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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 had this in my wish list ready for it to be released and just like the others it was another great story.
Great plot filled with mystery and I love how Claire always manages to weave all the characters stories together that leaves you guessing until the end

Another great story from Claire Douglas!

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imaginative storyline, loved the characters would have liked the story to continue to discover what ‘ happened next’ this will not be the last book I purchase from this author

Twists to the end!

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I found myself listening sped up, as the main narrator is lacking in dynamics. The ‘twists’ aren’t punchy enough, there is a lot of repetitive detail that doesn’t move the story along and, although there is a good plot there, I felt impatient waiting for it to be revealed.

Ploddy writing, leaden delivery

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Excellent complex but easy to follow, I love a story that gets me hooked and on the edge of my seat

Could not stop reading this

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Claire Douglas has done it again with The Family Friend. From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked by the suspense, twists, and emotional depth of the story. The plot was intriguing from beginning to end, keeping me guessing throughout and making it impossible to stop listening.

The audiobook performance was absolutely fantastic and brought every character to life perfectly, adding even more tension and atmosphere to an already gripping story. Douglas has such a talent for creating complex characters and shocking revelations, and this book is another classic example of why she’s one of my favourite thriller authors.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers packed with secrets, suspense, and brilliant narration, The Family Friend is a must listen.

Fantastic Book!

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