Reviews

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

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halierivers's review

dark funny tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A solid four stars and an excellent story for being a debut novel.

Perfect for people who love “is the house haunted or is the MC crazy?” themes. Really loved the modern take on a haunted house story complete with social media and therapy.

I predicted the end about 70% through but was still content to read until the end. Really fast read and would for sure pick up another thriller by this author. There were some really great intense moments in the writing.

The pace sort of lags around that half-way point and I did skip like 2.5 chapters because it ruined the build up that was happening. But it does pick up.

Maybe don’t go into your attic for awhile, ya?

kvangundy's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

This book had a bit of everything I hate about horror movies. That said, I still read the entire thing even though I was scared through at least the first half of the book. Haunted houses, things popping out at you, creepy messages, an attic, murders... you name it. If these things are things you like, then this book is for you. And of course, it had that ending that left me creeped out all over again. Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC. 4 stars.

kindlebabe's review

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4.0

Book : The Stranger Upstairs
Author : Lisa M. Matlin
Pub Date : 26 Sep 2023

Let talk about a few things first. Firstly this cover — STUNNING! Secondly, I ate this entire book up! This entire book had me shook by the end. I sat down to read this debut book by Lisa M. Matlin and never put it down until the very end.

This fast paced gripping page turner takes you on a wild ride with the main character. I finished the book and just sat in silence taking it all in. Every single time I thought the story had got worse—it got even worse and made me question everything I had thought before that point. Every single time I thought Sarah (the main character) couldn’t get more deranged, we are thrown down another loop. THE TWISTS I’m telling you.

The character development and world building in this book was perfection. I felt like at times I could absolutely relate to the character(s) and the plot was there and more, the ending was incredible. The ending felt more like a cliffhanger & I cannot wait to find out if we get to continue the Black Wood House saga with Lisa’s next book.

This book is an absolute MUST READ! If you love fast paced page turners, suspense, thrillers and a wild adventure — pop a squat, hold on tight and be prepared for the best ride of your life.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Penguin
Random House for allowing me to provide my honest feedback of 'The Stranger Upstairs’.

msperception's review

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mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

sarah0003's review

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challenging dark tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

laura_corsi's review

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2.0

Really horrible main character who I wasn’t fascinated by. She annoyed me so much and just didn’t care if the house killed her. I was worried about the cat though.