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Welcome to the Family
Welcome to the family.
She’s been waiting for you…
When Anna arrives at her future mother-in-law's isolated estate, she's greeted with a distrustful smile. The house is freezing. The brother in the wheelchair watches her with desperate intensity. The teenage daughter hasn't spoken in years. And Eddie, the man she's about to marry, flinches every time his mother enters the room.
At first it feels like paranoia. But the longer Anna stays, the more she sees. And by the time she realizes what this family is hiding, the snow has sealed her in… and it's already too late to leave.
She’s been waiting for you…
When Anna arrives at her future mother-in-law's isolated estate, she's greeted with a distrustful smile. The house is freezing. The brother in the wheelchair watches her with desperate intensity. The teenage daughter hasn't spoken in years. And Eddie, the man she's about to marry, flinches every time his mother enters the room.
At first it feels like paranoia. But the longer Anna stays, the more she sees. And by the time she realizes what this family is hiding, the snow has sealed her in… and it's already too late to leave.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2026
About the author
A.J. Carter
32 books280 followersAJ Carter is a psychological thriller author from Bristol, England. His first book, The Family Secret, is praised by critics around the world, and he continues to regularly deliver suspenseful novels you can’t put down.
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Sign up to his mailing list today and be the first to hear about upcoming releases and hot new deals for existing books. You’ll also receive a FREE digital copy of The Couple Downstairs – an unputdownable domestic thriller you won’t find anywhere else in the world: https://BookHip.com/WAXFLLP
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
March 10, 2026
Surprising ending, i enjoyed it just felt a little repetitive at times
March 30, 2026
if I ever hear what happened in that bathroom again it'll be too damn soon 🤬
February 19, 2026
This author is not for me. I can’t with the constant repetitive dialogue in every chapter. I didn’t realize this was the same author of the book I DNFed a couple weeks ago. Smh. The twist at the end of the book was pretty good but 2 stars overall .
March 17, 2026
I read the reviews of this book before downloaded and was intrigued. I reread the reviews after reading the book and I feel like I’m not sure we read the same book. The book was very repetitive. If I had to read about snow, corridors with portraits or locked doors any more, I was gonna toss the book across the room. The story itself is quite tragic and the final twist may the end was a surprise but by then I just wanted to be done with the book that even that didn’t make me feel more engaged. The author of this book is British I believe and I didn't realize until read words like “realise” and “corridor.” I’m not sure how much the residents of Vermont use corridor instead of hallway. Just a pet peeve for me I suppose.
February 27, 2026
I wanted to like this book but…
The main character wasn’t my cup of tea, but I guess it all comes together in the end. The story itself was a bit slow-paced, but I kept reading because I was curious to see how it would all unfold. And let me tell you, I was totally caught off guard by the twist at the end!
The main character wasn’t my cup of tea, but I guess it all comes together in the end. The story itself was a bit slow-paced, but I kept reading because I was curious to see how it would all unfold. And let me tell you, I was totally caught off guard by the twist at the end!
April 5, 2026
Omg I finished this in less than half a day what on earth 🤯 I am traumatised but wow I was hooked
April 4, 2026
the story was ok but the constant repetitive words. sometimes I would think I was rereading the same page in error.
this book could have been cut in half with the repetitivness.
this book could have been cut in half with the repetitivness.
February 10, 2026
Best Book I have ever read!
All I can say is WOW! I was totally hooked from the beginning! This is a book you cannot stop reading! I was up late many nights trying to read as much as possible!
The writing was exquisite; the story was unlike anything I have ever read, and the suspense was nail biting! All I can say is to grab yourselves a copy of the best book of the year! This would made a great movie! A.J. Carter is a gifted writer, and a master of twists. When I was near the end of the book, I thought the story was over….and then came another twist! If you thought your family was dysfunctional, think again!
All I can say is WOW! I was totally hooked from the beginning! This is a book you cannot stop reading! I was up late many nights trying to read as much as possible!
The writing was exquisite; the story was unlike anything I have ever read, and the suspense was nail biting! All I can say is to grab yourselves a copy of the best book of the year! This would made a great movie! A.J. Carter is a gifted writer, and a master of twists. When I was near the end of the book, I thought the story was over….and then came another twist! If you thought your family was dysfunctional, think again!
March 2, 2026
Ugh. This was so repetitive I felt like I kept reading the same pages over and over. But those pages weren’t even good. Only gave it two starts instead of one because it did intrigue me enough to finish it. I do not recommend though, no idea how the rating is so high.
February 25, 2026
Welcome to the family by a j carter a psychological thriller
That I definitely could not put down
As I begin to read this book each page. Gives me the insight
Of this dysfunctional family. I imagine the snow and the noises of the house settling, a mother who is rather frightening and is painfulling controlling. I picture the house as dark and foreboding. The noises at night from the wind that would keep you awake an old house that when the worse snow storm in decades comes it roc k s the world. For miles, all you see is white. There's nowhere you can go for miles, because the snow is so deep. The house has so many rooms, twists and turns. But there has also it gives up a murder and a young man left in a wheelchair. After being beaten with a fire poker. A woman and a child running for their lives and the freezing cold. And the mother of the young girl chasing them weatherWelcome to the family by a j carter a psychological thriller
That I definitely could not put down
As I begin to read this book each page. Gives me the insight
Of this dysfunctional family. I imagine the snow and the noises of the house settling, a mother who is rather frightening and is painfulling controlling. I picture the house as dark and foreboding. The noises at night from the wind that would keep you awake an old house that when the worse snow storm in decades comes it roc k s the world. For miles, all you see is white. There's nowhere you can go for miles, because the snow is so deep. The house has so many rooms, twists and turns. But there has also it gives up a murder and a young man left in a wheelchair. After being beaten with a fire poker. A woman and a child running for their lives and the freezing cold. And the mother of the young girl chasing them with a shotgun. Through the whole book, I kept thinking to myself. When is this going to end? And who is going to survive? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ending gave me hope.
That I definitely could not put down
As I begin to read this book each page. Gives me the insight
Of this dysfunctional family. I imagine the snow and the noises of the house settling, a mother who is rather frightening and is painfulling controlling. I picture the house as dark and foreboding. The noises at night from the wind that would keep you awake an old house that when the worse snow storm in decades comes it roc k s the world. For miles, all you see is white. There's nowhere you can go for miles, because the snow is so deep. The house has so many rooms, twists and turns. But there has also it gives up a murder and a young man left in a wheelchair. After being beaten with a fire poker. A woman and a child running for their lives and the freezing cold. And the mother of the young girl chasing them weatherWelcome to the family by a j carter a psychological thriller
That I definitely could not put down
As I begin to read this book each page. Gives me the insight
Of this dysfunctional family. I imagine the snow and the noises of the house settling, a mother who is rather frightening and is painfulling controlling. I picture the house as dark and foreboding. The noises at night from the wind that would keep you awake an old house that when the worse snow storm in decades comes it roc k s the world. For miles, all you see is white. There's nowhere you can go for miles, because the snow is so deep. The house has so many rooms, twists and turns. But there has also it gives up a murder and a young man left in a wheelchair. After being beaten with a fire poker. A woman and a child running for their lives and the freezing cold. And the mother of the young girl chasing them with a shotgun. Through the whole book, I kept thinking to myself. When is this going to end? And who is going to survive? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the ending gave me hope.
February 16, 2026
Welcome to the Family by AJ Carter was such an addictive read! the kind of book you tell yourself you’ll read “one more chapter” of and suddenly it’s way past bedtime. The story pulls you in fast with its twists, complicated relationships, and that constant feeling that something isn’t quite right beneath the surface.
I loved how the tension kept building without ever feeling overdone, and the characters felt layered enough that you were never totally sure who to trust. The pacing was great, the drama kept me hooked, and the reveals landed in a really satisfying way.
If you like domestic suspense with messy family dynamics, secrets, and plenty of “wait… WHAT just happened?” moments, this one is definitely worth picking up.
I loved how the tension kept building without ever feeling overdone, and the characters felt layered enough that you were never totally sure who to trust. The pacing was great, the drama kept me hooked, and the reveals landed in a really satisfying way.
If you like domestic suspense with messy family dynamics, secrets, and plenty of “wait… WHAT just happened?” moments, this one is definitely worth picking up.
March 29, 2026
Almost a Five but …
Wow. Didn’t see that coming ! ( final pages - No Spoilers )
My opinion of female MC was NOT enhanced at the end. It was not high to begin with , really. Too presumptuous & meddling.
She had several ways to deal with her suspicions other than being so Extra during her stay. Both she and the lady of the house left a LOT to be desired .
Why was the teen girl not in school or have a tutor ?
And the handing - over of the phones with barely a comment. WEIRD. And not likely to happen IRL.
Then again , normal life must be suspended in belief many times in this book. Kind of far- fetched scenarios.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read. And will try another from this author.
Wow. Didn’t see that coming ! ( final pages - No Spoilers )
My opinion of female MC was NOT enhanced at the end. It was not high to begin with , really. Too presumptuous & meddling.
She had several ways to deal with her suspicions other than being so Extra during her stay. Both she and the lady of the house left a LOT to be desired .
Why was the teen girl not in school or have a tutor ?
And the handing - over of the phones with barely a comment. WEIRD. And not likely to happen IRL.
Then again , normal life must be suspended in belief many times in this book. Kind of far- fetched scenarios.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read. And will try another from this author.
February 18, 2026
Lots of snow
I found this to be a heart stopping, pulse pounding thriller. The story of a young man bringing his fiance to his family home and being stuck there as the snowstorm is relentless. The mother is controlling, the sister doesn't speak and the brother has brain damage. The week's visit turns into a longer stay and cracks in the family dynamic begin to crumble. There is a twist that you'll never see coming Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down. Another great story from A J Carter
I found this to be a heart stopping, pulse pounding thriller. The story of a young man bringing his fiance to his family home and being stuck there as the snowstorm is relentless. The mother is controlling, the sister doesn't speak and the brother has brain damage. The week's visit turns into a longer stay and cracks in the family dynamic begin to crumble. There is a twist that you'll never see coming Highly recommended, I couldn't put it down. Another great story from A J Carter
April 25, 2026
Extremely good
What a crazy ride this book is. My compliments to the author on the ability to write in that subtle way of sweet beginnings and thickening plots, unusual but relatable characters and the best endings you just couldn't see coming. I loved it. Quite an admirable talent. This really was mysterious and thrilling. Adding in the emotional trauma and it's scary and sad at times . I almost didn't do a review but came right back as it certainly deserves good one. I give it a 10.
What a crazy ride this book is. My compliments to the author on the ability to write in that subtle way of sweet beginnings and thickening plots, unusual but relatable characters and the best endings you just couldn't see coming. I loved it. Quite an admirable talent. This really was mysterious and thrilling. Adding in the emotional trauma and it's scary and sad at times . I almost didn't do a review but came right back as it certainly deserves good one. I give it a 10.
February 27, 2026
So Suspenseful and Twisty
I was not expecting the twist at the end. Some things I tried to guess, but the full extent was so much more shocking. I read this book in less than two days, because I could not put it down. I almost didn't want to finish it because I was so worried about how it would end! But the suspense was killing me and I am so glad I read this book. If you are looking for an amazing thriller, Welcome to the Family will more than deliver.
I was not expecting the twist at the end. Some things I tried to guess, but the full extent was so much more shocking. I read this book in less than two days, because I could not put it down. I almost didn't want to finish it because I was so worried about how it would end! But the suspense was killing me and I am so glad I read this book. If you are looking for an amazing thriller, Welcome to the Family will more than deliver.
March 27, 2026
I enjoyed this. After reading reviews about the surprising twist- I guess I was hoping for something more. It was a surprise, but definitely not shocking. The book kind of had some VC Andrews vibes. There were some repetitive phrases throughout that got a little annoying. Overall four stars. I did read it in a few hours because I was excited about the twist. I will try another book by this author.
February 11, 2026
10+
Wow! I've read several of A.J. Carter's books and other thrillers, but wow! This book is really awesome. I never figured out what was going on until the end. If you like psychological thrillers you will not want to miss this one. My heart is still pounding as I write this review.
Wow! I've read several of A.J. Carter's books and other thrillers, but wow! This book is really awesome. I never figured out what was going on until the end. If you like psychological thrillers you will not want to miss this one. My heart is still pounding as I write this review.
March 7, 2026
Dreadful from beginning to end
The whole premise of this story is wholly unbelievable and the narration drags on and on from chapter through chapter. I ended up skimming through yet still missing nothing. The “twist” at the end was somewhat predictable from the start. All in all just a very poor book.
The whole premise of this story is wholly unbelievable and the narration drags on and on from chapter through chapter. I ended up skimming through yet still missing nothing. The “twist” at the end was somewhat predictable from the start. All in all just a very poor book.
March 12, 2026
struck by the sudden changes!
AJ Carter really knows how to write and grab the reader right into the story. The chilling twists throughout the book and the end of the story are so powerful that I put an entire day on hold just to finish reading this book! I absolutely had to keep reading until the end! If you like this kind of story, you will definitely love the suspense!
AJ Carter really knows how to write and grab the reader right into the story. The chilling twists throughout the book and the end of the story are so powerful that I put an entire day on hold just to finish reading this book! I absolutely had to keep reading until the end! If you like this kind of story, you will definitely love the suspense!
March 15, 2026
WOW, Just WOW!!!!
I read this book in less than two days. I never saw the end coming! This is the best book I've read in a long time, I've read a lot of books by A.J. Carter and loved them all. This one left me holding my breath until the end! Great story! I look forward to reading more of this author's books!!
I read this book in less than two days. I never saw the end coming! This is the best book I've read in a long time, I've read a lot of books by A.J. Carter and loved them all. This one left me holding my breath until the end! Great story! I look forward to reading more of this author's books!!
March 20, 2026
Boring and predictable. A family with hidden secrets - the usual.
Eddie brings new finance to the family home, Anna discovers the mistreatment of Eddie’s disabled brother and mute sister by their mother. Only twist was the final chapter where it was revealed Anna was their murdered father’s mistress, shame this only came to light in the final chapter.
Eddie brings new finance to the family home, Anna discovers the mistreatment of Eddie’s disabled brother and mute sister by their mother. Only twist was the final chapter where it was revealed Anna was their murdered father’s mistress, shame this only came to light in the final chapter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2026
Welcome Indeed
Wow AJ you never cease to amaze me. You take an idea and create an amazing story every time! The human condition can be found in every corner of the world. It’s almost as if you are tapping in to memoirs that have yet to be written and yet I know you know just how true your stories could be and likely are.
Wow AJ you never cease to amaze me. You take an idea and create an amazing story every time! The human condition can be found in every corner of the world. It’s almost as if you are tapping in to memoirs that have yet to be written and yet I know you know just how true your stories could be and likely are.
April 13, 2026
This book as it begins is good and infuriating. It makes you uneasy and outraged. The way Judith is characterized is so well done you’re uncomfortable knowing a character like her exists. And then the last chapter happens and you’re like why the heck did you do that? Enjoyed the story up until the end where I was like wtf why?
April 14, 2026
Dinner is at 7. Breakfast is at 8. You won’t forget this because it’s mentioned 100 times. Repetitive dialogue. Literally some pages read exactly the same. Wild twist at the end that did not add to the story . I did rate it 4 stars because of the unique and original storyline, readability, and the need to find out what happened next.
April 16, 2026
slow book
I love this author. However this book had a lot of repeated information. I liked the story , just wish it was better written. The story is about love, choices and revenge. There were times I felt right in the midst of the lives of the King family. Then the repeated information broke my concentration. There was a twist at the end that was a surprise.
I love this author. However this book had a lot of repeated information. I liked the story , just wish it was better written. The story is about love, choices and revenge. There were times I felt right in the midst of the lives of the King family. Then the repeated information broke my concentration. There was a twist at the end that was a surprise.
February 15, 2026
I loved every minute of this book. The house came across as a character all on its own. A wonderful book for a book club discussion. What would I have done faced with all the challenges of meeting my future family for the first time?
February 16, 2026
AJ Carter does it again. A story that grips you from the start and totally shocks you at the end. The twists and turns of this book are truly unmatched. The ending was one I did NOT see coming. This one was hard to put down.
February 23, 2026
Excellent
This well written novel is an intense read. It keeps the reader engaged and in anticipation of answers. This book also has interest characters, two who are special needs. The ending was unexpected. I highly recommend.
This well written novel is an intense read. It keeps the reader engaged and in anticipation of answers. This book also has interest characters, two who are special needs. The ending was unexpected. I highly recommend.
February 24, 2026
AJ Carter is one of my favorite authors. I have read many of his books and they are all pretty good, some better than others of course. This was a good story, kept me turning the pages, and a nice thrill ride with twists and turns.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews