A review by mnetanya18
The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin

4.0

The Stranger Upstairs is dark, twisty, and chilling… just like Black Wood House. Normally I have a difficult time with the alcoholic protagonist with a shady past, but it worked for this novel. I found myself genuinely creeped out throughout the book and after finishing it am laying in bed with my heart pounding and the nightlight on.

One thing I did not like was the way “Lizzy” was introduced in part 1. Sarah/Lizzy refers to her sister’s death and stealing Joe as “the whole Lizzy mess” at one point, and I think the way “Lizzy” is mentioned to deliberately throw the reader off in part 1 comes across as awkward and inorganic. Honestly could have gone without any mention of “Lizzy” until we learn who “Sarah” really is.

Overall, great writing, a fast-paced read, and story that will leave you unsure of who or what is right or wrong.