
The Family Friend
Claire Douglas(Author)
Penguin Books Ltd (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
400 pages
978-1-4059-7897-2 (ISBN)
Description
PRE ORDER 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 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?
'Claire Douglas is a class act - she never, ever disappoints' LISA JEWELL
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?
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
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 35 mm
Weight
500 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4059-7897-2 (9781405978972)
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.