The Family Friend: The dark and addictive new thriller about murder, memory and the secrets that won’t stay hidden — from the No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author

· Random House
67 reviews
Ebook
400
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

'A chilling story of legacy, memory and buried evil. I was absorbed from the first to last page' ELLY GRIFFITHS

'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL

'Clever, humane, with gasp-out-loud twists . . . lingers in the mind long after the last page' EVE CHASE

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YOU INHERITED HER HOUSE. AND ALL ITS DARK SECRETS . . .

When Imogen inherits a country house near Bath, she thinks it’s a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which she’s never forgotten.

But a chance discovery in the study leads Imogen to believe Dorothea left her a secret message. And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she suspects that the house might not be the life-changing gift she thought.

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?

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'One of the most reliable names in unputdownable suspense' i

'With The Family Friend, Claire Douglas has once again upped her already high game. A captivating and powerful story of the past and present coming together and dark secrets that won’t stay buried. Superb!' BA Paris

'A pacy gripping thriller that fans will lap up' Prima

'Dark and addictive... This thriller has got it all...you'll be hooked!' Best

'Another addictive read' My Weekly

'Suspense and intrigue all the way' Sun

'Gripping' iNews


READERS ARE OBSESSED WITH THE FAMILY FRIEND

'This book had me absolutely gripped from the first chapter and I could just not put it down until I was finished' 5* READER REVIEW

'A dark, twisty and atmospheric story. Highly recommended' 5* READER REVIEW

'Another amazing book by Claire Douglas' 5* READER REVIEW

'Wow wow wow. I love Claire Douglas and this certainly did not disappoint' 5* READER REVIEW

'Ok readers, buckle up-because you will read this book in one sitting' 5* READER REVIEW

THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A chilling story of legacy, memory and buried evil. I was absorbed from the first to last page' ELLY GRIFFITHS 'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL 'Clever, humane, with gasp-out-loud ...

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Ratings and reviews

67 reviews
Gillian Gillard
July 22, 2026
A story with a difference, people are seldom who they appear to be and this novel highlights that very clearly. Never judge a book by it's cover seems apt.
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Steve Elliott
July 30, 2026
Good read, bit of a weak ending. very feminist. proper ladies book who dislike men !!
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84billj
August 6, 2026
A great read, very twisty with some surprises. Would recommend ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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About the author

Claire Douglas worked as a journalist for fifteen years, writing features for women's magazines and national newspapers, but had dreamed of being a novelist since the age of seven. She finally got her wish after winning the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award with her first novel, The Sisters.
She is a Sunday Times bestseller and a frequent Richard & Judy Book Club pick. Her books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone.
She lives in Bath with her husband and two children.

Claire Douglas worked as a journalist for fifteen years, writing features for women's magazines and national newspapers, but had dreamed of being a novelist since the age of seven. She finally got her wish after winning the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award with her first novel, The Sisters. She is ...

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