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agica's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
What a fantastic book. I loved every minute. Dark, gripping, informative and interesting. Passing by the actual house made me shiver (yes, I walk in the area once in a week and now it is now giving me the creeps)
whatnataliereadss's review against another edition
4.0
3.5⭐️ Decent! Did I find this totally shocking & twisty? Not massively. Did the events in the house become slightly repetitive? Yes. Did I become totally engrossed in the story & NEED to know what happened at the end? ABSOLUTELY
stinin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
luci444's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
happycrafter207's review against another edition
3.0
As much as I love psychological thrillers, and perhaps I judge them too harshly.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of The Family Upstairs. The story was mysterious, it was fast paced, and it was told from three perspectives that were merging... which made it quite interesting. I always wanted more of each point of view, but the author gave information in such small tid-bits that I felt the need to hurry along so I could continue each individual story.
I really wasn't surprised by the ending at all. It was one of several scenarios I had playing in my head for what may happen. For a psychological thriller to be a top ranked book for me, I really want to be wowed and taken aback. I want to be shocked and surprised. While what happened to the children in the house on Cheyne Walk was horrific, I wish more detail had been given about the day to day life. I wish the author had gotten more inside the head of the victims, or even the perpetrators, and not just given a mere mention of what had been happening for the past few months. It really took away the horror of the situation for me. I want enough description and detail to almost be able to feel what they felt for myself. A great psychological thriller puts my mind in their shoes... and this one just didn't.
I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of The Family Upstairs. The story was mysterious, it was fast paced, and it was told from three perspectives that were merging... which made it quite interesting. I always wanted more of each point of view, but the author gave information in such small tid-bits that I felt the need to hurry along so I could continue each individual story.
I really wasn't surprised by the ending at all. It was one of several scenarios I had playing in my head for what may happen. For a psychological thriller to be a top ranked book for me, I really want to be wowed and taken aback. I want to be shocked and surprised. While what happened to the children in the house on Cheyne Walk was horrific, I wish more detail had been given about the day to day life. I wish the author had gotten more inside the head of the victims, or even the perpetrators, and not just given a mere mention of what had been happening for the past few months. It really took away the horror of the situation for me. I want enough description and detail to almost be able to feel what they felt for myself. A great psychological thriller puts my mind in their shoes... and this one just didn't.
ddavenport819's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
addyereadss's review against another edition
4.0
Overall: 3.5/5 stars
Writing: 3.5/5 stars
Characters: 3/5 stars
Plot: 3.5/5 stars
Originality: 4/5 stars
Pacing: 4/5 stars
Cover: 5/5 stars
Ending: 3/5 stars
Enjoyment: 3.5/5 stars
Writing: 3.5/5 stars
Characters: 3/5 stars
Plot: 3.5/5 stars
Originality: 4/5 stars
Pacing: 4/5 stars
Cover: 5/5 stars
Ending: 3/5 stars
Enjoyment: 3.5/5 stars
angelabewick81's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
bibliophreak's review against another edition
3.0
had to lower to three stars, despite the reread confirming the initial four star review