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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
Gripping book from Claire Douglas and excellent performance from the actors. Really enjoyed this one, absolutely sped through it, couldn’t get enough! Recommend for any thriller lovers

Fantastic story

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easy listening great story and so many twists unexpected story lines highly recommend this book to anyone in a slump or looking for a great book as this was fantastic and finished in 2 days!

fantastic story

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An excellent tale with themes of domestic abuse, control, trust and connections. Really well narrated and at no point did I think the story was forced or too in the nose. It was skilfully done and quite compelling.

The family friend

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This was my first Claire Douglas book. It started well, but the pace stalled.

The first-person narration felt over-explained, the story became a bit convoluted, and it started to go round in circles. It was clearly aiming to be twisty, but ended up feeling a bit far-fetched.

The main narrator grated on me.

Overall, not awful, just disappointing after a promising start.

Too slow

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I love all her books you just don’t know who done it no matter how hard I try another great book

How clever the plot is

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