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chaptersofchase 's review for:
The Stranger Upstairs
by Lisa M. Matlin
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Would you ever live in a house where someone had been murdered?
Thank you, Bantam Books, for the gifted copy of The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Murder House
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.26.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
"Most people sweep monsters under the bed. I pull the covers back and let them crawl in."
The Stranger Upstairs is full of creepy, tense moments that had me checking behind me on my way up from the basement while listening. I loved the author's writing (debut novel, btw) as she perfectly captured the house's atmosphere and brought it to life on the pages.
However, the plot didn't work for me. I was invested in the first 70% or so, but then the story took on an almost horror/paranormal element (which I don't mind), but it didn't go with the story's core. Besides this, there were two other aspects didn't work for me - the cliche alcoholic female protagonist and the trendy influencer plot. I think the story would've been fine without the influencer plot.
😱 Creepy plot
🤳🏼 Influencer angle
👻 Paranormal element
🤯 That ending!
☝🏼 Authors note
The Stranger Upstairs is Matlin's first novel, and as I mentioned, her writing is phenomenal, so I'm looking forward to reading her next book. If you decide to read this debut, please read the author's note at the end of the story.
Thank you, Bantam Books, for the gifted copy of The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Murder House
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.26.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
"Most people sweep monsters under the bed. I pull the covers back and let them crawl in."
The Stranger Upstairs is full of creepy, tense moments that had me checking behind me on my way up from the basement while listening. I loved the author's writing (debut novel, btw) as she perfectly captured the house's atmosphere and brought it to life on the pages.
However, the plot didn't work for me. I was invested in the first 70% or so, but then the story took on an almost horror/paranormal element (which I don't mind), but it didn't go with the story's core. Besides this, there were two other aspects didn't work for me - the cliche alcoholic female protagonist and the trendy influencer plot. I think the story would've been fine without the influencer plot.
😱 Creepy plot
🤳🏼 Influencer angle
👻 Paranormal element
🤯 That ending!
☝🏼 Authors note
The Stranger Upstairs is Matlin's first novel, and as I mentioned, her writing is phenomenal, so I'm looking forward to reading her next book. If you decide to read this debut, please read the author's note at the end of the story.