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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
zoegrace99's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
It felt more like a drama/memoir/mystery than a thriller. Only a few twists, nothing shocking. The ending felt so unresolved too.
nikisbookworld's review against another edition
5.0
Esküszöm nagyon durva, fordulatokkal telített. Megéri elolvasni!
ninalita's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Pedophilia, Domestic abuse, Rape, Murder, Forced institutionalization, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Abortion, Emotional abuse, Blood, Abandonment, and Violence
Minor: Animal death, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Animal cruelty
readinginhouston's review against another edition
The Family Upstairs was my first Lisa Jewell book to read, and I enjoyed it. I was expecting a little more thriller and a little less family drama, but the mystery was intriguing. There were a lot of names to remember, and I wish I had written them all down to keep them straight. I will admit that I'm a sucker for a book that includes a cult, and I wish that aspect had been expanded upon. Some of the characters were well developed, while a few were lacking in the details. While the mother was central to everything that unfolded in the book, I felt like I did not get a very clear picture of who she was and what drove her to behave the way she did. I enjoyed the book enough to give some of Jewell's others a try. 3.5 stars.