The Family Friend cover art

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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Summary

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

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
A chilling story of legacy, memory and buried evil. I was absorbed from the first to last page. (ELLY GRIFFITHS)
Gripping
All stars
Most relevant
A tangled web! Good characters who developed very well throughout the story. Took me a while to get in to this audiobook but we'll worth the decision not to DNF. It's a very easy read with some excellent subject matter and clues. I would recommend this book.

Easy listen

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Yes we have another winner from Claire, great read. Did find it hard to get anything else done!!

Yes another winner

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Hated Imogen’s voice and her accent
Ruined the story for me. She sounded aggressive the whole time and I was unable to like her character

A decent listen but not great

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