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The Family
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
8 days and 08:47:54
100 copies available
U.S. only
All Families Have Secrets. Some Kill For Them.
Book-smart, broke and toting a self-deprecating sense of humor, Esther Holland is nobody's idea of a seasoned seductress. She's more comfortable with a worn-out paperback than a cocktail dress, and her only experience with high-stakes intrigue comes from late-night movies.
When the enigmatic Caron recruits her into the Family—a secret sorority where smart, beautiful women master the art of deception—she is christened “Star” and dropped into a fairytale of glamour and luxury. But once a high-stakes assignment goes horribly wrong, the velvet curtain is torn away, plunging Star into the Family's dark secrets and striking midnight on her new life.
Armed with only a notebook and a knack for noticing what she shouldn't, Star begins her own unique style of investigation and learns that in the Family, the most devastating truths don't exist between the lines—they're hidden in the margins.
A slow-burn mystery of loyalty and deception, The Family is a story about what happens when the right girl starts asking the wrong questions.
Book-smart, broke and toting a self-deprecating sense of humor, Esther Holland is nobody's idea of a seasoned seductress. She's more comfortable with a worn-out paperback than a cocktail dress, and her only experience with high-stakes intrigue comes from late-night movies.
When the enigmatic Caron recruits her into the Family—a secret sorority where smart, beautiful women master the art of deception—she is christened “Star” and dropped into a fairytale of glamour and luxury. But once a high-stakes assignment goes horribly wrong, the velvet curtain is torn away, plunging Star into the Family's dark secrets and striking midnight on her new life.
Armed with only a notebook and a knack for noticing what she shouldn't, Star begins her own unique style of investigation and learns that in the Family, the most devastating truths don't exist between the lines—they're hidden in the margins.
A slow-burn mystery of loyalty and deception, The Family is a story about what happens when the right girl starts asking the wrong questions.
- GenresMystery
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
5 people are currently reading
2679 people want to read
About the author
Ric Perrott
2 books85 followersRic Perrott has spent his life telling stories—first as excuses to his mother, then in lines of code, and now with words on the page. A lifelong gamer, musician, and voracious reader, he finally decided it was time to let the dice roll and share the tales that have been questing through his imagination for decades. He is the author of the short story Pick Up the Pieces, and The Family is his debut novel from Mirelune Press.
When he’s not writing, Ric can be found strumming a guitar, holding a controller, or losing track of time in a fantastic book. He lives in Florida with his family, a Goldendoodle named Milo, and more unfinished ideas than he’ll ever honestly admit to.
When he’s not writing, Ric can be found strumming a guitar, holding a controller, or losing track of time in a fantastic book. He lives in Florida with his family, a Goldendoodle named Milo, and more unfinished ideas than he’ll ever honestly admit to.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 10, 2025
2.5⭐️ This story follows Star / Esther who has been granted a life changing opportunity to join an elite organisation named 'the Family' and rebuild her life with comfort and prosperity. However, early in her journey, she realises there are suspicious things about how the organisation operates...
The premise of this story was very compelling and it had an interesting and likeable protagonist. I also liked the intermittent insights into the other characters' 'past lives'.
However, I feel that the story started a little 'wrong-footed', in that the beginning felt lacking. We are dropped at the beginning of Star's journey in the family and we see her immediate suspicions but as the reader I felt disoriented - I understand the Family is a mysterious organisation, but in terms of pacing, the reader was not yet aware of what was happening to / around the protagonist to understand the implications of her suspicions . Some kind of introduction and build up of Star's experience in the organisation would have bridged that gap.
There are other elements which also felt rushed or slightly underdeveloped - for example, the friendship with Melody is brief before the action point takes place and thereafter we only hear of it in hindsight instead of before; similarly Star's crush on Sage is brought up on several occasions but it is never addresed head-on and I feel it could have been an interesting character point.
In the end, as I mentioned, I felt displaced in the story and when the main discovery is made it felt slightly inflated - the kind of thing that redirects the story and you have to say 'oh right this is where we are going now'.
BUT this is a debut novel, and undoubtedly I could not write better. I think the story is generally compelling and could have been more effective, were the plot and pacing more refined!
The premise of this story was very compelling and it had an interesting and likeable protagonist. I also liked the intermittent insights into the other characters' 'past lives'.
However, I feel that the story started a little 'wrong-footed', in that the beginning felt lacking. We are dropped at the beginning of Star's journey in the family and we see her immediate suspicions but as the reader I felt disoriented - I understand the Family is a mysterious organisation, but in terms of pacing, the reader was not yet aware of what was happening to / around the protagonist to understand the implications of her suspicions . Some kind of introduction and build up of Star's experience in the organisation would have bridged that gap.
There are other elements which also felt rushed or slightly underdeveloped - for example, the friendship with Melody is brief before the action point takes place and thereafter we only hear of it in hindsight instead of before; similarly Star's crush on Sage is brought up on several occasions but it is never addresed head-on and I feel it could have been an interesting character point.
In the end, as I mentioned, I felt displaced in the story and when the main discovery is made it felt slightly inflated - the kind of thing that redirects the story and you have to say 'oh right this is where we are going now'.
BUT this is a debut novel, and undoubtedly I could not write better. I think the story is generally compelling and could have been more effective, were the plot and pacing more refined!
December 16, 2025
The author provided an ARC copy of the book. This is my review.
So, I have really mixed feelings about this one. I won't post any spoilers in this review even though it's tough not to.
I went into The Family expecting a gritty, realistic thriller about women being used as tools in some spy game. And so the first few chapters really had me wondering if I'd read the wrong synopsis because it's mostly about girls in a dorm and how they like it or don't like it. Not the start I was expecting. It's well written and I believed the relationships, but I thought it would start more... "thrillery?" It takes a little while to get going, and I get that it's because the writer wants to establish the relationships so that you feel for these characters, but I think it could have been condensed a little. Once the story gets going it's good (with exceptions, see below) and it's a pretty easy read.
I genuinely cared about the characters, especially Melody. She felt the most real out of all the characters (her seahorse tattoo explanation? 😭), and she acts as the catalyst to kick the story off. I also really liked the relationship between Esther/Star and Jeremy. It was refreshing to have a male character who wasn't a creep or a client, just a nervous tech guy trying to help. Their dynamic grounded the story when things got crazy. It felt like a real friendship, which is nice to see these days where a lot of books only have the male side character to be a love/sex interest for the FMC.
There was one twist I figured out ahead of time and another that I absolutely did not, so props for that.
Here is where I struggled: this book needs a little more chill. It can be a little heavy-handed with its themes and villains.
Natalia, the main antagonist, is literally a cold, heartless ex-Russian ballerina spy who wants to restore the glory of the Motherland. It felt like she was ripped directly from "Red Sparrow". It took away from the genuinely interesting plot when the bad guy is a caricature like that.
Also, the symbolism was beating me over the head. The constant bird metaphors, the "Step-Sister" blog posts that spelled out what the author wanted us to feel... we get it. It lacked subtlety. I wish the author trusted me more to figure out the themes of identity and exploitation on my own. It is a debut novel, so I will give them a pass this time, but I heard myself saying "Yeah, I get it" a few more times than I wanted.
It’s a fast read and I was definitely invested in the ending. It takes a little bit to get started and the overall story is good if a little bit spelled-out. If you like high-stakes drama and don't mind suspending your disbelief, you'll probably enjoy it. But if you're looking for a nuanced psychological thriller, this might not be your thing.
So, I have really mixed feelings about this one. I won't post any spoilers in this review even though it's tough not to.
I went into The Family expecting a gritty, realistic thriller about women being used as tools in some spy game. And so the first few chapters really had me wondering if I'd read the wrong synopsis because it's mostly about girls in a dorm and how they like it or don't like it. Not the start I was expecting. It's well written and I believed the relationships, but I thought it would start more... "thrillery?" It takes a little while to get going, and I get that it's because the writer wants to establish the relationships so that you feel for these characters, but I think it could have been condensed a little. Once the story gets going it's good (with exceptions, see below) and it's a pretty easy read.
I genuinely cared about the characters, especially Melody. She felt the most real out of all the characters (her seahorse tattoo explanation? 😭), and she acts as the catalyst to kick the story off. I also really liked the relationship between Esther/Star and Jeremy. It was refreshing to have a male character who wasn't a creep or a client, just a nervous tech guy trying to help. Their dynamic grounded the story when things got crazy. It felt like a real friendship, which is nice to see these days where a lot of books only have the male side character to be a love/sex interest for the FMC.
There was one twist I figured out ahead of time and another that I absolutely did not, so props for that.
Here is where I struggled: this book needs a little more chill. It can be a little heavy-handed with its themes and villains.
Natalia, the main antagonist, is literally a cold, heartless ex-Russian ballerina spy who wants to restore the glory of the Motherland. It felt like she was ripped directly from "Red Sparrow". It took away from the genuinely interesting plot when the bad guy is a caricature like that.
Also, the symbolism was beating me over the head. The constant bird metaphors, the "Step-Sister" blog posts that spelled out what the author wanted us to feel... we get it. It lacked subtlety. I wish the author trusted me more to figure out the themes of identity and exploitation on my own. It is a debut novel, so I will give them a pass this time, but I heard myself saying "Yeah, I get it" a few more times than I wanted.
It’s a fast read and I was definitely invested in the ending. It takes a little bit to get started and the overall story is good if a little bit spelled-out. If you like high-stakes drama and don't mind suspending your disbelief, you'll probably enjoy it. But if you're looking for a nuanced psychological thriller, this might not be your thing.
December 16, 2025
My review of 'The Family' based on an ARC copy from NetGalley.
3.5 ⭐
I was hooked by the description, loved the first 9 chapters, then didn't love it so much, then loved it again.
The Vibe:
Imagine being poor and desperate in NYC and then getting swept up into this glittery, opulent townhouse on Fifth Avenue where you get designer clothes, a new name, and "sisters." It sounds perfect, right? obviously not. There's a creeping dread in the first third of the story that simmers underneath the otherwise mundane depiction of the life of a high-end escort. The author does a great job of making "The Family" feel seductive and terrifying at the same time. You want to be there with Sage and Melody and Kora, but you also want to run screaming from the building.
What I Loved:
The Genre Pivot: I won’t lie, around the 40% mark, I thought I knew exactly where this was going. I thought it was just going to be a "take down the abusive pimp" story. But when the plot flipped I was shook. The idea that these women aren't what they seem? That's terrifyingly brilliant. It raised the stakes from "personal safety" to "really serious" very quickly.
Sage and Kora: Esther (or Star) is a solid protagonist, and I love her drive to find her sister, but Sage? Sage is THE moment. I love a morally grey queen. The reveal that she isn't who she appears to be? Chef’s kiss. The complexity of their relationship was the best part of the book for me.
The "Step-Sister" Blog: I’m a sucker for mixed media in books, and the blog posts interspersed throughout the chapters added so much tension. It gave me Pretty Little Liars vibes.
What I Didn’t Love: (Spoilers)
Justice for Melody: Look, I get it. To raise the stakes, the innocent one has to die. But did Melody have to be so innocent? She felt like a target from page one—bubbly, naive, theatre kid, talks about seahorses? I was so mad when it happened, which I guess is the point, but it was bordering on a "fridging" trope. That she was written so well is what saved it.
The "Benevolent" Pimp: Caron. Ugh. The book gives him a sort of redemption arc at the end. The narrative paints him as this tragic father figure who just "lost control." I’m sorry, but no. You recruited vulnerable homeless girls into a trafficking ring, sir. I didn't buy his "I did it for Amelia" sob story.
Jeremy: He’s fine. He’s the classic "awkward but brilliant IT guy" you see in every movie. He was useful for the hacking scenes (which were cool), but his romance/friendship with Esther felt a little forced. I was way more invested in the female friendships.
The Verdict:
Despite my issues with Caron and the predictability of Melody’s fate, this was a total page-turner. The pacing in the last 100 pages is breakneck—the heist at the hotel, the fake FBI raid, the showdown in the office—I was stressed.
If you like psychological thrillers that start as domestic dramas and spiral into high-stakes spy craft, definitely pick this up. There's no SA or anything, but it gets dark at times.
3.5 ⭐
I was hooked by the description, loved the first 9 chapters, then didn't love it so much, then loved it again.
The Vibe:
Imagine being poor and desperate in NYC and then getting swept up into this glittery, opulent townhouse on Fifth Avenue where you get designer clothes, a new name, and "sisters." It sounds perfect, right? obviously not. There's a creeping dread in the first third of the story that simmers underneath the otherwise mundane depiction of the life of a high-end escort. The author does a great job of making "The Family" feel seductive and terrifying at the same time. You want to be there with Sage and Melody and Kora, but you also want to run screaming from the building.
What I Loved:
The Genre Pivot: I won’t lie, around the 40% mark, I thought I knew exactly where this was going. I thought it was just going to be a "take down the abusive pimp" story. But when the plot flipped I was shook. The idea that these women aren't what they seem? That's terrifyingly brilliant. It raised the stakes from "personal safety" to "really serious" very quickly.
Sage and Kora: Esther (or Star) is a solid protagonist, and I love her drive to find her sister, but Sage? Sage is THE moment. I love a morally grey queen. The reveal that she isn't who she appears to be? Chef’s kiss. The complexity of their relationship was the best part of the book for me.
The "Step-Sister" Blog: I’m a sucker for mixed media in books, and the blog posts interspersed throughout the chapters added so much tension. It gave me Pretty Little Liars vibes.
What I Didn’t Love: (Spoilers)
Justice for Melody: Look, I get it. To raise the stakes, the innocent one has to die. But did Melody have to be so innocent? She felt like a target from page one—bubbly, naive, theatre kid, talks about seahorses? I was so mad when it happened, which I guess is the point, but it was bordering on a "fridging" trope. That she was written so well is what saved it.
The "Benevolent" Pimp: Caron. Ugh. The book gives him a sort of redemption arc at the end. The narrative paints him as this tragic father figure who just "lost control." I’m sorry, but no. You recruited vulnerable homeless girls into a trafficking ring, sir. I didn't buy his "I did it for Amelia" sob story.
Jeremy: He’s fine. He’s the classic "awkward but brilliant IT guy" you see in every movie. He was useful for the hacking scenes (which were cool), but his romance/friendship with Esther felt a little forced. I was way more invested in the female friendships.
The Verdict:
Despite my issues with Caron and the predictability of Melody’s fate, this was a total page-turner. The pacing in the last 100 pages is breakneck—the heist at the hotel, the fake FBI raid, the showdown in the office—I was stressed.
If you like psychological thrillers that start as domestic dramas and spiral into high-stakes spy craft, definitely pick this up. There's no SA or anything, but it gets dark at times.
December 16, 2025
I went into this expecting a standard "dark underbelly of New York elite" thriller. The tropes, the usual glitz, glamour, and rich people behaving badly. And while I definitely got that, this book turned into something deeper and more intense.
The Good:
First of all, the female characters. This is exactly the kind of stuff I live for. The relationships between the women in this house are messy, traumatic, and incredibly real. The bond between Esther (Star) and Melody broke my heart in the best way. Melody is such a ray of sunshine and her friendship with Esther felt grounding in a world that was absolute chaos.
But can we talk about Sage? She is easily the most compelling character in the book. At the beginning, I was ready to hate her. She gave off such "Mean Girl/Capitalist Barbie" energy. But as the layers peeled back and we learned about her relationship with Kora and the guilt she is carrying? Good stuff. Her arc from ice queen to protector was chef’s kiss.
I also really appreciated that Esther wasn't a damsel. She started out scrappy and street-smart, but watching her transform into "Cinderella" and basically out-spy the spies was so satisfying. She didn’t wait for a man to save her; she saved herself.
Speaking of men, Jeremy is the only one allowed at the cookout. I love a platonic male-female friendship, and their bond was sweet without forcing a romance plot where it didn't belong.
The Not That Good:
It can get heavy. If you’re looking for a light beach read, this isn’t it. The themes of exploitation and sex work are handled well, but might be a bit much for some.
There are a couple of reveals/twists that I kind of saw coming, and while that didn't ruin anything, it took the air out of the tires a little.
Sometimes the blog posts (while a nice addition) can be wordy and long, like I get it.
The Verdict:
If you like books about ride-or-die female friendships, a plot that starts slow but ramps up quickly and unravelling complex mysteries, pick this up. The epilogue was a nice touch and a perfect way to end the book.
The Good:
First of all, the female characters. This is exactly the kind of stuff I live for. The relationships between the women in this house are messy, traumatic, and incredibly real. The bond between Esther (Star) and Melody broke my heart in the best way. Melody is such a ray of sunshine and her friendship with Esther felt grounding in a world that was absolute chaos.
But can we talk about Sage? She is easily the most compelling character in the book. At the beginning, I was ready to hate her. She gave off such "Mean Girl/Capitalist Barbie" energy. But as the layers peeled back and we learned about her relationship with Kora and the guilt she is carrying? Good stuff. Her arc from ice queen to protector was chef’s kiss.
I also really appreciated that Esther wasn't a damsel. She started out scrappy and street-smart, but watching her transform into "Cinderella" and basically out-spy the spies was so satisfying. She didn’t wait for a man to save her; she saved herself.
Speaking of men, Jeremy is the only one allowed at the cookout. I love a platonic male-female friendship, and their bond was sweet without forcing a romance plot where it didn't belong.
The Not That Good:
It can get heavy. If you’re looking for a light beach read, this isn’t it. The themes of exploitation and sex work are handled well, but might be a bit much for some.
There are a couple of reveals/twists that I kind of saw coming, and while that didn't ruin anything, it took the air out of the tires a little.
Sometimes the blog posts (while a nice addition) can be wordy and long, like I get it.
The Verdict:
If you like books about ride-or-die female friendships, a plot that starts slow but ramps up quickly and unravelling complex mysteries, pick this up. The epilogue was a nice touch and a perfect way to end the book.
December 16, 2025
I received an ARC from NetGalley for this book and am providing an honest review.
SOME LIGHT SPOILERS.
I honestly didn’t expect to get sucked into this as much as I did, but I ended up flying through it. The Family reads like a mix of Gossip Girl and a spy thriller, with a really dark, cult-like undertone that hooked me right away. I loved the concept of this high-end, secretive organization that recruits girls from the streets and gives them a glamorous makeover, only to trap them in something much more dangerous. Star is a great protagonist—she’s got enough grit from her past to not be totally naïve, and her motivation to find out what happened to her sister (and later her friend Melody) makes you root for her immediately. The inclusion of the "Step-Sister" blog posts was a really smart touch, too; it added this cool layer of mystery and dread before the main plot even fully kicked in.
The character dynamics were definitely the highlight for me. I loved how the story shifted from Star being on her own to building this ragtag team with Jeremy and Sage. Jeremy is the perfect awkward tech wizard (and a really cute love interest), and Sage’s arc from the icy "mean girl" to a broken, complex ally was actually really well done. The phone scene near the end where they trick the contacts was super tense, and I liked that the "heist" aspect of taking down Natalia relied on their specific skills rather than just dumb luck. It felt like they earned that win. Great characters and really honest emotions won me over.
That said, the ending could be seen as a little "neat" even if it's not "happily ever after" it was an entertaining, emotional, and fast-paced read that kept me guessing.
SOME LIGHT SPOILERS.
I honestly didn’t expect to get sucked into this as much as I did, but I ended up flying through it. The Family reads like a mix of Gossip Girl and a spy thriller, with a really dark, cult-like undertone that hooked me right away. I loved the concept of this high-end, secretive organization that recruits girls from the streets and gives them a glamorous makeover, only to trap them in something much more dangerous. Star is a great protagonist—she’s got enough grit from her past to not be totally naïve, and her motivation to find out what happened to her sister (and later her friend Melody) makes you root for her immediately. The inclusion of the "Step-Sister" blog posts was a really smart touch, too; it added this cool layer of mystery and dread before the main plot even fully kicked in.
The character dynamics were definitely the highlight for me. I loved how the story shifted from Star being on her own to building this ragtag team with Jeremy and Sage. Jeremy is the perfect awkward tech wizard (and a really cute love interest), and Sage’s arc from the icy "mean girl" to a broken, complex ally was actually really well done. The phone scene near the end where they trick the contacts was super tense, and I liked that the "heist" aspect of taking down Natalia relied on their specific skills rather than just dumb luck. It felt like they earned that win. Great characters and really honest emotions won me over.
That said, the ending could be seen as a little "neat" even if it's not "happily ever after" it was an entertaining, emotional, and fast-paced read that kept me guessing.
December 3, 2025
I received this book early as an ARC from the author, so thank you for that.
The Family is a little hard to describe because it's doing so many things at once. It's part mystery, part thriller, part coming of age, and even part girl-bonding. Yet the author pulls it all off really well. It never gets messy or unfocused and the character relationships are some of the best I've ever read. I genuinely cared about these people and was fully invested in where the story was taking me.
Fair warning: despite the title, this isn't a mafia book. There's a semblance of organized crime involved, but it's a completely different beast from something like The Godfather or Goodfellas.
Esther Holland-the protagonist-is a superb character, which is good because 90 percent of the book is from her first person point of view, so her voice has to carry the story and it absolutely does. She's authentic and I liked that she wasn't some Mary Sue super spy or awesome fighter. She's just a girl with a notebook and a lot of Chutzpah who doesn't stop asking questions.
The author uses journal entries, blog posts, and text messages throughout, and instead of feeling gimmicky, they actually pulled me deeper into the world. The plot itself isn't reinventing the wheel but the execution is so solid and the characters are so compelling that I didn't care. This is one of those books where the journey matters way more than the destination. I really enjoyed it a lot.
The Family is a little hard to describe because it's doing so many things at once. It's part mystery, part thriller, part coming of age, and even part girl-bonding. Yet the author pulls it all off really well. It never gets messy or unfocused and the character relationships are some of the best I've ever read. I genuinely cared about these people and was fully invested in where the story was taking me.
Fair warning: despite the title, this isn't a mafia book. There's a semblance of organized crime involved, but it's a completely different beast from something like The Godfather or Goodfellas.
Esther Holland-the protagonist-is a superb character, which is good because 90 percent of the book is from her first person point of view, so her voice has to carry the story and it absolutely does. She's authentic and I liked that she wasn't some Mary Sue super spy or awesome fighter. She's just a girl with a notebook and a lot of Chutzpah who doesn't stop asking questions.
The author uses journal entries, blog posts, and text messages throughout, and instead of feeling gimmicky, they actually pulled me deeper into the world. The plot itself isn't reinventing the wheel but the execution is so solid and the characters are so compelling that I didn't care. This is one of those books where the journey matters way more than the destination. I really enjoyed it a lot.
December 18, 2025
From the very first page, The Family pulls you into a world where beauty, brains, and betrayal collide.The story follows Esther Holland, a witty, awkward bookworm who gets lured into the Family a secret sorority of smart, stunning women trained in the art of deception. When her glamorous new life turns deadly after a mission goes wrong, Esther now renamed Star—must uncover the truth before she becomes the next casualty. The plot unfolds like a slow-burning thriller , balancing luxury and danger in equal measure.
What truly makes the story shine are its characters and connections. Esther is delightfully real—relatable, flawed, and surprisingly brave. Caron, the enigmatic recruiter, is both mentor and manipulator, blurring the lines between friendship and control. Their chemistry crackles with tension, and every interaction hints at deeper motives. The writing style is immersive and cinematic.Ric paints scenes so vividly you can almost feel the silk dresses and sense the danger lurking beneath the surface. The pacing starts measured, then tightens as secrets unravel.
Beneath the glamour, The Family explores themes of identity, power, and loyalty . It’s not just a mystery it’s an emotional deep dive into what people will sacrifice to belong. The ending left me thoughtful and a little haunted . I loved how Perrott mixed psychological tension with elegant storytelling. If you enjoy thrillers that are both intelligent and emotionally gripping, this one’s for you.
January 2, 2026
Based on the prologue, I expected a different kind of story, and thought Amelia was the main character. Alas, that role goes to Esther/Star, Amelia’s younger sister. I found her too dramatic to be interesting. Her reactions to everything, even when understandable, are over the top, and each reaction she has is described in minute detail.
Esther becomes Star when she joins The Family, a group of young women who are called “Sisters”. Star finds a blog written by a former “sister” and many blog posts are included when two or three would have been plenty.
Esther/Star, and other characters, are written in the third person when a memory from their earlier life is described, but the tense changes to first-person when the story returns to the present. The flashbacks are numerous and make the book longer than it needs to be.
There are lots of metaphors, some of which made me roll my eyes: “Head hanging over the side, her hair swept the carpet like the giant, thrilling flaps she loved to watch at the car wash.” “The word vial wails like an air horn in my mind.” “The water running off the strawberries looks like blood.” The story would have been better with less angst, flashbacks and metaphors.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Esther becomes Star when she joins The Family, a group of young women who are called “Sisters”. Star finds a blog written by a former “sister” and many blog posts are included when two or three would have been plenty.
Esther/Star, and other characters, are written in the third person when a memory from their earlier life is described, but the tense changes to first-person when the story returns to the present. The flashbacks are numerous and make the book longer than it needs to be.
There are lots of metaphors, some of which made me roll my eyes: “Head hanging over the side, her hair swept the carpet like the giant, thrilling flaps she loved to watch at the car wash.” “The word vial wails like an air horn in my mind.” “The water running off the strawberries looks like blood.” The story would have been better with less angst, flashbacks and metaphors.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was on the fence whether or not I would like this book when I picked it up, but I wound up really liking it.
Two things really made this stand out from the usual thriller crowd. First off, the characters are incredibly well done. A lot of times in spy/thriller books, the people feel like plot devices, but Star, Melody, and Sage felt like real, messy human beings. Watching Esther go from living on the streets to entwined in a massive conspiracy was so satisfying, and Melody’s storyline... ugh, my heart. 💔 The relationships between the "Sisters" were complicated and felt very genuine.
But what really hooked me was the format. I’m a sucker for "mixed media" novels, and the author nailed it here. The story is told through both standard prose and pieced together with blog posts from a whistleblower, text messages, and handwritten journal entries. It made the investigation feel tangible, like you were digging through the evidence alongside Jeremy and Esther. If you pick this up, I recommend the paperback version because the formatting and layout is much better than the Kindle book version. I thought it was cool and it definitely added to the draw of the story.
Definitely recommend this if you like great characters and a book that is clever about how it tells its story.
I was on the fence whether or not I would like this book when I picked it up, but I wound up really liking it.
Two things really made this stand out from the usual thriller crowd. First off, the characters are incredibly well done. A lot of times in spy/thriller books, the people feel like plot devices, but Star, Melody, and Sage felt like real, messy human beings. Watching Esther go from living on the streets to entwined in a massive conspiracy was so satisfying, and Melody’s storyline... ugh, my heart. 💔 The relationships between the "Sisters" were complicated and felt very genuine.
But what really hooked me was the format. I’m a sucker for "mixed media" novels, and the author nailed it here. The story is told through both standard prose and pieced together with blog posts from a whistleblower, text messages, and handwritten journal entries. It made the investigation feel tangible, like you were digging through the evidence alongside Jeremy and Esther. If you pick this up, I recommend the paperback version because the formatting and layout is much better than the Kindle book version. I thought it was cool and it definitely added to the draw of the story.
Definitely recommend this if you like great characters and a book that is clever about how it tells its story.
December 19, 2025
From the very first pages, The Family pulled me in with its intriguing premise and relatable protagonist. Esther Holland feels refreshingly real—bookish, broke, and quietly observant—and her entry into a secret, glamorous sorority instantly sparks curiosity. The initial impression is stylish yet unsettling, hinting early on that beneath the luxury lies something far more dangerous.
The storyline unfolds as a slow-burn mystery, following Esther—now known as “Star”—as she navigates deception, loyalty, and hidden agendas. The writing style is sharp, atmospheric, and intelligent, relying more on subtle tension than action-heavy twists. Themes of identity, power, and truth run strongly throughout, reminding us how secrets can reshape lives and how dangerous it can be to ask the “wrong” questions.
Personally, I enjoyed how the story rewards patience, letting the mystery deepen naturally. The emotional undercurrent and clever investigation through notes and observations felt unique and engaging. The Family By Ric Perrott ultimately leaves you questioning trust, belonging, and the cost of truth—making it a compelling read for fans of intelligent, character-driven suspense. A satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the last page.
The storyline unfolds as a slow-burn mystery, following Esther—now known as “Star”—as she navigates deception, loyalty, and hidden agendas. The writing style is sharp, atmospheric, and intelligent, relying more on subtle tension than action-heavy twists. Themes of identity, power, and truth run strongly throughout, reminding us how secrets can reshape lives and how dangerous it can be to ask the “wrong” questions.
Personally, I enjoyed how the story rewards patience, letting the mystery deepen naturally. The emotional undercurrent and clever investigation through notes and observations felt unique and engaging. The Family By Ric Perrott ultimately leaves you questioning trust, belonging, and the cost of truth—making it a compelling read for fans of intelligent, character-driven suspense. A satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion that lingers long after the last page.
December 30, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Let me tell you, this book The Family came in slick and quiet, then started squeezing the air out of the room real slow. It follows Esther, who is not rich, not fancy, and sure is not some smooth talking operator. She is book smart, broke, and funny in that dry way that sneaks up on you. When she gets pulled into this secret sorority setup, it feels shiny and dreamlike at first, full of glamour and promises. That shine does not last long, and when it cracks, it cracks hard.
The story leans heavy into secrets, lies, and power plays. It does not hold your hand through any of it, which I appreciated. Star figures things out by paying attention to the little details, the notes, the margins, and what people do not say out loud. That is where this book really shines. It does not rush. It lets the tension build and keeps you guessing about who is pulling the strings and who is already trapped.
I liked how the book never pretended this world was safe or kind. It felt cold, smart, and a little mean, which fits the story just right. It is not perfect, but it stayed with me after I turned the last page.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
Let me tell you, this book The Family came in slick and quiet, then started squeezing the air out of the room real slow. It follows Esther, who is not rich, not fancy, and sure is not some smooth talking operator. She is book smart, broke, and funny in that dry way that sneaks up on you. When she gets pulled into this secret sorority setup, it feels shiny and dreamlike at first, full of glamour and promises. That shine does not last long, and when it cracks, it cracks hard.
The story leans heavy into secrets, lies, and power plays. It does not hold your hand through any of it, which I appreciated. Star figures things out by paying attention to the little details, the notes, the margins, and what people do not say out loud. That is where this book really shines. It does not rush. It lets the tension build and keeps you guessing about who is pulling the strings and who is already trapped.
I liked how the book never pretended this world was safe or kind. It felt cold, smart, and a little mean, which fits the story just right. It is not perfect, but it stayed with me after I turned the last page.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
January 1, 2026
This one snuck up on me. I picked it up expecting a slick, dark thriller and ended up way more emotionally invested than I thought I would be. What really worked for me wasn’t just the mystery or the spy angle, but the people at the center of it. Star feels smart in a grounded way, not superhuman, and her need to understand what happened to her sister and Melody kept pulling me forward.
The whole “glamorous surface hiding something rotten” setup is familiar, but the execution is sharp. I liked the structure of it (The flashback chapters and the blog posts/journals). It made the investigation feel intimate, like you’re piecing things together alongside her. And the relationships between the Sisters are messy and painful in a way that feels honest, not performative.
Sage is an amazing character. I'd love to know her irl. She's ambiguous but mysterious, sexy and sinister, and fragile and vulnerable all at once. I loved her.
It’s heavy at times, but never pointless. By the end, I wasn’t just impressed by the plot; I cared about who made it out and what it cost them. Definitely one of those books that lingers a bit after you close it.
The whole “glamorous surface hiding something rotten” setup is familiar, but the execution is sharp. I liked the structure of it (The flashback chapters and the blog posts/journals). It made the investigation feel intimate, like you’re piecing things together alongside her. And the relationships between the Sisters are messy and painful in a way that feels honest, not performative.
Sage is an amazing character. I'd love to know her irl. She's ambiguous but mysterious, sexy and sinister, and fragile and vulnerable all at once. I loved her.
It’s heavy at times, but never pointless. By the end, I wasn’t just impressed by the plot; I cared about who made it out and what it cost them. Definitely one of those books that lingers a bit after you close it.
December 16, 2025
I got totally lost in this story. I know it’s billed as a thriller about mysteries and secrets, but for me, this was 100% about the characters. I didn’t care too much about the plot or the intelligence stuff, I just wanted to know that Star and the others were going to be okay. The friendship between her and Melody was so sweet and heartbreaking, and the messy, complicated relationships between Sage and Kora and Sage and Star kept me turning the pages.
It’s a little dark, but it’s that kind of immersive story where the real world just falls away while you’re reading. I was genuinely stressed out for Star the whole time. I loved the chapters with the backstories for the other girls, they were so well done and really add to the life that they had before they joined The Family. There's two endings to this book, the 'plot' ending and the 'relationships' ending. I liked the latter one a lot more and it really wrapped things up nicely for me.
Great read if you just want to check out of reality for a weekend and feel something.
It’s a little dark, but it’s that kind of immersive story where the real world just falls away while you’re reading. I was genuinely stressed out for Star the whole time. I loved the chapters with the backstories for the other girls, they were so well done and really add to the life that they had before they joined The Family. There's two endings to this book, the 'plot' ending and the 'relationships' ending. I liked the latter one a lot more and it really wrapped things up nicely for me.
Great read if you just want to check out of reality for a weekend and feel something.
November 29, 2025
A gripping and unsettling family story that stays with you
I went into this book expecting a typical family drama, but it turned out to be much darker, deeper, and more emotionally intense than I thought. The way the author slowly reveals each character’s secrets and the unspoken tension inside the household kept me turning the pages nonstop.
What really stood out to me is how real the emotions feel — the guilt, denial, fear, and the quiet moments where you can sense something is very wrong even before it’s fully said. The pacing is tight, and the atmosphere has this constant sense of unease that makes the story incredibly immersive.
If you like psychological family dramas that explore trauma, control, and the hidden dynamics behind “perfect” families, this one is absolutely worth reading. It’s haunting, but in a meaningful way.
I went into this book expecting a typical family drama, but it turned out to be much darker, deeper, and more emotionally intense than I thought. The way the author slowly reveals each character’s secrets and the unspoken tension inside the household kept me turning the pages nonstop.
What really stood out to me is how real the emotions feel — the guilt, denial, fear, and the quiet moments where you can sense something is very wrong even before it’s fully said. The pacing is tight, and the atmosphere has this constant sense of unease that makes the story incredibly immersive.
If you like psychological family dramas that explore trauma, control, and the hidden dynamics behind “perfect” families, this one is absolutely worth reading. It’s haunting, but in a meaningful way.
December 16, 2025
Honestly, this was such a solid read. I went into this book expecting a standard thriller about a shady organization, but I stayed for the characters.
Esther is such a fantastic protagonist. Scrappy, loyal, and smart. Her arc was really satisfying. But the real heart of this book is the relationships between the girls. The bond between Esther and Melody broke my heart, and the complex, messy dynamic with Sage and Kora added so many layers to the story. It really nails that theme of finding real sisterhood in a toxic place.
I also have to give credit for the ending. It could have been a gimmick, but it wasn't. It gave the characters the closure they deserved. This was a pleasant surprise.
Reviewed from an Advance Copy through NetGalley
Esther is such a fantastic protagonist. Scrappy, loyal, and smart. Her arc was really satisfying. But the real heart of this book is the relationships between the girls. The bond between Esther and Melody broke my heart, and the complex, messy dynamic with Sage and Kora added so many layers to the story. It really nails that theme of finding real sisterhood in a toxic place.
I also have to give credit for the ending. It could have been a gimmick, but it wasn't. It gave the characters the closure they deserved. This was a pleasant surprise.
Reviewed from an Advance Copy through NetGalley
December 28, 2025
Unique story line, interesting Characters. A mystery/ thriller that unfolds many secrets and a few willing to sacrifice alot to unearth those secrets and bring it to light. They were young women on the streets had no place to go. They were conned into believing this so called Family would protect them and guarantee them safety. There was never anything further from the truth. A few young women couldn't protect everyone, but they tried to protect as many as they could and bring down the Family as it was called to a brutal end.
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