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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

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The Family Friend

By: Claire Douglas
Narrated by: Alix Dunmore, Charlotte Worthing, Juliet Stevenson, Roy McMillan
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Brought to you by Penguin.

Narrated by a full cast, featuring Juliet Stevenson.

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

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

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

© Claire Douglas 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026

 Crime Fiction Crime Thrillers Domestic Thrillers Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Women Sleuths Exciting
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Critic reviews

Clever, humane, with gasp-out-loud twists, it’s a story that lingers in the mind long after the last page. (EVE CHASE)
One of the most reliable names in unputdownable suspense.
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
Dark and addictive... This thriller has got it all...you'll be hooked!
Another addictive read
Suspense and intrigue all the way
All stars
Most relevant
I read most of the books by Claire Douglas, but this one left me a bit dispirited.. I thought it had too many twists and turns and overly complicated story. It was a long read for me..

Overcomplicated plot

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Always love the way the author sets out her stories. Beautifully written. Well performed by the cast

brilliant story

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Characters were so believable. I felt the writer understood coercive control. She painted such vivid pictures.

Couldn’t put in down

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Enjoy this author as interesting and captivating without being too outlandish or predictable. Well narrated too.

Great story - keeps you hooked

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I absolutely demolished this book in one day, the story had my hooked along with the twists and turns. The narration too was excellent

SO GOOD

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