
The Family Friend
Claire Douglas(Author)
Michael Joseph Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 12. March 2026
Book
Hardback
400 pages
978-0-241-76427-5 (ISBN)
Description
DISCOVER THE NAIL-BITING NEW THRILLER FROM THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
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?
READERS 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
PRAISE FOR CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Douglas is a master storyteller' JANICE HALLETT
'Douglas is the queen of the unexpected twist' GILLIAN MCALLISTER
'Claire Douglas is the Queen of Gripping Pageturners' CL TAYLOR
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
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?
READERS 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
PRAISE FOR CLAIRE DOUGLAS
'Douglas is a master storyteller' JANICE HALLETT
'Douglas is the queen of the unexpected twist' GILLIAN MCALLISTER
'Claire Douglas is the Queen of Gripping Pageturners' CL TAYLOR
Reviews / Votes
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. * iPaper * 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 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Penguin Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 239 mm
Width: 158 mm
Thickness: 39 mm
Weight
614 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-76427-5 (9780241764275)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions


Claire Douglas
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
E-Book
03/2026
Penguin Books Ltd
€14.99
Available for download

Person
Claire Douglas worked as a journalist for fifteen years, writing features for women's magazines and national newspapers, but had dreamed of being a novelist since the age of seven. She finally got her wish after winning the Marie Claire Debut Novel Award with her first novel, The Sisters.
She is a Sunday Times bestseller and a frequent Richard & Judy Book Club pick. Her books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone.
She lives in Bath with her husband and two children.
She is a Sunday Times bestseller and a frequent Richard & Judy Book Club pick. Her books have sold over two million copies in the UK alone.
She lives in Bath with her husband and two children.