Bookseller Reviews
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Twist After Twist and Overflowing with Suspense!
The Family Friend may be the perfect example of the suspense filled thriller with perfect writing from the talented Claire Douglas and a plot that never st... READ MORE
An amazing thriller!
I love a Claire Douglas thriller and this new book did not disappoint at all. The Family Friend is an addictive thriller about murder, family secrets, lies... READ MORE
Gripping, well-written and leaves you guessing til the end
After a difficult day, Imogen receives a letter that changes everything. A friend of her late mother has left her an unexpected inheritance: a sprawling ma... READ MORE
Claire Douglas is guaranteed to have you hooked from the first page to the last word
How Claire Douglas writes a truly flawless, unique, unguessable thriller YEARLY is beyond my comprehension. Thank you to Penguin for allowing me to read he... READ MORE
Synopsis
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?
Publisher information
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
- ISBN: 9781405978972
- Number of pages: 400
- Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 27 mm
- Weight: 282g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allFabulous and tense read
Oh my goodness, what a book. I could not put it down, I needed to know what happening next.
Imogen inherits a stunning property in Bath from Dorothea, a... READ MORE
A Legacy Of Lies
Claire Douglas excels once again with this relentless page-turner where an unexpected inheritance hides a deadly history.
When journalist Imogen unexpect... READ MORE
Highly enjoyable and intriguing
When Imogen inherits a country house from reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, who she hasn’t seen in years, she’s sure there must be a mistake. But when rumours... READ MORE
Gripping read
Thank you to Netgalley and Publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review. This is the 3rd book I've read by Claire Douglas and I just get gripped ... READ MORE
A Great Read
The Family Friend is a great read, compelling ,fast paced with some good characters. Imogen unexpectantly inherits a mansion near Bath from an old family f... READ MORE
Brilliant!
This was an exciting and compelling read, if a little confusing in places. The back and forth timelines were sometimes difficult to follow, but I was engr... READ MORE
I haven’t finished yet but you need to get this book on preorder
Just wow, I’m 72% into the book and omg is all I can say what a fantastic read. If you love a thriller you need this on your TBR
A great holiday read
A great holiday read! Very easy to immerse yourself into this one. Who wouldn’t like to inherit a beautiful house with a private wood, and that is what pul... READ MORE
An intriguing and gripping read
The Family Friend is an intriguing story told in a dual timeline which I loved. The first chapter drew me into the story immediately and made me want to fi... READ MORE
It was ok
I have read all of Claire’s previous books and enjoyed them so much but this one just did not hit the spot. It is all about Imogen who inherits a house fro... READ MORE
Another banger from Claire Douglas
I really enjoyed The Family Friend. The pacing was great and there were so many secrets slowly being uncovered that it was hard to put down. The story foll... READ MORE
A Thrilling Read
The Family Friend- Claire Douglas.
I think it is safe to say that at this stage I am a fan of Claire Douglas. I have quite a few books of hers under my... READ MORE
A stellar read!
I absolutely adore all Claire Douglas writes and this was no different. I don’t want to give too much away, but what I will say as always so cleverly done,... READ MORE
A rollacoaster of emotions! Fabulous
When you start a Claire Douglas novel you know to cancel all your plans because you just won’t be able to put the book down. This one doesn’t disappoint. A... READ MORE
Great read but not my favourite Claire Douglas book
I really enjoyed *The Family Friend* by Claire Douglas, even if it was not quite at the same level as some of her previous books, which I have absolutely l... READ MORE
Unsettling events in a book you will demolish in days
I demolished this book in two days! There hasn't been a Claire Douglas book that I've read and haven't really enjoyed, and this is no exception.
The mai... READ MORE
Well written and intriguing - another great release from Claire Douglas!
If an old friend of your mother left you her beautiful old country house in Bath, and the will stated you had to live there for a year before you could sel... READ MORE
Full of twists and turns
A great mystery novel, full of twists and turns.
Imogen is left a beautiful house by Dorothea, someone she hasn't seen since she was a young girl. Her mot... READ MORE
Does Not Disappoint!
Review of ‘The Family Friend’ by Claire Douglas, due to be published on 12 March 2026 by Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House. Imogen, currently suspended ... READ MORE
Great thriller read
Great read
This was a great book, which kept me guessing until the end. It drew me in from the start, and I enjoyed how the story developed. It is a perfect story for... READ MORE
Brilliant mystery
This is another sure-fire hit from Claire and a real page turner which keep you guessing until the very end. Imogen is only 14 and her sister Alison 21 whe... READ MORE
Complex with great characters
This has mysteries both past and present and a strong theme of abusive relationships and to me felt like a very original read. This is primarily told from ... READ MORE
Probably my most favourite book by the author to date
“I find that secrets are like lattice pastry; there is always a point when you’re will cross-cross with someone else’s.”I know I can always rely on Claire ... READ MORE
A dark thriller
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Family Friend is my new favourite book by Claire Douglas!
The story opens with Imogen suspended from work after a misdemeanour around... READ MORE
A must read novel
A must read recommended novel, set over dual time lines. Imogen, a journalist whose father is in prison after killing her mother is left a mansion in a wil... READ MORE
Enjoyable Read
On first impressions Imogen appears lucky to have inherited a fine country house near Bath and she thinks it must be a mistake. It is only when she discove... READ MORE
An absolute cracker!
Claire Douglas is an auto buy author for me & I had high hopes for this book. Let me tell you, this one did not disappoint! This is up there as one of my f... READ MORE
An enjoyable and beautifully written book
The Family Friend was an enjoyable and beautifully written book. The author created an engaging story full of twists and turns with a dark, atmospheric plo... READ MORE
A twisty, gripping thriller
This was an excellent, gripping read filled with mystery, suspense, and plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end and also made i... READ MORE
A fantastic read
Imogen unexpectedly inherits a stunning country house in Bath from Dorothea , who she last saw many years ago. She excitedly moves in to the house with Jos... READ MORE
Highly recommended
Imogen has inherited a house in Bath with a private wood, from reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, whom she hadn’t seen for many years. Together with her partne... READ MORE
A great page turner
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book when I first started it but I’m so glad I kept with it. It starts with a young woman Imogen who inherits a house fr... READ MORE
mysterious and unnerving
With books by Claire Douglas, you know you are in for a twisty read, exactly what this one is! The characterisation is spot on, for instance I had my doubt... READ MORE
Just one more chapter…
This was a compelling story. A young woman inherits huge house from a family friend and a whole lot of secrets as well. Imogen sets out to understand why s... READ MORE
Fantastic
I was immediately drawn into this story, where the past quietly but relentlessly seeps into the present. When Imogen inherits a country house near Bath, it... READ MORE
Amazing
Oh my goodness, what a book. I could not put it down, I needed to know what happening next.
Imogen inherits a stunning property in Bath from Dorothea, a... READ MORE
gripping
The Family Friend is a wonderfully atmospheric, slow‑burn thriller that pulls you in from the moment Imogen learns she’s inherited a country house she bare... READ MORE
There are plenty of twists and turns before the truth is revealed.
Another great mystery from Claire Douglas.
Imogen is suspended from her job when she inherites a house.
Hoping that her luck is changing she moves in wit... READ MORE
fast paced
I've read and enjoyed a number of Ms Douglas's books, and as with all of them, this one was well written and fast paced. Sadly however I didn't think it wa... READ MORE
Great pacing. Endless twists and turns. Creepy characters and grand house. A great read!
This book had so many twists and turns that I ended up writing notes to help me keep track. In the current timeline Imogen, aged 30, unexpectedly inherits ... READ MORE
An author to look out for
A Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was the second book had read by the author. Brilliant plot that moves along at a decent pace. Story ... READ MORE
A Mystery Worth Reading
If you like a story full of mystery and suspicion then this is the one for you.
Imogen suddenly inherits a house from an old family friend who recently pa... READ MORE
A good read!
This was an exciting and compelling read, if a little confusing in places. The back and forth timelines were sometimes difficult to follow, but I was engr... READ MORE
Packed with twists and turns
Dark and packed with twists and turns, this story kept me gripped till the end. Themes of coercive control and domestic abuse throughout, this is also a st... READ MORE
Page turner
I absolutely love Claire Douglas books and this was a fantastic read as always.
Lots of twists and turns although I am not a big fan of time changing scen... READ MORE
Intriguing mystery
Journalist, Imogen Cook, was distraught to find that she had been put on forced leave from the TV station that she worked for, she was feeling frustrated w... READ MORE
A Compulsive Read
Imogen finds out she has inherited a cottage from a lady she and her mum once stayed with when she was a child. Her mother had died in suspicious circumsta... READ MORE
Claire Douglas at her best!!
Huge thank you to NetGalley & Penguin Random House for the ARC.
Imogen inherits a literal villa from a famous artist she barely knew — the only connection... READ MORE
Compelling psychological drama
I enjoyed this. Set largely in Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas so I felt right at home. The book opens in January 2025 as artist Dorothea Roe lay dyi... READ MORE
Another classic from Claire
Another first class thrilling read from Claire Douglas. A truly engaging storyline along with a cast of intriguing characters that kept me hooked from star... READ MORE
Thoroughly recommend it.
What a really compelling read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I found it very difficult to put down. There is so much going on in the storyline, but it is so... READ MORE
My favourite of Claire’s books so far!
Imogen can’t believe her luck when she inherits a beautiful mansion in Bath after the death of old family friend, Dorothea. But when she moves into the hom... READ MORE
Highly recommend
I cannot recommend this book enough. I didn’t want it to end.
There was not enough hours in the day for me to read this book, it is a page turner.
I... READ MORE
Mysterious!
Dorothea Roe was the friend and employer of Imogen’s late mother and when she dies she leaves Imogen her house in Bath. Dorothea was an artist who in her ... READ MORE
Does Not Disappoint!
Review of ‘The Family Friend’ by Claire Douglas, due to be published on 12 March 2026 by Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House.
Imogen, currently suspen... READ MORE
Gripping, suspenseful story
Having read previous books by Claire Douglas I was looking forward to reading her latest story, and wasn’t disappointed.
Imogen is astonished to learn tha... READ MORE
Another Thrilling Page-Turner from Claire Douglas!
The Family Friend by Claire Douglas is yet another gripping thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. With her signature twisty storytelling and co... READ MORE
The Family Friend
We start with Imogen learning that she has inherited a house. A country house near Bath. Her benefactor being reclusive artist Dorothea Roe who she stayed ... READ MORE
A must read
Claire Douglas is one of my favourite authors and this one did not disappoint!The story is told from two timelines, it was so much fun following Imogen on ... READ MORE
Very enjoyable read
Imogen lives with her partner Josh in Bristol and is currently on leave from her job and is certain of her future there. So, she gets excited when she rece... READ MORE
Great Read!
The Family Friend is another great book by Claire Douglas. I’ve read a few and always enjoyed them.
Imogen inherits a country house near Bath. No-one i... READ MORE
Fantastic read
WOW The family Friend (Kindle Edition) was an absolutely outstanding psychological thriller by Clare Douglas. The story pans back and forth as the reader g... READ MORE
A mix of thriller, mystery, psychological, fiction
This is a devious and very twisted book. When Imogen inherits the house of an artist, whom she knew when she was younger, she is shocked. It is not as if t... READ MORE
This story does not disappoint
I have read and enjoyed Claire Douglas' books in the past and this story does not disappoint. Imogen unexpectedly inherits a house from a family friend who... READ MORE
A web of intrigue
I guess it could be everyone's dream to inherit a house from a distant acquaintance. Not just any house but a country pile with its own private wood!
That... READ MORE
Another edge of you seat twister from Claire Douglas
Based on women’s experience’s of domestic violence but written in a very apt and empathetic way. Set around Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas which is w... READ MORE
The Family Friend
Imogen, on enforced leave from her job as a journalist, is astonished to learn she's been left a house by renowned artist Dorothea Roe. Imogen and her moth... READ MORE
dark and twisty thriller
As a big fan of Claire Douglas I was excited to read her latest thriller and I certainly wasn't disappointed - it could be her best yet!
Brilliantly plot... READ MORE
A gripping read
Imogen inherits a house in Bath from Dorothea Roe, whom she hadn't seen for sixteen years. Imogen was fourteen the summer she stayed there with her mother.... READ MORE
Five stars!
The Family Friend by Claire Douglas is a gripping, twisty thriller that kept me fully invested.
Imogen inheriting a country house from a woman she has n... READ MORE
Wow!
WOW!
In true Claire Douglas style, this was a book you just can't put down. I loved the dual timeline so you could see into Dorothea's life. But also th... READ MORE
Highly recommended
Imogen has inherited a house in Bath with a private wood, from reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, whom she hadn’t seen for many years. Together with her partne... READ MORE
Fantastic
Imogen lives with her partner Josh in Bristol and is currently on leave from her job and is certain of her future there. So, she gets excited when she rece... READ MORE
A veritable Pandora's box of secrets and lies.
When Imogen inherits a house from a long estranged family friend it opens a veritable Pandora's box of secrets and lies.
My thanks to Netgalley and the pu... READ MORE
Friendship, memory and envy
What a dream it would be to find that you have inherited a huge country home in the lovely are just outside Bath in Somerset. And an even bigger surprise i... READ MORE
A Legacy Uncovers Dark Secrets..
The Family Friend by Claire Douglas
This is a cleverly plotted thriller by the author, designed to grab your attention and keep the questions coming. I... READ MORE
A Glorious Thriller
The Family Friend is a fantastic thriller, dual timelines, challenging themes and memorable characters. This is the first book I have read form Claire Doug... READ MORE
A tense read!
There is always something about a Claire Douglas book that I love, and The Family Friend was no exception even though I felt it was a slight departure from... READ MORE
Inheriting a Country House
I enjoyed this book. It is set in the present day. Imogen unexpectedly inherits a country house near Bath. It's a mystery why but as she is presently not w... READ MORE
A gripping read
Another brilliant read from this author.
Imogen lives in Bristol with her partner, Josh. They are plodding along unremarkably until Imogen receives a le... READ MORE
Sisterhood with a twist
Imogen has been informed that she is one of the main beneficiaries to a well left by Dorothea Roe, a renowned artist and sculptor. Part of it is her villa ... READ MORE
Her best yet
The Family Friend is set in the current day, with flashback chapters going back to various years. Imogen Cooke finds herself surprisingly to be the only be... READ MORE
Thrilling and fast paced
Another thrilling, fast paced book from Claire Douglas. Imogen is a journalist, living with her boyfriend Josh in a flat in Bristol but when she inherits a... READ MORE
Doesn’t disappoint
Having devoured all of Claire Douglas’s previous books, The Family Friend gripped me immediately and refused to let go. What begins as a seemingly straight... READ MORE
Multilayered thriller full of surprises!
Dorothea Roe is dying and already she can hear the flames taking hold of her studio and her lifetime’s work. Solly her beloved dog barks at her side but s... READ MORE
Cracker of a book
Im a huge fan of Claire Douglas and this is no exception.
A long lost family friend leaves a woman her house to a young woman; but why? And what secrets d... READ MORE
Another fantastic twister from Claire Douglas!
Based on women’s experience’s of domestic violence but written in a very apt and empathetic way. Set around Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas which is w... READ MORE
Brilliant thriller novel
I have enjoyed other books by the author and The Family Friend certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until ... READ MORE
Claire Douglas’ best yet
I’ve been a fan of Claire Douglas’ writing for years, but I definitely think her latest novel, THE FAMILY FRIEND is her best and most gripping book to date... READ MORE
Excellent
Immy receives an unexpected inheritance, she inherits Dorothea’s house, a large villa in Bath. She hasn’t seen Dorothea since she was 14 and her Dad killed... READ MORE
Mysterious
Enjoyed this book from first until last page. Very well written and paced to keep you guessing throughout. Good characterisation. A mystery which kept you ... READ MORE
Fast paced and engaging
This is my introduction to the writing of Claire Douglas. A thriller that is fast paced and engaging. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance ... READ MORE
fast-paced, tense, and completely addictive - the perfect thriller!
This is my first ever Claire Douglas book and I’m kicking myself for not reading her sooner. I can safely say I’ll definitely be picking up more of her boo... READ MORE
Good pace and kept me guessing
I really enjoyed this book. Good pace, kept me guessing throughout. I liked the reverse timeline for Dot.
I think the Harry storyline could have been dev... READ MORE
What a page-turner!!
My Review of The Family Friend by Claire Douglas
4.5⭐️
Claire Douglas has once again delivered a captivating read with The Family Friend. This book sh... READ MORE
Another great read from Claire Douglas
Imogen is surprised to learn that she has been left a country house near Bath by an old friend of her mother. The last time Imogen saw Dorothea Roe had bee... READ MORE
Amazing read!
Amazing read! I read this in a day as I just couldn't put it down.
The story centres on Imogen, who inherits a house from a former friend/employer of he... READ MORE
Brilliant read!
I'm definitely adding Claire Douglas to my list of authors to auto-read after "The Family Friend", what a book! Literally read as much of it as I could in ... READ MORE
Another great thriller
This was great thriller which gave me anxiety, a sense of the foreboding and fear and kept me on the edge of my seat. An old house, strange sightings in th... READ MORE
Best buy
OMG I absolutely loved this book, best book I’ve read in a while, couldn’t get enough of this book and wanted to find out more. Loved all of the characters... READ MORE
Great read!
What a great read! Full of twists and turns in this domestic thriller, you think you might know where it’s going and then everything changes! Would totally... READ MORE
This is an excellent read, A twisty story, full of emotion and suspicion.
The Family Friend is a latest thriller from Claire Douglas. An atmospheric novel full of suspense where Imogen receives an unexpected inheritance.
An in... READ MORE
Claire Douglas Fan!
Being a fan of Claire Douglas, I was thrilled to be approved to read a copy of this. This book did not disappoint! The storyline was great and at one point... READ MORE
Suspenseful, intense murder mystery!
I’m a big fan of Claire Douglas and this one didn’t disappoint! A creepy, suspenseful mystery that kept me guessing until the end.
The story centres on I... READ MORE
New go to author!
Why have I not read a Claire Douglas book before this?!
When Imogen inherits a large country house from Dorothea, a family friend she hasn’t seen in yea... READ MORE
Addictive Family Thriller
4.5 rounded up to 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This is only the second book by Claire Douglas I have read and it sure won't be my last!Claire Douglas has, without a doubt, ... READ MORE
Great cryptic mystery
I don’t want to do any spoilers as everyone is waiting for this but yes! it’s thrilling and I’m so excited for you to read it!
So many cryptic angles
So ... READ MORE
Intriguing domestic suspense
‘The Family Friend’ is an intriguing domestic suspense novel that begins with the suspicious death of Dorothy and then Imogen surprisingly being bequeathed... READ MORE
Brilliant book, couldn't stop reading
That's one book you can't stop reading! The plot is so engaging, so many secrets, so many twists... The generational domestic abuse, the murders, and myste... READ MORE
The Family Friend by. Claire Douglas
The Family Friend by Claire Douglas is the story of Imogen, who finds she has inherited a country house near Bath. She thinks it must be a mistake because ... READ MORE
quite good
This was the first book I read by this author, and it was quite good! The characters felt pretty real with their type of behaviour and issues. Not a very o... READ MORE
Another great book
Claire Douglas is my favourite author and this book did not disappoint. Has you guessing right to the bitter end as always
Verified Purchase
Lots of secrets
A great psychological thriller with lots of secrets. Imogen inherits a house from Dorothea who she hasn’t seen for 16 years. On arrival there are clues to ... READ MORE
A Twisty and Addictive Thriller
Claire Douglas does it again with a tense, page-turning thriller full of family secrets and unexpected twists. The story kept me hooked from the start, wit... READ MORE
Dark and twisty thriller
This is a real page-turner - I flew through it. I loved the different POVs and timelines. This is a dark, twisty and atmospheric story that deals with issu... READ MORE
Gripping Read
Imogen is stunned to learn she’s inherited a country house from the renowned artist and sculptor Dorothea Roe, a woman she hasn’t seen since she was a teen... READ MORE
Great read
I'm not going to lie, this book was definitely a slow burner to begin with. However once, I was just under half way through it sped up in an amazing way.
... READ MORE
Excellent, gripping read, set in the lovely city of Bath
Excellent, gripping read. There is a proper good jump scare in there which when I was reading the book into the early hours was a real shock. The story kep... READ MORE
Cleverly plotted thriller
In The Family Friend we meet Imogen who is stunned to learn she has inherited a large country house near Bath from Dorothea Roe, a reclusive artist she has... READ MORE
A solid 4.5!
The Family Friend follows Imogen, who is completely blindsided when she inherits Dorothea’s huge house after her suspicious death. The mystery is, Imogen w... READ MORE
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