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csnurr's review
1.0
So sick of thrillers that hinge on the main (always female) character being drunk most of the time.
ksoks's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
justinkhchen's review
4.0
A relentless page-turner, The Stranger Upstairs doesn't break new ground, but the packages as a whole offers countless deranged thriller fun, making it an excellent binge read—just remember to leave your thinking hat out of this one.
The female protagonist of The Stranger Upstairs is such a chaotic mess, author Lisa Matlin does an excellent job introducing this anti-heroine; the amount of red herrings revealed about her in the first couple chapters have me fully hooked—it is this character's nastiness that brings me majority of the reading dopamine—a train wreck one simply can't look away. If you're looking for twists, The Stranger Upstairs definitely packs them—certain sections give me The Last House on Needless Street vibe (but way less somber and more camp); even though my reaction to the ultimate reveal was an immediate 'WTF', and felt like it was a complete cop-out, the sinister epilogue did salvage the situation somewhat. I also don't think many of its narrative choices would hold up under scrutiny, so it is definitely one of those 'just live in the moment' type of storytelling.
The absence of expectation plays a critical role in elevating my experience with The Stranger Upstairs, I was pleasantly surprised by the emotionally-raw writing, and the onslaught of visceral moments in this debut (the author's notes proves it further—I can see how this was quite a cathartic project for her). The tropes and scenarios are by no means original, and I wouldn't label this as a story with depth, but the thrill is delivered with such a punch, that it remains a great time nevertheless.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
The female protagonist of The Stranger Upstairs is such a chaotic mess, author Lisa Matlin does an excellent job introducing this anti-heroine; the amount of red herrings revealed about her in the first couple chapters have me fully hooked—it is this character's nastiness that brings me majority of the reading dopamine—a train wreck one simply can't look away. If you're looking for twists, The Stranger Upstairs definitely packs them—certain sections give me The Last House on Needless Street vibe (but way less somber and more camp); even though my reaction to the ultimate reveal was an immediate 'WTF', and felt like it was a complete cop-out, the sinister epilogue did salvage the situation somewhat. I also don't think many of its narrative choices would hold up under scrutiny, so it is definitely one of those 'just live in the moment' type of storytelling.
The absence of expectation plays a critical role in elevating my experience with The Stranger Upstairs, I was pleasantly surprised by the emotionally-raw writing, and the onslaught of visceral moments in this debut (the author's notes proves it further—I can see how this was quite a cathartic project for her). The tropes and scenarios are by no means original, and I wouldn't label this as a story with depth, but the thrill is delivered with such a punch, that it remains a great time nevertheless.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
redvelvetpenguins's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
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?
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
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
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’.
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
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
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