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The Family Friend
Brought to you by Penguin.
THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
© Claire Douglas 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
© Claire Douglas 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026
Audible Audio
First published March 12, 2026
297 people are currently reading
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About the author
Claire Douglas
24 books6,530 followersClaire Douglas always wanted to write novels and, after many years of trying to get published, her dream came true when she won the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award in 2013 with THE SISTERS.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
Her second and third novels, LOCAL GIRL MISSING and LAST SEEN ALIVE (Penguin), are Sunday Times bestsellers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
March 23, 2026
dual timelines packed
with commentary about
abusive relationships and
sorority: deep, compelling
and full of plot twists. ♡
with commentary about
abusive relationships and
sorority: deep, compelling
and full of plot twists. ♡
March 17, 2026
The book was okay. I think it was a solid 3,5⭐️ I didn’t guess the plot twist but it didn’t shock me nor did it annoy me
March 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 Brilliant as always from one of my fav authors. A superb blend of creepiness mixed with underlying tension.
January 19, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley for giving me this free advance copy, and I’m writing this review honestly and without bias.
I do love a Claire Douglas novel as you know you're in for a cracking read. And what a cracker this was! An intriguing and well plotted mystery that oozes in suspense with a somewhat eerie feel to it. There are some great well developed characters in this story spearheaded by Imogen as she tries to unravel the clues left by Dorothea. Told in the present and with chapters from Dorothea going back in time gives the story an edge. A dark and twisty read with a surprising culprit gives the very talented Ms Douglas another sure fire best seller. Loved this one and it gets all the stars
February 12, 2026
How Claire Douglas writes a truly flawless, unique, unguessable thriller YEARLY is beyond my comprehension
January 29, 2026
Imogen finds out she’s been left a house in a will, from Dorothea- someone she’s not seen for 16 years- but who had somewhat of an impact on her life at the time. She moves in with her boyfriend Josh, and then starts to think that there’s a reason she was left the house, and it’s to do with how Dorothea died.
I loved the premise of this book- although no-one wants people to die, the idea of being left a house in a will is exciting! And a bit of a twisty turny mystery in there too- with Imogen realising more about her own life, as well as that of Dorothea. It was a real page turner and finished it in a couple of days.
Having previously read and enjoyed several Claire Douglas books, I might see if there are any others I’ve not yet read!
I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
I loved the premise of this book- although no-one wants people to die, the idea of being left a house in a will is exciting! And a bit of a twisty turny mystery in there too- with Imogen realising more about her own life, as well as that of Dorothea. It was a real page turner and finished it in a couple of days.
Having previously read and enjoyed several Claire Douglas books, I might see if there are any others I’ve not yet read!
I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in return for my honest review.
March 12, 2026
After a difficult day, Imogen receives a letter that changes everything. A friend of her late mother has left her an unexpected inheritance: a sprawling mansion near Bath along with a generous sum of money. But the circumstances surrounding the inheritance are troubling, and the gift feels less like good fortune and more like the beginning of a mystery. Determined to uncover the truth, Imogen sets out to learn what really happened to the house’s former owner. Why was the estate left to her? What secrets does the mansion hold? And who might be connected to the crime at the heart of it all? This is a well-written, modern whodunit with a steady pace that keeps the intrigue building throughout.
January 23, 2026
Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors and this one did not disappoint!
The characters so well written some were definitely testing my patience!! I felt all the emotions!!
The twists they just kept coming !!
I was on edge the last couple of chapters literally couldn’t believe what I was reading it was sooooo good!!
I truly loved it and can’t wait to see what she writes next
The characters so well written some were definitely testing my patience!! I felt all the emotions!!
The twists they just kept coming !!
I was on edge the last couple of chapters literally couldn’t believe what I was reading it was sooooo good!!
I truly loved it and can’t wait to see what she writes next
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 400
Publisher - Michael Joseph books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
My Review
The book flips between two characters, Dorothea, initially the incident that kicks everything off and then when we go to her chapters back through the years. And Imogen, Imogen met Dorothea years ago when her and her mum escaped DV from her father. Dorothea is an artist, eccentric, famous, rich and has more than a few secrets. Imogen's mum was a cleaner for Dorothea but they became friends and when they needed help, Dorothea offered her home. For four months a young Imogen flourishes and blooms but then her mum goes back to her dad and everything goes to pot. That was years ago, now Imogen has been left with everything and Dorothea's passing is looking like foul play. Is Imogen in danger and who is hanging around Dorothea's, well now Imogen's home.
There is so so much going on in this book! Like an onion, layers are revealed as we plough through, Dorothea has secrets, Imogen has a lot in her past and is off work pending investigation. Now out of the blue everything is changing, her journalist inquisitiveness is kicking off and Imogen thinks maybe that is why Dorothea done what she has done, she knew what Imogen would be like. So whilst Imogen is digging and exploring the house she has such fond memories of as a kid her boyfriend is along for the journey. The boyfriend!!!!! I didn't like him very quickly and as the book goes on oh my God I HATED him, he is such a tool and his behaviour and attitude I absolutely wanted Imogen to go full throtto on him. You know me I LOVE karma and people getting their comeuppance.
My last book before this I enjoyed but took me I think a week as I had a bit of readers block, this I read in less than 24 hours! Douglas has a way of drawing you in, one I am nosey so I wanted to know exactly what was going on, what happened, what was Dorothea hiding, what things does Imogine not like about her boyfriend, oh who is that, oh why did that happen, like there was so many twists and things thrown up! Hooked, absolutely hooked and more mysteries or secrets were coming and I love when a book does that. Sometimes when there is a fair few characters or a lot going on and or different timelines it can be really distracting especially when you have readers block but I was completely tuned in. That is always a testament to the authors writing, I have read this author before in the past but I absolutely need to check out her back catalogue. Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me an arc, helping me over my reading blip and reminding me how much I enjoy this authors writing, 4.5/5 for me. The book is out on the 12th of March but you can pre order now, its a belter!
Pages - 400
Publisher - Michael Joseph books
Source - ARC
Blurb from Goodreads
When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?
My Review
The book flips between two characters, Dorothea, initially the incident that kicks everything off and then when we go to her chapters back through the years. And Imogen, Imogen met Dorothea years ago when her and her mum escaped DV from her father. Dorothea is an artist, eccentric, famous, rich and has more than a few secrets. Imogen's mum was a cleaner for Dorothea but they became friends and when they needed help, Dorothea offered her home. For four months a young Imogen flourishes and blooms but then her mum goes back to her dad and everything goes to pot. That was years ago, now Imogen has been left with everything and Dorothea's passing is looking like foul play. Is Imogen in danger and who is hanging around Dorothea's, well now Imogen's home.
There is so so much going on in this book! Like an onion, layers are revealed as we plough through, Dorothea has secrets, Imogen has a lot in her past and is off work pending investigation. Now out of the blue everything is changing, her journalist inquisitiveness is kicking off and Imogen thinks maybe that is why Dorothea done what she has done, she knew what Imogen would be like. So whilst Imogen is digging and exploring the house she has such fond memories of as a kid her boyfriend is along for the journey. The boyfriend!!!!! I didn't like him very quickly and as the book goes on oh my God I HATED him, he is such a tool and his behaviour and attitude I absolutely wanted Imogen to go full throtto on him. You know me I LOVE karma and people getting their comeuppance.
My last book before this I enjoyed but took me I think a week as I had a bit of readers block, this I read in less than 24 hours! Douglas has a way of drawing you in, one I am nosey so I wanted to know exactly what was going on, what happened, what was Dorothea hiding, what things does Imogine not like about her boyfriend, oh who is that, oh why did that happen, like there was so many twists and things thrown up! Hooked, absolutely hooked and more mysteries or secrets were coming and I love when a book does that. Sometimes when there is a fair few characters or a lot going on and or different timelines it can be really distracting especially when you have readers block but I was completely tuned in. That is always a testament to the authors writing, I have read this author before in the past but I absolutely need to check out her back catalogue. Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me an arc, helping me over my reading blip and reminding me how much I enjoy this authors writing, 4.5/5 for me. The book is out on the 12th of March but you can pre order now, its a belter!
March 4, 2026
Claire Douglas fans will not be disappointed, this is a great read, filled with intrigue, mystery and suspense.
Imogen has been left a house with its own woods by Dorothea who she has not seen for 16 years, Imogen is excited to be moving in to her new home along with her boyfriend Josh who can’t quite believe their good fortune.
The story is told in the present but with chapters from Dorothea which go back in time.
Imogen discovers Dorothea died in suspicious circumstances and her reporter nose is telling her there is a story to be told, so she begins her own investigation. She discoveries a bunker which has one surviving statue from the fire which destroyed the rest of Dorothea’s collection that she had been working on, There are miniature clues on the statue & Imogen is determined to piece the puzzle together and get to the truth.
Some interesting characters to add to the story, great descriptive writing and lots of twists right to the end.
Another 5 star read from Claire Douglas
Many thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph & Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Imogen has been left a house with its own woods by Dorothea who she has not seen for 16 years, Imogen is excited to be moving in to her new home along with her boyfriend Josh who can’t quite believe their good fortune.
The story is told in the present but with chapters from Dorothea which go back in time.
Imogen discovers Dorothea died in suspicious circumstances and her reporter nose is telling her there is a story to be told, so she begins her own investigation. She discoveries a bunker which has one surviving statue from the fire which destroyed the rest of Dorothea’s collection that she had been working on, There are miniature clues on the statue & Imogen is determined to piece the puzzle together and get to the truth.
Some interesting characters to add to the story, great descriptive writing and lots of twists right to the end.
Another 5 star read from Claire Douglas
Many thanks to NetGalley, Michael Joseph & Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
The Family Friend is another gripping, twisty read from one of my favourite crime writers.
The story is told from two timelines. In the present day we follow Imogen who is surprised to inherit a family friend's fortune who she discovers died in suspicious circumstances. In the past we follow Dorothea (the family friend) as we discover the events in her past that might have led to her death.
It was great fun following Imogen on her investigation into Dorothea's death as she tries to solve some cryptic clues Dorothea left on a statue she was creating at the time of her death. There are some other threads running alongside the main murder mystery which were interesting to watch unfold too, especially as they helped give more of an insight into some of the characters and why they might act the way they do.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story which I think might be my favourite Claire Douglas book yet! I thought the story had a great pace to it and there was always something happening to ensure I kept reading. The many twists kept me on my toes and I was ultimately unable to guess the murderer which I always love.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
The Family Friend is another gripping, twisty read from one of my favourite crime writers.
The story is told from two timelines. In the present day we follow Imogen who is surprised to inherit a family friend's fortune who she discovers died in suspicious circumstances. In the past we follow Dorothea (the family friend) as we discover the events in her past that might have led to her death.
It was great fun following Imogen on her investigation into Dorothea's death as she tries to solve some cryptic clues Dorothea left on a statue she was creating at the time of her death. There are some other threads running alongside the main murder mystery which were interesting to watch unfold too, especially as they helped give more of an insight into some of the characters and why they might act the way they do.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story which I think might be my favourite Claire Douglas book yet! I thought the story had a great pace to it and there was always something happening to ensure I kept reading. The many twists kept me on my toes and I was ultimately unable to guess the murderer which I always love.
March 18, 2026
This book is pretty impressive as it tackles a lot of tricky, family and friend relationship issues.
Imogen (main character) and her sister have been through a lot in their lives and while the plot creates some problems it also helps show a way forward. Dorothea sounded like such an amazing woman. What a lovely character. Everyone in the book had depth and were significant. The males didn't come across very well. Disappointing but very likely accurate in real life.
The characters are very expertly crafted to give the reader many pauses for thought. The plot helps the reader to understand the many dilemmas faced in their lives. Decision making is never easy here!
Toxic relationships is a theme that is critically important and appears on a few different levels within the plot - some more subtle than others. It is amazing how these kinds of relationships can repeat even within one family. You think you might do better? Many people think like that until they experience what it can be like for themselves.
The book has a bit of a feel of a whodunnit but it is significanly more than that.
The ending was a surprise. I guess I could have done better with my guesses!
Full credit to Claire Douglas.
Imogen (main character) and her sister have been through a lot in their lives and while the plot creates some problems it also helps show a way forward. Dorothea sounded like such an amazing woman. What a lovely character. Everyone in the book had depth and were significant. The males didn't come across very well. Disappointing but very likely accurate in real life.
The characters are very expertly crafted to give the reader many pauses for thought. The plot helps the reader to understand the many dilemmas faced in their lives. Decision making is never easy here!
Toxic relationships is a theme that is critically important and appears on a few different levels within the plot - some more subtle than others. It is amazing how these kinds of relationships can repeat even within one family. You think you might do better? Many people think like that until they experience what it can be like for themselves.
The book has a bit of a feel of a whodunnit but it is significanly more than that.
The ending was a surprise. I guess I could have done better with my guesses!
Full credit to Claire Douglas.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for letting me read an early copy of this book. As a fan of Claire Douglas' writing i just knew I would enjoy this one. The story was well thought out, with little twists and clues along the way. The characters were likeable, apart from the ones you were meant to hate and I really did hate them! The start was a little slow, with different timelines and POVs, but that last 30% I was totally gripped, I could not put the book down. The setting aswell (the villa) was so well described and so atmospheric, i think i want to move there myself. Overall, another great thriller from this author.
February 6, 2026
4.5 stars… gnargh rounded down. Though I’m still wavering between 4 and 5 stars on here (why can’t we have quarter or half stars again?). This was tense and gripping, with us seeing Imogen (and occasionally others)‘s point of view in forward, and Dorothea’s view in reverse time order. It touches on domestic violence and controlling behaviour, and what happened regarding Imogen’s mother’s death, if these might be triggering factors for readers to consider.
Ultimately I think it lands a little closer to 4 stars for me than a stand out 5 stars, but it’s a tight thing. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy books that will hook you in and make you stay up late to finish.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
Ultimately I think it lands a little closer to 4 stars for me than a stand out 5 stars, but it’s a tight thing. I’d definitely recommend it if you enjoy books that will hook you in and make you stay up late to finish.
I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review.
March 26, 2026
2 stars
Far too long, things that bear too little relevance were explored in too much depth and the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
Far too long, things that bear too little relevance were explored in too much depth and the ending felt rushed and unrealistic.
February 8, 2026
First of all, I would just like to thank NetGalley, Claire Douglas and Michael Joseph for an ARC of “The Family Friend” in exchange for an honest review.
It’s no secret by now that Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors, so I was SO excited when I received the approved request email on Netgalley for THE FAMILY FRIEND.
I really, really enjoyed this. It had all the standard twists and tension of a normal Douglas thriller, with an extra delicate layer exploring domestic abuse and the various forms it can take. Imogen and Alison were perfect foils for each other, adeptly showing how siblings can grow up different despite sharing the same childhood trauma. It was a nice and subtle portrayal of how we all deal with things in our own, separate ways.
The actual mystery itself was incredibly gripping. I loved learning more about the elusive Dorothea, discovering things as Imogen did and finding myself getting increasingly more wrapped up in her mysterious, artistic world.
It’s very hard to trust anyone in this book, and that is one thing I actively look for in a thriller— doubt. The Family Friend certainly did not disappoint on that front.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable thriller with a woven, delicate tale of the horrors and aftereffects of domestic abuse. Highly recommend!
(One final note- I would die for Solly)
It’s no secret by now that Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors, so I was SO excited when I received the approved request email on Netgalley for THE FAMILY FRIEND.
I really, really enjoyed this. It had all the standard twists and tension of a normal Douglas thriller, with an extra delicate layer exploring domestic abuse and the various forms it can take. Imogen and Alison were perfect foils for each other, adeptly showing how siblings can grow up different despite sharing the same childhood trauma. It was a nice and subtle portrayal of how we all deal with things in our own, separate ways.
The actual mystery itself was incredibly gripping. I loved learning more about the elusive Dorothea, discovering things as Imogen did and finding myself getting increasingly more wrapped up in her mysterious, artistic world.
It’s very hard to trust anyone in this book, and that is one thing I actively look for in a thriller— doubt. The Family Friend certainly did not disappoint on that front.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable thriller with a woven, delicate tale of the horrors and aftereffects of domestic abuse. Highly recommend!
(One final note- I would die for Solly)
January 17, 2026
My first 5⭐️ read of 2026 and this book sure deserves it! What a fantastic read this was, I was hooked from page 1 until the very end. Claire never disappoints with her books and I hope this one gets the love it deserves. PS: there was a certain character in this book that infuriated me the whole way through, IYKYK 🤣
March 23, 2026
Penguin Michael Joseph books very kindly sent me a proof copy of The Family Friend by Claire Douglas and below is my honest review.
This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page. I read it in 2 sittings - I didn’t want to put it down!
It’s told through multiple POVs (the two main ones being Imogen and Dorothea). Imogen has recently learnt that she has inherited her family friend Dorothea’s home following her passing. Secrets are very quickly uncovered and it all unfolds from there.
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about Imogen as a character but as the story went on, I warmed to her and really rooted for her.
I love the fact we get multiple timelines past and present as it really gives you a feel of the characters and the unfolding drama. The entire book felt atmospheric.
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thriller filled with drama and secrets!
I give this 4 stars!
This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page. I read it in 2 sittings - I didn’t want to put it down!
It’s told through multiple POVs (the two main ones being Imogen and Dorothea). Imogen has recently learnt that she has inherited her family friend Dorothea’s home following her passing. Secrets are very quickly uncovered and it all unfolds from there.
At first I wasn’t sure how I felt about Imogen as a character but as the story went on, I warmed to her and really rooted for her.
I love the fact we get multiple timelines past and present as it really gives you a feel of the characters and the unfolding drama. The entire book felt atmospheric.
If you have any content triggers, I advise you to read any trigger warnings beforehand.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a thriller filled with drama and secrets!
I give this 4 stars!
March 17, 2026
Whilst I enjoyed reading this one, it wasn't my favourite Claire Douglas book that I have read so far. I found it a little far fetched and as more and more secrets were revealed this became more and more apparent. The boyfriend was a really unlikable character and I just wanted Imogen to tell him where to go. And to be honest despite inheriting the big house I was screaming internally at Imogen to get the heck out of there! All in all its a real suspenseful read and I would recommend it but its just not up there with my favourites from this author.
February 9, 2026
I always enjoy a Claire Douglas book and this was no exception. Imogen inherits a house from an artist friend of her late mothers who she has seen in years. However odd things happen and there is huge secrets close to home. Enjoyed the book and the twists and turns, found Imogen a little tiresome at times but overall a fab read
Thank you NetGalley for the early release in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley for the early release in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2026
The Family Friend follows Imogen, who is completely blindsided when she inherits a crumbling country house from Dorothea, who was found dead. The mystery is, Imogen was never close to her, so why has she left the house to her? As Imogen moves into the house, she starts uncovering strange clues to Dorothea’s death.
You know I am not normally one for a thriller type of book, but I think this might have won me over. I enjoyed the way the tension built naturally and quietly, which left me needing to finish it before I went to bed. The dual timeline was so well done, with each flashback adding meaningful layers to the mystery and making the final reveals feel earned rather than shocking, it all felt immersive and slightly unsettling in the best way. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another piece of the puzzle changed!! I really disliked the Husband Josh, and actually felt myself skimming the pages where his dialogue appeared because he was just annoying me! 🫣
The vibes - moody, tense, and unsettling. think inherited country house, buried secrets, and full of creeping “something isn’t right” energy.
Thank you to Claire Douglas, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
You know I am not normally one for a thriller type of book, but I think this might have won me over. I enjoyed the way the tension built naturally and quietly, which left me needing to finish it before I went to bed. The dual timeline was so well done, with each flashback adding meaningful layers to the mystery and making the final reveals feel earned rather than shocking, it all felt immersive and slightly unsettling in the best way. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another piece of the puzzle changed!! I really disliked the Husband Josh, and actually felt myself skimming the pages where his dialogue appeared because he was just annoying me! 🫣
The vibes - moody, tense, and unsettling. think inherited country house, buried secrets, and full of creeping “something isn’t right” energy.
Thank you to Claire Douglas, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Net Galley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2026
This was my first book by Claire Douglas and unfortunately it just wasn’t the one for me.
The premise sounded really intriguing, but when I started reading I struggled to fully get into the story. I didn’t really connect with most of the characters, aside from Imogen’s sister, who I found the most relatable.
I also found the shifting timelines a little difficult to follow at times. The multiple past timelines didn’t quite work for me, and Imogen’s determination to solve the mystery — even when it repeatedly put her in danger — became a bit frustrating to read.
I do appreciate the way the book addresses themes of abuse and brings that representation into the story, but overall it just didn’t quite land for me. I did consider not finishing it, but I pushed through because I wanted to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Unfortunately, the ending didn’t redeem the experience for me.
That said, I’m still interested in reading other books by Claire Douglas in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
The premise sounded really intriguing, but when I started reading I struggled to fully get into the story. I didn’t really connect with most of the characters, aside from Imogen’s sister, who I found the most relatable.
I also found the shifting timelines a little difficult to follow at times. The multiple past timelines didn’t quite work for me, and Imogen’s determination to solve the mystery — even when it repeatedly put her in danger — became a bit frustrating to read.
I do appreciate the way the book addresses themes of abuse and brings that representation into the story, but overall it just didn’t quite land for me. I did consider not finishing it, but I pushed through because I wanted to uncover the truth behind the mystery. Unfortunately, the ending didn’t redeem the experience for me.
That said, I’m still interested in reading other books by Claire Douglas in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
January 30, 2026
The Family Friend introduces us to Imogen, a woman who has just been told she has inherited a country house near Bath. She is convinced it is a mistake as she hadn’t seen its owner Dorothea Roe 16 years ago. She moves with her boyfriend Josh and when she finds a box with her name, she starts to believe Dorothea has left her a message. Rumours start that Dorothea was murdered, Imogen begins to wonder if she’s in danger and is this linked her own family history?
I couldn’t put this down!! This book jumps straight in and has twists all around, none that I guessed! Going between multiple POVs, alongside Dorothea’s POV from years gone past definitely adds to the suspense. I felt sorry for Imogen at times and really disliked Josh, which highlights how well the characters were written. A fantastic book that makes you desperate to find out happens next!
I couldn’t put this down!! This book jumps straight in and has twists all around, none that I guessed! Going between multiple POVs, alongside Dorothea’s POV from years gone past definitely adds to the suspense. I felt sorry for Imogen at times and really disliked Josh, which highlights how well the characters were written. A fantastic book that makes you desperate to find out happens next!
March 15, 2026
Having read a few of Claire Douglas’s previous books, I was really looking forward to getting my hands on The Family Friend — and it didn’t disappoint.
This is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that moves cleverly between past and present, slowly revealing the secrets that bind the characters together. Douglas does a great job of building unease throughout the story; the shifting timelines add layers to the mystery and keep the tension simmering as the truth gradually comes to light.
I found it a really compelling read and ended up racing through the final chapters. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong sense of atmosphere and carefully unravelled secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC
This is a tense, claustrophobic thriller that moves cleverly between past and present, slowly revealing the secrets that bind the characters together. Douglas does a great job of building unease throughout the story; the shifting timelines add layers to the mystery and keep the tension simmering as the truth gradually comes to light.
I found it a really compelling read and ended up racing through the final chapters. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a strong sense of atmosphere and carefully unravelled secrets, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Big thank you to NetGalley and Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House for the ARC
February 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this arc.
I am a huge fan of Claire Douglas and this book did not disappoint. I think it may be her best one yet.
Imogen has been left Dorothy’s house in her will. Imogen hasn’t seen Dorothy for over 15 years so to inherit her house seems odd. The will has a stipulation that Imogen can’t sell the house for a year.
After Imogen and her boyfriend Josh move in, strange things begin to happen and Imogen feels there’s a reason why the house has been left to her and she tries to discover the reason why.
This book has so many twists and turns and was eerie in parts. Written in a dual time line, this story had me on the edge of my seat, I could not put it down.
I am a huge fan of Claire Douglas and this book did not disappoint. I think it may be her best one yet.
Imogen has been left Dorothy’s house in her will. Imogen hasn’t seen Dorothy for over 15 years so to inherit her house seems odd. The will has a stipulation that Imogen can’t sell the house for a year.
After Imogen and her boyfriend Josh move in, strange things begin to happen and Imogen feels there’s a reason why the house has been left to her and she tries to discover the reason why.
This book has so many twists and turns and was eerie in parts. Written in a dual time line, this story had me on the edge of my seat, I could not put it down.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for my ARC.
I love Claires books, they usually keep me on my toes and I read them very quickly so couldn't wait for this!
And this one was exactly the same! Didn't know where it was going and couldn't put it down! An addictive read, even though I didnt like or trust alot of the characters! Due to different character POV and timelines it was difficult in some parts to remember who was who.
4 stars as the book was addictive all the way through and then, for me the ending just happened. It didnt seem a big twist or ending and it felt a bit of a letdown after the fast pace of the book.
I love Claires books, they usually keep me on my toes and I read them very quickly so couldn't wait for this!
And this one was exactly the same! Didn't know where it was going and couldn't put it down! An addictive read, even though I didnt like or trust alot of the characters! Due to different character POV and timelines it was difficult in some parts to remember who was who.
4 stars as the book was addictive all the way through and then, for me the ending just happened. It didnt seem a big twist or ending and it felt a bit of a letdown after the fast pace of the book.
March 23, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
Imogen inherits a large country house from an old family friend Dorothea a friend she hasn't seen in years. While exploring the house Imogen finds a box addressed to her and this sets her on a journey to find out what really happened to Dorothea.
I loved the dual timelines slowly bringing the past and present together. The atmosphere was tense but it was a little bit of a slow burn. The twists took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley, Michael Joseph and Claire Douglas for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Imogen inherits a large country house from an old family friend Dorothea a friend she hasn't seen in years. While exploring the house Imogen finds a box addressed to her and this sets her on a journey to find out what really happened to Dorothea.
I loved the dual timelines slowly bringing the past and present together. The atmosphere was tense but it was a little bit of a slow burn. The twists took me by surprise.
Thank you to Netgalley, Michael Joseph and Claire Douglas for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2026
I enjoyed this book and the intermingle histories of the characters piqued my interest and held my attention. A bequeathed house from someone in your past that opens up secrets not only about their lives but also yours!
A good plot, and decent pace, I would recommend this to people who enjoy Claire Douglas books, gripping and suspenseful, and plenty of twists and turns with the characters.
A good plot, and decent pace, I would recommend this to people who enjoy Claire Douglas books, gripping and suspenseful, and plenty of twists and turns with the characters.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Claire Douglas does it again!
Firstly I will thank Netgalley and Penguin for allowing me the chance to review this ARC.
Claire is one author I'll read regardless of the synopsis. I was hooked on her books since reading The Couple at No9.
I knew I'd love this from the first line. When that hooks you in and then you gasp at the end of chapter 1 you are in for a ride.
I flew through reading this and I really felt for every character (except Josh, but no spoilers here).
If you like Claire's previous work you'll love this. What a web of twists and turns!
Firstly I will thank Netgalley and Penguin for allowing me the chance to review this ARC.
Claire is one author I'll read regardless of the synopsis. I was hooked on her books since reading The Couple at No9.
I knew I'd love this from the first line. When that hooks you in and then you gasp at the end of chapter 1 you are in for a ride.
I flew through reading this and I really felt for every character (except Josh, but no spoilers here).
If you like Claire's previous work you'll love this. What a web of twists and turns!
Review of advance copy
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book ahead of its release. This is the first Claire Douglas book I've read and I really enjoyed it! The story kept me hooked and it was well paced / easy to read. I'll definitely be reading more of hers.
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