Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy to read.

I really wanted to love this based on the description, but sadly it was very over the top and too unbelievable for me. The majority of the writing appeared to be Claudia talking to herself and repeating the same verbiage about Daniel's family. I didn't care for any of the characters and saw the majority of the twists coming.

I did enjoy the setting on the Vineyard and I think the author described the decorations well, which helps to make it feel more atmospheric.

That being said, I can imagine there are lots of people who will enjoy this story, it just felt a little flat for me.

This addictive and nail-biting thriller by Cathryn Grant offered a thoroughly captivating reading experience. I was immediately drawn into its central premise, which explores the dangerous game a woman plays with her new fiancé's family, knowing their home holds a deadly secret.

The narrative follows an unnamed protagonist who, upon meeting Daniel's family, is determined to uncover the truth about other girls who have disappeared after being welcomed to their home.

As I read, I felt the tension mount as she navigates the lavish but unsettling family dinner, scrutinizing the mother's watchfulness and the dangerous flirtations of the brother, Elliott. The author masterfully crafts an atmosphere of paranoia, making me question what secrets lie behind their tight-lipped smiles and why the protagonist has put herself in such a perilous position.

The book maintains a relentless and suspenseful pace, with each family interaction revealing another layer of their deception. The suspense is expertly managed, keeping me consistently invested in the protagonist's quest to unearth the truth about the missing girls and her plan to escape with her life. While some of the plot developments might feel familiar to avid thriller readers, the overall execution and the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game made for a very satisfying experience.

I appreciated the author's ability to craft a story that is both a chilling mystery and a powerful look at a woman's courage and determination. It's a solid choice for those who enjoy domestic thrillers with a clever protagonist and jaw-dropping twists.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC.

This story kept me on the edge of my seat. I fell in love with Claudia's character but didn't care for the others. The suspense kept me wanting to find out what was going on with this family. I did not see the twists coming so those were nice. The ending, however, was not my favorite. Huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC!

Claudia and Daniel are engaged to be married after a whirlwind romance. He seems like the perfect guy and she is ready to meet his family, a matriarch and brother and sister that run a multi-million dollar winery. However, instead of being greeted with open arms, Claudia is met with cold shoulders and odd family behaviors. What were supposed to be days spent getting to know Daniel’s family and planning her wedding have left her feeling alienated, lonely, and trapped. What secrets is Daniel’s family keeping and what secrets will they find out about Claudia?

This story had me feeling awful for Claudia and the millions of red flags had me dying for her to just.run.away. Only problem is she doesn’t even know how to escape the heavily fortressed grounds. The whole time I imagined Daniel’s mother to look like the evil stepmother in Cinderella, lol. I was happy with the way the story was wrapped up in the end, but felt a few aspects could have been a bit more realistic. Overall 4 stars

While this book had a good twist and I enjoyed the last quarter, I really did not enjoy the first 75%. I thought the writing was over the top and frankly the characters were so exaggerated that the book lost any sense of suspense for me, because it was simply so absurd. I would not recommend this one to my friends, though I hate to say that about any book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wanted to like this but pretty much there was no progression for the first 25% of the book. The prologue was juicy. I liked Claudia and that her bf/fiance Daniel was from a wealthy, wine vineyard family. But the family was beyond peculiar. Downright rude to her, especially the brother Ethan who had an ex. But Claudia kept repeating how much she loved her bf and how uncomfortable the family made her. Too many other books with plots that move along faster.

I was given the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of Welcome to the Family by Cathryn Grant, due for release on August 29th - and it did not disappoint.

This slow-burning thriller is perfect for readers who enjoy a steady rise in tension, rich with atmosphere and unsettling characters. From the moment the protagonist is introduced to the family, there’s a palpable sense that something is deeply wrong - and you can’t quite name it, but you feel it. Even more unsettling is the feeling that some of the characters do know, and you’re left grasping for clues.

As a reader, you feel oddly disoriented and cut off from reality, even in moments where nothing dramatic is happening. It’s the kind of story that draws you into a strange psychological space - timeless, heavy, and still. Once you’re inside the family home, it’s as if time stops. The setting, the atmosphere, the interactions - they all feel slightly surreal, which only amplifies the tension. In addition to this, there’s plenty of gaslighting, subtle manipulation, self-doubt, and shifting dynamics - all adding to the book’s deeply unsettling tone.

The story explores themes of power, secrecy, and control within a family dynamic that is both close-knit and disturbingly distant. The characters, while vastly different from one another, all contribute to this eerie ecosystem. The large, elegant family home, with its carefully constructed perfection, is the perfect stage for the story’s simmering dread. At times, the household reminded me of The Addams Family - not in a comical sense, but in how the characters operate with elegance and cold detachment. Janice, in particular, stood out with her Morticia-like presence: exuding quiet power, control, and mystery.

The short, punchy chapters keep you moving forward, even while the story itself takes its time. Part One is slower-paced and occasionally weighed down by repetitive internal reflections from the main character. There are moments when her emotions and thoughts are so explicitly described that it limits the reader’s ability to sit in the discomfort and draw their own conclusions. However, the pace picks up in Part Two, once the protagonist becomes more active and the secrets begin to surface. You uncover hidden family history and secrets - and a much darker truth beneath the polished surface. The tension is no longer just atmospheric - it escalates in a tangible, gripping way. The sense of dread is no longer just a feeling; it becomes reality.

By the end, the story wraps up in a satisfying way. The plot twist isn’t jaw-dropping, but it makes perfect sense and lands with weight - grounded in the story’s character dynamics and emotional logic. Some characters get the clarity they deserve, while others are left lingering in just enough ambiguity to leave you thinking after you close the book.

Overall, Welcome to the Family is an unsettling, atmospheric thriller that plays more with feeling than action - but does so gracefully. If you enjoy creeping dread, character-driven tension, and mysteries hidden behind well-dressed façades, this one’s for you.

Generally an enjoyable read. I liked the twisted family dynamics and the questions of what happened in the past to shape the present.

There was a lot of telling rather than showing, particularly in part one. Occasionally it felt like it stilted the plot.

Part two was a good idea. I think the main character of this part needed fleshing out some more.

Overall, a nice quick read.

Claudia knows her mother in law to be doesn't like the ide of her marrying into the family let alone marry her son.

She tries hard to get to know them but even her fiance thinks she is being difficult.

This is a dark and twisty read and one I really enjoyed,

Grant nails the uneasy tension that comes from staying with people who seem perfect on the surface. The family dynamic is chilling—candles, smiles, silences. Slowly, you sense underlying threats. Danielle is smart, cautious and resourceful, which makes her a compelling lead. The pacing is fast, and the suspense builds steadily toward a twist-filled climax.

This was my first encounter with Cathryn Grant and it won't be my last! I couldn't put this book down and just had to find out about this very close knit family.

Each chapter is told under the perspective of one of the characters. To begin with, we meet "Claudia".. She is arriving to meet her fiancé's family for the first time. A very rich family, living in the middle of nowhere. House surrounded by large gates and a high wall and a mass vine yard. Claudia can't help but feel trapped and when the first encounter with her future mother in law, who seems to rule the roost doesn't go well and things go from bad to worst. You know it's just a matter of time.

As the book suggests, we meet another woman who knows girls have gone missing from here. But can she work out what has happened to Claudia and those who came before her before it's too late.

A must read and a great twist. Thank you.

First off….. WOW!!!!!!! This story was completely addicting. I lost some sleep over this one. The characters, the plot, everything about it was addicting. If you’re looking for a fast paced - page turner…. Pick this book up

Holy Hanna- This book was an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish—and I couldn’t put it down. At its heart, it’s a psychological family drama with a true monster-in-law twist. Every time I thought I had a grip on what was going on, the story turned me upside down.

My heart absolutely breaks for Claudia. Her situation is gut-wrenching, and the emotional weight she carries throughout the book made me root for her harder with each chapter. By the time I hit chapter 38—halfway through—I literally stopped and thought, WHAT THE HECK, MAN?! That moment completely flipped the tone and intensity, and I devoured the rest of the book.

Daniel’s limited POV is brilliantly done. He doesn’t get many chapters, but the ones he does get are powerful and add so much tension. I started to feel bad for him in a way I didn’t expect, which added another layer to the already complicated family dynamic.

Speaking of the family—reading their perspectives was like emotional whiplash. I kept flipping between understanding them and absolutely loathing them. The author’s decision to give us only snippets of their thoughts was such a clever strategy—it made me crave more and constantly second-guess their motives.

I spent most of the book thinking, There has to be a reasonable explanation for all this madness, but the twists kept coming. And that ending? I did not see it coming. Several shocking events wrapped things up in a completely unexpected way that left me reeling.

If you're into domestic thrillers with layered characters, unpredictable turns, and emotionally charged storytelling, this one is a must-read. It's the kind of book that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the final page.

wohhhh there a minute. lets take a breath. gather ourselves. and then do some applauding because what a brilliant kind of read was that!? i was taken in. i was sat. i was not moving. i was not moving until bums went numb and i didn't mind one bit. this book was excellent.
this goes top top top to a top list of mine.
it felt like i was back in the early days of watching horror when it was the case of "run" "don't do it" don't go in/down there" " don't trust them!" and so many more lines i wanted to hurl and state the red flags flagging everywhere.
this family was on you look at around the table and think "oh crap im sat at this table and these people are vipers". have i been at this kind of table no. but ive been at ones where i know one or more of the people sat need some serious blooming help or are just plain evil. and Cathryn gave me those vibes tenfold in these folk! this family were out to bite. or kill. we weren't quite sure yet. but i was excited now to find out.
but are they the only one with a stake in the game? should Claudia get away from these people? yes she should?there calm closing in around her made me feel trapped myself. the innocent but evilness was somehow there in plain sight yet oh so beautiful hidden. it was tense, uneasy and gave me all the chill factor throughout. but is there more to this, to Claudia than meets the eye?
the writing is one form with the usual Cathryn brilliance. her pacing and just the way she writes has a flow and tone to it that i really get on with. her writing really allows me to get emotive and get into the ups and down and workings of her characters and plot.
i loved this book. i wish i could go back and read it again fresh.

Welcome To The Family by Cathryn Grant. This book is easily read in a day or two, this dysfunctional family certainly made me glad of my own in-laws. A book in two halves, the first set the scene of a Claudia meeting her fiancé’s family, getting lots of mixed signals and cold shoulders. Her fiancé is gas lighting her every two seconds, and honestly, I didn’t like anyone. I would’ve scarpered! Most of the action takes place in the second half. This is a great, quick and twisty read, but I have to say it wasn’t quite for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thankyou to NetGalley, the author and publisher for this advance ebook in exchange for my honest opinion.

What a gripping, thrilling read where the atmosphere and tension is built slowly right from the start with unusual family dynamics.

They all seemed guilty to me so it was hard to pinpoint which one is the guilty party or if they are in it together and just what is this big secret? I think part two of the story kept my attention the most. The twists at the end are great too (no spoilers here!) and parts of it are unexpected.

Cathryn’s written is captivating and keeps you intrigued and engaged from start to finish. I would definitely read more by this author. This is definitely one to pick up if you love a fast paced psychological thriller

I still remember how I felt when I went to meet my in-laws for the first time—and they didn’t even live on a large estate or own a castle or vineyard. So I can easily put myself in Claudia’s shoes: my nerves times a thousand! ;)

Just like Claudia, everyone hopes to be welcomed with open arms and become part of a warm, loving family. Unfortunately for her, nothing could be further from the truth. Her future mother-in-law is like the Ice Queen, her brother-in-law shamelessly flirts with her, and her sister-in-law seems like she just crawled out of the freezer as well. You’d expect at least your partner to be on your side, but he acts like nothing’s wrong...

From the very first page, the author sets the tone that lingers throughout the entire book and only intensifies toward the end. You immediately sense how the “welcome” is going to be—even while Claudia is still on her way.

But Claudia is not one to give up easily. She’s determined to get answers. The family is as closed-off as a clam, and Claudia is left to fend for herself. This leads her to dig deeper and deeper, putting herself in serious danger.

The book is divided into two parts. The first lays the foundation and, in my opinion, moves at a slower pace than the second, where everything suddenly accelerates and we get the revelations we’ve been waiting for.

I truly had no idea who in the family could be trusted, and the author certainly didn’t help me out of my confusion or doubts. I had to wait until the very end for all the pieces to fall into place.

In the final stretch of the story, we’re hit with another unexpected twist on top of the others. The ending felt a bit too short for me—I would have liked an epilogue or an extra chapter with a bit more resolution. Or maybe it was meant to leave the door open for a sequel?

Either way, the story definitely intrigued and captivated me right up to the end. For me, it’s a solid 4 stars.

Thank you.

I was hooked from the very first chapter - this was an easy, fast-paced read. Daniel brings his fiance to meet his family and as it turns out they are creepy. I am not sure how Claudia could stand being around them. From the beginning she knew they were hiding something. What is Claudia hiding? This one is full of twists, some of those I did not see coming. Cathryn's writing pulls you in and keeps you flipping pages.

Welcome to the Family by Cathryn Grant
Holy twists and turns. This was a wild ride. I loved how this story unfolded and how the plot escalated so intensely.

The mysterious elements between characters were so well done. I loved that you couldn’t decide who was good or bad. Everyone has something to hide, and there were so many secrets.

Family takes on an entirely wicked meaning in this book. On one hand, I love how loyal and seemingly loving these characters seemed, but the shade!

There were so many twists to this plot, and each one left me speechless. It was deviously delicious, and I was captivated from page one. I loved how things escalated and intensified with each page.

This would be a fantastic series. It would be brilliant to see how this story could be broken into episodes and expanded into this entire storyline. The summer of thrillers is going strong, and if you like fast-paced books with boldly treacherous characters, look no further!

Publication date: August 29, 2025
Publisher: Bookouture

A very twisty read indeed! I liked the creepy setting. However, I found that changing the protagonist midway through the book pulled me out of the story. There were so many POVs to begin with, and a lot of telling rather than showing, so it was hard to connect with any of them, and I was not overly invested in the outcome. Still, there were a bunch of twists at the end that were clever. 3.5 rounded up for good writing.