This is one of a whole bunch of books pitched as being similar to KNIVES OUT, so going in, I had high expectations for a fun caper with twists and turns, perhaps a hilarious Southern detective, and definitely some dysfunctional family dynamics. This had all that, but I think it was more similar to Ready or Not (a movie I also adored). The main character, Harry, is plunged into the middle of an eccentric, vicious family when she accepts her boyfriend's proposal and is whisked off to the family manor. Y'all, this family has SECRETS. Ok? It's toxic. If you like a cat and mouse style thriller set in a fab house, look no further. You will probably appreciate your own family even more after reading this.

This book had a few things going against it for me right away. First, I'm not really into playing games, especially like the ones that were in this book. Anything with a riddle, and I am out. Second, I have found that I really do not like reading about rich people, it's just irritating. This book also felt incredibly slow, and I just wanted it to get to the point much faster. I was between a two and three star rating, but I ended up on three stars because I was still interested to see how everything played out.

I don't know why I was not able to get into this book. I think maybe I misjudged the synopsis, but it just was not for me.

The cover drew me in for this one. It was a fun read with a quirky vibe to it and lots of twists. I will be reading more from this author.

I finally got around to reading this one and omg I wish I hadn’t waited so long! I read 5 thrillers all within just a couple of weeks of each other and this one was by far my favorite. It was dark, twisty, and filled with rich family drama. I loved the cassette tape component and the mystery of what would be on it. I also loved the games the Holbeck family played. Krampus was absolutely horrifying, but I loved every second. And the Christmas Eve game….. are you kidding me?!?! The last chapter gave me the closure I both wanted and needed. I’ll definitely be recommending this one! Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

This was a great read and will definitely recommend!! The cover is also so cute. Can’t wait to read more by this author.

This was my first book by the author. I was intrigued by the title and synopsis. While I was expecting more "game" to come into play, I still had a great time. The tension between our main character and her fiances family was there for sure. If you really like drama, thrillers, and cold settings I highly recommend this read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.

Thanks for the review edition.

YES YES YES this book was fantastic. I really loved this and it took elements from some of my favorite movies (think: ready or not) and brought it to life. I completely absorbed this book and loved every second.

This book was so well done and perfect for a spooky weekend read. I loved the main character. She was so well written.

Imagine you are marrying into an uber-rich family, but you have a secret in your past. You know this family has all the resources in the world to investigate you, so you're not the most comfortable when you're invited to participate in their weird holiday hide-and-seek tradition where it seems it would be all too easy to make you disappear. The dad seems to like you... but he might be a psycho!
This was a fun and unique thriller. Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy!

Wow! The Holbecks family does not hold back on any twists, surprises, and overall thrill featured in this novel. For that I was definitely pulled into this thriller and would highly recommend. The pacing of the plot was great as well as the character development. Overall, 5/5!

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book! Unfortunately for me this was one I did not finish for various reasons.

Twisty and twisted is how I would describe this book. Full of secrets, family drama, and disturbing family traditions that keeps you on your toes until the end. You really don't know who to trust as the story unfolds. Heart-pounding and thrilling.

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

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman is the story of Harriet Reed and up and coming author with her book coming out any day. She is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck the heir to an extremely wealthy family. Edward has kept himself away from his family.. he wanted to go out in his own. But with their wedding coming up, his family won’t leave the couple alone. He is feeling suffocated by all their get together and traditions but Harriet doesn’t want to get off on the wrong foot with the family. So needless to say they enter their new engagement and the holiday season completely overwhelmed.
Harriet thinks the family is completely welcoming, even a little bit too much. One of the first events is a Krampus a bizarre house and seek game, that scares the heck out of Harriet. It is strange to say the least and then her soon to be father in law gives her a tape. An actual tape recording and wants her to listen to it. She doesn’t even have something to play it on? What in the world could be in the tape? He says it’s a book he is working in.. but once she presses play all bets are off. Harriet is more confused than ever and Christmas is supposed to be at the family’s home. An old time mansion, Harriet doesn’t know what to do with the information she hears on the tape and she is scared to death to go to the mansion. Why does Robert give her this information? Does Edward know what’s on the tape? Who can she trust? Can she win this next game? Can she get out of this game alive?
This was a great thriller. It had many twists and turns and I had to find out, how it would end. I really enjoy a good thriller and this one didn’t disappoint. I want to thank Netgalley and the author for my copy for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this book.

]eaI honestly don't have a lot of intense or hard-hitting feelings about this book. I enjoyed it, nothing super special to me, but very unrealistic which made it necessary to suspend disbelief for any of this to make sense. I also wasn't particularly rooting for Harry so I wasn't really invested in her decisions one way or another. I've loved other Catherine Steadman books and this one really just falls smack dab in the middle. I'm very curious to know what other storylines she's going to come up with.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

LOVE a book with family drama but this drama felt so ridiculous that it was confusing and unrealistic. The book really shined in the last 2/3 but prior to that I was mildly entertained at best. In theory, I should have absolutely loved this yet I didn't because of those aspects. Overall though still a solid read - just not my favorite!

First book by this author and will not be my last. Currently trying to get my hands on other books by her. This was such a fun read and i just didn’t want to put it down.

What a fun book! It had a slow start. However, I kept wanting to read it! She had no idea what kind of family she was getting herself into...

It seemed to me that this thriller had a very slow start. There were certainly unsettling moments throughout but I was slightly worried this would end up being a 3 star read until we reached the last few chapters. Definitely a great ending IMO and one I didn’t see coming until it was almost upon me.

“Damaged people are dangerous. They know they can survive.” Josephine Hart

In "The Family Game" by Catherine Steadman, readers are treated to a gripping narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of a thriller. Steadman's masterful storytelling unfolds with precision, creating a tapestry of suspense interwoven with the intricate dynamics of family relationships.

The novel introduces a cast of characters whose complexities and hidden motives add layers to the storyline. As the plot unravels, Steadman skillfully navigates the fine line between trust and betrayal, keeping readers guessing at every turn. The narrative's pacing is immaculate, allowing tension to build gradually, ensuring a constant sense of anticipation.

What sets "The Family Game" apart is Steadman's ability to delve into the psychological nuances of her characters. Their vulnerabilities, fears, and desires are laid bare, creating a rich emotional landscape that resonates with authenticity. The author paints a vivid picture of the intricate web of familial connections, exploring the impact of secrets and the consequences of choices made in the name of love.

The unexpected twists and turns within the plot are executed with finesse, leaving readers captivated and eager to unravel the next layer of the mystery. Steadman masterfully crafts an atmosphere of suspense that lingers long after the final page is turned.

In essence, "The Family Game" is a tour de force in the genre, a literary achievement that seamlessly blends psychological depth with edge-of-your-seat tension. Catherine Steadman has created a five-star work of fiction that not only entertains but also invites readers to contemplate the intricacies of family bonds and the unforeseen consequences that can arise when secrets come to light.