The Family Friend

Author: Claire Douglas

Crime & mystery

Published on 2 July 2026 by Penguin Books Ltd in the United Kingdom.

Paperback | 400 pages
128 x 197 x 29mm | 274g

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--------------------------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?-----------------------------'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' iNewsREADERS 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