.
People also liked these summaries
The Family Game Best Reviews
- “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.
- “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).
Top The Family Game Quotes
- “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.”
- “Listen carefully. Do your research. Trust no one. Run for your life.”
- “This might be a game to the Holbeck family—but losing could still prove deadly.”
Who should read The Family Game?
'The Family Game' is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex family dynamics and high stakes. Fans of suspenseful narratives filled with twists and turns will find this book particularly engaging. It's also ideal for those who appreciate dark, sophisticated storytelling set against a backdrop of wealth and power.
The Family Game FAQs
What happens in 'The Family Game'?
In 'The Family Game,' Harriet Reed becomes engaged to Edward Holbeck and gets entangled in the dark secrets of his powerful family, leading to a deadly game of survival.
Where is 'The Family Game' book set?
The book is set between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City and at the Holbeck family's estate, The Hydes, in upstate New York.
Who wrote 'The Family Game'?
'The Family Game' was written by Catherine Steadman, a New York Times bestselling author known for her suspenseful and gripping novels.