by Catherine Steadman
SYNOPSIS
THE RULES
1. Listen carefully
2. Do your research
3. Trust no one
4. Run for your life
Harriet Reed is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir to an extremely powerful American family. When Edward’s father hands her 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 a novel. It’s a confession to murder. Feeling isolated and confused, Harriet must work out if this is all part of a plan to test her loyalty. Or something far darker. Because this might be a game to the Holbeck family - but games can still be deadly.
READY OR NOT, HERE THEY COME . . .
REVIEW
Harriet has packed up her bags and moved from the UK to New York to live with her partner Edward. Things are getting serious, but there's just one thing preventing them from being the 'perfect couple' - Harriet hasn't met Edward's family. The Holbeck's are an extremely rich and powerful dynasty, and the pair are understandably nervous about how the relationship will develop. Despite any reservations, everything seems to go really well until Edwards father asks Harriet to listen to a recorded transcript of a novel he had written. As she listens to the tape, it becomes clear that what she thought was crime fiction, could actually be a murder confession.
The feeling I had throughout the majority of this book was an overwhelming sense of frustration mixed with tension. It was like watching a horror film, shouting 'He's behind you!' at the screen because you can see what's coming while the characters are unaware of just how much danger they are in. The growing list of missing girls, Robert Holbeck's power and the bizarre family rituals (including the incredibly disturbing Krampusnacht) all working together to create the perfect uncomfortable and chilling atmosphere you want from a psychological thriller.
I can't remember the last time I flew through a book this quickly. The story was definitely a bit out there (Harriet's experience of meeting her in-laws is luckily on the extreme end of the scale!), but it was pure escapism, fast-paced, fun and addictive to read. One of my favourite parts of the story was actually the relationship between Harriet and retired NYPD lieutenant Deonte. I loved the idea of them discussing the possible murders under the guise of fact-checking a plot for a new crime novel.
A really enjoyable thriller with an unusual storyline - if you like stories with a focus on family secrets and dysfunctional relationships, this is definitely the book for you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Catherine Steadman is an actress and author based in London. She has appeared in leading roles on British and American television as well as on stage in the West End where she has been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award. Catherine’s first novel, Something in the Water, was a number one New York Times bestseller with rights sold in over thirty territories. It was also a Richard & Judy Book Club Pick. Her second novel, Mr Nobody, was published in 2020 and her third novel, The Disappearing Act, published in 2021.
Thanks to Anne Cater @RandomTTours, Simon & Schuster UK @SimonSchusterUK and Catherine Steadman @CatSteadman for the opportunity to read and review.
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK
Fiction: Psychological Thriller
ISBN: 978-1471189852
Pages: 400pp
コメント