A review by antireading
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

dark 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

3.0

I saw most of the twists coming but there was one in particular that got me good.
I enjoyed the cult aspects and the storytelling style
but I do not understand the narrative device of
Henry's narration. He is writing to Libby yet he is mentions the lies he told her at the end. And I couldn't tell if it was a journal or what the framing of it was.
I was enjoying it up until around 80ish% when we find out
Henry has been lying about most things.
While I figured that was the case, I didn't like the extent to what it was,
and hate the fact that the villain is a predatory gay man. That is an overdone and harmful trope and the fact that Henry assaults and harasses Phin and how that is the source of the conflict is gross.
It's a shame because before that, I would have rated it MUCH higher. After reading the description of the next book, I don't think I will continue with the sequel. I don't really care for that mystery to be solved knowing who did it. 
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