Reviews tagging 'Mental illness'

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

49 reviews

erin_knor's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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

4.0

I was going back and forth whether to say this was a 3⭐️ or 4⭐️ but the epilogue helped make this a 4. This book was creepy and mysterious, and though some parts I question, it had me hooked all the way through.
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caidyn's review

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dark tense fast-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

3.75

On one hand, I really enjoyed this. On the other, it's a great one-read book. In some ways it was predictable, in others it was unique. Overall, I did enjoy reading it!
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maregred's review

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dark mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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lineberry_m's review

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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mommyandme_bookclub's review

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

4.25

Fast-paced and highly addictive. This was a great debut from Lisa M. Matlin. I found myself eagerly turning the page with each twist of the plot and the impending doom that awaits on the next page.

The Stranger Upstairs delivers with surprising turns, an overarching sense of deed, and even a bit of dark humor.

If you’re in the market for a debut psychological thriller, check this out.
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luverbyrd's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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kris386's review

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mysterious medium-paced

1.0

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debhawkins's review

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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eviemayhem's review against another edition

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

There were just too many red herrings that the ending had no substance. 

The author gave so many ways for this book to end, but never really tied any of them up. Spoilers below.

From the beginning, you absolutely just hate the main character. She's not a good person, her husband isn't a good person and she tells you that straight up. She's vapid and running from her demons and somehow monetizing the renovation of a murder house seems like a good idea. 

The premise that she restarts her life with her husband and they just go on the run, DESPITE how much of a social media presence she has, is hard to believe. This had all the beginnings of a good murder mystery. Where was the daughter? Where was Amanda? But so many things just DIDN'T make sense. 

How was she getting away with being a therapist? Do they not check credentials in Austrailia?
Why was the whole town conspiring to hide the fact Amanda went missing?
Why was Jeff such a threatening dick bag?
Joe's whole character....just what the fuck.
Wouldn't the main character be well known now since she's A.) Probably all over the news and B.) had a huge social media presence before all this? 
The Epilogue: So was the house actually haunted?

This nearly felt like a choose your own adventure book, honestly. The author wanted to keep you guessing to the point that the resolution felt empty and dissatisfying.


Bright side: It is well written. I look forward to reading what the author writes next, I just wish the ending had made more sense and had been more satisfying. 
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katiemack's review

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I'm glad this leans into the haunted house (and haunted person) horror motif as much as I thought it would. I thought it would veer more into thriller territory, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how eerie it is. The twist is somewhat predictable--though the epilogue provides a satisfying counter-twist--and although Lisa M. Matlin has a solid grasp on her narrative there are some annoyingly unresolved loose ends. But, for the most part, this is a deliciously terrifying read about Sarah's physical, mental, and emotional deterioration as she attempts to remodel a house that defiantly resists change. 
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